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In this lesson of Renewal by the Book, we are joined by visiting scholar, Shaykh Faid Said. Shaykh Faid reviews verses from the Quran that correspond to the chapter on the Etiquettes of Acquisition and Earning Livelihood by Imam Ghazali.

وَفِي السَّمَاءِ رِزْقُكُمْ وَمَا تُوعَدُونَ

And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised. [Quran, 51:22]

Allah provides for each their provisions from His generosity and to those whom we may not expect. The sunnah of all Prophets is to share food with people. The story of Prophet Ibrahim, when he invited one of his visitors to believe in God and he refused, Prophet Ibrahim wanted him to leave. However, Allah told Prophet Ibrahim, I have been sustaining him for his whole life, despite his disbelief, and you refuse to feed him. Such is the generosity of Allah.

Shaykh Faid reminds us that one should be careful of how they acquire their livelihood but also how they spend it. It is not enough to eat halal but to collect your money from permissible work and permissible means. You can only seek permissible means if you have utmost faith in Allah.

Shaykh Faid concludes with a reminder, that we should all rely on Allah for our sustenance but also to act to attain. However, one should always know that their sustenance, first and foremost, is from Allah.

In this series Shaykh Faraz, and the other scholars and teachers will be looking at points of reflection from key verses in the Quran. The series will follow the thematic order of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences). The aim is to connect the key verses of guidance from the Book of Allah with the blueprint of renewal, the Ihya, so that we experience a renewal by The Book.

Join our Ramadan 2017 program: #RamadanRenewal, in-person at SeekersGuidance Toronto or online through the SeekersGuidance Global platform. For more details, visit: http://seekershub.org/ramadan2017.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In this lesson, visiting scholar, Shaykh Riad Saloojee, gives an overview of the Chapter on the Etiquettes of Marriage by Imam Ghazali. Shaykh Riad delves into the spiritual meanings that can be observed during marriage.

Shaykh Riad begins with a beautiful quote that sums up the lesson “two bodies cannot connect in the same way that two souls can”. There are many material benefits to being married, but the real meaning is the connection of our hearts to Allah through it. However, before we come to marriage we need to have an understanding of ourselves. In addition, one should be aware not only of their spiritual self but of their nafs (lower self) as well, to understand my wants and needs in relations to that. Lastly, Imam Ghazali also speaks in the chapter about the fiqh of marriage which is important to learn prior to.

There are three main verses of the Quran that the Prophet, peace be upon him, referenced in relations to marriage. All of these verses begin with “oh you who believe” or “oh people have consciousness (taqwa) of Allah”; that is to say that God consciousness is at the centre of any successful marriage and in the dealings between the couple. Conversely, as well, marriage is a way for one to attain greater God consciousness (taqwa).

Shaykh Riad reminds us to take marriage as a field of training for my character, one that exposes a person to their faults and shortcomings. As such, it is a great way for one to also grow their character and address their mistakes.

Lastly, Shaykh Riad concludes with a reflection on thankfulness and Allah’s promise to increase one if they are thankful; Ramadan is a great time to be thankful and to use the bounties Allah gives us in a way that pleases him. Thus, while fasting, one should be grateful for their spouse, their children and for the love they are blessed with.

In this brief overview of Imam Ghazali’s opus magnum, Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences), this series will serve as blueprint for how the believer can bring to life their religion. It will aim to help the believer to not just practice the form of the religion properly, but to also practice it with excellence.

Join our Ramadan 2017 program: #RamadanRenewal, in-person at SeekersGuidance Toronto or online through the SeekersGuidance Global platform. For more details, visit: http://seekershub.org/ramadan2017.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

Struggling to keep on top of your podcast subscriptions? SeekersHub Ramadan Renewal Xtra offers you a bitesize summary of each night's lessons at SeekersHub Toronto this Ramadan. Catch up on the essential lessons, captured by our media team in this special episode.

In this lesson we are joined by visiting scholar, Shaykh Riad Saloojee, giving a brief overview of the Etiquettes of Eating chapter from Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din. This is the first chapter in the second quarter of the book, which is on acts of worship.

