al-Madinah: The City of Prophecy

New Students List 1429/1430 School Year (2008/2009)

2008-07-30T23:26:00.004+03:00

It has been AGES since I have posted anything. That is mainly because I didn't really have anything beneficial to post. But I will start adding to this list gradually. This is the new list of students accepted for the new school year at the Islamic University of al-Madinah.

For now, all I have is the names of the students from America:

1) Muhammad Hussein---Virginia

2) Yunus Fairooz Habib---Tacoma

3) Diego Guadalupe---- New Jersey

4) Tariq Sabri...North Carolina

5) Saeed Mahboob---Maryland

6) Muhammad Mutawakil--- NY or Philly

7) Richard McEntire---Lodine California -

8) Suheil Maher Azeez---

9) Hussein Nur

10) Mikaeel Ali Hasan

11) Glen Alan Stephens

12) Muhammad Kalbi

13) Muhammad Khan

14) Jamal or Hamal Natamo Bomaani

15) Corey Phillips

16) Hayan Muthna Qasim Muthna

Please forgive me if the names aren't spelled correctly. This is how I received them from one of our brothers, Eesaa Parada, and I am sure these names are transliterated back into English from their Arabic spellings.

If you have been accepted, drop me a line so we can contact you to help along with getting things started when you come.

Congratulations to all that have been accepted. Fear Allah with this blessing that you have been given and correct your intentions before you come.

Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin al-Abbad's Father Passes

2007-09-12T15:18:00.000+03:00

إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون
لله ما أخذ وله ما أعطى وكل شيء عنده لأجل مسمى
To Allah we belong, and unto Him we return.
To Allah belongs that which he takes, and that which he gives,
and everything he owns has its own set time.

Today, the las day of the month of Sha`ban, the father fo our beloved Shaikh, Abdul-Muhsin bin Hamad al-Abbad al-Badr, has moved on to the mercy of Allah. Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin had lost his mother a few years back and buried her, and now, Allah has once again taken one of His servants back to Him.

Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin's father, Hamad, was an amazing man, subhanallaah. Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin himself is about 74 years-old, and has basically lost his eyesight in both eyes. He is normally accompanied by a son of a grandson when he comes to the Prophet's Masjid or to his local Masjid when he used to lead the prayer. As for his father, Hamad -rahimahullaah- he used to come to the local Masjid and give the adhan himself, subhanallah. He almost never missed prayer at the local mosque, and was almost always there long before the time for prayer came in so that he could give call the others to prayer.

Every once in a while, we students would see a spectacle in the Prophet's Masjid that very few people usually see. We'd see Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin walking and next to him is his father in a wheel-chair being pushed by Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin's son, Shaikh Abdur-Razzaq al-Abbad, and guiding shaikh Abdul-Muhsin would be one of his grandsons, one of Shaikh Abdur-Razzaq's sons. Four generations coming to perform prayers at the Prophet's Masjid.

May Allah bless the Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin in his calamity an bless him with patience and perseverance and help him and his family to go through this difficult time with as little hardship as possible. May he also forgive our late Shaikh Hamad and bless him in his grave and make the trial of the grave easy upon him. May he be entered into al-Firdaus (highest paradise) and may he and his family meet again in a better meeting place in the Hereafter.

And may Allah also forgive all of our loved ones who have passed, and may He preserve our surviving loved ones and make them steadfast upon the Sunnah of His Messenger -sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam- and may He bless us with a good passing and make easy for us the trial of the grave and that which comes after it.

P.S. The ٍShaikh's father's Janaazah (pre-burial funeral prayer) will be held at the Prophet's Masjid after the `Asr prayer today.

Newly Accepted Students List 2007/2008

2007-06-11T22:20:00.000+03:00

America
أحمد بلو
فراس هاني لطفي المجذوب
يحيى عبداللطيف لبابيدي
كرستوفر جون كيرس
داود إبراهيم درامي
أحمد الحساسنة
خالد فاروق دسوقي
سفان ديد سين
بنجامين سعود الاجي

Britain
معين الاسلام
ربيل مياه
أيوب آدم
أشرف دبوس
سليمان حساندى
ماشيجون دريك
دومينك كرسجن بارنيز بانيز
أسعد محمد سايدات
أمير أشرف محيي الدين بروندكير
عوليد مجل
فوكى افيكور
آدم كانث كانث فولثر
ماجد أسلم

Germany
ميشائيل لورنس
حسام عصمت سيدو عبدالقادر
خالد حسن ازعيطار
إبراهيم أكين
بورس إيفانوف

Holland
فرجل روميو برومت
ياسين اعنزي
سليمان العرامي
طارق محمد حسن
الكساندر فرانكلين هس

France
جندوبي صبري
إبراهيم تنجان
يوسف لحسن ميمون العدلاني
ديفيد سير انو
غروهس ماتيوه
القروي سيف الدين
هارون جلد اس
جرامي فيرجن
امابل تيري فرانك
با أوبا
بيتي جان لوك

Turkey
محمد خالد محمد اغرقان
حمزه أرسلان
عمر ياسين اوبه
جهان اوزيقان
عبدالله عمر البحان
أمرالله اون صلان
محمد عبيد طلحةالله بركت

Canada
اسامه عمر سيد
اويس قيس حكمت
راتب نافع مرعي
محمد مختار ظاهر
زياد سليم إبراهيم قريش
فضل يوسف

Sweden
ياسر صالح حويتي
هيثم سعيد زين
سيموك مروز
راوشت صلاح علي
عمر سعيد حنا جدعون
عثمان ميري
علي بأروتشتش
سيناد كاتوفيج

Switzerland
روش يوهان جون توماس
يعقوبي محمد
نوكلاس اندروبلانشو
فيصل برهام خان

Finland
يوسف أحمد جوليد
يوسف روفلا
سامي صالح غريبي
أحمد حسن إبراهيم

Norway
ادين جود ريا
عبدالقادر حسين صبريه
داود ونغن
أحمد حاجي نورية

Australia
ميوند زادران
محمد حسن محمد
سامئيل يعقوب إباسو أسبها
تنفيد كمررمان
جلال الشامي
راسل نيو جنت

Uraguay
أندريس ألينو خوكين بيديفين

Kenya
عبدالرحمن سعيد حسن
مصطفى محمود محمد
حمال الدين عثمان
عبدالله عبدالله عثمان
عبدالرحمن هافو محمد
مصطفى غيوشونوا
أحمد طاهر عبده
شافعي سعيد عبدالرحمن
سليمان صالح سالم
محمد سليمان موامبيلي
مورغو مورتونغان إدوين
علي حسن عيد
عبدالسلام محمد عمي
جامع حاج يوسف
محمد حسن دبريل
مختار بلو صلاة ديقو

New Zealand
موسى طاهر

Haiti
بولاس كال رودني
موايز والتس

Greece
افستاديوس تسيونيس

Brazil
فرناندو ديسيلفيا أغستنه
جوليد سيزار راموس

Saint Lucia
دان لوبرين
دوناثان جيرالد

Belgium
سليم أحكيم
بن عباس فاروق
بسولطانوف محمد خرونويش

Spain
خوسيه أنجيل قلاتايود آلايث
عمار فارس تاج الدين
جوزيف دوران فمادا

Venezuela
خوسيه لويس سركيس بيرس

Nicaragua
خوسيه البيرتو غوميس بيفيدا

Lecture at Masjid Quba'

2007-04-12T12:53:00.000+03:00

Tonight (Thursday April 12, 2007), insha Allah, there will be a lecture at Masjid Qubaa', given by one of the local Teachers in the Islamic University of Madinah.

The Lecture will be on the topic of "Sticking to the Sunnah", and will take place after Maghrib Salah (Prayer), as is the usual schedule for Lectures held at Masjid Qubaa'.

The Shaikh Giving the Lecture is Dr. 'Abdus-Salaam bin Saalim as-Suhaimi, who teaches in the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) College. He used to be Dean of the College in the past.

The Shaikh has written a few very important books about the Khawarij (mostly Al-Qaeda retards) and Terrorism as well as a book on the main issue all Khawarij start their reigns of terror from: Takfeer (Labelling a person to be a non-Believer)

May Allah reward the Shaikh for giving a talk on such an important topic these days...

Attack of the Americans

2007-04-10T21:55:00.000+03:00

Yup, that's right! The Americans are getting ready to attack!

But it's not that bad, it's not anything to be afraid of. I just made that title to get your attention, that's it.

