On-Demand Courses

Instructor: Habib Muhammad al-Saqqaf

Course Overview

This course covers the science of Shama’il, or the description of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) based on the famous hadith by Hind ibn Abi Hala.

This hadith was narrated by Hind ibn Abi Hala, who was the stepson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He was a master of the Arabic language and was extremely skilled at describing people. Furthermore, having been raised in the house of the Prophet, his hadith conveys a lot of love for him.

There are many benefits of studying the Shama’il, gathering to remember the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and reciting his life story. Firstly, it increases our love for him, which is the greatest cause for attaining perfection of faith. Secondly, knowing more about his life helps us understand his biography. Thirdly, we are able to call to mind his image when he is mentioned, which is the greatest way to see him.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the physical appearance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

• Describe his speech and communication style.

• Describe his good manners with people.

• Increase in love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and closeness to him.

Instructor: Ustadh Amjad Tarsin

Course Overview

We all have a responsibility to convey the message to those around us, particularly in times of confusion. Take this course to learn about the importance of Da’wa, who is responsible for engaging in it, the revival of the religion, some misconceptions that can ail the person calling to God, and the spiritual courtesies of Da’wa. This is an essential course for the student of knowledge seeking to carry the Prophetic banner of inviting humanity to their Lord.

Course Outline

• The importance of Da’wa, intentions, and purpose

• The categories of people in need of Da'wa

• The dangers of withholding knowledge

• Scholarship, acting on one's knowledge, and the true heirs of the prophets, peace be upon them

• How religion is revived

• How scholars are deluded

• The dangers of ignorance

• Sincerity, action, facing harm and rejection

• How to correct people of oppression

Course Requirements

• It would be helpful for students to obtain the course text: Dawat at-Tamma by Imam Haddad.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the difference between theoretical knowledge and beneficial knowledge

• Appreciate the relationship between sacred knowledge and da'wa

• Understand what makes someone an effective caller to Allah Most High

About The Instructor

Amjad Tarsin was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies.

After completing his BA, Amjad spent an intensive year studying at the illustrious Dar al-Mustafa for Islamic Sciences in Tarim, Yemen. He then enrolled at Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy program where he completed his Master’s Degree.

He previously served as the Executive Director and Head Chaplain of the Muslim Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto, becoming Canada’s first full-time Muslim Chaplain at a university in September 2012. In addition to his administrative duties and leadership responsibilities, he counseled and taught students.

Ustadh Amjad currently is a faculty member at Al-Maqasid, and he also teaches for SeekersGuidance Online Islamic Seminary.

He currently lives outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

Instructor: Ustadh Amjad Tarsin

Course Overview

New to Islam? Or just looking to brush up on the basics? This course features an explanation of the clearest, concise and comprehensive introduction to Islam in print, Being Muslim, by Ustadh Asad Tarsin. The course is designed to include what every Muslim should know as well as those things that are essential to a proper understanding of the overall vision and spirit of Islam.

Course Outline

•    The Qur’an, human creation, and the Hadith of Gabriel

•    The 6 Pillars of Belief, God, His Attributes and the 99 Names

•    Angels, Scriptures, and Messengers

•    Life and death, the life of the grave, Judgment and the Hereafter

•    The five pillars of Islam and maxims of the Sharia •    Moral responsibility, reward and sin, and the prayer

•    Fastping and Ramadan, Zakat and the Hajj

•    Spirituality, the nafs, the soul and the path to purification

•    Destructive vices, saving virtues and the purified soul

•    The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, his life, example of servitude, and his character

•    The Arabic Qur’an, its themes, compilation and preservation

•    Islam Today: Islam and Muslims, Sunnis and Shia, Extremism

Learning Outcomes:

• What do Muslims believe?

• How do Muslims worship?

• What is Islamic spirituality?

• What is the Shari`ah?

• What is the Qur'an?

• What does it mean to be a Muslim today

About the Course Text

This course is based on the most clear, concise and comprehensive introduction to Islam in print: Being Muslim, by Ustadh Asad Tarsin. This course features an explanation of the book by the author himself. Being Muslim presents content that is both reliable—rooted in Islamic scholarship—and not obscured in jargon and difficult terminology. Using the Hadith of Gabriel as a basic framework. It covers the basics of Islamic belief, essentials of worship, spiritual refinement, a brief examination of the life of the Prophet Muhammad, an introduction to the Qur’an, and guidelines for living an Islamically ethical lifestyle.

About The Instructor

Amjad Tarsin was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He obtained his Bachelors of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies.

After completing his BA, Amjad spent an intensive year studying at the illustrious Dar al-Mustafa for Islamic Sciences in Tarim, Yemen. He then enrolled at Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy program where he completed his Master’s Degree.

He previously served as the Executive Director and Head Chaplain of the Muslim Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto, becoming Canada’s first full-time Muslim Chaplain at a university in September 2012. In addition to his administrative duties and leadership responsibilities, he counselled and taught students.

Ustadh Amjad currently is a faculty member at Al-Maqasid, and he also teaches for SeekersGuidance Online Islamic Seminary.

He currently lives outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

Instructors: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Ustadha Shireen Ahmed

Course Overview

Raising righteous Muslim children is a noble and tremendous undertaking. In this course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Ustadha Shireen Ahmed offer valuable advice and parenting tips to parents and carers.

This course is based on the Prophetic example and two unique texts: Manzumat Riyadat al-Sibyan (A Treatise on Raising Children), a classical poem on parenting written 500 years ago by one of the leading authorities of the Shafi`i School, Imam Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Ramli, and its commentary Simt al-Uqyan (A Thread of Pure Gold) authored by the Yemeni scholar Shaykh Abdullah ibn Ahmad Ba Sawdan.

The course covers how to inculcate Islamic manners in children; how to provide them Islamic education; how to raise a child who loves Allah and the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him); how to protect children from negative influences; and how to discipline children when necessary. Taking this course will equip parents and carers with the tools necessary for raising righteous children in today's age.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to inculcate Islamic manners and Prophetic character in children.

• Learn how to provide children with sound Islamic education.

• Learn how to raise a spiritual child who loves Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

• Understand how to protect children from negative influences.

• Learn how to discipline children when necessary.

About the Course Text

This course will offer parents and guardians parenting advice based on the Book and the Prophetic example. It is based on two unique texts: Manzumat Riyadat al-Sibyan (A Treatise on Raising Children), a classical poem on parenting written 500 years ago by one of the leading authorities of the Shafi’ī School, Imam Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Ramli, and its commentary Simt al-’Uqyan (A Thread of Pure Gold) authored by the Yemeni scholar Shaykh ‘Abdullah ibn Ahmad Ba Sawdan

About The Instructors:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Ustadha Shireen Ahmed is an experienced teacher, educator, and mentor, specializing in marriage, parenting, and character development. Born and raised in Canada, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. Thereafter, she traveled to Syria, studying Arabic and sacred knowledge at the University of Damascus and Abu Nour Institute. She took private classes in Qur’anic recitation, Prophetic traditions, sacred law, and Prophetic biography. After ten years abroad, she returned to Toronto, Canada. She currently serves as Managing Director of SeekersGuidance Canada, where she draws from years of experience as a community leader and activist

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Shaykh Yahya Rhodus & Ustadh Amjad Tarsin

Course Overview

All Muslims have the responsibility of having principled engagement with those around them. We should do everything solely for the sake of Allah, repress our anger towards those who wrong us, and show excellence to them. We are obligated to be content with everything because it is from Allah. We should avoid worry because it leads to anger. Instead, we should show concern about what should be done to deal with a problem. Our faith transforms us from having an animal nature to being a human being with traits resembling those of the angels. In particular, we should show mercy to others. We must be patient, forbearing, and humble, and pray for the wrongdoers. We must be people of deliberation and avoid haste because it is from the shaytan. We must seek out righteous people and be in their company. We must be people of God-consciousness, seeking to always do what is best. Allah Most High, says that evil and good are not equal. If someone is bad to you, treat them as if they’re beloved to you. But Allah says that no one can attain this except one to whom He gives a great portion.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the responsibility of Muslims to have principled engagement with the people around them.

• Assess the human problem of anger.

• Learn how to keep calm as a community.

• Realize the duty of every individual to serve creation.

• Explain the traits of believers in the face of challenges.

• Learn how to respond to the troubles of the time.

• Implement the sunna of deliberation and consideration.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He embraced Islam at the age of 19 in Santa Clara, California, where he began his study of Islam with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and visiting Mauritanian scholars. In 1998, Shaykh Yahya traveled to Mauritania to pursue a full-time course of study, where he learned from some of Mauritania’s greatest scholars, including the distinguished, Murabit al-Hajj. He also spent an interim period in Damascus, Syria where he received formal education in the Arabic language, grammar, and Qur’anic recitation. In 2000, Shaykh Yahya moved to Tarim, Yemen to continue his studies at the prestigious learning institute, Dar al-Mustafa. There, he spent his formative years studying foundational Islamic sciences with Habib ‘Umar bin Hafiz, Habib ‘Ali al-Jifri, and other scholars of Tarim. The scholars of Tarim are heirs of the spiritual way of Imam al-Ghazali as taught by the great sage of Arabia, Imam Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad. At the hands of these scholars, Shaykh Yahya has studied and applied the book that he teaches in this course.

Amjad Tarsin was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies.

After completing his BA, Amjad spent an intensive year studying at the illustrious Dar al-Mustafa for Islamic Sciences in Tarim, Yemen. He then enrolled at Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy program where he completed his Master’s Degree.

He previously served as the Executive Director and Head Chaplain of the Muslim Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto, becoming Canada’s first full-time Muslim Chaplain at a university in September 2012. In addition to his administrative duties and leadership responsibilities, he counseled and taught students.

Ustadh Amjad currently is a faculty member at Al-Maqasid, and he also teaches for SeekersGuidance Online Islamic Seminary.

He currently lives outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

Instructor: Dr. Mohammed Abubakr Abdullah Badhib

Course Overview

“If you did not sin Allah would have got rid of you and created people who sinned and then asked Allah for forgiveness, and then forgiven them.” (Muslim)

As humans, we are prone to mistakes. Allah, out of His pure generosity, has given us the means to benefit even after we sin: asking for forgiveness.

If we ask with sincerity Allah forgives our sins no matter how great or how many they are. But not all words of asking for forgiveness are equal. The Messenger of Allah taught us the foremost formula of asking Allah for forgiveness. Within it is a recognition of Allah’s power, mercy, the primordial pledge, a recognition of His blessings, one’s faults, and that none can actually forgive except Allah.

In this series, Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib explains this beautiful supplication of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and the topic of asking for forgiveness as a whole. The lessons are based on the book The Healing of Hearts and Eyesight in the Exposition of the Knowledges Contained in The Foremost Formula of Seeking Forgiveness, by Imam Ahmad ibn Zayn al-Habashi, which Shaykh Muhammad has produced a critical edition of.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Realize the mercy of Allah and increase in reverent awe towards Him.

• Memorize the foremost formula for seeking forgiveness.

• Understand the meanings and significance of the words of Sayyid al-istighfar.

About The Instructor:

Dr. Mohammed Abubakr Abdullah Badhib was born in 1976 in Shibam Hadramawt, Yemen.

He has gained many qualifications, including a Certificate in memorizing the Holy Quran, numerous Ijazat in Hadith. Dr. Muhammad has also completed Graduate Studies at Al Ahqaf University, Faculty of Sharia and Law, Beirut Islamic University, Faculty of Islamic Studies, 2008 and Aligarh Muslim University, Faculty of Theology, 2013.

Author and editor of more than 70 books in theology, Islamic Fiqh, Islamic history, Arabic literature, Arabic poetry, and others.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Shaykh Ahmad Saad

Course Overview

“My brother – you’ll not attain true knowledge except through six things. I shall tell you about them in detail. Intelligence, a burning desire, poverty, a humbled self, the instruction of a skilled teacher, and the passage of a long time.”– Imam Juwayni.

These lines summarize the advice of one of the great scholars of Islam to students of knowledge. It has been a tradition of scholars to not only teach students what to learn but how to learn.

Some matters remain the same for any seeker of knowledge, such as the central importance of proper conduct and respect. Others may change in different times and places, such as managing part-time studies, work, and family duties.

Join Shaykh Ahmad Saad al-Azhari and Shaykh Faraz Rabbani as they beautifully explain the proper mindset, internal state, and outward manners required by the student, as well as how to avoid common pitfalls. Starting with humility to the teacher and to the approach of study, this course links the inward, outward, and practical aspects needed to make seeking sacred knowledge the noble act of worship it is.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Learn the proper manners of seeking knowledge.

• Realize the importance of humility to the teacher and to the approach of study.

• Understand how to beautify their internal state in order to gain beneficial knowledge.

• Avoid common pitfalls in seeking knowledge.

• Transform their seeking of knowledge into the noble act of worship it is.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Whether you’re alone in a car, in the middle of a crowd, throughout the day, as the sun sets, and in the solitary depths of night, Allah is always close. Realizing this can bring much-needed solace in the darkest hours of need, and it can bring new to life the celebrations of His favors.

Knowing that Allah is close, listening when one calls on Him, is what fills a believer with hope, courage, strength, patience, longing, and love. Facing any challenge is made much easier knowing that He is with you. In fact, a constant awareness of Him is the very perfection of faith according to the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace.

In this course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani guides us through the concept of Allah’s closeness, and how it can be used to enrich one’s practice of the religion and one’s relationship with Him.

Drawing on Qurʾanic verses, prophetic hadiths, and the aphorisms of some of the greatest saints of the Muslims – such as Shaykh Ahmad ibn Ataʾillah al-Sakandari, and Shaykh Shuʿayb Abu Madyan – it aims to furnish us with the means of realizing what Allah’s closeness means.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Increase in love and closeness to Allah.

• Acquire a constant awareness of Allah.

• Gain hope, courage, and strength to face the challenges of life knowing that Allah is close.

• Renew one’s faith through Quranic verses, hadiths, and aphorisms of saints.

• Find solace in the nearness of Allah.

About The Instructors:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructors: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Shaykh Walead Mosaad & Ustadha Shireen Ahmed

Course Overview

Shaykh Faraz explains the parenting duty in light of the aspects of tarbiya (taking the child, stage by stage, to his/her ultimate fruition), ta’deeb (instilling discipline/adab) and ta‘leem (facilitating knowledge). Parents must instill in their children love of Allah, of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), of his family, and the Holy Qur’an. They should also instill the daily sunnas and the prophetic virtues. Shaykh Faraz advises parents to attach their children to religion, and to keep them away from bad company.

Ustadha Shireen argues that a good murabbi (one who takes the child from stage to stage, to his/her ultimate fruition) must rectify their own spiritual shortcomings. They must seek knowledge and exemplify the prophetic sunna, because their children will emulate them. Spouses should respect and have good manners with one another, and learn from each other’s experiences of being raised in different ways. The mother is particularly important, as she sets the atmosphere in the home.

Shaykh Walead explains the nature/nurture debate. He says the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gave the most weight to nurture, saying children are born in a state of fitra (natural instinct), and parents make them Jewish, Christian, or Magian. He argues that children today have conflicting environments: an Islamic one in the home and an ego-driven one shaped by the global monoculture. He emphasizes the importance of building the Muslim community and defying the surrounding lifestyle.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand how to raise righteous children.

• Model prophetic manners themselves so that children can emulate them.

• Understand the importance of seeking knowledge to rectify their shortcomings.

• Realize how to nurture children in order to build a stronger Muslim community.

About The Instructors:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Walead Mohammed Mosaad is a teacher and researcher of the Islamic sciences. He is the Director of Muslim Student Life at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and an adjunct professor of Ethics in the philosophy department at the same university.

He has completed degrees from Rutgers University, the Fath Islamic Seminary in Damascus, al-Azhar University in Cairo, the University of Liverpool, and a PhD in Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter in the UK.

He has lectured on various topics of interest, including Muslims as minorities, interfaith understanding, and the importance of purification and spirituality in addressing the human condition.

Ustadha Shireen Ahmed is an experienced teacher, educator, and mentor, specializing in marriage, parenting, and character development. Born and raised in Canada, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. Thereafter, she traveled to Syria, studying Arabic and sacred knowledge at the University of Damascus and Abu Nour Institute. She took private classes in Qur’anic recitation, Prophetic traditions, sacred law, and Prophetic biography. After ten years abroad, she returned to Toronto, Canada. She currently serves as Managing Director of SeekersGuidance Canada, where she draws from years of experience as a community leader and activist.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Allah created spouses for us as a means of emotional fulfillment. He places between the couple deep, loving concern, and a bond of love which is shown through acts of kindness.

However, this can be elevated beyond physical and emotional interactions and turned into an act of worship that refines the soul too. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Ustadha Shireen Ahmed explain in this course how one can make marriage the locus where the higher moral teachings of Islam are manifested.

Amongst the matters discussed are the purpose of marriage; what to look for in a potential spouse; the Qurʾanic bond; how to manifest good character to each other, and much more.

This course clearly lays out practical steps to embody the spirit of the teachings of the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, in looking for a spouse, getting married, and engaging with each other in a manner which is most pleasing to Allah. The focus is to transform the everyday interaction a couple has into a marriage that is a manifestation of one of Allah’s signs – a marriage that is for Allah.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of marriage.

• Understand what to look for in a potential spouse.

• Understand that marriage is a bond of love.

• Realize that marriage can be turned into an act of worship that refines the soul.

• Learn how to transform everyday interactions between spouses into acts of worship.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Ahmed Saad Al-Azhari

Course Overview

In this captivating series of lectures, Shaykh Ahmad Saad explores the purpose and delivery of the stories of the Prophets in the Quran. He unlocks their aim, which is to direct us towards Allah Almighty and the Day of Judgement.

Among them is the story of the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), which is discussed here at length. Prophet Musa’s story gives many insights into a wide array of matters, such as the tactics of “divide and conquer” used by Firʿawn to subjugate the Israelites. We follow his career from before prophethood and beyond – learning many lessons from the mistakes of his followers. Other stories covered here are of Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him) and Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon him), who were avid in remembering Allah despite being given vast wealth and power.

We also look at the righteous mother Maryam (Allah be pleased with her) and her son Prophet ʿIsa (peace be upon him), and the story of Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him), who was rescued from difficulties due to his devotion and glorification of Allah. Such stories provide us with real examples of people who were tested in various ways. They teach us many valuable lessons for our lives when we are tested in the same way, even if it is not to the same degree.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Gain guidance from the stories of various Prophets.

• Apply the lessons to their daily lives.

• Explain how the Prophets were tested and how they overcame their tests.

• Understand the tactics used by enemies of God.

