Darul Qasim Reflections & Lectures: Recent Episodes
Darul Qasim
A collection of some of Shaykh Mohammed Amin Kholwadia's friday sermons and lectures. Shaykh Amin is the Director and Founder of Darul Qasim.
https://darulqasim.org/ https://twitter.com/shaykhamin https://www.facebook.com/ShaykhAmin
Remaining Fixed on Allāh After Ramaḍān - Shaykh Amin Kholwadia
Khutbah delivered on Friday, April 12th 2024
Imām al-Ghazālī's Theory of Khilāfah and Politics - Shaykh Amin Kholwadia
Lecture delivered on June 12th, 2022 at al-Balagh Academy https://www.albalaghacademy.org/
On Friday, June 10, 2022, Shaykh Amin delivered a very simple, yet poignant reminder that we must acknowledge every gift Allah ﷻ bestows upon us so that it doesn’t become a burden on us.
“We cannot live in oblivion and not acknowledge what Allah ﷻ is doing for us at this moment.”
This state of obliviousness is abusing Allah’s ﷻ gifts and exploiting what He ﷻ has given us. This sort of moment to moment awareness is exemplified in the worship of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He ﷺ showed gratitude for the rain, wind, and all of creation through duāʾ . “The meaning of duāʾ is being humble in front of Allah ﷻ.” If one is humble and grateful Allah ﷻ will give you more.
In this Friday reflections, Shaykh Amin begins by discussing the mindset that must rule the Muslim psyche in order for us to not only recognize, understand, and appreciate the gifts of Islam, the Prophet ﷺ, and the Qurʾān, but also to procure gifts in the ākhirah. Such a mindset will solidify in our hearts and minds the reality that Islam has the answer to all problems. Against this backdrop, Shaykh Amin discusses the sensitive issue of homosexuality. As Muslims living in the United States, he reminds us:
“The lens through which we look, observe, evaluate, assess, and determine values is very different from the cultural norm of the US and the whole world. We don’t look at things the way that others look at that same thing.”
Shaykh Amin uses the concepts of haya, tawbah, and ʾadab (respect) from within the Muslim culture to show how we must respond as an Ummah to the discussion of LGBTQ. “What we have to do is take a step back and not jump onto the bandwagon because everyone else is doing so.” We cannot see Islam as an impediment, rather our religion should be at the center of our understanding of these sensitive issues. If we do not use the Islamic framework and respond tho these issues, we risk procuring the heavenly, divine gifts that come from Allah ﷻ and descend upon the Muslim Ummah.
Reflection delivered on April 27th, 2022
On the 27th night of Ramaḍān, Shaykh Amin was the honored guest panelist for Al Balagh Academy’s Webinar: Seeking Laylat al-Qadr and Attaining the Closeness of Allah ﷻ and Love for Rasūlullah ﷺ. Shaykh began with a call for deep reflection and understanding:
“Practicing Islam itself is proof that we are connected to the will of Allah ﷻ. For every connection and relationship, we must also appreciate with whom our relationship is…who is Allah ﷻ and who is the Rasūl ﷺ to us, as individuals and as a part of the Ummah.”
While recognizing the importance of individual appreciation, in this talk Shaykh Amin highlights the need to establish the appreciation for a communal understanding of Islam and a communal action based plan. “Because we are all in this search and quest for knowledge and for Laylat al-Qadr together, as one whole community.” He shares 3 principles that are some of the first steps in creating love for Allah ﷻ: to understand the Qurʾān, to recite the Qurʾān, and to act upon the Qurʾān. It is through the coming together of these principles that we are shown how to express love for Allah ﷻ and His Prophet ﷺ.
Reflection delivered on April 25th, 2022
“If you want to save the world, do your ʿibādah correctly.”
