Awesome writers

[Muhammad Alshareef]

One thing i noticed about Montreal is that, ma sha Allah, the brothers and sisters there have some awesome writing talents.

An article about AlMaghrib in Montreal was sent to me, and ma sha Allah it was a most unique way of explaining what was going on.

Now, i see that this folder has some really nice threads. Some may be long, but the writing is crisp that it keeps drawing you back to finish reading it. Well done ASAD!

I know there have been some poems about who is going to win the Liwaa'. That was cool.

How about some poems now about vision in working for this deen?

[Mandarina]

One thing i noticed about Montreal is that, ma sha Allah, the brothers and sisters there have some awesome writing talents.

An article about AlMaghrib in Montreal was sent to me, and ma sha Allah it was a most unique way of explaining what was going on.

Is the article available in electronic form? Can we see it?

[~Oum AbdurRahman~]

As-salaamoulaikoum Ustaadh Muhammad,
I know I am not from Qabeelat Asad, however I thought I'd contribute this poem to your request insha'allah, fillah.(I know it is not the best, but I tried!)

Fi Sabilillah

How fresh does life become when you have taken a new Muslim,
And shown him a new solution to his life and boredome,

How fulfilling, when we feel the tree of the deen spreading far and wide,
The perfume of knowledge has scattered from the west to the east side,

The light of guidence given as a glad tiding from Allah Azza Wa Jal,
A sea of strength is beginning to swell,

A new ship is still far away yet one can tell,
The beauty of the da'wah when you witness someone's testimony to Allah Azza wa Jal.

One day we shall be strong again,
Mountains within mountains,

Strength spread far from Asia to the Great Divide...
A strength from Allah the Most Sublime,

How is it that one can describe,
I vast unity of love spread far and wide?

How could words describe,
The tears of those whose faith is strongly implemented- from a simple message,

Analogies and stories of old,
Concepts from people who were humble yet bold,

The flag of Allah will be raised soon one day,
Insha'Allah amongst millions -that accept Islam...

The struggle is so light when one remembers,
That we have the upperhand we must not plunder,

Under the many pressures, from outside enemies,
They plan night and day to destroy us from with in-yet they never succeed.

A new strong fortress of faith of Allah in great numbers,
One day we shall be the ultimate conquerers...

In the path of Allah we march forth,
And we shall stay firm, a reward well sought after, well beloved.

@ Oum AbdurRahman Copyright 2005

[ikhlaas]

salaam

Here is the article written in a local magazine.

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HAVE YOU BEEN BIT BY THE BUG?

AlMaghrib Institute coming to town


mashaAllah this is an awesome article! Certainly raising the bar :)

[Sajidalilah]

Qabeelat Ansar is where its at!!!

Salam wara7matulah wabarakatuh InshaAllah

How will U respond?....... Can U answer the sheikh?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Muhammad Alshareef
How about some poems now about vision in working for this deen?


what is Your vision?



http://forums.almaghrib.org/showthread.php?t=8791

[AliM]

salam

The original article that was posted had some mistakes in it...Here is the final version

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HAVE YOU BEEN BIT BY THE BUG?

AlMaghrib Institute coming to town



The outbreak of the AlMaghrib bug has officially hit the city of Montréal. Experts are allegedly reporting its rapid spread amongst the youth and elderly and have determined the bug to have originated south of the border. Similar outbreaks have been reported in the nearby cities of Ottawa and Toronto. Experts are projecting phenomenal growth rates for this bug and insist there is no need to worry because this is one bug you actually want to catch.

There’s a growing excitement in the streets of Montréal, as Muslim students of all ages are catching the AlMaghrib bug –that is, the AlMaghrib Institute bug. What’s this you ask, a whole school devoted to the sciences of the sunset prayer? Hmm, not quite.

The AlMaghrib Institute is an Islamic university program that is changing the way Muslims study Islamic sciences –for the better. With brag rights to the largest Islamic student body in North America, AlMaghrib Institute was created with the goal of empowering Muslims with knowledge, in a beneficial, interesting and unique manner. After achieving unprecedented success with classes in the States, the AlMaghrib bug has finally come home to Canada.

Ali Merali is one of the many Montrealers excited about AlMaghrib coming to town. Student president of the Montréal class, Ali lists different factors which make the AlMaghrib experience unique. “AlMaghrib is changing the lives of Muslim youth by the thousands in North America,” he said. “It gives them the skills and tools to face everyday life in the West, and teaches them how to make a difference for the better while living here.”

