Tarbiyah 01-03: Honoring the Final Messenger ﷺ | Insights from Shaykh Ibrahim Zidan | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. In this post, I will summarize key reminders about our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his finality, and our duty to follow him, based on Qur’anic verses and authentic hadiths.

1. Praise to Allah and the Prophet ﷺ

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, and companions.

We testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is His final Messenger.

2. The Love of the Companions for the Prophet ﷺ

Urwah ibn Mas'ud (RA) said during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah:

"I have visited kings like Caesar, but never have I seen a leader more loved and obeyed by his companions than Muhammad ﷺ."

This shows the deep respect and love the Sahabah had for the Prophet ﷺ — a sign of true belief.

3. Follow the Unlettered Prophet ﷺ

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“…So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believes in Allah and His words. Follow him so that you may be guided.”

— Surah Al-A'raf 7:158

This verse shows that guidance comes by following Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

4. Finality of Prophethood

Allah clearly states:

“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets.”

— Surah Al-Ahzab 33:40

Belief in his finality is a core part of Islamic faith. Anyone who claims a prophet will come after him is rejecting a clear Qur'anic teaching.

5. Protection from Error

The Prophet ﷺ did not make mistakes in conveying the message. Allah says:

“Your companion (the Prophet) has neither gone astray nor erred.”

— Surah An-Najm 53:2

6. No Religion Accepted Except Islam

Allah says clearly:

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.”

— Surah Al-Imran 3:85

7. The Prophet’s Final Sermon

In the Farewell Khutbah, the Prophet ﷺ said:

“I have conveyed the message and fulfilled the trust.”

He fulfilled his mission. Allah commands:

“Say: O mankind, I am the Messenger of Allah to you all…”

— Surah Al-A’raf 7:158

8. His Message Is for All Humanity

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There is nothing between the heavens and the earth that does not know I am the Messenger of Allah, except the sinners among jinn and mankind.”

— Musnad Ahmad – Hadith of Jabir

“The previous prophets were sent to their nations only, but I have been sent to all of mankind.”

— Sahih al-Bukhari 335

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:335

Conclusion

As Muslims, we must love, follow, and obey the Prophet ﷺ. His message is final, universal, and the only path to salvation. Let us hold firm to his Sunnah, honor his legacy, and invite others with wisdom

Tafsir 01-03: The Development of Tafsir (Qur’anic Interpretation) | Insights from Shaykh Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin | ZAD Academy Lecture | Blogpost by Zayd Haji #IslamicPodcast #QuranTafsir #IslamicStudies

By Zayd Haji, Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.

In this blog, we will explore the development of Tafsir, or the explanation of the Qur’an. Tafsir is essential to understanding the meanings of Allah’s words. The science of Tafsir developed in stages and is based on the Qur’an, Hadith, the sayings of the Sahabah (companions), the Tabi’een (students of the companions), and qualified scholars.

1. Tafsir of the Qur’an by the Qur’an

The first and most authentic source of Tafsir is the Qur’an itself. Sometimes, one verse explains another.

For example, Allah says:

“And those who believe and whose descendants follow them in faith — We will join them with their descendants…”

— Surah At-Tur 52:21 (quran.com/52/21)

This verse is expanded in Tafsir through context, indicating that Allah will unite believing families in Paradise, even if their ranks differ.

2. Tafsir by the Sunnah

The Prophet ﷺ explained many verses of the Qur’an himself. His Hadith clarify legal rulings, meanings, and context. For instance:

“When one of you touches women…” (Surah An-Nisa 4:43, quran.com/4/43)

Here, the word "touch" (lamastum) is explained by the Prophet ﷺ and companions to mean sexual intercourse, not just physical contact. This is proven by Hadith and linguistic analysis.

3. Tafsir by the Sahabah (Companions)

The companions, such as Ibn Abbas and Ibn Mas’ud, were present during the revelation of the Qur’an. Their explanations are based on firsthand experience.

For example, Ibn Abbas explained:

“…And He is the knower of the unseen and the most hidden (akhfa).” — Surah Ta-Ha 20:7 (quran.com/20/7)

He said “the secret” refers to what you do secretly, and “what is even more hidden” means what’s in your heart that you haven’t even acted upon — yet Allah knows.

