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

In this khutba Shaykh Faraz Rabbani calls the believers to reflect  on the opening verses of Surat al- Shams. In those verses Allah Most High makes oaths by the sun, the moon, the day, the night, the heavens, the earth and the self. One of the amazing aspects of the Qur’an is the swearing of oaths. The oaths in the Qur'an are for one to think and reflect on. One should reflect and know what Allah Most High is swearing by so one can pay attention to those things and the meanings behind them. Those oaths are signs around us that we should take heed of. Those signs can help us draw closer to Allah Most High. Oaths emphasis a meaning, oaths move and Inspire. For more SeekersHub podcasts and podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance build a Global Islamic Seminary and spread the light of guidance to millions around the world by supporting us through monthly donation by going to https://seekersguidance.org/donate – your donations are tax deductible in the US and Canada.

In this podcast Shaykh Faid reminds us of shukr (gratitude) , and what it means to be included amongst the grateful. One of the greatest attributes one can have is gratitude. Being grateful is not easy. Allah Most High calls Himself al-Shakur. The foundation of gratitude is knowledge. It is a great blessing for the tongue to be busy with thanking Allah. Shaykh Faid ends by reminding all the believers not to take anything for granted, and to strive to be people who remember Allah abundantly. For more SeekersHub podcasts and podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersHub build a Global Islamic Seminary and spread the light of guidance to millions around the world by supporting us through monthly donation by going to https://seekersguidance.org/donate – your donations are tax deductible in the US and Canada

Change is a reminder of things being created. Change is a sign of Allah. Change is a proof of the oneness of Allah. Anything that changes has the necessary quality of being dependent. Anything that has a beginning couldn’t possibly not have an end. “ Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of insight.” [Surat al-Imran 3:190]. It was regular practice of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to recite these verses when getting up at night for night worship. Every moment all created things are changing, and in it are numerous signs for people of insight. The believer should strive to know what these signs, and know how to reflect on these signs. These signs point to Allah, the creator and sustainer of everything which is given to change. The believer sees this with the eye of the heart. Allah is the creator and sustainer at every moment. Everything besides Allah is perishing. For more SeekersHub podcasts and podcast shows,

In this Friday khutba Shaykh Faraz Rabbani begins by reminding that people are neglectful of death, and that life and death are from Allah Most High. Death is mentioned in the Qur’an several times, and one is called to reflect on death. Death is a point of reflection to the believers personally and collectively. The reality of death should make us reflect on: (1) what is my responsibility, (2) what is the collective responsibility, and (3) what is the more broad responsibility. Death of scholars is one of the most dangerous things that happens to the community of believers. Through scholars there are gifts of mercy. There are many lessons to heed when some scholars pass away. Anything that changes or perishes could not be eternal. At the point of death all that matters is the heart and what it contains. If the heart is sound the whole body is sound. Imam Ibrahim al-Khawwas, one of the righteous early predecessors (died 231 a.h.), said: "The medicine for the heart and healing the heart are in five things. (1)

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explores some amazing examples of the awesome humility of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) from Esfahani’s work “Sharaf al-Mustafa.” Shaykh Faraz describes how the Prophet would lower a vessel for a cat, and not left it until it was finished drinking. While eating dates with his left hand, he fed a sheep the pits from his left. When his companions divided up the tasks after slaughtering a sheep, the Prophet volunteered to collect firewood. He refused to give a man his leftovers, having him eat with him instead. And he would except people’s invitations, even if the meal consisted of only barley bread. For more SeekersHub podcasts and podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance build a Global Islamic Seminary and spread the light of guidance to millions around the world by supporting us through monthly donation by going to https://seekersguidance.org/donate – your donations are tax deductible in the US and Canada.  

