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SURAH AL-HAAQQAH AND SURAH AL-MA’AARIJ Surah Al-Haaqqah and Al-Ma’aarij are the third and fourth Surahs following on from Surah Al-Mulk (dealing with At-Tawheed and Al-’Uboodiyyah - servitude to Allah) and Surah Al-Qalam (dealing with Al-Risalah - Prophethood). Surah Al-Haaqqah and Al-Ma’aarij deal with the third major theme of the Qur’an which is Al-Akhirah - the Hereafter. The Makkans used to deny the Hereafter like the majority of people do today. Therefore these surahs draw attention to the fate in this world of earlier people who denied the Day of Judgement before them as well as the consequences they face in the Hereafter itself. These Surahs are so relevant for the modern materialistic context as people do not see beyond what is physically visible in front of them. The use of the language and argument presented in the Surahs go deep into the hearts of people such that they simply cannot ignore them. Unfortunately, Muslims themselves have become very materialistic, losing their spirituality. Therefore these are Surahs that can not only shake non-Muslims but Muslims alike to remind them of the purpose of this life and the Inevitable Reality - the day of judgement and the life after. This is amazingly powerful. The Magnificent Journey An Amazing Journey Through The Last Two Parts (Juzz Tabaarak and Juzz 'Amma) of the Qur'an, From Surah Al-Mulk to Surah An-Naas, by one of the foremost Islamic Scholars and Thinkers of the Western World today The Inevitable Reality - Surah Al-Haaqqah and Al-Ma'arij By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University) Date: Saturday 17th November 2012 Time: 10AM - 6PM Venue: Cambridge University and Online http://courses.meoc.org.uk << Click Here To Register

In Defence of The Prophet - Surah Al-Qalam - The Magnificent Journey It appears to be a time of the year when some ridicule is trying to be hurled at the Prophet (SAW) and the Muslims. This is not a new occurrence but is as old as the advent of the Prophet (SAW). It is a coincidence that Surah Al-Qalam is to be explored this weekend together with Surah Al-Mulk in the first of a year-long series of seminars. Surah Al-Qalam is the response of Allah (SWT) to the ridicule and abuse made towards His Messenger - Muhammad (PBUH) by the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Like Surah Al-Mulk which starts by powerfully exalting Allah (SWT), Surah Al-Qalam starts by Allah (SWT)'s exaltation of the Messenger (SAW). Nun. By the pen! By all they write! Your Lord’s grace does not make you [Prophet] a madman: you will have a never-ending reward–– truly you have a strong character–– and soon you will see, as will they, which of you is afflicted with madness. Your Lord knows best who strays from His path and who is rightly guided. So do not yield to those who deny the truth–– they want you to compromise with them and then they will compromise with you–– do not yield to any contemptible swearer, to any backbiter, slander-monger, or hinderer of good, to anyone who is sinful, aggressive, coarse, and on top of all that, an imposter. [surah Al-Qalam 68:1-13] Oaths are often used in the Qur'an. They are connected to what follows in that Surah. In this instance, Allah (SWT) swears by the pen and what is written by the pen. Is there a relationship between the pen and what is written here in this Surah? According to Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi and others there is a very strong relationship. The oath is there to make people understand that men of letters (those who write) know for sure that what the Prophet (SAW) came with (the Qur'an) is not something a mad person or a liar or a lunatic could come up with and that the Prophet (SWT) could never be a mad person or a lunatic or liar because "you are on an exalted standard of character" (ayah #4). The rest of the Surah then elaborates on this argument. The Surah ends with: The disbelievers almost strike you down with their looks when they hear the Qur an. They say, ‘He must be mad!’ but truly it is nothing other than a Reminder for all peoples. [surah Al-Qalam 68:51-52] This Surah is as if it has been revealed to us fresh from the heavens with regards to the incidents of the past weeks. What better opportunity can we have to explore this Surah in detail and have a greater understanding of the Prophet (SAW) than to study it with one of the foremost Islamic scholars and thinkers of the Western world today? Furthermore, if one cannot attend the seminars in person they can access it live online from anywhere in the world and follow it with their family and friends. In these seminars you will study the intricate and subtle but very important connections between words and ayahs within the surahs to gain a well rounded and deep understanding of the Qur'an, which