Note: The following are links to our recent presentation on different aspects of worship, with emphasis on the five daily prayers, for new Muslims.
The reasons behind the spiritual practices are explored. Click on the individual video descriptions to zoom in on particular topics discussed.
Inner and Outer dimensions of worship part 1
Part two with Q and A session
Friday, March 20, 2020
On the Wings of Angels: Reflections on Hadeeth Jibril
The following is a link to our March 2020 Hadeeth session, in which the famed narration known as "Hadeeth Jibril" is explored. The topics of Islam, Imaan (confidence), Ihsaan and the hour is explored.
There is also a robust Q and A.
On the Wings of Angels March 2020
There is also a robust Q and A.
On the Wings of Angels March 2020
Heading towards confidence (Imaan) in the age of Corona Virus (# Corona-19)
The following link is the Friday Khutbah given in Masjid Ibrahim, Las Vegas, NV. Note that the Khutbah was given to a limited audience, broadcast live from our Facebook page. The masjid has been closed to the public, as a means to limit the spread of the Corona Virus.
The entire Khutbah argues that this can be a blessing in disguise, that "Islam" should be the first step towards "Imaan", that connecting to loved ones and spiritual growth are now attainable goals.
Advice is also given after prayer, advice that is relevant for any audience.
The Masjid requires continous support, especially now in this time. We ask our readers for minimum pledge of $45/month. The Masjid still has needy community members to support, as well as its own expenses, which do not stop, even in this age. We accept donations at www.themasjidibrahim.com
May Allah protect all of mankind, and remove this affliction. May He bless and protect you. Ameen!
https://www.facebook.com/TheMasjidIbrahim/videos/496702621027006/
The entire Khutbah argues that this can be a blessing in disguise, that "Islam" should be the first step towards "Imaan", that connecting to loved ones and spiritual growth are now attainable goals.
Advice is also given after prayer, advice that is relevant for any audience.
The Masjid requires continous support, especially now in this time. We ask our readers for minimum pledge of $45/month. The Masjid still has needy community members to support, as well as its own expenses, which do not stop, even in this age. We accept donations at www.themasjidibrahim.com
May Allah protect all of mankind, and remove this affliction. May He bless and protect you. Ameen!
https://www.facebook.com/TheMasjidIbrahim/videos/496702621027006/
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Coffee and Converts
( Note: below you will find our recent presentation at "Coffee and Converts" program, held at Masjid Ibrahim Las Vegas. In it, we share thoughts on navigating the challenges, both from inside and outside Muslim circles, and developing a healthy Islamic foundation. A brief Q and A session follows. This video is highly recommended to all viewers, regardless of their backround.)
COFFEE AND CONVERTS
COFFEE AND CONVERTS
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
An Ear Of Benefit: thoughts on the role of faith in the modern world
Last week I received a telephone call at my office. The caller expressed their gratitude for "all the efforts" I did which- according to them- changed their life for the better. The sentiments expressed by the caller was obviously heart-felt, and influenced me to think about the countless times such sentiments have been expressed by those who have been positively impacted by us in one sense or another. On a personal level, there is undoubtedly a sense of gratification, a sense of accomplishment, that our efforts achieve positive results, but it also made me recall a rather profound, if undervalued, statement in the Qur'an.
The above is from Soorah 9:61, Abdullah Yusuf Ali translation. The Tafseer literature states that the hypocrites are those whom the Quranic verse above is mentioning, they used the expression "He is an ear" (Huwa Udhunun) to assert that Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ did not have the ability to distinguish between those who are telling the truth and those who are lying to him.(ft.1).
In other words, they saw him as naive, as-at best- a useful fool. The Prophet's congenial and helpful nature was well known, even by those who would become his foes. He was known as someone who was very honest and trustworthy (As Saadiq and Al Amin), and was involved in activities designed to take care of the downtrodden(ft.2).
To the assertion that he is naive , the Qur'an says "Say: He is an ear, an ear of benefit to you" (Qul:Udhunu khayril lakum). This is an extremly profound assertion. It is profound because it expresses the fact that there are people out there, blessed by God to function as blessings to others. Similarly, there are institutions out there, which function as a vehicle for the channeling of those blessings.
Long Term Benefit
People of faith want to be connected to those which will help them in developing their faith and to channel their positive impulses to that which is wholesome. Those who lack faith, or are simply oppurtunistic in nature, can only go after short term benefits, and only for selfish reasons. They cannot think in an alturistic manner. Such thinking is- according to the Qur'an, a consequence of having a diseased heart!
The nature of Prophet Muhammad is a nature that has so much love, goodness and mercy therein, even for those who may not necessarily agree with his prophetic claims, that the benefits from his teachings actually outlived him as a person.
