In this episode we’re joined by Islamic scholar and co-founder of the iSyllabus Islamic Studies programme, Shaykh Amer Jamil, who answers questions submitted by our audience on topics related to Ramadan and fasting.

All questions asked are listed below:

TARAWEEH

4:30 – Can we pray Taraweeh at home during the lockdown, and if so, how do we do it?
6:25 – Can you pray Taraweeh virtually behind and imam who’s streaming online?
8:15 – What if you don’t know much Quran and can’t lead your family?
9:40 – Can you hold the Quran while leading Taraweeh? (Hanafi school position)
12:00 – What’s the minimum required for a Taraweeh congregation?
12:00 – Can a husband and wife pray together?
12:42 – Can a female lead the prayer?
14:35 – Is it better to pray Taraweeh, or replace it with missed (qadha) prayers from the past?

FASTING

16:00 – Should we fast if we are concerned about our health or become unwell? What if we’re worried about catching the coronavirus?
17:45 – Do we have to make up fasts from last Ramadan before starting this year?
18:15 – Can we prepare food for a non-fasting person while we’re fasting?
19:25 – What if our spouse refuses to fast, are we allowed to continue serving them food?
20:35 – Is it okay to remain awake the full night until Fajr and then sleep during the day in Ramadan?
21:50 – If someone sleeps through suhoor and misses the chance to eat, can they still fast? (Hanafi & Maliki rulings)
22:40 – Can you use inhalers while fasting?
24:50 – I broke a fast in the past but have repented and paid charity. I also can’t remember if this was before or after I became mature and obligated to fast. I still feel unsure if this will be accepted. What do I do? Do I need to pay kaffarah?
28:30 – If someone accidentally eats while fasting, is their fast broken?
29:13 – Can you change school of thought when it comes to paying the kaffarah?
30:55 – Does inhaling steam or smoke, or smelling scents break the fast?
32:07 – Why does taking medicine break the fast if it’s not for nourishment?
33:20 – Can you use toothpaste while fasting?
35:05 – Should you gargle water when performing wudu or ghusl during Ramadan?

FASTING

35:53 – Can we give Zakat to those who are financially struggling due to the economic climate caused by coronavirus?
38:13 – Does everyone in the home need to pay Zakat ul-Fitr, or can the head of the household pay it?

EID

39:00 – What do we do if there’s no Eid prayer at the Masjid due to the coronavirus lockdown. Shall we pray it at home?

RAMADAN IN LOCKDOWN – ADVICE 

40:00 – What advice do you have for staying productive and keeping the Ramadan spirit alive during the lockdown?

Shaykh Amer is a qualified Islamic scholar and marital relations expert. Having spent 10 years studying Islamic sciences in various countries with distinguished scholars Shaykh Amer Jamil is a traditionally trained and fully qualified scholar.

Shaykh Amer’s specialisation lies in Islamic Family Law. Being a certified NLP practitioner and also holding a certificate in counselling skills he has combined his religious and secular knowledge to help contextualise marital issues for the contemporary Muslim living in the 21st century.

With over 10 years of experience in dealing with around 1000 real-life marital cases Shaykh Amer brings not only the Islamic know-how, but also hands-on marital consultation experience, insightful case studies and personal advice.

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the show on your smartphone and join our family of 1000’s Muslims around the world who love listening and learning. To support us, please consider leaving a positive 5-star review on Apple Podcast/iTunes. Want to have your own voice featured on our show? Click below to leave a 60-second voice recording and we’ll feature you on an upcoming episode.

The post EP 43: Ramadan Q&A: The Fiqh of Fasting in Light of the Covid-19 Lockdown – Shaykh Amer Jamil appeared first on Deenspiration.

In this episode we’re join by sisters Sarah Sultan (LPC, LMHC) and Najwa Awad (LSCW-C), who are both licensed professional counsellors and psychotherapists respectively, and also authors of the ‘Trauma Series: Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You’ at Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research.