• Acquire inspiration to face the challenges of life with faith and gratitude.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Ahmed Saad Al-Azhari is a graduate of Al Azhar University. He studied traditional Islamic sciences at the hands of senior scholars and specialists in Egypt, the most notable of whom are his late father Shaykh Muhammad Saad, Habib Abu Bakr Al-Adni bin Ali Al-Mashhur, and the Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Ali Gom’ah. He memorized the Qur’an at the age of ten and also memorized various Hadith and Arabic books. He holds one of the highest chains in the narration of Hafs from Asim. He also holds numerous ijazas in books of hadith, Shafi'i and Maliki Fiqh, and other sciences. Shaykh Ahmed Saad loves poetry and writes it frequently, mainly in Arabic and sometimes in English.

Instructor: Amjad Tarsin

Course Overview

Islam is a social religion. The benefits of social interaction also spill over into one’s religious practice. This is why worship in Islam has placed a social element within the even the obligatory acts of worship.

The prayer is performed as a group; all Muslims fast in Ramadan; Zakat is given to other people – usually locally; the Hajj unites millions of people every year.

Beyond the bonds of family and friendship, we have the tie of faith, too. Nurturing these ties is of the utmost importance to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. The entire sunna of the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, promotes healthy, strong relationships – the greatest of which is one’s relationship to God.

In this course, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin beautifully highlights the importance and need of strengthening our relationships, drawing the example of the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, and his companions. A must for those who want their religion and relationships to thrive.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Appreciate the social nature of religion.

• Explain the social element in obligatory acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, zakat, and Hajj.

• Understand how to nurture the bonds of love and community.

• Realize how the Sunna promotes healthy and strong relationships with the Creator and His creation.

• Cultivate strong relationships with God and society.

About The Instructor

Amjad Tarsin was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He obtained his Bachelors of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies.

After completing his BA, Amjad spent an intensive year studying at the illustrious Dar al-Mustafa for Islamic Sciences in Tarim, Yemen. He then enrolled at Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy program where he completed his Master’s Degree.

He previously served as the Executive Director and Head Chaplain of the Muslim Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto, becoming Canada’s first full-time Muslim Chaplain at a university in September 2012. In addition to his administrative duties and leadership responsibilities, he counseled and taught students.

Ustadh Amjad currently is a faculty member at Al-Maqasid, and he also teaches for SeekersGuidance Online Islamic Seminary.

He currently lives outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

Instructors: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Imam Zaid Shakir, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, Ustadha Zaynab Ansari, Imam Tahir Anwar.

Course Overview

The prayer is one of the greatest blessings of Islam. It is the direct link to Allah in which the servant humbles himself completely before Allah. It is a means for asking. It is a means for forgiveness. It is a means for repelling harm. It is a means for closeness. Whenever the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was distressed by a matter, he turned to the prayer. It was his source of joy and relief.

The prayer comes at specific times in the day and night to imbue our lives with the remembrance of Allah. This happens through focus. Making the prayer a time of focus, and a spiritual and emotional bond with Allah starts with perfecting the performance of the prayer.

This course offers key insights into the perfection of prayer. Leading scholars offer their insight on the effect a perfectly performed prayer can have on a person, and give practical tips on how you can have a focus-filled prayer. Allah Most High says in the Quran, “Perfectly perform the prayers for My remembrance.” (Quran, 20:14) This course paves the way for students to transform their prayer completely and inspires them to develop a bond with their Creator through prayers.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Realize the need for focus in prayer.

• Learn how to focus better in prayer.

• Gain the insight and inspiration to improve one’s prayer.

• Understand how to perfect the performance of prayer.

About The Teacher

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He embraced Islam at the age of 19 in Santa Clara, California, where he began his study of Islam with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and visited Mauritanian scholars. In 1998, Shaykh Yahya traveled to Mauritania to pursue a full-time course of study, where he learned from some of Mauritania’s greatest scholars, including the distinguished, Murabit al-Hajj. He also spent an interim period in Damascus, Syria where he received formal education in the Arabic language, grammar, and Qur’anic recitation. In 2000, Shaykh Yahya moved to Tarim, Yemen to continue his studies at the prestigious learning institute, Dar al-Mustafa. There, he spent his formative years studying foundational Islamic sciences with Habib ‘Umar bin Hafiz, Habib ‘Ali al-Jifri, and other scholars of Tarim. The scholars of Tarim are heirs of the spiritual way of Imam al-Ghazali as taught by the great sage of Arabia, Imam Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad. At the hands of these scholars, Shaykh Yahya has studied and applied the book that he teaches in this course.

Instructor: Walead Mohammed Mosaad

Course Overview

Social Justice In The Islamic Tradition: Righting wrongs, enjoining good, and honoring individual and community rights.

Social justice has been the focus in recent times of Muslim activists and communities. More often than not, the methods and objectives employed in Muslim social justice work have drawn from practices of other communities and traditions not necessarily rooted in Islamic principles. Shaykh Walead Mosaad explores the history and roots of some the modern paradigms of justice while contextualizing the principles of our tradition.

Does the Islamic tradition contain relevant principles that can be drawn upon to inform social justice work? This On-Demand Course will seek to address that question.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain what is social justice in the Islamic tradition.

• Understand how to honor individual and community rights.

• Discuss the history of the modern paradigms of justice.

• Understand the principles of justice in Islam.

• Apply the principles of Islamic justice to modern social justice work.

About The Instructor:

Walead Mohammed Mosaad is a teacher and researcher of the Islamic sciences. He is the Director of Muslim Student Life at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and an adjunct professor of Ethics in the philosophy department at the same university.

He has completed degrees from Rutgers University, the Fath Islamic Seminary in Damascus, al-Azhar University in Cairo, the University of Liverpool, and a PhD in Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter in the UK.

He has lectured on various topics of interest, including Muslims as minorities, interfaith understanding, and the importance of purification and spirituality in addressing the human condition.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, said that he was sent to complete good character (Muwattaʾ Malik), which leads us to understand that sound religious practice results in good character. However, there are certain matters of conduct that one must learn from those who have them.

Among such individuals was the great scholar, Shaykh Abdul-Fattah Abu Ghudda, who, after a life of learning, teaching, and benefiting others, died in 1997. Amongst his works is his great book, Islamic Manners, in which he beautifully detailed much of the conduct believers need for gracious day-to-day dealings.

Join Shaykh Faraz Rabbani as he unpacks this excellent book, delivering crucial guidance on matters ranging from cleanliness, visiting people, dealing with non-Muslims, to death and condolences.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Realize the importance of gracious conduct.

• Internalize that sound religious practice requires good character.

• Inculcate good manners.

• Learn the proper manners of dressing.

• Learn the proper manners of entering and leaving the house.

• Learn the proper manners of visiting.

• Learn the proper manners of conversation.

• Understand how to communicate with non-Muslims in the best of manners.

• Learn Islamic social etiquette.

• Learn the proper manners of eating.

• Learn how to visit the sick.

• Learn how to offer condolences.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Number of Lessons	24
Total Duration	11:31:08

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

You want a shortcut to Paradise? The Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, promised Paradise for something very simple: “Indeed, Allah has Ninety-Nine particular Names – one hundred minus one – whoever encompasses them will enter the Garden.” (Bukhari)

In this course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani beautifully explains the meaning of the above hadith, its implications, and the meanings of the Ninety-Nine beautiful names of Allah. Not only that, it explains how the beautiful names relate to God’s attributes which are detailed in the Science of Theology. And it focuses on how each believer can (1) connect to Allah through each one of the beautiful names, and (2) how he can embody the implications of each of these names – qualities that makes one beloved to Allah.

Each of the names is explained in a manner that increases one’s awe, reverence, and love for Allah – ultimately allowing the Muslim to know more about God than any follower of any other religion, and to imbue that knowledge into the practice of the way of the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the hadith of encompassing 99 names of Allah.

• Learn how the beautiful names of Allah relate to His attributes.

• Connect to Allah through His beautiful names.

• Increase in awe and reverence of Allah.

• Understand how to call upon Allah using His beautiful names.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Imagine a garden with many beautiful plants and flowers. Over time, weeds start to grow among them, and eventually, they take over. It is essential to remove the weeds in order for the flowers and plants to thrive. This is the original meaning of the word zakat.

Zakat is a means of purifying oneself and one’s wealth in a manner that promotes growth. This growth is for the individual, those who receive zakat, entire communities, and potentially then entire Umma.

Having said that, knowing its greater wisdom is not enough. We are obliged to pay zakat if we meet the right conditions. Knowing this takes study – especially in our times when financial matters are much more complicated than they were in the past.

This excellent course covers all that one needs to know, from the wisdom of zakat, to what it is, who must give it, who can receive it, who it should not be given to and more. Shaykh Ahmad Saad al-Azhari and Shaykh Faraz Rabbani beautifully expound the letter and spirit of the law to make this an act of worship which results in spiritual growth and one’s zakat to thrive.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Define the term ”zakat.”

• Understand the wisdom of giving zakat.

• Explain who zakat is incumbent on.

• List the recipients of zakat defined in the Quran.

• Understand who cannot be given zakat.

• Summarize how zakat results in spiritual growth.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary is a researcher in Islamic intellectual history and a teacher of Islamic traditional sciences. He’s currently a teacher of Hadith, Usūl, Logic and Kalam at Rawdatul-Na`īm under the supervision of Habib `Ali al-Jifrī; and at Madyafat Shaykh Ismaīl Sadiq al-`Adawī (RA), a prominent learning center by al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo.

Shaykh Ahmed studied Anthropology at American University in Cairo and received his training in Leadership Communication from Tulane University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is also a life-long learner. He holds a diversified portfolio of almost 50 certificates in a variety of subjects – extending from Teaching Character and Clinical Psychology of Children and Young People to Complexity Theory, Model Thinking and Conflict Analysis.

Shaykh Ahmed began his journey of studying traditional sciences about 20 years ago. In addition to studying with scholars from al-Azhar, he had the privilege of studying with visiting scholars from Algeria and India in a one-on-one format, and was thus given an exceptional opportunity to study and discuss advanced-level texts of different sorts and over a long period of time. Shaykh Ahmed has more than 70 Ijazas from scholars from all over the Muslim world.

Beside a number of edited works about to be released in Islamic pedagogy, linguistics and Hanafi Usūl, Shaykh Ahmed has authored Rūh al-`Ilm – a treatise in the art of scientific investigation, based on a survey of roughly 200 traditional Islamic texts, and has been endorsed by Dr. Jamāl Fārūq, the Dean of Islamic Da`wah College at al-Azhar University and Dr. Ahmed Mamdūh, the Chair of Research Division at Dar al-Iftaa’ al-Masrīyah. Rūh al-`Ilm will be published by Tabah Foundation in the early of summer of 2019.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Description

In all matters, the way of The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) is the best way. In this course, we learn from him the best way is to raise children. Children who are devoted to Allah Most High and righteous. Those who have prophetic conduct and character, compassion, and respect for people.

This course will give you a deep insight into key matters to raising righteous children. Starting with choosing a potential spouse, appreciating what a great blessing and source of joy children are,  and realizing your responsibilities as a parent.

The good fortune of being given daughters is another important topic addressed, as is the effect the parents have on the religious inclination of the child.

You will also realize that raising children is a continual spiritual work of the parent which endures long after death. Above all this course shows the Prophet’s way of raising children to be the best they can be. The way of kindness, mercy, and sincere religious counsel

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Learn the best way to raise children.

• Understand key matters of raising righteous children.

• Realize their responsibilities as parents.

• Recognize the importance of creating a bond with their spouse.

• Appreciate the good fortune of being given daughters.

• Learn how to bring up children with kindness, mercy, and sincere concern.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course overview

Learn to live the essence of the Prophet’s wisdom, blessings and peace be upon him.

Do you want to understand the most foundational hadiths of the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him? This course explains the essence of Prophetic wisdom and guidance gathered in Imam Nawawi’s Forty Hadiths.

This course will nurture your faith, deepen your religious understanding, increase your love for the Beloved Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, and clarify how you can live the essence of his wisdom in these times.

In this in-depth course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains Imam Nawawi’s Forty Hadith, using classical commentaries and a wide range of reference works in Islamic scholarship.

This will make clear to you the meanings, beauty, and guidance in these central Prophetic sayings, which Imam Nawawi selected as being hadiths around which “the message of Islam revolves.”

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the fundamental principles of Islam.

• Apply the principles in their daily lives.

• Gain familiarity with the narrators of hadith.

• Increase in faith and love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

In these lessons Shaykh Faraz Rabbani looks at the heart of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to draw inspiration from the lofty states of the Prophet, and how they manifested through his character and affected those around him, and how they will continue to do so even on the Day of Resurrection.

Imagine what this heart would be like. How would it manifest gratitude, love, devotion, and its inherent need of Allah? How would such a heart treat friends and foes? What effect would this heart have on loved ones? What effect would this heart have on animals and inanimate objects?

Imagine the greatest, most beautiful being created by Allah. Created to be the embodiment of all the virtues found in revelation. Created to be a manifestation of beauty, kindness, mercy, love, and much more.

Would you not yearn to have a special place in that noble heart? Would you not want to be with the possessor of that heart? Would you not want to have such a heart?

Imagine the greatest, most beautiful being created by Allah. Created to be the embodiment of all the virtues found in revelation. Created to be a manifestation of beauty, kindness, mercy, love, and much more.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was simultaneously the most beloved created being to God, and the most caring, and compassionate created being to all of creation. This unmissable course shows the perfect balance between spiritual refinement and gracious dealings with people.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Increase in love for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

• Gain insights on how to achieve lofty states with the Creator.

• Develop a heart that is soft and compassionate.

• Increase in love and mercy towards all creation.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Based on the work of Imam Ahmad Zarruq, The Sufficient Counsel for the one with God-given wellbeing, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani expertly unpacks the pearls of wisdom and teachings of one of the most beneficial of prophetic statements. We learn how to express our slavehood to Allah, how to respond to trials, obey Him, and support His religion.

This course explains in detail what it means to follow the Sunna, and how to express sincere concern for the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) by means of loving and honoring his family, companions, and followers. We also learn how to connect with the book of Allah through reflection and recitation.

Here, you will also find answers to questions of obeying rulers, how to express concern for believers, how to adhere to faith and sincere concern in troubled times, and the purpose and benefits of the narrations relating to the signs of the end of times.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand what it means to follow the Sunna.

• Explain how to express sincere concern for the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

• Learn how to connect with the Book of Allah through reflection and recitation.

• Understand how to adhere to faith and sincere concern in troubled times.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Sura al-Kahf contains four allegories that contain many crucial lessons for us all. The story of the sleepers of the cave highlights the importance of belief in God, and the need to nurture it and keep it away from what harms it.

The story of the owner of the gardens is one of gratitude to God. All blessings are purely from Him, and ignoring this – let alone denying it – makes one liable to losing these blessings.

The story of Musa and al-Khadir is one of knowledge and humility. Musa humbled himself despite his high rank and great knowledge to learn more.

The story of Dhul-Qarnayn is one of power. He was given dominion over much of the earth, yet he did not abuse his power. He used his power to bring about mercy on earth.

Within these four stories, there are many lessons for believers. Shaykh Walead Mosaad shares his deep insights to beautifully give life to Sura al-Kahf.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the key themes in Sura al-Kahf.

• Summarize the story of the sleepers of the cave.

• Recognize the importance of faith and the need to nurture it.

• Explain the story of the owner of the two gardens.

• Develop gratitude to Allah.

• Summarize the story of Musa and Khidr.

• Recognize the importance of humility.

• Explain the story of Dhul-Qarnayn.

• Gain an appreciation of the depth of Sura al-Kahf.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Being a servant of the All-Merciful is an honor, and it is greater than just being a worshipper. It means that the servant is accepted by the All-Merciful, and made close to Him.

Consequently, this means that the servants themselves have mercy towards the creation of Allah. This manifests itself towards all of creation. Even when the uncouth deal with them they respond in ways that diffuse animosity and tension. They are characterized by their devotion to Allah, expressed through prayer and recitation of the book of Allah night after night.

They have the right balance of fear and hope, and constantly beseech the All-Merciful for protection from His punishment. They ask Allah to make their children and spouses a source of joy for them by making them obedient to Allah, and aids in obeying Allah.

Join Shaykh Faraz Rabbani as he eloquently shares the deeper meanings of these verses, bringing their content within reach. The reasons behind the study of such verses is expounded, and the benefits are beautifully explained in this course.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand who the servants of the All-Merciful are.

• Recognize the honor of being a servant of the All-Merciful.

• Summarize the qualities of the true servants of Allah.

• Define the quality of servitude to Allah.

• Explain the main benefits of the verses discussed in the course.

• Develop the characteristics required of a true servant.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

The keys of excellence in relations are found in Sura al-Hujurat. It calls to the believers to adopt these standards, appealing to the God-given faith that we have as the motive for making us do so. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani clearly presents the themes of this sura drawing on the wisdom of great scholars such as Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, and Shaykh Ahmad ibn Ajiba.

This course discusses what proper conduct before Allah is; the rank and wisdom of the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace; how believers should be towards him; and the immense blessings of faith, guidance, and obedience.

We learn to confirm what we hear before judging and acting, and how to be just and merciful to believers should they have a dispute amongst themselves. Mockery, name-calling, spying, and backbiting are also addressed due to the extremely detrimental effect they have to relations.

The course concludes with looking at what is a real virtue, and how those of virtue should deal with others to manifest it. We see that Allah constantly calls to obedience, yet He also reminds us of His mercy, reminding us to have proper conduct towards Him.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand what is proper conduct before Allah.

• Explain the standards of excellence found in Sura al-Hujurat.

• Discuss how believers should behave towards the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).

• Understand the importance of confirming the news before judging and acting.

• Realize how to be just and merciful to people.

• Explain the harms of mockery, backbiting, name-calling, and spying.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Yahya Rhodus

Course Overview

“Indeed We have granted you [O Messenger] the Seven Frequently-Repeated [verses] and the Tremendous Recital.” (15:87)

Experts in Qurʾanic commentary have explained that this verse is a reference to Sura al-Fatiha – due to it being repeated by believers multiple times a day in their prayers. They also say that the Tremendous Recital (al-Qurʾan al-ʿAẓīm) is also a reference to the same sura. Its greatness is such that Allah expressed what a great favor He had done to the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace, by referring to it with two great titles – as though each is a separate entity.

Having a deep understanding of this sura is essential for those wishing to imbue their prayers with deep devotion and a sense of presence with their Lord. One of the names of the sura is “The instruction of how to ask.”

In these lessons, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus beautifully explained the rich, nuanced meanings of this sura – connecting each point with the deeper meanings of living Islam and attaining closeness to Allah. It’s unmissable.

Learning Outcomes:

• Discuss the virtues and importance of the Fatiha.