Since the enlightenment period, belief in God and organized religion has come under significant attack.  The unremitting question regarding the compatibility of revelation and reason continues to plague us in current times.  Atheism as a “belief” system or worldview is on the rise, and many individuals feel obfuscated and confused amidst the high levels of intellectual scepticism. How should Muslims face and immunized themselves from these ideological challenges? How did our luminous scholars of the past respond to the various intellectual and doctrinal quagmires of their age so that they were able to preserve sound belief in the integrals of Islam? In this lecture, Mufti Taha Karaan succinctly articulates a systematic overview of the various components that contribute to the Islamic science of belief ('aqeeda) and dialectical theology (kalam). By contextualizing the various challenges that historically confronted Islamic doctrine, he provides a lucid methodology in comprehending the integral epistemic avenu

Since the enlightenment period, belief in God and organized religion has come under significant attack.  The unremitting question regarding the compatibility of revelation and reason continues to plague us in current times.  Atheism as a “belief” system or worldview is on the rise, and many individuals feel obfuscated and confused amidst the high levels of intellectual scepticism. How should Muslims face and immunized themselves from these ideological challenges? How did our luminous scholars of the past respond to the various intellectual and doctrinal quagmires of their age so that they were able to preserve sound belief in the integrals of Islam? In this lecture, Mufti Taha Karaan succinctly articulates a systematic overview of the various components that contribute to the Islamic science of belief ('aqeeda) and dialectical theology (kalam). By contextualizing the various challenges that historically confronted Islamic doctrine, he provides a lucid methodology in comprehending the integral epistemic avenu

In this podcast Mufti Taha Karaan will explain how do Muslim minority communities in various parts of the world create meaningful spaces and environments to flourish as religious communities, and as beneficial members of their societies? The intersection between religious identity and citizenship is a nuanced and complex topic for many Muslims living in Non Muslims countries. Mufti Taha Karaan provides an insightful overview of how Muslim minority communities engaged with the geo political realities of their times in order to consolidate their presence and growth in various locations around the world.  By analyzing and discussing the critical topics of migration, citizenship and the preservation of faith, in a coherent historical chronology and context, Mufti Taha Karaan proffers a refreshing and inspirational approach of understanding the Fiqh of Citizenship and Minorities in contemporary times. The Muslim community of South Africa, specifically Cape Town, has a rich and dynamic history which spans more

In this Eid sermon, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani contrasts people who see just this world—a place of sorrow and suffering—with those who see this world as the creating of Allah, a gift, and the first step in an eternal journey. He outlines the Prophetic model of joy and rejoicing, and how to find mercy in hardship: responding by turning to Allah, striving to be a “grateful servant.” Shaykh Faraz exposits how the Prophet was constantly cheerful, as his joy was with Allah. He closes by reminding of the sunnas of smiling and celebration, particularly on Eid. --- This sermon was delivered following the Ramadan 2018 program at SeekersHub Toronto. --- For more SeekersHub podcasts and podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersHub build a Global Islamic Seminary and spread the light of guidance to millions around the world by supporting us through monthly donation by going to https://seekersguidance.org/donate - your donations are tax deductible in the US and Canada.

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin gives some perspective of what Muslims should look forward to at the end of Ramadan. Eid is a celebration of having completed the month of Ramadan in a state of worship, and having drawn closer to Allah. In that sense, every day that passes by where one abstains from sin is Eid. Sayyidina Ali ibn Abi Talib (may God be pleased with him) is reported to have said: "Eid is not merely wearing new garments, Eid is for the one who's worship increases." Ultimately the true Eid celebration for a believer is realized in the hereafter, when they are entered into paradise are in the company of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). --- This is part of the series presented in Ramadan 2018 at SeekersHub Toronto: "Branches of Faith: The Virtues and Fruits of Faith". --- For more SeekersHub podcasts and podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersHub build a Global Islamic Seminary and spread the light of guidance to millions around the world by supporting us throug

Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said starts the khutba by explaining how the battle of Badr was a blessing. He goes on to explain how prophetic practice is guidance. The greatest blessing is deen, which is how we implant the teaching of the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him). The battle of Badr has many lessons for those who reflect. Allah grants success to those who call on him. The life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is timeless learning.   For more SeekersHub podcasts and podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help Seekershub build a Global Islamic Seminary and spread the light of guidance to millions around the world by supporting us through monthly donation by going to https://seekersguidance.org/donate – your donations are tax deductible in the US and Canada.

Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said begins by explaining the name of Allah as-Sabur. Sabr (patience) is the highest of strength and ability. Sabr is at the beginning of the test. Sabr is mentioned over 90 times in the Qur’an. The only way to submit to God is by having sabr. With Sabr one will be rewarded. If one trusts Allah they will have sabr. Shaykh Faid delivered a lecture upon Patience (Sabr) on Saturday 28th April, at the University of Westminster (Harrow). This is was an exclusive lecture which consisted of engaging and pondering upon the the verse ''Verily Allah Is With Those Who Are Patient.'   For more SeekersHub podcasts and podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help Seekershub build a Global Islamic Seminary and spread the light of guidance to millions around the world by supporting us through monthly donation by going to https://seekersguidance.org/donate – your donations are tax deductible in the US and Canada.

In this khutbah Shaykh Faraz begins by speaking about the great gifts the month of Ramadan has. This entire life is a gift. Allah chose to create mankind and treat them on the basis of mercy. Everything about this life is mercy. Shaykh Faraz goes on to explain what drove the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) to be upon great character, as he was described in the Qur'an. The Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) yearning for Allah, love of Allah, fear of Allah, and deep gratitude to Allah are what made his character greater. He (peace and blessings be upon him) showed excellence in slavehood to Allah. Everything about the sunna is beauty, virtue, and excellence. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) didn’t take anything for granted. Everything he did was an expression of thankfulness. Shaykh Faraz calls everyone to fast out of gratitude. Shaykh Faraz ends by showing the believers how to express one’s gratitude, especially in the month of Ramadan.   For more SeekersHub

Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib closes Imam Zabidi's treatise on the Branches of Faith “ʿIqd al-Juman fi Bayan Shuʿab al-Iman" (The Necklace of Pearls in Clarifying the Branches of Faith), looking at the root relating to belief in the next life. Shaykh Ba-Dhib vividly explains the branches of faith relating to the Afterlife which Imam Zabidi highlights in his work, which are believing in: (1) the Resurrection, (2) the Standing before Allah Most High, (3) the Reckoning, (4) the Scale, (5) the Path, (6) the intercession, (7) Paradise and all which pertains to it, (8) and the Fire and that which relates to it. --- This is part of the series presented in Ramadan 2018: "Branches of Faith: The Virtues and Fruits of Faith". It is narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Faith is seventy some branches". In this series some of the leading scholars will cover and explain the different branches of faith, as they have come in the works of the Islamic tradition. The branches of faith inclu

In this session, Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib concludes Imam Ahmad ibn Zayn al-Habshi's treatise on sayyid al-istighfar (the foremost way of seeking forgiveness). He continues looking at various methods of forgiveness and their virtues, first covering those narrated from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). In addition, Imam Habshi mentions other forms of supplication and formulas the saints and scholars—including his own teacher Imam Haddad—found effective. He closes by citing the “expiation for gatherings”— a particular form of seeking forgiveness used by the Prophet. Upon request from Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Shaykh Ba-Dhib concludes the series by mentioning his own chain of authorization to teach the text, person by person, back to the author himself. --- This is part of the series presented in Ramadan 2018: "The Foremost Way of Seeking Forgiveness: Sayyid al-Istighfar Explained". In this five-part series, Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib covers a short treatise on explaining the foremost w

