Seekersguidance Podcast - Islam, Islamic Knowledge, Quran, And The Guidance Of The Prophet Muhammad

In this podcast, Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said  explains the blessings of the high rank of Sayyida Khadija, and how she reassured the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him). Shaykh Faid goes onto to explain how  Sayyida Khadija was blessed with a number of first. She w as the first to believe, the first to do wudu, and the first to pray. Allah the Most High blessed  Sayyida Khadija with a house in paradise and give her sallams. Shaykh Faid closes by calling the believers whether male or female to learn about the high rank of  Sayyida Khadija. This talk took place at the Harrow mosque in the U.K. Larayb Institute for Education  Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains the closing ten verses of Surat Aal-Imran (3.190-200):Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of he day and night  there are signs for people of reason,˹They are those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth ˹and pray˺, “Our Lord! You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire. Our Lord! Indeed, those You commit to the Fire will be ˹completely˺ disgraced! And the wrongdoers will have no helpers. Our Lord! We have heard the caller to ˹true˺ belief, ˹proclaiming,˺ ‘Believe in your Lord ˹alone˺,’ so we believed. Our Lord! Forgive our sins, absolve us of our misdeeds, and allow us ˹each˺ to die as one of the virtuous Our Lord! Grant us what You have promised us through Your messengers and do not put us to shame on Judgment Day—for certainly You never fail in Your promise.”So their Lord responded to them:

In this podcast, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus calls the believers to reflect on the history in the Qur’an being a sacred history. Shaykh Yahya goes on to explain the high rank of Sayyida Khadija and how every time the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)left the house he mentioned her out of a heartfelt connection. Shaykh Yahya goes on to give a lovely metaphor when he said Sayyida Khadija was like the womb for the birth of Islam. She nurtured, comforted and gave reassurance to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and supported him. The first bond of Islam was with Sayyida Khadija. At the first revelation she gave testimony of 5 things about the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him): 1)He maintains family ties 2) You bare the burdens of others 3) You give to the needy and raise them4) You show hospitality 5) You assist during times of calamity Shaykh Yahya ended by saying when he thinks of Sayyida Khadija he thinks 3 things: Support, Sacrifice, and Service. This talk t

In this Friday khutba, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani calls the believers to reflect on the urgent call in Surat al-Waqi’a (Sura 56 of the Qur'an) to turn to Allah through realization of the majestic qualities of Allah. Shaykh Faraz explains how none will deny the reality of the hereafter to occur. Shaykh Faraz goes on to explain that there are three groups that will be resurrected on the day of judgment: 1) People of the right hand - eternal contentment, reward, and joy 2) People of the left hand - eternal loss, and external misery 3) Very foremost - they are drawn closer to Allah Lastly the three qualities of the foremost are mentioned: 1) Sincerity in everything one does. 2) Strive in everything one does in the best way possible. 3) Hasten to forgiveness when one falls short. --- This Friday khutba was delivered by Shaykh Faraz at the Bosnian Islamic Association “Gazi Husrev-Beg” (http://www.biaghb.com/) in Toronto, in October 2017. Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidan

Renowned Muslim author and story-teller were interviewed by Aashif Sacha, in Auckland, New Zealand. He says: "I was fortunate enough to meet Ustadha Mehded Maryam Sinclair on a sunny Auckland morning. From the moment I met her, she filled the room with grace.  As she gazed out of the window, Ustadha Mehded spoke candidly about her journey into storytelling, the challenges she experienced and she also offers some timeless wisdom that all listeners will benefit from." With that, we invite you to listen to the interview. Checkout Ustadha Mehded's books here at Firdous Books Check out all of the SeekersHub podcasts by visiting https://seekerguidance.org/podcasts/

In this Friday sermon, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani reflects on the momentous day of Ashura (10th of Muharram), and the great events that historically took place on that day. The stories tell of noble struggles for good, for the sake of Allah Most High. Shaykh Faraz then asks: "what is our individual struggle through which we turn to Allah and seek His closeness?" Shaykh Faraz recounts the stories of Moses with Pharaoh, because it was on this day that Allah Most High saved Moses and his people from Pharaoh, as has come in the hadith. He also recounts the story of the martyrdom of al-Hussayn (may Allah be pleased with him), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Shaykh Faraz also recounts the migration (hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), as we have just entered into the new Hijri year. All of these stories portray a struggle for good, for the sake of Allah Most High. Shaykh Faraz then calls everyone to ask themselves "what is my struggle in this life to turn to A

As we begin the new Hijri year, Shaykh Faraz reflects on the story of Prophet Muhammad's (peace and blessings be upon him) migration (hijra). He focuses on three glimpses from that story and highlights some valuable and timely lessons. Among the lessons are: (1) how to plan and achieve goals, (2) doing the right thing with the right intention while relying fully on Allah, (3) displaying excellence in character, and (4) making all our choices for the sake of Allah and embracing the example of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). The first glimpse Shaykh Faraz recounts of the story of Prophet Muhammad's (peace and blessings be upon him) migration (hijra), is in the phase of preparation. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) had prepared well in advance by purchasing and equipping the camels for migration. He did not know the exact time of the migration, but was ready for it. In this we see the importance of taking the right means to achieve goals. Hope (raja') is a praiseworth

