The Noble Qur’an is the word of God which was revealed in the month of Ramadan to the prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) The Glorious Qur’an is a source of guidance inspiration for all mankind and there are many ways in which the Qur’an. It is therefore important that Muslims study and understand the message that the Creator has send to the best of His creation, Man.
Reciting the Qur’an is described in the following Qur’anic verse as a profitable transaction, the profit of which shall never end. This is the case at any time of the year but in Ramadan the recitation and study of the Qur’an has greater status and significance due to many reasons.
Allah says: “Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend (in His cause) out of what We have provided them secretly and publicly, can expect a transaction (profit) that will never perish. That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them His bounty. Indeed He is forgiving and most ready to appreciate.” (Surah Fatir:30)
Mother of the Believers, Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be well pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Read the Qur’an, for verily it will come as an intercessor for its companion on the Day of Judgement.’ [Sahih Muslim]
It is recommended that one finishes a complete recitation of the Qur’an in the month of Ramadan. It is the Sunnah to complete reciting the whole Qur’an once every month.
The great scholars of Islam, the pious predecessors devoted most of their time in Ramadan to reciting and studying the Noble Qur’an. When Ramadan entered, Imam Malik used to leave his study of hadith and devote his total attention to the reading of the Qur’an. Imam Azam Imam Abu Hanifa and Muhammad Ibn Idris Al-Shaf’i would accomplish sixty completions of the Qur’an in Ramadan, all in the form of prayer.
In Makkah Masjid, the recitation of the Holy Qur’an is completed in the Taraweeh prayer (night prayer) every year. It has been a tradition of Madina Jamia Masjid and Makkah Mosque, for the last 25 years, that the key themes contained in a part of the Holy Qur’an that is recited each night is explained to the congregation after the Taraweeh prayer. This tradition was set up by the late Imam professor Shaykh Hafiz Fateh Muhammad (May Allah bless his soul), who fist served as an Imam and khateeb at Madina Jamia Masjid for 20 years and then founded the Makkah Masjid in 2003. This year since the Tarweeh prayer finishes around midnight, it has been decided by the Imams of the Masjid that rather than presenting the meaning and tafseer of the juz (part) of the Glorious Qur’an that is recited each night after the Night (Taraweeh) prayer, the same undertaking will take place after zuhr prayer each day.
Throughout the month of Ramadan, the Qur’anic study circles will be held every day after the Zuhr prayer at 2:15pm. In these Qur’anic study circles, the key theme(s) of each of the juz/sapara/part of the Holy Qur’an will be explained in English and Urdu by the Imams, Qari Asim and Qari Qasim.
Makkah Mosque study circles are open to Muslims and non-Muslims, brothers and sisters who have an interest in learning about Islam.
O ye who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you, before the Day comes when no bargaining (Will avail), nor friendship nor intercession. Those who reject Faith they are the wrong-doers. (2.254): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
3 Ramadan
Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For Allah did take Abraham for a friend. (4:125): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
4 Ramadan
O ye who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of approach unto Him, and strive with might and main in his cause: that ye may prosper. (5:35): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
5 Ramadan
O ye who believe! make not unlawful the good things which Allah hath made lawful for you, but commit no excess: for Allah loveth not those given to excess. (5:87): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
6 Ramadan
It is We Who have placed you with authority on earth, and provided you therein with means for the fulfilment of your life: small are the thanks that ye give (7:10): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
10 Ramadan
Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that ye have gained; the commerce in which ye fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight – are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause;- then wait until Allah brings about His decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious (9:24): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
11 Ramadan
The prayer that man should make for good, he maketh for evil; for man is given to hasty (deeds) (17:11): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
13 Ramadan
O mankind! fear your Lord! for the convulsion of the Hour (of Judgment) will be a thing terrible! (21:01): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
15 Ramadan
And the servants of ((Allah)) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace!” (25:63): Click here to download this file or listen to the lecture by pressing the Play button:
Over the years, Makkah Masjid has built strong links with Leeds Metropolitan University and Leeds University and their students. Imam Qari Asim has worked with them on projects such as the opening of the new Institute for Spirituality, Religion & Public Life at Leeds Met University.
Many University students undertake projects about the activities of the Mosque as part of their modules regarding theology, comparative studies, Islam in Britain, European Islam, multi-culturalism and community cohesion etc. Over the course of a year, Imam Qari Asim sees a large number of students researching these topics and has useful discussions with those students.
The Imam of Makkah Masque also receives student delegations from various countries, and they exchange views on Islamic and cultural practices in their respective countries. In the past couple of months, Imam Qari Asim has met student delegations from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Indonesia. Makkah Masjid and its sister mosque, Al-Madina Jamia Masjid has a long history of working with the Turkish people. Imam Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad who served the Muslim Leeds community used to work with people from various regions and backgrounds and set a good tradition of different groups working with each other for the greater good.
