Ayat ul Kursi is Allah’s introduction of Himself, His self-definition.

Hadith: “Everything has a summit and the summit of the Quran is Ayat ul Kursi”

HP (saw) cream of the Quran is in Suratul Baqara and the cream of Suratul Baqara is in Ayat al kursi

Imam Ali (as) : “I have not spent a single night . . .without reciting it.”

This episode is from a live Quran Study Group session in 2007 when we spent 3 weeks studying this verse. 

In the final few verses of this awesome Sura, Allah mentions the faculties of sight and hearing and invites us to listen, not just hear and have insight not just see. The verses talk about how if we listen and have vision, we will can become conscious of our past, discover our true purpose and use our time here accordingly. Those who refuse to learn from these signs focus instead in questioning and arguments which are not going to be useful in the long run. 

Continuing with our study of Sura Sajda, these verses explain how a believer and a transgressor are not the same - in fact, their outlook on life, their perceptions and their actions are all polar opposites. While the believers have a vision for the Hereafter and act accordingly, the transgressors are focused on following their whims based on very short term thinking. It is natural that they will different eventual outcomes. 

These verses contain the profile of those who believe in the communications of Allah swt. The verses list 8 actions of believers and how they respond to the communications of their Lord. 

We also cover the rules of prostration when we recite a which contains an obligatory prostration. 

Continuing with our study of Sura Sajda, these verses about the outcome of the disbelievers on the Day when they are faced with the consequences of the way they lived their life

Continuing with the study of Sura Sajda, these verses talk about the stages of man's creation. Islam asks us to reflect not only about our end and final destination but also about our beginnings. These verses talk about man's physical creation and then his spiritual side as well. 

Sura Sajda is a beautiful sura of the Holy Quran which, it is reported, that the Holy Prophet (saw) used to recite every night (along with Sura Mulk).

In the episode, we talk about the benefits of this Sura and discus the first few verses which talk about the objections to the Quran that were presented to the Holy Prophet (saw) and how Allah swt answers them. 

Dua Makarim Akhlaq is one the most beautiful Duaas what we have. It is actually a full program of self development in itself. If we read this carefully, it can guide us to realize and work towards developing true nobility of character. 

This is from a live session, recorded in 2007.

Dua Makarim Akhlaq is one the most beautiful Duaas what we have. It is actually a full program of self development in itself. If we read this carefully, it can guide us to realize and work towards developing true nobility of character. 

This is from a live session, recorded in 2007.

Continuing with our study of Sura Ankabut, the last three sections (verses 45 - 69) have many important injunctions and lessons, including that of Salaat, discussing points of difference, maintaining attention and travel. 

This is a recording from a live session in 2009

Continuing our study of Sura Ankabut, in this session we discuss the benefits of travel in the path of God. We also discuss the meaning and implications of Allah as Aadil (Just). The metaphor of the spider's web and the lessons that we can learn from this are also covered in this session. 

This is a recording from a live session in 2009. 

Sura Ankabut (The Spider) is a very important Sura of the Holy Quran with lots of life lessons for us. It is highly recommended to recite this Sura on the Nights of Qadr

This is a recording from a live session in 2009

Sura Dukhan is one of the suwer that we recite on the Nights of Qadr. In the beginning of the Sura, Allah swt talks about the Quran being revealed on a blessed night.

This is a recording of a live session from 2009.

The Quran asks man to reflect on this question: "O man! What has beguiled you from your Lord, the Gracious One?" (Chapter 82:6)

Inspired by this question, lets reflect on the many things that distract us from the Path to Allah and from our main purpose in life, which is reaching our full potential. In fact, modern life is so full of distractions that it is hard for us to focus on anything at all. We seem to be running in all directions, having lost sight of what our true priorities are.

In this session, we talk about the distraction of MATERIALISM, how it distracts us, and why this is a problem.

We talk about 5 steps to start managing the distraction of materialism and get back on track to what will truly bring us the peace and happiness that we crave. 

This is a live recorded session from a couple of years ago discussing the merits of the month of Ramadan and the Sermon of the Holy Prophet (saw) welcoming the month of mercy and blessings. 

In the final verses of this Sura, we are commanded not to treat our Holy Prophet (saw) like Nabi Musa (as) was treated by his followers. We are also told about the great trust that the human being accepted and how he has dealt with that trust. 

In this section we are told about the reasons for Hijab. The injunction for hijab follows with a very strong warning to hypocrites and trouble makers and how they are to be dealt with for the health and security of the community. 

In this section we are told about the reasons for Hijab. The injunction for hijab follows with a very strong warning to hypocrites and trouble makers and how they are to be dealt with for the health and security of the community. 

In the well-known verse of this Sura, we are commanded to send salutations on the Holy Prophet (saw) just as Allah swt and His angels are continuously sending blessings on him. We are then warned about the grievous consequences of causing harm or annoyance to the Holy Prophet (saw) and warned against slandering believers. 

