ImanWire Podcast: Recent Episodes
Al-Madina
ImanWire is an online publication and multimedia platform focusing on articulating spirituality in a modern context, highlighting a diverse group of American Muslim voices. Visit http://imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes.
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui delves into the profound Hadith and Islamic teachings that illustrate the unparalleled benefits of Dhikr in protecting one's faith and fortifying the soul against sins. Through heartfelt reflection, it explores how engaging in Dhikr serves as a divine shield, offering both spiritual guidance and practical advice for integrating this sacred practice into daily life.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction 21:50 - Wird Significance25:25 - Prophet Muhammad's Dhikr Practice29:10 - Dhikr Impact on Home Environment
Social Media45:17 - Answering Questions for the Next Generation49:16 - Intellectual Rebuttals and the Prophetic Persona1:07:59 - Experiencing the Summer Suhba in Istanbul1:14:47 - Beautiful Communities
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui unpacks the significance of daily remembrance, the power of communal supplication, and the importance of maintaining a constant state of reverence towards Allah ﷻ. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction3:20 - Morning and Evening Adhkar Importance12:40 - Dhikr Essence Explained18:00 - Tongue Heart Dhikr Differences28:30 - Spiritual Cleansing Methods33:07 - Heart Purification through Dhikr41:07 - Benefits of Plentiful Dhikr44:28 - Fortress of Allah Significance46:50 - Characteristics of Rare Dhikr Practitioners51:10 - Trust Violation and Dhikr Connection
While we may be well-acquainted with the Names of God, the names given to the Messenger of God himself may be unfamiliar to us. While previous generations used these names to describe, understand and emulate the Messenger ﷺ, it is a reflection of our modern disconnect with the Muhammadan reality that today we have largely forgotten these names.In this series, Shaykh Hassan Lachheb dives into an exploration of the names of the Beloved ﷺ, providing a glimpse into the many facets of the Prophet ﷺ to foster a deeper connection with him in our daily lives.In Part 2, Shaykh Hassan continues to explore the names of Hamd (praise), offering deep insights into the ever-expanding beauty of the Messenger.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction3:19 - Ahmad: A Qur'anic Name Foretold by Previous Prophets19:57 - The Best of Praisers and the Ummah of Hamd27:51 - Hamid: The One Who Praises More41:54 - The Banner of Praise: The Authority of the Prophet44:16 - The Ever-growing Image of the Prophet
Does a building, something seemingly unconscious, reflect and shape our lives? Can a building draw us to empathy with the world and its ecosystems – or separate and isolate us? In this episode, Umar Moghul speaks with real estate developer, Ahmed Tyler Krupp of Threshold Development Group to explore a radical premise: space is never neutral — every wall, window, and doorway either invites us toward God or distances us from Him. Listeners are invited to a conversation about how the physical spaces we design, manage and occupy reflect our faith and ethics – and engender social, economic and environmental equity.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction3:39 - Integrating Shariah Into the Built Environment7:34 - Buildings That Shape People16:10 - Shariah-Compliant Real Estate Development and Riba22:07 - Extending Risk-Sharing Across Stakeholders28:45 - Market Reception and Business Impact31:13 - Stewardship, Sustainability and Planetary Boundaries37:10 - Finance, Growth and Environmental Limits43:41 - Translating Shariah Into Property Management49:42 - Da'wah in the Built Environment51:09 - Beauty in Business Opportunity
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui shares insights into the essence of true success and wisdom that transcends material gains, guiding us towards a life of genuine fulfillment in the eyes of Allah ﷻ.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction16:36 - Beloved Strong Believers18:09 - Patience Virtue Islam19:00 - Forgiveness Power Faith19:35 - Divine Love Allah20:00 - Bravery Courage Islam23:50 - Pursuit Beneficial Deeds
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus returns to the podcast to discuss how cultivating husnu dhann (a good opinion of Allah and His Creation) serves as the ultimate foundation for our spiritual path, empowering us to navigate both trials of ease and hardship with resilience. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction1:55 - A Foundation for the Spiritual Path7:42 - Practicality in the Inward Dimension10:28 - Changing the Mindset15:44 - Empowered by a Good Opinion19:18 - Asking the Good From the Day Before23:29 - From Resilience to Drawing Closer to Allah26:46 - Trials of Ease and Trials of Hardship32:00 - Adopting a Positive Viewpoint35:04 - Trusting After Experiencing Mistrust35:53 - An Abandoned Sunnah: Caring for People40:01 - Effort Over Achievement43:10 - Having Good Opinion of the Servants of Allah46:55 - Is This Being Naive?51:35 - Don't Let People Destroy You53:11 - Balancing Husnu Dhann57:11 - Guarding Against the Environment of Backbiting59:57 - Raising the Bar of Conversation1:03:50 - The Path of Dhikr
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui explores the intricate nuances between ‘Noor’ and ‘Salah’ and how they serve as both manifestations and requirements of sincere faith. Discover how the essence of 'Burhan', often associated with proof and clarity, intertwines with the concept of light in Islamic teachings, providing a path to liberate our hearts and minds.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction0:41 - Burhan Definition11:49 - Liberation by Allah17:24 - Concept of Self-Trade22:18 - 9:111 Explanation38:35 - Importance of Repetition38:55 - Power of Dua
Imam Bukhari17:53 - Athari Creed and the Maqam Mahmud20:34 - Natural Evolution of Strands of Thought21:30 - Political Quietism and the Revolt of the Scholars24:25 - The Attributes of God and Early Sunnism28:43 - Anthropomophism, Literalism and Language31:07 - Ibn Taymiyyah and Wittgenstein31:58 - Same Word, Different Meaning: Arguing Over the Attributes34:32 - How Could Creed Become a Source of Conflict?38:37 - The Real Fault Line: Countering the Philosophers40:19 - Tripartite Concept of Tawheed41:01 - Veneration and Shirk45:18 - Takfiri Cascade of Ibn Abd al-Wahab50:22 - With Us or Against Us: Politicization of Walaa wal Baraa54:53 - The Three Waves of Salafism and Extremism58:45 - Are These Debates Good for the Ummah?1:00:23 - Humility and Asking the Heart1:01:56 - Experiential Belief and Qur'anic Theology1:05:13 - Toning Down the Rhetoric1:06:30 - Theology, Madhabs and State Power1:10:44 - The Bar of Salvation: Beyond Politics1:11:46 - Reading Divine Approval Into History1:13:00 - The Real Path of the Salaf
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui emphasizes the significance of purification and cleanliness in Islam, particularly in the context of Salah and zakah. He highlights the spiritual dimensions of Salah, stressing its role in providing solace, removing anxieties, and becoming a transformative practice when performed with excellence and care.
In this milestone episode, the ImanWire team sits down to discuss what's really happening in our community — from the politicization of Muslim identity, to the danger of divorcing our lives from the Prophet ﷺ, to what it actually means to build something real, right here, right now.CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction1:28 - Shaykh Mohsen on Instagram5:16 - Hamziyyah of Imam Busiri11:24 - Attack on Mamdani19:34 - Political Islam25:55 - What's the Gameplan?30:25 - Unexpected Voices on Palestine33:37 - Room For Differences35:33 - Quietism and Political Strategies43:13 - Authoritarian Vibes48:32 - Iran Conflict and America First?54:37 - Pragmatism, Privilege and American Muslims59:11 - An Ummah In Your Locale1:01:29 - Cube Coffee1:07:05 - Fitting in the Mold of the Prophet1:09:04 - 100th Episode and Circles of Khayr
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui delves into the core of Islam, emphasizing its role in liberating individuals and fostering a genuine connection with the Divine. The incompatibility between internal greed and true faith is explored, urging a shift from material attachments to achieve genuine success. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction01:18 - The Essence of Islam: Liberation and Connection with the Divine03:36 - The Context and Essential Means for Happiness06:32 - Incompatibility of Internal Greed with True Faith08:56 - Defining True Success: Liberation from Material Attachments23:04 - Purity and Cleanliness: Integral to Faith (Iman)
While we may be well-acquainted with the Names of God, the names given to the Messenger of God himself may be unfamiliar to us. While previous generations used these names to describe, understand and emulate the Messenger ﷺ, it is a reflection of our modern disconnect with the Muhammadan reality that today we have largely forgotten these names. In this series, Shaykh Hassan Lachheb dives into an exploration of the names of the Beloved ﷺ, providing a glimpse into the many facets of the Prophet ﷺ to foster a deeper connection with him in our daily lives. In Part 1, Shaykh Hassan introduces the concept of the Prophetic Names and reflects on his most well-known name, Muhammad ﷺ.CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction5:45 - Names to Know Him10:48 - The Dalail Khayrat: The Most Read Book After the Qur'an11:34 - A Travel Guide To Madina15:32 - A Brotherhood on Salawat16:40 - Banned in Madina?19:03 - To Know How to Approach Him20:06 - The Old Woman of Bani Isra'il27:31 - The Divine Names and the Prophetic Names28:20 - The Two Types of Divine Names30:29 - The Prophetic Embodiment of the Divine Names32:37 - The Names and Centrality of the Prophet in Salvation34:15 - Puritanical Trends to Sideline the Prophet38:19 - The Message and Messenger Are One42:53 - Umm Haram Conquers the Sea: The Companions' Self-Belief45:50 - The Importance of Emotion48:42 - The Gateway to Know the Prophet50:07 - Muhammad: The Praised1:00:53 - An Encapsulation of All the Prophetic Names1:04:56 - Roots of Praise: Muhammad, Ahmad and Mahmud
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui emphasizes the importance of internalizing and practicing the principles of Islam, specifically focusing on the concept of Zakat (charitable giving). The discussion delves into the spiritual significance of Zakat as a means of liberating oneself from material attachments and greed. He underscores the need for individuals to develop a consciousness of Allah's attributes, particularly His quality of sufficiency (Al-Samad), and how internalizing this attribute leads to a sense of contentment and generosity. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction05:27 - Zakah Significance in Islam08:33 - Understanding Al-Fattah20:20 - Effects of Neglecting Zakah22:41 - Zakah as Spiritual Worship32:44 - Prophet Muhammad's Generosity40:14 - Rejection of Hypocrites' Charity44:50 - Divine Expectations of Believers49:20 - Embracing Allah's Liberation
What lesson about business does the Divine intend for us through zakat? In part 2 of the Wealth in Worship series, Umar Moghul sits at the feet of Shaykh Yasir Fahmy to explore re-centering trade and commerce in the socioeconomic justice of zakat. Listen as they reorient our businesses and wealth towards social welfare.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction2:39 - What Zakat Tells Us About Wealth4:22 - Purification and Proactive Auditing7:06 - Social Welfare8:22 - The Challenge to Spend on the Dispossessed10:42 - Feeding People: A Core Prophetic Quality15:00 - Thinking About Giving: Charity Vs Interest in the Qur'an16:51 - Morality Embedded in Wealth Generation18:03 - No Giving, No Gains22:00 - The Prayers of Angels24:30 - How Much Wealth Did the Prophet Give Away?28:32 - Giving Reduced to Only Zakat?35:27 - Sadaqah: The Space for Civilizational Growth39:53 - Wealth as a Tool, Not as a Purpose41:35 - Role of Endowments45:42 - Tazkiyah as Collectives and Businesses56:23 - Who Prays For You?
