Podcast appearances and mentions of may allah

Tafsir Books in Islam | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd HajiBy Zayd Haji – Student at Zad AcademyAssalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy.Alhamdulillah, in this lesson we continue our journey in understanding Tafsir (interpretation of the Qur'an). Tafsir is essential for Muslims because it helps us understand the divine words of Allah ﷻ in their correct meaning. Scholars throughout history have written great works of Tafsir, and in this article, we will explore the most famous classical books of Tafsir, their methodologies, and why they remain important today.Allah ﷻ says:“Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.”(Qur'an, Surah Al-Isra 17:9 — Quran.com/17/9)Understanding the Qur'an requires correct explanation. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of knowledge:“The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it.”(Sahih al-Bukhari 5027 — Sunnah.com/bukhari:5027)Therefore, the science of Tafsir developed to preserve authentic understanding and protect the Qur'an from misinterpretation.Scholars classified Tafsir into two main categories:Tafsir bil-Ma'thūr (Tafsir by transmission): Based on the Qur'an itself, Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ, sayings of the Companions (Sahabah), and the early generations (Tabi‘un).Tafsir bil-Ra'y (Tafsir by opinion): Based on scholarly reasoning. Some of it is accepted when it aligns with authentic knowledge, but it is rejected when it contradicts Qur'an, Sunnah, or established reports.The Prophet ﷺ warned against interpreting the Qur'an without knowledge:“Whoever speaks about the Qur'an without knowledge, let him take his seat in the Fire.”(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2950 — Sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2950)Imam Abu Ja‘far Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 310H) wrote one of the earliest and greatest works of Tafsir. His book relied heavily on narrations from the Prophet ﷺ, the Companions, and the Tabi‘un. However, he also included reports from the Isra'iliyyat (Jewish and Christian traditions), which require caution. Despite this, scholars considered his Tafsir among the most authentic classical works.Imam Isma‘il ibn Kathir (d. 774H) authored Tafsir al-Qur'an al-‘Azim, which became one of the most widely used Tafsirs. He was very cautious with Isra'iliyyat and critiqued weak narrations. His Tafsir remains a cornerstone of Qur'anic understanding and has been translated into English and many other languages.Rely on authentic sources: Qur'an, Hadith, Sahabah, and early scholars.Be cautious of Isra'iliyyat: Some narrations may be weak or fabricated.Compare methodologies: Al-Tabari included Isra'iliyyat more frequently, while Ibn Kathir critiqued them and warned readers.Tafsir is a noble science that protects the meanings of the Qur'an and preserves the understanding of the early generations. Both Tafsir al-Tabari and Tafsir Ibn Kathir are treasures of Islamic scholarship. As students of knowledge, we must approach them with care, respect, and reliance on authentic chains of transmission.May Allah ﷻ grant us beneficial knowledge and guide us to the truth.

Etiquettes of Relieving Oneself in Islam | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd HajiBy Zayd Haji – Student at Zad AcademyAssalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. One of the most beautiful aspects of Islam is that it provides guidance for every part of our daily life, including something as natural as relieving oneself. While this may seem simple, the Prophet ﷺ taught us etiquettes that preserve purity, modesty, and respect for Allah's blessings.Allah ﷻ commands purification in the Qur'an:“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”(Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222)

Faith and Knowledge in Islam: Lessons from Abu Hurairah and the Branches of ImanAssalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. Today, I want to share a reflection on the importance of beneficial knowledge and the role of faith (Iman) in shaping our lives, inspired by the words of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the legacy of his noble companion, Abu Hurairah (RA).Knowledge as a Growing LightIslam encourages seeking every form of beneficial knowledge. Just as the world advances with new sciences and technologies, Muslims are urged to use these tools to develop and present Islamic knowledge in ways that benefit society. The Qur'an emphasizes:“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'” (Qur'an 39:9, quran.com/39/9)Knowledge in Islam is compared to a pure spring — quenching the thirst of those who long for guidance from the Qur'an and Sunnah. Like flowers blooming in a garden, knowledge brings life, beauty, and clarity to the heart.Abu Hurairah (RA): A Guardian of HadithOne of the most well-known narrators of hadith is Abu Hurairah (RA), whose real name was Abd al-Rahman ibn Sakhr al-Dawsi. He embraced Islam and devoted his life to preserving the sayings of the Prophet ﷺ. Living through the caliphates of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (RA), he became a key source of prophetic traditions for the Muslim Ummah.Abd al-Rahman b. Auf reported: I heard Mu'awiya b. Abu Sufyan saying in an address that he had heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: He to whom Allah intends to do good, He gives him insight into religion. And I am only the distributor while Allah is the Bestower.Sahih Muslim 1037bhttps://sunnah.com/muslim:1037bThis highlights the value of companions like Abu Hurairah (RA), who dedicated their lives to preserving and teaching knowledge.It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) said: Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of which is the, removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is a branch of faith.Sahih Muslim 35bhttps://sunnah.com/muslim:35bThis hadith shows that Iman is comprehensive: it covers belief, worship, manners, and service to others. Even a simple act like removing harm from a pathway is part of faith, while modesty (ḥayāʾ) is highlighted as a key characteristic of a true believer.In today's world, modesty is often undervalued, yet the Prophet ﷺ described it as an essential part of faith. The Qur'an commands both men and women to lower their gaze and guard their modesty:“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity… and tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their chastity.” (Qur'an 24:30-31, quran.com/24/30-31)This shows that modesty is not just about clothing but about humility, respect, and self-discipline.Important NotesKnowledge is a divine gift — it must be sought with sincerity and used to serve Islam.Abu Hurairah (RA) preserved more hadith than any other companion, a blessing for the Ummah.Faith has 70+ branches — from major declarations to small everyday actions.Modesty (ḥayāʾ) is a key branch of faith and should be nurtured in personal and public life.Iman is practical — it combines belief, speech, actions, and character.Conclusion:Faith and knowledge are inseparable in Islam. Just as beneficial knowledge grows and spreads like flowers in a garden, faith grows stronger through belief, worship, and good manners. May Allah grant us understanding of our religion and allow us to embody the branches of Iman in our lives.“Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.” (Qur'an 3:159, quran.com/3/159)

Every mother knows the deep impact her words can leave on her child's heart. A single phrase spoken in anger — “You make my life so difficult” or “You're the most terrible child” — can echo for years, carving doubt and pain into a child's sense of self. And the truth is, no mother wants to pass on shame, trauma, or harshness to her children. We want to nurture them, raise them with love, and model patience and compassion. But in the heat of the moment, anger can feel uncontrollable.So where do we even begin? What's the very first step to breaking this cycle and showing up with the calm, gentle presence we long to embody?In this episode, I share a simple but powerful reminder: every emotion first shows up in your body. Stress, anger, even joy — they all leave physical traces, whether it's tense shoulders, clenched jaws, shallow breathing, or that racing heartbeat you know so well. Learning to listen to these whispers of your body before they turn into screams of exhaustion, burnout, or regret is the doorway to emotional regulation.We'll explore:- Why ignoring your body's signals leads to emotional outbursts.- Practical ways to ground yourself in the moment — from releasing your jaw to dropping your shoulders.- How stress doesn't just “live in your head” but is carried in your body.- The spiritual truth that your body is an amanah (trust) from Allah, and caring for it is part of your responsibility.- How regulating yourself is the foundation for co-regulating with your children, because children cannot regulate on their own without you.This is not about perfection. It's about starting small, with self-awareness, and building the tools to respond with patience rather than react in anger. Because when you learn to honor your body and regulate your emotions, you don't just change your own experience—you transform the emotional world your children grow up in.✨ Want to go deeper? Check out my Peaceful Mother Masterclass — a powerful, bite-sized training that shows you how to recognize stress in your body before it spills out onto your kids. https://www.toddlertarbiyah.com/the-peaceful-mother.Connect with Me!

Muazh Ibn Jabal رضي الله عنه (S40) Muazh رضي الله عنه: “A woman cannot fulfill the rights of her husband. Strive your best to do so”. The Messenger ﷺ: “If a woman knew her husbands rights, she wouldn't sit whilst he was eating, she'd wait till he had finished”. The Messenger ﷺ: “…Men are the Sayeds of their families. Women are the Sayedas of their homes”. The Messenger ﷺ: “The best amongst you are those who are best to their women”. A man may fall short in Salah, Zakat, Fasting etc - but if he treats his women with utmost care, then he is the best amongst us. May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وتَعَالَى allow us to carry out such noble acts.

