Renewing Religion: An Overview of Ghazali's Ihya

In this second episode, Shaykh Sadullah asks us to reflect on what freedom really means. Many of us have been restricted to our homes due to the Covid-19 pandemic and this can cause a sense of anxiety and fear. Whilst we might think that our freedom has been curtailed, we should remember that freedom is always linked to moral obligations and social responsibility.

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Over the next 21 days, Shaykh Sadullah Khan will share daily messages of introspection, motivation, and inspiration so that we are able to deal with the current global pandemic Covid-19.

In this 1st episode, Shaykh Sadullah asks us all to reflect on what has happened. While we are all at a standstill, we have an opportunity to think about who we are as human beings and how we can become better individuals moving forward. If God wills for us to overcome this crisis, let us learn from our past mistakes and ensure that we become more upright, ethical and compassionate human beings.

 

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In response to the fear and concern brought about by the recent spread of the Covid-19 virus, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus reminds us of the importance of seeking protection with Allah's Name. In this important and timely reminder, Shaykh Yahya comments on the following prophetic duʿa (supplication) and encourages everyone to recite it daily:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

“In the name of Allah, with Whose name nothing on earth or in heaven can harm—He is the All-Hearing and All-Knowing.”

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In this talk, Mufti Taha Karaan provides a conceptual approach in understanding the phenomenon of a communicable disease in relation to religious law, creed and daily activities of living. The COVID-19, which has now been classified as a pandemic, has caused much societal confusion and panic. Many countries have declared national states of emergency. As Muslims, we should ensure that we are cognizant of how our religion advises us in taking practical precautions in safeguarding our health and well-being. Additionally, we should be cautious not to misinterpret the events around us as a divine punishment. Furthermore, Mufti Taha Karaan discusses the impact of a communicable disease on Islamic jurisprudence and religious societal obligations.

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"Wealth is not through a lot of possessions," said the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). "Rather, wealth is only wealth of spirit." [Related by Ahmad and others; sound]

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains the neediness (faqr) of humans, and how the desire to amass--wealth and possessions--is a natural impulse.

However, no worldly amassing ultimately matters. On the Day of Reckoning, all that matters is coming to Allah with a sound heart.

Shaykh Faraz explains this Prophetic hadith, and shares three signs of a sound, healthy, wealthy heart and spirit.

 

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“The cure for confusion is simply to ask,” said the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In the Islam FAQ, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and other SeekersGuidance scholars give clear, reliable answers to common questions that people ask about Islam–on faith, worship, spirituality, social issues, halal and haram, and a wide range of practical issues related to living Islam with faith, uprightness, and excellence.

The SeekersGuidance Answers service https://seekersguidance.org/submit-a-question/ is one of the leading sources for clear, reliable, balanced, merciful answers from qualified scholars.

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz answers: Can I work in a kitchen with impermissible food?

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“The cure for confusion is simply to ask,” said the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In the Islam FAQ, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and other SeekersGuidance scholars give clear, reliable answers to common questions that people ask about Islam–on faith, worship, spirituality, social issues, halal and haram, and a wide range of practical issues related to living Islam with faith, uprightness, and excellence.

The SeekersGuidance Answers service https://seekersguidance.org/submit-a-question/ is one of the leading sources for clear, reliable, balanced, merciful answers from qualified scholars.

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz answers: How should Muslims engage with politics?

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If we love Allah, why do we fear Him? Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains that "fear" (khawf) of Allah is having reverential awe of the Greatness of our Merciful Lord and His tremendous favor upon us.

Likewise, hope isn't just wishing for the good.

"Hope and fear are the wings of faith," said Imam Ghazali."By them, the seeker flies to the stations of Closeness with Allah."

Shaykh Faraz explains the meaning of hope (raja’) and awe (khawf), with reference to key verses of the Quran.

And he shares insights on how to focus our consciousness to acquire and cultivate true hope and awe--by letting go of attachments to the past and to distracting or useless things--so we can attain the Eternal Pleasure of Allah and His Paradise:

"And as for the one who is not in awe of the station of their Caring Lord and who restrains their lower self from its wayward ways, then Paradise is indeed their resting place." Surat An-Nazi'at: 40-41

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“The cure for confusion is simply to ask,” said the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In the Islam FAQ, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and other SeekersGuidance scholars give clear, reliable answers to common questions that people ask about Islam–on faith, worship, spirituality, social issues, halal and haram, and a wide range of practical issues related to living Islam with faith, uprightness, and excellence.

The SeekersGuidance Answers service https://seekersguidance.org/submit-a-question/ is one of the leading sources for clear, reliable, balanced, merciful answers from qualified scholars.

In this episode, Shaykh Faraz answers: What are the principles of work and assisting in sin?

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In this episode, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani looks at the chapter of Imam Haddad's Book of Assistance on religious obligations and seeking Islamic knowledge. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring we fulfill our religious obligations, reminding that these are not merely things we do but are keys to the love and closeness of Allah Most High. In this vein, he reminds of the importance of intention in how we view our life and priorities. Shaykh Faraz particularly highlights the necessity of gaining sound Islamic knowledge in order to be able to soundly practice one's faith. He explains which knowledge is the most important to prioritize, warning against neglecting the knowledge required in one's circumstances for lesser priorities.

 

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