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Kandungan disediakan oleh Marzia Hassan. Semua kandungan podcast termasuk episod, grafik dan perihalan podcast dimuat naik dan disediakan terus oleh Marzia Hassan atau rakan kongsi platform podcast mereka. Jika anda percaya seseorang menggunakan karya berhak cipta anda tanpa kebenaran anda, anda boleh mengikuti proses yang digariskan di sini https://ms.player.fm/legal.
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Know What You See with Brian Lowery
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1 Flight of the Monarchs: Jaime Rojo on Beauty and Conservation 31:01
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National Geographic photographer and conservationist Jaime Rojo has spent decades capturing the beauty and fragility of the monarch butterfly. Their epic migration is one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles, but their survival is under threat. In this episode, Jaime shares how his passion for photography and conservation led him to document the monarchs’ journey. He and host Brian Lowery discuss the deeper story behind his award-winning images, one about resilience, connection, and the urgent need to protect our natural world. See Jaime's story on the monarch butterflies at his website: rojovisuals.com , and follow Brian Lowery at knowwhatyousee.com .…
Loving and Living the Quran
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Kandungan disediakan oleh Marzia Hassan. Semua kandungan podcast termasuk episod, grafik dan perihalan podcast dimuat naik dan disediakan terus oleh Marzia Hassan atau rakan kongsi platform podcast mereka. Jika anda percaya seseorang menggunakan karya berhak cipta anda tanpa kebenaran anda, anda boleh mengikuti proses yang digariskan di sini https://ms.player.fm/legal.
Reflections on Quran and Spirituality
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111 episod
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Kandungan disediakan oleh Marzia Hassan. Semua kandungan podcast termasuk episod, grafik dan perihalan podcast dimuat naik dan disediakan terus oleh Marzia Hassan atau rakan kongsi platform podcast mereka. Jika anda percaya seseorang menggunakan karya berhak cipta anda tanpa kebenaran anda, anda boleh mengikuti proses yang digariskan di sini https://ms.player.fm/legal.
Reflections on Quran and Spirituality
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Loving and Living the Quran
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1 Lecture 12: Balancing Acceptance, Action, and Hope: Practical Steps for Modern Muslims 40:00
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As salāmu alaykum and welcome to Loving and Living the Qur'an , your guide to practical spirituality for modern Muslims. In this series, recorded from our live sessions during Muharram (July 2024), we're reflecting on the theme of "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World." If you have any comments or suggestions for future topics, please email us at livingthequran786@gmail.com . Also, make sure to sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org to stay updated on new episodes. Thank you for tuning in! Episode Discussion: Continuing our theme of "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World," today's focus is on balancing acceptance, action, and hope. In our previous discussion, we explored how external pursuits like wealth and fame can lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety, as they are inherently fleeting. We emphasized the value of focusing on intrinsic aspects—like our connection with God, personal growth, and meaningful contributions—that nurture long-term fulfillment and inner peace. Today, we'll dive into practical steps for enhancing our well-being and happiness, grounded in Qur'anic teachings. Allah says in the Qur'an, "He who created death and life that He may try you which of you is best in deed" (Qur'an 67:2). This verse highlights the concept of ihsan —doing things with excellence and beauty. Ihsan involves not just the external action but the quality and intention behind it. It’s about striving for excellence in everything we do, which beautifies our soul and connects us to our higher purpose. We’ll explore: What ihsan Means: Beyond superficial appearances, ihsan is about engaging in actions that are both virtuous and of the highest quality. It transforms mundane tasks into acts of worship when performed with the right intention. The Impact of Intention: How renewing our intentions to seek God's pleasure rather than merely focusing on external rewards can elevate our deeds and overall well-being. Practical Application: How small, intentional acts of goodness contribute to our spiritual growth and happiness, making a real difference in our lives and the lives of others. We'll also address how focusing on the right intentions and actions, rather than solely on their material outcomes, can lead to greater satisfaction and peace. The Qur'an reminds us, "When you do good, you do good for your own self" (Qur'an 17:7). This means the benefits of righteous actions are not just for the hereafter but also manifest in our current lives. Stay with us as we explore how these principles can be applied practically to enhance your daily life and spiritual journey. Thank you for joining today’s discussion. Remember, true fulfillment comes from aligning our actions with our values and intentions, and seeking God's pleasure in all that we do. As salāmu alaykum!…
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1 Lecture 11: Understanding Self-Worth: Insights and Reflections for Modern Muslims 42:02
