Before Salahuddin could unite the Muslim world, earlier leaders had to address deep internal divisions. 

When radical groups like the Qarmatians stole the Black Stone and extremist factions terrorized scholars, visionaries like Nizam al-Mulk responded by building institutions—the Nizamiyya schools—that would educate the generation of scholars who would guide leaders like Nur al-Din and Salahuddin.

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0:00 - The worst time in Islamic history?

4:19 - Emergence of the Ismaili Empire

9:40 - How the Qaramita stole the Black Stone from the Ka’bah

11:30 - The founding of Cairo and spread of Ismailism

13:36 - The arrival of the Seljuks and Nizam al-Mulk 

17:47 - Imam al-Ghazali’s response to the Ismailis and philosophers

21:57 - The Order of the Assassins

25:47 - The attempt to assassinate Salahuddin (rh)   

This episode draws on leading historical works about Salahuddin and the revival that reshaped the Muslim world. If you’d like to explore the era more deeply, we recommend:

• How the Generation of Salahuddin Appeared — Dr. Majid Irsan Al-Kailani
• The Rare and Excellent History of Saladin — Ibn Shaddad
• Salahuddin al-Ayyubi — Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi
• Saladin: The Triumph of the Sunni Revival — A.R. Azzam
• For young readers: Saladin: Noble Prince of Islam — Diane Stanley

What does it mean when Allah “hits” you with a consequence? The Prophet ﷺ taught that when Allah wants good for a servant, He hastens the purification of their sins in this life. What does that mean for us today?

Marriage is weighed down by so many expectations. His rights, your rights, cultural norms, social pressure, mahr debates, Islamic rulings… how do you even begin the conversation without getting overwhelmed? In this episode, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek and host Qaanitah Hunter unpack the topic of marriage through examples from the Seerah, showing how Islam gives us breathing room to approach marriage with calm and clarity.

Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the second defining quality of Ibad ur-Rahman (Servants of the Most Merciful): those who embody forbearance (hilm) and composure when confronted by ignorance or provocation.

“When the ignorant address them, they only respond with peace.” — Qur’an 25:63

What does it mean to stay calm when you’re tested? How do we respond to rudeness, mockery, or anger without losing our dignity? Through stories of the Prophet ﷺ and the early believers, Dr. Omar Suleiman reveals that this verse is not about remaining silent in the face of oppression, but about rising above the foolish, refusing to be drawn into their heat, and maintaining moral strength when emotions run high.

What is the foundation of true unity? Is it shared heritage, culture, or even family ties? This lecture by Dr. Omar Suleiman highlights that genuine unity is rooted in piety and the collective striving for goodness.

Learn why the most effective way to help an oppressor is to stop their oppression—and how this principle becomes the basis for working together in truth. This isn't just a discussion about community; it's a profound challenge to redefine your understanding of unity and solidarity.

Ten episodes, three days, and numb legs. In this bonus session, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek and host Qaanitah Hunter spill the secrets of filming Real Talk and discuss everything from first impressions to high school awkwardnes to maintaining trust in the timing of Allah. True to title, the two get very real. 

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What does it mean to walk the earth lightly? In this opening lecture of the Ibad al-Rahman: Servants of the Most Merciful series, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the very first quality that Allah attributes to His most beloved servants — humility.

“The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly…” — Surah al-Furqan, 25:63

Dr. Omar explains how true faith begins not only in the heart, but appears in the way we move, speak, and carry ourselves. Through reflections on the Prophet ﷺ’s character, the struggles of the early believers in Makkah, and the contrast between arrogance and grace, this session invites you to embody a faith that walks gently — yet stands firm in dignity.

Join the journey of Ibad al-Rahman — a call to live as those recognized by Allah Himself.

Are you feeling bored, distracted, or emotionally flat in your worship?

Explore why believers sometimes feel disconnected or weary in their salah, duʿāʾ, and dhikr, and how to revive sincerity and spiritual energy. This khutbah also offers a deep and practical explanation of the profound hadith: “Allah does not tire until you tire,” clarifying its meaning and what it teaches us about consistency, balance, and Divine mercy.

Of all the ways of Muhāsabah (holding ourselves accountable) this is the most unique. How do we work on ourselves before our own bodies speak on the Day of Judgment. Our limbs, our eyes, our hearing, our tongues, and even our desires are recording every step, every glance, and every word.

When everyone said “me, me,” the Prophet ﷺ said “my ummah, my ummah.” He cried for his followers and made du‘a for people he never met — including you. The Prophet ﷺ taught us that when you pray for others, angels reply: “Ameen, and for you the same.”

So expand your du‘a. Pray for the ummah, for the oppressed, for those who’ll never know your name.

When you pray beyond yourself, Allah expands your heart.

Watch till the end to learn how the Prophet ﷺ’s example can transform your du’a.