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

In this lesson, we are joined by visiting scholar Shaykh Riad Saloojee. Shaykh Riad reviews the ninth chapter of Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din on remembrance and supplication. This chapter is situated at the end of the first section of the book on acts of worship. One theme that runs through this chapter is manifested in the verse of the Quran: “oh you who have attained faith, be in Allah’s remembrance plentifully”. Divine remembrance is not restricted to any time or place, as such one should be in His remembrance all the time. Shaykh Riyad details the functions of the heart by which one engages in remembrance, to know Allah, to experience Him and to will and desire to seek him. That is why divine remembrance is so important because it is the heart’s nourishment. Shaykh Riyad also speaks to the importance of supplication and the essence of duaa is the expression of one’s need, poverty and desire for Allah. The gift of supplication is Allah allowing a person to be near to Allah in the closeness of askin

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz looks at the key verses in the Quran corresponding to the ninth chapter of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya: Remembrance and Supplication. He highlights the verses 151-153 from Surah Al-Baqarah, which detail the importance and virtue of the remembrance of Allah. كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِيكُمْ رَسُولاً مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيكُمْ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُواْ تَعْلَمُونَ “Just as We have sent among you a messenger of your own who recites to you Our revelations, purify you, and teach you the Scripture and Wisdom; and to teach you what you did not know” This verse outlines the gift that Allah has bestowed upon us and that is the gift of guidance. فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُواْ لِي وَلاَ تَكْفُرُونِ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اسْتَعِينُواْ بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلاةِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ “So remember me and I will remember you; be thankful to Me and never ungrateful. You who believe, seek help through st

In this lesson, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin reviews the chapter on etiquettes of reciting the Quran from Imam Al-Ghazali’s book Ihya Ulum al-Din. The Chapter goes through the outward etiquettes of recitation as well as the inward implications of those practices. Learning the Quran and teaching the Quran is not limited to teaching, but rather should extend to an internalization of its virtues and meanings. The Prophet, peace and blessings upon him said: “the most virtuous of worship of my Ummah is the recitation of the Quran”. The virtues of reciting the Quran are many so one should strive to increase their recitation especially during Ramadan. Ustadh Amjad explains in this lesson the 10 internal etiquettes of the recitation of the Quran: [1] Knowing the greatness of these words, their exaltedness and their weightiness. [2] Having reverence for the One speaking. Part of that reverence is approaching the Quran in a state of purity. [3] Having presence of heart and leaving internal conversations [4] Pondering the Quran

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz looks at the key verses in the Quran corresponding to the eighth chapter of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya: Etiquettes of Reciting the Quran. He highlights the verses 29-34 from Surah Fatir, which detail the merits of the people of the Quran. These verses were referred to by the early Muslims as the verses of the Quran reciters. Those who recite the book of Allah and act upon it, they pray, give in charity and fulfill the commands of Allah so Allah promises them a tremendous reward. Allah rewards those who recite the Quran and live it and Allah will give an increase of His from His bounty. Scholars say that that increase in bounty is that Allah allows them to gaze upon Him when they enter paradise; and they are not given a greater reward than that one. إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَتْلُونَ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلاةَ وَأَنفَقُوا مِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ سِرًّا وَعَلانِيَةً يَرْجُونَ تِجَارَةً لَّن تَبُورَ لِيُوَفِّيَهُمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزِيدَهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ إِنَّهُ غَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ “Those who re

In this lesson, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin, reviews the chapter on Hajj from Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din. Imam Al-Ghazali begins by outlining a general rule: that one cannot draw nearer to Allah except through letting go of their worldly attachments. Ustadh Amjad explains that Hajj, unlike any other forms of worship, cannot be rationalized as to the meaning behind each of its actions. The only lesson that one can derive from Hajj is that you are a servant to Allah and you need to fulfill His commands. Imam Al-Ghazali outlines in this chapter the etiquettes that one must have during Hajj: [1] Yearning for the two Holy mosques: this yearning stems from an understanding that this is the House of God, placed for you to fulfill your servitude. The reward for which is gazing upon Allah in the Hereafter. [2] Buying the two garments of Ihram: then the person should remember that they will be buried in this clothing and even though you have put on these garments you might not actually make it to the Hajj but you will

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz looks at the key verses in the Quran related to Hajj, corresponding to the seventh chapter of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya. He highlights the verses 27-32 from Surah Al-Hajj, which outline the meaning and purpose of Hajj. وَأَذِّن فِى ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ لِّيَشْهَدُوا۟ مَنَٰفِعَ لَهُمْ وَيَذْكُرُوا۟ ٱسْمَ ٱللَّهِ فِىٓ أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَٰتٍ عَلَىٰ مَا رَزَقَهُم مِّنۢ بَهِيمَةِ ٱلْأَنْعَٰمِ ۖ فَكُلُوا۟ مِنْهَا وَأَطْعِمُوا۟ ٱلْبَآئِسَ ٱلْفَقِيرَ "Proclaim the pilgrimage to all people, they will come to you on foot and they’ll come on all kind of mount emerging from every deep mountain pass. In order to witness all kinds of benefits for them and in order to remember the name of Allah for a known number of days for what Allah has provided for them. So feed yourself of that livestock and give to feed the destitute and the unfortunate… “ [Quran 22, 27-28] In these verses Allah tells us some of the spiritual aims of

