The Beginning of Guidance for Muslim Women

Alhamdulillah, All Praise is for Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Most Merciful, Gracious and Generous. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad and his noble family and companions. We have reached the end of our presentation of Imam al-Jawi's commentary Maraqi al-'Ubudiyyiah on Imam al-Ghazali's Bidayat al-Hidayat, The Beginning of Guidance. This book is 395 pages long, and for the majority of listeners, will have been the first time they have studied a full classical text with commentary. Anything that you have found to be good is only from Allah and I ask you for your forgiveness for my shortcomings and errors throughout the presentation and study of these texts. May our time spent studying be a witness for us on the Day of Judgment, and may we attain the intercession of the two noble and distinguished authors for the time and effort that each and every person has spent seeking to learn and benefit from their knowledge, Ameen. In this final episode, Imam al-Ghazali counsels us on how to deal with acquaintances, warns us of the pitfalls of seeking what they appear to have and directs us towards suitable conduct in their company. In conclusion, he reiterates what he mentioned at the beginning of the book about being inclined to want to act on and implement the knowledge in the text, and that the desire to seek what it calls to is a tremendous Divine favour and blessing and is indeed, the beginning of guidance. Please keep in touch with us on Instagram, Telegram and via email, for updates on more from MISK Women podcasts, classes and courses. Jazakum Allahu khairan and may Allah bless you and your loved ones abundantly. Your sister, Umm Abdullah.

In this episode, Imam al-Ghazali explains the characteristics and qualities you should look for in a companion, then he advises on how to uphold your duties and responsibilities to that person as their friend. In summary, seek to be in the company of those who remind you of God and help keep you firm on the Straight Path,. If you are blessed with such company, treat them with the best manners and prefer them and their needs over your own. Finally - remember that in the next life you will be with whomever you love...so choose wisely and treat them how you would want them to treat you.

The final section of the Beginning of Guidance on Etiquette with the Creator and Creation begins with advice on how conduct oneself and be in the presence of the One Who never leaves you, Mighty and Majestic is He. Then we discuss the advice of our Master and Guide, Imam al-Ghazali and the significant contributions of Imam al-Jawi, on the best comportment of: The scholar The student Children with parents, and The appropriate etiquette one should maintain with the general public. This is the first part of three episodes on the most beautiful and pleasing Adab / Etiquette that Islam cultivates and refines in the believer.

In this episode, we discuss the blessed Hadith of the great Companion, Sayyidna Mu'aath bin Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, which summarises the transgressions of the heart and the journey of one's deeds towards Divine acceptance. As this is the conclusion of the second section of the book, Imam al-Ghazali offers his final advice to the student of knowledge about purifying the heart and warns sternly against using religious knowledge for worldly gain.

Assalamu alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu Welcome back to the MISK women podcast series on Imam al-Ghazali's "Beginning of Guidance"! After a longer break than expected, we are back to complete the book, seeking to benefit from the great knowledge, wisdom and advice of the author and our noble and beloved commentator, Imam al-Jawi, may Allah have mercy and be pleased with them both. This episode is the recording of the last class we did on Zoom in October 2020. At about 53 mins the statement "Whoever knows himself knows his Lord" is briefly mentioned. As a confirmation of the status of the statement, please note that the great scholar Imam Jalaluddin al-Suyuti wrote a short treatise on this statement and confirmed that it is NOT a Prophetic hadith, and is in fact attributed to a Sufi named Yahya ibn Mu'ath al-Razi. Jazakum Allahu khairan.

Imam al-Ghazali begins the next section on guarding against the three transgressions of the heart addressed in this book; envy, ostentation and conceit. The introduction looks briefly at the animalistic qualities inherent in a human being and how they are overcome by developing angelic qualities, through knowledge, wisdom and certainty. Two extremely important points are also mentioned for their relevance to the ideologically dominated time in which we live. Thereafter, the first of the three transgressions, envy, is discussed in detail with the comprehensive commentary of Imam al-Jawi.

