Al-Maqasid Khutbas: Recent Episodes
Al-Maqasid
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“There’s no enemy worse than ignorance.” In this immensely beneficial and comprehensive khutba, Sh. Hasan Petrus explains the place of true knowledge in Islam and why its virtues and merits are accessible to everyone of us. Among other things, Sh. Hasan mentions the two types of ignorance, the importance of asking meaningful questions, and the three branches of knowledge. He mentions two stories of Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, that illustrate dedication to pursuing sacred knowledge and its virtue. This khutba is especially relevant for these paradoxical times that are known as the “Age of Information” but are, in reality, bereft of true knowledge.
“Allah loves those who are persistent in their supplication.” In this khutba, Shaykh Amjad Tarsin discusses the virtue and importance of turning to Allah the Exalted for everything, and the three possible outcomes for any given supplication. Shaykh Amjad also recounts an interaction between Salim bin Abdullah bin ‘Umar (the grandson of the second rightly guided caliph, Sayyiduna ‘Umar bin al-Khattab) and Hisham bin Abdul-Malik, the tenth Umayyad caliph.
“Nun. By the pen and that which it writes.”
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus looks at the first 16 verses of Sura al-Qalam [Quran, 68:1-16], especially those referring to Walid ibn al-Mughira, one of the Qurash who strongly opposed the Prophet ﷺ.
These verses include several blameworthy traits all believers should avoid and in addition, indicate that our only concern should be to please Allah the Exalted.
‘Guidance was born and as a result the universe became illuminated with every beautiful quality And the mouth of time was all smiles and praise.’
In this Khutba, Ustadh Tariq Samady quotes beautiful statements made about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by knowers of Allah, the righteous, poets, and even the Prophet ﷺ himself.
Ustadh Tariq ends with a recent poem by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf titled ‘Be Like Ahmad.’
“The way to [Allah’s love] is in following and loving the Messenger ﷺ.”
The foundational virtue in Islam is love. All other virtues either help us to arrive at the station of love or are the fruits of love.
In this Khutba, Shaykh Amjad Tarsin explains the three main reasons why people fall in love and how the perfection of all these reasons is found in the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
He provides three practical and easy ways to strengthen one’s love of the Prophet ﷺ.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in a well-known Hadith Qudsi in Bukhari:
“Verily Allah the Exalted has said: ‘Whosoever shows enmity to a wali of Mine, then I have declared war against him. And My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more loved to Me than the religious duties I have obligated upon him. And My servant continues to draw near to me with supererogatory deeds until I love him.
“When I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him; and were he to seek refuge with Me, I would surely grant him refuge.’”
In this Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains this Hadith Qudsi line-by-line, stressing the status of those considered beloved to Allah the Exalted (wali) and exploring the path that leads to Allah’s love.
“We really need to dedicate time and thought and effort into deepening the bonds of love.”
The turning point for the Umma was the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Hijra (622 CE), when the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Madina. Upon arriving in Madina, the Prophet ﷺ first ordered the building of the masjid and then established bonds of brotherhood between the Muhajirun (migrants) and the Ansar (helpers).
Citing the Quran and Prophetic Hadith, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains the significance of strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, as well as the importance of loving each other for the sake of Allah the Exalted. He ends with three things that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ told us to do to strengthen these bonds and to engender love for one another.
“What a blessing in our religion that it is haram to despair from the mercy of Allah.”
Two qualities of the heart that believers should have are hope and fear. In this Khutba, Ustadh Yusuf Weltch defines and explains hope and fear in the Islamic context, citing the Quran and providing clarifying examples. He also explains when fear should be more dominant and when hope should be.
Ustadh Yusuf concludes his reflection by mentioning the three types of people who worship Allah the Exalted and which type is the highest.
“All traits of good character are embedded in the reality of mercy.”
Once something is identified as a Sunna it should be adopted. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ manifested mercy in its most perfect form.
In this Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains (1) why mercy is strength and (2) why mercy is the foundation of healing and growth. He then discusses what must be done to bring about mercy in this world and how to receive it.
