AlMaghrib Blog

IlmFest 2010 - New Jersey and Toronto Celebrate IlmFest Knowledge

2010-03-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

COMING SOON...

www.ilmfest.com

AlMaghrib's fundraising takes off...

2010-02-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

This past Tuesday, AlMaghrib Institute had an online fundraiser.
www.almaghrib.org/donate

If you are not familiar with AlMaghrib, the following is something all Muslims should be proud of:

1. AlMaghrib has a student body of 27 thousand students!
2. AlMaghrib teaches live on-site classes in 30 cities!
3. AlMaghrib conducts seminars in 3 countries: Canada, USA, and the UK (and Scotland for those who think Scotland is its own country) :)
4. AlMaghrib has a roster of the highest calibre of English speaking Islamic teachers. 17 in total.
5. Every major English mainstream conference in the world is attended by AlMaghrib instructors. Dr.Zakir Naik's conference is one of them.
6. AlMaghrib instructors are featured on Islamic satellite stations covering the globe: Peace TV, Islam Channel, AlHuda TV.
7. AlMaghrib is the biggest student network in the Western world, coast to coast.
8. The quality of Islamic education has tangibly been shaped by the standards AlMaghrib has set, and continues to set.
9. The two-weekend Islamic seminar was AlMaghrib's gift to the da'wah.
10. If you haven't taken a seminar yet, chances are you know someone who has. It has reached that far!

So now: How would you like to be a pioneer with AlMaghrib, and DIP your hands in to the good deeds that is AlMaghrib?
www.almaghrib.org/donate

Here's what AlMaghrib has in mind for the short term, and upcoming years:

5. A public web TV station, so that you can watch and benefit from AlMaghrib 24/7.
4. A legal fund to create a public relations backbone to defend the good name of AlMaghrib.
3. More staff to continue the Islamic standard of quality and excellence.
2. A fund to offset the seminar costs, maintaining an affordable tuition for students of knowledge.
1. A physical building purchase, to create a higher learning Islamic seminary!

From my own pocket, I donated 20 thousand dollars to the cause. The reason I tell you this is so that you can understand that I am starting with myself. I know the potential for massive reward from Allah in this project, and I wish the same for you.
www.almaghrib.org/donate

With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level!
- Muhammad Alshareef

PS: Remember right now you have a choice, to donate or possibly give something. Whatever you choose, a day will come, in sha Allah, when you will be so happy you made this choice.
Click here and just do it>> www.almaghrib.org/donate

Grand 2010 Liwaa' Announcement & Fundraiser

2010-02-15T10:02:00.000-08:00

Who: Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, Shaykh Waleed Basyouni & Shaykh Yaser Birjas

What: Liwaa Cup Presentation & Fundraiser

When: Tuesday, February 16th, 2010. 7 PM EST

Where: ONLINE - www.liwaacup.com

People often ask about AlMaghrib's Qabeelah system: what is it, why is it in place or how do I join?

Your local student tribes are in the forefront, comprising of volunteers giving their time up to make ilm more accessible to you. Within just a few years, Qabeelahs produced outstanding leaders and raised community involvement to a higher standard.

Every year, we award the top performing Qabeelah the Liwaa Cup. It found its way from the US to Canada and now resides in the UK. This year, we’re holding a special event in honoring our top performers and all our Qabeelahs in every aspect of their work.

Join Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, Shaykh Waleed Basyouni and Shaykh Yaser Birjas as they announces the proud new owners of the Liwaa Cup in a special edition Ilminar.

Join the Celebration!!!

www.liwaacup.com

A Picture is Worth 1000 Words: Still-Picture Contest

2010-02-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

Everyone loves looking at pictures and everyone loves a contest. So why not have an AlMaghrib still-picture contest?

With over a hundred seminar, thousands of students, and amazing promotional events happening all year round, just imagine the number of picture-perfect moments that have been captured on camera and may still be sitting on someone's memory card.

We're looking to bring out the best pictures - anything related to AlMaghrib - from instructors, seminars to volunteers and promotional events. If it's AlMaghrib-related, it fits!

