Companions of the Message: Recent Episodes
Sarah & Maha
Two sisters sharing spiritual advice and reflections from the Quran and Sunnah. The Sahabah were companions of the Messenger (peace be upon him) and we are companions of his message. We hope that this podcast accompanies you on your journey to Allah through self-awareness and self-reflection. Tune in every Sunday for new weekly reminders that will awaken and empower you for the week ahead.
In this episode Maha reflects on how to get up after Ramadan and the importance of focusing on your relationship with Allah SWT.
🔴▶️ Live Recording: Maha reflects on the ending of Surah Al Zumar, the two groups and their destination; Jennah & Jahannum. This Ramadan prioritize the destination to bring meaning to your journey! Keep us in your duas!!
🔴▶️ In a live recording Alia El-Jamal discusses the blame game and ultimately who’s really responsible for where we end up.
Forgive and forget. A phrase we often hear and yet we pick and choose the circumstances we apply it to. In this live talk, Salsabeel Alsilwi (younger sister of our beloved Sarah) revisits the topic by sharing the story of two sahaba's who learned to heal their fragmented friendship.
Steal yourself. From your work, your school, and your family for your relationship with the deen. In the episode, Maha dives into the question of how to do so to prepare ourselves for Ramadan. 🔴▶️ Live recording from the 2024 MASNY Conference.
🔴▶️ Live Recording 🎙️Maha visits the topic of resilience in light of the Quran and Hadith. Providing practical tips on how to approach the Quran in a productive manner in Ramadan.
From the heart of Mecca, Maha shares a reminder on returning to Allah and racing to goodness.
Yalaytani. Oh I wish! I wish to go back and do things differently. This phrase reoccurs in 5 different scenes in the Quran as people express their regrets over the dunya and where they felt short. However, on that day, their duas will be left unanswered. In this talk from this years MAS NY Youth camp, Maha walks us through these 5 scenes and the lessons we can learn from them to set off the change within ourselves now and become winners on the Day of Judgment.
Sarah shares a few lines of poetry that demonstrate the special and private relationship you can attain with your Creator.
In this episode, Maha shares her thoughts on the importance of reflection and how it can increase contentment.
A move. A marriage. A new country. These are all things that can completely alter your lifestyle and perspective.
Almost two years ago, Sarah began this new chapter in her life. Today she shares some of the lessons she learned along the way.
As we enter the last 10 nights of Ramadan, Maha reminds us of the mercy Allah envelops us within in this life and the mercy He will shower on His believing slaves in the akhira.
This episode answers, how should we approach the Quran? How can we be successful in Ramadan with the Quran?
On the two year anniversary of the podcast, we reflect on the inception of Companions of the Message and the sisterhood this podcast stemmed from. Jazakum Allahu khairan for allowing us to be of benefit and for joining us on this journey.
This podcast started as a thought two years ago.
After months of brainstorming, recording, and editing, the idea morphed into Companions of the Message. But it first began with a thought. This episode delves into the power of positive thinking and how perspective and mindset can transform our life and materialize our aspirations.
Struggling to build consistency in worshiping Allah SWT? Tune in for thoughts and reflections on the topic of change and discipline.
This episode answers the question, how can we appropriately fear Allah? When we fear Allah we become fearless of this world.
How can I love for the sake of Allah? How can I get others to love me?
In this weeks episode, Maha delves into these questions and discusses how we can increase the love in our friendships.
In this episode, Maha discusses how we can seek Allah's help in continuing on this post-ramadan path.
In this episode Maha reflect on the purpose of Ramadan in our lives. She discusses ways to stay productive and to make the most of this blessed month. Please keep the team in your dua this Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak !
In this episode, Maha focuses on the importance of salah and how we can improve it to strengthen our relationship with Allah SWT.
In this episode Maha discusses the core of our distraction from our faith, always wanting more. The concept of gratitude is reemphasized along with how to earn Allah's promise of when He increases us in blessings. لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ
In this episode Maha discusses the value of time and the goals we need to work towards to achieve our ultimate goal, pleasing Allah SWT.