Alhamdulillah, I was given the honour of delivering the Friday Khutbah at the Australia Open Pencak Silat International Championship 2024. It was the first time for Australia to host an international silat tournament.When the organiser approached me asking if I can deliver the khutbah at the tournament, my heart skipped a beat. For those of you who know me, will know my love for martial arts.Here's some snippets from the khutbah. May Allah reward the organisers for their hard work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Lessons from the SeerahWhen we look at the sīrah, in the seventh year of Prophethood, the challenges facing the Muslims were unbearable.At first, the Quraysh mocked and insulted. But when insults failed, by the fifth year they turned to violence—abusing, torturing, even killing some of the early Muslims. When that too didn't stop the daʿwah, they escalated further: a total boycott against the Muslims and Banū Hāshim, the Prophet's own tribe.No one was allowed to buy from them, sell to them, marry them, or even speak to them. Forced into the valley of Abū Ṭālib, the Muslims suffered starvation. At night, the Quraysh could hear the cries of hungry children echoing from the valley. It became so unbearable that some of the Quraysh nobles themselves—polytheists, not Muslims—like Muṭʿim ibn ʿAdī and Zuhayr ibn Abī Umayyah, stood up and said: This is not right. These are our people, even if we differ in religion.One day Zuhayr stood with his back to the Kaʿbah, facing the leaders of Quraysh. He declared: Our brothers and sisters are starving in the valley because of us. I will not sit down until this boycott is broken. And not long after, the boycott was lifted.A Parallel to TodayBrothers and sisters—this was 1,400 years ago. Today, history repeats itself. Our brothers and sisters in Gaza are starving—not because of food shortage, but because food is blocked, burned, or left to rot. Just last month, 500 tonnes of food were discarded because of the blockade.If Quraysh—who did not believe in lā ilāha illā Allāh—could act out of nothing more than blood ties, then what excuse do we have, we who claim faith? We say faith is thicker than blood—so why aren't we doing more?Acting Within Our MeansYes, our anger is real. But we are Muslims—we act with discipline, bound by the Sharīʿah. That means we work within the legal framework of the country we live in. We don't take matters into our own hands violently. Instead, we use the means available to us—and al-ḥamdu lillāh, here in Australia, there are means.And we've seen this before in our history. When Jerusalem fell to the Crusaders in 1099, the Khalīfah in Baghdad was doing nothing. It was a single qāḍī, Abū Saʿd al-Ḥarawī, who mobilised the people. After Jumuʿah prayer, he gave speeches, organised protests, and led the masses to demand action from the Khalīfah. Week after week, protest after protest, until the Khalīfah was forced to act.Power of ProtestThat's how politics works. Leaders move when people move.We saw this not long ago in Sydney—hundreds of thousands marched across the Harbour Bridge. And within a week, the Australian government shifted its diplomatic stance. Suddenly, they were talking about recognising Palestine. Suddenly, they were criticising Israel—something unimaginable just months before. Why? Not because the Prime Minister had a dream, but because the people marched.Call to Action – Perth RallySo brothers and sisters, this Sunday, we have the chance to stand up and be counted. Yes, the weather forecast says it will rain. But what is rain? Just water. Al-ḥamdu lillāh, Allah created our skin waterproof.Our brothers and sisters are rained upon with bombs and bullets. We will only be rained upon with water. So bring an umbrella, bring a jacket—and bring your friends. Convince those who've never attended a rally before. Come shoulder to shoulder with your fellow Australians, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, demanding justice for Palestine.On SalahuddīnEvery time a calamity strikes Palestine, people ask: Where is our Ṣalāḥuddīn?But Ṣalāḥuddīn did not appear in a vacuum. He didn't descend from the sky with angels. He was the product of decades of groundwork. It started with people like Abū Saʿd al-Ḥarawī, who mobilised the grassroots. Then came Imām al-Ghazālī, who strengthened the ummah spiritually. Then Nūruddīn Zengī, who prepared the armies. All three passed away before Palestine was liberated. Ṣalāḥuddīn simply completed the work.So the real question is not Where is Ṣalāḥuddīn? but What are we doing to build a Ṣalāḥuddīn for our time?AccountabilityOn Yawm al-Qiyāmah, Allah will not ask us whether we liberated Palestine—that's beyond our means. But He will ask: What did you do with what you could?And even before the Day of Judgment, our children and grandchildren will ask us: You were alive during the genocide. What did you do? Will we say, I was busy on social media?The Quraysh only heard the cries of hungry children. We see those cries broadcast live to our phones. If that doesn't move us, what will?Hope, Not DespairYes, the ummah is weak. Yes, we feel surrounded. But Allah reminds us: Do you think you will enter Jannah without being tested like those before you, until even the Messenger and those with him cried out: When will the help of Allah come? Verily, the help of Allah is near.We are a people of hope, not despair. Even today we see results: countries shifting, governments changing tone, and even the most Islamophobic nations being forced to recognise Palestine.ClosingSo I end with the same question that Zuhayr once asked the Quraysh: Are we eating our food while our brothers and sisters are starving?May Allah allow us to attend the rally in huge numbers this Sunday. May it be peaceful, impactful, and successful. May Allah open the hearts of our fellow Australians, and may He grant victory and liberation to our brothers and sisters in Palestine. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

May Allah protect us from all the diseases of the heart and forgive us all.

Assalamu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.Welcome back to BeQuranic. In this session, we're looking at our ayat of the week — verses 9 and 10 of Surah al-Ḥujurāt. Today's focus is Tajweed: we'll read the verses together, highlight key rules, and talk about how to practise them for fluency.The Ayat of the WeekThese are slightly longer verses, especially ayah 9, so it's helpful to break them down in sections. We'll read them slowly, paying attention to the points of stop and continuation.﴿وَإِن طَآئِفَتَانِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ اقْتَتَلُوا فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَهُمَا فَإِن بَغَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا عَلَى الْأُخْرَىٰ فَقَاتِلُوا الَّتِي تَبْغِي حَتَّىٰ تَفِيءَ إِلَىٰ أَمْرِ اللَّهِ ۚ فَإِن فَاءَتْ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَهُمَا بِالْعَدْلِ وَأَقْسِطُوا ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ (٩) إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ (١٠)﴾Tajweed BreakdownLet's go through the main rules you'll encounter:* Ikhfā': in وَإِن طَآئِفَةً, notice the nūn sākinah before ṭā. That requires ikhfā', a nasal sound.* Madd wājib muttaṣil: in طَآئِفَةً and تَفِيءَ. The alif followed by a hamzah in the same word requires elongation of 4–5 counts.* Madd jā'iz munfaṣil: in إِلَىٰ أَمْرِ اللَّهِ. The madd occurs at the end of one word, and the hamzah starts the next word.* Qalqalah: in تَقْتَتِلُوا . Qalqalah produces a bouncing echo sound.* Ikhfā' of tanwīn: in إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا, the tanwīn meets fā, so apply nasalisation.* Lafẓ al-Jalālah: in وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ, the lām of Allāh is pronounced heavy (tafkhīm) after a fatḥah or ḍammah.* Madd ‘āriḍ li-sukūn: in تُرْحَمُونَ, if you stop there, you can elongate 2, 4, or 6 counts.Practice Tips* Don't force yourself to read the whole ayah at once. Break it into smaller phrases.* Smooth out stumbles by repeating short sections until they flow naturally. For example:* Start with wa-in → then wa-in ṭā'ifa → then wa-in ṭā'ifatāni.* Once each piece is smooth, join them together.* The aim is fluency with clarity. Tajweed is not about speed; it's about balance, precision, and beauty.Closing ReminderThese two ayat emphasise unity and reconciliation among believers. Practising them with Tajweed adds not just technical accuracy but also depth in reflecting on their meaning.Take your time this week to master them. May Allah grant us fluency in His words and hearts that live by them.We'll continue on Tafseer Thursday, where we dive into the practical lessons from these verses. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

"Aqeedah Lessons 01-04: The Qur'an and Sunnah as the Foundation of Faith" | | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd HajiBy Zayd Haji – Student at Zad AcademyAssalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa BarakatuhI am Zayd Haji, a student at ZAD Academy. All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and companions. I testify that there is no god but Allah alone, without partner, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His servant and Messenger.1. The Creed: The Qur'an and Its PreservationThe Qur'an is a strong foundation and solid truth, instilling faith in the heart with clarity in Arabic. We are to follow what Allah has revealed and not seek guidance from other sources."Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian." (Surah al-Hijr 15:9)https://quran.com/15/9This verse reassures us that Allah Himself protects the Qur'an from distortion.2. Divine Authority of the Qur'anNothing is truer than Allah's word. The Qur'an's revelations are perfect in both report (accurate narration) and ruling (just legislation).We are reminded that Allah sent down other scriptures—the Torah and the Gospel—to earlier prophets like Abraham and Moses, affirming the continuity of divine guidance.3. The Criterion (Al-Furqan)Allah has bestowed upon His Messenger ﷺ the Criterion—a tool to distinguish truth from falsehood. This serves as guidance for all humankind, through the Qur'an, which is both a mercy and a judicial standard.4. Referring Disputes to Allah & His MessengerIf differences arise, the decision must be referred back to Allah and His Messenger, provided one truly believes in Allah and the Last Day. This command is earnest, not a trivial matter.5. The Sunnah: Equally ObligatoryFollowing the Sunnah—that is, the Prophet's words, deeds, approvals, and descriptions—is essential. Allah commands:“And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you from, refrain from it. And obey Allah and His Messenger.”Likewise, the Qur'an instructs:“And We sent down to you the Reminder so that you may explain to the people what was sent down to them.”Thus, both the Qur'an and the Sunnah are divinely revealed and mandatory.6. A Heartfelt Hadith on AdherenceThe Prophet ﷺ warned against neglecting the Sunnah. He said:“Let me not find one of you reclining on his couch when he hears something regarding me which I have commanded or forbidden, and saying: ‘We do not know. What we found in Allah's Book we have followed.'” He also affirmed: “Indeed, I have been given the Qur'an and something like it [i.e., the Sunnah] along with it.” Sunan Abi Dawud 4605https://sunnah.com/abudawud:4605This underscores that both sources are complementary and essential.7. Summary — Key Points to RememberThe Qur'an is divinely revealed and preserved (15:9).It is the ultimate criterion—truth in word and justice in law.Disputes must be referred back to Allah and His Messenger.The Sunnah is equally binding and a means to understand the Qur'an.Neglecting the Sunnah is a grave error, as one has been given both the Qur'an and the Sunnah.May Allah grant us firm adherence to His Book and the authentic practice of His Messenger ﷺ, so that we remain on sound creed and true guidance.

