Simply The Best: Great Companions Around The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

In this lesson, visiting scholar, Shaykh Riad Saloojee gives an overview of the chapter on enjoining the good and forbidding the evil from Imam Ghazali’s Ihya. This chapter is divided into a number of topics:

[1] the importance of of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil

[2] the conditions and etiquette of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil

[3] the integrals of doing so.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Whoever of you sees a wrongdoing then let him change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then with his tongue. And if he is not able to do so, then let him feel it wrong with his heart. And that is the weakest of faith.”

This hadith gives us an opportunity to understand the meanings of hadith from the text. The way this text has many lessons that have been derived from it by our scholars. In order to derive meaning from a text one must first have an understanding of fiqh theory and principles. The application of the text must produce benefit, because the whole religion is bring upon benefit. In order for one to begin enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, one must first ask themselves these questions:

[1] How sure am I of the legal ruling?

[2] Is this a matter of difference between scholars?

[3] If we believe it is definitely wrong, will be there be a benefit in discouraging it? Consider the probable consequences of your actions.

[4] Can they understand what you will say? Should you then speak in detail or in summary?

[5] Always begin with gentleness, wisdom and being nice

[6] Check your motives first, and if they are in any way egotistical then you should not enjoin good or forbid evil in that moment… Only then should one speak

Shaykh Riad reminds us that this whole enterprise rests on having good character and that is dependent on a sound heart that is attached to Allah. This hadith can apply to all types of activism that one might want to undertake. Lastly, never think that your advice or doing is indispensable so if you feel like your intentions are not sound for what you are about to say or do, then do not do it.

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/

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, gives an overview of select verses from the Quran that correspond with the chapter on travel from Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya. This chapter focuses on the purpose of travel, reflection in travel, and gratitude from it. The lesson will overview the verses 12-14 from Chapter 43 of the Quran on the duaas one should recite when travelling.

وَالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَزْوَاجَ كُلَّهَا وَجَعَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ الْفُلْكِ وَالْأَنْعَامِ مَا تَرْكَبُونَ

لِتَسْتَوُوا عَلَىٰ ظُهُورِهِ ثُمَّ تَذْكُرُوا نِعْمَةَ رَبِّكُمْ إِذَا اسْتَوَيْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ وَتَقُولُوا سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ

وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ

And who created the species, all of them, and has made for you of ships and animals those which you mount.

That you may settle yourselves upon their backs and then remember the favor of your Lord when you have settled upon them and say. "Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it.

And indeed we, to our Lord, will [surely] return." [Quran, 43:12-14]

Saying this prayer, even if one may not understand the arabic phrasing, is of benefit to you. Because, everything in the sunnah we are encouraged to do is of benefit to us both worldly and spiritual. The first verse, reminds us of the vehicles that Allah has facilitated for us to put to use. The purpose of the blessing is not to enjoy it but to be grateful for the Bestower.

Scholars remind us that there are spiritual benefits to travelling. Planning for travel should not simply be the logistics of travel but the intentions behind travelling. We are reminded of this in the hadith of the Prophet on intentions “migration to Allah and His Prophet”. However, some of the companions had migrated for various reasons and intentions other than that. And the Prophet, peace be upon him, said that their migration was “for whatever they migrated for”.

What intentions should one have when travelling?

[1] Neediness upon Allah

[2] Reliance upon Allah

[3] Worship

[4] Upholding good character

[5] Have good company when travelling

[6] Doing good while travelling

[7] Calling to Allah

[8] Remembrance and devotion

Shaykh Faraz concludes by reminding us that we should seek to appreciate the blessings of the modes of transportation that we have been provided. We also should appreciate the opportunities for the acts of remembrance that we’ve been provided with at various instances during the day, including during travel. Lastly, Shaykh Faraz ends with council from Imam ibn al-Banna on purposeful travel.

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 travel from Imam Ghazali’s Ihya. The chapter begins by discussing the two types of travel, that of the body and that of the heart. Then, he continues to the purposes of travel, the etiquettes of travel and lastly, the fiqh of travel.

The travelling of the body is really just a means for the travelling of our hearts. There are various purposes and reasons that one should travel for including:

[1] Breaking bad habits

[2] Gaining knowledge

[3] Spending time with scholars and the righteous

[4] Witnessing the miracles of Allah’s creation

[5] Leave an environment that is harmful

[6] Pilgrimage

In addition, our religion is filled with instances of small journeying to Allah, such as having to leave one’s home to go to the mosque for congregational prayer or for Friday prayer. This is all for one to journey and to leave with the purpose of seeking Allah. The Prophet’s, peace be upon them, often journeyed as well to Allah, seeking Him.

Of the meanings of the word of travel is that it unveils to one: their own faults and characteristics, how they handle tests, and how they treat others. Furthermore, it unveils to you various fruits of spiritual journeying to Allah.

