In the 6th lecture of the series, we discuss our relationship with the Quran and why it is essential to build this relationship. 

We discuss how the Quran is both a proof and a guidance and why focusing on the proof is so important in order to access the guidance. 

When we have a problem with the guidance mentioned in the Quran, it is often because we have not realized or reflected on the 'Bayyanah", the hut and the miracle of the word of God.

In other words, if we get the bayyanah, the miracle of the Quran, it increases our faith and makes the guidance of the book more accessible. 

Please take a moment to review the show on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/loving-and-living-the-quran/id1039955011?mt=2

For more resources on the Quran and practical spirituality, please visit: www.livingthequran.org

To sign up for the free Daily Wisdom email series, please visit https://www.familyconnectionsacademy.com/p/dailywisdoms

The topic for these series of lectures delivered in Toronto is "The Practical Path to a Peaceful Heart"

In this session, we cover the role of communication in our spiritual path. the Holy Prophet (saw) is told to "have patience on what they say". This is such good advice for all of us!

Here are some of the topics we covered in this talk:

Quran and hadith on talking and remaining silent and speaking

What does patience look like? Does it mean we don’t speak?

How to know when to speak and when to keep silent?

Silence as a practice towards wise speech

Practicing wise speech

Please take a moment to review the show on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/loving-and-living-the-quran/id1039955011?mt=2

 For more resources on the Quran and practical spirituality, please visit: www.livingthequran.org

 To sign up for the free Daily Wisdom email series, please visit https://www.familyconnectionsacademy.com/p/dailywisdoms

Lecture 4 in the series turned out to be quite an interactive session.

We started by reviewing the basics of meditation and then recapped the steps to turn our online conversations into conscious communication. How we live our day to day lives is very much indicative of our level of consciousness and connection to Allah. 

The topic for this lecture was night worship (Qiyam ul Lail) as an important tool on the spiritual path. We discussed why spirituality is so connected to wakefulness at night.

In this lecture we also talked about the practical hindrances to waking up and what we can do about them. The basics of sleep hygiene are also covered. 

Please take a moment to review the show on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/loving-and-living-the-quran/id1039955011?mt=2

For more resources on the Quran and practical spirituality, please visit: www.livingthequran.org

To sign up for the free Daily Wisdom email series, please visit https://www.familyconnectionsacademy.com/p/dailywisdoms

This is the third lecture in the series. In this lecture we address a very common obstacle on the spiritual path and that is negative thoughts

Here is what we cover in this episode: 

1. The relationship of the mind to the heart
2. The role of knowledge in purifying the heart
3. Thoughts as gateways to the heart
4. The practice of taffakur to purify the heart

Please take a moment to review the show on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/loving-and-living-the-quran/id1039955011?mt=2

For more resources on the Quran and practical spirituality, please visit: www.livingthequran.org

 To sign up for the free Daily Wisdom email series, please visit https://www.familyconnectionsacademy.com/p/dailywisdoms

Continuing with the topic of The Practical Path to a Peaceful Heart, this lecture covers three main points:

1. The Quran and Ahadith on health and sickness of the hearts
2. Ten Reasons why it is important to focus on the health of our heart
3. Assessing our own hearts

For more resources on the Quran and practical spirituality, please visit: www.livingthequran.org

 To sign up for the free Daily Wisdom email series, please visit https://www.familyconnectionsacademy.com/p/dailywisdoms

The topic for these series of lectures delivered in Toronto is "The Practical Path to a Peaceful Heart"

In the first lecture, we discuss the role of Muharram in reviving our hearts and the roles and responsibilities of all of us during this period. 

As suggested, it may be a good idea to write out a pledge for yourself of your intention and intended behaviour during this time. This greatly helps in reminding ourselves of the purpose of the month of Muharram and establishing our focus and ensuring that we use the time for what it was intended. 