“Every soul will taste death.” [Quran 3:185]
Allah the Exalted uses three different words in the Quran to refer to a date stone—fatīl, naqīr, and qiṭmīr. In this Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains the metaphor of the date stone as used in the Quran and what it teaches about preparing for our return to Allah.
Shaykh Yahya also explains the spiritual benefit of shaking hands and greeting other Muslims with ‘as-salamu alaikum,’ as well as why every Muslim has a special quality unique to them.
“The solution for this Umma has always been knowledge. And the greatest calamity that leads to all other problems is ignorance.”
In this Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains why seeking knowledge is the place to begin whether addressing problems afflicting ourselves, our families, our society, or the Umma. Citing the Quran and Hadith, he also explains why the scholars are the true ‘Khulafa’.
“Beginnings are reflections of ends.”
Ustadh Hasan Petrus begins this inspiring and instructive khutba discussing the wisdom behind ending the year on a sacred month and beginning the new year on a sacred month.
He then discusses why the vast majority of New Year resolutions fail and suggests a lofty resolution for believers and how to achieve it, citing the Quran and Hadith and relating stories of the pious.
“All that matters is Allah’s acceptance.”
The Prophet’s great-grandson ﷺ, Sayyidina Ali Zayn al-’Abidin (Adornment of Worshipers), once said to his servant, “Will you carry my sins on the Day of Resurrection?”
In this reflection, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin relates this story and other stories of the pious showing that the secret to success is sincerity in one’s intentions and actions, no matter how seemingly insignificant or inconsequential they may appear.
“All treasures lie in the time between Maghrib and Isha.”
The inheritors of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at any given time are tasked with articulating the realities of the deen and addressing the realities of that time.
Here, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus passes on sixteen indispensable pieces of advice, divided among four categories, given to him by his teacher: (1) Four times to preserve; (2) Four traits to possess; (3) Four acts to do consistently; and (4) Four types of remembrances.
“Seek companions with certain qualities according to what [you] want to get out of the relationship.”
Citing the Quran, Hadith, and statements of the pious, Ustadh Yusuf Weltch explains the three reasons that cause one to sin and their cure. Included in the discussion is the importance of making sincere dua (supplications) and how to do so, as well as the necessity of good companionship.
“We have windows that open up in our lives, doors that open up, and you have to go through them—because sometimes those doors might not ever open up again.”
In Chapter 10 of Riyad al-Salihin (Gardens of the Righteous), Imam Nawawi discusses the virtues of hastening to good deeds and being steadfast in doing so.
In this khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus focuses on a well-known Hadith mentioned in this chapter which encourages one to hasten to good deeds before trials and tribulations come like successive darknesses.
“The beauty of Islam and the beauty of the revelation that we have and the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is that…we are always able to understand objectively what is good in the sight of Allah ﷻ and what is disliked and forbidden in the sight of Allah ﷻ.”
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned us that at the end of time there will be an inversion and reversal of realities. We now live in a society defined by desire, where modesty (haya) is seen as something strange.
In this khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses the virtue of modesty, especially with protecting one’s eyes so that one can experience the greatest pleasure of Paradise.
“Shaytan is calculating. He will take a route of 1000 miles only to get you into a hole which is 3 feet away from you.”
In this extremely instructive khutba based on numerous verses in the Quran and Hadith, Shaykh Alaudeen Us’Sutteri discusses how Muslims should deal with (1) Allah and (2) Creation – specifically self, shaytan, parents, spouses, children, Muslims, non-Muslims, and animals.
“The way that we look at the world is the way that the world looks at us.”
In a Hadith Qudsi (where the meaning is from Allah, but the phrasing is from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), Allah the Exalted says, “I am in the opinion of My servant.” In this uplifting Khutba based on numerous hadith and stories of the righteous, Ustadh Hasan Petrus explains why it is paramount—and indeed one of the secrets of life— to have a good opinion of Allah in both times of ease and in times of difficulties.
He also defines what it means to have a good opinion and a bad opinion of Allah, mentions a forgotten Sunna related to having a good opinion, and recites beautiful lines of poetry exalting the merits of having a good opinion.
