Revised Study Plan

Some of you may have read the study plan which I posted not long ago.

Well here is a revised version giving more info regarding the books on the essential booklist. I am planning to improve this study plan gradually as I want to learn from your feedback about its suitability, level, practicality etc.

The next stage for me will be to add a "review section" for each book. This will essentially be a set of basic questions for each chapter of each book. You will be able to use these questions to test your understanding of what you have read.

Please leave some feedback if you have any suggestions. (Remember, this is a beginner's study plan.)

Study Plan (revised)

This is a study plan for those who work/study full time.

Essential Booklist:

Qur’an:

· How to approach and understand the Qur’an – By J.Zarabozo. Publishers: al Basheer Publications USA. This book focuses on how we should truly read & study the Qur’an. Many unfortunately do not know how to approach the Qur’an and thus do not benefit from it. This book will transform the way you study the Qur’an especially for those who are not acquainted with the teachings of the Qur’an. NOTE: this book seems to be out of print yet should be available to purchase directly from the publishers (USA).

· Introduction to the sciences of the Qur’an. – By Yasir Qadhi. Publishers: al Hidayaah, UK. This book should be read after the previous book as it delves into more detail surrounding the ‘technical’ issues such as how the Qur’an was revealed, compiled, how it is arranged, interpreted, the history of its translation and other beneficial topics that will increase one’s knowledge of this sacred text and thus will bring one closer to Allah (swt)

· Etiquettes of the bearers of the Qur’an – Imam Aajurri. Publishers: al Qur’an Society, UK. This is a brief and concise book written centuries ago, which discusses the etiquettes for those who wish to bond a special relation with the Qur’an.

· Tafseer Ibn Katheer (10 volumes), Publishers: Darussalam, Saudi Arabic. This is a classical yet simple commentary of the Qur’an. It is recognised as the most reliable and accepted commentaries that exist. There are also many online versions as well.

· In the shade of the Qur’an (15 Volumes) - By Sayyid Qutb. Publishers: Islamic Foundation, UK. Written by a somewhat controversial figure, this author has penned downt an earnest, sincere and sober look at man's contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of the message of the Qur'an. It is an effort to vigorously explore its rich wisdom, and expand its invaluable guidance for the benefit of an increasingly ‘sophisticated’, yet highly perplexed modern society. A pdf version can be found here: http://www.kalamullah.com/shade-of-the-quran.html

· Translation of the Qur’an. There are numerous translations available, from amongst the most accurate translations is the Saheeh international print.

Sunnah:

· The authority and importance of the Sunnah – By J.Zarabozo. Publishers: al Basheer (USA). As can be seen from the title, this books focuses on the role of the Sunnah in our religion and how important it is. In a time where people are beginning to ignore the sunnah as well as down play its role, this work serves to be an important effort in defining and establishing a major aspect of our faith.

· Basics & Benefits from the Forty Hadeeth of Imam an-Nawawi (2 Parts) – By Nathim Sultan. Publishers: Dar of Islamic Heritage, USA. The Forty Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi is a small collection of unique Prophetic traditions covering different aspects of our religion. This concise commentary provides very beneficial principles and benefits that can be derived from the sayings.

· Commentary of Imam- an-Nawawi’s Forty Hadeeth: J.Zarabozo’s three-volume commentary. Publishers: al Basheer (USA). This is another commentary but far more extensive and detailed and extremely beneficial. This work is a true masterpiece.

· Introduction to the science of Hadith – By S.Hasan. Publishers: al Qur’an Society, UK. This is a brief text covering matters related to hadith compilation and how traditions are authenticated and declared weak. The text also covers the definitions of hadith terminology that are extensively used in other books of Islamic knowledge.

· Textbook of Hadith studies – Hashim Kamali, Publishers: Islamic Foundation. (Similar to the above but in more detail)

· Nukhbatul Fikr – Ibn Hajar. This is a classical text covering Hadith terminology. It is a useful text to study in order to get a feel of classical literature.

· Summarised Saheeh al Bukhari, Publishers: Darus Salam, Saudi. The most authentic collection of Prophetic traditions and the most authentic book after the book of Allah. This is not a text that one can study by themselves but nevertheless useful to have as a basic reference as well as.

‘Aqeedah:

· Explanation of the three fundamental principles - By Ibn ‘Uthaymeen. Publishers: al Hidaayah, UK. Every person will be asked by the angels in his grave: Who is your Lord? Who was your Messenger and what was your deen? These pivotal questions require that a person is aware of the answers to these questions based upon certainty and sound knowledge. This introductory text alongside its explanation will equip its reader with the fundamental knowledge that every believer should be aware of.

· Explanation of Kitaab at-Tawheed – by as-Sa’adi , al Hidaayah Publications, UK. (Preferably studied with a teacher). This text covers vital matters related to Monotheism and Polytheism. As a believer one should be aware of matters of shirk in order not to fall into it.

· The Creed Series (6 vols) by Sulayman al Ashqar. Publishers: IIPH, Saudi. This is a detailed series covering the topics: Belief in Allah, The world of the Noble Angels, The World of the Jinn and Devils, The Messengers and Messages, The Final Day (3 parts) and Divine Will and Predestination. This is an extremely thorough and well-researched series.

· Al ‘Aqeedah al Waasitiyyah – By Ibn Taymiyyah. Publishers: Dar us Sunnah (translated by Abu Rumaysah), UK. (This has to be studied with a teacher. An audio explanation is available by Abu Talha http://www.lewishamislamiccentre.com/media/theology ).