Insha Allah in another week, our brothers from Masjid ar-Rahmah of Newark. New Jersey will be visiting us in their Annual Visit. The brothers come once a year with a nice sized group. They used to come with our beloved brother Abu Uwais Abdullah Ahmad Ali, may Allah have Mercy on him.

Usually, the group will come for about a week or more and attend different classes taught by local Scholars and Teachers at the Islamic University of Madinah.

I posted about the Americans' Visit to Madinah in the past, check it out.

Monthly Sitting at the Shaikh's House

Also, in more important news regarding the Americans, there will be a sitting at Shaikh Muhammad bin 'Abd al-Wahhab al-'Aqeel's house. It is an monthly sitting that takes place at the Shaikh's house for the American Students Studying at the Islamic University.

I know, I know.... why only the Americans!? Well, because it's not our house is it? It's the Shaikh's house and his rules, and we should all respect that. I'm sure the Shaikh would like al the other Students from all the other countries to attend too, but there's over 6,000 students from more than 135 countries who currently study in the Islamic University.

Also, the monthly sitting will be an explanation of "Jaami' Bayaan al-'Ilm wa Fadhlihi" an amazing book that explains the Virtues of Knowledge (Islamic Knowledge) and the Etiquettes of Seeking Knowledge.

If you're in Madinah tomorrow night:

Date: 11th of April, 2007/ 24th of Rabi Awwal, 1428

Time: 930pm sharp insha Allah
This class is for the students from America so we ask everyone to respect this decision.

We will have cars leaving from the Prophet’s Masjid (peace be upon him) and from the Islamic University Masjid insha Allah.

If anyone needs a ride please call
056-241-6205 : Ilyas Ali
056-817-8226 : Isa Parada
056-991-9857 : AbdulHye Davis

This last announcement was courtesy of the Madinah Students Blog, which is run by some of our brothers who help out a LOT with different Student Affairs for their Fellow Brothers.
Stuff like arranging these sittings, helping students find financial aid, and many other things that they are rarely thanked for. You might remember Isa Parada from the Calling All Americans which was then followed by the Infamous Meeting follow-up post.

May Allah reward these brothers well in this life and the next.

Weird Weather in Madinah

2007-04-10T21:15:00.000+03:00

For the last few days, we've had some strange Weather in Madinah.

Madinah's Weather is normally just dry and warm, but it rained yesterday. A lot of times we'll see rain clouds forming, but then after a while they will be carried off to another area of the Kingdom and we won't get any rain. But yesterday we were all quite optimistic that it might actually rain because it had rained in the Mountain city of Ta'if the day before.

Some of you might ask why this seems like a strange thing, when rain is such a common thing in many parts of the world... well it's not that common at all over here. It rains only a handful of times in the Kingdom, and even less in Madinah. I posted a while back on it raining in Madinah. Now that wasn't the only other time it rained, but it hasn't come down that much since then.

The other strange weather phenomenon was these really strong winds we were receiving today. While I was at School, we could see the Palm Trees waving in the wind, which is not very easy to do unless the wind is pretty strong. On my way home, the car was being pushed to the left because of the strong winds coming from the right. The Prophet used to seek refuge in Allah from the wind being of the types of winds that Allah destroyed previous nations with. He used to ask Allah for the good of the wind and the good that it was sent with, and seek refuge in Allah from the bad of the wind and the bad that it might be sent with.

I was truly scared today from the strange weather, you never know what Allah has planned for you, but al-Hamdu lillah, it can't be too bad in Madinah, right?

Here's a current sattelite picture, supplied by the Weather Channel:

University Dorms Basketball Showdown

2007-03-25T00:46:00.000+03:00

Students of Knowledge playing Basketball!?
... Yea! They have cell phones too!!!

There has been a tournament running the past week or so invloving the student dorms facing off in serch of a champion. The showdown involves none other than the students of the respective buildings in a tournament set up by the Deenship of Student Affairs, run by the Department of Dorm Management.

I went to a match last Tuesday night after visiting the Book Fair. The two teams playing each other? The Western Married Students Dorm (a building built for Western married students who have their families here under the University's sponsorship) playing against Building Two (a singles dorm building on campus). I have a few friends on either team and wasn't sure who to cheer on. The Married Building had two Americans (natural talent of course!), two British players, a Canadian and a Frenchy. As for the Single Building, they had score of talent, from America, Britain, Australia and a few other countries I'm not too sure about.

The Single Building guys seemed pretty hyped before the game
Possible reasons:

Positive malnutrition (Lots of carbs from all the instant noodles, rice, potatoes...?)
All the pent up energy?
Maybe they wanted to show extra confidence to psyche the other team out?
They were faking it (!?)

The "Married Guys" on the other hand seemed a lot calmer, they weren't as hyped up and rowdy as the "Single Guys" before the game.
Possible reasons:

Maybe it's their diet?
Or the fact that they don't have as much interest in the game?
Or because most of their energy is used elsewhere than the basketball court?
Or maybe they had a strategy and didn't want to accidentally reveal it?
Or maybe that they were really focused on the upcoming battle?

The game started out in favor of the "Single Guys", they were scoring very often and their defense was pretty tight. A few of the "Single Guys" seemed to be jumping around like Daffy Duck (pented up energy?) while defending some of the "Married Guys". I think the referees showed a little preference for the Single Builing since they would rarely ever call the multiple travelling violations. They also turned many blind eyes to all the fouling and strange dribbling techniques (sometimes resembling double-dribble). On the other hand, the referees were quick to call "reaching fouls" on the "Married Guys" and even quicker to call an obscure three second violation where the offense is penalized for staying in the paint (free point box thingy) for more than three seconds, supposedly this rule is used by the NBA (who would've known). When I questioned the referee on any possible bias he was showing against the Married Building team, he denounced the thought with rather harsh language.

In the end the "Single Guys" one with more than double the score of the "Married Guys", but the "Married Guys" weren't knocked out the tournament yet. It seems they may have a match coming up this Monday against another singles dorm building. As for the "Single Guys" (Building Two), they'll be playing another singles dorm building, perhaps tonight, insha Allah.

I know one of the "Married Guys" has been checking out the blog the last few days, so perhaps he'd pleasure us with a comment below?
Also, I'd like to say that I took my mp3 recorder with me to record highlights of the game and to get a few comments from some of the players and spectators, but I doubt I will be publishing it online, unless I get a number of requests requesting otherwise (it's LONG and BORING).

Another little note, even though I called them the "Single Guys", they're really mostly "Married Guys" that live in the singles dorms since their families are back in their respective country. So they are single, but not single... ya dig? And while we are ont he topic of being yet not being, it seems that there might have been some violations of the rules from one or more of the "Single Guys", who don't actually live in Building Two, but rather, live outside the University campus in private buildings, or live in buildings other than Building Two... but I'm not pointing any fingers, so don't blame me!

Madinah Islamic University Book Fair

2007-03-20T19:27:00.000+03:00

It's that time of year again, the Ma'ridh al-Kitab (Book Fair) is in town.

Every year, the Islamic University of Madinah hosts a book fair on campus. The bookstores that participate are all from within the Kingdom. Unlike the Jeddah or Riyadh International Book Fairs, you don't get access to foreign book publishers except through distributors within the Kingdom. In the past, the Madinah University Book Fair used to be a place where you could find all kinds of gems. Old books that are normally out of print, the latest prints from contemporary scholars, and sometimes, if fortunate, you could find a book here or their that's considered a true rarity.

I've talked to the Book Fair Managerial Commitee to get a list of the participating Book Stores, but they keep telling me to come back "tomorrow". Insha Allah ,I'll get me a copy tonight and have it up by tomorrow.

If you've ever been here doing the Book Fair, you know what the climate amongst the students is like. Everybody sees books they wanna buy, but nobody has money. These are the days when you start eating one meal a day, and normally it's a packet of Instant Noodles... It's not easy being a broke student on a budget. If you play your cards right saving money during the year, this is a good opportunity to buy those larger volumunous reference books like the explanations to different Hadeeth Collections and the like.

I went there a few days ago, even though I promised myself not to go, because I didn't want to end up spending money I don't have, but I couldn't help it. There's quite a few nice book stores participating this year. The big guns are well settled in their little spots, with their electronic cash registers and up to date inventory lists. The old schoolers are also well settled in with their quick memory and extremely difficult bargain blocking kung-fu techniques. This is where personality and charisma really show their fruit for a student. If you can get the guy for five or six riyals lower than your friends paid for a book, you just earned some bragging rights for the day.

No matter what it is you're buying though, it helps to know which prints and edits of classical books are the best to pick up. It helps to have an elder student near by to ask him about the different prints and publishing houses. It was a lot easier a few years ago when we had a few of the older students still in school.