is very rare these days to find. No amount of reading books or listening to talks can compare to studying with a qualified scholar and a teacher of this calibre even for a short time. So please sign up without delay to begin Your Magnificent Journey with the Qur'an. This is an opportunity one can hardly miss. Please watch what the attendees say about these seminars: . The Magnificent Journey An Amazing Journey Through The Last Two Parts (Juzu Tabaarak and Juzu 'Amma) of the Qur'an, From Surah Al-Mulk to Surah An-Naas, by one of the foremost Islamic Scholars and Thinkers of the Western World today By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University) Starting: Sunday 23rd September 2012 Time: 10AM - 6PM Venue: Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Schedule: Sunday 23rd September 2012 - Anglia Ruskin University 67. Surah Al-Mulk to 68. Surah Al-Qalam Saturday 20th October 2012 - Cambridge University 69. Surah Al-Haaqqah to 70. Surah Al-Ma'aarij Saturday 17th November 2012 - Cambridge University 71. Surah Nuh to 72. Surah Al-Jinn Saturday 22nd December 2012 - Cambridge University 73. Surah Al-Muzammil to 75. Surah Al-Qiyaamah Saturday 26th January 2013 - Cambridge University 76. Surah Al-Insaan to 77. Surah Al-Mursalaat Saturday 23rd February 2013 - Cambridge University 78. Surah An-Naba' to 80. Surah 'Abasa Saturday 23rd March 2013 - Cambridge University 81. Surah Ath-Thakweer to 84. Surah Al-Inshiqaaq Saturday 20th April 2013 - Cambridge University 85. Surah Al-Buruj to 89. Surah Al-Fajr Saturday 18th May 2013 - Cambridge University 90. Surah Al-Balad to 96. Surah Al-'Alaq Saturday 22nd June 2013 - Cambridge University 97. Surah Al-Qadr to 114. Surah An-Naas Sunday 21st July 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University Bonus: 1. Surah Al-Fathiha and 2:255 Aayat Al-Kursi Sunday 25th August 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University Bonus: Miracle of The Qur'an There will be a minimum of 10 sessions in this year long course. They can be booked individually or as a whole. http://courses.meoc.org.uk <<<<<< Click Here To RegisterPrice: Individual Sessions: Advance Tickets: Adults £25, Dual Ticket £20, Children £12.50, Half-Day £15 Live Online Web Access £49.50 Crèche Facilities - £15 per child for whole day. Annual Pass: Magnificent Journey Attendance Pass - £147 (less than £13 per session) Magnificent Journey Online Pass - £297 (less than £25 per session) Features of the Magnificent Journey Pass: Attending just 5 or 6 sessions covers the cost of the pass. Accompanying children can attend the seminar for free. Reduced price for crèche facilities at only £10. Payment in 2 or 3 instalments if required Guaranteed places Limited number of passes available! Testimonials Video Testimonial: Hammad Buriname (France) Tariq Pandor (Birmingham) "I want to thank your organisation for arranging these series of lectures by Dr Nadwi. I have attended two of these lectures and have found them immensely enlightening. Dr Nadwi is a rare scholar of our times and although he is knowledgeable enough to talk at length on issues of philosophy, literacy or poetry, he is always keen to emphasise the practical implications of his teachings - that Islam in essence is a religion to be practiced with real actions and not confined to theory written in textbooks. MEOC has done an excellent job in the way they have taken care of all the details required of organising such events. I pray that Allah rewards all those involved in all aspects of these courses." - Dr Atiqul Baree, Portsmouth"Alhamdulillah I was fortunate enough to attend the first of the Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars which attracted many from within Cambridge and without, both young and old. Sheikh Akram Nadwi is a true gem within the Muslim community here in the UK; with such a wealth of knowledge, he kept us engaged and gave us a sound introduction into the Sciences of Hadith. I came away from the course reignited in my pursuit for knowledge. I look forward to attending most, if not all, future courses throughout the year inshaAllah and would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to get acquainted with the Islamic sciences. " - Maria Alfaradhi, PhD Student, Cambridge University More Testimonials: http://courses.meoc....als.html<br /> Previous Posts The Great Intercessor - Surah Al-Mulk - What is The Secret? How To Sharpen Your Thinking With The Qur’an? The Magnificent Journey - Starting in September WassalaamMuslim Education & Outreach Cambridge (MEOC) 23 King Street, Cambridge CB1 1AH Tel: 07736 779 448 or 01223 655223

