Weekly classes based in Brisbane, Australia. Follow us on Instagram @FaithCircleAu
This week will be crossing over 1/3 of the Quran alhamdulillah! We will be going through Surah Anfaal and Surah Tawbah inshallah. These two surahs speak about two of the most important moments in the Seerah - the Battle of Badr and the Conquest of Makkah. And of course, a deeply personal and moving story of tawbah (redemption) for Ka'b Ibn Maalik.We are slowing down our pace just a bit, so it is an opportunity for people to catch up with the Utruja challenge as well! This week, it will be just to the end of Surah Tawbah (so just 1 Juz and a bit).
Surah Ma'idah, An'aam, A'raaf
This week, we'll finish Sūrah Āli ʿImrān and begin our journey through *Juz' 4–6*, exploring the signs of guidance, justice, and divine witness.A beautiful ḥadīth is narrated relating to this section of our pre-reading:> ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to me, “Recite Sūrat an-Nisāʾ.”I asked, “Shall I recite to you what was sent down to you?”He replied, “I love to hear it from someone else.”> So I recited until I reached the verse: ‘How then will it be when We bring from every people a witness, and We bring you as a witness over them?' [4:41] Then I raised my head and saw tears falling from his eyes._Let us strive to be people whose hearts awaken and whose eyes weep out of love and awe for the words of Allah._ Come early, bring your Qur'an Reading Companion, and journey through Signs!
“Recite the two brightly illuminated chapters — Surat al-Baqarah and Āl ʿImrān — for on the Day of Resurrection, they will come as two clouds, or two shades, or two flocks of birds pleading for their companions.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 804)Today we kick off our journey into Signs, starting with Juz 1–3.
New Series! Quran Cover-to-Cover!In this introductory session, we discuss:• What it means to become a Companion of the Qur'an• The Power of the Qur'an on the Human Heart ❤️• Principles of Tadabbur al-Qur'an (deep reflection)• The theory of Maqāṣid Suwar (the objectives of each Sūrah)
Part 3 of 3. Last time, we explored the wisdom of avoiding discord over valid differences of opinion in acts of ʿIbādah. This week, Imam Uzair dives into the rest of the Departments in detail
When the truth is blurred, what path will guide us? Without a firm compass, society unravels into chaos and relativism.“The people of the earth are in greater need of the Messenger's message than rain from the sky, light from the sun that illuminates the darkness…” (Ibn al-Qayyim, As-Sawāʿiq)
From the chants of the crowd to the spirit in the streets, Sunday's march echoed a truth: every effort matters, and true success comes only from Allah. You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help. This week, we'll explore:• Reflections from the weekend's protest• The linguistic secrets of this āyah — word order, repetition, singular vs. plural• The psychology of ‘ibādah – how love, humility & motivation shape worship• 7 keys of Tawakkul from Ibn al-Qayyim• How ‘ibādah + isti‘ānah together define true servanthood
“The Day when they shall rise from their graves, nothing will be hidden from God. To whom does the kingdom belong today? To God, the One, the Supreme.” (Qur'an 40:16)In this Faith Circle, we uncover the next ayah of Sūrah al-Fātiḥah — Māliki Yawm al-Dīn.We'll explore:• Two qirāʾāt: malik vs mālik, and the wisdoms in their combining• Accountability and the moral order• Allah's all-encompassing justice• True ownership of time
“The Most Merciful shows mercy to those who show mercy. Show mercy to those on earth and the One in heaven will show mercy to you.” (Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī, 1924)We'll dive into:• The Name Allah— encompassing all His Perfect Names and Attributes.• Divine Mercy vs Deism — why Allah's Lordship is never distant.• Rubūbiyyah & Duʿāʾ — relying on the One who governs all affairs.• Raḥmān & Raḥīm — linguistic roots, key distinctions• An Epistemic Dimension — embodying mercy as a way of knowing Allah more deeply.
