Muslim Soul Reflections: Recent Episodes
Using My Voice
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life.
In this episode we speak about the Year of Sorrow, a time in the Prophet Muhammad's life, that was filled with sadness. This is the year that both his uncle Abu Tālib and his beloved wife Khadija pass away. This is also the year in which the Prophet travels to the city of Tā'if, an incident about which he says later was the most difficult day in his life.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life.
In this episode we speak about the boycott of the Quraish against the Muslims and the tribe of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. We discuss how the gruelling conditions during the three years of the sanctions, affected the Banu Hashim both Muslim and non Muslim alike.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life.
In this episode we discuss two important events that occurred in Makkah in the 6th year of prophethood; the acceptance of Islam of Hamza, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and Umar ibn al Khattab.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life.
In this episode we learn about the migration of some of the Muslims to Abyssinia, as life in Makkah was becoming unbearable for these early converts. The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, gave his permission for this journey to make life easier for the believers and to teach us all the importance of making the right choices to protect our faith.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life.
In this episode we explore some of the accounts of persecution and cruel treatment of the early converts to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. These heart breaking accounts of their torture, lead us to a discussion as to the wisdom and the lessons we can take from this time in the history of Islam.
Planning the month of Ramadan will help you to get the most out of your time and energy in these 30 days and nights. In this episode we make a mental checklist of some important points which could help us take advantage of all that this precious month has to offer
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life.
In this episode we reflect on the perfect plan and wisdom of Allah as to why Abu Talib never accepted Islam. We also discuss the attempts of the Quraysh to slander the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and the message of Islam
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life.
In this episode we see how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) calls his tribe and then the whole of Makkah to Islam. We see that the response of that first public call to the truth was an indication of how the Prophet would be treated by his people, but that the resolve and faith of the Prophet would always stay firm.
In this episode we look at some of the commands of Allah (God) and advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with regards to the excellent way that Muslim women must be treated
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life.
In this episode we look at the stories of the first few converts to Islam. We see how the early years of prophethood were one of private da'wah, calling those who were closest to the Prophet in the city of Makkah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life.
In this episode we speak about the pause in revelation, all part of Allah's perfect plan, to allow the Prophet to learn to not just accept what has happened, but also to long for that connection with the revelation. We take a look at what revelation actually is, and the ways that inspiration would come to the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this episode we look at the details of the first revelation sent by Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A momentous occasion, not just for the Prophet, but for the whole of humanity.
Such a simple question; who are you? But as with most simple concepts, the answer can take deep reflection and thought.
In this episode we discuss the purpose and aim for the life we live. This truth will keep us focussed on the ultimate reality and allow us to understand who we really are.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life.
In this episode, we speak about two of the great companions of the Prophet Muhammad. The first of which is Zayd ibn Hārithah. As a boy he was unjustly sold into slavery and when given the chance to go back home to his family, he chose to stay with the Prophet Muhammad; a testimony to the excellent character of the Prophet, even before prophethood. The second, is the story of Salmān Al Fārisi. His is an account of unswerving dedication to the search for truth, which spanned many years and culminated with his accepting Islām.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this episode, we begin with lessons that we can learn from the first 10 years of the Prophet's married life, followed by a detailed look at the rebuilding of the ka'ba. This incident is full of symbolic events in these final few years before the first revelation, all heralding the appointing of Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a messenger of God.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this episode, we look at experiences the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had as a businessman. How he was employed by Khadijah, the wealthiest lady in Makkah and how this blossomed into a beautiful marriage.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this episode, we continue to look at the teenage years of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. We hear about the Prophet's first job as a shepherd, cover the Sacrilegious wars (Fijjar wars) and The Virtuous treaty (Hilf Al Fudool). In all of these events, as with every aspect of the Prophet's life, there are lessons for us in our lives.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this episode we begin to look at the teenage years of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which will be continued in the next episode.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this episode we continue to look at the early years of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the miraculous event of the splitting of his chest. We see once again the divine plan unfolding and how Allāh gave life long protection to the Prophet Muhammad from shaytān and his whispering. We conclude with the sad event of the passing of the Prophet's mother.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this episode we look at the early years of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We learn about Thuwayba, Barakah and Halimah, his milk-mothers. And we see that even as a baby, Allāh had made him a source of blessing for those who cared for him.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. This fifth episode begins with the discussion of the sources used by scholars to know about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). From there we continue with the incident of the army of the elephant, finishing with an account of the parents of the Pro
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this fourth episode we look at the legacy of the grandfather of the Prophet, Abd al Muttalib. We reflect upon how the rediscovery of the well of Zamzam and the incident of the invasion of Abraha with his army, were signs of the arrival of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this third episode we look at the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad. We learn about his forefathers and how they each had an important role in shaping the society that the Prophet Muhammad grew up in.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this second episode we look at what role religion played in pre-Islamic Arabia, and how although the majority of people worshipped a plethora of gods, there were still a few that stayed true to the way of Ibrahim and only worshipped Allāh (God)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the best example to look towards for anyone who wants to live a successful life. In this first episode we look at what life was like in pre-Islamic Arabia, and see the many similarities between society 1400 years ago, and our lives today. Through this study, we can therefore appreciate the lasting legacy the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) left behind, and the full extent of what he was able to accomplish.
