Seekersguidance Podcast - Islam, Islamic Knowledge, Quran, And The Guidance Of The Prophet Muhammad

In this talk, Mufti Taha Karaan provides a conceptual approach in understanding the phenomenon of a communicable disease in relation to religious law, creed and daily activities of living. The COVID-19, which has now been classified as a pandemic, has caused much societal confusion and panic. Many countries have declared national states of emergency. As Muslims, we should ensure that we are cognizant of how our religion advises us in taking practical precautions in safeguarding our health and well-being. Additionally, we should be cautious not to misinterpret the events around us as a divine punishment. Furthermore, Mufti Taha Karaan discusses the impact of a communicable disease on Islamic jurisprudence and religious societal obligations.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/don

“Wealth is not through a lot of possessions,” said the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). “Rather, wealth is only wealth of spirit.” [Related by Ahmad and others ; sound] Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains the neediness (faqr) of humans, and how the desire to amass–wealth and possessions–is a natural impulse. However, no worldly amassing ultimately matters. On the Day of Reckoning, all that matters is coming to Allah with a sound heart. Shaykh Faraz explains this Prophetic hadith, and shares three signs of a sound, healthy, wealthy heart and spirit.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

If we love Allah, why do we fear Him? Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains that “fear” (khawf) of Allah is having reverential awe of the Greatness of our Merciful Lord and His tremendous favor upon us. Likewise, hope isn’t just wishing for the good. “Hope and fear are the wings of faith,” said Imam Ghazali.”By them, the seeker flies to the stations of Closeness with Allah.” Shaykh Faraz explains the meaning of hope (raja’) and awe (khawf), with reference to key verses of the Quran. And he shares insights on how to focus our consciousness to acquire and cultivate true hope and awe–by letting go of attachments to the past and too distracting or useless things–so we can attain the Eternal Pleasure of Allah and His Paradise: “And as for the one who is in awe of the station of their Caring Lord and who restrains their lower self from its wayward ways, then Paradise is indeed their resting place.” Surat An-Nazi’at: 40-41

As the guest of honor at a local Quran Institute in Cape Town, Mufti Taha Karaan discusses the divine promise of Allah (the exalted) in preserving the Qur’an. In addition to discussing how Allah has used human beings and other methods of preserving the Qur’an since its revelation, Mufti Taha emphasizes the critical importance of practicing and actualizing the injunctions of the Qur’an in our daily lives. We as Muslims will be questioned if we implemented the teachings of the Qur’an, therefore it is vital that we understand the responsibility of living the Qur’an as taught by our noble Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate  

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains lessons from the Year of Sorrow of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Contrary to some misunderstandings, the Sorrow of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was not of dejection or depression. Rather, his Sorrow was the most beautiful of sorrow: a deep sense of awe and neediness to Allah; and deep care, concern, and mercy for people. This beautiful Sorrow was rooted in faith and certitude; contentment and steadfastness and drove the Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him & his folk) to turn to Allah, and to spread mercy and good around him. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate  

Jumuah Khutbah delivered by Shaykh Faid in North London on the theme of a verse from Surah Baqarah:281 “Be conscious and be aware the day you will be returned to Allah, and everyone will be rewarded or accounted for everything that they have done, and no one will be oppressed on that very day.”

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani discusses the importance of being a person of true benefit through following in the footsteps of those who have succeeded us. A question and answer session follow. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

In this Pre Khutba talk, Shaykh Sadullah discusses the tragic and deplorable rise of gender-based violence in South Africa. The increase of violence against women and children can never be justified in Islam. Shaykh Sadullah reminds us that Allah has indeed honored all human beings, and that any type of violence perpetrated against fellow human beings is a transgression of Allah’s laws. To cause despair, anxiety and fear to fellow human beings is a reflection of our pathological internal states. It shows that we have lost our humanity and the way of the Prophet (peace be upon him). As Muslims, it behooves us to resist and stand up against oppression. If we remain silent to the suffering of others we become part of the problem. Change begins with us as individuals. There is no justification in Islam which advocates violence against women and children.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable k

  The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told us that the smartest believers are those who remember death the most, and best prepare for it. [Ibn Maja] Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains how to remember and practically prepare for death in this inspiring and uplifting talk. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate  

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani reminds us to appreciate the greatest gift that Allah has given humanity: the gift of the Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him & his folk). He explains the Divine Reminder: “Truly, Allah has bestowed great favor upon the believers, for He has sent to them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them Allah’s verses and purifying them–and teaching them the Book and Wisdom, even though before this they were in manifest loss.” (Quran, 3.164) For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate  

In this Khutba, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani discusses the approach Muslims should have when engaging with elections and issues of politics. All Muslims should focus on bringing about the benefit for their communities. It is vital that Muslims should have a concern about how they are governed and how various policies affect them and their communities. Shaykh Faraz reminds the congregation that by intending to bring about benefit and dispelling harm, they will fulfill an important obligation of bringing about good for themselves and fellow citizens. Additionally, the power of dua and an optimistic attitude should never be underestimated. Ultimately, Muslims should implore Allah to guide them in making the best decisions in their daily lives. Making fervent and sincere dua for others is a noble act that brings about blessings and well being. By having complete trust and reliance on Allah coupled with taking the means that Allah has created, Muslims will ensure that they are positive contributors to their societies For