In these last ten nights of Ramaḍān, Shaykh Amin delivers a powerful reminder to Muslims all over the world who have increased their ʿibādah in hopes of receiving Laylat al-Qadr. As we raise our hands in prayer and recite into the late hours of the night, we must never forget that Ramaḍān is the month of the Ummah of the Prophet ﷺ. In these nights, we must fight the selfish impulse of isolationism and individualism in our ʿibādāt in order to procure salām from Allah ﷻ for the Ummah in every matter for the coming year. This is the ultimate goal for Laylat al-Qadr. “Laylat al-Qadr is about making duā’ to Allah ﷻ that He ﷻ decides all matters for us with salām. So that we live the next year in a good way.” This is the collective spirit that is going to keep the Muslim Ummah alive, healthy, and strong.
Reflection delivered on April 15th, 2022
“Maghfirah is when Allah ﷻ envelopes you with His ﷻ raḥmah in such a way that no one will ever detect any sin on you…even you.”
In these reflections, Shaykh Amin reminds us of the importance of the second 10 days of Ramaḍān, the days of Maghfirah. The Prophet ﷺ taught us to seek Allah’s ﷻ Forgiveness at all levels, “a comprehensive and holistic Maghfirah” in this world and also in the Hereafter. “Ramaḍān facilitates this, fasting facilitates this, your Qurʾān reading facilitates this, your helping others facilitates this, your tarāwīḥ (night vigil prayers) facilitates this mode and ambience of istighfār. Where your heart should have become so soft by the 11th day that you can only think of one thing, and that is that Allah ﷻ forgives you!” Maghfirah is what we should seek in Ramaḍān and it should be our only concern in this month.
Click on the link below and listen to how each and every one of us can use these days of Maghfirah to focus on concerning ourselves with Allah’s ﷻ Forgiveness, so that we will be ready to meet Laylat al-Qadr.
Reflection delivered on April 15th, 2022
“Maghfirah is when Allah ﷻ envelopes you with His ﷻ raḥmah in such a way that no one will ever detect any sin on you…even you.”
In these reflections, Shaykh Amin reminds us of the importance of the second 10 days of Ramaḍān, the days of Maghfirah. The Prophet ﷺ taught us to seek Allah’s ﷻ Forgiveness at all levels, “a comprehensive and holistic Maghfirah” in this world and also in the Hereafter. “Ramaḍān facilitates this, fasting facilitates this, your Qurʾān reading facilitates this, your helping others facilitates this, your tarāwīḥ (night vigil prayers) facilitates this mode and ambience of istighfār. Where your heart should have become so soft by the 11th day that you can only think of one thing, and that is that Allah ﷻ forgives you!” Maghfirah is what we should seek in Ramaḍān and it should be our only concern in this month.
Click on the link below and listen to how each and every one of us can use these days of Maghfirah to focus on concerning ourselves with Allah’s ﷻ Forgiveness, so that we will be ready to meet Laylat al-Qadr.
Reflection delivered on April 16th, 2022
“We must not lose hope from Allah’s ﷻ Raḥmah for the Ummah. The greatest disease in the Ummah is pessimism, losing hope. Losing hope in yourself, losing hope in the people around you, losing hope in the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ.”
On this night of Ramaḍān, Shaykh Amin reminds us that we must guard ourselves from the disease of losing hope. He pushes us to reflect upon the eternal nature of Allah’s ﷻ Forgiveness.
“Allah ﷻ, He ﷻ is above time. He ﷻ creates time. So for Him ﷻ, it is eternally that He ﷻ is forgiving people. He ﷻ liberates 70,000 a night [from Jahannam]. How many nights have there been in the 1,400 odd years we have been doing [Ramaḍān]?”
Thus, our mindset and our focus must be one of hope and optimism in our speech, actions, and worship in these blessed days and nights. We must desire for every Muslim to enter Jannah with us. Because to love and hope for the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ, what we love and hope for ourselves is not only īmān, but is adab (etiquette) with him ﷺ.
“The Ummah is his ﷺ, we have to maintain adab with him ﷺ. If you want his ﷺ shafāʿahʾ (intercession), you have to spare the Ummah from your discourse, from your pessimism, from your anger. That is how you will receive the shafāʿah of the Prophet ﷺ.”
