Episode 4 : Surah Al Fatihah (part 3)

Summary

Dr. Ridhwan Fontaine, a lecturer at the International Islamic University, Malaysia, explores the deep meaning of *Alhamdulillah* (All praise and thanks belong to Allah) in his lecture. He links this concept to a famous hadith, highlighting the believer's ability to remain grateful in both good and challenging times. Through personal anecdotes, including career setbacks and unfulfilled plans, Dr. Fontaine illustrates how trusting in Allah’s plan leads to better outcomes. He introduces the 'Alhamdulillah mindset,' encouraging resilience and patience, even when things don’t go as expected, reminding us that divine wisdom often leads us to greater blessings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alhamdulillah means 'thanks and praise belong only to Allah', highlighting the importance of gratitude in Islam.
• 😀 Dr. Ridhwan Fontaine is a lecturer at the International Islamic University in Malaysia, teaching Islamic Management.
• 😀 The concept of gratitude is rooted in both good and bad times, as described in the famous hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• 😀 A key part of the hadith shared is that believers should be grateful when things go well and patient when things don't go as planned.
• 😀 Dr. Fontaine emphasizes that being able to say 'alhamdulillah' even in challenging situations requires deeper reflection and understanding.
• 😀 Dr. Fontaine shares personal stories where setbacks turned out to be blessings in disguise, showing the wisdom of Allah's plan.
• 😀 Examples of setbacks include business failures and job opportunities that didn't materialize, which ultimately led to better outcomes.
• 😀 Dr. Fontaine highlights the importance of patience and trust in Allah when things don't go according to personal plans.
• 😀 He encourages adopting the 'alhamdulillah mindset' — being thankful and patient in all circumstances, trusting that something better is coming.
• 😀 Dr. Fontaine's message resonates with his students, particularly those in his MBA program, who often realize later that things not working out was for the best.
• 😀 The overall message is that believers should maintain gratitude in all situations, knowing that Allah’s plan is always better, even when it doesn't align with their own.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Dr. Ridhwan Fontaine's lecture in the video?

The main focus of Dr. Fontaine's lecture is on the second ayah of Surah Al-Fatiha, specifically the phrase 'Alhamdulillah' (All praise and thanks belong to Allah). He elaborates on its meaning and its connection to a well-known hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

What is the meaning of the phrase 'Alhamdulillah'?

'Alhamdulillah' means 'all praise and thanks belong to Allah'. It is an expression of gratitude, acknowledging that all good comes from Allah.

How does Dr. Fontaine connect 'Alhamdulillah' to a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?

Dr. Fontaine connects 'Alhamdulillah' to the hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, 'Amazing is the affair of the believer: when something good happens, they are grateful, and when something bad happens, they are patient. Both are good for them.' He highlights the concept of being able to say 'Alhamdulillah' even in difficult situations.

What does Dr. Fontaine mean by the 'Alhamdulillah mindset'?

The 'Alhamdulillah mindset' refers to adopting an attitude of gratitude and patience. It involves saying 'Alhamdulillah' both when things go well and when they don't go according to plan, knowing that Allah's plan is better in the long run.

Can you give an example from Dr. Fontaine's life where something didn't go as planned, but later he realized it was a blessing?

Dr. Fontaine shares several personal experiences, such as his failed attempts at becoming an entrepreneur and his unsuccessful attempts at relationships. He realized that these events, though initially disappointing, ultimately led him to better opportunities, including meeting his wife and being in Malaysia.

How did Dr. Fontaine's job opportunities in Malaysia not work out as planned?

Dr. Fontaine was initially offered jobs in UUM and Uniten, but both opportunities fell through for reasons beyond his control. The UUM job was canceled due to a change in policy, and the Uniten business school moved to a location he did not want to go. Eventually, he found a better opportunity at MMU, which he considered more aligned with his goals.

What lesson does Dr. Fontaine hope to impart to his students through his experiences?

Dr. Fontaine hopes to teach his students, particularly his MBA students, the value of patience and gratitude. He encourages them to trust that when things don’t go according to their plans, there is often a greater wisdom behind it, and something better may be coming their way.

Why does Dr. Fontaine refer to the failed business ventures and job opportunities as blessings?

Dr. Fontaine refers to these failures as blessings because, in hindsight, he realized that they led him to better outcomes, such as his current position in Malaysia and meeting his wife. He believes that Allah’s plan is always better than one’s own plans.

What role does gratitude play in the 'Alhamdulillah mindset'?

Gratitude plays a central role in the 'Alhamdulillah mindset'. It encourages individuals to express thanks and praise to Allah regardless of their circumstances, recognizing that even challenges and setbacks have a purpose and may lead to something better.

What is Dr. Fontaine's advice to those who face difficulties or setbacks in life?

Dr. Fontaine advises that when facing difficulties or setbacks, one should practice patience and trust in Allah's wisdom. By maintaining the 'Alhamdulillah mindset,' individuals can recognize that even when things don’t go as planned, there is always a higher purpose and something better in store.