Rouh-ul-Madina

1st Rabi’ul Awwal /13 Dec 2015 Volume 1, Number 1

In this Issue Tribute to Madina Institute

stalwart Marhoom Sheikh Abd al-Rasheed Brown

Medina’s involvement in the preservation of the Timbuktu Manuscripts

Insights on the personal experiences of some students and how their lives have been influenced by Madina Institute.

Madina A home away from home

Future Leaders travel to Indonesia

Virtues of Hijab

The life of an Arabic student

How I found my Guide

Poetry from the heart

Abu Baker Siddique youth group

Madina in Pictures

Links

http://madinainstitute.org.za/

www.shaykhninowy.net

www.madinainstituteusa.org

Madina Institute South Africa 7th floor ICON Building Lower Long Street Cape Town 8000 South Africa Phone : +27 21 421 9027/8 Fax: +27 21 696 8252 info@madinainstitute.org.za

Compiled by: Fatima Hendriks

Designed & Edited by: Yusuf Gani

Traditional Study ● Critical Thinking ● For Modern Living

"How is your heart with Allah today?" by Suhaila Sherali

Well known by his statement, Sheikh Rasheed Brown

was indeed one of the most delightful and

knowledgeable teachers we had met. The classroom just

vibrated with life the moment he walked in, calling unto

us on the mic 'ya'llah Jama'ah!' As soon as he entered

the auditorium.

He taught the Seerah and Tajweed in a way we've never

been introduced to before. We've all known about the

Messenger of Allah, his teachings and Sunnah etc. Yet

for some of us the Noble Messenger remained this illusive great figure without any real connection.

That was until Sheikh Rasheed Brown introduced us to the essence and the reality of Muhammad (SAW). He

brought the Prophet back into our lives, and our love for the Rasool deepened. We could feel the pain of the

battles and the sweetness of companionships with Sheikh Brown words echoing in our hearts. He didn’t just narrate the Seerah. He taught it to us, extracting lessons from each step of the Holy Prophet’s life and

relating them to our daily contemporary lives.

Then came Tajweed class, and again, who could have known that the way our mouths move just by

pronouncing the letters of the Quran actually impacts our state of being and our imaan? Sheikh Rasheed

Brown gave us love for the recitation of the Quran. The knowledge gained from Sheikh Rasheed Brown is

indeed monumental. Not only from him teaching, but from his way of being, we learnt a lot about the

etiquettes of having a pure heart, the nobility in a beautiful akhlaaq and the power of a heartily smile.

How beautiful was a man whom even after his departure to the higher realms only renders joy upon

remembering him?

May Allah rest his soul in peace, and grant him the highest companionship of the Prophet (SAW); his Noble family and his companions.

Timbuktu Manuscripts by Farzana Suleman Ahmed

October 13th, 2015 marked the launch of the Timbuktu

Project. The Timbuktu manuscripts represent a turning

point in the history of Africa. They stand as a living

testimony of the highly advanced and refined civilizations in

the sub-Saharan Region.

The launch was celebrated by a conference held at the

University of Pretoria main campus, followed by a Gala Dinner at the Al-Ghazali Sport Centre.

The project entailed the launch of two books, translated and edited from the original Timbuktu manuscripts

from Mali. The books titled “Qissat Dhul Qurnain” and “Curing Disease & Defects - Both Apparent and Hidden”

have been jointly published by The Open Press; Madina Institute and The University of Pretoria.

The purpose of the conference was to discuss the scholarly arguments as to whether Alexander the Great and Dhul Qurnain was one and the same person or not. A panel of experts, including Dr Maniraj Sukdaven,

Professor Shahzad Bashir, Professor Dolf Britz, Sheikh Muhammad bin Yahya al-Husayni al-Ninowy and Sheikh

Abdul Hamid Fernana, were present to discuss their views about it. Dr Essop Pahad was the guest of honour

and the event was chaired by Asgher Mukhtar.

Nine Madina Institute students accompanied Sheikh Muhammad bin Yahya al-Husayni al-Ninowy to the event.