Contest Rules:

1. Anyone and everyone can participate.

2. Pictures do not have to be taken by the participants themselves: search online, forums, facebook etc so long as someone hasn't already entered the same picture in the contest.

3. Each participant can submit up to 3 pictures.

4. Post your pictures in this thread with a unique caption.

Voting

Voting will begin February 22.

Prize

First Prize - one free seminar for the participant and one family member or a friend.

Second Prize - one free seminar for the participant.
__________________

IlmRush back by popular demand

2010-01-27T07:57:00.001-08:00

We launched IlmRush in the beginning of the month for a period of 7 days, but didn't anticipate the high volume of phone calls and emails requesting IlmRush even after we closed.

In order to meet the high demand, we've decided to re-launch the IlmRush card and close for the last time February 2.

Alhamdulilah, students now have another chance to own the IlmRush card here: www.almaghrib.org/ilmrush

IlmRush Card Launched

2010-01-07T20:41:00.000-08:00

We’ve asked you for feedback on the IlmRush card and whether we should launch it again. We thank you for your feedback and alhamdulilah we received an overwhelming answer. InshaAllah we have decided to launch IlmRush 2010.

IlmRush 2010 will be available for purchase online only from January 4 to January 10, after which IlmRush will not be made available for the rest of the year.

What: IlmRush Card 2010 – annual card granting you unlimited AlMaghrib seminars for the year anywhere in the world along with other discounts and perks.
US and Canada: $537 US/CND
UK: £308
When: Available January 4 to January 10
Where: htttp://www.almaghrib.org/ilmrush
Why: You gave us at least 100 reasons here:

http://forums.almaghrib.org/showthread.php?t=38564

Qabeelat Majd Sponsors 96 Orphans

2009-12-29T13:14:00.000-08:00

In Toronto's recent seminar, Divine Link, local student body Qabeelat Majd teamed up with Islamic Relief Canada to raise the standard for Qabeelah social services.

Contributions from 500 AlMaghrib students combined to raise $70,854 to sponsor a total of 96 orphans.

AlMaghrib Institute encourages its Qabeelahs to raise the standard of social services in its communities as a way to give back through its Social and Community Service initiative: ChariTree.

An example of some community service efforts conducted throughout the 2009 year was community clean up: local student bodies were encouraged to assist in cleaning a masjid, a local park, body of water or road.

To find out more or to suggest additional community service projects, please visit ChariTree's forum section here:

http://forums.almaghrib.org/forumdisplay.php?f=306

Violence in the Name of God

2009-12-29T13:12:00.000-08:00

In a world where media dictates accepted behaviors and defines our use of terminology, there has never been a greater need to clear the fog on one of the most talked about phenomena of the century: Terrorism.

Waleed Basyouni, Vice President for AlMaghrib Institute, talks extensively in a thought-provoking lecture entitled: Violence in the Name of God. He touches on the dangers of extremism and sets a clear foundation on the parameters of taking arms from a Sunni Islamic perspective. This is a greatly needed lecture to set the tone for today's population, educating and empowering both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

http://ilmcast.com/violence-in-the-name-of-god-21.htm

Have you planted your Seeds of Scholarship?

2009-12-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

Picture for a moment:

study circles with scholars of ilm amidst the hubbub of students and beneath the wings of Angels.
scribing pens and turning pages, the sound of intensive knowledge being digested.
seeds implanted into a garden moist, absorbent and thirsty for the eminent growth of future scholarship.

Find yourself indulged in the 5-day intensive program between the weekends of the Sacred Scrolls: 40 Hadeeth Nawawi

IlmWeek: Seeds of Scholarship

coming to London

Dec 28-Jan 1, 2010

www.almaghrib.org/ilmweek

AlMaghrib Institute introduces for the first time in the UK, IlmWeek: Seeds of Scholarship, aimed at lifting you to a higher level of intensive learning. Spend five full consecutive days with highly-esteemed Shuyookh teaching Islamic Sciences at an even more advanced level.