When the heart is in tawheed of Allah through remembrance and reflection then that heart becomes beautified by certain values like patience, such that our character is the image of our heart. This is important to remember, because all the etiquettes of eating are the fruits of a beautified character. Shaykh Saloojee explains that this is the relationship between the first and second quarter of the book.

Shaykh Riad asks, how then can one be engaged in remembrance when eating?

[1] Mentioning Allah at the beginning and end of eating

[2] Facing the food with gratitude and part of that gratitude is manifested in not wasting food

[3] Thanking the host for being the means of feeding us and do not criticize the food.

[4] Not to eat until satiation, or until one is full; and that takes patience to do that

[5] Reflect about what you eat and the bounties Allah has provided you.

[6] Have cleanliness in eating by washing your hand before and after as well as eating with three fingers.

[7] Eating a morsel at a time, and having patience in chewing it before going on to the next.

[8] Prefer others before yourself by feeding others and hosting others.

[9] Have chivalry by recognizing the various cultures of those with whom you share food and respecting them.

In addition, Shaykh Riad reflects on the etiquettes of eating during Ramadan, one must take extra care in fasting not just from food but from other spiritually harmful acts. For example, one should fast from materialism in general and not just from food. One should be careful at iftar as well, not to demolish their fast by forgetting about having presence of heart when eating.

In conclusion, Shaykh Riad reminds us of the importance of being generous in hosting others and be in the service of others by feeding them. The best example of this is the story of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, that Shaykh Riad relays.

In this brief overview of Imam Ghazali’s opus magnum, Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences), this series will serve as blueprint for how the believer can bring to life their religion. It will aim to help the believer to not just practice the form of the religion properly, but to also practice it with excellence.

Join our Ramadan 2017 program: #RamadanRenewal, in-person at SeekersGuidance Toronto or online through the SeekersGuidance Global platform. For more details, visit: https://seekersguidance.org/ramadan/.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

Struggling to keep on top of your podcast subscriptions? SeekersHub Ramadan Renewal Xtra offers you a bitesize summary of each night's lessons at SeekersHub Toronto this Ramadan. Catch up on the essential lessons, captured by our media team in this special episode.

In the eleventh lesson of Renewal by the Book we are joined by visiting scholar, Shaykh Riad Saloojee. Shaykh Riad reviews key verses of the Quran that correspond to Imam Al-Ghazali’s chapter on supplication. He covers verse 60 from Surat Ghafir, the 40th chapter of the Quran.

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ

And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.

Shaykh Riad reflects on this verse, indicating that this verse points to one’s relationship with Allah that it is one of neediness. So one should ask Allah for both material and spiritual giving. The verse continues to say that “those who are too proud for My worship...” and worship here refers to supplication. Those who refrain from supplication are thus characterized with arrogance and pride. Thus the scholars say when I find myself refraining from supplication or find it hard to engage in it, then that is an indicator of one’s pride and arrogance.

In order for one to engage in proper supplication one should not do it as a form of ritual. Rather, one should engage in supplication with presence of heart and with sincerity. Indeed, one should make supplication like a drowning person with your reliance solely on Allah. In turn, the greatest prize of supplication that your heart is focused on Allah.

In conclusion, Shaykh Riad reminds us that the most important part of supplication is reminding ourselves that there are no means other than Allah and that requires work, especially at a time when there may be many other superficial means that one thinks they can rely on, but our true reliance should always be on Allah.

In this series Shaykh Faraz, and the other scholars and teachers will be looking at points of reflection from key verses in the Quran. The series will follow the thematic order of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences). The aim is to connect the key verses of guidance from the Book of Allah with the blueprint of renewal, the Ihya, so that we experience a renewal by The Book.

Join our Ramadan 2017 program: #RamadanRenewal, in-person at SeekersGuidance Toronto or online through the SeekersGuidance Global platform. For more details, visit: https://seekersguidance.org/ramadan.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In this lesson, visiting scholar, Shaykh Riad Saloojee, reviews the tenth chapter of Ihya Ulum al-Din on spiritual routines. This chapter covers the daily supplications and remembrance one should engage in at various times. This chapter is the last of the first quarter of the Ihya Ulum al-Din, which is on worship.

