FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUAL

TARBIYAH

What is Tarbiyah / Tazkiyah?• Definition:• Tarbiyah means to develop excellent skills and

abilities to be efficient and productive Islamic workers.

• Tazkiyah means 'to purify, to develop and to grow'. • This is an important characteristic of a Muslim/

Muslimah and the Islamic organization. • There must be a continuous struggle amongst

workers of Islamic organization for moral and intellectual purification and development of excellent qualities

Significance

• Truly he succeeds who purifies. (87:14)

• Truly he succeeds that purifies it and he fails who corrupts it. (91 :8-9) • This process of Tazkiyah cleanses what is wrong in the Nafs and

shows the righteous path and transforms the 'Nafs' into Nafs-e-Mutmainnah.

• '0' you righteous soul!, in satisfaction come back to your Lord, well pleased and well pleasing unto Him.

• (Surah Fajr, 89: 27-28)

Tazkiyah – Part of Prophet’s Mission

"A similar (favor have you already received) in that we have sent among you a messenger of your own, reciting to you our verses and sanctify ing you and instructing you about book and wis dom and you were before in manifest error." ( AL –BAQARA,2:151)

"It is He who has sent amongst the unlettered messenger from amongst themselves to recite to them His verses, to sanctify them and to instruct them in scripture and wisdom, although they had been before in manifest error." (JUMA, 62: 2)

Significance of Personal Tarbiyah

• Protecting self from submitting to others

• When you won’t grow your Nafs who else will do it for you

• Individual account• Capable to change• Means to get

constancy and integrity

• Stronger means than propaganda

• The correct method for true improvement

• Excellence of personal tarbiyah

3 Goals of Tarbiyah

SPECIFICATIONS

• 1-SOUND CREED• 2- CORRECT WORSHP• 3- SOLID CHARACTER AND MORALS• 4- STRONG BODY• 5-STRUGGLE ON SELF (FOR IMPROVEMENT)• 6- ORGANIZED IN ACTIONS• 7-EAGER TO BE ON TIME AND VALUE TIME• 8-CERTAIN IN HIS THINKING• 9- CAPABLE UPON EARNING AND HIS PROFESSION• 10- BENEFICIAL TO OTHERS

Holistic View of Tarbiyah in Islam

Scope of Tazkiyah

Tazkiyah

Ilm or knowledge

Spiritual, Nafs and

Qalb

Amal or Actions Relations Physical

Health

Objectives of Tazkiyah

They were commanded none else but to sub mit to Allah with sincerity and total commitment. (Bayyanah, 98:5)

There must be a group among you who should invite toward goodness, enjoin righteousness and forbid evils. (Ale-Imran, 3.104)

In one Hadith, when Prophet (SAW) was asked what is “Ihsaan”? He replied that Ihsaan or excellence in goodness is that you worship Allah as if you witness His presence. If you are not able to attain such level of consciousness, then at least you should be fully aware ( of the undeniable fact that) He is watching you (and be fully conscious of all that you do.) Bukhari:Baabul Iman.

Objectives• 1- Developing ideal Muslimah/Muslim who• i. Submit to the Will of Allah (SWT) with their heart's

desire and pleasure• ii. Obey and submit to Allah (SWT) with constant fear

and love and in conformity with Allah’s (SWT) commandments, being always conscious of His closeness.

• 2-To form an organization of such dedicated Muslimahs/Muslims for establishing AI-Islam in their lives

• 3- To engage in Dawah Ilallah in the family and the society

Causes of Misguidance• 1 Submission to 'Nafs' or one's desires

2- Blind following of forefathers-

Just in the same way, whenever we sent a warner before you to any people, the wealthy ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps." (Zukhruf,43:23)

And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, devoid of guidance from Allah. For Allah does not guide people given to wrong doings. Qasas,28:50

Causes of Misguidance• 3- Obedience of other people-

• If you were to follow the common run of that on earth, they will lead you away from Allah's way. (An’aam, 6:116)

• 4- Love of this material world-

• 0' you who believe! let not your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. If any acts thus, the loss is their own.

