The Prescription for Sacred Learning

Photo taken on 11 Jun 2025: The “vibe” after the session was over - no phones!

Day One: Orientation & Heart-Setting
Not a briefing but a beginning

Dedicated to all our beloved brothers and sisters,
participants of the RETurn and REcite sessions.
May Allah be pleased with all your efforts.

The Prescription for Sacred Learning

1. Intention Setting

Why am I here?
Seek closeness to Allāh, not to impress, not validation,
and so I may serve (my family, children, friends) with clarity.
Intentions / interest shift, reset them often.
Close your eyes, whisper: “O Allāh, I am seeking this for Your sake.”
Say it until it feels sincere.

2. Heart Cleansing: Arrogance

Knowledge can humble or inflate ego
Shayṭān fell due to pride
Don’t look down on beginners. We all started there.

3. Come as an Empty Cup

Full cup = nothing can enter.
Come with curiosity. Openness.
If you hear something familiar, don’t dismiss it. Ask:
”Why did Allāh make me hear this again?”
Some things are meant to be received, not just heard.

4. Observe Your Manners

Adab comes before ‘ilm - manners before knowledge. That’s always been the way.
This is sacred space. Act like you’re in the Sultan’s / PM’s office.
Your focus, your posture, they reflect your heart. They reflect your inner state.
Angels are watching how you carry yourself
Even if we are on Zoom!

5. Disconnect from Distractions

Imagine you host guests at home
And you are on your fon
How would your guests feel?
Now what if the guests are Angels?
(Hadis on this is in the course book)
The world can wait.

6. Set the Priority

If this gathering (session) competes with your schedule, let it win.
You make time for what matters. If you’ve shown up here, make it count.
Don’t let life squeeze the dīn to the side. Make the dīn the centre and let life flow around it.
(In short: Don’t squeeze dīn into life - centre it.)
This isn’t “just a class.” It’s your path to Allāh, invited by Him.