Both Sarah and Najwa have a wealth of experience in exploring the links between spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health, and throughout this episode take us on a journey of understanding why individuals may ask themselves the question:

“Why does Allah hate me?!”

Experiencing lows in our spirituality from time to time is common for all of us, however feeling deep levels of distress and hopelessness that stems from the assumption that Allah (swt) Himself is unhappy with us can translate into a number of other issues.

Why do we come to this conclusion? What thought processes and feelings lead us to believing this?

In this eye-opening episode, we explore how negative thoughts of one’s self and even past traumatic experiences can affect our relationship with Allah (swt).

What You’ll Learn

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Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the show on your smartphone and join our family of 1000’s Muslims around the world who love listening and learning. To support us, please consider leaving a positive 5-star review on Apple Podcast/iTunes. Want to have your own voice featured on our show? Click below to leave a 60-second voice recording and we’ll feature you on an upcoming episode.

The post EP 42: Why Does Allah Hate Me? – Sarah Sultan & Najwa Awad (Yaqeen Institute) appeared first on Deenspiration.

In this episode we’re join by Shaykh Ibraheem Menk from Zimbabwe, who we met during the ‘Lord of the Worlds’ tour in Scotland, hosted by the Scottish Annual Conference.

Continuing on from theme of the conference, and adding on to his existing YouTube series ‘Lord of the Worlds’, we discussed some attributes of Allah (swt) and the importance of knowing Allah’s Names in order to establish a stronger connection and love for Him.

Shaykh Ibraheem also shares a beautiful reminder regarding treating Allah as a close friend, and why we should never despair if the answers to our prayers are delayed.

Of course, we also have our usual rapid fire round featuring some fun personal questions aimed at Shaykh Ibraheem in which you’ll learn what his favourite hobby is, his relationship with his uncle Mufti Ismail Menk, and much more!

What You’ll Learn

Scottish Annual Conference serves the community through educational Islamic conferences, in order to enrich the learning environment of the Scottish community and supports reputable charities for their Aid Projects. Their journey began back in 2017 with the first conference in Glasgow Central Mosque. Later with the hard work of their dedicated team and the support from local community, they formally launched as Scottish Annual Conference in 2018.

Website

Facebook

YouTube

Deen & Dunya is Scotland’s Islamic Lifestyle Store, established in 2015.
Providing Scottish Muslims with unique products to help practice their Faith. Specialising in Ramadan & Eid Gifts, the store is also a one stop shop for all your islamic essentials, from Quran, modest clothing, gifts, educational books, Hajj & Umrah resources, Oud Perfumes and much more.

Facebook

Instagram

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the show on your smartphone and join our family of 1000’s Muslims around the world who love listening and learning. To support us, please consider leaving a positive 5-star review on Apple Podcast/iTunes. Want to have your own voice featured on our show? Click below to leave a 60-second voice recording and we’ll feature you on an upcoming episode.

The post EP 41: Exploring the Beautiful Names of Allah – Shaykh Ibraheem Menk appeared first on Deenspiration.

In this episode we’re joined by the legendary Imam Siraj Wahhaj from Brooklyn, New York, who shares some powerful advice for our Muslim communities and discusses the struggles faced by our youth. We asked him what he would do if he was growing up again in today’s world as a young Muslim, given everything going on in society and the challenges our youth are facing.

Imam Siraj shares 22 minutes of pure wisdom and insights from over 40 years of experience and service among the Muslim community.

What You’ll Learn

Born and raised in New York, he became a Sunday school teacher as at a young age, then later went to Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) where he studied biology education.

In 1969 he joined the Nation of Islam and was taught under Louis Farrakhan at the height of the NOI’s anti-Malcolm X rhetoric. He became a Sunni Muslim after the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975 and Muhammad’s son Warith Deen Mohammed took over and reorganized the organization, urging members to come to orthodox Islam. Kearse then changed his name to Siraj Wahhaj. He was chosen to study Islam at the Umm al-Qura university of Mecca in 1978. He also briefly taught a course in Islamic studies at Howard University. In 1981 he started his own mosque, Masijd ul-Taqwa, in a friend’s apartment in Brooklyn. Although it originally started out with only 25 people, today it is well-known.