Begin harvesting your seeds of scholarship now

NEW Seminar Cooking in the Kitchen

2009-12-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

Ayaat in the Qur'aan are generally of three categories: 1. Tawheed 2. Ahkaam and 3. Stories from the Past.

Alhamdulilah AlMaghrib Institute offers some seminars that entirely focus on Aqeedah and Fiqh, yet up until now, not of the third category. The Qur'aan in its most eloquent way teaches us of stories from those who came before us: prophets, wise men, tyrants, nations that have risen and fallen, astounding history - all to guide us on the path to success as individuals and communities.

AlMaghrib Institute introduces to you its newest seminar cooking in the kitchen:

Engraved: Stories of the Qur'aan taught by none other than our dear Shaykh Abdulbary Yahya. He is the instructor who brought you Seerah: The Shepherd's Path and The Purification Act: Fiqh of Tahara.

Currently, Engraved is undergoing a Sizzler to unravel its most befitting poster. For more information on the Sizzler, visit:

http://forums.almaghrib.org/showthread.php?t=38243

Wishing you a Eid Mubarak

2009-11-26T09:41:00.001-08:00

The staff and instructors of AlMaghrib Institute would like to wish you and your families a very blessed and happy Eid. For all those who are in Hajj, we pray Allah (swt) grants you a Hajj Mabroor.

Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef has designed a quick Eid 101 presentation sharing with you what to do and what not to do on the days of Eid. http://www.outstandingmuslim.com/Eid101/engage.html

Wassalamu alaikum
Staff and Instructors, AlMaghrib Institute
www.almaghrib.org

Ideas for Deeds to do in the First 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah

2009-11-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

Dr. Ali Shehata, one of our latest instructors, posts on the AlMaghrib Forums sharing some ideas for actions to do in these blessed 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.

Read his post below and join him in brainstorming some more creative ways to take advantage of these days.

"As you all know, we are already well into the first 10 days of Thul Hijjah, days which the prophet (saas) said are the best days of the year - comparable in their excellence to the last 10 NIGHTS of Ramadan. Yet, whereas many take advantage of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, these 10 days are often neglected in our times as people lose them due to work obligations and school studies, etc.

With that in mind, I was thinking of easy actions that a person could do - even if they have to work or attend class - so that they don't miss out on the benefit of these excellent days. Masah'Allah many of you out there have some wonderful ideas and gems from classes you have attended that you can contribute to this thread so that those who read it can benefit and insha'Allah come away from these momentous days with a great reward bi ithnillah. ...

Read the rest here...

Dr. Abdullah Quick & Sh Riad Ouarzazi Present...

2009-11-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Shaykh Riad Ouarzazi toured the US these past two months spreading A Heart Serene from the East to the West Coast. His next hit will be in Chicago this January, inshaAllah. Stirring up so much energy, hype and attention, Sh Riad is ready to present his next hit seminar:

Valley of Seekers: 99 Names of Allah

Sh Riad says about this seminar:

Many of you have requested a Heart Serene Part 2. I'm thinking of something quite unique and that would somehow resemble the Heart Serene. Living with the Names of Allah! It shall be a proactive course insha'allah as we will learn and live with the most beautiful names of Allah. My aim is to cover all the names in a theme format and to have everyone memorize all the names by the end of the two weekends insha'allah.

There's a sizzler happening right now for this new seminar's poster. Vote for the new poster here

Dr. Abdullah Hakim Quick joined the instructor team this past Ramadan and is already engaging us in intriguing discussions about our history. Strap up for a breathtaking ride in 2010 with Dr. Abdullah's newly released seminar:

Western Sunrise: Islamic History of Africa, Andalus and America

Start the discussion with Dr. Abdullah on the forums and begin extracting gems even before the new year begins.

Online Hajj Workshop - Journey of Hearts Ilminar

2009-11-05T09:28:00.001-08:00

What: "Journey of Hearts"; 2 hour How-to-Perform Hajj workshopWho: You are invited to attend this online workshop, conducted by Muhammad Alshareef (Confirm your attendance at: http://www.ilminar.com/)

Where: Online, confirm your online attendance spot at: http://www.ilminar.com/

When: Thursday Nov.5, 6:45pm EST (5:45pm central, 4:45pm mountain, 3:45pm pacific)

Why: To reassure your hearts by going through all the Hajj steps together, and answering any questions you may have.

