Episode 3 : Surah Al Fatihah (part 2)

Summary

Dr. Ridwan Fontaine, a professor of Islamic Management at IIUM, reflects on the significance of the phrase 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' from Surah Al-Fatihah. He explains that this phrase, without a verb or subject, highlights the centrality of Allah in all actions and emphasizes that everything occurs by His will. Through personal reflection on his own journey to Islam, Dr. Fontaine illustrates how reflecting on Quranic verses connects deeply with one's life, shifting both understanding and emotion. This practice enhances one's relationship with Allah and invites a more meaningful engagement with the Quran, setting the stage for future reflections in his upcoming video.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Ridwan Fontaine teaches Islamic Management at IIUM and uses YouTube videos as supplements to his lectures.
• 😀 The textbook used in class is titled 'Islamic Management the Power of Quranic Thinking.'
• 😀 The focus of this video is on the first verse of Surah Al-Fatihah: 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.'
• 😀 Dr. Fontaine emphasizes the importance of intention: the goal is self-improvement, not judging others.
• 😀 The phrase 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' has no verb or subject, focusing solely on Allah.
• 😀 The letter 'ب (ba)' indicates that actions are attached to Allah's name, bringing stability and blessings.
• 😀 Reflecting on 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' highlights that everything happens by Allah's will, even though humans perform the actions.
• 😀 Dr. Fontaine gives a personal example: converting to Islam and how it shaped his life, recognizing Allah’s role in guiding him.
• 😀 The process of reflecting on Quranic verses is not about tafsir, but about linking personal life experiences to the teachings of the Quran.
• 😀 Reflection on Quranic verses deepens the emotional connection to Allah, changing how we feel when reciting phrases like 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem.'
• 😀 Dr. Fontaine encourages viewers to explore the benefit of reflecting on the Quran and how it enhances their relationship with Allah.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic discussed in the video is the reflection on the first ayat (verse) of Surah Al-Fatihah, 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem', and its significance in Islamic Management and personal reflection.

What does 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' mean?

'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' is commonly translated into English as 'In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful'.

Why is there no verb or subject in the phrase 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem'?

There is no verb or subject in the phrase because the focus is on Allah, with the phrase highlighting that the actions we undertake are attributed to Him. It emphasizes Allah's presence and influence in everything we do.

What is the significance of the letter 'ب' (ba) in 'Bismillah'?

The letter 'ب' (ba) in 'Bismillah' indicates that our actions are attached to Allah’s name, giving our actions stability and blessings. It signifies that things happen because of Allah's will, even if we perform the action.

How does the speaker explain the phrase 'a book was written' in relation to 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem'?

The speaker contrasts the passive voice ('a book was written') with the active voice ('I wrote a book'). By saying 'because of Allah’s help a book was written', the speaker illustrates that, while humans perform actions, everything ultimately happens due to Allah's permission.

What is the difference between Tafsir and reflecting on the Quran?

Tafsir is the detailed exegesis or interpretation of the Quran, while reflecting on the Quran involves connecting personal life experiences to the meanings of Quranic verses to deepen spiritual understanding.

How does the speaker link his conversion to Islam with the phrase 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem'?

The speaker reflects that his conversion to Islam, which led to many significant events in his life (such as moving to Malaysia and working at UIA), happened because of Allah’s guidance, showcasing the connection between life events and divine intervention encapsulated in 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem'.

What personal change did the speaker experience in his feelings toward 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem'?

Initially, the speaker used 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem' without much emotional reflection. However, after contemplating its deeper meaning, he now experiences a completely different emotional feeling when saying it, whether in prayer or outside of it.

Why is the practice of reflecting on the Quran important according to the speaker?

Reflecting on the Quran is important because it transforms the quality of one's relationship with Allah. It enables personal growth, enhances emotional connection, and helps individuals understand their life experiences in the light of Quranic wisdom.

What will the next video focus on?

The next video will focus on the second verse of Surah Al-Fatihah, 'Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin', which translates to 'All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds'.