This is a Level One course based on the amazing work of Imam ‘Abdullah bin ‘Alawi al-Haddad titled Lives of Man. Imam Haddad was a late 17th, early 18th-century scholar and sage from the city of Tarim, in the Hadramawt valley of South Yemen. The text answers two existential and essential questions that every Human asks themselves at some point in their life, ‘Where did I come from?’ and ‘Where am I going?’
Every Muslim, young or old, should take this course for without answers to these fundamental questions to life, one will be hindered in the pursuit and attainment of life’s purpose. Knowing the ‘Why’ makes accomplishing the ‘What’ easier and more worthwhile. All this in hopes to achieve the ultimate success of Allah’s sweet eternal contentment and nearness.
This class touches on and clarifies important issues relating to the Muslim’s beliefs. Furthermore, it contains great knowledge pertinent to one’s spiritual journey in seeking nearness to Allah Most High. For this reason, beginning students, alongside intermediate and advanced students should have a study of this amazing work. That said, it fits nicely in the learning objectives of each level of study.
We hope to accomplish a fundamental knowledge of the five stages that humans pass through from the beginning of their existence as souls not yet embodied up till they are situated in one of the two final abodes: Paradise or Hell-Fire. Additionally, we will seek to clarify what the Human must do in order to prepare for death and achieve the greatest success in this world and those to come. And only from Allah is the ultimate success.
- Teacher: Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Of all of his amazing works, Imam Haddad’s Lives of Man is unique and essential to the core realities of what it means to be Human. The text explains the five lives that each human passes through since the initiation of their existence:
• The Pre-Worldly Life
• The Worldly Life
• The Intermediary Life
• The Life of Judgment Day
• The Life of the Eternal Abode.
Imam Haddad ingeniously explains each life and what the human is to do in order to attain ultimate success in the worldly life and those to come. Lastly, this book adds a beautiful benefit to the already beneficial curriculum.
- This course is for people aged 15 - 80.
- It is particularly beneficial for adults.
- It is a Level One course. There are no prerequisite requirements.
- This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in knowing more about Islamic beliefs, or spirituality.
- Understand, articulate and apply realities core to their purpose in life.
- Apply these principles in their lives going forward, in their outlook, their goals, and their choices.
We often focus on the worship and duties of Ramadan, but do we draw on the wisdom of the prophetic etiquettes also to help improve ourselves and be better to Allah and those around us? Through this course, you will learn how a Muslim should be with himself, his spouse, family, neighbors, fellow Muslims, society at large, and finally, how a Muslim should be with Allah throughout the day in His remembrance.
Shaykh Misra will explain Hadiths from "Al-Adab al-Mufrad," one of Imam Bukhari’s smaller but valuable hadith compilations on etiquettes and virtues.
Al-Adab al-Mufrad (The Stand-Alone Book on Prophetic Etiquettes) covers many different chapters of etiquettes, from kindness to parents, to good relations with neighbors and others, and more. We utilize the very useful modern abridgment of the work called Adab al-Salikin by Shaykh Muhammad Muwaffaq al-Murabi’ of Syria, who removed the longer chains of narration and more to make the reading of the book more accessible for the seeker of knowledge.
This text focuses on various areas where Muslims can be more mindful of their interactions and behavior, such as with their parents, children, relatives, neighbors, orphans, vulnerable people, and other community members. The text brings to light different character traits and provides many points of knowledge to help improve ourselves as God-conscious believers.
This text is essential because even a learned and practicing Muslim does not seem complete and balanced in his religion without etiquette. From the compiler of the Sahih, this is a clear indication that outwardly following hadiths also entails following the character and manners of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace).
- General audiences
- Muslims interested in Hadith sciences, character development, and prophetic example
- Know some of the prophetic etiquettes through the hadith
- Use the wisdom of these etiquettes in Ramadan to apply to daily life
- Uplift and improve our outlook, character and behavior
- Balance the outward and inward aspects of Ramadan
- See the acts of worship in their personal and societal contexts
- See how the Companions also saw etiquettes and their place in Islam.
This course looks at a manual of spiritual counsels, The Firm Grasp (al-‘Urwa al-Wathiqa) by Imam Bahraq. This is a beautiful poem in 44 lines on the path of turning to Allah, living with mindfulness of Allah (taqwa), and beautifying one’s heart–by ridding oneself of blameworthy character traits, and acquiring praiseworthy traits of character.
Widely considered one of the most beneficial spiritual counsels, especially in the Hadhrami tradition, this text is truly a means of making one’s heart “A Beautiful Garden” (al-Hadiqa al-Nadiyya), which is what the author himself named his commentary.
