Who are we?
Ascend Institute is an organization primarily established to provide humanitarian aid and Islamic teachings to the Western Hemisphere. We are committed on delivering the best resources and aid to fulfill each path along the journey to enlightenment. All reference material from the Holy Quran and Blessed Sunnah are carefully laid out in what our teachers feel are most essential and primary for learning.
What are our teaching based on?
For that, you’ll have to go back nearly 1,500 years when (stated by Imam Nawawii in his 40 Hadith Collection): Also, on the authority of `Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journey were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down in front of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), with his knees touching against the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs he said:
“O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) said:
1. “Islam is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
2. to perform prayers.
3. to give zakaah.
4. to fast in Ramadan
5. and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.”
He said: “You have spoken rightly”; and we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly.
He (the man) said: “Tell me about Iman.”
He (the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him) said:
1. “It is to believe in Allah,
2. His Angels,
3. His Books,
4. His Messengers, and
5. the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny (qadr), both the good and the evil of it.
”He said: “You have spoken rightly.”
He (the man) said: “Then tell me about Ihsan.”
He (the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him) said:
1. “It is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then (knowing that) truly He sees you.”
2. He said: “Then tell me about the Hour.”
3. He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.”
4. He said: “Then tell me about its signs.”
5. He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, and that you will see barefooted, naked destitute shepherds competing in constructing lofty buildings.”
Then he (the man) left, and I stayed for a time. Then he (the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him) said: “O `Umar, do you know who the questioner was?”
I said: “Allah and His Messenger know best.”
He said: “It was Jibreel, who came to teach you your religion.”
Narrated by Sahih Muslim
It is from this foundation that we have built Ascend Institute.
What’s our mission?
Ascend Institute strives to be the preeminent scholarship community in the Western Hemisphere. Our teachers and students feature generations of religious scholars and ethical leaders pursuing the highest levels of Islamic knowledge, research, and training. All our efforts
are rooted in the Quran and Sunnah and their integrated commands of further seeking knowledge, from the cradle to the grave.
What’s our vision?
From this beacon of knowledge, we see a world constantly bettering its best. A world where we can serve as the authoritative voice for a balanced life through scholarship and ethical leadership.
What is Islam About?
The religion of Islam aims to bring health and wealth (success) to the life of humans both in this
world and in the afterlife by offering the most suitable (Just) lifestyle as decreed by Allah (God).
Islam is not a religion that can be imposed on people; no one is forced to accept it, rather it leaves humans free, respects their decisions and is to be practiced by their free will. Sound and healthy worship is only possible with the benefit of sound knowledge. Muslims refer to two main
sources to learn about worship and duty: the Qur’an and Sunnah (words and practice of Prophet
Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him).
What does The Family of Sunnah and Community mean?
Islam is a set of rulings that have been conveyed to humankind from Allah and taught and lived by Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, in the most exemplary way. Not all Muslims are able to have a detailed knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah therefore they must refer to the mujtahid (Jurist) Imams whose function is to know the religion at the utmost level. Legal schools were established by Imams such as Abū Ḫanīfa, Mālik, Shāfi’ī and Ahmad Ibn Hanbal to address this essential need. Their legal schools were based on the methodology and principles of Islamic jurisprudence. The mujtahid Imams structured their own understanding uṣūl (methodology) and principles to extract the rulings from the sources which include the Qur’an, the Sunnah, ijma’ (consensus), qiyāṣ (analogy), maslaḫah mursala (considering the public benefit), istiḫsān (juristic preference), ‘urf (custom), and sadd dharā’ī (blacking the means), etc.
Please note: At Ascend Institute, we are focusing on the teachings of the Hanafi schooling with
all respect and love to all.