Nowadays I've been seeing more and more Book Sellers stocking multi-lingual selections. I even saw one guy with little paper markers marking the different languages he stocks books for. I'm not sure what the benefit of selling books in Malay, Turkish or Urdu are for students that read, write and speak Arabic, but I guess it must be more of benefit to the people these students go back to teach.

I'll be going there tonight insha Allah and hopefully will get that list of book houses up, until then, take care and enjoy.

Applying to Madinah

2007-03-15T20:07:00.000+03:00

The list of new students that I posted was mainly only of Western Countries and other non-Muslim countries that are rare to apply. There are MANY students accepted from AFRICA and INDIA and the rest of the Islamic and un-Islamic nations in Asia, but the list is so long that it becomes immensely DIFFICULT to write down the names by hand, then type all the names in at home to then upload them.

As for those asking about the little number of accepted students, the university generally has a limit of accepting 1,000 students each year. They try their best to stay withn those bounds for many reasons. If a country has fewer applicants, fewer people will be accepted from there. Also, countries that have little or no applicants are given special treament so people can be of an older age to apply.

As far as I know, countries such as Portugal, Spain, Italy and The Bahamas have been specifically mentioned due to the lack of students applying from those countries. If you have a friend or acquaintance that lives in those countries, it would be a good idea to tell them to apply.

Insha Allah, from now on I will try to update the blog as much as I can, even if busy.
I apologize to all those who left comments and I didn't answer them... please forgive me.

Deadly Crash On Makkah Road

2006-10-16T21:22:00.000+03:00

About a week ago, a bus -carrying students from the Islamic University of Madinah- blew a tire and crashed killing some of the passengers and injuring many others.

Every year, the Islamic University provides free trips for selected students to travel to Makkah during the blessed month of Ramadhan, to perform `Umrah and stay in Makkah for a day or two. These opportunities are great for the students since most of us can't afford lodging in Makkah during these peak seasonal times.

Hotels that normally charge under 100 Saudi Riyals for a decent room -with its own bathroom and maybe a little fridge- costs upwards of 300 Saudi Riyals per night. They go all the way up to 700 Saudi Riyals during Ramadhan's Last Ten Days. When a trip is arranged by the Islamic University, students are provided with buses -either chartered or owned- by the University and lodging in Makkah's Darul-Hadeeth school. Darul-Hadeeth is a secondary school that is administered by the Islamic University of Madinah. There are two Daurl-Hadeeth schools, one in Madinah and one in Makkah. Normally students are assigned four to a room, each with his own bed.

All in all, the trip is pretty nice, due to the financial burden that the Islamic University is able to handle due to its many resources. But not everybody gets to go on the trip. Students sign up on a list at their respective faulties which they study in. If you have gone before,then you might not be able to go. Mostly, the newer students are picked to go, I believe I was able to go in my second year in the University, wal-hamdu lillaah.

About a week ago, the bus left Madinah with the students on their way to Makkah. Along the way, the bus caught a flat tire, and possibly tumbled. From what I have heard from several students, there were some fatalities. Until now, it seems that the news hasn't been spread officially, but I've heard of a student from Switzerland and another from Bosnia having passed away in the crash. Also, it seems about ten or more were injured or wounded.

Any news learned in the future will be updated on this same page insha Allah.

For those of you who'd like ot know about how such tragedies happen, check out this article on Driving in Saudi Arabia

Big Plans for Madinah

2006-06-22T04:20:00.001+03:00

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King `Abdullah, Sunday, laid the foundation stone for the third mega economic city in the Kingdom - the SR25 billion ($6.66 billion) Knowledge Economic City in Madinah.

The new city will create more than 20,000 new jobs, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The king also announced that Prince Muhammad bin `Abdil-`Aziz Airport in Madinah had been converted into an international airport.

The new Knowledge City will comprise the Taiba Technological and Economic Information Center, an interactive museum on the Prophet’s life, a centre for studies of Islamic civilization, and another centre for medical studies, biosciences and integrated medical services.

The main investors in the project include the King Abdullah Foundation, Savola Group, Real Estate Projects Management and Development Company and Taiba Investment & Real Estate Development Company. Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) is the main developer of the project.

King Abdullah issued the license to the group of investors to carry out the project that also includes housing for 200,000 as well as commercial centres, said a report in Arab News.

The new city follows the launching of the SR30 billion Prince `Abdul-`Aziz ibn Musaed Economic City in Hail last week and the SR100 billion King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, near Jeddah, launched in December last year.

Commenting on the king’s decision to upgrade the status of Madinah airport, Crown Prince Sultan, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense and Aviation, said it would help citizens and pilgrims to enjoy improved travel facilities. It would also reduce the pressure on Jeddah’s King `Abdul-`Aziz International Airport which is the main gateway for pilgrims coming from abroad.
Prince Sultan has already permitted some foreign airlines to bring pilgrims directly to Madinah during the Haj. Last year, the airport received about 800 Haj flights carrying more than 250,000 pilgrims. Meanwhile, the king launched a number of welfare projects worth SR9 billion yesterday and on Saturday. He laid the foundation stone for expansion projects at the Prophet’s Mosque to create room for 270,000 additional worshippers. The projects included expansion of the eastern courtyard of the mosque and the setting up of 182 large umbrellas to provide shade around the building.

King Abdullah opened the first phase of the Taiba University campus project and laid the foundation for the second phase which includes the establishment of a 400-bed university hospital and five colleges for dentistry, pharmacology, applied sciences, computer engineering, and science.

More guests visiting Madinah

2006-06-22T04:20:00.000+03:00

During the visit of the Custodian of the Two Sacred Mosques (al-Haramain), King `Abdullah bin `Abdil-`Aziz Al Sa`ud and his brothers, the second and third in command, we had another small batch of guests to visit Madinah.

Our brothers from Philadelphia and Chester, Pennsylvania visited us, for a few days.

As far as I know, they visited Shaikh `Abdullaah al-Bukhaaree and had a three-day class with Shaikh `Ubaid al-Jaabiree, may Allaah preserve them both.

Our brothers left yesterday to Makkah, where they'll be performing `Umrah, and perhaps they may be able to visit some of the Scholars there in Makkah.

May Allaah keep them safe in their travels and return them home to their families well...

Till next time...

Madinah Welcomes the Custodian of the Two Sacred Mosques (al-Haramain)

2006-06-18T13:02:00.000+03:00

What a momentous visit...

Custodian of the Two Sacred Mosques (al-Haramain), King Abdullah bin `Abdil-`Aziz Al Sa`ud
Crown Prince, Sultan bin `Abdil-`Aziz Al Sa`ud
Ministry of the Interior, Prince Na'if bin `Abdil-`Aziz Al Sa`ud

The visit, comes as the new Madinah Maternity Hospital is to be opened by our King. He was received last night at the local Footbaal Stadium, by the locals of Madinah, and the Governor of the Madinah Region, Prince `Abdul-`Aziz bin Majid bin `Abdil-`Aziz Al Sa`ud.

King `Abdullah, recently visited the Qassim and Ha'il regions of the Kingdom.

There have been many new projects to be innaugurated by the Cutodian of the Two Sacred Mosques (al-Haramain), may Allah preserve him and guide him to that which is best for his people.

I am not sure exactly how long he will be visiting, but ask Allah to bring benefit to the people of Madinah, as they are rarely honored with such visits.

That's it so far... take care people

A plea for Help from Indonesia

2006-06-12T09:21:00.000+03:00

A plea for Help from Indonesia

This is the original e-mail I received from the brother Ibrahim over at www.salafy.or.id

I can only relay it to those who might be able to help out, whether monetarily or otherwise.
I can't confirm any accuracy nor deny it, and am simply trying to do a good deed, if you find any discrepencies, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Here's some links to help get more information:

Assalamu 'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh...

Barakallahufiikum.
I want introduce my self, my name is Ibrahim Ibn Muhammad Ibn Abdul Ghani al Andunusi. I'm webmaster at www.salafy.or.id that located in Jogjakarta, Indonesia.

I'm very interested with your blog al-madinah.blogspot.com. By open your website, I can read more information about mashayikh of Madinah, especially ash Sheikh Ubayd Al Jaberee. Insha Allah in next month, July/August, Sheikh Ubayd Al Jaberee will visit to our markaz in Indonesia, because our teacher, Al Ustadz Usamah Mahree (alumnus of Jamiah Islamiyyah of Medina) invite him.