Reflection delivered on April 8th, 2022
In this Friday reflection, Shaykh Amin speaks about the month of Ramaḍān as one in which the distribution of Allah’s ﷻ raḥmah (Divine Mercy) is not only huge, but also ever-present. His ﷻ mercy becomes very close to those who fast and do good. The “whole of Ramaḍān gives us access to the heavens, any good actions we do [...] are automatically lifted.” At the same time, Shaykh Amin reminds us that we need the power and ability to access Allah’s ﷻ raḥmah. “The Qur’an and Sunnah inform us of how we can access this raḥmah, always here floating above the heavens. But if you want to meet Allah’s ﷻ raḥmah, you need to do something. [...] We should do actions that propel us further and even higher.”
Reflection delivered after Tarāwīh on the 9th of Ramaḍān
In this reflection, Shaykh Amin reminds us that these first ten days of Ramaḍān are the days of Raḥmah (Divine mercy). “All that exists has a shade of Allah’s ﷻ Raḥmah.” This is how we understand Allah’s ﷻ generosity and magnanimity, as all-encompassing. The “fact that a thing exists is only because of His ﷻ Raḥmah.”
Yet, there are so many degrees of His ﷻ Raḥmah that the Qurʾān speaks of. However, exclusive to the Muslim is the mercy of Islam. Islam is the “highest level and most sublime grade of Raḥmah that any being can acquire.” And it is here, in Ramaḍān, when the Prophet ﷺ said these are the days of mercy in which the most desired mercy is Islam. In these first ten days, Shaykh Amin reminds us, using the Prophet’s ﷺ advice, to shift our focus towards our ṣalāh, sawm, zakāt, and all ʿibādāt in order to improve and enhance this Raḥmah, which is Islam. We must ask ourselves,
“Am I improving my Islam? Am I allowing Allah’s ﷻ supreme Raḥmah to enter me?”
These first ten days of Ramaḍān are a mindset. It is a focus changing event in which we must focus on seeking Allah’s ﷻ Supreme Mercy. “Allah ﷻ is in the most generous mood ever. When you knock on His ﷻ door what do you ask for?” One should ask for goodness and for Allah’s ﷻ special Raḥmah that raises your ranks in Jannah (paradise).
“The good news is if a Muslim changes his or her focus in Ramaḍān and asks for the most special brand of Raḥmah, He ﷻ will give it to you. Why, because He ﷻ is in the most generous mood of all. If you sleep in Ramaḍān Allah ﷻ rewards you!”
As the first ten days are coming to an end, Shaykh Amin’s timely reflections and advice forces us to re-focus on “what Ramaḍān is and why Ramaḍān is special to me?” Only then will we begin to attract the higher levels of Raḥmah that are specific to this blessed month.
Reflection delivered on February 25th, 2022
Al-Isrā’ wa’l Miʿrāj - The Prophet’s ﷺ Night Journey and Ascension.
Reflection delivered December 31st, 2021
Darul Qasim · ‘Wealth’ From the Lens of Rasūlullah ﷺ
Reflection delivered January 14th, 2022
Darul Qasim · The Prophetic Perspective On ‘Saving Lives’
Short Ramadan reflection from Shaykh Amin on being a total ‘Ābid in Ramadan.
Delivered in Ramadan 1442 (2021)
Short reminder from Shaykh Amin on The Comprehensive Nature of ‘Ibādah.
Delivered on Ramadan 1442 (2021)
Shaykh Amin touches on the Cosmic Impacts of Ramaḍān in this short reminder.
Delivered in Ramaḍān 1442 (2021).
Shaykh Amin touches on the The Raḥmah of Ramaḍān in this short reminder.
Delivered in Ramaḍān 1442 (2021).
Pre-Ramadan program delivered on April 11, 2021 on looking for Laylat al-Qadr with Shaykh Amin Kholwadia.
https://darulqasim.org/advice-to-north-england/
Shaykh Amin delivers an inspirational message to the Muslims of North England in this audio call.
