Isra and Mi`raj Conference
September 19, 20th, 2003, Washington, DC Area
Shaykh Hisham discusses with Shaykh Ahmed Abdur Rashid as they walk to another area of the conference.
Despite an immense hurricane drenching the Washington DC Metro area with rainfall and gusting winds, the The Islamic Studies and Research Association, headed by Dr. Zein Abedin, held a well-attended and successful conference devoted to the theme "The Journey to God," and taking as its primary focus the tremendous journey Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace and blessings, took on the Night Journey and Ascension, customarily celebrated by traditional Muslims on the 27th of the Islamic month of Rajab.
Distinguished Speakers attending included:
Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani, Shaykh Abu Bakr Ahmed (Sudan, London),
Shaykh Ali N'Daw (Reunion Island, Indian Ocean), Imam Muhammadou Toure,
Shaykh Abu Aqla, Dr. Amina Wadud, Shaykh Nooruddeen Durkee, Shaykh Ahmed Abdur Rashid, Dr. Sultana Salam, MD,
Hajjah Noura Durkee, Hajj Mustafa 'Ali Al-Haydari, Dr. Riaz Riaz, MD,
Syed Zain Al-Abedin, Sidi Sadiq Taha, Dr. Ansar Ahmed Shami, Maryam
Kabeer, Omar Baloch
Qur'an Recitation: Qari Hafiz Shaikh Abdul Khader Multani, Dr.
Hussain Nawab.
Na'at: Qari Multani, Zain Abedin
THE JOURNEY TO ALLAH
At a time when an explosion of material growth has blinded humanity from the knowledge of it's own reality, the unparalelled miracle of Isra and Mi'raj granted to the holy Prophet Muhammad (sall-Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) stands as a reminder.It represents the nature of Islam's spiritual quest. This being, an ascending path towards the Divine presence, sanctity (wilaya)and proximity to Allah (swt). The lesson of Isra & Mi'raj may best be understood by knowing what the Prophet (saws) said, "He who humbles himself before Allah , Allah elevates (him in degre)."1 Allah (swt) has also said in the Holy Qur'an : "To each of you we have appointed a path and a way."( 5:48 )
Shaykh Hisham discusses with Shaykh Abu Bakr and other guest shaykhs in the conference hallway.
A family accepts initiation into Naqshbandi-Haqqani Sufi Order.
Shaykh Nooruddeen Durkee and his wife Hajjah Noura Durkee speak with Shaykh Hisham after his talk.
Shaykh Hisham, emphasizing the importance of the two sides of the faith: the physical aspect (embodied in the Shari`ah) and the spiritual aspect (embodied in the path of Tasawwuf).
For centuries the Awliya (friends of Allah), the best practitioners of the Sunnah of the Prophet (sall-Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam), have tried to describe the way love draws us back to Allah. They have guided us to the path across the desert of separation and described the provisions we need for this journey.
The practices and qualities that will enable the lover to go Home to the Beloved.Some of the essential provisions described are the observance of the pillars of Islam , supplemented by, constant dhikr (remembrance of Allah), muraqabah (meditation), polishing the heart (inner work), learning from a teacher/spiritual guide, and participating in a group of sadiqin. Underlying all of these, however, is the spiritual practice of yearning or longing for Allah which goes directly through the heart.
1 Majma'al-Zawaid ;vol.8.p.82.
Shaykh Hisham signs copies of his latest book The Approach of Armageddon? An Islamic Perspective for guests.