Do you know about earthquake at Jogjakarta, Indonesia ? You can see at our website about it, or another website that explain about it. Our brother Salafi, total 3 people died and the other (about 90 family) become homeless, sick, hurt, etc. Since about 6000 peoples died and more than 200.000 peoples become homeless, sick, hurt too. Alhamdulillah, my family is save, but my house is broken about 70%.Wallahul musta'aan.

Our teacher, Al Ustadz Usamah Mahree contact webmaster Sahab.net, Abu Abdillah Al Madani or Khalid Dhufairi to ask his permission to spread information about this problem at Sahab.Net. Alhamdulillah, Sheikh Khalid permit it, but we must prepare the article in Arabic first.
Btw, we need your help. I'm so sorry for my poor english. Jazakumullahu khoiran katheera.

Wassalamu 'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh...

Ibrahim Abu Abdillah Ibn Muhammad Ibn Abdul Ghani al Andunusi
Official Email : ibrahim@ugm.ac.id
Yahoo ID : ymsgibrahim
Located : Jogjakarta, Central of Java, Indonesia

Our teacher, Al Ustadz Usamah :
Located : Malang, East Java, Indonesia

Our markaz in Indonesia :
Asy Syariah foundation www.asysyariah.com
Phone number : +62.274626439
Contact person : Al Ustadz Qamar Zainuddin (alumnus of Islamic University of Madinah)
Located : Jogjakarta, Central of Java, Indonesia

Care Center of Musibah (Earthquake in Jogjakarta)
Phone number : +62.2747406120
Contact person : Al Ustadz Abdul Jabbar (alumnus of Darul Hadith, Dammaj, Yemen)
Located : Jogjakarta, Central of Java, Indonesia

A Weekend to Remember: Part 4

2006-05-19T19:11:00.000+03:00

Friday
22th of Rabee` ath-Thaanee, 1427

Friday, the blessed Holiday of the Week. As is usual for most of us Students from the West, as well as many of our colleagues from the Gulf States, Jumu`ah (Friday Sermon and Prayer) was at Shaikh `Ubaid al-Jaabiree's Masjid. The Shaikh normally has a class after the Jumu`ah is over on the Manners and Etiquettes of a Muslim, from Imaam Bukhari's Books of Manners (Al-Adab al-Mufrad). But the plan for today, was to leave as soon as the Jumu`ah was over, as not to be late for the Luncheon.

We got there quite promptly, there were already a good 25 people present. Went over to the section of the room for the elders and Scholars.,, The guest list was similar to that of the previous events. For those of you that don't know much about Shaikh Muhammad bin `Abdil-Wahhaab al-`Aqeel, he is an AWESOME Host.

I've been to a few events at his house in the past, and I can say without any doubt, that he in one of the most generous guests I've ever seen. Comparing his gatherings to those of Royalty and Businessmen, it shows that knowledge of the Religion, plus the qualities of the Arabs of Old, make a wonderful pair.

That guests, Shaikh Ahmad and Shaikh Zaid, along with their entourage, were late since they were scheduled to leave from Shaikh Muhammad's (al-`Aqeel) home directly to the Madinah Airport. They had some problems getting out of the Metropolitan Area of Madinah, (Madinah is VERY small, so this word is used out of exaggeration), where all the Hotels are, since Friday is a busy day, witness to many visitors from other cities, as well as the immense amount of people attending Jumu`ah at the Prophet's Mosque. When they finally came, it was time to get down and grub!

Shaikh Muhammad had prepared a traditional Najdi (from the Najd Plateau area of the Kingdom, encompassing Riyadh, the Nations Capital) Lunch. There was the, lamb and rice, not sure what this exact concoction was called. There were also some Najdi side dishes. Qursaan, which is like a flaky breading that is prepared with some meat and veggies (help me out all you Najdi bloggers out there), as well as Jareesh, which I dunno how to explain, except that it seems similar to a kind of Grits or Cream of Wheat (for all you ghetto folk out there), basically it was some sort of flour based, lentil-like stuff with some tender lamb meat and also some veggies. Very tasty stuff though. I may not be much of a Menu Writer, but the eating part was well taken care of. It was cool to once again see so many people of Knowledge sharing the same plate (many HUGE plates with each catering to about six to eight people), just reminds me of the stories my Grandfather used to tell me of how things were back in the old days. Old School hospitality along with Righteous Company, makes for a great Lunch, and a great Blog Entry.

Well everybody, that was the last and final post of this Series on the visits that were made from our Noble Scholars, Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa an-Najmee and Shaikh Zaid bin Muhammad al-Madkhalee, and their entourage of Scholars and Students of Knowledge. Check out the following Links for the other Posts Regarding this Weekend to Remember:

A Weekend to Remember Part 1
A Weekend to Remember Part 2
A Weekend to Remember Part 3
A Weekend to Remember Part 4

About a week after their visit, we were visited by the brothers at Salafi Publications, as they had a Dawrah (Islamic Workshop) scheduled with Shaikh `Ubaid al-Jaabiree and a few of the teachers from the Islamic University. I'll try to put up some detailed posts of that trip also. Please forgive me for delaying this series so long, as Finals and Migraines kept me pretty bogged down.

Take care, and say no to deviance!

A Weekend to Remember: Part 3

2006-05-18T17:20:00.000+03:00

Thursday
21th of Rabee` ath-Thaanee, 1427

We had lunch at Shaikh `Alee al-Hudhaifee's house, Senior Imaam of the Prophet's Mosque. But inviting Shaikh Ahmad and Shaikh Zaid to dinner is not as easy as might be thought. Let's back up a bit, to Wednesday, when we were at Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee's house for lunch. Shaikh Muhammad al-`Aqeel invited our Guests to lunch at his house on Thursday. Shaikh Zaid, politely and humbly, said, "Shaikh Ahmad is our Ameer (appointed leader) in this trip, my personal opinion is subject to what he says." And Shaikh, politely said, "Let Shaikh Muhammad (bin Haadee) do the scheduling, since we don't know what else is planned for tomorrow (Thursday)."

So, as Arab culture goes, that if somebody mentions an invitation in public, then everybody that is present is invited, and the host will actually be disturbed if the invitee DOESN'T attend, out of shyness or otherwise. Anyhow, Shaikh `Alee al-Hudhaifee interjects, "No way! Lunch is at MY house tomorrow. Got that everybody? My house… lunch… tomorrow."

So everybody kind of laughed it off as we were asked to prepare for lunch. So we all headed upstairs to eat. Lunch was pretty phat! Imagine, some of the most important people on the Earth, and maybe some of the closest people to their Lord, all sharing one spread. Shaikh `Ubaid has arthritis that has really been bothering him since last Ramadhan, (make Du`aa for him) so he had to sit on a chair ad eat at a table. Also, Shaikh Ahmad was in a car crash about ten years back and has been retired to using a cane since then, and last year he fell and hurt himself in his leg quite badly, may Allaah cure him. So, while everybody was socializing, and Shaikh Muhammad (bin Haadee) was being the GREAT host he is, Shaikh Muhammad bin `Abdil-Wahhaab al-`Aqeel, tried to insure that everybody would come to his house tomorrow, Thursday to lunch, with no real replies confirming attendance or not. When we got downstairs for tea, Shaikh `Alee al-Hudhaifee busts out, "Listen everybody, seriously… Tomorrow ya'll are coming over to my house for Lunch, and that's that." So everybody is a bit surprised since it was unofficially decided amongst them that Lunch is at Shaikh Muhammad's (al-`Aqeel) house. Anyhow, there was a slight exchange of words, which eventually led to Shaikh `Alee winning. Which also lead to Shaikh Muhammad (al-`Aqeel) changing his invitation to Dinner.

