Religions and Sects

Assalamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullah,

The second weekend of October concluded our first diploma. Sh. Omar Sulayman taught the final course for this year, Religions and Sects. It was an amazing seminar, alhamdulillah. Sh. Omar Sulayman shared his knowledge of world religions with such entertaining delivery, mashaallah. For those of you who are not familiar with the Sheikh, here's a brief biography of his studies and achievements:

Sh. Omar Sulayman

• Sheikh Omar Suleiman is the current Imam of Masjid Abu Bakr As-Siddique in New Orleans, LA and a sitting member of the ICNA Shariah Council.
• He was born and raised in the United States, he embarked on his journey to study traditional Islamic sciences in 2000 in the United Arab Emirates primarily under the instruction of Sheikh Tariq Ibn Rajah and other scholars from Umm Al Qura such as Sheikh Amr Al Shishany and Sheikh Saleem Ziad for 3 years.
• He has also greatly benefitted from the wisdom and teachings of his father, Dr Ahmad Suleiman, and various scholars such as Dr Salah As-Sawy, Dr Hatem Al Haj, and his wife’s father, Imam Husam Mubarak. May Allah preserve them all.
• Afterwards, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Jurisprudence, Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, and is currently pursuing his Masters degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Wales.
• He is a frequent lecturer and keynote speaker at national conferences and conventions on a variety of subjects.
• He is also a speaker for the Citizen Dialogue program of the US State Department which trains foreign diplomats and audiences in the study of Islam.
• He has served as ICNA Relief’s Outreach Director in Louisiana since 2005 and is very active in engaging non Muslim audiences through university events and several church invitations.
• In 2008, he helped found the East Jefferson Interfaith Clergy Association of which he currently sits on the steering committee.

All of us in the Houston team truly appreciate your involvement in this great organization and your continued support. We look forward to another successful year and inshallah, many more to come. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or give feedback. As Muslims, we are in a constant state of self-improvement. May Allah guide us all to that which is pleasing to Him.

Aqeedah I

Assalamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullah,

The month of August brought us Dr. Salah Assawi once more. It is always a great honor to be in the presence of such a knowledgeable yet humble Aalim. He taught one of the last courses of this first diploma, Aqeedah I. The course was offered in Arabic and was translated by Sh. Mamdouh Mahmoud. I consider myself extremely fortunate to understand both Arabic and English alhamdullilah. Those who do not understand Arabic, however, did not miss on any of Dr. Salah Assawi's lectures. Sh. Mamdouh Mahmoud did an outstanding job at getting every expression and example across in such an eloquent manner mashaallah.

Dr. Salah Assawi




Sh. Mamdouh Mahmoud

Arabic and Tajweed

Assalamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullah,

First, I would like to extend my most sincere apologies to all of you for the lack of updates. The past few months have been extremely demanding, and I fear that I have neglected this blog in the midst of all the stress surrounding my professional life. I am, however, very much honored to still be part of the Houston Team, and I intend to be much more present in the next few months as we aproach the graduation following the end of this first diploma.

As you all know, this past summer has brought us an overwhelming amount of knowledge of the Arabic language and proper Tajweed. Both courses were given by Sh. Mamdouh Mahmoud, and I must say that he did an excellent job. I have attended many Tajweed courses in my life, but never did I see such emphasis on proper pronounciation of every letter in conjunction with the well-known rules. Masha'Allah, I was personally impressed! More so because, as you may know, Sh. Mamdouh is my older brother, and I tend to hold him up to a much higher standard than that which I hold most. Alhamdullilah, he does not cease to amaze! For those of you who do not know him well, here is a biography of his studies and achievements:

Sh. Mamdouh Mahmoud

• He was born on Monday, 6th. of Rabi’ AlAwal 1393 Hijri, corresponding to April 9th 1973 CE, in Alqiratiyeen - one of the small towns of Greater Cairo-Egypt.


• He was raised in a practicing Muslim family, and he started memorizing Qura’n at the age of 4 under the supervision of his father, Shaikh Moustafa Mahmoud, who is currently serving as the Imam of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, North Zone Masjid in Texas.


