In this episode of the Middle Ground Podcast, we share some more insights into our Saturday class, The Sherman Jackson Reader, this time discussing such topics as belief, non-belief, and the hegemony of western constructs such as rationalism, and what are its consequences for Muslims and what our potential reactions might be. Excerpts “On Sensationalism, ISIS … Continue reading "#MiddleGroundPodcast – The Sherman Jackson Reader: On Belief and Rationality For Muslims in the West"

I teach a class entitled The Sherman Jackson Reader at Middle Ground. It’s a class where we use Dr. Jackson’s articles, books, and scholarship, to spark meaningful dialogues, conversations, and ask pertinent questions. The following are two short excepts followed by the full length clip. Enjoy, and perhaps join us some Saturday after Fajr! “Spiritual … Continue reading "#MiddleGroundPodcast – The Sherman Jackson Reader – Insights Into Practice and Spirituality"

It was with a heavy heart that I delivered my last khutbah today for the Drexel MSA in the capacity as chaplain. In truth, I have not been the chaplain at Drexel for over a year but I have, nonetheless, function as a de facto chaplain, or as the students affectionately call me, ustadh. The … Continue reading "Act Now – A Khutbah"

There used to be a certain brand of comic in America, vulgarity aside, that was able to speak a witty word of truth to power. George Carlin was one such comic. I am tempted, at some point in the future, to use this, verbatim, as a dars or khatirah.

The following audio is from a talk I delivered at the Islamic Center of South Jersey (ICSJ), on May 17th. We discussed the histories, challenges, and pschologies, past and present, for American Muslims of non-indigenous origins. My thanks to Mufti Niaz Hanna for inviting me.

So you’ve just attended a great conference on Islamic spirituality, Islamic finance, Islamic something or other. You’ve heard some incredible talks and met some very inspirational individuals. al-Hamdulillah. But before you know it, the tables are breaking down, you’ve checked out your hotel room, and come Monday morning, it’s back to your same old existence. … Continue reading "After the Conference – A Khutbah"

In a hadith, reported by Abu Hurayrah, the Prophet said: وَمَنْ بَطَّأَ بِهِ عَمَلُهُ لَمْ يُسْرِعْ بِهِ نَسَبُهُ “…and he who procrastinates in doing good deeds, his lineage does not expedite him in the slightest” — Sahih Muslim. One of the major keys to achieving success in one’s Islam, not unlike other areas of life, … Continue reading "Establish A Daily Routine, A Khutbah"

Part three of a candid and honest conversation with a brother whose path to Islam came through the Nation of Islam and why many of us feel we’re encouraged to not have empathy for our own people: black, white, American, etc. [Direct download]

Continuing the candid and honest conversation with a brother whose path to Islam came through the Nation of Islam and why many of us feel we’re encouraged to not have empathy for our own people: black, white, American, etc. [Direct download]

A candid and honest conversation with a brother whose path to Islam came through the Nation of Islam. [Direct download]