IMPORTANT OF EDUCATION IN ISLAM

The Prophet MOHAMMED (pbuh) said: "Attainment of knowledge is a must for every Muslim.The Prophet MOHAMMED (pbuh) said: "Seek knowledge from the Cradle to the Grave
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Woman travelling to seek
knowledge without a mahram

What is the Islamic ruling on a woman travelling to seek knowledge without a mahram?.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

The saheeh evidence indicates that a woman is not allowed to travel except with a mahram. This is part of the perfection and greatness of Islam, which protects honour, and honours and takes care of women, and strives to protect them and guard them against the causes of temptation and deviation, whether she is the one who is tempted or is the source of temptation.

The evidence includes the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1729) and Muslim (2391) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “No woman should travel except with a mahram, and no man should enter upon her unless there is a mahram with her.” A man said: “O Messenger of Allaah, I want to go out with such and such an army and my wife wants to go for Hajj.” He said: “Go out with her.”

Based on that, it is not permissible for a woman to travel to seek knowledge without a mahram. She should acquire the knowledge that she needs in the many ways that are available, such as listening to tapes, asking scholars over the phone and other means that Allaah has made available in these times.

=====
 It is known from the teachings of Islam that seeking knowledge and seeking to understand the religion is one of the best acts of worship and obedience to Allah. The same is true for studying Quran and trying to recite and memorize it as much as one can. All of these are among the best acts of worship.

Allah says in the Noble Quran:

"Say (O Muhammad): 'This is my way; I invite unto Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allah -- Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allah, i.e. to the Oneness of Allah -- Islamic Monotheism with sure knowledge). And Glorified and Exalted be Allah (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah; those who worship others along with Allah or set up rivals or partners to Allah)'" [Yusuf 12:108]

And the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"When Allah wills good for a person, He grants him proper understanding of religion."

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The believer will never have enough of listening to good things (seeking knowledge) until he reaches Paradise." Narrated by al-Tirmidhi

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:

"Whoever follows a path to seek knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise. The angels beat their wings in approval of the seeker of knowledge, and those who are in the heavens and on earth pray for forgiveness for the scholar, even the fish in the water. The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the moon over all other heavenly bodies. The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets, for the Prophets did not leave behind dinars or dirhams, rather they left behind knowledge, so whoever gains knowledge has gained great good fortune.'" Narrated by al-Tirmidhi

Allah has given us many ways nowadays that make it easy to seek knowledge without any hardship and without having to go of the house; that is by means of cassette tapes, the computer and the internet.

Women - and also men - must follow the right way of acquiring knowledge, starting with what is easy before embarking on difficult matters. It is also essential to use a balanced approach and not to take on more than you can handle so that you will not give up.


TIPS FOR SEEKING KNOWLEDGE:

We advise our sisters to do the following:

1. Be Sincere:
Remember, seeking knowledge is an act of worship and Allah will not accept any act of worship unless it's done sincerely for His sake. Fame, status, wealth, arguing with people or debating with scholars, are all things that will corrupt the sincerity of the heart. Seek knowledge for the pleasure of Allah alone, to obey His commands, and to remove ignorance from yourself and others.

2. Memorize Quran:
Do your best to memorize a portion of the Quran on a daily base. Stick to a daily schedule and memorize a few verses. It may be a good idea to commit to a small daily portion, and do not increase it even if you find that you have more time and energy on some occasions, for a small deed that is done regularly is better than a large deed done intermittently.

3. Overall Knowledge:
Read summaries of all branches of knowledge, and leave the detailed works for later. Every branch of knowledge has books which give a gradual approach, starting with brief discussions and ending with lengthy and detailed analysis.
Read a little about Tawheed, Hadith, Fiqh and all other branches of knowledge.

4. Understand & Memorize What You Read:
Do your best to memorize these texts if you can, because memorizing evidence, whether from the Quran or Sunnah will help you in following the correct path to knowledge. The scholars said, "Whoever memorizes the texts has excelled."

5. Commentaries and Notes:
Try to acquire books with commentaries by trustworthy scholars. And never hesitate to fill the margin of your book with notes that will help you remember things later.

6. Study with a Trusted Sheikh, or Other Sisters:
Seek someone with a religious commitment and knowledge. If that is not possible, then look for sisters who are seekers of knowledge and ahead of you on the path.

7. Stay Away From Confusion & Doubt:
Do not start with controversial books before you have mastered the basics of evidence from the Quran and the correct Sunnah.