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As salāmu alaykum and welcome to Loving and Living the Qur'an , a podcast dedicated to practical spirituality for modern Muslims. In this episode, we dive into the theme of self-esteem, a topic we've been exploring throughout this month of Adha. Self-esteem, or self-worth, is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. It shapes how we perceive ourselves, handle life's challenges, and interact with the world. When we feel good about ourselves, we can face difficulties with confidence and resilience. Conversely, low self-esteem can make life's challenges feel even more daunting. Join us as we discuss: What self-esteem is and why it matters. How past experiences and external factors can impact our self-worth. Practical ways to build and nurture a healthy sense of self-esteem. Insights from the Qur'an on our inherent value and worth. We'll also address common obstacles like the inner critic that holds us back and explore how understanding our intrinsic worth, as highlighted in the Qur'an, can transform our lives. If you have comments or topic suggestions, please email us at livingthequran786@gmail.com , and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org to stay updated on future episodes. Thank you for tuning in, and as salāmu barakātuh!…
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1 Lecture 10: Navigating Life's Challenges: Practical Wisdom for Modern Muslims 42:25
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As salāmu alaykum and welcome back to Loving and Living the Qur'an . In this episode, we explore how to navigate life's difficulties with grace and resilience, a theme we focused on during Muharram this year. Join us as we discuss practical strategies for maintaining balance and happiness in a world that often feels turbulent and unpredictable. We’ll delve into how to create a supportive home environment, cultivate meaningful relationships, and implement simple, intentional actions that can make a big difference in your daily life. Discover how to blend spiritual insights with practical advice to enhance your well-being and foster a harmonious family life. Don’t miss this valuable conversation that offers actionable tips for modern Muslims striving to live a fulfilling and balanced life. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to email us at livingthequran786@gmail.com , and be sure to sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org to stay updated on future episodes. As salāmu barakātuh!…
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1 Lecture 9: Finding Peace in an Imperfect World: Reflections from Muharram 45:11
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As-salāmu alaykum and welcome back to Loving and Living the Qur'an . In this episode, we dive deep into our Muharram reflections on "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World." Join us as we explore the challenges of balancing acceptance, action, and hope amidst life's trials. We’ll discuss how the Qur'an guides us to cultivate inner tranquility and build peaceful relationships, even when the world feels chaotic. Discover practical insights on creating harmony in your home and heart, drawing from both scripture and personal experiences. Share your thoughts and suggestions with us at livingthequran786@gmail.com and stay updated by signing up for our newsletter at livingthekoran.org. Jazakum Allah khair for tuning in! As-salāmu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.…
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1 Lecture 8: Gratitude in Hard Times: Finding Peace Amidst Challenges 35:12
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As-salāmu alaykum! Welcome back to Loving and Living the Qur'an . In today’s episode, we dive deep into our ongoing series, "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World." We'll explore how gratitude can be a powerful tool for finding inner peace, especially when facing life’s challenges. We'll reflect on the teachings of the Qur'an and the Ahlulbayt about maintaining gratitude during tough times. You'll learn practical tips for cultivating gratitude even when things aren’t going well, and discover how this practice can transform your perspective and resilience. Join us as we discuss the profound wisdom behind the Qur'anic verses on gratitude and how they apply to our daily lives. From understanding the true essence of gratitude to actionable steps you can take, this episode will provide you with valuable insights to navigate life’s ups and downs with a sense of peace and hope. Got comments or suggestions for future topics? Drop us an email at livingthequran786@gmail.com and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org to stay updated with our latest episodes. Thank you for listening, and may your journey be filled with peace and reflection.…
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1 Lecture 7: The Practice of Gratitude to Cultivate Inner Peace 46:11
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As salāmu alaykum and welcome to another episode of Loving and Living the Qur'an ! In today’s lecture, the seventh in our series “Finding Peace in an Imperfect World,” we explore the transformative power of gratitude. Recorded live during Muharram 2024, this episode dives into how gratitude, both a command and a promise from Allah, can help us find peace and happiness even amidst life’s challenges! Join us as we reflect on the Qur'anic teachings about gratitude, its benefits, and practical ways to incorporate it into our daily lives. Learn how being grateful not only brings us closer to Allah but also enriches our well-being and relationships. For comments, suggestions, or to catch up on previous episodes, visit our website at livingthequran.org and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thank you for listening, and may your journey toward peace and gratitude be blessed. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.…
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1 Lecture 6: The Practice of Trust [Tawakkul] to Cultivate Inner Peace Part 2 44:22