In addition to the highly qualified instructors and engaging teaching style, he cites the course accreditation as a key source of benefit for students. All AlMaghrib classes are accredited by the American Open University (AOU), which is in turn accredited by Al-Azhar University, an internationally renowned Islamic university. Thus credits from AlMaghrib classes can be used towards a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies. “Many people in the West want to go abroad to study, but don’t have the time to,” Ali said. “AlMaghrib gives you the opportunity to stay in your city and get knowledge, and at the same time allows you to work towards getting a degree through Azhar.”

Ustaadh Muhammad Alshareef, founder of the institute, grew up in Canada and obtained his degree in Islamic Law from the Islamic University of Madinah. Other AlMaghrib Institute instructors include Sheikh Yasir Birjas (LL.B-Islamic Law), Sheikh Yasir Qadhi (MA-Islamic theology), Sheikh AbdulBary Yahya (LL.B-Islamic Law) and Sheikh Mohammed Faqeeh (BA-Islamic Arts). The AlMaghrib seminars are taught in a consecutive two weekend format, providing an intensive learning experience suitable for those with busy lifestyles. Students receive supplementary course materials to help reinforce what they learn and are required to write a final exam at the completion of the course.

For Shama Naz, co-president of the Montréal AlMaghrib student body, the AlMaghrib experience not only gives the gift of knowledge, but also helps students to develop a strong Islamic personality. “From the little interaction I had with AlMaghrib students, I saw in them the thirst of knowledge that makes them travel from one city to another to quench it,” she explained. “I was reminded of the scholars of the past whose dedication in the path of knowledge, their pain and suffering were some of the ingredients that helped this sea of knowledge to be preserved for generations to benefit from it.” Shama sees the knowledge and experience gained by the AlMaghrib Institute will benefit not only the students themselves, but the entire Muslim community. “In the days to come, I envision a community enriched in knowledge and wisdom –strong in practice and conviction.”

Currently, AlMaghrib seminars will be taught in the cities of Montréal, Ottawa and Toronto. Curriculum for the seminars is based upon courses taught at AOU and Al-Azhar and cover a variety of subjects, such as Aqeedah, Usool al-Fiqh, Tasfeer, Fiqh of Purification and Worship, Fiqh of Love and Marriage, Islamic History and more. The first AlMaghrib class taught in Montréal will be Guiding to Allah by the Book: Fiqh ad-Dawah. The class will explore the sciences of inviting people to the way of Allah and equip students with the necessary tools to follow the Prophet’s example of giving dawah.

With limited seats, registration for the classes is already flourishing. As one keen student put it, “I am eagerly waiting for the AlMaghrib classes! I chose to take this class because Insha Allah (God willing) I want to draw closer to Allah. I also love studying different aspects of Islam because it puts my heart at ease, gives me a sense of purpose and helps me think clearly. I am hoping this class will increase my knowledge and help me increase my eman (faith) –or better yet, give me an eman-rush!”

Indeed as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “For he who follows a path in quest of knowledge, Allah will make the path to Jannah (paradise) easy for him.” If that’s not an eman-rush, one wonders what else is. So if the bug hasn’t bit you yet, make sure you bite that bug!







The first AlMaghrib class in Montréal will be conducted on March 18th-20th and 25th-27th. Registration costs $165. For more information or to register online, please visit www.AlMaghrib.ca or e-mail montreal@almaghrib.org

[NaseehaMan]

Where was the article published?

[AliM]

Where was the article published?

In a local magazine "Montreal Minerat"

[Saad]

Mashallah, very good article, you guys should have an awsome newsletter after the fiqh of dawah class

merali i also heard about this this kid by the name of Inam Jan over there, i heard he s also an excellent writer..

Insha'Allah Durbah will invade Montreal in June for the Usul al Fiqh class so be ready Asad

[Mustafa Aslam]

Assalam Alaikum,
MaashAllah, it is a very good read. And I see it does some slight justice to the 'bug' in Montreal about Al Maghrib classes. Yes, there was a lot of hype and excitement when Sheikh Muhammed Al Shareef came to give his lecture "Eye of the Lion: Story of Sa'd (RA)"; but it kind of died away in about fortnight.
And now he leaves us again, but with 58 torches left burning in the den of the Asad of Montreal. Now as it again lies in our charge to be the torch-bearers, I really with all my heart wish to take it as far as Trois-Rivieres, and then standing at the embankment I would shout out the same thing that Hadhrat Aqba (RA) cried out as he reached the ocean while on his conquest in Africa: " Ya Allah, I would have spread Thy Message to the entire world, bringing them under Thy flag, had not this sea come in my way!" But I will inshaAllah do what is in my power (and then run to the river).
Newsletters are under-preparation at the moment, but all of the tribal members will put their heads together to really produce literary marvels, with Allah's help, of course.
Durbah Brethren, come down (or should I say up - geographically!) upon the 'flock' this June, and we'll give you a ROAR of a welcome.

