Learning about islam...

[alexi_c]

Salam

I would like to introduce myself, i am a brother from the midlands who a few years ago 'rediscovered' his islam...

as will be familiar with most people, being born into an asian/pakistani family i was sent to the local 'aunty' on the road to learn how to read 'arabic' (alif, beh, teh, seh) at the age of 7/8, completed 2 recitations of the Qur'an by the age of 11 and this was considered 'enough' alongside being taught to memorise a few short surah's and salaah... events happened over the following 8/9 years which i'd rather not go into but lets just say i was a little far removed from any islam, not being surrounded by much of an environment which was particularly 'islamic', and then when a few 'events' began to happen at a local 'large' mosque 5/6 years ago i was taken along by my father... now, i did not see any benefit to be derived from the events which took place as i did not understand a word of what was being spoken there (all talks were in urdu, of which i do not speak and can barely understand - let alone the type which is spoken at talks!) and a lot of the things which were taking place just did not seem to sit right with me...(i would rather not mention any particular 'madrassah' and/or 'sect' for i wish not to risk 'slander' nor risk triggering any such 'discussion')

following a few these i began to seek answers to questions... was told i shouldnt ask and that i should just follow - as an academic this didnt sit right with me either!... so i sought answers elsewhere which led me to the amazing institution of As-Suffa, some of my colleagues at college at the time were able to answer some of the very simple questions i had and put my mind at rest and made me realise that indeed what my family held beliefs in did not sit right with me - try as i might to discuss this with them, it did not help...

now, the gap of 8/9 years between finishing reciting the Qur'an meant a lot of things were forgotten, i was able to reteach myself how to read arabic with the help of a brother from As-Suffa, the internet and of course youtube. I have gone on to learn the basics of wudu and salah and I have been slowly trying to find literature which will allow me to gain an understanding of the basics further before i delve deeper...

this is where i humbly request the help of the members of sunniforum for any guidance on where I may begin with this endeavour as i feel i am not doing enough to advance my islamic knowledge with the necessary understanding.

JazakAllah Khayr

Ali

(If this is the wrong section then I apologise for I did not know which other section this would fall under...)

[Nasrullah242]

I would recommend that along with your Quran studies to start a course in fiqh/Islamic jurisprudence. This should begin with the fiqh of worship i.e. rules of Salah, wudu , hajj and so on and then move to other subjects.

Http://www.seekersguidance.org are running free courses in fiqh and I think you can choose to study the Hanafi/Shafii/Maliki madhabs. Also, you can also look into a simple course in Aqida which is best done alongside a qualified teacher.

[alexi_c]

Salam

JazakAllah Khayr for your reply

I've registered for updates on seekersguidance.org such that inshAllah I can register on their course when registration opens in July

ideally I am looking for an establishment which would teach Aqida and fiqh in accordance with the Hanafi madhab and without the influence of any one particular 'madrassah'... do any such places exist in Birmingham/midlands? I am willing to travel a short distance to classes...

[Colonel_Hardstone]

Salam

I would like to introduce myself, i am a brother from the midlands who a few years ago 'rediscovered' his islam...

as will be familiar with most people, being born into an asian/pakistani family i was sent to the local 'aunty' on the road to learn how to read 'arabic' (alif, beh, teh, seh) at the age of 7/8, completed 2 recitations of the Qur'an by the age of 11 and this was considered 'enough' alongside being taught to memorise a few short surah's and salaah... events happened over the following 8/9 years which i'd rather not go into but lets just say i was a little far removed from any islam, not being surrounded by much of an environment which was particularly 'islamic', and then when a few 'events' began to happen at a local 'large' mosque 5/6 years ago i was taken along by my father... now, i did not see any benefit to be derived from the events which took place as i did not understand a word of what was being spoken there (all talks were in urdu, of which i do not speak and can barely understand - let alone the type which is spoken at talks!) and a lot of the things which were taking place just did not seem to sit right with me...(i would rather not mention any particular 'madrassah' and/or 'sect' for i wish not to risk 'slander' nor risk triggering any such 'discussion')

following a few these i began to seek answers to questions... was told i shouldnt ask and that i should just follow - as an academic this didnt sit right with me either!... so i sought answers elsewhere which led me to the amazing institution of As-Suffa, some of my colleagues at college at the time were able to answer some of the very simple questions i had and put my mind at rest and made me realise that indeed what my family held beliefs in did not sit right with me - try as i might to discuss this with them, it did not help...

now, the gap of 8/9 years between finishing reciting the Qur'an meant a lot of things were forgotten, i was able to reteach myself how to read arabic with the help of a brother from As-Suffa, the internet and of course youtube. I have gone on to learn the basics of wudu and salah and I have been slowly trying to find literature which will allow me to gain an understanding of the basics further before i delve deeper...

this is where i humbly request the help of the members of sunniforum for any guidance on where I may begin with this endeavour as i feel i am not doing enough to advance my islamic knowledge with the necessary understanding.

JazakAllah Khayr

Ali

(If this is the wrong section then I apologise for I did not know which other section this would fall under...)

Brother,

All praise be to Allah (SWT) who gave you guidance and brought you back to His Path and may he give you the Taqfique to stick to it Insha’Allah until your last breath (Ameen).

You need to learn things in a systematic and consistent manner.

The basic and the most fundamental aspect of Islam which separates us from Non-Muslims is Aqeedah (Creed) and I suggest that you browse through these and take whichever method suits you (i.e. video or book) to learn.

Secondly, you need to then go down the path of learning how to worship Allah (SWT) and the beginner aspect is Tahara (Cleanliness) and here are some resources for you.

Then moving onto Salah (prayers) this section and this article (soon to be updated) will serve you well

There are many of us in the midlands so feel free to ask or contact for anything you wish and we are happy to be at your Service, Insha'Allah.

[Aram]

get hold of a copy of taleemul haq for basic hanafi fiqh...its widely available at book shops so shouldnt be an issue..there are also copies online if you prefer reading it online

[amr123]

Salam

ideally I am looking for an establishment which would teach Aqida and fiqh in accordance with the Hanafi madhab and without the influence of any one particular 'madrassah'... do any such places exist in Birmingham/midlands? I am willing to travel a short distance to classes...

There are many brothers here from UK, they will be able to point you towards a good place

[Colonel_Hardstone]

get hold of a copy of taleemul haq for basic hanafi fiqh...its widely available at book shops so shouldnt be an issue..there are also copies online if you prefer reading it online

A better choice is GiftforMuslims by Shaykh (Maulana) Mohammad Asad (HA) and easily available in UK.

The Revised version of Taleemul Haq is being worked on.

[pluto]

alexi_c, All praise be to Allah SWT to have guided you back to Islam, I suggest:

1. 3 day khurooj
2. Ta'lim ul Huqq
3. Keep in touch with either Maulana Abu Hajira [Scholar & Moderator of this forum] or brother Colonel_Hardstone^
4. Don't learn about Islam from the net (learn at the feet of the Ulamah), yes, learn about whats happening in the Muslim world.

[alexi_c]

Salam

JazakAllah Khayr for all the replies

I will inshAllah visit a local book shop and enquire about 'Ta'lim ul Huqq' in English, I have seen this book in the masjids I now pray in however it is in urdu and unfortunately I cannot even understand urdu let alone read it! (the masjid in my locality teach a 'doctrine' which is blatantly in contrast to what i believe any sane person could accept...i travel a little to masajid where such teachings are not occurring...)

On this forum, do i have to have a certain number of posts before i can PM members or does this feature have to be activated by a moderator/admin?

JazakAllah khair

[Maripat]

May be the brother could start with specific questions.