Loving and Living the Quran

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

1