4. Tafsir by the Tabi’een (Successors)

The Tabi’een were the students of the Sahabah and also explained the Qur’an based on their teachers. Sa’eed ibn Jubayr and others explained difficult verses with great care.

For example, they clarified the above verse (52:21) by saying Allah raises the ranks of the descendants to join the righteous without reducing anyone’s reward.

5. Tafsir by Scholars

Later scholars such as Imam al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, and Imam al-Qurtubi compiled Tafsir using all the above methods. They used Arabic grammar and context without contradicting the meanings passed down.

“Whoever says something about the Qur’an without knowledge, let him prepare his seat in Hell.”

— Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2950 Grade: Da'if (Darussalam)

https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2950

This hadith warns against interpreting the Qur’an without knowledge or proper sources.

Key Notes:

• Tafsir follows a chain: Qur’an → Sunnah → Sahabah → Tabi’een → Scholars.
• It must follow authentic and contextual understanding.
• Interpreting the Qur’an without knowledge is sinful.
• Allah rewards those who explain His words truthfully.

May Allah grant us correct understanding of His Book. Ameen.

Seerah 01-03: The Early Life and Divine Protection of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ | Insights from Shaykh Assim Al-Hakeem | Zad Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.

I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. In this blog post, we explore the early life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, focusing on divine signs, his noble character, and Allah’s protection—long before he received revelation.

1. Childhood and Allah’s Protection

At age four, the Prophet ﷺ experienced the miraculous event of chest-splitting by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), where his heart was purified with Zamzam water. This event purified him from Shaytaan’s influence and occurred again before the Night Journey (Isra wa al-Mi'raj).

Soon after, his mother Aaminah passed away during a trip to Yathrib (Madinah), leaving the Prophet ﷺ orphaned at age six. His grandfather Abdul Muttalib took custody and showed deep affection for him. Upon Abdul Muttalib’s death two years later, the Prophet ﷺ was cared for by his uncle Abu Talib, despite the latter’s poverty.

2. Character Before Prophethood

Though surrounded by idol worship and immorality in Meccan society, Allah protected the Prophet ﷺ. He never touched idols, never drank alcohol, and never attended gatherings of immorality. Once, when he tried to attend a musical gathering, he fell asleep—divinely protected from such behavior.

“Indeed, you are of a great moral character.”

— Surah Al-Qalam 68:4 (quran.com/68/4)

3. Hilf al-Fudul – Pact of Justice

The Prophet ﷺ participated in a noble alliance known as Hilf al-Fudul, which was formed to uphold justice and protect the oppressed in Makkah. He later said:

“I witnessed a pact of justice in the house of ‘Abdullah ibn Jud’an that was more beloved to me than red camels. If I were invited to something like it in Islam, I would accept.”

— [Musnad Ahmad 1655] (authenticated by Al-Albani)

This shows Islam encourages cooperation in justice, even with non-Muslims, as long as it does not contradict Shari’ah.

4. The Value of Guiding Others to Islam

During the Battle of Khaybar, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized that guiding someone to Islam is more valuable than wealth:

“By Allah, if a single person is guided through you, it is better for you than red camels.”

— Sahih al-Bukhari 2942

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:2942

This was said to Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), showing how da'wah holds immense reward.

5. Early Exposure to Trade and Global Interactions

The Prophet ﷺ traveled with Abu Talib on a trade journey to Syria in his youth. Although some stories (like the monk Bahira) are unauthenticated, the Prophet’s exposure to international trade laid a foundation for his later dealings and trustworthiness.

Important Takeaways:

• Allah protected Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from birth.
• His early life reflects honesty, purity, and service.
• Islam supports justice and alliances that promote it.
• Guiding others to Islam is greater than worldly wealth.

May Allah allow us to embody these lessons and spread truth with wisdom.

— Zayd Haji, Zad Academy

Hadith 01-03: The Importance of Intention in Islam (Niyyah) | Insights from Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Salah | Zad Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

Assalamu Alaikum.

I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. In this blog, we explore a powerful Hadith that teaches us the importance of intention (niyyah) in all our actions. This Hadith is a core principle in Islam and reminds us that every deed is judged by its intention.

1. The Hadith of Intention

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have only what he intended."

