2006 TI Camp Program
Connecting to Allah
Dr. Imad Bayoun, Sh. Zoubir Bouchikhi
The highest level of iman is ihsan - the state in which the believer is aware of Allah at all times. In this state, the believer has achieved ar-rabbaniyah - godliness. In this state, as stated in the hadith qudsi, the believer is so close to Allah (swt) that He loves him and Allah says, "when I love him, I will be his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hands with which he strikes, and his legs with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him; and if he seeks refuge with Me, I will grant him refuge."
This series will explore how we can draw ourselves closer to Allah and increase our iman to achieve this beautiful state. We will discuss the Day of Judgment, the fruits of iman, and practical methods by which we can strengthen our connection to Allah.
"I was sent only to perfect manners."
Br. Yasser Aman, Dr. Imad Bayoun, Sr. Bhawana Kamil
There are numerous ahadith and stories from the life of the Prophet (saws) illustrating the utmost importance of manners. Some of these stories illustrate the extent to which one's entering heaven or hell has depended on the ways in which the person treated the creatures of Allah. But the way we conduct ourselves not only has consequences in the Hereafter; it has practical ramifications in this world as well - in our relationships with our family, community, and society.
This series will illustrate the importance of good manners for the Hereafter and in this world. We will also discuss how we can actualize good manners for the sake of pleasing Allah and improving our relationships in this world.
The Jama'ah - Working Together for Allah (swt)
Sr. Muslema Purmul,Dr. Hisham Abdallah
From the time of the Prophet (saws), those working to establish Islam worked as a group. Each companion of the Prophet (saws) contributed their individual talents to help establish Islam. It was through this collective work that they were able to develop themselves and the community. This model holds true today. To establish Islam once again, work must be done as a collective - in a "jama'ah."
This series will explore the importance of working in a jama'ah, the principles of collective work, and how to deal with obstacles that one may encounter in the jama'ah.
Sciences of the Qur'an
Sh. Zoubir Bouchikhi, Dr. Hisham Abdallah
Islamic sciences are unique in their rigor and sophistication. It is not surprising that the Qur'an provided the base from which Islamic sciences grew. The Qur'an is Allah's final and eternal message to mankind. It is a lasting and living miracle for the entire world to witness. It is the constitution of the Muslims and guide for every human being. Preserving this Book is what gave rise to the Islamic sciences.
Though every Islamic science has its roots in the Qur'an (since Islam itself is rooted in it), there are some sciences that more closely revolve around the Qur'an. In this series, we will be introduced to some of these sciences and will be able to taste the sweetness of our Islamic intellectual legacy.
2005 TI Camp Program
"Oh you wrapped in garments..."
Sh. Taha Hassane, Imam Azeez
Like every surah of the Qur'an, surah al-Muzammil contains within it many lessons for Muslims in general, and Islamic workers in particular. The surah draws attention to the night prayer and recitation of the Qur'an, and their power to drive the one who has dedicated his life to the message of Islam.
We will study some of the particular lessons of the surah, and attempt to memorize its verses throughout the duration of the camp.
The Methodology of the Prophet (saws) in Establishing the Message
Dr. Imad Bayoun
Through its mission to establish Islam, the life of the Prophet (saws) provides the most comprehensive and efficient methodology to follow. By examining the seerah of the Prophet (saws) and the curriculum (manhaj) of the contemporary Islamic movement, we will explore the methodology of establishing the message and to bringing about improvement and benefit (islaah) to our society.
Ikhtilaf: Disagreement and Differences in Islam
Sh. Shanqiti
Differences of opinion have existed in Islam since the beginning. The Prophet (saws), the Companions, and the great Imams faced differences and dealt with disagreements. Differences arise in both the Islamic sciences and in Islamic work. This series will look at the issue of Ikhtilaf, addressing its sources, causes, and role in Islam. It will conclude with a lecture on the requisite attitude and etiquette of handling differences.
Until They Change Themselves...