Imam Qari Asim recently also met Piet Hizbullah Khaidir, The Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Youth Movement-Central Board, Indonesia, and The Former Chairman of Leeds-Indonesian Muslim Society, and Arif Rahman Bambang, a senior lecturer at Assalaam, a modern boarding school for boys and girls in Indonesia.
Qari Asim discussed with them the work that Muhammadiyah has done in building the social and educational infrastructure in Indonesia in such a short period of time. Qari Asim said that many other organizations around the world could learn from the model propounded by Muhammadiyah. Piet said that “we will have great opportunities to build colaborative programmes in the future”.
Qari Asim also discussed the thesis of Arif Rahman Bambang regarding ‘Mosque and Community Cohesion: Interaction between Muslims and Non-Muslims in Leeds’. In this thesis Qari Asim worked with Arif Rahman Bambang and met him on a number of occasions for the purposes of interviews and to shed light on the activities of Makkah Masjid. Arif Rahman Bambang said that he was “grateful for the support that the community of Makkah Masjid had offered him during his stay in Leeds and wished to continue to work with them in the coming years.”
Qari Asim gave signed copies of his books, including copies of his most recent book Our Children -Our future to the delegation. For further details about Our Children -Our future, please click on: http://www.deenfoundation.org.uk/wp/index.php/2009/04/08/75/
Imam also invited the Leeds-Indonesian Muslim Society to the upcoming event at Makkah Masjid on Sunday 2 August 2009.
Following couplets were submitted by students of Hafiz sahib and read out at the annual Jalsa held at Leeds Makkah Mosque on 26th April 2009:
The lover of the Prophet, the advocate of Islam
The ambassador of peace, the beloved of us all
Lived his entire life in Masjid and Mihrab
Left for the heavens having enlightened us all
g
He was available to us day and night
Dedicated to his mission of spreading the light
Constantly in the Masjid reading the Quran
Always smiling, illuminated by Allah’s light
g
The news of his sudden departure rendered us lost
Memories of Hafiz sahib remains alive in our hearts
How he instilled in us love for the Prophet
And opened our eyes to the wonders of the Quran
Four years have passed since he left us for the heavens
Yet the void in our hearts is as vast as ever.
If you are from Leeds or its surrounding areas, you would have either met or heard about Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib (May Allah have mercy on his soul). It has been four years since he suddenly passed away on the evening of 26 April 2005 (17th Rabi ul-Awwal 1426) whilst sitting in the mosque, waiting for the adhan of the Maghrib prayer to be called, and in the meantime reading a biography of the beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). About 45 minutes before his departure from this world, Hafiz Sahib had given a lecture on the Holy Qur’an in the daily study circle that he had been holding for the past 10 years.
All those who had the honour to meet him will testify that Hafiz Sahib’s whole life revolved around learning, reciting, teaching and reflecting on the Holy Qur’an and studying, discussing and honouring our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). He dedicated his life to the Qur’an and Sunnah, living in accordance with the principles of Islam and encouraging others to do the same. His sudden departure from this world was a tragic loss to the Muslim community of Leeds which he had ardently and diligently served for over 20 years of his life. Hafiz Sahib was indeed one of very few distinguished Ulemas who excelled in both worldly and religious knowledge and understanding.
Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib was a great religious scholar, an ambassador of peace, an advocate of love of the Holy Qur’an and the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the founder of Leeds Makkah Mosque and Deen Foundation. He was indeed an inspirational figure who benefitted his community tremendously through teaching them the knowledge of Islam.
We pray to Allah (swt) that He grants Hafiz Sahib the highest place in Paradise, and makes the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the Holy Qur’an his intercessors on the Day of Judgement. Ameen.
A Jalsa and annual gathering in memory of Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib will be held at Leeds Makkah Mosque on 26 April 2009 at 2:30 pm After ZUHR PRAYER
TIME: 2:30 pm After ZUHR PRAYER
DATE: Sunday, 26th April 2009
VENUE: Makkah Masjid
The following videos were recorded at the 40th khatam sharif (prayer services held after 40 days) of Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad (may Allah Almighty have mercy on his soul), on 12 June 2005.
We specifically would like to thank ARN Videos (Leeds 12) for recording and allowing us to utilise these rare videos.
A Jalsa and annual gathering is being held in memory of a great religious scholar, an ambassador of peace, an advocate of love of the Holy Qur’an and the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and the founder of Leeds Makkah Mosque – Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib
TIME: 2:30 pm After ZUHR PRAYER
DATE: Sunday, 27th April 2008
VENUE: Makkah Masjid
Part of the proceedings will be broadcasted live on Leed Radio FM.
