Qur'an Conversations

Inshirah is an Arabic word meaning “expansion.” In this spiritually invigorating episode,  Imam Magid and Dalia Mogahed discuss the ways Surat Taha expands the believing heart when read because it shines light on both Divine power and might as well as Divine proximity and mercy.  Season 3: Episode 3“On God's Power and Proximity” TaHa: 5-8You will learn:

Have you ever felt like being a Muslim is to swim againstthe norm? Like you're the odd person out at work, school and in how you see the world?  In this episode Imam Magid and Dalia Mogahed discuss how the Quranis a source of healing not hardship.  Season 3: Episode 2“The Quran as a Source of Healing not Hardship”  TaHa:2-4 You will learn: 

Has reading an ayah in the Quran ever stopped you dead in your tracks as if it were talking directly to you? In the first episode of season 3, Imam Magid and Dalia Mogahed are joined by Hajj Hisham Mahmoud* to discuss the opening of Surat Taha and the heart it transformed from enemy to intimate companion and eventually Commander of the Faithful in eight short verses. S3:E1: The Surah that Melted Omar's Heart (Taha 20: 1-2)You will learn:

In this bonus episode, Dalia Mogahed shares her inspiration for creating this podcast, as well as her journey of healing through the study of Surah Yusuf.  She discusses the main lessons from the Surah as a bookend and prequel all in one.  You will learn: 

In this culminating episode on Surat Yusuf, Imam Magid and Dalia Mogahed discuss the final ayas of the surah and draw out the overarching themes and lessons of this epic story.  You will learn: 

When was the last time you stopped to admire a tree or flower in awe, or watched the sun rise and reflected on Allah's mercy? In this episode, Dalia Mogahed and Imam Mohamed Magid explore the themes of vulnerability before God, making God the center of  life's orbit and balancing Trust in Him and awareness of one's fragility. They discuss the importance of noticing the miracles all around us, as well as the dangers of “New Age Spirituality."You will learn: 

Educating others about Islam can be one of the mostrewarding acts of worship we can engage in.  But how do we approach itwith courage and confidence rather than compromise and people-pleasing?  In this episode, Dalia Mogahed and ImamMagid delve explore how Surat Yusuf teaches us about dawah (inviting) people toGod, as well as how this very Surah is proof of Muhammed's (s)prophethood.  You will learn:  

How do you tell the story of your life? Are you the victim of circumstances, the self reliant survivor, or the receiver of God's infinite bounty in different forms? In this emotional episode we discuss the culmination of the story of Yusuf (s) when he reunites with his father and embraces him, when his brothers prostrate to him and his dream as a child is realized.You will learn: 

When's the last time you heard some good news? How did it feel to receive it?  And were you ever in a situation where everyone around you doubted you, but you stayed certain of your viewpoint? Were you proved right in the end? In this episode, we open a conversation about the moment when the shirt of Yusuf (s) is brought to his father, Yaqub (s), the truth is brought to light, and Yacub (s) regains his lost sight. You will learn:

Have you ever been asked to forgive someone who hurt you deeply? If you forgave them, how did it make you feel to show forbearance? If not, what was missing in the request for forgiveness.  Have you ever asked for forgiveness? In this episode, we do a deep dive into the process of healing and grace as modeled in the story of Yusuf (s) and his brothers. You will learn:

How should we grieve? Is there an expiration date, or one right way to feel our sorrow?  Is “getting over it” the healthy option? How should we treat a grieving family member? Are there spiritual benefits to grieving?  In this episode of Quran Conversations, Imam Muhammad Majid and I explore how Yaqub (s) models grieving and parenting children who have committed a grievous act of transgression.    You will learn:

Have you ever had to earn back trust after losing it? How did you do this? Have you ever restored trust in someone after it was lost? What are the building blocks of rebuilding trust after betrayal in a relationship? In the first episode of season 2, Imam Magid and I discuss Yusuf's (s) brothers' stark difference in tone and content when they are hoping to regain credibility with their father compared to their deception at the beginning of the story.  (12:80-84)You will learn: What characterizes truthfulness? The prophetic model for holding a positive opinion of God even in the face of great loss and grief. The difference between a sin inspired by Shaytan and one prompted by our own self (nafs).  The deep connection between beautiful patience and maintaining hope. 