• Understand the rich, nuanced meaning of this sura.

• Apply the lessons in their daily lives.

• Transform their prayers by reciting with reflection.

• Acquire the tools necessary to attain presence in prayer.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

What would you ask God if you were granted the opportunity to ask one question?

“My Lord, what is the best means with which those close to you have gotten close to you?” Imam Ahmad asked when he saw Allah for the hundredth time in his dreams. “With my words, Ahmad” was the response he got. “With, or without understanding?” he enquired; “With, or without understanding” was the answer.

The proper manners with the Qurʾan can supercharge the benefit received from the Qurʾan, whether one approaches it as a worshipper, a student, or a teacher. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains what the Qurʾan is, and shows how it was perfectly preserved. This preamble imbues the listener with a certainty of the Qurʾan’s divine origin.

He then discusses the numerous virtues of this blessed book, and how one can gain the maximum benefit from it through proper outward and inward conduct.

This course is essential for those wishing to gain closeness to Allah through His Book, and flings wide open the doors to having a direct connection with Allah through His words.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Realize the importance of the words of Allah in the Divine revelation.

• Explain what the Quran is and how it was preserved.

• Increase in certainty towards the Divine origin of the Quran.

• Discuss the virtues of the Quran.

• Connect with Allah through His words.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Understanding the meanings of the Qur’an is the key to achieving deeper levels of reflection and appreciation of our Lord’s address. With more understanding one can achieve a greater connection to the Qur’an and reverence for it, finding serenity in remembrance of Allah through the recitation of His book, ultimately drawing ever closer to Allah and becoming one of the people of the Qur’an in following the example of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

Drawing on classical commentaries, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani illuminates and expands on the meanings of the verses we most often recite in our daily worship, allowing us to bring more life into our worship. He provides an in-depth explanation of the shorter, more commonly recited Suras of the Qur’an: Sura al Fatiha, the last twelve Suras of the Qur’an, as well as Ayat al- Kursi and the last few verses of Sura al-Baqarah. He also provides a detailed explanation of the Basmalah, and what we really mean when we seek refuge from the devil before reciting the Qur’an, as well as its virtues and how to rectify our intention when reciting it.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the significance of seeking refuge before reciting the Qur’an.

• Explain the importance of the Basmala.

• Analyze the meanings of the verses of Sura al-Fatiha.

• Summarize the explanation of the last twelve suras of the Qur’an.

• Understand the meanings of the Throne Verse (Ayat al-Kursi).

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Shaykh Yahya Rhodus & Ustadha Ingrid Matson

Course Overview

This On-Demand course offers students practical advice from some of the world’s leading scholars including: Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Shaykh Muhammad Mendes, Dr Ingrid Mattson and more. They share with us 30 simple deeds that have a deep spiritual impact on our lives – and the lives of others. Whether it’s forgiving someone who’s wronged us or sharing a meal with a neighbor, these powerful lessons will remind us of the great gift the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him,‎ gave us: the best of character. The scholars also remind us to make the intention to put each teaching, each sacred act, into practice. This course helps the Seeker realign his/her practice as it relates to their relationship with their Creator and Creation.

Learning Outcomes

• Inculcate good habits like listening attentively, taking care of neighbors, serving others, and giving gifts.

• Develop kindness and compassion.

• Overcome bad habits like gossiping and wasting time.

• Embody the good character of a true Muslim.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He embraced Islam at the age of 19 in Santa Clara, California, where he began his study of Islam with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and visiting Mauritanian scholars. In 1998, Shaykh Yahya traveled to Mauritania to pursue a full-time course of study, where he learned from some of Mauritania’s greatest scholars, including the distinguished, Murabit al-Hajj. He also spent an interim period in Damascus, Syria where he received formal education in the Arabic language, grammar, and Qur’anic recitation. In 2000, Shaykh Yahya moved to Tarim, Yemen to continue his studies at the prestigious learning institute, Dar al-Mustafa. There, he spent his formative years studying foundational Islamic sciences with Habib ‘Umar bin Hafiz, Habib ‘Ali al-Jifri, and other scholars of Tarim. The scholars of Tarim are heirs of the spiritual way of Imam al-Ghazali as taught by the great sage of Arabia, Imam Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad. At the hands of these scholars, Shaykh Yahya has studied and applied the book that he teaches in this course.

Instructor: Habib Umar bin Hafiz & Shaykh Ahmad Saad al-Azhari & Imam Zaid Shakir

Course Overview

“Whoever remembers Allah abundantly in Ramadan will be forgiven.” – Imam Zaid Shakir. In Ramadan, there are so many opportunities to be forgiven and to become closer to Allah that one does not know where to start. Many people do not realize what is on offer, and so they miss out on the blessings of this tremendous month.

This course contains the distilled wisdom and advice of many leading scholars who show just how one can become beloved to Allah in this month. The advice touches on how best to prepare for Ramadan; the virtues of fasting; how to best spend the days and nights of Ramadan; what the fast of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was like; the states of those beloved to Allah; finding Allah through fasting; turning back to Allah; the recital of the Qurʾan, and much more. This course is a comprehensive approach to getting the most out of Ramadan in its inward and outward aspects.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand how to prepare for Ramadan spiritually.

• Appreciate the tremendous blessings of the month of Ramadan.

• Describe the fast of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

• Explain how to spend the days and nights of Ramadan.

• Understand how to find Allah through fasting.

• Summarize the virtues of fasting.

About the Instructors

Habib Umar Bin Hafiz is a 39th-generation direct descendant of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), through Imam Husayn and ‘Ali Zayn al-’Abidin. Born in Tarim, in Yemen’s Hadramawt Valley, in 1383 AH (1963 CE), he has become one of the leading scholars, teachers, and renewers of the Islamic tradition in our time. After traveling to different parts of the Muslim world, Habib Umar returned to his home city of Tarim. He immediately began to revive the religious life of the region, and his work led to the establishment of Dar al-Mustafa in 1414 AH (1994 CE). Habib Umar has authored many works. Some of them are: al-Dhakirah al-Musharrafah, which contains personally obligatory knowledge for every Muslim, as well as beneficial supplication; The Clarification of Noble Character, a series of 30 lessons on character refinement; Khulasat al-Madad al-Nabawi, a compilation of adhkar for the seeker to recite on a daily basis, containing Prophetic invocations and the litanies of many of the great Imams

Shaykh Ahmad Saad Al-Azhari is a graduate of Al Azhar University. He studied traditional Islamic sciences at the hands of senior scholars and specialists in Egypt, the most notable of whom are his late father Shaykh Muhammad Saad, Habib Abu Bakr Al-Adni bin Ali Al-Mashhur, and the Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Ali Gom’ah. He memorized the Qur’an at the age of ten and also memorized various Hadith and Arabic books. He holds one of the highest chains in the narration of Hafs from Asim. He also holds numerous ijazas in books of hadith, Shafi'i and Maliki Fiqh, and other sciences. Shaykh Ahmad Saad loves poetry and writes it frequently, mainly in Arabic and sometimes in English.

Imam Zaid Shakir is a co-founder, and senior Faculty Member of Zaytuna College located in Berkeley, CA. He is amongst the most respected and influential Islamic scholars in the West. As an American Muslim who came of age during the civil rights struggles, he has brought both sensitivity about race and poverty issues and scholarly discipline to his faith-based work. Born in Berkeley, California, he accepted Islam in 1977 while serving in the United States Air Force. He obtained a BA with honors in International Relations at American University in Washington D.C. and later earned his MA in Political Science at Rutgers University. He has taught courses in Arabic, Islamic spirituality, contemporary Muslim thought, Islamic history and politics, and Shafi’i fiqh. He speaks and writes on a wide range of topics, and he travels frequently across the United States to support institution-building projects in the Muslim community.

Number of Lessons	24
Total Duration	13:08:41

Course Overview

In Ramadan, the doors of Paradise are opened; the door of Hell are locked; the devils are chained, and good deeds are made easy.

In Ramadan, obligatory worship is increased in reward seventy-fold; voluntary worship is rewarded equal to what is given for the obligatory usually. In Ramadan is a night so precious it outshines an entire lifetime’s worship. Ramadan is a month of fasting. Fasting is an ancient act of worship given to us, and those before us, so that we can learn to become God-fearing individuals, and the best versions of ourselves. Ramadan is so special that it requires preparation to be ready for it, lest one miss out on the tremendous blessings it brings with it. This course is essential to ensure one hits the ground runnings as soon as Ramadan begins, and that one does not lose momentum during its precious days and nights. This course covers the start of Ramadan, who must fast, the conditions of fasting, how to fast, tarawih prayers, and much more. This course is based on the Hanafi school of law.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• State who is obligated to fast.

• Explain the obligations, conditions, and recommended acts of fasting according to the Hanafi school.

• Appreciate the blessing of Ramadan.

• Understand the virtues of fasting.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Rami Nsour

Course Overview

People prepare for weeks and months before the day of an exam. They know that this day is consequential and that what happens will affect them for a long time to come. Is Ramadan not more important? Won’t its effects last for eternity? Knowledge of the ins and outs of Ramadan and fasting is essential to gain the maximum benefit from this month. This lesson set is perfect to learn how to properly appreciate and navigate Ramadan.

Instructor: Shaykh Abdurragmaan Khan

Course Overview

In Ramadan, the doors of Paradise are opened the doors of Hell are locked; the devils are chained, and good deeds are made easy.

In Ramadan, obligatory worship is increased in reward seventy-fold; voluntary worship is rewarded equal to what is given for the obligatory usually. In Ramadan is a night so precious it outshines an entire lifetime’s worship. Ramadan is a month of fasting. Fasting is an ancient act of worship given to us, and those before us, so that we can learn to become God-fearing individuals, and the best versions of ourselves. Ramadan is so special that it requires preparation to be ready for it, lest one miss out on the tremendous blessings it brings with it. This course is essential to ensure one hits the ground runnings as soon as Ramadan begins, and that one does not lose momentum during its precious days and nights. This course covers the start of Ramadan, who must fast, the conditions of fasting, how to fast, tarawih prayers, and much more.

This course is based on the Shafiʿi school of law.

Learning outcomes:

• State who is obligated to fast.

• Explain the obligations, conditions, and recommended acts of fasting according to the Shafi`i school.

• Appreciate the blessing of Ramadan.

• Understand the virtues of fasting.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Abdurragmaan Khan completed the memorization of the Qur’an under Shaykh Ismail Londt at the Dar Ubaiy Institute in 2000. He then went on to graduate from the Dār al-Ulūm al-‘Arabiyyah al-Islāmiyyah in 2006, where he benefited from the school’s lecturers, specifically its founder and principal, Maulana Taha Karaan.

After graduating, Shaykh Abdurragmaan served as a lecturer at the same institute from 2006 to 2015. In 2009, he established Dar al-Turath al-Islami (DTI) and continues to serve as the Director.

In 2011, Shaykh Abdurragmaan co-founded the Mahabbah Foundation and was honoured to join the Fatwa Committee of the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa in 2013. He is also an Imam at Masjid al-Rahmah, Garlendale.

Shaykh Abdurragmaan received ijazah ’ammah from various luminaries, including but not restricted to: Habib Umar ibn Hafiz–a personality who affected him greatly and who has changed his relationship with Allah, Maulana Yusuf Karaan – the former Mufti of Cape Town; Habib ‘Ali al-Mashhur – the late Mufti of Tarim, Habib ‘Umar al-Jaylani – the Shafi’i Mufti of Makkah, Sayyid Ahmad bin Abi Bakr al-Hibshi, Habib Kadhim as-Saqqaf, Shaykh Mahmud Sa’id Mamduh, Maulana Abdul Hafiz al-Makki, Sh. Ala ad- Dind al-Afghani, Maulana Fazlur Rahman al-Azami and Shaykh Yahya al-Gawthani amongst others.

Shaykh Abdurragmaan received ijazah in the qira’ah of Imam Kisa’i from Shaykh Idris from Malawi and is currently reciting the seven Qira’ah to Maulana Saleem Gaibie.

Instrcutor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

There is a door in Paradise called Rayyan. No one will enter it except those who fast. Allah Himself has declared that fasting is specifically His and that it has a special reward from Him. In order to make the most of this great act of worship, one must know its worth, how to make the most of it, and what to avoid during it. All of these matters are clearly presented in this course by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.

This course is based on the work Maqasid al-Sawm, (The Aims of Fasting), by the great polymath al-Izz ibn Abd al-Salam. It will imbue within you an attachment to fasting as a means of drawing closer to Allah, motivate you to maximize the benefit from fasting and the month of Ramadan, and guide you to the best means of continuing this trend beyond the blessed month.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand with clarity, the higher aims of fasting.

• Learn how to make the most of fasting.

• Discuss what to avoid during fasting.

• Appreciate the great blessing of Ramadan.

• Continue the spiritual high beyond Ramadan.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Yahya Rhodus

Course Overview

“And know that root of these problems is love of leadership and forgetting what is sure to come.” – Imam Ibn Ashir.

Imam Abdul-Wahid ibn Ashir’s great work, The Helping Guide, has been highly regarded by scholars and used to teach Law, Creed, and Spirituality for hundreds of years. The work starts with an introduction to spirituality, explaining the most basic principles and moving up. Many have benefitted through the immense wisdom contained within these words.

In this short course, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus brings life to this text through his clear and profound explanations. We learn that the spiritual path is one of removing faults and taking on praiseworthy qualities; the former being more important.

The importance of repentance is discussed in detail, with it being a realignment to one’s destination after being taken off course by sins. We also learn about the importance of sincerity and renewing one’s intention, especially after slipping up. This course is the perfect place to start to learn about the science of inward purification, and a beautiful reminder for everyone.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the basics of Islamic spirituality.

• Learn the importance of repentance.

• Understand the significance of sincerity in the spiritual path.

• Acquire the ability to renew their intentions if they slip up.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He embraced Islam at the age of 19 in Santa Clara, California, where he began his study of Islam with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and visiting Mauritanian scholars. In 1998, Shaykh Yahya traveled to Mauritania to pursue a full-time course of study, where he learned from some of Mauritania’s greatest scholars, including the distinguished, Murabit al-Hajj. He also spent an interim period in Damascus, Syria where he received formal education in the Arabic language, grammar, and Qur’anic recitation. In 2000, Shaykh Yahya moved to Tarim, Yemen to continue his studies at the prestigious learning institute, Dar al-Mustafa. There, he spent his formative years studying foundational Islamic sciences with Habib ‘Umar bin Hafiz, Habib ‘Ali al-Jifri, and other scholars of Tarim. The scholars of Tarim are heirs of the spiritual way of Imam al-Ghazali as taught by the great sage of Arabia, Imam Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad. At the hands of these scholars, Shaykh Yahya has studied and applied the book that he teaches in this course.

Instructor: Shaykh Abdul-Karim Yahya

Course Overview

Imam Ahmad narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Those of singular purpose have outstripped [everyone].” The Companions asked, “Who are those of singular purpose?”

He replied, “Those excessive in the remembrance of Allah Most High. The remembrance removes their burdensome sins, so they come to light on the Day of Judgement.”

This is some of the beautiful wisdom shared by Habib Umar bin Hafiz in this important lesson set. He explains what the path to Allah is, and discusses the means and practices needed to get closer to Allah.

The course also discusses the faults the human ego has, and the means of removing them, starting with taking stock of oneself and one’s state, and turning to Allah. Allah is found with those who are broken-hearted for His sake.

These lessons are taught in Arabic and translated into English by Shaykh Abdul-Karim Yahya. This makes this course perfect for those wanting to refine their soul to draw closer to Allah, and those who want to improve their Arabic skills in the process.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the faults of the human ego and the methods of overcoming them.

• Reflect upon their own states and turn to Allah.

• Put into practice the means to get closer to Allah.

• Inculcate the habit of remembering Allah.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Ghazali’s Ihyaʾ is a blueprint for renewing one’s religious practice and drawing closer to Allah. Known, not only for his knowledge but his exceptional teaching ability, Ghazali selected key verses of the Qurʾan to base this renewal on. This course takes us through many of these verses, as they are mentioned in the work, to renew our practice according to his blueprint. The topics covered include purification, remembrance, repentance, supplication, marriage, brotherhood, and other essential subjects.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Gain a deep understanding of the verses discussed.

• Acquire the knowledge to renew their religious practice.

• Summarize 40 key themes of the Quran.

• Increase in their love and devotion to Allah.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Shaykh Walead Muhammad Mosaad & Shaykh Raid Saloojee

Course Overview

This overview of Imam Ghazali’s great work, Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences) will serve as a blueprint for how the believer can bring their religion to life. It will aim to help the believer to not just practice the outer form of the religion properly, but to also to bring its spirit to life and practice it with excellence.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the structure of Imam Ghazali's Ihya Ulum al-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences).

• Explain the sins of the limbs and ways to avoid them.

• Practice the outward and inward aspects of religion with excellence.

• Gain clarity on how to attain higher spiritual states.

• Discuss the actions that lead to salvation.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Walead Mohammed Mosaad is a teacher and researcher of the Islamic sciences. He is the Director of Muslim Student Life at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and an adjunct professor of Ethics in the philosophy department at the same university.

He has completed degrees from Rutgers University, the Fath Islamic Seminary in Damascus, al-Azhar University in Cairo, the University of Liverpool, and a PhD in Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter in the UK.

He has lectured on various topics of interest, including Muslims as minorities, interfaith understanding, and the importance of purification and spirituality in addressing the human condition.

Number of Lessons	5
Total Duration	3:01:51

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

As Divine speech, the Quran leads people from darkness to true light. It is guidance for the people of piety to the straight path that leads to Allah. Pious people hold fast to the Book of Allah and have the correct inner and outer manners of relating to the Quran.

Shaykh Faraz discusses ten outward manners, such as ritual purity when reciting; consistency in the amount read each day; striving to read one juz a day; accurate tajwid; and supplication in the recitation.

He also explains ten inward manners that generate the outward ones, including slow and reflective recitation; understanding the deeper meanings of the Quran; removing the veils that prevent us from understanding it; rising in the degrees of excellence in recitation, which culminates in putting Allah first and oneself last; and recitation in the knowledge that there is no might or ability except with Allah.

The keys to living the Quran in these ways include recognizing how deeply one needs Allah’s guidance; seeking to emulate those who have been rightly guided; and ensuring that one has the certitude in faith that flows from beneficial knowledge.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Develop proper etiquette for reciting the Quran.

• Explain ten outward manners of relating to the Quran.

• Summarize ten inward manners of connecting with the Quran.

• Understand the importance of emulating our pious predecessors.

• Recognize the deep need for guidance from Allah.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

In this course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers a thematic study of Sura al-Waqi’a, a close explanation (tafsir) of it, and key lessons that can be drawn from it. The course also examines how to nurture one’s relationship with Allah through deepening one’s understanding and relationship with this great Sura.

