Understanding Tarbiyah Islamiyah: Nurturing Faith through Islamic Education

1. Introduction

Tarbiyah Islamiyah refers to the comprehensive Islamic upbringing that nurtures a believer's faith, character, and actions. It involves spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and acquiring beneficial knowledge. In this article, we explore the importance of Islamic education through Quranic and Hadith references.

2. Submission to Allah’s Commands

A believer submits completely to Allah’s will, without question.

"It is not for a believing man or woman—when Allah and His Messenger decree a matter—to have any other choice in that matter. Indeed, whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has clearly gone far astray." (Quran 33:36)

True submission is an essential aspect of Islamic education, leading to contentment and obedience.

3. The Importance of Good Character

Islamic education emphasizes good manners and humility. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Every religion has its distinct characteristic, and the distinct characteristic of Islam is modesty." (Sunan Ibn Majah 4182)

Cultivating good character through Tarbiyah Islamiyah strengthens individual and community ties.

4. Love for Allah and His Messenger

A core aspect of Islamic education is fostering love for Allah and His Messenger.

"Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness of faith: 1. The one to whom Allah and His Messenger become dearer than anything else. 2. Who loves a person solely for Allah's sake. 3. Who hates to revert to disbelief as he hates to be thrown into the Fire." (Sahih al-Bukhari 16)

5. Remembering Allah

Frequent remembrance of Allah brings tranquility and strengthens faith.

"Remember Me; I will remember you. And thank Me, and never be ungrateful." (Quran 2:152)

Regular recitation of Dhikr (remembrance) is a key practice taught in Islamic education.

6. Seeking Forgiveness and Repentance

Repentance is a means of purification and renewal of faith.

"O people, seek repentance from Allah. Verily, I seek repentance from Him a hundred times a day." (Sahih Muslim 2702b)

"And turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful." (Quran 24:31)

7. Having Good Thoughts of Allah

Maintaining a positive perception of Allah is encouraged.

"Allah says: 'I am just as My slave thinks I am, and I am with him if he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself; if he remembers Me in a group, I remember him in a better group. If he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari 7405)

Trusting in Allah’s mercy and having hope in His forgiveness are important lessons in Tarbiyah Islamiyah.

8. Conclusion

Islamic education is a lifelong journey of spiritual and moral development. Through sincere submission, good character, love for Allah and His Messenger, remembrance of Allah, repentance, and positive thinking, Muslims nurture their faith and strive for success in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness. Ameen.

Blogpost by Zayd Haji - Student of Islamic Studies & Islamic Finance

Understanding Tafsir: The Explanation of the Quran

Introduction

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Tafsir, the interpretation of the Quran, plays a pivotal role in understanding the divine message. Scholars have dedicated centuries to exploring and explaining the meanings of Allah’s words. In this blog, we will examine how Tafsir evolved, focusing on the primary sources of Tafsir: the Quran itself, the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the views of the companions and scholars.

1. Tafsir by the Quran

The Quran often explains its own verses. When a term or concept is introduced, other verses may clarify its meaning. For instance, Allah mentions "Al-Qari'ah" (The Striking Calamity) and then provides an explanation:

"The Striking Disaster! What is the Striking Disaster? And what will make you realize what the Striking Disaster is?" (Quran 101:2-3)

Allah describes how people will be like scattered moths and mountains like fluffed wool, illustrating the Day of Judgment.

2. Tafsir by the Prophet (peace be upon him)

The most authentic Tafsir comes from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He provided explanations to his companions when they had questions. For example, regarding the verse:

"Those who do good will have the finest reward and ˹even˺ more. Neither gloom nor disgrace will cover their faces. It is they who will be the residents of Paradise. They will be there forever." (Quran 10:26)

Suhaib reported the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying:

"When those deserving of Paradise would enter Paradise, the Blessed and the Exalted would ask: Do you wish Me to give you anything more? They would say: Hast Thou not brightened our faces? Hast Thou not made us enter Paradise and saved us from Fire? He (the narrator) said: He (God) would lift the veil, and of things given to them nothing would be dearer to them than the sight of their Lord, the Mighty and the Glorious." (Sahih Muslim 181a)

3. Tafsir by the Companions

The companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were the best generation to interpret the Quran due to their proximity to the Prophet and direct understanding of the context of revelation. Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), known as the "Interpreter of the Quran," is one of the most renowned in providing Tafsir.