Is it ever OK to deceive? What would it feel like to get someone who wronged us to acknowledge their harm? What is the first priority when supporting a victim of abuse? In this episode (20) of Quran Conversations, Imam Muhammad Majid and I delve further into the story of Prophet Yusuf, focusing on the themes of deception, justice, and forgiveness. We explore Yusuf's strategic actions to keep his brother with him, the implications of the royal cup's theft, and the brothers' defensive responses. Our conversation explores themes of safety, authority. (12:70-79) You will learn:

How do we balance relying on God and taking the means? How do we work for the best outcome while not worrying? And what is the responsibility to maintain relations with a family member who has abused us? In this episode (19) we tackle some of the most perplexing questions we face in our families as parents, siblings and children. (12:67-69) You will learn:

How do we respond when our loved ones must leave our side?  Do we let them go and trust in Allah, or attempt to control them in an effort to feel secure?  In this episode (episode 18) we discuss the impossible task of striking the balance between keeping our children safe by restricting them and trusting Allah and letting them grow even if it means they leave our side.  (12:62-66) You will learn:

It is one thing to be God-conscious in times of hardship, but what do you do when life takes a turn for the better? What happens when tragedy and trauma is transformed into triumph? Is it a chance for cruelty or clemency?  In this episode (episode 17), we discuss a major inflection point in the story of Yusuf (as) when he is put in authority in the land, in charge of the foodstores in a time of drought, and what we can learn by the way he responds when his brothers come to him asking for his help. (12:56-61) You will learn:

I am sometimes asked how I have so much confidence?  The truth is right before I go out to speak in front of hundreds of people I am often terrified.  But over the years I have found ways to get myself to do things which are hard for me.  This episode (16) I discuss with Imam Magid what Surat Yusuf teaches us about building confidence.  How did Yusuf, a former enslaved person and prisoner, find the confidence to say “Put me in charge of the nation's storehouses: I shall manage them prudently and carefully.” (12: 55)?   You will learn

Popular culture sometimes romanticizes obsessions with love interests or even celebrities.  But as anyone who has either been the target of such an obsession or had an obsession with someone else knows, it feels like a prison.  This week (episode 15) we continue to discuss the liberating power of repentance and how the truth is the fastest path back to yourself and your loving Lord.  Also, stay to the end to hear the Quran's best advice for career success. 

This episode (14) was especially fun to record, ending in a spirited debate regarding a often discussed verse in this exquisite surah.  We delve into the transformative power of experiencing moral awe, and the theme of redemption woven throughout the story. You will learn: How to hold to your principles, regardless of the power dynamics of a situation.  The power of redemption. Why witnessing the best character inspires moral awe. How confessions set us free.  If you're enjoying this podcast, please review it on your podcasting platform.  It helps more than you know.  @Quran.Conversations is sponsored by Fawakih, an online learning platform for Quranic Arabic which I myself use.  Start your journey in unlocking the language of the Quran.  Go to Fawakih.org/journey We hope this podcast encourages your own reflective journey with the Quran. Make sure to stay until the end to hear this week's reflection prompt. For more spiritual insights, follow me on Instagram at @daliamogahed

