As salāmu alaykum and welcome to Loving and Living the Qur'an, a podcast dedicated to practical spirituality for modern Muslims. In this episode, we dive into the theme of self-esteem, a topic we've been exploring throughout this month of Adha.

Self-esteem, or self-worth, is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. It shapes how we perceive ourselves, handle life's challenges, and interact with the world. When we feel good about ourselves, we can face difficulties with confidence and resilience. Conversely, low self-esteem can make life's challenges feel even more daunting.

Join us as we discuss:

• What self-esteem is and why it matters.
• How past experiences and external factors can impact our self-worth.
• Practical ways to build and nurture a healthy sense of self-esteem.
• Insights from the Qur'an on our inherent value and worth.

We'll also address common obstacles like the inner critic that holds us back and explore how understanding our intrinsic worth, as highlighted in the Qur'an, can transform our lives.

If you have comments or topic suggestions, please email us at livingthequran786@gmail.com, and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org to stay updated on future episodes. Thank you for tuning in, and as salāmu barakātuh!

As salāmu alaykum and welcome back to Loving and Living the Qur'an. In this episode, we explore how to navigate life's difficulties with grace and resilience, a theme we focused on during Muharram this year.

Join us as we discuss practical strategies for maintaining balance and happiness in a world that often feels turbulent and unpredictable. We’ll delve into how to create a supportive home environment, cultivate meaningful relationships, and implement simple, intentional actions that can make a big difference in your daily life.

Discover how to blend spiritual insights with practical advice to enhance your well-being and foster a harmonious family life. Don’t miss this valuable conversation that offers actionable tips for modern Muslims striving to live a fulfilling and balanced life.

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to email us at livingthequran786@gmail.com, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org to stay updated on future episodes. As salāmu barakātuh!

As-salāmu alaykum and welcome back to Loving and Living the Qur'an. In this episode, we dive deep into our Muharram reflections on "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World." Join us as we explore the challenges of balancing acceptance, action, and hope amidst life's trials. We’ll discuss how the Qur'an guides us to cultivate inner tranquility and build peaceful relationships, even when the world feels chaotic. Discover practical insights on creating harmony in your home and heart, drawing from both scripture and personal experiences. Share your thoughts and suggestions with us at livingthequran786@gmail.com and stay updated by signing up for our newsletter at livingthekoran.org. Jazakum Allah khair for tuning in!

As-salāmu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

As-salāmu alaykum! Welcome back to Loving and Living the Qur'an. In today’s episode, we dive deep into our ongoing series, "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World." We'll explore how gratitude can be a powerful tool for finding inner peace, especially when facing life’s challenges.

We'll reflect on the teachings of the Qur'an and the Ahlulbayt about maintaining gratitude during tough times. You'll learn practical tips for cultivating gratitude even when things aren’t going well, and discover how this practice can transform your perspective and resilience.

Join us as we discuss the profound wisdom behind the Qur'anic verses on gratitude and how they apply to our daily lives. From understanding the true essence of gratitude to actionable steps you can take, this episode will provide you with valuable insights to navigate life’s ups and downs with a sense of peace and hope.

Got comments or suggestions for future topics? Drop us an email at livingthequran786@gmail.com and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org to stay updated with our latest episodes.

Thank you for listening, and may your journey be filled with peace and reflection.

As salāmu alaykum and welcome to another episode of Loving and Living the Qur'an! In today’s lecture, the seventh in our series “Finding Peace in an Imperfect World,” we explore the transformative power of gratitude. Recorded live during Muharram 2024, this episode dives into how gratitude, both a command and a promise from Allah, can help us find peace and happiness even amidst life’s challenges!

Join us as we reflect on the Qur'anic teachings about gratitude, its benefits, and practical ways to incorporate it into our daily lives. Learn how being grateful not only brings us closer to Allah but also enriches our well-being and relationships.

For comments, suggestions, or to catch up on previous episodes, visit our website at livingthequran.org and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Thank you for listening, and may your journey toward peace and gratitude be blessed. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

As-salāmu alaykum and welcome to another episode of Loving and Living the Qur'an. In this episode, recorded during our Muharram sessions in July 2024, we delve into finding tranquility in a world that often feels far from perfect. We explore the profound concept of tawakkul—trusting in Allah's plan—by examining its role in reducing anxiety and fostering inner peace.