I think the same thing can be said of other messengers of God, as well as Non Prophetic figures, men and women who have been blessed with so much internal goodness that it shines forth and benefits others long after the death of those initial personalities.
Conclusion
Strive to do what is right, avoid the company and influence of those who are insincere, have diseased hearts, whose baggage is extremly destructive, and BE the blessing. Allah will in turn bless you. The blessings will be passed around, benefitiing all they touch at some level.
Have faith in this path, have faith in the ONE who created all of us, try to be positive even in the midst of the temptations to give in to negative emotions and naysayer detractors, and take as a model of success the human model, universal messnger and seal of the Prophet, Muhammad ibn 'Abdullah, upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings.
Footnotes
[1] This explanation is given by Imam Ash-Shawkanee(d.1839 CE) in his Commentary Fat-h ul Qadeer. Similar explanations are found in other tafaseer as well.
[2] The Hilful Fudool is the association that is said to have been created after an internal conflict in Arabian society. It is said that the Prophet (before the Prophethood) was twenty years old when this association was created.
Among them are men who molest the Prophet and say, "He is (all) ear." Say, "He listens to what is best for you: he believes in Allah, has faith in the Believers, and is a Mercy to those of you who believe." But those who molest the Messenger will have a grievous penalty.
The above is from Soorah 9:61, Abdullah Yusuf Ali translation. The Tafseer literature states that the hypocrites are those whom the Quranic verse above is mentioning, they used the expression "He is an ear" (Huwa Udhunun) to assert that Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ did not have the ability to distinguish between those who are telling the truth and those who are lying to him.(ft.1).
In other words, they saw him as naive, as-at best- a useful fool. The Prophet's congenial and helpful nature was well known, even by those who would become his foes. He was known as someone who was very honest and trustworthy (As Saadiq and Al Amin), and was involved in activities designed to take care of the downtrodden(ft.2).
To the assertion that he is naive , the Qur'an says "Say: He is an ear, an ear of benefit to you" (Qul:Udhunu khayril lakum). This is an extremly profound assertion. It is profound because it expresses the fact that there are people out there, blessed by God to function as blessings to others. Similarly, there are institutions out there, which function as a vehicle for the channeling of those blessings.
Long Term Benefit
People of faith want to be connected to those which will help them in developing their faith and to channel their positive impulses to that which is wholesome. Those who lack faith, or are simply oppurtunistic in nature, can only go after short term benefits, and only for selfish reasons. They cannot think in an alturistic manner. Such thinking is- according to the Qur'an, a consequence of having a diseased heart!
The nature of Prophet Muhammad is a nature that has so much love, goodness and mercy therein, even for those who may not necessarily agree with his prophetic claims, that the benefits from his teachings actually outlived him as a person.
I think the same thing can be said of other messengers of God, as well as Non Prophetic figures, men and women who have been blessed with so much internal goodness that it shines forth and benefits others long after the death of those initial personalities.
Conclusion
Strive to do what is right, avoid the company and influence of those who are insincere, have diseased hearts, whose baggage is extremly destructive, and BE the blessing. Allah will in turn bless you. The blessings will be passed around, benefitiing all they touch at some level.
Have faith in this path, have faith in the ONE who created all of us, try to be positive even in the midst of the temptations to give in to negative emotions and naysayer detractors, and take as a model of success the human model, universal messnger and seal of the Prophet, Muhammad ibn 'Abdullah, upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings.
Footnotes
[1] This explanation is given by Imam Ash-Shawkanee(d.1839 CE) in his Commentary Fat-h ul Qadeer. Similar explanations are found in other tafaseer as well.
[2] The Hilful Fudool is the association that is said to have been created after an internal conflict in Arabian society. It is said that the Prophet (before the Prophethood) was twenty years old when this association was created.
Monday, November 18, 2019
Methods And Goals Of Contemplative Practices In My Faith (Panel Discussion )
(The following is an edited version of my presentation for the 2019 Interfaith Forums, organized by the Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada, held November 10th, 2019 at Masjid Ibrahim.)
Introduction
The Qur'an tells us "Indeed, prayer restrains from immorality and repugnant actions" ( Q 29:45). The word translated as "prayer" is "Salaah". In our faith, it is observed at least five times daily, during specific times of the day. The Salaah ritual has therein recitation of Quranic texts, bowing and prostration. God does NOT need that we do this, or any other act of worship, rather, it is we who need it.
The Salaah ritual is regulated, offered in a particular fashion, and is deemed a religious obligation. The spiritual and physical benefits of Salaah have been widely recognized. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identified it as the main exercise which distinguished between faith and lack of faith.