So yeah, that's how Thursday's daily activities came into play. So we get to Shaikh `Alee's house, as we thought, and were surprised that there wasn't a sign of life, though I saw some familiar cars outside from yesterday's Lunch Attendees. So we come up into the building, and dunno where to go. I rang one of the Intercoms and a person answered, and politely told us that it's the building next door. The funny thing is that Shaikh `Ubaid was saying to me, before I rand the Intercom, "This can't be the building, there is no sign of an engagement here. Most places where there is a get-together, you can tell there is a get-together there." I didn't know how to respond until we got into the Shaikh's building and I saw a tray of Qahwah (Arabic Coffee) cups and some dates, in front of one of the doors. So I barely began whispering that fact to Shaikh `Ubaid, as I was surprised to see Shaikh `Alee himself, sitting on the stairs to the right of the entrance, waiting for his guests. I was almost thrown back by such humility. How many people sit on the stairs of the building they own, and wait for their guests to enter? Being the fact, that this is one of the most well-known Islamic Personalities of our time, Senior Imaam of the Second most Sacred place in the World, the Prophet's Mosque! So the Shaikh got up, welcomed Shaikh `Ubaid, as is custom for younger ones to greet elders and Scholars, hand shake, kiss on forehead…
Besides that, and the many Pre-Lunch Conversations, it was just like the day before. The guest list was quite a bit smaller, I guess it was a little more private or something, but I'm not sure of the dynamics. Except that Shaikh Muhammad bin Ramzaan al-Haajiree, from Dammam, was also present with his crew. There was quite an interesting discussion on the Tableegh Movement, and many of the secrets that only people that were high in their ranks would know. I didn't know it gets as deep as some of the guests, who Allaah guided away from the Movement, explained.

Besides, the lunch, Shaikh Zaid was scheduled to give a talk at Masjid Qubaa' on the "Legislated Means of Victory", basically talking about the many innovated means people use to claim victory over our enemies, from within the Ummah or from the Non-Muslims. I was unable to attend, due to a Killer Migraine, but perhaps some of the readers may be able to comment on the talk, or maybe it may have been discussed on the Forum. Anyhow, the Shaikh's talk, as far as I know, went smoothly, without any interruptions or ruckus from the lamers that caused some issues the day before.

After the talk, there was a very private gathering arranged with our Noble Visitors. Shaikh Muhammad's (al-`Aqeel) Dinner was once again changed, to Lunch on Friday, which is strange because our guests were initially scheduled to leave Friday morning. Anyhow, that'll consist of the Final Post of this Series insha Allaah.

That was Thursday everybody, check out the following Links for the other Posts Regarding this Weekend to Remember:

A Weekend to Remember Part 1
A Weekend to Remember Part 2
A Weekend to Remember Part 3
A Weekend to Remember Part 4

Also, if you have any questions or comments regarding what was mentioned, please don't be shy to leave them in the comments section provided, I'll try my best to answer them promptly, insha Allaah.

A Weekend to Remember: Part 2

2006-05-17T17:20:00.000+03:00

Wednesday Night
20th of Rabee` ath-Thaanee, 1427

After the Masjid Qubaa' Event with Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa an-Najmee, we all headed to al-Basmah Istiraahah for a get-together with Scholars and Students of Knowledge. The main guests:

Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa an-Najmee, Mufti (Issuer of Religious Verdicts) of the Southern Regions of Saudi Arabia
Shaikh Zaid bin Muhammad al-Madkhalee, Prominent Scholar and Teacher in al-Ma`had al-`Ilmee (Islamic Institute) in Samitah, Jizan.
Shaikh Haadee bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, old school Islamic Caller in the Southern Region
Shaikh `Ubaid bin `Abdillaah al-Jaabiree, Former teacher in al-Ma`had al-`Ilmee (High School) and Da`wah College, Islamic University of Madinah and former Vice-President of Center of Islamic Daw`ah in Madinah
Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, Doctorate in Hadeeth Sciences, Lecturer in Da`wah College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh `Abdur-Rahmaan Muhiuddin, Former Professor in the Hadeeth College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh Yoosuf ad-Dakheel, Doctorate in Hadeeth Sciences, Lecturer in Hadeeth College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh `Abdullah bin `Abdir-Raheem al-Bukhaaree, Doctorate in Hadeeth, Lecturer in Hadeeth College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh Zaki bin `Abdir-Raheem al-Bukharee, Shaikh `Abdullah's Brother, Doctorate in Islamic Law, Qaadhee (Islamic Judge), Former Member of the Supreme Judiciary Committee in Riyadh
Shaikh `Abdus-Salaam bin Saalim as-Suhaimee, Doctorate in iqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) and Former Deen of Shariah College, Professor in Shariah College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh Ibraaheem bin `Aamir ar-Ruhailee, Doctorate in `Aqeedah (Islamic Creed), Lecturer in Hadeeth College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh Muhammad bin Ramzaan al-Haajiree, Islamic Caller in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Shaikh Saalih az-Zubaidee, Doctorate in Hadeeth Sciences, Lecturer in Hadeeth College, Islamic University of Madinah
Ruzaiq al-Qurashee, old school Islamic Caller from Taif
Fawwaaz bin `Alee al-Madkhalee, Son-in-Law of Shaikh Zaid and also a prominent Student of Knowledge in the South, also former advisor to the Governor of Jizan, Prince Muhammad bin Naasir

There were many other Teachers in the Islamic University and also prominent Students of Knowledge, but I can't recall them all since there was a lot of coffee-pouring to do.

Many people had come from outside of Madinah for the Lectures and the other events. I recall seeing familiar faces from Jeddah, Makkah, Riyadh, Dammam, Taif and Jizan. The overall turnout of students was about 1,000-1,500 in all. If anybody remembers any more than that, just leave me a comment.

The talk was administered by Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, as he is usually the M.C. at these types of events. The main topic of the talk was advice to the Students as well as a brief summary of the lives of these two very noble men. Shaikh Ahmad went in on how things were when he was young. Growing up in the South, his village, an-Najaamiyah, is literally a stones throw away from the border of Yemen. He talked about how when he was still a young student, they had a problem in their institute, al-Ma`had al-`Ilmee (Islamic Institute).

There were many Yemeni students who would come to the Institute as listeners (people who are not officially students). The main reason was the fact that they were not Saudi, nor did they have legal residential papers (Iqaamah). The Yemeni students soon became larger in number than the registered students. That caused a case of over-population to occur in the classrooms, making it hard for the official students to concentrate. So the students complained to their teacher, the Imaam, Shaikh `Abdullaah al-Qar`awe, the main caller to Tawheed (Oneness of Allaah) in the Southern Regions. Shaikh `Abdullaah was a force to be reckoned with. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable, but he had lot's of wisdom in dealing with people. So anyways, the students (registered) complained about their non-registered counterparts, and Shaikh `Abdullaah basically told them (registered) off. He basically made it forbidden for anybody to give the Yemenis any grief. It just shows how different things are these days and how far we are from the guidance of our Predecessors (Salaf).

In the upcoming Post I'll cover the Events of Thursday and Friday, insha Allaah.
That was Wednesday Night everybody, check out the following Links for the other Posts Regarding this Weekend to Remember:

A Weekend to Remember Part 1
A Weekend to Remember Part 2
A Weekend to Remember Part 3
A Weekend to Remember Part 4

Also, check out the new Guide to Saudi Arabia Blog.
And the Migraine Guide Blog has been moved from it's old address, some retard named "Sally" stole the old address, oh well.

A Weekend to Remember: Part 1

2006-05-17T16:21:00.000+03:00

Wednesday Afternoon
19th of Rabee` ath-Thaanee, 1427

It seems, it was only yesterday that Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee al-Madkhalee got his Doctorate. Once again, a great event was on its way. Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa an-Najmee, the Mufti (Issuer of Religious Verdicts) of the Southern Regions of the Kingdom, and Shaikh Zaid bin Muhammad al-Madkhalee, a very prominent Scholar from the South also, were on their way with their entourage to Madinah. With them were:
Shaikh Haadee bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, old school Islamic Caller in the Southern Region
Fawwaaz al-Madkhalee, Son-in-Law of Shaikh Zaid and also a prominent Student of Knowledge in the South, also former advisor to the Governor of Jizan, Prince Muhammad bin Naasir
And other Students of the two Noble Shaikhs

On Wednesday Shaikh Ahmad was scheduled to give a talk at Masjid Qubaa', after Maghrib Salah (Prayer), on the "Creed of the Victorious Group" as mentioned in the Previous Post.

