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

Ustadh Amjad continues exploring Imam Haddad's Book of Assistance, a concise manual on the path to the Divine. In this section, he explains how the outward and inward aspects of faith fuse together. He highlights a prayer of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) that Allah make his inward be better than his outward and his outward virtuous. He cautions against adorning one's outward while neglecting to purify oneself inwardly. In the same vein, he warns against occupying oneself with one's public appearance rather than aiming for the sincerity of devotion, for instance in our recitation of the Qur'an.   This is part of the series presented by SeekersGuidance Canada in Ramadan 2019.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani continues the series "Embracing Excellence: 30 Steps on the Straight Path" covering Imam Haddad’s manual The Book of Assistance. In this session, he looks at the third chapter, on Vigilance (muraqaba), which, he explains, is consciousness that Allah sees you, is with you, and is constantly aware of everything you do. Shaykh Faraz offers an explanation of the six solutions given by Imam Haddad for laziness in performing acts of worship and leaving sin. In addition, he explains how the awareness that God sees one leads to the beholding of the Divine.   This is part of the series presented by SeekersGuidance Canada in Ramadan 2019

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin continues the series "Embracing Excellence: 30 Steps on the Straight Path" covering Imam Haddad’s manual The Book of Assistance. In this session, he looks at the second chapter, on Intention. He sheds light on the centrality of intention, its virtues, and how it can be used to bring life to our actions. Ustadh Amjad gives a "spiritual pro tip" on how to magnify one's actions through multiple intentions. He reminds of the great opportunity of the reward granted by Allah through intentions for good works. He also sheds light on the different types of intention. This is part of the series presented by SeekersGuidance Canada in Ramadan 2019

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin covers the first chapter of Imam Haddad’s manual The Book of Assistance, on Certainty. He explains how we can nurture sincerity through the reflection in our lives and to our how this applies to our recitation of the Quran in Ramadan. Ustadh Amjad explains why certainty is seen as the first step, not the final, in this outline of the path to Allah. He also describes the three levels of certainty of believers outlined in the text.   This is part of the series presented by SeekersGuidance Canada in Ramadan 2019, “Embracing Excellence - 30 Steps on the Straight Path” based on Imam Haddad’s Book of Assistance

In this new podcast series, Shaykh Ahmed Hussein El Azhary will discuss why the art of reading is critical for students of knowledge to master. One of the greatest barriers in mastering a science is the inability to read with structure and comprehension. In this series, Shaykh Ahmed will provide students with a detailed approach to rectifying this problem. In addition to offering practical tips and guidance in improving one’s reading and learning skills, Shaykh Ahmed will also elaborate on the development of the instrumental (foundational) sciences within the Islamic tradition and how they compare to medieval and modern theories of literary comprehension. In this second episode of The Art of Reading, Nabiel Mohamed asks Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary to discuss the historical development of Adab al Muṭāla' as a genre within the classical tradition, and the various factors which resulted in its emergence as a science. Furthermore, Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary discusses the various theories related to deep reading within the

In this talk and presentation, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani expands on the various virtues and rewards of fasting. Shaykh Faraz bases his presentation on the seminal work (Siraj al – Talibeen) of the great Andalusian scholar, Qadi Abū Bakr ibn al-'Arabī. In this work, Qadi Abū Bakr discusses and describes the numerous qualities of a believer. One of these qualities is the state of fasting. Fasting is considered a prime act of the believer because it is a station of gratitude. Its reward is known only to Allah. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied, a Hasanah(good deed) will be multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, said: ‘Except fasting. It is for Me and I shall reward for it. He gives up his desires and his food for my sake.’ The fasting person will have two moments of joy: Joy when he breaks his fast, and joy when he meets his Lord. And indeed the smell of h

Fasting became obligatory in stages -- first, the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded his Companions (Allah be pleased with them) to fast the day of 'Ashura; then, Allah Most High revealed the verses that made it obligatory to fast Ramadan, but He gave the Companions (Allah be pleased with them) the option to pay a fidya; then, He revealed the verses that removed this option to pay a fidya.

