In this episode we discuss how Yusuf (AS) responds to the advances of the minister’s wife, and how his innocence is verified by a member of his accuser’s own family.  (Verses 24 to 27).  

You will learn:

Why ‘willpower’ is a lie, and what it really takes to resist temptation.

How we should think about ourselves when we successfully resist temptation.

How should we look to others who have fallen into sin.

The truly pious response to being falsely accused.

-Why falsehood requires aggression.

The true meaning of freedom

In this episode we discuss Yusuf (AS)  maturing from a child to a young man in the house of the Egyptian minister, and the minister’s wife attempting to seduce him. (Verses 22 to 23).

You will learn:

The true meaning of Muslim manhood.

How to address  abuse of authority by both men and women.

How to stand your ground even when there is a power imbalance in the other party’s favor.

The meaning of “Ihsan” and how to instill it in ourselves and our children.

Defining Arabic terms used in this episode:

Khalwa: Seclusion

Zina:  Sexual relations outside of marriage.

Ihsan:  Excellence, beauty, perfection. Learn more: https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/islam-iman-ihsan-climbing-the-spiritual-mountain

In this episode we explore the themes of dehumanization, self-worth and God’s Dominion over all no matter the apparent reality. 

You will learn about:

How to protect your sense of self-worth.

The power of knowing that God is in control no matter your circumstances.

Why mindless acts of exploitation can be worse than major deliberate acts of evil.

The traps before the triumphs.

In this episode we discuss the events of surat Yusuf after he is put in the well and his brothers come back to their father with a heinous lie. 

You will learn:

The characteristics of playing victim to shield against accountability when in the wrong.

The difference between the influence of Shaytan and that of our own nafs when we act outside our values.

How dehumanizing others harms the oppressor.

The real meaning of “beautiful patience.”

How to hold space for our children to return to righteousness even when they’ve lost their way.

The symbolism of the shirt as a literary device in surat Yusuf.

In this conversation, we discuss what we can learn from the way Yaqoob (AS) chooses to express his objection to Yusuf’s brothers’ insistence on taking him to play and the terrifying events of the brothers' betrayal. 

You will learn:

How to speak our hearts instead of just our minds.

What really determines success?

The dangers of a hardened heart.

The emotional intelligence of Qur’anic comfort

How our darkest moments can be the launching pad toward our purpose.

In this episode, we discuss the dangers of groupthink and the difference between a cult and a community.

You will learn: 

The dangers of groupthink.

What true unity should be based on.

The power of a dissenting voice in the course of history.

The significance of just being in the room. 

How difficult times and moments of vulnerability can lead to growth and elevation.

In this episode, we discuss sharing dreams and setting boundaries. 

In this episode you will learn: 

The importance of being a safe place for others to entrust their dreams.

How setting boundaries with family members who are harmful or jealous is important for self-protection.

How struggles are a part of life, even for the prophets and their families.

The importance of not blaming parents for their children's actions; each individual has their own path.

The critical role of Identity in shaping our behaviors.  

How to overcome harboring jealousy.

Why having pure intentions is not enough.

How favoritism can be understood in different ways. 

In this first episode, we lay out why surat Yusuf is so special, the occasion for its revelation, and the broad themes of redemption and hope that it punctuates.

In this episode you will learn: 

How reflecting on the Quran deeply is a healing balm

How to open ourselves to the comfort God sends us through His word 

How the Quran offers guidance for the individual and an ethical framework for the community

The way the Quran is a challenge to the mind and a comfort to the heart.

The true nature of reason.