(Sahih al-Bukhari 1, Sahih Muslim 1907) — sunnah.com

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1

This Hadith was narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). It teaches us that no action is accepted by Allah unless it is done sincerely for His sake. For example, during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, some migrated from Makkah to Madinah for worldly reasons, not for Allah. Their reward was based on their intention, not the act itself.

2. The Meaning of Niyyah

In Arabic, niyyah means one’s aim or purpose. In Islam, it refers to doing something purely for the sake of Allah. Whether it is praying, fasting, giving charity, or seeking knowledge—without the right intention, the reward is lost.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

"And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion..."

(Surah Al-Bayyinah 98:5) — quran.com/98/5

3. Sincerity in Worship

Even acts of worship like wudu, ghusl, salah, or fasting require niyyah. For instance, if someone bathes to cool off but not with the intention of purification, it doesn’t count as ghusl. The intention must precede the action.

4. The Danger of Showing Off (Riya)

If an act is done to impress others, it becomes riya (showing off) and Allah will not accept it.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"I am the One who does not need any partner. Whoever does a deed for Me and for someone else, I will leave him to the one he associated with Me."

(Sahih Muslim 2985) —

https://sunnah.com/muslim:2985

This includes people who recite Qur’an to be praised, give charity to be called generous, or fight to be called brave. On the Day of Judgment, these people will be thrown into Hell despite their good deeds.

(Sahih Muslim 1905) —

https://sunnah.com/muslim:1905a

5. Turning Habits into Worship

Simple daily acts like feeding your family or paying bills can become worship if done with the right intention.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Even the bite you put in your wife’s mouth is rewarded when done for Allah’s sake."

(Sahih al-Bukhari 56, Sahih Muslim 1628) —

https://sunnah.com/muslim:1628a

Conclusion

This Hadith of intention forms the foundation of all Islamic practice. Let us always check our hearts, renew our intentions, and strive to please Allah alone. May Allah accept our deeds and make them sincerely for Him. Ameen.

Impure Water in Islam: Rulings and Purification

Understanding Water Purity According to Quran and Sunnah

Assalamu Alaikum.

I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. In this short blog, we will discuss the rulings of impure water in Islam—what makes water impure, and how to purify it—based on the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Alhamdulillah, in Islamic jurisprudence, water purity is a vital subject. Water is essential not only for physical cleanliness but for acts of worship like wudu (ablution) and ghusl (ritual bath). In this blog post, we explore the rulings related to impure water, based on Quran and Hadith, as explained by scholars.

1. Why Study Impure Water?

We must understand impure water because:

• It cannot be used to remove ritual impurity (minor or major).
• It cannot purify filth (najasah).
• It becomes contagious, making whatever it touches impure.
• It cannot be used for drinking or cooking.

2. What Makes Water Impure?

Water becomes impure (najis) if it comes in contact with a physical impurity and any of its three characteristics—color, smell, or taste—change as a result.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Water is pure and nothing makes it impure.”

— Sunan Abu Dawood 66 (authentic)

https://sunnah.com/abudawud:66

For example:

• If urine, feces, blood, or a dead animal contaminates the water and changes its color, smell, or taste, the water is impure.
• But if a pure substance like saffron changes the water, the water remains pure.

3. How to Purify Impure Water?

a) Add More Pure Water

If enough pure water is added to impure water so that the change in color, taste, or smell disappears, the water becomes pure again.

Example from Hadith:

A Bedouin urinated in the masjid, and the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Pour a bucket of water over it.”

— Sahih al-Bukhari 220

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:220

This teaches us that impurity can be removed by overwhelming it with pure water.

b) Wait for Natural Purification

Over time, impurities may disappear naturally due to environmental factors (evaporation, sunlight, etc.). If no impurity remains, the water is pure.

c) Filtration and Treatment (Modern Methods)

Today, technology like desalination and chemical treatment can remove impurities from sewer water, making it safe and pure again, provided the three characteristics return to normal.

4. How to Judge If Water Is Impure?

The scholars agree:

• If any one of the three characteristics is changed by impurity, the water is impure.
• If none of them change, even if a drop of impurity falls in, the water remains pure—especially when the water body is large like a swimming pool.

Allah says:

“And We made from water every living thing.”