These verses talk about some injunctions for marriage and divorce, both for the Holy Prophet (saw) in particular and for the believers in general. There is also more guidance for the believers about courtesies due to the Holy Prophet (saw) and his household. 

In these verses Allah swt addresses the Holy Prophet (saw) and mentions 5 attributes and responsibilities that He has granted the Holy Prophet (saw). 

In these beautiful verses, we are advised to be in a continuous state of remembrance and told about the outcome of being in remembrance 

Continuing with the study of Sura Ahzab, this section discusses Zaid ibn Harith divorce from Zaynab bint Jahesh and her subsequent marriage to the Holy Prophet (saw) and the lessons to be learnt from this. 

Sura Ahzab is a very significant chapter of the Holy Quran and includes discussion on many social, political and domestic issues. It was revealed in fifth year of Hijra which was a critical year in the history of early Islam. 

In this section, the HP (saw) is asked to talk to his wives and his household and give them certain messages

Sura Ahzab is a very significant chapter of the Holy Quran and includes discussion on many social, political and domestic issues. It was revealed in fifth year of Hijra which was a critical year in the history of early Islam. 

The Sura mentions the Battle of the Ditch (Khandaq) also called Battle of Ahzab, it gives us a clear psychological portrait of the hypocrites and compares that to the psychology of the believers. 

Sura Ahzab is a very significant chapter of the Holy Quran and includes discussion on many social, political and domestic issues. It was revealed in fifth year of Hijra which was a critical year in the history of early Islam. 

The Sura mentions the Battle of the Ditch (Khandaq) also called Battle of Ahzab, it gives us a clear psychological portrait of the hypocrites and compares that to the psychology of the believers. 

Mostly everyone agrees that telling the truth is one of the keystones of character. It is also the basis of developing trust in relationships, both personal and business.

Why is it then, that we sometimes find it so hard to tell the truth? We may have become so habituated to being selective with the truth that we may not even be conscious of it when we are not telling the truth and the whole truth. Is it ever okay to tell "little white lies"? is it ever okay to conceal part of the truth? We explore these and many other questions in this final lecture in the series "Essential Virtues for Developing Nobility of Character".

In this episode, we discuss the virtue of trustworthiness, what it means to be trustworthy and how we can become more trustworthy 

In this episode, we recap lectures 1-7 and the various virtues that were discussed over the few days

In this episode, we discuss the virtue of courage as it relates to character development. When we think of courage, we may think only of bravery but courage is so much more and includes living up to your life purpose despite the fears and uncertainties that haunt you. 

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 session, we discuss the powerful practice of gratitude which has been called "the secret sauce of happiness"

“I have been sent to perfect the nobility of your character”. Prophet Mohammed (saw)

The Holy Prophet (saw) articulated his mission as supporting the perfection of character of his Umma. He himself was a living example of what nobility of character looks like in action. The Quran testifies to this by saying “And most surely you are of a tremendous nature.” (The Holy Quran, 68:4 )

In these series of talks, we will inshallah discuss the essential elements of a noble character as taught to us by the Prophet (saw) and his family. We will discuss various aspects of virtues that make up a Noble Character, such as Courage, Compassion, Patience and Gratitude among others.

We will focus on practical tools to nurture and strengthen these virtues within ourselves so that we can help realize the mission of the Holy Prophet (saw).  At the end of the series, we hope to have a clear picture of what the virtue looks like in action and practical ways to practice the virtue for ourselves in our daily lives.

In this session, we discuss what is compassion (hilm) and how to develop it

“I have been sent to perfect the nobility of your character”. Prophet Mohammed (saw)

The Holy Prophet (saw) articulated his mission as supporting the perfection of character of his Umma. He himself was a living example of what nobility of character looks like in action. The Quran testifies to this by saying “And most surely you are of a tremendous nature.” (The Holy Quran, 68:4 )

In these series of talks, we will inshallah discuss the essential elements of a noble character as taught to us by the Prophet (saw) and his family. We will discuss various aspects of virtues that make up a Noble Character, such as Courage, Compassion, Patience and Gratitude among others.

We will focus on practical tools to nurture and strengthen these virtues within ourselves so that we can help realize the mission of the Holy Prophet (saw).  At the end of the series, we hope to have a clear picture of what the virtue looks like in action and practical ways to practice the virtue for ourselves in our daily lives.

 In this lecture we discuss the virtue of Sabr which is usually translated as Patience but it is so much more than that. In this lecture we discuss the three parts of the virtue of Sabr and what modern research says about it

In this lecture we discuss the virtue of contentment and why it is the foundation of gratitude and compassion. 