8. Seek Knowledge that Relates to You:
You should seek out knowledge specifically relating to women in Islam, about being a daughter, wife and mother, your role in society and within you neighborhood and community.

9. Make the Best Use of Time:
Make the most of your youth and your whole life by learning. Do not be deceived by procrastination and wishful thinking about the future. Every hour of your life that passes cannot be replaced. Do away with whatever you can of distractions and obstacles which prevent you from striving your utmost to attain knowledge.

10. Be Creative in Finding Time:
Having kids or household chores does not have to be a barrier, rather it can be an excuse to learn more! Play a lecture or an audio book while ironing, pairing the socks, dusting the room, or washing the dishes. Praise be to Allah, now you are seeking knowledge and getting your chores done too. And it makes the chores go quicker!!

11. Vary Your Means of Acquiring Knowledge:
Use a variety of methods of seeking knowledge so that you will not get bored, such as reading, listening and watching.

12. Be Patient - Do Not Be Hasty:
The path is long and hard, and whoever strives hard at the beginning will reach their target.

13. Act Upon What You Learn:
Knowledge calls for action, but if it meets with no response, it will move on.

14. Be Humble Towards Allah:
Beware of two dangers: arrogance, and destructive envy (hasad).
The early companions would listen to those who were older than them in order to learn good manners, and they would listen to those who were younger than them in order to learn humility.

One of the salaf said, "No shy or arrogant person will ever seek knowledge." So shyness should not stop you from asking questions about Islam. And arrogance is harmful in this world and in the Hereafter; one of its harmful effects in this world is that it keeps a person from asking and learning.

15. Ask Allah to help:
You should seek the help of Allah in your pursuit of knowledge and Dawah. Putting one's trust in Allah, pursuing the appropriate means, and praying to Him to make things easy are all among the greatest and most beneficial means of reaching one's goal.

And Allah Knows Best 

BIOGRAPHY OF PROPHET MOHAMMED (PBUH)

The Biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

1. When was the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) born?
 He was born on Monday, 12th Rabi Al Awwal, April 22nd, 571 AC.

2. Where was the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) born?
 In Makkah

3. What is the name of the Prophet's father?
 Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib.

4. What is the name of the Prophet's mother?
 Aminah Bint Wahhab Ibn Abd Manaf Ibn Zahrah.

5. When and where did his (prophet's) father die?
 He died in Madina before Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was born.

6. What is the name of the Prophet's grandfather?
 Abdul Muttalib.

7. What was his granfather's position?
 He was the chief of his clan Bani Hashim.

8. What is the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) lineage up to his fifth ancestor?
 He is Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib Ibn Hashim Ibn Abd Manaf Ibn Qusai Ibn Kilab.

9. Who suckled the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
 First Thuyeba, the freed slave girl of his uncle Abdul Uzza known as Abu Lahab, then Haleema Bint Abu Dhuaib, best known as Haleema Al Sadiyah.

10. Who named the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
 Abdul Muttalib.

11. What did Muhammad's (p.b.u.h.) mother name him?
 Ahmad.

12. Why did she (the Prophet's mother) choose this name?
 Because she saw an angel in a dream calling the new-born baby Ahmad.

13. How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) when his mother died?
 Six years old.

14. Where did his mother take him?
 She took him to Yathrib (Madinah) to visit her relatives.

15. Where did his mother die?
 On her way back to Makkah, she died at Abwa and was buried there.

16. Who brought Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) back to Makkah?
 His father’s slave girl, Umm Aiman (May Allah be pleased with her).

17. Who took the charge of his care?
 His grandfather Abdul Muttalib.

18. How long did The Prophet's grandfather take care of the Prophet Muhammad?
 For two years.

19. How was his (Abdul Muttalib's) behavior with Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
 He loved him very much and preferred him to his own sons.

20. What did Abdul Muttalib foretell about his grandson?
 That he would hold a prestigious position.

21. Who took care of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) after the death of Abdul Muttalib?
 His uncle Abu Talib.

22. How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died?
 About eight years old.

23. When did Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) travel to Syria and with whom?
 He went to Syria with his uncle Abu Talib when he was twelve years old.

24. Who was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her)?
 She was a wealthy merchant of Makkah.

25. Why did she (Khadijah) want to marry Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
 Because of his truthfulness and good conduct.

26. When did she (Khadijah) marry Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
 When she was 40 years old.

27. How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) at the time of the marriage?
 He was 25.

28. What did he (the Prophet) give her (Khadijah) as Mahr (dowry)?
 Twenty camels.

29. Was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) a widow?
 Yes. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was her third husband.