• He finished memorizing Qura’n when he was 10 and graduated from Al-Azhar high school in 1990 finishing his basic Islamic Studies including Fiqh (in the Mathhab of Imam Abu Hanifah) spanning almost 7 years.


• He joined Al-Azhar University in Cairo to study Arabic and English Literature, in addition to extensive Islamic Studies courses. He graduated in 1994 with a B.A. in Islamic Studies and English Literature.


• Currently, He is working on his masters degree in the fundamentals of religion from Sharia Academy.


• He moved to the United States from Egypt and served as the Imam at the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (South-East Masjid Abu Bakr Assiddique) from 1996 to 2001. He was also teaching Quran, Arabic and Islamic Studies at Darul Arqam Islam School, a subsidiary of ISGH.


• he also worked as a volunteer Muslim Chaplain in the Texas prison system (click for certificate) and as a contract Imam with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in the United States Penitentiary in Beaumont, Texas.


• From 2002-2003, he worked as the Imam and Director of Galveston Islamic Center.


• From 2004-2005, he served as the Director and Assistant Imam of Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During that time, he founded and led a team establishing the MCC after School and weekend school in Bloomington, MN and helped training Rochester Islamic center weekend school teachers. He also helped founding the Building Blocks of Islam, which is a non for profit organization serving the Muslim community of Minnesota (http://www.thebuildingblocks.org/).


• From 2006-2009, he served as the full time Imam and Director of the Eden prairie Islamic community center (EPICC), also known as the Islamic Institute of Minnesota, South-West chapter in Eden Prairie, MN, and Alhamdulillah he led the effort of collecting funds to acquire a new building to serve as the community center for the Muslims which is now a reality with 16400 Sq feet 2 story building standing on a 2 .5 acres of usable land.


• He is also a founding member of the Islamic Jurisprudence Council of Minnesota (IJCM), the Quraa (Quran reciters) Association of America, and a member of the North American Imam Federation (NAIF).


• He is currently the manager of Sharia Academy of America- Houston branch which he helped founding and the Imam of masjid Al-Ansar serving the Woodlands and Conroe, TX.


• He is a lecturer at the Sharia Academy of America (online courses as well as the onsite weekend seminars around the US) which is supported by Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America.

If you'd like to know more about Sh. Mamdouh, visit his website. It is also a great source of Islamic knowledge.

Fiqh of Business Transactions

Assalamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullah,

Alhamdulillah, we have just completed our 8th course, Fiqh of Business Transactions with
Dr. Main Alqudah:

• Dr. Main received his Bachelor of ARts in Economics from Al-Azhar University (Cairo, Egypt) in 1991. He received a Masters in Islamic Studies from Al-Yamook University (Jordan) in 1996. He completed his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies, specializing in the Islamic Economic and Financial System from the American Open University (Virginia, USA) in 2005.
• He holds a Certificate of Quraanic recitation (Ijazah) and memorization with an uninterrupted chain of correct readers that is traced back to Prophet Muhammad (prayers and peace be upon him).
• He is an experienced lecturer in Islamic Studies. In his teaching career, he has provided instruction in both lower and higher education.
• He served as an Imam of several Islamic centers throughout the United States and abroad.
• He is a speaker at regional and national conferences.
• He is a member of the Permanent Fatwa Committee in the AMJA (Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America).
• He is involved in research work in Islamic studies focused on new challenges and contemporary issues.

Although the Fiqh of Business Transactions is a dry and heavy subject, Dr. Main Alqudah kept us interested by providing us with examples to relate to and better understand the material. His interactive teaching style also made it easier for us to stay on course. We are all blessed and honored to have such a talented and humble scholar guide us through on this journey to knowledge.

Assalamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullah,

This past weekend concludes our 7th course towards the first diploma. This is especially exciting since we will inshallah be the first to receive this first diploma! To be the first to take this path (thus paving it for future seekers of knowledge) is definitely a motivating factor for me as I am sure it is for many of you students and staff alike. Subhannallah, the success of this program thus far even amazes the professors who continue to gladly accept our invitations to teach these courses.

