SeekersGuidance Istanbul Campus Enters Second Year at Historic Location

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SeekersGuidance’s Dar al-Fuqaha program and our Global Manuscript Institute are now both hosted at the historic Sultan Ahmet Madrasa, between the Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia

Earlier this month SeekersGuidance penned a monumental agreement with the Sultanahmet Vakf to continue the Dar al Fuqaha Seminary program from  the historical Sultan Ahmet Madrasa. Located between two of Istanbul’s crown jewels, the madrasa was originally built and commissioned to be the Dar al Hadith, and will now serve as the home of SeekersGuidance’s Dar al Fuqha Seminary and Dar al Makhtutat Program. The Signing ceremony was attended by scholars and teachers from Turkey, Canada and the United States.

The entire singing ceremony is now available for you to watch, including an exclusive tour of the Sultanahmet Madrasa.

 

 

SeekersGuidance is committed to reviving, preserving and spreading the Islamic tradition around the world. Along with securing a new home for the Dar al Fuqaha Seminary, we also launched the Dar al Makhtutat: Global Manuscripts Institute, and Dar al Muwashat: The House of Sacred Arts.

SeekersGuidance is not only committed to spreading reliable Islamic Guidance, but also preserving and reviving Islamic scholarship.

With your generous support, we have been able to launch the groundbreaking Dar al-Fuqaha Seminary in Istanbul.

This Seminary offers classes in the Islamic sciences with leading scholars–including some of the most senior Syrian scholars. Its key offering is a specialization in Islamic Law and Legal Method.

The SeekersGuidance Dar al-Fuqaha Seminary renewed for its second year at the historic Sultan Ahmed Madrasa, between Aya Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Help SeekersGuidance spread, preserve, and revive Islamic knowledge and guidance by supporting the Dar Al Fuqaha Seminary in Istanbul.

You can be part of this legacy, by becoming a monthly supporter. Set up your monthly donation by visiting: www.seekersguidance.org/donate

Introducing the House of Manuscripts in Istanbul (Dar al Makhtutat)

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SeekersGuidance Launches Global Project to Build a Digital Library of 500,000 Islamic Manuscripts 

If our historical manuscripts were a kingdom, without a doubt, Istanbul would be its capital. Between the city’s two most famous historical sites, lies a small building, which will house the Dar al Makhtutat (House of Manuscripts) project.

From its inception, The House of Manuscripts will have seven important projects the two most important being (1) An Encyclopedia of Arabic Manuscripts and (2) The building of a digital library with over half a million manuscripts.

This spectacular effort will be led by manuscript experts Dr Faisal al-Hafian, Dr Idham Hanash and Dr Hasan Osman under the guidance and assistance of Dr Mahmud Masri.

Sultan Ahmet and a Promising Space

In the early 1600s, after a somber defeat, Sultan Ahmet I commissioned the building of the Sultan Ahmet complex in hopes to reassert the power of the Ottomans. Four-hundred years later, as we gaze upon its magnificence, one cannot help but reflect on the sources of strength of the Muslims of the past.

Was it a fleeting militaristic or economic might – or a spiritual strength that transcended buildings, borders, and even centuries?

Nestled between two of Istanbul’s jewels, the Sultan Ahmet mosque, and the Aya Sofia, lies a quaint madrasa building. A place that was commissioned to be the Dar al-Hadith. It was shut down in 1924 only to be reopened years later, under the guardianship of the Sultan Ahmet Vakf.

The Birth of the Project: Dar al Makhtutat (House of Manuscripts)

While restoring the beautiful spiritual structure of the madrasa, the leaders of the endowment (waqf) recognized the need to breathe life into it by hosting programs and projects that restore our rich intellectual and spiritual heritage. 

It came as no surprise when the president of the waqf welcomed, with open arms, the idea of hosting SeekersGuidance, Dar al Makhtutat and the Dar al Fuqaha projects at the madrasa. A partnership that transcends borders and the effects of which, we pray will transcend centuries.

SeekersGuidance and Dar al Makhtutat

The manuscript is the main pillar that supports the civilizational existence and cultural identity of a nation.

This ambitious project will work towards spreading the culture of Islamic manuscripts and teach its various sciences related to cataloging, classification, investigation, publishing, restoration, digitization, and aesthetic preservation.

