“Glory be to the One Who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He alone is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.” [Quran 17:1] Of the most significant events that occurred in the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the Isra’ wa’l Mi‘raj (the Night Journey and Heavenly Ascension). On this night, the Prophet’s heart ﷺ was washed and he traveled to Jerusalem where he led all the Prophets a...
Mar 11, 2021•7 min
“Glory be to the One Who took His servant by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose surroundings We have blessed, so that We may show him some of Our signs. Indeed, He alone is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.” [Quran 17:1] Of the most significant events that occurred in the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the Isra’ wa’l Mi‘raj (the Night Journey and Heavenly Ascension). On this night, the Prophet’s heart ﷺ was washed and he traveled to Jerusalem where he led all the Prophets a...
Mar 11, 2021•20 min
As the 27th of Rajab approaches, the night our beloved Messenger ﷺ traveled to Jerusalem and ascended into the Divine Presence, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus reminds us of the tremendous blessing of believing in the Unseen, the first pillar of taqwa (see Surah Baqara, 2:3). He explains how belief in the Unseen is necessarily connected with the belief and love of the Messenger ﷺ. And because we believe in the Messenger ﷺ without ever seeing him, he longs to meet us and will wait for us at the basin, alhamd...
Mar 05, 2021•32 min
In this fascinating discussion, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains the four steps in decision making: thought, inclination, judgment, and intention. He discusses in detail the sources of one’s thoughts, as well as how to combat and discourage thoughts that lead to bad actions and how to embrace and encourage thoughts that lead to good actions. To listen to the other Khutbas in the series: soundcloud.com/al-maqasid/sets/khutbas
Mar 05, 2021•31 min
Our ultimate goal is to know Allah the Exalted in this world and to be near Him, in eternal bliss, in the next. In this highly encouraging reflection, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the next trait of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in al-Sulami’s book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: seek knowledge of Allah through Our knowledge. He discusses the ranks of the righteous and the type of knowledge about Allah that each of them can obtain. And even if we cannot obtain those ranks, Shaykh Yahya explains that...
Mar 02, 2021•17 min
Seeking the company of the good is among the virtuous traits of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in al-Sulami’s book, Kitab al-Futuwwa. It has been to said, “Don’t ask about a man, ask about his friends.” In this reflection, Shaykh Yahya discusses the importance of carefully choosing one’s companionship in this life as it impacts the next. He mentions the hadith about the three traits of the people whom one should seek, as well as the significance of the dog who was with the companions of ...
Feb 23, 2021•22 min
Allah the Exalted says, Allah bears witness that there is no god except Him—as do the angels and people of knowledge.” [Quran 3:18] Allah the Exalted also says, Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. [Quran 58:11] And the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him an understanding in religion.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Imam al-Ghazali states, “With respect to the human...
Feb 23, 2021•1 hr 3 min
Allah the Exalted says, Allah bears witness that there is no god except Him—as do the angels and people of knowledge.” [Quran 3:18] Allah the Exalted also says, Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. [Quran 58:11] And the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him an understanding in religion.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Imam al-Ghazali states, “With respect to the human...
Feb 23, 2021•52 min
Allah the Exalted says, Allah bears witness that there is no god except Him—as do the angels and people of knowledge.” [Quran 3:18] Allah the Exalted also says, Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. [Quran 58:11] And the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him an understanding in religion.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Imam al-Ghazali states, “With respect to the human...
Feb 23, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Allah the Exalted says, Allah bears witness that there is no god except Him—as do the angels and people of knowledge.” [Quran 3:18] Allah the Exalted also says, Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. [Quran 58:11] And the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him an understanding in religion.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Imam al-Ghazali states, “With respect to the human...
Feb 23, 2021•1 hr
Allah the Exalted says, Allah bears witness that there is no god except Him—as do the angels and people of knowledge.” [Quran 3:18] Allah the Exalted also says, Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. [Quran 58:11] And the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him an understanding in religion.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Imam al-Ghazali states, “With respect to the human...
Feb 23, 2021•59 min
Allah the Exalted says, Allah bears witness that there is no god except Him—as do the angels and people of knowledge.” [Quran 3:18] Allah the Exalted also says, Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. [Quran 58:11] And the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him an understanding in religion.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Imam al-Ghazali states, “With respect to the human...
Feb 23, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Allah the Exalted says, Allah bears witness that there is no god except Him—as do the angels and people of knowledge.” [Quran 3:18] Allah the Exalted also says, Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. [Quran 58:11] And the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him an understanding in religion.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Imam al-Ghazali states, “With respect to the human...
Feb 23, 2021•59 min
Allah the Exalted says, Allah bears witness that there is no god except Him—as do the angels and people of knowledge.” [Quran 3:18] Allah the Exalted also says, Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. [Quran 58:11] And the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him an understanding in religion.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Imam al-Ghazali states, “With respect to the human...
Feb 23, 2021•1 hr 4 min
Allah the Exalted says, Allah bears witness that there is no god except Him—as do the angels and people of knowledge.” [Quran 3:18] Allah the Exalted also says, Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and ˹raise˺ those gifted with knowledge in rank. [Quran 58:11] And the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever Allah wills good for, He grants him an understanding in religion.” [Bukhari & Muslim] Imam al-Ghazali states, “With respect to the human...
Feb 23, 2021•22 min
On the cusp of this sacred month of Rajab—the month which has a great outpouring of divine gifts, favors, and blessings—Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains how to take advantage of Rajab and Sha’ban in preparation for Ramadan. The weekly Jumua, or Friday, Congregational prayer is livestreamed from Al-Maqasid from 1:15pm-2:00pm. To listen to the other Khutbas in the series: soundcloud.com/al-maqasid/sets/khutbas Connect with us online at: YouTube - http://youtube.com/almaqasid Facebook - http://facebook...
