This beneficial General-level course covers hadiths that soften the heart from primary hadith collections. These include Bukhari, Muslim, Nasai, Ibn Hibban, Hakim, Darimi and Baghawi.
These primary source texts are the closest records we have that are authentically linked back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). This course is unique in its approach as it analyzes how each scholar selected the hadiths which in their estimation serve to soften the heart best. Often, we explore one chapter in one collection of hadith or even read an entire collection, but we rarely explore the same chapter and topic across various collections to see what each hadith scholar chose for that topic. The benefit in this is that we are exposed to a greater variety of hadiths that aim to soften the heart and benefit from the choice and order of the compiler.
By reading these hadiths, we intend to implement the lessons of the hadiths to help in changing our attitude and outlook towards the world and to remove heedlessness. We hope they serve to soften our hearts and bring about a state of receptiveness to truth and the Divine reality. We hope to lift our gazes towards our inevitable passing and the everlasting Hereafter and allow that to condition how we interact and behave in this worldly life with ourselves and others, and most importantly, with Allah Himself.
- Teacher: Shaykh Abdullah Anik Misra
First, we will be exploring the Chapter of the Heart Softeners in the renowned Sahih Bukhari. It is by far the most famous of the hadith collections and is often called the most authentic. Imam Bukhari lists 182 hadiths in this chapter. Some of the subjects covered are the reality of this temporary world, the reality of wealth, the virtues of the poor, the lifestyle of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the need for moderation, hope and fear, reliance, patience, prohibited speech, guarding the tongue, crying out of fear of Allah, leaving sins, Hellfire and desires, the nature of actions, ostentation and humility, repentance before death, meeting Allah, the horrors of the Hereafter and Judgement, and the people of Paradise.
- This course is for all ages.
- It is particularly beneficial for working people and students who are too busy to take courses but want to feel the spirituality and connection through Islamic sciences, as well as those who thrive on hearing the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
- This course can also be taken by anyone interested in learning how to disconnect from worldliness amidst the hustle and bustle of life and soften the heart to get closer to Allah Most High.
- It is a General Level course. There are no prerequisites required to successfully complete this course.
- Gain an introduction to the genre of hadith collections.
- Understand how hadith commentaries work on multiple levels.
- Familiarizing oneself with hadith in general.
- Learn hadiths that soften the heart.
- Realize the ephemeral nature of the world.
- Implement the changes in one’s character and spiritual outlook.