(Muafiqoon,63:9)

Causes of Misguidance

Aban-Bin-Osman(R) reported from Zayd Ibn Thabit (R) that we heard from Prophet (SAW) who said,” Whoso is worried much about this material world, Allah (SWT) shall make his matters (of this world) complex and shall bring his deprivation between his eyes ( in front of him). He shall get only what is destined for him. Whoso intends for Akhirah, Allah (SWT) shall make his matters organized. He shall bestow Ghina (freedom from greed) in his heart and material things shall come to him. (Ibn Majah: #986)

5- Overlooking Satan's attacks and evil designs

(Satan)said: 'Then by your power, I will put all of them in the wrong, except your servants amongst them, sincere and purified. 38:82-83

Causes of Misguidance• 6- Neglecting the Signs and Warnings of Allah-

• Those who, when they are admonished with the signs of their Lord they do not droop down as if they were deaf or blind. (25:73)

• 7- Evil- Environment:

• Abu-Huraira (R) reported that Prophet (SAW) said: “Every child is born on (Fitrah) righteous nature (of Islam). Then his parents turn him to Judaism or Christianity.”

• 4 Types of influential environments-• 1) International circle and its influences. • 2) National aptitudes, ways and traditions. • 3) Family circle and its values. • 4) Friends, and acquaintances

TECHNIQUES OF TAZKIA

• 1- Ilm or knowledge from Qur'an, Sunnah and the literature• 2- Establish 'Salah ‘ and other Ibadah• 3- Fasting• 4- Infaq fi sabilillah • 5-Zikr• 6-Dua• 7- Taubah• 8- Ideal Islamic Family • 9- Excellent relations with others with spirit of selfless service and

sacrifice • 10- Physical well-being- Taharah, diet and exercise• 11- Involvements in Dawah • 12- Involvement in Islamic organization• 13-Muhasibah or Self evaluation

1-Ilm or knowledge

1- Trust in Allah who is the source of knowledge-And upon Allah put your trust, if you are truly believers. (Al Maidah,23)2- Sincere intention-Indeed Allah is with those who have Taqwah and who are doers of good. (An Nahl,128)3- Make Dua to Allah in humility- And say O’ My Rabb! Increase me in knowledge. (Taha,114)

• 4- An upright heart-Spiritually diseased hearts do not get knowledge as Allah says about hypocrites:They have hearts with which they do not comprehend. (Al Araaf,179)• 5-Intelligence- It could be natural or acquired. In

both cases we need to work to enhance it. • 6- Strong Desire and Motivation- One must be

eager in studies, manage time to acquire ILM• 7-Patience and Perseverance- One must be

steadfast in face of hardship on the path of ILM

• 8- Proficiency- Apply highest extent of effort to achieve knowledge and its depth with ability to apply it in solving problems.

• 9- Accompanying pious qualified teacher-This helps to acquire ILM on firm and correct basis. In addition, one acquires good moral values and piety.• 10- Life long quest- Al Qadee Iyaad was once

asked,” Until when should a student seek ILM?” He replied: “ Until he dies, at which point his inkwell should be spilled upon his grave.”

Significance of knowledge• Allah will exalt in degree those amongst you who

believe and those who are granted knowledge. Allah is aware of what you do. (Mjadilah: 11)

• Imam Shafi(RA) said, “ After obligatory deeds, nothing is more beloved to Allah than studying to acquire knowledge.”

• Abu Darda (RA) said,” Studying Islam for one hour is more rewarding than praying entire night in Tahajjad.”

• Imam Zuhri (RA) said,” Nothing is better in worship of Allah than to achieve knowledge of Deen.”

Sources of Islamic Knowledge• Quran• Sunnah• Fiqh and Principles of Fiqh• Ilmul Aqa’id• Tazkiyah and Tasawwuf• Islam as a way of life a- Basic beliefs b-Ibadaat c-Morals and Manners

Quran

Study of Quran• A-Memorization of Quran; There are certain Surahs or Ayahs of the Qur'an which, it is reported, the Prophet (SAW) used to recite more often in particular Prayers or on specific occasions. We should try to memorize these and recite in our Prayers. • B-Tarteel-"And recite the Qur'an in slow measured

rhythmic tones" (Muzammil)Tarteel is the term used to define the rules that explain how to recite the Qur'an in the way and manner that the angel Jibreel (AS) recited to our beloved Messenger (SAW).

Recitation of Quran• , ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the

reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi)

• There is no envy (acceptable) except in two (cases): a person whom Allah has given the Qur’an and recites it throughout the night and throughout the day. And a person whom Allah has given wealth, that he gives out throughout the night and throghout the day.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Study of Quran• Tajweed means "Improving," or "to make

something better." Tajweed is a manner of beautifying the recitation of the Qur'an by reciting in a much slower manner than tarteel.