How can we unlock spiritual wealth through the transformative practice of Zakat? This episode delves into the profound depths of this pillar of Islam and its role in liberating the heart from material attachments, fostering a deeper connection with Allah ﷻ, and elevating our moral standing.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction2:38 - Understanding Zakat15:05 - Significance of Salah on the Prophet19:55 - Defining Zakat22:40 - Zakat's Role in Helping Needy29:10 - Zakat Philosophy: Giving Valued Possessions34:50 - Zakat Etiquette: Quality of Giving36:10 - Material Detachment through Zakat36:50 - Spiritual Growth via Charity37:35 - Concluding with Du’a
. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction1:44 - Reactions to Sacred Manhood (Ep. 89)7:18 - Countering the Manosphere13:33 - Young Men and Phones22:03 - Parental Supervision and Dajjalic AI24:41 - Men More Dangerous Than Bears?28:09 - Attacking Masculinity to Exploit Women32:07 - Honorable Vs. Vile Men37:06 - Exemplifying the Truth of Islam39:34 - The Miseducation of the American Muslim47:00 - Revisiting Sacred Activism54:03 - The Chivalrous Activist58:08 - Muted Reaction to Supreme Court's LGTB Opt-Out Decision?1:00:50 - Who Funds You Runs You1:05:00 - Aqeedah on the Left?1:07:15 - Muslim Organizational Dignity and Manliness1:10:08 - Principled Positions and the Right-Left Spectrum1:11:16 - New Book: Islamic Metaphysics of Racism1:13:18 - A Manifestation of Spiritual Diseases1:15:54 - Victims of Racism: Grief, Fear and Self-Loathing1:17:07 - Blameworthy Rage1:20:10 - The Fitnah of White Supremacy1:24:22 - Colorism and Standards of Beauty1:27:15 - Floating or Sinking Together
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui speaks of the (hubb) love of Allah ﷻ and how to attain it through the spiritual nourishment of salah and good actions.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction1:12 - Understanding Prayer Meanings1:59 - Significance of As-Salamu Alaykum4:41 - Starting Gatherings with Praise to Allah9:00 - Remembering Righteous Ancestors12:35 - Attaining Allah's Love19:25 - Most Beloved Acts to Allah21:35 - Obligatory Actions in Islam31:13 - Additional Beloved Acts to Allah39:18 - Deeds of Non-Believers41:40 - Intention and Divine Reward44:10 - Managing Nafs in Worship49:20 - Prophet's Response to Trials51:54 - Seeking Allah's Protection52:30 - Overcoming Spiritual Challenges54:20 - Intermission
What does it mean to be a believer in a world immersed in the pursuit of wealth? How do we move from attachments to wealth, to interactions free of self? How can wealth be a tool in our relationship with Allah? How might we build organizations and products that serve His creation? In Wealth in Worship, this podcast series will explore these and many other questions, engaging with scholarly counsel and the experiences of owners and entrepreneurs grappling with these sorts of questions.In this first episode, host Umar Moghul sits down with Shaykh Riad Saloojee to discuss how the pursuit and generation of wealth fit within the spiritual envelope of purification of the heart.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction3:44 - What Is Wealth?9:19 - Transactions and Attachments16:42 - Signs of Enslavement to Wealth27:02 - Have We Taken Concessions Too Far?29:29 - Civilizational Glory and Advancement34:04 - Zuhd: Asceticism in Wealth Generation42:10 - The Wealth That Builds46:08 - Spiritual Engines in Economic Growth51:54 - The Role of Hayaa'58:35 - The Barakah Factor
, joins the ImanWire podcast to discuss the challenges in applying Islamic law to modern medicine. Dr. Aasim Padela is an emergency medicine physician and academic scholar, currently the Vice Chair for Research and Scholarship in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). He is founder of the Initiative on Islam and Medicine, and author of many articles and books, with research interests in bioethics, public health and religion.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction2:32 - The Problem Space of Modern Medicine6:57 - The Maqasid and Classical Fiqh15:53 - A Calibrative Mechanism to Preserve Human Interests21:21 - The Five Essential Human Interests26:12 - What's More Important? Religion or Life?28:32 - Implications For a Health Care Framework32:27 - Preserving Life Vs Preserving Health38:00 - Caution in Expanding the Maqasid40:48 - Case Study: The Brain-Dead Pregnant Woman47:52 - The Potential of Maqasid51:41 - Prioritizing Religion in Health Care1:00:52 - Where Is the Patient's Voice in This?
In this episode, we delve into the intimate connection between the heart's sincerity and the physical form of worship. Discover the significance of spiritual guidance and how a profound Hadith reveals the intrinsic link between internal conviction and external expression in prayer.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction1:39 - Presence in Dua Significance5:51 - Presence in Salah Significance14:49 - Allah's Focus on Hearts27:33 - Enhancing Divine Awareness through Salah27:50 - Characteristics of the Depraved36:37 - First Aspect of Faith to Fade45:50 - Shade of Allah's Throne: First Recipient47:05 - Shade of Allah's Throne: Second Recipient
Islamic Psychology Lab. Dr. Awaad is a nationally recognized speaker, award-winning teacher, researcher, and author in both the Islamic and medical sciences. She holds traditional certifications (ijaza) in Qur’an, Islamic Law, and other Islamic sciences.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction2:09 - Human Psychology in the Qur'an and Sunnah4:06 - Mental Health and the Objectives of the Shariah5:02 - Majnun in the Hadith: A Treatable Condition 8:52 - Ahead of Its Time: Maristans as a Place of Healing15:15 - A Shared Ethos Across Time and Space17:02 - Sustainability Through Awqaf18:27 - Holistic Healing Rooted in the Religion19:58 - Caring for the Poor: A Central Spiritual Motivation22:11 - The Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Framework24:19 - Customized Sound Therapy and Engaging the Five Senses27:26 - Talk Therapy29:01 - Fitrah Alignment: Healing Through Architecture35:53 -Ihsaan in Practice: The Responsibility of the Provider39:26 - The Caregiver is the Mirror to the Patient41:58 - Why Did Mental Illness Become Stigmatized?47:03 - Colonization of the Mind50:26 - Shifting Trends: Islamic Psychology and Contemporary Psychiatry54:34 - Implementing the Maristan Model Today
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui describes the difference between Salah and the Christian definition of the word 'Prayer' and how we as Muslims must understand the incredible distinction. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction 1:58 - Importance of Salah 9:24 - Salah as Enlightenment 18:03 - Believers' Success20:32 - Attaining Focus in Prayer 28:03 - Distractions During Salah33:15 - Salah Reflects Life 35:42 - Daily Impact of Prayer39:13 - Immediate Self-Improvement41:05 - Understanding Through Similarity42:40 - Dua for Purpose
Dr. Shadee Elmasry from NBIC and Safina Society joins the ImanWire Podcast for a trip down memory lane with Moutasem and Ghuydar and a roundtable discussion on building spiritual communities. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction 2:26 - New York Vs New Jersey5:38 - Building Intentional Community10:13 - Fear of Communal Dhikr14:22 - No More Secret Invites18:31 - Spiritual Transformations in the Circles of Dhikr22:54 - Qasidahs Are the Lessons for the Layman24:56 - Drivers of Muslim Culture31:00 - The Decline of Salafi Dawah34:46 - Teenage Souls40:38 - Spiritual Guides45:35 - Right and Left Extremes and Influencers52:16 - Waves of New Muslims54:05 - Ibadah Over 'Ilm55:23 - Spiritual Diets and Dinner Invitations59:21 - Remembering Muhammad Shareef1:01:14 -Differing Positions and Character1:04:01 - The Saintly Worker
Shaykh Mokhtar defines the root of the word 'Salah' and what it means to connect our hearts to Allah ﷻ through the act of prayer. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction9:43 - Significance of Salah in Daily Life19:15 - Salah's Role in Islamic Faith27:00 - Spiritual Impact of Neglecting Salah45:40 - Prophet Muhammad's Final Teachings: Salah and Compassion50:33 - Divine Support for the Patient Believers
The relationship between God and the Messenger of God ﷺ was rooted in love, and the experience of knowing Allah through the door of love caused our Prophet ﷺ to be the beloved of God. How can we connect with the Beloved of God ﷺ? Ustadha Zaynab Ansari from Tayseer Seminary returns to the Imanwire podcast to discuss how to find Prophetic love amidst the challenges of the modern age. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction2:19 - How Can We Embody Love of the Prophet?4:59 - Physical Distance, Spiritual Proximity12:33 - Finding Love Through Books and People18:40 - The Roadblock of Reductionism22:15 - Problematizing the Age of Aisha26:09 - The Prophet ﷺ and Male Authority32:09 - Finding the Feminine in the Prophetic Story39:15 - Connecting to the Prophet ﷺ as a Woman40:57 - Role of Aesthetics in Cultivating Prophetic Love
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui describes how the world around us is affected by what is inside of us, at both a micro and macro level, and how the worth of a civilization is by the existence of one's 'akhlaq.' CHAPTERS:0:00 - Opening Du'a by Shaykh1:25 - Inner World Reflection1:48 - Tazkiyah Significance1:54 - Civilization Value10:55 - Truthful Poet's Wisdom14:42 - Tazkiyah Focus on Allah18:20 - Heart's Spiritual Progression23:40 - Character in Islam27:50 - Value of Good Companionship34:08 - Salah's Spiritual Importance37:40 - Benefits of Regular Salah39:50 - Consequences of Neglecting Salah43:25 - Salah's Influence on Morality
Dealing with a narcissist can be an unpleasant experience, whether it is in our family, workplace or community. How does narcissism connect with the Islamic discourse on the nafs and self-purification? Aaatifa Shareef, a professional licensed counselor and instructor at Qalam Institute, bridges the fields of modern psychology and Islamic knowledge to discuss how we can manage our relationships with narcissists who can make our lives very difficult. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Narcissist-in-Chief and the Nafs13:03 - Diagnosis and the Balance of Psychology and Islamic Knowledge21:34 - A Strong Sense of Self vs. Self-Admiration32:26 - Dealing With Problematic Family Members35:26 - Severing Ties37:13 - Ihsaan, Birr & Boundaries42:22 - Only Human: Not Letting It Affect Us52:39 - Drawing Attention to Narcissism in a Loving Way57:33 - Finding a Support System 1:01:29 - Respecting the Elderly vs. Questioning the Family1:04:21 - Institutional Leadership1:12:22 - Getting Cut Off1:15:58 - Self-Care Regimen
"I must never be the defender of my nafs, or thinking that I have nothing to change and others must change. I must always begin with the premise, that I have everything to change." Shaykh Mokhtar Maghroaui continues the conversation of the addiction of the nafs and how to begin taking the steps to changing them.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction03:09 - Homecoming Journey05:46 - Facing Bankruptcy10:23 - Embracing Emptiness15:30 - Achieving Ultimate Freedom17:59 - Understanding the Cup Analogy22:12 - Exploring Khalifa Concept27:50 - Spiritual Cleansing Beliefs37:40 - Anwar: Divine Illumination40:10 - Experiencing Allah's Light44:40 - Self-Reflection on Faults51:39 - Angelic Intervention Story55:43 - Divine Support for the Devout56:48 - Embracing Rectification57:40 - Intermission Break