Don't Give Up: Hope in Bleak TimesBismillah.The past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for the Ummah — especially for our brothers and sisters in Gaza.And it's not just these few weeks. It's been 23 months. Almost two years of relentless destruction. Every time we think we've seen the worst, we're proven wrong. Every time we think we've hit rock bottom, Israel and the powers that support her prove that evil has no limit.We are now witnessing full-blown famine. Starvation. Infants with nothing between their skin and bones. And on top of that — we hear of America burning 500 tonnes of food rather than allowing it to reach Palestine.At times like this, it's tempting to throw in the towel. To say:“We've done everything we can.”“We've shouted, we've protested, we've boycotted, we've flooded social media.”And yet, the powers that be… remain.But when that sense of despair starts creeping in, we must pause. We must take a step back and remember:We are looking through the lens of our short lives.We live 60, 70 years — maybe 50 as adults — and from that narrow perspective, it feels like there's no hope. But history tells a different story. When we zoom out, we see a sunnah of Allah unfold:Evil never wins in the end.No matter how powerful. Fir'aun claimed he was God Most High — Allah destroyed him. Yet many lived and died under his tyranny and may have thought:“Where is Allah's help?”“Where is our du‘a?”Allah addresses this feeling directly in the Qur'an — in the verse I opened with. He speaks of previous nations, believers who were so shaken by hardship that even their Prophets asked, “When will the help of Allah come?”And Allah replies:“Indeed, the help of Allah is near.”But near from whose perspective? Not always ours.That's why in Surah Ibrahim, Allah reminds us:“Do not think that Allah is unaware of the actions of the oppressors. He is merely delaying them for a Day when eyes will stare in horror.”We are people of hope. We do not despair when times get tough. And in this brief khutbah, I want to share three points in history to remind us: we carry the torch of hope.1. The Trench in the Cold of MedinaYear 5 after Hijrah.The Battle of the Trench.After the losses at Uhud, Quraysh saw an opportunity to wipe out Islam. They gathered the largest army Arabia had ever seen: 10,000 strong. They were backed by Banu Ghatafan from the north, and allied with Jews from Khaybar, including Banu Qurayzah from within Medina.Rasulullah ﷺ had only 3,000 companions to defend the city. It was winter. The Sahaba were hungry, cold, and exhausted. Salman al-Farisi suggested digging a trench — a Persian military tactic. And they did. Day and night. Starving, shivering, digging non-stop.Then they hit a boulder they couldn't break. They called the Prophet ﷺ. He struck it once — a spark flew.“Allahu Akbar!” he cried.A second strike — another spark.“Allahu Akbar!”Third strike — the boulder shattered.“Allahu Akbar!”The companions asked: What was the takbir about?Rasulullah ﷺ said:* With the first spark, I saw Persia falling to the Muslims.* With the second, Rome.* With the third, Yemen.In the darkest moment, he gave them light. He gave them vision.He didn't just say “Have hope.”He gave them reasons to hope.And history proved him right. Islam triumphed. Not through numbers, but through divine help — a storm that forced the enemy to retreat. A month-long siege broken without a single full-scale battle.2. The Fall of Baghdad (1258 CE)Hulagu Khan — grandson of Genghis Khan — invaded Baghdad.Within days, 800,000 were slaughtered.Libraries burned. Books tossed into the Tigris until the river ran black with ink.Muslim writers thought it was the end of time.Non-Muslim historians wrote:“This is the day Islam died.”But Islam didn't die.Baghdad fell, but Cairo rose. So did Damascus. The Delhi Sultanate grew. And from these ashes, the Ottomans would eventually rise.Even Hulagu's cousin, Berke Khan, accepted Islam.Within a generation, the very dynasty that destroyed Baghdad became a Muslim dynasty.And amidst all of this — scholars kept working.* Imam al-Nawawi, who focused on preserving and teaching knowledge.* Ibn Taymiyyah, the scholar-warrior.* Ibn Ata'illah, who focused on tazkiyah and purifying hearts.* Al-‘Izz ibn ‘Abd al-Salam, who spoke truth to power and engaged with the rulers .Despite the devastation, they didn't stop. They carried on.3. The Fall of Apartheid (1994)From 1948 — the same year Israel was created — South Africa began enforcing apartheid. For decades, the people resisted: boycotts, protests, global pressure.In 1994, apartheid fell.The same Nelson Mandela who was once branded a terrorist by the West was now hailed as a hero — by the very same powers that had supported the apartheid regime.Let that sink in.The same powers that supported apartheid in South Africa are the ones supporting apartheid in Palestine today.And just like before — they can be defeated.Social Media: Double-Edged SwordToday, we have a powerful tool: social media. It's helped shift global opinion. It's brought awareness.But it's also draining us.We doomscroll.We see starvation, death, suffering — again and again.Two things happen:* We either fall into despair…* Or we become numb.We start thinking this is normal.So yes — use social media, but set a limit. 15 minutes. Half an hour. Post, share, amplify — and then get back to work. Real work.Know Your Role, Play Your PartNot all resistance looks the same.Imam al-Nawawi didn't fight with swords. He wrote books that still strengthen the Ummah today.Ibn Taymiyyah led at the frontlines.Ibn Ata'illah focused on hearts.Al-‘Izz ibn ‘Abd al-Salam engaged with the rulers.Some of us are better behind the scenes. Some are activists, some are scholars, some are thinkers, some are organisers. Some are better on the mic, others behind a pen.Don't judge someone's contribution just because it's not the same as yours. We need all hands on deck.“Allah will not ask you about what you couldn't do — but He will ask what you did with what you could.”May Allah give victory to the oppressed.May He feed the hungry, clothe the exposed, and strengthen the weak.May He unite our ranks and guide our efforts.May He grant us clarity, discipline, and sincere hearts in service of this Ummah. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

May Allah take our souls when he is most pleased with us.

Aqeedah 01-03: Understanding Aqeedah: Tawheed and the Danger of Shirk | Lessons from Shaykh Ahmad Al Romh | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd HajiBy Zayd Haji – Student at Zad AcademyAssalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah.I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. This blog briefly explores Aqeedah—the Islamic creed—focusing on Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah) and the severe warning against Shirk (associating partners with Allah).1. What Is Aqeedah?Aqeedah means belief or creed. It is the firm conviction a Muslim holds in their heart, especially about Allah, His attributes, and His commands. Aqeedah forms the foundation of Islam and affects every aspect of a Muslim's life.“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth, the natural disposition (fitrah) which Allah has instilled in mankind.” — Qur'an 30:302. Tawheed – The Heart of AqeedahTawheed means affirming that Allah is One in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and in His right to be worshipped alone. It is the message of all Prophets.“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid Taghut (false gods).'” — Qur'an 16:36The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:“The Prophets are paternal brothers; their religion is one.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 3443https://sunnah.com/bukhari:34433. Fitrah – Our Natural DispositionEvery human is born upon fitrah, a natural belief in Allah. The environment later influences the child's path.“Every child is born upon the fitrah, then his parents make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian.” — Sahih Bukhari 1385https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1385Allah has placed in every soul the natural inclination toward monotheism.4. The Straight Path and HanifProphet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is described in the Qur'an as a Hanif, someone who turns away from Shirk toward Tawheed.“Indeed, Abraham was a nation, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth (Hanif), and he was not of those who associate others with Allah.” — Qur'an 16:120Muslims ask for this path daily:“Guide us to the straight path.” — Qur'an 1:6A Hanif is one who follows the pure monotheism of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), worshipping Allah alone, free from Judaism, Christianity, and all forms of Shirk.— Sahih al-Bukhari 3827https://sunnah.com/bukhari:38275. Shirk – The Greatest SinShirk is the opposite of Tawheed. It is to associate partners with Allah, and it nullifies one's deeds.“Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” — Qur'an 4:48The Prophet ﷺ said:“I created all My servants as monotheists, but the devils misled them.” — Sahih Muslim 2865https://sunnah.com/muslim:2865Conclusion:Aqeedah is the root of Islamic faith. Understanding Tawheed and avoiding Shirk leads to salvation. May Allah keep us firm on the straight path. Ameen.