There was also a Luncheon at Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee's house in honor of the visiting Scholars. Many of Madinah's Scholars and Students of Knowledge were present, including:

Shaikh `Alee bin Muhammad bin Naasir al-Faqeehee, Doctorate in `Aqeedah (Islamic Creed), Da`wah College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh `Ubaid bin `Abdillaah al-Jaabiree, Former teacher in al-Ma`had al-`Ilmee (High School) and Da`wah College, Islamic University of Madinah and former Vice-President of Center of Islamic Daw`ah in Madinah
Shaikh `Abdur-Rahmaan Muhiuddin, Former Professor in the Hadeeth College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh `Alee bin `Abdir-Rahmaan al-Hudhaifee, Senior Imaam of the Prophet's Masjid
Shaikh `Abdullah bin `Abdir-Raheem al-Bukhaaree, Doctorate in Hadeeth, Lecturer in Hadeeth College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh Zaki bin `Abdir-Raheem al-Bukharee, Shaikh `Abdullah's Brother, Doctorate in Islamic Law, Qaadhee ( Islamic Judge), Former Member of the Supreme Judiciary Committee in Riyadh
Shaikh `Abdus-Salaam bin Saalim as-Suhaimee, Doctorate in iqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) and Former Deen of Shariah College, Professor in Shariah College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh Muhammad bin `Abdul-Wahhaab al-`Aqeel, Doctorate in `Aqeedah (Islamic Creed), Professor in Da`wah College, Islamic University of Madinah
Shaikh Saalih az-Zubaidee, Doctorate in Hadeeth, Lecturer in Hadeeth College, Islamic University of Madinah
As well as a few other Students of Knowledge from Madinah and neighbours of Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee

Later on in the evening, Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa an-Najmee had a talk, as mentioned after Maghrib Salah (Prayer) in Masjid Qubaa'. He summarized the `Aqeedah (Islamic Creed) of Ahl as-Sunnah (The People of the Sunnah) in under 20 points. The talk was delayed about 20 minutes due to some commotion caused by some lame people part of the Masjid's administration, complaining that the talk was not announced and that the correct licenses were not acquired for the talk to be held in such a public place. After the lamers got a call from their boss, the head of the Islamic Da'wah (Call) center, they gave up. The talk went on until `Ishaa' Salah (Prayer), after which, there was an Istiraahah Event (gatherings held at locations outside Metropolitan Madinah) planned for our two noble visitors. I'll mention that in a separate post, insha Allah.

That was Wednesday Afternoon everybody, check out the following Links for the other Posts Regarding this Weekend to Remember:

A Weekend to Remember Part 1
A Weekend to Remember Part 2
A Weekend to Remember Part 3
A Weekend to Remember Part 4

Check out the new Guide to Saudi Arabia Blog

The Stars come out to Shine in Madinah

2006-05-17T06:59:00.000+03:00

Tonight should be a very eventful night indeed!

There are a few activities planned for tonight that very rarely come together on the same day.

Firstly, Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa an-Najmee, the Mufti of the Southern Regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will be giving a lecture at Masjid Qubaa' titled, "The Victorious Group", in relation to the Hadeeth of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam, "There will continue to be a group from my Ummah, upon the Truth, victorious..."

After the Shaikh's Lecture which is between Maghrib and `Ishaa' Prayers, there will be a get together with the other Scholars, the Stars of guidance, in a local Istiraahah (Local places for family get-togethers and small events).

The main scheduled guests are Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa an-Najmee, and Shaikh Zaid bin Muhammad Haadee al-Madkhalee.

Normally Istiraahah events are visited by other Scholars as well such as:

Shaikh `Ubaid bin `Abdillaah al-Jaabiree
Shaikh Saalih as-Suhaimee
Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee al-Madkhalee
And others...

These events are great for the Students in our University because of the fact that at the beginning of the School Year, there is always an Istiraahah Event, so the new students get a chance to meet with many other students from other countries, thus aiding them in networking and getting used to their new surroundings. As well as, the older students who are graduating, they get to meet the newer students and give them any advice before the new school year.

Also, at the end of the school year, there is generally an Istiraahah Event planned. This way those students who will be leaving, are able to leave on a good note, having met all their acquaintences and meeting many of the Scholars before leaving.

Last year, at th end of the school year we had an amazing Istiraahah Event, with a surprise visit by Shaikh `Alee bin `Abdir-Rahmaan al-Hudhaifee, Senior Imaam of the Prophet's Masjid.

In general, it's an awesome opportunity for us students and any visitors visiting Madinah.
If you are in Madinah, or can make the drive up from Jeddah, Makkah or Yanbu, do it. If you leave after Dhuhr Prayer, you can get here well in time for the Talk and the Event.

Take care people...

Updated List of New Students

2006-05-16T01:34:00.000+03:00

The list of new students accepted into the Islamic University of Madinah has been updated.

I was able to get a few more names of students from Western Countries. For those of you that might be from the West and were looking for your names or names of friends or relatives, check out the newly updated list. Do what you can to link back to them so that more people can benefit from the list. Many times, people will be accepted into the Islamic University but they are unable to come due to not being informed of their acceptance. Either it's because the address that they used was that of an Islamic Center or other public establishment, or that the address has expired and they are no longer able to access it, or perhaps they may have moved. So the internet is a GREAT medium for those who applied to be able to get the information they need to get studying. One of my firends is in Yemen right now studying, and he is a prime example of somebody who is unable to access the address which they provided at the time of applying.

The link to the updated list is the same as the old one:
Names of Students Accepted into the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia

An evenful day in Madinah

2006-05-11T12:13:00.000+03:00

What an eventful day!

Today was full of activities.

First, I had a Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence Test) at about 10:00 a.m.

While I was pulling into school I noticed all kinds of police cars and motercycles in the area. Later on, I remembered that they were scheduled to have a Pseudo Graduation Ceremony. Mostly a symbolic event in which a group of students (one from each nationality) that is graduating, receives a kind of degree (more like a certificate of appreciation) that is passed to them by the local Prince. Thus all the police traffic, Prince `Abdul-`Azeez bin Maajid Aal Sa`ud, Governor of the Madinah Region, was on campus.

Later on in the evening was the fun stuff.

Firstly, there was a talk to be giving at Masjid Qubaa', the first Masjid built in Islam (during the Prophet Muhammad's Prophethood). The lecturer was Shaikh Sulaiman Abul-Khail, Vice-President of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh. It was a clear case of purely bad timing. "Why", you ask? Cause tonight was THE NIGHT. Tonight, our beloved Shaikh, Muhammad bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, was to debate his Doctorate Thesis. So everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY, had plans only to go to the debate. To add to the hype, the main debater of the thesis was Shaikh Wasiullaah `Abbaas, Lecturer at Umm al-Quraa University in Makkah.

It was quite a "Star Studded Event", but not like Hollywood Stars... no, not in the least. Those "Stars" misguide people. These Stars were lamps of light deep in the dark sky, which travelers seeking the path use to be guided to the Right Way. These were Scholars of the Deen (Religion).

The Thesis was presented through the faculty which I study in, the Hadeeth College. It was based on those Hadeeth (Prophetic Narrations/Statements) that Imaam Abu Daawood as-Sijistaani documented in his Hadeeth Collection called the "Sunan", plural of "Sunnah" (Prophetic Narrations/Statements and Actions). Basically, from the other Collections of Hadeeth, some narrations were found ONLY in Abu Daawood's Collection. So the Shaikh studied those narrations through teh Sciences of Hadeeth and Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence). The thesis was VOLUMINOUS! It was 2,700 pages in total, bound into five THICK volumes.

The Shaikh's Mushrif (Supervisor/Mentor) for the thesis, was Shaikh `Abdur-Rahmaan Muhiuddeen, and old school teacher fromt he Hadeeth College, that studied under the likes of Shaikh Hammaad al-Ansaaree and Shaikh `Abdul-Muhsin al-`Abbaad. The main debater was Shaikh Wasiullaah bin Muhammad `Abbaas, of Makkah. The other debater, was a teacher from Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, it turns out, he was Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee's first teacher when the Shaikh first studied in Riyadh, WAY back in the day. Back in 1404 A.H. (the year I was born), Shaikh Musfir bin Ghurmillaah ad-Dumainee, taught Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee, when the Shaikh was getting his Bachelors in Islamic Studies.

The turnout was AMAZING. I estimate that there were about 2,000 spectators (yea, sounds like a Gladiator Match huh?). People turned up from EVERYWHERE. There were people that came from FAR OFF cities in the Kingdom. From Jizan, Riyadh, al-Majma`, Dammam, Jeddah, Makkah... you name it. That's besides the international visitors, people came from Kuwait, there were people that came from Europe on `Umrah, it was amazing. There was Quite a line-up of Scholars, Professors, Major Students of Knowledge, Da`wah Personalities and General Students of Knowledge from all over the place. At the end of the post, I'll provde a list of everybody that I, myself, saw. I am sure there were some hidden guests here and there with all the commotion and crowding.