In 1988 he led his community in an anti-drug patrol in which they staked out drug houses in Bedford-Stuyvesant in the cold of winter for 40 days and nights, forcing the closure of 15 drug houses. This effort received high praise from the New York City Police Department and the media.

Since that time, Siraj has been active in many Islamic organizations. He has been vice president of the Islamic Society of North America since 1997 and has served on the Majlis al Shura, a consultative council of Islamic scholars, since 1987. He is a member of the Board of Advisors for the American Muslim Council and has also served on the national board of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

Siraj is a prolific speaker in America. He makes many appearances at major North American Muslim conventions, and numerous forums and lectures in New England. His audio and video lectures are also popular in America’s Muslim community. He is known to encourage Muslims to be God-fearing, enjoin good and forbid evil, practice regular charity, stay away from drugs, abstain from pre-marital relations, and other issues as well. He has also appeared on several national television talk shows and has had interviews with several media outlets.

Scottish Annual Conference serves the community through educational Islamic conferences, in order to enrich the learning environment of the Scottish community and supports reputable charities for their Aid Projects. Their journey began back in 2017 with the first conference in Glasgow Central Mosque. Later with the hard work of their dedicated team and the support from local community, they formally launched as Scottish Annual Conference in 2018.

Website

Facebook

YouTube

Deen & Dunya is Scotland’s Islamic Lifestyle Store, established in 2015.
Providing Scottish Muslims with unique products to help practice their Faith. Specialising in Ramadan & Eid Gifts, the store is also a one stop shop for all your islamic essentials, from Quran, modest clothing, gifts, educational books, Hajj & Umrah resources, Oud Perfumes and much more.

Facebook

Instagram

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the show on your smartphone and join our family of 1000’s Muslims around the world who love listening and learning. To support us, please consider leaving a positive 5-star review on Apple Podcast/iTunes. Want to have your own voice featured on our show? Click below to leave a 60-second voice recording and we’ll feature you on an upcoming episode.

The post EP 40: Are We Doing Enough for the Muslim Youth? (Powerful Advice) – Imam Siraj Wahhaj appeared first on Deenspiration.

In this episode we’re joined by the brilliant Ustadh Yahya Raaby from London, who inspires us with a beautiful discussion all about the Quran.

While on his UK & Ireland tour called ‘Purifying Your Heart Through the Qur’an alongside Ethar Relief (organised by MIE Management), we had the chance to sit with Ustadh Yahya after his talk at SUMSA (the Strathclyde University Muslim Student Association) to talk about the Book of Allah (swt) and how we can utilise its miracles and blessings to purify our own hearts.

Alif, Lam, Ra. [This is] a Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that you might bring mankind out of darknesses into the light by permission of their Lord – to the path of the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy – [Qur’an, Surah Ibrahim – 14:1]

View Ayah on Quran.com

by Usman (Glasgow, Scotland)

MIE are an events management company, providing bespoke, tailor made services to their clientele such as tours, weddings, charity dinners, conferences, youth camps and much more. Learn more about their services below. 

A UK-based humanitarian aid organisation operating mainly in East Africa. It serves to ease the suffering of refugees. Their goal is to help the needy across Africa, regardless of ethnicity, gender or religious beliefs.

The Strathclyde University Muslim Student Association (SUMSA) is a multi-award winning society based at the heart of the University campus with an aim to serve as a spiritual and community hub for Muslim students on campus.

Ustadh Yahya Raaby currently serves as an instructor of Arabic & Islamic Sciences at Badr Academy, Department manager and Supervisor of student affairs.

Yahya completed memorising the Quran as a teen whilst studying at Badr Academy under qualified teachers who consisted of graduates of The Islamic University of Madina Al-Munawarra (KSA) & Islamic University of Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saudi in Riyadh (KSA). Therein he also studied different Islamic sciences such as Tafseer, Hadith, Usool-Fiqh, Fiqh, Grammar, Seerah, History and more. 

