The Authentic Ummah

In Episode 106 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Maryam, Chapter 19, verse 1 through to Surah Ta-Ha, Chapter 20, verse 125, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading takes us through the whole of Surah Maryam and a large part of Surah Ta-Ha.

We begin with Prophet Zakariya (peace be upon Him) and his prayer for a child, followed by the birth of Prophet Yahya (peace be upon Him).

We then read the remarkable account of Maryam and the birth of Prophet Isa (peace be upon Him), followed by reminders from the lives of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him) and other messengers.

Surah Ta-Ha then takes us deeply into the story of Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him) — his encounter at the burning fire, Allah speaking to him, the signs he is given, and his mission with Prophet Harun (peace be upon Him) to confront Pharaoh.

When they fear what Pharaoh may do, Allah reassures them:

“Fear not: for I am with you: I hear and see (everything).”

We continue through the confrontation with Pharaoh, the magicians who recognise the truth, the escape of the Children of Israel, the parting of the sea, and the trial of the golden calf.

Later, we return to the story of Prophet Adam (peace be upon Him), his encounter with Iblis, and the consequences of forgetting Allah’s command.

📖 Surah Maryam 19:1 – Surah Ta-Ha 20:125
🎙️ Episode 106
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 105 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Isra, Chapter 17, verse 97 through to the end of Surah Al-Kahf, Chapter 18, verse 110, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading takes us through the closing verses of Surah Al-Isra and the whole of Surah Al-Kahf.

In Surah Al-Kahf, we read about the youths who sought refuge in the Cave and prayed:

“Our Lord! bestow on us Mercy from Thyself, and dispose of our affair for us in the right way!”

We then encounter the story of the two men and their gardens, with a powerful reminder that wealth and children belong to the attractions of this temporary world, while the good deeds that endure are better in the sight of Allah.

The reading also takes us through the journey of Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him) and the servant of Allah, where events that initially appear difficult to understand are eventually shown to contain wisdom beyond what could first be seen.

Later comes the account of Dhul-Qarnayn and his journeys, before Surah Al-Kahf closes with a powerful reminder:

“Whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.”

📖 Surah Al-Isra 17:97 – Surah Al-Kahf 18:110
🎙️ Episode 105
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 104 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah An-Nahl, Chapter 16, verse 119 through to Surah Al-Isra, Chapter 17, verse 96, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading brings us through the end of Surah An-Nahl and into Surah Al-Isra.

We read about Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him), who is described as a model, devoutly obedient to Allah and true in Faith.

As Surah Al-Isra begins, we encounter the Night Journey and reminders from the history of the Children of Israel.

The reading then contains some deeply practical guidance for everyday life.

Among the most powerful instructions are the words:

“Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents.”

We are told not to speak to our parents with contempt, but to address them with honour and humility.

The passage also speaks about caring for relatives and those in need, avoiding wastefulness, protecting children, staying away from shameful acts, respecting human life, dealing honestly with the property of orphans, giving full measure, and not following things of which we have no knowledge.

We also read about Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him), Prophet Adam (peace be upon Him), the refusal of Iblis to bow, and the continuing struggle between guidance and temptation.

📖 Surah An-Nahl 16:119 – Surah Al-Isra 17:96
🎙️ Episode 104
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 103 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading Surah An-Nahl, Chapter 16, verses 35–118, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading contains powerful guidance about worshipping Allah alone, recognising His countless blessings, gratitude, justice, keeping our promises, patience and doing what is right.

Among the strongest reminders in this section is Allah’s command for justice, the doing of good and generosity towards our relatives, while forbidding shameful deeds, injustice and rebellion.

We are also reminded that what we possess in this world will eventually disappear, while what is with Allah will endure.

Another beautiful promise comes later in the reading: whoever works righteousness, whether man or woman, and has Faith will be given “a new Life, a life that is good and pure.”

The passage repeatedly calls us to recognise Allah’s blessings, remain grateful for them and live according to His guidance.

📖 Surah An-Nahl 16:35–118
🎙️ Episode 103
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 102 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ibrahim, Chapter 14, verse 43 through to Surah An-Nahl, Chapter 16, verse 34, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading takes us through the end of Surah Ibrahim, the whole of Surah Al-Hijr, and into the beginning of Surah An-Nahl.

Among the most powerful words in this section are:

“We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).”

We also read about the creation of Prophet Adam (peace be upon Him), the refusal of Iblis to bow, and the consequences of arrogance and disobedience.

Later, we encounter Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him) and the messengers who bring him glad tidings, followed by the account of Prophet Lut (peace be upon Him) and his people.

As Surah An-Nahl begins, our attention is drawn repeatedly to the signs and favours of Allah — in livestock, rain, crops, the night and day, the stars, the sea and the earth itself.

