History of an Idea

History of an idea

Café a la Fikr

Bis-mil-la-hir-Rahman-nir-Rahim

With the Name of Allah, the Absolute Source of Mercy and Encompassing Grace

THE VISION

“Ar-rihlah min al-khalq i-lal-Haq”

The journey from the created to the Truth

(Ibn al-‘Arabi)

THE HISTORY OF AN IDEA

This forum owes its origins to some of the earlier group members sitting together one evening and expressing interest in how to effectively and genuinely learn Islam in present times – its knowledge, understanding and values in light of classical teachings and contemporary contexts. So it came to be in the month of February 2004 (end of Dhul-Hijja 1424 AH and beginning of Muharram 1425 AH), a spontaneous decision was taken, as a sincere and earnest attempt or experiment, to come together over a cup of coffee and reflect (fikr) and deliberate on Islam in a learning forum through which we may be able to maximally gain from each others knowledge. Since then, “Café a la Fikr” has been held almost every month with this intention. It was, also, mutually decided to convene and hold this forum at the masjid for reasons of blessing (such that we may be able to pray together), to enliven the masjid with a circle of learning and dhikr (remembrance of Allah), to discuss relevant (perhaps, at times, controversial) Muslim issues of contemporary pertinence, and as a matter of convenience for the participants.

Subsequently, the “Café” has grown and taken a charm of its own such that from this point forward we have structured the program according to the way the group and its ideas have developed and in line with its original intent and vision:

· To learn Islam by contemplating on the Qur’an and Sunnah

· Topical discussion in a collegial, respectful and ethical manner addressing classical Islamic thought and relevant contemporary issues of concern to Muslims

· To encourage spiritual and intellectual enrichment by way of dialogue with acceptance of each others viewpoints, however, different

· To promote, thereby, “ ‘aml salih” (virtuous and righteous work)

The Qur’anic inspiration for the idea behind this forum is overwhelmingly present in the text itself. In the “Sacred Text”, God (Allah) calls upon human beings, and specially the believing people: to reflect, to ponder, to deliberate, to understand His revelation, (His Prophetic liaison to mankind) and to contemplate over His created universal realms including experiences in the unfolding human history in order for them to approximate the “maqasid-al-wujud” (reason and purpose of existence) – to become the true “khalifah” of Allah and to fulfill the purpose of their (human being’s) creation which is to serve and to worship Allah with all their energies and being – and to do this by way of knowledge and wisdom.

“Consider the flight of time!

Verily man is bound to lose himself

Unless he be of those who attain to faith and do good works

And enjoin upon one another the keeping to truth

And enjoin upon one another patience in adversity” (Surah al-‘Asr)