“[Adab] is the gathering point; it is that one reality within the human being, that one dimension that includes all aspects of good.”
Adab is an Arabic word that contains such a richness of meaning that makes it difficult to translate. Words such as etiquette, good manners, and comportment are often used in an attempt to convey its meaning, though they still fall short in capturing its full depth.
One of the righteous said that the crisis of our time is a lack of adab. In this extremely important Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the three degrees of adab, the three types of adab, and the three things needed to be a person of adab.
Shaykh Yahya also explains how a lack of adab will lead to a watered-down version of Islam, which is especially dangerous in these times as we come closer to the emergence of the Dajjal (the False Messiah).
“O My servants, I have forbidden wrongdoing for Myself and I have made it forbidden for you. Therefore, do not wrong one another. O My servants, all of you are lost except for those whom I have guided. Therefore, seek guidance from Me and I will guide you…”
In his compilation of Forty Hadith, Imam Nawawi chose the most important and central hadith that comprehensively provide an understanding of the essential aspects of the religion. In this Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses Hadith #24, a Hadith Qudsi, where the meaning is from Allah the Exalted, but the phrasing is from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Ustadh Amjad first notes that in this Hadith Qudsi, Allah the Exalted refers to us as “O My servants” (يَا عِبَادِي or ya ‘ibadi), which is an attribution of honor. Allah then proceeds to inform us of His Power, Will, Majesty, and Perfection so that we witness Him in everything created and demonstrate our gratitude towards Him.
“One of the things that the end of Ramadan teaches us is … about the nature of death itself.”
On this last Jumua in Ramadan, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin asks us to reflect upon how Ramadan has brought us nearer to Allah the Exalted so that we continue to seek His good pleasure and nearness after the month ends.
Ustadh Amjad also tells of the allegory of the generous king and the final request made by the individual who stayed behind.
“The eternal Home in the Hereafter We reserve only for those who seek neither tyranny nor corruption on the earth.”
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus relates the story of Qarun—who was from the people of Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, but a close associate of the Pharaoh—as a reminder of the proper attitude towards receiving Divine gifts in this life (see Sura al-Qasas, 28:76-83).
He uses this Quranic account to explain the importance of seeking the Hereafter and how to use blessings in ways that increase us in nearness to Allah.
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“If you don’t cry, force yourself to cry.”
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Seven [categories of people] will be shaded by Allah in His shade on the Day of Resurrection when there will be no shade except His shade.”
In this Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the seven categories of people who will be shaded and explains how each of us has an opportunity to fall within at least one of those categories.
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“This is the way we should be navigating our path to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala – being careful of every step we take.”
As we near the end of the first ten days of this most sacred month of Ramadan, Shaykh Alaudeen Us’Sutteri reminds us of the purpose of fasting and its many potential benefits to encourage us to make the most out of the time that is left.
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“The easiest part of Ramadan is leaving food and drink.”
Ramadan is known as ‘Ramadan al-Karim’ or ‘The Generous Ramadan’ because of the numerous blessings it offers to believers. In this Khutba, Ustadh Hasan Petrus discusses several ways in which Ramadan is a unique opportunity to improve one’s character and gain the pleasure of Allah the Exalted.
He also reads the Khutba that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered on the last day of Shaban extolling the many blessings of this most sacred month.
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“Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west…”
Islam is a comprehensive way of life, and we are expected to embrace the religion in its totality with the ultimate goal of coming to know Allah the Exalted. In this Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains how Allah the Exalted defines true piety in verse 177 of Sura al-Baqara.
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“O Allah, through your knowledge of the unseen and your power over creation, give me life as long as you know that life is good for me…”
Supplication is the essence of worship and an opportunity for an intimate conversation with your Lord. Supplication also teaches us what we need and how we should be.
In this Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus recites, translates, and explains a comprehensive Prophetic supplication ﷺ, of which it has been said: there is no angel who has been brought near, and no Prophet sent, and there is no righteous servant of Allah except that this dua is from the supplications that he used to recite.