It was a great learning experience for the students being in a different learning environment with the Shayukh

and colleagues.

A Home Away from Home: Our little

migration to "Madina" by Saadiyah Sheik Ahmed

The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu

alayhi wa aalihi wa sallam) is reported to

have said: " If one travels on a road in

search of knowledge, Allah will cause

him to travel on one of the roads of

Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with the

one who seeks knowledge. The

inhabitants of the heavens and the

earth, and even the fish in the deep

waters will ask forgiveness for the

learned man... "

Traveling for the purpose of seeking

sacred knowledge is a journey we see

taken by many of the respected Islamic

figures - one of them being Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Rahmatullah alayh). This

served as a great inspiration for many of

us.

A year away from home is indeed a great

sacrifice, but more so, a very rewarding

and fruitful experience. Being away from

one's family and the comfort of one's

home can be tough, but it allows space

for growth and maturity as one learns how to deal with one's self as well as

others in a more responsible manner.

As our beloved Sheikh says, the ultimate

vision of Madina Institute is an equation

very simple - compassion, education

leading to illumination. Using the tools

acquired from one intensive year, we

pray that we become true seekers of

knowledge in order to help ourselves and

our communities to the best of our capacity - or at least live a life which is

pleasing to our Creator and His Beloved.

With our extraordinary experience, we

hope that our illumination is near!

We cannot express enough gratitude to

the Madina Institute team as well as to

every humbling soul we've met this year.

It has been a memorable year and we

pray that the love and bond which we have established always remains.

Just as Madina al Munawwarah became a

safe haven for Muslims, so has Madina

Institute for its students.

Sheikh Mouhamadou Mahy Cisse visits Madina Institute SA

Members of the Pretoria Zawiya showed great hospitality by opening up their homes and hearts to the guests.

Being in a different community, away from the Madina environment, allowed the students to nurture different

bonds and value different sides of their colleagues.

Future Leaders by Zubair Rahaman

Muslim youth are the milestone generation of Islam’s glory in the future. We are expected to bring back

the greatness of Islam as it was during the era of Nabi Muhammed saw’s leadership. The youth nowadays are facing many challenges which encourage them to improve their leadership competency, but according to the leadership point of view there hasn’t been optimal demonstration of the

active role in advancing the Islamic civilization and achieving the true glory of Islam in the world, and not

the misrepresentation of it which is a crisis we are currently facing. There are many individuals amongst

the Muslim youth who are busy with their own targets which are self-orientated and do not reflect the

basic obligations as Caliphs in the world.

A delegation of Students from Madina Institute and Al Ghazali College has recently setoff to participate in

the Indonesia International leadership Camp (IILC) 2015, hosted by the Al Azhar Youth leader institute in

Jakatar. The 10 day quarantine program brings together identified youth from around the globe and

consists of a range of exciting activities, participants are taught sciences, leadership skills, strategic

management, communication, entrepreneurship, languages and also experience the cultures of Indonesia. The participants will be tested both mentally and physically with activity filled 18 hour days which include

learning the art of Pencak Silat (Indonesian Martial Arts).

The goal of the camp is to groom the attendees with leadership and communication skill desperately

needed by the youth to assist them in fulfilling their designated roles of tomorrow’s leaders. A key

objective is to take back to their respective home countries the skills acquired and initiate programmes for

social and economic upliftment in their communities. The hope is that with a simultaneous and

coordinated effort in the various counties the true spirit of Islamic leadership will prevail thereby ensuring

a prosperous and peaceful future.

Virtues of hijab An act of obedience of Allah (SWT) It is modesty (Iffah)

It is purity (Taharah)

Hijab is a shield (sitr)

It is an act of righteousness (Taqwa)

Part of faith (Imaan)

A symbol of bashfulness (hayaa)

Hijab is a gheerah (protectiveness)

Jummah Excerpt

In any system, it's important to

understand our points of departure. As

human beings, as seekers of truth,

there's a necessity to place Rahma,

Mercy and Compassion, at the basis of

everything. And as Muslims, Rahma is

clearly evident as the basis of our way,

of our way of being.