This section on transgressions of the limbs ends with Imam al-Ghazali's advice on guarding the hands and feet from unlawful and unpraiseworthy acts. This part of the book is concluded by reminding people of the need to act positively and constructively to seek knowledge and sustenance, and to know that God's blessing upon you is facilitating that for you. The question and answer session at the end of the class has been edited out.

This week's class continued with the study of the transgressions of the limbs with a focus on the stomach and private parts - the two desires or two carnal appetites. Imam al-Ghazali approaches the topic of eating with a perspective based on consuming pure and halal food, and avoiding products about which one is doubtful. The topic of al-War' / scrupulousness regarding one's consumption was then discussed by looking at the famous hadith: "The halal is clear and the haram is clear and between them are doubtful matters, which few people know...". The class finishes with a discussion on sexual relations within the context of the Maqasid al-Shari'ah / Objectives of the Shari'ah, of which the preservation of the means of reproduction and producing the next generation is one of the five central goals. The question and answer session at the end of the class has been edited out for brevity.

The final five types of transgressions of the tongue are explained in detail according to Imam al-Ghazali's text and Imam al-Jawi's commentary and contextualized for contemporary times. This class deals with: Disputation, Argumentation and Competitive Debate Ascribing Goodness to Oneself Cursing Supplicating Against Creation Jesting, Ridiculing and Making Fun of People This episode ends with the example of Sayyidna Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, and how he prevented himself from indulging in speech that was not beneficial in the dunya or akhira. May we follow his lofty example of self discipline and the advice of Imam al-Ghazali and refrain from speaking words that might be harmful to others and ourselves.

This lesson takes us into the first of the types of speech that are hazardous and sinful for a Muslim who is concerned about their conduct in this life and the consequences of it in the next. Imam Al-Ghazali counsels us to avoid lying, which is one of the foundational sins of the tongue. Then breaking promises is discussed, with the hadith on the qualities of a hypocrite who is unable to rid oneself of the blameworthy qualities mentioned. The subtleties of backbiting are also examined, along with the four reprehensible qualities that are often mixed with it. May we learn well from our scholars and apply what we learn, in sha Allah. The lesson begins at 6:05 minutes, after an introduction, the dua for seeking knowledge and a brief mention of the outline of the book for those who were joining for the first time.

Welcome to the second, online class recording of Imam al-Ghazali's Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidayat). We discuss how the commentator, Imam al-Jawi, builds his commentary by drawing upon eleven branches of knowledge that we identify and colour code in a sample paragraph. Not many English speaking, female students of knowledge would be exposed to such an analysis, albeit brief, and part of our goal at MISK Women is to expand the student's holistic understanding and competence in dealing with classical texts. We read the Arabic and English translations of the book and discuss a fairly detailed reading of the commentary on the four sins of the eye, the sins of the ear and the introductory paragraph to the eight sins of the tongue. The question and answer section has been deleted from this audio recording for brevity. The actual class begins at 4:09.

Welcome to our first class recording! We have switched from straight podcasting to teaching the text, The Beginning of Guidance, on the online Zoom format. These classes are available to all listeners who would like to attend in person on Sundays, or if you are unable, then you can still study the book via those recordings uploaded here. For class registration details, the time of the class in your location and other enquiries, please contact via Instagram @miskwomen, join our FB private group MISK Women Halaqa, or contact via email: miskwomen@gmail.com. There is also a private Telegram channel that you can join after receiving the link. This class summarises the first part of the book about the seeker of knowledge, and mentions the topics previously covered in the podcast episodes. Then we begin Part 2 of the book - Avoiding the sins of the limbs. We covered the introduction to that section, the Quranic ayats and Hadith in it and what Imam al-Jawi says in his commentary. The seven body parts that will be discussed in detail in Part 2 were mentioned, and the next class begins with avoiding the sins of the eyes, in sha Allah. For any enquiries or comments, please don't hesitate to contact us on miskwomen@gmail.com