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz continues his review of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya with an overview of the chapter on fasting. Imam Al-Ghazali covers both the religious guidance related to fasting as well as the spiritual meanings of fastings. This is so that we can act with intent and understanding of why we engage in the worship that we do. Shaykh Faraz previews Imam Ibn ‘Ajiba’s tafsir of the Fatiha. In the verse “It is You alone we worship and it is You alone we depend upon” (إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ). This verse outlines that we should only focus our intent on Allah alone when we engage in fasting. Furthermore, we should only rely on Allah to complete our fasts as well. Shaykh Faraz details in his talk the benefits of fasting: [1] One of the benefits of fasting weakens our mere humanness and the material world. Excessive eating and drinking makes heavy our attachment to the material world and the more the material world is real to us the more the subtle reality of spiritual meanings are veiled to

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz highlights the verses 183-186 of Surat al-Baqara, which are the verses on fasting and Ramadan. They correspond to the sixth chapter of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya on fasting. He tells us about the aims of fasting through these verses, and gives some key meanings of those aims and tips on how to attain them. In verse 183 of Surat al-Baqara, Allah tells us that “Believers! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God.” (يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ). First, Shaykh Faraz explains the balance and significance of corresponding with the people of book and faith before Islam. He clarifies the difference between corresponding and following, and how correspondence gives a sense of continuity of guidance. Shaykh Faraz then explains the concept of taqwa (mindfulness of Allah). He defines it as guarding oneself from the displeasure of Allah.

In this lesson, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin gives an overview of the chapter on zakat (alms) and charity from the Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences), the fifth chapter. He highlights the adaab (etiquettes) of giving charity that Imam Al-Ghazali mentions in this chapter. Ustadh Amjad also emphasizes the importance of learning the fiqh (legal rulings) of giving zakat, as well as all the other actions of worship that are personally obligatory. Imam Ghazali says about zakat that it is one of the tests that Allah has placed for the believers. It is also one of the foundational pillars of Islam. Imam Ghazali then says that one of the wisdoms of the obligation of zakat, is because wealth is beloved to people. So sacrificing what is beloved for the sake of Allah is a sign and indication of loving Him. He then goes to outline the different levels of people who give charity. The highest level is to give everything for the sake of Allah Most High, unconditionally. At that level, Ustadh Amjad recounts the exampl

In the fifth lesson on Quranic reflection and tafsir, Shaykh Faraz reflects upon two verses (103-104) from Surat al-Tawba on giving to charity, and the ultimate purpose of charity. The verses correspond to the fifth book Imam Ghazali’s Ihya on zakat. In these verses, Allah commands the Prophet, peace be upon him, and through it commands all of us: “Take from their wealth a charity that will purify them and increase them through it; and pray for them for your prayers are serenity for them; and truly Allah is Hearing and Knowing” (خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِمْ بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَهُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ) “Do they not know that it is Allah that accepts repentance from His servants and He takes charity; and that Allah it is He who is the Relenting and Compassionate.” (أَلَمْ يَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَأْخُذُ الصَّدَقَاتِ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ) Scholars detail that the charity

In this lesson, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin reviews the chapter on prayer from the Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences), the fourth chapter. Imam Al-Ghazali emphasized the importance of both the outward and inward in prayer. This condition is in line with the purpose of prayer and that is remembrance of Allah. Imam Al-Ghazali adds in his book that a condition of prayer to be in a state of awe, humility and presence in prayer. This condition had not been previously included by the jurists in their detailing of the conditions of prayer. The Prophet, peace and blessings upon him, said: “Whoever’s prayer does not prevent them from vile things and bad things, they have not increased with Allah anything except distance.” The purpose of i’bada (worship) is therefore taqwa. That is why one’s character needs to be inline with their outward performance of worship. Ustadh Amjad illustrates this point using various examples and stories of the companions and righteous people, may Allah be pleased with them. Imam A

In this episode, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin continues this series on  Imam Ghazali’s Ihya Uloom ud-Din,  with an overview of the Book of the Mysteries of Purification. Imam Al-Ghazali highlights both the outward and inward importance of purification. Imam Al-Ghazali explains both the rulings of purifications from a fiqh perspective and the inner secrets of purification. The chapter begins by describing that the Quranic verses and Hadiths that detail the benefits and rewards for purification. The purification that is intended here is at the basic level the purification of the limbs. However purification has 4 degrees: [1] Purifying the outward from impurities and vile things. [2] Purifying your limbs from sins and corruption [3] Purifying the heart from blameworthy characteristics and destructive qualities [4] Purifying your inner most core of your being from everything other than the Exalted. The degrees described above correspond with the degrees of faith and a person will not be able to attain a higher l