For 13 years, the Prophet Muhammad

SalAllahu 'alayhi wasallam lived in

Makkah with his companions before

living in Madina for 10 years, because

Makkah was a preparation for Madina.

What were they doing in Makkah? In

Makkah, they were purifying themselves

through perspective transformation of

their beliefs and spirituality. There were

only one or two prayers, but before all of these legislation were ordained, Mercy,

Compassion and Love were the

legislation that underlined these great

people. People like Sumayya RadiAllahu

Anha, the first martyr in Islam, someone

who gave her life for this Deen, and

Khadija al-Kubra RadiAllahu Anha, the

wife of the Prophet, reached levels we

can only hope to attain. Our basis is Mercy, Compassion and Love, and if

anyone claims to follow a way contrary

to Mercy, then its not religion from Allāh,

and we need to be well-aware of that.or

its students.

“Modesty is the best jewel of a woman” (Fatimah al Zahra RA) by Nabeela Tajbhai

The word “Hijab” comes from the Arabic word “Hajaba” meaning to hide from view or conceal. In present

time, the context of hijab is the modest covering of a Muslim woman. The hijab is one of the most visual

symbols of Islam. Being the most conspicuous symbol of Islam’s existence, it is also the easiest target for

harassment against Muslims. There is a huge misconception that the Hijab is not a religious requirement but

rather a cultural tradition adopted by the Arabs from the Turks and is used by muslim men to oppress the

women.

Quraanic verse: Surah Nur 24:31 “And tell the believing women to reduce (some) of their vision and guard

their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which (necessarily) appears thereof and to wrap (a portion of) their head covers over their chests and not expose their adornment except to their

husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, the ir brothers, their

brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons, their women, that which their right hands possess, or those male

attendants having no physical desire, or children who are not yet aware of the private aspects of women. And

let them not stamp their feet to make known what they conceal of their adornment. And turn to Allah in

repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed”.

Ahadith of Hijab: Aisha Radiallahu Anha reported that Asma the daughter of Abu Bakr came to the Messenger

of Allah (peace be upon him) while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: “O Asma! when a girl

reaches menstrual age it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this”. He pointed

to the face and hands. (Abu Dawood)

The Prophet peace be upon him said: ‘’Haya will not bring anything except good (Sahih Bukhari)

People who briskly and grimly judge hijab to be an attribute of oppression please take note that attire of a

nun is hijab. However it is not considered as oppression instead she is glanced upon with respect and as

becoming dignified. In Islam we desire the dignity and respect for each and every single Muslim woman.

Conquering Arabic by Gadijah Darries.

When I was 8 years old my brothers and I attended weekly Arabic lessons

for about 3 months. We did really well during that time, but didn’t continue

practicing after the classes had stopped. By the time I got to high school all I

could remember was ‘Ismi Khadija, masmuk?’ It didn’t really bother me much until much later when I read the Quran from cover to cover in English

for the first time. I was blown away by the beauty of Islam, even though I’d

been a Muslim my whole life. Then I thought, if reading the English

translation is this great, imagine what it would be like to understand the

Quran in the language in which it was revealed. So I decided to re-start my

journey with the Arabic language and these are some of the tips I picked up

along the way:

Make your dictionary your best friend – One single word in the Arabic

language can have so much depth and so many diverse, and sometimes

even opposite meanings. Even when you’ve heard the translation of a word, looking up the root helps to get a feel for the language and you gain a much

greater appreciation for the words.

Prepare for lessons before class – This was hands down the best advice I got when I started learning Arabic. I

remember how I used to sit in class, listening to the teacher, trying to take it all in... And struggling to

overcome the confusion at the same time. But when I came to class prepared, it was a totally different

experience. After I did the first attempt at translating on my own, I couldn’t wait to get to class to find out

whether my attempt was correct; or to fill in any blanks that I couldn’t figure out. I went from sitting in class

confused to actually experiencing the doors of understanding opening up before my eyes.