Learning Outcomes

Students who take this course will

- have a through understanding of what are some of the clear meanings understood from this sura

- have a good understanding of the virtues of this sura.

- gain practical advice on why the recital of this sura and other suras like it on a regular basis.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

The Prophet (peace be upon him) is often called ‘the Teacher’. In fact, his entire life in itself is one big lesson. In this seminar, we explore how the Prophet taught, nurtured and guided children through compassion, love, and modeling the right action. We will explore how, as parents and educators, we can take this Prophetic advice and use it to nurture children in order to inculcate good character in them. Learn about how to overcome common parenting hurdles and key methods in raising children to embody piety and devotion, with Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Shaykh Zahir Bacchus, and Ustadha Umm Umar.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who take this course will

- have a thorough understanding of what it means to be a good parent.

- have a good understanding of the virtues of parenting.

- gain practical advice on being a good parent

- learn the proper manners of parenting and its importance.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

This course provides an important contribution to Islam’s answer to the big and existential questions of the purpose of life and the meaning of death. Based on lectures by three prominent scholars, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Shaykh Ramzy Ajem, and Habib Hussein al-Saqqaf, the course material covers a systematic study of death, dying and the afterlife. The course also focuses on how remembering death and acting on this remembrance can draw one closer to Allah. Throughout the course, one will learn key and fresh understandings of the reality of death.

Learning Outcomes

Students taking this course will:

- acquire a deep understanding of what the reality of death is.

- learn an insightful understanding of the virtues of remembering death.

- gain practical advice from understanding why this life temporary in nature, while the next life is eternal.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani covers an in-depth explanation of several of the verses from the Qur’an that begin with “O you who believe.

These “Calls to the Believers” all contain central guidance from Allah that we have been commanded to pay particular attention to.

Shaykh Faraz shares the depth, beauty, and nuance of these verses—as a means of getting closer to Allah with urgency and immediacy.

The explanation is based on “Call to the Believers in the Clear Qur’an” by Shaykh Ahmed Fath’ullah Jami, and classical commentaries

Learning Outcomes

Students who take this course will

- Learn how to submit to the various calls in the Qur’an

- Understanding that the believers are in complete slavehood to Allah

- Come to know that there are particular matters Allah has emphasized in the Qur’an

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Ahmad Saad Al-Azhari

Course Overview:

In clear succinct lessons, Shaykh Ahmad Saad Al-Azhari explains how to bring this great sura to life and how to save one’s self in this life and the hereafter, along with ways to nourish taqwa. The lessons also focus on the importance of keeping the company of the knowledgeable those who make remembrance of Allah in times of confusion, not to mention the necessity of being serious in seeking Sacred knowledge.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who take this course will

- have a thorough overview of Sura al Kahf

- learn what it means to submit to Allah

- learn of the importance of not asking too many questions that are not of benefit.

- learn tools the navigate the End of Time

- learn how to view blessings that are hidden in tests

About The Instructor

Shaykh Ahmad Saad Al-Azhari is a graduate of Al Azhar University. He studied traditional Islamic sciences at the hands of senior scholars and specialists in Egypt, the most notable of whom are his late father Shaykh Muhammad Saad, Habib Abu Bakr Al-Adni bin Ali Al-Mashhur, and the Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Ali Gom’ah. He memorized the Qur’an at the age of ten and also memorized various Hadith and Arabic books. He holds one of the highest chains in the narration of Hafs from Asim. He also holds numerous ijazas in books of hadith, Shafi'i and Maliki Fiqh, and other sciences. Shaykh Ahmed Saad loves poetry and writes it frequently, mainly in Arabic and sometimes in English.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview:

Sura al-Mulk consists of 30 verses and presents believers with numerous lessons on how to bring their faith to life. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani elucidates the meanings of these verses based on classical commentaries.

Shaykh Faraz synthesizes pertinent lessons for the believer. Listeners will learn how to nurture their faith in God through contemplation (fikr); be able to understand what distinguishes those who accept the truth from those who reject and refuse; learn the qualities of the people of faith; understand the prophetic role of the Messenger of God… and much more.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who take this course will:

- deepen their understanding of the guidance of the Qur’an

- Nurture one’s faith and certainty

- Learn signs of the greatness of Allah

- Learn about how to nurture one’s faith through reflection and concern

- Increase in reverence and love for Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him)

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Ustadh Abdullah Misra

Course Overview:

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:  “None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his parent, his child and all of mankind put together.”  In order to love the Prophet fully (peace be upon him), and to embody that love by following his example, we must know who he was.

Ustadh Abdullah Misra will help students fulfill both of these key obligations. The course begins by introducing students to the Science of the Prophetic Biography (sira). Students will examine the origins of the science, as well as the methodology employed to gather and verify the details of the Prophet’s life and certain modernist approaches to the Seerah. After preparing themselves by examining the purpose and manners of studying the Prophetic Biography, students will engage in a detailed examination of the Meccan period of the Prophet’s life, concluding with the Migration (hijrah) to Madina. Throughout, students will explore not only what the Prophet did, but also how to apply the lessons of his example more completely in their own lives. Students will be encouraged to supplement the course lectures and live sessions by reading Martin Ling’s biography, Muhammad.

Learning Outcomes:

• The inception, development, and science of Prophetic biography (sira)

• Mecca before the birth of the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him

• The life of the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, from his birth to the flight to Madina

About The Instructor

Ustadh Abdullah Misra was born in Toronto, Canada in 1983. His family hails from India and he was raised in the Hindu tradition. He embraced Islam in 2001 while at the University of Toronto, from where he completed a Bachelor of Business Administration. He then traveled overseas in 2005 to study the Arabic language and Islamic sciences in Tarim, Yemen for some time, as well as Darul Uloom in Trinidad, West Indies. He spent 12 years in Amman, Jordan where he focused on Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith Sciences, Prophetic Biography and Islamic Spirituality while also working at the Qasid Arabic Institute as Director of Programs. He holds a BA in Islamic Studies (Alimiyya, Darul Uloom) and authorization in the six authentic books of Hadith, and is currently pursuing specialized training in issuing Islamic legal verdicts (ifta’). He holds a certificate in Counselling and often works with new Muslims and those struggling with religious OCD. He is an instructor and researcher in Sacred Law and Theology with the Seekers Guidance The Global Islamic Seminary, and currently resides in the West Indies with his wife and children. His personal interests include Indian history, comparative religion, English singing and poetry.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Shaykh Hamza Karamali

Course Overview:

Some wonder why we suffer. Others ask about the problem of Evil. What if the actual problem is thinking that suffering is evil? A simple shift in perspective can change our understanding completely. This shift in perspective is explained beautifully by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Shaykh Hamza Karamali in this course as they reveal what most consider to be mere coal to be the source of a sparkling diamond.

In this course, you will first learn that the purpose of life, the universe, and everything is for us to be tested. This test is geared towards showing who is the best in deeds and conduct, despite being in difficulty.

Next you will see that the only problem is in thinking there is a problem of evil. Once the realisation of the Afterlife and its tremendous, everlasting rewards comes responding positively to trials becomes easier.

The final element of this course covers how to respond positively to trials, and a comprehensive Q&A session.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the wisdom behind suffering in this world.

• Gain the correct perspective on the “problem of evil.”

• Learn the purpose of life.

• Understand how to respond positively to trials and tribulations.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Hamza Karamali earned his BASc. and MASc. in Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, after which he moved abroad to study the Islamic sciences full-time in private settings with distinguished traditional scholars in Jordan, Kuwait and the UAE, reading and memorizing traditional works in all of the Islamic sciences.

He taught the Islamic sciences online at SunniPath.com, then at Qibla.com, then taught advanced Arabic grammar and rhetoric at Qasid Institute, and then joined Kalam Research & Media, where he worked for three years, designing, managing, and participating in research and education projects around the integration of modern analytic philosophy and science with traditional Islamic theology and logic. He is the author of The Madrasa Curriculum in Context, as well as a forthcoming work that presents traditional Islamic logic in the idiom of contemporary logic and philosophy.

Hamza joined SeekersGuidance in 2016, where he has taught courses on logic, legal theory, and Islamic theology. He also has a regular podcast and video series called Why Islam is True, in which he applies logic and traditional Islamic theology to answer contemporary questions about belief in God, the genuine messengerhood of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), and the truth of resurrection and the afterlife.

Instructor: Shaykh Abdullah Misra

Course Overview

This course covers the life of the Prophet Muhammad, blessings and peace be upon him, from his migration to Medina until his passing. You’ll hear inspiring stories of his social excellence, sacrifice, and steadfastness. The course closes with a concise account of the era of the Four Righteous Caliphs who came after the Prophet Muhammad, blessings and peace be upon him.

Learning Outcomes:

• The migration to Medina and building a new society

• Skirmishes, battles, treaties, and survival

• The campaigns and the conquest of Mecca

• Delegations of the Farewell Pilgrimage

• The Four Caliphates, the Salaf, their examples, our inheritance

About The Instructor:

Ustadh Abdullah Misra was born in Toronto, Canada in 1983. His family hails from India and he was raised in the Hindu tradition. He embraced Islam in 2001 while at the University of Toronto, from where he completed a Bachelor of Business Administration. He then traveled overseas in 2005 to study the Arabic language and Islamic sciences in Tarim, Yemen for some time, as well as Darul Uloom in Trinidad, West Indies. He spent 12 years in Amman, Jordan where he focused on Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith Sciences, Prophetic Biography and Islamic Spirituality while also working at the Qasid Arabic Institute as Director of Programs. He holds a BA in Islamic Studies (Alimiyya, Darul Uloom) and authorization in the six authentic books of Hadith, and is currently pursuing specialized training in issuing Islamic legal verdicts (ifta’). He holds a certificate in Counselling and often works with new Muslims and those struggling with religious OCD. He is an instructor and researcher in Sacred Law and Theology with the Seekers Guidance The Global Islamic Seminary, and currently resides in the West Indies with his wife and children. His personal interests include Indian history, comparative religion, English singing and poetry.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

What is change? How does change happen? What is the purpose of change? What are the spiritual and worldly keys to change—for the individual, for groups, for communities, and for believers?

In this first segment, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explores the idea of change by clarifying the key terms related to this concept. He looks at the scholarly definitions for (1) change (taghayyur), (2) changing (taghyir), (3) reform (islah), (4) corruption (ifsad), (5) justice (ʿadl), (6) excellence (ihsan), (7) rights (huquq), and responsibility (fard/wajib) and how these key concepts fit into the Islamic idea of personal and social change.

In the second part, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani begins by looking at Qur’anic verses (6:52-53), where he explains the verse “Allah does not change a blessing He bestows upon a people until they change what they are upon.” Commenting next on a verse where well-off people who met Allah’s favors with ingratitude were recompensed with hunger and fear (16:112), he explains that gratitude is a key to change, and outlines some practical steps for its deployment. Next Shaykh Faraz looks at the relation of striving and struggle with change, looking at two sets of verses of the Qur’an: “And those who struggle for Us, We will surely guide them along our ways,” (29:69) and “And by the human self and how He fashioned it and inspired it to its corruption and its consciousness. Successful indeed is the one who purifies it. And a true failure is the one who corrupts it.” (91:7-10)

In the third part of this seminar, Shaykh Faraz looks at making change happen and key Prophetic guidance on change. He starts out by exploring the Prophet’s command to change any wrong one sees with one’s hand, one’s tongue, or, finally, one’s heart. Next, he looks at the hadith ”The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer,” and explores the idea of having true strength. Shaykh Faraz begins the final segment “The Prophetic Vision—Prophetic Silence and the End of Religion” by listing the five higher aims of the religion outlined by the scholars: preserving (1) religion, (2) life, (3) intellect, (4) property, and (5) honor. He sheds light on a hadith on the long silence of the Prophet. He closes by looking at the end of religion—closeness through excellence—and how to find one’s pathways to closeness in one’s personal life, social life, work, and free time.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Define change and key terms related to the concept of change.

• Understand the Islamic perspective of personal and social change.

• Explain practical steps to the deployment of change.

• Understand the concept of strength in Islam.

• Contextualize the hadith of changing a wrong with one’s hand, tongue, or heart.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Sayyid Salim bin Umar bin Hafiz

Course Overview

In this course, Sayyid Salim bin Umar bin Hafiz gives an in-depth commentary of a poem authored by his father Habib Umar bin Hafiz, celebrating the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). This short work is called al-Diya’ al-Lami (The Resplendent Illumination). Sayyid Salim offers valuable insights on how we are to connect with the best of creation in a lasting and meaningful way. The full translation is provided by Shaykh Abdurragmaan Khan.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Recognize the great rank of Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

• Illustrate practical examples of people who brought his love into their lives.

• Gain Insights into the Prophetic Biography.

• Connect with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and develop a love for him.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Ustadha Shireen Ahmed & Habib Hussein Al Saggaf

Course Overview

The closest relationship a person will ever experience in their lifetime is with their spouse. In this course, students will learn how to cultivate this union to the fullest, how to overcome common hurdles, and how to maintain a high degree of moral conduct and excellent character.

Shaykh Faraz begins by explaining what is the purpose of marriage, and why someone would marry. He sheds light on the guidance of the Quran regarding marriage. Next, he goes on to explain what the sunnah says about marriage, offering insight on how marriage is half one’s faith. He then underscores the importance of good character in marriage.

Habib Hussain As-Saqqaf gives guidance on how one can make love last in following the Prophetic example in marriage by having the best character traits when dealing with one’s spouse. He explains why one should strive to have excellence in one’s marriage, giving examples on how to have this excellence both inwardly and outwardly.

Ustadha Shireen highlights the importance of being present with one’s spouse and understanding the higher purpose of marriage. She explains how one should be expressive of love, care, and mercy in marriage. In addition, she highlights the importance of having the best of manners in this crucial relationship.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Learn the importance of expressing love to one’s spouse.

• Explain how marriage is half one’s faith.

• Display good character in all situations of marriage.

• Understand that marriage is a test.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Ustadha Shireen Ahmed is an experienced teacher, educator, and mentor, specializing in marriage, parenting, and character development. Born and raised in Canada, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. Thereafter, she travelled to Syria, studying Arabic and sacred knowledge at the University of Damascus and Abu Nour Institute. She took private classes in Qur’anic recitation, Prophetic traditions, sacred law and Prophetic biography. After ten years abroad, she returned to Toronto, Canada. She currently serves as Managing Director of SeekersGuidance Canada, where she draws from years of experience as a community leader and activist.

Instructor: Shaykh Abdurragmaan Khan

Course Overview

The Shama’il Muhammadiya of Imam Tirmidhi is a collection of 415 narrations focused on the sublime characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace).

The narrations relate to everything from the apparent beauty of his outer appearance to the more subtle beauty of his noble character and mannerisms.

Join Shaykh Abdurragmaan Khan as he takes you through the renowned Shama’il of Imam Tirmidhi, which he transmits via some of the great luminaries of our time, such as Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Umar al-Jaylani the Shafi’ Mufti of Makkah, Moulana Abdul Hafith al-Makki and Shaykh Alauddin al-Afghani.

If you want to know Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) what he looked like, what it was like to interact with him, and why he is loved by so many that have never met him then this course, The Shama’il of Imam Tirmidhi will teach you exactly that.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn about his physical features and attributes

• Gain insight into what it was like to interact with him

• Be able to recognize the manifestation of his characteristics in others

• Be able to emulate the Prophet in appearance and etiquette

• Increase in love for the Most Beloved (Allah bless him and give him peace)

About The Instructor

Shaykh Abdurragmaan Khan completed the memorization of the Qur’an under Shaykh Ismail Londt at the Dar Ubaiy Institute in 2000. He then went on to graduate from the Dār al-Ulūm al-‘Arabiyyah al-Islāmiyyah in 2006, where he benefited from the school’s lecturers, specifically its founder and principal, Maulana Taha Karaan.

After graduating, Shaykh Abdurragmaan served as a lecturer at the same institute from 2006 to 2015. In 2009, he established Dar al-Turath al-Islami (DTI) and continues to serve as the Director.

In 2011, Shaykh Abdurragmaan co-founded the Mahabbah Foundation and was honoured to join the Fatwa Committee of the Muslim Judicial Council of South Africa in 2013. He is also an Imam at Masjid al-Rahmah, Garlendale.

Shaykh Abdurragmaan received ijazah ’ammah from various luminaries, including but not restricted to: Habib Umar ibn Hafiz–a personality who affected him greatly and who has changed his relationship with Allah, Maulana Yusuf Karaan – the former Mufti of Cape Town; Habib ‘Ali al-Mashhur – the late Mufti of Tarim, Habib ‘Umar al-Jaylani – the Shafi’i Mufti of Makkah, Sayyid Ahmad bin Abi Bakr al-Hibshi, Habib Kadhim as-Saqqaf, Shaykh Mahmud Sa’id Mamduh, Maulana Abdul Hafiz al-Makki, Sh. Ala ad- Dind al-Afghani, Maulana Fazlur Rahman al-Azami and Shaykh Yahya al-Gawthani amongst others.

Shaykh Abdurragmaan received ijazah in the qira’ah of Imam Kisa’i from Shaykh Idris from Malawi and is currently reciting the seven Qira’ah to Maulana Saleem Gaibie.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview:

The key to changing your life is restraining your tongue and learning positive, beneficial speech. In this course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explore the guidance of the Quran and Sunna regarding:

(1) the importance of restraining one’s speech and avoiding negative words;

(2) the transformative impact of “saying only the good” and “saying good or remaining silent.”

(3) the five key sins of speech: what they are, and how to avoid them;

(4) the sunnas of positive, beneficial speech.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Realize the importance of preserving the tongue.

• Appreciate the transformative impact of positive speech.

• Explain how the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) expressed himself through positive and beneficial speech.

• Discuss the five key sins of speech and how to avoid them.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Shaykh Faraz begins by covering the Prophetic encouragement for whoever is able to do so to get married. However, he also points out that marriage—while generally praiseworthy—is not obligatory or even always recommended.

Shaykh Faraz highlights that the basis for choosing in marriage is religion: other reasons could be secondary considerations. In addition, he explains that the indicator of faith is a good character, as mentioned by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the hadith.

One of the points that Shaykh Faraz greatly emphasizes is the sincerity in marriage. He narrates the hadith of intention, one of the most important hadiths about marriage. Anyone going into marriage should intend to seek Allah’s pleasure and closeness by getting married. All other reasons are means—not an end on their own.

Shaykh Faraz closes by discussing some of the challenges facing those getting married, such as over-complicating weddings. He also warns against conducting private marriages. Finally, Shaykh Faraz provides some key advice, through the prophetic example, of best practices to uphold in a marriage.