Nothing in life stays the same, and nor is it meant to. Allah has given us all opportunities to grow in our faith and in our practice of Islam.
But our human nature is sometimes to stick only to what we know, and by doing so, we ignore untapped possibilities.
This is my way of saying that I intend to pause. To take time to reflect. Maybe I'll be back, or maybe I'll move on. Either way thank you all for listening
When someone says "I love you for the sake of Allah" what does it mean?
In this episode we look at the meaning behind those words and reflect on advice given to us by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
We see that loving someone for the sake of Allah is a timeless relationship, one that we will value both in this life and the next.
We all know that staying healthy is important. And that applies not just to our physical bodies bit to our spiritual self too.
In this episode we look at the importance of having a healthy soul and discuss ways to ensure our heart stays spiritually healthy
On a hot day we all like sitting in cool shade. On The Day of Judgment, which will be hotter than any day we have ever experienced, there is no shade except the shade under Allah's Throne. But not everyone will be deserving of that shade.
In this episode we look at the 7 categories of people whom Allah will protect with His shade on that day.
The first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, are the best days of the year.
In this episode we explore how to make the most of these days, so that we are among those that Allah, out of His infinite Mercy, will choose to forgive and choose to bless.
Why does Allah need us to praise Him?
Actually, He doesn't!
In this episode we look at how our praise of Him, is our expression of our gratitude for His blessings. And the more we reflect, the more we understand that we can never praise Him enough.
Islam is a complete way of life which encourages the best of behaviour with all of Allah's creation.
In this episode we look at the guidance in the Qur'ān and the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which gives a perfect framework to not only live in, but to be of benefit to those we live with.
No one likes to have their faults pointed out to them!
But yet, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us that giving sincere advice is one of the most important parts of Islam.
In this episode we look at why and how to give Nasihah and also how to prepare ourselves for when someone gives advice to us!
Anyone who believes in Allah (God) and The Hereafter wants to go to Jannah (paradise). But what are we doing to make sure we will get there?
In this episode we look at the guidance of Allah and the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to increase our motivation and efforts, so we can do the best we can to achieve our ultimate goal.
Allah (God) promises us in the Qur'an that all of us will be tested in a variety of ways. So none of us will live a life free of difficulty.
But does that mean that there is nothing we can do when faced with hardships?
In this episode we look at how our certainty in Allah's love for us, His constant care for us, will allow us to face life's tests with the firmness of faith that will keep us strong.
Ramadan is truly a special month because the devils are chained up. But now that Ramadan is over how can we protect ourselves from shaytan? (the devil)
In this episode we look at ways we can protect ourselves on a daily basis from our number one enemy.
In this episode we take a look at what the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) tells us about the importance of making dua. And how out of Allah's constant love and mercy, He not only answers our dua, but He rewards us for asking Him too!
We are all hoping for Allah's forgiveness, but do we make an effort to forgive others who might have hurt us?
Without a doubt, it is difficult to forgive someone who has wronged us, but if we can, then it benefits us first and foremost.
In this episode we look at the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in an effort to encourage us to be of those who forgive, so that we in turn will be of those that Allah forgives.
In this episode we reflect on the guidance of Allah (God) and the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which show that with everything a Muslim is asked to do, there is always ease in it for them.
We see that Allah truly does not ask us to do anything beyond our capacity and that out of His love for us, He has made Islam a religion of benefit and ease.
Would you like Allah (God) to be generous to you?
We all want Allah's blessings, but how generous are we to others?
In this episode we look at the unimaginable benefits we gain from spending for the sake of Allah.
How can you use the month of Ramadān to be a better you?
In this episode we discuss how Allah (God) has blessed the month of Ramadān, making it easier for us to improve ourselves.
We see that by deeply reflecting on ourselves, we can use this month to form new good habits that can stay with us even after Ramadān has come to an end.
We all think of Ramadān as a month of fasting, but is that all it's about?
In this episode we look at the true purpose behind this amazing month. And we see that Ramadān is the God given opportunity to make important changes in your life.
