As the 8th day of the blessed set of ten days in this sacred month of Muharram comes to a close, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus reminds us to follow the Hijri Calendar because it helps us to remember those special days and times when small deeds reap great rewards. Sh. Yahya discusses the immense benefits of bringing the Day of Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, to life through fasting and interacting with people graciously. He also explains why the Muslims have a greater “right” to Musa (Moses), peace be upon ...
Aug 28, 2020•8 min
On this second day of Muharram, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the weight given to good character on the Day of Judgment, and in particular, to the virtue of humility—the “adornment of the believer.” Focusing on verse 83 of Surah al-Qasas (28:83) and several hadith, Shaykh Yahya explains what is meant by humility and a few traits related to it. He also provides a long list of practical ways to foster humility in oneself. The Khutbah ends with the benefits of fasting in Muharram, especially on the...
Aug 23, 2020•35 min
These lessons are based on a book by Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi titled 'Remedy for the Hearts,' where the author expounds on the Prophetic duʿa that is known as the preeminent formulaʿfor seeking Allah's forgiveness (Sayyid al-Istighfar). Topics covered include: the definition of and conditions for repentance, some of the meanings included in Sayyid al-Istighfar, and the virtues of seeking Allah's forgiveness. In this first of nine sessions, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses several verses in t...
Aug 18, 2020•54 min
In this second session on Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi’s book, 'Remedy for the Hearts,' Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses several Prophetic narrations showing the importance of asking Allah the Exalted for forgiveness and turning towards Him in repentance. Special focus is given to the long hadith concerning the “Three who stayed behind” from the battle of Tabuk, and why the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, told them after Allah the Exalted accepted their repentance: “This is the best da...
Aug 18, 2020•1 hr 11 min
After looking at selected examples from the Quran and Hadith extolling the virtues of repentance (tawba) in the first and second sessions, respectively, Ustadh Amjad begins the text of the book by Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi titled 'Remedy for the Hearts' where the author expounds on the preeminent formula for seeking Allah's forgiveness known as Sayyid al-Istighfar. Topics in this third session include the story behind the writing of the book, the definition of repentance, and the condition...
Aug 18, 2020•54 min
In his book 'Remedy for the Hearts,' Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi provides a systematic approach to perfecting one’s repentance that is easily understood and followed. In this fourth session, Ustadh Amjad reviews the next three sections of Habib Ahmed’s book: how to make one’s repentance permanent; two motivating causes for repentance, and ways to bring motivation that leads to awareness of the heart. Supplications that aid in helping to achieve an accepted repentance are also mentioned.
Aug 18, 2020•50 min
In this fifth lesson discussing Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi’s book 'Remedy for the Hearts,' Ustadh Amjad Tarsin begins the main section of the book, which looks in detail at Sayyid al-Istighfar, the preeminent formula for seeking Allah's forgiveness as taught by our beloved Messenger, blessings and peace be upon him. Specifically, Ustadh Amjad discusses the first few affirmations in the supplication, which reveal numerous Divine Attributes and which point to several fields of Islamic Knowled...
Aug 18, 2020•1 hr 1 min
Ustadh Amjad Tarsin continues looking at the main section of Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi’s book 'Remedy for the Hearts.' This lesson focuses on meanings relating to the relationship between Allah the Exalted and His servants. Among the things discussed are human’s four enemies, the Prophet's intercession ﷺ, and the origin of thoughts and how to deal with bad thoughts.
Aug 18, 2020•50 min
In his book 'Remedy for the Hearts,' Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi gives a clear and insightful discussion concerning the statement of gratitude found in Sayyid al-Istighfar, the preeminent formula for seeking Allah's forgiveness: “I acknowledge Your favors upon me...” Ustadh Amjad Tarsin focuses on this section of the book and covers such topics as: our greatest blessings; types of gratitude; what being “immersed in witnessing the Giver of the blessings” means; and the connection between two ...
