Knowledge, Devotion & Service

In this particularly instructive khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses the four things that the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) advised people to do as soon as he (Allah bless him and give him peace) arrived in Madinah. Ustadh Amjad also provides practical suggestions on how to implement this Prophetic advice easily. For […] The post How To Enter Jannah In Peace – Al-Maqasid Podcast- Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

So much of what we do, such as school or work, is because we want to be ‘happy.' We talk a lot about happiness, but it is an elusive concept. In this khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains that the real question is: What does it mean to be alive?   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, […] The post “The Pursuit of Happiness” – What does it mean to be happy? -Al-Maqasid Podcast- Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Continuing the discussion from last Jumu’a on the dhikr Laa ilaha illa Allah, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains that the way to actualize the realities of  Laa ilaha illa Allah is found through the most beloved of creation, the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). He also answers the question of why there […] The post How to Actualize the Realities of Laa ilaha ila Allah – Al-Maqasid Podcast- Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

“There is no life except the life of the Hereafter.” In this Jumu’a Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains why we should seek the good pleasure of Allah the Exalted in every moment and in every state. He also discusses the benefits of the dhikr (remembrance) Laa ilaaha ila Allah and the meanings to have in […] The post Be One Who Realizes the Nature of This World and the Hereafter- Al-Maqasid Podcast- Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus continues his discussion on the right of Muslims on other Muslims. According to Imam al-Haddad (d. 1132 AH/1720 CE), there are two key traits that facilitate many other traits. Shaykh Yahya discusses these traits and explains how to begin to implement them. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach […] The post Rights of Muslims on Other Muslims: Two Key Traits – Al-Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this last Jumua of Ramadan 1442 (2021) with only a few days left of this blessed month, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus provides several gems of parting advice. He begins with a discussion of the Divine Gentleness in which the obligatory fast is presented in the Qur'an (2:183-85) and the etiquettes one should have with Allah […] The post Muraqaba (Vigilance): The Key to Comprehensive Good – Al- Maqasid Podcast – Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

“Whoever hurts a Muslim has hurt me. And whoever hurts me has hurt Allah.” Continuing with his short series on the rights of Muslims to other Muslims in preparation for Ramadan, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus mentions numerous hadith that unequivocally demonstrate that believers have a sanctity that other believers must uphold.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast […] The post Rights of Muslims on Other Muslims: Strive To Never Harm Another Believer- Al-Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

“The seeker is not truly a seeker until he finds in the Qur'an all that seeks.” As this blessed month of Ramadan begins, it is a good time to access our relationship with the Qur'an. It has been said that to gage one's state with Allah the Exalted, one should look at his or her […] The post Establishing a Relationship with the Qur'an– Al- Maqasid Podcast- Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this khutba, Shaykh Yahya defines the four cardinal virtues in an Islamic context and then focuses on the virtue of courage, which lies between cowardness and recklessness. He discusses the other traits of good character that arise from it, as well as the bad character traits that arise when there is an imbalance and […] The post Courage and Other Traits of Good Character that Rise From It – Al- Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

“It is a believer's duty to guard himself against sin, both small and great, in the same way, he would against burning fires, floods, and lethal poison.” Imam al-Haddad On the blessed last Friday of the sacred month of Rajab, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin reminds us that it is not too late to receive Rajab's special […] The post Turn Back To Allah Immediately- Al-Maqasid Podcast – Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this fascinating discussion, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains the four steps in decision making: thought, inclination, judgment, and intention. He discusses in detail the sources of one's thoughts, as well as how to combat and discourage thoughts that lead to bad actions and how to embrace and encourage thoughts that lead to good actions.   […] The post The 4-Steps in Decision Making: Spiritual Struggle and Purifying the Heart- Al-Maqasid Podcast – Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Our ultimate goal is to know Allah the Exalted in this world and to be near Him, in eternal bliss, in the next. In this highly encouraging reflection, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the next trait of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in al-Sulami's book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: seek knowledge of Allah through Our knowledge. He discusses the […] The post Futuwwa – Knowledge of Allah is the goal- Al-Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin ends his series on the five foundational Hadith by looking at the fifth Hadith in which a companion asked, “O Messenger of Allah, guide me to an action that if I do it, Allah will love me and the people will love me.” The Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) […] The post Foundational Hadith: “Detach from the World and Allah will Love You”- Al-Maqasid – Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Continuing with his series on the five foundational hadith that scholars have indicated all other hadith stems from their meaning, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin looks at the fourth foundational hadith: “By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, none of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for […] The post Foundational Hadith:” None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself of goodness. ”- Al-Maqasid – Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this next Khutba, continuing with the five foundational hadith upon which Islam is built, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses the well-known hadith narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim which states, “That which is lawful is clear and that which is forbidden is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people […] The post Foundational Hadith:”The Lawful is Clear and the Forbidden is Clear”- Al-Maqasid – Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