Dr. Hatem Al-Hajj taught our most recent course -- Fiqh of Worship I. Alhamdullilah, I had the honor of taking this class with him online two years ago. It amazes me how even the second time around brings new knowledge. It may very well be the fact that our classes now encourage us to pay more attention to the lecture, rather than skim through an audio file or a pdf of the textbook...

It is, as always, extremely refreshing and rewarding to see new faces. Alhamdullilah, we have a few more additions on the sisters' side, and it is encouraging to see our rows grow in number as more students come, seeking priceless knowledge.

We, the Sharia Academy Houston Team, look forward to seeing you all and your loved ones at our next seminar scheduled for June 27th & 28th inshaallah -- Fiqh of Business Transactions I by Dr. Main Alqudah

Fiqh of Worship I

Assalamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

Inshallah, our upcoming Seminar on Saturday May 16th is going to be Fiqh of Worship I, taught by Dr. Hatem Al-Hajj. This class will cover the Fiqh sections of : Tahara (purification), Salah (prayers) and Jana'iz (funerals).

Sh. Dr. Hatem Al Hajj:

• He was born in Cairo, Egypt and is currently residing here in the US. He is fluent in both Arabic and English.
• He is a prominent scholar and a member of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA), Fatwa committee.
• He graduated summa cum laude (excellent) from the American Open University, thus receiving a Master's Degree in Islamic law (Sharia)
• He also graduated summa cum laude from Al-Jinan University (Tripoli, Lebanon) with a PhD in Comparative Fiqh
• He is an attending Pediatrician by profession. He obtained his Medical M.B., CH.B. (Equivalent to MD), from Alexandria University Medical School (Alexandria, Egypt) with Honors.
• He is Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. He currently holds the position of Attending Pediatrician at Albert Lea Medical Center (Mayo Health System), Albert Lea, MN.
• In addition, he holds the position of Associate Professor of Fiqh at Sharia Academy of America and the Islamic University of Minnesota.

As always, our professors are flying in to present us with priceless knowledge about our deen, our way of life. We look forward to seeing every bright face we have seen for the past 6 courses as well as the bright faces of new seekers of knowledge inshallah.

Halfway There...

Assalamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

This past weekend successfully concludes our 6th course, alhamdullilah. We are exactly halfway through the first diploma. Despite the rainy weather at the beginning of the seminar, the turnout was great (especially on the sisters' side).

As you all know, Dr. Mohammad Salah came all the way from Egypt to teach this course. There was never a dull moment throughout the weekend. His interactive style definitely kept us attentive and entertained. It's always a pleasure to have him return for another gripping seminar. And as always, it is gratifying to see the faces of returning students, eager to receive more knowledge. Your exam scores definitely show your dedication!

I think it's necessary for all of us to just take a moment and look at how far we have come in our deen and intellect, how stronger our Iman has become, how closer to the life of our beloved prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him. I am certain the outcome of this self evaluation will help us overcome any obstacles we may come across along this righteous path. We look forward to seeing you all at the next seminar inshallah.

Fiqh of Da'wa

Glad tidings for our loyal Sharia Academy houston branch students, seekers of knowledge and all brothers and sisters...
insh'Allah, our sixth weekend seminar is going to be on April 18-19. Dr. Mohammad Salah is coming all the way from Egypt to teach this course and share his knowledge and experience in the field of Da'wa with us. This is going to be a very special course since it will not only teach you an academic, university level course but you will have the chance to get exposed to a practical model of Da'wa in the west. Come join us and benefit from this course and other courses offered by Sharia Academy- Houston branch.
Alhamdullilah, Sharia Academy and Al-Jinan University in Tripoli, Lebanon recognize the degrees on one another. You can check our main website for details. http://shariaacademy.com.
Seats are limited, specially for this course. contact our students affairs for registration. visit our Houston branch website at http://shariaacademy.com/houston.