>> Confirm your attendance by RSVP'ing at: http://www.ilminar.com/ <<

London, UK shatters its own record

2009-11-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

London does it again!

With the Tawfeeq of Allah (swt) and all Praise due to Him, the launch of Shaykh Abu Eesa's Divine Link: Fiqh of Salah has taken London by storm. Initially sold out 2 months in advance, local student body, Qabeelat AlShams, quickly worked to secure a larger venue at the Hilton to accommodate 665 eager students!

Sold out again and many more showing up at the door, Qabeelat AlShams impressively made space for 700 students to study one of the most important aspects of their Deen: the Fiqh of Salah.

Shaykh Abu Eesa's next visit is in Toronto this very weekend to teach Divine Link, also currently sold out at 500!

IlmFest Takes to the Media

2009-11-05T07:41:00.000-08:00

With the Tawfeeq of Allah (swt), last month's IlmFest hosted by Qabeelat Nurayn in Baltimore, MD was an astounding success. It was a gathering that attracted Muslims from as far as California, Texas, Canada and even the United Kingdom all coming to learn from a diverse speaker panel. For more information on IlmFest's schedule and speaker list, please visit IlmFest.com.

IlmFest also grabbed the attention of local media newspapers like the Baltimore Sun. Interviewing one of Qabeelat Nurayn's avid volunteers, Ify Okoye, we welcome you to read coverage on the IlmFest from a different perspective.

Muslims gather for weekend of learning about their faith

An adult convert to Islam, Ify Okoye spent her first couple of years
learning about the religion from books. It wasn't until the Beltsville woman
started going to seminars given by the AlMaghrib Institute that she really began
to understand her new faith.
"I look at my Islam completely as the pre-AlMaghrib phase and the
post-AlMaghrib phase," says the 25-year-old Okoye, a student at Bowie State
University. "After attending my first class, I see there's such a breadth and
depth to the Islamic tradition, and also a real practical intellectual tradition
that's vibrant, that can work today, that Muslims in America can use."
Read the full article here

Baba Ali invites you to IlmFest

2009-09-27T04:31:00.001-07:00

The buzz is getting louder!

AlMaghrib's IlmFest starts in only a few days and people are holding on to their seats awaiting for the Celebration of Knowledge to flare!

Even Baba Ali is excited to find out what happens if you put him in a room full of scholars:

Find out what IlmFest has to offer of Speakers, Topics, Services, and Venue here: www.ilmfest.com

A Program to Blow your Mind Away!

2009-09-27T04:02:00.000-07:00

What happens when Generation Islam takes hold of the Baltimore Convention Center? It delivers a program to blow your mind away!

IlmFest 2009 is ecstatic to present to you its program taking place October 3-4 in one of the most immaculate gatherings, inshAllah.

Topics include:

Lessons from Islamic Spain: The Expulsion of the Moriscos
An Inconvenient Truth: Domestic Violence in the Muslim Community
Divided Loyalties or Imagined Conflicts?
Generation Islam at the Crossroads

Check out the full schedule here: http://www.ilmfest.com/program/

Closing Ramadan with Something Sweet

2009-09-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Assalamu alaikum

Alhamdulilah, the month of Ramadan has a come and gone and with bitter sweet feelings we pray that Allah (swt) accepts from you and from all of us.

Our dear Shuyookh would like to leave you a short message in wishing you a Eid Mubarak. Please click on the links below to listen:

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi

Shaykh Riad Ouarzazi

Our Eid Gift to You

www.ilmcast.com/eidgift

HUGE Ramadan Gift: Abdullah Hakim Quick Joins AlMaghrib

2009-09-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

Shaykh Muhammad Alshareef excitedly announced:

"Allahu akbar!

