“INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ILM -AL-AKHLAQ ” Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adultsconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail LESSON # 7 – TAQWA “BUILDING YOUR SUBMISSION TO ALLAH UPON FIVE ASPECTS”

1. IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST COMPASSIONATE, MOST MERCIFUL. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ ILM AL-AKHLAQ “ Verily! You (Muhammad) are upon the most exalted (Khuluq) disposition.” Using text & curriculum he has developed especially for Muslim converts and young Adult English-speaking Muslims. “ To seek knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim (male & female)” “ INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘ ILM -AL-AKHLAQ ” Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adults conducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail LESSON # 7 – “ BUILDING YOUR SUBMISSION TO ALLAH UPON FIVE ASPECTS” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011 )

2. FROM PREVIOUS LESSON # 6 – All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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7. “ O ye who believe! (be conscious of and ) fear Allah and let every soul look to what (provision) he has sent forth for the morrow (hereafter). Yea, (be conscious of and) fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. And be ye not like those who forgot Allah; and He made them forget their own souls! Such are the rebellious transgressors! Not equal are the Companions of the Fire and the Companions of the Garden: it is the Companions of the Garden, that will achieve Felicity.” ( Qur’an: Surah al-Hashr: 59: 18-20 ) All Rights Reserved© Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

8. EGO-CENTRICITY LEADS TO VARIOUS MORTAL SINS IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

9. EGO-CENTRICITY LEADS TO VARIOUS MORTAL SINS IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS: “ By the NAFS (Soul, or self) , and the proportion and order given to it; And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;― Truly he succeeds that purifies it, And he fails that corrupts it!” ( Qur’an: as-Shams: 91: 7-10 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

10. “ Verily, man's inner self ( NAFS ‘AMMARAH ), does incite [him] to evil, and saved are only they upon whom my Sustainer bestows His grace. Behold, my Sustainer is much forgiving, a dispenser of grace!“ ( Qur’an: Yusuf: 12: 53 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

11. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ MAKE due allowance for man's nature (by forgiving them), and enjoin the doing of what is right; and leave alone all those who choose to remain ignorant. And if it should happen that a prompting from Satan stirs thee up [to blind anger], seek refuge with Allah: behold, He is all-hearing, all-knowing.” ( Qur’an: A’-raf: 7: 199-200 )

12. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Verily, they who are conscious of Allah ( TAQWA ) bethink themselves [of Him] whenever any dark suggestion from Satan touches them - whereupon, lo! they begin to see [things] clearly, even though their [godless] brethren would [like to] draw them into error: and then they cannot fail [to do what is right].” ( Qur’an: A’-raf: 7: 201-202 )

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14. “ O mankind! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him ( TAQWA ). Behold, Allah is all-knowing, all-aware.” ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 13 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

16. From the word root “ WAU-QAF-YA ” - we have: “ WI-QAA-YA ” meaning – “ to safeguard; shelter; shield; take care from; precaution; avert; etc. ” Thus the implication is “ to have regard or being conscious of Allah such that we are especially cautious (by safeguarding ourselves and our deeds from all sins), so as not to incur His wrath and punishment. ” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) TAQWA

17. The usual translation into English is ‘reverential fear of Allah’ , which may convey some aspect of it, yet the full understanding of this term still evades many. I prefer to use term “the ‘ consciousness of Allah’ , which entails factors which lead to true obedience to Allah s.w.t. and His Messenger Muhammad s.a.w. - obedience to what Allah ordered and staying away from what Allah forbade. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) TAQWA

18. Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazalie rhm . [Ref: “al-Ghazalie – Inner Dimensions of Islamic Worship”] has listed six important qualities in ‘ Taqwa ’ (consciousness of Allah): All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) TAQWA

19. [1] AWARENESS By conscious awareness we mean the state in which one’s mind and feelings are in no way distracted from what one is doing and saying. Perception is united with action and speech. Thoughts do not wonder. When the mind remains attentive to what one is doing, when one is whole-heartedly involved, and when nothing makes one heedless, that is when one has achieved conscious awareness. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

20. [2] UNDERSTANDING Understanding the meaning of one’s words is something that goes beyond awareness, for one may be conscious of making an utterance, yet not be aware of the meaning of that utterance. What we mean by understanding therefore is an awareness that also include comprehension of the meaning of one’s utterance. People differ in this respect, not sharing a common understanding of the Qur’an and the glorifications (we uttered). All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

