Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq

Gratitude Part 1

Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 9th October 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/iyCUFViNH5o

Gratitude can be shown in every part of our daily life; from the food we eat, to the health and wealth that Allah has blessed us with. This two-part series explores a variety of blessings we should be grateful for, how to express gratitude and the dangers of ingratitude.

This talk begins with the connection between ingratitude and disbelief and how these are explained with examples from the Quran. Ingratitude towards other people and the origin of the word 'kufr' are explained in this context.

The talk also emphasises our many blessings, including the gift of life itself, and how well-off we are compared to many others. Gratitude is explained to be part of a healthy lifestyle also by worldly practitioners; having a positive impact on one's mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. The negative consequences of ingratitude, such as envy, are contrasted to this.

Gratitude and patience are mentioned to be two sides of the same coin; giving the same reward which can be utilised in all the situations of a believer. In the end of the talk, guidance (hidāyah) is put forth as being the greatest gift of all.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:

- Connection between ingratitude and disbelief

- The meaning of 'kufr'

- Grateful for the gift of life

- Gratitude being a healthy lifestyle

- The gift of time

- Positive effects of shukr

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Five Traits of Hypocrisy: A Commentary on the Prophetic ﷺ Ḥadīth

Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 14th February 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/8btJV4hutIg

Various traits of hypocrisy are understood at face value. However, many of these traits stem deeper than their outward appearance. This talk aims to explore the roots of these traits and what believers should do to avoid them.

The talk starts by enumerating five traits of hypocrisy from two main ḥadīth on the topic. Lying, being the first of the traits of hypocrisy, is placed in the wider context of the person being false of character – of which speech is just a part. This, as opposed to ṣidq, which denotes the person being true, something praised in several verses of the Qur’ān. It is shown how lying can cause a person's character to become false and the consequences of lying are described as being destructive. This includes destroying relationships, barakah and reducing ones blessings in trade. Worldly gain from lying is said to be short-term but with a graphic punishment described for it in the hereafter.

Falsehood is also identified as being the basis from which the remaining four traits of hypocrisy stem. When discussing these traits, differentiation is made between promises and pledges; the breaking of each forming a separate trait. The trait of betrayal of trust is described to include both material as well as non-material trusts, such as private conversations.

The last trait described is that of sinning in disputes. Disagreement is explained to be unavoidable, the importance being to disagree honourably; by not being foul-mouthed nor extending the disagreement to other things and people.

Find out in this talk how various traits of hypocrisy are mentioned in the Qurān and aḥādīth.

Below are some of the topics in this talk:

- Two main ḥadīth on traits of hypocrisy

- Religion is Naṣīḥah

- Meaning of aḥzāb and the Siege of Madīnah

- Meaning of kadhib (Lying)

- The Story of Masjid al-Ḍirār

- Destructive Nature of Lying

- Truth Being Profitable in the Long Term

- Saḥābah Narrating Dreams to the Prophet ﷺ

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Traits of Hypocrisy Part 7/7

Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 31st January 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/JyVvV8lrRXU

This seven-part series details the different types of hypocrites and their various traits. The dangers of adopting these traits is emphasised so that the believers identify and avoid them.

The final part of this series lists some of the remaining traits of hypocrisy. The first of these discussed is laziness in ‘ibādah. It is explained how a munāfiq prays for show and emphasis is placed on being devoted as believers during prayer, while not treating it as a burden.

Secondly, the traits of poisoning the minds of believers and encouraging others to sin are discussed. The psychology behind why we prevent others doing good - especially in families - is explained. Comparison is made here regarding people with personality disorders (PDs) who pull others down to not feel alone in their inner turmoil. The PD’s projection of guilt and projective identification are further identified as traits of hypocrisy.

Thereafter the trait of betrayal, including major betrayal, is discussed. Examples are given of major betrayals in battles of the Prophet ﷺ as well as of the modern political phrase "there are no friends, only interests". Throughout the talk, the behaviour of a mu'min is given as a contrast to the various traits of hypocrisy.

Below are some of the topics in this talk:

- Meaning and Differences Between Kushū' & Khudū'

- Salaah of a Mu'min vs. Salaah of a Munāfiq

- Trait of Hypocrisy: Creating Conflict & Corruption

- Trait of Hypocrisy: Projection of Guilt

- There is No Envy Except in Two Things

- Trait of Hypocrisy: Major Betrayal

- The Three Signs of a Hypocrite

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Traits of Hypocrisy Part 6

Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 14th January 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/fnLaAkqRdSw

This seven-part series details the different types of hypocrites and their various traits. The dangers of adopting these traits is emphasised so that the believers identify and avoid them.

The sixth part of this series recaps on the traits of hypocrisy identified in verses 204-206 of Sūrat al-Baqarah; especially emphasizing the importance of avoiding arrogance, controlling one's anger and sincerely apologising. Thereafter the contrasting verse 207 and the life of Suhayb al-Rūmī r.a, about whom the verse was revealed, is discussed to the extent of how Umar r.a appointed Suhayb as a temporary imam during his final days.