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“There is no [true] life after which there is death…and there is no true death after which there is eternal life.”
According to a well-known hadith, Allah the Exalted does not look at our outward form but at our internal character and deeds. In this khutba, Ustadh Yusuf Weltch stresses that each person must carefully examine the state of his or her heart and provides four ways to discover one’s faults.
He also relates examples of where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and later his great grandson Imam ‘Ali Zayn al’-Abidin displayed exemplary character. Ustadh Yusuf then ends with general remedies for the heart.
“If we really want the Quran to enter our hearts, we have to be connected to the heart that received the Quran.”
After turning to Allah the Exalted in repentance and cleansing our hearts of sin in the sacred month of Rajab, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains how sending abundant blessings (salawat) on the Prophet ﷺ in Sha’ban prepares us for the most blessed month of Ramadan. He also mentions many of the benefits of sending salawat and the smallest amount to do to be considered abundant.
“If we spend our life following our desires, that’s not your true self.”
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught the Companions (and us all by extension) the importance of loving him ﷺ more than anything else—not for his own benefit ﷺ, but for the immense blessings it brings them.
In this timely reflection as Shaban, the month of the Prophet ﷺ, approaches, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus mentions three seminal Hadith and two verses in the Qur’an to explain why the degree to which we love the Prophet ﷺ is the degree to which we can reach the loftiest levels of iman (faith), and to which our soul can become tranquil (al-nafs al-mutma’inna), such that one no longer finds any hardship or difficulty in acts of obedience.
“The people of the Quran are the people of Allah and His elect. His special choicest of people. They are the ones [whom] Allah (Glorious and Exalted) loves uniquely.”
One of the righteous, when reciting the Quran, tasted honey out of his love, reverence, and yearning for it. It has been said that if you want to gauge your relationship with Allah the Exalted, look at your relationship with the Quran.
In this Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin relates inspiring stories of people of the Quran and tells us how we can become one of them.
“There are eight Gates to Paradise. All of them open at certain times and close at others—except for the Gate of Repentance.”
Imam Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad, a great scholar and sufi during the time of the salaf (first three generations after the Prophet ﷺ) was once a feared and infamous highway robber. Upon hearing the recitation of verse 16 in Surah al-Hadid (57:16), he made a complete repentance.
In this khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin relates the story of Imam Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad’s remarkable transformation and discusses what it teaches us about hoping in Allah’s Mercy and receiving the Divine Gaze.
“Allah has in His earth containers, hearts,…and the best of them are the purest, the firmest, and the most brittle.”
We can either follow the footsteps of Prophet Adam, peace be upon him, and repent when we transgress against ourselves or others; or follow those of Shaytan, the accursed, the archetype of arrogance.
In this reflection—which is especially relevant in this sacred month of Rajab, the month of repentance—Shaykh Yahya Rhodus quotes several verses from the Quran where Allah the Exalted warns about the dangers and consequences of pride and arrogance. He also mentions the value of making tawba (repenting) before reading the Quran, citing Surah al-Waqiah, 56:79.
“There’s nothing wrong with asking, but where is the heart?”
In the Quran, Allah the Exalted never commands us to outward means, but only to religious means. Ustadh Yusuf Weltch discusses four acts of worship where Allah the Exalted explicitly promises to help a believer in times of need.
Ustadh Yusuf then ends with two specific prayers that should be done on a routine basis when seeking Allah’s help.
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“The beginning of knowledge is silence.”
Allah the Exalted praises those who listen attentively to the recitation of the Quran and warns those who have a cavalier attitude. In fact, he states that listening is the key to all effective communication.
In this informative Khutba, Ustadh Hasan Petrus explains the three degrees of listening, the components of active listening and its benefits, signs of not listening, and the five steps to gaining knowledge.
“O Allah, place light in my heart and light in my grave. Light in my hearing and light in my sight. Light in my hair and light in my skin. Light in my flesh and light in my blood…”
Ustadh Amjad Tarsin recites and provides scholarly commentary on this powerful and comprehensive Prophetic Dua (supplication) seeking Allah the Exalted’s Light that should be done consistently before Fajr.