— Surah Al-Anbiya 21:30

This verse reminds us of the value and necessity of clean, usable water.

5. Practical Tip

In dire situations (war, drought, etc.), if you only have slightly suspected water, check for the three characteristics. If there's no visible impurity, the default rule in Islam is that the water is pure.

Conclusion:

Islamic rulings on water purity are merciful and practical. By observing the three signs (smell, taste, color), and using purification methods, we ensure our worship is valid and our hygiene preserved.

May Allah increase us in knowledge. Ameen.

Aqeedah 01-03: Understanding Aqeedah: Tawheed and the Danger of Shirk | Lessons from Shaykh Ahmad Al Romh | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.

I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. This blog briefly explores Aqeedah—the Islamic creed—focusing on Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) and the severe warning against Shirk (associating partners with Allah).

1. What Is Aqeedah?

Aqeedah means belief or creed. It is the firm conviction a Muslim holds in their heart, especially about Allah, His attributes, and His commands. Aqeedah forms the foundation of Islam and affects every aspect of a Muslim’s life.

“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth, the natural disposition (fitrah) which Allah has instilled in mankind.”

— Qur’an 30:30

2. Tawheed – The Heart of Aqeedah

Tawheed means affirming that Allah is One in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and in His right to be worshipped alone. It is the message of all Prophets.

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false gods).’”

— Qur’an 16:36

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The Prophets are paternal brothers; their religion is one.”

— Sahih al-Bukhari 3443

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3443

3. Fitrah – Our Natural Disposition

Every human is born upon fitrah, a natural belief in Allah. The environment later influences the child’s path.

“Every child is born upon the fitrah, then his parents make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian.”

— Sahih Bukhari 1385

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1385

Allah has placed in every soul the natural inclination toward monotheism.

4. The Straight Path and Hanif

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is described in the Qur’an as a Hanif, someone who turns away from Shirk toward Tawheed.

“Indeed, Abraham was a nation, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth (Hanif), and he was not of those who associate others with Allah.”

— Qur’an 16:120

Muslims ask for this path daily:

“Guide us to the straight path.”

— Qur’an 1:6

A Hanif is one who follows the pure monotheism of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), worshipping Allah alone, free from Judaism, Christianity, and all forms of Shirk.

— Sahih al-Bukhari 3827

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3827

5. Shirk – The Greatest Sin

Shirk is the opposite of Tawheed. It is to associate partners with Allah, and it nullifies one’s deeds.

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.”

— Qur’an 4:48

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“I created all My servants as monotheists, but the devils misled them.”

— Sahih Muslim 2865

https://sunnah.com/muslim:2865

Conclusion:

Aqeedah is the root of Islamic faith. Understanding Tawheed and avoiding Shirk leads to salvation. May Allah keep us firm on the straight path. Ameen.

Understanding Tarbiyah Islamiyah: Nurturing Faith through Islamic Education

1. Introduction

Tarbiyah Islamiyah refers to the comprehensive Islamic upbringing that nurtures a believer's faith, character, and actions. It involves spiritual growth, ethical conduct, and acquiring beneficial knowledge. In this article, we explore the importance of Islamic education through Quranic and Hadith references.

2. Submission to Allah’s Commands

A believer submits completely to Allah’s will, without question.

"It is not for a believing man or woman—when Allah and His Messenger decree a matter—to have any other choice in that matter. Indeed, whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has clearly gone far astray." (Quran 33:36)

True submission is an essential aspect of Islamic education, leading to contentment and obedience.

3. The Importance of Good Character

Islamic education emphasizes good manners and humility. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Every religion has its distinct characteristic, and the distinct characteristic of Islam is modesty." (Sunan Ibn Majah 4182)

Cultivating good character through Tarbiyah Islamiyah strengthens individual and community ties.

4. Love for Allah and His Messenger

A core aspect of Islamic education is fostering love for Allah and His Messenger.

"Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness of faith: 1. The one to whom Allah and His Messenger become dearer than anything else. 2. Who loves a person solely for Allah's sake. 3. Who hates to revert to disbelief as he hates to be thrown into the Fire." (Sahih al-Bukhari 16)

5. Remembering Allah

Frequent remembrance of Allah brings tranquility and strengthens faith.