• http://www.abouttajweed.com/• Understanding of Quran and Quranic Arabic:• We should take advantage of excellent on line e

book and A/V material provided by www.understandquran.com

How much Quran to recite and study?• “Verily Allah raises nations by this book (the Qur’an)

and puts down (i.e. destroys) others by it.” [Muslim]• We should make a target of reading at least a

chapter a day. • If one can’t manage that then at least half a

chapter. • If one still can’t manage that then recite at least

quarter of a chapter or even a page a day. • We should try to recite each day with its meanings

and implement what we learn into our daily lives

2- Ibadah- way to be beloved of Allah

Establish Obligatory 'Salah'• A. We must make every effort to perform five times

daily prayer. No matter where we are.• This is the first thing that draws you near to Allah,

the Glorified and the Exalted, and you are in His Presence

• We must try to establish Salah with congregation, at the masjid or at home with our family members

• If one looses a single prayer one should feel as if everything is lost and offer 'Qada' without any delay.

Nawafil prayers • The Prophet (SAW) said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah

said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet said: “Anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet (SAW) said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (nafl prayers)." [Muslim]

• Tahajjad- Prophet (SAW) said, “Hold fast to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin.”

(Tirmidhi)

3-Fasting• Fasting is not restricted to Ramadan.• Fasting 6 days of Shawwal is recommended• `Aisha (RA) said: Prophet (SAW) used to fast

Mondays and Thursdays". [An-Nasai; Sahih]• Prophet (SAW) said "O Abu Dhār! if you fast three

days of every month, then fast the 13th, the 14th and the 15th [ al-ayaam al-beedh, the white days]". [Ahmad, an-Nasaa'i and at-Tirmithi)

• Fasting on the day of Arafah and Ashurah is also meritorious

4- Infaq or spending in the way of Allah• Obligatory Infaq 'that is Zakah must be paid• Optional Infaq should be practiced all the time.• Real worth is not of the quantity which you spend

but the spirit of sacrifice for the sake of Allah. (Maududi)

• “You shall not attain true goodness until you give of what you love.”(Ale Imran:92)

• “Believers shade on the Day of Judgment shall be his charity.” (Tirmidhi)

5-Zikr (remembrance of Allah) and glorification of Allah• "…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts

find rest." (13:28)

• Remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue.(29:46).

• O ye who believe, remember Allah much. And glorify Him morning and evening (33:42-43)

Zikr• The Prophet (SAW) said, "The similitude of one who

remembers his Rubb and one who does not remember Him, is like that of the living and the dead.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

• When a man complained, "The laws of Islam are heavy for me, so tell me something that I can easily follow," the Prophet told him, "Let your tongue be always busy with the remembrance of Allah." [Ahmad].

• Zikr can be done anywhere and anytime

6- Dua• "Call on Me. I will answer your prayer, but those who

are too arrogant to serve me will surely find themselves humiliated in Hell" (40:60).

• "Call upon your Lord Humbly and in secret" (Quran 7:55),

• "Is not He (best) who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and who relieves its suffering." (Quran 27:62)

• "When My servants question thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me" (Quran 2:186

Dua• Aisha(RA) said, "No believer makes Dua and it is

wasted. Either it is granted here in this world or deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he does not get frustrated.“

• "Whosoever does not supplicate to Allah, He will be angry with Him." [Saheeh Jaami`as-Sagheer #2414)

• "The supplication that gets the quickest answer is the one made by one Muslim for another in his absence." [Abu Daw'ud and Tirmidhi]

7-Taubah & Istighfar- Sincerely repenting to Allah• And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself, but

then seeks forgiveness from Allah, he will find Allah forgiving and merciful. (Nisaa 4:110)

• And seek Allahs forgiveness. Certainly, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (Muzzammil 73:20)

• Lo! Allah is a Lord of Kindness to mankind, but most of mankind give not thanks. (al-Baqarah 2:143)

Five conditions of repentance• 1- Act of repentance be sincerely for Allah alone. • 2- Person must feel remorse and guilt over his

actions so much so that he wished he had never done it in the first place.

• 3- Person must immediately cease performing the wrong and sinful act.

• 4- Repentant person must have a firm intention to never commit the sin again.

• 5- Person must repent before it is too late, meaning before death approaches

Blessings of Taubah• Taubah opens the door of hope with the Mercy,

forgiveness and salvation from the most Merciful Allah (SWT)

• Repentance is an act, which purifies the soul • It increases humility and removes arrogance• It brings the servant closer to Allah.• It puts the heart at rest from guilt. • It protects one from falling prey to his/her desires

lusts• It increases the faith in Allah (SWT) as our most

Kind, Merciful and Forgiving Lord.