The Akhirah as the Platform of a Muslim’s Thinking
Reflection delivered on Friday, October 9th, 2020.
https://darulqasim.org/akhirah-platform-muslim-thinking/
Reflection delivered on May 14th, 2020
https://darulqasim.org/summary-surat-al-fajr-an-nas/
“I have written a book of knowledge. If you would like to read it, it is Mawlānā Amin.” - ʿAllāmah Khalid Mahmood
https://darulqasim.org/reflection-on-the-life-of-allamah-khalid-mahmood/
https://darulqasim.org/shaykh-khalid-mehmood/
Reflection delivered on February 21st, 2020
https://darulqasim.org/consumerism-and-the-peril-of-shirk/
The entire discussion comes from a few words in an ayah:
خالق كل شيء فاعبدوه
Tell your kid to get off the video game and pray ṣalāh. There is no tawḥīd there. The child is addicted to man's creation. Allah wants to remove you from addiction to His creation, never mind man's creation. The end of consumerism marks the beginning of Islam.
Khutbah delivered on January 24th, 2020
https://darulqasim.org/the-imperative-of-self-reformation-and-self-criticism-in-islamic-culture/
Reflection delivered on December 20th, 2019.
https://darulqasim.org/hope-for-the-ummah-and-the-myth-of-disunity/
Reflection delivered on December 13th, 2019.
https://darulqasim.org/submitting-to-the-authority-of-muhammad-%ef%b7%ba/
Reflection delivered on November 29th, 2019
https://darulqasim.org/the-imperative-of-thanks-and-giving-in-islam/
The Darul Qasim Anthem
Performed by Ali Keeler Lyrics by Javeed Chida Inspired by Shaykh Mohammed Amin Kholwadia
We come, these weary travelers
To sit beneath the willow shade
The journey may be long, but who
Can wither an intention made
We rest against the willow trunk
And feel the fall of willow leaf
The journey may be long, but how
Can hardship pass without relief
*The air is Qasimi
Our feet are on the shore
Before a sea of knowledge, we
Are in the quest for more*
The splendid life of our Nabī
Embodying the Word Serene
Who molded hearts that came to be
The Khulafaa ar-Rāshidīn
The brave companion in the cave
The one whose path the devil flees
Dhun-nūr’ayn and all wisdom’s gate
O Allah, with them all be pleased
Chorus
They used the ink of taqwā, the
Companions and Tābi’īn
Compiling all the knowledge heard
In books the world had never seen
The four madhāhib: pathways paved
That span the wretched woods of life
Illuminated by the lamps
Imām al-A’ażam set alight
Chorus
Our hearts are hardened by the winds
Of shamelessness and vanity
How can we bear the weight of sins
And stay afloat upon the sea
We look up to the stars that shine
And guide us through the stormy night:
The works of Shah Abdul Aziz
Waliyullahi shining bright
Chorus
The blood and toil of Shaykh al-Hind
That burned a flame Nanautavi
And stood a nation firm against
The ruthless whip of tyranny
The works of Anwar Shah Kashmiri
Like the rains of knowledge pour
Upon the thirsty seeker blessed
With patience in the quest for more
Chorus
We bear the harvest to the mills
Of ṣarf and naḥw grind the grains
We purify the flour till
A meal of benefit remains
By day and night we bake this bread
And serve it to them at the door
Who eat from this prophetic spread
And never cease to quest for more
Chorus
Remember how the Makkans sought
An arbiter to ease the stone
Into its designated spot:
They trusted Al-Amīn alone
This house of Qāsim is a trust
Unto Amīn whose every breath
Reminds our hearts, preparing us
To be of those surviving death
Chorus
© Darul Qasim 2019, darulqasim.org
Reflection delivered on November 15th, 2019.
https://darulqasim.org/the-salah-of-a-muslim-a-vehicle-for-success/
Reflection delivered on November 9th, 2019.