The Magnificent Journey - Starting in September An Amazing Journey Through The Last Two Parts (Juzu Tabaarak and Juzu 'Amma) of the Qur'an, From Surah Al-Mulk to Surah An-Naas, by one of the foremost Islamic Scholars and Thinkers of the Western World today The last two parts of the Qur'an contain the short surahs which were revealed in Makkah including the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This was when the Meccan society was seeped in doubt and darkness. Allah (SWT) chose to dispel the darkness through these succinct yet very powerful surahs. The society today (although materially advanced) has somewhat gone back to the days of Jahilliya or Ignorance and therefore the power and the relevance of these short Surahs in bringing the people back to light, certainty and guidance cannot be overestimated. Furthermore, these are the Surahs which are widely read in the Prayers and memorised by many because of their short length. Therefore the effect it would have to understand these Surahs in a deep and meaningful way is immeasurable. This year long journey is undertaken with one of the foremost Islamic Scholars and Thinkers of the Western World today. It is a unique Journey unlike any other. No amount of reading books on this Surahs or listening to lectures will help as much as undertaking this Journey with a scholar of traditional training coupled with deep thinking who will bring vast amounts of resources together to make these Surahs applicable to the modern context. For the first time ever MEOC is offering a Magnificent Journey Pass that would give entry for the whole year with additional features such as free entry for the children for a limited time. The Pass is priced in a such a way that attending just 5 out 10-12 sessions would cover the cost. These seminars are now also offered online live for the international audience. The Magnificent Journey An Amazing Journey Through The Last Two Parts (Juzu Thabaarak and Juzu 'Amma) of The Qur'an From Surah Al-Mulk to Surah An-Naas By Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi (Oxford University) When:3rd or 4th Saturday/Sunday of the Month Time: 10AM - 6PM Venue: Cambridge University or Anglia Ruskin University Schedule: Sunday 23rd September 2012 - Anglia Ruskin University 67. Surah Al-Mulk to 68. Surah Al-Qalam Saturday 20th October 2012 - Cambridge University 69. Surah Al-Haaqqah to 70. Surah Al-Ma'aarij Saturday 17th November 2012 - Cambridge University 71. Surah Nuh to 72. Surah Al-Jinn Saturday 22nd December 2012 - Cambridge University 73. Surah Al-Muzammil to 75. Surah Al-Qiyaamah Saturday 26th January 2013 - Cambridge University 76. Surah Al-Insaan to 77. Surah Al-Mursalaat Saturday 23rd February 2013 - Cambridge University 78. Surah An-Naba' to 80. Surah 'Abasa Saturday 23rd March 2013 - Cambridge University 81. Surah Ath-Thakweer to 84. Surah Al-Inshiqaaq Saturday 20th April 2013 - Cambridge University 85. Surah Al-Buruj to 89. Surah Al-Fajr Saturday 18th May 2013 - Cambridge University 90. Surah Al-Balad to 96. Surah Al-'Alaq Saturday 22nd June 2013 - Cambridge University 97. Surah Al-Qadr to 114. Surah An-Naas Sunday 21st July 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University Bonus: 1. Surah Al-Fathiha and 2:255 Aayat Al-Kursi Sunday 25th August 2013 - Anglia Ruskin University Bonus: Miracle of The Qur'an There will be a minimum of 10 sessions in this year long course. They can be booked individually or as a whole. http://courses.meoc.org.uk <<<<<< Click Here To Register Price: One-Year Magnificent Journey Pass - £147 (less than £13 per session) Individual Sessions Advance Tickets: Adults £25, Children £12.50, Half-Day £15 Live Online Web Access £49.50 Crèche Facilities - £15 per child for whole day. Features of the Magnificent Journey Pass: Attending just 5 sessions covers the cost of the pass. Accompanying children can attend the seminar for free. Reduced price for crèche facilities at only £10. No booking fee (payment by bank transfer or cheque) Payment in two instalments if required Limited number of passes available! Testimonials "Alhamdulillah I've attended 3 seminars of Sheikh Akram's so far, and Insha Allah I will keep coming back for more! He was introduced to me by my brother who attends his study circles regularly in Oxford. I loved the seminar on Women scholars in Islam, it was a total eye opener into what a Muslim woman's role in society is, which surprisingly (or not) goes against many cultiural and conventionally held notions of Muslim women. My other favourite one was the tafseer of Surat al Fatiha and the last ten surahs, I will not be exaggerating when I say that I truly found it mind blowing. Sheikh Akram is an absolute treasure trove of knowledge but Masha Allah he always carries himself with the utmost humility. I have already had a look at the list of future seminars and I think MEOC is doing a great job in giving the layman an opportunity to have an exciting insight into the world of Muslim scholarship with its choice of highly intellectual topics. Last but not least, its a great opportunity to meet new people of diverse backgrounds. Well done all of you and may Allah reward you for your efforts." - Dr Fathima Shyma Fazal, Boston, Lincolnshire More Testimonials: Cambridge Islamic Sciences Seminars (CISS): Testimonials Muslim Education & Outreach Cambridge (MEOC) 23 King Street, Cambridge CB1 1AH