In this episode I give a brief personal account of my connection with the Qur'ān. I reflect on how we can all find ways to helps ourselves on this important and soul satisfying journey.
With only a few days left until Ramadan starts, do you have a plan in place? Have you decided what goals you want to accomplish?
In this episode we look at how making realistic and achievable goals, can be the best way to be productive. We reflect on the power of dua (prayer) that we all have at our fingertips. And how putting trust in Allah (God) to answer your duas, you can make the most of your Ramadan.
Why do you cry?
For most of us it's usually something important that will make us emotional.
In this episode we look at the reasons why the best of all examples , the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) , used to cry.
We see that when we improve our relationship with Allah (God), then our hearts will soften. That those whose hearts are soft will cry out of their love of, and hope in Allah. And that it is this characteristic that can keep us in the path leading to Paradise.
We all know that life is never always going to be a bed of roses.
In this episode we look at the constant struggle that every believer goes through to live a life that's pleasing to Allah (God). We look at ways to help ourselves and others, when the difficulties and doubts get too much and the struggle to remain in the straight path feels impossible.
Do you check your intention before you do something?
In this episode we discuss how, by attaching good intentions to everything we do, we can boost the reward that we receive from Allah (God)
We all want to be successful, but so many of us feel uncertain whether we will ever reach those goals that we've set for ourselves.
In this episode we look at how, by knowing Allah (God) and understanding who He is and what He is capable of, we will be motivated to aim high and not give in to self doubt.
We would all like to think that we are excited about the approach of Ramadan, but sometimes even this most special month can make us feel nervous.
Will we get the most out of the time?
In this episode we look at how our thought patterns can affect our physical and spiritual preparation and we discuss the benefits of mentally preparing ourselves to get the most out of Ramadan
Many times people will judge us not just by what we say, but how we say it. In this episode we look at some of the beautiful characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). We see that gentleness and kindness are crucial to the character of every Muslim and that if we want Allah (God) to be kind to us, we need to treat all His creation with mercy and kindness too.
In this materialistic society it's easy to confuse what love means, so how do we know if Allah loves us?
In this episode we look at the ways Allah expresses His love for us and how we need to understand this love, so that we can feel the self worth that will make us a benefit to ourselves and those around us.
Even on the darkest days, there is always something that you can find to thank Allah for. Whether it's the people in your life or the beauty of the natural world around you.
In this episode we look at how the Prophet (peace be upon him) showed his gratitude to Allah (God), and how he taught us that being appreciative of our blessings is the most integral part of a Muslim's character.
If you want angels by your side in this life and a place in paradise in the next, holding on to your faith even in difficult times, is a must.
In this episode, recorded in Ramadan 2020, we look at the immense reward promised to those who keep going, even when the going gets tough.
No matter who you are or where you live, we are all social beings. Spending too much time alone can lead to loneliness and depression.
In this episode we look at the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), to be in good company as much as we can. We see that by keeping connected with other believers, it helps us to feel more positive in these difficult times, and ultimately helps us to protect our faith.
We live in materialistic world which has shaped the way people view success and failure. But is that how Allah (God) defines these concepts?
In this episode we look the guidance Allah gives us in the Qur'an, which is we can follow, will allow us to be truly successful in this life and the next
With the New Year just round the corner you might be reflecting on the previous year and the experiences that shaped you. Maybe you want to plan so that your next year is better than the one you've just lived through.
In this episode we look at how to use the advice Allah (God) gives us in the opening chapter of the Qur'an, to structure and plan our days to be productive, so we can make the most of each day in the year ahead.
Faith is an ever fluctuating process. It can be so scary when you begin to feel distant from Allah (God)
In this episode we look at how, although a dip in faith is not uncommon, it need not be a constant downward spiral.
We look to see that the light Allah shines for us with His guidance can illuminate the way back to Him. With Allah as our guide, we should always have hope that even if we feel weak in our faith now, we will find our way and regain the piece of heart and mind that comes from a strong relationship with our Creator.
Which job requires you to be on call every day, with no wages in return? Yes, you've got it. Being a parent!
In this episode we look at the expectations on a Muslim parent, and explore some useful tips on how to raise children in an Islamically holistic way.
Imagine if everything you ever said was recorded and then played back to you. We often say things without thinking which can get us into trouble!
In this episode we look at the guidance of Allah (God) and the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), reminding us to avoid useless and harmful talk.
We see that Allah has allowed us the gift of speech, but that with every blessing comes responsibility.
We explore how Allah knows and loves us, and wants only the best for us. So we see that, by aiming to please Allah in all aspects of our lives, we will avoid words that could hurt others, and ultimately ourselves.
