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Thursday, 19th Jumada al-Awwal 1446 AH

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Morning Exercise
After offering Fajr prayer in peace and tranquility, I decided to head to the university’s gym. I spent about an hour performing various exercises, including weightlifting, muscle strengthening, and light cardio.

What amazed me was seeing young men, elders, and even seniors exercising early in the morning, demonstrating their awareness of the importance of physical health as part of life. This inspired me to reflect on the balance between physical and mental growth. A healthy body supports a sharp mind, and a strong intellect enhances physical vitality. Neglecting either aspect inevitably affects the other.

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Reflection on Gratitude
Returning to my room energized, I immersed myself in work, reflecting on the countless blessings Allah has bestowed upon me. Among these is the willpower I have been gifted since childhood—a strength that has helped me overcome life’s challenges, turning difficulties into opportunities.

In my younger years, I hardly understood the concept of fatigue, finding joy and comfort in productivity. Even holidays, cherished by most students, felt burdensome to me, as I perceived them as obstacles in my journey of growth.

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The Blessing of Intellect
The intellect is one of Allah’s greatest gifts to humankind. It enables us to distinguish right from wrong and comprehend the wisdom of creation. Yet, some undervalue the intellect, following blindly without thought or insight. How can such individuals ever find truth?

Dismissing intellectual engagement is not piety but negligence. Those who refrain from using their minds live in darkness, forfeiting the blessing of reason. Intellect is an entrusted gift, and neglecting it is akin to denying this divine favor.

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Reflection on Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has undergone remarkable transformation. Its ancestors once braved harsh conditions, living under the open sky, walking miles across deserts, and surviving on minimal resources. Their resilience and humility shaped a generation that valued courage and generosity.

Where are those noble men and women today—those who, despite poverty, embodied grace and strength? Their legacy of selflessness, wisdom, and valor remains a timeless inspiration.

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Lecture: “Fatwa and Its Formulation”
After Maghrib, I delivered a lecture organized by the Legal Studies Program on the topic “Fatwa and Its Formulation.” The discussion naturally extended to Shari’ah’s principles, attracting Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Key Points Discussed:

1. A mufti must consider today’s challenges and facilitate ease in religious practices to encourage adherence.

2. Legal terminology should be simplified to avoid confusion and make Islamic teachings accessible to the masses.

3. Islamic jurisprudence comprises:

Essentials (e.g., faith, prayer, fasting), where leniency applies only in cases of necessity.

Details (e.g., ablution, recommended acts), where muftis should favor ease to the best of their ability.

I emphasized avoiding unnecessary strictness in fatwas, as it contradicts the Prophet’s guidance against rigidity in religion. Instead, we, as muftis, should prioritize building connections with people and guiding them gently towards righteousness.

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Dinner & Intellectual Exchange
Following the lecture, I had dinner at a university restaurant with Dr. Adil, Dr. Jinan, and Samer Suwaidah, a distinguished student from the Al-Salam Institute.

Discussion Topics:

Women’s status in Islam.

Effective methods of teaching Islam.

The pitfalls of debates and defending peripheral aspects of the faith.

The evening was marked by meaningful dialogue, where questions were addressed with depth and clarity, fostering a spirit of mutual learning and understanding.

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Translated by AI for accessibility and clarity.
Original article: https://t.me/DrAkramNadwi/5665