Today Yahya spends his days juggling between studying Islamic Law and serving his community through means of  Teaching, Lecturing, Delivering Friday sermons, Leading Prayers, Counselling and more. Lastly by also being a major influencer in the development of Badr Academy.

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the show on your smartphone and join our family of 1000’s Muslims around the world who love listening and learning. To support us, please consider leaving a positive 5-star review on Apple Podcast/iTunes. Want to have your own voice featured on our show? Click below to leave a 60-second voice recording and we’ll feature you on an upcoming episode.

The post EP 39: Purify Your Heart Through the Quran – Ustadh Yahya Raaby appeared first on Deenspiration.

Let’s be real: we all have our vices, and whether or not we’d like to admit, it’s inevitable that we often engage in habits or activities that aren’t so great for our spiritual wellbeing. Whether we’re stuck in a cycle of sin, struggling with performing certain acts of worship, or dealing with personal insecurities and identity issues, we all travel a unique path on our journey towards Allah (swt).

On that journey, there comes a time when we begin to realise which of our behaviours draw us nearer to Allah (swt) and which of them take us further away. Of course, the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) teaches us what to avoid and what to strive for, but for the majority of us, unless we experience them for ourselves we won’t truly digest the lessons that we’ve been taught from a young age.

In this episode, we’re joined by TEDx speaker, peak performance specialist and founder of Words Behind a Smile – sister Nilly Naseer-Farooqui – who gets real about her struggles with quitting music, dancing, and other habits that were holding her back from feeling spiritually awake and close to Allah (swt).

(Heads up! We don’t discuss whether or not music is technically ‘halal or haram’ in Islam, but rather the negative impact that it had on Nilly, why she quit, and the positive changes she noticed in her life once she quit.)

What others think of you is none of your business.

Click to tweet this gem

“… But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.” [Qur’an – 2:216]

View Ayah on Quran.com

Nilly Naseer-Farooqui is a TEDx speaker, computer scientist, Peak Performance speaker, Human Trafficking Prevention Educator, Modest-Fashion Stylist, and a Social Media Influencer. She is currently a Systems Analyst at Northwestern University, along with being a lifestyle blogger whose profile, Words Behind A Smile, caters to an audience of over 10,000 people all across the globe. Mentored by the renowned author, Jack Canfield (author of Chicken Soup for the Soul), she is a Certified Canfield Trainer in teaching his success principles nationwide.

She is also an ambassador and prevention education speaker for Shared Hope International, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and restoring the lives of human trafficking victims.

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the show on your smartphone and join our family of 1000’s Muslims around the world who love listening and learning. To support us, please consider leaving a positive 5-star review on Apple Podcast/iTunes. Want to have your own voice featured on our show? Click below to leave a 60-second voice recording and we’ll feature you on an upcoming episode.

The post EP 38: Why I Stopped Listening to Music – feat. Nilly Naseer-Farooqui appeared first on Deenspiration.

By far the most important love, the deepest connection and the most protected relationship in our lives should be that between us and our Lord – Allah (swt).

As Muslims, the very foundation of our belief is that Allah (swt) – our God – is One. He created us, He has sustained us, He has control over every aspect of our life, and one day, to Him we will return. As Muslims created by Allah (swt), our purpose is to worship Him.

However, there are times in life when inevitably our thoughts about Allah (swt), our trust in Him and our hope in His love can all be a little bit shaky. Whether we experience trauma, neglect our worship, or feel too overburdened by our sins, it’s natural to feel that maybe Allah (swt) doesn’t love us as much anymore, or that we are undeserving of His blessings.

For some of us, the only relationship we have with Allah (swt) is that of a servant who must worship and stay away from lots of fun things, “or else! Jahannam!”. With this mindset, however, we lose sight of just how great Allah’s (swt) love for us truly is, and His desire to draw us nearer to Him.

