“Know that the path of the Sadat of the family of Abi-’Alawi is the straight path of Allah. They are among those to whom He has granted the favours of His obedience and that of His Messenger, and the company of the Prophets, siddiqin (truthful), shuhada (witnesses), and salihin (pious), and they are the best of companions.”

Read more about Bani ‘Alawi here: Biographies

Bonus: also available a basic Shafi’i fiqh text used by teachers for those beginning the path - Fiqh eBooks [click on Safinat al-Naja - The Ship Of Salvation]

Much thanks to Ustadh Ramy Abu Farouk Najmeddine for posting this on his website: http://www.ustadh.com/

UPDATE: For those who missed the first session, here is the recorded video of session 1. Includes testimonials from the students.

Ta'leef Collective Fall Quarter 2009 Classes, Workshops and Activities

Title: Introduction to Islam Workshop
Description: A free, educational workshop on the Muslim faith. This friendly, informal discussion on the basics of Islam is for seekers and anyone curious about the world’s fastest growing religion. Feel welcome to bring your questions, concerns, and curiosity regarding the faith of Islam. For ages 18 and above.
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 12pm – 4pm
Fee: Free
Register: http://introislamoct.eventbrite.com/

Title: Book Of Assistance
Description: Reflections on Imam Al-Haddad’s famous treatise concerning Muslim devotions, prayers and practical ethics. The commentary is geared towards newcomers to Islam, young folks recommitting themselves to the Deen and anyone seeking applicable ways to advance spiritually.
Date: Every Sunday, begins October 4
Time: 8pm (October 4 – 25), 7:30pm (November 1st onwards)
Fee: Free

Title: Hanafi Fiqh
Description: Islamic sciences according to the Hanafi school of thought. Topics include purification and prayer.
Date: Every Tuesday, begins October 13
Time: 7pm – 8:30pm
Fee: $30
Register: http://hanafifall2009.eventbrite.com/

Title: Maliki Fiqh
Description: Introductory Maliki fiqh class based on the Muqaddima Al-Akhdari. The course will cover purification and prayer. There will also be a brief introducation to Islamic spirituality.
Date: Every Sunday, begins October 11
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm
Fee: $30
Register: http://malikifall2009.eventbrite.com/

Title: Arabic for Beginners
Description: Learn conversational Arabic using the renowned text: Kitab al-Assasi.
Date: Every Monday and Thursday, begins October 12
Time: 7pm – 8:30pm
Fee: $75
Register: http://arabicfall2009.eventbrite.com/

Title: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Description: Classes will provide students with the physical refinement and technical application of techniques that have made Brazilian Jiu Jitsu one of the most effective and fastest growing sports in the world today.
Date: Every Monday 6:30pm – 8pm, Wednesday 6:30pm – 8pm, Sunday 11:30pm -  1pm. October 11 – December 20
Fee: $100 per month, $25 one time registration fee
Register: http://bjj.eventbrite.com/

The Essentials of Islam is a detailed study of the blessed text, ‘Al-Risalah al-Jami`ah,’ by al-Habib Ahmed bin Zayn al-Habashi (may Allah have mercy on him and spread his benefit), a foundational text that covers what is personally obligatory for a Muslim to know regarding matters of faith, purification, prayer, and some essential points related to our everyday life in accordance with the Shafi’i school.

It is hoped that by the end of the course, students will be able to understand the essentials of making their worship valid, sound and proper in accordance with the Prophetic sunnah.

About the author and text:

Habib Ahmed bin Zayn al-Habashi’s al-Risalah al-Jami`ah is a brief text that covers the essentials that every Muslim must know about faith and practice according to the Shafi’i school.

A descendant of the Prophet, Habib Ahmed al-Habashi was a spiritual guide of the Ba `Alawi path and a great scholar of the Sacred Sciences who studied with the greatest teachers of his time in Hadramawt, Yemen.

Al-Risalah al-Jami’ah has spread far and wide since it was written and is now studied around the world including in Yemen, Egypt, Kenya, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Hijaz.

The scholars of Hadramawt place special emphasis on this text, making it the first text studied by students of knowledge.

Text: Al-Risalah al-Jami`ah
Fees: $20, includes class handouts
Time: 4 – 6pm
Start date: Sunday, January 25th, 2009.
Duration: 6 weeks
Venue: Zawiya (send email for address and directions)

Registration: “First come, first served”. Limited seats are available. Only 35 seats! REGISTER NOW.

To register, please send an email to admin {at} islamcrunch [dot] com
Please include your name, number of people attending and contact information.

Ta’Leef Collective provides the space, content, and companionship necessary for a healthy understanding, embrace and realization of Islam. Ta’leef Collective is an expansion of the program formerly known as Zaytuna Outreach.

Shaykh Abdul-Kareem Yahyaa’s Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=70541755603