The next virtuous trait of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in al-Sulami's book, Kitab al-Futuwwa is to hold on to the truth in all circumstances. Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses three verses in Surah az-Ahzab (33:21-23), which mention how true believers fulfill their pledge to Allah the Exalted in the most difficult of circumstances. He also mentions […] The post Futuwwa – Persevering in Truthfulness Despite the Circumstances- Al-Maqasid- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

“It is from Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) to not let anything distract one from his Lord and to bear tribulations on the path of seeking closeness to Him.” In this comprehensive discussion, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses this next virtuous trait of Futuwwa found in Imam al-Sulami's book on Futuwwa. He discusses the criteria used by those […] The post Futuwwa – Navigating Distractions and Bearing Tribulations- Al-Maqasid- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains what it means to fear Allah, the next virtuous trait of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in Imam al-Sulami's book, Kitab al-Futuwwa. He also explains a stanza in Imam al-Haddad's poem ‘My Lord’s Knowledge Suffices Me’ (Qad kafānī ‘ilmu Rabbī) and the blessings in having a good opinion of Allah the Exalted […] The post Futuwwa– Having Fear of Allah -Al-Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

“When you mention the righteous, mercy descends.” In this reflection, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus reminds us of the blessings of staying connected to the righteous. He also discusses the intentions one makes when residing in blessed places of knowledge. He ends his reflection with the next trait of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in Imam al-Sulami's Kitab […] The post Futuwwa– Speaking of Spiritual Matters -Al-Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

The next trait of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in Imam al-Sulami's Kitab al-Futuwwa, is to realize one's complete impoverishment (faqr) before Allah the Exalted in all of one’s states. Here, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains why it is in our benefit to realize our servitude before Allah the Exalted. He also discusses the four types of […] The post Futuwwa – Strength in Realizing Weakness before Allah-Al-Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus translates a poem of love and praise of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) by a great knower of Allah the Exalted, al-Habib Ali bin Muhammad al-Habashi, who died in 1333 AH (1915 CE). He points out that the righteous all over the traditional Muslim world say the same […] The post Futuwwa – Poems of Praise of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace)- Al-Maqasid Podcast-Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the importance of establishing and preserving the five daily prayers, especially praying in congregation (Salat al-Jamā'a) and in particular with respect to the ‘Isha and Fajr prayers. Six benefits of praying in congregation are mentioned, along with several hadiths and stories of the righteous that demonstrate the more one's life revolves […] The post Futuwwa – Virtues of Praying in Congregation- Al-Maqasid Podcast-Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

The next virtue mentioned in Imam al-Sulami's book ‘Kitab al-Futuwwa’ is bearing hardships for the sake of Allah the Exalted. Shaykh Yahya Rhodus mentions that those on the spiritual path will experience harm at the hands of people, and that part of spiritual progress is bearing that for Allah’s sake. As encouragement, Shaykh Yahya recounts […] The post Futuwwa -Bearing Hardships for the Sake of Allah- Al-Maqasid Podcast-Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this next discussion of the virtues mentioned in Imam al-Sulami's book ‘Kitab al-Futuwwa’, Shaykh Yahya discusses the great trait of letting go of one's wealth. He explains several verses from the Quran where Allah the Exalted tells us that the righteous give solely out of love for Him. Several beautiful stories of generosity displayed […] The post Futuwwa – Letting Go of Our Wealth-Al- Maqasid Podcast-Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

