Purpose of the Majlis
The Tradition of Sama'
🎙️What is a Majlis of Sama'?
A Majlis of Sama' (Gathering of Audition) is a time-honored Islamic educational practice that dates back to the era of the Companions. It involves the continuous, rapid, and accurate recitation of a classical text in the physical presence of a master scholar.
During this event, the entire Arabic text of Al-Muwatta' will be read aloud. Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi will preside over the gathering, listening intently, correcting any pronunciation errors, explaining complex or obscure terminology, and providing brief, profound commentary on the legal rulings (Fiqh) and spiritual lessons within the hadith.
Preserving the Isnad
In the age of printed books and the internet, one might ask why we still gather to read aloud. In Islam, knowledge is transferred heart-to-heart. The Isnad (chain of transmission) guarantees that the text has not been altered over the centuries. By hearing it from a master who heard it from a master, we keep the living tradition of preservation alive.
Spiritual Blessings (Barakah)
Reading the Muwatta' means invoking peace and blessings (Salawat) upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ thousands of times over the course of four days. Gatherings dedicated to the remembrance of Allah and the traditions of His Messenger are surrounded by angels, bringing immense tranquility (Sakinah) and spiritual purification to the attendees.
👥 Who is this for?
A Majlis of this magnitude is a rare opportunity, and it is open to everyone.
- •For Scholars and Imams: It is an opportunity to elevate their chains of transmission and gain nuanced insights into Maliki fiqh and hadith sciences.
- •For Students of Knowledge: It provides a rigorous training environment to improve Arabic listening comprehension, vocabulary, and stamina.
- •For the General Public: Even without fluency in Arabic, attending brings the immense reward of sitting in a gathering of sacred knowledge, absorbing the atmosphere, and connecting to the legacy of Imam Malik.
🤲 Support the Majlis
Hosting a monumental 4-day gathering of sacred knowledge requires immense logistical and financial support. Facilitating this event is only made possible through the generous donations of our community. Without your support, an event of this scale cannot happen.
The Significance of the Khatam Booklet: At the conclusion of the Majlis, a special Khatam booklet is published. This acts as a historical record of the event, containing the prayers of completion, the specific chains of transmission (Isnad), and the names of the supporters who helped preserve this tradition.
Special Dedication
For a contribution of £100, you can have your name—or the name of a loved one as a Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity)—permanently inscribed in the official Khatam booklet, forever linking your support to the legacy of this blessed gathering.
The Ultimate Goal: Achieving Ijazah
Attendees who remain present and attentive for the entirety of the reading will be granted an Ijazah (formal certification) at the conclusion of the event. This Ijazah places your name in an unbroken chain of transmission connecting you through Shaykh Al-Yaqoubi directly back to Imam Malik, and ultimately to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is both a profound honor and a lifelong responsibility to uphold and pass on this sacred trust.