Alhamdulillāhi Rabbil ʿĀlamīn isn't just praise — it's the foundation of a theocentric worldview.In a godless culture of self-glorification, secular gratitude, and materialistic obsession, this ayah reclaims:The meaning of existenceA moral framework rooted in divine lordship (Rububiyyah)A critique of atheism and materialism that leads to nihilism and existential narcissismThe recognition that to identify a blessing, one must acknowledge a Benefactor
This week, we move to the Basmalah — adorning our recitation by beginning in Allah's Name, seeking His mercy, and welcoming blessing. We'll explore:• Is the Basmala part of Surah al-Fātiḥah?• The name Allah — proper noun or derived?• Raḥmān and Raḥīm — what's the difference, and why does it matter?• How starting in Allah's
“…It is as though God has chosen the initial word of His Book to be a testament to His tolerance and kindness. But what, then, does one commence with the Basmalah? Every pursuit, every endeavor, every act of obedience.”This Thursday, we're diving deep into the Isti'adha and Basmalah! Our aim is to move beyond routine and ritual, and truly uncover these powerful gateways to Surah Fatiha.Encapsulated within these brief but profound phrases lies a complete worldview, mirroring the very first command given to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by Jibrīl: “Recite in the Name of your Lord.” (Qur'an 96:1)✨What we'll learn:• The wisdom behind legislating these phrases before recitation• Different forms of Isti'adha found in the Sunnah• Multiple layers of meaning behind Bismillah• Protection from evil and seeking benefit — the two paths every human being faces, captured in the Isti'adha-Basmalah pairing
This series will offer an in-depth tafseer of each verse, as well as a broad look at the themes presented in the greatest piece of revelation ever sent down to mankind.Dr Zohair taught this class 15 years ago, as his first Halaqa series. It is very near and dear to him and has remained his favourite topic. Here are some reasons why:It makes the Salah even more meaningful It contains the entire message of the QuranIt is a letter from Allah to us, containing His Love, Mercy and KindnessIt addresses all ideologies and isms that human beings have ever come up with from the past and in the present. It is a window into an intimate conversation with Allah that takes place everyday
How do we respond to the most recent ceasefire by drawing lessons from the Battle of the Trench and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah? What does activism look like in Islam, and three guiding principles of sacred activism as we move forward in our efforts for a free Palestine
When injustice becomes constant, resistance must become louder.This week marks the 77th anniversary of the Nakba. As the genocide in Palestine continues with unbearable brutality, many are starting to feel numb. Outrage fades. The news becomes routine. But as the Ummah of the Prophet ﷺ, we cannot allow ourselves to grow used to this.This isn't just a humanitarian crisis — it's a spiritual test. How do we hold on to taqwa in an age of injustice? How do we turn heartbreak into action?
We're delighted to welcome back our dear Imam Uzair Akbar!
We're honoured to be joined by Imam Uzair Akbar for a powerful session. As a true pillar of our community, he is known for his profound contributions which offer clarity, depth and balance. In sha Allah he will guide us through a holistic understanding of our deen, helping us to reconnect with purpose and honour in our character and faith.
In the Battle of the Trench, the Companions faced fear, trial, and uncertainty — yet Allah's words guided their hearts. And for us, the Qur'anic stories can't be just history — they must challenge us to reflect deeply on our lives today.Ustadh Zareef takes us through reflections on this profound Surah…• Divine Commentary – How does Allah capture the siege of Al Khandaq with perfect succintness and power?• Medina to Gaza – How can the Sahaba's example guide our Ummah through struggles like in Palestine?• Excuses, Excuses – Are we at risk of being hypocrites, like those exposed in this Surah?• Firmness in Faith – What does it mean to truly trust Allah's promise?
In this episode, Ustadh Saarim takes us deep into one of the most pivotal moments in the Seerah: The Battle of the Trench.Uncover the story of a massive coalition of Quraysh and allied tribes uniting against Madinah, the ingenious strategy of Salman al-Farisi, and the tense days of siege that tested the believers to their core. Through it all, we witness how unshakable reliance on Allah turned the tide and secured a decisive moment in Islamic history.
The world is a prison for the believer and paradise for a non-believer.As this series concludes, the finale *The Liberal Delusion* confronts the false and dangerous ideologies which have replaced divine truth with human delusion. The modern trinity of Agnosticism, Secular Humanism and Liberalism. The system presents us with a world without God, morality without revelation and politics without accountability, leading us on a dark, dystopic and hollow path.Join us as Dr. Zohair takes us through the core myths of our age and how Kitab al-Zuhd wa'l-Raqa'iq provides us with insight and understanding to realign us with our ultimate purpose.
“A man once saw a thorny branch on the road and removed it so it wouldn't harm the people—so Allah was pleased with him and forgave him.” – Our beloved Prophet ﷺThere are deeds we underestimate, light on the tongue and in the hand, but with pure intentions and sincerity they can carry the weight of our salvation in the afterlife.Gaining knowledge and clarity on intentions, and how to purify them, is essential in redirecting our notions of success and ensuring they aren't done in vain. Dr. Zohair will be taking us through the narrations of Kitab al-Zuhd wa'l-Raqa'iq on the spiritual weight of small actions, the power and purification of intentions and how we may be underestimating the path to paradise.