Impure Water in Islam: Rulings and PurificationUnderstanding Water Purity According to Quran and SunnahAssalamu Alaikum.I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. In this short blog, we will discuss the rulings of impure water in Islam—what makes water impure, and how to purify it—based on the Qur'an and Sunnah.Alhamdulillah, in Islamic jurisprudence, water purity is a vital subject. Water is essential not only for physical cleanliness but for acts of worship like wudu (ablution) and ghusl (ritual bath). In this blog post, we explore the rulings related to impure water, based on Quran and Hadith, as explained by scholars.1. Why Study Impure Water?We must understand impure water because:It cannot be used to remove ritual impurity (minor or major).It cannot purify filth (najasah).It becomes contagious, making whatever it touches impure.It cannot be used for drinking or cooking.2. What Makes Water Impure?Water becomes impure (najis) if it comes in contact with a physical impurity and any of its three characteristics—color, smell, or taste—change as a result.The Prophet ﷺ said:“Water is pure and nothing makes it impure.” — Sunan Abu Dawood 66 (authentic)https://sunnah.com/abudawud:66For example:If urine, feces, blood, or a dead animal contaminates the water and changes its color, smell, or taste, the water is impure.But if a pure substance like saffron changes the water, the water remains pure.3. How to Purify Impure Water?a) Add More Pure WaterIf enough pure water is added to impure water so that the change in color, taste, or smell disappears, the water becomes pure again.Example from Hadith:A Bedouin urinated in the masjid, and the Prophet ﷺ said:“Pour a bucket of water over it.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 220https://sunnah.com/bukhari:220This teaches us that impurity can be removed by overwhelming it with pure water.b) Wait for Natural PurificationOver time, impurities may disappear naturally due to environmental factors (evaporation, sunlight, etc.). If no impurity remains, the water is pure.c) Filtration and Treatment (Modern Methods)Today, technology like desalination and chemical treatment can remove impurities from sewer water, making it safe and pure again, provided the three characteristics return to normal.4. How to Judge If Water Is Impure?The scholars agree:If any one of the three characteristics is changed by impurity, the water is impure.If none of them change, even if a drop of impurity falls in, the water remains pure—especially when the water body is large like a swimming pool.Allah says:“And We made from water every living thing.” — Surah Al-Anbiya 21:30This verse reminds us of the value and necessity of clean, usable water.5. Practical TipIn dire situations (war, drought, etc.), if you only have slightly suspected water, check for the three characteristics. If there's no visible impurity, the default rule in Islam is that the water is pure.Conclusion:Islamic rulings on water purity are merciful and practical. By observing the three signs (smell, taste, color), and using purification methods, we ensure our worship is valid and our hygiene preserved.May Allah increase us in knowledge. Ameen.

Hadith 01-03: The Importance of Intention in Islam (Niyyah) | Insights from Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Salah | Zad Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd HajiAssalamu Alaikum. I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. In this blog, we explore a powerful Hadith that teaches us the importance of intention (niyyah) in all our actions. This Hadith is a core principle in Islam and reminds us that every deed is judged by its intention.1. The Hadith of IntentionThe Prophet ﷺ said:"Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have only what he intended."(Sahih al-Bukhari 1, Sahih Muslim 1907) — sunnah.comhttps://sunnah.com/bukhari:1This Hadith was narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). It teaches us that no action is accepted by Allah unless it is done sincerely for His sake. For example, during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, some migrated from Makkah to Madinah for worldly reasons, not for Allah. Their reward was based on their intention, not the act itself.2. The Meaning of NiyyahIn Arabic, niyyah means one's aim or purpose. In Islam, it refers to doing something purely for the sake of Allah. Whether it is praying, fasting, giving charity, or seeking knowledge—without the right intention, the reward is lost.Allah says in the Qur'an:"And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion..."(Surah Al-Bayyinah 98:5) — quran.com/98/53. Sincerity in WorshipEven acts of worship like wudu, ghusl, salah, or fasting require niyyah. For instance, if someone bathes to cool off but not with the intention of purification, it doesn't count as ghusl. The intention must precede the action.4. The Danger of Showing Off (Riya)If an act is done to impress others, it becomes riya (showing off) and Allah will not accept it.The Prophet ﷺ said:"I am the One who does not need any partner. Whoever does a deed for Me and for someone else, I will leave him to the one he associated with Me."(Sahih Muslim 2985) —https://sunnah.com/muslim:2985This includes people who recite Qur'an to be praised, give charity to be called generous, or fight to be called brave. On the Day of Judgment, these people will be thrown into Hell despite their good deeds.(Sahih Muslim 1905) — https://sunnah.com/muslim:1905a5. Turning Habits into WorshipSimple daily acts like feeding your family or paying bills can become worship if done with the right intention.The Prophet ﷺ said:"Even the bite you put in your wife's mouth is rewarded when done for Allah's sake."(Sahih al-Bukhari 56, Sahih Muslim 1628) — https://sunnah.com/muslim:1628aConclusionThis Hadith of intention forms the foundation of all Islamic practice. Let us always check our hearts, renew our intentions, and strive to please Allah alone. May Allah accept our deeds and make them sincerely for Him. Ameen.

Seerah 01-03: The Early Life and Divine Protection of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ | Insights from Shaykh Assim Al-Hakeem | Zad Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd HajiAssalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy. In this blog post, we explore the early life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, focusing on divine signs, his noble character, and Allah's protection—long before he received revelation.1. Childhood and Allah's ProtectionAt age four, the Prophet ﷺ experienced the miraculous event of chest-splitting by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), where his heart was purified with Zamzam water. This event purified him from Shaytaan's influence and occurred again before the Night Journey (Isra wa al-Mi'raj).Soon after, his mother Aaminah passed away during a trip to Yathrib (Madinah), leaving the Prophet ﷺ orphaned at age six. His grandfather Abdul Muttalib took custody and showed deep affection for him. Upon Abdul Muttalib's death two years later, the Prophet ﷺ was cared for by his uncle Abu Talib, despite the latter's poverty.2. Character Before ProphethoodThough surrounded by idol worship and immorality in Meccan society, Allah protected the Prophet ﷺ. He never touched idols, never drank alcohol, and never attended gatherings of immorality. Once, when he tried to attend a musical gathering, he fell asleep—divinely protected from such behavior.“Indeed, you are of a great moral character.” — Surah Al-Qalam 68:4 (quran.com/68/4)3. Hilf al-Fudul – Pact of JusticeThe Prophet ﷺ participated in a noble alliance known as Hilf al-Fudul, which was formed to uphold justice and protect the oppressed in Makkah. He later said:“I witnessed a pact of justice in the house of ‘Abdullah ibn Jud'an that was more beloved to me than red camels. If I were invited to something like it in Islam, I would accept.” — [Musnad Ahmad 1655] (authenticated by Al-Albani)This shows Islam encourages cooperation in justice, even with non-Muslims, as long as it does not contradict Shari'ah.4. The Value of Guiding Others to IslamDuring the Battle of Khaybar, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized that guiding someone to Islam is more valuable than wealth:“By Allah, if a single person is guided through you, it is better for you than red camels.” — Sahih al-Bukhari 2942https://sunnah.com/bukhari:2942This was said to Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), showing how da'wah holds immense reward.5. Early Exposure to Trade and Global InteractionsThe Prophet ﷺ traveled with Abu Talib on a trade journey to Syria in his youth. Although some stories (like the monk Bahira) are unauthenticated, the Prophet's exposure to international trade laid a foundation for his later dealings and trustworthiness.Important Takeaways:Allah protected Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from birth.His early life reflects honesty, purity, and service.Islam supports justice and alliances that promote it.Guiding others to Islam is greater than worldly wealth.May Allah allow us to embody these lessons and spread truth with wisdom. — Zayd Haji, Zad Academy

Tafsir 01-03: The Development of Tafsir (Qur'anic Interpretation) | Insights from Shaykh Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin | ZAD Academy Lecture | Blogpost by Zayd Haji #IslamicPodcast #QuranTafsir #IslamicStudiesBy Zayd Haji, Zad AcademyAssalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh. In this blog, we will explore the development of Tafsir, or the explanation of the Qur'an. Tafsir is essential to understanding the meanings of Allah's words. The science of Tafsir developed in stages and is based on the Qur'an, Hadith, the sayings of the Sahabah (companions), the Tabi'een (students of the companions), and qualified scholars.1. Tafsir of the Qur'an by the Qur'anThe first and most authentic source of Tafsir is the Qur'an itself. Sometimes, one verse explains another. For example, Allah says:“And those who believe and whose descendants follow them in faith — We will join them with their descendants…” — Surah At-Tur 52:21 (quran.com/52/21)This verse is expanded in Tafsir through context, indicating that Allah will unite believing families in Paradise, even if their ranks differ.2. Tafsir by the SunnahThe Prophet ﷺ explained many verses of the Qur'an himself. His Hadith clarify legal rulings, meanings, and context. For instance:“When one of you touches women…” (Surah An-Nisa 4:43, quran.com/4/43) Here, the word "touch" (lamastum) is explained by the Prophet ﷺ and companions to mean sexual intercourse, not just physical contact. This is proven by Hadith and linguistic analysis.3. Tafsir by the Sahabah (Companions)The companions, such as Ibn Abbas and Ibn Mas'ud, were present during the revelation of the Qur'an. Their explanations are based on firsthand experience. For example, Ibn Abbas explained:“…And He is the knower of the unseen and the most hidden (akhfa).” — Surah Ta-Ha 20:7 (quran.com/20/7) He said “the secret” refers to what you do secretly, and “what is even more hidden” means what's in your heart that you haven't even acted upon — yet Allah knows.4. Tafsir by the Tabi'een (Successors)The Tabi'een were the students of the Sahabah and also explained the Qur'an based on their teachers. Sa'eed ibn Jubayr and others explained difficult verses with great care. For example, they clarified the above verse (52:21) by saying Allah raises the ranks of the descendants to join the righteous without reducing anyone's reward.5. Tafsir by ScholarsLater scholars such as Imam al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, and Imam al-Qurtubi compiled Tafsir using all the above methods. They used Arabic grammar and context without contradicting the meanings passed down.“Whoever says something about the Qur'an without knowledge, let him prepare his seat in Hell.” — Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2950 Grade: Da'if (Darussalam)https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2950This hadith warns against interpreting the Qur'an without knowledge or proper sources.Key Notes:Tafsir follows a chain: Qur'an → Sunnah → Sahabah → Tabi'een → Scholars.It must follow authentic and contextual understanding.Interpreting the Qur'an without knowledge is sinful.Allah rewards those who explain His words truthfully.May Allah grant us correct understanding of His Book. Ameen.