“The melodies are there to help you reflect on the meanings.” With these few words, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus reminds us that the weekly Mawlid is far more than just listening to uplifting rhythms or gathering together socially. Rather, we are preparing ourselves to be with the Messenger(Allah bless him and give him peace), in the […] The post Strengthening the Connection with the Beloved (Allah bless him and give him peace) – Al-Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus starts by reminding all the believers of the importance of coming together and coming together for good. All believers being sources of good for one another. He goes on to explain the importance of giving one another glad tidings, and how there are a countless number of angels that follow one when one […] The post Benefits of Believers Coming Together- Al-Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus begins by letting us all know that there are blessings in mentioning the people of righteousness. Thus having a heart attachment to the righteous pulls one to follow in their footsteps. The righteous were one of the best people to walk on the face of the earth. Shaykh Yahya goes on to […] The post Having a Heart Attachment to the Righteous – Al-Maqasid- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this uplifting talk, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses a Hadith Qudsi (Divine saying) in which Allah the Exalted tells us four simple and attainable ways that we can become beloved to Him.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, […] The post Loving For Allah’s Sake- Al-Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus continues his discussion on spiritual chivalry (futuwwa) looking at the virtue of being a servant to Allah the Exalted alone, as mentioned in Imam al-Sulami's book, Kitab al-Futuwwa, and in two aphorisms by Ibn‘Ata Illah al-Iskandari. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable […] The post Being a True Servant- Al-Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Allah the Exalted tells us in the Qur'an, “Surely those who swear allegiance to you [Prophet Muhammad] do but swear allegiance to Allah…” [Quran 48:10] In this powerful Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses the exalted station of our beloved Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace), and how following him opens the greatest doors […] The post The Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) and the Message – Al-Maqasid Podcast- Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin implores all to follow the prophetic way in the best of ways. He goes on to remind all to reflect that all the prophets came with the same message of La ilaha ila Allah. The importance of reviving the meanings of La ilaha ila Allah in the believer’s heart […] The post Taking Advantage of the Day of Ashura – Al-Maqasid Podcast- Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this relevant and extremely beneficial Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses what we should do in this time when there are so many inversions in morality, knowledge, and the natural ways Allah the Exalted has taught us to be. He bases his discussion on the Hadith of Jibril, peace be upon him, and verses from […] The post Success is in Following The Messenger(Allah bless him and give him peace)- Al-Maqasid Podcast-Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin continues his Khutba series on the five foundational hadiths, which scholars have indicated that all other hadith stem from their meaning. In this Part 2, he discusses the hadith, “It is from the excellence of a person’s Islam is that he leaves that which does not concern him,” and how to implement […] The post The 5 Foundational Hadith: (2) Leave Off Those Things That Don’t Concern You-Al-Maqasid Podcast- Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

In this Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin begins the first Khutba on the five foundational hadith which scholars have indicated that all other meanings stem from. He begins with the well-known hadith, “Actions are judged according to intentions…” and he describes the intentions of various categories of people, including the generality, the ignorant, the hypocrites, the […] The post The 5 Foundational Hadith: (1) Actions are According to Intentions-Al- Maqasid Podcast- Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin reminds us that Rabi’ al-Awwal—the birth month of our beloved Messenger (peace be upon him) is soon approaching. In anticipation of this beautiful occasion, he relates four things to do in order to see the Prophet (peace be upon him0 in one’s dreams, in shaʾ Allah. For more information on Al-Maqasid’s programs, […] The post The 4 Ways To See The Prophet (peace be upon him)-Al- Maqasid Podcast- Ustadh Amjad Tarsin appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

This Khutba reminds us of the Prophetic Hadith, “Truly, actions are [judged] by their endings.” [Bukhari] It is important for us to reflect on our state with Allah and to have resolve to change for the better. For more information on Al-Maqasid’s programs, please visit www.almaqasid.org   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help […]

This Khutba, delivered by Shaykh Yahya Rhodus at Al-Maqasid, focuses on the believer’s relationship with Ayat al-Kursi, the Verse of the Throne. For more information on Al-Maqasid, please visit www.almaqasid.org For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become […]

