Seminars with a Spiritual Master: Recent Episodes
Babikir Babikir
Every week hundreds of seekers come and sit in the presence of Shaykh Babikir, one of the world's last living spiritual masters. Trained by the highest-ranking grandsages of Africa, join us as he imparts his inspirational teachings with humility and love.
The Qur'an commands that we should stand firmly for justice. The Prophet ﷺ honoured the black man and raised him up high, on to the ka'bah
What is the heart? Starting with the deepest secrets of the letters of the word, the mysteries of the heart are unravelled
Sadiq Khan has today been inaugurated as the first Muslim Mayor of London. Some Muslims are rejoicing, yet others are more critical; Shaykh Babikir offers words of wisdom about the election, and the duty all Muslims have to the citizens of this city.
The Prophet always took care of those who were poor or neglected; in that spirit, he always took care of Sha'ban, the oft-neglected month, overlooked as it is surrounded by the mighty Rajab and Ramadan. How can we take care of ourselves in Sha'ban?
Shaykh Babikir treats us by bringing the hair of the Prophet to the circle; a beautiful talk on the baraka of the Prophet Muhammad.
The eye is true, magic is rife but the worst is the jealousy that comes from the arrogant heart
The mysterious jinn are but another of Allah's creatures, existing on Earth before Adam.
A gift is a messenger from heart to heart. It does not need to seek permission before entering.
The son of Adam is forever sinning: but the best of those who sin are the ones who make ammends, and seek pardon from their Lord.
In these sacred days of Hajj, those who have been blessed with the divine calling now travel to Makkah. How can those of us who remain at home partake in their blessings?
Have you seen him? A vivid portrayal of the physical attributes of the Prophet Muhammad.
A true friend is patient, forever sincere and good. He speaks the truth, always forgives and shelters the one he has befriended. The Prophet loved all of his companions, for sure - but he chose Abu Bakr as his truest friend.
With the furore regarding the new film about the Prophet Muhammad, it seems that many are seeing a red mist. Comforting words calling for calm, drawing from the Prophetic example.
A wise man once said: "I saw the scholars wandering near the sea, but I saw the sages diving into its depths. As for the gnostics - I saw them on ships of safety travelling across the ocean."
All creatures are sustained and our life in this world is given to us under the name of God, Ar-rahmaan. That which is for the good in the hereafter is by the name Ar-raheem.
Man's greatest enemy is not a foreign power, nor is it some unseen creature. Rather, man's greatest enemy is his ego which resides within him. Unless he can come to know his enemy, he shall remain forever imprisoned.
God does not judge you by looking at the clothes you wear or at your material possessions, but He looks into your heart, and your actions.
This world, borne out of the Divine Command, is enchanted everywhere with blessings. Blessed are her holy people and whatever they touch. Sacred space and time are also dressed in blessings, through which the seeker may be enlivened.
After the human ego was created in the spiritual world, it was asked by its Lord: "Who are you?". Arrogantly, it replied "I am me, and you are you". What is the true nature of the ego, and how can it be tamed?
The month of Shaban contains the annual spiritual budget. Those who know of it make sure they are ready for it with prayer, fasting and seeking forgiveness.
From the hallowed soil of Jerusalem, the Prophet travelled sky-bound into the celestial realm, passing the farthest boundaries until he entered the Divine Presence. Throughout his ascension, he epitomised the dignity and humility of a true Servant of God.
May's Salaam Sunday at Rumi's cave: The tongue can be the coward of the body or it can be a source of light, but only when one has purified it from 20 diseases.
A person of faith will never declare 'I have done this myself'. Rather, he will see divinity in everything around him, and will even attribute his faith as a portion of divine favour.
The human family was created from but a single spirit, and each soul was created with its mate. It is only through reuniting with our soul mate in marriage that we can become complete.
Take a walk through the streets and alleys of any Muslim land, and you will be sure to hear the 'azan', or call to prayer, echoing from her ensemble of minarets into the horizon. A history of this ancient tradition, and its spiritual meanings.
Devotional poetry from Malaysia and the meaning of mercy. The third installment of the Salaam Sunday event taking place at Rumi's cave on the last Sunday of every month.
Anyone walking the path of Truth must declare his happiness with God as his Lord, morning and eve. The one who says this must realise: God is Lord of all, and has created all humanity as equal. These heavy words must efface discrimination from our hearts.
Every Friday is Good Friday: though Christianity and Islam differ on a few points, the core spiritual teachings remain in harmony. Concludes with a discussion on Channel 4's "Make Bradford British".
An important warning for all Muslims living in the West: unless Muslims are able to preserve the love, trust and responsibility of the family unit, all the positive social and community work they have strived for will be obliterated.
Secrets of dhikr are invested into every letter of its composition; locked within the very word itself are names through which hearts are raised, and sacred litanies with which God blesses his own essence.
The Heart Explained: When we feel pain, we say our heart hurts, and when we feel happy, we say our hearts find joy. Yet the seat of emotion and spirituality is not the physical lump in our bodies, but rather it is something unseen.
The mysteries of peace and the secrets of numbers: The first of the Salaam Sunday talks given at Rumi's cave.
This talk was given to volunteers of Rumi's kitchen, a project to feed and help the homeless - teaching us to have a heart of mercy and generosity towards the poorest and neediest in the community.