The Qur'an reminds us that there will be a time in which we are held accountable before God, and the salaah essentially reminds us of that, therefore it becomes important to do as much positive works as we can. Thus, the Qur'an connects the ritual of salaah to the giving of a portion of one's wealth to the benefit of worthy causes, such as uplifting the poor. Similarly, the Qur'an expresses criticism of those who do ritual worship, yet are neglectful of needy human beings.
Dhikr- The remembrance of God
Another ritual act done is known as dhikr! Traditionally, this includes the recitation of God's names, formulas of praise and glorification. As a ritual, it is not deemed in an obligatory sense- the important exercise is the mental one here. The Qur'an says "The remembrance of God is the greatest (source of inspiration and power)" .
Dhikr as a ritual often takes place after the Salaah, and can be offered at any time without any preconditions. If we engage in this act (be it in a ritual or non ritual fashion)- it helps us to internalize the very hopes we seek from God. In other words, if we invoke and recall God as The Ever-Forgiving (Al-Ghaffar), forgiveness should become a part of our character as well.
Miracles
The actions of Salaah and dhikr produce a sort of barrier against mental and spiritual attacks, and is the main ways by which we connect ourselves to the Almighty.
With that said, what is perhaps most curious on this point is that miracles and mystical experiences are NOT the goals of these actions! THIS does not negate that miracles can take place, and that people can experience mystical moments, yet the fact of the matter is is that such things are subjective and ultimately do not provide any evidence beyond an individual level.
This is illustrated in the experiences of the 12th century figure, Shaikh Abdul-Qaadir Al-Jilani. Once while he was praying, a voice comes to him, saying "I am your Lord". The Shaikh replies "Are you God?" After repeated questioning, this voice says "I am making lawful for you what I made unlawful for others". The Shaikh replied "You are Satan, because I know God would not make lawful for me what He has made unlawful for others".
Miracles are not what we need, because they can themselves be misleading. What we need is the inspiration derived from worship to be able to recognize truth and produce in this world, that is the formula for success in this life, with springs to enjoy in the life to come.
Introduction
The Qur'an tells us "Indeed, prayer restrains from immorality and repugnant actions" ( Q 29:45). The word translated as "prayer" is "Salaah". In our faith, it is observed at least five times daily, during specific times of the day. The Salaah ritual has therein recitation of Quranic texts, bowing and prostration. God does NOT need that we do this, or any other act of worship, rather, it is we who need it.
The Salaah ritual is regulated, offered in a particular fashion, and is deemed a religious obligation. The spiritual and physical benefits of Salaah have been widely recognized. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) identified it as the main exercise which distinguished between faith and lack of faith.
The Qur'an reminds us that there will be a time in which we are held accountable before God, and the salaah essentially reminds us of that, therefore it becomes important to do as much positive works as we can. Thus, the Qur'an connects the ritual of salaah to the giving of a portion of one's wealth to the benefit of worthy causes, such as uplifting the poor. Similarly, the Qur'an expresses criticism of those who do ritual worship, yet are neglectful of needy human beings.
Dhikr- The remembrance of God
Another ritual act done is known as dhikr! Traditionally, this includes the recitation of God's names, formulas of praise and glorification. As a ritual, it is not deemed in an obligatory sense- the important exercise is the mental one here. The Qur'an says "The remembrance of God is the greatest (source of inspiration and power)" .
Dhikr as a ritual often takes place after the Salaah, and can be offered at any time without any preconditions. If we engage in this act (be it in a ritual or non ritual fashion)- it helps us to internalize the very hopes we seek from God. In other words, if we invoke and recall God as The Ever-Forgiving (Al-Ghaffar), forgiveness should become a part of our character as well.
Miracles
The actions of Salaah and dhikr produce a sort of barrier against mental and spiritual attacks, and is the main ways by which we connect ourselves to the Almighty.
With that said, what is perhaps most curious on this point is that miracles and mystical experiences are NOT the goals of these actions! THIS does not negate that miracles can take place, and that people can experience mystical moments, yet the fact of the matter is is that such things are subjective and ultimately do not provide any evidence beyond an individual level.
This is illustrated in the experiences of the 12th century figure, Shaikh Abdul-Qaadir Al-Jilani. Once while he was praying, a voice comes to him, saying "I am your Lord". The Shaikh replies "Are you God?" After repeated questioning, this voice says "I am making lawful for you what I made unlawful for others". The Shaikh replied "You are Satan, because I know God would not make lawful for me what He has made unlawful for others".
Miracles are not what we need, because they can themselves be misleading. What we need is the inspiration derived from worship to be able to recognize truth and produce in this world, that is the formula for success in this life, with springs to enjoy in the life to come.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Quranic Insights: Roadmap for a Better Life
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