Do you want a life full of blessings?
We all want a life of ease and contentment, but sometimes it can feel like all we have in our lives is difficultly and hardship.
In this episode we look at the true meaning of blessings. We learn that true contentment is not a life full of material possessions, but a life of closeness to our Creator, Allah (God).
We discuss how difficultly doesn't mean that Allah has no love for us, but understanding that Allah gives us tests and trials for us to connect and bond deeply with Him, will teach us to trust and love Him. And this is the meaning of true contentment.
Are you perfect? Do you find being Muslim easy?
In this episode we look at how Satan tries to convince us that to be Muslim you need to be perfect, and that this is a lie. We are all a combination of successes and failures and Allah (God) didn't create us to be perfect. Struggle is part of living and we see that Allah is always there, ready to help and forgive us and that He never places on us a burden greater than we can bear.
Grief is a complex and complicated set of emotions. In this episode we reflect on the inevitability of loss, and how our knowledge of Allah's (God's) love for us, and by being kind to ourselves, can help us to heal after losing someone we love.
Have you ever felt, that your mistakes weigh heavily on your conscience? It's easy to get stuck in a rut, feeling as if there's no way that Allah (God) will love you.
In this episode we look at the beautiful words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We learn that if we think well of Allah, if we turn back to Him when we mess up, then there's nothing that can prevent us from His love and His forgiveness.
There is a fine line between pride and confidence, just as there's a fine line between humility and being too meek. But how do we strike a healthy balance?
In this episode we look at the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and see how we can use it practically in our lives. We see that the key to humility is not self-degredation, but rather a true acknowledgement of Allah's (God's) blessings. We learn of the honour that Allah granted us, but at the same time accepting our position with reference to Allah's greatness. And how this understanding, will help us to live a balanced life.
The beauty of nature surrounds us. Whether it's a dazzling sunset, multicoloured autumn leaves, or fluffy white clouds racing across a bright blue sky. But how many of us take these sights for granted?
In this episode we discuss how, by reflecting on our beautiful world, we increase our love for our Creator. And how everything in nature, is a sign from Allah (God), to help us to understand His love for us.
Do you have a best friend? We choose our friends for many reasons and they often have a considerable impact on us.
In this episode we look at the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the benefits of good companions and how to choose friends that will be a positive influence on your life.
Life can feel chaotic. Whether it's external chaos or even chaos within our own souls.
In this episode we explore how to get closer to Allah (God) so that we feel love for Him and He in return loves us more.
We see how the way we spend our time and the things we busy ourselves with, can have a direct impact on our relationship with Allah (God).
We discuss, how when our love for Allah (God) increases, then so does the feeling of contentment with everything He has given us.
We discover how, by implementing the advice from Allah (God) and His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon), we can endeavour to live with a satisfied heart.
It's hard not to let your anger get the better of you, when difficult life events make you feel like screaming, shouting and lashing out at those around you.
In this episode we look at the detrimental effects of anger and how a Muslim can use the advice and protection of Allah (God) to deal with the struggle to overcome fury.
It is definitely hard to stay calm in provoking situations, so we look at the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) of how to restrain ourselves when we are overcome with rage.
When your life seems surrounded by difficulties, it's hard to know how to get through the hardships and not give in to helplessness.
In this episode we look at how the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) coped with his many difficulties, drawing on his faith in Allah (God).
We learn how he stayed patient and positive, even when going through stress and sadness, viewing it as the inevitable tests that we will all go through in life. The episode is rounded off by exploring practical steps to cope with life's challenges.
Even when times are hard you will have so many blessings in your life. Do we remember that everything we have is a gift from Allah? (God)
This episode explores the precious pearls of wisdom and guidance from the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him); reminding us of the importance of being thankful and making the most of the time we've been given.
The worries that we carry around with us can weigh us down and make life hard. Is it possible to live calmly and contentedly with all the stresses we may have? This episode shares words of wisdom from Allah (God) and His Prophet (peace be upon him) which will help us to journey through lfe with lighter hearts.
Do you make sure to feed your soul? We are so careful not to put our physical health at risk but we neglect to care for our spiritual heart. Allah (God) wants us to know Him so that our hearts and lives can be filled with His light. This episode explores how we can use Allah's guidance to nourish and nurture our everlasting souls.
Are you feeling stressed? Negativity and pessimism engulfs so many of us today; it's like the air that we breathe. But Allah (God) promises us a way out. Listen to reasons why, and suggestions how, to develop and maintain a positive attitude to life's hurdles. Allah's timeless guidance and the Prophet's example are outlined in this episode.