Taalim is an educational progam of vital importance to the Masjid, the Islamic community, the average of Intelligence and the learned, for it serves the purpose of learning, teaching and revising our thinking. By repetition it also establishes an encouragement to practice upon what has been learned.

The text of the Qur'an is filled with verses inviting man to use his intellect (mind, intelligence), to ponder (think deeply), to think and to know. To Muslims, "the goal of human life is to discover the Truth which is none other than worshiping God in His Oneness." The Hadith literature is also full of references to the importance of knowledge. "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave", and "Verily (truly) the men of knowledge are the inheritors of the prophets", and "Seek knowledge, even as far as China". These ideas have echoed throughout the history of Islam and encouraged Muslims to seek knowledge wherever it might be found.

During our Sunday Taalim Service we spend time reviewing and addressing the topics covered at Salatul Jummah. We also have Guest Imams speak on various topics. This is a great time for the community to share and build together with what we all know. We have very lively conversations, and sometimes we disagree with each other, but we leave with a greater respect for each others knowledge. We know from our prophet that difference of opinion is healthy. We find that difference of opinion among the ignorant leads to war, but difference of opinion among the learned leads to progress. So for the progress of our community we encourage everyone to participate.

We also want to encourage more women to come out and particpate in the learning process. 

One should take advantage of tafsir and Qur’anic Instruction.

Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaiyhi wassallam) himself was commanded by Allah to make du'a -

"O Allah, increase me in knowledge," tis is a prayer obviously connected to religious knowledge, but he taught us how to apply religious knowledge to the secular world. With regard to other knowledge, Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, "O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit."

We have lost the balance between secular and spiritual knowledge as well as benificial knowledge and unbeneficial knowledge. 

We make the secular studies of our children and their homework of great importance while we have no time or little time for their religious instruction. Taalim and the weekend school is often a short length of time at the Masjid in relationship to the time spent in public school or special extracurricular activities.

What does the Qur'an and Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) say about Taalim?

A. Religious and Secular KnowledgeThere are two kinds of knowledge which are very important for a human being. Secular knowledge is for day to day problem-solving, and religious knowledge is "for a smooth life on earth and the hereafter." Religious knowledge includes knowledge of the Qur'an and the laws of Islam which are the basis for the Muslim way of life. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Attainment of knowledge is a must for every Muslim."

B. Have Respect for Knowledge

Today we continue in this tradition of our prophet and invite you to attend our regular Taalim programs every Sunday from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. Discussion is accompanied around Zuhr prayer.

May Allah continue to increase us in Knowledge.