Part 3
https://darulqasim.org/honoring-our-prophet-muhammad-%ef%b7%ba/
Reflection delivered on November 9th, 2019.
Part 2
https://darulqasim.org/honoring-our-prophet-muhammad-%ef%b7%ba/
Reflection delivered on November 9th, 2019.
Part One
https://darulqasim.org/honoring-our-prophet-muhammad-%ef%b7%ba/
Reflection delivered on November 8th, 2019.
https://darulqasim.org/recognizing-the-receptacles-of-allahs-nur/
Reflection delivered on February 20, 2015
Editor's note: Recommended pre-reading:
darulqasim.org/statement-on-sexual-crimes/
Social Etiquette Amid Due Process in Dealing with Criminal Crises within Muslim Communities
In the wake of the recent criminal charges brought against a prominent Chicago area Muslim scholar, Shaykh Amin presents a short and timely reminder of the prophetic model regarding the social etiquette of acknowledging and respecting the plight of those wronged, at the same time dealing with crimes and criminals within the Muslim community at large. In our times when the internet aids the commission of gossip and eases the propagation of rumors in various spheres of life and living, it is especially challenging for Muslims to hold themselves to the highest ethics and morals embodied in the character of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his rightly guided companions (RA). We must face the challenge of exercising dignified restraint in discussing such matters in the bazaars of social media, more so once such matters have entered legal proceedings. The talk ends with a stern reminder to be aware of the swift acceptance of prayers from those who are wronged. This grounding lecture presents these civilizational values and reminds us to focus on our destination, namely meeting with our Creator ﷻ.
Inspirational talk at Tayseer Seminary in Knoxville, TN.
https://darulqasim.org/inspirational-talk-at-tayseer-seminary/
Reflection delivered on October 18th, 2019.
https://darulqasim.org/the-prophetic-paradigm-of-dealing-with-problems/
https://soundcloud.com/darulqasim/prophetic-paradigm-dealing-with-problems
Reflection delivered on September 20th, 2019.
https://darulqasim.org/submitting-to-islams-perfection/
Reflection delivered on September 13th, 2019.
https://darulqasim.org/duties-and-rights-a-prophetic-perspective/
Reflection delivered on August 16th, 2019
The Qur'an and Its Revelation of Our State of Affairs
Reflection delivered on January 20, 2017
In this important reflection, Shaykh Amin impresses upon us the tradition of the Prophet ﷺ that ‘Islam is a foreigner and will once again return a foreigner’. Just as the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions struggled through persecution and rejection in establishing God’s ﷻ community by staying true to their values and identity, so too must we remain firm in promoting the values of the Qurʾān and Sunnah. It is only by adherence to this paradigm that Muslims will attract the Grace of God ﷻ to once again thrive and flourish. It is only through resilience, commitment and fortitude, not through assimilation, integration and compromise that this “foreigner” will be accepted by the masses.
Reflection delivered on January 19th, 2018
Service of God is derived from knowledge, and this makes knowledge one of our greatest ‘inamat (blessings). In this Friday reflection, Shaykh Amin explains why a recognition of this concept and embracing this great blessing will transform us into a true Muslim nation that is uncompromisingly proud of our mode of Divine servitude.
Reflection delivered on January 26th, 2018
All Prophets have been chosen through Allah’s Grace to be the inheritors of knowledge that stretches beyond time and space. We accept this notion irrespective of context of the Nabi’s race, culture or time period. The Prophet Muhammad (s) being the ultimate recipient of God’s grace, we accept him as possessing a scope and depth of knowledge beyond any human being ever created and the standard against which all intelligence should be evaluated. It is only upon our reliance on this source that we can gain knowledge of our pre and post mortal existence, survive this world and live in the next.
