Loving and Living the Quran

Many of us are feeling angry at the injustices, the oppression, the mass murders, the brainwashing, political posturing, refusal of people to stand up and speak the truth, Islamophobia . … .there really is plenty to make and keep us mad.

Our anger is pointing to the fact that we find ourselves in a situation which is unacceptable according to any standard of morality or humanity and it is completely justified.

The issue is how are we channelling our anger? Are we using it in effective ways and towards the right people and institutions? In part 2 of the series, let’s explore these questions with some guidance and inspiration from the Quran.

 

Please do comment and share if things made sense [or didn’t].

 

#freepalestine#prayforgaza🇵🇸 #gaza #ceasefire#ceasefirenow🇵🇸 #freepalestine🇵🇸#falasteen #distress#quran #freegaza#prayforpalestine #palestinian #palestinanlivesmatter #muslimtherapy #muslimtherapist #lovingandlivingthequran

 

Direct download: Part_2_Channeling_Anger_Effectively.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:55pm EDT

All of us are struggling with collective grief and vicarious trauma during these most distressing of times. While we want to help, we often feel hopeless and helpless. In these episode, we will turn to the Quran for guidance on how to manage ourselves and our strong emotions and take effective action to support our brothers and sisters in Palestine. 

freepalestine#prayforgaza🇵🇸 #gaza #ceasefire#ceasefirenow🇵🇸 #freepalestine🇵🇸#falasteen #distress #quran#freegaza#prayforpalestine #palestinian #palestinanlivesmatter #muslimtherapy #muslimtherapist  #livingandlovingthequran

 


In this episode, we discuss the topic of asking for forgiveness. We start by talking about how to ask forgiveness from God and turn to the topic of apologizing to people and what ineffective and effective apologies look like.
Please let me know what helped and was useful and do take a moment to subscribe on itunes and rate and review the show as it helps reaching a wider audience.
www.livingthequran.org

Direct download: Marzia_19_8.mp3
Category:Personal Virtues -- posted at: 11:32am EDT

In Sura Nisa, we are given a simple and powerful command: to return another person’s greeting in a better or at least equal way. In this episode, we discuss the role greetings play in our relationships and how we can offer sincere greetings to each other.

Direct download: Offer_a_sincere_greeting.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

This verse from Sura Saff reminds us to practise integrity in our speech and action, that is to say and do the same thing. In this episode we discuss the importance of keeping our word and how this impacts all aspects of our lives.

Direct download: Practice_integrity_between_speech_and_actionn.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

The verse from Sura Isra speaks about the body language of humility and arrogance. In this episode we discuss the challenges of humility in the modern age and what we can do to keep ourselves grounded.

Direct download: Walk_Humbly.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

As we have discussed, the true impact of our actions will only be made apparent to us at the final accounting. We can help ourselves have a good outcome by paying attention to how we are spending our time and what return we will get for the time and energy we are spending in this lifetime.

Direct download: Consider_what_you_are_sending_ahead.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Verses 7 & 8 of Sura Zilzal remind us to pay attention to our small deeds and how we will encounter the impact of these actions on the Day of Judgement. In this episode we explore the idea that we may be able to see the impact of our actions even in this world and we discuss how we can benefit ourselves by consistently doing small acts of goodness and kindness.

Direct download: small_acts_of_kindness.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Sura Ankabut, which we have been reflecting on ends with a promise from God: that He will guide us to Him if we strive. In this episode we talk about what that means and what we need to do in order to access this guidance.

 

More resources and reflections on Sura Ankabut can be found in this link: 

https://www.livingthequran.org/blog/Resources%20for%20Laylatul%20Qadr

Direct download: If_I_strive_He_will_guide.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Verse 65 of Sura Ankabut reminds us that under very difficult situations, human beings tend to turn to God and vow to change their lives if they get through this challenging time. But human beings are forgetful creatures and we often go back to our habitual ways once crises have passed. In this verse, we explore and try to understand this human tendency.