In addition to these important objectives, the House of Manuscripts will also hold monthly seminars and annual conferences and produce a yearly publication in the science of manuscripts. The program will contribute to the revival of Islamic scholarship, by training scholars and academics to properly edit and publicize our great heritage of manuscripts.

A New Year Begins at the Dar Al Fuqaha Seminary

The Dar al Fuqaha Seminary program continues to build on the Specialization in Islamic Law program launched last year at the Fatih Sultan Mehmet University at the Mevlavihane in Istanbul.

A partnership which gave fruit to 660 lessons in various Islamic sciences in 2020.

The program, now housed at the Sultan Ahmet Madrasa connects leading mainstream, traditionally-trained senior scholars with students of Islamic knowledge from around the world, completely free.

The program is meant to revive the classical system of scholarly authorization (ijaza) in a meaningful way: students who complete a text, or level of study, or program with understanding and mastery will receive specific scholarly authorization (ijaza) in what they have completed.

New Beginnings – The Revival

Distinct and harmonious calls to prayer from the Aya Sofia and Sultan Ahmet reverberate through the madrasa building five times a day.

A spiritual energy emanates from the hearts and minds of a dedicated group of people, working together with one goal – to revive the Islamic Sciences. 

We pray this endeavor serves a noble purpose – to connect the creation to its Creator.

Help Preserve the Spread of Beneficial Knowledge and Guidance

Through the efforts of our generous supporters, we have spread beneficial knowledge and guidance to thousands. Join the community of supporters and gift generously to preserve and transmit Islamic Scholarship – donate now by clicking here. 

Registration Open: Term Three 2020 at the Dar al Fuqaha Seminary

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Registration Open: Term Three 2020 at the Dar al Fuqaha Seminary

As we inch towards the end of the year, we begin our last semester at the Dar al-Fuqaha Seminary. This term we present you with courses from leading scholars including Shaykh Salih al Ghursi, Dr Mahmud Masri, Shaykh Muhammad Qaylish and more!

As we did last term, we will continue to make the safety of teachers and students a top priority. Term three will be exclusively held online with our faculty teaching from the library of the Mevlavihanesi, or from the comfort of their own homes.

To register for a Dar al Fuqaha course, please fill out the registration form below:

seeke.rs/daralfuqaha

Note: All classes are in Arabic.

What is the Dar al Fuqha Seminary?

The Dar al Fuqaha Seminary is a program launched in partnership with the Sultan Mehmet Fatih Vakif University under the leadership of Dr Mahmud Masri of SeekersGuidance.

The Dar al-Fuqaha Islamic Seminary connects leading mainstream, traditionally-trained senior scholars with students of Islamic knowledge from around the world, completely free—at the beautiful Ottoman Madrasa, the Yenikapi Mevlevihanesi, founded over 420 years ago.

This program is meant to revive the classical system of scholarly authorization (ijaza) in a meaningful way: students who complete a text, or level of study, or program with understanding and mastery will receive specific scholarly authorization (ijaza) in what they have completed.

Term One and Two Courses Now Available

The SeekersGuidance academy team has uploaded Dar al-Fuqaha courses from term one and two to make them available to thousands of students worldwide, completely free. Courses  include subjects such as: Fiqh, Usul al Fiqh, Sciences of Hadith, Tasawwuf, and more.

seekersguidance.org/dar-al-fuqaha-courses/

Konya 2020: A Journey of Tradition, Service and Knowledge

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Every year hundreds of thousands of seekers flock to Konya to visit the resting place of the great poet, mystic, and scholar Jalaluddin Rumi, or as he is more endearingly known by his lovers, Mevlana.

The Journey Begins

Last week we the SeekersGuidance Istanbul team–accompanied by Shaykh Mahmud Masri–embarked upon a journey to the city of Mevlana: to visit some of the giants of the past as well as one of the most senior scholars of the rational sciences of our day, Shaykh Salih al Ghursi.

Based in the outskirts of the capital of the great Seljuk Empire lies a renowned yet unassuming seminary led by Shaykh Salih al Ghursi. His seminary is not only a source of great knowledge but also a home for the shaykh, his family, and students.

When we entered the seminary we were greeted by a gentle smile and invited to a humble meal with one of the greatest scholars of our time.

One of the trip’s first lessons was the commitment and efficiency in which we saw Shaykh Mahmud approach service. He saw benefit in the knowledge of Shaykh Salih and almost immediately requested that he teach online for the Dar al Fuqaha Seminary.