It is three years since our Imam departed from this world in April 2005 to live in the ever-lasting world. Below is an article written by one of his students highlighting some aspects of Hafiz Sahib’s life:
Shaykh Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad Sahib, affectionately called Hafiz Sahib by all those who knew him, (May Allah have mercy on his soul) was the great Imam of Madina Masjid from 1984 – 2005 and of Makkah Masjid from 2003 to 2005. He passed away suddenly on the evening of 25 April 2005 (17th Rabi ul-Awwal 1426) whilst reading a biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). His sudden departure from this world was a tragic loss to the Muslim community of Leeds which he had ardently and diligently served for over 20 years of his life.
All those who had the honour to meet him will testify that Hafiz Sahib radiated love for the Holy Qur’an and our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). . He dedicated his life to gaining knowledge of Islam, living in accordance with its principles and encouraging others to do the same.
Hafiz Sahib was one of very few distinguished ‘Ulemas who excelled in both worldly and religious knowledge and understanding. He first came to England from his native Pakistan in 1984 to undertake a Masters degree in English Language Teaching and Linguistics. He had previously held the esteemed post of head of the English Department at the International Islamic University at Islamabad. He returned to Pakistan for a short while, before permanently settling in England in 1988 and taking up the post of Imam and Khateeb of Madina Masjid and spiritual guide for the community he served.
Hafiz Sahib – an ideal Imam
Hafiz Sahib was not only a religious instructor but had also been a professor at one of the most prestigious Universities in the Muslim world. He was therefore passionate about ensuring that religion was accessible to second generation Muslims in the UK. He reminded Muslims that they had not come to the UK as Pakistanis, Indians etc, but as Muslims. He advised Muslims to leave aside cultural issues and concentrate singularly on the cause of living Islam as it was given to them by the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Hafiz Sahib was always mindful of the numerous examples in the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) of living peacefully alongside those of other faiths, whilst not loosing one’s own faith and identity, and he strived to follow these examples.
He emphasised that Muslims should earn their place in society and win the hearts and minds of the host community by showing that the values taught by Islam are the same values that all human beings hold dear. For this reason, a long before there was any wide-spread recognition of the fact that there was a danger of youngsters losing touch with their religious identities as a result of the fact that most religious sermons were being held in Urdu, Hafiz Sahib was preaching in both English and Urdu. He attached great importance to ensuring that youngsters had access to Islamic knowledge in their first language, English. Thus his professionalism enabled him to pursue and resolve intricate issues and challenges faced by the second generation with clarity and conviction, always preferring debate and discussion whilst observing the Islamic etiquette rather than just demanding that youngsters did as told.
Another issue close to Hafiz Sahib’s heart was ensuring good relationships between people of different faiths. To this end, he was an active participant in the Leeds multi-faith forums, which saw him recite the Qur’an at inter-faith events and welcome those of other faiths into the Masjid.
Hafiz Sahib & the Qur’an
Hafiz Sahib led a simple life which revolved around his role as Imam. His first love was the recitation of the Qur’an, which he did alongside whatever other task he was doing. Those who had the honour of hearing him recite the Qur’an know that his pronunciation was impeccable and his voice was melodious and full of emotion. The hearts of his listeners could not help but be moved, and through him his audience felt closer to Allah.
Hafiz Sahib was also passionate about ensuring that Muslims did not blindly follow what they were told, but had a real understanding of the principles of Islam. His aim was to fill the hearts of the Muslims in his community with a love for the Qur’an as immense as his own, and instill in them a desire to understand the Qur’an as he did. Over the last 10 years of his life, Hafiz Sahib held daily study circles after prayers. During these study circles, he provided detailed analysis and commentary on almost half of the Holy Qur’an in a combination of both English and Urdu. His daily classes were attended by both old and young.
Distinguished Personality
Hafiz Sahib’s distinguishing trait was his unpretentious appearance and remarkable simplicity. Despite being well-versed in religious and worldly matters, he never promoted himself or tried to seek fame. Instead, he followed the way of his predecessors who worked behind the scenes, displaying profound insight and solicitude for the Ummah andshowing exceptional acumen for resolving the challenges presented by modernity. Hence, despite the fact that he was associated and affiliated to numerous national and international organisations, institutes and academies, he did not…..
Despite being a great scholar and leading a very busy life, Hafiz Sahib never shied away from doing mundane tasks. He used to say that given the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) assisted his wives with household jobs, it could not be a stain on one’s status or masculinity to following his example. He was also proud to clean the mosque, saying that not everyone is given the honour of cleaning the house of the Lord.
Hafiz Sahib & Makkah Masjid
The biggest aspect of Hafiz Sahib’s legacy is without doubt Makkah Masjid, which was his vision and which only came into being as a result of his tireless efforts. For many years, Hafiz Sahib was deeply concerned that the converted terraced houses which formed Madina Masjid were not adequate to cater for the growing Muslim populations of Leeds 3, 4 and 6. His vision was that the community should have a Masjid of which it could be truly proud, which was not only aesthetically pleasing but which would also meet the practical needs of the Muslim community it would serve. He talked about a Masjid that would elevate the spirits of all who saw it and symbolise the beauty of the religion of Islam.