What do our dreams mean? Who should hear about them? What should we do with good and bad dreams?  These are just some of the questions we discuss in this week's episode (episode 13) where we explore the verses of Surat Yusuf describing the king's dream. Make sure to stay until the end when I share my absolute favorite aya of the entire surah and why it blew my mind. You will learn: How to know if a dream is a true vision (ru'ya) or just your subconscious thoughts or from Shaytan.   How to respond to both good and bad dreams One thing dreams can never be used for. What the people a leader surrounds him or herself with says about the leader.  How to apply the lessons of times of abundance and scarcity to one's own life --- If you're enjoying this podcast, please review it on your podcasting platform.  It helps more than you know.  @Quran.Conversations is sponsored by Fawakih, an online learning platform for Quranic Arabic which I myself use.  Start your journey in unlocking the language of the Quran.  Go to Fawakih.org/journey We hope this podcast encourages your own reflective journey with the Quran. Make sure to stay until the end to hear this week's reflection prompt.  For more spiritual insights, follow me on Instagram at @daliamogahed

I remember a difficult time in my life when it felt like the opening to hardship would never come no matter what I did.  Many of us have experienced delays.  Delays in relief, delays in attaining the things we desire and work for.  This episode discusses the delay in Yusuf (as) delay in being let out of prison and what it meant to the trajectory of his life.  This episode will change the way you think about the delays in your life.  (Verse 39-42) You will learn: How to use emotional connection as well as logic to invite people to believe in the singularity of God. The inner turbulence of answering to more than one master. What is the hand, heart, head method of connecting? How to examine the premise of a question to identify bias. Why does God delay answering our prayers? If you're enjoying this podcast, please review it on your podcasting platform.  It helps more than you know.  @Quran.Conversations is sponsored by Fawakih, an online learning platform for Quranic Arabic which I myself use.  Start your journey in unlocking the language of the Quran.  Go to Fawakih.org/journey We hope this podcast encourages your own reflective journey with the Quran. Make sure to stay until the end to hear this week's reflection prompt.   For more spiritual insights, follow me on Instagram at @daliamogahed 

Have you ever gone through a hard time in your life and looking back you realize it was actually God protecting you, redirecting you to your destiny? In this episode we discuss Yusuf (AS) imprisonment, and the masterclass this surah provides in inviting people to Islam.  (Versus 34-38) You will learn:  How our apparent calamities can be protections How to manage our frustration with the imperfect justice of worldly courts. The preconditions of a free society The real reason Yusuf was imprisoned The Quran's prescription for inviting people to God's way. If you're enjoying this podcast, please review it on your podcasting platform.  It helps more than you know.  @Quran.Conversations is sponsored by Fawakih, an online learning platform for Quranic Arabic which I myself use.  Start your journey in unlocking the language of the Quran.  Go to Fawakih.org/journey We hope this podcast encourages your own reflective journey with the Quran. Make sure to stay until the end to hear this week's reflection prompt.   For more spiritual insights, follow me on Instagram at @daliamogahed 

In society today, we are often told that being “free” means indulging our every impulse to its fullest.  We hear messages like “obey your thirst”, “just do it” and “YOLO”.  But is this indulgence of our drives actual freedom? In today's episode we explore the themes of resistance, power and what it means to be truly free as we discuss how the minister's wife responds to the womens' reaction to Yusuf (as) and the prophet's choice of prison over succumbing to their pressure.  (Versus 32 to 33) You will learn: The deeper meaning of “holding on to the rope of Allah” What happens in the brain when someone is “madly in love.” What is true dignity and what is true humiliation. How do we become truly free? --- If you're enjoying this podcast, please review it on your podcasting platform.  It helps more than you know.  @Quran.Conversations is sponsored by Fawakih, an online learning platform for Quranic Arabic which I myself use.  Start your journey in unlocking the language of the Quran.  Go to Fawakih.org/journey We hope this podcast encourages your own reflective journey with the Quran. Make sure to stay until the end to hear this week's reflection prompt.   For more spiritual insights, follow me on Instagram at @daliamogahed 