As people worldwide struggle to cope today with the negative impact of man-made environmental degradation, the crucial step to a solution is understanding our place in the created world and its connection with our Creator. Dr. Amir Abdelzaher joins the podcast to discuss an Islamic vision for spiritual ecology, connecting theology with environmental ethics. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction2:34 - Challenging Definitions: What Is the Environment?7:53 - The Creation of Allah: How We Value the Environment17:39 - The Environment in Worship of Allah21:08 - The Environment as a Sign: The Contingency Argument for God29:02 - Environmental Literacy: Deducing the Attributes of Allah32:39 - A Witness for or Against Us?35:19 - Reverence and Glorification: Resonating With the Environment43:24 - Environmental Sensitivity44:56 - Where the Environment Stands Today50:30 - Representing the Divine: The Command of Abu Bakr and Its Principles55:29 - Man Vs Nature: Who Takes Priority?1:01:14 - Concrete Jungles and Reconnecting With the Environment
Addiction overpowers us even when knowing its harm. In this episode Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui teaches how to have the will, the desire, and the resolve to change and begin removing habits that cause addiction in the heart. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction to Addiction and Purification1:52 - Willpower and Change Initiation15:35 - Self-Reflection and Negative Traits Acknowledgment18:50 - Realization of Self in Addiction Recovery24:15 - Al-Qawi: Embracing Inner Strength29:35 - Al-Matin: Cultivating Resilience in Sobriety33:15 - Al-Aziz: Achieving Dignity in Addiction Battle37:40 - Qalb's Role in Overcoming Addiction40:50 - Ego's Influence on Addiction Journey
Whether "toxic" or "neutered", the crisis of masculinity affecting men today has profoundly negative reverberations throughout society. Dawud Walid, author of "Futuwwah and Raising Males into Sacred Manhood" , discusses how a return to the Islamic practice of spiritual chivalry can counter the extremes of both the right-wing and left-wing discourse, and how it can be implemented today to revive Prophetic masculinity. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction2:24 - A Crisis of Manhood6:55 - Futuwwa: A Code of Conduct10:00 - Guilds of Chivalry14:30 - Protecting the Interests of Women17:25 - Upright Rijaal Vs. Red-Pill High Value Men25:32 - Macho or Merciful?28:54 - Balancing the Attributes Between Men and Women33:22 - Mama's Boys and Marriage36:38 - Male Coddling and Dysfunctional Expectations46:08 - Reimagining Futuwwa Training for Men Today57:45 - Mentorship Outside the Family1:03:55 - Adab and Sacred Knowledge1:06:12 - Prophetic Athletics1:07:02 - Community Service1:07:49 - Working With Your Hands: Skills Training1:09:08 - A Sufi Gateway?1:10:38 - Providing Social Solutions1:14:46 - Importance of Physical Activity and Rigor1:20:42 - Real-Life Rijaal1:22:30 - The Prophet & Fatima: Advice for Fathers With Daughters
"The one who is better than me in akhlaaq (character traits), is a better human being then me." The worth of a human being, practically speaking, is shown through his akhlaq. In this session, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui speaks about Akhlaaq and Tawhid (Divine Unicity). CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction03:20 - Divine Unicity E14:49 - Initial Practice of Tawḥīd22:12 - Divine Beauty in Islam28:20 - Islamic Stewardship and Responsibility35:40 - Allah's Love for Beauty40:29 - Justice in Islamic Teachings41:17 - Avoiding Negative Traits in Islam42:20 - Islam on Humility vs Arrogance
Shaykh Riad Saloojee returns to the ImanWire Podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on adab, an often misunderstood or minimized practice that in actuality is central to the life of a believer. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction3:38 - What is Adab?9:04 - Moral Character vs Etiquette15:17 - Adab, Justice & Wisdom29:00 - Small Details & the Big Picture37:36 - The Inheritance of Adab52:33 - How to Acquire Adab1:04:08 - Misconceptions About Adab
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui delves deeply into the Qur'an's verses of Surah Ash-Shams to unravel the intricate nature of the human psyche. Exploring themes of choice, virtue, and potential, he highlights how nurturing and understanding one's inner self can lead to either success or failure. CHAPTERS:0:00- Introduction1:12 - Quranic Wisdom Significance1:55 - Solar Influence on Mind6:34 - Lunar Effects on Emotions10:15 - Earth's Stability and Human Psyche19:20 - Space-time Concept in Islam23:35 - Surah Ash-Shams: Self-Reflection41:21 - Psychology of the Nafs
Our existence is all about the divine manifestations. In this episode, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui explains how everything has to do with 'tazkiyah'. Ultimately our hearts must be in a state of 'tawhid,' the awareness of Allah ﷻ and his attributes.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction20:13 - Salim Heart: Pure Qalb22:21 - Purified Heart: Disease-Free Qalb24:10 - Heart's Beauty: Inner Radiance26:55 - Divine Reflection: Heart as Allah's Mirror37:02 - Prophetic Guidance: Best Path40:03 - Analogy of the Baker: Life's Recipe43:38 - Life's Tests: Significance & Purpose
The ultimate objective is to strive for a heart that is 'saleem.' What does this mean? In this episode, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui explores what it means and continues to speak about the du'a of asking for a heart of 'saleem.' We delve into the essence of possessing a heart that is Saleem—an ultimate marker of success, freedom, and happiness in the Dunya and beyond.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Soul Purification Quest2:20 - Treasuring Spiritual Wealth15:01 - Defining True Happiness20:54 - Prayer for Divine Certitude25:35 - Embracing Certitude's Serenity28:30 - Supplication for Truthfulness34:25 - Du'a for Goodness & Protection38:30 - Prophet's Hadith on Soul
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui speaks about the changes of the heart that is required to make the advancements to Allah. He speaks about how the murid (the seeker) can pursue their goal to arrive at the gate of nearness to their Lord. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Invocation for Blessings4:52 - Spiritual Journey to Allah17:25 - Essential Dua for Spiritual Growth24:50 - Significance of Steadfastness Prayer27:30 - Analyzing the Initial Segment of Dua29:50 - Understanding the Middle Segment of Dua38:50 - Concluding Segment of the Dua Explained44:23 - Harmonizing External and Internal Worship48:48 - Prayer for Inner Grace in Worship
Shaykh Yasir Fahmy joins hosts Sami Catovic and Naeem Saloojee to discuss the importance of developing a Prophetic lens to process the events we see in the world and respond in a Divinely-inspired way.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction2:02 - The World Needs the Prophetic Lens7:15 - Seeing the Seen and Unseen Realm12:11 - An Immersive Experience18:33 - Know Him, Love Him, Follow Him26:12 - Trauma and the Internal Reality28:53 - Lessons From Bosnia37:06 - Activism and the Liberating Nature of the Prophetic Lens42:31 - Living With Dignity and Clarity
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui emphasizes the significance of breaking the attachments to worldly possessions and beings, allowing the heart to soar freely. As the heart purifies and reaches a higher level of sincerity, acts of obedience become effortless, leading to an ultimate experiential connection with Allah.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani Guidance1:28 - Spiritual Freedom Concept6:02 - Safina: The Journey's Beginning21:05 - Sincerity in Salah Significance27:15 - Enhancing Focus During Salah31:15 - Du'a Sincerity Importance
The ImanWire hosts convene to discuss the current events in Syria, Khaled Nabhan, and Muslims celebrating Christmas.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction1:35 - Smartphone Doomscrolling6:48 - Syria is Free45:00 - Soul of My Soul: Remembering Khaled Nabhan48:59 - Conferences and the Zawiyah-Mobile57:34 - Muslims and the Christmas Season
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui discusses the process of spiritual growth and freedom from attachments. He emphasizes the importance of detaching oneself from worldly desires and possessions using the analogy of the embryo within the egg shell. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction03:17 - Spiritual Q&A Session Importance05:28 - Overcoming Ego Constraints14:56 - Expanding Awareness Beyond Limits20:24 - Severing Unhealthy Attachments24:10 - Journey to Spiritual Liberation26:25 - Embodying Freedom: Bird Metaphor31:15 - Human Experience and Detachment34:55 - Understanding Dunya's Cage38:45 - Escaping Dunya's Confinement
Husain Abdullah joins the podcast to discuss his previous career in professional football and his recent unique experience of walking in the footsteps of the Prophet on the Hijrah route. He is the author of "Mecca to Medina: 100 Personal Reflections on Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ Hijrah Journey".CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction3:07 - Fasting and Football: Worship 24-78:18 - The Sajda Heard Around the World14:06 - Showing Off or Praising Allah?17:18 - Elite Athletes, Spirituality and Gratitude23:42 - Retracing the Hijrah of the Prophet27:30 - Recognizing When Allah Chooses You29:41 - GPS Mapping of the Hijrah34:52 - Changing Terrain and the Footsteps of the Prophet50:53 - Nafs-Breaker: Submitting to the Mountain52:29 - In the Presence of Sacred History1:00:16 - A Trip of Love
Dr. Celene Ibrahim, author of "Women and Gender in the Qur'an", joins the podcast to discuss her analysis of the rich and wide-ranging portrayals of female figures in the Qur'anic sacred history. Using the women around Prophet Musa to anchor the discussion, she offers insights on how their stories exemplify the spiritual truths of the Qur'anic message.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction1:50 - Analyzing the Female Figures in the Qur'an8:26 - The Mother of Prophet Musa: Faith and Resilience17:32 - The Sister of Prophet Musa: Watchfulness & Wit21:03 - The Sisters of Madyan: Multiculturalism, Marriage and Modesty29:54 - The Wife of Pharoah and Tyranny at Home40:06 - Women's Speech and Agency in the Qur'an
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui emphasizes the need to focus on internal transformation and seeking closeness to Allah. He highlights the stagnancy of hearts despite outward actions, urging individuals to rectify their intentions and break free from the confinement of their own existence.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction to Tazkiyah1:17 - Tazkiyah Essentials: Himmah & Qurb2:34 - Al-Hakim Al-Tirmidhi Biography6:21 - Himmah's Goal: Achieving Qurb14:56 - Spiritual Steps: Understanding Qurb23:20 - Exploring the Heart's Spiritual Path25:25 - Analyzing the Heart in Worship35:50 - Improving Heart's Worship: First Step43:10 - Metaphor for the Seeker's Journey44:30 - Heart's Liberation: Escaping the Egg46:20 - Heart's Liberation: Breaking Barriers