21. [3] REVERENCE As for reverence, this is something beyond both awareness and understanding. A man may address his servant in full awareness and understanding the meaning of his words, yet without reverence, for reverence is in additional element. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

22. [4] AWE As for awe, it is over and above reverence. In fact, it represents a kind of fear that grows out of the latter (i.e. reverence). Without experiencing fear, one will not stand in awe. There is an ordinary fear of things we find repugnant, like scorpions or bad temper, but this is not awe. What we called awe, is the kind of fear we have for a mighty king. Awe is the kind of fear induced by a sense of majesty. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

23. [5] HOPE As for hope, this is unquestionably something else again. There are many who revere one or other, and who are in awe of him or afraid of his power, yet do not hope to be rewarded by him. In our prayers, however, we must hope for the reward of God, Great and Glorious is He, just as we fear His punishment for our faults. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

24. [6] SHAME As for shame, it is something additional to all the rest, for it is based on the realization of one’s deficiencies and the apprehension of sin. It is quite possible to conceive of reverence, fear and hope, without this element of shame. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

25. In summary, TAQWA is that state of consciousness of Allah s.w.t. with: [1] AWARENESS [2] UNDERSTANDING [3] REVERENCE [4] AWE [5] HOPE [6] SHAME All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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27. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ AND SO, set thy face steadfastly towards the [one ever-true] faith, turning away from all that is false, in accordance with the natural disposition ( FITRAH ) which Allah has instilled into man: [for,] not to allow any change to corrupt what Allah has thus created this is the [purpose of the one] ever-true faith; but most people know it not.” ( Qur’an: Rum: 30: 30 )

28. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ But unto him who shall have stood in fear of his Sustainer's Presence, and held back his inner self ( NAFS ) from base desires ( HAWA ), paradise will truly be the goal!” ( Qur’an: Rum: 79: 40-41 )

29. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ And so those who were given knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord and [therefore] believe in it, and their hearts ( QULUBUHUM ) humbly submit to it. And indeed is Allah the Guide of those who have believed to a straight path.” ( Qur’an: Hajj: 22: 54 )

30. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ But those who wrong follow their [own] desires ( AHWA ) without knowledge. Then who can guide one whom Allah has sent astray? And for them there are no helpers.” ( Qur’an: Rum: 30: 29 )

31. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire ( HAWA ), and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded?” ( Qur’an: Jatsiya: 45: 23 )

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33. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ And if We had willed, we could have elevated him thereby, but he adhered [instead] to the earth and followed his own desire ( HAWA ). So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs. So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.” ( Qur’an: A’-raf: 7: 176 )

34. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ But if they do not respond to you - then know that they only follow their [own] desires ( AHWA ). And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” ( Qur’an: Qasas: 28: 50 )

35. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ Indeed, the Hour is coming - I almost conceal it - so that every soul may be recompensed according to that for which it strives. So do not let one avert you from it who does not believe in it and follows his desire ( HAWA ), for you [then] would perish.” ( Qur’an: TaHa: 20: 15-16 )

36. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ O you who have attained to faith! Be conscious of Allah with all the consciousness that is due to Him, and do not allow death to overtake you ere you have surrendered yourselves unto Him (as Muslims).” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 102 )

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39. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ O you who have attained to faith! Respond to the call of Allah and the Messenger whenever he calls you unto that which will give you life; and know that Allah intervenes between man and [the desires of] his heart, and that unto Him you shall be gathered.“ ( Qur’an: Anfal: 8: 24 )

40. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ O YOU who have attained to faith! Do not put yourselves forward in the presence of [what] Allah and His Messenger [may have ordained], but remain conscious of Allah: for, verily, Allah is all-hearing, all-knowing!” ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 1 )

41. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011) “ O you who have attained to faith! Surrender yourselves wholly unto Allah ( FEE SIL-MI KA-AF-FAH ), and follow not Satan's footsteps, for, verily, he is your open foe.” ( Qur’an: Baqarah: 2: 208 )