In this session, Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib continues looking at the Branches of Faith relating to civic life from Imam Zabidi's treatise “ʿIqd al-Juman fi Bayan Shuʿab al-Iman" (The Necklace of Pearls in Clarifying the Branches of Faith). In this session, he looks at the Branches which relate to preserving the Five Necessities which the Sacred Law (shariʿa) has come to protect. The seven Branches mentioned in the text which come under the Five Necessities are: (1) preserving religion through fighting and combat, (2-3) preserving life through abstaining from injurious crimes and establishing their penalties, (4) preserving the intellect through the prohibition of intoxicants and foul things, (5) preserving wealth through seeking rights and fulfilling them, (6-7) preservation of honour through establishing legal penalties for fornication and slander and disciplinary punishments, and through removing harm from the Muslims. --- This is part of the series presented in Ramadan 2018: "Branches of Faith: The V

Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib continues looking at the root concerning the matters of this life from Imam Zabidi's treatise on the Branches of Faith “ʿIqd al-Juman fi Bayan Shuʿab al-Iman" (The Necklace of Pearls in Clarifying the Branches of Faith). In this session, he begins to look at the Branches of Faith which relate to the individual relating to the society at large. Shaykh Ba-Dhib explains the first eight branches of faith concerning civic life that Imam Zabidi highlights in his work: (1) establishing governance, (2) following the community, (3) obeying those in authority, (4) aiding one another in virtue and piety (taqwa), (5) giving life to sacred symbols, (6) and commanding good and forbidding evil. --- This is part of the series presented in Ramadan 2018: "Branches of Faith: The Virtues and Fruits of Faith". It is narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Faith is seventy some branches". In this series some of the leading scholars will cover and explain the differe

In this session, Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib continues looking at the Branches of Faith from Imam Muhammad Murtada al-Zabidi's text "ʿIqd al-Juman fi Bayan Shuʿab al-Iman" (The Necklace of Pearls in Clarifying the Branches of Faith). Continuing with the root that relates to the matters of this life, he moves on to look at the Branches of Faith which relate to the individual concerning the home and one's personal life. Shaykh Ba-Dhib explains the eight branches of faith that relate to the home that Imam Zabidi highlights in his work. They are: (1) holding back from unchastity, (2) establishing the pact of marriage (ʿaqd al-nikah), (3) fulfilling marital rights, (4) goodness to parents, (5) raising children, (6) connecting family ties, (7) obedience to masters--which, he notes, does apply today in venerating people of societal or religious status, such as the elderly, (8) and excellence towards bondservants. He ends by shedding light on the honour accorded to slaves in Islam to clarify any misunderstanding

In this session, Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib begins to look at the conclusion of Imam Habshi's treatise on sayyid al-istighfar (the foremost way of seeking forgiveness). He explores the key verses and hadiths on the many virtues of seeking forgiveness from Allah Most High. He explains how seeking forgiveness is a powerful means for seeking rain, children, and blessing from Allah, and how the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led by example in his seeking of forgiveness. The text moves on to look at other formulas of seeking forgiveness, beginning with those in the Quran, sunna, and the prayers of previous prophets in the Quran, which, Shaykh Ba-Dhib notes, are the best methods of supplication. --- This is part of the series presented in Ramadan 2018: "The Foremost Way of Seeking Forgiveness: Sayyid al-Istighfar Explained". In this five-part series, Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib covers a short treatise on explaining the foremost way of seeking forgiveness as has come to us from Prophet Muhamma

In his second session examining the metaphor of the tree of faith, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus reflects on some of the connections between the natural tree and the faith of the believer. The roots of the tree of faith, he explains, is belief, and it is watered by Allah's mercy. One’s obligations form the trunk of the tree, the recommendations its major branches, and so on. The tree is where heaven and earth meet, just as faith unites every aspect of one’s life. Just as the trees are the lungs of the universe, the believer can turn every situation into an opportunity for good. Shaykh Yahya concludes by talking about spiritual deforestation: the believer is grounded, while modern man is not. He makes a compelling case for faith and holding onto the towering strength of our spiritual tradition. --- This is part of the series presented in Ramadan 2018: "Branches of Faith: The Virtues and Fruits of Faith". It is narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Faith is seventy some branches". In th