Reflection delivered on February 10, 2017
Throughout the centuries in Islamic history, Muslims have followed a blueprint for guidance within the Qurʾān and Sunnah – one that has required no revisions, new editions or updated versions. Once we are convinced that this fact holds true and believe that the knowledge given to the Prophet ﷺ is forever and perfect, then we will start behaving as if we are truly guided and that despite our failures and victories, ebbs and flows, our commitment to pleasing God ﷻ and our anticipation for a reward in the Hereafter will hand us the ultimate victory
Reflection delivered on April 13th, 2018
In this profound address on the topic of Isra al M’iraj, Shaykh Amin draws our focus upon the very foundation of The Night of Ascension, which is Salat. The five daily prayers must not be perceived as a responsibility, rather a hand-delivered gift from Allah to His Rasul that will contribute to our own ascension towards The Divine, and one which will physically or psychologically resolve our worldly matters. Thus any discussion around this Blessed event must revolve around its fruit.
Reflection delivered on October 13th, 2017
In his Friday reflection, Shaykh Amin calls our attention to the Seerah of Prophets throughout history, where the context may have varied in each situation, but the message remained universal. As we encounter modern issues that run antithetical to the Qur’an and Sunnah, we must maintain our perspective of believing in Allah and preparing for the akhirah, and refrain from succumbing to the ever-changing political, social and economic landscape. The Shaykh particularly points out the importance of the Prophetic Sunnah in maintaining our chastity and modesty – that the moral standard of a Muslim rises above current standards of conduct.
Reflection delivered on May 18th, 2018
In this simple yet profound message, Shaykh Amin points to two vices which, if present, will prevent a Muslim’s heart from softening despite his life-long ‘ibadah – arrogance (kibr) and stinginess (bukhul). Without their presence, there is no reason a Muslim who makes salah 5 times a day should contain a soft heart; and yet with its presence, individuals and communities can be destroyed. In this month of virtue, kindness and mutual compassion (Ramadan), the Shaykh advises the community to relieve one’s self of the latter by spending on our family and giving freely to our local projects/masajid, as is our obligation.
Reflection delivered on June 8th, 2018
A hallmark of the Prophetic Sunnah was to exhibit an intense focus and perspective in his ‘ibadah. A level of focus must always be present in our psyche but must be heightened in the month of Ramadan where we have an opportunity to obtain Allah’s forgiveness and attain salvation from the Hellfire. It was not poverty that the Prophet (saw) feared for us; rather, it was the fear of a ‘hidden shirk’ that comes between a Muslim and Allah which can detach us from His pleasure.
Reflection delivered on July 20th, 2018
As Muslims in the West have been afforded more of an opportunity to educate society on Islamic principles, it has become an imperative, now more than ever, to display in corporate settings and in general public life the conduct prescribed by Allah in dealing with gender interactions. Shaykh Amin explains the irony of the #MeToo movement having originated upon the flood gates of sexual liberty – whereas a Muslim does not promote sexual liberty, neither in principle, nor in theory or practice
Reflection delivered on August 22nd, 2018
In his Eid address, Shaykh Amin impresses upon us the concept of sa‘ī – struggle, accountability and responsibility – which was demonstrated immaculately by the family of Ibrāhīm through the actions of Hajar, Ibrāhīm and Ismail (AS). We see their sa‘ī as a blueprint for how we protect our children, cultivate our families and sacrifice for God – all of which contributes towards the make-up of a successful human civilization.
Reflection delivered on June 15th, 2018
In this compelling Eid bayaan, Shaykh Amin accentuates that Islam is and will always remain independent from all external influences – whether they be religious, political, philosophical or civilizational. Throughout history, we have been a community that gives, not takes – a reflection of the values of our most generous and genius leader, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. We must be proud of these inherited values which construct the shari’ah; we must wear it as a badge of honor and relieve ourselves from the shackles of the apologetic mindset.
Reflection delivered on August 17th, 2018
In his Dhul-Hijjah address, Shaykh Amin categorically dispels the false notion that Eid-ul-Adha and Hajj are connected. He methodically explains that it is a historical and legal fact that the Hajj is a local event which does not contain the celebration of Eid, while Eid-ul-Adha is a universal occasion for every Muslim around the world to celebrate. The Shaykh further proceeds to discuss the merits of these Blessed days along with its historical significance.