Join us as we reflect on the teachings of the Qur'an and Hadith, discuss the impact of trusting Allah’s plan on our emotional well-being, and share inspiring stories from the Qur'an that illustrate how tawakkul can transform our lives. For feedback or to stay updated, email us at livingthekoran786@gmail.com and sign up for our newsletter at livingthekoran.org.

Thank you for listening, and may you find peace and solace in these reflections. As-salāmu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!

As-salāmu alaykum! Welcome to another episode of Loving and Living the Qur'an. In today’s episode, we dive into our fifth lecture from the Muharram series, focusing on "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World: Balancing Acceptance, Action, and Hope."

Join us as we explore the concept of tawakkul (trust in Allah) and how it can transform our approach to life's challenges. We'll discuss practical steps to cultivate this trust amidst modern anxieties and uncertainties. Learn how to balance your efforts with faith and how to find inner peace even when things seem out of control.

We also touch on previous topics such as contentment and practical practices for a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of tawakkul or simply looking for some spiritual guidance, this episode is for you.

Have questions or suggestions? Email us at livingthequran786@gmail.com, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org. Thank you for joining us on this journey towards practical spirituality and personal growth.

Listen now and embrace the peace that comes with trusting Allah.

As-salāmu alaykum! Welcome back to Loving and Living the Quran. In this episode, we dive into our series on "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World," recorded during our Muharram sessions. Today, we’re exploring the practice of contentment and how it ties into our quest for inner peace.

We’ll reflect on why contentment is so elusive in today’s world of constant comparison and materialism. From the Qur'anic perspective to practical tips, we’ll discuss how to cultivate a sense of peace and satisfaction, regardless of what we have or don’t have.

Join us as we unpack:

• The concept of contentment and its importance in achieving peace.
• The impact of materialism and social comparison on our happiness.
• Practical ways to develop a contented heart and mind.

Don’t forget to email us your thoughts and suggestions at livingthequran786@gmail.com, and sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org to stay updated with our latest episodes.

Thank you for tuning in!

As salāmu alaykum and welcome back to Loving and Living the Quran! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the third part of our Muharram series, exploring "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World: Balancing Acceptance, Action, and Hope." We’re continuing our journey of reflection and practical spirituality, focusing on how we can find inner peace amidst the chaos of modern life.

Join us as we unravel the Qur'anic concepts of peace, from the idea of Salam to the deeper meanings of Sakina and contentment. We’ll discuss how understanding these teachings can help us navigate our personal challenges and build a toolkit for real, lasting peace.

Got thoughts or suggestions? Drop us a line at livingthequran786@gmail.com, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss an episode. Thank you for tuning in, and may peace and blessings be upon you all!

In this episode of 'Loving and Living the Qur'an,' recorded from live sessions held in Muharram 2024, the focus is on finding peace amidst worldly distractions by balancing acceptance, action, and hope. Key discussions revolve around the importance of intentions, the nature of distractions as outlined in verse 20 of Surah Hadid, and insights from Imam Ali about life's lessons. The episode also delves into modern concepts of happiness, the psychological impact of material advancements, and how negative emotions and struggles affect mental health.

Practical advice is given on managing these emotions, the role of divine guidance, and how shifting focus from personal happiness to virtuous living can transform lives.

00:00 Introduction to Loving and Living the Qur'an
00:52 Setting Intentions and Understanding Distractions
03:09 Exploring Modern Mental Health
04:34 The Paradox of Progress and Happiness
11:57 Eudaimonia vs. Hedonia: Understanding True Happiness
20:43 The Modern Pursuit of Happiness
21:21 Therapy Trends and Generational Trauma
22:16 The Role of Instinct and Obligation in Islam
23:39 Understanding Human Struggle Through the Quran
24:54 The Importance of Embracing Negative Emotions
26:05 Hedonic Adaptation and Materialism
27:45 The Struggle Switch and Pain Management
31:59 Self-Compassion and Acceptance
35:47 Concluding Thoughts on Peace and Suffering

Welcome to Loving and Living the Quran, a podcast dedicated to practical spirituality for modern Muslims. In this series, we reflect on finding peace in an imperfect world, recorded live during the Muharram sessions of July 2024.