Analytical Tafsir

Alhamdullilah, we had another successful seminar. The analytical Tafsir of Surat Al-An'am was taught by Imam Zia-ul-Haque Sheikh, the Imam of the Islamic Center of Irving, TX. This was the fifth of twelve seminars towards the first diploma in Islamic studies offered by Shaira Academy, Houston Branch. While our existing students continued doing their best in learning and studying, new students came down to Houston from other states, eager to learn and enthusiastic to join our quest. Houston.. the Caravan of knowledge is here..join our journey, following in the footsteps of the pious and righteous to attain the pleasure of Allah.

The past, the present, and the future...

The past course, History of Islamic Legislation, was given by Imam Hassan Khalil. Though the subject matter of this course was much heavier than the first few, Imam Hassan Khalil definitely made it the most entertaining. His witty and clever remarks kept us alert and drew our attention thorughout the whole seminar. It is truly amazing to see a professor turn what could potentially be a complex and dense course into one that is easy to digest and comprehend. I can honestly say that there was not one dull moment throughout. His method of teaching is far more superior to that of any porfessor I've had in college. No contest.

Imam Hassan Khalil's background:

• He was born in the City of Bala'a (Tulkarem) in Palestine, and has been residing in the US since 1979
• He memorizes the Quraan in both Hafs and Warsh modes
• He has a bachelors degreen and is enrolled in the masters program at the American Open University
  
• He is currently the Imam at the Center Masjid in Arlington, TX
• He has been the khateeb and instant translator at many Masajid and conventions
• He is a youth leader and teen program director
• He is well involved in his community -- speaking at public schools, churches, and open houses for non-Muslims.
  

I understand that there have been a few loose ends when it comes to the organization of the past few seminars. I understand that most of you are still behind on exams. But, as I'm sure you're all working hard to get caught up, allow me to just say that this is the past.

We have a new addition (actually an old one) to our Houston Team. His name is Sh. Mamdouh Mahmoud, and I'm certain he does not require an introduction. Not only is he the office manager, but he is the leader of the Houston Team. We have so many new and exciting ideas for the rest of the year inshaallah. He is definitely a much needed leader to us, and inshaallah we promise you a well organized and comfortable learning experience from this day forward.

Alhamdullilah, we have successfully completed 4 courses. It seems like just yesterday that we were dreaming of coming this far! Our dreams continue as we make progress and overcome obsticles. We cannot stress how important your input is. Your comments, concerns, and criticisms drive us forward. Without you, there would not be any of this. You are truly the foundation on which this grand academy rests.

Our next course, Analytical Tafsir I, is scheduled for the 3rd weekend of March (21st-22nd). Our professor for this course will be Imam Zia ul Haque Sheikh. We will be studying Surat Al-Anaam in this course inshaallah.

About Imam Zia ul Haque Sheikh:

• He was born in Azad Kashmir and migrated to England with his parents at the age of 4.
• He memorizes the Quraan.
  
• At the age of 16, he started an Islamic Theology course, which consisted of Arabic Syntax, Etymology and Grammar, Logic, Quranic Exegesis, Hadith Exegesis, Comparative Religions, Islamic Jurisprudence of the four main schools of thought, Foundations of Jurisprudence, Quran and Hadith, and other subjects. After extensive studying for approximately twelve years, he graduated in 1994 with a Masters in Islamic Theology.
  
• He is currently pursuing a Doctorate from the Graduate Theological Foundation.
  
• He is a founding member and Board Member of the North Texas Islamic Council, an umbrella organization representing Islamic Organizations in the North Texas Area. He is also one of the Board Members of Irving Faiths together, a group of various religious organizations, dedicated to Peace and Harmony between faiths.
• He is one of the instructors at Suffa Academy in the Islamic Association of North Texas, teaching subjects such as Seerah, Aqidah, and Hadith studies.
• He is fluent in Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujerati.
• He is actively involved in interfaith and Dawah work

We are extremely excited to have him teach this course, and we look forward to seeing you all there. As always, you can meet the Sheikh and register for this course Friday night (March 20th) inshaallah.