 

More resources and reflections on Sura Ankabut can be found in this link: 

https://www.livingthequran.org/blog/Resources%20for%20Laylatul%20Qadr

 

Direct download: Remember_the_promise_you_made.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Verses 2&3 of Sura Ankabut declare a fact of life: that we will be tried. In this episode, we reflect on the role of trials and hardships in our lives and discuss how we can best prepare and go through them in an effective way

 

More resources and reflections on Sura Ankabut can be found in this link: 

https://www.livingthequran.org/blog/Resources%20for%20Laylatul%20Qadr

Direct download: Prepare_for_the_test.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Sura Ankabut [The Spider] gets its name from verse 41 which talks about the frailty of the spider’s web. In this episode we reflect on what makes the house of the spider so different and what lessons we may derive from this example

More resources and reflections on Sura Ankabut can be found in this link: 

https://www.livingthequran.org/blog/Resources%20for%20Laylatul%20Qadr

Direct download: Spiders_web.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

In preparation for the upcoming nights of Qadr, let us reflect on the verse from Sura Qadr and discuss some ways we can expand our consciousness on this blessed night. 

More resources for Laylatul Qadr can be found on this link: 

https://www.livingthequran.org/blog/Resources%20for%20Laylatul%20Qadr

 

Direct download: Recognize_the_value_of_the_Night_of_Destiny.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

The verse from Sura Maida encapsulates the philosophy of Islam, which is to worship Him and to serve His creation. We go into a bit of background on this verse and narrate the story behind its revelation while reminding ourselves how we cannot separate worship to Him and meeting the needs of His creation.

Direct download: Worship_and_service_are_inseparable.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Verses from Sura Nur were revealed when a person was accused of unchaste behaviour by a group of gossip mongers. The community believed the rumours and the gossip spread. The verse deals very strongly with both the spreaders and believers of the rumours. In this episode we discuss how we can practise adopting kinder and more helpful assumptions about people.

Direct download: Choose_your_interpretations_wisely.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 8:03pm EDT

Verse 12 from Sura Hujarat cautions believers from falling prey to negative assumptions and suspicions about each other. In this episode, we try and understand the brain’s tendency to do this and discuss first steps in counteracting this very human tendency.

Direct download: Watch_those_suspicions.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 7:26pm EDT

Verse 5 which is repeated in verse 6 of Sura Inshirah is familiar to many of us. We discuss what does it mean to have ease along with difficulty and how can we become more intentional in beginning to notice the ease while we are going through a challenging period in life.

Direct download: Did_you_notice_the_ease.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 7:03am EDT

The command in verse 11 of  Sura Mujadilah is so simple and practical and it has a profound impact on community relationships. We discuss what stops us from following this command and what we get in exchange for following it.

Direct download: Make_space_for_others.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:49am EDT

In this episode we reflect on the famous verse from Sura Ale Imran where Allah swt asks us to give from that which we love. We discuss what that means, what stops us and how we can inculcate this habit of generosity within ourselves by learning from the Beloveds of Allah swt.

Direct download: GIve_from_that_which_you_love.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 5:32am EDT

In this episode, we explore the conversation from Sura Ibrahim when Shaytan tells mankind that they need to stop excusing their behaviour by blaming him and that he did not have the power to compel them to take actions.

Direct download: Stop_the_blame_game_and_accept_responsibility_1422.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 5:23am EDT

In this episode we discuss the benefits and barriers to seeking guidance and advice from others and why we need to get into the habit of consultation which is amongst the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (saw).

Direct download: Seek_consultation.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 1:57pm EDT

When we encounter negativity or aggression towards us, it is easy to lose our emotional balance. We use verse 65 of Sura Yunus to inspire us towards dealing with aggression and negativity.