Alex Kronemer and Michael Wolfe, co-founders of Unity Productions Foundation, join the podcast to reflect on lessons learned from over 20 years at UPF, sharing the stories of Muslims in the media, and tackling Rumi and the refugee crisis onscreen in Lamya's Poem. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction4:48 - Hajj: Bringing the Recipe of Islam Together9:35 - Working to Create Understanding of Islam and Muslims14:18 - Framing in the Context of Stories19:43 - Islam Requires People21:43 - The Prophetic Legacy of Communication24:57 - Emergence of UPF32:30 - Telling the American Muslim Story41:11 - Adapting to Changing Times49:07 - Rumi, Refugees and Lamya's Poem59:24 - Muslims in the Media: The Artist and the Audience
In part 1 of this double episode, Dr. Denise Spellberg, author of "Thomas Jefferson's Qur'an: Islam and the Founders" discusses how conceptions of Muslims played a crucial role in the religious pluralism in the early republic, anxieties over a Muslim president, and the clash between principles and prejudice that continues today.In part 2, the ImanWire hosts get together for a round table discussion on Muslims and the 2024 election. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction2:50 - Conceptions of Islam at the Time of the Founders11:16 - Jefferson's Qur'an15:55 - John Locke, Jefferson and Religious Freedom23:51 - A Muslim President?30:48 - Imaginary Vs Real Muslims32:22 - Slavery and Racial Hypocrisy37:06 - Omar bin Said and the Legacy of Islam in the United States41:19 - Participating in a Flawed Political System48:40 - A Critique of the Judeo-Christian Construct52:20 - Retelling Islam in American History58:30 - Round Table Discussion on Muslims and the 2024 Election1:05:18 - The Moral Obligation of American Muslims1:09:50 - Weakening Religiosity and Liberalism1:13:38 - Returning to the Source of Peace and Community1:16:26 - Conceptualizing a Spiritual Framework1:29:27 - Political Differences1:41:05 - Anchoring in the Divine Reality1:45:26 - American Muslims Mattering
"Those whom your right hands possess", a Qur'anic descriptor for female slaves, can evoke a number of charged emotions and thoughts that can be difficult to reconcile with our modern sensibilities today. What does slave-concubinage mean? How was it understood in the formative years of Islam? In the final part of our series on slavery, Ustadha Zaynab Ansari, a resident scholar and instructor at Tayseer Seminary, reflects on this challenging topic. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction1:44 - A Review Culture: Framing the Discussion3:44 - An Overview of Slavery and Islam6:50 - Those Whom Your Right Hands Possess: An Ethical Framework23:52 - Insights Into the Qur'anic Pairing of Wives and Slave-Concubines25:42 - On the Context of Surah Nisaa33:34 - Was Slave-Concubinage Discouraged?49:18 - The Issue of Consent54:56 - The Battle of Hunain and Conduct of Armies1:04:38 - A Moral Imperative For Consent?1:12:28 - Legal Applications of Harm Vs Modern Notions of Consent1:19:14 - On Coercive Relations1:22:07 - The Prophet and Maria1:32:35 - Moving Forward as a Community
In part 3 of our series on slavery, Imam Dawud Walid considers the aftereffects of slavery on our current condition, its historical role in contributing to anti-blackness in the community today, and how it affects our understanding of Qur'anic language and theological concepts such as 'ubudiyyah (being a slave to God).Imam Dawud Walid is the Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) and member of the Imams Council of Michigan. He is the author of several books, including Blackness and Islam, Towards Sacred Activism, and Centering Black Narrative: Black Muslim Nobles Among the Early Pious Muslims.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction5:39 - The Conflation of Slavery and Anti-Blackness11:50 - Racialization in Language During the Abbasids & The Zanj Rebellion16:20 - The Fabrication of Anti-Black Narrations17:50 - Deployment of Racially-Specific Language21:00 - Blackness and Arabness21:56 - A Story of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Rida24:54 - Effects of Slavery on Fomenting Anti-Blackness26:44 - Anti-Blackness and Representation36:26 - Scholars Fighting Anti-Blackness and Race-Based Slavery46:17 - Revisiting the "Arab Slave Trade"1:00:13 - Slavery to God and Freedom1:10:52 - Qur'anic Parables of the Slave and Free1:16:06 - Egalitarianism Vs. Social Hierarchy in the Qur'an1:20:31 - Modern-Day Slaves
Our series on slavery continues as Dr. Bilal Ware joins the podcast to explore the Islamic tradition and the abolition of slavery, debunk the myths of the "Arab-Islamic" slave trade and reflect on how these histories impact our lives today. Dr. Bilal Ware is a historian of Africa and Islam and is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at UC-Santa Barbara. He is the author of several books including, "The Walking Qur'an: Islamic Education, Embodied Knowledge & History in West Africa", which details the intellectual and spiritual tradition in West Africa and tells the story of African Muslims in the 18th century abolishing slavery and monarchy.Link to previous episode with Dr. Ware: https://www.almadina.org/studio/podcasts/ep-9-walking-qurans-of-africa-scholarship-liberty-the-abolition-of-slavery-dr-rudolph-wareCHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction5:54 - Was Slavery Uncontested in Islamic Law?6:50 - The Single Most Misunderstood Aspect of the Sunnah12:30 - Freedom: The Fundamental Principle of Humanity16:00 - West African Scholars and Abolitionism19:22 - Challenging Every Element of Slavery27:00 - Orientalist Aims of Normalizing an Islamic Legacy of Slavery32:22 - An Intellectual Geneology of Abolition in West Africa37:44 - The Lead-Up to Revolutionary Emanicipation45:44 - 1776: The End of Monarchy and Slavery in Senegambia48:22 - Expanding Identity to Free, Not Enslave50:18 - Scholarship Independent From Political Authority53:37 - Was Senegambian Abolition A Blip in History?56:06 - Sokoto and Uthman Dan Fodio59:33 - Exporting the Revolution: The Spirit of Muslim Slave Revolt1:01:12 - Savannah, Georgia: "A Believer Cannot Own Another Believer"1:04:59 - The Link Between West African Abolitionists and Frederick Douglass1:06:52 - Written Out of History: The Legacy of Abdulqadir Kan1:07:59 - Prophetic Examples Against Slavery1:10:48 - The Intellectual Dishonesty of the "Arab-Islamic Slave Trade"1:30:33 - The Imprint of History on Our Engagement With Islam
Slavery might be considered a thing of the past, but the position of slavery in Islam continues to be an issue that many Muslims grapple with today. In this special four-part series of the ImanWire podcast, we approach this complex topic from several perspectives, beginning with a discussion with Dr. Jonathan Brown on the moral question of slavery, its place in Islamic law, and the diverse practices of it in Muslim history.Dr. Jonathan Brown is the Alwaleed bin Talal Chair of Islamic Civilization in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and author of several books, including "Slavery and Islam". CHAPTERS:0:00 - Introduction4:51 - Why Discuss Slavery Now?14:35 - Challenges in Defining Slavery18:06 - The Problem of Talking About Slavery in World History21:59 - Projecting Assumptions On Others27:53 - The Ubiquity of Slavery in the Pre-Modern World31:32 - Slavery in 7th Century Arabia34:40 - Closing the Doors to Enslavement37:31 - The Emphasis on Emancipation40:50 - Female Slaves and Legitimacy of Children44:11 - Ethical Treatment of Slaves46:53 - The Zeal to Emancipate47:42 - Slaves of God, Slaves of Men?49:58 - The Legal Handicap of Slavery52:35 - Slavery is Harm56:16 - An Obsession to Free Slaves1:00:10 - Slavery in Muslim Civilization1:05:28 - Racialization and Slavery in Muslim History1:07:59 - Important Distinctions in Slave Populations Between the United States and the Muslim World1:14:26 - The Slavery Conundrum and the Moral Wrongness of Slavery1:27:14 - Horrors of Trans-Atlantic American Slavery1:33:07 - History of Abolitionism1:41:57 - Abolition in the Muslim World1:44:08 - Muslim Arguments Against Slavery1:53:40 - The Abolition of Slavery1:55:59 - Reconciling Tradition and Abolition
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui discusses the importance of freeing oneself from attachments and dedicating the heart to worshiping Allah. This episode delves into the art of cleansing one's soul in pursuit of divine love.CHAPTERS:23:28 - Divine Connection: Ultimate Relationship25:20 - Divine Edicts: Understanding The Command29:40 - Spiritual Conditions: The Conditional Clause32:40 - Inner Freedom: Liberated Heart vs Life's Challenges
Shaykh Hatem El Haj and Imam Dawud Walid join the ImanWire podcast to offer words of encouragement and advice in staying true to Prophetic etiquettes for Muslims engaged in protests and activism for the Palestinian cause.Link to article discussed in the podcast: https://muslimmatters.org/2024/05/30/holding-onto-prophetic-etiquettes-when-protesting-encouragement-and-advice-for-muslim-human-rights-advocates/
Embark on a profound journey through Ibrahim's ultimate test, a tale of unwavering faith and the epitome of a father's sacrifice. This episode delves into the heart-wrenching story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son—a narrative that continues to inspire spiritual guidance and reverence towards Allah.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Invocation3:50 - Forbearing Son Tidings11:00 - Ibrahim Ismael Vision21:45 - Ibrahim Ultimate Test25:50 - Shaytan Temptations29:50 - Sacrifice Act36:15 - Dua Prophet Ibrahim40:05 - Ibrahim Divine Ransom45:38 - Qurbani Significance
“Whoever imitates a people becomes one of them." This well-known hadith on tashabbuh (imitation), debated by scholars over centuries, continues to play a role in how Muslims see both themselves and others. Dr. Youshaa Patel, author of the book, “The Muslim Difference: Defining the Line between Believers and Unbelievers from Early Islam to the Present”, joins the podcast to explore the many different layers of tashabbuh, weaving through scholarly commentaries, psychology, history, style and culture.CHAPTERS:1:18 - What is Tashabbuh?11:08 - Tashabbuh in Early Islam14:50 - Parting the Hair17:12 - Changing the Qibla: A Distinctive Community18:58 - Projecting Identity in the Public Space20:59 - The Scale of Style: Small or Stark Differences?27:55 - Imitation and Hierarchy in the Age of Empire33:88 - More Than Just Imitating Non-Muslims36:12 - Reinforcing Hierarchies in Empire39:57 - Prioritizing Order in Society41:36 - Ibn Taymiyyah Weighs In44:08 - Bad Imitators: Festivals and Muslims Blurring Into Non-Muslims49:32 - Can the Hadith of Imitation Go Both Ways?50:53 - Tracing Anxieties Over the Ummah Through Tashabbuh54:22 - Ibn Taymiyyah and Tashabbuh in Non-Muslim Lands55:46 - Coffee, Controversy & Najm-ud-Din al-Ghazi1:01:23 - Aligning Fiqh With Beauty1:04:19 - The Coffeehouse: The Devil's Lair1:06:09 - Good Imitation and the Path to Piety1:09:43 - A Transformative Technology of the Self1:10:33 - Animals as Role Models?1:11:57 - Wearing European Hats1:13:00 - The Most Controversial Fatwa in the History of Islam1:19:46 - Power of Symbols in Shaping Communal Identity1:22:57 - Tashabbuh Today: How Do Muslims Be Different Now?1:33:21 - Internal Imitation: The Intellectual Onslaught on the Muslim Psyche1:41:36 - Muslim Pride: Me Against Them?1:44:56 - Figuring Out How to Be Muslim1:47:01 - Elevating Ourselves and the Other
Dr. Bara Zuhaili shares stories from his time in Gaza, highlighting the humanity, resilience, and heroism of its people.