Aug 18, 2020•53 min
In this eighth session based on Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi’s book 'Remedy for the Hearts,' Ustadh Amjad Tarsin continues to look at aspects of Sayyid al-Istighfar that relate to Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. He then covers the next section of the book which discusses why this supplication is considered the preeminent Prophetic formula for seeking Allah's forgiveness, paying particular attention to the meaning of ‘Allahumma,’ the first word. The discussion ends with the adab of making du’a (suppli...
Aug 18, 2020•50 min
Before commenting on the last section of Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi’s book 'Remedy for the Hearts,' Ustadh Amjad Tarsin notes that the Summer Retreat 2020 is ending on a blessed day, the last Jumu’a the Hijri year. Scholars and the righteous ask for forgiveness and the acceptance of good deeds at the conclusion of something. Ustadh Amjad then turns to the final chapter of Habib Ahmad’s book, which discusses the virtues and benefits of seeking forgiveness, based on numerous verses in the Qur...
Aug 18, 2020•1 hr
In this fifth and final session, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the remaining five of the ten steps to elevate the level of Islamic Discourse that Habib Umar Bin Hafiz identifies in his book 'The Islamic Discourse in Religious Institutions: its Current State and Future Development.' Shaykh Yahya pays special attention to the sixth step, which concerns showing respect for various fields of expertise in general and for the field of issuing fatwas in particular. He also explains why every single Mus...
Aug 17, 2020•45 min
In the final two sessions, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the last section of Habib Umar Bin Hafiz’s book 'The Islamic Discourse in Religious Institutions: its Current State andFuture Development,' which provides ten steps to elevate the level of Islamic Discourse in light of current challenges. In Part 1, Shaykh Yahya covers the first five steps. He also explains the extremely important difference between renewal (tajdīd) versus reform, the former recognizing that the religious texts (Quran, Had...
Aug 17, 2020•49 min
The next session in Habib Umar Bin Hafiz’s book 'The Islamic Discourse in Religious Institutions: its Current State andFuture Development,' discusses five principles of success in Islamic discourse that correspond to the first seven verses in Surah al-Muddathir (The Cloaked One, 74:1-7). According to the author, may Allah preserve him, these are the qualities that the All-Merciful commanded His Messenger, blessings and peace be upon him, to have when entrusted with carrying, conveying, warning, ...
Aug 17, 2020•47 min
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus continues his discussion of Habib Umar Bin Hafiz’s book titled, 'The Islamic Discourse in Religious Institutions: its Current State andFuture Development.' Here, two chapters of the book are covered: (1) The Integrity of the Discourse is Dependent Upon the Integrity of the Individual and (2) The Most Evident Means for Success. Practical advice is provided on how to raise the level of discourse on both institutional and individual levels.
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 9 min
In this five-part series Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses selected excerpts from Habib Umar Bin Hafiz’s treatise titled 'The Islamic Discourse in Religious Institutions: its Current State and Future Development.' The series explores important principles for institutions involved in serving the religion. Topics include: the primary mission of religious institutions, the most prominent means for impact, the integrity of the discourse and its relation to the integrity of the individual, and practical ...
Aug 17, 2020•49 min
Allah the Exalted teaches us in the Noble Quran, "And say, 'My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.'" [Quran 20:114] The Messenger of Allah ﷺ also taught us, further emphasizing the virtue of sacred knowledge, "Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him understanding of the religion." [Bukhari and Muslim] This Khutba focuses on the virtue of seeking knowledge and the importance of seeking it with sincerity. May Allah revive sacred knowledge in our communities, adorn our hearts with the qualities of ...
Aug 09, 2020•24 min
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses a statement from Habib Ahmad bin Zayn al-Habashi (d. 1144 AH, 1732 CE), one of foremost students of Imam al-Haddad, in which he gives advice to travelers on the spiritual path. In this passage, Habib Ahmad counsels the wayfarer to stand vigilantly at the door of Allah the Exalted, even if he or she is initially rejected or distanced. No matter how difficult things may get, one should never lose hope in the Mercy of Allah the Exalted.