Imam Al-Ghazali begins the chapter describing life as a journey with only two endings, either paradise or hell fire. Ones that end their journey in paradise are those who arrive with a sound heart. A sound heart is characterized by two things, loving Allah and being attached to Him; and knowing Allah and acting upon this knowledge of Him. The capital of this journey is time and for that is the most precious thing in this journey.

Allah in his generosity has made remembrance varied, so that one is not spiritually tired of it. The capital of life entails that one devote their time and energy consistently to remembrance, in its various forms. Imam Al-Ghazali then divides the chapter into various spiritual routines that one can engage in at various times of the day.

Shaykh Riyad reminds us that it is vital for a person to have a “wird” or spiritual routines and daily acts of remembrance. In addition, one should plan their day around their spiritual routines so that they are at the centre of importance in their day. Shaykh Riyad concludes with council to us to use the time during Ramadan to start adding spiritual routines to our day. For example, when waking up for suhoor spend 10 minutes before Fajr in supplication and then after praying Fajr spend some time after in remembrance.

In this brief overview of Imam Ghazali’s opus magnum, Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences), this series will serve as blueprint for how the believer can bring to life their religion. It will aim to help the believer to not just practice the form of the religion properly, but to also practice it with excellence.

Join our Ramadan 2017 program: #RamadanRenewal, in-person at SeekersGuidance Toronto or online through the SeekersGuidance Global platform. For more details, visit: https://seekersguidance.org/ramadan/.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In the tenth lesson of Renewal by the Book we are joined by visiting scholar, Shaykh Riad Saloojee. Shaykh Riad reviews key verses of the Quran that correspond to Imam Al-Ghazali’s chapter on spiritual routines. He covers verse 28 from Surat Al-Kahf, the 18th chapter of the Quran.

وَاصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِالْغَدَاةِ وَالْعَشِيِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَهُ وَلا تَعْدُ عَيْنَاكَ عَنْهُمْ تُرِيدُ زِينَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَلا تُطِعْ مَنْ أَغْفَلْنَا قَلْبَهُ عَن ذِكْرِنَا وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ وَكَانَ أَمْرُهُ فُرُطًا

“And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.”

It is difficult for the nafs to focus on Allah and continue in its remembrance of Allah and so to be able to do so one needs to find the company that will push us to do so and so we can imbibe their characteristics. Allah then warns us of following those who are not righteous because the consequence of that is that your heart will be affected by your lower self. Instead of following Allah’s commands you make your own lower self your idol.

Shaykh Riyad reminds us that even if one is doing community work or advocating on behalf the community, their work should not be devoid of remembrance of Allah. The lack of remembrance can me one more prone to mistake and to following our base self over doing what is right or most pleasing to Allah.

Shaykh Riyad concludes with council to the listener to always prioritize the remembrance of Allah because it gives one a balanced perspective and makes one less prone to extremes of action.

In this series Shaykh Faraz, and the other scholars and teachers will be looking at points of reflection from key verses in the Quran. The series will follow the thematic order of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences). The aim is to connect the key verses of guidance from the Book of Allah with the blueprint of renewal, the Ihya, so that we experience a renewal by The Book.

Join our Ramadan 2017 program: #RamadanRenewal, in-person at SeekersGuidance Toronto or online through the SeekersGuidance Global platform. For more details, visit: https://seekersguidance.org/ramadan.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In this lesson, we are joined by visiting scholar Shaykh Riad Saloojee. Shaykh Riad reviews the ninth chapter of Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din on remembrance and supplication.

This chapter is situated at the end of the first section of the book on acts of worship. One theme that runs through this chapter is manifested in the verse of the Quran: “oh you who have attained faith, be in Allah’s remembrance plentifully”. Divine remembrance is not restricted to any time or place, as such one should be in His remembrance all the time.