4. Tafsir by Scholars

After the companions, subsequent generations of scholars compiled detailed explanations. Scholars like Imam At-Tabari and Ibn Kathir wrote extensive Tafsir works that continue to guide Muslims today. These scholars relied on the Quran, Hadith, and linguistic analysis to clarify meanings.

5. Applying Tafsir in Our Lives

Tafsir is not just an academic pursuit but a means to implement the teachings of the Quran. For instance, the command to establish Salah and pay Zakah is often briefly stated in the Quran. However, the Prophet’s detailed instructions on prayer and charity provide practical guidance.

"Establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will ˹certainly˺ find ˹its reward˺ with Allah. Surely Allah is All-Seeing of what you do." (Quran 2:110)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Pray as you have seen me praying." (Sahih al-Bukhari 631) Sunnah.com

Conclusion

The study of Tafsir strengthens our connection to Allah’s words, fostering a deeper understanding of our faith. By reflecting on the Quran and consulting authentic Tafsir sources, we can apply its lessons in our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to comprehend and act upon His guidance. Ameen.

References:

1. Quran 101:2-3
2. Quran 10:26
3. Quran 2:110
4. Sahih Muslim 181a
5. Sahih al-Bukhari 631

The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Understanding His Noble Lineage and Early Life

Introduction

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Studying the Seerah (biography) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an essential part of understanding Islam. His life serves as a timeless example of virtue, patience, and unwavering faith. This blog highlights key aspects of the Prophet’s lineage, early life, and significant events, with references from the Quran and authentic Hadith.

1. The Noble Lineage of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) belonged to the prestigious Quraysh tribe, tracing his lineage back to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) through Ismail (AS). His noble ancestry is affirmed in the Quran:

"Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imrân above all people of their time." (Quran 3:33)

His ancestors were known for their moral integrity, and no instance of illegitimacy tainted his lineage.

2. His Blessed Birth and the Year of the Elephant

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in the year of the Elephant, marked by Allah’s divine intervention when Abraha’s army attempted to destroy the Kaaba.

"Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the Army of the Elephant?" (Quran 105:1)

While the exact date remains disputed, many scholars agree he was born on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal.

3. Orphanhood and Allah’s Care

His father, Abdullah, passed away before his birth, and his mother, Amina, died when he was six. Despite these losses, Allah provided care through his grandfather Abdul Muttalib and later his uncle Abu Talib.

"Did He not find you as an orphan and then sheltered you?" (Quran 93:6)

4. The Story of the Wet Nurses

In accordance with the Arab tradition of sending infants to the desert for better upbringing, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was nursed by Haleemah Sa’diyah. This practice is supported by Quranic guidance on breastfeeding:

"Mothers shall breastfeed their children for two whole years, for those who wish to complete the nursing period." (Quran 2:233)

While reports about his miraculous birth exist, scholars classify some of these narrations as weak (da'eef).

https://islamqa.info/en/answers/247681/is-it-proven-that-when-the-prophet-blessings-and-peace-of-allah-be-upon-him-was-born-he-rested-on-his-arms-raising-his-head-to-heaven

5. The Incident of the Chest Opening

When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was around four years old, Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared, opened his chest, and purified his heart.

Anas b. Malik reported: "Gabriel came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) while he was playing with his playmates. He took hold of him, opened his breast, removed a blood-clot, and said: 'That was the part of Satan in you.' Then he washed it with Zamzam water and restored it." (Sahih Muslim 162c)

6. Significance of Avoiding Innovations

Neither the Prophet (PBUH) nor his companions celebrated his birthday. Introducing acts of worship not practiced by him is considered innovation (Bid'ah).

"This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved Islam as your religion." (Quran 5:3)

Conclusion

Reflecting on the Seerah deepens our understanding of the Prophet’s (PBUH) journey and enhances our appreciation for his exemplary character. May we strive to embody his teachings in our daily lives.

"Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often." (Quran 33:21)

May Allah guide us to follow the footsteps of His beloved Messenger. Ameen.

References

• Quran 3:33, 5:3, 33:21, 93:6, 105:1
• Sahih Muslim 162c
• Authentic Seerah sources
• IslamQA Fatwa Insights

Written by Zayd Haji, Postgraduate Student at Zad Academy.