Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Open Circle with Brother Shazly Khan

Welcome to our new 'Open Circle' sessions where we try to create a cosy, conducive and friendly gathering of knowledge and friendship. The setting of this open space will be very casual; with beanbags, free coffee, pizza and lively conversations.



This is a golden opportunity for the youth to have a chance to have a direct conversation with an established daie with both Malaysian and International exposure. Brother Shazly Khan is successful in business with multiple properties , while at the same time he is also a dedicated daie who is heavily involved in Da'wah initiatives. He is the founding member of iMuslim and Standard Bearers Academy (with Sh. Yawa Baig). MashaAllah We can all learn some great lessons and tips on how to be the balanced leader that we should be to achieve success in this life and the next.

NOTE: This FREE event is only limited to 30 people! So hurry and register HERE!!

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Date: 11 October 2013
Day: Friday
Time: 8pm - 10pm

Venue:
12 Lorong Timur,
Taman Jaya, 
46000 Petaling Jaya

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Friday, September 27, 2013

[Talk] What Does It Take To Be The Happiest Women? [UPDATED]

"What Does It Take To Be The Happiest Woman?"

A talk by: Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim
REGISTER NOW!!



The pursuit of happiness is everyone's concern. How do we achieve this happiness with the help of Allah swt? What are the lessons that we have to learn & be mindful to attain the contentment & happiness no matter what our lot in life is?

How do we overcome our nafs? What are the preferred adornments, modesty & beauty in Allah's eyes? Why does Allah test us & how do we overcome these tests?

The way to happiness is through knowledge. And let Sheikh Yahya enlighten you....on how to be the happiest woman, in Dunya & Akhirat.

This event is organized by eYHY Networks and YMP.

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Date: 3 October 2013
Day: Thursday
Time: 7pm - 10pm

UPDATE:
Seats are now OPEN
Food and refreshments will be served
So please REGISTER here http://goo.gl/n1jyMb

Venue:
Masjid Tun Abdul Aziz (Masjid Bulat),
Jln Semangat,
Seksyen 14,
46100 Petaling Jaya

Donation upon entry: RM10
Itinerary:
7:00pm  - Registration
             - Refreshment served
7:08pm - Maghrib
7:30pm - Audience allowed in hall
8:00pm - Wecoming address.
             - Talk begins
             - Q & A
10:00pm - End

Sunday, September 22, 2013

[Open Circle]Generation-Y: What Are We All About?


Assalamualaikum, may Peace and Allah swt’s Blessings be Upon You.

Young Muslims Project (YMP) conducts bi-weekly open circles where we spontaneously discuss pertinent issues that relate to our daily lives, and how we young Muslims can, should, and have been grappling with them. We draw from literature, our favorite texts, quotes, talks and lectures from local and international scholars, motivational speakers, personalities and comedians. We keep our discussions alive, fresh, critical, and kicking, with minimal restrictions or subscription to particular schools of thought, but are also mindful to not decide on Fiqh and Jurisprudence issues without consultation. It is our aspiration that these discussions will benefit the members and the readers of this humble site of ours, in our efforts to provide a platform for discourse and sharing of ideas, in the hope of a better ummah in sha Allah.

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Generation-Y, or Gen-Y, has lately been a very popular term coined by business schools, HR practitioners and marketing industry to refer to the demographic cohort following generation-X. Perhaps initially used for commercial purposes, it has now evolved to colloquially refer to “youngsters these days”. There has been no clear definition to truly ascertain who Gen-Ys are, but the rule of thumb is that Gen-Y refers to those born between 1980 and early 2000.

This open circle was prompted by an article about Lucy, shared by one of our members. Our discussion first attempted to define the characteristics of Gen-Y, using our own experiences and observations. While we were able to draw many opinions as to what should be defined as Gen-Y, we also gathered some ideas of the circumstantial aspects of being in our 20s and early 30s in the 21st Century, that brought about these characteristics.

One of the major characteristics that define Gen-Y arising from our discussions is instability. This characteristic refers to the dynamism, or a constant state of moving from one condition to the other. This also means that Gen-Ys tend to be hungry and crave for challenge, often unlikely to patiently stay through in each endeavor, thereby under-appreciating experience and wisdom that typically comes about with permanence and stability.