"Having a truthful companion is better than being alone, but being alone is better than having an evil companion.”–Abu Musa (RA)How do we protect ourselves from the harm of unvirtuous friendships, while still nurturing the bonds of kinship, brotherhood, and unity within our community?What are the signs of a true friendship—versus one rooted in ego, sin, or spiritual harm?Join us tonight as Dr. Zohair takes us through the narrations of Kitab al-Zuhd wa'l-Raqa'iq that, in sha Allah, will grant us clarity, deepen our understanding, and reconnect us with teachings that bring us closer to Allah.
In this week's session of Faith Circle with Sheikh Elshinawy, we'll explore how wealth and faith can coexist. What does it mean to live a life of faith, purpose and generosity in a world with so much fitna?
!“Convey from me, even if it is one verse."- The Beloved Prophet ﷺ
n Al Qayyim said,“The first thing of your religion that you will lose is khushoo', and the last thing that you will lose of your religion is salaah. There may be a person praying who has no goodness in him, and soon you will enter the mosque and not find anyone who has khushoo” (Madarij Salikeen) Allah has declared that the flourishing of the believer is connected to the flourishing of their prayer, “Successful are the believers, those who have Khushu' in their prayer” (Quran, 23:2)
Hasan Al-Basri said, *“Allah is not worshipped with anything greater than long-lasting sorrow (tūl-al-huzn)”*We often hear people say that if you have faith you will never be sad or anxious. But then how do we understand this aphorism from one of the great tabi'un? Are Muslims immune from the midlife crisis ? Or quarter life crisis ? Is it possible that you are a believer but feel nihilistic ? As you know I dislike platitudes and cliches…let's explore these questions at a deeper level as we continue our reflections from Kitab Zuhd wa Ar-Raqa'iq by Ibn Mubarak. Umar bin Khattab said, “*Sit with those who have repented, because they have the softest hearts”*The believer with a past can feel so many different emotions - guilt over their sins, overwhelming gratitude for guidance, imposter syndrome, shame, happiness all together.Can a righteous believer still be heart broken? Can a repentant Muslim who lost his friends feel lonely?Maybe your sins were a blessing in disguise to make you humble and not arrogant. To make you soft hearted and not harsh hearted. These are themes we will explore in Kitab Zuhd wa Raqa'iq this week - we'll call it: “Righteous Sadness: A Believer's Grief”
When Wolves become Shepherds Kitab Zuhd Wa Raqa'iq by Ibn Al-Mubarak. - Pitfalls of Preaching & Activism- The Art of Da'wah in the West- Knowledge & Power
Time waits for no one We start to go through the narrations in the book, Kitab az-Zuhd wa Raqa'iq. The key theme of the beginning is about the passing of time and how a believer's attitude should be toward the finiteness of his life span. This is a reality we often ignore - time is certainly running out, and where are we going? Ibn Mubarak chooses this narration to start his book:The Prophet SAW said, “there are two blessings which many people are deceived in: health and free time”
Explore lessons from the life of Abdullah ibn Mubarak the Author of Kitāb az-Zuhd wa'r-Raqāʾiq by Imām Ibn al-Mubārak (رحمه الله), a timeless work on breaking the dunya delusion.
This week and the weeks following, we will draw from the timeless wisdom of Kitāb az-Zuhd wa'r-Raqāʾiq by Imām ʿAbdullāh Ibn al-Mubārak (رحمه الله) (736–797 CE). A scholar, muḥaddith, jurist, and ascetic. Known for his depth, balance, and protection of the vulnerable.Zuhd isn't about looking poor or avoiding life's blessings. It's about keeping the heart detached from worldly things, even when they're within reach. Ibn al-Mubārak exemplified this. Though he had wealth and dressed well, he lived simply, gave generously, and stayed focused on Allah.
Ninth Foundation: On the Censure of Pride and Self-Conceit
The eighth foundation: On the Censure of Seeking Fame and Ostentation, and the Remedy
The Sixth Foundation: On the Censure of the World
The fifth foundation: Anger, Malice and Envy
The fourth foundation: on the Defects of the Tongue continued A translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah.
The fourth foundation: on the Defects of the Tongue A translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah.
The second foundation completed: On Disciplining the Soul, Refining the Character, and Curing the Sicknesses of the HeartA translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah.
The second foundation continued: On Disciplining the Soul, Refining the Character, and Curing the Sicknesses of the HeartA translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah.