 In this Khutba talk, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani reminds us of the importance of showing gratitude and thanks for the immense blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. The call of prayer (athan) is one such blessing which is laden with meanings. Our nature is such that we tend to focus on past events or to preoccupy ourselves with assumptions of the future. We end up forgetting the importance of the present and the innumerable blessings Allah has placed within it for each of us. With Ramadan on our doorsteps, it is incumbent that we change our mindsets and become mindful of what Allah has provided for us, and then show sincere gratitude in our actions. Become mindful of what you have now, as there is no guarantee that you will live to see the immediate or distant future. “If you want to make the most of life then know that the greatest moment that you have is the moment that you are in.” Shaykh Faraz emphasizes that one of the greatest blessings that we ignore is the call to prayer (athan). The call to prayer

In this new podcast series, Shaykh Ahmed Hussein El Azhary will discuss why the art of reading is critical for students of knowledge to master. One of the greatest barriers in mastering a science is the inability to read with structure and comprehension. In this series, Shaykh Ahmed will provide students with a detailed approach to rectifying this problem. In addition to offering practical tips and guidance in improving one's reading and learning skills, Shaykh Ahmed will also elaborate on the development of the instrumental (foundational) sciences within the Islamic tradition and how they compare to medieval and modern theories of literary comprehension. In this episode, Dr. Yusuf Patel asks Shaykh Ahmed Hussein El Azhary why many students of knowledge are not able to read and master texts that they have studied. In addition to answering the above question, Shaykh Ahmed discusses the various phases of mastery that students should attain during their studies, and how the science of learning developed in the c

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani shared five key spiritual lessons related to fasting and the month of Ramadan. These same lessons are a means to prepare for Ramadan and reflection upon changing our relationship with Allah. These lessons of fasting and Ramadan are taken from verses 183-187 of Sura al-Baqara, and are nurturing: (1) A living relationship with the Qur'an; (2) Mindfulness (taqwa) of Allah; (3) Gratitude (shukr); (4) Magnifying Allah (takbir), by making Allah the greatest concern in our lives; and (5) the most important--and ultimate--aim of fasting: realizing the reality of Allah's Closeness. This khutba was delivered at the Bosnian Islamic Centre, as part of SeekersGuidance Canada's community outreach and engagement.

  This is a talk by Shaykh Sadullah Khan, who is a leading Islamic Scholar from South Africa. In this talk, he discusses the pertinent lessons we can derive from the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

In this keynote address delivered at SeekersGuidance's New Home benefit luncheon, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains the crucial role knowledge plays in bringing communities to life and the importance of sacrifice to spread knowledge. Shaykh Yahya begins by reading a memorandum on the state of our community and the challenges its leaders face, explaining how it fits into the agenda set by their illuminated teachers: “If you can’t plow seeds, so plow the land so that it is fertile enough for the next generation to plant seeds.” He also draws attention to the vision, foresight, and sacrifice of SeekersGuidance's founder Shaykh Faraz Rabbani. Next, Shaykh Yahya stresses the importance of knowledge and religious education, necessary for holistic Islamic living in the world today. He highlights the importance of building and laying foundations, and the crucial role of institutions like SeekersGuidance in preserving the wellbeing of the community. Shaykh Yahya closes by reminding that knowledge is the number one way to b

In this timely reminder after the New Zealand mosque shootings, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani of SeekersGuidance (https://seekersguidance.org) sheds light on how the believer should respond to the tragedy. While one feels pain for the loss of life faced by the victims and their families, one grounds oneself in one’s faith in God and one’s certitude that the victims are ultimately with God in a better state. Shaykh Faraz relates this to a relevant passage from the Qur’an: “Do not think of those who have been killed in God’s way as dead. They are alive with their Lord, well provided for, happy with what God has given them of  His favour; rejoicing that for those they have left behind who have yet to join them there is no fear, nor will they grieve; [rejoicing] in God’s blessing and favour, and that God will not let the reward of the believers be lost.” (3.169-171) This talk was taken from a Friday sermon (khutba) delivered at Sayeda Khadija Centre (http://www.skcentre.com/).

