Seeking Knowledge Across 3 Continents

12,146 views·Aug 15, 2026

In this episode of In The Maktaba, host Abdulwahid sits down with Ammar (founder of The Shafi'i Pen and student at the Islamic University of Madinah) to discuss his journey seeking knowledge across the globe. From growing up in Ottawa, Canada, and being inspired by his mother’s library, to studying Arabic in Egypt, pursuing Hadith studies in Madinah, and traveling deep into the mountains of Indonesia for traditional mulāzamah (close teacher-student companionship), Ammar shares invaluable lessons for every seeker of knowledge. What you’ll learn in this episode: The step-by-step curriculum (sullam) for studying Shafi'i Fiqh. How to study with clear direction and avoid common beginner mistakes. The reality of seeking knowledge in Egypt, Madinah, and Indonesia. The importance of spiritual rectification (tazkiyah), etiquette (adab), and rectifying intentions (ikhlāṣ). Learn more about Ammar's work: https://theshafiipen.com/ If you benefited from this discussion, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help support future educational content! Study with us Online (Free 7 Day Trial) → https://www.mclportal.com Video Chapters: 0:00 – Preview & Acceptance to the Islamic University of Madinah 0:37 – Introduction: Guest Ammar (Shafi'i Pen) & UK Tour 1:49 – Early Life in Ottawa, Family Background & Seeking Knowledge 3:09 – Inspiration from His Mother's Islamic Library & Mentorship 4:50 – Studies at the University of Ottawa & Local Community Involvement 5:39 – Receiving the Acceptance to the Islamic University of Madinah 7:10 – Details of Ammar’s UK Teaching Tour (Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, Bolton, Leicester) 8:17 – Teaching Awā'iq al-Talab (Obstacles in Seeking Knowledge) in Bristol 9:55 – Teaching Al-Bayqūniyyah (Hadith Terminology) in Glasgow 12:15 – Teaching Ibn al-Qayyim's Principles on Escaping Sin in Manchester 14:00 – Lecture on the Virtues of Seeking Knowledge in Bolton 15:23 – Upcoming Conference in Leicester & Lāmiyyat al-Af'āl Insights 18:41 – Travel Journey 1: Studying Arabic & Quran in Egypt (2010) 21:40 – Returning to Egypt (2021): Private Classes & Al-Azhar Scholars 27:46 – The Shafi'i Pen & Explanation of the Shafi'i Fiqh Curriculum (Sullam) 33:35 – Key Shafi'i Texts: From Al-Ghayah wa al-Taqrib to Minhaj al-Talibin 38:00 – Arriving in Madinah & Choosing the Faculty of Hadith 41:17 – Travel Journey 2: Seeking Knowledge in Indonesia 46:26 – Overview of the Intensive Curriculum at Ma'had Al-Jawi Al-Ilmi 49:01 – Living in a Remote Mountain Village (Tawangmangu) 53:35 – Practical Learning Methods: Active Research & Mulāzamah (Close Companionship) 1:01:16 – Personal Impact: Spiritual Rectification (Tazkiyah) & Etiquette 1:04:19 – The Vision & Goals of the Shafi'i Pen Institute 1:07:34 – Navigating Fiqh School Revival (Madhāhib) & Theology ('Aqīdah) 1:11:03 – Practical Advice on Purifying the Soul (Tazkiyat al-Nafs) & Character 1:15:25 – Essential Advice for New Students of Knowledge in Madinah 1:19:42 – The Importance of Sincerity (Ikhlāṣ) & Rectifying Intentions 1:21:24 – Future Plans: Completing Studies & Specialized Master's Goals __________ "When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah; a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)." (Muslim) Support us → https://www.madinahcollege.uk/donate/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=description Subscribe for videos with the scholars and students of knowledge.