In this episode Maha discusses and reflects Surah Al Duha and how Allah reminds the Prophet SA and us all that He loves US.
In this episode Maha reflects on the many doors the Shaytaan uses to manifest his whispers into actions. While listening to the episode reflect on yourself and ask which door has become your weakness, which door do you need to be more on guard with.
In this detailed episode, Maha covers reasons why we gossip and ways to catch yourself from slipping into this deadly sin.
In this episode Maha reflects on the importance of being accountable and factors that deter us from our purpose.
In this episode Maha shares a spoken word reflecting on Dua, supplicating and asking of your Lord whatever it is your heart desires.
In this episode Salsabeel reflects on forgiveness in Islam, sharing ayahs from the Quran that reflect on Allah's forgiveness.
In this episode Maha discusses the lessons that led to the victory of Musa as over the Pharaoh.
Thursday Thoughts- In this episode Maha reflects on Musa (as) and Khidr's story in Surah Al Kahf. Listen in to hear gems of qadr/fate and how to manage our eman that is constantly fluctuating.
Thursday Thoughts- In this episode Maha reflects on the importance of Thul Hijjah and actions to focus on during these blessed 10 days.
In this episode Maha and Sarah reflect on how to spiritually prepare for Ramadan. Ramadan is the month of the Quran, so it's important that we give our energy and time to the book of Allah.
Thursday Thoughts- This is a reminder to not allow the shaytaan distract you in the month of Sha’ban. To turn you away from the remembrance of Allah right before the blessed month of Ramadan. "Successful is the one who purifies their soul" [91:9].
In this episode Maha and Sarah talk about sacrifice in Islam and Allah’s love for those who are patient. When you sacrifice for the sake of Allah, you are investing in yourself, you are choosing that which is eternal over that which is fleeting.
In this episode Sarah and Maha discuss the importance of seeking knowledge and the responsibility of every Muslim to be a student of knowledge. We highlight the life of Salman al Farsi who was known as the “Seeker of the Truth”
Thursday Thoughts- Today is the 27th day of Rajab, the day we celebrate and reflect the Night Journey of the Prophet as. Join Maha as she reflects on some lessons from this miraculous journey, Al Israa wel Me'raj.
This is the 2nd episode of the sahabah series where Maha and Sarah discuss the virtues of generosity and highlight Abu Bakr al Siddiq who was known for his generosity.
To kickstart our new series- Qualities of the Sahabah, Maha and Sarah focus on a quality beloved to Allah swt. In this episode they discussed modesty (in speech, dress, and character), and highlighted Othman Ibn Affan (ra) who was a Sahabi that even the Angels were shy from due to his modesty.
Thursday Thoughts- In this episode Sarah shares reflections and lessons from the second story in Surah al Kahf which discusses the fitnah of wealth.
In this episode Sarah and Maha discuss divorce and share advice given to them on moving forward with the companionship of Allah swt while reflecting on Surah Al Talaaq.
Thursday Thoughts- In this episode Maha discusses and reflects on the beautiful Names of Allah, Al Wahaab, Al Kareem, Al Shukur.
Thursday Thoughts- In this episode, Sarah talks about the reality that we waste a lot of time on things that are not benefitting us and not bringing us closer to Allah. She discusses why we waste so much time and how to better spend it.
The blog post mentioned in the episode:
https://www.safinasociety.org/post/no-friends-there-might-be-a-simple-reason
In this episode, Maha and Sarah talk about marriage with advice and tips shared by friends to maintain a healthy marriage.
Thursday Thoughts- In this episode Maha discusses and reflects on the beautiful Names of Allah Al-Halim, Al-Ghaffar, and Al-Hasib.
In this episode, Sarah and Maha talk about the engagement process, what to look for in a potential spouse and how to communicate those expectations. They share their personal opinions and the advice shared by friends and podcast listeners.
Thursday Thoughts- In this episode, Sarah reflects on the life of a sahabi named Abu Dhar al Ghafari who was an honest, curious, independent man loved by the Prophet (peace be upon him).
In this episode Sarah and Maha talk about Singleness and appreciating every phase of life without jumping to a specific mile stones or time. Often times, our fantasies of the future blind us from seeing the blessings sitting right in front of us.