Read ALOT and speak even though you think you can’t – I still struggle with this part, because it’s just so much easier to do these things in English. But if we’re not going to read and speak the Arabic language how

will it ever become a part of us?

Renew your intentions – There will be times when you just don’t get it and you want to give up. But

remember why you’re doing this. It’s the language of the Quran, the direct words of our Creator. It’s worth

the struggle.

Have patience with yourself – When you don’t get a concept first time around don’t stress, it’s a new language

and you’re allowed to get confused. You’ll get it eventually, just keep trying and remember Allah is with the

patient. I leave you with a quote I heard from one of my teachers: “Whoever knocks on a door with

persistence, will have it opened”

Ma’as-Salam

Poetry

Healing my self-inflicted wounds by Yaseen Kippie

Dedicated to all those facing obstacles

they need to overcome in order to

improve and grow, which is everyone in

reality.

Healing my self-inflicted wounds

I remember the days of suffer and

rancor

Stealing away my most prized

possession.

So soft and tender

Turned into a mountain rock.

These constructions also tell a story,

But one that if listened to,

Will create a new you.

So I put it off, and again off

And again off,

Until the chambers of the heart

clogged

And the curtains of darkness

overlapped to new heights

This is the climax of evil.

The veils came down with a wind so

strong,

It blew away the chains of desire

Leaving only the One that never

leaves

The one that has always been there,

Without whom, darkness and light

would never have entered.

The light shines to shine the rays of

enlightenment.

Yet, this is only the beginning.

The sojourn cannot end before it has

begun

The earth is not the universe.

Yet the universe is contained in the

earth

Your arteries and veins are your

pathways to get to your lightest

point.

Wherein lays the black hole that

represents something greater than

your spirit.

Find it!

You're almost there.

Your Secret is almost known.

Towards the Guiding Light by Yasser Mia There was a time when the respected community leaders of Bloemfontein

recruited the services of esteemed recognized scholars namely Yawar Beig and

Mufti Menk, despite that, such occasions outwit my interests and I hopelessly

failed at generating any fringe benefit from these assemblies. My Islamic pool was a puddle at most.

Shabaan 1435, the word was that Sheikh Ninowy would be touring the City of

Roses. I hadn't the slightest idea who this man was but he sounded really

familiar to my ear. Immediately I researched him, and was mind blowingly

shocked out of my cotton socks upon reading his biography. A degree in

Microbiology to begin with, a qualified Medical Dr. and above all, a world

renowned Sheikh hailing from Syria and resident in USA.

Friday, 13th June 2014, a typically bitterly cold Bloem winter eve marked the memorable moment of my

encounter with Sheikh Ninowy. I had a great privilege of meeting our beloved spiritual father personally.

He grabbed full my attention as he made his way through the hotel parking lot. His glaring Nur lit the pathway up and to quote the fond words of my younger brother 'yoh, look how white he is'. His sparkling amber-like

beard shun like the sun. His crisp white thobe and turban signified his purity. His thumb flicking the big brown

beaded tasbeeh reflected his piety. As he drew nearer and nearer I sensed an indescribable energy.

Somewhat splendid vibes.

I was a watered down version of myself and ridiculously tongue-tied as I presented my hand to acknowledge

his presence. I exclaimed 'it's an honor to have finally met you. I've read such great things about you!' and he

free-vainly replied 'May Allah bless you.'

In May I proudly joined the Ninowy Family at the Madina Hifz institute. I was instructed to pray two raka'at

Taubah Salaah in preparation to undertake my bay'ah. My Shaykh's hand was directly atop mine as I repeated the pledge of spiritual allegiance after him.

For as much as I've been a Mureed I'd like to think that I've grown spiritually aware. The power of daily

Adhkar has been a source of soul repairing and a means of harmonious deliverances of pleading for

forgiveness, claiming that there is no God but Allah and sending salutations to The Master Muhammad (Peace

be upon him) a hundred times is by far the most optimal way to begin and end the day.