Shaykh Hassan Lachheb joins Moutasem Atiya to discuss topics close to their hearts and delve into global events.
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui talks about the internal struggles and choices faced by individuals. He emphasizes the importance of aligning one's drives and inclinations with the divine, attaining serenity and freedom from worldly attachments. He draws inspiration from the story of Prophet Ibrahim and highlights the significance of steadfastness and faith in delivering the divine message. This enlightening discourse encourages Muslims to strive for spiritual growth and live a life dedicated to pleasing the Divine.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Opening Prayer Invocation6:37 - Struggle for Freedom: Understanding Nafs18:50 - Followers of Prophet Ibrahim21:00 - Spiritual Connection with Allah23:00 - Attaining Inner Peace: Becoming Salim40:55 - Prophet Ibrahim's Deliverance41:05 - Journeying to Allah: Ibrahim's Quest
In this dialogue, Moutasem Atiya and Firas Zahabi discuss the situation in Palestine and Muslims worldwide and explore a range of topics in arriving to genuine faith in God. CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro1:48 - Palestine Issue Discussion5:36 - Proof Importance Analysis11:56 - Psychology of Oppression Insights14:35 - Radicalization Process Explained19:15 - Historical Irony Explored26:44 - Rabbi Shmuley 27:50 - Humanity28:44 - Black Slave Rebellion Justification30:00 - Gaza Cultural Impact34:44 - Wikipedia Page Controversies35:30 - Faith Journey Reflections39:40 - Islamic Golden Age Highlights43:30 - Born Muslim Concept48:41 - Ma’rifah Concept Importance52:08 - Divine Concept Projection Refutation56:00 - Key Historical Events59:10 - Historical Facts Overview1:02:00 - Quran Interpretation Discussion1:03:00 - Quran and Divine Existence1:04:30 - Royce Gracie: My Hero1:08:02 - Journey into MMA1:13:17 - Secrets to Greatness1:15:49 - Excellence Importance1:20:10 - Peace Treaties and Coexistence1:21:51 - International Law and War Crimes1:26:32 - Israel Democracy Debate1:31:04 - Future Predictions1:35:25 - Conflict Duration SpeculationVideo version of this episode is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLwc52V2tuE
Who is the Islamic Mary? Was she a Prophet? Dr. Younus Mirza reflects on what her Qur'anic story means for us today, and how it connects us to deeper spiritual realities in Ramadan.CHAPTERS:0:05 - Introduction3:04 - The Origin Story [Aal-Imran 3:35-37]7:52 - The Male Is Not Like the Female14:47 - Learning From Female Saints19:15 - The Name of Maryam20:42 - Unique Features of Surah Maryam24:17 - The Womb and Ar-Rahmaan25:24 - Prophet Zakariya, Najashi and Interfaith Dialogue30:57 - Seclusion and the News of Prophet Isa33:35 - Labor and Complaining to God37:25 - Spiritual Tests39:11 - Divine Reassurance and the Fasting of Maryam43:16 - Speech and Silence44:26 - Connecting to the Deeper Realties of Fasting47:01 - The Gifts of Silence and Ramadan51:55 - Prophet Isa Speaking From Cradle54:29 - Was Maryam a Prophet? 1:02:56 - Getting Lost in Qur'anic CommentaryPlease subscribe to the podcast and visit almadina.org for the latest episodes.
In continuation of the Purification of the soul series, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui discusses the importance of seeking knowledge and acting upon it, emphasizing the spiritual benefits of studying the Quran and coming together for religious gatherings.As we traverse the landscape of spiritual guidance, our guide expounds upon the tranquility that descends upon a gathering engrossed in the recitation and study of Allah's Book. This session illuminates the path to inner peace and the embracing of divine merciful love or rahma, enveloping the heart of the seeker in a celestial bubble of protection. The discussion further highlights the significance of sincere action, revealing how every step taken in the pursuit of beneficial knowledge is a step programmed towards Jannah, Paradise.Prepare to be inspired by practical advice on purifying the nafs (self) to align one's desires and will with the Divine. The narrative provides insights into the importance of acting upon knowledge, emphasizing that one's deeds are the true measure of spiritual progress, rather than mere lineage or status.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Seeking Knowledge Importance3:17 - Divine Sakina Concept16:40 - Angels & Knowledge Seekers21:34 - Knowledge-Action Relationship24:45 - Motivations Behind Actions37:34 - Achieving Spiritual Solace39:44 - Allah's Gentleness & Kindness41:14 - Year's First Module Insight42:05 - Al-Salik Essence Explained42:40 - Decision-Making Wisdom44:00 - Divine Communication Continuity45:03 - Class Responsibility Emphasis48:12 - End-of-Module Paper Writing
What is the Shama'il and how does it cultivate love for the Prophet? Shaykh Hassan Lachheb joins the podcast to discuss how the Shama'il is essential to building community and how we can learn from the fasting of the Prophet as we approach Ramadan.0:47 - Building a Prophetic Community5:38 - Balancing Service and Worship8:00 - "Don't Make Me Lose My Prophet!"14:05 - What is the Shama'il?24:30 - Reviving the Shama'il as a Spiritual Exercise30:52 - The Spiritual Chain of Transmission33:58 - Connecting to the Prophet on a Deeper Level41:53 - The Messenger is the Message44:55 - Why Emphasize the Physical Qualities of the Messenger?54:40 - The Habits of the Greats Are the Greatest Habits56:03 - Are We Uncomfortable With Reverence?1:00:10 - We Need the Love of the Prophet1:06:29 - The Fasting of the Prophet1:17:10 - Jihad and Liberation Theology of the Prophet1:24:19 - Gaza is a Mirror1:26:49 - A Gift of SalawatPlease subscribe to the podcast and visit almadina.org for the latest episodes.
In this series, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui teaches us the importance of spiritual development and shares the tools needed for continued growth. In the first episode, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui guides us through the profound Hadith and the virtues of companionship—Suhba. Learn how to cultivate reverence towards Allah and embrace the subtle, often overlooked, blessings that shape our lives. This episode serves as a communal supplication, beckoning us to reflect, learn, and grow together in faith and understanding.CHAPTERS:0:00 - Cultivating Gratitude9:35 - Embracing Truthfulness21:53 - Seeking Good Company26:35 - Quranic Insights on Companionship32:50 - Hadith Teachings on Good Company38:10 - Choosing Righteous Companions42:10 - Avoiding Capricious Desires49:20 - Understanding Divine Knowledge53:40 - Recognizing Allah & Life's Purpose55:48 - Distinguishing Beneficial Knowledge57:50 - Exploring Ibadah's Significance58:35 - Concluding with Dua
Join Ustadh Moutasem Atiya and Shaykh Yasir Fahmy, two close friends, in their weekly series, where they openly discuss topics close to their hearts and delve into global events. In this captivating episode, Ustadh Moutasem Atiya and Shaykh Yasir Fahmy navigate through a myriad of emotive and spiritually charged topics, offering insights that bridge the realms of Islamic teachings and contemporary challenges. From the heartwarming tales of unity and companionship in Madina to the stark realities of loneliness among men and the harrowing conditions in Gaza, this episode serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards spiritual resilience and communal harmony.0:10 - Goat Story: Lessons & Insights11:42 - Character of Prophet Muhammad (saw)12:38 - Journey to Al-Madina: MJ Mahfood's Experience18:44 - Prophet Muhammad: Unity & Leadership24:25 - Quran Reading: Significance & Benefits27:46 - Rise of Satanism: A Modern Concern | Hazbin Hotel40:06 - Navigating Society: Challenges & Solutions42:30 - Righteous Companionship: Its Importance45:00 - Friendships: Decline & Impact52:26 - Social Welcoming: Issues & Observations54:40 - Theoretical vs Practical Knowledge55:47 - Generosity: Benefits & Beliefs1:00:10 - Gaza Reality: Current Situation1:02:02 - Famine Warning: Gaza & World Food Program1:03:26 - Taking Action: Support for Gaza1:07:20 - Prophet Muhammad in Mecca: Early Life1:08:15 - Treaty of Hudaibiya: Boycott & Consequences1:10:10 - Closing Thoughts: Reflections & InsightsVideo version of this episode is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_qLQVyegT8&t=2s
There will always be challenges in our lives, but hardships are never meant to break us. Ustadha Muslema Purmul, co-founder and Religious Director of the Majlis, joins the ImanWire podcast to discuss the process of readying ourselves by refining our spiritual states and avoiding the "D's" of the devil and our lower self.