I think this episode will resonate with a lot of people who have struggled with unhealthy obsessions, negative body image or being judged on their looks. We discuss how both the wife of the minister and the women of the city viewed Yusuf (as) through the lens of superficial beauty and not the real beauty of his character.  (Versus 28 to 31) You will learn: The real meaning of an often abused verse of the Quran. What happens when we allow people into the part of our heart only meant for God. How the type of beauty we see is a reflection of our inner state. How to address negative body image. If you're enjoying this podcast, please review it on your podcasting platform.  It helps more than you know. @Quran.Conversations is sponsored by Fawakih, an online learning platform for Quranic Arabic which I myself use.  Start your journey in unlocking the language of the Quran.  Go to Fawakih.org/journey We hope this podcast encourages your own reflective journey with the Quran. Make sure to stay until the end to hear this week's reflection prompt.  For more spiritual insights, follow me on Instagram at @daliamogahed 

In this episode we discuss how Yusuf (AS) responds to the advances of the minister's wife, and how his innocence is verified by a member of his accuser's own family.  (Verses 24 to 27).   You will learn: Why ‘willpower' is a lie, and what it really takes to resist temptation. How we should think about ourselves when we successfully resist temptation. How should we look to others who have fallen into sin. The truly pious response to being falsely accused. -Why falsehood requires aggression. The true meaning of freedom

In this episode we discuss Yusuf (AS)  maturing from a child to a young man in the house of the Egyptian minister, and the minister's wife attempting to seduce him. (Verses 22 to 23). You will learn: The true meaning of Muslim manhood. How to address  abuse of authority by both men and women. How to stand your ground even when there is a power imbalance in the other party's favor. The meaning of “Ihsan” and how to instill it in ourselves and our children. Defining Arabic terms used in this episode: Khalwa: Seclusion Zina:  Sexual relations outside of marriage. Ihsan:  Excellence, beauty, perfection. Learn more: https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/islam-iman-ihsan-climbing-the-spiritual-mountain

In this episode we explore the themes of dehumanization, self-worth and God's Dominion over all no matter the apparent reality.  You will learn about: How to protect your sense of self-worth. The power of knowing that God is in control no matter your circumstances. Why mindless acts of exploitation can be worse than major deliberate acts of evil. The traps before the triumphs.

In this episode we discuss the events of surat Yusuf after he is put in the well and his brothers come back to their father with a heinous lie.  You will learn: The characteristics of playing victim to shield against accountability when in the wrong. The difference between the influence of Shaytan and that of our own nafs when we act outside our values. How dehumanizing others harms the oppressor. The real meaning of “beautiful patience.” How to hold space for our children to return to righteousness even when they've lost their way. The symbolism of the shirt as a literary device in surat Yusuf.

In this conversation, we discuss what we can learn from the way Yaqoob (AS) chooses to express his objection to Yusuf's brothers' insistence on taking him to play and the terrifying events of the brothers' betrayal.  You will learn: How to speak our hearts instead of just our minds. What really determines success? The dangers of a hardened heart. The emotional intelligence of Qur'anic comfort How our darkest moments can be the launching pad toward our purpose.

In this episode, we discuss the dangers of groupthink and the difference between a cult and a community. You will learn:  The dangers of groupthink. What true unity should be based on. The power of a dissenting voice in the course of history. The significance of just being in the room.  How difficult times and moments of vulnerability can lead to growth and elevation.

In this episode, we discuss sharing dreams and setting boundaries.  In this episode you will learn:  The importance of being a safe place for others to entrust their dreams. How setting boundaries with family members who are harmful or jealous is important for self-protection. How struggles are a part of life, even for the prophets and their families. The importance of not blaming parents for their children's actions; each individual has their own path. The critical role of Identity in shaping our behaviors.   How to overcome harboring jealousy. Why having pure intentions is not enough. How favoritism can be understood in different ways. 

In this first episode, we lay out why surat Yusuf is so special, the occasion for its revelation, and the broad themes of redemption and hope that it punctuates. In this episode you will learn:  How reflecting on the Quran deeply is a healing balm How to open ourselves to the comfort God sends us through His word  How the Quran offers guidance for the individual and an ethical framework for the community The way the Quran is a challenge to the mind and a comfort to the heart. The true nature of reason.