------------------------------
Love thy neighbour, save them from the Inferno

[Umm Amr]

As Salaamu alaikum.
Sister Juli Nadia Herman's article on AlMaghrib Institute was published in my Islamic journal THE STRAIGHT PATH, in South Africa, a few months ago. Here it is:

Ferrero Rocher, Anyone?
by Juli Nadia Herman




My three children are currently enrolled in a public school. However, they have never set foot in a physical brick and mortar school building. Everyday, I log on to an online school account where I have access to their individualized lesson instructions to teach them with. If that concept sounds strange, wait until you hear about AlMaghrib Institute.



Founded by Muhammad Alshareef, AlMaghrib Institute has expanded across the United States and Canada, offering double weekend university-style seminars which ultimately count towards a bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies. It generates and maintains itself by establishing a system of tribes or qaba’il which is made up of student bodies in many different cities in North America. Their job is to organize everything towards having a class in their respective cities, from accommodation for out-of-towners to auditorium reservations for the seminars.



As the institute grows, tribes sprout up in many different localities across the North American continent. With only six instructors so far, AlMaghrib Institute is rapidly flourishing as the number of courses and students increase. I have been a loyal student of AlMaghrib since 2005, and have taken four classes since. However, the first one will always be remembered as being the most memorable one.



In the summer of 2004, Muhammad Alshareef and a fellow instructor, Yaser Birjas came to Columbus, Ohio to promote AlMaghrib in our community. Our own qabeelat (tribe) was thus born as we took on the duty of preparing for the upcoming class. Our first class was titled ‘The Evolution of Fiqh’, taught by Syeikh Yaser Birjas. Chosen to be the first class for a purpose, the course gives a thorough understanding of how fiqh (science of deducing Islamic law from evidences found in sources of Islamic law) has evolved from the time of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wassallam to the present time.



With the enthusiasm of a six year old about to mount her new bicycle, I registered for the class on the website. My husband paid the USD165 fee, which included the exam and a binder of notes. For the amount and quality of knowledge we were about to gain, USD165 was more than worth it.



In March 2005, the much awaited AlMaghrib class finally came to town. I was ecstatic. The auditorium in which we were to have our first AlMaghrib class was a huge one. It is one of Ohio State University’s many halls, able to seat more than a hundred students. It had been a while since I set foot in a university auditorium. To be in one once again was a breath of fresh air.



Designed to accommodate students from all walks of life with all kinds of commitments from a home schooling mother of three like myself, to a busy college student, AlMaghrib delivers its classes on two weekends, beginning on Friday night and ending on Sunday night each week. However, for this particular class, the first Friday had been scratched out of the whole two-weekend schedule, and so our first day of class was Saturday.



My heart thumped with excitement as I entered McPherson Hall, the chemistry building that housed our reserved auditorium. I didn’t know if I was going to survive sitting in class for two weekends in a row, when even an hour of Computer Science college course was enough torture. Nevertheless, I was completely imbued with overwhelming eagerness at having the opportunity to study the deen in a college-like setting.



At the registration table, after scanning through the list of registrants and finding my name, I was handed a binder. With silent alacrity, I entered the auditorium, looking for other sisters. I found none. So I proceeded to a row of empty seats at the very back of the auditorium. I picked the very last row, which was also the highest point in the lower level of the auditorium. I had a sweeping view of the whole room. Pretty soon, sisters started to trickle in and fill the seats around me. There were college students, teenagers, university instructors, and even a mother with two girls, aged five and seven, whom she brought into the auditorium, equipped with worksheets and coloring books to keep them occupied. Suffice it to say, the class seemed to bring in people from all walks of life.



I looked at my binder and began to browse through it. The very first page displayed a list of class etiquettes, which I read with much curiosity.



“Do not eat Doritos during class,” read one. The image sparked by the warning sent me into a fit of giggles.



“If a sister is speaking, brothers are requested to look forward and not turn around,” read another.



This particular etiquette struck me as being very thoughtful and sensible. AlMaghrib had the insight to address even this kind of detail so the contact between sisters and brothers are preserved as much as possible, in accordance to the Quran and Sunnah. I decided right there and then that I already loved AlMaghrib. I particularly loved the way they arranged the brothers and sisters, the former in the front and the latter at the back with several empty rows in between, giving the sisters ample view of the instructor while at the same time handling the issue of gender segregation.