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz highlights verse 14 of Surah Taha (Chapter 20), which is about establishing prayer out of remembrance: (إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي)  “Truly, I am Allah. There is no god but me. So worship Me and establish prayer out of My remembrance.” Shaykh Faraz goes on to explain that the reason for prayer is remembrance of Allah. Within that there are three levels of remembrance: [1] those who worship seeking to remember, [2] those who worship in remembrance, and [3] those who worship out of remembrance. All of these levels are implicit in this verse. There are 4 considerations to why we worship: [1] What is worship? - That which is expressed by the slave towards their master. [2] Who is the One worshiped? - Allah Most High ; the act of worship is not about the act itself, the one praying but about the One being prayed to. Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. [3] Who is the worshiper? - Slave of Allah: in abs

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz highlights verses 222 of Surat al-Baqara, and how it corresponds to the third chapter of Ghazali's Ihya on purification. (إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ) (Truly, Allah loves the oft-repentant and He loves those who purify themselves completely). Shaykh Faraz explains that repentance (tawba) is return (ruju'). He outlines the different levels of return: [1] from disbelief to belief, [2] from sin to submission, and [3] from distance to closeness. Resource: A Reader on Tawba (Repentance) https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/a-reader-on-tawba-repentance/ Shaykh Faraz then explains that purification is the removal of impurities, both physically and spiritually. He tells us that there is a link between physical and spiritual purity. Some of the wisdoms of ritual purity is to assist the presence of heart, it's expiatory, it nurtures God-consciousness, mindfulness, restraint and lumination. Shaykh Faraz then highlights the explanation of

In this epoisode, Shaykh Faraz gives an overview of the second chapter from Imam Ghazali's Ihya Uloom ud-Din, Foundations of Islamic Belief. Shaykh Faraz highlights the what Muslims believe, how faith is nurtured and the understanding of faith. He concludes with an example of the Prophetic through one of narrated supplications of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Shaykh Faraz tells us that it is personally obligatory for every Muslim to know with clarity and certitude what is necessary to believe about Allah, His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and the transmitted articles of belief. Below are some resources of courses and a podcast on Islamic beliefs, provided by SeekersHub. All resources are free of charge. Shaykh Faraz then highlights the point Imam Ghazali makes about how faith is nurtured. He says that faith is not nurtured by mere study. Rather, it is nurtured by submission and by turning to Allah Most High in devotion. This is done through living faith in one's life, by

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz highlights the closing verses of Surat al-Baqara, verses 284-286, and how they correspond to the second chapter of Ghazali's Ihya on faith. He tells us about the verses' great merit, key underlying meanings as they relate to faith and certitude, and some guiding advice on how to benefit from these verses. Shaykh Faraz relates to us the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that: "whoever recites the closing verses from Surat al-Baqara at night, they will be sufficient for them. He explains that sufficiency here is unconditional, meaning that they are sufficient in everything. Shaykh Faraz explains how verse 285 of Surat al-Baqara is an affirmation of faith. He tells us that faith is the confirmation of truth as transmitted, and entails complete slavehood and submissiveness to God, as well as complete acceptance. Shaykh Faraz also highlights how Islam has the balance of ease and responsibility. The verses tell us that no soul is responsible for more th

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz gives an overview of the first chapter from Imam Ghazali's Ihya Uloom ud-Din, the chapter on knowledge. Shaykh Faraz explains Imam Ghazali's statement that "the purpose of religion is knowledge - knowing Allah". Shaykh Faraz further explains that all the forms of religion require knowledge. A believer needs to know how to submit to Allah, how to seek Allah, and how to be sincere and beloved to Allah. He also gives some definitions of knowledge, and which knowledge Imam Ghazali is referring to. Shaykh Faraz also discerns between knowledge which is personally obligatory and that which is communally obligatory. Finally, Shaykh Faraz highlights that knowledge is sought through adab. The fruits of knowledge is becoming a "Lordly scholar", who is able to turn their heart to Allah and help guide others to Allah as well. The great opportunity of knowledge is that it is the Prophetic inheritance. Action without knowledge is toil without fruit. Therefore, through knowledge one is able to f

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz highlights the oft-repeated verse and supplication from Surat al-Fatiha, verse 6: (ٱهْدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ) - (Guide us to the straight path). Shaykh Faraz connects this verse with the first of chapter of Imam Ghazali's Ihya, the Book of Knowledge. He explains that one asks guidance towards what they seek. As believers we seek Allah Most High. Imam Ghazali also defines beneficial knowledge as, knowledge that guides one to Allah. Therefore from that aspect, asking for guidance entails asking for beneficial knowledge. Shaykh Faraz continues on to make more linkages between sought guidance and beneficial knowledge. Shaykh Faraz concludes by explaining why seeking guidance in all things entails seeking knowledge in all one's life. In this series Shaykh Faraz will be looking at points of reflection from key verses in the Quran. The series will follow the thematic order of Imam Ghazali's Ihya Uloom ud-Din (Renewing the Religious Knowledges). The aim is to connect the key ve