Written By: Saad Mahmood
Edited By: Muhammed Tahmid Ahmed
The below are notes from a Q&A with Shaykh Kehlan al-Jubury shortly after my Umrah in the holy city of Makkah on Sunday, the 10th of December 2023. A beneficial reminder with the Shaykh that took place some months prior can be read here.
Q: What is the most important issue for the Muslims of our time and what is its solution?
Palestine is the most pressing issue for the Ummah today. Israel, supported by global powers, seeks to keep other nations weak and dependent. The only viable solution is strength and power. Once the Ummah is strong, stability will follow. We should have hope in Allah ﷻ and in the resilience of the Ummah.
Q: If a Talib could study one thing other than the Qur’an, what would it be and how should they go about learning it?
Focus first on the Qur’an, prioritising proper Tajweed, recitation, and understanding its meaning. After that, delve into hadith and foundational fiqh or Usul al-Fiqh texts, such as Al-Waraqat. Additionally, gain a basic understanding of Ilm ul-Hadith.
Ensure that you surround yourself with students of knowledge, particularly those more advanced than you, as this encourages fruitful discussions and deeper understanding. In addition, attend a variety of study circles rather than sticking to just one Shaykh; this approach ensures you gain diverse perspectives. As Imam az-Zuhri (RH) said, “You will not discover the mistakes of your Shaykh until you sit with other Shuyukh.”
Moreover, share your knowledge with others whenever possible, starting with your family. Teaching even the little you know reinforces your understanding. Do not forget to continuously ask Allah ﷻ for more knowledge, following the example of Ibn Taymiyyah (RH), who would sit alone in the masjid and make the dua:
يَا مُعَلِّمَ إبْرَاهِيمَ عَلِّمْنِي
“O Teacher of Ibrahim, teach me!”
Always ensure that your knowledge is accompanied by action.
Q: What is special about Siyar A’lam an-Nubala, which you cover in your daily class?
It provides concise yet comprehensive biographies of prominent figures from various eras, including scholars and other notable individuals, both Sunni and non-Sunni. It was authored by Imam adh-Dhahabi who was very neutral and balanced and had a lot of knowledge in hadith. The book is brief but comprehensive.
Q: If you could recommend one book for benefits apart from the Qur’an, what would it be?
Riyadh us-Saliheen and Ibn Hajar’s explanation of Bulugh al-Maram.
Q: What are the benefits of travelling, and could you share one special benefit from the countries you’ve visited?
In Pakistan, I gained a great deal from Shaykh Abdul Ghaffar, an excellent scholar in Hadith. The country also offers a rich diversity of Islamic ideologies – ranging from Sufism to Ahl al-Hadith, in addition to Jihadist movements and political Islamic groups. These differing perspectives are openly discussed which allows for exploration of different ideas.
The UK also has its benefits. It is an open country where you can live with minimal pressure. It provides opportunities for study and travel with lots of freedom, security, and diversity.
Furthermore, Imam ash-Shafi (RH) beautifully outlines five benefits of traveling in a poem:
- Relief from adversity
- Earning a livelihood
- Gaining knowledge
- Learning etiquette
- Establishing noble companionship
However, travel is not universally recommended and depends on time and context. Imam al-Tartushi (RH) critiques the benefits highlighted by Imam ash-Shafi (RH) by stating seven disadvantages in a poem of his own:
- Estrangement from brothers
- Loss of loved ones
- Financial loss
- The risk of theft
- Increase of hardship
- Lack of reliable companions
- The challenges of staying in temporary accommodations
He finishes his poem by stating, “If it is said travel might offer opportunities for livelihood, knowledge, and superior companionship, say, that era has passed its prime, and has been succeeded by an era full of obstacles.”
Thus, the decision to travel requires balance and should be considered upon the individual’s context and situation.
Q: What are the main qualities of a Khateeb, and what makes a good khutbah?
Being a Khateeb is a special role and requires a special talent. A Khateeb should be able to to evoke emotion and display emotional engagement themselves. A good khutbah will focus on reminding the believers of Allah ﷻ.
Q: In what ways has getting married affected your understanding of the Deen and Shari’ah?
I have not thought about it too much, but marriage likely influences one’s understanding of fiqh, particularly in discerning which rulings to prioritise (i.e. what to take vs what not to take) in addition to assisting with reflection on ayat and ahadith.
And Allah ﷻ knows best.