The Importance and Etiquettes of Learning

Introduction:

• What is a study circle and what is its purpose?
• Some Qur’anic Verses & Hadith on the importance of knowledge.
• The benefits of group study.
• Some etiquettes of studying in a group.
• How to gain maximum benefit from the circle.

The above are some of the topics that we shall be discussing in this weeks circle.

Circles: What & Why

• A study circle is when a group of people gather to study or discuss issues or topics of interest to them.
• Our purpose in setting up this circle is to study Islam together and to develop our understanding of our deen and improve our actions.
• It is hoped that we can discuss and learn from each other and share our understanding together.
• We also hope that this will increase our brotherhood and bring us closer together.
• Our ultimate purpose (as with anything in life) is the pleasure of Allah. 

Importance of Knowledge

Allah (SWT) says in his glorious book the Qur’an:

Can (such people be equal to) the one who worships during the hours of night, prostrating himself and standing, fearing the Hereafter and having hopes in his Lord’s mercy? Say, “Can those who know and those who do not know become equal?” It is only the people of understanding who are receptive of the advice.
[Qur’an, Surah 39: Verse 9 (Mufti Taqi Usmani Trans.)]

It is not (necessary) for all the believers to go forth.’; So, why should it not be that a group from every section of them goes forth, so that they may acquire perfect understanding of the Faith, and so that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may take due care (of the rules of Sharī‘ah).

[Qur’an, Surah 9: Verse 122 (Mufti Taqi Usmani Trans.)]

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“When Allah desires good for someone, He gives him correct understanding in the deen.”
[Bukhari and Muslim]

“Allah will make the path to the Paradise easy for anyone who travels a path in search of knowledge.”  [Muslim]

“There are no people who remember Allah without the angels surrounding them, mercy covering them, tranquillity descending on them, and Allah mentioning them to those who are with Him.”   [Muslim, at-Tirmidhi]

“When you come upon the meadows of the Garden, graze in them.” He was asked, “What are the meadows of the Garden?” “Circles of Dhikr,” he replied.  [at-Tirmidhi]

Benefits of Group Study:

• Brings us closer together as brothers in Islam.
• Allows us to share our knowledge, ideas and experience.
• There are role models and people within the circle that we can look up to and learn from.
• We are able to ask questions and discuss topics together as a group.
• Allah’s Mercy descends on those who remember him in groups.
• It can be a means of Da’wah whereby we call others to the deen.
• And many more …

The Etiquettes of Studying in a Group:

• Listen attentively and do not interrupt the speaker or speak while he is speaking.
• Have humility towards the lessons and the knowledge that is being imparted to you.
• When you hear a verse of the Qur’an, listen to is as if Allah is speaking directly to you at that moment.
• When you hear a Hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) listen to it as if he is speaking directly to you.
• Bring a pen and paper. You will be surprised to find out how much you remember if you write it down as opposed to just listening.
• Ask questions. We are all here to learn from each other and the best way of learning from one another is to ask questions.
• Share your knowledge and bring your ideas to the table.
• Do not use the circle as a platform for argumentation or debate.
• Do not take back the knowledge and use it to criticize others who may not know or may not practice what you/we know.
• Show respect to each other and treat others the way you would like to be treated.

How to gain maximum benefit:

• Have the right intention as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said that ‘Actions are according to their intentions …’. Our intention should be that we are here only to please Allah and to learn something about His deen.
• Know that learning is a form of ‘Ibada (worship)
• Make it your goal to learn something new every week, but to also share something with the group.
• Take something back with you and try and put to practise the things that you learn.
• Call others to the circle and gain the reward of everyone who attends because of your da’wah.

Feel free to add your own points to the lists above.
http://drjash.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/talk-1-importance-and-etiquettes-of-learning/