As we see all the tribulations that have befallen the Muslims and humanity at large, one could be easily overwhelmed. On one extreme one could feel despair, and on another one could choose to ignore all these events. However, the believer's balance and the Sunna of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is to care and have sincere and deep concern. In this Friday khutba, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani tells us how believers should respond to the tribulations happening around us. This Friday khutba was delivered by Shaykh Faraz at the Bosnian Islamic Association “Gazi Husrev-Beg” (http://www.biaghb.com/) in Toronto, in September 2017. Checkout all of the SeekersHub podcasts by visiting http://seekershub.org/podcasts/.

Why do trials and tribulations happen in our lives? Why does Allah allow earthquakes, floods, and other disasters and destructive events? Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains two verses of the Qur'an (2.155-156) on the Divine Promise that all people will be tested--with life itself being nothing but a test. Allah Most High promises, "We will certainly test you with some fear and poverty, and loss of property, life, and crops..." [Qur'an, 2.155] The key to right response to tests is to be steadfastly patient (sabr). Patience is not passiveness, Shaykh Faraz explains, but rather, "Remaining firm on what is pleasing to Allah." The reality of tests is that they are opportunities to respond with faith and good deeds. As such, tests are opportunities to seek Allah's Pleasure, Love, and Closeness. That is why Allah tells us, "And give glad tidings to the steadfast." [Qur'an, 2.156] This arises from consciousness that, "Truly we are Allah's, and truly it is to Him that we are returning." [Qur'an, 2.157] The consequence

In this talk, Shaykh Faraz reads and explains the lengthy hadith on Prophet Muhammad's (peace and blessings be upon him) great intercession in the hereafter. The hadith highlights the great rank of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the events of the hereafter of people seeking the different prophets' intercessions, and the care and concern of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) for his people. This talk was given as part of the live series at SeekersHub Toronto: "The Rawha: Daily Guidance for Seekers". The Rawha is available on podcast here: https://seekersguidance.org/names/the-rawha-daily-guidance/. Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In this Eid al-Adha sermon, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin calls all believers to rejoice in the bounties of Allah. He reminds us of all the great blessings that Allah has granted the Muslim community. Ustadh Amjad highlights hadiths and the sunna of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) of establishing communities upon, love, peace and joy. He points out that gathering for the Eid prayer in itself is an expression of that sunna of community. Ustadh Amjad also encourages us to share that sense of community, love, peace and joy with others. We as Muslims have a lot to offer, give and share with the world, so we shouldn't let that good stop at us. This Eid al-Adha sermon was delivered in September 2017, at SeekersGuidance Toronto (seekersguidance.org/toronto) Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In this Friday sermon, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani highlights some key meanings and themes underlying the hajj. He gives practical means of how one could bring those meanings into their lives. Shaykh Faraz reflects on the specific acts of hajj and identifies how through these acts we are called to seek and turn towards Allah Most High. If one seeks and turns towards Allah, then they would have realized the meanings of Hajj in their lives. This Friday sermon was delivered in August of 2017 at the Jame Masjid Mississauga (http://blog.jamemasjid.org/). Checkout all of the SeekersHub podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/ Cover Photo by oddyssey

In this Friday sermon, Shaykh Faraz reminds us that everything in creation glorifies Allah -- not just things, but also actions and events, both good and bad. In all matters, the believer beholds Allah's Glory (tasbih). How? By recognizing that everything is from Him, and in everything, there is the opportunity of turning and returning to Allah. In everything, one can find the light of Allah's Glory by considering the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and how he would respond--with beauty, mercy, justice, resolve, and excellence. Shaykh Faraz shared the beautiful example of Ka'ab ibn Zuhair who spent much of his life attacking Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) with vicious poetry. Yet, after the Opening of Mecca, when he came seeking the forgiveness of the Prophet, the Prophet (peace be upon him) not only accepted but also enveloped Ka'ab in his beautiful mantle (Burda). This Friday sermon was delivered in August of 2017 at the Jamiat-ul-Ansar (http://www.jamiatulan

In this interview, we sit down with visiting scholar Imam Siraj Wahhaj. We ask him about his community work, his comments on the last NBA season and everything in between. Imam Siraj Wahhaj is the Imam of Al-Taqwa mosque in Brooklyn, New York. He is one of the most senior, respected and much loved religious leaders in America. There isn't a major Muslim community that he doesn't know or have friends in so he is uniquely placed to give us a sense of where American Muslim communities are at. Imam Siraj talked to us about his experience founding and leading Masjid Al Taqwa, what it means to work in the inner cities and the lessons he's learned over the years. Through this community work, Imam Siraj also councils us on how he continues to have the have the hope and courage that he has to face the problems of our community today. He comments on how he views the severe racial divide in the US and whether he sees that playing out both from within the Muslims community in the North America at large. Lastly, Imam S