Aug 07, 2020•9 min
When Eid al-Adha falls on Jumu’a, there are two Eids to celebrate, cumulating in an especially auspicious occasion. On this blessed day, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin reflects on several verses in the Quran that mention the Hajj and the remembrance and glorification of Allah. He explains how these verses help to prepare us for what Imam al-Haddad describes as the long journey to the Hereafter. Through remembrance of Allah our hearts come to life, which is the true Eid.
Aug 01, 2020•23 min
In his Farewell Sermon on Mount Arafat given on the ninth of Dhul-Hijja, shortly before his return to Allah the Exalted, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor a black person over a white, except by his or her degree of taqwa (piety). In this Khutba, Ustadh Amjad reflects upon these words and other counsel given that day over 1400 years ago. He also reminds us to take advantage of the doors of good that Allah the Exalted has opened up in these...
Jul 24, 2020•27 min
Certitude (yaqīn) is perhaps the most important element for progress on the spiritual path. Weaving together verses of the Qur’an, relevant hadith, and reflections of the pious, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains what is meant by certitude in the Islamic context, how it is the foundation of all Islamic teachings, and why people of certitude are necessary, especially in these times. In Part II of this series, he will discuss how to protect and strengthen one’s certitude in order to witness the reality ...
Jul 17, 2020•35 min
The next virtue mentioned in Imam al-Sulami’s book 'Kitab al-Futuwwa' is bearing hardships for the sake of Allah the Exalted. Shaykh Yahya Rhodus mentions that those on the spiritual path will experience harm at the hands of people, and that part of spiritual progress is bearing that for Allah's sake. As encouragement, Shaykh Yahya recounts several stories of righteous servants of Allah the Exalted and some of the hardships that they endured.
Jul 17, 2020•22 min
In this next discussion of the virtues mentioned in Imam al-Sulami’s book 'Kitab al-Futuwwa', Shaykh Yahya discusses the great trait of letting go of one’s wealth. He explains several verses from the Quran where Allah the Exalted tells us that the righteous give solely out of love for Him. Several beautiful stories of generosity displayed by people of Futuwwa, including those of modern times, are related. Throughout the discussion, Shaykh Yahya provides practical advice on how one can acquire th...
Jul 06, 2020•21 min
The following topics are covered in this session: • The decree of the Beloved is beloved • Reconciling opposition to evil and contentment with the Divine decree • Supplication does not conflict with contentment • Meeting Allah ﷻ
Jul 04, 2020•55 min
The following topics are covered in this session: • Contentment is the fruit of love • Quranic verses on contentment • Prophetic sayings on contentment • Reports of the Salaf (Righteous Predecessors)
Jul 04, 2020•1 hr 4 min
The following topics are covered in this session: • The meaning of Allah's love for His servant • Longing (shawq) for Allah • Intimacy (uns) with Allah
Jul 04, 2020•43 min
The following topics are covered in this session: • Loving to meet Him • Preferring what He loves • Remembering Him abundantly • Finding intimacy (uns) in solitude • Enjoying worship • Showing mercy to His creation • Fearing distance from Him
Jul 04, 2020•55 min
The following topics are covered in this session: • The importance of love in relation to the Hereafter • Severing worldly attachments from the heart • Planting the seeds of gnosis in the heart • Spending time with the righteous who love Allah
Jul 04, 2020•1 hr 17 min
The following topics are covered in this session: • Loving for the sake of Allah • The centrality of loving the Prophet ﷺ • Allah alone deserves love: i) Benevolence ii) Beauty
Jul 04, 2020•1 hr 11 min
The following topics are covered in this session: • Towards a definition of love • Love and the 5 senses • The heart as the "sixth sense" • The main reasons we love: i) Benevolence ii) Beauty
Jul 04, 2020•1 hr 7 min
