Al-Hidayah 2007

The August of 2007 saw the commencement of the third annual Al-Hidayh retreat. Yet again the event took place in the beautiful Heythrop Park Hotel Golf and Country Club situated in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside.

The entire lecture theatre rose to its feet as Shaykh-ul-Islam and Shaykh Assad Muhammad Saeed as-Sagharji entered for the first time. Before commencing his lecture, Shaykh-ul-Islam commented on the number of participants, stating that this time the sisters had beaten the brothers in number. He congratulated the Al-Hidayah team for the organisation of the event and welcomed the scholars and participants. He spoke to the students directly and advised them that in order to reap the maximum amount of benefit from the course of the four days each and every person would have to demonstrate perseverance in seeking knowledge. He narrated a Hadith where the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wassallam) stated that the angels lay down their wings in the paths of those who go forth to seek true knowledge.

As an introduction to Al-Hidayah, Shaykh-ul-Islam initiated study by exploring a selected part of Mevlana Rumi’s infamous Mathnavi. The lecture was entitled Secrets of the Spirit and gave an in-depth analysis of the mysteries resting in the work of Mevlana Rumi. Shaykh-ul-Islam’s remarkable insight and extensive commentary pierced the listeners’ hearts and inspired the longing for spiritual refinement.

Subsequent lectures encompassed various themes. Shaykh-ul-Islam presented an eloquent elaboration of the Science of Hadith focussing on the aspect of Hadith classification. Giving a detail explanation of this subject, Shaykh-ul-Islam presented insights into the basic classification of Ahadith, the history of Ahadith compilation and the legal value of Ahadith.

Shaykh-ul-Islam gave a judicious account of the legality of Nashids within Islam. He enlightened the audience by informing them that the Prophet (Sallallahu’ alayhi wasallam) had thirty five Munshids (those who sing Nashid) including the Khulafa ar-Rashidin.

In his final lecture Shaykh-ul-Islam explored the nature and purpose of knowledge according to Imam Bukhari. Commenting on the Book of Knowledge, Shaykh-ul-Islam brought to light the nature of true knowledge. He concluded this lecture by discussing the expansive knowledge bestowed upon the Prophet (Sallallahu’ alayhi wasallam).

Shaykh-ul-Islam gave the participants an opportunity to pose any question in an exclusive question and answer session which took place in the concluding part of the event.

In addition to Shaykh-ul-Islam’s lectures the participants also gained benefit from the lectures of other eminent scholars including Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad of Cambridge University and Shaykh Assad Muhammad Saeed as-Sagharji of Syria, each providing invaluable gems of knowledge for the participants present.

Apart from the lectures the attendees were involved in an electrifying Hadara Dhikr as practiced by the Muslims of the Middle-East. Awakening the hearts and enlightening the souls, exquisite recitals of the Holy Quran were performed throughout the entire event. Nashids in Arabic English and Urdu were an on-going feature of this retreat. A special night was dedicated to the art of Qawwali, famous in the Indian Sub-Continent for its unique representation of the love for the Prophet (Sallallahu’ alayhi wasallam). Daily Tahjjud prayers and after Fajr study circles were also arranged for those wishing to participate.

Breaks were provided during lectures for Salah and meals. In addition to this times were allocated for participants to take part in sporting activities and to make use of on-site leisure facilities including the gym and swimming pool.

As always, the four days were concluded with an inspirational, heart-rending dua made by Shaykh-ul-Islam, the poignancy of which caused the audience, young and old, male and female, to break out in to tears.