What can we learn about ourselves from the daily flood of images of horror in Gaza? In this episode, we reflect on thankfulness and the heartwork that is required for us to positively impact the current global crisis.
How can one make sense of the carnage in Gaza? In this episode, the hosts reconvene to reflect on how to process these tragedies through the lens of the Surah al-Kahf.
Imanwire celebrates its 5th anniversary as all the original hosts get together for the first time to catch up, talk about turning 40 and discuss the process of physical and spiritual transformation.
Zaynab Ansari, Mohamed Ghilan and Dawud Walid convene to consider the role of Muslims in an increasingly fractured social media landscape, the ethics of disagreement, and refining adab (conduct and manners) in our interactions.
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses building a routine of remembrance of God in our busy lives, finding presence in prayer, and shares a daily regimen of dhikr for the family.
Imam Mohamed Magid joins the ImanWire podcast to share his insights in developing a connection with the Qur'an and cultivating communities centered on the reflection and study of the book of Allah.
It's no secret that many Muslim institutions, while founded with good intentions, have become bastions for ego and politics, and beset by dysfunction. Should our mosques be run like businesses to fix the current malaise? Shaykh Yasir Fahmy returns to the podcast to lay down the foundational principles needed to establish a model for ethical governance in our organizations.
How we feel often dictates what we do. What then, when we don't "feel" the spiritual elation we expect or crave in acts of worship? Should we leave it if we don't feel it? Dr. Mohamed Ghilan returns to the podcast to discuss finding connection in a modern world that breeds disconnection and distraction.
Dr. Yamina Bougenaya joins the podcast for a thoughtful discussion with insights into Islamic metaphysics, science and getting started on the spiritual path.
Dr. Bouguenaya is a scholar of Qur'an and Islamic theology and the founder and director of Receiving Nur. She has published extensively on Qur'anic hermeneutics, Islamic spirituality, Islam and science, and the thought of Said Nursi. She holds a PhD in theoretical physics from Durham University in the UK.
What role do aesthetics play in spiritual spaces? Ozayr Saloojee, Professor at Carleton University in the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, discusses the mastery of the Ottoman architect Sinan and what we can learn from history as Muslims attempt to cultivate their own modern style today.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
What's next for Muslims after the 2020 presidential elections? Impacted by the polarized political climate, divisions within the Muslim community itself deepen, with some moving further left and others further right. Where do Muslims fit in the liberal setting of a Biden presidency? Is there a viable place for conservative Muslims in the post-Trump conservative landscape? Shaykh Salman Younas and Hassan Shibly join the podcast to discuss the elections aftermath, right-leaning and left-leaning Muslims, and establishing a vision and strategy for the future.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Our conversations on Shariah continue as Shaykh Hassan Lachheb discusses the challenges for Muslims today in articulating the Shariah beyond a stale regurgitation of the classical tradition. How can the tradition be critiqued to take it to the next level consistent with the ideals of the Qur'an and Sunnah and coherent for the modern age?
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Dr. Zainab Alwani returns to the podcast to discuss the overarching values of the Shariah, focusing on the universality, mercy and maqasid (objectives) of the Sacred law.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Dawud Walid, author of the book, "Towards Sacred Activism" discusses engaging in social activism with an Islamic framework and methodology as well as pertinent issues related to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Joe Bradford joins the podcast to discuss the spiritual impetus behind personal financial planning. How do concepts like ihsaan direct us to decide whether to spend, save, give, or invest? Are there standards to define extravagance and wastefulness in wealth, or is it all relative? We examine how the mismanagement of our personal finances directly impacts the well-being of the community, non-profit organizations soliciting zakah, maximizing our charitable dollar and suburban-urban outreach.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Mustafa Davis and Moutasem Atiya have a raw, powerful conversation on race in the wake of the ongoing assault on Black lives in America, and we revisit insights from previous guests on anti-blackness, Black history, social justice and anti-racism work.
Referenced Episodes:
Ep. 5: What Is Muslim Cool? Thoughts on Race Relations - Dr. Su’ad Abdul Khabeer
Ep. 9: Walking Qur’ans of Africa: Scholarship, Liberty & the Abolition of Slavery - Dr. Rudolph Ware
Ep. 11: Scholars & Activists: Bridging the Gap - Dawud Walid & Tariq Toure
Ep. 18: In the Footsteps of Hajar: Black Muslim Women Pioneers
Ep. 23: Spiritually Addressing Anti-Black Racism - Dawud Walid
Ep. 27: Suburban Islam? - Hassan Lachheb
Ep. 33: Towards Sacred Activism - Ieasha Prime & Dawud Walid
Conversations on Race, Faith & The Next Generation: Where Do We Start? - Bilal Ansari : https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/conversations-on-race-faith-the-next-generation-where-do-we-start/
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Widespread lockdowns and social distancing due to COVID-19 present a host of new challenges. Anxiety or depression brought on by home isolation, increased strain on spousal and family relationships, concerns over the psychosocial impact on children and angst over the spectre of an uncertain future weigh heavily on our overall well-being. Najwa Awad, a licensed psychotherapist, joins the podcast to discuss the effects of social distancing and provides practical advice on managing the stress of sheltering in place.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui discusses the global reaction to the COVID-19 virus and how faith based communities should respond to this unprecedented tribulation.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
What is the state of your soul? Shaykh Yahya Rhodus joins the podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on the different stages of the soul, spiritual growth, and the role of submission, an unpopular notion today, in achieving true freedom.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Hasib Noor, founder of Prophetic Legacy, discusses the importance of preserving and visiting the historical landmarks from the life of the Prophet ﷺ to make the Seerah a living reality to guide our lives. We also discuss the impact of losing our connection to our history and the crisis of spirituality and manhood among Muslim men.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
In the sequel to the previous episode, "Why Learn?", Dr. Recep Senturk, President of Ibn Khaldun University in Istanbul, returns to the ImanWire podcast to discuss what we should learn, from the knowledge of God, to knowledge of the self, to the knowledge to help others.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
What is the reality of Tawba? Michael Sugich, author of "Hearts Turn: Sinners, Seekers, Saints and the Road to Redemption", joins the podcast to discuss the process of spiritual purification through continuous turning to God, highlighting examples of those who have walked the path of Tawba toward a higher reality.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Worlds collide on this special 50th episode of the podcast, as the US and Istanbul teams come together to discuss studying abroad, cultural identity, and the role of community in developing spiritually.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Professor Suleyman Derin joins the podcast to discuss the great spiritual master, Aziz Mahmud Hudayi, and the importance of spirituality in Ottoman culture.
Suleyman Derin graduated from Marmara University, Faculty of Theology in 1991, and completed his Ph.D. in 1999 at Leeds University in the UK. The title of his thesis was “Towards Some Paradigms on the Sufi Conception of Love: From Râbia to Ibn al-Fârid”. Since then, he has been teaching at Marmara University in the Faculty of Theology in Istanbul. He was appointed as full time professor in 2012. He has written several books in the field of Sufism as well as many articles, with an interest in Sufi tafasir, Sufi psychology and orientalist studies on Sufism.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Who is the hero and who is the villain? Giovanni Herran joins the podcast to talk about the film "Joker" in a conversation on alienation, socio-economic dehumanization, mental illness, as well as other perspectives on the film when viewed through a Muslim lens.
Giovanni Herran has been an educator for nearly two decades and currently teaches Ethics at Temple University. He has taught subjects including comparative religion and Islamic intellectual history, and his Master's thesis in History researched the intersection between colonization, imperial culture, the production of race, and evolutionary theory. He is currently finishing his doctoral research on epistemology and non-dualism within the late Islamic heritage.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
How can we understand what's on the minds of our teenagers? Moutasem Atiya is joined by a group of teens to listen to their thoughts on talking (or not talking) to parents, finding faith and the challenges living as a Muslim.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
In recent years, both the general public and many students of knowledge have been disappointed by the personal mistakes or political positions of some scholars. What do we do when the ones who bring so much clarity to understanding the religion confound us in other ways? Shaykh Hassan Lachheb and Dr. Mohamed Ghilan join the podcast to discuss the principles we should keep in mind when approaching this problem.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
In this blessed month of Dhul Hijjah, we share this replay of this podcast with Dr. Younus Mirza as we share Hajj stories, how to seek the blessings of Dhul Hijjah and Eid-ul-Adha, and discuss the differences between Biblical and Qur'anic narratives about the Prophets. Was the son of sacrifice Ishaq or Ismail? Does it matter? We reflect on the story of sacrifice in Surah As-Saffat and its lessons for us today.
Dr. Younus Y. Mirza is a Visiting Researcher at Georgetown University. He is a co-author of the book "The Bible and the Qur’an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition".