Reflection delivered on September 21th, 2018
As Muslims, our worship is inextricably connected to following the Prophet ﷺ we follow people best by attaching our hearts to them. One of the ways to attach to the Prophet ﷺ is by reading the Seerah. When you study Seerah you’ll find that the Prophet’s ﷺ challenges were mind boggling – he faced every challenge whether it be spiritual, social, political or domestic, and he did so with grace and completion. The Shaykh explains how our reflection upon the Prophet’s ﷺ dealings provides us with a framework to deal with our personal and societal issues.
Reflection delivered on October 12th, 2018
In this reflection, we are reminded that despite our freedom of volition, we Muslims must maintain in our psyche that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is our guide and referee. In today’s time of moral anarchy and individualism, this notion that there exists an authority who possesses a higher understanding in each component of this life and the Hereafter must be maintained when presenting Islam to others.
Reflection delivered on July 20th, 2018
In the face of a natural disaster, a Muslim’s code of conduct should default to reflection, prayer and humbleness. It must spawn a realization that His ﷻ ability to destroy and leave human beings in helpless disarray is a reflection of His ﷻ ability to sustain us with His Mercy and His Might in this world and especially the next. This is a civilizational value taught by the Prophet ﷺ regarding the mindset when approached with natural calamities.
Reflection delivered on February 8th, 2019
Despite the proclivities afforded to us by modern intellectualism, Muslims must view Islam as religion that is ‘wholesome and complete’, free from any need to reform, supplement or complement. The Shaykh expounds on this notion by rebuking the trend from both within and outside the community to modify, reconfigure and rethink all elements of Islam. The Rasūl ﷺ came to deliver the Divine message as fact, and not something to theorize over.
Reflection delivered on January 11th, 2019
In this Friday reflection, Shaykh Amin takes us through the several layers of raḥmah manifested by Allah ﷻ and demonstrates that this concept is far and beyond the definition of ‘mercy’ which English speakers have become accustomed to. The true definition of raḥmah stretches to the cosmic levels and enacted by the loftiest of angels at the direct servitude of the Lord Himself.
Reflection delivered on November 23rd, 2018
The concept of ‘thankfulness’ is embedded within the Dīn of Islam and the teachings of our Prophet ﷺ. We give thanks multiple times a day, in one form or another, in acknowledgment of our very basic physical disposition as well as for the constant fulfillment of our needs. As Muslims, we extend our shukr one step further by being conscious, thankful, and prideful of the blessing of Islam and for being amongst the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ – as these particular blessings extend far beyond this world, into our graves and becomes the very reason for our entry into Jannah.
Reflection delivered on January 18th, 2019
As scores of people have been furloughed due to the government shut down, the Shaykh draws our attention to the relevancy of Allah’s ﷻ revelation in explaining our nation’s current reality. Furthermore, we are called to action of our own as Muslims living in a nation wrought with hunger and poverty.
As Muslims in the post-modern era, we must reevaluate the mission of the Prophet ﷺ in light of the purpose of his nubuwwah, which is to achieve salvation for humanity. The Prophet’s ﷺ primary purpose was not to achieve social reform, to create a political system or to uphold the rights of humanity, as is the orientalist view. Rather, it was a more comprehensive objective which must be viewed through the lens of risālah and not that of social justice. Thus it follows that any social work we conduct must be predicated upon our belief in Allah ﷻ and the Last Day, not because it is a secular value. The Shaykh explains how this was the Prophet’s ﷺ ultimate mission – one that will truly commence on the Day of Reckoning as the Mercy to the Worlds ﷺ will intercede for each one of us.
In Islam, we have the freedom to make choices. Each of these choices have an impact on us, our community and upon our state in the Hereafter. In this reflection, Shaykh Amin expounds on the concept of ‘choice’, and explains that a visionary Muslim will always make choices which benefit him in eternity, not just in this world