The majalis serve to honor Bibi Sayyeda Zahra, providing a unique opportunity for us to give rather than receive, in a community where support and introspection are central.

Our actions begin with intentions, echoing the teachings of our prophets. By consciously setting intentions daily, especially during significant months like Muharram and Ramadan, we align ourselves spiritually and transform our lives.

Topics Discussed:

1. Balancing Acceptance and Action: We explore how intention shapes our behavior, fostering an environment where every attendee supports and respects one another, embodying the teachings of Zahra.

2. Standing Up to Injustice: In today's turbulent times, it's crucial to emulate Imam Hussain's courage to fight against injustice and spread his message of peace beyond sectarian boundaries.

3. Reflecting on Ayats: From Surah Ana and Surah Hadid, we reflect on the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the lasting peace found in spiritual fulfillment.

As we dig deeper into these reflections, we aim to build a toolkit for finding peace and happiness amidst life's challenges. Join us in embracing these teachings to enrich our lives and communities!

We value your feedback and invite you to share your thoughts and topic suggestions via email at livingthequran786@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter at livingthequran.org for updates on future episodes.

Thank you for listening, and may peace and blessings be upon you all!

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

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

Al-Mu’minūn ("The Believers") is the 23rd chapter (sūrah) of the Qur'an with 118 verses (āyāt). Regarding the timing and contextual background of the supposed revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), it is an earlier "Meccan surah", which means it is believed to have been revealed in Mecca, instead of later in Medina.

This surah deals with the fundamentals of faith (Aqidah), Tawheed (Islamic monotheism), Risalah (Messengership), Resurrection and the supreme Judgement of God. The surah drives these themes home by drawing attention to God's creation of man through different stages in the mother's womb, His creation of the heavens and the earth, His sending down rains and growing plants, trees and fruits, and His providing of domestic animals with various benefits for man, all together with an emphasis on the fact that man shall die and shall be raised up on the Day of Resurrection. (See also: Islamic eschatology)

To access lots of free resources on relationships and personal growth, please sign up for #DailyWisdom at www.marziahassan.org/dailywisdom

We will all face challenges and adversity during our lives. In these sessions we explore perspectives from the Qur'an, the Ahlulbayt and psychology that help us face challenges, deal with adversity and bounce back after setbacks. We also explore some simple practices from Islamic spirituality and Western psychology for building resilience in our lives.

To access lots of free resources on relationships and personal growth, please sign up for #DailyWisdom at www.marziahassan.org/dailywisdom

We will all face challenges and adversity during our lives. In these sessions we explore perspectives from the Qur'an, the Ahlulbayt and psychology that help us face challenges, deal with adversity and bounce back after setbacks. We also explore some simple practices from Islamic spirituality and Western psychology for building resilience in our lives.

To access lots of free resources on relationships and personal growth, please sign up for #DailyWisdom at www.marziahassan.org/dailywisdom

As Muslims, our ultimate source of guidance is the Qur’an.From amongst my favorite descriptions of the believers in the Qur’an are the consecutive verses which characterize the true slaves of Allah in Surah Al-Furqan. The true slaves of Allah  are those whom He loves, and no matter how challenging it may seem, we must endeavor to belong to this blessed category. This reminder is for myself first and foremost. May Allah  grant us the motivation and inspiration to consistently seek His pleasure.

As Muslims, our ultimate source of guidance is the Qur’an.From amongst my favorite descriptions of the believers in the Qur’an are the consecutive verses which characterize the true slaves of Allah in Surah Al-Furqan. The true slaves of Allah  are those whom He loves, and no matter how challenging it may seem, we must endeavor to belong to this blessed category. This reminder is for myself first and foremost. May Allah  grant us the motivation and inspiration to consistently seek His pleasure.

In part 6 on the series Essential Virtues for Developing Nobility of Character, we discuss generosity - of material things and generosity of spirit and how it relates to living a life of virtue

In this episode, we look at Quranic ayat to explore the ways that Shaytan uses to misguide us