Learning Outcomes

• Virtues of marriage and when to get married

• Key Prophetic guidance related to initiating and upholding marriage

• How relationships will test one’s sincerity and good character.

• Overcoming challenges facing those getting married

• Expressing love within the relationship

About the instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Salman Younes

Course Overview

“Successful are the believers who in their prayers are humble.” (23:2) Humbleness (khushu`) is considered the life of the prayer, which possesses both an inward and outward reality. In his treatise on khushu`, Imam al-Khadimi, relying on earlier authorities like Imam al-Ghazali, focuses on the inner and outer dimensions of prayer, their various elements, conditions, and the way one attaches the heart to Allah in the actions one is performing and rids oneself of distractions.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn the inner and outward adab of purification and prayer.

• Understand the higher purpose of prayer and its role in the cultivation of piety and ihsan

• Become better acquainted with the spiritual states of early Muslims and their attitude towards the prayer.

• Learn practical ways to attach one’s heart to Allah in the prayer and safeguard oneself from distractive thoughts.

About The Instructor

“Outward knowledge is a means to inward purification, and inward purification is a means to being with Allah without attachments. So, do not hold back from seeking sacred knowledge and do not be miserly in benefiting others with it.”

Ustadh Salman Younas credits two things with inspiring his journey as a student of knowledge: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani instilled in him a love of the sacred sciences with rare-seen balance and knowledge and reading about the lofty states of the spiritually-realized made clear to him the reality of sacred knowledge and its purpose.

Born and raised in New York, Ustadh Salman Younas graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Political Science and Religious Studies. After studying the Islamic sciences online and with local scholars in New York, Ustadh Salman moved to Amman. There he studies Islamic law, legal methodology, belief, hadith methodology, logic, Arabic, and tafsir.

His teachers include: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Shaykh Salah Abu’l Hajj, Shaykh Ashraf Muneeb, Shaykh Ahmad Hasanat, Shaykh Hamza Karamali, Shaykh Ahmad Snobar, Shaykh Ali Hani, Shaykh Hamza Bakri, Ustadh Rajab Harun and others.

Ustadh Salman’s personal interests include research into the fields of law/legal methodology, hadith, theology, as well as political theory, government, media, and ethics. He is also an avid traveler and book collector. He currently resides in Amman with his wife.

Executive Summary

The Book of the Heart Softeners [Kitab al Riqaq] is a chapter that is included in many primary hadith collections, included Sahih al-Bukhari. It compiles hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]  that serve to soften the heart, or bring about a state of receptiveness to truth and the divine reality. This is done by speaking of the reality of this worldly life and its charms, which often serve to harden the heart from heeding divine guidance and distract and engulf the self into lusts and desires, leading to its spiritual destruction. These hadiths also speak about the virtues of poverty, the nature of greed and false hopes, the value of being heartbroken at one’s misdeeds, and the simple lifestyle of the Prophet [peace be upon him], among other subtopics. This course looks at how Imam Tabrizi masterfully compiled just over 210 narrations from various hadith collections and combined them under his chapter of the Book of Heart Softeners in his work Mishkat al Masabih [A Niche of Lamps], and analyzes their meaning and spiritual implications in order to apply their message to our lives today.

Course Summary

In this course, we will read and understand a wide selection of the prophetic hadiths intended to soften the heart from Imam al-Tabrizi's Mishkat al Masaheeb, under the chapter Kitab al Riqaq, the Book of the Heart Softeners.

We intend to implement the import of the hadiths to help in changing our attitude and outlook towards the world and to remove heedlessness of Allah.

We hope to lift our gazes towards our inevitable passing and the everlasting Hereafter, and allowing that to condition how we interact and behave in this worldly life with ourselves and others,  and most importantly, with Allah Himself.

Learning Outcomes

• a guided reading of Hadith and an introduction to the genre of Hadith collections
• Understanding how Hadith commentaries work on multiple levels
• Familiarizing oneself with hadith 
•  understanding how chapter subheadings are used
•  Reading for understanding, then reflection, then implementation, and finally, changing character and spiritual outlook.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Shaykh Ali Hani & Ustadh Amjad Tarsin

Course Overview

What is the place of green and environmental stewardship in Islam? How does the Qur’an view concern for the environment? What is your responsibility towards the environment?

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin and the distinguished Qur’anic Studies expert Shaykh Ali Hani answer these and other critical questions by citing several prophetic traditions emphasizing taking care of the environment.

In this course Shaykh Faraz opens the discussion on living green and shows how living green is showing mercy to all of creation, it also is a means to upholding good. Believers concern is not just for self or humans but for all of creation. Upholding justice to everything and everyone.

Shaykh Ali Hani speaks about what we know about environmental protection in the Qur’an.

The Qur’an tells us that the universe has been made for us, meaning that the creation of the natural environment is deeply linked to our existence in their earth. We also know that Allah has made us people Khalifa, or Vice-regent, representing Allah on this earth. Shaykh Ali explains how this role of stewardship is closely intertwined with our responsibility towards the environment.

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin speaks about the sunnas connected to environmental stewardship.

Ustadh Amjad highlights some key practices of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, with regards to the environment. He explains some Islamic values with respect to environmental concern.

One’s concern should drive one to watch what one eats, have reverence for all of Creation, reuse one’s items, and ultimately to reflect. He stresses that every part of Islam is about harmony and balance. We are called to give everything its right. We need to use resources, but we can do this in a way that is not excessive.

Shaykh Faraz ends by showing how stewardship is an urgency and is established by and entitled by faith itself. One’s very religion is about care and concern for all that is around one.

Learning Outcomes

• Virtue of living green

• How to show mercy to everything around one

• The importance of being thankful

• How the environment is a trust from Allah

About the instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Amjad Tarsin was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He obtained his Bachelors of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies. After completing his BA, Amjad spent an intensive year studying at the illustrious Dar al-Mustafa for Islamic Sciences in Tarim, Yemen. He then enrolled at Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy program where he completed his Master’s Degree. He previously served as the Executive Director and Head Chaplain of the Muslim Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto, becoming Canada’s first full-time Muslim Chaplain at a university in September 2012. In addition to his administrative duties and leadership responsibilities, he counseled and taught students. Ustadh Amjad currently is a faculty member at Al-Maqasid, and he also teaches for SeekersGuidance Online Islamic Seminary. He currently lives outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

Shaykh Ali Hani is a leading scholar of Arabic and Tafsir from Jordan. From a young age, he dedicated himself to studying the Qur’anic sciences. He has memorized the Holy Book, learnt the Ten Canonical Recitations, and studied tafsir extensively. He is a master of the Arabic language.

Education: Shaykh Ali Hani’s journey towards seeking sacred knowledge began through the supplications of his mother. She would pray for him to be like his uncle, who was considered the most pious and righteous man of the family.

At a young age, he was introduced to Shaykh Abu Ayman, a man whose life revolved around the Qur’an. Shaykh Ali memorized the Qur’an under him in just two years.

He went on to master and receive ijaza in seven canonical readings of the Qur’an from Shaykh Mamood al-Uraymi, and Tajweed from Shaykh Abdul Mun’in Nasir Addin.

Later, he would study Hadith, Tafsir and Balagha under Shaykh Fadl’ Abbas at the University of Jordan. When he finished, he left to Yemen.

In Sana, he studied Arabic grammar, morphology, rhetoric, and inheritance law under Shaykh Qasim al-Bahr. He also completed mastering the Ten Recitations of the Qur’an. After some time, Shaykh Ali made his way to the blessed land of Tarim to further his knowledge.

He studied a number of classical texts including the Alfiyya of ibn Malik and Minhaj al- Talibin at the hands of Shaykh Ahmad Ali Shinqiti, Shaykh Fadl ba Fadl, and Shaykh Muhammad al-Khatib.

Highly respected by many of the scholars in the region, Shaykh Ali was appointed as an instructor at the Ribaat.

Current: Shaykh Ali is teaching various Islamic sciences to students and scholars alike in Amman. He is the Head Instructor of the SeekersArabic Program at SeekersHub Global He continues to increase his love and passion for the Science of Tafsir through teaching, writing, and doing research in the field.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

This course takes a critical look at what is deemed an innovation in Islam. It clarifies the definition of innovation and the difference between good and bad innovations. Then five cases of perceived innovation are considered and debunked, followed by five actual cases of innovation that Muslims must be wary of.

The term “innovation” has contemporarily been a controversial and typically negative term for Muslims. With a lack of understanding, many haphazardly use the term incorrectly, leading to confusion for Muslims in general. This course seeks to clarify these confusions by taking a critical look at innovation in Islam.

It does so by analyzing the definition of the term “bid``` a” and clearing up what constitutes good innovation and bad innovation. Next, there is a brief look at what the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) had to say about innovations in Islam.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Define bid`` a (innovation).

• Explain what the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said about innovation.

• Differentiate between a praiseworthy and blameworthy innovation.

• Evaluate common examples of innovations that may be misunderstood.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Ustadh Mohammed Tayssir Safi

Course Overview

This course covers 40 hadiths on fasting collected by Shaykh Yusuf al-Nabahani. This collection focuses on the merits of fasting in general, fasting the month of Ramadan specifically, and on some of the voluntary fasts recommended throughout the year.

The treatise was compiled by Shaykh Yusuf ibn Ismail al-Nabahani (d. 1932). The goal of the course is to focus on core reports from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) that speak about the aims, etiquettes, and meanings behind the fast. The student will familiarize themselves with these central reports and in doing so familiarize themselves with some of the key meanings of revelation.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Learn the main aims of fasting.

• Recall the key hadith about fasting.

• Gain a general understanding of the etiquettes of the fast.

• Gain a general understanding of the voluntary fasts.

About The Instructor:

Mohammed Tayssir Safi is a doctoral candidate at Ibn Haldun University. At the university’s Islamic Studies department, he specializes in Ḥadīth Studies, with a particular focus on the epistemological framework used in the technical study of ḥadīth. In parallel with his academic studies at the university, Mohammed has been a long-time student of the Islamic Sciences in traditional educational circles. To that end, he has spent years studying in Damascus (Syria), Cairo (Egypt), Tarim (Yemen), and most recently, Istanbul (Turkey). He is also a graduate of Sultan Ahmet Madrasa’s “IKAN,” program, which focuses on Islamic theology (Kalām). Mohammed holds a master’s degree from the University of Michigan in applied linguistics (Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language), as well as a certificate in Manuscript Editing from Istanbul’s main Islamic Research institution, ISAM.

Mohammed currently teaches courses in Islamic Theology (Kalām) and Ḥadīth Studies for SeekersGuidance and resides with his family in Istanbul

Instructor: Dr. Yusuf Patel

Course Overview

In this course, Dr. Yusuf Patel reads and reflects on Said Nursi's treatise, A Message for the Sick. This course provides a spiritual perspective on how to understand and deal with diseases. Said Nursi is considered to be one of the last great Ottoman scholars of the 19th Century. Well-known for his scholarly and spiritual contributions, he authored a critical and beneficial exposition of the Qur’an titled the Risale Nur. In this exposition, he covered an array of topics and subjects that were confronting communities of faith. One of the treatises in the Risale Nur focused on the concepts of life, death, disease, and health. Said Nursi showed and explained how Muslims should understand these states of one's existence and how one should see the divine hand at play when Allah decrees certain events to occur in one's life. Contrary to the materialistic worldview, disease and illness are laden with spiritual reminders and remedies that can enhance the spiritual rank of an individual. As the world currently comes to terms with the Covid-19 pandemic this course will provide basic guidance on how to negotiate and reconceive the burdens of disease.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the metaphysical perspective of illness and disease.

• Appreciate the spiritual benefits and reminders laden within a disease.

• Come to terms with illness, death, and our mortality as human beings.

Instructor: Shaykh Farid Dingle

Course Overview

In this course, we have presented a vast body of hadiths pertaining to Ramadan in specific and those works specifically recommended to be done in Ramadan in general. The hadiths are all from Hafidh Mundhiri’s phenomenal work al-Targhib wa al-Tarhib -- a collection of hadith to do with the practical and spiritual life a Muslim. The topics covered are Ramadan itself, praying, fasting, reciting the Qur’an and giving charity.

As one of the most blessed and active times of the year for Muslims, it only makes sense that at this time we should all take a look at the extensive, detailed and authentic prophetic teachings that have reached us about this blessed time and about the actions that we should be involved in during this time.

By taking this course we can really open our eyes to the works that we can all start doing in Ramadan, and how these deeds can become a new way of life for all of us in a practical and realistic way.

Learning Outcomes

• Know the key hadiths to do with fasting, reciting the Qur’an and giving in charity

• Understand the meanings of the hadiths

• Understand the types of hadiths used in ‘fadail al-amal’ -- supererogatory deeds encouraged by Islam in a general sense

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to crafts lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.

Key Teachings of the Prophet on the Benefits and Rewards of Learning and Reciting the Qur'an

Instructor: Shaykh Ahmed Hussein El Azhary

Course Overview

Imam Ahmed al-Arwadi, a great sage and a prominent scholar of the 19th century, compiled forty hadiths on the virtues of the Qur’an and the benefits and rewards of learning and reciting it. This course provides an explanation of these forty hadiths illustrating in detail the precious value of learning and teaching the Qur’an and highlighting the essential role of reciting the Qur’an in our daily lives as Muslims. 

Learning Outcomes

• Learn the key teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) pertaining virtues of the Qur’an, the benefits of its recitation and the rewards of learning and teaching the Qur’an.

• Grasp the significance of reciting the Qur’an to our lives in this world and the Hereafter.

• Understand the necessity of teaching and learning the Qur’an for us as Muslims.

• Become informed about a great sage regarded as an authority of Hadith and his huge influence on many of the late scholars of Islamic sciences.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary is a researcher in Islamic intellectual history and a teacher of Islamic traditional sciences. He’s currently a teacher of Hadith, Usūl, Logic and Kalam at Rawdatul-Na`īm under the supervision of Habib `Ali al-Jifrī; and at Madyafat Shaykh Ismaīl Sadiq al-`Adawī (RA), a prominent learning center by al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo.

Shaykh Ahmed studied Anthropology at American University in Cairo and received his training in Leadership Communication from Tulane University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is also a life-long learner. He holds a diversified portfolio of almost 50 certificates in a variety of subjects – extending from Teaching Character and Clinical Psychology of Children and Young People to Complexity Theory, Model Thinking and Conflict Analysis.

Shaykh Ahmed began his journey of studying traditional sciences about 20 years ago. In addition to studying with scholars from al-Azhar, he had the privilege of studying with visiting scholars from Algeria and India in a one-on-one format, and was thus given an exceptional opportunity to study and discuss advanced-level texts of different sorts and over a long period of time. Shaykh Ahmed has more than 70 Ijazas from scholars from all over the Muslim world.

Beside a number of edited works about to be released in Islamic pedagogy, linguistics and Hanafi Usūl, Shaykh Ahmed has authored Rūh al-`Ilm – a treatise in the art of scientific investigation, based on a survey of roughly 200 traditional Islamic texts, and has been endorsed by Dr. Jamāl Fārūq, the Dean of Islamic Da`wah College at al-Azhar University and Dr. Ahmed Mamdūh, the Chair of Research Division at Dar al-Iftaa’ al-Masrīyah. Rūh al-`Ilm will be published by Tabah Foundation in the early of summer of 2019.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

From childhood, we are often enthralled with great real stories of the past, with the astounding mystery they bring, from a time period no longer familiar to people. This especially holds true for the lives of the Prophets of God, as these extraordinary men exemplified great virtues and courage as they called people to the oneness of God.

Through these magnificent stories of the prophets (upon them be peace), we learn how these prominent leaders dealt with similar or more severe challenges that we face, and what the outcome was for them when they had Allah on their side. Such stories provide us with examples of real people who were tested in various ways, and the lessons we should take away for our lives when we are tested in the same way, even if it not to the same degree. Join us Wednesday evenings as Shaykh Faraz Rabbani beautifully explores some of the stories of their Qurʾan and their timeless lessons.

Learning Outcomes

• Reiterate the stories of the Prophets of God.

• Realize that the prophets (peace and blessings be upon them) were real people who were tested in various ways.

• Understand the lessons and wisdom from the stories.

• Apply the valuable lessons to their own lives.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

In this fascinating course, we gain greater clarity on key concepts of the Qur’an. This will deepen our understanding of guidance and how to cultivate our relationship with Allah Most High.

This course will deepen our understanding of the Qur’an; help appreciate the beauty and inimitable expression of the Qur’an, and how these concepts of guidance clarify and inspire us to turn fully to Allah—through the teachings of one of the great giants of Islamic scholarship and spirituality, al-Hakim al-Tirmidhi (d. 317 AH).

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the meanings of key terms in the Quran.

• Appreciate the beauty and inimitability of the Quran.

• Cultivate their relationship with Allah Most High by deepening their understanding of His words.

• Acquire the inspiration to turn fully to Allah.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Jawad Qureshi

Course Overview

This seminar broadly covers the sciences of logic and dialectic, as well as the etiquette of reading various works of literature. This is important for anyone embarking upon studying sacred knowledge because logic and dialectic are tools that scholars use to approach and analyze the Islamic sciences.

The key learning outcomes of this seminar include an in depth look at the science of logic from the Islamic tradition in comparison to the Western tradition. It looks at the basic operations of the mind as well as the primary questions that the science of logic allows us to answer. This is followed by an expounding of the science of dialectic, taking a look at how logic is used in the discourse of scholars. This includes a brief look at the formalities and general rules of formal Islamic debate.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define logic and understand its purpose.

• Explain the logic of the Islamic tradition including Tasawwur and Tasdiq.

• Summarize the modes of applying logic.

• Understand how reasoning, propositions, syllogisms, and inductive logic are used in the discourse of scholars.

Instructor: Dr. Karim Lahham

Course Overview

This seminar begins by clarifying the role and importance of metaphysics in the philosophy of the natural sciences. It defines and deconstructs the two main philosophies of the natural sciences that have gained traction in academia. It then goes into the issues of ethics in light of these modern theories and the traditional Islamic perspective of the philosophy of nature. The seminar concludes with descriptions of the true nature of the cosmos as described by the scholars of Islam and a brief look at the knowledge of God. 

This course demonstrates the importance of looking beyond the one-track, narrow perspective of viewing the cosmos as one-dimensional (modern theories), and instead of viewing it as a multi-dimensional creation of God (Islamic tradition). It serves as a reminder for Muslims that the world is not a meaningless speck of dust as reductionism would have us believe, rather it is alive and full of spiritual meaning for the person aware of Allah.