Thursday Thoughts- In this episode Maha concludes the book "The Intelligent Heart, The Pure Heart" with what makes the heart unique. This chapter is filled with gems to reflect on so be sure to tune in.
In this episode Maha and Sarah discuss how our 5 Pillars of Islam are all we need to purify our soul. Although there are many ways to cleanse ourselves spiritually, the most beloved ways are the acts which have been made obligatory by Allah swt.
Thursday Thoughts- In this episode, Sarah talks about Duaa. Is Duaa second nature for you or is it your last resort?
Tuesday Thoughts- In this episode Maha discusses Chapter 2 of "The Intelligent Heart the Pure Heart". This chapter focuses on the intelligence of the heart and its relation to the brain.
In this episode, Maha and Sarah discuss the diseases of the heart and possible cures. These diseases get in the way of having a close relationship with Allah swt.
Thursday Thoughts- How is your relationship with the Quran? Do you feel like you're reading enough? In this episode, Sarah reflects on the importance of consistently reading and reflecting upon the Quran.
Tuesday Thoughts- In this episode we discuss three beautiful Names of Allah, Al Hakeem, Al Raqeeb, and Al Lateef. Tune in to prepare ourselves for Ramadan by building our relationship with Allah through studying His names and applying His attributes in our duas.
In this episode we talk about bringing ourselves to the remembrance of Allah regardless of how we’re feeling. If you feel like you’re dragging your feet to salah or to any spiritual tasks, Maha and Sarah reflect on solutions to that issue.
Thursday Thoughts- In this episode, Sarah talks about confidence and how confidence is an admirable quality in Islam. Humility is not the opposite of arrogance and a believer can be both humble and confident all at once.
Tuesday Thoughts- In this episode Maha introduces the book, The Intelligent Heart, The Pure Heart, An insight of the Heart based on the Qur'an, Sunnah, and Modern Science written by Dr. Gohar Mushtaq. After introducing the book we begin part one, the human heart based on the Quran and Hadith.
In our Tazkiya series, we focus less on our physical selves and more on what is within us and eternal, our souls. The purification of our souls begins with purifying our intentions so that everything we do is for the sake of Allah alone. In this episode we talk about sincerity and the weight that sincerity holds in Islam.
Thursday Thoughts- The hadith where the Prophet says that Allah tests those He loves, is sometimes misunderstood to mean that the state of a Muslim is one of hardship and sadness. In this episode, Sarah reflects on the love Allah has for His believers and that He intends ease for them, not hardship. Sadness can be a weapon of the Shaytaan because it can be crippling and exhausting, so as believers, we're encouraged to pray for happiness and ease.
Tuesday Thoughts will offer brief reminders and reflection alternating between topics. Join every Tuesday as we discuss the books The 99 Beautiful Names of Allah or The Intelligent Heart, The Pure Heart with Sr. Maha. In this episode we will introduce the theme of Allah's beautiful Names using Imam Al-Ghazali's book as a reference.
This is the last episode of our legacy theme. The most important version of ourselves is the person at home, behind closed doors. We talk about perfecting our character with the people closest to us as a true mark of ihsan (excellence).
In this episode, we discuss suppressing our ego to elevate ourselves spiritually. We build our legacies by first humbling ourselves before Allah (swt). Join us as we reflect how to manage and detect our ego. The ultimate goal is for Allah to raise us and not for the people to praise us.
In this episode, we reflect on the obstacles that arrive when trying to build a legacy. Our shortcomings, fears, and distractions can interfere in our journey to Allah swt. Everyone is fighting a battle within themselves when embarking on their spiritual journey, but in the end, those who hold firmly to the rope of Allah swt will attain His companionship. Only He can remove you from the depths of your darkness into light.
In this episode, we discuss the purpose of leaving a legacy. Every single person contributes to the world around them whether they are aware of it or not. As Muslims, that contribution should be grounded and centered around the pleasure of Allah (swt) regardless of whatever form it takes. Islam did not come with a uniform and honors your uniqueness, so be the best version of YOU while immersing yourself in the awareness and remembrance of God.