Category Archives: Education

Saudi Arabia: Important new developments in higher education

Posted on by
Reply

Ali A. Al-Bashiti reports on some major advancements in Saudi higher education, among which will be the opening of 12 new universities and the establishment of the planned King Abdullah University of Science and Technology:

“..the sector is set to gain a major facelift with the opening of 12 new universities, the introduction of a 25-year development strategy and the signing of cooperation agreements with leading universities in the US, Europe and Asia, Arab News reported.According to a report published by the Economist magazine, Saudi Arabia has grabbed seventh position beating France, Spain, Russia, Japan, Egypt, Italy, Poland and Malaysia in terms of the number of universities it has and per capita spending on students.”

More at Minjid.com

Essential qualities for good leadership

Posted on by
1

Imam Zaid discusses the qualities of leadership while explaining the following verses in which Allah (SWT) address the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS):

“Owing to Mercy from God, you were gentle in dealing with them [your companions]. Were you harsh [and crude], hard of heart; they would have fled from you. Therefore, pardon their abuses, seek [God’s] forgiveness for them, and consult them in the affair. Once you have resolved on a course of action [be decisive] and trust in God. Surely, God loves those who trust in Him. Qur’an 3:159″

Excerpts:

“People who are harsh in their leadership styles oftentimes demand respect. They should be mindful of the fact that respect that is demanded is seldom lasting, and it is never sincere. People who are gentle in the appropriate situations, compassionate, empathetic and magnanimous command respect. Respect that is commanded is sincere and lasting.

…

Here the Prophet, peace upon him, who is divinely guided in religious affairs, in the broadest sense of religion, is encouraged to consult his companions because he is laying the foundation for effective rule and leadership to guide those succeeding him. However, we will only be the beneficiaries of the wisdom he bequeathed to us if we implement those teachings in our lives. This area of endeavor is no exception.”

More at New Islamic Directions.

Video: Perished Nations

Posted on by
1

Part one of a series of halaqahs given by Shaykh Muhammad Al-Shareef on the perished nations described in the Qur’an and Sunnah. The accompanying lecture notes can be found on the DiscoverULife blog.

Perished Nations 1

First 30 minutes http://www.discoverulife.com/recommend/nations1of3

Second 30 minutes http://www.discoverulife.com/recommend/nations2of3

Third 30 minutes http://www.discoverulife.com/recommend/nations3of3

Photo by Carlos Lorenzo

How much luxury is just right?

Posted on by
1

Islam Q and A has a very detailed answer for an interesting question:

“My wife insists that we must buy a big house with a garden and swimming pool. While I insist on living in a small house (3 bedrooms for example) without the extra luxuries such as a garden and swimming pool. What is the solution for this problem? I cannot force her to be ascetic…What shall I do?If I buy a big house as my wife wishes, will I be rewarded?“

Photo credit - flikr - ahomeinbali

(Photo credit: ahomeinbali, via flickr)

Snippets of the answer, which is detailed and covers many points:

“It was narrated that Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are four things that are essential for happiness: a righteous wife, a spacious home, a good neighbour and a sound means of transportation. And there are four things that make one miserable: a bad neighbour, a bad wife, a small house and a bad means of transportation.”

Read more at Islam Q & A.

How to respect your children

Posted on by
1

It is certainly true that we, as adults, always try to respect one another. But do we extend the same courtesy to our children?

Umm Zaidah Nusaybah discusses at her blog:

“Respect is often associated with elders. We are taught to respect our parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents etc. The subject of respecting youngsters is quite alien. How often do we see children being spoken to in a derogatory manner? Being criticized for not doing something correctly or being shouted at for causing an accident? Have we ever stopped to think about how that child feels when we behave in such a manner? We need to ask ourselves, how would you feel if we were being treated in this way.”

Hijab as a Political Symbol

Posted on by
Reply

Aziz welcomes lifting of the (draconic?) ban on headscarf in Turkey

Opponents of the hijab argue it is a slippery slope towards “Islamic” rule, but since the hijab is clearly a statement of free speech in the Turkish context (unlike in Saudi Arabia, where it is a symbol of oppression), denying it is arguably on the slippery slope towards oppression as well.

[Image:khalilshah]