The key learning outcomes of this course are understanding the flaws of modern philosophies of nature and understanding the wisdom behind the Islamic perspective. Recognizing the importance of metaphysics and the subject matter it deals with. Understanding the first principles of ethics and the positive outcomes that arise from the Islamic perspective. Getting a glimpse of the true reality of creation, the degrees of existence, the Haqiqa Muhammadiyya, and knowledge of Allah.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding distinctions between scientific methods and theories

• Understanding the study of metaphysics and its subject matter

• Understanding the relationship between the natural sciences and ethics

• Understanding the Islamic perspective of other dimensions of reality

Instructor: Dr. Nuri Friedlander

Course Overview

This course covers Islamic law, theology, and ethics-related issues that pertain to animal slaughter and sacrifice. It covers the ethics related to why animal slaughter and sacrifice is deemed good in Islam, and also covers details about how to conduct animal slaughter and sacrifice under Islamic law.

This is important because we live in an age where global meat consumption is at an all-time high, and where the ethics of animal treatment is widely debated. This course clarifies the Islamic perspective on the ethics of animal sacrifice and slaughter and allows Muslims to see the balance and moderation that Islam calls for.

The learning outcomes of this course include understanding the key theological questions related to animal sacrifice and slaughter—including the ethics of killing animals and of animal pain and suffering. They also include the fiqh of animal slaughter, the definition and role of sacrifice in Islam, and contemporary issues that Muslims must deal with.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding the key theological questions related to animal sacrifice and slaughter

• Ethics of animal sacrifice and slaughter

• The fiqh of animal sacrifice and slaughter

• Contemporary issues related to animal sacrifice and slaughter

Instructor: Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

Course Overview

It covers the Aphorisms of Imam al-Haddad, a great 12th-century AH scholar who had the unique ability to synthesize and simplify the writings of earlier scholars into works easily accessible for the ordinary Muslims who followed him.

This text is an excellent work that covers various topics related to the subtleties of the heart, providing students with valuable knowledge about conducting themselves with wisdom. The entire text contains 36 aphorisms that follow the chronological order of the final few suras of the Qur'an.

This course serves as an uncomplicated, easy to follow, and beneficial series of lessons for youth to expand their knowledge. Each class leaves students with an understanding of the aphorisms and a practical element applicable to their day-to-day lives.

The incorporation of the Qur'an into each lesson provides students with a general understanding of its meanings. Thus, completing this course will equip students to reflect on the Qur'an's meanings when reciting the verses covered in class.

About the Text

The Aphorisms of Imam Haddad provide general counsel for the ordinary Muslim about a variety of topics related to the subtleties of the heart.

This text, although not used as a core text of an Islamic studies track, is significant because of the wisdom that Imam Haddad imparts in it. This text is useful for seekers of knowledge because it outlines a method of self-rectification, gearing students to prepare their hearts to take further knowledge.

About the Author For?

Imam Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad (1044–1142 AH) was one of the most outstanding scholars of his time. His significance arises from his work to revive the Islamic tradition. He is considered a reviver of the twelfth century.

He is primarily known for his works in Islamic spirituality from the Ba ’Alawiyya Sufi order. His works include The Book of Assistance, The Lives of Man, Religious Counsels, and Knowledge and Wisdom.

Imam Haddad had the unique ability to synthesize the knowledge that had come before him into works easily accessible for Muslims of his time. His works provide us with valuable knowledge on how to act with wisdom.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is primarily for youth, however, it is excellent for adults as well.

• It is particularly beneficial for High School and University students.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning parts of the Qur’an through a lens of self-rectification and purification of the heart.

• Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand each aphorism of Imam Haddad.

• Extend the understanding of the aphorisms to their related Qur’anic verses.

• Practically apply the meanings of the aphorisms to their life.

• Appreciate the simplistic spiritual pedagogy of Imam Haddad.

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Wisdoms 1, 2, & 3

Lesson 2: Wisdoms 4, 5, & 6

Lesson 3: Lesson 3: Wisdoms 7, 8, & 9

Lesson 4: Wisdoms 10, 11, & 12

Lesson 5: Wisdoms 13, 14, & 15

Lesson 6: Wisdoms 16, 17, & 18

Lesson 7: Wisdoms 19, 20, & 21

Lesson 8: Wisdoms 22, 23, & 24

Lesson 9: Wisdoms 25, 26, & 27

Lesson 10: Wisdoms 28, 29, & 30

Lesson 11: Wisdoms 31, 32, & 33 

Lesson 12: Wisdoms 34, 35, & 36

About the Instructor

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he then completed four years at the Darul Uloom seminary in New York where he studied Arabic and the traditional sciences. He then traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he stayed for three years studying in Dar Al-Mustafa under some of the greatest scholars of our time, including Habib Umar Bin Hafiz, Habib Kadhim al-Saqqaf, and Shaykh Umar al-Khatib. In Tarim, Shaykh Yusuf completed the memorization of the Qur’an and studied inheritance law, legal methodology, hadith methodology, Qur’anic exegesis, Islamic history, and a number of texts on spirituality. He joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.

About the Text

This course is based on the text "The Clarification of Noble Character," by Habib Umar bin Hafiz. This book consists of thirty lessons that discuss the importance of character refinement and focus on the traits and qualities that every believer should strive to acquire. Habib Umar demonstrates how the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the pious people of his nation embody each character trait and how we can emulate them. This is a book for every seeker, every believer, and every family.

About the Author

Habib Umar bin Muhammad bin Salim bin Hafiz is well-known for his Prophetic lineage and status as one of the most influential religious scholars alive today. Born in Tarim, in Yemen’s Hadramawt Valley, in 1383 AH (1963 CE), he has become one of the renewers of the Islamic tradition in our time. Habib Umar traveled to Bayda’ around age 19 to study under Habib Muhammad Haddar and this is when the author wrote this book.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Learn the beautiful character traits of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and our pious predecessors.

• Instill those traits in their own character.

• Beautify their practice of Islam by striving for excellence in their actions.

• Understand how to live with good character in times of ease and in times of difficulty.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

This course explores the ultimate purpose of human existence: closeness to Allah Most High. People have varying incorrect notions of what the point of human existence is, ranging from reincarnation to empty nothingness. By taking this course, students will come to know the Islamic perspective of the purpose of our religion.

"If My servants ask you about Me, I am indeed Close. I answer the call of those who call on Me..." (Qur'an, 2:186). Realizing and living the reality of Allah's closeness and having hope in Him is every Muslim's life goal. At the end of this course, students will have a clear understanding of what this verse means.

Students will appreciate the light of guidance that the Prophets and Messengers brought to humanity and the genuine fulfillment and joy that comes with having hope and closeness to Allah Most High. This course will also explain practical tips on realizing and living these realities in one's day-to-day life.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for teenagers and adults.

• It can be taken by anyone who is interested in knowing more about practical spirituality.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the realities of having hope in, and closeness to, Allah Most High.

• Understand what hope and closeness to Allah entail for a believer.

• Understand what hinders one from closeness to Allah.

• Describe ways to be close to Allah in different acts of worship.

• Apply their understanding in practical ways to achieve closeness to Allah.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Course Overview

There is nothing quite like a good story, and the Qur'an has the best of them. They inspire; they console; they fill us with hope, and they are proof of Allah's promise being true. In those stories are the best role models, the greatest life lessons, and the greatest nourishment of faith. They are our means to being in the company of the Prophets.

This course is an analysis of the stories of the Prophets (peace and blessings be on them all) found in the Quran. Its focus is to derive practical lessons from the experiences of the Prophets (peace and blessings be on them all) as they lived as believers and faced their challenges on the road to pleasing Allah.

With its unique perspective, this course shows the beautiful relationships all of these blessed individuals had with Allah. This is the first step to enriching our lives with their guidance and experience. The lessons are based on the verses of the Quran and the most authenticated narrations.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is suitable for all ages.

• It is particularly beneficial for anyone interested in learning the authentic Quranic version of Prophetic stories.

• This course can also be taken by students of Quranic exegesis (Tafsir).

• It is a beginner-level course. There are no prerequisites for it.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Gain guidance from the stories of various Prophets.

• Apply the lessons to their daily lives.

• Acquire firmness and strength in their faith.

• Be consoled by the lives of the Prophets.

• Find inspiration in the excellent conduct of the Prophets.

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with erudite scholars such as Shaykh Adnan Darwish, Shaykh Abdurrahman Arjan, Shaykh Hussain Darwish, and Shaykh Muhammad Darwish.

In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic with teachers such as Dr. Ashraf Muneeb, Dr. Salah Abu’l-Hajj, Dr. Hamza al-Bakri, Shaykh Ahmad Hasanat, Dr. Mansur Abu Zina, and others. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Qur’anic recital by Shakh Samir Jabir and Shaykh Yahya Qandil.

His true passion, however, arose in the presence of Shaykh Ali Hani, considered by many to be one of the foremost tafsir scholars of our time who provided him with the keys to the vast knowledge of the Quran. With Shaykh Ali, he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Qur’anic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence

When he finally left Jordan for the UK in 2014, Shaykh Ali gave him his distinct blessing and still recommends students in the UK to seek out Shaykh Abdul-Rahim for Quranic studies. Since his return, he has trained as a therapist and has helped a number of people overcome emotional and psychosomatic issues. He is a keen promoter of emotional and mental health.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Ustadha Shireen Ahmed

Course Overview

One's etiquette in social situations is the key foundation to having strong relationships with other people. This is especially crucial when it comes to the people who have rights over us, such as friends, family, and neighbors. Our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) best exemplified the best character and conduct with the people around him. In this important work Adab al-Suhba (The Etiquette of Keeping Company), Imam Sulami carefully examines numerous examples of the great character of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلّم, so that readers can learn to exemplify these qualities within themselves. Join us weekly for this discussion-based course with Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Ustadha Shireen Ahmed as they discuss with students the text and how it can be implemented in one's day-to-day life.

This beneficial beginner (Level One) course in Islamic Etiquette is for anyone seeking to improve their conduct in their relationships with other people. It also serves a a good reminder for more advanced students as well.

The goal of this series is to make students more mindful of how they conduct themselves with others and to strengthen their relationships with others (which in turn strengthens the fabric of our society as a whole). Seeking the pleasure of Allah Most High can often be attained through good conduct with other people.

This course allows students to reflect on their own personal conduct, and helps them to identify areas in which they can improve. This will in turn strengthen their personal relationships and help them to be a more conscious member of society.

About the Text

A summary of sixty key proprieties (adab) of keeping company and dealing with others with excellence in accordance with the sunna of the Messenger of Allah (peace & blessings be upon him). The original work was authored by Imam Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami (d. 412 AH). This summary of sixty principles was made by Ibn Hajar al-Haytami (d. 974 AH).

About the Author

His name was Muhammad b. al-Husayn al-Sulami. He was of Arab origin and known by the name Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami. Al-Sulami was born in Nishapur (now in Iran) in 325 AH or 937 ED. He was of a prestigious family, well respected for their involvement in the intellectual pursuits of that city. In his youth he studied theology, jurisprudence of the Shafi'i school, and traveled extensively in pursuit of Hadith, until he became known as an authority in his own right. He was given a certificate of competence (ijaza) to issue formal legal opinions (fatwas) and to teach.

Who is This Course For?

• This is a general course in Islamic Etiquette is for anyone seeking to improve their conduct in their relationships with other people. It also serves a good reminder for more advanced students as well.

Learning Outcomes

• How to improve their conduct with others (friends, neighbours, family, teachers, etc.)

• Inspiration from specific examples of good conduct of the Messenger (peace be upon him)

• Increase of love for the Prophet (peace be upon him)

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Text and the Author(s)

Lesson 2: The Significance of Fraternity & Good Conduct between Believers (1-6)

Lesson 3: How to Protect a Relationship from Harm (7-12)

Lesson 4: Respect for One's Companions (13-18)

Lesson 5: The Rights of Friendship (19-24)

Lesson 6: Strengthening the Bonds of Companionship (25-30)

Lesson 7: Avoid Talebearing & Shunning; Having Loyalty & Gratitude(31-36)

Lesson 8: Choosing Knowledgeable Friends & their Rights (37-42)

Lesson 9: Fulfilling their Needs and Keeping One's Word (43-48)

Lesson 10: The Importance of Visiting (49-54)

Lesson 11: Upholding their Rights & Looking Out for Them (55-60)

Lesson 12: The Different Types of Company in Life & What is Required of Each

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Ustadha Shireen Ahmed is an experienced teacher, educator, and mentor, specializing in marriage, parenting, and character development. Born and raised in Canada, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. Thereafter, she traveled to Syria, studying Arabic and sacred knowledge at the University of Damascus and Abu Nour Institute. She took private classes in Qur’anic recitation, Prophetic traditions, sacred law, and Prophetic biography. After ten years abroad, she returned to Toronto, Canada. She currently serves as Managing Director of SeekersGuidance Canada, where she draws from years of experience as a community leader and activist.

Instructor: Shaykh Walead Mosaad

Course Overview

In contemporary times, there are many incorrect notions of how knowledge ought to be transmitted. This course outlines the traditional Islamic method of knowledge transmission in light of a few modern ideas.

By taking this course, students will understand the Islamic methodology of navigating social and political issues. Students will also receive general counsel about navigating some of the current prevalent issues of our time.

Some topics addressed in this counsel for students include Islamic activism, stewardship, societal and communal relations, and effective methods of advising others.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for both adults and young adults alike.

• It is particularly beneficial for politically active professionals and students.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in social and political activism from a traditional Islamic perspective.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the traditional Islamic method of knowledge transmission.

• Understand the definition of Islam via it’s boundries and limits.

• Differentiate the Islamic paradigm from other worldviews.

• Describe the characteristics of our modern, secular age.

• Compare the relationship between social and political life.

• Analyze and understand how to navigate a few contemporary issues.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Walead Mohammed Mosaad is a teacher and researcher of the Islamic sciences. He is the Director of Muslim Student Life at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and an adjunct professor of Ethics in the philosophy department at the same university.

He has completed degrees from Rutgers University, the Fath Islamic Seminary in Damascus, al-Azhar University in Cairo, the University of Liverpool, and a Ph.D. in Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter in the UK.

He has lectured on various topics of interest, including Muslims as minorities, interfaith understanding, and the importance of purification and spirituality in addressing the human condition.

Instructor: Shaykh Ahmad Saad al-Azhari

Course Overview

This On-Demand course is based on a series of short lessons about the supplications found in the Qur’an.

Allah only enables and guides us to make a supplication because He wishes to grant us its answer. In essence, we receive the answer for our supplication before we even supplicate. This course aims to maximize our benefit when it comes to actualizing this reality.

In this course, Shaykh Ahmad Saad Al-Azhari covers twenty-eight different Qur’anic supplications, explaining their context, benefit, and relevance in our lives. These supplications are taught in a manner that provides a glimpse of the vast spiritual secrets of the Qur’an.

By taking this course, students will have an increased connection with the Qur’an and gain a rooted understanding of the importance of these various supplications.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is suitable for all ages.

• It is particularly beneficial for students of the Qur’an.

• This course can also be taken by anyone interested in studying a tafsir of the Qur’an in the future.

• It is an On-Demand course. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the general importance of making du’a (supplication).

• Understand the meanings of the various supplications covered.

• Understand the main lessons from the supplications.

• Apply specific supplications to the different life circumstances they may face.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Ahmed Saad Al-Azhari is a graduate of Al Azhar University. He studied traditional Islamic sciences at the hands of senior scholars and specialists in Egypt, the most notable of whom are his late father Shaykh Muhammad Saad, Habib Abu Bakr Al-Adni bin Ali Al-Mashhur, and the Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Ali Gom’ah. He memorized the Qur’an at the age of ten and also memorized various Hadith and Arabic books. He holds one of the highest chains in the narration of Hafs from Asim. He also holds numerous ijazas in books of hadith, Shafi'i and Maliki Fiqh, and other sciences. Shaykh Ahmed Saad loves poetry and writes it frequently, mainly in Arabic and sometimes in English.

Instructors: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Shaykh Saad Ahmed al-Azhari and Ustadh Amjad Tarsin

Course Overview

Due to the fast-paced nature of our lives, we may sometimes lose sight of our purpose in this world and the impending judgement we will face in the hereafter. Other times, we may erroneously be concerned about when the end of time will be rather than what we can do to prepare for it.

This course provides the student with a clear understanding of the signs of the end of time and how they can prepare for the final hour. It analyzes and derives critical lessons from the famous hadith of Jibril (peace be upon him) and other hadiths of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

Muslims must meet changes in society with awareness and knowledge of the signs of the end of times. Students will learn these signs and how to appropriately navigate this worldly life with the final hour in mind.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for teenagers and adults.

• It is particularly beneficial for Muslims living in the West.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning to prepare for the end of time.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the importance of the signs of the last hour.

• Describe how one can prepare to receive the signs of the last hour.

• Differentiate the signs of the last hour in light of modern times.

• Explain how to engage with the signs of the last hour.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and th en in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Shaykh Ahmed Saad Al-Azhari is a graduate of Al Azhar University. He studied traditional Islamic sciences at the hands of senior scholars and specialists in Egypt, the most notable of whom are his late father Shaykh Muhammad Saad, Habib Abu Bakr Al-Adni bin Ali Al-Mashhur, and the Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Ali Gom’ah. He memorized the Qur’an at the age of ten and also memorized various Hadith and Arabic books. He holds one of the highest chains in the narration of Hafs from Asim. He also holds numerous ijazas in books of hadith, Shafi'i and Maliki Fiqh, and other sciences. Shaykh Ahmed Saad loves poetry and writes it frequently, mainly in Arabic and sometimes in English.

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies.

After completing his BA, Amjad spent an intensive year studying at the illustrious Dar al-Mustafa for Islamic Sciences in Tarim, Yemen. He then enrolled at Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy program where he completed his Master’s Degree.

He previously served as the Executive Director and Head Chaplain of the Muslim Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto, becoming Canada’s first full-time Muslim Chaplain at a university in September 2012. In addition to his administrative duties and leadership responsibilities, he counselled and taught students.

Ustadh Amjad currently is a faculty member at Al-Maqasid.

He currently lives outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

Instructors: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Shaykh Yahya Rhodus

Course Overview

Coffee can be more than just a caffeine boost in the morning. This On-Demand Course explains the meaning of life and worship, exploring where coffee fits into all of this.

This course investigates the Islamic perspective on the purpose of life, looking at how coffee is perceived through living a life of meaning. Students will learn about the history and emergence of coffee in the Islamic world and how it became a part of religious, social, economic and political life.

Through taking this course, students will learn how to use coffee in their personal lives to practically live out meanings of life like sincerity, love, and gratitude. They will learn about the importance of intention and its role in making even the mundane aspects of their lives significant.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for students of all ages.