To further discuss our relationship with Allah (swt) and His deep love for us, we’re joined in this episode by sister Youssra Kamel Kandil. If you’re active on social media, it’s most likely you will have seen some of Youssra’s heartwarming and inspiring reminders – some of which have gone viral and amassed millions of views.

Just like in her reminders, this podcast is filled with some really important reminders and practical tips on how we can become closer to our Lord and strengthen our faith.

“And be patient, [O Muhammad], for the decision of your Lord, for indeed, you are in Our eyes. And exalt [ Allah ] with praise of your Lord when you arise.” [52:48]

View Ayah on Quran.com

by Nicole (Dallas, Texas) | Salaam, Girl! Podcast

Sister Youssra is a homeschooling mother of three children, originally from Egypt and living in the US.

She spent time studying Islam with various teachers, and now does her best to share the knowledge she has learnt with others.

Youssra is active on social media and regularly shares personal reflections and uplifting reminders on a variety of topics in Islam. Her warm personality and relatable storytelling style has garnered her millions of views from Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the show on your smartphone and join our family of 1000’s Muslims around the world who love listening and learning. To support us, please consider leaving a positive 5-star review on Apple Podcast/iTunes. Want to have your own voice featured on our show? Click below to leave a 60-second voice recording and we’ll feature you on an upcoming episode.

The post EP 37: Allah’s Love for His Servants – feat. Youssra Kamel Kandil appeared first on Deenspiration.

During Part 1 of this two-part podcast, we were joined by Ustadh Wisam Sharieff who shared with us an incredible system for Quranic Transformation.

By combining self-development techniques (mind, body and soul) with supplications from the Quran, as well as a strategic goal setting framework, Ustadh Wisam showed us the tools that will empower us to develop a complete ‘Quranic Lifestyle’ that is unique to us and our lives.

Now in Part 2 we’re diving deeper into the physical components of the transformation system that take into consideration the following:

Have you ever wondered why the Salah has a bowing or prostrating movement? Or why wudu requires us to wash our limbs in a certain order besides simply cleaning our bodies?

What are the deeper meanings of these actions beyond just the physical rituals?

How does your posture, your breathing, your flexibility, your strength and power all derive from, and dictate, the quality of your worship?

All of this and more is packed into this incredible episode. Grab a notepad and pen!

by Syrah (USA)

Wisam Sharieff has been Advocating Quranic Lifestyle for over a decade with thousands of students across the globe.

He’s the creator and primary instructor for  Quran Revolution, an online Quran Learning System through AlMaghrib Institute, which has transformed the way over 2,000 students relate to the Quran — teaching them to read, recite, and retain/memorize the Qur’an, with video lessons, live classes, and weekly homework.

In addition he’s the founder and CEO of AQL, Advocating Quranic Lifestyle, an institute focused on personal development through Quranic recitation, prayer, and supplication—to empower the mind, body, and soul.

Beyond this, Wisam provides hours of free content online through his  YouTube channel—including series like Postures of Prayer, Sunnah Supplements, NOORishment, Quranic Transformations, and Prophetic Dynasty II: Names of Our Nabi. Supporters of Wisam’s Patreon page will be facilitating all the work he does, and enabling him to further develop and producer high-quality series that go beyond basic knowledge, and helps people to improve their lives holistically.

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the podcast show for free on your smartphone via a range of apps for iOS and Android.

The post EP 36: Developing a Quranic Lifestyle (Part 2) – feat. Wisam Sharieff appeared first on Deenspiration.

You may have heard people using the terms ‘living a Quranic or Islamic lifestyle’, but what does that really mean?

When our mother A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) described the Prophet’s (pbuh) character as being the embodiment of the Quran [Sahih Muslim], what comes to mind? Do you envision a man who was only concerned with rulings of halal and haram, do’s and don’ts, or someone whose entire being emanated the light of the Quran and beautified every living being that passed his way?