This practice is especially important in these times of confusion, loss of morality, and inversion of realities.
“The means is just an appearance and actually Allah [the Exalted] is doing everything behind the scenes.”
In this reflection, Ustadh Yusuf Weltch discusses the statement of Tawhid, la ilaha illallah (there is no god but God), and its opposite, shirk (associating partners with Allah the Exalted). He mentions several types of shirk, some of which take someone out of Islam, and others which are haram (impermissible).
He then focuses primarily on one type of shirk—believing the means are the actual cause of things—and its cure. This discussion is particularly pertinent today with the pandemic and other current tribulations.
“Do whatever you can for Allah (Glorious and Exalted), but recognize that you have to do something.”
Every Muslim has the responsibility to tell the Truth as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and conveyed to us. We should share the Message of Islam with wisdom and beautiful reminders.
Ustadh Amjad Tarsin provides a beautiful example of the Companions‘ willingness to sacrifice all for the truth with the story of the Prophet’s cousin, Sayyidina Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, when he recited verses in the Quran about Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, to the Christian king of Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia) [Quran 19:16-35].
Habib Ali al-Jifri identifies four ways to protect one’s family and their faith from today’s challenges. In this series, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains each of them, beginning with establishing the family on the love of Allah the Exalted and the awareness that He sees us at all times. He also provides numerous practical examples on how to implement these teachings immediately in one’s family.
“[The heart] is the locus of the gaze of the Real.”
In this both enlightening and practical khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus gives a detailed discussion on Shaykh Ibrahim al-Khawas’s advice on how to rectify and purify one’s heart. Shaykh Ibrahim al-Khawas was among the elect of the righteous in the 3rd Islamic century and known for his complete trust (tawakkul) in Allah the Exalted.
“The things that are perceived at a sensory level, at a very superficial level, that’s not all of reality.”
Ustadh Amjad Tarsin shares a profound hadith, which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described as “wondrous” (‘ajaban), that shows the benefits of performing righteous actions in this world which manifest and become a reality in the Unseen World.
“Allah Ta’ala gives His Knowledge to whom He pleases.”
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus breaks down Ayat al-Kursi (Quran 2:255) into meaningful parts and suggests six key times when to recite it. He also explains the difference between ‘science’ and ‘scientism,’ noting the problem with the latter.
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“The story of the whole world is between two sajdas.”
It has been asked among scholars: “What verse in the Qur’an inspires the most hope?” In this extremely uplifting khutba, Ustadh Hasan Petrus discusses four different answers to this question. He also relates a beautiful story encompassing three of the verses, which involves Washi ibn Harb, the Companion who killed Hamza ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib, may Allah be pleased with them, before he (Washi) accepted Islam. Ustadh Hasan also discusses the Greatest Intercession based on a well-known hadith.
“Nobility and the keys on that Day will be in my hands.”
Focusing primarily on the Day of Resurrection, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses some of the unique qualities and distinctions that Allah the Exalted has bestowed upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Included in the discussion is what it means to be “firm against the disbelievers” (see Quran 48:29), as well as a list of the five categories of intercession.
“Nothing is more important after the shahada than the prayer.”
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus continues his discussions on the importance of prayer, focusing on the congregational prayer and how to make it a priority. And although it is strongly encouraged to perform all five daily prayers in congregation in the masjid (mosque), Shaykh Yahya explains the minimum one should do in this regard.
“The One who gave them is still the same Allah, Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, who is ready to give us. But are we ready to receive it.”
Through numerous verses of the Qur’an, Hadith, and inspiring stories of the pious, Ustadh Yusuf Weltch explains what it means to have reverence for the prayer and how to achieve it. Included in his Khutba are the conditions for establishing the prayer and how to obtain presence in it.
“… to whomsoever Allah does not give light, he has no light.” (Surah an-Nur, 25:40, as translated)
In this blessed month of our beloved Prophet’s birth, there is no better time to deepen our connection with him ﷺ. Ustadh Amjad Tarsin describes the Prophet’s three types of beauty and explains how reflecting upon these qualities will increase one’s love for him ﷺ.