Shaykh Riad reminds us that spiritual journeying does not need the travel of the physical body. One should check on a daily basis how they are doing on their spiritual journey, if they are moving forward or backwards? Am I more attached to Allah, and less attached to worldly things on a daily basis? If one does not do this, then years will pass without us noticing that we have not changed anything in our spiritual journeying.

Shaykh Riad concludes with a reminder that it is of the utmost importance for us to continually check if we have journeyed closer to Allah during Ramadan or if we have remained stagnant and to renew our intentions for the rest of the month.

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/

In this Friday sermon, Shaykh Riad Saloojee highlights the different levels of fasting. He urges us to strive to uphold higher levels of fasting, by engaging our limbs in that which pleases Allah, and holding them from disobedience. Shaykh Riad emphasizes the great opportunity that lies within Ramadan, and calls us to make the most of what is left of it. True Eid, he reflects, is when at the end of Ramadan we have been drawn closer to Allah.

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.

Help Seekersguidance build a Global Islamic Seminary and spread the light of guidance to millions around the world by supporting us through monthly donation by going to https://seekersguidance.org/donate - your donations are tax deductible in the US and Canada.

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

In this Friday sermon, Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said calls us to make the most of what is left of Ramadan. He provides key advice on how to engage in worship that impacts and reflects on us positively. The impactful and fruitful worship he talks about is one that rectifies our character, and lasts beyond Ramadan.

Shaykh Faid gives multiple examples of worship with lasting impact through multiple stories of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him and his folk).

This Friday sermon was delivered at Jame Masjid Mississauga (Coopers Masjid), on June 9th, 2017. With special thanks to Ustadh Nazim Baksh for providing the recording of the sermon.

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.

Help Seekersguidance build a Global Islamic Seminary and spread the light of guidance to millions around the world by supporting us through monthly donation by going to https://seekersguidance.org/donate - your donations are tax deductible in the US and Canada.

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

In this Friday sermon, Imam Siraj Wahhaj reflects on the purpose an benefits of fasting. He reflects on verse 184 from Surat al-Baqara:

وَأَن تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

And fasting is better for you if only you knew.

Imam Siraj encourages everyone to fast the month of Ramadan and establish the pillars of Islam. He highlights that Allah Most High is in no need of our fast. However, we fast to come to know Allah and for our own benefit.

Watch "Why Imam Siraj Wahhaj Loves SeekersHub" https://youtu.be/JUxm2YfvcdU

This Friday sermon was delivered at Sayeda Khadija Centre (http://www.skcentre.com/) in Mississauga, on June 9th, 2017.

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.

Help Seekersguidance build a Global Islamic Seminary and spread the light of guidance to millions around the world by supporting us through a monthly donation by going to https://seekersguidance.org/donate - your donations are tax-deductible in the US and Canada.

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

In this lesson, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, reviews verses from the Quran that correspond with the chapter on Seclusion and the Preservation of Faith from Imam Ghazali’s Ihya. The verses covered in this lesson are from the 18th chapter of the Quran on the people of the Cave, verses 9-16.

The story of the people of the Cave in the Quran focuses on the points of guidance from this story, that’s why the details of their story are not mentioned in the Quran like other Biblical traditions. The reason that reading this Chapter every Friday is to renew one’s faith. That is why the central message of the chapter is the preciousness and preservation of faith. The preservation of one’s faith is done through seclusion or migration. Here, seclusion is not an ends in itself but it is separate one from evil and its people with one’s heart and action even if one is amongst them. The physical seclusion is to give one the strength for the spiritual seclusion from their action.

أَمْ حَسِبْتَ أَنَّ أَصْحَابَ الْكَهْفِ وَالرَّقِيمِ كَانُوا مِنْ آيَاتِنَا عَجَبًا

إِذْ أَوَى الْفِتْيَةُ إِلَى الْكَهْفِ فَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا

Or have you thought that the companions of the cave and the inscription were, among Our signs, a wonder?

[Mention] when the youths retreated to the cave and said, "Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.” [Quran, 18:9-10]

Here, the verses mention mercy and what is meant by that mercy is faith and guidance. The story itself showcases the high levels of taqwa that the people of the cave had in their attempts to preserve their faith. As such, one should always strive to preserve what they’ve been blessed with from Allah.

هَٰؤُلَاءِ قَوْمُنَا اتَّخَذُوا مِن دُونِهِ آلِهَةً ۖ لَّوْلَا يَأْتُونَ عَلَيْهِم بِسُلْطَانٍ بَيِّنٍ ۖ فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنِ افْتَرَىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا

وَإِذِ اعْتَزَلْتُمُوهُمْ وَمَا يَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ فَأْوُوا إِلَى الْكَهْفِ يَنشُرْ لَكُمْ رَبُّكُم مِّن رَّحْمَتِهِ وَيُهَيِّئْ لَكُم مِّنْ أَمْرِكُم مِّرْفَقًا

These, our people, have taken besides Him deities. Why do they not bring for [worship of] them a clear authority? And who is more unjust than one who invents about Allah a lie?"