In this reminder, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus counsels on how to seek sacred knowledge. He particularly emphasizes making seeking knowledge a priority and taking everything in life as a learning opportunity. He looks at the four components of learning: a teacher, intelligence, correct books, and perseverance. Shaykh Yahya gives specific suggestions on making time for knowledge and offers guidelines on how to review and process one’s notes and dealing with boredom when studying. He closes by emphasizing the importance of the foundations throughout one’s life.   Check out all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

In this podcast Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said calls the believers to realize the real wrongdoing, is in not repenting and turning to Allah when one errs. He also defines what repentance is. Shaykh Faid goes on to emphasize that Allah is always watching and that we should be heedful of that. He also explains the state of those who do not make repentance, and how their lack of repentance is a turning away from Allah Most High. Conversely, repentance is one of the key traits of the believers. Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said is the resident scholar at the Larayb Institute For Education, in the UK. Check out all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

One of the key sunnas of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is that he was always positive and full of hope in Allah Most High. It didn’t matter what was happening to him or around him, the Prophet’s positive attitude and hope were unconditional. In this Friday khutba, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani highlights Allah’s call to all believers to have unconditional hope. He explains how the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) maintained unconditional hope in Allah. Shaykh Faraz points out that most people are hopeful only when matters seem to go according to their plan or seem to be in their control. However, he explains that the reason behind the Messenger’s unconditional hope was the complete realization that ultimately all matters are absolutely in Allah’s control. Allah is the Lord who is absolutely Merciful, Caring and Cherishing. Shaykh Faraz encourages us to place our trust and hope in Allah and call upon Him while bringing to our consciousness those meanings. He calls us to not at all have

In this final episode of The Art of Reading, Dr Yusuf Patel asks Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary to holistically summarize all the various points and aspects which were discussed in the previous episodes. Shaykh Ahmed provides a comprehensive plan of how to coalesce all the skills of reading so that a student of knowledge is able to master the art of reading and ensure maximal extraction from a text. SeekersGuidance would like to thank Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary, Dr Yusuf Patel and Nabiel Mohammed for facilitating this podcast series. We look forward to more beneficial podcasts by Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary in the near future.   Biography of Shaykh Ahmed Hussein El Azhary: Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary is a researcher in Islamic intellectual history and a teacher of Islamic traditional sciences. He’s currently a teacher of Hadith, Usūl, Logic, and Kalam at Rawdatul-Na`īm under the supervision of Habib `Ali al-Jifrī; and at Madyafat Shaykh Ismaīl Sadiq al-`Adawī (RA), a prominent learning center by al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo. For

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani discusses salat al-istikhara (the prayer of guidance) by defining it, debunking misconceptions regarding it, the best way to perform it, and easy ways to integrate it into our lives in a meaningful manner Some of the common misonceptions include Istikhara is a prayer in matters of marriage The signs come in the form of dreams A sinful person must ask a pious person to perform the prayer on his behalf Istikhara is only for the big decisions, not small matters   Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani discusses the lessons of the great day of Ashura – the 10th of Muharram. This is one of the greatest days of the year – a day the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) highly encouraged us to fast. This is the day in which… Prophet Adam was absolved of his error; the day in which Prophet Nuh was saved from the flood; the day in which the people of Prophet Yunus were forgiven; the day in which Prophet Musa and Bani Israel were saved from the Pharaoh It is from the days in which Allah has favoured and honoured those whom He has tested with trials and challenges – and who responded right through the right choices. Shaykh Faraz explains the sunnahs related to fasting and devotion on the 10th of Muharram, as well as how the great historical events that happened on this day can help us respond right to the challenges in our life. The importance of knowing the history of faith – the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) himself, the past Prophets, the righteous

In this Friday sermon, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani reminds us of the great bounties and blessings that God has bestowed upon us in this sacred month of Hajj. Shaykh Faraz calls upon us to recognize and appreciate the moments of life that God has gifted us with. The scholars of Islam state that the greatest moment that a believer finds him or herself in is the moment of the present. By returning and repenting to Allah with sincerity and a firm resolve we can elevate our ranks to that of a friend of God. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

The Many Benefits Hidden in Trials. This sermon looks at the concept of trails and the hidden benefits within them. It is based on a work by Imam ‘Izz al Din Ibn ‘Abd al-Salam, and introduces the Islamic understanding of ‘tribulation’ and the first four points covered in the work: 1. Realizing that Allah is in charge. 2. Realizing the humility and lowliness before Allah that servanthood entails. 3. Learning sincerity to Allah. 4. Returning back to Allah. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

This sermon is a discussion around the sahih hadith ‘All of you are [like] shepherds, and all of you will be asked about you flocks. The topics of parenting, fulfilling the needs and rights of children, and common parental malpractices are addressed here.   Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate Help SeekersGuidance support deserving scholars and students this Ramadan: give your zakat and charity to the Global Islamic Scholars Fund — www.seekersguidance.org/donate