Shaykh Faraz covers the poem, explaining its key lessons from the author’s commentary—which dips into the oceans of wisdom in the Islamic tradition, from Imam Ghazali, Imam Nawawi, and many others—and contextualizes this guidance to our times, so that we can bring these wisdoms into our lives.
The purpose of this course is to give us both the reminders and practical tools to consistently and systematically turn our hearts and lives to Allah Most High.
As one of the great giants of Hadhrami scholarship, Habib Ahmad ibn ‘Umar ibn Sumayt said, “The Garden of Bahraq is a gift from Allah Most High to the Muslims. I wish for it to be in every home; and that every heart memorize it—because it is a pure call to Allah Most High. It is the essence of the essence, and truly worthy of reliance.”
The Firm Grasp (al-‘Urwa al-Wathiqa) is a beautiful poem of spiritual counsel in 44 lines on the path of turning to Allah, living with mindfulness of Allah (taqwa), and beautifying one’s heart—by ridding oneself of blameworthy character traits, and acquiring praiseworthy traits of character.
Widely considered one of the most beneficial spiritual counsels, especially in the Hadhrami tradition, this text is truly a means of making one’s heart “A Beautiful Garden” (al-Hadiqa al-Nadiyya), which is what the author himself named his commentary.
Imam Bahraq himself explains that, “Given that religion itself is sincere counsel… I saw it from sincere counsel to capture the hearts of noble folk… by authoring a poem unique in nature; singular and distinct; small yet great; little but full—containing within it the fundamental principles of spiritual wisdom and teachings; pointing to the core Prophetic hadiths around which faith (iman) and submission (islam) revolve…”
Imam Bahraq begins with a chapter on admonition on the need to have urgency to turn to Allah Most High, and the counsel to embrace mindfulness (taqwa). Then, he has ten chapters: each chapter has the number of counsels corresponding to the chapter number. (This is why some have referred to this as the Book of Numbers.) Finally, he closes with a closing call to uphold the teachings contained in the work.
- This course is for all ages
- It is particularly beneficial for those seeking to gain a deeper understanding of how to reconnect to Allah; to reawaken their religious practice in a rich and beautiful manner, and those seeking to purify their heart and character.
- It is a general-level spirituality course.
- This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in cultivating their relationship with Allah.
- Understand the urgency of turning to Allah in life.
- Understand the centrality of mindfulness of Allah (taqwa), and of the purification of the heart.
- Appreciate how mindfulness of Allah is cultivated
- Appreciate how purification of the heart is attained through ridding oneself of the blameworthy traits of the heart, and acquiring the praiseworthy traits
- Understand how to uphold key routines and habits from Prophetic teachings to strengthen one’s faith, love of Allah, and one’s spiritual resolve
- Acquire a ‘spiritual toolkit’ to be able to make better life choices, to establish consistent habits, and to increase in consciousness and mindfulness of Allah.
Every day in Ramadan, we will go through a verse from the Quran that you read in your daily recitation or you will hear in Tarawih prayer. These selected verses address the most critical issues of belief. They clear our doubts, increase our faith and revive our spirit. By the end of this series, you will know thirty verses from each chapter of the Quran that cover the most essential topics of belief and you will understand how it relates to contemporary challenges.
- Suitable for all.
- All Muslims from all walks of life.
- There are no necessary prerequisites.
- Tafsir, Belief, Theology, Quran, Contemporary Challenges, Modern Doubts, Meanings of the Quran
- Understand thirty verses from the Holy Quran related to Iman (Faith).
- Familiarize themselves with the interpretation of verses related to belief and theological issues.
- Comprehend the essential role of the Quran for Muslim’s creed and Islamic theology.
- Grasp the critical role of the Qur’anic interpretation to matters of creed and theology.
- Taste the meanings of the verses of the Quran as they related to matters of belief.
This is a general reminder series in Ramadan. It will improve your understanding of Ramadan and the higher aims of fasting and reflection. It addresses many issues related to social life, beliefs, spiritual remedies, and practical solutions to many Muslims' problems. The higher objective of this course is to inspire you to learn and aspire for spiritual heights. Take this course to understand how to be a better Muslim. You will learn to balance faith with practice, spirituality to theology, and relevant connections.
- General audience
- New Muslims
- Youth
- Learn the deeper meanings of fasting in Islam
- Delve deep into the spiritual teachings of Islam
- Connect at a deeper meaning to the Quran
- Establish a good practice of worship, reflection and learning
- Become inspired to ascend in your practice of Islam
- Be moved to hear noble reminders that move the heart into action