"Halal Mortgage" - Shariah-Compliant or Islam-Compliant or Neither? "Shariah has no meaning whatsoever without Deen - Islam. Islam is the most important thing and not Shariah. But people are more concerned about Shariah and not Islam"- Shaykh Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi Generally, many of us assume that anything which complies with the Shariah also complies with Islam. But this is not necessarily the case. There is a huge difference between the Shariah (law, rules and regulations) and Islam (submission to Allah). Someone may follow the rules of the Shariah to the letter but not actually be fulfilling the requirements of Islam. This is borne out in the story of the Children of israel who used the rules of their Shariah in appropriately and transgressed the limits set by Allah. What they did amounted to playing tricks with their religion and this caused them to be the object of Allah's wrath and anger (refer Qur'an 7:163-166). "Lo! Religion (Deen) with Allah is Islam - the Surrender (to His Will and Guidance)" [Qur'an 3:19] Today there are so many "Shariah-compliant" products and services particularly in the banking and finance industry. It is sometimes so confusing even to determine whether they are really Shariah-compliant, let alone whether they are "Islam-compliant". One such example is the "halal-mortgage" offered by both "Islamic banks" and multinational and global financial institutions. There are many variations of these "halal mortgages". The big questions for us are whether they are Shariah-compliant and also whether they are truly in keeping with Islamic ethics and principles or they are merely tricks played in the name of Shariah. The forthcoming seminar, Islamic Banking & Finance - A Myth or A Reality?, takes a radical look at this whole industry in a way that has not been done before in the English language. Most Islamic banking and finance seminars (often organised by the industry itself) take the assumptions for granted and discuss matters based on these assumptions. This seminar will address the very assumptions and the core principles of modern Islamic banking and finance and not take anything for granted. This a seminar for finance professionals as well as for ordinary people who are just concerned about the "Islamic compliance" of those products and services.Only two days to go, book your place now. Islamic Banking & Finance - A Myth or A Reality? By Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi and Tarek El-Diwany When: Saturday 19th May 2012 Time: 10AM - 7PM Venue: Cambridge University REDUCED PRICE CONCESSIONARY TICKETS AVAILABLE STUDENT, GROUP AND DIFFICULTY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE Register: http://courses.meoc.org.uk'>http://courses.meoc.org.uk "I thought the course was really excellent, with a speaker in command of such vast knowledge of the topic. The organisation was also very good in every way." - Helen Gramy, London "Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi is a great asset to the Muslims in the UK and his 57 volume work on al-Muhaddithaat (The Women Scholars of Islam) is no doubt going to be a lasting legacy of this great man. I had the blessed opportunity of spending a day with him recently; he is one of those few individuals who in a short period of time can change your entire thinking. May Allah bless the brothers and sisters in Cambridge and those in Oxford who organise and help the Shaykh in his works." - Nasar Ishfaq, Manchester "JazakAllah for arranging such a wonderful and eye-opening seminar. Very well organized, very profound indeed. And I liked the interactive method of instruction" - Hassan Goreja, PhD Student, Cambridge University "May Allah (SWT) reward the brothers and sisters involved in this effort and to Shaykh Dr Mohammed Akram Nadwi, in particular, for sacrificing their time and utilizing their efforts to deliver this much-needed knowledge to the public. The seminars thus far, have been very beneficial in increasing my personal knowledge, confidence in how Islam can address modern day issues, developing my appreciation of the immense effort and vast contribution of our pious predecessors and taking a more open-minded perspective and flexible approach to fiqh-related issues. May Allah (SWT) continue to bless the brothers and sisters involved and take this effort from strength to strength!" -Mohammed Naeem Bashir, Luton More Testimonials: http://courses.meoc.org.uk/p/testimonials.html Register: http://courses.meoc.org.uk