This is a detailed episode divided into two parts. In the first part, Imam al-Ghazali discusses the voluntary fasts that are recommended on an annual, monthly and weekly basis. The rewards and reasons for fasting at these times are explained and the commentary provides supplementary proofs and insights into the merits of these non-compulsory fasting days. In the second part, the inward realities of restraining oneself from partaking in food and drink in daylight hours are discussed with much depth and clarity. Controlling the limbs from disliked acts so as to not nullify the blessing of the fast is emphasized. Also, the importance of breaking one's fast on halal food, monitoring the quantity of food consumed in the evening and the abundant reward that awaits the fasting person in the Afterlife are all discussed, with the eloquence and experiential knowledge of the great masters of spiritual purification and wayfaring to God.

Perfecting the etiquettes of the congregational prayer is an important part of a Muslim's family and community life. In this episode, we discuss the details of the etiquettes that pertain to the Imam (the person leading the prayer) and the Ma'mum (the person following in the prayer). The aspects of both practices that pertain specifically to women praying in congregation have been mentioned, in order to highlight the differences and ensure that women are performing group prayers that are both valid and adorned with the correct etiquettes. At around 26.30 the topic changes to the etiquettes of the Friday prayer and Fridays in general. Why is Friday such a special day for Muslims? What should we do on Fridays? Join us to find out how to beautify our prayers even more and how to really make Friday the best day of the week!

We conclude our study of the formal prayer with Imam al-Ghazali's detailed explanation of how to perfect its performance. We are taken step-by-step through each movement, with advice on perfecting the raising of the hands to enter the prayer, the recitation of al-Fatihah, the bowing position, the prostration, exiting the prayer and the meanings of the supplications recited throughout. The text is supplemented with Imam al-Jawi's deep commentary and additions of other textual evidence, which support a profoundly spiritual understanding and assist the listener towards fulfilling what God wants from us in our ritual prayer.

Join us in this episode for a detailed explanation of four short paragraphs in Imam al-Ghazali's Beginning of Guidance on preparing the heart before prayer! Firstly, we revise the conditions of prayer, such as having the correct purification, covering the body appropriately and standing facing the direction of prayer. Then Imam al-Ghazali informs us of the state of the heart that we need to nurture as we stand before our Lord, and of a little trick we can play on ourselves to remedy an inattentive heart.

Finish up your day the Prophetic way, by following the eight etiquettes of sleep described by Imam al-Ghazali in this chapter. Learn how to prepare for sleep, the dua and ayaat to read before sleeping, how to wake up and what does it mean to pray in your sleep? We are counselled to strive to implement the daily program laid out in this and all previous chapters of the book. A little effort and patience will result in eternal bliss...so do not waste your opportunities and strive for all that is good and beneficial!

In this episode, Imam al-Ghazali lays out the optimal schedule for benefiting from the remainder of the day from noon until the night prayer. He reminds us that we have a precious jewel in every moment... Discover how to prepare for each of the rest of the prayers, how to spend your time in between and how to purify the end of your day and commence with the evening in the best possible way.

After morning worship is concluded, how should we best spend our time until midday? Imam al-Ghazali counsels us in four areas of activity from which the person seeking her Lord in all times of the day will benefit the most.  We are taught about what beneficial knowledge is and what it should do for us, as well as to make sure that we spend our time in the dunya for the sake of the next life. We also learn about four behaviours in ourselves that we should strive to protect others from and seek to be protected from should they be present in other people.

In this episode we discuss some of the challenges facing mothers with young children and how to be worshipful in any situation. We expand upon the key concept of having a full worship schedule by learning how to structure and benefit the most from our time between the Fajr prayer and sunrise…and what you are missing if you go back to sleep! Imam al-Ghazali teaches us about the athan (prayer call) and how to respond, as well as the most comprehensive supplications to make at that most blessed and potent time of the day. Tune in to find out how to benefit yourself so early in the morning!