To this end, Hafiz Sahib worked assiduously firstly to help find the perfect location in which to build his dream Masjid, and then to raise the £1.8 million required to fund its construction. The passion with which he talked about the new Masjid encouraged the local communities to donate the staggering sums needed; very few individuals have the charisma and zeal to convince others to donate so generously. He reminded everyone that if they contributed towards building a house for Allah (swt) in this life, then, as is promised in the Holy Quran, Allah (swt) would build a house in Paradise for them in the hereafter.
Following years of hard work, Makkah Masjid opened its doors in June 2003. Without doubt, it would never have come into existence without Hafiz Sahib firstly having the vision of a magnificent Masjid located in Headingley, Leeds and secondly having the dedication to make his dream a reality.
Those who knew Hafiz Sahib as their Imam, their teacher and their spiritual guide are only too aware that he was a truly unique individual, who cannot be replaced. He was a very inspirational and dynamic person. He wanted to see the learned and professionals work together to advance the position of the Ummah, and reach mutual understanding and respect throughout the world. In a life span of 63 years, he will be remembered for, among other notable things, being a great scholar of Islam who practiced what he preached and instilled love for the religion in those who came into contact with him. His entire life was dedicated to steadfastly serving Islam and Muslims.
There are too many details about his life to cover in such a short article. However, to note a few, Hafiz Sahib emphasised greatly – and showed us practically in the way he lived – the following matters :
1. Love of the beloved Prophet and the Qur’an,
2. Love for seeking knowledge and displaying love for the people of knowledge;
3. Simplicity in our whole way of life
4. The importance of making an effort in one’s life to improve one’s status in the world and the hereafter.
We pray to Allah (swt) that He grants Hafiz Sahib the highestplace in Paradise, and makes the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and the Holy Qur’an his intercessors on the Day of Judgement. Ameen.
Shaykh Hafiz Fateh Muhammad sahib (May Allah have mercy on his soul) had immense love for the Holy Quran in his heart. He spent his entire life reciting and studying the book of Allah. At times, he will complete the full recitation of the Holy Qur’an in two days, without neglecting his daily responsibilities and duties.He believed and acted upon the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), that inner peace, success in the affairs of this life and in the afterlife depends on a Muslim’s relationship with the word of Allah, the Holy Qur’an.
In order to instil the love of the Holy Quran in the hearts of the Muslims and a yearning to understand the communication of the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth with Man, Shaykh Hafiz Fateh Muhammad sahib held Quranic study circles at Madina Masjid (Leeds). Hafiz sahib started these study circles in mid 1990s for the general public and continued these at the newly built Makkah Masjid till 2005 when he passed away from this world.
During these 10 years, he almost covered half of the Holy Qur’an in the study circles. However, rather than starting from part 1 and going thorough the Holy Qur’an in a chronological order, Hafiz Fateh Muhammad sahib would select a surah with a theme, a theme that would be closer to the heart of the local community at a given time, and then explain the issues that are affecting the local community through the light of the Qur’an, using classical and modern exegeses.
For instance, in order to warn the Muslims of the consequences of heedlessness and disregard for the commandments of Allah,Hafiz Sahib covered Surah Hūd, which focuses on stories of earlier communities and what led to their destruction. Similarly, in order to explain the rules and regulations pertaining to marriage, divorce, trade, charity, fasting and Hajj etc, Hafiz Sahib went through Surah al-Baqarah in a period of around 6 months.Hafiz Sahib, in the Quranic study circles covered many surahs including surahs Aal-Imran, al-‘araf, Yusuf, Noor, al-Ahzab, Ya-Sin, al-Rahman , al-Mulk and 30th part (Juz) of the Qur’an.
Hafiz Sahib (many Allah have mercy on his soul) lectured, both in English and Urdu in order to cater for young and elderly people. He gave an in-depth analysis of the verses of the Holy Qoran explaining the structure of the verses through Arabic grammar and Arabic poetry, dealing with occasions of revelation, background to the verses, shedding light on the interpretations given by the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) [Ahadith], the companions, the earlier and modern exegetes and scholars.
Some of these lectures have been recorded by those who attended the circles. In particular, we are thankful to brothers Pervaiz and Assan for sharing their recordings with us.
Insha-Allah, in this post Shaykh Hafiz Fateh Muhammad’s explanation of Surah Hood (Surah No. 11) will be uploaded in stages.
The following article was written by Choudhary Maskeen sahib of Leeds 12 and it appeared in Daily Jang on 3rd May 2006. Please click on the image below to view the full article.
Administrator on August 22nd, 2009