Did you ever wonder how the Prophet ﷺ could say a few words that contain enough wisdom to drive forward entire nations and civilisations? It had to be that way. He's the last Prophet sent to mankind, so his teachings needed to echo until the end of time. To get a taste of this blessing in his ﷺ speech, study Jawami‘ al-Akhbar - a collection of 99 short hadith, compiled by the great scholar Sheikh ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn Nasir as-Sa‘di رحمه الله. Every hadith shows the unique gift Allah gave our Prophet ﷺ: words few in number, but vast in meaning. In this first part, Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan explains how these concise hadith reach nearly every part of your religion. You'll hear reminders about purifying your intention, protecting your worship from showing off, staying on your fitrah, and guarding your heart from hypocrisy. You'll see how these hadith pull you back to gratitude, honesty, good manners, and the unity that holds the Ummah together. It's not just about memorising short phrases. It's about letting these words shape how you pray, learn, speak, and deal with people, so that when you stand before Allah, you've done things right. If you want to study the Prophet's ﷺ speech the way it deserves, start here. May Allah make these words a light for you in this life and the next. Sign up now to AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Junior: https://amaujunior.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amauofficial/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMAU Telegram: https://t.me/amauofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AMAUofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMAUofficial iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/al-madrasatu-al-umariyyah/id1524526782 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08NJC1pIA0maaF6aKqZL4N Get in Touch: https://amau.org/getintouch BarakAllahu feekum. #AMAU #seekingknowledge #islamicknowledge #hadith #prophetmuhammad

Did you ever wonder how the Prophet ﷺ could say a few words that contain enough wisdom to drive forward entire nations and civilisations? It had to be that way. He's the last Prophet sent to mankind, so his teachings needed to echo until the end of time. To get a taste of this blessing in his ﷺ speech, study Jawami‘ al-Akhbar - a collection of 99 short hadith, compiled by the great scholar Sheikh ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn Nasir as-Sa‘di رحمه الله. Every hadith shows the unique gift Allah gave our Prophet ﷺ: words few in number, but vast in meaning. In this first part, Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan explains how these concise hadith reach nearly every part of your religion. You'll hear reminders about purifying your intention, protecting your worship from showing off, staying on your fitrah, and guarding your heart from hypocrisy. You'll see how these hadith pull you back to gratitude, honesty, good manners, and the unity that holds the Ummah together. It's not just about memorising short phrases. It's about letting these words shape how you pray, learn, speak, and deal with people, so that when you stand before Allah, you've done things right. If you want to study the Prophet's ﷺ speech the way it deserves, start here. May Allah make these words a light for you in this life and the next. Sign up now to AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Junior: https://amaujunior.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amauofficial/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMAU Telegram: https://t.me/amauofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AMAUofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMAUofficial iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/al-madrasatu-al-umariyyah/id1524526782 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08NJC1pIA0maaF6aKqZL4N Get in Touch: https://amau.org/getintouch BarakAllahu feekum. #AMAU #seekingknowledge #islamicknowledge #hadith #prophetmuhammad

You think your Iman is safe… that you'll die with it intact, no matter what. But watch how quickly it gets chipped away when doubts come dressed as trends, debates, or posts that sound clever — until your heart's spinning at night, wondering what's true. Your Aqeedah isn't just a label. It's your shield when the world keeps pushing you to blur the lines. And a shield only works if you know what you're holding. Manzoomah Al-Ahsaai isn't just an old poem for scholars to memorise — it's a lifeline. A clear, powerful map of the beliefs every Muslim needs to anchor their heart. In this 5-hour deep dive, Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan unpacks each line with proofs from the Qur'an, Sunnah, and the way of the Salaf. You'll see why Tawheed, Qadr, the grave, the scales, and the Day you see Allah — none of it is just theory. It's what keeps your Iman steady when everyone's telling you to loosen your grip. You've got 168 hours for the world's noise this week. Take just five to strengthen what matters more than anything else. Study the kind of Aqeedah that lets you sleep at night when the doubts hit, the debates rage, and your soul whispers: “Where do I stand?” May Allah keep our creed pure and our hearts firm. Watch till the end. Share it with someone who's searching for solid ground right now. And keep building your Aqeedah like the Salaf did — step by step, truth by truth. Sign up now to AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Academy: https://www.amauacademy.com/ AMAU Junior: https://amaujunior.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amauofficial/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AMAU Telegram: https://t.me/amauofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AMAUofficial Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMAUofficial iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/al-madrasatu-al-umariyyah/id1524526782 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08NJC1pIA0maaF6aKqZL4N Get in Touch: https://amau.org/getintouch BarakAllahu feekum. #allah #tawheed #iman #seekingknowledge #islamicknowledge

Auto-generated transcript: My brothers and sisters, we come to the last question on the Day of Judgment. May Allah protect us from ourselves. In some ways, this is the most difficult one, especially in today’s world. And this question is in two parts. Allah Subh’anaHu Wa Ta-A’la will ask us, what did you do with… Continue reading Questions for DOJ – 4.1

Auto-generated transcript: We talked about the first of the four questions. Fourth question is two and one. What is the most important thing that we will be required to answer when we stand before Allah on the Day of Judgment? May Allah make it easy for us, inshallah. And as the Prophet said, the feet… Continue reading Questions for DOJ – 2

Sometimes, the greatest rewards don't come when we reach a goal — they come when we choose to begin, even if imperfectly.In this deeply personal solo episode, I share the unexpected gifts Allah gave me along my Arabic journey — moments I never imagined I'd experience. From understanding heartfelt duas during taraweeh in Morocco, to whispering my own Arabic prayers around the Ka'bah, to finally feeling the words of the Qur'an speak directly to me… all of these came after taking just one step forward, despite my fears.This episode is a reminder that teaching Arabic isn't just for your children — it transforms you, too.Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck along the way, I hope this story encourages you to keep going, knowing that Allah sees every effort.✨ All resources mentioned — including my free audio series, course, and waitlists — are linked below.---------If you liked this podcast, take a minute to rate it 

Send us a textEpisode 84 of 'The Open Forum' where Christians, Atheists are invited to join the discussion. Guests will be invited on a first come first serve basis. Please note we can only have a maximum of 10 panelists (including efdawah panelists) at any one time.Link to join the panel:Dhul Hijja & Eid Days are special seasons for the best Sadaqa Jaria.Consider supporting needy children, widows, and orphans.*Zakat is payable to this*You can double the impact of your donation without any extra cost to you if you use GiveMatch link below

Welcome back to Road to Hajj.This isn't a comprehensive Hajj guide — just a simple, day-by-day overview of what the hujjaj do, with some reflections on its deeper meaning.Today is the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah — Yawm an-Nahr — the Day of Sacrifice. This is the peak of the Hajj journey.To understand this day, we look at the story of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام, starting from the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, Yawm at-Tarwiyah — the day of pondering. That's when he began to reflect deeply on a troubling dream: that he was slaughtering his son.By the 9th, Yawm ‘Arafah, the meaning became clear to him. He shared the dream with his son, Prophet Ismail عليه السلام, asking what he thought.And Ismail replied:يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِي إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ“O my dear father, do as you're commanded. You'll find me, inshaAllah, from among the patient.” [Surah as-Saffat, 37:102]So now we arrive at the 10th — the day they went out to fulfil the dream. But Prophet Ismail asked: let's do this further away from home, in Mina. He didn't want his mother, Hajar, to hear any cries or pain.So they walked together — about five kilometres — from Makkah to Mina.And when the moment came… when Ibrahim was ready to place his son's head on the rock, when both father and son surrendered completely to Allah — Allah called out:قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَا“You have fulfilled the vision.” [Surah as-Saffat, 37:105]Allah stopped the sacrifice. He didn't require it. He never did.Because Islam isn't a religion that demands suffering to please God.Prophet Ibrahim lived in a time when it was common across cultures and religions to sacrifice lives to appease the gods. Blood offerings were the norm. But this — this was something different.Allah was teaching a lesson — not just to Ibrahim, but to all of humanity.He doesn't want your pain. He wants your heart.Even though Ibrahim was willing to go through with it — and Ismail was ready to be sacrificed — Allah intervened. He replaced the son with a ram.And Allah says in the Qur'an:لَن يَنَالَ ٱللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but what reaches Him is your taqwa.” [Surah al-Hajj, 22:37]That's what Allah wants — your sincerity, your consciousness of Him. Not the meat. Not the blood. Not the spectacle.So what does this teach us?Islam isn't about suffering. It's not a religion that glorifies pain. It doesn't ask you to harm yourself to prove your devotion. It's not a masochistic faith.Yes, life includes hardship. Yes, we're tested — sometimes with ease, sometimes with pain. But it's not the pain that earns us reward. It's how we respond.Are we grateful in times of ease? Are we patient in times of trial?And more importantly — do we strive to improve our condition?Islam doesn't teach us to glorify suffering. It teaches us to alleviate it — in ourselves, and in others.If you're tested with wealth, you're expected to use it to help those in need.If you're tested with poverty, you're encouraged to work, strive, and lift yourself and your community.And that's why many acts of worship in Islam are built around economic responsibility.Take zakat — you can only give it if you've saved and earned beyond a certain threshold.Or Hajj — it's only fard on those who are financially and physically able, and who can leave enough behind for their families.Islam encourages productivity. It sees wealth as a tool for good — not something to be ashamed of.As the Prophet ﷺ said to ‘Amr ibn al-‘Ās:نِعْمَ الْمَالُ الصَّالِحُ لِلرَّجُلِ الصَّالِحِ“How excellent is good wealth in the hands of a righteous man.” [Musnad Ahmad]So today, as we remember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail, we reflect not just on obedience — but on the mercy of Allah.Even when both father and son were ready for the ultimate sacrifice, Allah said: That's enough. I wanted your heart, not your hurt.Imagine that moment. For a father, it's easier to suffer himself than to see his child in pain. For a child, especially one so young, nothing matters more than his own life — yet Ismail was willing to give it up for Allah.That's the essence of devotion.But Allah said no. He honoured them, preserved their story, and replaced the act with one that the ummah continues today — the udḥiyah.So when we celebrate Eid al-Adha, we're not just barbecuing meat. We're remembering a powerful lesson: that true devotion lies in taqwa, not torment.That is Yawm an-Nahr — the Day of Sacrifice.May Allah accept our qurban, our efforts, and our devotion.Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Road to Hajj, a simple overview of the Hajj rituals and a light reflection on the meanings behind them. This isn't meant to be a comprehensive fiqh guide — just an easy companion for those wanting to connect deeper with the journey.Today is the 11th of Dhul Hijjah. The hujjaj are now spending most of the night — if not all of it — back in Mina, the city of tents. It's sunnah to stay the whole night, but wajib to remain for at least half of it.Now Mina isn't a place of intense rituals. There's no specific dhikr or du‘a you're required to do. The main challenge here, honestly, is managing basic needs — especially toilets. You've got limited facilities and a massive number of people.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.But what should we be doing in Mina?Allah tells us in the Qur'an:فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمْ مَنَاسِكَكُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا ٱللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا“When you have completed your rites, remember Allah as you used to remember your forefathers — or with even greater remembrance.” [Surah al-Baqarah, 2:200]The Arabs in Jahiliyyah used to sit around their tents in Mina talking about how great their ancestors were — telling tales of glory and lineage. Allah says: that's not the point. Don't just talk about the greatness of those who came before. Remember Allah instead.We see this same thing today in our Ummah. “Oh, we had amazing scholars in the past… Muslim scientists… Al-Khawarizmi, Ibn Sina, so on…” That's wonderful — but what are we doing now?So while in Mina, do dhikr. Be in remembrance. Don't just glorify the past — contribute to the present.From the 11th, 12th, and optionally the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the hujjaj will be doing the stoning at the Jamarat. On the 10th, they only stoned the largest one — Jamrat al-‘Aqabah. But on the 11th and 12th, they now go to all three: the small, middle, and large pillars.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.What's the story behind this?It goes back to Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام.On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, when he was on his way to fulfil the dream and sacrifice his son Ismail, Shaytan tried to intervene. At three different points, Shaytan appeared to him, whispering doubts:“You've done enough. You've sacrificed so much. You built the Kaaba. You passed all your tests. Why are you doing this? Why would Allah ask this of you?”At each of those three points, Ibrahim picked up seven small stones, threw them in the direction of Shaytan and said:Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.And he moved on.Three times — three locations. That's why we have three Jamarat.This wasn't just symbolic. There's a deeper lesson here:When Shaytan comes to you with doubt, with temptation — don't just pray. Move.Ibrahim didn't stay in place. He changed location. He physically moved away from the source of temptation.And we are taught the same thing in our tradition. If you find yourself in a place that leads you to sin, change your place. Remove yourself from toxic environments, from harmful friends, from dangerous routines.The Prophet ﷺ said:المرءُ على دِينِ خَليلِهِ، فليَنظُرْ أحدُكم مَن يُخالِلُ“A person is upon the religion of his close companion, so be mindful who you befriend.” [Tirmidhi]Even in spiritual matters — like nightmares — the Prophet ﷺ told us: if you wake up terrified, don't just make du‘a. Turn to your left, blow lightly three times, and change your sleeping position. Don't stay in the same spot.Again — you're taught to move.So this action of stoning the Jamarat teaches us two powerful lessons:* Shaytan won't stop after the first try.He'll come back, again and again, with new angles and new whispers.* If you persist in dhikr and take real action, he'll eventually stop.The whispering of that particular sin will fade — as long as you remain steadfast.Be aware of your surroundings. Be conscious of your mental state. If you know you fall into sin when you're alone, change that habit. Call a friend. Go to the masjid. Be around better people. You're not expected to win against Shaytan on sheer willpower alone. He's had millennia of practice.Ibrahim taught us that — when Shaytan whispers, you say Allahu Akbar, and then… you move.May Allah protect us from the whispers of Shaytan, and guide us to environments and companions that bring us closer to Him.Ameen.Thanks for reading BeQuranic! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Road to Hajj—a short, practical overview of the Hajj journey. This series isn't about deep fiqh or academic detail. It's about following the footsteps of the Hujjaj and reflecting on the wisdom behind each ritual.Today is the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, and we're continuing our reflections on the Jamarāt—the symbolic stoning of Shayṭān.Picking the PebblesLet's start with a practical question: Where do you get the pebbles?They can come from anywhere. Many Hujjaj pick them from Muzdalifah simply because it's convenient—there are plenty of pebbles there. Today, many Hajj packages even provide pre-packed bags of stones.But what size should the pebbles be?Should they be large enough to ‘hit Shayṭān hard'? No.The Prophet ﷺ taught us to choose pebbles the size of a chickpea—not too big, not too small. He warned against ghuluw, extremism in religion.“Nations before you were destroyed because of extremism.”(Sunan an-Nasā'ī)This small choice—of picking a modest-sized pebble—teaches us something profound:Islam is the middle path.Avoiding ExtremesWe don't go to extremes in rituals, nor do we abandon them completely.There are traditions that are hyper-ritualistic—rules upon rules on how to wash, eat, pray. And there are others that are hyper-spiritual—saying rituals don't matter, only love does.But Islam?Islam values both.We pray—but not in a way that hardens the heart.We fast—but it's meant to soften us, make us more generous.We do rituals—but they should lead to character.This balance is seen in the Prophet's ﷺ response during Hajj.When companions told him they had done certain rites out of order, he said:“No harm. Just complete what's left.”No stress. No harshness. Just sincerity.The Pebble as a MirrorThe pebble isn't just a stone—it's a mirror.What kind of Muslim are you becoming through these rituals?Do your prayers make you more patient?Does fasting make you more empathetic?Does Qur'an soften your heart or just sharpen your tongue?The Prophet ﷺ once said:“A Muslim sleeps with a full stomach while his neighbour goes hungry? He is not truly a believer.”That's the balance we need—rituals with meaning, not just mechanical motions.Unfortunately, today we often see the opposite.People who pray, fast, and go to ‘Umrah regularly—but have no hesitation to slander, to accuse, or to divide the community over minor ritual details.Even during Ramadan and Eid, we argue about moonsighting, declaring others deviant.We forget: The hands in prayer matter less than the state of the heart.The Prophet's ExampleWhen companions went to Sayyidah ‘Ā'ishah (رضي الله عنها) asking about the Prophet's worship, they were amazed. Some said, “We must go even further.” One said, “I'll pray all night.” Another said, “I'll fast every day.” Another said, “I'll never marry.”When the Prophet ﷺ heard this, he was displeased. He said:“I am the most God-conscious of you. Yet I pray, and I sleep. I fast, and I break my fast. I marry. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me.”The lesson?Balance.Closing ReflectionsEven our scholars during the Ottoman era noted:The early generations weren't obsessed with ritual details like the exact level of water for wudu'. They were more concerned about purifying the heart—removing envy, arrogance, love of the world.So what does the chickpea-sized pebble teach us?Don't go to extremes.Don't neglect the heart.Let the ritual transform you.May Allah guide us to the middle path.May He purify our hearts as we perform these beautiful rituals.And may this Hajj make us better people—not just better worshippers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Road to Hajj – a short series giving you a simple, practical overview of the Hajj journey. This isn't a deep dive or fiqh breakdown, just a companion to help you reflect on what each day of Hajj means.Today is the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah — the Day of ‘Arafah.Let's quickly recap: yesterday, on the 8th, the hujjaj doing Tamattu‘ re-entered ihram. Those performing Ifrād or Qirānwere already in ihram. Depending on their package, many hujjaj moved to Mina, but some may have gone straight to ‘Arafah for logistical reasons. That's okay — going to Mina on the 8th is sunnah, not a requirement.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.So what's special about today?The Day of ‘Arafah is the core of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Al-Ḥajju ‘Arafah” — “Hajj is ‘Arafah.”If you miss the wuqūf — the standing at ‘Arafah — your Hajj is invalid.Wuqūf simply means to remain at the plains of ‘Arafah anytime between Dhuhr on the 9th and Fajr on the 10th. Whether you're in a tent, under an umbrella, or just standing in the open — if you're present in ‘Arafah during that window, you've fulfilled the rukun.Most hujjaj will pray Dhuhr and ‘Asr combined and shortened — two rak‘āt each. After the prayer and a brief khuṭbah, the real focus begins: du‘ā. This is the day to pour your heart out to Allah.The Prophet ﷺ made du‘ā from Dhuhr until Maghrib. In fact, this is the only day where du‘ā takes precedence over everything — even Ṣalāh. This is the day when Allah frees more people from Hellfire than any other day.And it's powerful. If you're there, you'll see millions standing shoulder to shoulder, crying, whispering, begging Allah for mercy, for forgiveness, for guidance, for whatever is in their hearts.It truly feels like a rehearsal for Yawm al-Qiyāmah — the Day of Judgment.BeQuranic is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.But here's something that surprises people: even at Hajj, not everyone's experience is the same. Some are in VIP tents with buffet spreads and private toilets. Others are in basic tents. Some have no tents — just an umbrella and the open sky.You might think: “Wait, isn't Hajj supposed to make everyone equal?”But even on Yawm al-Qiyāmah, there's no absolute equality. Some will be under Allah's shade. Others will be in distress. What separates us there is not money — it's our deeds.So just because someone is in a five-star tent today doesn't mean they're in a five-star place on the Day of Judgment. And just because you're under the sun now doesn't mean you're far from Allah's shade then.Let that sink in.Now, the most recommended du‘ā today is what the Prophet ﷺ recited most on this day:لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌLā ilāha illa Allah, waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu 'l-mulku wa lahu 'l-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay'in qadīr.For those of us not at Hajj this year — don't miss out.The righteous from the tābi‘īn would still honour this day. They would fast, and from ‘Asr to Maghrib, they would intensify their du‘ā. Let us do the same. Wherever we are, use these hours to reconnect with Allah. It's the best day of the year to ask.Lastly — why is it called ‘Arafah?It goes back to Prophet Ibrāhīm عليه السلام. On the 8th — the Day of Tarwiyah — he saw the dream of sacrificing his son. He spent the day reflecting: Is this really from Allah? What does it mean?On the 9th — the Day of ‘Arafah — he understood. He knew. ‘Arafa means “to know.” He approached his son, told him the vision, and both father and son submitted to Allah's will.So this day is about realisation. It's about recognising our purpose. Knowing who we are: servants of Allah.Today is the day we remember what we were created for. To obey. To serve. To return to Him — purified, humbled, and changed.May Allah accept the Hajj of all our hujjaj.And for those of us not there — may Allah write Hajj for us soon, and accept our deeds this ‘Arafah.Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.Thanks for reading BeQuranic! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Dear listeners We are in sura 34 Sheba / Saba سباء You will hear two dialogues one in the past and one in the future and it is your choice to choose wisely how you live your life!Today is Arafa the day of Hajj. May Allah bless us all with everything we want need dream for both lives here and there. May Allah protect and bless All our brothers and sisters in Islam and for those that have died May Allah bless them with His Light

May Allah accept all your ibadah

May you never hold more than was wasn't meant for you to carry. May Allah always keep near and hold you in the ways that make you feel lighter.

Hajj is a pillar of Islam & is a spiritual duty that an adult healthy Muslim should fulfill atleast once in his lifetime if he can afford it. May Allah accept the Hajj & duas of everyone who has gone for Hajj & give every Muslim the opportunity to go for Hajj atleast once in their lifetime. Aameen #hajj #tamattu #ihram #umrah #arafah #muzdalifah #mina #sai #safa #marwah #rami #bir #briefislamicreminders #islamicreels #islamicreminders #muslim #dua #islam #allah #prophetmuhammad #tirmidhi #hadith #hadithoftheday #pbuh #deen #god #bukhari #religion #prayers #islamicpodcasts #sadqaejaariah #aameen #zikr #zikrallah #quran #alhamdulillah #islamiccontent

May Allah forgive and guide us

People often assume I've always been fluent in Arabic — but the truth is, our journey started with pressure, self-doubt, and constant mistakes.In this solo episode, I'm opening up about how hard it felt to begin teaching Arabic at home, the emotional weight of not feeling “good enough,” and how I slowly shifted from striving for perfection to embracing connection.If you've ever felt overwhelmed or unsure in your own Arabic journey, this episode is for you. You're not alone — and you don't have to do it alone either.---------If you liked this podcast, take a minute to rate it 

Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn"Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.” It is with great sadness that Muhammad Jalal's wife passed away on Wednesday. She had been courageously living with cancer for over three years. She was a soul who remained obedient to her Lord to the very end and never wavered in her iman and goodness. May Allah open the doors of mercy for her and leave her good deeds and service to the ummah as sadaqah jariah for her.يٰۤاَيَّتُهَا النَّفۡسُ الۡمُطۡمَٮِٕنَّةُارۡجِعِىۡۤ اِلٰى رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرۡضِيَّةً ‏Allah will say to the righteous,˺ “O tranquil soul!,Return to your Lord, well pleased ˹with Him˺ and well pleasing ˹to Him˺. The Prophet (saw) said:“The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.”Farhat lived this truth. May every act of kindness and dedication to our ummah she performed count as sadaqah jāriyah for her. We ask Allah (SWT) to envelop her in mercy, to forgive her sins, to make her grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and to reunite her with her loved ones in Jannat al-Firdaws, the highest level of Paradise. "Allahumma ighfir laha, warhamha, wa 'afiha, wa'fu 'anha.""O Allah, forgive her, have mercy on her, grant her peace, and pardon her." May her soul find rest, and may we all find strength in the legacy she left behind.Listen to the audio version of the podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636aApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.comPurchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merchHelp us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipYou can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/DonateFind us on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslimFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslimBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.socialHost: https://twitter.com/jalalaynHost IG: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn"Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.” It is with great sadness that Muhammad Jalal's wife passed away on Wednesday. She had been courageously living with cancer for over three years. She was a soul who remained obedient to her Lord to the very end and never wavered in her iman and goodness. May Allah open the doors of mercy for her and leave her good deeds and service to the ummah as sadaqah jariah for her.يٰۤاَيَّتُهَا النَّفۡسُ الۡمُطۡمَٮِٕنَّةُارۡجِعِىۡۤ اِلٰى رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرۡضِيَّةً ‏Allah will say to the righteous,˺ “O tranquil soul!,Return to your Lord, well pleased ˹with Him˺ and well pleasing ˹to Him˺. The Prophet (saw) said:“The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.”Farhat lived this truth. May every act of kindness and dedication to our ummah she performed count as sadaqah jāriyah for her. We ask Allah (SWT) to envelop her in mercy, to forgive her sins, to make her grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and to reunite her with her loved ones in Jannat al-Firdaws, the highest level of Paradise. "Allahumma ighfir laha, warhamha, wa 'afiha, wa'fu 'anha.""O Allah, forgive her, have mercy on her, grant her peace, and pardon her." May her soul find rest, and may we all find strength in the legacy she left behind.Listen to the audio version of the podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vXiAjVFnhNI3T9Gkw636aApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-thinking-muslim/id1471798762Sign up to Muhammad Jalal's newsletter: https://jalalayn.substack.comPurchase our Thinking Muslim mug: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/merchHelp us expand our Muslim media project here: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/membershipYou can also support The Thinking Muslim through a one-time donation: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com/DonateFind us on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/thinking_muslimFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Thinking-Muslim-Podcast-105790781361490Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkingmuslimpodcast/Telegram: https://t.me/thinkingmuslimBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thinkingmuslim.bsky.socialHost: https://twitter.com/jalalaynHost IG: https://www.instagram.com/jalalayns/Website Archive: https://www.thinkingmuslim.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Dana, the founder of DanaLand Academy, to talk about her personal journey with Arabic—even as a native speaker—and the challenges she faced reconnecting with the language.We discuss the lack of engaging, child-friendly Arabic resources, and why simply teaching the language traditionally isn't enough—kids need to live it, feel it, and experience it.Dana shares how she brings Arabic to life through creative, fun, and meaningful approaches that allow children to build a real relationship with the language, beyond just letters and vocabulary.

MALAM SERAM THE HORROR TALK SHOW | DEMI MENYOKONG DANA RAMADAN MASJID MUJAHIDINMasjid Mijahidin masih memerlukan sedekah anda untuk Dana Ramadan mereka. Kedudukan Masjid Mujahidin adalah sangat memainkan peranan sebagai satu tempat untuk penduduk sekitar dan khususnya Warga Emas berbuka puasa serta beribadah. Sekiranya anda ingin berinqaf kepada Masjid Mujahidin, anda boleh kirimkan sedekah anda seperti melalui:Bank Transfer (OCBC Current): - 591-8741-10001PayNow UEN: S77MQ0056D (Ref: Sedekah Ramadan)We still need your support

MALAM SERAM THE HORROR TALK SHOW | DEMI MENYOKONG DANA RAMADAN MASJID MUJAHIDINMasjid Mijahidin masih memerlukan sedekah anda untuk Dana Ramadan mereka. Kedudukan Masjid Mujahidin adalah sangat memainkan peranan sebagai satu tempat untuk penduduk sekitar dan khususnya Warga Emas berbuka puasa serta beribadah. Sekiranya anda ingin berinqaf kepada Masjid Mujahidin, anda boleh kirimkan sedekah anda seperti melalui:Bank Transfer (OCBC Current): - 591-8741-10001PayNow UEN: S77MQ0056D (Ref: Sedekah Ramadan)We still need your support

Reflecting on our Tafseer of Surah Al-An'amAlhamdulillah, it's great to be back together after Eid. Eid Mubarak to everyone—I hope your Eid is joyful and filled with blessings. May Allah accept all our deeds from Ramadan and grant us the opportunity to experience an even more meaningful Ramadan next year.Tonight, we continue our tafseer of Surah Al-An'am, picking up from Ayah 90, where we paused before Eid. Our aim now is to complete the remaining eleven pages, covering roughly a page each week. Once we finish this surah, I plan to go back and complete the last four surahs from Juz 'Amma, after which we'll pick a new topic or maybe start studying a classical text together, inshaAllah.As usual, we start our session with a beautiful recitation of Ratib Al-Haddad, reconnecting spiritually and setting a tranquil mood for our discussion.Today, we look at the prophets mentioned in Surah Al-An'am—Ibrahim, Dawud, Sulaiman, Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa, and Harun—and see how Allah uses their stories to comfort Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during his own times of difficulty. Each prophet faces unique challenges: Dawud and Sulaiman experience tests of gratitude (shukr), while prophets like Ayyub, Yusuf, and Musa endure tests of patience (sabr).The story of Prophet Yusuf (AS) especially resonates deeply because it closely parallels the struggles faced by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Both prophets experience rejection from their closest family members yet achieve eventual success through patience and reliance upon Allah.We also discuss the special role of Sayyidina Ali, highlighting how Ali supports Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from the earliest days. It's important to have balanced love: loving Ali deeply doesn't require us to dislike Abu Bakr or Umar. In fact, Ali himself names his children after these companions, reflecting their strong bond of brotherhood and mutual respect.Allah instructs us explicitly in this surah to follow the guidance and examples of these prophets and companions. Their lives serve as practical guides that help us navigate our own challenges.Tonight, we also discuss the unique authenticity and preservation of the Qur'an. Unlike previous scriptures, which undergo alterations and corruption, the Qur'an remains meticulously preserved through memorisation and oral transmission. I often share this remarkable aspect of the Qur'an during interfaith dialogues at the university, surprising many who learn how deeply Muslims engage with their scripture—even memorising it without necessarily understanding its language fully.Finally, we emphasise a crucial point: true belief in the Hereafter (Akhirah) directly leads us to safeguarding our prayers. Prayer is a key indicator of our faith and our belief in the life to come. Now, as Ramadan has ended, let's strive to maintain our dedication to prayers, proving our sincere belief in the Akhirah.May Allah enable us to internalise these reflections, strengthen our connection to the Qur'an, and bless our ongoing journey. See you all next week, inshaAllah! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

‎السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ Welcome back to part 2 with Arabia & Musa! Was Musa eager to come to America or was he having second thoughts!?? Listen to find out! May Allah continue to bless there marriage & protect it from evil eye!

In this episode, I sit down with Laura, a German mother raising her children in Tunisia, to talk about the beauty and challenges of navigating multiple languages and cultures.

Eid Khutbah ReflectionsAlhamdulillah, today was Eid, and it was truly beautiful to see everyone gathered to celebrate after a month of Ramadan. I began with the traditional Takbīr, praising Allah, and sending peace upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.One important thing I really wanted everyone to remember today is that Islam is a religion of balance. Ramadan was a month of hard work, sacrifice, late-night prayers, and giving up things we enjoy—all for Allah's sake. But today, Eid, is a day Allah Himself has given us to celebrate and enjoy, as a reward for all our effort.I also reminded everyone about the blessings we got from Ramadan. Those hadiths really stood out to me:• “Whoever fasts Ramadan with sincere faith, hoping for reward from Allah, all their past sins will be forgiven.”• “Whoever prays at night in Ramadan with sincere faith, hoping for reward, their past sins will also be forgiven.”Reflecting on these hadiths made me realise again just how much mercy Allah shows us, giving us chances to start fresh every year.I also urged everyone, including myself, not to leave behind what we learned and practised in Ramadan. We all picked up new habits—whether it's extra prayers, reading more Qur'an, or giving charity. If we just choose even one of these good deeds and hold onto it throughout the year, imagine how much better our lives would be when the next Ramadan arrives.Something that deeply touched my heart today was reminding everyone about the real success that comes in the next life. I quoted the verses from Surah al-Hāqqah about those who will joyfully receive their book of deeds in their right hands on the Day of Judgement. May Allah make us all among them.I also made sure we took a moment to thank everyone who helped during Ramadan. Volunteers, those who cooked and provided food, and people who organised activities—they were truly amazing. We asked Allah to reward everyone abundantly, repeating the dua: “Allahumma at'im man at'amana” (“O Allah, feed those who fed us”).Finally, it was important to me today that we don't forget our brothers and sisters around the world, especially in Palestine, who are struggling. We asked Allah sincerely to grant them victory, relieve their suffering, provide them with sustenance, healing, patience, and strength.Eid is definitely a day of joy and celebration, but also reflection and gratitude. Let's remember this beautiful balance and carry the spirit of Ramadan forward throughout the year, InshaAllah.May Allah accept from all of us and bless our community always. Eid Mubarak! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Introduction: Ramadan Reflections• Approaching the end of Ramadan, reflect on the month:• Choose one good habit to carry forward into the next 11 months.• Examples: Regular jama'ah prayers, sunnah prayers, daily Qur'an recitation.• Community announcement:• Potluck iftar tomorrow.• Eid prayer details shared.Surah Al-An'am (Ayahs 85-90): Prophet Ibrahim's Example• Emphasis on Ibrahim's logical arguments and reliance on revelation.• Allah took ownership of Ibrahim's logical reasoning, emphasizing the importance of logic and reason in Islam.Prophet Ibrahim's Family Legacy (Ayahs 85-88)• Allah gifted Ibrahim righteous progeny (Ismail, Ishaq, Ya'qub, Dawud, Sulaiman, Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa, Harun).• Allah states:“This is how we reward the Muhsinun (excellent people).” (6:84)• Parenting lessons from Ibrahim's example:• Deep concern for children's faith (Iman).• Priority is not worldly success but preserving Islam across generations.Practical Parenting Tips from Ibrahim's life:1. Frequent Dua for Children:• Ibrahim continually made dua for guidance and protection against shirk, even though his son was already a prophet (Ismail).2. Family Involvement in Ibadah:• Built the Ka'bah alongside Ismail; engage children in worship, prayers, Quran.3. Quality Family Time:• Regularly spent meaningful time with Ismail, strengthening their bond.• Importance of reducing screen distractions to nurture genuine relationships.4. Individual Differences Among Children:• Mentioned diverse prophets: Dawud & Sulaiman (rich, powerful), Ayyub (tested by hardship), Yusuf (from hardship to power), Musa (leader), Harun (supporter).• Each child may excel differently; the common priority is Iman and character.Community Responsibility and Da'wah (Ayah 89)• Diversity in Da'wah Approaches:• Da'wah methods should adapt culturally and contextually (e.g., historical Indonesian wayang, contemporary methods).• Emphasized local language and culture to effectively convey Islam's message.• Servitude to Islam (Ayah 90):• Serving Islam is a privilege; Islam benefits us, not vice versa.• Allah doesn't depend on specific individuals; replacements will come if one steps away.• Reminder: Always be humble and grateful for the opportunity to serve.Significance of Dua: Ibrahim's Long-term Vision• Dua of Ibrahim answered thousands of years later through Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).• Dua is an act of worship; outcome and timing are Allah's domain.• Importance of ongoing dua for future generations' guidance.Conclusion & Practical Takeaways:• Carry forward Ramadan habits into daily life.• Emulate Ibrahim's parenting:• Frequent dua for children's Iman.• Family-centered worship and activities.• Understand and nurture individual strengths.• Serve the community humbly, recognizing it as a divine gift, not a burden.• Maintain a deep commitment to dua for lasting family guidance.Eid Announcement:• Eid prayer: Neil MacDougall Park, open-air (following Sunnah), welcoming everyone.• Takbir: 8:00 am | Eid Prayer: 8:30 am.May Allah accept all our Ramadan efforts and grant steadfastness for us and our progeny. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

‎السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ When two worlds collide across the seas, it's unlike anything you've ever witnessed! Arabia and Musa, once separated by continents, were brought together by the grace of Almighty Allah to share this beautiful love story. May Allah bless their marriage! Listen in and discover the limitless possibilities of romance.———Today's Sponsor: Tax Trep by Mr. CeesayAs mentioned in the episode, from March 5, 2025, text BNBEDITION to 917-553-8167 to receive $10 off. Mr. Ceesay is reliable and patient, offering great service to our community. Be sure to check him out and spread the word—tell a friend to tell a friend!

‎السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ First & foremost Ramadan Mubarak family ! May Allah fill this bless month with many blessings. Bnb took a short family vacation but Allhamdudillah we are back like we never left lol! Enjoy this juicy episode where so much is discussed and we hope you all learn from the discussions. ————Today's Sponsor: Tax Trep by Mr. CeesayAs mentioned in the episode, from March 5, 2025, text BNBEDITION to 917-553-8167 to receive $10 off. Mr. Ceesay is reliable and patient, offering great service to our community. Be sure to check him out and spread the word—tell a friend to tell a friend!

Ramadhan 2025 just started and it could be overwhelming to balance work/study with your ibadah, so in this episode i shared how to make a schedule, what should be our base line to base our ibadah on and crafting the perfect Ramadan Routine.Wishing you all Ramadhan Mubarak

Auto-generated transcript: My dear respected brothers, sisters, elders, Alhamdulillah today is the first of Shaban, which means that we have exactly one month for Ramadan. May Allah give us the tawfiq to prepare for it, to make and take the maximum benefit out of Ramadan al-Fariq inshallah. We have Sayyidina Abada bin Samit radiya Allah… Continue reading ROI – #1 The post ROI – #1 appeared first on Mahmood Habib Masjid and Islamic Centre - We came to give, not to take..

Mother Miriam Live - December 20th, 2024  Continuing: A Child in Winter: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany with Caryll Houselander Can You Change your Confirmation Name? Can you replace the bells used for consecration with some other instrument? Will I be familiar with loved ones in heaven, or will I feel different about them? How to interpret, "Whatever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters, you do for me." What to do if my Muslim friend says, "May Allah protect your son"? How does marriage in heaven work? Is there a reason I would be drawn to Joan of Arc? What does it mean to say that the Catholic Church has 24 different rites?