The debate started at 7:00 p.m., after Maghrib Salaah (Prayer). The introduction was read by the Student, Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, and the first Debator, Shaikh Musfir, started his criticism of the work. This guy obviously had something up his sleeves. He had this strangely disturbing look on his face when he saw the HUGE turnout. He started praising the Student and the Work. Yet he also described the work as "Extremely Weak" and "Falling Apart". It's strange though, being that he is Shaikh Muhammad's teacher, from back in the day, but it is quite common for people from Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh to be prejudice of students from our University. Oh well, it surprised me since the actual Supervisor of the Thesis, Shaikh `Abdur-Rahmaan Muhiuddeen, himself said, "I've never supervised nor witnessed a more spectacular and pleasing thesis in my career in the Islamic University of Madinah. After many, cheap shots and failed attempts, the first debater's time was up. The size of the Thesis is so expansive that the first debater never left the first volume.

Then came Shaikh Wasiullaah `Abbaas. The one we all came to see in action. The Shaikh is known to be an authority when it comes to the Sciences of Hadeeth, that is of course, after the main Scholar of those sciences in our time, Shaikh Rabee` bin Haadee al-Madkhalee. The Shaikh made many valuable suggestions, everybody benefited. No cheap shots, no cards up sleeves. Just clean, crisp criticism that was VERY in-its-place. The Shaikh is quite well-mannered and very soft spoken. What a delight!

Ok, so at about 11:00 p.m. the debate is finally over. Crowds of people are moving around in the Debate Hall: talking, chilling, whatever. Everybody is waiting for the three Shuyookh (plural of Shaikh), the Supervisor and the two Debaters. They came out of the little room that they make the decision in, about twenty-five minutes later.

Shaikh `Abdur-Rahmaan Muhiuddeen made the announcement:

"In the name of Allaah, ar-Rahmaan, ar-Raheem. All Praise is due to Allaah, Lord of the Worlds. May the Salaah (prayers) and Salaam (peace) be upon the Messenger of Allaah. Today, on the day of Wednesday, the 11^th of Rabee` al-Aakhir, the year 1427 A.H., here in the Grand Lecture Hall of the Islamic University of Madinah…
The Board for Theses Debate:

I your brother `Abdur-Rahmaan bin Saalih Muhiuddeen, the Supervisor
Professor Dr. Musfir bin Ghrumillaah ad-Dumaini, a Thesis Criticizer
Professor Shaikh Wasiullaah bin Muhammad `Abbaas, a Thesis Criticizer

We sat down together to discuss the outcome of the Doctorate Thesis of the Student,

Muhammad bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, of Saudi Nationality, who presented his Thesis to the Department of 'Fiqh as-Sunnah' (The Jurisprudential Understanding of the Sunnah) in the faculty of 'Hadeeth and Islamic Studies'. The thesis was presented for the International Certificate of Higher Studies (PhD.), with the Title, 'The Zawaa'id (Hadeeth that is not found in other books) of Imaam Abu Daawood, from the Eight Fundamental Books of Hadeeth, Collection and Analysis, According to the Science of Hadeeth and Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)'. The debate started at 7:00 p.m. and lasted until 11:00 p.m. and was interrupted temporarily due to `Ishaa' Salaah (Prayer). We'd like to announce that after great consideration and analysis, the Student, Muhamad bin Haadee al-Madkhalee has been awarded the International Certificate of Higher Studies (PhD), with Honors of the First Degree (the highest degree that a student can get his Doctorate in). May Allah's Salaah (prayers) and Salaam (peace) be upon His Messenger Muhammad, and his Family and Companions."

After that, the Students were in a hurry to try to congratulate the Shaikh, It was quite a scene. Students hurrying to get to the exit area of the Stage that the Shaikh was on, Scholars in a hurry to get out of the crowd and be on their way either to their homes, or to the private congratulatory dinner that was to be held afterwards. If it weren't for some brothers that were standing security and the fact that there was a small private sitting room that the Shuyookh were hurried into, so as not to be bothered by the crowds, if it weren't for that, I think Shaikh Muhammad would have been hurt. So while we were waiting in the sitting room, the Deen of the Hadeeth College, Dr. Husain al-`Abdalee, and the Vice Deen, Dr. Qaasim at-Tawaashah, came to congratulate the Shaikh as well as many of the Shaikh's close relatives from Jizan region (where the Shaikh's hometown is).

When the crowds died down, the caravan started moving. The destination was the post-debate dinner. The location was kept secret so that the Shuyookh and family members and friends of the Shaikh are not bothered by 2,000 students and guests. No matter how hard they tried, people just followed in their cars like paparazzi. I was unable to go right away, as I had to drop Shaikh `Ubaid off at his home, since he was a bit worn out. When I got there, there was quite a gathering of people. I'm guessing the initial guest list was around 100 people, but there were about 250 people there. Al-Hamdu lillaah. the food was just enough, not to leave anybody hungry. Shaikh `Abdur-Rahmaan Muhiuddeen gave a nice talk about the Sunnah, holding fast to it and acting by it. The talk was followed by the dinner and then basically we left.

I personally had to drop a brother off at his hotel, since he flew down from Riyadh to attend the debate. After dropping the brother off, I went to the Prophet's Masjid and took some pictures from outside, I'll be uploading them soon, insha Allaah. I basically came home at 2:00 a.m. I doubt that anybody else really came home before that. I was gonna write this post last night, but I was exhausted and needed to get my slumber on.

List of Prominent Attendees from Madinah:

Shaikh Saalih bin Sa`d as-Suhaimi
Shaikh `Alee Naasir al-Faqeehee
Shaikh `Ubaid al-Jaabiree
Shaikh Yoosuf ad-Dakheel
Shaikh `Abdur-Rahmaan bin Saalih Muhiuddeen
Shaikh `Abdullaah al-Bukhaaree
Shaikh Tarheeb ad-Dausaree
Shaikh `Abdus-Salaam as-Suhaimee
Shaikh Ibraaheem ar-Ruhailee

As for the Shuyookh from outside Madinah:

Shaikh Sulaimaan Abul-Khail, Vice President of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh
Shaikh `Abdul-Kareem al-Muneef, from the city of al-Majma`, not too far from Riyadh
Shaikh Wasiullaah bin Muhammad `Abbaas
Shaikh Ahmad Baazmool, who recently completed his Doctorate Thesis, with excellent marks, in Umm al-Quraa University in Makkah
Shaikh Muhammad bin Ramzaan, from Dammaam

As for the other guests from outside Madinah:

Our brother, Khaalid Baaqais, admin of SalafiDuroos.net
Ahmad az-Zahraanee, a well-known student of Knowledge from Makkah
Fu`aad al-`Amree, graduate from the Islamic University of Madinah, currently works with the Committee for Commanding the Good and Forbidding the Evil
Usaamah al-`Amree, Fu'aad's brother. Also a graduate and also working with the Committee
Ruzaiq al-Qurashee, old school Da`wah Workshop Coordinator from Taa'if
`Abdullaah bin Burjis, brother of the late Shaikh `Abdus-Salaam bin Burjis, rahimahullaah (May Allaah have Mercy upon him)
`Aadil Mansoor, well-known student of knowledge from Riyadh
Haanee bin Breik, well-known student from Yemen, who recently moved back to Madinah
`Abdullaah `Abbaas, graduate from our University and well-known young student of Knowledge

There were many other people from different cities, regions and countries that attended. Shaikh Muhammad bin Haadee's cousins came up from Jizan region. As well as many old acquaintances from way back in the day, when the Shaikh was still an up and coming student of knowledge.

That's the news everybody

Enjoy..

Islamic University News: New Students

2006-05-03T13:35:00.000+03:00

This is an updated list of New Students accepted into the Islamic University of Madinah.

This list contains the names of a little over eighty students, who were accepted into the Islamic University for the 1427-1428AH/2006-2007AD School Year. If you find your name among those accepted, contact your nearest Saudi Cultural Mission. If you are unable to locate one in your country, contact the nearest Saudi Embassy or Consulate. For some countries, like Trinidad, you might have to go to Venezuela to expedite the admission papers and any other paperwork you might have to provide.

Note: This list is inclusive of the previous list, after going back to the school, I was able to write down a few more names to later make them available online. I have talked to the administration about making the names available online. I have been asked by people of other nationalities to make the list available but it is too much of a hardship since one has to manually note the names on paper. With certain countries, dozens of students have been accepted, and jotting it all down on paper, while you are standing in an un-air-conditioned hallway, is a bit difficult. So let's just hope the administration will make the list available online, as they promised to do so. This list includes names of students accepted in the Americas, Europe, Western Asia (ex-Soviet Union) and Australia and the South Pacific. There may be other students accepted from other countries that fall under this general categorization, but since this was all part of one master list, I only jotted this set down. If you know any of these people, or know of any websites in the languages of these countries, do them a favor and translate the information, or provide a link back to the Madinah Blog. As for English-speaking websites, I'd appreciate it if they would link to this site since it took a great deal of effort to be able to get the list and make it available. I have asked the administration to give me the WHOLE LIST of students accepted into the Islamic University, but they said there would be many official channels that I'd have to go through to get my hands on the list, I will try though.