We also introduce the concept of the spiritual heart and share the outline of the proposed lectures:

Here is a brief outline of the plan for these 9 lectures inshallah

• What is the importance of the heart in Islam? What does the Quran say about the importance of the heart? What does it mean to have a healthy heart? Why is it important to talk about the heart? We usually focus on knowledge and deeds. Modernity and the challenges of focusing on the heart. The role of knowledge in purifying our heart
• Assessing disease and health of the heart? What does a spiritually healthy heart look like? What are we aiming for? What are some diseases of the heart?
• what’s the relationship between our minds and our hearts? We will also lay out the plan for purification and the tools that we have. I will be following the program for spiritual purification that is laid out in Sura Muzzamil, Chapter 73 of the Quran. It is a short but very beautiful Sura which lays out a blueprint of sorts for the purification of the heart. It might be helpful to take a look at that at some point.
• In terms of tools and resources we will first start with the Quran which Allah says is has been sent as a healer for the hearts. The Quran of course can never be separated from he who received the Quran on his heart and we will talk about the connection as well as some practical steps to improve our connection to the Quran in everyday lives.
• We will talk about night worship and meditation as mentioned in Sura Muzzamil. Why spirituality is so connected to wakefulness at night. In this lecture we will also talk about the practical hindrances to waking up and what we can do about them
• Keeping good company: why this is so important. Our relationships have a powerful impact on who we become and how we operate in this world. We will also discuss other rules about relationships and friendships that are outlined in Sura Muzzamil
• As one of the important things of being on the path, the HP (saw) is advised to have patience when his adversaries mock him or verbally abuse him or tell him off. We will talk about this important concept as many of us struggle in conversations where there is conflict. We will talk about speaking from the ego versus speaking from the heart. We will talk about silence and speech and how to speak up and when to stay silent.
• Salaat as a tool of purification. The HP (saw) has said that Salaat is like a river flowing outside our homes which purifies from every impurity. The Quran also talks about the protective powers of salaat in keeping us away from spiritual toxins. In this lecture we will discuss and discover the philosophy behind each action in salaat and the power of salaat to act as a major tool in keeping the heart pure
• We will conclude our series with a discussion on Dhikr as a tool of purification. What is dhikr, what are the different types of dhikr and how we can practice dhikr so our hearts become an illumined lamp.

For more resources on the Quran and practical spirituality, please visit: www.livingthequran.org

Sura Juma starts with subhan of Allah and then we are told the reason why the Holy Prophet (saw) was sent.

A part of the Sura was sent down on the occasion when a trade caravan arrived in Madinah right at the time of Friday congregation prayer. During the service when the people heard the noise and call of the traders calling out to sell their wares, they left the Prophet's mosque and rushed to the caravan although the Prophet was delivering the Sermon. Thereupon it was enjoined that when the call for the Friday Prayer was made all trade, business and other occupation must stop. Upon hearing the call, believers should suspend every kind of transaction and hasten to the remembrance of Allah.

However, when the prayer is over they can go back and resume their normal business. We are told that the remembrance of Allah swt is better than trade if only we were conscious of it. 

This is a recording from a live session in 2007

Recording of live sessions from one of the early meetings of Quran Study Circle. 

Continuing with our study of Ayat ul Kursi, which the Holy Prophet (saw) called "Sayyadul Ayat". 

In this session, we do a recap of the Verse of the Throne and then go on to study one of the most oft quoted and misquoted verses 2:256 "There is no compulsion in religion". What does this mean? Does it mean that we can do whatever we want? Doesn't that then make the rules of religion meaningless? This discussion may clarify these and other questions about this important verse of Sura Baqara.

Continuing with our study of Ayat ul Kursi which is Allah’s introduction of Himself, His self-definition.

In this session we talk about the Holy Attributes of Hayy and Qayyum - The Ever-Living and the Self Subsisting

This episode is part 2 from a live Quran Study Group session in 2007 when we spent 3 weeks studying this verse. 

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