Islamic Thought

In this episode, Zohair Rahman of Yaqeen Institute joins us to discuss tazkiyah (self-purification.) We begin by exploring how the concept of tazkiyah is presented in the Qur'an and the Sunnah. We define the objective of tazkiyah, noting the difference between its ultimate purpose and the effects that it may produce for those who pursue it. Our discussion then ventures through a brief history of tazkiyah as a field of knowledge and practice, focusing on classical critiques of tendencies that emerged among its devotees. We go on to look at tazkiyah in terms of personal observances: how can we draw a line between what is legitimate and what might be bid'ah? Finally, we discuss the nature of tazkiyah as a discipline and the superiority of a shari'ah-bound tazkiyah to all other forms of spirituality and personal development.

Presented by our host Yusuf Ponders, this episode features a round table  between members of the Islamic Thought server, who formally studied  philosophy or are actively engaged in philosophical discourse, as they  broadly discuss on the topics of epistemology and rationality of belief  in Islam and mainstream philosophy. Our guests include jibjib ibn aql, Abu Iguana and Kiru.

Presented by our host Atsiz, this episode features Dr. Sohaib Saeed (@tafsirdoctor), who is a graduate of Al Azhar University & SOAS. He is based in Glasgow Director of CASQI and research head for Bayyinah institute.

In Part one Dr Sohaib begins by defining the purpose of the Quran, along with the utility it serves to mankind. Thereafter distilling the ideas around “mere recitation” and how the Quran should actually be recited with understanding. Our speaking discuss the topic of contemplation and reflection along with the failures to make the Quran alive for communities. Central to the idea of the Quran being a form of Communication, the concept of consciousness is introduced. Finally the nature of translations and building consistency is addressed.

Translations:

- The Qur'an by M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

- The Gracious Qur'an by Dr. Ahmad Zaki Hammad

- The Noble Qur'an by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani

Tafsir:

- The Great Exegesis by Dr. Sohaib Saeed

- Tafsir Ibn Kathir

- Ma'ariful Qur'an

In this episode Abdullah motaz covers the scholarly tradition from an early historic angle, showing the objectivity and transparency of the early hadith scholars due to their reverence for the truth about finding out what came from prophet.

Presented by our host Yahya, this episode features our guest Zohair Rahman, who works for Yaqeen Institute, for the second part of the Fitrah series. Continuing from defining the Fitrah and its characteristics, Zohair develops on how it relates to revelation and creed.

Discord: https://discord.me/IslamicThought

Presented by our host Atsïz, this episode features our guest Salman who is a PostGraduate student of knowledge at Umm al Qura university. In this second part, our speaker continues the discussion on the history of fiqh, its formation, basis and the development from the time of Prophet Muhammad up until the Tabi’een.

Presented by our host Atsïz, this episode features our guest Salman who is a student of knowledge at Umm al Qura university. Our speaker discuss the history of fiqh, its development and the state of fiqh studies in modern academia.

Presented by our hosts Atsïz and Yahya, this episode features our guest Zohair Rahman, who works for Yaqeen Institute. Our speakers discuss fundamental issues on the matter of Fitrah, its definition, its characteristics and what is meaning in life for a Muslim from this perspective. Our guest also covers questions of morality and rationality in relation to the Fitrah and some of the challenges pertaining to this matter.

This episode expounds on the main differences between Shia and Sunni Hadith methodologies and how to come to an objective standard to determine the authenticity of Islamic primary sources.

This episode introduces the idea of worldviews, definitions by various philosophers and sociologists, and how Islam relates to it on the practical level.