In this Friday sermon, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani reflects on Surat al-Ma'un (Qur'an 107), and how it points to the reality of religion and the purpose of life. He highlights that the purpose of life could be found in religion. Shaykh Faraz calls to reflect on the purpose of life through reflecting on death, not in a morbid way. Rather as believers we view death as a higher reality through which our souls transition to another life. The purpose of religion is to provide clear guidance, by which we can realize our full human potential and enter paradise. This Friday sermon was delivered in August of 2017 at the Brampton Islamic Centre (http://www.bsia.ca/). Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In this talk Shaykh Riad Saloojee reflects on the night journey (isra') and ascension (mi'raj) of the Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) as it relates to al-Aqsa Mosque. He links our love of the holy precinct of al-Aqsa to striving to attain the excellent prophetic character. Prophet Muhammad's (peace and blessings be upon him) night journey to al-Aqsa Mosque, and his ascension is the Divine gift of the perfection of his servanthood ('ubudiya). This event is the most perfect human manifestation of the Divine Attributes in the Prophet's character (peace and blessings be upon him). The realization of beautiful character is the true and lasting legacy of the prophets (peace be upon them). It is the path to revive the sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). A love and claim of connection to the sanctified places of Allah can only be truly made if we sanctify ourselves with the sacred values and character of our Messenger (sallalaho 'alayhi wa sallam).   Checkout all of

Masjid al Aqsa is one the holiest mosques for Muslims. It was once the direction of prayer and is the place where the Prophet ﷺ lead all the prophets in prayer and ascended to heaven to meet his Lord. The noble sanctuary has had numerous conditions set upon it since the occupation began and has now been closed for the first time in 48 years. Shaykh Faraz explains the Virtues of Masjid al-Aqsa and the Muslims Duty of Concern for the Furthest Sanctuary May Mercy and Justice prevail, in the ways resulting in the greatest ultimate good for all people, in the ways most pleasing to God. Truly, God is our sufficiency and He is the best of guardians." – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani Shaykh Faraz Rabbani has made the slides from this talk available, you can download them here. See also: Nasiri Dua: So Powerful, Rulers Would Ban It From Mosques Prayers for Victory (Hizb al-Nasr) of Imam Haddad Supplications for the Oppressed and Distressed Check out all of the SeekersHub podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts

In this Friday sermon, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani reflects on Surat al-Kawthar (Qur'an 108), its meanings and what it entails. He extracts from this short sura, which is three verses long, meanings and lessons in faith, affirming Divine Oneness, gratitude, and contentment. Shaykh Faraz calls to and counsels everyone to connect with the Qur'an, which nurtures our souls. [1] (إِنَّا أَعْطَيْناكَ الْكَوْثَرَ) Truly We have granted you the abundant good. [2] (فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ) So Pray to your Lord and sacrifice. [3] (إِنَّ شانِئَكَ هُوَ الْأَبْتَرُ) The one who derides you, they are the one who is cut off. -- Check out all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In this Friday sermon, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani calls Muslims to recognize the blessings that Allah bestowed upon us. Sometimes we may take some of the daily blessings for granted or not notice them at all. However, the way of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was to recognize the blessings of Allah and express gratitude to Allah for them. Shaykh Faraz reminds us of the multiple blessings that Allah has granted us and how great they are. He points out the great blessing of being Muslim, having clean water, and many of the daily facilitation that we have. Shaykh Faraz recounts the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who ate the leftover vinegar from food and expresses great gratitude for it by saying: "what excellent sauce vinegar is". Shaykh Faraz then urges everyone to express gratitude for the blessings we have. He highlights that if we are having difficulty in worship, that it may be a result of lacking gratitude. He advises us to say "Alhamdulillah" while thinking of

In this lesson of Renewing Religion, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin, reflects upon the chapters from Imam Ghazali’s Ihya on sincerity, self examination, meditation and reflecting on death. Ustadh Amjad begins with the chapter on sincerity, explaining that true sincerity can lead habits to be acts of worship if they are done with the right intentions. Many of the companions would actually hide a lot of their acts of good and worship so that they would ensure its sincerity. Thus sincerity is the defining factor of our actions that determine whether our actions will be accepted or not. The second chapter that is examined in this lesson is that on self examination. Ustadh Amjad mentions that many of the righteous would remember their mistakes years after so that it would push them to improve to the better. The Prophet, peace be upon him, says if you do not feel shame then do as you will. Here, he points to the importance of self examination and understanding that all your actions have a consequence. Ustadh Amjad gives an