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Coming across a statement from the pre-modern scholarly tradition that would be considered misogynistic or racist today can be a jarring, troubling experience. How should we engage such texts and how are we to consider such statements in our overall understanding of Islam today? Ustadha Zaynab Ansari returns to the podcast to discuss the approach we should take when confronted with such challenging or problematic statements from classical scholars of the past.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Shaykh Yasir Fahmy returns to the podcast to discuss "keeping it real", the call-out culture, the debates between the right and left, and finding balance in addressing the divisive issues of the day.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Where did the Quran come from? The name Al-Mushaf, literally the “gathering of pages”, now synonymous with the Qur'anic text, and named such by the first community following the death of the Prophet(peace and blessings upon him and his family) gives us an indication of its origins. Dr. Jonathan Brown returns to the podcast for a discussion on the roots of the Qur'anic text, its compilation, and what impact its historicity has today on how we view the last sacred scripture.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Shaykh Muhammad Mendes returns to the podcast to discuss the concept of truth in the Islamic worldview, the role the heart plays in determining how we recognize truth, and the changing standards (or lack of standards) for truth in the age of relativism, "alternative facts" and "fake news". How can we be seekers of truth and guide others to it?
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Though prison life is very difficult, life after prison can in fact be much harder. Sadiq Davis, subject of the new film, "The Honest Struggle", and director Justin Mashouf join the ImanWire podcast to discuss their experiences, the issues facing Muslims re-entering society after prison, and the role the Muslim community can play in providing social and spiritual support.
For more information on "The Honest Struggle" and to view the film, please visit: http://honeststruggle.co/
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Why learn? Dr. Recep Senturk, President of Ibn Khaldun University in Istanbul, joins the ImanWire podcast to answer this question, discuss the relationship between knowledge and adab, the differences between the secular and Islamic models of education, and cultivating independent, critical thinkers.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
The ImanWire podcast goes on the road for a conversation with Imam Siraj Wahaj, as we honor his lasting impact on an entire generation of Muslims. Inspiring as ever, Imam Siraj shares his refreshingly positive impressions about the American Muslim community today and the importance of communication between generations.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
In the first Istanbul edition of the ImanWire podcast, Preacher Moss swings by the studio for a conversation with hosts Moutasem Atiya and Mustafa Davis on his challenging journey as a comedian, what people don't know about the "Allah Made Me Funny" tour, the challenges of staying principled working in the entertainment industry, and his advice for Muslims trying to break into show business.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Imam Bilal Ansari from Williams College joins the podcast to keep the conversation going about race relations and shares his perspectives on prison reform and the pressing issues facing a new generation of Muslim college students.
Link: Conversations on Race, Faith & the Next Generation: https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/conversations-on-race-faith-the-next-generation-where-do-we-start/
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Ubaydallah Evans, scholar-in-residence of ALIM, joins the podcast to discuss culture, the role of custom in the Islamic legal tradition and challenges in applying it in America, the effect of changing social norms on Muslims, and a vision for Muslims to be producers of a vibrant, confident American Muslim culture.
For more information about ALIM (American Learning Institute for Muslims) and its Summer Program, visit https://www.alimprogram.org/
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
As people throughout the world suffer from poverty and oppression, what approach can Muslims take in grappling these issues? Does fidelity to the tradition necessarily equate to political quietism, or does Islam have its own liberation theology? Hassan Lachheb from Tayseer Seminary returns to the ImanWire podcast to discuss formulating an Islamic liberation theology for our modern times and problematic vs principled engagement with governments.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Shaykha Zainab Alwani joins the ImanWire podcast to discuss how to be a contemplative reader of the Qur'an, and gives practical tips on how to connect with the Qur'an.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Dawud Walid, author of "Towards Sacred Activism", and Ieasha Prime return to the podcast to discuss the obligation of enjoining justice, engagement in activism from an Islamic perspective, and the role of anger in social justice work.
"Towards Sacred Activism" is now available for purchase here: https://www.meccabooks.com/1528-towards-sacred-activism-9781732258815.html
Related Episode Links:
Ep. 11: Scholars & Activists: Bridging the Gap - Dawud Walid & Tariq Toure (https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/scholars-activists-bridging-the-gap-dawud-walid-tariq-toure/)
Ep. 24: Losing Our Religion: Perspectives on Feminism & the Teen Spirituality Crisis - Ieasha Prime (https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/ep.-24-losing-our-religion-perspectives-on-feminism-the-teen-spirituality-c/)
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Sami Catovic joins the podcast for a casual conversation on the early education of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the conqueror of Constantinople, and Idris II of Morocco and how this history can teach us about investing in the next generation and cultivating spiritually grounded communities.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Even though the Qur’an itself honors them, in an age of sectarianism, Muslims who seek to mention the Prophetic Household are accused of either deviancy or discord. As the gap between polarizing opposites widens, restoring the rightful place of Ahl-ul-Bayt in our discourse is the first step to help mediate these divisions. Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui contemplates on the spiritual path they took, and how it helps guide us to the most beautiful path of conduct.
Despite their lofty position, the Ahl-ul-Bayt, the family of the Prophet, have been often marginalized or misunderstood. Many Muslims are unaware or intentionally negligent of their spiritual virtues and even their racial heritage.
Dawud Walid, author of "Centering Black Narrative: Ahl-ul-Bayt, Blackness & Africa", and Hassan Lachheb of Tayseer Seminary join the podcast to discuss the whitewashing of the Ahl-ul-Bayt and being critically honest in speaking about their history. We also discuss the complicated dynamics that challenge the relationship between Sunni and Shia communities.
Along with this episode, check out our companion episode, "Hasan, Husain & the Merits of Ahl-ul-Bayt", a lecture by Mokhtar Maghraoui.
Article Links:
Hasan & Husayn: Principles Over Power (https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/hasan-husayn-principles-over-power/)
When Thanksgiving Meets Ashura (https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/when-thanksgiving-meets-ashura/)
Love Is A Choice (https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/love-is-a-choice1/)
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Dr. Younus Mirza joins the podcast as we share Hajj stories, how to seek the blessings of Dhul Hijjah and Eid-ul-Adha, and discuss the differences between Biblical and Qur'anic narratives about the Prophets. Was the son of sacrifice Ishaq or Ismail? Does it matter? We reflect on the story of sacrifice in Surah As-Saffat and its lessons for us today.
Dr. Younus Y. Mirza is a Visiting Researcher at Georgetown University. He is a co-author of the book "The Bible and the Qur’an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition".
Article Links:
Eid al-Adha: Faith, Family & Sacrifice (https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/eid-al-adha-faith-family-sacrifice/)
Hajj at Home: Kindling the Spirit of Arafah (https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/hajj-at-home-kindling-the-spirit-of-arafah/)
The Most Important Lesson I Learned on Hajj (https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/the-most-important-lesson-i-learned-on-hajj/)
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Spiritual or religious? Shaykh Riad Saloojee joins Moutasem and Saleem to discuss new-age spirituality, seeking mentorship, and the importance of spiritual companionship to reach our highest potential.
Riad Saloojee graduated and taught in an Islamic seminary in South Africa. He is a lawyer by training and worked in the field of civil rights advocacy. He currently is a teacher at the Suhba Fellowship program in Istanbul.
Link: Modernity, Mindfulness & Divine-Mindfulness(https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/modernity-mindfulness-divine-mindfulness/)
Link: Suhba Fellowship in Istanbul (https://almadinainstitute.org/seminars/fellowship/)
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Suzy Ismail, a professional counselor and founder of Cornerstone Counseling, joins the podcast to reflect on the Divine Names and Attributes of God and how to implement these Names practically into our daily marital and family life. We also discuss her experience counseling, including her thoughts on addressing teenage suicide and the many complex issues facing teenagers today.
Link: 13 Reasons Why Not: A Muslim Perspective (https://almadinainstitute.org/blog/13-reasons-why-not-a-muslim-perspective/)
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
As another Ramadan approaches, we share this replay of a previous episode recorded on the first night of Ramadan, as we discuss its spiritual dimensions, give practical advice on how to refine ourselves in the month, and share some of our own Ramadan life hacks. We also feature a special message from Shaykh Mohsen Al'Najjar given on the eve of the blessed month.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Gear up for Ramadan as Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui discusses inner dimensions of fasting to re-ignite your Ramadan and your spiritual life.
There isn't a lot of love for the suburbs these days, even though close to a majority of Americans live in suburban areas. The ethos of suburbia is closely connected to the concept of the "American Dream", with its manicured lawns, and white picket fences, but at what cost?
Shaykh Hassan Lachheb from Tayseer Seminary joins the podcast to discuss the negative impact suburbia has had in shaping Muslim communities, class and racial divides, gentrification, and how suburban Muslims must flip the suburban script by affirming Prophetic values and uplifting urban environments for their own salvation.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Chaplain Asma Hanif, founder and director of Muslimat al-Nisaa, shares her inspiring story, the different attitudes to domestic violence and homelessness in the Muslim community, and dealing with the organizational and personal challenges that come with community work.
Muslimat al-Nisaa (http://mnisaashelter.org/) is a non-profit organization providing shelter and health and educational services to victims of domestic violence.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Ustadha Zaynab Mansour Ansari from Tayseer Seminary returns to the podcast and shares her thoughts on gender relations in the wake of both the fallout from #MeToo and recent events of spiritual abuse.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Ustadha Iesha Prime, executive director of Barakah, Inc., joins the podcast to discuss a wide array of topics. We talk about her perspectives on the polarizing debate over feminism engulfing the community, speaking at the Women's March a year ago, and the role of female teachers in her own path to scholarship.
In the second half of the podcast we examine spiritual issues facing Muslim teenagers, from introducing concepts of spiritual purification into their upbringing to addressing the increasing waves of atheism or indifference to religion.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Racism still is neglected among Muslims, and even when it is addressed, it often fails to discuss the roots of anti-blackness or provide solutions grounded in a spiritual approach.
Imam Dawud Walid joins the podcast as we talk about racism from a spiritual perspective, from the story of Adam and Iblis, to the incident between Bilal and Abu Dharr to the modern day, outlining the need to incorporate anti-racism work into the purification of the heart (tazkiyah) and our spiritual curriculum. We discuss the anti-blackness that pervades many cultures and the measures that may help in flipping the script in how we perceive blackness, including Dawud Walid's own book, "Centering Black Narrative: Black Muslim Nobles Among the Early Pious Muslims" and his upcoming work on the Black luminaries from the Ahl-ul-Bayt, the family of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family).
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
As recent events have shown, Islamic edutainment has failed in many respects to engender an Islamic ethos within the average Muslim. Are celebrity speakers, the culture of Muslim fandom, and sound bytes of curated content just a hollow shell of education, with more style than substance?