• It is particularly beneficial for Muslim coffee connoisseurs.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in the history and impact of coffee on the lives of Muslims.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand how coffee relates to the meaning of life.

• Appreciate the importance of sincerity in spiritual works.

• Understand the importance of spiritual routines.

• Describe what it means to have excellence in worldly matters.

• Apply good intentions in everything they do.

About the Instructors

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He embraced Islam at the age of 19 in Santa Clara, California, where he began his study of Islam with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and visiting Mauritanian scholars. In 1998, Shaykh Yahya traveled to Mauritania to pursue a full-time course of study, where he learned from some of Mauritania’s greatest scholars, including the distinguished, Murabit al-Hajj. He also spent an interim period in Damascus, Syria where he received formal education in the Arabic language, grammar, and Qur’anic recitation. In 2000, Shaykh Yahya moved to Tarim, Yemen to continue his studies at the prestigious learning institute, Dar al-Mustafa. There, he spent his formative years studying foundational Islamic sciences with Habib ‘Umar bin Hafiz, Habib ‘Ali al-Jifri, and other scholars of Tarim. The scholars of Tarim are heirs of the spiritual way of Imam al-Ghazali as taught by the great sage of Arabia, Imam Abdullah ibn ‘Alawi al-Haddad. At the hands of these scholars, Shaykh Yahya has studied and applied the book that he teaches in this course.

Instructors: Shaykh Muhammad Qaylish and Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

This On-Demand course analyzes Shaykh Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghudda’s book titled, The Prophet As a Teacher. It explores the teaching methodology of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Its goal is to provide the student with an understanding and appreciation of the Prophet’s mercy in teaching his followers.

Shaykh Abu Ghudda was a scholar trained in Aleppo and studied psychology at Al-Azhar University. He was the Mufti of Aleppo and also an instructor of Islamic studies at Damascus University during his lifetime. His book brims with practical examples of prophetic teaching instead of delving into theory. Shaykh Abu Ghudda covers the etiquette for teachers and students, examples of how the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught, and hadiths on teaching.

At the end of this course, students will have a general idea of the 40 lessons Shaykh Abu Ghudda derives from prophetic pedagogy. By taking this course, students will learn practical teaching skills. This will help them to become more effective teachers by improving their methods in teaching and instruction.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for students of all ages.

• It is particularly beneficial for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning about prophetic teaching styles.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the various teaching methods employed by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

• Appreciate the importance of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in our lives today.

• Describe the responsibilities of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

• Understand the four elements of exemplary teachers.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Shaykh Muhammad Qaylish is a classically trained Islamic scholar teaching at Dar al-Fuqaha seminary in Turkey. He has vast experience in teaching and curriculum development in Islamic institutes in Syria, Turkey, and more. 

His teachers include distinguished scholars like Shaykh Abdulrahman al-Shaguri, Shaykh Mahmoud Masri, Shaykh Adeeb Kallas, Shaykh Nour al-Din Itr, Sh Abdulrazzak al-Halabi, and Shaykh Mustafa al-Khen.

Shaykh Muhammad Qaylish has several publications to his credit which include The Actions of the Messenger and Their Usuli Indications for Ahkam al-Sharia, The Repulsion of the Influential Causes and Their Impact on Ahkam al-Sharia, and The Explanation of Salat al-Yakutia in Tasawwuf among others.

Instructors: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Ustadha Shireen Ahmed

Course Overview

This is an On-Demand course about how to live simply and practice renunciation. Minimalist lifestyle and decluttering homes have recently become trendy in society. They're purported to help one focus their attention and lead a more fulfilling and organized life.

However, as Muslims, living simply is a result of the practice of renunciation (zuhd) and has a much deeper meaning. The attainment of zuhd is at the heart of what all prophets and messengers called their people to. We live in this world for only a short time, and we are called upon to live in it like travelers.

By taking this course, students will learn what zuhd means and what it specifically entails. They will learn about what the Quran says about zuhd and the particular instances of zuhd seen in the sunna of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). This course also covers the benefits of living simply and how to make it a family affair. Students will also learn practical steps on how to keep their homes decluttered consistently.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for teenagers and adults alike.

• It is particularly beneficial for parents or any homeowners.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning about decluttering and living simply.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Define zuhd and what it entails.

• Understand the instances of zuhd in the Quran and Sunna.

• Appreciate the benefits of living simply.

• Apply the principles of living simply in times of abundance.

• Understand how to make living simply a family affair.

• Apply practical steps on consistently keeping the home decluttered.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Ustadha Shireen Ahmed is an experienced teacher, educator, and mentor, specializing in marriage, parenting, and character development. Born and raised in Canada, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. Thereafter, she travelled to Syria, studying Arabic and sacred knowledge at the University of Damascus and Abu Nour Institute. She took private classes in Quranic recitation, Prophetic traditions, sacred law and Prophetic biography. After ten years abroad, she returned to Toronto, Canada. She currently serves as Managing Director of SeekersGuidance Canada, where she draws from years of experience as a community leader and activist.

Instructors: Shaykh Yahya Rhodus & Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Death—the destroyer of all pleasures—is a guaranteed part of human existence. Yet, no one is certain about how much time they have in this world. Some leave as young people, some are taken in middle age, and others as elders. One truth remains the same: everyone has to leave this ephemeral world. However, it is upon us to act with dignity and observe the best of etiquette whenever one's time draws close.

This On-Demand course covers the many aspects of the human experience surrounding death. It includes understanding the decree of Allah Most High and preparing ourselves physically and spiritually for death.

By taking this course, students will learn the etiquettes of the dying person, those around them, and what to do after someone has passed. They will also learn about grieving the loss of a loved one and what the living can do for the dead.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for youth and adults alike.

• It is particularly beneficial for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning more about how to help others who may be grieving.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the importance of preparing for death and regularly remembering it.

• Understand the etiquettes required of a sick and/or dying person.

• Understand the etiquettes of visiting a dying person.

• Describe what to do with a person upon their death (funerals, inheritance, wills, etc.)

• Understand how to generally deal with loss and grief.

• Generally understand one’s emotions, mind, heart, and soul.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Yahya Rhodus was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He embraced Islam at the age of 19 in Santa Clara, California, where he began his study of Islam with Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and visiting Mauritanian scholars. In 1998, Shaykh Yahya traveled to Mauritania to pursue a full-time course of study, where he learned from some of Mauritania’s greatest scholars, including the distinguished, Murabit al-Hajj. He also spent an interim period in Damascus, Syria where he received formal education in the Arabic language, grammar, and Qur’anic recitation. In 2000, Shaykh Yahya moved to Tarim, Yemen to continue his studies at the prestigious learning institute, Dar al-Mustafa. There, he spent his formative years studying foundational Islamic sciences with Habib ‘Umar bin Hafiz, Habib ‘Ali al-Jifri, and other scholars of Tarim.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

In these critical lessons, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explores the legal and hadith methodology of the Hanafi school, through the lens of Imam Kawthari’s important work, The Fiqh of the People of Iraq and their Hadith (Fiqh Ahl al-`Iraq wa Hadithuhum).

This class offers insights on how the Hanafi imams viewed analogy (qiyas) and legal preference (istihsan), their interpretive principles relating to hadith—particularly their distinguishing between the decisive (qat`i) and the non-decisive (dhanni)—and other foundational principles of the Hanafi method. 

Imam Kawthari shows how the Hanafi school traces itself to the “inherited sunna'' spread through the amazing educational vision of Umar ibn al-Khattab as Caliph, and Abd Allah ibn Mas`ud’s teaching, particularly in Kufa. (Allah be pleased with them).

It also looks at some of the notable figures of the Hanafi school and explores its fascinating history—how did the school become so prominent.

Shaykh Faraz also navigates through some misconceptions about the Hanafi school’s principles and methodology, making this class a critical resource for every student of the Hanafi school to understand and digest

About the Author

The great ‘Allama, Imam Muhammad Zahid al-Kawthari, born in the year 1297 AH/1880 CE, was the deputy of the Shaykh al-Islam and a great reviver (mujaddid) of his time. He studied the Islamic sciences from a young age and mastered them such that he was considered to have reached the highest rank in knowledge by the young age of 28!

There is apparently no field of the Islamic sciences in which Imam Kawthari did not have a well-founded claim to authority, and his highly influential works, scholarly commentaries, and priceless editions of works show the great rank of his knowledge. He wrote much in defending the Hanafi Imams, the Hanafi school, and the way of Ahl al-Sunna wal-Jama‘a. He then started teaching, ascending rank by rank until he became the deputy to the Shaykh al-Islam.

After the fall of the Ottoman empire, he moved to Cairo, then to Damascus, and then back to Cairo. During this time, he took many students including Shaykh ‘Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghudda and Shaykh ‘Abd Allah al-Ghumari.

Imam Kawthari did not see the rank of “scholar” merely as a title, rather he saw it as a reason to spread knowledge of the religion, guide people to the correct way, and dispel and clarify their confusions. He spent his time teaching and writing until his passing in 1371 AH/1952 CE.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for adults.

• It is particularly beneficial for students of Islamic Law.

• Before taking this course, students are recommended to take Usul al-Fiqh: How Islamic Law is Derived and Interpreted: Halabi’s Mukhtasar al-Manar.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in understanding the legal and hadith method of the Hanafi school.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn the method of the Hanafis in their fiqh.

• Understand the history of the Hanafi school.

• Understand how the Hanafis understood hadith.

• Understand how the Hanafis understood analogy (qiyas).

• Understand how the Hanafis understood legal preference (istihsan).

• Understand Imam Abu Hanifa’s method in teaching.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructors: Shaykh Faid Said & Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

The first migration to Abyssinia was not an easy journey. The Muslims left behind their loved ones, property, and a familiar homeland to flee to unknown lands. They sought a place that promised safety, peace, and refuge—a stark contrast to the Muslim's persecution in Makkah.

This course provides the historical, political, and social context in which the Muslims migrated to Abyssinia. It draws lessons and takeaways from the sacrifices of the beloved companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

By taking this course, students will learn details about the character and actions of the Muslims who undertook this unique journey. They'll learn about the challenges they faced and how this journey impacted them as believers. This course will provide students practical ways to emulate the actions of these courageous companions.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for students of all ages.

• It is particularly beneficial for parents and teachers looking to teach the Prophetic biography.

• This course can also be taken by anyone interested in Islamic history.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite to complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the circumstances of the Muslims undertaking the migration.

• Describe the characteristics of the Muslims that allowed them to persevere through the difficulty.

• Understand the challenges they faced on their journey.

• Appreciate the justice of the king of Abyssinia.

• Describe how the Muslims dealt with people of other faiths.

• Understand the role of leadership in the context of this migration.

About the Instructors

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said is one of the most prominent Islamic scholars based in the United Kingdom whose efforts include teaching and community outreach work. Besides holding regular classes on the Quran, Seera, and Fiqh, Shaykh Faid is a pioneer in providing advice and counseling services for those who are in need, especially new Muslims, women, and the youth. Shaykh Faid is a qualified Maliki jurist and commentator of the Quran with a specialism in the Arabic language. He has ijaza (license for transmission of knowledge) in a variety of traditional subjects from scholars including the Most Eminent Shaykh Abdul Kader Hamid, Shaykh Mahmoud Muhammad Ali Bakhit, Shaykh Al-Amin Osman Al-Amin, and the Great Shaykh Muhammad Idrisei.

Instructors: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Sister Nazima Qureshi & Brother Belal Hafeez

Course Overview

Ramadan is the time of year when Muslims have an opportunity to rejuvenate themselves spiritually and implement lasting changes in their lives. This course will equip students to prepare for Ramadan in advance to make the most of its blessings, both physically and spiritually.

This course reviews the fiqh of fasting and the best devotional practices to help students maximize their worship in this blessed month. Students will learn how to maintain a healthy diet and fitness regimen in Ramadan to better dedicate themselves to their worship. The speakers also include tips on what to eat for suhoor and iftar to maintain high energy levels and minimize fatigue.

This course is an excellent way to review all Ramadan-related material to equip oneself before the month begins.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for students of all ages.

• It is particularly beneficial for parents and caregivers.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning how to maintain healthy nutrition and exercise balance in Ramadan.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Recall the fiqh of fasting.

• Apply the neglected sunnas of Ramadan to their lives.

• Apply the neglected sunnas of Ramadan to their lives.

• Understand the importance of maintaining a healthy diet in Ramadan.

• Apply healthy nutrition and exercise principles to their lives.

About the Instructors

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Sister Nazima Qureshi is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist with a Master's of Public Health. She is a two time author, a food journal entitled Eat Better, Feel Better, Live Better, and The Healthy Ramadan Guide. She has been featured in CNN, CBC, Canadian Living, Self Magazine, Globe and Mail, and NY Times. Her philosophy is to live a healthy lifestyle that includes enjoying all foods as well as enjoying being physically active. Instead of focusing on restricting ourselves, she teaches clients which foods they should be adding to improve their lives. Nazima has helped many people make real change in their lives, such as weight loss, improving their health, and improving their relationship with food. She lends her expertise to students of SeekersGuidance in this course.

Brother Belal Hafeez is a Personal Trainer and Fitness Expert who is passionate about bridging the fitness gap in the Muslim community. He has been a personal trainer for over 7 years. He is the author of The Healthy Ramadan Guide and has been featured in NY Times. While Belal serves clients internationally he also hosts community events, including events for youth and his annual Healthy Ramadan Tour. Belal’s goal is to help build a relationship with fitness, to help people understand how to get stronger, alleviate pain, and how to make it easier to fit it into their busy schedule. In this course, he has shared beneficial advice with students of SeekersGuidance.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Cultivating mindfulness of Allah Most High is a process that every Muslim struggles with. We spend much time in heedlessness of Allah, lacking consciousness of His ever-present and enveloping Mercy.

This course unpacks the meanings of Sura al-Rahman, serving as a reminder for students and encouraging them to reflect upon the signs of the Mercy of Allah. Students will learn the main themes of this sura and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Allah's Mercy upon humanity.

Along with a translation and explanation of the verses in this sura, there is a particular emphasis upon cultivating awe of Allah Most High. Completing this course will help students develop gratitude by viewing all aspects of their lives under the lens of Allah's Mercy.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for students of all ages.

• It is particularly beneficial for students and teachers of the Qur’an.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in an introduction to, and familiarization of, Qur’anic studies.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the overarching themes of Sura al-Rahman.

• Develop an appreciation of the meanings of the Qur’an.

• Generally understand the mercy and glory of Allah.

• Cultivate awe of Allah Most High.

• Describe the Day of Judgment, Paradise, and Hellfire.

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introduction & Overview of Key Themes

Lesson 2: Sura al-Rahman Verses 1 – 12

Lesson 3: Sura al-Rahman Verses 13 – 32

Lesson 4: Sura al-Rahman Verses 33 – 46

Lesson 5: Sura al-Rahman Verses 46 – 47

Lesson 6: Sura al-Rahman Verses 60 – 78

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructors: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Ustadh Amjad Tarsin

Course Overview

Belief in Allah is not a mere choice, but rather it is an urgent human need. It is incumbent upon every Muslim to not only understand what we believe but also why we believe. By understanding why we believe what we believe, our conviction increases, and we inoculate ourselves against doubts and false ideologies that may creep into our lives. Firm belief also equips us to call others to Allah.

This course provides the student with a foundational understanding of Islamic theology and how it relates to the existence of God. Among the issues addressed in this course are ways to nurture faith and the problem of evil.

Shaykh Faraz and Ustadh Amjad provide us with the keys to faith in an age of doubt, and the answer to the question, “Why Allah?”

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for students of all ages.

• It is particularly beneficial for college or university students.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning the foundations of our faith in God.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisites to complete this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe what it means to believe in Allah.

• Understand the keys to nurturing faith.

• Understand the implications of Allah being the most merciful.

• Understand how Muslims address the problem of evil.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies.

After completing his BA, Amjad spent an intensive year studying at the illustrious Dar al-Mustafa for Islamic Sciences in Tarim, Yemen. He then enrolled at Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy program where he completed his Master’s Degree.

He previously served as the Executive Director and Head Chaplain of the Muslim Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto, becoming Canada’s first full-time Muslim Chaplain at a university in September 2012. In addition to his administrative duties and leadership responsibilities, he counselled and taught students.

Ustadh Amjad currently is a faculty member at Al-Maqasid.

He currently lives outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

“Allah is pure and accepts nothing but the pure.” The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught us that Allah only accepts the works and supplications of those who make their earnings and spending lawful. (Muslim) Take this course to learn how to practically bring the radiant example of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) into your work, earning, spending, and investing. Learn the basic principles of Islamic finance, the rules of investing in financial securities, contemporary Islamic finance scholarship, whose answers to rely upon, and—more importantly—what questions to ask, and how to distinguish between truly Shariah-compliant financial products and mere claims.

Learning Outcomes

• How to give zakat, including on contemporary financial instruments and investments

• The fiqh of charity

• Providing for family, parents, and children

• Wills, bequests, and inheritance

• The halal and haram of everyday transactions –buying, selling, and dealings

• Making one’s work, earnings, and spending halal and a means of seeking Allah’s pleasure

• What is riba’, and why is it haram?

• The principles of Islamic finance

• Investing in halal ways and using contemporary Islamic financial instruments

About the Course Text

This course is based on classical and contemporary authoritative texts, such as the writings of Mufti Taqi Usmani, most notably his Introduction to Islamic Finance, the publications of the Islamic Fiqh Academy, and the AAOIFI Shariah Standards. It is designed to give students the understanding required to be able to fulfill one’s financial duties to Allah with excellence.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah has mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Ustadha Shireen Ahmed

Course Overview

Learn how to enter into marriage with the right intention and purpose, find and choose the “right person”, resolve disputes, the key sunnas of a successful marriage, and much more.

Learning Outcomes

• How to choose the “right person”

• The right intention and purpose of entering into marriage

• The key sunnas of a successful marriage

• Resolving disputes and strengthening your relationship with your spouse

• The key elements of a happy union

• Dealing with parents and in-laws

• The marriage contract, rights, and duties

About The Instructor:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Ustadha Shireen Ahmed is an experienced teacher, educator, and mentor, specializing in marriage, parenting, and character development. Born and raised in Canada, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. Thereafter, she traveled to Syria, studying Arabic and sacred knowledge at the University of Damascus and Abu Nour Institute. She took private classes in Qur’anic recitation, Prophetic traditions, sacred law and Prophetic biography. After ten years abroad, she returned to Toronto, Canada. She currently serves as Managing Director of SeekersGuidance Canada, where she draws from years of experience as a community leader and activist.

