Black Glue Podcast

The first juz of the Quran, also known as "Alif Lam Mim," encompasses the opening chapter, Al-Fatiha, and the first part of Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow), spanning verses 1 to 141.

### Al-Fatiha (The Opening)

Al-Fatiha, the opening chapter, is a prayer and introduction to the Quran. It consists of seven verses and holds immense significance as it encapsulates the essence of the Quran. The chapter begins with praises for Allah, the Lord of all worlds, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate, and the Master of the Day of Judgment. It acknowledges Allah's sovereignty and seeks His guidance to stay on the righteous path, distinct from those who have gone astray or incurred His wrath. This chapter is recited in every unit of the Muslim prayer, reflecting its central role in Islamic worship.

### Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

Surah Al-Baqarah is the longest chapter in the Quran, and the first juz introduces several key themes and narratives that are expanded upon in the rest of the chapter.

**Introduction and Guidance**

The chapter begins with the mysterious letters "Alif Lam Mim," whose exact meaning is known only to Allah. It establishes the Quran as a guidance for those conscious of Allah, who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend from what Allah has provided. It categorizes people into three groups: the believers, the disbelievers, and the hypocrites. The believers accept the guidance, the disbelievers reject it, and the hypocrites pretend to believe but harbor disbelief in their hearts.

**Creation and Fall of Adam**

The narrative of the creation of Adam and his subsequent fall from paradise is detailed. Allah announces to the angels His intention to create a vicegerent on Earth, leading to Adam's creation. Adam is taught the names of all things, showcasing his superiority over the angels in knowledge. Despite the angels' initial reservations, they bow to Adam, except for Iblis (Satan), who refuses out of arrogance, becoming an eternal adversary to humanity. Adam and his wife are placed in paradise but are deceived by Iblis, leading to their expulsion to Earth. This story underscores themes of obedience, knowledge, and the consequences of sin.

**Covenant with the Children of Israel**

The juz addresses the Children of Israel, reminding them of Allah's favors and their covenant. They are urged to fulfill their promises to Allah and adhere to the guidance sent through the prophets. The narrative recalls their liberation from Pharaoh, the provision of manna and quails, and the incident of the golden calf. It emphasizes their recurring disobedience and ingratitude despite Allah's continuous blessings.

**The Parable of the Cow**

The juz narrates the story from which the chapter takes its name. The Children of Israel are commanded to sacrifice a cow, but their continual questioning and reluctance highlight their lack of faith and obedience. This parable is a lesson in submission to divine commands without unnecessary hesitation or doubt.

**Lessons and Guidance**

Throughout the first juz, the Quran offers numerous lessons in faith, obedience, and righteousness. It calls for steadfastness in prayer, charity, patience, and humility. It stresses the importance of guidance and warns against the consequences of hypocrisy and disbelief. The narrative emphasizes that true success lies in adhering to Allah's guidance and maintaining a sincere and obedient relationship with Him.

In summary, the first juz of the Quran introduces fundamental themes of divine guidance, human responsibility, and the importance of faith and obedience. It sets the stage for the comprehensive teachings that follow, urging believers to reflect on the narratives and lessons presented to lead a life in accordance with Allah's will.

Voiced by Tariq I. El-Amin

BGP Productions

Our guest is Laila Qadira Yamini, author of Al-Quran, Our "Vibranium" to Fuel a Renewed Society (e-book) and The Big Book for Glowing with Ramadan All Year Long!  Links to her books are below. Our conversation begins with understanding Sr. Qadira's inspiration for writing her book, and continues on to look at the role the study of Qur'anic Arabic plays in cultivating the process of thinking for solutions to move society forward.

https://tinyurl.com/yp6b2ype

https://tinyurl.com/5bady9jj

Information on Imam Warith Deen Mohammed

https://tinyurl.com/y9se27sy

https://www.newafricaradio.com/articles/index.html

Guest- Laila Qadira Yamini

Host/Producer- Tariq I. El-Amin

Music

Benjamin Banger-- Whistle (Instagram (@BenJaminBanger)http://smarturl.it/hjfi20)

J-Serius-- Muslim Black American

Image

Tariq I. El-Amin

Ep. 34 Ustadh Adrian Ashir Kirk by Tariq I. El-Amin

In this culminating conversation, Imam Tariq talks with Reverend Brian E. Smith about the importance of awareness and compassion in end of life services in the African American community, where families are often comprised of Muslims and Christians. They discuss what's needed to move the African American community forward regarding this issue. However, there are universal lessons to be gleaned for everyone, African American or not.

Guest- Brian E. Smith

Host/Producer- Tariq I. El-Amin

Image- LifeStar Communications

Music-Benjamin Banger- Whistle (Instagram (@BenJaminBanger) smarturtit/hit20)

Part 2 in our conversation about End of Life ceremonies and how they often represent missed opportunities for interfaith engagement and healing in African American Muslim and Christian communities.

Our guest is Minister Denise Smith of Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, in Chicago IL.

Guest- Denise Smith

Host/Producer- Tariq I. El-Amin

Image- LifeStar Communications

Music-Benjamin Banger- Whistle (Instagram (@BenJaminBanger) smarturtit/hit20)

In this first of three of conversations dealing with interfaith relations/engagement in End of LIfe services (Funeral/Janaza), Tariq talks with a special guest, his mother, Zakiyyah El-Amin. They revisit the first time their family was singled out as Muslims during the funeral of a loved one; the first time was at the funeral of Zakiyyah's mother-in-law, Tariq's grandmother.

Guest- Zakiyyah H. El-Amin

Host/Producer- Tariq I. El-Amin

Image- LifeStar Communications

Music-Benjamin Banger- Whistle (Instagram (@BenJaminBanger) smarturtit/hit20)

In my family, birthday's are celebrated with "the rounds." This is the first year we weren't able to do them for my youngest sister, Halimah, who passed on December 28th of last year after a 2 year battle with breast cancer....exactly 2 months before her 41st birthday. In this episode you'll find out what the rounds are and where they started. You'll hear from family members and excerpts from a few conversations I had with Halimah during her battle to best cancer.

It's a celebration and a reminder that life is for living.

Host/Producer- Tariq I. El-Amin

Image- LifeStar Communications

Music-Benjamin Banger- Whistle (Instagram (@BenJaminBanger) smarturtit/hit20)

Music- Halimah El-Amin

I'm joined by my brother-in-law Zakee Shahid, a husband of 24 years, and father to 4. We start by talking about TV dads who've had an impact on us as fathers, then go on to discuss some of the real life models we've drawn from. We also talk about the lack of representation of Black Muslim Families(and fathers) on network television/streaming services.

Guest- Zakee Shahid

Host/Producer- Tariq I. El-Amin

Image- LifeStar Communications

Music-Benjamin Banger- Whistle (Instagram (@BenJaminBanger) smarturtit/hit20)

My guest is Briana Payton, a policy analyst with the Chicago Community Bond Fund, and a leader with the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice. We discuss Ms. Payton's path to community justice work as a career, the origins of the Chicago Community Bond Fund, and some exciting legislative victories of The Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice.

Guest- Briana Payton

Host/Producer- Tariq I. El-Amin

Image- Chicago Community Bond Fund

Music-Benjamin Banger- Whistle (Instagram (@BenJaminBanger) smarturtit/hit20)

My guest is Donald Lassere, the President of the Chicago History Museum. He is also the former President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center and Museum (MAC).

Guest- Donald Lassere

Host/Producer- Tariq I. El-Amin

Image- Donald Lassere (modified by T. El-Amin)

Music-Benjamin Banger- Whistle (Instagram (@BenJaminBanger) smarturtit/hit20)