Direct download: Do_not_let_their_speech_grieve_you.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 1:49pm EDT

Amongst the most challenging people that the Holy Prophet (saw) dealt with were those who professed belief with their tongue but harboured ill will towards the Prophet (saw) and his mission in their hearts. In this verse Allah swt tells the Prophet (saw) how to deal with this situation. In this episode we explore how this verse can guide us in dealing with situations of aggression and hate towards us.

Direct download: Speak_insightful_words.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 8:27pm EDT

In this episode, we explore the meaning of “Qawlan Sadid” from Sura Ahzab and discuss its application in various circumstances

Direct download: Say_what_you_mean.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 7:35pm EDT

We look at the verse from Sura Isra which talks us about honouring our parents and especially about how we speak to them. We explore and discuss why it is important to have the highest level of courtesy and compassion towards our parents in speech and how we can do that despite the hurts we may have experienced as children.

Direct download: Speak_nobly_to_your_parents.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 4:24pm EDT

The verse from Sura Isra lays out the general commandment for speech in the Quran. We are told to speak words which are “Ahsan”. In this episode, we explore the definition of the word Ahsan and then discuss three ways to make our speech aligned with this verse.

Direct download: Speak_what_which_is_best_1.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 3:51pm EDT

In this episode we reflect on a verse from Sura Taha where Nabi Musa (as) is given advice on how to converse and present his case in the court of Firoun.

Direct download: Speak_gently_in_the_face_of_aggression-_1.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 5:09am EDT

Today’s reflection is from Suratul Ibrahim where Allah swt uses the parable of a good tree and compares it with a good word. In this episode we discuss the similarities between trees and words and discuss the importance of having a strong rooted and positive intention for our communication

Direct download: Recognize_the_power_of_words.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

This verse from Sura Isra talk about the basis of all commercial transactions which are giving full measure and fair dealing.

Direct download: GIve_full_measure.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 5:11pm EDT

This verse from Sura Hujaraat cautions us against participating in the ridiculing or mocking of others or putting them down. We discuss the psychology behind this temptation, why it is so problematic and what we can do to stop ourselves.

Direct download: Resist_the_temptation_to_mock_others.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 5:01pm EDT

This verse from Sura Baqara explains the purpose of fasting for us and reminds us that nations before us have also fasted. We discuss the three levels of fasting and how we can aim to fulfill the purpose of fasting.

Direct download: The_Purpose_of_Fasting_2183.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 4:42pm EDT

The verse from Sura Yunus lays out a roadmap of what the functions of the Quran are: 

  1. Maw‘idhah An advice, a reminder to do good that is done gently, with care and concern.

  2. Shiffaun: A cure for what is in the chests.

  3. Huddan: A guidance. A clear guidance on the path, on the outcomes of different actions

  4. Rahma: A mercy: It lays out the outcome of our actions while we are still able to change direction

Using this verse, we can begin to assess our own relationship with the message and develop a more meaningful relationship with our holy book. 

Here are the some of reflection questions we used: 

 

Is the Quran relevant to my life?

Advice: Do verses come to mind when I am struggling or confused about something in my life? 

Healing: Do I use the verses to cure the dis-ease in my soul? Do I use it to purify my heart? Is it a companion in loneliness? 

Guidance: Do I use the Quran for guidance? Do I consult it when I need to make a decision about something? Does it guide my actions? 

Mercy: Am I in touch with His Mercy when I recite the Quran? How?

Direct download: Relationship_with_Quran_March_2023.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 5:22am EDT

The Holy Prophet [saw] gathered his community on the eve of the blessed month and advised them on how to best use their time during this precious month. Let us reflect on this important sermon and plan our days and hours in the days ahead.

Direct download: welcoming_the_month_of_Ramadan.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 6:38am EDT

Today we start a series of brief reflections on verses from the Quran for the coming month of Ramadan. This episode reflects on verse 2:185 and discusses the anticipation of the coming month.

Direct download: Anticipating_the_month_of_Ramadan_Audio.mp3
Category:Ramadan -- posted at: 3:11am EDT

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