Shaykh Riyad details the functions of the heart by which one engages in remembrance, to know Allah, to experience Him and to will and desire to seek him. That is why divine remembrance is so important because it is the heart’s nourishment.

Shaykh Riyad also speaks to the importance of supplication and the essence of duaa is the expression of one’s need, poverty and desire for Allah. The gift of supplication is Allah allowing a person to be near to Allah in the closeness of asking. Supplication should free our will, reliance and dependence from anything else but Allah. The chapter by Imam Al-Ghazali also has a comprehensive listing of the various supplications one should engage in throughout the day.

Shaykh Riyad concludes by giving us practical steps of application:

[1] set our goal: that we should struggle to have our heart perpetually in Divine remembrance and habitually engage in supplication.

[2] Understand the importance of remembrance and supplication.

[3] Ramadan is a great time to push ourselves to implementing what we learn because it fits with our daily struggle to fast from all that is wrong and good is easy. Remember, the supplication of the fasting person is accepted.

[4] Engage in remembrance after prayer and engage in remembrance whenever you have some time.

[5] Make a commitment to engage in supplication for five minutes at a specific time on a daily basis.

In this brief overview of Imam Ghazali’s opus magnum, Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences), this series will serve as blueprint for how the believer can bring to life their religion. It will aim to help the believer to not just practice the form of the religion properly, but to also practice it with excellence.

Join our Ramadan 2017 program: #RamadanRenewal, in-person at SeekersGuidance Toronto or online through the SeekersGuidance Global platform. For more details, visit: https://seekersguidance.org/ramadan/.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz looks at the key verses in the Quran corresponding to the ninth chapter of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya: Remembrance and Supplication. He highlights the verses 151-153 from Surah Al-Baqarah, which detail the importance and virtue of the remembrance of Allah.

كَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِيكُمْ رَسُولاً مِّنكُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْكُمْ آيَاتِنَا وَيُزَكِّيكُمْ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُم مَّا لَمْ تَكُونُواْ تَعْلَمُونَ

“Just as We have sent among you a messenger of your own who recites to you Our revelations, purify you, and teach you the Scripture and Wisdom; and to teach you what you did not know”

This verse outlines the gift that Allah has bestowed upon us and that is the gift of guidance.

فَاذْكُرُونِي أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُواْ لِي وَلاَ تَكْفُرُونِ

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اسْتَعِينُواْ بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلاةِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

“So remember me and I will remember you; be thankful to Me and never ungrateful. You who believe, seek help through steadfastness and prayer, for God is with the steadfast.”

The consequence of the gift that Allah has bestowed upon us is that we must engage in His remembrance and in thankfulness of Him. The sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him, is balanced on two pillars that are the foundation of it: to remember Allah and to be thankful.

In addition, Shaykh Faraz highlights the role of the Prophet, peace be upon him, as mentioned in verse 151: to convey revelation, to purify you (and that is the purpose of revelation), explains to you the revelation and teaches you wisdom (and that is the sunnah).

Shaykh Faraz explains that true remembrance is for your heart to be conscious of Allah without being attached to anything else and the reward for that is that Allah will grant you spiritual openings. Ultimately, this remembrance should stem from your love for Him.

In summary, Shaykh Faraz reminds us to keep our tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah. If you would like to read more on this topic you can read the Imam Ibn Rajab’s: The Compendium of Knowledge and Wisdom.

Resource: Tafsir al-Qushayri

http://www.greattafsirs.com/Books/lataif.pdf

In this series Shaykh Faraz will be looking at points of reflection from key verses in the Quran. The series will follow the thematic order of Imam Ghazali’s Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences). The aim is to connect the key verses of guidance from the Book of Allah with the blueprint of renewal, the Ihya, so that we experience a renewal by The Book.

Join our Ramadan 2017 program: #RamadanRenewal, in-person at SeekersGuidance Toronto or online through the SeekersGuidance Global platform. For more details, visit: https://seekersguidance.org/ramadan.

Checkout all of the SeekersGuidance podcasts by visiting https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/