Welcome Knowledge Seeking brothers and sisters,

As you all know, Shari`ah sciences are the prophetic heritage; therefore, seeking knowledge is the highest quest that lives and means are spent on to spread Islam on Earth for the sake of Allah.
Islamic Fiqh (Jurisprudence) is one of the greatest and most prestigious Islamic sciences. Just like other sciences, it is equally important to know its history. For example, its origin, compilation, phases of development, most important pioneers, and how it reached us.

Course Objectives:

1. Introduction to Fiqh.
2. Knowing its definition, and how it encompasses all branches of man-made law.
3. Understanding the status of Fiqh during the Prophetic era, as well as the eras of the companions, successors, and Mujtahid Imāms.
4. Introducing Fiqh schools, their inauguration and their terminologies.
5. Introducing the science of Fiqh Rules.
6. Understand the causes of the intellectual indolence, and the effects resulting from them.

Meet the Sheikh

Insha'Allah, our Sheikh for the Fiqh of Hadith I course this weekend will be:
Dr. Sh. Mohamed Salah.


Dr. Muhamamd Salah is one of the well-know scholars in the US.
He lead the Islamic Center of Victoria, Texas and founded two Islamic and Arabic schools, namely Iman Stems and the Muslim Generation.
He is a persistent host of Ask Huda, one of the most well-known Fatawa programs broadcast at Huda TV.
He works as the religious supervisor of Huda TV.
Dr. Salah had 400 live broadcasting hours in Egyptian, Arabic, and American television stations.
He speaks Arabic and English fluently.
He memorizes the Qur’an and recites it in a melodious voice.
He has an Ijazah in the recitation of Asim with the narration of Hafs according to the rules of Ashatibyah with a chain of narration to the prophet S.A.A.W.
He obtained his BA in Shari‘ah and Islamic Law from the University of Al-Azhar.
He obtained a four-year diploma in Muslim arts and Arabic calligraphy.
He obtained a BS in Pharmacology from Al-Azhar University.
He obtained the pre-master diploma from the American Open University.

We are very thankful to Allah (SWT) for giving us such an amazing opportunity to learn from such a prominent scholar here in Houston. We are looking forward to seeing all of you this weekend insha'Allah.

SAA Houston Team

3rd Course THIS weekend!!

My Dear Brothers & Sisters, Houston Seekers of Knowledge,

Assalamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullah,

As you know, we started the First Diploma program and have finished 2 courses thus far: Family Fiqh I with Dr. Sheikh Salah Al-Sawy & Authority of the Sunnah with Sheikh Sameh Asal. The THIRD SAA course is here!!
This weekend insha'Allah we are honored to have as our guest Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Salah coming from Egypt to teach Fiqh of Hadith I. As you may know, many of you attended this class when he taught it last March here in Houston. We are repeating this course because of the extreme importance of the subject matter and the high demand from many of this students that were unable to attend it or would like to learn more by attending the course once more. Come learn about the one of the main sources of Islamic Jurisprudence and how scholars derive the Fiqh rules from the Ahadeeth of the Prophet (SAAW). Whether you're already registered for the diploma, interested in registering, or just want to attend this course to learn about your deen, we welcome you this weekend insha'Allah.

Course: Fiqh of Hadeeth I
Professor: Dr. Sh. Mohamed Salah
Date: Saturday 1/17/2008 & Sunday 1/18/2008
Time: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Masjid Bilal (ISGH-NZ)
11815 Adel Rd.
Houston, TX 77067

Books will be provided insha'Allah. We, the SAA Houston team, are all looking forward to seeing you this weekend inshaallah and assisting you on your journey to knowledge in any way we can. If you have any questions or concerns, direct them to the Houston Team via email: houstonshariaacademy@gmail.com or you can post comments on on this entry. You may also visit the main Sharia Academy website at http://www.shariaacademy.com/. Click on the "branches" tab and choose Houston. You'll find pictures from our previous seminars, dates of upcoming courses, and much more!

Jazzakumallahu Khairan.

Wassalamu Alikum Wa Rahmatullah


SAA Houston Team