30. How was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) known in the society?
 He was known as Al Ameen (trustworthy) and Al Sadiq (truthful).

31. Did he get any sort of education?
 No, he didnt get any formal education from the society, rather he was taught by Almighty Allah.

32. What should one say when the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) name is mentioned?
 One should say صلى الله عليه وسلم (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

33. How many times is the name of Muhammad mentioned in the Holy Quran?
 Four times.

34. What are the names of the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) uncles?
 They are: Harith, Zubair, Abu Talib, Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him), Abu Lahab, Ghidaq, Maqwam, Safar and Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him).

35. In the New Testament by what name was the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) mentioned?
 By the name of Paraclete.

36. What is Kabah?
 It is the oldest house of worship on the earth.

37. Who built it?
 The Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael (May Allah be pleased with them).

38. How did Quraish arrange rebuilding of Kabah?
 They divided the work among various tribes. Each tribe was responsible for rebuilding a part of it.

39. Who laid the stones?
 A Byzantine mason called Baqum.

40. Where did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) go into seclusion?
 To the Cave of Hira.

21. Who took care of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) after the death of Abdul Muttalib?
 His uncle Abu Talib.

22. How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died?
 About eight years old.

23. When did Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) travel to Syria and with whom?
 He went to Syria with his uncle Abu Talib when he was twelve years old.

24. Who was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her)?
 She was a wealthy merchant of Makkah.

25. Why did she (Khadijah) want to marry Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
 Because of his truthfulness and good conduct.

26. When did she (Khadijah) marry Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
 When she was 40 years old.

27. How old was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) at the time of the marriage?
 He was 25.

28. What did he (the Prophet) give her (Khadijah) as Mahr (dowry)?
 Twenty camels.

29. Was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) a widow?
 Yes. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was her third husband.

30. How was Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) known in the society?
 He was known as Al Ameen (trustworthy) and Al Sadiq (truthful).

31. Did he get any sort of education?
 No, he didnt get any formal education from the society, rather he was taught by Almighty Allah.

32. What should one say when the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) name is mentioned?
 One should say صلى الله عليه وسلم (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

33. How many times is the name of Muhammad mentioned in the Holy Quran?
 Four times.

34. What are the names of the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) uncles?
 They are: Harith, Zubair, Abu Talib, Hamzah (May Allah be pleased with him), Abu Lahab, Ghidaq, Maqwam, Safar and Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him).

35. In the New Testament by what name was the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) mentioned?
 By the name of Paraclete.

36. What is Kabah?
 It is the oldest house of worship on the earth.

37. Who built it?
 The Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael (May Allah be pleased with them).

38. How did Quraish arrange rebuilding of Kabah?
 They divided the work among various tribes. Each tribe was responsible for rebuilding a part of it.

39. Who laid the stones?
 A Byzantine mason called Baqum.

40. Where did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) go into seclusion?
 To the Cave of Hira.

41. What was the fist stage of the revelation?
 True dreams.

42. When did the first revelation come down to him?
 On Monday, 21st of Ramadan, at night (August 10th, 610 AC). He was forty years then.

43. Who brought it?
 Jibrael.

44. Who were the first to embrace Islam?
 Four persons: Khadijah his wife, Zaid Ibn Haritha his freed slave, Ali Ibn Abi Talib his cousin and Abu Bakr his friend (May Allah be pleased with them).

45. Who accepted Islam at the instance of Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him)?
 Uthman Ibn Affan, Zubair Ibn Awwam, Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf, Sad Ibn Abi Waqqaas, Talha Ibn Ubaidullah and Saeed Ibn Zaid (Umar’s son-in-law) (May Allah be pleased with them).

46. Who were the ladies to accept Islam at first?
 Abbas’s wife Ummaul Fadl, Abu Bakr’s wife Asma Bint Umais, his daughter Asma Bint Abi Bakr and Fatimah Bint Al Khattab Umar’s sister (May Allah be pleased with them).

47. How was the Dawah done in the beginning?
 It was done in secret.

48. How many people embraced Islam in the early stage?
 About forty.

49. How many years did the call in secret continue?
 For three years.

50. During this period, where would the Muslims gather secretly?
 They would gather secretly in the house of a Muslim called Arqam to learn about Islam and the revelations sent down to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.).

51. When did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) start to preach Islam openly?
 After three years when he received the revelation to that effect.

52. What was the impact of his public preaching?
 The people accepted Islam increasingly.

53. What was the main miracle of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.)?
 The Holy Quran.

54. Did the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) perform other miracles?
 Yes, the splitting of the moon was one of them.