8- Building Ideal Muslim Family

O ye who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe who flinch not (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah but do (precisely) what they are commanded. (Tahreem,66:6)

Muslim Family• Work of Dawah and Aqamah of Deen begins at

home• One must try to establish congregational prayers

with the family members • One must conduct collective study of Qur’an with

the family members at least three times a week. • One must pay all due rights to the spouse and

children and treat them with love, respect and understanding.

9- Excellent morals and friendship with righteous• Many think that “a perfect Muslim” is simply one

who observes Salah , the fasting, the Zakah and the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)

• One can never get close to Allah by being arrogant, full of pride and having a bad character and manners.

• Prophet (SAW) said, “Nothing is heavier in the scales of a believer on the Day of Judgment than his good behavior. Allah detests a person who is obscene and shameless”. (Tirmidhi)

Humbleness• The Prophet (SAW) said: “And no one humbles himself

before Allah but Allah will raise him (in status).” Nawawi.• . As the Prophet(SAW) said "Al-Kibr is rejecting the truth

and looking down upon people" [Muslim)• Humbleness is that one should humble himself with his

companions.• Humbleness is to humble oneself to one who is below

you. • Humbleness is that your deeds should not become too

great.• The arrogant never gives credit to anybody or mentions

good about others.

Some aspects of Islamic Akhlaq• Sincerity• Honesty• Truthfulness• Moderation• Refined and gentle in speech, don’t curse and use

foul language• Considerate , compassionate and loving, don’t be

harsh• Polite and respectful to people, don’t be insulting or

disrespectful• Generous and charitable, don’t be selfish and miserly

Some aspects of Islamic morals & manners

• Good natured and forgiving, don’t be bitter and resentful.

• Share and be content with what Allah has given you, don’t be greedy

• Cheerful and pleasant, don’t be irritable and morose• Chaste and pure, don’t be lustful• Dignified and decent, don’t be graceless• Optimistic and hopeful, don’t be cynical or pessimistic• Confident and have deep faith, don’t be doubtful and

wavering• Spiritually oriented and not materialistic

10-Physical well-being- • A true believer recognizes the wonder of the human

body and is grateful to the Creator.• Islam’s holistic approach to health covers all aspects

of the mind, body and soul.• A truly health conscious person blends diet,

nutrition and exercise with the remembrance of God and an intention to fulfill all their religious obligations

Healthy body is a trust from Allah• Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “ A strong

believer was better than a weak believer”.• The Prophet (peace be on him) once wrestled with

a man called Rukanah who was well-known for his strength, throwing him down more than once. (Reported by Abu Daoud.)

• Islam lays emphasis on cleanliness (Taharah), a simple diet combined with physical exercise.

Islamic rituals require & aid good health

• The daily performance of five prayers is in itself a form of exercise.

• Good health is necessary if one intends to fast the month of Ramadan.

• Performance of the Hajj (or pilgrimage to Mecca) is an arduous task that requires many days of hard physical effort

11-Islamic Dawah

And thus We have made you a community of the middle way, so that you may be witnesses [to the Truth] before all mankind, and the Messenger may be witness [to it] before you (al-Baqarah 2: 143)

O believers, be ever steadfast in standing up, for the sake of God, bearing witness to justice (al-Ma'idah 5: 8)

What does this duty of witness imply?• You have been given Divine guidance, • You have been shown the Truth. • You must, therefore, establish by your testimony

and witness its authenticity and truthfulness before all mankind

• Messengers were sent to the world; this was their primary duty.

• After them, their followers were entrusted with the same duty

How Should We Witness to the Truth?A- Through Words• Through our speech and writing, we should

proclaim and explain Islam to the world• Islam’s complete guidance in all aspects of life

including thought, belief, in morality, in culture and civilization is to be conveyed.

• We must establish its truth and soundness, by rational discourse and convincing evidence

• We must commit all our hearts and minds, all of our resources, to this cause

Types of Word Witness• Warning (indhar)• • Bringing glad tidings (tabshir)• • Inviting and calling (da'wah)• • Communicating (tabligh)• • Teaching and instructing (ta'lim)• • Conveying and propagating (tilawah).

B-Action-witness• Let our lives speak the truth• Let the world taste in our conduct, individual and

collective, that sweetness which only the faith in One God can impart to character and morality

• Our actions must show how every aspect of life is set right, developed and enriched

• Principles and teachings which Islam proclaims to be true are indeed true, and that they do improve the quality of human life and raise it to better and higher levels.