An Urgency To Serve

After a brief discussion it was decided that Shaykh Salih al Ghursi would virtually teach one of the Islamic tradition’s most important texts in the science of logic at no cost to students all around the world.

When the hearts of two giants unite, one can sense the intense desire and sense of urgency in which they work to spread the Prophetic Light. With no time to waste, classes were to start right away!

Being a candle is not easy. To give light, you first have to burn. – Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi

Our teachers continue to sacrifice and to give us their all to ensure the torch of Prophetic Light is passed on.

Seekers Traversing the Path

We asked one of Shaykh Salih’s students about the length of study at the seminary, and he responded saying, “It depends on you. You don’t leave a book until you completely understand it.”

If a bird tries to fly before its wings have developed, it will only end up as dinner for the cats  – Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi

He told us that he had traveled to many places on his journey to seek sacred knowledge and only found what he was looking for in Konya. Shaykh Salih’s seminary is one that provides students with a personalized course of study and development as classes are conducted one on one. This methodology is so distant and foreign in comparison to the modern standards of education.

Mevlana once said, “If you are searching for something in the wrong place, you are not searching for it at all.”

Days later on our way back to Istanbul we paid one last visit to the resting place of Mevlana. We also visited the place where he first met his teacher Shams Tabraze: a place that marks the beginning of a deep relationship between a student and teacher that continues to impact the world today through its metaphysical fruits and wisdoms.

A Living Legacy and Tradition

And this legacy of individual, heart to heart education that synthesizes knowledge and spiritual development continues until this day in the same city that Mevlana Rumi and his teacher met and passed away in.

Can you call a seed dead just because it has been dropped in the soil? – Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi

Thankfully, this tradition is still alive today at the seminary of Shaykh Salih as well as in many other seminaries throughout central and eastern Turkey.A journey full of purpose, urgency, and reflection has left us all humbled and excited to give the world an opportunity to benefit from the rich tradition of previous generations and to learn from a man of great insights at no cost whatsoever.

About the Dar al-Fuqaha Seminary

The Dar al-Fuqaha Seminary connects leading mainstream, traditionally-trained senior scholars from Syria, Jordan, Turkey and elsewhere with students from around the world.

Register for a free course today: seekersguidance.org/dar-al-fuqaha-courses/

Not Familiar with Shaykh Salih al Ghursi?

Shaykh Salih al Ghursi is a senior theologian and scholar of the rational sciences based in Konya, Turkey. He taught at the 2014 Rihla in Turkey. Watch the video below:

Term One Dar al Fuqaha Courses Now Available

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Earlier this year, SeekersGuidance in partnership with the Sultan Mehmet Fatih University launched the Dar al Fuqaha Seminary in Istanbul, an important project to train the next generation of scholars.

Term One classes from the Dar al Fuqaha Seminary, are now available on the SeekersGuidance Course Catalog. Courses are taught by leading scholars including:

  • Shaykh Usama al Rifai
  • Dr Mahmoud Masri
  • Shaykh Khaled al Kharsa
  • Shaykh Ismail Majzoob, and more

To register for course visit: https://seekersguidance.org/course-catalog/

Note: The default courses displayed are English, so you will have to choose the Arabic option on the course catalog.

New Beginnings at The Dar al Fuqaha Seminary – Term Two 2020

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As spring brings forth new life at the beautiful Mevlavihanesi in Istanbul, a new term begins at the Dar al Fuqaha Seminary, bringing life-changing knowledge to students from around the world.

Term Two Classes began on June 6, 2020, the Ijaza Program —with leading scholars including Shaykh Usama al-Rifa’i, Shaykh Khalid Kharsa, Shaykh Ismail Majzub, Dr. Mahmoud Masri, and many others.

Given the current trials that we’re faced with globally, the SeekersGuidance Istanbul team has adjusted the course delivery process with the help of technology to keep students connected to their lessons and teachers. Term Two is being exclusively held online, for the safety of our students.  This term, scholars will be teaching from the campus as well as their homes if they are unable to come to the campus.

Dar al Fuqaha Courses On SeekersGuidance

The SeekersGuidance academy team is finalizing the Dar al-Fuqaha courses from term one to make them available to thousands of students worldwide, completely free. Courses will be made available in a week, and will include subjects such as: Fiqh, Usul al Fiqh, Sciences of Hadith, Tasawwuf, and more.

What is the Dar al Fuqha Seminary? 

