Faith Circle Podcast

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*:

In this week's class, Sheikh Zohair reveals the two antidotes for spiritual healing:• Love of Allah• Determination to act on this love

In this week's class, we look at how the Shaytan plants desire to mislead us, using speech to resist the devil's traps, deceptions through distractions and falsehoods. As well as practical strategies to manage anger and confront the devil's deceptions head-on.

class focuses on Murder and Zina.We also explored:• Swearing by other than Allah (e.g., "I swear on...").• Cultural practices such as bowing.• The Hadith regarding the creation of images and its implications.• The powerful story of Cain and Abel (Qabeel and Habeel).• The butterfly effect of sin and its far-reaching consequences.• The Qur'anic pairing of Zina and Murder, highlighting their grave severity.• Practical steps to safeguard oneself from falling into Zina

"Why is Shirk worse than murder?"Topics We Covered

A comprehensive look at all of the consequences of sin - the physical, psychological and spiritual.

20 Dec 2024

This class we touched on: - Using Allah's mercy as motivation vs. an excuse

In this session, we explored the final pathway to sin—the steps. Dr. Zohair introduced the _psychology of gait_ and _embodied cognition_, demonstrating how physicality can reflect and shape our inner state. Lessons from the Prophet ﷺ's walk emphasized humility and purpose in each step.

13 December

December 2024 at Kuraby Masjid

Kuraby Masjid, 29 November

In this session, we delve deeper into the thoughts that draw us closer to Allah, emphasising the importance of self-reflection, which Ibn Qayyim describes as the gateway to all goodness.We then address the third entryway to sin: The utterances. Discover how the tongue can either elevate or destroy you.As the Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent."

In a society influenced by Western, it's easy to fall into negative thought patterns that leave us feeling lost. However, spiritual transformation is deeply rooted in thoughts that prioritise contemplation of Allah's Speech and His Signs. So, how can we truly gain control of our thoughts? And how can we use our thoughts as a means of drawing closer to Allah?

Did you know that minor sins can turn into major ones if you insist upon them? This episode dives deep into the entryways of sin, focusing especially on the glance.

Did you know there are 4 motivations for sin? - Animalistic (Bahimiyya)

In this second instalment of the series "The Illness and The Cure". We look into Qadar (Destiny) and the effects of Dua has on it.

Our new series is a commentary on Ibn Al-Qayyim's masterpiece on overcoming sin and desires. This class is an introduction the author and explores the question the book is in response to

Understanding Du'aa Qunoot and Istikhara. How does this relate to fear and anxiety?

After a brief introduction on how Islam balances rulings with spirituality, Dr Zohair takes us on a dive into the fiqh of dua and the etiquettes for a blessed and accepted Du'aa

The final class of this series focussing on the ‘relationship with our nafs'.

This lesson explores our relationship with mankind through our relationship with our brothers and sisters suffering in around the world, particularly Gaza.

Continuing our ‘Healing through the Quran' series, this class focuses on healing the relationships in our life, whether it's our relationship with Allah SWT, with each other, or with ourselves, our nafs❤️‍

Allah says that the Quran is “a healing for whatever is in the heart” For diseases like anger, jealousy, greed, lust, animosity, apathy, doubts For injuries like trauma, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, stress, insecurities Whatever burdens you carry in your heart…the Quran is your healing ❤️‍