Al-Maqasid

“The melodies are there to help you reflect on the meanings.”

With these few words, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus reminds us that the weekly Mawlid is far more than just listening to uplifting rhythms or gathering together socially. Rather, we are preparing ourselves to be with the Messenger, blessings and peace be upon him, in the next life, along with his Companions and the righteous servants of Allah the Exalted, may Allah be pleased with them all.

As the 8th day of the blessed set of ten days in this sacred month of Muharram comes to a close, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus reminds us to follow the Hijri Calendar because it helps us to remember those special days and times when small deeds reap great rewards.

Sh. Yahya discusses the immense benefits of bringing the Day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, to life through fasting and interacting with people graciously. He also explains why the Muslims have a greater “right” to Musa (Moses), peace be upon him, more than anyone.

On this second day of Muharram, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the weight given to good character on the Day of Judgment, and in particular, to the virtue of humility—the “adornment of the believer.”

Focusing on verse 83 of Surah al-Qasas (28:83) and several hadith, Shaykh Yahya explains what is meant by humility and a few traits related to it. He also provides a long list of practical ways to foster humility in oneself.

The Khutbah ends with the benefits of fasting in Muharram, especially on the tenth.

These lessons are based on a book by Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi titled 'Remedy for the Hearts,' where the author expounds on the Prophetic duʿa that is known as the preeminent formulaʿfor seeking Allah's forgiveness (Sayyid al-Istighfar). Topics covered include: the definition of and conditions for repentance, some of the meanings included in Sayyid al-Istighfar, and the virtues of seeking Allah's forgiveness.

In this first of nine sessions, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses several verses in the Qur’an related to repentance and explains why repentance is the foundation of the spiritual path. He also covers the conditions of repentance, showing that it is far more than a verbal declaration by the tongue.

In this second session on Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi’s book, 'Remedy for the Hearts,' Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses several Prophetic narrations showing the importance of asking Allah the Exalted for forgiveness and turning towards Him in repentance.

Special focus is given to the long hadith concerning the “Three who stayed behind” from the battle of Tabuk, and why the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, told them after Allah the Exalted accepted their repentance: “This is the best day of your life since the day your mother gave birth to you.”

After looking at selected examples from the Quran and Hadith extolling the virtues of repentance (tawba) in the first and second sessions, respectively, Ustadh Amjad begins the text of the book by Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi titled 'Remedy for the Hearts' where the author expounds on the preeminent formula for seeking Allah's forgiveness known as Sayyid al-Istighfar.

Topics in this third session include the story behind the writing of the book, the definition of repentance, and the conditions necessary for one’s repentance to be accepted.

In his book 'Remedy for the Hearts,' Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi provides a systematic approach to perfecting one’s repentance that is easily understood and followed.

In this fourth session, Ustadh Amjad reviews the next three sections of Habib Ahmed’s book: how to make one’s repentance permanent; two motivating causes for repentance, and ways to bring motivation that leads to awareness of the heart. Supplications that aid in helping to achieve an accepted repentance are also mentioned.

In this fifth lesson discussing Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi’s book 'Remedy for the Hearts,' Ustadh Amjad Tarsin begins the main section of the book, which looks in detail at Sayyid al-Istighfar, the preeminent formula for seeking Allah's forgiveness as taught by our beloved Messenger, blessings and peace be upon him.

Specifically, Ustadh Amjad discusses the first few affirmations in the supplication, which reveal numerous Divine Attributes and which point to several fields of Islamic Knowledge, including the covenant we took with our Lord in the Realm of Souls (Quran 7:172).

*For an in-depth and fascinating discussion on the Realm of Souls see Lesson 1 of Habib Hussein al Saqaf’s series on Imam 'Abd-Allah al-Haddad's profound work titled 'The Lives of Man.'

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin continues looking at the main section of Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi’s book 'Remedy for the Hearts.'

This lesson focuses on meanings relating to the relationship between Allah the Exalted and His servants. Among the things discussed are human’s four enemies, the Prophet's intercession ﷺ, and the origin of thoughts and how to deal with bad thoughts.

In his book 'Remedy for the Hearts,' Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi gives a clear and insightful discussion concerning the statement of gratitude found in Sayyid al-Istighfar, the preeminent formula for seeking Allah's forgiveness: “I acknowledge Your favors upon me...”

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin focuses on this section of the book and covers such topics as: our greatest blessings; types of gratitude; what being “immersed in witnessing the Giver of the blessings” means; and the connection between two verses in the Qur’an mentioned by Habib Ahmad, 14:34 and 16:18.