Executive Summary

Short Description

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Allah Most High says, “I am near – I answer the call of the one who calls upon me (2:186). Yet, many of us wonder: Are my duas being answered? Is there a certain dua I have to read for each of my concerns? Do my duas have to be in Arabic?

In this Course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains the reality of dua (supplication) and how to turn to Allah. It is based on a classical text on the same subject by Shaykh al Islam Zakariyya al Ansari.

Course Outline

Lesson 1 - The reality of dua

Lesson 2 - Our being called on to make dua

Lesson 3 - The great virtue of dua

Lesson 4 - The integrals of supplication, its wings, and its means

Lesson 5 - The conditions of supplication

Lesson 6 - Its proper manners

Lesson 7 - The times of dua and the state in which it should be made

Lesson 8 - Signs of acceptance of dua

Lesson 9 - Explaining the religious ruling of dua

Lesson 10 - Some encompassing supplications

Lesson 11 - Explaining what the greatest Divine Name is

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the spiritual and theological reality of prayer

• Learn how to call upon Allah, what to ask for and what not to ask for

• Learn how to deal with seeming not being answered

• Memorize some key duas that one can use frequently

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

In this course, you will learn the importance of protecting oneself from harmful speech before critically examining sixty cases of religiously harmful or dangerous speech, with practical day-to-day applications and references from the Prophet’s own teaching and practice. The course closes with a discussion on positive speech, as exemplified in the conduct of Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Learning Outcomes

• The importance of holding one’s tongue

• The issues related to sixty key aspects of holding one’s tongue

• Key hadith encouraging restraining one’s tongue

• How to maintain positive speech

About the Course Text

This course is based on the discussion on “The Pitfalls of the Tongue” from al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya (The Path of Muhammad) a classic manual of Muslim practice by the famed Ottoman scholar Imam Muhammad al-Birgivi. This sacred legal masterpiece focuses on the method and practice of attaining mindfulness (taqwa) through the application of the Qur’an and Sunna. Critically, this work contains extensive discussions of the destructive qualities of the various limbs -- the heart, tongue, ears, genitals, eyes, and sins associated from the whole body.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary

Course Overview

In this course, Shaykh Ahmed Hussein El Azhary will discuss why the art of reading is critical for students of knowledge to master. One of the greatest barriers in mastering a science is the inability to read with structure and comprehension. In this series, Shaykh Ahmed will provide students with a detailed approach to rectifying this problem.

In addition to offering practical tips and guidance in improving one’s reading and learning skills, Shaykh Ahmed will also elaborate on the development of the instrumental sciences within the Islamic tradition and how they compare to medieval and modern theories of literary comprehension.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn how to master a text

• Gain the ability to read with structure and comprehension

• Learn the importance of establishing a relationship with the author of a book

• Proper manners in reviewing a text

• Understand the fundamentals of Islamic and Western literary sciences

About The Instructor

Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary is a researcher in Islamic intellectual history and a teacher of Islamic traditional sciences. He’s currently a teacher of Hadith, Usūl, Logic and Kalam at Rawdatul-Na`īm under the supervision of Habib `Ali al-Jifrī; and at Madyafat Shaykh Ismaīl Sadiq al-`Adawī (RA), a prominent learning center by al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo.

Shaykh Ahmed studied Anthropology at American University in Cairo and received his training in Leadership Communication from Tulane University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is also a life-long learner. He holds a diversified portfolio of almost 50 certificates in a variety of subjects – extending from Teaching Character and Clinical Psychology of Children and Young People to Complexity Theory, Model Thinking and Conflict Analysis.

Shaykh Ahmed began his journey of studying traditional sciences about 20 years ago. In addition to studying with scholars from al-Azhar, he had the privilege of studying with visiting scholars from Algeria and India in a one-on-one format, and was thus given an exceptional opportunity to study and discuss advanced-level texts of different sorts and over a long period of time. Shaykh Ahmed has more than 70 Ijazas from scholars from all over the Muslim world.

Beside a number of edited works about to be released in Islamic pedagogy, linguistics and Hanafi Usūl, Shaykh Ahmed has authored Rūh al-`Ilm – a treatise in the art of scientific investigation, based on a survey of roughly 200 traditional Islamic texts, and has been endorsed by Dr. Jamāl Fārūq, the Dean of Islamic Da`wah College at al-Azhar University and Dr. Ahmed Mamdūh, the Chair of Research Division at Dar al-Iftaa’ al-Masrīyah. Rūh al-`Ilm will be published by Tabah Foundation in the early of summer of 2019.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Despite the Prophet’s emphasis on the urgency and reward of adopting, many Muslims are wary of adoption. Many think that “adoption” is un-Islamic; that there are “too many issues” arising adopting; or that it is “way too difficult” to adopt. Shaykh Faraz shows how adopting is from the prophetic practice, and how adopting is of being of benefit to others, and it is tied to one’s faith. Love and care of others and those in need is a central principle in Islam. He explains the importance of consulting when adopting. Ending by giving counsel on the practical aspect of adopting in the modern age.

Learning Outcomes

• How to adopt practically.

• One will see why religiously, adoption is highly encouraged

• Virtue in adopting

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Ustadh Amjad Tarsin

Course Overview

In this course, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Ustadh Amjad Tarsin address the identity of the Muslims and the key characteristics of the Prophetic Way.

Shaykh Faraz starts the course by discussing what defines our identity. Our very creativeness points to the human’s needing a creator. God is necessarily Existent, while everything else is merely possible. He is free of need, while we are characterized by utter dependence on Him. Shaykh Faraz emphasizes the need for the servant to humbly turn to Allah in complete servitude to attain self-realization.

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin expands on the topic of recognizing the proper places of things, leading to the recognition of the proper place of God in the order of existence. He also highlights the Qur’an’s discussion of topics related to the soul. He highlights the importance of the Prophetic model as being the way to draw closer to Allah

Learning Outcomes

• Defining our identity

• Understanding our neediness before Allah

• The Islamic framework of knowledge

• Judging oneself through the Prophetic model

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah has mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Amjad Tarsin was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies. After completing his BA, Amjad spent an intensive year studying at the illustrious Dar al-Mustafa for Islamic Sciences in Tarim, Yemen. He then enrolled at Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy program where he completed his Master’s Degree. He previously served as the Executive Director and Head Chaplain of the Muslim Chaplaincy at the University of Toronto, becoming Canada’s first full-time Muslim Chaplain at a university in September 2012. In addition to his administrative duties and leadership responsibilities, he counseled and taught students. Ustadh Amjad currently is a faculty member at Al-Maqasid, and he also teaches for SeekersGuidance Online Islamic Seminary. He currently lives outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.

Instructor: Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said

Course Overview

Shaykh Faid Mohammed Said offers guidance on upholding one’s faith and nurturing it. He will equip us with fundamental tools and guidelines to address some of the main challenges and concerns we as Muslims in the West are encountering.

Shaykh Faid explains why it is important to uphold mercy and justice with all of Allah’s creation. He gives examples of how the companions tolerated trials and turned to Allah in all situations--remaining firm and embracing the massive tests they faced. He also offers guidance on how connecting to the Qur’an will enable one to increase in faith.

Learning Outcomes

• How to nurture faith in trying times

• Only complaining to Allah about one’s state

• Learning from the righteous of the past and the companions

• Learn how to connect with the Qur’an in trying times

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Have you ever wished that you had a better understanding of basic Islamic history? What happened after the Prophet ﷺ passed from this world, and after the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs? Join us for this informative course in which we will give a complete overview of Islamic History, so that you will become more aware of the lessons from past events, and gain a better understanding of what happened when, and how that leads to, and potentially impacted, the present-day reality that we face.

Learning Outcomes

• Give a clear sense of what truly matters in human history

• Show how true history is the history of faith, guidance, and virtue

• Appreciate the gift that faith and guidance represent

• Contextualize the nature of tests and trials—and how they relate to faith

• Learn lessons on how to view current political, human, and personal challenges.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani starts by elucidating the importance of the keys to change and how to be both conscious of Allah and have true awareness of Him.

Having watchfulness of Allah and self-ccounting are central religious virtues—as they are the keys to acquiring all virtues.

Without watchfulness and self-accounting, one will remain adrift in one’s life. We are created in this worldly life for a limited time, with purpose, and are accountable for our life choices.

This course explains the three keys to changing one’s condition: (a) making a commitment (musharata); (b) watchfulness over one’s actions (muraqaba); and (c) taking oneself to account.

“Whoever takes self to account in this life, their reckoning in the next life will be easy,” explains Imam Ghazali.

This course will give you keys, insights, and timeless wisdom on how to change oneself, through setting goals and conditions, watching over oneself, taking oneself into account, and spiritual striving.

Learning Outcomes

• Come to know the reality of watchfulness

• Importance of calling oneself to account regularly

• High resolve to fortify one’s actions

• Importance of sticking to the Sunna

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Instructors: Imam Yama Niazi

Course Overview

In this course, we will reflect and ponder on the wisdom derived from a world pandemic. Sometimes the most powerful teacher could be life itself. Wisdom can be gained by deriving lessons from our own experiences in life, especially in the current circumstance we all find ourselves in.

Learn to connect to the Islamic faith and its principles which aim to raise our spirits and connect us to what life was all about, to begin with- a test from the Almighty to see which of us is the best in action.

Join us as we discuss some of the lessons learned from these difficult yet opportunistic times; We will discuss the value of time, abstinence, patience, reliance on God, and much more will be reflected upon, as we venture into the core of our beings and uplift our standards and become enriched through these lessons.

Learning Outcomes

• One will realize where they are spiritually in their lives

• Gain wisdom and insight on how to deal with tribulations

• Having a sound approach to change

• Prioritization of values

• A yearning to excel in your spiritual state

About The Instructor

Yama Niazi has studied with local scholars in the US for a number of years which culminated in him becoming an imam of the Islamic Society of Santa Barbara for 8 years. He served the community by teaching and leading prayers.

In 2015 he founded “ the blessed tree “ a nonprofit specifically for bridging gaps between the Muslim community and others. He has spoken in many Muslim platforms and programs throughout the US and Canada.

He currently teaches and is an instructor at SeekersGuidance and is leading youth education program as well as conducting programs in local communities/ masjids in North America.

He is married and has 3 children.

Instructor: Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

Course Overview

The course aims to look through the biographies of major Companions, male and female. Within the course, we will try to extract practical advice and guidance to apply to our lives. We also hope to instill the love and veneration of the Companions in the student’s hearts.

In this course we will be taking a glimpse into the lives of various Companions of the Messenger, both men, and women, to find solutions to our own circumstances by reflecting on how they overcame theirs.

It is this reflection that we hope may lead to emulation and finding guidance in their way.

We hope to acquire practical examples on how to get through the difficulties of day-to-day life in a manner pleasing to Allah Most High.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Increase in the knowledge of the luminaries of the Companions.

• Learn the difficulties and hardships borne by those before us.

• Relate to the situations they faced and extract practical lessons applicable to our lives.

• Increase in love and veneration for the greatest generation.

About The Instructor

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he then completed four years at the Darul Uloom seminary in New York where he studied Arabic and the traditional sciences. He then travelled to Tarim, Yemen, where he stayed for three years studying in Dar Al-Mustafa under some of the greatest scholars of our time, including Habib Umar Bin Hafiz, Habib Kadhim al-Saqqaf, and Shaykh Umar al-Khatib. In Tarim, Shaykh Yusuf completed the memorization of the Qur’an and studied inheritance law, legal methodology, hadith methodology, Qur’anic exegesis, Islamic history, and a number of texts on spirituality. He joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.

Instructors: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani & Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

Course Overview

This course covers the famous work - The Shifa - by the great scholar of Islam, Qadi Iyad. The book discusses the blessed person and life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from many different vantage points. Along with this, the author adds many other crucial issues that the Believer needs in their relationship with Allah and His Messenger.

Without having deep knowledge and understanding of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), it because increasingly difficult to emulate him and given him the due reverence that a true role model deserves. For this reason, studying about the Prophet and his life proves to be the most effective means in repairing that ever-important connection between the Believer and the Prophet.

The diligent student will take from this course a broad and deeper understanding of the Prophet (peace be upon him), his status, his importance, and need of every Believer to love and follow Him. The student will also become familiar with the details of key events that took place in the life of the Prophet such as his birth, his night journey, his ascension, and more.

Learning Outcomes

• A deeper understanding of who the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is.

• Deeper insight into key events in his life (peace be upon him)

• A deeper knowledge of the true status of the Prophet (peace be upon him)

• A sense of love and reverence for the Prophet (peace be upon him).

About The instructors:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he then completed four years at the Darul Uloom seminary in New York where he studied Arabic and the traditional sciences. He then traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he stayed for three years studying in Dar Al-Mustafa under some of the greatest scholars of our time, including Habib Umar Bin Hafiz, Habib Kadhim al-Saqqaf, and Shaykh Umar al-Khatib. In Tarim, Shaykh Yusuf completed the memorization of the Qur’an and studied inheritance law, legal methodology, hadith methodology, Qur’anic exegesis, Islamic history, and a number of texts on spirituality. He joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.

Instructor: Shaykh Talal Al-Azem

Executive Summary

This course is a guided reading of Shaykh Abu ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami’s book titled ‘Kitab Al-Futuwwa’. Futuwwa, spiritual chivalry, is the cornerstone of the journey of any seeker of knowledge. This text explores the ethics of being spiritually chivalrous in preferring others over one’s self and takes a look at the many, extensive consequences of doing so.

Course Summary

Futuwwa is a term that many of us hear in lectures and classes, but don’t have a full understanding of its true meaning. This course allows for a comprehensive understanding of the many meanings and consequences that this term has for Muslims. 

The ethic of spiritual chivalry—or preferring others over one’s self—is one that has dizzying ramifications. It is something that has an impact on every aspect of our lives. This course explores its impact in how we are to approach others in our lives, the other created things of Allah, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), and ultimately Allah Most High. 

The learning outcomes of this course include understanding the formal, working definition of the term futuwwa. Then understanding how it is applied in service to others, in graciousness and generosity, and in respect and friendship. Finally, the honor code (adab) of chivalry is explored in relation to the individual’s personal struggle against their ego and lower self (nafs). 

Learning Outcomes

Instructors: Dr. Asim Yusuf & Ustadh Amr Hashim

Course Overview

The Islamic faith is not unfamiliar to tests and tribulations. Our Master Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) endured great trials and sorrow during his lifetime. The Quran makes reference to dealing with hardship. Many of us face challenges in life that deeply affect our mental, physical, and spiritual state. For those seeking inner peace and healing, assistance is available.

In this workshop, Dr. Asim Yusuf covers how to manage depression and other mental health challenges according to an Islamic perspective. Students will learn to understand the signs of depression, as well as practical steps to overcome it.

Amr Hashim discusses the role of patience in tribulation, and how one can draw strength from this important attribute.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand depression and how to identify it

• Learn the Western approach and apply an Islamic perspective

• Understand the role of therapy

• Apply strategies from traditional doctor and scholar, Abu Zayd al-Balkhi

• Analyze and apply healing strategies from notable scholar Imam Ghazali

Recommended Reading

The Restoration of Bodies and Mind by Abu Zayd al-Balki The Ways to Salvation by Imam Ghazali (Last ten books of the Ihya)

Instructors: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

Course Overview

Trodding the path to Allah is a type of war, and its battlefield is the heart. To win, we must strengthen our army: our soul, and weaken the enemy: our lower-self and the devil.

Knowing one’s enemy is a crucial strategy of war and is the aim of this course. This course provides students with an understanding of the devil, his tricks, and how to be safe from them. Students learn to recognize and practically respond to the seven main deceptions of the devil—ranging from the apparent to the subtlest of tricks.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the reality of the devil: his origin, nature, and objectives.

• Understand the human thought process and its mechanisms.

• Distinguish the types of thoughts that occur to the human being.

• Understand how to protect one’s thoughts.

• Describe the seven tricks of the devil and their solutions.

Course Outline

Lesson 1: The Reality of The Devil - 3 Enemies of the Human; Story of Iblis’ Primary Sin; Description of Iblis; Objectives of Iblis.

Lesson 2: The Nature of Thoughts - The Thought Process; Safety and Inoculation of Thoughts; Types of Thoughts; Devilish Inspiration; Safety From Devilish Inspiration.

Lesson 3: The Seven Tricks of the Devil - Basic tricks; Subtle tricks; Hadith of Purposefulness.

Lesson 4: The Way of Safety - 13th Hikam of Ibn Ata’illah.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he then completed four years at the Darul Uloom seminary in New York, where he studied Arabic and the traditional sciences. He then traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he stayed for three years studying in Dar Al-Mustafa under some of the greatest scholars of our time, including Habib Umar Bin Hafiz, Habib Kadhim al-Saqqaf, and Shaykh Umar al-Khatib. In Tarim, Shaykh Yusuf completed the memorization of the Qur’an and studied beliefs, legal methodology, hadith methodology, Qur’anic exegesis, Islamic history, and several texts on spirituality. He joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

The words of our beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) are full of significant lessons that we can benefit from. Among his preserved discourse was his sermons, particularly his address during the farewell hajj of his lifetime.

This course is a critical analysis of the entire sermon of the Prophet, deriving practical lessons for students to benefit from in a modern context. At the end of this course, students will understand the general framework and 16 themes of the final Prophetic sermon. They will also learn the various lessons derived from these themes.

This course gears students to become acquainted with the Islamic perspective on the wisdom of law, the importance of justice, having concern for others, trusting Allah Most High, and more. It is a great course to build beginner-level familiarity with the life story of the Messenger of Allah and the general message he brought to humanity.

Who is This Course For?

• This course is for teenagers and adult students alike.

• It is particularly beneficial for beginner khatibs.

• It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.

• This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in learning about the Prophet’s primary concern for Muslims and getting insight into his speaking style.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the general themes of the final sermon.

• Understand the various lessons derived from the final sermon.

• Understand the wisdom of the Sacred Law and Divine justice.

• Distinguish between the different levels of concern for others; individual, societal, and human.

• Generally understand aspects of the Prophet’s life story.

About the Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

Executive Summary

Short Description

Instructor: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Course Overview

This course takes a look at the principles and lessons derived from the guidance of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) when dealing with plagues and pandemics. It covers the major plagues in history that Muslims had to deal with, delineating the worldly and spiritual means that the Muslims took in response to the tribulations. The content of this seminar is directly applicable to how Muslims should respond to the current day’s trial of COVID-19.

Life as we once knew it has drastically changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This seminar provides Muslims with much-needed insight as to how the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught his companions to respond to a tribulation of this nature. It provides us with tangible actions to take, both worldly and spiritually when dealing with plagues and pandemics. Many past scholars have written treatises on this topic, which are explored, and have lessons derived from them.

Learning Outcomes

About The Instructor

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.