In this episode, we learn about the key concept in this book on the importance of having a worship schedule and how to fulfill it. We look at what to do in the early morning, the sunnah prayer of Fajr, preparing to go to the mosque and the general etiquettes of entering the mosque, greeting and waiting for the communal prayer to begin. Imam al-Ghazali teaches us the most important supplications to make at this time of the day, including the most beautiful dua for light. But how do women fulfil our schedule of worship at home if we aren't attending the mosque so early in the morning? Tune in to find out.

Islam is so complete and holistic that there is no physical state or human condition that prevents ritual purification. Whether it be a full bath from top to toe or the wiping of dust over the face and arms for the ill or injured, the Divine law provides a way to ensure that access to your Lord through purification and worship is always possible, regardless of your situation.

It's time to prepare for the performance of the prayer and acts of worship that require the minor ritual purification - wudu. Imam al-Ghazali takes us through the essential steps, with spiritual insights and meanings that explain how what looks like the mere washing of one's limbs is actually the key to entering the presence of the Divine.

There is no topic off the table in Islam...even the most mundane activity, such as personal hygiene, requires a dignified response that conforms to Prophetic etiquette and ensures that one's body and clothes are purified and ready for prayer. Perfecting the lowest aspects of life is akin to opening a door on to the first step of an illuminated staircase. As each level is reached and perfected with the best of actions and a present state of heart, a person ascends, by one divinely guided step at a time, on the inevitable journey back to God.

Discover the importance of waking in the last third of the night and how not to let your ears be used for the wrong reasons. Study the supplications that are recommended to read upon waking. We look at dressing: as the first requirement after waking, the two conditions of women's Islamic dressing, how to blend in with your society without compromising your modesty, modest comportment and some associated marriage issues.

This episode includes a variety of concepts invaluable to the person seeking to draw closer to Allah. We discuss why does 'obedience' get a bad rap? We explore Book 38 of the Ihya 'Ulum al-Din to expand on the concept of observing oneself. We discuss adab, etiquettes and manners, and having a daily schedule.

The final episode on the introduction to the book, Bidayat al-Hidayat. Discover the three groups of people who seek knowledge, and strive to be of those who are sincere. Make sure you are not dazzled by the illusion of worldly success as you traverse the path of seeking sacred knowledge because you are sure to regret the outcome. Check your intention again - and get ready to enter Part One - the adornment of outer actions with taqwa.

What happens when seeking knowledge is motivated by the lower self? Join us to investigate how a seeker of knowledge needs to be aware of deceptive tricks on their journey...and a supplication to protect from that.

Let the celestial spotlight illuminate your way, as you master the outer sciences and their application, before tasting the sweet fruit of Divine guidance. Please find us on Instagram at miskwomen for discussion, comments, questions and references for the books used in the podcast series.

Imam al-Ghazali immediately directs us to check our hearts and intention...what are we seeking when we set out on the path to learn sacred knowledge? Please find us on Instagram at miskwomen for discussion, comments, questions and references for the books used in the podcast series.

We begin our formal study of the Beginning of Guidance with a deep exploration of what are four of the most analysed and discussed words in the universe - In the Name of Allah. The name and place of birth of Imam al-Ghazali are also discussed, along with the meaning of his title "The Proof of Islam".

Off on a tangent, this episode explores the primordial pedagogical method of recitation/reading and listening. We investigate why it is important for English speaking, Muslim women to engage with this method of learning in Arabic, and why correct reading is more than just fluency and pronunciation.

Discover how introductions to classical texts are structured, how the commentator sees himself and his contribution and what he asks for from those reading his work.

Welcome to MISK Women and our first classical text - the Beginning of Guidance! We chat about the importance of English speaking Muslim women studying a classical text from Arabic sources and commentaries, the content of the book and the fruit of knowledge and practice...Divine guidance.