"Remember Me; I will remember you. And thank Me, and never be ungrateful." (Quran 2:152)

Regular recitation of Dhikr (remembrance) is a key practice taught in Islamic education.

6. Seeking Forgiveness and Repentance

Repentance is a means of purification and renewal of faith.

"O people, seek repentance from Allah. Verily, I seek repentance from Him a hundred times a day." (Sahih Muslim 2702b)

"And turn to Allah in repentance all together, O believers, so that you may be successful." (Quran 24:31)

7. Having Good Thoughts of Allah

Maintaining a positive perception of Allah is encouraged.

"Allah says: 'I am just as My slave thinks I am, and I am with him if he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I remember him in Myself; if he remembers Me in a group, I remember him in a better group. If he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari 7405)

Trusting in Allah’s mercy and having hope in His forgiveness are important lessons in Tarbiyah Islamiyah.

8. Conclusion

Islamic education is a lifelong journey of spiritual and moral development. Through sincere submission, good character, love for Allah and His Messenger, remembrance of Allah, repentance, and positive thinking, Muslims nurture their faith and strive for success in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness. Ameen.

Blogpost by Zayd Haji - Student of Islamic Studies & Islamic Finance

Understanding Tafsir: The Explanation of the Quran

Introduction

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Tafsir, the interpretation of the Quran, plays a pivotal role in understanding the divine message. Scholars have dedicated centuries to exploring and explaining the meanings of Allah’s words. In this blog, we will examine how Tafsir evolved, focusing on the primary sources of Tafsir: the Quran itself, the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the views of the companions and scholars.

1. Tafsir by the Quran

The Quran often explains its own verses. When a term or concept is introduced, other verses may clarify its meaning. For instance, Allah mentions "Al-Qari'ah" (The Striking Calamity) and then provides an explanation:

"The Striking Disaster! What is the Striking Disaster? And what will make you realize what the Striking Disaster is?" (Quran 101:2-3)

Allah describes how people will be like scattered moths and mountains like fluffed wool, illustrating the Day of Judgment.

2. Tafsir by the Prophet (peace be upon him)

The most authentic Tafsir comes from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He provided explanations to his companions when they had questions. For example, regarding the verse:

"Those who do good will have the finest reward and ˹even˺ more. Neither gloom nor disgrace will cover their faces. It is they who will be the residents of Paradise. They will be there forever." (Quran 10:26)

Suhaib reported the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying:

"When those deserving of Paradise would enter Paradise, the Blessed and the Exalted would ask: Do you wish Me to give you anything more? They would say: Hast Thou not brightened our faces? Hast Thou not made us enter Paradise and saved us from Fire? He (the narrator) said: He (God) would lift the veil, and of things given to them nothing would be dearer to them than the sight of their Lord, the Mighty and the Glorious." (Sahih Muslim 181a)

3. Tafsir by the Companions

The companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were the best generation to interpret the Quran due to their proximity to the Prophet and direct understanding of the context of revelation. Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), known as the "Interpreter of the Quran," is one of the most renowned in providing Tafsir.

4. Tafsir by Scholars

After the companions, subsequent generations of scholars compiled detailed explanations. Scholars like Imam At-Tabari and Ibn Kathir wrote extensive Tafsir works that continue to guide Muslims today. These scholars relied on the Quran, Hadith, and linguistic analysis to clarify meanings.

5. Applying Tafsir in Our Lives

Tafsir is not just an academic pursuit but a means to implement the teachings of the Quran. For instance, the command to establish Salah and pay Zakah is often briefly stated in the Quran. However, the Prophet’s detailed instructions on prayer and charity provide practical guidance.

"Establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will ˹certainly˺ find ˹its reward˺ with Allah. Surely Allah is All-Seeing of what you do." (Quran 2:110)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Pray as you have seen me praying." (Sahih al-Bukhari 631) Sunnah.com

Conclusion

The study of Tafsir strengthens our connection to Allah’s words, fostering a deeper understanding of our faith. By reflecting on the Quran and consulting authentic Tafsir sources, we can apply its lessons in our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to comprehend and act upon His guidance. Ameen.

References:

1. Quran 101:2-3
2. Quran 10:26
3. Quran 2:110
4. Sahih Muslim 181a
5. Sahih al-Bukhari 631