Station 2: On Disciplining the Soul, Refining the Character, and Curing the Sicknesses of the HeartA translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah. Each night we will go through a foundation
A summarized translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah. Each night we will go through a foundation
The deceased is followed by three, his family, his wealth, and his deeds. Two return, and one remains - his deeds. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6514Dr. Zohair takes us through a powerful double session on both the *Journey and Salvation in the Barzakh*.The transition from this world to the next is among the most profound moments in our existence. And while this mystery has perplexed humanity for centuries, the Quran and Sunnah describe it in vivid detail. Every soul will undertake this journey—some will be received with comfort and peace, while others may face hardship and regret.
There is a world you can't see... But it can see you, and you're only one step away from it.Some of us see the Barzakh as something distant, and a realm that we only interact with after death, but in reality *we are connected to it even now.* The unseen world is not entirely seperate from us, we interact with it without even realizing. *The Quran and Sunnah* reveal that the realm of the *Barzakh is interwined with our existence here*, but what does this teach us about the *unseen forces that shape our reality*, our *purpose in this life* and *our ultimate destination*? Join us for the first session of our Ramadan Faith Circle series, where Dr. Zohair will take us through the role of the Barzakh in our lives today, the unseen connections between this world and the next, and how our existence is already linked to what awaits us beyond the grave.
For many of us family serves as our greatest source of *love and support*, but this can also be our trying test. The Quran is filled with wholesome stories of strong and beautiful family bonds, but what are we taught about *toxic families, oppressive households and deadly rivalries?*Join us this week at *Faith Circle, Thursday February 20 at 6:30pm at the Islamic College of Brisbane* as Dr. Zohair will take us through how to navigate family tensions through the lessons in the Quran._What can we learn from a mother and young man of unmatched faith who endured in a house of tyranny?_Despite Firawn being the *worst human in history*, from his household emerged *two of the greatest people to ever live*. If righteousness can prevail from the depths of despair and toxicity, what lessons can we take from this when facing struggles in our own lives?
The pursuit of the right spouse is an imperative part of life and an integral part of our faith, but in today's world the search has become more difficult than ever. With countless options, external pressures, conflicting cultures and fitna permeating our society, how can me wake the wisest decision?
Faith Circle: Parenting in a Secular World – Kids Delay or Decide?
This week, we were be joined by Sheikh Hatem Al-Haj - a world-renowned scholar and expert in Islamic studies. He holds a PhD in Comparative Fiqh, a Master's Degree in Islamic Law and is currently serving as a Pediatric hospitalist.Advice to the Muslim couple focuses on how to build harmony between spouses.
Father-son relationships are a unique bond. The father sacrifices to raise the son, and then the son sacrifices to care for his father.The Quran speaks of the strongest bond ever forged between a father and son—a legacy we are reminded of every single day of our lives: *Ibrahim and Ismail* (AS).Join us at Faith Circle, this *Thursday, January 23* at *6:45pm at Islamic College* of Brisbane as Sheikh Zohair takes us through a reflection on the legendary partnership of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail (AS) that established our most sacred place of worship and produced a progeny that culminated in our last and final Messenger (SWAS). Through this story, we will reflect on:
Alhumdulilah we'll be kicking off the first Faith Circle of the year, and our new topic of Families in the Quranwith Miraculous Bonds. In this session Sheikh Zohair will be taking us through on some of the most remarkable and noteworthy connections found among Families in the Quran:✨ *Zakariyya & Yahya* AS: A story of *heartfelt dua* and *steadfast patience*, and Allah's response with the gift of wisdom and rightenousness.✨ *Maryam & Eesa* AS: An extraordinary bond, exhibiting resilience and Allah's mercy in refuting accusations into *ultimate vindication* and testament of virtue.✨ *Ibrahim & Ishaaq* AS: The legacy of a *deep and bright lineage*, driven by a *commitment to righteous leadership* to fulfil the divine mission which resonates with us today.Through these stories, we'll reflect on:
Did you know that some of Islam's greatest contributions to science, spirituality, and governance came from Africa?This week at Faith Circle, we are honored to host *Sheikh Mustafa Briggs* for an enlightening session on the profound contributions of Black Muslims throughout Islamic history.
_How do we, as Muslims, truly honour Isa (AS) and understand his prophesied return?_Next week, we'll conclude this year's Faith Circle with a *special end-of-year session:**The Return of Jesus (Isa AS): From Damascus to Al-Aqsa*With recent events of the tyrant falling in Damascus, we are reminded of Isa (AS)'s descent. As the world observes Christmas, we reflect on how we, as Muslims, truly honour Jesus (AS)—not just as a prophet but as the Messiah in the final chapter of humanity. His return empowers us with hope and Yaqeen, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of truth and justice, the unity of believers, and the fulfillment of Allah's perfect plan.✨ *What We'll Cover*:
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