“To Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth.”
Looking at several verses in Surah al-Munafiqun (The Hypocrites), Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains the soul’s innate desire to obtain honor and nobility and why this is praiseworthy.
“There is no such thing as major sins if you continue to seek forgiveness.”
Ustadh Yusuf Weltch gives a detailed discussion on repentance, an essential quality of ihsan or spiritual excellence. Several topics are covered including: what is the core condition of repentance; why persistently committing minor sins is dangerous; how to foster remorse in one’s heart; and what do the prophets, peace be upon them, seek in asking for forgiveness.
“Prayer is the source of ascension of the believer.” Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains why our lives should revolve around the five daily prayers and what it means to establish the prayer as Allah the Exalted commands us in the Qur’an (as translated). He also discusses a beautiful hadith about how our prayers supplicate for or against us.
In this last Jumua of Ramadan 1442 (2021) with only a few days left of this blessed month, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus provides several gems of parting advice. He begins with a discussion of the Divine Gentleness in which the obligatory fast is presented in the Qur’an (2:183-85) and the etiquettes one should have with Allah the Exalted (2:186). He then explains why muraqaba (vigilance) leads to comprehensive good. And finally, he tells us what intentions we should make in these last few days.
As the last ten nights of Ramadan approach and believers actively seek the blessed Laylatul Qadr (Night of Great Worth), Ustadh Amjad Tarsin reminds us that the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ was to strive even harder in ibadah (worship) during this time, anticipating the unique Divine gifts that are possible. He also mentions how to make oneself ready to receive these gifts and recites several powerful du’as particular to this time, recognizing that Allah the Exalted always has infinitely more to give.
In this khutba, Shaykh Yahya defines the four cardinal virtues in an Islamic context and then focuses on the virtue of courage, which lies between cowardness and recklessness. He discusses the other traits of good character that rise from it, as well as the bad character traits that arise when there is an imbalance and the trait of cowardness or its opposite, recklessness, dominates.
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus continues his series on the well-known and foundational hadith on intentions, “Actions are by intentions...” by looking at three dimensions: sincerity in one’s intentions, making multiple intentions, and making good intentions in everything that we do.
Allah the Exalted describes the Qur’an as a reminder, healing, guidance, and mercy. Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains its many blessings through verses in the Quran, stories of the pious, and several lines in Imam al-Busiri’s poem The Burda. And as Ramadan soon approaches, he encourages us to develop our relationship with this “most beautiful teaching.” [Quran 39:23]
Ustadh Amjad Tarsin ends his series on the five foundational Hadith by looking at the fifth Hadith in which a companion asked, “O Messenger of Allah, guide me to an action that if I do it, Allah will love me and the people will love me.” The Messenger ﷺ responded, “Detach from the world and Allah will love you; detach from what people have and they will love you.” Ustadh Amjad discusses what it means to detach from this world and how to do it.
Continuing with his series on the five foundational hadith that scholars have indicated all other hadith stem from their meaning, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin looks at the fourth foundational hadith: "By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, none of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself of goodness." As part of this discussion, Ustadh Amjad mentions why love (maḥabba) is the pinnacle of all spiritual virtues.
In this next Khutba, continuing with the five foundational hadith upon which Islam is built, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses the well-known hadith narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim which states, "That which is lawful is clear and that which is forbidden is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know. Thus he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honor, but he who falls into doubtful matters [eventually] falls into that which is unlawful...Truly in the body there is a morsel of flesh, which, if it is sound, the entire body is sound; but, if it is corrupt, the entire body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart." Among other things, Ustadh Amjad explains the concept of wara’ or scrupulousness, in part by recounting the story of Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, may Allah Ta’ala be pleased with him, who exemplified this virtue at a young age.
Ustadh Amjad Tarsin continues his Khutba series on the five foundational hadith, which scholars have indicated that all other hadith stem from their meaning.
In this Khutba, he discusses the hadith, "It is from the excellence of a person's Islam is that he leaves that which does not concern him," and how to implement it in one’s life.