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43. “ THE BEDOUIN (ARAB) say, “We have attained to faith.” Say [unto them, O Muhammad]: “You have not [yet] attained to faith ( LAM TU’-MINU ); you should [rather] say, ‘We have [outwardly] surrendered ( ASLAM-NA )’ - for [true] faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you [truly] pay heed (obey – TA-’AH ) unto Allah and His Messenger, He will not let the least of your deeds go to waste: for, behold, Allah is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace.” ( Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 14 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

44. “ Islam (submission to the Will of Allah) is built upon five .... “ ( Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w .) “ Do not regard your duty in ‘ibadat as mere rituals, For they are for your education and development to become truly a Muslim” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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49. MUSLIM FIRST LEVEL TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA WITH ONE’S ACCEPTANCE OF AL-ISLAM Submission TASAWWUR ISLAM All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

50. MUSLIM LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Submission TASAWWUR ISLAM All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

51. MUSLIM MU’MEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission TASAWWUR ISLAM All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

52. MUSLIM MU’MEEN MU H SEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Best or righteous conduct TASAWWUR ISLAM All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

53. MUSLIM MU’MEEN MU H SEEN MU KH LISWEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Best or righteous conduct Sincerity TASAWWUR ISLAM All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

54. MUSLIM MU’MEEN MU H SEEN MU KH LISWEEN MUTTAQEEN LEVELS OF ATTAINMENT TOWARDS STATE OF TAQWA Believer Submission Best or righteous conduct Sincerity God-consciousness or Piety TASAWWUR ISLAM All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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57. “ O YOU who have attained to faith! What is amiss with you that, when you are called upon, "Go forth and strive in Allah's cause," you cling heavily to the earth? Would you content yourselves with [the comforts of] this worldly life in preference to [the good of] the life to come? But the enjoyment of life in this world is but a paltry thing when compared with the life to come!” ( Qur’an: Taubah: 9: 38 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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59. “ ALLURING unto man is the enjoyment of worldly desires through women, and children, and heaped-up treasures of gold and silver, and horses of high mark, and cattle, and lands. All this may be enjoyed in the life of this world - but the most beauteous of all goals is with Allah.” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 14 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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61. “ Say: "Shall I tell you of better things than those [earthly joys]? For the God-conscious ( MUTTAQI ) there are, with their Sustainer, gardens through which running waters flow, therein to abide, and spouses pure, and Allah's goodly acceptance." And Allah sees all that is in [the hearts of] His servants.” ( Qur’an: Aali ‘Imran: 3: 15 ) All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

62. “ O Allah! Make us see the Truth to be true and grant us the ability to follow it. And make us see Falsehood to be false and grant us the ability to reject it.” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

63. O Allah! There is none who can withhold what You send, nor send whatever You withhold All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

64. Neither can they guide whom You leave astr ay Nor can they lead astray whom You have guided All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

65. Neither can they give whatever You deprive, nor can they deprive to whom You give All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

66. Neither (can any) draw closer those whom You cast, nor (can any) be cast those whom You draw closer All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

67. O Allah! Bestow upon us from Your blessings, and Your mercy, and Your grace and Your provisions. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

68. O Allah! I ask You for the eternal delight (favours) that never ends nor fades away. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

69. O Allah! I ask You for provisions (favours) on the Day of deprivation (Hereafter), and the safety on the Day of fear (Judgement Day). All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

70. O Allah! I seek refuge with You from the evil repercussions of what You have given us and from the evil of what You have deprived us of. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

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72. "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred. Our Lord, and lay not upon us a burden like that which You laid upon those before us. Our Lord, and burden us not with that which we have no ability to bear. And pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us. You are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people." All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

73. O Allah! Make faith ( iiman ) dear to us and beautify it in our hearts and make disbelief ( Kufr ), sinning ( Fusuq ) and rebelliousness ( `isyan ) hateful to us, and make us among the rightly guided ( Raa-shi-duun ). All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

74. O Allah! Allow us to die as Muslims, live as Muslims and join us with the ranks of the righteous ones, without tasting humiliation or turmoil. All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

75. ‘ And (may All a h send) salutations and prayers upon Mu h ammad and upon the household and companions of Mu h ammad (the pure ones of his family and all the loyal followers). All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

76. “ Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)! And Peace on the Messengers! And praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.” All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

77. http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/ http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/ http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/ http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/ http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/ http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/ http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/ http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/ All welcome to visit my web-blog: All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)