The awaited moment soon arrived as Shaykh Yaser entered the hall. Immediately, one could see his demeanor exuding humility and commanding utter respect. The class began with the Ameer (leader of the tribe) laying out the rules of the class.



One thing he seemed to be stressing importance on was interruptions, especially from any sound-making devices. In the case that a cell phone rang, it would be confiscated, only to be returned at the end of the day. Not owning a cell phone myself, I wondered how easy it would be to observe that rule. It proved to be quite difficult as several cell phones wailed during class, and was, truly confiscated by the smiling Ameer, witnessed by the equally smiling Shaykh Yaser.



There were times during the class when some brothers ventured away from the flock and actually seated themselves closer to the sisters’ rows by sitting in one of the emptied rows, looking like lost sheep. It was rather amusing to watch the enforcement of the rules in action. It was at those very times that the dutiful Ameer gently reminded the stray brothers to fill the front rows so as to comfortably separate the sisters from the brothers. Suffice it to say, we were deeply immersed in lessons of observing manners on the very first day. It changed my whole outlook on studying in a university setting in a Western environment.



When I first received my binder, I had noticed a number inscribed on the inside of the cover. I didn’t think more about it until Shaykh Yaser began to ask us questions and said,



“Look inside your binder. There’s a number. I’m going to randomly generate a number on my computer. And whoever’s number pops up, has to answer the question.”



I could feel nervous sweat racing to pour out of my pores as I peeked at my number, hoping the computer would never generate the number seventy. All the other sisters started to look at each other and giggle nervously.



“If you get the answer right, you’ll get a chocolate. Come on, guys. This is my favorite chocolate,” said Shaykh Yaser, smiling, and holding up a glimmering Ferrero Rocher, to lure us into answering his questions.



It was then that we learned the term ‘chocolateer’, that is unique only to his class. One by one, ‘chocolateers’ raised their hands while the random number generator continued to do its job. However, it must have gone somewhat cuckoo because for a while, it kept generating a certain number that remained unclaimed. Either the number’s owner wanted to remain unknown, much to Shaykh Yaser’s amusement, or the binder bearing the number remained in the box with the other unused binders.



Of all the manners that were introduced to us, one that stood out to me was manners in asking questions. The fact that there is a lack of manner in which questions are asked is a great contribution towards feelings of enmity between Muslims, which only manages to further extend the discord in the Muslim ummah.



In his emphasis on employing manners in seeking knowledge, Syeikh Yaser even went as far as to ask us to rephrase our questions.



“What’s your proof for that?” was one of the questions that needed rephrasing.



To a western modernist, a question asked in that manner would not necessarily sound provoking, but rather, intellectually acceptable. Yet I see the wisdom behind emphasizing the rephrasing because of the ayah:



“And say to My slaves that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) Shaytaan verily, sows a state of conflict and disagreements among them…” Al-Isra’ (17:53)



Especially in matters of differences in fiqh, the slightest ‘provocation’ could lead to a full blown disagreement.



I was bestowed with the opportunity to see this kind of reprimand taking place in Shaykh Yaser’s class when a brother asked a question.



It was greeted by silence followed by a gentle smile.



“Can you ask your question again, please?”



Shaykh Yaser’s conduct in carrying out this lesson on manners extricated nothing but further respect and humility from the students, which in turn increased my awareness of the importance of manners in seeking knowledge.



During our hourly ten minute breaks, we were allowed to ask questions to Shaykh Yaser, with separate sessions for the sisters and brothers. When it was the sisters’ turn, an area at the front of the auditorium was cleared of the lingering brothers, leaving only Shaykh Yaser. The sisters descended the stairs from the back of the auditorium and communed in the cleared area for this special one-on-one question and answer session with Shaykh Yaser. In addition to that, we were also given index cards on which we could write down any other questions, and the Ameerah (leader for the sisters) would then pass the cards to the Ameer, to be read by Shaykh Yaser.



The only limitation to the questions was the rule: “No fiqh questions.” Shaykh Yaser repeatedly emphasized that there is no such thing as a quick or easy question, because the one who answers always takes full responsibility for disseminating the correct knowledge. I had expected to find the answer to the question “Should we follow a madhhab?” in the class. Instead, we were presented with a list of advantages and disadvantages of blind following, to which the ultimate solution can only be sought by further learning. In a matter of two weekends, I learned about how the madhhab of Rasulullah Sallallahu alayhi wassallam grew into many different schools of thoughts, even beyond the four. I was given a greater picture of the twists and turns in history that led us to where we are now. We were definitely given a tour of the evolution of fiqh, and what a thorough tour it was.