Tranquility of the Heart by Shuaib Sheik The Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) Youth & Dhikr Group was

established with the aim of physical; emotional and

spiritual uplifting the youth. The idea is to provide the

youth of all ages a safe; healthy Islamic environment to expose them to and encourage participation in adhkar;

nashheeds and beautiful qasidas thereby unleashing their

talents and assisting in overcoming fears.

The group collaborates with Shaykh Noor Aswad and

Aswaatul Madina and holds weekly Dhikr programmes in

Pretoria. They have been invited to tour other cities as

their popularity has grown having become recognized for

their melodious recitations. The group has recently released an audio CD with the proceeds going to facilitate

youth activities and camps. The group is led by Hafiz Shuaib Sheik (Madina Student), Hafiz Arshaad Essa &

Hafiz Raees Shamsoodeen.

Madina Field Trip

New Shahada

@ Rihla Turkey with Sheikh Dr Umar Farouk Abd Allah

A Pictorial of Madina Highlights

Madina In Nigeria With Sheikh Hamza Yusuf

With Sheikh Khalfe @ Islamic Forum Durban

@ Forest Hill Musallah @ Al Nur Orphanage

Suhba Weekend Assisting after Masi Fire

Vigil for massacred Kenyans Sisters Qasidas

Recipe Corner

Education – Transformation by Adnaan Ahmed

This year has been absolutely transforming. The journey Allah embarked all of us on is indeed incredible. I

didn’t really want to do an intensive usul program, yet I found myself traveling from Pretoria to the Mother

city of South Africa, Cape Town. And there I was, a seeker of knowledge at Madina Institute South Africa.

Sitting before world class Shuyukh, and drinking from the same cup of knowledge and love that they drank from, only to be discerned by the works of Allah, His limitless Loving Mercy. How beautiful it is to know Him

more, and draw closer the beloved S.A.W in life. Then came the Arabic language. As part of the main core

programs at the institute, I clearly remember how frustrating it was in the beginning. It felt like Algebra; all

this new stuff, new formats, new sequences and new secrets of this profound language being dished at us. All

the students were frustrated; it felt like diving in a pool full of a scattered puzzle that we had to bring

together, and every time it seemed like we had a grasp of the idea and the picture, some of the pieces

floated away again. We are confused and uncomfortable with change. But with time and effort, we become

accustomed. It had finally hit me.

All this, all the treasures and secrets and structures had always been part of my life in the pages of

the Quran. I had just never uncovered the beauty of this language. The dynamical meanings it contains and the poetry within. Eventually, Arabic, along with all the other subjects, became an adventure; to

seek meaning to its lair, to reach for depth, to explore and to widen the horizons of understanding. So that’s

the highlight of this year for me in general; transformation. The transference of love, the transference of

meaning and the transformation of mind, body and soul. The values of exploration, and the places you

will go when you discover. The impact of change and getting out of the comfort zone so in order to force

you’re state of being to adapt to difference, and learn to accommodate with it. And just simply… knowing

more. Knowing Him more. It was a Mercy from Allah Ta’ala for this great privilege of being a seeker of

knowledge. May I continue to be one till my last breath. For as one of the great Imams of the past said,

“A true student of knowledge never graduates.”

Vote of Thanks: So on the occasion of the

“Graduation” of the class of 2015, I would like to on behalf of all the student of Madina Institute pay our heartfelt gratitude to all the Shuyuhk; Board Members; lecturers; administrative staff; cleaners and anyone who has played a part in making Madina a reality for us. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the

efforts you have made in bring us to this day. We have

shared many laughs, some tears and a lot of time getting to know all in the Madina family and like at all points in

our lives when we have to part ways, we do so with a sadness and with joyful pride. Sadness because we will miss all the special people we have met along the way and pride because we are proud to have been part of this family and will continue to represent what we have been transformed into.

Get Thinking – Puzzle by Jehan Ara Khonat