Thereafter the topic moves to verse 118 of Surat Āl 'imran, in which the Muslims were told not to keep munāfiqūn as their confidants, with various signs of a munāfiq being mentioned in the verse. The talk here emphasizes the purity of tongue and its connection to purity of heart - the example being that of the Prophet ﷺ who could not even feign vulgarity of the tongue. Emphasis is also placed on how we should look for traits of hypocrisy within ourselves rather than judging others since we cannot know their state with Allah.

Towards the end of the talk, the concept of ḥasad is discussed and poetry cited to illustrate its peculiar nature. Linguistic meanings of the words "shamātah", "biṭānah" and "sa'i" are given in various places of the talk.

Below are some of the topics in this talk:

- The Meaning of Sa'ī

- Saying 'Sorry' is Verbal Judo

- Four Types of People in Anger

- The Life of Suhayb al-Rūmī r.a

- Various Traits of a Munāfiq Compared to a Mu'min

- Taking the Hypocrites as Confidants

- The Inconsistencies of a Hypocrite

- Identifying Traits of Hypocrisy in Ourselves

- The Destruction of Envy

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Traits of Hypocrisy Part 5

Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 17th January 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/XMM0jm2MZE4

This seven-part series details the different types of hypocrites and their various traits. The dangers of adopting these traits is emphasised so that the believers identify and avoid them.

The fifth part of this series covers verses 204 - 206 of Sūrat al-Baqarah. A reason for people being argumentative is identified to be from our own inner insecurities. These insecurities can have an effect on those around us including our close relatives.

The psychological process in the head of a person who is corrected when wrong is explained; how he may interpret even a minor imperfection pointed out to mean that he is worthless, and therefore puts on a mask of arrogance as a defence and becomes angry. As a contrast, the reaction of an emotionally stable person when corrected is mentioned; how such a person, through his balanced view of himself, takes criticism on board rather than being argumentative. Examples of people receptive to corrections are given like the example of Umar r.a.

The fact that perfection is infeasible in the dunyā is emphasized and illustrated by imperfections in great personalities such as Imām Bukhārī and Einstein. The example of imperfections in the dunyā is also shown how the Prophet ﷺ underwent physical difficulties and at times was corrected by Allāh for his actions. We are then recommended to have a balanced view of ourselves and take time out for self-reflection to improve the way we react to other people's corrections.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:

- The Argumentative Nature of Man

- A Believer is the Mirror of Another Believer

- The Meaning of 'Fasād'

- Balanced Thinking of a Believer

- Humans Not Being Perfect in Mind or Body

- The Prophet ﷺ Being Corrected by Allāh

- The Worried Well

- The Mentality of a Believer for Self-improvement

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Traits of Hypocrisy Part 4

Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 10th January 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/LGXMC9ca3k8

This seven-part series details the different types of hypocrites and their various traits. The dangers of adopting these traits is emphasised so that the believers identify and avoid them.

The fourth part of this series begins by covering verse 204 of Sūrat al-Baqarah. From this, quarrelsomeness is deduced as a trait of hypocrisy. It is explained how hypocrites will go to various lengths in trying to convince others of their position – whilst being verbose, excessively swearing oaths and even doing so falsely. This is explained to be a consequence of the hypocrite seeing his objective rather than the truth as important.

The opposite is the conduct of a believer and encouragement is given to follow it. Benefits of being silent and minimizing arguments are proven through the sunnah as well as real-life observations; such as argumentative people not being loved by others.

The talk emphasizes that Islam, although disagreements are unavoidable, teaches us to manage the disagreements in a good manner; such as not extending them to other people or things. Towards the end of the talk, the ill of shunning a parent into a retirement home is mentioned.

Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk:

- Trait of Hypocrisy: Oft-testifying (Falsely)

- Trait of Hypocrisy: Being Quarrelsome

- Minimising Arguments with Others

- How a Mu'min Behaves in Disagreement

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Traits of Hypocrisy Part 3

Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 20th December 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/iWDfgz3zUVc

This seven-part series details the different types of hypocrites and their various traits. The dangers of adopting these traits is emphasised so that the believers identify and avoid them.

Continuing on the topic of hypocrisy, this talk covers verses 16-20 of Sūrat al-Baqarah. The trait of short-sightedness within the hypocrites is identified. It is shown here how shallow a munāfiq is and how he sacrifices even basic principles for short-term gains in the dunyā; thereby squandering salvation in the hereafter. Throughout the talk, a mu’min is described as having opposite qualities to that of a munāfiq, such as keeping his sight on the hereafter.

Two interpretations are given to the example brought of those lighting a fire, each interpretation referring to a different type of hypocrite. Another trait of hypocrisy was here identified as not being able to see the truth despite staring at it; explaining the description of the munāfiqūn as deaf, dumb and blind.

The parable of the Qur'ān as a rain-laden cloud is further explained and how the type of munāfiqūn who wavered only responded to the Qur'an at times, whilst refusing to listen to verses of warning. It is also emphasised that such traits and behaviours of hypocrisy concern us as well and how even the Saḥābah feared falling into them.

Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk:

- Language of Trade Used in the Qurān

- Contrast Between the Muhājirūn and Anṣār

- Short-sightedness of the Hypocrites

- Steadfastness of a Believer and a Hypocrite

- Parable of Hypocrites Lighting a Fire for Guidance

- Trait of Hypocrisy: Blind to the Truth

- Refusal to Listen to Verses of Warning

- Examples of Ṣaḥābah fearing hypocrisy

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Traits of Hypocrisy Part 2

Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 13th December 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/uF4VnohkCKQ

This seven-part series details the different types of hypocrites and their various traits. The dangers of adopting these traits is emphasised so that the believers identify and avoid them.

The talk continues on the topic of hypocrisy by covering verses 11 to 16 in Sūrat al-Baqarah. The attributes of the hypocrites in Madīnah are brought so that we avoid these ourselves and avoid labelling others as hypocrites.

Refusing to accept mistakes is a trait of hypocrisy. When the hypocrites were challenged, they would often lie and never accept they were in the wrong. Honesty and admitting mistakes is part of the qualities every believer should have. By admitting we are wrong, a person can then find the path to true repentance.

Another trait of hypocrisy identified in this talk is being two-faced. A person can never please everyone and it will often lead them to lying and being insincere. Allāh does not look at a person's worldly status, but considers their humility towards Him. This is demonstrated by many ḥadīth and explains what Allāh looks at in a believer.

The final trait brought in this talk is that of the hypocrites being short-sighted; meaning how a hypocrite would give priority to the worldly life over the hereafter. A believer's goal and focus is always on pleasing Allāh and obtaining success in the hereafter as is explained in this talk.

Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk:

- The Meaning of Fasād (Corruption)

- Many R's of True Repentance

- Trait of Hypocrisy: Refusing to Accept Mistakes

- Trait of Hypocrisy: Two-Facedness

- Trait of Hypocrisy: Mocking the Believers

- The ill Consequences of Namīmah

- Recap of Traits of Hypocrisy Covered So Far

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Traits of Hypocrisy Part 1

Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 6th December 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/uJRY-n9eppI

This seven-part series details the different types of hypocrites and their various traits. The dangers of adopting these traits is emphasised so that the believers identify and avoid them.

There are many verses in the Qurān which mention the hypocrites and their behaviours. The first verses outlined in this talk are those of Sūrat al-Baqarah, many of which speak about nifāq (hypocrisy). Before explaining each verse, a general introduction to nifāq is given. A division is then made into nifāq of faith and deeds; with nifāq in deeds possibly leading to nifāq in faith. The concept of deeds having a momentum is then discussed in relation to this.

Three different types of hypocrites in faith are then discussed; two of these types started off as believers and eventually fell into hypocrisy. The Ṣaḥāba, despite having firm belief and some even being promised Jannah, had a fear of falling into nifāq.

Three traits of nifāq are later identified: deception, lying and refusal to accept blame. Each of these traits are explained and examples are given. It is also mentioned that believers have opposite traits to hypocrites; such as innocence, truthfulness and sincerity in their apologies.

Below are some of the topics for this talk:

- Two Types of Hypocrisy; In Faith and In Deeds

- Meaning of Fūjūr (Open Sinning)

- Different Types of Hypocrites During the Time of the Prophet ﷺ

- The Saḥābah's Fear of Hypocrisy

- Believers Having Opposite Traits to Hypocrites

- Attributes of a Hypocrite

- Traits of Hypocrisy: Lying, Delusion & Arrogance

- Balanced View of a Believer

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Envy: The Inferno Within Part 3

Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 6th March 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/gDq2fUrQS5k

This three-part series details the causes, effects and how an individual can safeguard themselves from falling into the sin of envy.

The third part of this series first focuses on the ill effects envy has on the envious person and his victim, as well as the incompatibility between envy and īman. A remedy for envy is then identified to be dropping it like burning coal. The brain is likened to a car and modern science is quoted on how controlling one’s thoughts can have a physical effect on the brain.

A second remedy identified is praying for the person envied. It is emphasized that the dunyā cannot make us happy and examples are given of people having wealth and leadership but still committing atrocities due to their inner turmoil. It is also emphasized that Allah's distribution in the dunyā was never meant to be equal but that it is the Hereafter that counts.

A third remedy identified is to direct one's energy from having envy to instead making du'ā' and striving towards one's goal. The importance of striving for the right things with the right intention is highlighted here. Scholars are mentioned not to be free from envy and the ill treatment of Imam Bukhārī is taken as an example.

The talk then ends with a positive example of a Ṣaḥabī foretold to be of the people of Jannah; on virtue of him being free from malice and envy. This beautiful example concludes the series regarding envy.

Below are some of the topics in this talk:

- Wise Sayings Regarding Envy

- Connection Between Envy & Iman

- Being Happy with the Distribution of Allah

- Remedy 1: Drop Hasad Like a Burning Coal

- Remedy 2: Pray for the Other Person

- Remedy 3: Striving for the Bounties of Allah

- The Value of the Dunya in the Eyes of Allah

- Envy Only in Two Things

- Envy Common Among the Ulama (Academic Rivalry)

- The Example of the Sahabah and Envy

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