“I have been sent to perfect the nobility of your character”. Prophet Mohammed (saw)

The Holy Prophet (saw) articulated his mission as supporting the perfection of character of his Umma. He himself was a living example of what nobility of character looks like in action. The Quran testifies to this by saying “And most surely you are of a tremendous nature.” (The Holy Quran, 68:4 )

In these series of talks, we will inshallah discuss the essential elements of a noble character as taught to us by the Prophet (saw) and his family. We will discuss various aspects of virtues that make up a Noble Character, such as Courage, Compassion, Patience and Gratitude among others.

We will focus on practical tools to nurture and strengthen these virtues within ourselves so that we can help realize the mission of the Holy Prophet (saw).  At the end of the series, we hope to have a clear picture of what the virtue looks like in action and practical ways to practice the virtue for ourselves in our daily lives.

This episode is part of a longer live traiing on practicing forgiveness. In this section, we explore the cost of holding onto resentments and discuss how and why we form grievances. Once we recognize how holding onto resentments robs us of joy and saps our energy, we can begin the process of healing ourselves from the poison of resentment. 

• What does it mean to say that Allah swt will bring small acts of goodness to light?
• What are the worldly benefits of doing small acts of kindness?
• How can we practice doing small acts of kindness every day?

In the final session on Sura Saba, we discuss accountability and summarize the message of the Sura

In these verses, Allah swt is asking us to awake our consciousness through contemplation. The HP (saw) is asked to present rational and logical arguments to the people to invite them towards faith

In this episode we talk about the arguments used by the Quraish to disbelive in the message of the Quran 

Continuing our study of Chapter 34, Sura Saba. In this episode, we discuss how arrogance, power and materialism caused the Meccans to disbelieve in the message of the Quran

Do you find that your temper gets in the way of maintaining good family relationships? Do you find yourself focusing on the challenging aspects of other's personalities? Here are some suggestions to manage anger so that it does not get in the way of great family relationships.

Many of us struggle to focus and maintain concentration when we pray. Sometimes it seems that the harder we try to focus, the more difficult it appears. This session is the recording from a live session from 2007, where we explore the issue of concentration in salaat and discuss various strategies to improve focus. 

Leading up to Ramadaan, I will inshallah try and upload some sessions on self development. Here is one from a live session in 2009. It introduces the concept of self knowledge and briefly covers the steps to getting to know ourselves

We would like our children to have a strong character, be self regulating and make morally conscious choices, even when we are not around to guide them. What does moral consciousness look like? What are the elements and what can we practically do to nurture moral consiousness in children. This is a very brief introduction to the seminar series

How can we use the precious gift of time so that we do not regert wasted oppurtunity?

In the third part in our series on Living a Regret Free Life, we discuss the power of words and language. What do you think people regret most, saying something or staying silent?

Research shows that on their death bed, people often regret that they did not heal or complete their relationships. In this episode, we explore what it means to have complete relationships and also talk about the meaning of forgiveness 

In ths series of talks, we explore what many people regret at the end of their lives and practice ways to live a fulfilling and peaceful life

In these verses, we study the enlightening story of the people of Saba and discuss the lessons we get from it.

In verses 21-30, the Prophet (saw) is asked to discuss Tawheed with the disbelievers in a very logical way. 

Brief presentation on Strong Families and practical ways to strengthen family bonds

Part of a longer workshop on Strenghening our Families. In this episode we try and understand why it is so challenging to maintain a healthy family

In these verses, we are given beautiful life lessons about leadership, work-life balance, giving your best, and power, through the stories of Nabi Dawood (as) and Nabi Sulaiyman (as). 

Part of a longer workshop on Strengthening our Families, in this episode, we discuss characteristics and habits of strong families.

What is the difference between self esteem and self confidence and what parents can do to enhance their children's emotional wellbeing

In this episode we discuss pratical ways of dealing with difficult relationships. We talk about managing small day to day annoyances as well as coping with truly challenging relationships. 

Introduction to Sura Saba and discussing the first Ruku. Recording of live Quran Study Circle

Many of us know women who are victims of violence at home, either through their spouse, inlaws and sometimes children. We may not intervene because we are not sure what to do. In this short talk, we discuss the best way to support someone experiencing violence at home 

The last section of Sura Fatir 

What is self control and why is so hard to practice? What are some of the ways we can develop it within ourselves, model it for our children and encourage them towards practicing it as well

In this short episode, we discuss adjusting to the post parenting years, what is to be expected, and how to cope if you are experiencing challenges

We explore the strenghts and means we have in resisting the Shaytan

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

In this episode, we wrap up our discussion on Dua Kumayl. In the last part of the dua, Imam asks for a life based on Khidma (service), so we explore what it means to live a life of service, of purpose and how to find and use your gifts and talents in the service of humanity.

In this lecture we explore the concept of humility before Allah swt and humility with people. The Dua itself is an excellent example of how an abd of Allah is to adopt a position of humility and yet have an intimate relationship with His Lord. We then examine what humility looks like and explore practical strategies to cultivate humility within our hearts.

In this episode, we discuss the concept of Sin and relate to Allah's Mercy and Guidance