We are reminded:

“If ye would count up the favours of Allah, never would ye be able to number them…”

📖 Surah Ibrahim 14:43 – Surah An-Nahl 16:34
🎙️ Episode 102
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 101 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Ar-Ra‘d, Chapter 13, verse 14 through to Surah Ibrahim, Chapter 14, verse 42, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading contains powerful reminders about faith, patience, gratitude, truth, prayer and placing our trust in Allah.

Among the most comforting messages in this section are the words:

“Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.”

We also read about Prophet Musa (peace be upon Him), his mission to bring his people from darkness into light, and the reminder that gratitude brings increase.

Later, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him) makes beautiful prayers for safety, worship, his family and future generations.

The passage also reminds us that Allah is never unaware of what the wrongdoers do.

📖 Surah Ar-Ra‘d 13:14 – Surah Ibrahim 14:42
🎙️ Episode 101
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 100 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Hud, Chapter 11, verse 82 through to Surah Ar-Ra‘d, Chapter 13, verse 13, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading brings us through the closing passages of Surah Hud, the entire story of Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon Him), and into the beginning of Surah Ar-Ra‘d.

The story of Yusuf (peace be upon Him) takes us through jealousy, separation, temptation, false accusation, imprisonment, patience, forgiveness and ultimately reunion.

Even after years of grief and uncertainty, Prophet Ya‘qub (peace be upon Him) continues to hope in Allah and tells his sons:

“Never give up hope of Allah’s Soothing Mercy.”

It is a powerful reminder that circumstances can change in ways we cannot yet see, and that despair should never overcome our trust in Allah.

As we move into Surah Ar-Ra‘d, we are also reminded that Allah does not change the condition of a people unless they change what is within themselves.

📖 Surah Hud 11:82 – Surah Ar-Ra‘d 13:13
🎙️ Episode 100
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

Alhamdulillah, this is also Episode 100 of the podcast.

This series remains part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 99 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Yunus, Chapter 10, verse 107 through to Surah Hud, Chapter 11, verse 81, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading begins with a powerful reminder that if Allah allows hardship to touch us, none can remove it but Him — and if He intends good for us, none can hold back His favour.

We then begin Surah Hud, where we are reminded that the sustenance of every living creature depends upon Allah.

The reading takes us through the stories of several prophets, including Nuh, Hud, Salih, Ibrahim and Lut. We see their patience, their trust in Allah, the rejection they faced from their people, and the consequences that followed.

Among the powerful words in this section are:

“I put my trust in Allah, My Lord and your Lord!”

A reminder that even in uncertainty, opposition and difficulty, our reliance ultimately belongs with Allah.

📖 Surah Yunus 10:107 – Surah Hud 11:81
🎙️ Episode 99
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 98 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading Surah Yunus, Chapter 10, verses 21–106, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading contains powerful reminders about the temporary nature of this worldly life, gratitude to Allah, His complete knowledge and power, and the guidance and mercy found in His revelation.

Among the most beautiful reminders in this section is that there has come from Allah a direction and “a healing for the diseases in your hearts” — as well as guidance and mercy for those who believe.

We also read about those who have no fear and shall not grieve, the story of Prophet Nuh, and the struggle between Prophet Musa and Pharaoh.

Toward the end of the reading, we encounter the people of Prophet Yunus and a reminder that faith, guidance and ultimate authority belong to Allah.

📖 Surah Yunus 10:21–106
🎙️ Episode 98
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.

In Episode 97 of The Authentic Ummah Podcast, I continue my journey through the Qur’an in English, reading from Surah Al-Anfal, Chapter 8, verse 46 through to Surah Yunus, Chapter 10, verse 20, using the Abdullah Yusuf Ali English translation.

This reading takes us through the end of Surah Al-Anfal, the whole of Surah At-Tawbah, and into the beginning of Surah Yunus.

We read powerful guidance about remaining firm, trusting Allah, keeping our commitments, sincerity, sacrifice, repentance, charity, hypocrisy and the responsibilities of believers.

Among the most memorable moments is the account of the Prophet ﷺ and his companion in the cave, when he reassures him:

“Have no fear, for Allah is with us.”

Later in Surah At-Tawbah, we are also reminded that nothing can happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us, and that believers should place their trust in Him.

The reading then begins Surah Yunus with reminders about revelation, Allah’s signs, the creation of the heavens and the earth, and our ultimate return to Him.

📖 Surah Al-Anfal 8:46 – Surah Yunus 10:20
🎙️ Episode 97
📚 English translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali

This episode is part of my ongoing journey through the Qur’an in English. My aim is to read at least ten pages every day while listening to the Arabic and trying to better connect the words with their meaning.

May Allah help us understand His words, reflect upon them and bring their guidance into our lives. Ameen.