This annoucement for me is like when your local sports team announces that one of the greatest players in the game is now going to be wearing your jersey. (My heart is beating fast right now with excitment)

When I was very young, little kid in a Masjid in Winnipeg, the uncles gathered the youth together for a lecture from this vising speaker from Toronto. I loved his lecture, and I was so impressed that he was using names and terms that I, as a kid, was familiar with. (come to think of it, that may be the first time I was exposed to that style, it became my style years later). It was sh.Abdullah Hakim Quick.

Recently, I've been to a half dozen or so conferences with sh.Abdullah Hakim Quick was also one of the speakers. I find that when there is a crowded room at these conferences and you are looking for someone familiar, someone comfortable, someone you know you can enjoy your evening sitting beside and discussing things with ... I will always gravitate to sh.Abdullah Hakim Quick (and alhamdulillah, I hope I've read it correctly, he also enjoys my company in the same way. At least I hope so, lol.)

Here is his bio:

Abdullah Hakim Quick was born in the United States and accepted Islam in Canada in 1970. He graduated from the College of Da‘wah and Usul al-Din at the Islamic University of Medina in 1979. He obtained an M.A. and a PhD in African history at the University of Toronto, where he examined the life of the West African scholar and social activist, Usman Dan Fodio A. H. Quick has been a teacher and counsellor in Canada, the United States, and the West Indies. He has travelled to more than 55 countries around the world teaching and doing research.

Currently, he is Senior Lecturer at The True Dawn Institute and a member of the Muslim Judicial Council. He is also Director of the Discover Islam Centre in Cape Town, South Africa

You have seen him on TV: Islam channel, Huda TV, Peace TV.
You have seen him in conferences the world over: Canada, USA, UK, Dr.Zakir's conference in India, Australia.

And now, you will get to learn from him from the comfort of your AlMaghrib chairs!

Please join with me in giving the biggest ever welcome to your new AlMaghrib instructor: Sh.Abdullah Hakim Quick!

http://forums.almaghrib.org/showthread.php?t=36741&page=1&pp=10

AlMaghrib Lands in Scotland!

2009-09-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Potentially the most EXHILERATING news to reach Glasgow

Has stirred the EXCITEMENT and aroused the ATTENTION

of hundreds of Muslims to ask the question:

'Have you heard...

The Largest Islamic Sciences Student Body in North America
is coming to Glasgow, UK?'

BEWARE!

THE UMMAH GIANT IS ABOUT TO AWAKEN IN GLASGOW

with

AlMaghrib Institute

AlMaghrib launched in London in April of 2008, since then 2200 students have benefitted.
Launched in Birmingham in March of 2009 since then 600 students have benefitted.
Launched in Bradford in October of 2008, and 900 students have benefitted since.

Leave a Legacy

Benefit Thousands

Join the Scotland Team

uk@almaghrib.org

2009 Seminar Fever

2009-09-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

The year 2009 witnessed one of the busiest times in introducing new instructors; naturally this meant a high volume of new and exciting seminars that have caused a buzz on the AlMaghrib Forums.

2009 Seminar Fever

Collector's Edition: Sharh Saheeh Bukhari
Shaykh Navaid Aziz

Divine Link: Fiqh of Salah
Shaykh Yaser Birjas (US)
Shaykh Abu Eesah Niamatullah (CND/UK)

Echoes of a Cave: Tafseer Surat AlKahf
Shaykh Ahsan Hanif

Eternal Journey: Tafseer Juz Tabarak
Shaykh Reda Bedeir

Precious Provisions: Fiqh of Food and Clothing
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi

Touched by an Angel: Tafseer Juz Amma
Shaykh Shpendim Nadzaku

COMING SOON...

Living with the Names of Allah: http://forums.almaghrib.org/showthread.php?t=36710

Aqeedah 4: http://forums.almaghrib.org/showthread.php?p=449718#post449718

2 US for 2 UK Instructors

2009-09-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

'Tis the season to introduce new instructors. With 2 UK instructors introduced already, we are excited to welcome 2 more from the US.