How did this characteristic come about? The discussion has proposed that instability had arisen from upbringing and exposure from parents, teachers, and familial surroundings. While previous generations work within class or status-based boundaries- or “in their place”- majority of Gen-Y has had the benefit of confidence and morale boost, arising from precedence, inspirational successful figures from other parts of the world, “rags to riches” stories, and most commonly, supportive parents who have done the hard work of providing and sustenance, constantly pushing their children to make “more” of themselves.

This brings us to a second characteristic of Gen-Ys, which is the financial ability to not to have to think about “bread and butter” issues. While Gen-X and Baby Boomers - who were in their 20’s and 30’s in the 80’s and the 90’s - are driven by success defined in an economic sense, Gen-Ys in general seem to thrive on bigger ideals, such as activism, making a change, and defining success beyond monetary terms. Perhaps this is partly because they generally believe they have their parents and families to fall back to, or perhaps it is also because they simply have never imagined a situation where their basic physical needs for living could be compromised. Does this necessarily mean that those left with no choice but to be preoccupied with “bread and butter” issues, are not Gen-Y? This is still up for discussion.

Another distinct characterization of Gen-Ys still has to do with instability, in that they are “Jack of All Trades”. As we know, “Jacks of All Trades” are typically “Masters of None”, and this has largely to do with being easily satiated with high-level knowledge. The discussion considered whether it is true that Gen-Ys are satisfied with instant gratification; that is knowing only a bit of everything, being able to discuss about things on the surface level, using anecdotes, quotes, tweets, Facebook statuses, and micro blogs as sources of references. There is a blur now between information and knowledge. At the same time, there is less and less appreciation for hierarchy and authority in knowledge. While some positive ideals today suggest that no authority should limit rights to learning and democratization of knowledge and its appreciation, some regard to authority are needed to keep the learner at least equipped with the fundamental philosophy and tenets of the knowledge itself. Of course, we consider this still up for discussion.

While social media tools are extremely helpful in intriguing Gen-Ys and to pique interest, we think Gen-Ys should take the time to follow through a body of knowledge, study in depth, and appreciate knowledge in the deeper sense. Not only does this build credibility and expertise for the Gen-Y individual him or herself, it also contributes to the expounding and expansion of ideas and the knowledge (‘ilm) itself; undoubtedly, something that can contribute to the world in sha Allah.

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While they may sound discouraging, the characteristics of Gen-Ys stipulated above can actually be capitalized on and converted into positive outcomes. Our discussion thus progressed to solutions. As predominantly Gen-Ys ourselves, we think about ways for us to endogenously and proactively think and act, to better place ourselves in the era of the 21st century.

One of the considerations that were suggested during the discussion was going back to appreciating what Asian and Islamic cultures have to offer. Western values and ideals have very much shaped the idea of progress that Gen-Ys on this side of the world have today. While some are perfectly positive, and can be emulated, we considered whether or not we have embraced these values prematurely.

The west saw incredible movements for emancipation from traditional values earlier on in the mid 20th century, and it has built on a progressive path accompanied and complemented by political, governmental, legal and social ecosystem to support them. But for Gen-Ys in the east to automatically subscribe to them in a haphazard manner, derived from bits and pieces picked from the Internet, we risk diluting these ideals in their true forms as well as sacrificing the beautiful values that the Islamic culture would propose. It is true that the older generations have now no choice but to recognize Gen-Ys as a formidable force to reckon with and that some of their “old ways” have got to go. However, it is more productive if Gen-Ys were to propose change and ideals that are concrete, beneficial and ultimately applicable in bettering our lives and the community at large.

The discussion also proposed that Gen-Ys be careful not to have the same expectations of the Gen-X on our next generation. The circumstances, challenges and hopes of our offspring and the next generation will not be the same as ours, just as ours are not the same as those of our parents. Seek to recognize and appreciate these differences, just as we hope to be recognized and appreciated today.