Why is it that although some people have memorised the entire Quran, their character, actions and lifestyle all contradict its teachings? Why do we still feel uneasy around them? What’s the missing piece here?

In Part 1 of this two-part podcast, we’re joined by Ustadh Wisam Sharieff who shares with us an incredible system for Quranic Transformation.

By combining self-development techniques (mind, body and soul) with supplications from the Quran, as well as a strategic goal setting framework, Ustadh Wisam gives you the tools that will empower you to develop  a complete ‘Quranic Lifestyle’ that is unique to you.

This means that not only will you be able to memorise, recite and reflect upon the Book of Allah, but every part of your life

During this episode we cover the foundations of Quranic Transformation, and in Part 2 we dive deeper into the components of self-development in relation to living an Islamic lifestyle.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

But among them is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” [Qur’an – 2:201]

View Ayah on Quran.com

by Justin (Los Angeles)

Wisam Sharieff has been Advocating Quranic Lifestyle for over a decade with thousands of students across the globe.

He’s the creator and primary instructor for  Quran Revolution, an online Quran Learning System through AlMaghrib Institute, which has transformed the way over 2,000 students relate to the Quran — teaching them to read, recite, and retain/memorize the Qur’an, with video lessons, live classes, and weekly homework.

In addition he’s the founder and CEO of AQL, Advocating Quranic Lifestyle, an institute focused on personal development through Quranic recitation, prayer, and supplication—to empower the mind, body, and soul.

Beyond this, Wisam provides hours of free content online through his  YouTube channel—including series like Postures of Prayer, Sunnah Supplements, NOORishment, Quranic Transformations, and Prophetic Dynasty II: Names of Our Nabi. Supporters of Wisam’s Patreon page will be facilitating all the work he does, and enabling him to further develop and producer high-quality series that go beyond basic knowledge, and helps people to improve their lives holistically.

Did you enjoy this episode? Click below to subscribe to the show on your smartphone and join our family of 1000’s Muslims around the world who love listening and learning. To support us, please consider leaving a positive 5-star review on Apple Podcast/iTunes. Want to have your own voice featured on our show? Click below to leave a 60-second voice recording and we’ll feature you on an upcoming episode.

The post EP 35: Developing a Quranic Lifestyle (Part 1) – feat. Wisam Sharieff appeared first on Deenspiration.

In this episode, we’re joined by psychoeducator, author, internationally renowned speaker and founder of Deen with Dunya, Ustadha Dunia Shuaib.

As a marriage educator, sister Dunia combines the Qur’an, Sunnah and the latest developments in psychology to help thousands of Muslims find greater peace, harmony, love and intimacy in their relationships.

During the show, Dunia shares some important reminders and tips on how married couples can enhance their relationships by using the greatest example sent to makind: the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself.

Sister Dunia has also launched her Secrets to Lasting Love online course in which she teaches some key principles that are statistically proven to increase happiness and satisfaction within relationships.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT:

For our dedicated Deenspiration podcast listeners, you can enjoy a $20 discount on sister Dunia’s course. Simply enter the code: MASTERMYMARRIAGE at the checkout page.

In this episode, we cover the following:

A sad reality which plays a major factor in breaking relationships (both openly and in secret) is the addiction many spouses have to pornography. It has such detrimental effects to both one’s self, and one’s perception and relationship with their partner. Below are two incredibly eye-opening and highly valuable episodes to help you overcome this problem.

Sr. Dunia is a certified marriage educator, host of Deen with Dunia, motivational speaker, lecturer and author. She combines the Qur’an, Sunnah and psychology to help Muslims who are striving to create and maintain a harmonious relationship between their deen and dunya. Dunia is passionate about helping Muslims in their relationships. In addition to her focus in providing psychoeducation, she has been doing extensive research to pinpoint the problems in Muslim marriages in the West and to help find practical solutions. Learn more from Dunia at: duniashuaib.com

The post EP 34: Secrets to Lasting Love (feat. Dunia Shuaib) appeared first on Deenspiration.