[The youths said to one another], "And when you have withdrawn from them and that which they worship other than Allah, retreat to the cave. Your Lord will spread out for you of His mercy and will prepare for you from your affair facility." [Quran, 18:15-16]

Verses 15 and 16 show us that one should be vigilant in what they choose to associate with and what they choose to disassociate with. A believer should be clear about what is the truth, right and good and holds fast to it. In addition, Shaykh Faraz reminds us that we dislike the action and not the person, and disassociate with the action and not people.

Lastly, Shaykh Faraz concludes with a quote from Imam Ibn ‘Ajiba and Imam Ibn ‘Ata’illah that whoever dedicates themselves to Allah, Allah will reward them, protect them and shields there heart. To do this one should take some time for seclusion to reflect, pray, and remember Allah.

For a more detailed description of the entire Chapter on the People of the Cave, check out Shaykh Waleed Mosaad’s podcast: https://seekersguidance.org/show/01-giving-life-surah-kahf-shaykh-walead-mosaad/

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 this class, visiting scholar, Shaykh Riad Saloojee, gives an overview of Imam Ghazali’s chapter on the Etiquettes of Seclusion from the book Ihya Ulum al-Din. Shaykh Riad delves into the benefits and harms of seclusion that one should keep in mind.

The benefits of seclusion:

[1] Taking time to reflect and remember Allah, which leads to solace and connectedness of the heart with Allah

[2] Saving oneself from being in situations of disobedience

[3] Avoiding ostentation or doing actions of obedience for others instead of for Allah.

[4] To be safe from disputation and partisanship

[5] Being away from the harm that may acrew to me because I deal with people

[6] Be away from the inclinations of wanting to please others or engage in worldly matters

[7] Shields one from interacting with people who are ignorant and the possibility of not responding properly to them

The harms of seclusion or the benefits of interacting with others:

[1] Learning knowledge and teaching others

[2] Benefiting people with one’s time and resources

[3] Taking benefit from people and earning a livelihood

[4] Training oneself and disciplining oneself and character; and assisting others in that

[5] Loneliness and missing out on companionship with others

[6] The chance to earn reward and give others the chance to earn rewards

Balancing between the two depends on who you are interacting with and what your intention is in both seclusion and in interacting with others. Thus one should aim for beneficial interaction and seclusion when necessary. Shaykh Riad reminds us that continuous interaction with others who are not righteous we will get used to seeing these acts of disobedience and it will become normalized. This also goes to interactions on social media or through television.

Shaykh Riad concludes by advising us to pick a routine time for seclusion every day to engage in remembrance and in reflection. The recommendation is to take 5 min after every prayer. The more one does this the more patient one becomes with seclusion and the deeper your reflections will become. In addition, try to sit after fajr till sunrise because there is great reward in that.

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/

In this lesson, we are joined by visiting scholar, Shaykh Faid Said as he gives an overview of the chapter on Duties of Brotherhood from Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya and the verses from the Quran that correspond to it.

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy. [Quran, 49:10]

In this ayah Allah tells us that Muslims in all their affairs are brothers and this is exemplified in the way the Prophet, peace be upon him, joined between the companions from Mecca and Madinah. For this reason, Allah tells the Prophet, that it is from Allah’s favor upon him that he brought the hearts of the companions together, such that they were all one heart. The Prophet, peace be upon him, says that the Muslims in their love for one another are like one body, if one part feels pain the rest does.

Shaykh Faid explains that brotherhood is one of the requirements of faith. The Prophet, peace be upon him says, that you cannot believe until you love one another. This brotherhood is a mercy from Allah, exalted is He. This is stressed even in the Fatiha, where we address Allah in the plural, as a reminder that we worship Allah by entering the circles of the righteous.

Shaykh Faid concludes by reminding us that there are levels of paradise that cannot be attained except through brotherhood. Brotherhood is not only about being there for one another, helping them out when in trouble, but to keep an eye out for them and give them advice when they need it.

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 Duties of Brotherhood from Imam Al-Ghazali’s Ihya. This chapter is divided into several sections:

[1] The virtues of fraternal relations and brotherhood

[2] Loving one another for the sake of Allah

[3] How one should deal with and interact with people engaging in varying levels of disobedience

[4] The criteria for choosing a companion

[5] The rights that are due upon us vis a vis others

This lesson will focus on the first principles of character and its connection to the spiritual quest to Allah. The first question then is, what is character? Character is what one looks like on the inside, our internal image. Character is dependent on the beauty of one’s heart, and the fruits of a beautified heart is character.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, was of the utmost character and he is our guide to the best of character. In fact, the Prophet, peace be upon him, says that the reason he was sent was to perfect our character. As such, whomever is better than you in character is better than you in deen. Shaykh Riad goes on to describe some of the characteristics of those with good character such as respect, patience and truthfulness.

Shaykh Riad concludes the lesson by reminding us that our societies and cultures are cultivated through the sum of our individual characters. The key to lifting our institutions and societies is to first begin by beautifying our individual characters.

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/