Our emotions are the means through which many of our tests in life come. Whether it is happiness, sadness, gratitude, anger, or otherwise, we are tested through our responses to them. Being balanced emotionally is essential to physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as longevity. Trauma can upset this balance, and in its absence issues such as addictions, OCD, psychosomatic pain, depression, chronic illnesses, back pain, cancers, and - in extreme cases - mental illnesses can arise. This seminar looks at the means of balance Allah created within us, and how it has been compromised in many people today. In order to understand this balance, the personality of the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, is analyzed. The seminar discusses in topics of developmental trauma, ‘big ‘T’ trauma’ and ‘little ‘t’ trauma’, relationships, means of recovery, and more. The content of this discussion was based on the Qur’an, the Sunna, classical tafsirs, and the works of experts in the field of traum

Forgiveness in Light of Being With The People, by Ustadh Amjad Tarsin Capturing the Spirit of Ramadan Mercy, Forgiveness and Salvation Every night our Ramadan scholars will explore one of the three key spiritual goals of Ramadan. Each talk will conclude with a dynamic conversation as we explore mercy, forgiveness and salvation deeply and see how we can attain these divine gifts practically. These talks will enliven and inspire us as we begin our nightly ‘isha and tarawih prayers. Let’s #GiveLight to Millions More We envision a world in which no one is cut off from the beauty, mercy and light of the Prophetic ﷺ example. A world where the dark ideology of a few is dwarfed by radiant example of the many who follow the way of the Prophet ﷺ. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support. This Ramadan, we need you to help us #GiveLight to millions more. Here’s how. Art by Tom Gowanlock

In this brief podcast, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani provides 10 genuinely useful tips on gaining and retaining a firm grasp of your knowledge of fiqh. See also: "From knowing nothing to becoming a student of knowledge" Advice from Habib Ali Al-Jifri for Seekers of Knowledge The Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge Habib Umar's Advice to the Seekers of Sacred Knowledge Shaykh Áwwamah's advice for Students of Sacred Knowledge Importance of Intention in Seeking Knowledge

Allah has promised that He will facilitate the path to Jannah for anyone who embarks on the journey to seeking knowledge. Imagine being in the company of the “pious ones” in the Eternal Garden. Can you afford to lose out on this opportunity? Listen to Shaykh Faid Muhammad Said explain how clear and easy Allah has made this choice for us and start today by taking a free course with SeekersHub from the comfort of your own home.

In this Friday sermon, given at a historic mosque in Cape Town, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani encourages us to be more appreciative of the greatest blessings we possess: our vast of knowledge of the Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him). Knowledge of the Prophet(peace be upon him) enriches our day-to-day lives, and gives our family, social and personal lives so much more meaning. Citing the example of Cape Town, whose Muslims were persecuting in horrific ways for decades, Shaykh Faraz points out how they not only remained Muslims, but remained steadfast in their knowledge of Islam and their love for the Prophet (peace be upon him). Their great appreciation of this blessing was their motivation to hold onto it. We should regularly thank Allah for this blessing, as He called us to do frequently. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us how to do the smallest actions in the most beautiful way. He taught us to put on our shoes, to drink water, and to clean ourselves in the most beautiful way. We should look at our money wi

In a Friday sermon given in Cape Town, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin reminds us about the relationship between the believers and the state of their hearts, to their connection with Allah. He quotes the hadith, “The Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him), said, “Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather he looks at your hearts and actions.” (Sahih Muslim) Traits such as humility, gratitude, trust in Allah, are some of these traits that can adorn our hearts. So many people spend so much time worrying about their appearance, wealth or property. Imam al-Ghazali asks, “How much time do you spend adorning your heart?” The Prophet(peace be upon him) was sent to a people who had many social ills in their society, and said, “I was sent to perfect character.” Examples include Umar ibn al-Khattab, who was a person of harshness before Islam. Afterward, he completely changed. Now, 1400 years later, people’s hearts are still being transformed by him. There is no greater way to Allah’s pleasure than working

The Mahabbah Foundation of Cape Town, South Africa, has organized a tour featuring Habib Umar bin Hafiz and a number of other scholars. You can find the full program with times and dates on their Facebook page here. As part of the tour, Habib Umar asked Shaykh Faraz Rabbani to address the scholars who were present in Johannesburg. The subject of the address was the definition of a righteous scholar (or, a true Sufi) as, "A person of knowledge who acted upon their knowledge, so Allah granted them knowledge of what they didn't know." Shaykh Faraz Touched upon the three aspects of this definition of what constitutes a true scholar, with some practical counsel. The three aspects being knowledge action state with Allah. For more on the tour, please check this: https://www.facebook.com/MahabbahFoundationSA/photos/habib-umar-tour-south-africa-january-2019habib-umar-will-be-touring-south-africa/1728308887291153/ May Allah bless, protect, and preserve the knowledge of this umma in our beloved scholars