In this Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin begins the first Khutba on the five foundational hadith which scholars have indicated that all other meanings stem from.
He begins with the well-known hadith, "Actions are judged according to intentions..." and he describes the intentions of various categories of people, including the generality, the ignorant, the hypocrites, the scholars, the people of the spiritual path, and the people of reality.
In this introductory khutba, Sh. Yahya Rhodus begins his series on the well-known and foundational Hadith on intentions, “Actions are by intentions. And every man will have that which he intended...” [Bukhari & Muslim]
He discusses the merits of having righteous intentions and mentions the various dimensions of intention that will be discussed over the next several khutbas, insha Allah.
Allah the Exalted tells us the Quran: O you who believe, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. [Surah al-Anfal, 8:24]
With this and several other verses in the Qur’an and statements of the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him (hadith), Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains what it means to be truly living and the reality to which we have been invited.
Allah the Exalted tells us in the Qur’an, “Surely those who swear allegiance to you [Prophet Muhammad] do but swear allegiance to Allah...” [Quran 48:10]
In this powerful Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses the exalted station of our beloved Messenger ﷺ, and how following him opens the greatest doors to Allah the Exalted.
Allah the Exalted tells us multiple times in the Qur’an that no one can escape death. In this Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the importance of preparing for death’s consequences by striving for the higher levels of certainty so that, at the moment of death, one’s faith is absolutely firm and one longs to meet his Lord. To test the strength of one’s certainty, he provides five signs to look for in oneself.
Iman, faith, is the greatest of all gifts, and Allah the Exalted only gives faith to those whom He loves. It is incumbent upon us to preserve this great blessing and to strengthen it. Strengthening one’s iman leads to a related concept of certitude (yaqīn), which has various degrees.
In this Khutba, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the three main levels of certainty and provides four ways to increase one’s certainty with the ultimate goal of drawing nearer and nearer to Allah the Exalted.
In this relevant and extremely beneficial Khutba, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses what we should do in this time when there are so many inversions in morality, knowledge, and the natural ways Allah the Exalted has taught us to be.
He bases his discussion on the Hadith of Jibril, peace be upon him, and verses from the Qur’an (4:64-65 & 49:1-2) and gives three practical steps that can help us to protect ourselves and our families.
When Eid al-Adha falls on Jumu’a, there are two Eids to celebrate, cumulating in an especially auspicious occasion. On this blessed day, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin reflects on several verses in the Quran that mention the Hajj and the remembrance and glorification of Allah.
He explains how these verses help to prepare us for what Imam al-Haddad describes as the long journey to the Hereafter. Through remembrance of Allah our hearts come to life, which is the true Eid.
In his Farewell Sermon on Mount Arafat given on the ninth of Dhul-Hijja, shortly before his return to Allah the Exalted, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor a black person over a white, except by his or her degree of taqwa (piety).
In this Khutba, Ustadh Amjad reflects upon these words and other counsel given that day over 1400 years ago. He also reminds us to take advantage of the doors of good that Allah the Exalted has opened up in these first ten days of Dhul-Hijja before they pass.
Certitude (yaqīn) is perhaps the most important element for progress on the spiritual path. Weaving together verses of the Qur’an, relevant hadith, and reflections of the pious, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains what is meant by certitude in the Islamic context, how it is the foundation of all Islamic teachings, and why people of certitude are necessary, especially in these times.
In Part II of this series, he will discuss how to protect and strengthen one’s certitude in order to witness the reality of the unseen and to ignite the 'light of fitra' in others so that they too may taste the sweetness of faith.
In this Jumua Khutba, Sh. Yahya Rhodus comments on a Prophetic supplication to alleviate anxiety and grief.
In addition to focusing on the profound meanings within the Prophet's words ﷺ, Sh. Yahya also comments on the relationship between the duʿa and the connection we should have with Quran.