This Jumuʿa Khutba focuses on how each member of the Ummah has a responsibility to be of benefit to others, and how the greatest benefit is the blessing of guidance. But how do we do that? Five principles taken from the Quran are listed to help us begin fulfilling this responsibility with sincerity and effectiveness. […]

In this Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus focuses on one of the five most important devotions for spiritual development: cutting back on food. In today’s world, where desires are celebrated and obeyed, we need to be reminded of this profound act of devotion. Shaykh Yahya also lists the ten benefits of hunger, as mentioned by Imam […]

Allah the Exalted says, “O humanity! Indeed, there has come to you a reminder from your Lord, a cure for what is in the hearts, a guide, and a mercy for the believers.” [Quran 10:57] And the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was described as, “His character was the Quran.” This Khutba focuses on building a […]

This Jum’ah Khutba focuses on the importance of connection to, and love and reverence for the Beloved Messenger ﷺ. One of the greatest ways to achieve this is by sending abundant blessings of Allah (ṣalawāt) upon him ﷺ. For more information on Al-Maqasid, please visit www.almaqasid.org For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance […]

In this Jumuah Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus highlights that part of our servitude to Allah the Exalted is our need to always turn back to Him in repentance. He also shares various Prophetic invocations for seeking Allah’s forgiveness. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge […]

In this next discussion of Surah Yasin, Chapter 36 of the Qur’an, Shaykh Yahya covers ayah 36:20 through 36:27, which relates the story of a man who was martyred for trying to encourage his people to believe in One God. As part of the discussion, Shaykh Yahya touches upon several interesting topics, including: how our […]

In this next podcast, Shaykh Yahya discusses in detail ayah 18 and 19 of Surah Yasin, Chapter 36 of the Qur’an (36:18-36:19). Among other topics, he explains the psychology of disbelief and how to emulate those who have attained the Love of the Beloved Ta’ala. Several other related ayah are mentioned including 7:131, 27:47, 30:41, […]

Shaykh Yahya continues in this series by discussing ayat 13-17 of Surah Ya-Sin, Chapter 36 of the Qur’an (36:13-36:17). He initially explains the foundational meaning of ‘daraba’ and how it is used in 36:13. He also in relation to these verses explains how miracles are the breaking of norms, but how even the norm is […]

Shaykh Yayha discusses in depth ayah 12 in Surah Ya Sin, Chapter 36 of the Qur’an (36:12). Among the topics covered are several meanings of the beginning of the ayah, “Truly, We give life to the dead…” (as translated) and the occasion of the ayah’s revelation (asbab al-nuzul). There is also an enlightening discussion on […]

In this next session, Shaykh Yayha looks in depth at two more ayat in Surah Ya Sin, Chapter 36 of the Qur’an: 36:10 and 36:11. He covers a variety of topics including: who benefits from the Qu’ran; what it means to fear the All-Merciful; the three ways the Qur’an is a Reminder; and the beauty […]

In this next discussion of Surah Ya-Sin, Chapter 36 of the Qur’an, Shaykh Yahya covers 36:6 through 36:9 and gives practical advice related to these ayat. Specifically we learn: two questions to ask to determine if a place has spiritual light; what every Muslim should do at least once a week to avoid heedlessness; and […]

Shaykh Yayha continues with his discussion on Surah Ya Sin, Chapter 36 of the Qur’an, by looking in depth at the next two Ayah, 36:4 and 36:5. He explores such topics as what it means to be “on” the straight path; why we seek knowledge; and why the Names “Aziz” and “Rahim” are joined together […]

  In this 19-part series, Shaykh Yayha discusses Surah Ya Sin, Chapter 36 of the Qur’an, also known as “the heart” of the Qur’an. This initial session covers important introductory matters, such as the wisdom behind the unconnected letters (hurufi muqatta’at) found in the Qu’ran, a discussion on several hadith that mention this surah specifically, […]

Shaykh Yahya continues his discussion on the virtue mentioned in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: attracting the love of Allah Ta’ala by becoming loveable to the awliya (people of Allah). Here, he begins discussing the numerous benefits of this virtue, including the immense benefit of reciting […]