Feb 19, 2021•29 min
The next virtuous trait of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in al-Sulami’s book, Kitab al-Futuwwa is to hold on to the truth in all circumstances. Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses three verses in Surah az-Ahzab (33:21-23), which mention how true believers fulfill their pledge to Allah the Exalted in the most difficult of circumstances. He also mentions the greatest tribulation that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ experienced, as well as where the believers’ safety, success, and felicity lie.
Feb 15, 2021•19 min
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses the next virtuous trait of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in al-Sulami’s book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: keep continuous repentance and doubt that your repentance is accepted. He also explains how seeking forgiveness is the key for making things right in the world (see Surah Nuh, 71:10-12) and the protection afforded to humanity by the actions of the pious. For other lessons from the series on Futuwwa: soundcloud.com/al-maqasid/sets/futuwwa-spiritual-chivalry-1
Feb 01, 2021•24 min
Stories have a powerful impact on us. Stories can give your heart life, connecting you with Allah the Exalted, and increasing your certitude. But stories can also pull you away from Allah. In this khutbah, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains how learning the stories of the prophets, messengers, and the righteous protects one’s deen (religion) and brings one closer to Allah. And he asks, “What stories are you listening to?” To listen to the other Khutbas in the series: soundcloud.com/al-maqasid/sets/the...
Jan 29, 2021•32 min
"It is from Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) for a servant to keep an eye on how he spends his time and not to waste a single moment." Shaykh Yahya Rhodus looks at this next virtuous trait mentioned in al-Sulami’s book, Kitab al-Futuwwa, as well discussing eight things that productive and successful people don’t do. For other lessons from the series on Futuwwa: soundcloud.com/al-maqasid/sets/futuwwa-spiritual-chivalry-1
Jan 26, 2021•24 min
Allah the Exalted describes the Qur’an as a reminder, healing, guidance, and mercy. Ustadh Amjad Tarsin explains its many blessings through verses in the Quran, stories of the pious, and several lines in Imam al-Busiri’s poem The Burda. And as Ramadan soon approaches, he encourages us to develop our relationship with this “most beautiful teaching.” [Quran 39:23] To listen to the other Khutbas in the series: soundcloud.com/al-maqasid/sets/khutbas
Jan 22, 2021•32 min
“It is from Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) to not let anything distract one from his Lord and to bear tribulations on the path of seeking closeness to Him.” In this comprehensive discussion, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus discusses this next virtuous trait of Futuwwa found in Imam al-Sulami’s book on Futuwwa. He discusses the criteria used by those on the spiritual path in deciding whether to act, the definition of success from a religious perspective, and an explanation of several lines in al-Busiri’s Poem ...
Jan 18, 2021•27 min
In this next Khutba in the series on intention, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains how, through our intentions, we can reach things that we could not reach in other ways. He looks at the Quranic story of Sayyida Maryam (peace be upon her), and other stories of the pious, to show that making the right intentions can lead to amazing things in one’s life. For more Jumu'a Khutbas, please access our playlist: https://soundcloud.com/al-maqasid/sets/khutbas
Jan 15, 2021•27 min
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus explains what it means to fear Allah, the next virtuous trait of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in Imam al-Sulami’s book, Kitab al-Futuwwa. He also explains a stanza in Imam al-Haddad’s poem 'My Lord's Knowledge Suffices Me' (Qad kafānī 'ilmu Rabbī) and the blessings in having a good opinion of Allah the Exalted in all states. For other lessons on Futuwwa, please access our playlist: https://soundcloud.com/al-maqasid/sets/futuwwa-spiritual-chivalry-1
Jan 11, 2021•25 min
Ustadh Amjad Tarsin ends his series on the five foundational Hadith by looking at the fifth Hadith in which a companion asked, “O Messenger of Allah, guide me to an action that if I do it, Allah will love me and the people will love me.” The Messenger ﷺ responded, “Detach from the world and Allah will love you; detach from what people have and they will love you.” Ustadh Amjad discusses what it means to detach from this world and how to do it. To listen to the other Khutbas in the series: https:...
Jan 08, 2021•30 min
As year 2020 of the Gregorian calendar comes to a close, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus reminds us of the blessings of faith (iman) and the blessing of viewing the world from a faith-based perspective. He discusses two hadith that specifically address what is means to taste the sweetness of faith, the first one relating to contentment and the second one relating to love.
Jan 05, 2021•22 min
Shaykh Yahya Rhodus continues his series on the well-known and foundational hadith on intentions, “Actions are by intentions...” by looking at three dimensions: sincerity in one’s intentions, making multiple intentions, and making good intentions in everything that we do.
Jan 01, 2021•26 min
In this next Khutba, continuing with the five foundational hadith upon which Islam is built, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin discusses the well-known hadith narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim which states, "That which is lawful is clear and that which is forbidden is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know. Thus he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honor, but he who falls into doubtful matters [eventually] falls in...
Dec 30, 2020•33 min
“When you mention the righteous, mercy descends.” In this reflection, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus reminds us of the blessings of staying connected to the righteous. He also discusses the intentions one makes when residing in blessed places of knowledge. He ends his reflection with the next trait of Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) mentioned in Imam al-Sulami’s Kitab al-Futuwwa: speaking of spiritual matters according to one’s own state.
Dec 28, 2020•26 min
Continuing with his series on the five foundational hadith that scholars have indicated all other hadith stem from their meaning, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin looks at the fourth foundational hadith: "By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, none of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself of goodness." As part of this discussion, Ustadh Amjad mentions why love (maḥabba) is the pinnacle of all spiritual virtues. To listen to the other Khutbas in the series: h...
Dec 25, 2020•33 min