Allah the Exalted said, "Among the believers are men who have proven true to what they pledged to Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their pledge [with their lives], others are waiting [their turn]. They have never changed [their commitment] in the least." [Quran 33:23]
In this Jumua Khutba, Sh. Yahya Rhodus focuses on the importance of being true with our covenant with Allah the Exalted. He reflects on the stories of righteous scholars and their unwavering commitment to Allah, seeking inspiration from their noble examples.
This Khutba, delivered by Sh. Yahya Rhodus at Al-Maqasid, focuses on the believer's relationship with Ayat al-Kursi, the Verse of the Throne.
As the sacred month of Rajab approaches, a believer uses this time to prepare for the month of Ramadan. This Khutba focuses on taking advantage of the month of Rajab through turning back to Allah ﷻ through repentance. It also discusses the benefits of seeking Allah's forgiveness in this life and the next.
This Khutba focuses on the centrality of love in Islam. Allah the Exalted said, “There are some who take others as Allah’s equal—they love them as they should love Allah—but the believers have even more intense love for Allah” [Quran 2:165]. If we were to taste one atom's weight of Allah's love, all of the world's pleasures combined would pale in comparison.
The Khutba also touches upon the Way of the Messenger ﷺ as the path to Allah's love, and that our attachment to and love of the Prophet ﷺ is part of our love of Allah.
Part of Allah's blessing for this Ummah is that He has granted, as Allah's Messenger ﷺ has informed us, renewers of this religion in each century. To this point, Imam al-Haddad stated, "Allah inspires the people of knowledge in every time with what the people of that time need."
This Jumuʿa Khutba focuses on how each member of the Ummah has a responsibility to be of benefit to others, and how the greatest benefit is the blessing of guidance.
But how do we do that? Five principles taken from the Quran are listed to help us begin fulfilling this responsibility with sincerity and effectiveness.
In this Khutba, Sh. Yahya Rhodus focuses on one of the five most important devotions for spiritual development: cutting back on food. In today's world, where desires are celebrated and obeyed, we need to be reminded of this profound act of devotion. Sh. Yahya also lists the ten benefits of hunger, as mentioned by Imam al-Ghazali (may Allah have mercy on him).
In this Jumua Khutba, Sh. Yahya Rhodus focuses on the blessing of saying, 'Bismillāh' and the importance of always beginning things in our lives with Allah's Name. By beginning with Allah's Name, we are granted His support and we are brought near to Him.
In this Jumua Khutba, Sh. Yahya Rhodus focuses on the blessing of saying, 'Bismillāh' and the importance of always beginning things in our lives with Allah's Name. By beginning with Allah's Name, we are granted His support and we are brought near to Him.
This Khutba focuses on one of the central Hadith compiled by Imam al-Nawawi in his collection of forty Hadith, which teaches us how we realize the purpose of our existence through servitude to Allah, and how we attain freedom through our neediness before Him.
In this Jumu'a Khutba, Sh. Yahya Rhodus talks about the importance and benefit of mentioning and loving the righteous. He also reminds us of the Quranic command to seek out the company of the people of trueness.
The Prophet ﷺ said, "The best of beauty is in having beautiful character." [Suyuti]
This Khutba focuses on the tendency in today's world towards ugliness, which distances us from the Fitra (the natural state of the soul). So how do we express beauty in times where it has become rare? Through embodying the beautiful character of Sayyiduna Muhammad ﷺ.
Allah the Exalted says, "O humanity! Indeed, there has come to you a reminder from your Lord, a cure for what is in the hearts, a guide, and a mercy for the believers." [Quran 10:57] And the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was described as, "His character was the Quran."
This Khutba focuses on building a relationship with the Book of Allah so that the diseases of our hearts may be healed and we ascend in degrees of nearness to Allah ﷻ.
This Jum'ah Khutba focuses on the importance of connection to, and love and reverence for the Beloved Messenger ﷺ. One of the greatest ways to achieve this is by sending abundant blessings of Allah (ṣalawāt) upon him ﷺ.
In this Jumuah Khutba, Sh. Yahya Rhodus highlights that part of our servitude to Allah the Exalted is our need to always turn back to Him in repentance. He also shares various Prophetic invocations for seeking Allah's forgiveness.