Being Gen-Y in multi-ethnic and multi-religious Malaysia also calls for us to achieve greater empathy. Love for the human race and humanity in general should be genuine, refreshed and revisited. That is what Islam propogates after all. Multiculturalism is undeniable. If Gen-Y happens to have inherited a lack of mutual understanding that transcends ethnicity, class, and religious differences from our parents or the previous generations, the goal should be to furnish that lack, rather than to perpetuate the gap in the name of relevance or superiority. Inter-religio-ethnic understanding should be made a reality, not left merely as an ideal, and there is no better generation to undertake this challenge, other than the zealous and exuberant Gen-Ys that we are. In fact, true love for fellow human beings can be the seeds for honest and effective da’wah, In sha Allah.

In all the issues we face with education and the quality of the teachers educating our future generations, Gen-Ys should seek to be teachers ourselves, for our own children. Be that teacher you want for your child, as it is no longer sufficient to educate in a one-directional manner. We Gen-Y ourselves would know better ;)

Finally, ACT. Just act. Your ideals and hopes are those that drive you and shape this vibrant, beautiful, searching, zealous, productive, aspirational Generation-Y that you are a part of.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

YMP Ramadan Series: Open Circle #4 Hook Up With The Quran




Assalamu’alaikum,
May you be in the best of health and barakah this Ramadhan

The 4th and final installation to the YMP Ramadhan Series is on insyaAllah! Circle #4 is most pertinent as it is our last chance to hear about how to ‘Hook Up with The Quran’ this Ramadhan.
 

We are very much familiar insyaAllah with the Quran as the Kalimatullah, a gift to the entire ummah, a guide for the living and those who have passed, a book of vast knowledge, and a mu’jizat bestowed upon us via the prophet Muhammad Rasulullah s.a.w.

How many of us struggles to find time reading the Qur'an because of a busy worldly life?

How many of us used to have the habit of reading the Qur'an daily but the habit fades away?

How many of us tried hard getting those habits up again, but failed and failed again?

Why is the blessed month of Ramadhan called the month of Quran?

This is because it is the month in which the Quran was first revealed to mankind, believed to be on the Night of Al-Qadr or better known as Al-Lailatu-ul-Qadr. Allah Al-Zawajalla says in the Qur’an:

“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint…Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting…” (Al-Baqara, 2: 183- 185)

Let’s take the opportunity of this month of Ramadan to gear up in our acts of worship, and one of the ways is to hook up ourselves with the Qur'an again. This is where we reintroduce ourselves with the Qur'an to reflect our state of belief and actions and to ask ourselves whether we are on the right track. This is where we pick that habit up again and gain momentum to read, memorize and internalize the Qur'an persistently, gradually and continuously.

Join us this Sunday in our Ramadan Series #4 with Brother Shah Kirit as we find ways to hook up with the Qur'an again, and be constant with it even after this month comes to an end inshaAllah. InsyaAllah in this weekend’s circle, we will use our last mile this Ramadhan to explore some secrets, stories, knowledge and discoveries of the Quran, to help pique further our interest in the Quran.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Brother Shah Kirit’s name perhaps reflects his non-Muslim origin and also his current status as a Muslim. It would not be an exaggeration to claim that Brother Shah (the way he likes to be called) is probably one of the leading and most popular speakers on Comparative Religion and on Islam for non-Muslims, in Malaysia today.

As the leading da’wah officer at IIS, he has been delivering talks and giving courses on Comparative Religion for tenyears now. He is also the Da’wah Ambassador at SABA Islamic Media Sdn Bhd, having joined the organization in 1999.

His friendly, sincere, unassuming and always-humble way befits his main purpose in life – to explain Islam to anyone in the most direct and simple way possible, hence making clear Islam’s great message of peace and hopefully making a difference to Peace & Harmony throughout the nation and the world. Simply put, it is something of impossibility for anyone to dislike Brother Shah, even if one disagrees with his view. Being an avid advocate of truthfulness and fairness, he does not hesitate to correct actions and situations around him, be it among Muslims or non-Muslims.

Date & Time:

4th August 2013 (Sunday),
10.00 am-12.00 pm

Venue:

Modest Culture - No.28-G, Jalan Putra 2, Taman Putra Kajang 43000 Kajang Selangor

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Ramadhan Series 2013: Open Circle #2






Ever since we were we born, most of us are being taught to score hundreds of A's, get into a good college, get a good job, good pay, get married, have a comfortable lifestyle and live "happily ever after". In a sense all that we are doing is for the duniya. We often think that tomorrow will come as if God owes us another day, but what if this was our last Ramadhan?