55. Who was Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib?
 One of the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h.) uncles.

56. Name some of the disbelievers of Makkah who supported the Prophet (p.b.u.h.), but did not embrace Islam until the end.
 Abu Talib, Mutim Ibn Adi and Abul Bukhtari.

57. How long did Abu Talib protect the Prophet (p.b.u.h)?
 For 42 years – from the Prophet’s childhood until he himself died.

58. Who was Mutim Ibn Adi?
 A chief of Makkah.

59. When did he (Mutim Ibn Adi) give protection to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.)?
 When the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) returned from Taif and wanted to enter Makkah.

60. When did he (Mutim Ibn Adi) die?
 He was killed in the Battle of Badr.

61. Who was Abul Bukhtari?
 He was a poet.

62. How did he (Abul Bukhtari) support the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)?
 He spoke out against the social boycott.

63. What lead the Muslims to emigrate to Abyssinia?
 Their growing persecution at the hands of Quraish.

64. Which Surah lead to this emigration?
 Surah Az Zumar.

65. When was Abul Bukhtari killed?
 In the battle of Badr.

66. Who was then the King of Abyssinia?
 The King of Abyssinia, known as Najjashi (the Negus), during the time of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was As'hama.

67. When did the first group of Muslims leave for Abyssinia?
 In Rajab, in the fifth year of Prophethood.

68. How many persons were there in the group?
 12 men and 4 women.

69. How were the emigrants received in Abyssinia?
 They were received warmly and hospitably.

70. When did the second group of emigrants leave for Abyssinia?
 In the fifth year of Prophethood.

71. How many people formed the group?
 83 men and 18 women.

72. Name a prominent companion included in this group.
 Ja'far Ibn Abi Talib (May Allah be pleased with him).

73. What did Quraish do?
 They despatched two envoys to Abyssinia to demand the extradition of the emigrants.

74. How did the King respond?
 He refused to extradite the Muslims and assured them of his full protection.

75. When did Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) accept Islam?
 At the age of 27.

76. Who was Bilal Ibn Rabah (May Allah be pleased with him)?
 He was a slave of Umayyah Ibn Khalaf.

77. What was his (Bilal Ibn Rabah's) origin?
 He was of Abyssinian decent.

78. What was the name of Bilal's mother?
 Hamama.

79. Who was Yaser (May Allah be pleased with him)?
 He was a slave of Abu Jahl.

80. Who was Sumayyah (May Allah be pleased with her)?
 She was Yaser's (a slave of Abu Jahl) wife.

81. Who was Ammar (May Allah be pleased with him)?
 He was Yaser and Sumayyah's only son.

82. How did Summaya (May Allah be pleased) die?
 Abu Jahl murderded her with a bayonet.

83. Who was Zaid Ibn Haritha (May Allah be pleased with him)?
 He was a slave.

84. Who purchased him (Zaid Ibn Haritha)?
 Khadijah's nephew Hakim Ibn Hizam purchased him and presented him to her.

85. What did Khadijah do with Zaid Bin Haritha?
 She presented him to the Prophet who set him free.

86. Did Zaid Bin Haritha want to go to his parents?
 No, he preferred to live with the Prophet (p.b.u.h.).

87. To whom was Zaid Bin Haritha married?
 To Umma Aiman (May Allah be pleased with her).

88. Who was Ja'far?
 He was the elder brother of Ali Ibn Talib (May Allah be pleased with him).

89. Where did he (Ja'far) emigrate?
 To Abyssinia.

90. Who was Ali (May Allah be pleased with him)?
 He was the son of Abu Talib and cousin of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.).

91. When did Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) accept Islam?
 When he was 10.

92. What was he (Ali) called for his bravery?
 The "Lion of Allah".

93. Whom did Ali first marry?
 He first married the Prophet's (p.b.u.h.) daughter Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her).

94. How many sons did Ali have from her?
 Two sons: Hasan and Husain (May Allah be pleased with them).

95. When did Sa'd bn Abi Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) become a Muslim?
 When he was 19.

96. Where did Sa'd (May Allah be pleased with him) die?
 He died in Al Madinah.

97. What was Sa'd's advice to Muslims?
 To stand united.

98. Who was Abu Bakr's father (May Allah be pleased with him) and did he accept Islam?
 He was Uthman (May Allah be pleased with him) (Abu Quhafah). Yes, he accepted Islam during the Conquest of Makkah.