Br. Munir Qtaish, Sr. Bhawana Kamil, Br. Feras Alhlou
Allah (swt) says in His Book: "Verily Allah will never change the condition of a people until they change themselves." (Surah ar-Ra'd: 11). It is a sunnah of Allah (swt) that the condition of a people will not change until they take the initiative to reform their lives. This is true on a personal level as well. Each individual is responsible for his own spiritual and intellectual growth. In this series, we will learn how we can take charge of our personal tarbiyah, and implement change in our own lives.
Challenges of Collective Work
Br. Hazem Said
Though collective work is an obligation upon those who intend to make real contributions to the Islamic Movement, there are several challenges that one may encounter when working as part of an organization. We will be studying several case studies, each dealing with different challenges, and present our findings at the end of the week. Br. Hazem Said will moderate the presentations, and provide in-depth background and analyses for the scenarios.
2004 TI Camp Program
Amanah: Fulfilling the Purpose of Creation
"We did indeed offer the Trust (al-Amanah) to the Heaves and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it and feared from it: and man undertook it ..." (Al-Ahzab 72)
Allah (swt) explains the role of mankind with different concepts in the Qur'an. These concepts include: 'Ibdaah (worshop), Imarah (civilization-building), and khilafah (trusteeship). Allah (swt) describes the higher objective as the Amanah, or the Greater Trust.
This three-lecture series will address these key Islamic concepts that frame our mission as followers of Islam. It will present the requisites for fulfilling the Trust. These requisites include the inherent wasatiyah of Islam (moderation and balance). They also include understanding key areas of Islamic scholarship, such as the Fiqh of Priorities and Fiqh of Greater Objectives (al-Maqasid).
Fleeing to Allah
"And of everything We have created pairs, that you may remember. So flee to Allah, verily, I am to you a plain warner from Him." (Adh-Dhariat 47-50)
Through belief in the Beautiful Names of Allah, remembrance, supplication, and pondering the signs of our Creator, we flee to Allah. This series will explore how to "Flee to Allah" and how this impacts our lives. Fleeing to Allah is a must, not an option. The lectures in this series will cover several ways that we can flee to Allah (swt): through tafakkur (reflection), through contemplating His Beautiful Names, and through dhikr and dua.
The Science of the Sunnah
This series is an introduction to the science of the Sunnah. Some of the elements that will be discussed are:
- The importance of the Sunnah.
- The components of Hadith.
- The History of collection, documentation, and authentication of the Hadith.
- The derivation of rules from the Sunnah.
- How to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wasallam.
Islamic Adab: Manners
This series will address the centrality of Islamic manners and behavior in three lectures. The lectures will cover the moral system of Islam and the close relationship between manners and faith, the Islamic adab in dealing with Allah (swt) and His Prophet, and the adab of dealing with those to whom we are indebted - our parents, people of knowledge, our mentors, and our elders.
2002 TI Camp Program
A Methodological Study of the Prophet's Mission
Through his mission to establish Islam, the life of the Prophet (pbuh) provides a comprehensive methodology and roadmap for the revival of the Ummah. By studying the seerah of the Prophet (pbuh), we will explore the methodology of change prescribed by Allah as well as the traits required of any movement aspiring to re-establish Islam.
Requisites of the Da'iyah.
In His book, Allah orders the Prophet (pbuh) to declare, "Say: This is my way, I invite to Allah upon clear insight—me and those who follow me." As followers of the final Prophet, we must all carry the responsibility of working for the cause of Islam. This tract will explore the requisites of a da'iyah—from his understanding of Islam and relationship with Allah, to his moral character. The tract culminates in a practical session on self-development, describing the process for realizing and nurturing these facets in our lives.
'Usool al-Fiqh.
This tract will introduce the science of ‘Usool al-Fiqh: the source methodology of the sharia. It will help give an understanding of the Islamic system of law in its sources and objectives. It will also give an appreciation for the greatness of our scholars and for the Islamic sciences.