What are the prophet's rights upon us and how can we fulfil them, peace be upon him? This important topic is covered with examples.
Spirituality was taught first as something strange, and shall return again as something strange - so good tidings to the strangers! In celebration of the birth date of the greatest spiritual teacher of all time - the Prophet Muhammad.
Spirituality was taught first as something strange, and shall return again as something strange - so good tidings to the strangers! In celebration of the birth date of the greatest spiritual teacher of all time - the Prophet Muhammad.
God wanted the Prophet Abraham for himself. When Abraham was tested with a difficult test; a command to abandon his family in a barren valley, Abraham proved his faith and found his wife had placed her trust in God also.
"O Gabriel, how old are you?" asked the Prophet to the Holy Spirit. The Archangel's astonishing reply is accompanied by an explanation of the hidden realities of the Prophet and of his profound humanity: a sea of compassion to every kind of creation.
The worst condition that any heart can suffer is depression. Millions are spent every year in search for chemical cures, though it continues to spread, engulfing the hearts of many. What are its deeper causes, and how is it to be treated?
Never let the glitter of the world dazzle you, nor lofty celebrity titles deceive you, for in this world of images, appearances can be deceptive. Seminar includes audience questions on advice for pregnancy, and how to awaken the spiritual consciousness.
Foundations of Healing: In a world obsessed with pumping pills and printing prescriptions, the rich traditions of sacred healing have fallen to the wayside though they are needed now more than ever. This fascinating seminar provides a timely antidote.
On the eve of Christmas festive cheer fills the streets to honour the birth of Jesus; yet those whom Christ himself honoured, the poor and the oppressed, are forgotten in the decoration and merriment. Music and mulled wine - what is a Muslim to do?
Man is forever in a state of anxiety. Whenever troubles afflict him, he is distressed; yet upon being blessed with fortune, he is obsessed with jealously guarding it. Followed by a response to a question regarding Muslim attitudes to Christmas.
Timely council for all parents or aspiring parents on raising children. While Shaykh Babikir lists what every child must be taught, one cannot help but feel that we adults are in need of the selfsame instruction that we should be giving to our children.
Though the Prophet was the most majestic of men, he remained the most humble; and though he was the most aware, he would never judge others. Arrogance is a barrier preventing our hearts from shining, and accessing provisions that lie locked in the heavens
Eid is a day on which the perfection of humanity is celebrated, and the unity of man is displayed. It is a day we stand together, greet one another and share from the same plate, whether we are black or white, rich or poor. Available as audio or video.
Eid is a day on which the perfection of humanity is celebrated, and the unity of man is displayed. It is a day we stand together, greet one another and share from the same plate, whether we are black or white, rich or poor. Available as audio or video.
Remember remember the fifth of November, that fell on the eve of Eid; As fireworks alight into the night sky, may He fulfil your wishes and dreams! The inner dimensions of Hajj, and sparkling advice for Eid day.
A heart that loves is a heart that is alive, and the eye of the lover never looks away from its beloved. Commenting upon one of the most famous love poems of all time, this is a map for all those who wish to walk in the land of love.
A detailed account of the soul’s journey and the divine attributes linked to it at every stage of ascent, from novice to master. Miracles, spiritual states and the mystic dance (hadrah) – a sophisticated exposition on all aspects of the path.
It seems nowadays that the poorest Muslim communities can build the most successful establishments, whilst the affluent struggle to develop a single project between them. Success depends not upon material means, but springs forth from sincere hearts.
It is said that had Jonah not been a man of prayer and meditation then he would have remained in the belly of the whale until Resurrection. Like Jonah, thousands today are swallowed in darkness, imprisoned by the world and the malevolent forces within it.
To attend a burial and drop a handful of earth upon the body of the deceased is a privilege; yet to throw mud on a living person's face is a grave insult. This is a curiosity explained by the very nature of the human spirit, whose potential is sky-high.
Thousands of worshippers flooded London Central Mosque, packing the prayer hall and spilling onto the pavement, as Shaykh Babikir climbed the stairs of the pulpit. A powerful Eid address in which nothing short of the highest conduct was demanded.
One day, the Prophet announced: "Three qualities will always certainly be found in my community: superstition, jealousy and suspicion". Astonished, his companions asked him how these ills should be treated. A complex Prophetic wisdom, delicately unpacked.
Mother’s day is here! Practical advice for the day whilst drawing from the mother of believers, Aisha. Asked to describe the Prophet, she fell silent, then slowly replied, “He always forgave”. A moving account of the Prophet, told with a master’s touch.
British Summertime’s first talk – brief but beautifully crafted. Overcoming materialism and melancholy via motherhood and mercy are all themes that stem from this divine promise: Those who hold faith in their heart will be taken from darkness into light.
Shaykh Babikir discusses our duty in these unprecedented times of global political upheaval and natural disasters. With poignant closing remarks on our shared humanity, and the true spiritual experience of divine invocation.
United in the camp of faith: when the Christians of Yemen visited the Prophet, he allowed them to pray in his mosque. When Umar went to Jerusalem, he chose to pray first in the house of God: a church. Given the day after the Tunisian ‘Jasmine Revolution’.