Before listing the names, I'd like to convey a personal message to those brothers that were accepted to the Islamic University:

Congratulations! This might be one of the most important things you will have ever done for yourself. But beware, you were chosen out of many hundreds of applicants, so take advantage of this opportunity. Don't mess around! There might be many people that are more worthy –academically– than me or you that would do almost anything to be able to live in the Prophet's City and pray in the Prophet's Masjid. Be a benefit to yourself, your family and your community! DON'T be a "tourist", a pet name we have for all the students that come and basically waste their time buying the coolest new phone and eating fast food and basically being a waste of space. Fear Allah, and study hard.

North America:

United States: 8 Students

محمد حميد
محمد عبدالله الشبيكي
يوسف جو سكافي
حكيم خالد جمال
بيك جواد
جبريل علي محسن
عبدالحليم عدنان شاوت
فيصل هدي

Canada: 2 Students

محمد عمر عثمان
محمود بشير

South America and The Caribbean:

Brazil: 1 Student

إيدوارد ماجيلاتي

Saint Lucia: 2 Student

برادلي اجدوما

Haiti: 2 Students

والت مويس
جين روبادي أمازان

Venezuela: 2 Students

وحيد فكتور قالقو
ماريو خوسي النصر

Guyana: 2 Students

عبدالسميع أمير نور
مسعود سعيد يوسف

Trinidad: 1 Student

أحمد علي

Euro-Asia:

United Kingdom: 8 Students

جونثن قرملي
ماثيو قرين
سالك أحمد
أحمد باتل ماما
نعمان حسين
شهباز ميهار
إسماعيل بن محمد سعيد بمجي
ماثيو هايلز

Netherlands: 2 Students

محمد الشبيب
صالح أيت قاسي

Italy: 1 Student

رزق محمد عبدالمجيد محمد إسماعيل

Portugal: 1 Student

أديسون لوبو ديبيانا

Greece: 1 Student
هابيل رشاد

Norway: 3 Students

رحالي نورالدين محمد
محمد زبيري
حسين زكريا

France: 8 Students

رياحي منير
اليفيه ماثيو
مهدي سلامة
ماران فريدريك
الان ايلويس بنجار
كولو فرانسوا اوليفيه
لانوزيل ارثر
جلال صفوان

Finland: 2 Students

يوهو هـيـنـنن
عمر فولكن صديك

Georgia: 2 Students

بسلان ايواز مختاروف
أمين أمود حاجيوف

Ukraine: 1 Student

غالمدار ابراز خافي خير الله

Germany: 3 Students

عدنان توبجاغيج
روبرت شوارتزه
دنس فورتو

Estonia: 1 Student
سوسلان برادزوف

Moldova: 1 Student

دين إسلام طلقت

Switzerland: 2 Students

نيرمين احوفيتـش
موسى خلف

Slovenia: 2 Students

جرني سيزار
أمير افديتـش

Denmark: 2 Students

اركان الماسي
سوران هلب بيترسن

Bulgaria: 2 Students

بورسلاف كوستادينوف ايوان كوستادينوف
محمد حمدي عبدالله

Turkey: 9 Students

بلال شاهين متين
مراد يلماز أنفر
محمد أكرم شعبان ايدين
إسماعيل عبدالله يوسف
عثمان مولود آقصوي
محمد بن يالجين أشرف
محمد حمزة حسين أفجان
طه يعقوب بن محمد اشجي
إلياس يلديز محمد

Czech Republic: 2 Students

فيلان فاهالا
سامر رياض شحادة

Spain: 1 Student

هشام عبدالسلام محمدي

Belgium: 3 Students

ايت سرحان حميد
اليطوتي اسماعيل
الراس يونس

Sweden: 5 Students

اسف خان فانيفوج
منصور فانيفوج
ثاند توبياس
أصال رمسيس
اسماعيل نور محمد

Middle East & Far East

Qatar: 2 Students

سعيد حمد جارالله جهويل
مبارك محمد ماجد الصبيح المري

Kuwait: 8 Students

عبدالرحمن خليفه عبدالله عوض الحميدي المطيري
خالد عبدالله علي أحمد علي محمد
عبدالله محمود عبدالله الهزاع
عبدالله عيسى عبدالرحمن سرحان عبدالله
مشاري مبارك عواد العازمي
مساعد نبيل خالد خالد الفرحان
عبداللطيف إبراهيم عبدالله الشاهين
محمد خالد عبدالله عبدالرزاق الهندي

United Arab Emirates: 2 Students

محمد صديق عقيل حمحد شريف حاجوني
عبدالله عبيد سليمان حمد المطوع

China: 10 Students

جانغ كون
مامه نه ماماما
ماتشنغ هاي
يوسف هدايةالله نوح
تشيولي يي
خان تشيان
ما تيانغ
ماجيون
ليوجن مو
يان في

Japan: 1 Student

ميكي ساكارتا

Taiwan: 1 Student

ماجي ين

Singapore: 6 Students

محمد اسراري بن أحمد سنوسي
محمد خالد بن راف بن تائب
محمد فيصل بن مصريف
محمد أسلم
محمد رزحان بن ليمان
محمد فضلي بن صليب

Australia & The South Pacific:

Australia: 6 Students

مصطفىعبدالرزاق السراقبي
محمد خان
بلال دبوسي
عبدالله عبدالسلام أحمد زود
مرزا حوسفتـش
مايكل سلفاتور بوليسينا

New Zealand: 1 Student

براد هيربرت

Fiji: 1 Student

محمد امراز حسين

Check back for more information on the Islamic University…
Check out the Guide to Saudi Arabia Blog

Some Madinah Weather info for ya'll

2006-05-02T11:13:00.000+03:00

5 Day Forecast , Insha Allah

Today

Tomorrow

Thu

Fri

Sat

Partly Cloudy

High: 98°
Low: 81°

Partly Cloudy

High: 90°
Low: 78°

Partly Cloudy

High: 97°
Low: 76°

Sunny

High: 101°
Low: 77°

Sunny

High: 102°
Low: 77°

Enjoy people...

Get on the floor! Put your HANDS UP!

2006-05-02T10:46:00.000+03:00

Yes, it's what happened, I almost got arrested. Me, the good samaritan, the dude that helps old ladies cross the street (only mahrams). They wanted to put me away, "Book 'em, take 'em down to the station", said Officer Bedouin.

I ran a red light. I had to. i drive an Astro, if I were to slam the breaks, I'd go skidding to the center of the intersection, NOW THAT'S BAD! So I ran it. Little did I know that there was a Check Point set up only 50 yards (meters) down from the intersection which I criminally crossed. The signed to me to pull over, I was doomed.

I gave them my story, told them that in my country they teach me that if slamming the breaks will cause me to skid and thu spossibly causing a bigger traffic obstacle, that I should carry on at the speed that I am going, to avoid greater harm. He said, "That's the way it is here in our country too, now please, get in the Squad Car and accompany us to the station."

That was it, time to pull out my Ace of Spades:
"But Shaikh, I can't go to the station with you, it's exam time, I have tests. I just left the house to use the ATM (which I did). Sir, my wife is waiting at home, I came out to get her some bread and zabadi (yoghurt). I don't think it'll be possible for me to go with you..."

They were making space in the squad car, they even had a dud sit in the front with the cop, which is a REAL security hazard cuz every Squad Car brandishes a new, probably never been used, AK-47, which is almost standard issue these days cuz of the terrorist problem ad the Kingdom's unrelenting War on Terror.

So anyhow, they started looking at one another and feeling sorry for me. They let me go. Mind you that the pealty for breaking a red light is three days in jail and about 900 Riyals in fines (which I am probably still gonna have to pay).

Allah is Merciful and Madinah is the best city on Earth. Only here can you get away with such crimes and be pittied by the cops.

Al-Hamdu lillah

Islamic University News: Time for finals!

2006-04-29T19:15:00.001+03:00

It's time for our finals, which are scheduled to be a week after our mid-terms (?)

Anyhow.. all blogging activities will have to come to a halt until further notice.
I will try keep up a bi-weekly posting, perhaps Mondays and Thursdays at around Noon (EST)

Till then, make du`a for all us miskeen (poor) students in the wonderful Islamic University of Madinah

Take care everybody...