Dr. Ali Shehata will quickly take the title of one of AlMaghrib Institute's powerhouse instructors. Students will love his unique and well prepared presentations using traditional and modern resources. He studied under many scholars in the U.S and Egypt and currently practices medicine full-time as an Emergency and Family Medicine physician currently living in the Florida area. Dr. Ali, as he is known to many, has acquired ijaazahs in several core Islamic texts including al-Aqeedah al-Waasitiyah and The Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi among others. Dr. Ali brings a fresh perspective and flavor to the AlMaghrib scene.

Dr. Ali is scheduled to teach in Memphis inshaAllah.

Shaykh Shpendim Nadzaku has an intriguing name that roots back to an intriguing country reflecting his even more intriguing character. Born in 1973 to Albanian parents in the beautiful city of Ohrid Macedonia, his parents immigrated to America when he was just a year old. He was raised in New Jersey and soon took to the University of Madina where he graduated from the College of Shariah in 2001. His passion for the Arabic language made him one of my main sources of translating Arabic classical texts to English, especially poetry. He is currently the Imam/Religious Director with the Muslim Association of Greater Rockford and is currently an MBA student at Rockford College. With his spectacular smile, outstanding teaching skills and down-to-Earth character, Shaykh Shpendim brings a fresh style of learning to the AlMaghrib classrooms.

Since his introduction, Shaykh Shpendim taught in New York City and is scheduled to soon teach in Atlanta and Columbus, inshaAllah.

To learn more about our dear instructors, please visit our Instructors page at www.almaghrib.org/instructors.php

To follow our instructors and learn about our seminar schedule, please visit: www.almaghrib.org/enroll.php

UK Instructors Add Spice and Flavor (flavour in this case)

2009-09-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

The UK continues to shock us with their overwhelming sold out seminars, fantastic hospitality, and bewildering performance in Da'wah, masha Allah. It is then not surprising that the UK presents us with two new powerhouse instructors to add spice and flavour to the AlMaghrib Instructor Family!

Shaykh Abu Eesa Niamatullah truly does add a new flavour with his unique and engaging personality. Abu Eesa completed his higher education in London and studied Arabic, Islamic Law and the Qur'an in Mauritania, Medina, Morocco, Egypt and Pakistan. His main teacher remains Sheikh Kehlan al-Jubury with whom he still continues his studies in Islamic Law and Exegesis. He has also studied Hadith under the Hadith Expert Abdullah al-Judai. He has also been involved in various efforts to standardise the use of Islamic Finance principles amongst Western Muslims. He is a member of the C-100, a World Economic Forum (WEF) Initiative. He is of the religious leaders annually invited to Davos, the WEF Annual Meeting in Switzerland.

He is currently scheduled to teach in Toronto, Birmingham and London (UK) with an already sold out class.

Shaykh Ahsan Hanif hails from Birmingham, UK and is the currently one of the Imams and Khateebs of Green Lane Masjid. In 2000, He gained a scholarship to enter the Islamic University of Madinah. After completing his Arabic diploma, he graduated from the Faculty of Shari'ah in 2006 with honours. During his time in Madinah, he was fortunate enough to gain ijazah in the Qur'an as well as study under a number of well known scholars, such as Sh. Abdul Muhsin al-Abbad, Sh. Muhammad ibn Muhammad Mukhtar al-Shinqiti, Sh. Sulayman al-Ruhayli and many more. Powered as a DiscoverU LifeCoach, he is also pursuing his PhD at the University of Birmingham.

He is currently scheduled to teach in Ottawa.

Learn more about our dear instructors by visiting our Instructors page: www.almaghrib.org/instructors.php

IlmSummit 2009 - Photostream & Video Updates

2009-09-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

facebook-Photostream (click me)

Video Updates: twitter.com/almaghribhq

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 01
What Are Your Expectations?

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 02
Recite Qur'an Today

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 03
This Cat Feels Awfully Cool

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 04
My Vision For Islam

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 05
Practice The Adhan With Tajweed

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 06
Islam in Spanish

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 07
Change The World

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 08
What Is Your Story

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 09
It Begins With The Heart

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 10
Tajweed Teachers Wax On Wax Off

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 11
Back Stage Access

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 12
Old School Speech Training

Ilm Summit 2009 - Day 13
Daily Schedule