On Friday 29th of January 2010, around 50 brothers attended the first Maqra’ah (intensive reading) to complete the entire text of Sahih Al Bukhari, under the supervision of Moulana Ahmad Ali Diwan Lajpuri Surati, who currently holds the highest ‘sanad’ (chain of transmission) to Imam Bukhari (ra) amongst the scholars of hadith. Other Scholars that attended and took part in the recitation of Sahih Al Bukhari included Sheikh Haitham Al Haddad, Sheikh Muhammed Akram An-Nadwi, Sheikh Anas Ibn Aqil and Sheikh Ahmad Ayoob Surti.

Due to the presence of so many scholars at the Maqra’ah, it was decided that during the periods where the text of Saheeh Al Bukhari was not being read, other classical books should be covered. These additional books were:

• · Usool At Thalatha (The Three Principals) by Imam Abdul Wahhab (ra)
• · ‘Al Faqeeh Wal Mutafiqqih’ by Khateeb Al Bagdadi (ra)
• · Umdahtul Ahkaam by Imam Abdul Ghaniyy Al Maqdisi (ra)

The reading of Saheeh Al Bukhari progressed until the end of the chapter ‘Kitab az-Zakat’. It is hoped that the rest of the book will insha’Allah be completed in the second part of this Maqra’ah programme.

For a detailed account of the event please click HERE.

Alhamdulillah the much anticipated Ijma (consensus) and Qiyas (analogy) retreat took place over the Christmas Holidays (24-28 December). It was by the grace of Allah a success. Eighty brothers attended – all the brothers doubling up in the rooms – I don’t think we could accommodate anymore! Many were regular and others had come for the first time. The retreat began with an emotional reminder by Shaikh Haitham about the reality of this life and the importance of the study of Ijma and Qiyas. This can be viewed here: video link

Alhamdulillah, we completed a successful Sabeel Sunnah Retreat in Markfield. There were over 70 brothers in total, some of them coming for the first time. Shaikh Haitham delivered the definitions, recording and history of the Sunnah. Ustadh Abu Rumaysah delivered an important section about the authority of the Sunnah that was focusing on the Aahaad Ahadith and the usage of daeef ahadith. The Sabeel Admin was very happy to have Shaikh Ahmad Al-Barouni to deliver some sessions on the science of hadeeth especially as his PhD was on the Saheehul Bukhari. We had a fruitful workshop conducted by Ustadh Fraz about Abu Bakra (RadiAllahuanhu).

The course covered the principles of the Sirah, analysing the tools in understanding the Sirah in the correct way. Workshops on specific incidents such as the Prophets journey to Taif and Ghazwatul Uhud were covered in some detail.

Last night I did a meeting of Dialogue with Islam near Brick Lane on How do we cure our greedy society?

Saturday, February 2nd 2002, I can still remember that day, sitting in al-Muntada al-Islami, Parsons Green, with a group of students preparing for the first lesson of ibn Abi al-`Izz’s monumental commentary to al-`Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah of Imam Abu Ja`far al-Tahawi, may Allah have mercy on them. Our teacher was to be Shaykh Haitham al-Haddad of whom, at that time, I had just heard of and was only vaguely familiar with.

MRDF organised a weekend reading of work of hadith. A review of the weekend written by an attendee follows:

The Mukhtasar of Imam Bukhair titled at-Tajreed as-Sareeh by Imam Zabeedi has just over two thousand ahadith covering most of the chapters that Imam Bukhari (ra) complied in his Sahih.

MRDF delivered khateeb training to city workers in the London Bridge area. The training is the first of a series aimed to provide guidance on all aspects of Friday Prayer & Sermons.

This first seminar provided information on the importance of the Friday sermon and assoicated rulings for both preacher and worshippers. The seminar ended with a Q&A session.

Earlier this month, Sheikh Haitham Al-Haddad the Director of MRDF travelled to Cairo to recorded a twenty six part series on the topic of ‘Living in the West’. He was invited by Huda TV, a leading English language satellite channel which broadcasts out of Egypt and has a large viewership in both the Middle East and North Africa. Shaykh Haitham discussed issues such as ‘Muslims living in the West’, ‘the importance of identity’ and ‘living in a multi-cultural society’.

While in Egypt Shaykh Haitham and other members of MRDF took the opportunity to meet up with scholars of the region. They discussed issues related to Muslim minorities and community development. The was the second visit to Egypt and further highlights the need for discussion and debate on issues that affect the Muslim minorities living in the West.