Mohamed Ghilan, founder of Andalus Online, joins the podcast for a far-reaching conversation on the phenomenon of Islamic edutainment, the impact of a media-centric culture on both education and the soul, and several other topics.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Shaykh Yasir Fahmy joins the podcast to discuss his journey from a Catholic prep school, to a career in venture capital, to studying sacred knowledge at Al-Azhar. In this episode, he draws from his experiences as the senior imam of the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center and speaks about reinvigorating our mosques and making them central to our community again.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
How can we reconcile centuries-old texts and rulings of classical scholars with our current context? In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Brown, author of "Misquoting Muhammad", shares his insights on being faithful to tradition and mindful of the cultural and social realities of the present day.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
What role does our religious identity play in how we conduct ourselves and how we are perceived in modern academia? In part 2 of our series on believers in academic spaces, Dr. Elliott Bazzano, Assistant Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Le Moyne College, discusses being an insider/outsider in the classroom, the tension between descriptive and prescriptive scholarship, and epistemology in academic Islamic studies.
We also talk about teaching religious studies post-Trump, the debate over the role of academics engaging broader audiences to combat racism and Islamophobia after the events of Charlottesville, whether academia itself has played a role in contributing to the current toxic socio-political climate, and the importance of building our own narratives.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Despite facing the challenges of being marginalized at the crossroads of their race, gender and faith, Black women have been pioneers in the Muslim community in America. In this episode, Dr. Jamillah Karim, author of "Women of the Nation: Between Black Protest and Sunni Islam", details the rich history of Black Muslim women in their journey from the Nation of Islam to the Warith Deen Mohammed community. In focusing on their narratives, Dr. Karim discusses the importance of amplifying their voices and their relevance in helping guide the community at a time when racial and gender equity still remain elusive.
Please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Pursuing higher education in academia can be a rewarding experience, but it can be challenging for some Muslims. Does being a believer in a faith tradition necessarily conflict with the culture in modern academic circles? Is there a hostility to faith in academia that restricts Muslim students from feeling free to be themselves?
Ebadur Rahman and Rashid Dar join the ImanWire podcast for an impromptu conversation to discuss their experiences in academia and the changing landscape of Islamic studies in Western institutions in the first episode of our series about being Muslim in academic spaces.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
In this wide-ranging conversation, acclaimed photographer, filmmaker and media consultant Mustafa Davis joins the podcast to discuss the arts, the marketing of Muslim organizations, his own cautionary tale in social media and the third space movement.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
What exactly is Islamic finance and what are its goals? Umar Moghul, a corporate and finance lawyer and author of the book "A Socially Responsible Islamic Finance: Character and the Common Good" joins us to discuss how reimagining Islamic finance through a spiritual lens can elevate it to be an instrument for the betterment of society. Translating core concepts from the path of spiritual purification of the heart into finance, Moghul outlines a financial vision Muslims can have that is aligned with the highest ethical principles of their religion.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
On the first night of Ramadan, we discuss its spiritual dimensions, give practical advice on how to refine ourselves in the month, and share some of our own Ramadan life hacks. We also feature a special message from Shaykh Mohsen Al'Najjar given on the eve of the blessed month.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Faced with the challenges of liberalism and a changing social milieu, Muslims fear the erosion of Islamic principles and traditions. In this desire to hold on to the tradition, a reactionary hyper-masculinity has developed in some circles, to counter the perceived effeminacy and feminism in many of these outside influences. Is this a necessary response, or has it gone too far away from the tradition itself? What are its repercussions for our families and communities? Do notions of masculinity in the tradition itself challenge or support this trend? How can we break the cycle of perpetual "bros" in our community and cultivate chivalrous, selfless rijaal that are both confident in their masculinity and also sincere helpers and supporters of women? In this episode, we are joined by Shaykh Muhammad Mendes, the founding director of SacredService for Freedom and Justice, to discuss our concept of manhood and how it can be embraced positively.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Anti-Muslim racism can take a toll, especially among youth and others in the community who may feel the most targeted. To feel like a victim constantly under attack, however, poses significant dangers to our spiritual well-being. For some, this creates a hyper-reactivity that blames Islamophobia for all the challenges they face, even leading a small number to exaggerate or falsify claims of harassment. For the majority of others, their fears can either lead them to try to appear less Muslim or live as Muslims unknowingly crippled by their feelings of victimization and inferiority.
In this episode, Anse Tamara Gray and Zaynab Ansari discuss how to combat internalizing victimhood and how to be positive agents of change in our community and mentors to our youth. They also share their advice to Muslim women concerned about wearing hijab in the current climate.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Leave a review, and please send us your feedback to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Activists and scholars have at times struggled to be on the same wavelength, creating obstacles in communal efforts for both social justice and spiritual refinement. What are the roots of this disconnect, and how can they get on the same page? In this episode, Dawud Walid and Tariq Touré join host Mohammed Saleem to examine the scholar-activist relationship from different angles, including generational and social dynamics at play, the role of Islamic spirituality and creed, relevancy in scholarship, and navigating through the influence of liberalism in activist circles. In this far-reaching conversation, they also discuss the leadership role Muslims can have, the ethics of civil disobedience and how Muslims can practically engage in activism.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Women have always played important roles in Islamic learning, but their path to scholarship is not without its unique challenges. In part 1 of their conversation, Shaykha Tamara Gray of Rabata and Ustadha Zaynab Ansari of Tayseer Seminary discuss the future of female scholarship, facing misogyny in the community, and how to facilitate more open platforms for feminine voices in the teaching of sacred knowledge. The two scholars consider the role of feminism, the need for gender-equitable spiritual spaces and discourse, and other contemporary issues.
Please subscribe to the podcast and stay tuned for part 2 of their conversation. Please visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
History shapes the present and influences the future, but what if that history was turned on its head? What if we were to learn that African Muslims in the 18th century were pioneers in abolishing slavery and monarchy? Or that the intellectual tradition in West Africa has a chain of authenticity actually more faithful to the practice of early Islam than some of its Middle Eastern counterparts often deemed more authoritative? Or that the flourishing of Islam throughout sub-Saharan Africa was predicated more on the personal piety and pacifism of "walking Qur'ans" than political state power?
In this episode, Dr. Rudolph Ware, professor at the University of Michigan and author of the book, "The Walking Qur'an", discusses a history of Islam and Africa that hasn't been taught in the history books — or our religious communities. These insights revolutionize our concepts of self and play a crucial role in the spiritual and social world-view and approach for those of all backgrounds, in America and beyond.
Please subscribe to the podcast and visit www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
For the past three years, Zaki Hasan and Parvez Ahmed have hosted Diffused Congruence: The American Muslim Experience, interviewing a wide variety of Muslims, ranging from well-known scholars to artists and activists. Casting light on the life stories of these individuals, the show has become a resource for both Muslims and those of other faiths and backgrounds to learn about both the diversity of American Muslims' experiences as well as the common threads that bring them all together. The two shared their own story with Mohammed Saleem in this episode, discussing a variety of topics, from where they see the American Muslim story heading in the future, the guest that surprised them most, to how even Batman and Ben Affleck connects with the American Muslim experience,
Subscribe to the podcast, leave a rating and review on iTunes and check out www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
As Muslim leaders and activists engage both the government and their own organizations, a number of ethical questions arise. Does partnering with government entities lend itself to conflicts of interest and inauthenticity? Do programs like CVE impose a frame on the Muslim community that takes away its own agency and agenda? Are activist-driven circles and initiatives any less immune to these risks? Muslim leaders and activists from all sides of the spectrum are challenged to keep themselves anchored in Islamic principles while navigating the complex socio-political realities of our time. In this episode, Ahmed Shaikh, a community leader and lawyer, and Mohamed Ghilan discuss these and other issues and offer their suggestions on preserving our integrity as external actors and internal egos battle for influence in the Muslim community.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
We might appreciate the benefits of physical fitness, but are there spiritual benefits to exercise as well? In this episode, we discuss not only how to find time and implement a successful exercise program but how exercise can teach us invaluable lessons critical to being spiritually healthy. Exploring the strong connections between physical and spiritual fitness, Moutasem Atiya, Mohammed Saleem & special guest Dr. Saleem Farooqui, a physician and competitive cyclist, reflect on how exercise can enhance our own spiritual path to God.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
In the wake of the recent controversy at the RIS convention, Dr. Su'ad Abdul Khabeer, a professor of anthropology and African American studies and author of "Muslim Cool: Race, Religion and Hip Hop in the United States", and Moutasem Atiya from Al-Madina Institute discuss the issues at hand, anti-Blackness in the community, and how we can move forward positively.
In the second part of the episode, our guests discuss the path American Muslim culture is taking and explore "Muslim Cool", a culture rooted in embracing Blackness and social justice that connects both Black and non-Black Muslims to Islam in America.
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and check out www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes. Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
How can we connect with the Prophet? Our Islamic education on the Prophet's life often lacks the spiritual, introspective, and personal component that effects change in our own life. In this episode, Dr. Meraj Mohiuddin, author of the book, Revelation: The Story of Muhammad, and Shad Imam, co-director of the Qurtuba Institute at ADAMS, join host Mohammed Saleem to discuss their own challenges in finding their path to the Prophet and give practical advice in how to develop a meaningful connection with the Messenger(peace be upon him).
Check out www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes and send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
CVE (Countering Violent Extremism) programs have been a source of controversy in the Muslim American community, yet there is a lack of clarity in the discussion as to what CVE is. Is it a black and white issue as both its proponents and critics make it seem? In this episode, Alejandro Beutel, a researcher in CVE, and Mohamed Ghilan, a critic of CVE, discuss both government and community-led initiatives in countering violent extremism and consider how to address this divisive issue constructively in the Muslim community.
Check out additional articles on CVE from different perspectives on www.imanwire.com including:
The Danger of Imams Being Involved in CVE
CVE, Afghanistan, and the Theological Castration of Muslims
The Prophet Muhammad and Quraysh's CVE Program
Send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
Opioid addiction is a far-reaching problem in our society and the Muslim community is not immune. In this episode, Moutasem Atiya, Dr. Mohamed Ghilan, Dr. Hasan Awan & Mohammed Saleem address the growing problem of prescription drug abuse, its social and spiritual ramifications, the path to recovery and how our attitudes towards addicts should be grounded in love.
Check out www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes and send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org.
In this new series of conversations on issues facing the Muslim community, Moutasem Atiya & Mohammed Saleem discuss the 2016 presidential elections and how to stay upbeat, what to tell our children, and how we can move forward socially and spiritually.
Check out www.imanwire.com for the latest articles and podcast episodes and send any questions or comments to @imanwired on Twitter or imanwire@almadinainstitute.org..