Shaykh Yaser has his own style of opening the floor for questions. After finishing each section of the lecture, he would stop and say,

“Okay, any questions from the brothers?” and make a sweeping gesture with his right arm beginning from the right of the auditorium, slowly spanning the gentle curve of the room ending at the left end. Then he would say,

“Any questions from the sisters?” and do the same sweeping gesture, giving time for arms to be raised as he scanned the audience from right to left. Wisely understanding that some students might need a second prompting, he often repeated this offer, in which indeed, arms that didn’t go up during the first sweep, shot up determinedly in the second sweep.



Other than the ten minute breaks, we were also given a two hour lunch break every day, which I spent at home, trying to catch a few winks so I could be refreshed for the rest of the day.



Another unique feature of AlMaghrib classes is the gem boards. There was one poster board for the sisters and one for the brothers. These boards were to be filled with our personal reflections of what we learned in class, which are considered as gems. During the breaks, sisters and brothers would flock over to the gem boards. Before long, the boards were filled with precious and colorful gems, thanks to the colorful markers provided.



This concept is carried further into a larger sphere within the institute by encouraging students to participate in the online forums belonging to AlMaghrib. Here, competitions between tribes are encouraged, in terms of exam scores, number and qualities of gems, and even the number of class and exam attendees. With several AlMaghrib classes taking place in different locations across the North American continent, questions, comments, and multitudes of gems pop up in the forums like a scattering of diamonds in the wonderful discovery of a diamond mine. Essentially, the forums are a gathering place where all the student bodies of AlMaghrib convene to interact, thereby enlivening AlMaghrib as a learning institute that is one of a kind.



By the time the class neared its end in the second weekend, I found myself scrambling to hold on to the precious remaining hours. New sisterhoods had been formed. I had met sisters from Cleveland, Iowa, Chicago and Cincinnati, who had come all the way to Columbus to attend the class. We had all performed salat together, and basked in the trove of knowledge shared with us by Shaykh Yaser, who also had the precious opportunity to study under Shaykh Al-Uthaimeen (rahimahullah).



From the moment I seated myself in the class that very first day, I had felt tranquility surrounding us, and somehow, it felt just right. My thirst for knowledge, which I thought would be duly quenched by the class, remained unquenched. In fact, I felt even thirstier. I had initially come to class expecting to come out knowing what to do regarding the confusion as to whether to follow a madhhab or not, and whose ijtihaad to take from. Instead, Shaykh Yaser kept telling us,



“I’m only giving you the key. Every key has ridges. You need to make those ridges to open the door.”



He was right. I had thought that the million questions roaming around in my head would be answered once I took the class, but I only ended up with more questions, to which the answer was: learn more. It was then that I became immersed in this pursuit of knowledge which has led me to continue registering for AlMaghrib classes whenever it comes to my vicinity. Of all the things I have learned from the four classes, I must say AlMaghrib instills in its students a high sense of manner in conducting themselves with regard to pursuit of knowledge. As for a personal memorable favorite, I must say I will never again look at a box of Ferrero Rocher without being infused in the wonderful memories of ‘chocolateers’ in ‘The Evolution of Fiqh’.

[Hala]

Assalama 'Alaykum
Sister Juli, congratulations on getting that article published, however it is no surprise to me. Keep up the writing and may Allah continue to give you barakah in everything you do, for His sake, Ameen!! Absolutely a beautiful article. I can't believe that one of the best writers I've ever come across is living in my own backyard!

[Umm Amr]

as salaamu alaikum sister hala.
sister Juli has written for THE STRAIGHT PATH, three times, and has contributed to various other publications Im involved in as well.
in my ten years as an editor/journalist, I have come across very few people who have the talent for doing what she does: i.e. not only does she write well, she writes from her heart...ma sha Allah.
wassalaam

[Kaltham]

as salaamu alaikum sister hala.
sister Juli has written for THE STRAIGHT PATH, three times, and has contributed to various other publications Im involved in as well.
in my ten years as an editor/journalist, I have come across very few people who have the talent for doing what she does: i.e. not only does she write well, she writes from her heart...ma sha Allah.
wassalaam
Masha Allah, i second your opinion! May Allah benefit her and benefit the Muslims with her writings.

Fii Amaani'laah

P.S. UmmSakinah...now i'm mad i gave the magazines back to you....lol