What would happen to our relationship with the Duniya?
We have been living in this duniya, striving for it for all our lives. Are we just going to let it go?
Are we ready to let it go? Should we?
Can't we just hold on to it and bring it with us to the hereafter?
What does Islam teach us about the Duniya?

InshaAllah these are among some of the questions that we will discuss in 2nd Episode of The Ramadan Series by Young Muslims Project. Come and join us this Sunday!

About the speaker:
Sh. Shareef El-Arbi

Sh. Shareef is of Libyan-American descent. He lived most of his life in the United States of America. He has a bachelors in Business Administration from the U.S. and an MBA from Australia. He works as a project manager for an IT company. He has been blessed to be active with the Muslim youth from a young age. He studied Arabic and Islamic studies in Jordan, Libya, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. He is a prominent Da'ie amongst the English speaking Malaysian Da'wah circuit.


Sunday, July 14, 2013

Ramadhan Series 2013





Saturday, June 29, 2013

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Quran: SOLD OUT!!


Monday, June 10, 2013

The HitchHiker's Guide to the Quran

Move aside Biebers, Fatih Seferagic is in town. A passionate worker for the youth, Brother Fatih understands the problems that youth face on a daily basis, and connects to the youth as a staff writer at the Muslim Youth Musings, a literary magazine committed to inspiring the Ummah through quality Islamic literature authored by Muslim youth across the world. He enjoys writing, reading, gaming, learning languages, philosophy, psychology, and languages.  



As a prelude to the blessed month of Ramadhan insyaAllah, the Young Muslims Project will be conducting a Workshop with brother Fatih entitled: The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Quran, a one-day workshop aimed at revisiting our approaches and renewing our relationship with the Quran. 

Session 1: How I Met The Quran 
Relooking and sharing various experiences on how we first encountered the Quran. Tips and Tricks to memorize and recite the Quran by Brother Fatih, as well as a first hand experience at his amazing recitation! 

Session 2: My Quran, My Shrink 
As the Qalamullah, we will explore examples of how we can connect to the Quran as our ultimate pacifier and “go-to” person in our search for purification and soothing of the heart, insyaAllah via interesting activities and discussions 

Session 3: Who Conquers The Quran, Conquers The World 
An attempt to appreciate the wealth, breadth and extent of the knowledge within the Quran as a “Book of Signs”, as well as a “Book of Science” of knowledge. 

Session 4: Al Quran & I: My Teacher, My Friend, My Navigator 
A summary and comprehensive view of our renewed relationship with the Quran Al-Qalamullah as a teacher of knowledge, a pacifier, and a guide.



Don't miss this opportunity! Register NOW!! 


Date
Sunday, 30 June 2013

Time
9.00am - 6.00pm

Venue 
Dewan Syarahan,  
Masjid Saidina Abu Bakar As Siddiq Bangsar,  
Jalan Ara, Bangsar,  
59100 Kuala Lumpur

Token
Normal Rates RM100 after 20th June 2013



Map

Public transport 

By Train  
Bangsar LRT Station 
KL Sentral - Komuter 

By Bus  
RapidKL Buses 
From UITM Shah Alam - T80 stops at Bangsar LRT 
From Midvalley - 516 stops at Bangsar LRT 

Buses going through Bangsar and stops closer to the Masjid 
From KL Sentral - 621, 309 
From Bangsar LRT - 634 

By Foot 







Fatih Seferagic was born in Germany and is of Bosnian heritage. He moved to the US at four to reside in Arizona, Maryland, then Baltimore where he mostly grew up. It was in Baltimore that he joined a Hifzh School to memorize the Quran. He started memorizing the Qur’an when he was nine, and completed the memorization in three years, when he was twelve. He continued to stay in the class after he finished for two years before leaving to study Riwayaat and to strengthen his Quran even further. In 2010, he was accepted into the Bayyinah Dream Program and has been studying Arabic there since September 2010. He’s currently the youth leader at Shaykh Yasir Birjas’s Masjid in Dallas, Texas.

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