About US
The Institute Of Islamic KnowledgePO Box 8307, Houston, TX 77288, USATHE MISSION
The Institute of Islamic Knowledge, hereinafter called ‘the Institute’ shall provide a foundation for an "Islamic University," disseminate the message of Islam to as wide an audience as possible and help Muslims and non-Muslims to understand Islam. It is also intended to help the hundreds of inmates who embraced Islam, the thousands of adults who are unable to attend regular Islamic study meetings, and the thousands of children who are unable to attend regular Islamic Schools.
REASONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF IIK
There are two major factors attributed to the establishment of this institution:
1.Ignorance of the Muslim Community from eternal teachings of Islam. They have strong belief in the book of Allah and Sunnah (Traditions of the Prophet ), but due to socio-economic and technological changes in the society there has been present weariness regarding religion which is harming the community. Among the Muslims this is not a revolt against religion, but it is due to lack of information and progressive decline in the religious education. With the blessings of Allah, we are striving to minimize this deficiency and make our best efforts to disseminate Islamic teachings to everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
2.It has been felt that the image of Islam as portrayed and projected in the West is tainted with prejudices. Furthermore, the available writings, mainly by the orientalists and other authors, strongly reflect a colonial outlook. Establishment of this Institute is a humble attempt to project Islam free from all historical and political bias. We are confident, that those who will enroll with this institute and go through the series of lessons, they will have a much better understanding of the ideals and aspirations of Islam. Islam aims at creating and supporting a society whose material and spiritual aspects are balanced. This is a society of God-fearing men and women based on social justice and service to humanity.
IMPORTANCE OF KNOWLEDGE
A summary of the importance of Knowledge as outlined in the Qur’an and the Hadith is as follows:
The Qur’an:
Islam emphasized the importance of knowledge to all mankind. The word knowledge ('ILM) is mentioned in the Qur'an more than 700 times in 87 different forms. The very first revelation to Prophet Muhammad at the Cave of Hira has outlined the importance of reading and teaching in which Allah says: “Read! In the name of your Rabb Who created - created man from a leechlike mass. Read! Your Rabb is the Most Gracious, Who taught by the Pen, taught man what he knew not.” Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1-6)
Allah honors all those who are knowledgeable and says that they cannot be compared with the ignorant ones. Allah says: “Is the one whose heart Allah has opened to Islam and is walking in the light from his Rabb like the one who has learned no lesson and is still a non-Muslim. So woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah! They are clearly in error. Allah has revealed the most beautiful message (Al-Qur’an), a Book consistent in its verses yet repeating its teachings in different ways.” Surah Az-Zumar (35:28)
The Hadith:
The Prophet Muhammad has emphasized Knowledge tremendously and said: “Seeking knowledge is a must for every Muslim, male or female, from cradle to grave and in any part of the world.” In as much as seeking knowledge is a must on every Muslim, dissemination of knowledge is also incumbent on Muslims to the members of the society. Hiding or keeping the true knowledge away from those who seek it, is considered a sin. In another Hadith the Prophet said: “The knowledgeable people are the inheritors of the Prophets.” He further said that knowledge is to be disseminated to all, and the best knowledge is that of the Qur'an, saying: “The best amongst you are the ones who learn the Qur'an and teach it to others.” The best investment for every human being is through: Perpetual charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), Useful Knowledge that people shall benefit of, and a loving child who shall make prayers for his/her parents. In this regards the Prophet has said: "Deeds of the children of Adam are over when they die except from three things: perpetual charity, a useful knowledge, or a good child who makes supplications for him.”
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The Aims and Objectives of the Institute are:
1. To promote Islamic knowledge based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad,, as a final testimony and source of all guidance for mankind.
2. To create a better understanding of Islam among Muslims and non-Muslims through education and communication.
3. To research and develop Islamic literature, helpful to the Muslims in living their daily lives in accordance with Islamic Shari’ah i.e. Qur’an and Sunnah.
4. To publish books and other literature about Islam and its teachings based on Objective #1 stated above.
5. To prepare the Islamic Correspondence courses and help hundreds of Muslims who are unable to attend Islamic study sessions offered by various religious organizations and thousands of children who are unable to attend regular or weekend Islamic Schools.
6. To disseminate Islamic knowledge and the Message of Islam to as wide an audience as possible through TV, Radio, Video, Audio and other means of mass communications.
7. To cooperate with other societies, foundations and organizations whose aims and objectives are similar to that of the Institute.