Fiqh:

· Manhaj as-Salikeen – Sa’adi

· ‘Umdatul Fiqh – Ibn Qudamah.

· Buloogh al Maram. (all three need to be studied with a teacher.)

History/Seerah:

· Lessons from the Seerah – Mustafa Siba’I. Publishers: IIPH, Saudi. This is a simple & small text covering the major events of the like of the Prophet (saw) and covers some of the important benefits that one can gain from his life.

· Seerah of Muhammad (saw) – Ali as-Sallaabi (3 vol) Publishers: Darus-Salam.

Arabic Studies:

· Medinah Books

· Al Ajaroomiyyah.

Heart Softeners/Spirituality.

· Riyadh as-Saliheen – By Imam an-Nawawi. Publishers: Darus Salam, Saudi. This is a hadith collection pertaining to the virtues of actions as well as matters related to the heart and day-to-day etiquettes of a believer. This is an essential book that no one can do without.

· Purification of the Soul, (group of authors), Publishers: al Firdous Publications. An essential read for those who want to cleanse their hearts from the spiritual diseases around us.

· Invocation of God. By Ibn al Qayyim, Publishers: Islamic Texts Society. Written by one of the greatest authors in Islamic Spirituality, Ibn al Qayyim offers in this text the wonders and benefits of remembering Allah (swt) and being close to him. It also elucidates the various aspects of spirituality that a believer should be aware of. This text is without a doubt one of the most valuable translations of classical Islamic literature available.

· The Spiritual Cure & Its Diseases – By Ibn al Qayyim, Publishers: al Firdous, UK. This book was written in response to a letter sent by a young Muslim who felt he was on the verge of destruction due to the sins that he was committing and couldn’t let go of. This work covers in great detail the ill effects of sin and how one can avoid them.

· The Exquisite Pearl – By as-Sa’adi. Publishers: al Jawziyyah Institute, UK. This is a basic poem related to the actions of the heart, such as loving, fearing, having reliance in Allah (swt) etc. Though it is a simple text, it is a

great text to use in a study circle where it could be elucidated on by someone who is familiar with the knowledge of sulook (spirituality).

The above is a very concise list of books that you should have to study from. Naturally there are a plethora of other books you can read for each subject, but these books should act as your pillars of knowledge. I have put the books in order of what book you should study first. (The order of the subjects was written randomly)

Devising a timetable:

Adhering to a timetable requires:

1. Dedication

2. Consistency

3. Discipline

4. Patience

Sit down for a while and ponder over the above four terms.

Ideally you should be studying a number of different subjects per week. Some are of the view that you should stick to one book and not move to another book until you have finished the first book, otherwise one’s reading could get confused and information muddled up. However the benefit of studying a number of subjects per week prevents boredom and makes reading more of an enjoyable and refreshing experience.

Remember to base your timetable around the lessons you already attend. Some of you will be attending the 40 Hadith and ‘Umdah class so make these two subjects the major subjects for your weekly studies. Add to that, the Arabic language.

Try and make one of subjects that you will be studying based on an audio explanation (e.g. al ‘Aqqedah al Waasitiyyah – Abu Talha). This will make your studying experience more dynamic and enjoyable.

The following is an example of what your timetable should be like:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
‘Umdah Class	How to Approach. 10 Pages The Authority of Sunah 10 Pages	Expl. 3 Fundamentals. 15 Pages. Memorise Hadith for Friday.	Revise Hadith memorization. Arabic H/W	40 Hadith Class. Arabic H/W	Arabic Class. Lessons of Sirah: 15 pages.	Revise ‘Umdah class and re-write notes.

· The above is only an example of how your timetable should look like.

It is important that when you are reading you set yourself a target of how many pages you should be reading. Always set yourself goals, as this will make you feel as though you are achieving something and therefore make it less likely for you to give up and feel de-motivated.

Remember, when setting your reading targets, be realistic! Start off with a comfortable amount for each reading session and if you find you are consistent in reaching your target; increase your reading target by a few pages.

· Have a monthly review of your reading achievements.

· NOTE TAKING: This is a science in and of itself. The aim in note taking is to be as minimal as possible. This is enable to revise the information you have studied very quickly and hence making the intake of knowledge easier. Note taking from textbooks is essentially summarising the text in front of you. If you find you are writing too much, then find ways of cutting out non-essential information or leaving out information that you already know very well.

· When completing a chapter in a book, pause and reflect on what you have learnt. If you have a friend, brother, sister, wife etc, sit them down and summarise to them what you have learnt from that chapter. If you have no one, try and jot down the main points from memory. Keep a hold of these chapter summarisations as they are an excellent way of revising.

· Always remember to read the Qur’an every day. Set yourself a wird, which is a fixed amount of Qur’an you set for yourself. The Qur’an is divided into juz’ / hizb (half’s and quarters). Set a target for memorization on a daily basis alongside revision. Remember, revision is just as important as memorization.

· With your reading, try and have a ‘casual’ reading book. Ideally this is a book that should give you spiritual nourishment. Have it by your side at home/work at all times. Whenever you have 5-10 minutes pick it up and read it.

· Finally, remember to seek Allah’s (swt) assistance in your studies. Make du’a constantly that He increases your knowledge and makes the knowledge that you gain beneficial for you in this dunya and akhirah.

Wa billahi at-Tawfeeq

And from Allah (swt) comes success.