Types of Action- Witness• Establishing Islam in our lives (Iqamatu 'd-din) • Making God's guidance and way of life proclaim

over all others (Izhar) • Establishing justice (Qist)• Enjoining right and forbidding wrong (Amar Bil

Maroof and Nahi Anil Munkar)• Jihad or struggle

12-Be part of Islamic Jama’ah

Prophet Mohammad (SAW) emphasized upon collective work• “Hold fast to al-Jama’ah and stay away from

division.” (Ttirmizi)• • “I order you of five things: to be with al jama’ah, to

listen to the leaders, to obey the leader’s orders, hijrah, and jihad.” (Tirmizi)

• “Whosoever obeyed the leader, he obeyed me (i.e., the Prophet) and whosoever disobeyed the leader, he disobeyed me.” (Muslim)

Reasons for Great Emphasis on Islamic Jama’ah

• “Stay with al-Jama’ah, because the wolf devours the goat that runs away (from the herd).” (Abu Dawood)

• “Satan is man’s wolf, just like there is goat’s wolf who hunts the goats that stay aloof, or run away or are separated (from the herd).” (Mishkat)

• “Stay with al-Jama’ah and stay away from divisions. This is because Satan is with one individual, but stays away from two.” (Tirmizi)

Basic Organizational features

13-Accountability (Muhasibah).

O ye who believe! Fear Allah and let every soul look to what (provision) he has sent forth for tomorrow. Fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. Hashar 59:18

Types of Nafs

Nor do I absolve my own self (of blame): the (human soul) is certainly prone to evil unless my Lord do bestow His Mercy: but surely certainly my Lord is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful. Yusuf, 12:53

And I do call to witness the self-reproaching spirit. 75:2

"O (thou) soul in (complete) rest and satisfaction! 89:27

4 States of Nafs

1-Bahimi nafs, the cattle-like nafs. Like cows and chickens, this nafs finds ultimate happiness in consuming food, drink, sleep, and sex.

2-Subu’ee nafs, the predatory nafs. In addition to the basal desires of food, sleep, and sex, this hyena-like nafs finds pleasure in coveting the goods of others.

3-Shaytaani nafs, the devilish nafs. This type seeks to mischievously plot and scheme in creating evil and causing harm to others.

4-Malaaiki nafs, the angelic nafs. This nafs finds its greatest pleasure in nearness to its Creator.

1-Mushâratah:

• To make an agreement or contract. (‘shart’ = stipulation)• In this step one must identify and set: standards, conditions, limits, terms and guidelines for one’s own thoughts, feelings and

actions one is trying to achieve.

2-Murâqabah• Murâqabah: to guard. (‘raqab’ = guard) • In this step one must meditate before one’s

actions. • This involves that one must think, contemplate, be

introspective and keep watch over one’s own self. • We function as our own observer

3-Muhâsabah• To evaluate self, taking account. (‘hisab’ = account)• This step involves self-examination • One takes account of one’s own actions • One continuously checks if one is upholding the

agreement

4-Muâqabah• To punish, to control. (‘aqabah’ = punish) • For the contract to work we set consequences for

ourselves when we have done something wrong • When we fail to keep the stipulations we agreed to

uphold, we must pay the penalty

5-Mujâhadah• To make effort, striving. (‘jahd’ = effort) • In this step one is fighting against one’s own lower

self and inclinations. • This is the stage of continuous and consistent

struggle to overcome one’s nafs.

6-Muâtabah• To rebuke. (‘atab’ = repent)• In this step, if one has failed to maintain the

contract, we make the effort to turn around, • Regretting and changing one’s ways on recognizing

the error

Practical Steps for Muhasabah Nafs• We must take a few minutes in the morning • Make a contract with ourselves about how we will

conduct this business of life, • Consciously try to maintain it, and • Spend some time at night evaluating how we did

during the day; • We will then live with more awareness • We be able to improve the quality of our life.

Long Term Muhasabah Nafs• If a Believer fails to observe this brief period of soul-

searching daily, then he should at least try to do so once every few days, or once a week.

• In this way, he draws up his life balance sheet, depicting to him his (spiritual) assets and liabilities.

• A Believer should also have a longer period of this practice at the end of each month

• It should be done at an even longer period at the end of the year, when he bids farewell to one year and prepares for and welcomes another

DUA• زكاها من خير انت وزكها تقواها نفسي ات اللهم

وموالها وليها انت

Allahumma aati nafsi taqwaahaa wa-zakkihaa, anta khayru man zakkaahaa, anta waliyyuhaa wa-mawlaahaa

Allah grant me a nafs which has taqwa and purify it, you are the best of those who purify it, you are its wali and mawla...

نفسي ا شر وآعذنيمن رشدي آلهمني للهمAllahumma alhimni rushdi wa-a'idhni min sharri nafsi

Allah guide me straight and save me from my nafs