Sincerity & Ostentation – Lessons from Imam al-Haddad’s Mutual Reminding
Sincerity & Ostentation. – Lessons from Imam al-Haddad’s Mutual Reminding
What does it truly mean to worship Allah with sincerity? And how can we protect our good deeds from the subtle dangers of ostentation and seeking the approval of others?
Join us for a special evening of Islamic reminders and reflection with Shaykh Abdurrahman Khan and Shaykh Safee Salie, both visiting scholars from South Africa, as they explore two important subjects from Imam al-Haddad’s renowned work, Mutual Reminding.
Drawing upon the Qur’an, Prophetic teachings and the wisdom of Imam al-Haddad, this gathering will explore the importance of sincerity (ikhlas) in our worship and daily lives, alongside the dangers of ostentation (riya) – performing good deeds for the sake of recognition, praise or admiration from others.
Sincerity is the foundation of all worship. It is to direct our intentions and actions solely towards seeking the pleasure of Allah, free from the desire for recognition or praise. Yet, as Imam al-Haddad reminds us, the struggle against ostentation can be subtle, requiring us to constantly examine our intentions and strive against the ego.
Through these timeless teachings, we will be reminded of the importance of concealing our good deeds, guarding our intentions and ensuring that our worship is directed towards Allah alone.
An opportunity to reflect upon the state of our hearts, reassess our intentions and renew our commitment to worshipping Allah with sincerity.
All are welcome – brothers and sisters.
Our Teachers on Tour
“The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets.” [Abu Dawud]
Shaykh Abdurragman Khan
Shaykh Shafee Salie
Shaykh Abdurragman Khan
Shaykh Abdurragmaan Khan completed the memorization of the Qur’an under Shaykh Ismail Londt at the Dār Ubaiy Institute in 2000. He went on to graduate from the Dār al-‘Ulūm al-‘Arabiyyah al-Islāmiyyah in Strand in 2006, benefiting greatly from its lecturers, particularly its founder and principal, Maulana Taha Karaan.
After graduating, Shaykh Abdurragmaan served as a lecturer at the same institute from 2006 to 2015. In 2009, he established Dar al-Turāth al-Islāmi (DTI) and continues to serve as the Rector.
In 2011, Shaykh Abdurragmaan co-founded the Maḥabbah Foundation and was honoured to join the Fatwah Committee of the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa in 2013. He is also an Imam at Masjid Khidmah al-Islām, Taronga Road, Cape Town. In addition, he teaches for SeekersGuidance, and appears regularly on the Voice of the Cape Radio.
Shaykh Abdurragmaan has received ijazah ‘ammah from various luminaries, including al-Ḥabīb ‘Umar bin Ḥafīẓ, who has had a significant impact on him and has changed his relationship with Allah; Maulana Yusuf Karaan, the former Mufti of Cape Town; al-Ḥabīb ‘Ali al-Mashhūr, the current Mufti of Tarim; al-Ḥabīb ‘Umar al-Jaylāni, the Shafi’i Mufti of Makkah; Sayyid Ahmad bin Abi Bakr al-Ḥabshi; al-Ḥabīb Kāẓim al-Saqqaf; Shaykh Maḥmūd Sa’īd Mamdūh; Maulana ‘Abdul Ḥafīẓ al-Makki; Shaykh Ala al-Din al-Afghāni; Maulana Fazlur Rahman al-Azami; and Shaykh Yaḥya al-Ghawthāni.
Maulana Abdurragmaan received ‘ijazah in the Qirā’ah of Imam Kisa’i from Shaykh Idrīs from Malawi and is currently reciting the seven Qirā’ah to Maulana Saleem Gaibie. He hopes to continue to benefit the Ummah by sharing and preserving the legacy of Imam Al-Shafi’i (radiya Allahu ‘anhu).
Shaykh Shafee Salie
Luton Event Location
Challney High School for Boys, Stoneygate Rd, Luton LU4 9TJ.
Knowledge is understanding that every choice and view one forms is framed in the guidance presented in the Quran and the Prophetic way as understood by Ahle Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah.
Practice
Practice seeks to implement that knowledge in all aspects of our lives. Sincerely applying knowledge facilitates the soul to acquire virtuous characteristics and move beyond its vices and capricious element
Realisation
The soul becomes receptive to realisations concerning God’s oneness, majesty, beauty, and how creation is an ongoing sign of Divine favour. This witnessing is highlighted in the Prophetic statement,‘Excellence is to worship Allah as though you see Him. If you do not see Him, He sees you.