The Dar al Fuqaha Seminary is a program launched in partnership with the Sultan Mehmet Fafih Waqf University under the leadership of Dr Mahmoud Masri of SeekersGuidance.

The Dar al-Fuqaha’ Islamic Seminary connects leading mainstream, traditionally-trained senior scholars with students of Islamic knowledge from around the world, completely free—at the beautiful Ottoman Madrasa, the Yenikapi Mevlevihanesi, founded over 420 years ago.

This program is meant to revive the classical system of scholarly authorization (ijaza) in a meaningful way: students who complete a text, or level of study, or program with understanding and mastery will receive specific scholarly authorization (ijaza) in what they have completed.

We pray that these young minds blossom and fragrance the globe like the roses that line the beautiful Dar al Fuqaha campus. 

Regarding Sincerity: A Conversation About Truthful Intention and Self Accountability – By Dr. Mahmoud Masri

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Dr. Mahmoud Masri

There’s a story in ‘al-Risala al-Qushayriyya’ of a young man who regularly attended a gathering (majlis), when he heard a shaykh discussing sincerity: how is it, how should it be when performing actions, etc. The young man found this heavy upon himself, and from that day forward he made a firm intention that he would not attend the gathering anymore, and refrained from going until the point he was harmed because of that. The Shaykh noticed his absence and asked regarding him. He eventually met with him and asked him why he was absent; he answered, “I heard from your words and was afraid for myself”. The Shaykh replied to him, “My son, that’s not the solution. We point you to sincerity (ikhlas) in actions, not to abandoning actions!”

Act! Thoughts such, “I’m doing this pious act and I fear the interest of people and their interest in my actions” may come to a person. One must not pay attention to this and should correct their intention. Even if he is actually one of the ostentatious, he should remain upon the action, and continue the deed. Like when they said, “We sought knowledge for other than Allah, and knowledge refused to be for any but Allah.”

Every action is such! Just like prayer may not be perfect because of what comes to the person of thoughts and notions; the solution isn’t to abandon prayer all together. Rather, the solution is in rectification, and this is done with training.

It is upon the person to adhere to actions, even if notions, whispers, or thoughts come to him. Thoughts of the self are like whispers of Devil: their remedy is to disregard them.

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In the issue of the person who doesn’t like notoriety, and in this state, thoughts of people noticing this come to him.  This is from the hidden and intricate matters that are warned against in spiritual training.  As mentioned earlier, the approach here is to disregard these thoughts and to continue the actions he was doing. This is how these thoughts and things which resemble them go away.

One thing that helps the person in this is clarity (as-Safaa) and of the means of obtaining it are:

  • remembrance of Allah (dhikr)
  • good companionship (suhbah)
  • self striving (mujahadah)
  • self training and exercise (tadreeb wa riyadhatu-nafs)

You cannot remove darkness, but you can bring light. When light becomes present, darkness disappears. 

Whoever knows Allah is not the slave of fame nor of obscurity; rather, he will be a slave of Allah. Whatever state Allah places him in he submits to Him, outwardly and inwardly, and he doesn’t pay attention to anything else.  If he places him in one situation he is content, if he places him in another, he is content. He doesn’t look back on these matters.

As for the issue regarding people venerating a person for his work in da’wah while he doesn’t see himself deserving such treatment from them since there are people more knowledgeable than him, deserving something comes from Allah. If we were to look at worthiness then none of us would actually qualify by ourselves. What occurred is that which the divine will selected, so it’s from Allah’s decree and we have no control over the matter.

Furthermore, don’t look at the external and apparent. Rather, look at the fact that Allah is the one who moves them and their hearts; and that you are similar to them in that you are in Allah’s possession. You exchange the same love and respect. See in everything that it is from Allah, and say, “All praise is due to Allah” and this will push you to many things.

It is said, “Whoever has good opinion of you, work towards realizing it.”

Not by saying, “You spoke the truth” or “What you said regarding me and your good opinion of me is true, I am exactly what you say and think of me”.

Rather, the meaning is to act in accordance with their good opinion, make them truthful by actually doing the actions; that you are actually like that!

It has also been said:

When a rumor spread that Abu Hanifah used to pray Fajr with the wudu of ‘Isha he forced that upon himself and took it as a sign for himself from Allah. 

O Allah grant us sincerity.

 

Taken from the words of Shaykh Dr. Mahmoud Masri, click here to read the Arabic original.

Translated by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat