Podcasts about prophet muhammad

Dive into one of the most mysterious and controversial concepts in Islamic theology: the Salawat. What does it truly mean when the Quran says that Allah and His angels “pray” upon the Prophet Muhammad? Is the common translation accurate, or is there a deeper hidden reality behind these words that has been overlooked for centuries? In this episode, we explore the spiritual meaning of the Salawat, the role of the Ahl al-Bayt, and ancient narrations connected to divine presence, recognition, and guidance. Through Quranic verses, narrations from the Imams, and powerful theological reflections, this discussion uncovers profound mysteries surrounding Wilaya, divine manifestation, Imam Ali, Imam al-Sadiq, and the hidden meanings within Islamic tradition. This episode is essential viewing for anyone interested in Islam, Shia Islam, Quranic interpretation, Islamic mysticism, esoteric knowledge, and the deeper realities behind faith and spiritual perception.

Was the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light anticipated long before it appeared? In this episode, we explore rare and overlooked hadith, gnostic narrations, and the deeper teachings attributed to Prophet Muhammad and his household (Ahlulbayt) to examine a compelling question: do these early sources contain patterns, symbols, and ideas that point beyond their ظاهر (outer meaning) toward a hidden continuity? From esoteric Islam and batin vs zahir interpretations to themes of Imam recognition, Mahdi prophecy, and Islamic mysticism, we follow a trail of evidence that raises serious questions about consistency, fulfillment, and divine guidance—without jumping to conclusions.

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was granted five extraordinary blessings that were not given to any prophet before him. Today, we discuss one of these blessings as we continue the Tafsir of Aya 43 of Surah An-Nisaa. Let's begin.

What happens when every illusion of power disappears?In this episode of Quran Conversations, Dalia Mogahed is joined by her teacher, Imam Muhammad Magid, for a reflection on verses 108–109 of Surah TaHa.These verses continue the Qur'an's powerful depiction of the Day of Judgment—a day when every human being who has ever lived will stand before Allah. No one will be able to ignore the summons. No one will be able to resist, delay, negotiate, or escape.As the Qur'an describes humanity following the caller without deviation, Dalia and Imam Magid explore what it means to live in a world where we often ignore Allah's call, yet are heading toward a day when responding will no longer be optional. They reflect on the complete silence of that gathering, the collapse of worldly status, and the profound significance of Allah describing Himself as Ar-Rahman in a scene of overwhelming judgment and power.In this episode, you will learn:

Some insights resonate so deeply, you feel compelled to share them. In this episode, I explore Pastor Martin Sedra's method of reaching Muslims by thoughtfully comparing the character and actions of Prophet Muhammad with those of Jesus Christ.   Show Notes Twitter | Rumble | BitChute | Spotify | Apple -------------------------------- Pastor Martin Sedra on I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist Support the podcast by shopping at the Truth Quest Shirt Factory. Check out our Christian Collection of shirts.

The Last Hajj Of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - Khutba Hajjatul Wida | Peer Ajmal Raza Qadri New Bayan 2026 | Hazrat Muhammad Ka Akhri Khutba | Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

In this insightful lecture, Dr. Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera highlights the vital responsibility of the Muslim community in supporting new Muslims after embracing Islam. Drawing upon verses from the Qur'an and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the lecture emphasises compassion, brotherhood, education, and continuous guidance for converts as they navigate their new spiritual journey. The lecture also sheds light on the inspiring efforts of Nida Sri Lanka, an organisation dedicated to assisting and nurturing new Muslims through Islamic education, community support, counselling, and welfare initiatives across Sri Lanka. Through practical examples and powerful reminders, attendees are encouraged to play an active role in welcoming and supporting those entering Islam, ensuring they remain connected, confident, and spiritually grounded in their faith.

After the Quran, the most widely cited text in Islamic history is the Sahih al-Bukhari: the compendium of authentic hadith—reports of the Prophet Muhammad's words and deeds—collected by Muhammad al-Bukhari (d.870). Despite the colossal impact of this work, al-Bukhari's biography has long remained obscure. Yet by reconstructing his life and thought we can understand both how and why he devised his method for evaluating which hadith were reliable, and which were to be rejected. And by examining his legal and theological writings, we learn how the canonical status of hadith took shape amid debates about the role and limits of reason as a reliable means of guidance in life. So in this episode we place al-Bukhari into his context of debates between the Ahl al-Ra'y (People of Opinion) and Ahl al-Hadith (People of Hadith). And we highlight the enduring importance of his interventions in the timeless debate over revelation and reason. Nile Green talks to Belal Abu-Alabbas, author of Al-Bukhari: The Life, Theology and Legal Thought of Islam's Foremost Traditionist (Edinburgh University Press, 2026).

Alexandria has been the source of invention, innovation, and beauty for millennia — capturing the imagination of Napoleon, the Prophet Muhammad and, of course, Alexander the Great. He envisioned a place that thrived on cultural, intellectual, economic, political and religious exchange. IDEAS examines the big ideas of this port city in Egypt with Islam Issa, author of Alexandria: The City That Changed the World.Part three in our ongoing series about how port cities shaped the world as we know it.Listen to Part Two: How port cities of Elmina shaped the worldListen to Part One: How port cities like Singapore shaped the world

In this final episode of the Dhul Hijjah Series, we reflect on the final days of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his Farewell Sermon, final advice to the Ummah, and the emotional moments leading to his passing.

How did the Fatimids build one of Islam's most powerful medieval empires? What can the rise of this dynasty reveal about power, culture, tolerance, and women's authority?Stretching across North Africa, Egypt, and parts of Sicily, Syria, Palestine and Arabia, the Fatimids created an empire renowned for prosperity, cultural brilliance and relative tolerance, one in which women were promoted to positions rarely seen elsewhere.Matt Lewis and Dr. Delia Cortese explore the Fatimid's remarkable origin story.MOREHow Islam came to IranListen on AppleListen on SpotifyProphet MuhammadListen on AppleListen on SpotifyGone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. Edited and produced by Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine a time when every nation will have its Messenger standing before them, and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, will be there too, as a witness over everyone. On which side will you be on that day? It's a terrifying thought, indeed.

Your future feels fixed until a single new possibility breaks through. We call that moment a “Qadr Reveal,” and it changes everything by expanding what your mind can perceive and choose. When Qadr is understood as known in the past and present yet unknown in the future, that “unknown” becomes a powerful advantage: it's the space where you can select a thought from countless possibilities, let it shape your emotions and actions, and watch new results unfold in real life. We walk through what a Qadr Reveal actually is (and what it is not). It's the first time a previously inaccessible solution becomes mentally available, often arriving as “what if” or “maybe.” From there, it can mature into consideration, belief, and embodiment. You'll hear concrete examples, including a physician who challenges the belief that meaningful work must equal burnout, a parenting shift for a Muslim mother raising an autistic child that prioritizes nervous system regulation, and a business breakthrough that reframes success as a learnable skill. We also draw an essential Islamic line: a Qadr Reveal is not wahi. Prophetic revelation is protected, authoritative, and ended with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). What we experience as ordinary people may resemble insight or inspiration, but it is not infallible truth. That's why we emphasize discernment, emotional regulation, ethics, and reality testing so you don't confuse ego, impulse, or intensity with guidance. If you're ready to widen your options without losing your grounding, press play, then subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find this work.I invite you to join The Ummi Collective. It is a weekly coaching program for Muslim mothers raising children on the autism spectrum.Inside, you learn how to support your child's development in a way that builds independence, confidence, and long-term success... without losing yourself in the process.Apply for a Commitment Rate todayhttps://www.islamiclifecoachschool.com/offers/RRn2EBEC/chec

Childhood of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ | Seerat un Nabi Part (2) | Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ Ka BachpanPichlay episode mein hum ne dekha ke kis tarah Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) ki nasal se ek mubarak silsila shuru hua aur duniya ko Nabi Kareem ﷺ ki wiladat jaisi azeem ne'mat hasil hui.Ab yeh khoobsurat silsila ek naye marhalay mein dakhil ho raha hai… jahan Huzoor ﷺ ka bachpan Hazrat Halima Saadia (RA) ki goad mein guzarta hai.Is episode mein hum dekhen ge ke kis tarah ek saada aur kamzor gharana, Nabi ﷺ ki tashreef aawri se barkaton se bhar jata hai. Har taraf rehmat hi rehmat nazar aati hai aur aise hairat angez waqiat samnay aate hain jo aap ﷺ ki azmat ki waziha nishaniyan hain.Aap ﷺ ka bachpan na sirf rehmat aur barkat se bhara hua tha balki Allah ki hifazat har qadam par aap ke sath thi. Hazrat Halima Saadia (RA) ke ghar mein doodh ki kasrat, janwaron ki halat mein behtari aur har cheez mein barkat ka zahoor isi baat ki daleel hai.Is video mein aap jaanenge:✨ Halima Saadia (RA) ke ghar ki barkatein✨ Bachpan ke iman afroz waqiat✨ Aur woh nishaniyan jo mustaqbil ki azeem shaksiyat ki taraf ishara karti hainYeh kahani sirf ek bachpan ki kahani nahi, balki rehmat, sabr aur Allah ki qudrat ka zinda saboot hai.Toh aaiye… Seerat e Tayyaba ﷺ ke is dil ko choo lene walay safar ka hissa banyein. Bachpan e Rasool ﷺ | Hazrat Halima Saadia (RA) Ka WaqiaProphet Muhammad ﷺ Childhood Story | Roman UrduSeerat un Nabi ﷺ Episode 2 | Halima Saadia (RA)Bachpan Mein Hujoor ﷺ Ki Barkatein | Emotional StoryHazrat Halima Saadia (RA) Aur Nabi ﷺ Ka BachpanAmazing Childhood of Prophet Muhammad ﷺSeerat e Tayyaba ﷺ | Bachpan Ke WaqiatNabi ﷺ Ka Noorani Bachpan | Heart Touching BayanHalima Saadia (RA) Ke Ghar Ki BarkateinChildhood Miracles of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ#Islamichub #SeeratUnNabi #HazratMuhammadﷺ #HalimaSaadia#IslamicStories #BachpanERasool #Seerat #IslamicVideo #UrduIslamic

Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud said: Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, asked me to recite the Quran for him. I said: “O Messenger of Allah, how could I possibly recite to you what was sent down to you?” He replied: “Yes, I love to hear it recited by someone else.” So I recited Surah al-Nisaa until I reached this verse: “How, then, will it be when We bring forward a witness from every nation, and bring you as a witness against them?” He said: “Enough.” I looked up and saw his eyes filled with tears.

Living the noble virtues of honesty, generosity, justice, understanding, compassion, forgiveness and civility never goes out of style. Decency is always hip. And showing the best of your humanity is definitely cool. No matter what industry you work in and what nation you live in, good things always unfold for great people. And building a character that expresses strong moral authority will always be a gorgeous way to amplify your impact. [Just ask MLK and Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa, Jesus and The Prophet Muhammad].My latest book “The Wealth Money Can't Buy” is full of fresh ideas and original tools that I'm absolutely certain will cause quantum leaps in your positivity, productivity, wellness, and happiness. You can order it now by clicking here.FOLLOW ROBIN SHARMA:InstagramFacebookYouTube

Before the swords clashed at Badr, three men stepped forward to face three of Quraysh's champions in a duel that would open one of the most pivotal battles in Islamic history. Hamza, Ali, and Ubaydah ibn al-Harith stood against Shaybah, Utbah, and Al-Walid; and the encounter ended with both swift victory and painful sacrifice. Ubaydah ibn al-Harith fell that day, bleeding severely, yet spent his final moments reciting poetry in defence of the Prophet ﷺ. The episode also covers the Prophet ﷺ spending the battle in his tent, raising his hands to Allah to the point where his garment fell from his shoulders, and Abu Bakr's emotional response beside him. Allah's answer came; angels descending, fear placed in the hearts of Quraysh, and victory granted to a small group of believers who had placed their complete trust in Allah. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that victory always belongs to those who hold firm to their faith, no matter how impossible the odds may look. Timestamps: 0:00 - Precap 1:32 - Introduction 2:35 - Prophet Muhammad's supplication before battle 4:34 - One of the greatest ways of getting closer to Allah 5:00 - Umayr ibn Wahm's assessment of the muslims 7:46 - Hakim ibn Hizam's advice to Quraysh 8:28 - Utbah ibn Rabi'ah's leadership and wisdom 9:08 - The issue of the murdered man 12:02 - Abu Jahl's incitement to war 14:42 - The battle begins with a duel 15:06 - The three combatants from Quraysh 15:31 - The three combatants from the ansar 15:55 - Umm Haritha's family and the virtue of Badr participants 17:37 - The muslim reply to Quraysh's challenge 18:18 - Hamza, Ali, and Ubaydah vs. Quraysh leaders 20:00 - Ubaydah's injury/death and Abu Talib's words 22:12 - Quranic verse on the combatants 23:26 - Permissibility of dueling in Islam 24:49 - Virtue of Hamza, Ali, and Ubaydah 27:07 - Ibn al-Qayyim's analysis of names 30:26 - The first martyr of Badr: his mother and his place in paradise 35:00 - Abu Jahl's invocation and its consequence 36:47 - Prophet Muhammad's earnest supplication 38:04 - Abu Bakr's comfort to the Prophet 39:30 - The power of supplication (istighatha) 40:20 - The importance of ya hayyu ya qayyum 41:00 - Allah's promise of aid with angels 42:47 - The promise of victory for the righteous 43:22 - Trials and tests for believers 47:02 - Strength and defeat come from the heart 48:33 - Angels participating in the battle of Badr For Scheduling updates for Ustadh AbdulRahman's Duroos in the masjid: https://t.me/DXBduroos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abdu... Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/AMA... Telegram: https://t.me/+c87I9vy6kqkxOWZk YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rahmaniyyahofficial WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0... X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/UstAbdulrahman #abdulrahmanhassan #AlMadrasatuArRahmaniyyah #AMAR

Join us for a special and momentous lecture marking the completion of the Sahih of Imam Bukhari, one of the most authentic and revered collections of Hadith in Islamic tradition. Delivered by Dr. Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera at the as-Suffa Institute in Birmingham, England, this insightful talk reflects on the significance, lessons, and spiritual depth of this العظيم work. A must-watch for students of knowledge and anyone seeking a deeper connection with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Link to donate: https://www.whitethread.org/whitethread-centre/

Auto-generated transcript: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. And peace and blessings be upon the honourable Prophet Muhammadﷺ and the Messenger of Allahﷺ, peace and blessings be upon him, and upon his family and his companions. My brothers and… Continue reading 3 Gems – 3

According to a widespread Islamic tradition, when Adam was expelled from the garden of Eden he fell to earth on Sarandib (now Sri Lanka). In this episode, we hear how this tradition was interpreted in India through the monumental Arabic work, Subhat al-Marjan (The Coral Rosary). Since Arabic isn't often associated with India, we begin by sketching the history of the language in the region. Next, we turn to the biography of Ghulam Ali Azad Bilgrami (1704-86), the author of Subhat al-Marjan who lived during an age of massive political disruption as the Mughal Empire fell apart. Withdrawing to the library of a Sufi monastery in Aurangabad, Azad Bilgrami spent years studying the evidence that linked India to Adam, the Prophet Muhammad, and other key figures of Islamic sacred history. We learn how in his masterpiece Bilgrami brought all this evidence together with the artistry that earned him the moniker Hassan al-Hind (the Hassan of India) for his skills in Arabic. Nile Green talks to Andrea Maria Negri, author of A Mirror of Arabic Language and Literature in India: Gulām ʿAlī Āzād Bilgrāmī's Subhat al-margān fī ātār Hindūstān (De Gruyter, 2026).

Imam Malik ibn Anas (711–795 CE) was a major Islamic scholar and jurist born in Medina during the early Abbasid era. He is best known as the founder of the Maliki school of Islamic law, one of the four major Sunni legal traditions. From a young age, he devoted himself to studying hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) and Islamic jurisprudence, learning from some of the most respected scholars in Medina. His most famous work, Al-Muwatta, is one of the earliest and most important collections of hadith and legal opinions. Imam Malik was known for his strong emphasis on the practices of the people of Medina as a key source of Islamic law, alongside the Quran and authentic hadith. He spent most of his life teaching in Medina and became one of the most respected scholars of his time, influencing Islamic legal thought for centuries after his death.

Aceh in Sumatra is the only Indonesian province where Sharia Law, Islamic religious law, is in force. It followed years of conflict between Aceh and the central government.In Arabic, Sharia means "the clear, well-trodden path to water". It is derived from the Quran, Islam's holy book and from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.Interpretation of Islamic law is nuanced according to local culture and customs, which means the application of Sharia Law may look quite different from country to country.Azwar Abubakar was the acting governor of Aceh who oversaw the first implementation of Sharia Law - a public caning - on 24 June 2005. He speaks to Surya Elango.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines' life and Omar Sharif's legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives' ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.

Look across every story tonight…Violence…Laws…War…Education…Wealth…Different arenas…Same underlying reality:Control.Control of narrative…Control of space…Control of belief…But the believer understands something deeper—That control belongs to Allah alone.And no matter how intense the pressure becomes…The Haqq… remains.This is One Ummah News Hour…Where the truth is not filtered.

If you're wondering why Sunni and Shia have been divided and if unity is even possible, this is the interview for you. What caused the Sunni VS Shia divide? What made it religious? Are Shia's Muslims? Can Sunnis and Shias live together? Who did this to us? We're FINALLY going to talk about the dark time in Islamic history no one talks about....the Sahabah Civil War. What happened?! Why?! How?!In this episode, we have on again, Hamza Raza, a graduate of Vanderbilt and Harvard University with a master's degree in Islamic Studies, currently a student at Al Azhar in Egypt, sits down to reveal the real theological differences and political divides that have separated Muslims for centuries. This is the raw, unfiltered truth about what really happened after the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) death.Follow Hamza: https://www.instagram.com/hamzahraza*JOIN OUR YOUTUBE MEMBERSHIP*OR*Support Us on *Patreon:* https://www.patreon.com/theansaripodcast*Ayubi Collective*FREE 10-Part Masterclass “How to Build Your Own Multi-Billion Dollar Business”https://www.ayubi.com/ansari*Provision Capital:* https://www.provisioncapital.com00:00 What's the story between Sunni & Shia?08:40 The different kinds of Shia10:09 Views about the Sahaba13:57 Ad15:36 The Battle of Jabr20:17 The Death of Uthman 27:45 Who Was Right? Ali or Muawiyya?30:05 Why Is this held a secret?33:08 Ad33:59 The Battle of Safeen35:22 Imam Hassan VS Muawiyyah45:56 The Battle of Karbala57:52 The Origin of Shi'ism01:02:00 The Massacre of the Prophet's Family01:09:50 The Ismaili Split01:11:28 Ad01:12:20 Sunni VS Shia Misinformation 01:15:13 What about Modern Politics?01:19:29 Unification of Muslims01:22:34 Final Thoughts#IslamicHistory #IranWar #muslimpodcast #islamicpodcast #shia #sunni *Listen on All Audio Platforms:* https://tr.ee/JeX-ILYSyj*Follow The Ansari Podcast**Instagram:* https://instagram.com/ansaripodcast*TikTok:* https://tiktok.com/@theansaripodcast*Twitter/X:* https://twitter.com/ansaripodcast

Dr. Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera's talk, Emulating the Prophet Muhammad, explores the timeless character, habits, and values of the Prophet ﷺ as a model for everyday life. Through practical examples and spiritual insights, the talk highlights how embodying compassion, humility, patience, and integrity can transform both personal conduct and community relationships. It serves as a guide for those seeking to align their lives with prophetic teachings in a meaningful and relevant way. Link to donate - https://www.whitethread.org/whitethread-centre/

Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comRegister now for the FREE “Cutting Through Market Noise" live webinar April 2nd at 3:30pm Pacific.Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddGet the new limited release, The Sisterhood, created to honor the extraordinary women behind the heroes.   Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeWhere is the exact line between critiquing a Nation-State and anti-Semitism? Faith & Flag // It's Time for Christians To Take Over All HealthCare - Faith & Fitness // Holy CIA Plant? A “Christian” “Leader” Wants a “‘Christian Hitler?'” - Faith & FactsEpisode Links:ADL CEO just admitted they use AI to scan social media and forward anything they flag to law enforcement and policymakers. Harvard cannot continue to take taxpayer funds while turning a blind eye to racial & ethnic abuse against Jewish & Israeli students. Today, @CivilRights sued Harvard following an @HHSgov finding that the university violated Title VI by enabling antisemitism on its campus.Democrats fought hard to separate church and state, until the politician was Muslim and the “church” became a mosque.Now Mamdani openly references his Islamic faith in leadership, citing the Prophet Muhammad and Hijra to frame policy, hosting Ramadan events at City Hall, and invoking religion when discussing migration, and many progressives applaud instead of objecting.“My pediatrician told me my son NEEDED a meningitis booster or we'd be banned.” Her family had gone to the same office for 25 years. Every child. Every visit. Every vaccine they ever recommended. “I just wanted time to research it. And they told us we'd be DROPPED as patients”This Marine vet just survived two heart attacks, open heart surgery, three weeks on life support, and a nine-week hospital stay — fighting for his life like he once fought for our country. Then the bills hit.A desperate dad rushes his 2-year-old to the hospital after she's hurt. Staff admits they can't really treat her... yet they refuse to let him transfer her to a better facility like Children's Hospital.Euthanasia is routinely offered to Canadian seniors unsolicited. Muriel says she was offered MAID: •By her family doctor •By a specialist •By a funeral home  “This is almost being advertised and promoted,” she told me. How do you think this makes seniors feel?Here, Spangler attempts to explain is ‘protestant Hitler' trash

TRANSCRIPT Gissele: [00:00:00] Gissele: hello and welcome to the Love and Compassion podcast with Gissele. We believe that love and compassion have the power to heal our lives and our world. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more amazing content. Today we’re talking about extraordinary acts of forgiveness and love. Today’s guest is Abdul Munin. Gissele: Sombat Jitmoud, an educator faith leader and father whose response to unimaginable loss stunned the world in a courtroom in Lexington, Kentucky. After his son was murdered, Dr. Jitmoud publicly forgave the man responsible, embracing him. In choosing mercy over vengeance, what could have been a moment of rage became a living testament to faith, courage, and radical compassion. Gissele: Abdul Munin. Gissele: Sombat Jitmoud, Was featured in the National Geographic documentary, the series, the Story of God with Morgan Freeman. Since then, he has traveled internationally speaking [00:01:00] across faith and cultures about forgiveness, healing, and the transformative power of love in the face of violence. Please join me in welcoming Sombat. Gissele: Hello. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Good morning from Thailand Gissele. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: my make-believe daughter of the century, 21st century. Thank you. Thank God so much, Allah Almighty, to give us a daughter that have been waiting for 75 years. Gissele: thank you so much. Thank you for being on the show and for the incredible message that your act has done. Gissele: I was wondering if you could tell the audience a little bit about the loss of your son and how you came to be in the courtroom that day. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Yes. I like to go back to, when I marry righteous wife, her name Linda. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: her father from Greece and her mother [00:02:00] are from Germany, so she born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I came from Thailand from further of my higher education and I earned all of my degree, bachelor degree, master degree, EDS degree and doctorate degree in one of the university. I met this young lady, she’s also the minister of the Christian Church and she feel sorry for me for, she said Sombat, you are so nice person. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And you, talk so much about God because, at that time I was reading the Holy Quran is my friend, because as a foreign student, you don’t have many friend quickly. So the friend I have on my life is I, I read the holy [00:03:00] Quran, the word of God Almighty. And then she said that I feel sorry for you, that you are such a nice person. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: You are very kind and you’re very helpful to me as a college friend. But, I’m sorry to tell you that you will go to hell fire. She said, I said, Linda, why you said that? We just met and become good friend, college friend because you don’t believe in Jesus Christ our Savior. So as a Muslim from Thailand, Buddhist society, I start to share my faith for a few words because we just first met, we just met a few days. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: She said, Linda, actually as a Muslim, I believe in Jesus Christ, but not as God or Son of God. I believe Jesus Christ is one of the great prophet of Allah who came before Muhammad over [00:04:00] five, 500 years. She was stunned that I believe in Jesus Christ. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: After that, we didn’t see each other. for some time she went to the bookstore and start, reading the Holy, holy Book of Islam, quran in English. She, because she tried to find a mistake in holy, to come and convince me that you see, Gissele: yeah, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: your holy Quran has a lot of mistake. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: But she found none, finally one day, one 19 of Ramadan, actually, she came to us in the mosque near the campus, Truman State campus in northern Missouri. She said that I want to become Muslim. So my friend and I. Invite her and give her shahada that Morgan Freeman love this word shahada. All I [00:05:00] bear witness that no one will of worship except Allah Muhammad and Prophet Muhammad much is the servant and the messenger of Allah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: If you can see I have this, in the background here. That’s what Ilan, so she became Muslim. So we thank God for that. And then she start to learn more Islam. And then a year later I asked her to marry me. So not marry right away because she is become my sister in faith, but I nurture her along the way. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: She ask question. And of course, I left to pursue my PhD in Indiana. And then sometime we keep on communicating. And finally we met again and I asked her to, to marry [00:06:00] me and with her righteous nature, God give us six son. And Salahudin was number five, who passed away, with a murder case as you introduced. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And, go back. on the February 15, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: three o’clock, I was in St. Louis City, to be the principal of biggest Islamic school. In the morning I was sleeping. The phone woke me up, so I grabbed the phone. And the message said that, are you Dr. Jitmoud? I say, yes. your son is dead. I was really shocked. First shock. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I was this a dream or I has a nightmare. So I pinch myself pin the back of my hand. It’s hurt. I said, oh, I’m still alive. I awoke. So I said The word that the holy [00:07:00] register, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: the meaning we all belong to Allah, the creator. And until Allah, we all return back to him. I, it is calm as the first shock of the news. Then I said, if this real happened, I said, oh, Sadahudine, my, our dear son, you belong to Allah now. Allah called you back to him. I have to accept this. It is calm me down. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then I think of what the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessing me upon him do in the situation like this. In his life. We studied the life of mohamad. He, when he have a shock like this, he would pray. He didn’t go to the bar, he didn’t go crazy. He went and to make [00:08:00] abolition. And he start bowed out to Allah. Pray Lady. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I said, oh, I have to do what Prophet Moham used to do. I went to the bathroom and make Ablution wash up lady, wash myself real good. That’s the most ablution, the hardest one in my life because my mind was, my son is dead, but I have to pray. I have to pray to God. So I finished and start bow down to to Allah almighty, as prophet we used to do. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then I woke my son, Musa sitting with me right now. Let’s go to the mosque. We need to pray with the community. And we have to take seven hours to Lexington, Kentucky from St. Louis, to prepare for the funeral. And at that time, we didn’t know how he died. What? We learned that he’s dead. can I move on just a little [00:09:00] bit then? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Of Gissele: course. Yeah. That’s, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: this how Allah Mercy, his mercy was hidden in my crisis life. Crisis. that’s one, one verse, in Quran appear into me, it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago. But tonight, it’s like a reveal to me. May I decide in Arabic? Gissele: Okay, of course, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: this in, surah, in Surah nine. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And, um, I verse verse number 51, before I move on, I just go like this amazingly, uh. I check the holy gra it, it’s miracle. After that, I said number nine and verse 51. You know what happened in my life? I’m number nine in birth ranking in my family. My mother, my [00:10:00] father in Thailand, in rural Thailand, they have 11 children. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I happen to be number nine. And in my passport, it just, my birthday was 1951 and this was 51. So I was amazed. I thank God, wow, God reviewed these words. 1400 years ago applied to me in 21st century. So I bowed out to God again. Thank him for like a. Help me to calm myself down at the time of crisis. So that’s what, um, the, the God said that[00:11:00] Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: is really comfort me so much. He said, oh, Muhammad, tell all mankind nothing happened to us by accident. All happened by the decree of Allah. It had been written, has been ordained before. Anything to happen. Let the believer put trust in Allah and Allah is the best of friend and put trust in Allah and Allah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: The most forgiving, the most merciful, forgiving at the time of shock there was of Allah at the end of verse said the most forgiving. At that [00:12:00] time, I don’t know what, our son died, how he died. There were forgiving and mercy came side by side, like a twin tower. Then we went to the mosque, we pray, and I called the school. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: My principle too, manage the school for me because I have to drive seven hours to Lexington to prepare the funeral. Then I asked the imam if I can say a few would about the death of our son, and then I didn’t know anything. I said, please pray for our son. He was dead last night. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I have no idea what he, how he die. And then Musa, my son, a man, a good friend of mine, asked him what on my way out to put the shoe on in Islam. You know when you enter the moss, you take the shoe off, put the shell on the shell. So I went ru rushed [00:13:00] going out. This gentleman, he, I will mention his names, alio. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: He asked my son what happened with your brother? And then my son said he, he got. Murder. Why? delivering pizza, very innocent, uh, honest earning. Then he suddenly, he ran after me, Dr. Chimo, congratulation. I said, I just announced you to the community that my son just got killed. We just on our way to, to prepare for funeral possession. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Okay? I’d like to thank you for congratulating me. What for? he said, you are the father of the righteous death of your son. Comfort death. He said, because it fits what God said in Quran and what Prophet Muhammad [00:14:00] said in his teaching. That’s another the comfort Gissele. My dear daughter, Allah comfort me at the time. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I don’t know what happened yet. So we drove off, to Lexington, Kentucky. Then I communicate with community in Lexington because I was the principal there for seven year. They communicate with me, we body. He said that Dr. Chen will at this time with, the ambulance took him to the Frankfort, the capital of Lexington, for the exam. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So his body about 50 miles away from Lexington. So, okay. Thank you. And then we keep on driving. So I told my son live in different state. They all met. We gonna meet in Lexington for. So finally we met each other halfway. I said, we have to pass [00:15:00] Frankfurt. Let’s stop by to, to see the doctor where the body of Saudi is there. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So I stopped by. The doctor asked me, are you the Saudi father? I say, yes. We just came from St. Louis City, my son in the bank. well, can you tell us about s She said, I have been practicing, this is my career over some year. He’s a very noble, doctor, and he start to, swallow, swallow his, saliva, compose himself from crying. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: he is a big man. Crying in front of the stranger is something, but he said, I feel so sorry for your son surrounding. I stop here sunshine. What happened? Because I didn’t know what happened. He said, uh, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: somebody slit his throat. I said, oh, and then before anything he said this, [00:16:00] you know what? The knife that somebody used to slit your son throat is so sharp. I say, to praise God. I thank God that because Prophet Muhammad peace and blessing say in his teaching, before you slaughter animal, make sure you sharp the knife because when you slaughter the cow or goat and sheep or chicken so that the animal will not feel so much pain. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then that’s what I say, Aham all praise and thank me to Allah. And he said, and then he followed it how Allah comfort me on this crisis harm. He said. However, your son probably have very few moment of pain because the knife is so sharp. I thank God and all our son in the back [00:17:00] a sigh of relief. This probably the beginning of forgiveness come to play in the role because number one, the man in Saint Louis where you are the father of the righteous son who have a noble death now. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: The doctor gave me all this and then asked, may I see his body? He said no. Um, the body has had been chief back, to Lexington for the Islamic funeral, tradition. I thank God again my daughter, Gissele, because I thought that the body gonna be, in the refrigerator, right? Because a murder case like this probably will exempt, the body cut the body and thing, but in Islam, not, uh, not permit to have anybody cut without [00:18:00] necessary without telling God already. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Tell the doctor that, this is enough for this young man, 22 years old who got killed. So the bodys already in Lexingtons. So we drove off, with comfort and the community in Lexington said, Dr. Jitmoud we cannot pray to Saudin in the mosque. because. Hundred upon, hundred people came to honor Saudin because, uh, people know me after seven year of principal in the, I know the mayor, I know the chief, the police, they all become my good friend during my service of community. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So people came upon hundred or become thousand, uh, before I even arrive. Gissele: Wow. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: then said, I want you to go to cemetery, because that’s what we are gonna, we gonna pray. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So I went directly there when I ride the street into the [00:19:00] cemetery was packed. Cannot drive in, so we have to walk in. To get to, to the grave sign when I arrived there. Hundred upon hundred two. Lie of male and female male, one lie, female other lie they want to come to, to comfort me, but I arrived late. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So I thank them and they were crying. I comfort them and tell them not to cry because this happen happened by the will of Allah. We all believe in Allah, right? They say yes, so don’t cry. And it’s not accident. God ordained this to happen. By the time I look up way, by the main street, I saw eight men carry the coffin of, Saudin I asked the, the guest who visit me, may I, excuse me, I have [00:20:00] to, receive my son. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Usually I. I carry the c oftentimes in, in Thailand and in America, because it is in Islam, it is rewarding to do the good deed of honoring the person who live this world. So when it came close to me, I went to the left side for, to support the coffin. Like this, it flew away. So I ran in the other side to grab on this side. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: It flew away. Again, it remind me of the teaching of Prophet Muhammad, that a righteous person see how Allah comfort me again. And our sons, the righteous person. He will request a. In Arabic. K. Hurry me. Hurry me to the grave. My knee bul [00:21:00] because he don’t care anymore about this world. So at the time I heard, four men in the back complain to the foreman in the front, why you pull so fast, so hard? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And the foreman in front said, no, you are the one who pushed so hard. I come to the teaching of prophet moment, the angel, he’ll carry the casket. Gissele: Mm-hmm Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Hurry me, hurry me, hurry me. Finally, I was able to catch up. with the coffin they put down by the grave and the leaders said, open the face from the cloth, the white claw, that cover, because when they have, uh, they wash the body, they have to put, they come to the teaching of Islam, white claw to the whole body, including face. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So they said [00:22:00] they carefully open the place and after to here, they don’t want me to see the neck that the doctor after to here, oh, Gissele, when I open, when they opened the face, I saw him smiling. a dead person got killed by the sharp knife, but smiling face. And like a happy dead person. So when then I, I saw something dark on his forehead, which is, is about the coin dark spot. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Uh, then I, remind me of the holy ground. God said Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: this dark spot is a mark of prayer. So he’s [00:23:00] 22 years old. His mother, Dr. Linda Jamila, she, she’s a new Muslim for 34 years before she die. She has spot two. She pray so hard because she thank God that, uh, she became Muslim and she has a wonderful. Family and she pray. Thank God the best way to thank God is to pray in Islam. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Now our Saudin has like his mom who passed away a year ago and they love each other. My wife love our six son so much, and then we saw, we found the dark spot Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: prostration and the forehead on the ground. I kiss him the last time I ever kissed my son in this world. I kiss on his dark spot and I said, oh my dear son, I love [00:24:00] you so much. I, I say it to you. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I love you so much for the sake of Allah, me, Allah is a prayer. Now me, Allah reunite us with your mom and you and all of us in the high is paradise. Oh my son. We meet you soon in Shaah, God willing, then they start closing the cloth over his faith. That’s the last scene I saw of him Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So the our four son, his big brother and young brother ine, went to the grave to receive his grave site to receive his coffin. And the community also came down to receive. They said that his body is very light. you believe in Angel? my daughter? [00:25:00] Yeah. Christian, Judah. We are these three about Abrahamic faith. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: We have very similar faith and we believe in the angel unseen, but God create the angel. They said as we carry and now we carry him to the resting place. His body was so light Gissele: Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So make the people who do the service very, very comfortable that he is a good man. So after of course we pray the imam, of the community. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I have to mention his name because he my best friend also, he, the Imam who lead our prayer and he the leader community for 30 some years in Lexington. And he used the lesson to, to teach. Hundred of people who came to pray. He said, and he cry. He said, look at this young man. He’s my friend [00:26:00] now. I miss him. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I pray for him. But this a young man that I adore because I have been the imam and pray the funeral, pray for many years I knew. So people come to honor his departure from this world in the ude of the prayer, and he cry and he will, he say, live yourself in the righteous, life and you’ll face the happy ending of this world, just like this young. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And he, and then we put the dirt over him. So I stop right here. You just a good listener. Gissele: thank you for sharing that. if I heard you correctly, one of the things that I’ve gotten from your story was that you had received signs along the way of the need for forgiveness and mercy, even before you knew what had happened, and [00:27:00] also that your son had a righteous death. Gissele: is that correct? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: uh, he is a righteous son. Gissele: Oh, okay. Well, the reason why I mentioned that is because, your son is a hero. He saved a woman’s life, right? Like there was somebody else who was supposed to go on that pizza delivery run who was afraid. is that accurate? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Oh, yes. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: let me, cross right here. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Okay. all this information came later after after offender opposition. We bur him and everything and pray. Last time, so the community announced that Dr. Jitmoud and his family will be in an Islamic school, Lexington Universal Academy. That’s why I used to be the principal, to receive condolences, please come to the school, after evening prayer. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So a lot of friends, hundred of them came to condo, me and my son. Then out of that, [00:28:00] a friend from Pizza Hut. Because they know the Saudi father work here So he came, he start, one of them start telling the story with Saudin delivered pizza not his order because he came back. Okay. He has a young brother named Nurodine, calling him at home about 10 o’clock. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Says it’s raining very hard. that night, the young brother said, Baba, is rain so hard? I worry about My brother Saudin So I called him. He answered right away. He said, uh, sa uh, um, it’s almost 10 o’clock. You’re supposed to be home by now. And it’s raining too. When you gonna come home? He said, I’m delivering the last pizza. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then I will be home soon. So when he deliver little pizza, he went back to Pizza Hut. The young lady pulled [00:29:00] out the order slip and saw the address. That’s her turn, to go. And she said, no, I’m not going to this place. These are section eight. You know, section eight, a housing, complex. I’m not going. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: It’s raining and dangerous. So Saudin just walk in. He said to his coworker, he said, don’t worry, I’m on my way out. my brother just called. I’m gonna stop by and I will come back and give you a tip. tomorrow. So he went, see how Allah ordained that he gonna die. The lady will be safe. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So the lady allow him to go. And when he went, it’s a fake address. He just look around to look for the receiver. I know, I’m sure, know for sure that he didn’t see who behind him. He’s a big tall man and s above my side. Gissele: [00:30:00] Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Probably he just lock him and then, finished the job and he took pizza, took Saudine`s purse and, then he even finished the pizza too. He must be very hungry. the murderer. And then that’s what it is, the story that the lady was saved. Now God want us to save the man who killed You want me to, uh, Gissele: uh, yeah, you can, you can keep going on the story for sure if you want to. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then what happened? next morning, the police team of the police above and detective came to our house. I still in have a house in Lexington. he said that, Dr Jitmoud, we’re gonna take you, to see the crime scene that your son got murdered yesterday. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I was so happy. So we went, when we went through the Section eight complex, a lot of neighbor [00:31:00] came running is no more rain. Last night was raining, before I forget, Gissele my daughter in Islam. when the righteous soul passed away from this world, the nature will cry. When we, because missing a person who worship a lot day and night, that’s one of the side that will lead to forgiveness because start to evaluate already our son have the righteous soul. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: We so many signs. Then when we arrive to the complex, the police, says, this is the place. And we look at this is the, his body lean on the wall. when we came to investigate all the blood was, wash up a few spot, still there, but pretty much clean now. Can I take a little break on the rain and the blood? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So [00:32:00] what happened while during the night, the police knocked on the door off. Iraqi family who just moved in about a month ago on this first floor. And, I need to mention his name because I want God to reward him and his wife, his name sad, and his wife name Amina. When the police knock on the door started open the door, and Amina came along too because he know that, something going on in front of her house because that is, 10 o’clock or plus. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Why police asking her husband about witnessing Amina looked through the door she saw Saudin lean against the wall and has one finger stick up like this. And then he has, he wear a cap at the piece of delivery. [00:33:00] So he said, oh. This man got murdered and his hand got cut off. His finger got cut off except one. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Whoa, poor guy. So she’s know that he’s a Muslim. Yet Now this is God honor Amina to see the finger. You know what has a finger in Islam before you die. If you say with the finger up, as I told Mr. Morgan Freeman, there is no God worthy of worship except Allah. That person will enter paradise. Prophet Muhammad reassure then next miracle happened in front of Armina. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: the wife. Why police talking to her husband? She said that because of the rain, the rain water brought. The [00:34:00] blood to her door because she was the first floor. The blood was so red and clean. On top of that, she smelled perfume from the blood. Not ugly smell, but perfume. This other side of the righteous soul who passed away. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I was being comfort after we bury him yesterday. I was comfort, so comfort of all the neighbor. The neighbor came crying apart, condolence. Sorry for the loss of your son, all the thing. But this family give me comfort and Gissele: yeah, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: so let me share with you this. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Two years and seven months later become the story of courtroom that we forgive the man because it’s stack up of righteous deed before death and after death. I share that with [00:35:00] you. Gissele: Yeah. Thank you just one of the things I wanted to touch on is the fundamental teachings of Islam of humanity and love and compassion that are often not emphasized in Muse. Gissele: AndI wanted to for you to talk a little bit about the fundamental beliefs, of Allah in terms of the unity of people, the oneness of people, and how you were able to see the perpetrator as somebody not separate from you. You talk a little bit about that. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Yes, yes. of course, as a Muslim, have to refer to the statement of God, Allah Almighty, himself in the holy Quran first of all, God say that whoever killed one innocent life he killed the whole humanity, then God follow Allah, follow his whole statement. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Whoever saved the life, saved the soul. One [00:36:00] soul, he saved the soul, the whole humanity. This is leading to forgiveness. After Saudin, we call about 15 righteous side. Within, uh, a short time after his death, he said, our son. People witness, we didn’t say it. The people who know us just said, um, Shahied, shahied, shahied. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Shahied means the righteous death, the word Arabic we just said in holy gra and the haddi of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessing we are one he said. Then I think to myself, have not informed our son yet because they were angry because he loves Saudin. and people ask me, especially the student ask me, Dr. Jitmoud, is he the one who killed Saudin is your enemy? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: He said, no. he’s my friend, but he just misguided guy friend. he’s my [00:37:00] nephew. he’s like my son and my nephew, but he have been misguided by satan chatan, okay? Gissele: Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And then he asked. You have any enemy? I say, yes. Who? The devil. They said, whoa, the man who killed your son? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: still you call him nephew? I said, yes. He just like us. Only that because of drug, because of he, he robbed by the misguided guy friend. So all taking drugs and the money ran out. So he and his team plan to kill someone. they didn’t know that they’re gonna kill Saudin. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: They want to kill someone that robbed the money and take Pizza too. Enjoy then. That’s what it is. So all this happened, that’s why I said it not accident, had been ordained by Allah. Allah love Saudin. Allah [00:38:00] want to know that soul to return to him in the righteousness. And another thing, Gissele, my daughter, as at that time in America, Islamic phobia was high hate Islam, afraid of Muslim terrorist, all these thing, God with his wisdom chose our son to show the world that not what Islam being portrayed on media. Gissele: Mm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Islam forgive. Then I go back to Prophet Muhammad. He was 13 years in Maka. People want to kill him. Then God said, I want you to migrate to Medina and you’ll establish the city Medina so that Islam will be spread. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Islam established in Medina, eight years later, he came back and conquered, maka his [00:39:00] birthplace without a single fight, without a single life being lost. On top of that, he forgave all of those who tried to kill him. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Who am I? I’m not a prophet, but I should learn from my prophet of Allah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I said, son. Allah say this. Can I say the statement that finally change the family, the history of the world Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I seek refuse with Allah from the shaan said the curse, the Allah God. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So have to [00:40:00] forgive the one who cause harm to you. Command from God while just and overlook his shortcoming. His shortcoming was drug friend. And Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: an environment that he was raised, not friendly to him. And then God said, don’t you love that? Allah shall forgive you? And Allah is the most forgiving, the most merciful. I told my son this a lifetime opportunity to be forgiven by Allah. No one can go to paradise when you have sin within us. Even one spot of sin you have to go to serve time in this like jail, right? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So in next year, you have to go to hell fire for some time to erase the sin. So they all forgive [00:41:00] except the youngest one. Ludin, because he’s the one who received bad news that night. And we have a few minutes already left. Let’s go back to Ludin about, three o’clock. Lexington time was ahead of Sunday time. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: One hour Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: after he called his brother, he wait and he slept on the sofa. he heard somebody knock on the door. he afraid to open right away. So the police, the one who knock on the side, uh, can you open the door? We are the police officer. So he opened the door. Slowly, he saw three police officer it, this resident, he say, yes, I’m his brother. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And he, I’m waiting for him since 10 o’clock. And he’s not here yet. I dunno what happened with him. He’s 18 years old, so the, uh, Saudi not [00:42:00] coming home anymore. He’s got murdered. We just came to deliver the bad news for you and they left. Poor guy, home alone. Mother passed away. Older brother live far away. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Me musa live in in St. Louis, seven hour drive. So he was really, Gissele: yeah, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: shocked Yeah. then. When come to the courtroom he didn’t want to forgive. And the police, the chief of police chief will not ask him to stay in the hotel. They prepare everything fine. He said, you have to stay here because tomorrow it’s gonna be hard for him. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So the morning come, he said, Baba, I want to go, uh, to the courtroom. He said, so we took him with police, one side and one side grab his hand because the murderer just walk in. The last one, everyone waiting for him. He’s [00:43:00] the very, or man, of course, only on his third, every eye poke focus on him. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: He walk in, we look. Then in the process of court testimony, he cry, right? I give the tissue to him and he came, walked to him. I walked halfway. And he grabbed the tissue right away. I grabbed his hand and pulled, and I hug him. Nolin said, Baba right in front of Nolin. Nolin said, Baba. He’s not a monster. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: He’s a human being like him. He’s the misguided guy. So I forgive him right away, Baba. I say all praise and thank you to Allah. I am my family. That is your family. 100%. Forgive the man who murder. That’s what it is. So come back to forgiveness, prophet moment. Forgive the one who tried to murder him [00:44:00] also. So who am I? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Uh, not to forgive. Seen Aah. Offered opportunity to earn his blessing and mercy to go to paradise in the life he after. Gissele: I just wanted to mention the fact that, you said so many fundamental things. One being that there, there really is no evil. Gissele: Like most people are just misguided. Right? if they really truly understood how interconnected we are, if we really, truly understood that we are all made of the same God source energy, Allah or whatever God they believe in, they would understand that whatever they do impacts them as well. Gissele: We’re so connected. but I think many people have a hard time with forgiveness. I think because of the way they view death. I think many people view death as final and they don’t see it as a return to God. They see it as this is the end, there’s nothing else. Mm-hmm. And so in those circumstances, I think it can be hard to forgive and people’s [00:45:00] fear of death is quite strong Gissele: the fear can be overwhelming. did you have anyone that was. I didn’t really understand your ability to be able to forgive something. So monumentous, as a mother myself who has two children, being away from them, despite my connection to God would be really difficult. Which is why your behavior is so extraordinary. Gissele: and your connection to God is so extraordinary because I think, maybe my listeners might have a hard time saying or understanding the importance of needing to forgive for ourselves. Right. And for each other. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Yeah. Because I’m a very personal person Gissele. So before we move on, I have grandchildren in Canada too. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I pray now to Allah Almighty God. To, protect you from harm and to, and you. Amen. My [00:46:00] grandchildren and your, of course your son and your family from this trouble world, and I want you to be safe. And so live your life. with safety and security come back. I need to tell you also the teaching of Islam has three choice in term of the first degree murder, like this is mentioned in the holy Quran. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Also, one, if this man were to be seated in the electric chair, it’s okay for my family because life and life or life. Is okay because Islam allowed it. Second one say that the two family can negotiate blood money. Okay. Blood money. Uh, then [00:47:00] Allah and Prophet Muhammad peace and blessing be upon himself. The best is to forgive. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So my family chose number three. Forgive because we feel that if the man have to be seat in electric chair with a few moment and die, we gonna feel guilty. We the cause of the man sitting electric air. Right. All in the life sentence in the dark room for forever. Gissele: Mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So we don’t want to cause that. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: To happen to him. We want to save this young man so that he can live. I told him that when you are in the prison, I want you to bow down to Allah of God Almighty. He’s created to you and he creates Saudin. So I want you to thank God that you able to breathe a few [00:48:00] more years, and I want you to grow up in righteousness. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Prison is a good place for you now to reflect upon your life. And I want you to think positively about your life. And I pray that may God keep your life safe in the prison. Prison is not always safe, right? Mm-hmm. So I pray for him. Yeah. And then I said that I am this age, and the judge. reduced his time from 36 years, through 31 years. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And I am this age, I don’t know if conceived that long. When I told him before we hug each other in the private room now, I said, if God Allah gave me life longer, I will come to the prison door to with your parents so we [00:49:00] can welcome you to the free world. Okay? Because this last, when you say, wow, I have to go back. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Last January, the year before my family went to Lexington to visit Saudin. So we in communication with his father. Okay, so we contact him that we are gonna visit Saudi. Can you come and meet us? So we invite him to have lunch with us. So he came, his father, and they said, when I come back from Thailand and we gonna go visit your son together in the prison, he was so happy that, and you will talk about his son or you, his, your son. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I blame nobody but satan the devil. That’s what I blame for. So that’s what in Islam, we choose the best choice for a human being and he have a good chance to live a good life. I say when you come out, be a good [00:50:00] citizen of our land and be productive citizen of the society because time for you to pay back to the community that raise you. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Even though put you in a tough time. Yeah. So this, I don’t know if I answered the question. Gissele: Yeah, you did actually. Um, and you raised some important things in terms of, there’s a lot of trauma and there’s a lot of environmental things that people have been raised with and they carry that trauma and they hurt other people, which is really difficult. Gissele: Do you know how he’s doing in prison? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Okay. these are often asked question when I travel to give at talk. even his father have a hard time especially during, COVID-19. Father not able to go. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Mm-hmm. And also he had been moved from jail to jail, but, we cause, tight security. Mm-hmm. Because he’s, first degree murderer. But now that’s why when I met him during [00:51:00] invitation for lunchtime with my family in Lexington, he said, I’m able to visit him, but I have to, declare, my identification even as a father, but now able to visit maybe once a month, something like that, or once a week based upon my availability. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: That’s why I said, let’s go together so that we can help comfort your son and make sure that he has hope outside the prison. So this what, we need to tell the world that everyone. In your life being sent by God Almighty. A good person is for you to live and care and be thankful to God. A person who give you hard time is also the test from God. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: That you have to be patient and you have to understand everyone, not alike, but we have to work together. And we have to understand that [00:52:00] if I teach the thousand of students in America, along with our six son, you have if you see somebody not good to you, you pray to God, to guide you for to be righteous and to guide the man. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Woman to become righteous as God, to be good citizen of the world because God create everyone the same God who, create the animal and birds and everything in the universe. So be good to everyone, especially the one that cause you harm. This is the challenge because you pass the test that all pays upon you because life is a test. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Life is journey to the hereafter. And our destination is paradise. In our, in Quran cause it general to And can you say Janna? Gissele: [00:53:00] Janna Gissele: Sah, Allah. Sorry. Because. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: It’s like I pray for you and me to go to this. the highest has seven rank, need the highest rank with the righteous, with the prophets. Okay? So that’s why we pray for the one who harm you with the best of prayer. And the angel will say, may you receive the same, we come back to the angel again Gissele. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Uh, yeah, Gissele: yeah, for sure. May you receive the same. we see right now the world that is so divided, and I know you travel a lot to give messages to people. my listeners are from all over the world, and some people are involved in war. Other people are, in different circumstances and seeing what’s happening.[00:54:00] Gissele: What’s one thing that I think you would like our fellow human beings to know and understand, about your experience and how maybe what things we could do to come closer together to one another instead of be more divisive and more hurtful towards one another? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Okay. Uh, my daughter Gissele. I have to go back to the words that I mentioned to you earlier in the program. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Yeah. Oh, Mankin. Along create all of you from the single and male and female, Adam and Eve. The purpose is for you to know each other, cooperate with one another in peace and harmony. the best among all of you, mankind that Allah create is the most righteous of you. My righteous wife. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Linda, she live righteous wife, righteous life, and our sonin live righteous life. And that’s why [00:55:00] in the criteria of Allah, the best of you, Allah want everyone, you and me and your two children to grow up in Righteous Way. And the best among you is the one who provides service to others. Right now you are performing, a program, podcast, right? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: This gonna go to a few viewers and this is a service you are doing for the humanity who will listen to your program. And of course, everyone has, God creates the rationale to think, to evaluate a situation. What good and what not so good. Which one is toxic situation we able to identify? And your program, I hope and pray that people will understand, the usefulness of your program and always think of you in the positive possible [00:56:00] contribution that you from Canada have done to the humanity. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: So we together, and my thinking is that you as my make-believe, daughter have a joy reward from Allah Almighty because you spread good word, not violence, because God want us to be harmony, work together and know people are alike. But you have to overlook. Remember God said, you have to forgive the man who killed your son and overlook his shortcoming because everyone has strength and weakness. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: That’s why as wife and husband, when you look at your wife, look for her strength. And when she has weakness, overlook, don’t emphasize on the weakness because, you forgive her weakness. Okay, but strengthen. Oh, [00:57:00] Charla. Um, my dear darling, you are just a good mother. You’re just a good wife you are. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Cooking is so delicious. All the positive thing. If she didn’t wash the dishes, overlook her. You do too. Because I help my wife wash the dishes too, wash the clothes, do everything because how the Prophet Muhammad will do, be example for us, And of course the c Korean Indian is in Arabic in holy gra, Ana Africa Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: please us Bucket upon bucket of patience when you are a patient and Allah little patient. That’s why we don’t have enough patience. Somebody step on our toe. We just, just Right. We have to. Excuse me. Oh, no problem. Are you okay? [00:58:00] Be gentle, be quiet, be humble In Islam, whoever humble before God, I make you and humble before his. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: His creation. You are his creation and a lot will raise our rank very high because we live up to his test because life is a test right now. A lot test you and me because we are sometime don’t think alike, but we have to respect. You don’t have to agree, but you have to respect a person who you disagree with. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Then in Shaah, God willing, with the help of Allah, the world will be a better place to live. And my grandson, which is behind you, should be a better the world that we left behind. Am I correct? We should establish environment for our grandchildren, great-grandchildren, more than we are within moment right now in Shaah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: That’s why the war [00:59:00] going on. I pray so much what’s going on in Middle East and how America react to the situation. Pray that, oh, Allah, God, by the please save the world. And, everything within it with your mercy because you are the most forgiving, and the most mercyful. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Oh, Allah, forgive the oppressor and then, and reward the oppressed because you know best in your wisdom. Who is best among your servant, the one who lived the righteous way. the one who live in the righteous life. That’s your criteria to judge who is the best. So we ask your kindness, your mercy, to judge your servant, with the best judgment in your wisdom. Gissele: Thank you for that. your life is a testament of how love can transform, and forgiveness can transform not only the young man who was involved in your son’s murder, but also the [01:00:00] inspiration that other people have gotten from your story and their willingness to forgive and through those actions, thus bringing the world closer together. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I love you. I love you too. I, I love you for the sake of Allah. May I say in Arabic one more time? I’m sure a lot Arab. Gissele: Yeah, of course. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: My friend. I have a hundred of Arab friend too. Yeah. And I plan on going to, oh, I need to tell you the, I need, I will go to Pilgrimme, after the court case, I went to Maka, performed Pilgrimme by the Kaba, GABA, right? Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: the house of Allah that the Muslim pray every day face this house we pray for, the one who murder Saudin, to be guide, to be safe from all the harm may happen to him. Because, and we ask a lot to accept our [01:01:00] forgiveness. during this, hour, also with conversation. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: You know that I never mention his name. Yeah. Because I have to honor him. Gissele: Yeah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Because he’s not here to defend himself. Gissele: Yeah. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Okay. So I went to, of course, when I went to gaba, I present his care to Allah. So I mentioned his name, but because the angel would write down the name Gissele: mm-hmm. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: That, oh, Allah, please forgive him. And let him, grow up to be righteous. And we went to harsh this coming harsh season, which is in. May I will go to H again. So I will be praying for him to my righteous wife, Linda, and then, and I will pray for you too. and you are children. Gissele: Thank you.[01:02:00] Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Please, hug them for me Gissele: Well, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: and convey my love to them for the sake of God. Gissele: Thank you. Same. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Yeah. Gissele: You extend to our family and thank you. thank you so much for sharing your story and your wisdom. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: Thank you. Gissele: and your love and all the work that you do for humanity Gissele: Helping us come closer together. So appreciate it, appreciate you. and thank you for those who tuned into another episode of Love and Compassion podcast, with Gissele Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I pray that, uh, your program will be further of success in the future endeavor. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: And I pray again that may almighty God, give you a healthy, good long life and stay in this world, to serve God for his pleasure. And may God guide you. Grant you the most happiest life in the life [01:03:00] hereafter And may God look after you, after your family and your friends. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: The friend of your program here, may God also have mercy upon them all and has a happy life and good long life forever. Okay, lemme thanking to you, lemme pray in Arabic to close. Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: We ask God to forgive us in the word that we express you are to may not. Uh, please with each other, may God forgive us and everything. Forgiveness is the greatest gift of charity in Islam. My Islam. And in the, Abdul-Munin Sombat Jitmoud: I know, good life [01:04:00] in Canada and good late morning in Thailand.

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

On this episode, my guest is Hasan Kerim Güç. Kerim graduated from Istanbul High School in 1992 and from Yildiz Technical University in 1996. Between 1997-2004, he completed his master's degree in Information Systems and Business Administration in Baltimore, USA. He returned to Turkey in 2010. Realizing that the treasure he had been looking for for 14 years was right in his own home, he took the position of Chief Editor at Nefes Publishing House in 2014. Kerim nourishes his business life with Sufi studies and is pursuing a doctoral degree from the Usküdar University Institute for Sufi Studies. He has published four books.Show Notes* Rejecting the American Dream* Anatolian and Sufi Hospitality* Sufis and the Ottomans* Tanri misafiri (“God's guest”)* Togetherness, and the roots of Religion* When we welcome suffering, we make honey out of pain* Submission, servants and the prophet Mohammed* The Conference of the Birds / Stories from the Thirty Birds* Limits to hospitality in the Islamic world* Bereket / Baraka* Rumi's Guest HouseHomework* Kerim Vakfı* Stories from the Thirty Birds* Cemalnur Sargut: A Sufi Life of Love, Suffering, and Divine Union* Cemalnur Sargut Books* Kerim Guc - Instagram* Kyoto University Kenan Rifai Center for Sufi Studies* Ken'an Rifâî Chair of Islamic Studies at Peking University* University of North Carolina (UNC) Ken'an Rifâî Chair in Islamic StudiesTranscriptChris: [00:00:00] Welcome to the End of Tourism podcast, Kerim. Hoș geldiniz.Kerim: Thank you very much for having me.Chris: Yeah, it's my pleasure. Thank you for joining me today. Perhaps you could tell our listeners, where you find yourself and what the world looks like there for you.Kerim: Well, first of all, I'm an immigrant also. I was an immigrant. I lived in the US for a while, and then I came back to to my own country. And things are very different here than there, than it is in US. From the perspective of what I did... I was actually an engineer, and I was working in the IT fields, and I was living the American dream, and then I realized that there was some kind of an emptiness, and this whole thing, and I decided to go back to Turkey and [00:01:00] study Sufism, and since my mother was actually a Sufi teacher. She decided to actually move this whole Sufism into academia. So, she basically established an institute in Istanbul - Üsküdar Istanbul - at the University of Üsküdar. The difference between this institute and the other schools, the people like myself, like engineers, coming from different disciplines, including lawyers and whatnot, they were not able to do their masters or PhDs in Sufism, because in other universities, they require for you to actually have theology backgrounds. But with this new establishment, we were able to educate people from all different disciplines and, [00:02:00] so we basically concentrated on ethics rather than the religion itself.So, a lot of people coming from different areas, especially the white-collar people, living this, like - how do I say that? - it's a world of money and materialism and all kind of that stuff. They're coming to our institute and realizing that money or career is not the only goal for life.And we started to concentrating on things like spirituality more than the materialist world.Chris: Thank you. Well, I'm very much looking forward to exploring these themes with you and a little bit of the work that you do with Kerim Vakfı.Kerim: Sure.Chris: And so for the last season of the podcast, I'm very much interested in focusing on different hospitality traditions and practices from around the [00:03:00] world, as I mentioned to you. And, one of the key themes of the podcast is radical hospitality. Now, the word “radical” comes from Latin and it means “rooted,” or we might even say “local” or “living.”And so. I'm curious if there are any radical hospitality practices that you think are unique to your place, to Istanbul, or to the Sufi community that you might be willing to share with us today?Kerim: Well, Istanbul, actually, is a very metropolitan city. So like the other metropolitan cities, we kind of lost that - what we call the hospitality of Anatolia. Anatolia is basically the Eastern part of Istanbul. And in Istanbul, we have, right now, 25 million people in a very small area. And in older days when the population was smaller, [00:04:00] we were able to show our hospitality, because the Turkish hospitality is very famous, actually. In this area the hospitality is very famous, including the, you know, Greek and Arab hospitality. Usually, it's a little bit different than the western countries.For instance, we welcome people - we used to, and probably still, in the countryside - the people coming from other cities or countries or whatnot. The locals actually helped them out as much as possible. They even invite them to their own houses and let them stay for how long they want to stay. And this was kind of like a regular thing in the old days. It's still going on very much in the eastern side of Turkey, pretty much in the countryside. [00:05:00] But Istanbul, like other cosmopolitan cities, we kinda lost that. You know, neighbourly things. We have a lot of neighbours and we we have always good... we used to have a lot of good relationship with them, but nowadays, again, because of this material world, we kind of lost this hospitality.So from the Sufi point of view, hospitality is very important. It's interesting that you mentioned the “radical.” You were talking about where “radical” come from, but you didn't talk about where “hospitality” comes from. See, there is a relationship between the hospital and the hospitality and the way the Sufis look at things is very much like the illnesses in our body are our guests. So, we don't think that they're bad for you. They're actually [00:06:00] the guests of our house for a time being. So we show them the hospitality as much as we can, and then hopefully we say goodbye to them.Chris: Wow. Wow. That's fascinating. I do know that the term “hospitality,” hospital is part of that, and hospital historically came from these notions of hospitality. I mean, in the western world in, and at least in the Christian world, there's a kind of unauthorized history in which a lot of this hospitality, as you mentioned, that was offered to the stranger, was done by the families or the individual houses or homes within a community. A stranger would come and they would ask for hospitality, ask for food and shelter, and the family would have to decide whether to do that and how to do it. [00:07:00] And then at some point, the institution of the Church kind of stepped in and said, “you know what? You don't have to do this anymore. When the stranger comes to the community, when they show up at your door, just send them to us. Just send them to the church and we'll give them what they need.”And so this did a number of things, but the two most obvious ones, I think, are that the family, the individuals in the family and the community on a grassroots level, slowly ended up losing their ability, their unique kind of familial or personal ability to host the stranger. And at the same time, of course, the church used this as a way to try to convert, the stranger.Kerim: Right.Chris: And so I'm curious if there's anything in that realm that you see in the Islamic world, maybe in the Sufi world... you mentioned that, since the [00:08:00] imposition of modernity and the industrial Revolution in the world, we see less and less possibilities for small-scale, grassroots hospitality between people, in part, because there's so much movement, and of course, because the hospital has its brothers and sisters in the sense of the “hotel” and the “hostel.”Kerim: Absolutely.Chris: So, I'm curious if there's anything like that that comes to mind for you in regards to the Islamic world.Kerim: Well, one thing is about like the Ottomans. The Ottomans, when they were coming from the Anatolia and then started conquering all those places in the Balkan area, Greece and Bulgaria, Hungary and all those places, after they actually conquered, they sent Sufis to those places. And, like in Hungary, there is a person, his name is [00:09:00] Gül Baba, which means “Rose Father.” That's what they call him. He actually has his own tekke (tekke is like a church for Sufis). And this place, it's like a school more, more like a school, but it's a religious school.And in this tekke, he actually finds all those people with needs, and he pretty much helped them out with all those needs. And the people coming from different religions, they actually started liking people like from the Turks' point of view, because the Turks were symbolized by these Sufi movements. And instead of, you know, pushing people to convert or demolishing the churches and rebuilding mosques and stuff. Instead of that, they actually [00:10:00] welcomed people from all over the world, or all over the place, basically, to stay in the tekke, to eat and to get education in the tekke. So this was a great strategy of Ottomans. That's how they actually stayed in Europe for almost like 600 years. So that was very much like, you know, their strategy, I think. And in a good way.Chris: Yeah, you know, in my research I found out that there's still Sufi orders in the Balkans a group called the Bektashi.Kerim: Right.Chris: And of course, with the very little historical understanding that I had, I was very surprised. I had no idea. But of course, when I eventually went to visit the regions that my father is from, I saw churches, synagogues, and mosques, all in the same little neighbourhoods.[00:11:00] So, quite an impressive kind of understanding that the major religions in those places could coexist for so long. And that in the context of someone who grew up in North America, who thought it was the opposite (previously) and such things are so difficult.Kerim: Right. Right.Chris: So, Kerim, a mutual friend of ours has told me, that in the Turkish language, there is a phrase (and excuse my pronunciation). The phrase is tanri misafiri.Kerim: Right.Chris: Which translates into English as something like “God's guest.”Kerim: Right.Chris: Or “the guest sent by God.”Kerim: Right. Right.Chris: And so I'm wondering if you could speak about this phrase, maybe what it means to you and where you think it comes from?Kerim: Well, in Anatolia, it's a very famous phrase. And like I said previously, you know anybody coming from somewhere else, who comes into somebody's [00:12:00] house, is allowed to stay in the house as “the guest of God,” because we believe that God has sent that guest to us and we try to... you know, it's more like making that guest happy means making God happy. So, that's the understanding of older generations.In today's metropolitan areas, I don't think it's possible because of the security problems and everything. But like I said, in the countryside, people are very welcoming when it comes to this, because it is very important that knowing that person is actually coming from God, from Allah, so we have to take care of that person as much as possible to please God, actually.So that's how it is. I still see that in many cities in the [00:13:00] more eastern side of Turkey or south side of Turkey, or even north side of Turkey except in the bigger cities. But in the smaller cities, people are much more welcoming, again because of this specific idiom, actually.Chris: From tanri misafiri?Kerim: Right. Tanri means “God” in our language. In the original Turkish language, it's tanri, and, misafiri means “ the guest.”Chris: Yeah. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing that with us.Kerim: Absolutely.Chris: And so when guests arrive in a home, you know, in English, at least in, in the context of the older traditions, it is said that the guest or the potential guest, the stranger, asks for hospitality. They don't necessarily say “ they ask for food,” which we can imagine that surely they [00:14:00] do. They don't necessarily say that “they ask for shelter” or “accommodation,” which we surely we could imagine they do. But the literature often says they ask for hospitality.And so, when we think of hospitality today, we often think about people sitting around a table eating food together. And so I'm curious if there's a shared understanding among Sufis or at least the community that you live among and in, about the importance of both eating food and eating food together.Kerim: Togetherness is probably one of the most important things in the Islamic religion. Because like even our way of worshiping God - Allah - we try to do that in a union as much as possible. It is very interesting, the words that “religion” comes from.[00:15:00] Re- means “again,” and legion means “union.”So it's almost like “religion” itself means “to recreate the union,” “to reshape the union,” “ to have the union back,” because we have the tendency to be alone. And even you can imagine that in the western countries, in the western world, a lot of people want to be alone.Like, there's a lot of individuals rather than a group of people. And in the eastern world, it's a little bit different. We are more like family-oriented people. We try to do things together. I mean, there are advantages and disadvantages obviously, but there is a difference between them.So, we always had this [notion that] “the more is better,” basically. You know, more people is better. So, we help each other, [00:16:00] we understand each other, we talk about our problems. When we try to solve them, it's easier together. And if there's pain, you know, the pain actually, can be eased with more people, easier, I think, compared to have this pain alone. So, again, we're more family-oriented people.And the Sufi are very much like that. The Sufi always pray together, and they think that it creates a n energy, basically. It produces an energy that basically helps all of them at the same time, in a union.Chris: Hmm hmm. And do you find that sitting down for a meal together also creates that kind of union, or recreates as you were saying?Kerim: I think so. Doing any kind of activities, including eating... eating is basically the most common activity [00:17:00] that we do in our daily life and getting together, to talk about our things together, and discuss things together, all those things - togetherness, when it comes to the idea of togetherness - I think, is beautiful.Chris: Hmm, hmm. Amen. Yeah, I very much agree with that, Kerim.And so, when we think about hospitality, and we think about food, we often imagine big banquet tables and as you said, this sense of togetherness and celebration.But there's also, you know, from what little I've read, there's also this important aspect of the religious life in the Islamic world, and perhaps in the Sufi world as well that points to, maybe not the absence of food, but a different way of being fed, and a different way of feeding that doesn't [00:18:00] include the food we're used to, the kind of material food. And we often refer to this as fasting. And so, there's a beautiful video that you sent me, Kerim, of your mother speaking, and she recalls a phrase in that video from her own mother who said that “when we welcome suffering, we make honey out of pain.”And so, this is a question I very much want to ask you because I've fasted myself quite intensely. I'm curious, what is the honey that comes from fasting? Or, what do you think is the honey that comes from fasting?Kerim: Right? First of all, yeah, fasting is in our religion. So, we basically do that one month in the whole year. It's called Ramadan. In some cases, we actually do that because our Prophet Muhammad, when he [00:19:00] lived, he was fasting every Monday and every Thursday. So it was like a common practice for some of the religious people. And at least we do that one month in the whole year.And obviously, that month is a little bit difficult, you know, because we not only stop eating, we also stopped drinking and all that stuff. In theory, we should not be lying, we should not be telling bad things to other people or gossiping and all that stuff, but usually we do during that time. I mean, in theory, we should not be doing that.So it's like a whole discipline thing - the whole fasting. And at the end of the thirty days, you become a really, really different person. And first of all, one thing that [00:20:00] I feel, is that you understand the people who do not have food. We still have people in the world, unfortunately, in Africa, and all those places, the people, having less access to food as we do, and we feel like, oh yeah we don't actually thank God for all those things that he's giving to us. And this is the time that you start thinking about the reality and start thanking God for actually giving us all that food, twenty-four hours, seven days [a week]. And when you are fasting during that time, you are understanding the feeling of these people, who are like poor and who cannot eat.There are people now, in the social media, we are seeing people, who never had [00:21:00] chocolates in their life. The people living in these countries or in the cities or metropolitan cities, we never think about these things.So, we take these things for granted, and during that time of fasting, you start thinking about these stuff and then you become more thankful, and that's basically honey itself, after the suffering. And I wouldn't say “suffering,” because we don't suffer as much as they do, honestly.And we're just telling our egos, “just stop for a day to do bad things and stop eating,” and all that stuff that ego wants to have. And again, it's at the end of the thirty days, you become a new person because now you have a different mentality. Now, in the other eleven months, you still forget about these things, but [00:22:00] again, it comes through. It's like a cycle.Chris: Yeah. Yeah. I totally agree with you that, you know, gratitude is the honey and...Kerim: Absolutely.Chris: ...I remember the fasting that I did over the course of four years, and I don't know if it was as intense as the fasting that happens during Ramadan, but doing that fasting and trying to feed something other than myself for a time imbued a degree of hospitality and gratitude that I don't think I had ever felt before. And it sticks to me. It sticks to my bones to this day. And it's something that, like you said, I also have to constantly remind myself of those moments when I sit down to eat a meal, because it's so easy to forget.Kerim: Absolutely. Absolutely. And one thing is [00:23:00] basically during that time of fasting, you basically stop feeding your ego, and start feeding your spirit, basically. That's what I think.Chris: That's beautiful. Yeah. I absolutely understand that. Thank you, Kerim.So my next question is around the word “ submission.” So, translated into English, the word “Islam” means “submission.” Now I've read that this word can also be translated to mean “servants of God.” Servants of God.Now in English, the word “servant” can be synonymous with “host.” A servant and a host. Now, there's a book by an author named Mona Siddiqui called Hospitality in Islam. And in that book she writes, it's actually a quote, but she writes,“'What is faith?' The Prophet replied, ‘the giving of [00:24:00] food and the exchange of greetings.' He ends on a most dramatic note saying, “a house which is not entered by guests is not entered by angels.”Kerim: Perfect. Yeah.Chris: And it seems that in this phrase, the Prophet is suggesting that the way we are with guests and strangers has something to do with how we are with the divine, which I think you kind of alluded to a little bit earlier.And so I'm curious, is this something that you've seen in your own days or in those of others that you know? Is hospitality a practice that connects us to the divine?Kerim: Absolutely. Because reaching God, you need to reach people first. To be able to reach God... when I say “reach God,” meaning be in communication with Him, is basically being in a communication [00:25:00] with the people he created. So, to serve the people is basically serving him from the Islamic point of view.So, and that's a hadith that you mentioned in the book. It's a hadith of Prophet Mohammed, like you said. And Prophet Mohammed always... it was a common practice that he was hosting maybe, you know, 10-15 people every night. And he was a poor person, by the way. I mean, he doesn't have much money, much food or anything, but they share. There was a time that... there's a story that somebody, actually, one of his apostles rather, asks him to visit him for a dinner. So he invites him to a dinner.But during his conversation, Prophet Mommed said, “can I bring my friends too?”[00:26:00]And the apostle says, “of course you can bring your friends.” And he brings hundreds of people. Now, the host only have some bread, and maybe a little bit meat, and a little bit rice in the cup.So, he was ashamed because he doesn't have any money, and the Prophet Mohammed is going to bring all those guests together, and he didn't know what to do. But he uses submission, basically.He said, well, if Prophet Mohammed is coming, then something is going to happen. And as he was thinking all those things, Prophet Mohammed puts his hand on top of the rice holder. And every time he was putting rice onto the dishes, the rice never ends, the meat never ends. So he served like 200 people during this invitation and the food never ended.[00:27:00]So he was happy for his submission, basically.Chris: Wow. Beautiful. Thank you, Kerim.Kerim: Of course.Chris: You know, you have this beautiful book - that is still in the mail, unfortunately I haven't got my hands on it yet, but I'm very much looking forward to it - called Stories From the Thirty Birds, which I understand is inspired by The Conference of the Birds, this incredible book from I think the 1300s.And I'm curious if you could tell us a little bit about that book and what, if any inspiration or maybe teachings around hospitality that come from both, The Conference of the Birds and how you've employed it in your book.Kerim: Right. The Conference of the Birds is really a beautiful story of Farid ud-Din Attar who lived in Nishapur, which is in Khorasan, in Iran, today. And he was one of the very famous [00:28:00] Sufis at that time. He was the teacher of Rumi. A lot of people know Rumi. And he wrote this book about birds, millions of birds, who are in the process of going to their king, which is the phoenix (or what we call it simurg). And during that time, during that travel, they go through seven valleys, and in each valley some of the birds get lost, because the valleys actually symbolize things.Like, the first valley is the valley of intention. So, a lot of birds actually don't have the intention to reach their king. The king is basically symbolizing Allah (God), and the birds are symbolizing us very much, and we are getting [00:29:00] lost during the time of life. Like, our intention is basically this world. If our intention is staying in this world, then we stay in this world. And that's the valley of intention.And a lot of birds, like half of them, actually, get lost in this stage.And the second valley is the valley of love. And the birds that get lost in this valley are the ones that actually think the beauty is in this world, rather than they don't see the beauty of God himself. So they see the shadow of that beauty in the world, but they're content with that beauty, and they don't really want to move on.And again, the third valley is the value of wisdom. And the birds that get lost in this valley are the ones who think that knowledge, [00:30:00] in this world, is more important than anything else, and they don't realize the source of the knowledge is actually their king.So on and so forth, they go through the seven valleys and at the end of the seventh valley, only thirty birds remain. And the thirty birds, they're ready to see their king, and they go through this mountain called Qaf, where the  simurg, the phoenix lives (behind the mountain). And it's very difficult to get there, basically. When they get there, they can't find the king over there. They only find a mirror. So, they realize the king is themselves, but more specifically, the union of thirty birds. So simurg - the [00:31:00] phoenix - in Iranian, in Persian means “thirty birds,” actually. Si is “thirty.” “Burg” is “bird,” actually.So from what we understand is, the union of ourselves, what we are seeing, is our reflection, because the king is actually a perfect mirror. But we don't see ourselves, only, we see the union of thirty birds together. So there are birds that we don't think live together. For instance, a hawk doesn't live with a smaller bird together, but in this union, they live together. There in one. And they use whatever advantage they have together. So it's almost like being one and using the characteristics of every single bird [00:32:00] itself.Chris: And I imagine that someone growing up in a culture like that, whether back then or more recently, and hearing this story or hearing it multiple times throughout their life or maybe once a year, that that notion also might arise in the way that they are with others, the way they are with strangers.Kerim: Right.Chris: And so, I have one final question for you, if that's all right?Kerim: Absolutely.Chris: So, before we say farewell I'd like to ask you about Istanbul, and I'd like to ask you about the limits to hospitality. So, last year, on a trip I took to the city I met a friend of a mutual friend of ours, and for a couple of hours we walked around the Karakoy neighbourhood and he spoke to me about how the city has changed quite a bit over the last decade.For many people who grew up in Istanbul, the city [00:33:00] might now appear to be very difficult to live in. He said that the cost of living has skyrocketed. The rents, the rent prices or costs have doubled. And much of this is a combination of tourism and gentrification in the city.Now it seems that many religious traditions speak of the importance of welcoming strangers and offering them hospitality, but they also speak of the limits to such hospitality. In one particular, hadith or saying of the Prophet Mohammed, it is said that “hospitality is for three days. Anything more is charity or sadaqah.”Again, excuse my pronunciation.Kerim: No. That's perfect pronunciation.Chris: And so I'm curious, you mentioned a little bit earlier, in the Sufi community and perhaps in the Islamic communities, there is this notion of togetherness, but also that “more is better.” And so I'm [00:34:00] curious in the context of what's happening in Istanbul and what's happening in many places around the world, do you think there should also be limits to the hospitality that is offered to the guest or stranger?Kerim: Well, of course. I mean, of course we have financial issues here, and it's very difficult for us to actually serve other people as much as we want to. But again, when we are together, even if it's very difficult to live in the city, it's still something, you know?What I see: the rent went up, like you said, so the people try to move into their family houses, the houses there of their families and everything. And in western countries, it's difficult. You usually don't do this kind of stuff, but in our community, it's much easier to do these things. And, you know, the families welcome the children [00:35:00] more than other countries. So that's something I think that's a positive thing.But to the strangers. What do we do for strangers? Obviously, we do as much as possible. We may not be able to serve them as much as we used to, obviously, before this inflation. And we have the highest inflation in the world, or probably the second-highest inflation. So again, it's difficult, and Istanbul became probably one of the most expensive cities in the world. But even that, again, we may not be able to take them to dinner every night, but we serve what we have in the house, like in the Prophet Mohammed's story.Whatever we have, we share. And, we call it bereket, as in Arabic baraka, they call it. Baraka is something [00:36:00] like... we use it for money. It's not “more money.” That's not important. How do I say that? I don't even know how to say it in English, but it's more like “the luck of the money, itself.” Basically, you may be able to buy more stuff with less money based on your luck. That's basically what we call it. Bereket. So the bereket is much more important than the amount of the money or the financial thing. And the bereket always goes up when you share it.Chris: Beautiful. Yeah, I love that. I mean, in English, not to reduce it at all, but in English we say, quality over quantity.”Kerim: Yeah, absolutely.Chris: And you said that, in order to offer hospitality or the hospitality that we would like to offer to our guests, sometimes maybe that means not doing it all the time, [00:37:00] because one simply cannot. Right. It's not possible.Kerim: Right.Chris: But yeah, it's a really beautiful point.Kerim: Rumi is a very important Sufi, probably known by many Americans. Even the world knows him. He wrote a poem, which is about the guests. So, if you don't mind, I'm gonna read that, uh, it's called the Guest House and it goes like:This human life is a guest house. Every dawn, a new visitor arrives.A gladness, a sadness, a pettiness, a flash of insights all come knocking, unannounced.Welcome them all. Make room even if a band of sorrows storms inand clears your rooms of comfort.Still honour every guest.[00:38:00] Perhaps they empty you to prepare you for something brighter.The gloomy thought, the shame, the bitterness,greet them at the door with a smile, and lead them inside.Be thankful for whoever comes, for each is sent as a messenger from the beyond.So that's a poem by Rumi, and I think it pretty much explains the whole hospitality thing.Chris: Yeah, that's a gorgeous, gorgeous poem. I love that. I'll make sure that's up on the End of Tourism website when the episode launches.And so finally, Kerim, uh, I'd like to thank you so very much for being willing to join me today, to be willing to speak in a language that is not your first, or mother tongue, and to share with us some of the beauty that has touched your days. Before we say goodbye, [00:39:00] perhaps you could tell our listeners how they can follow and learn more about Kerim Vakfı, Stories from the 30 Birds, your book, and any other projects you might want them to know about.Kerim: We have a Sufi centre in North Carolina, at the University of North Carolina. We have a centre in China, Beijing University, and another center in Kyoto University in Japan. And my mother's book about the commentary of some Quranic verses is the one. For instance, Yasin is available through Amazon and my book Stories from the 30 Birds is available on Barnes and Noble and all that other places in US.Chris: Beautiful. Well, I'll make sure that those links are all available on the End of Tourism website and on my Substack when the episode comes out. [00:40:00] And on behalf of our listeners, tesekkur, tesekkur.Kerim: I thank you. Get full access to Chris Christou at chrischristou.substack.com/subscribe

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The hadiths are second only to the Qur'an in Islam. Short narratives about the Prophet Muhammad - the things he said and did - hadiths have been a source of wisdom and inspiration for Muslims for more than a thousand years. Episode 123 Quiz: https://literatureandhistory.com/quiz-123/ Episode 123 Transcription: https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-123-an-introduction-to-the-hadiths Bonus Content: https://literatureandhistory.com/bonus-content Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/literatureandhistory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@literatureandhistorypodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/literatureandhistorypodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literatureandhistory TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lahpodcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lahpodcast.bsky.social X https://x.com/lahpodcast

SPONSORS: 1) MOOD: Get 20% off your first order of federally legal, hemp-derived cannabis gummies, flower, edibles, and more at https://mood.com with code JULIAN. Ships discreetly to your door and backed by a 100-day satisfaction guarantee (****TIMESTAMPS in Description Below) ~ Sonny Faz is a YouTuber, Streamer and Muslim. Bek Lover is also a YouTuber, Streamer and Muslim. JOIN PATREON FOR EARLY UNCENSORED EPISODE RELEASES: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey CLIPPERS DISCORD: https://discord.gg/8QmWEKJ3BT SONNY's LINKS: YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SonnyFazio IG: https://www.instagram.com/sonnyfaz/?hl=en X: https://x.com/NotSonnyFaz BEK's LINKS: IG: https://www.instagram.com/beklovernyc/ X: https://x.com/BekLoverNYC FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY IG: https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://x.com/juliandorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 0:00 - Epstein, John McCain's Wife, System Broken 10:14 - Insane Emails, Spiritual Satanic Warfare, Taxes, The Divide 21:13 - “Less Competition,” Carter & Nixon, Ford & Detroit, The Quran 32:08 - Muslim Scapegoats, 9/11, NYC, Frontlines of Truth, Foreign Wars 42:03 - Hollywood Mind Control via Arabs, Israel, Gaza & Muslims 47:13 - The Problem w/ “Monolith” Religion, Submission to a Creator, God 57:37 - Messengers, Jesus & Islam, Exodus 33, Jesus Miracles in Quran 1:07:07 - Muslims & Alcohol, Moderation 1:16:41 - Origin of Prophet Muhammad, Bek & Sonny Islam conversion stories 1:25:54 - How to Become a Muslim, Birmingham Quran, Miracles in the Quran 1:37:58 - Quran from God argument, Changes from spirituality, Faith 1:48:23 - So many religions, Christianity & Judaism vs Islam, Muslims belief in Jesus 1:57:34 - ‘Jesus died for our sins.', Paul massacres, The transmission to man 2:06:37 - Separation of Church & State, Sonny & Bek Islam Doc, Western Civilization 2:16:32 - Democracy & Free Speech illusion, Dearborn Muslims 2:29:29 - Islam Protest in Texas, The Word “Islamist,” “Othering,” Tommy Robinson & UK 2:41:14 - The Kaaba Misconception, One righteous leader, Sonny's Hajj 2:44:01 - Sonny & Bek's Work CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - COO, Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef - https://www.instagram.com/joeydeef/ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 395 - Sonny Faz & Bek Lover Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

How did Islam first take root on Iranian soil? What did medieval Iran - or Persia - look like before and afterwards? How do those early encounters still echo through Iranian society today? The roots of the present-day tensions in Iran are much deeper than just the last 47 years following the Islamic Revolution. To understand more, Matt Lewis is joined by Dr. Khodadad Rezakhani.MOREMedieval Europe's Encounter with IslamListen on AppleListen on SpotifyProphet MuhammadListen on AppleListen on SpotifyGone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. Audio editor is Tim Arstall, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed.  Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Dimitri and Khalid explore political intrigue and unrest in the first Islamic Caliphate in the decades immediately following the death of the Prophet Muhammad, the emergent family feud between Abu Bakr and Ali, and the back-to-back assassinations of Caliphs Umar and Uthman... For access to full-length premium SJ episodes, upcoming installments of DEMON FORCES, and the Grotto of Truth Discord, subscribe at https://patreon.com/subliminaljihad.

Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "Neighbors are three: one with a single right, another with two, and one with three rights." Do you know these rights? Join us for today's Tafseer session as we explore Allah's advice on helping the poor, your neighbours, travellers, and servants. Let's begin.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. With reports of the US building firepower in the Middle East ahead of a possible strike against Iran, Berman discusses the possible timing and latest indicators, including US President Donald Trump's characterization of the recently concluded nuclear talks in Geneva. Berman details several of the latest locations of the US aircraft carriers, their offensive and defensive power in the region, and the ability of the US and Israel to carry out an extended campaign if necessary. He also reports on a brief visit of right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson to Israel to interview US ambassador Mike Huckabee, following Carlson's repeated claims that Israel oppresses Christians. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: White House: There are many arguments for striking Iran, they’d be wise to make a deal Iran atomic energy chief says no country can deprive Tehran of enrichment rights Israel, US envoy reject Tucker Carlson’s claim he was detained and interrogated at airport Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Demonstrators wave Iranian and Hezbollah flags as one holds a poster of the late Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. strike in Iraq in 2020, during the Muslim Shiite holiday of Eid al-Ghadir, which commemorates the Prophet Muhammad naming Ali, revered as the first Shiite imam, as his successor, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.