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As-salāmu alaykum and welcome to another episode of Loving and Living the Qur'an . In this episode, recorded during our Muharram sessions in July 2024, we delve into finding tranquility in a world that often feels far from perfect. We explore the profound concept of tawakkul—trusting in Allah's plan—by examining its role in reducing anxiety and fostering inner peace. Join us as we reflect on the teachings of the Qur'an and Hadith, discuss the impact of trusting Allah’s plan on our emotional well-being, and share inspiring stories from the Qur'an that illustrate how tawakkul can transform our lives. For feedback or to stay updated, email us at livingthekoran786@gmail.com and sign up for our newsletter at livingthekoran.org. Thank you for listening, and may you find peace and solace in these reflections. As-salāmu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!…
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1 Lecture 5: The Practice of Trust [Tawakkul] to Cultivate Inner Peace Part 1 34:35
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As-salāmu alaykum! Welcome to another episode of Loving and Living the Qur'an . In today’s episode, we dive into our fifth lecture from the Muharram series, focusing on "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World: Balancing Acceptance, Action, and Hope." Join us as we explore the concept of tawakkul (trust in Allah) and how it can transform our approach to life's challenges. We'll discuss practical steps to cultivate this trust amidst modern anxieties and uncertainties. Learn how to balance your efforts with faith and how to find inner peace even when things seem out of control. We also touch on previous topics such as contentment and practical practices for a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of tawakkul or simply looking for some spiritual guidance, this episode is for you. Have questions or suggestions? Email us at livingthequran786@gmail.com , and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org. Thank you for joining us on this journey towards practical spirituality and personal growth. Listen now and embrace the peace that comes with trusting Allah.…
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1 Lecture 4: The Practice of Contentment to Cultivate Inner Peace 40:02
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As-salāmu alaykum! Welcome back to Loving and Living the Quran. In this episode, we dive into our series on "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World," recorded during our Muharram sessions. Today, we’re exploring the practice of contentment and how it ties into our quest for inner peace. We’ll reflect on why contentment is so elusive in today’s world of constant comparison and materialism. From the Qur'anic perspective to practical tips, we’ll discuss how to cultivate a sense of peace and satisfaction, regardless of what we have or don’t have. Join us as we unpack: The concept of contentment and its importance in achieving peace. The impact of materialism and social comparison on our happiness. Practical ways to develop a contented heart and mind. Don’t forget to email us your thoughts and suggestions at livingthequran786@gmail.com , and sign up for our newsletter at livingthequran.org to stay updated with our latest episodes. Thank you for tuning in!…
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1 Lecture 3: The Practice of Acceptance to Cultivate Inner Peace 45:16
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As salāmu alaykum and welcome back to Loving and Living the Quran! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the third part of our Muharram series, exploring "Finding Peace in an Imperfect World: Balancing Acceptance, Action, and Hope." We’re continuing our journey of reflection and practical spirituality, focusing on how we can find inner peace amidst the chaos of modern life. Join us as we unravel the Qur'anic concepts of peace, from the idea of Salam to the deeper meanings of Sakina and contentment. We’ll discuss how understanding these teachings can help us navigate our personal challenges and build a toolkit for real, lasting peace. Got thoughts or suggestions? Drop us a line at livingthequran786@gmail.com , and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss an episode. Thank you for tuning in, and may peace and blessings be upon you all!…
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1 Lecture 2: Finding Peace in an Imperfect World: Balancing Acceptance, Action, and Hope 37:10
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In this episode of 'Loving and Living the Qur'an,' recorded from live sessions held in Muharram 2024, the focus is on finding peace amidst worldly distractions by balancing acceptance, action, and hope. Key discussions revolve around the importance of intentions, the nature of distractions as outlined in verse 20 of Surah Hadid, and insights from Imam Ali about life's lessons. The episode also delves into modern concepts of happiness, the psychological impact of material advancements, and how negative emotions and struggles affect mental health. Practical advice is given on managing these emotions, the role of divine guidance, and how shifting focus from personal happiness to virtuous living can transform lives. 00:00 Introduction to Loving and Living the Qur'an 00:52 Setting Intentions and Understanding Distractions 03:09 Exploring Modern Mental Health 04:34 The Paradox of Progress and Happiness 11:57 Eudaimonia vs. Hedonia: Understanding True Happiness 20:43 The Modern Pursuit of Happiness 21:21 Therapy Trends and Generational Trauma 22:16 The Role of Instinct and Obligation in Islam 23:39 Understanding Human Struggle Through the Quran 24:54 The Importance of Embracing Negative Emotions 26:05 Hedonic Adaptation and Materialism 27:45 The Struggle Switch and Pain Management 31:59 Self-Compassion and Acceptance 35:47 Concluding Thoughts on Peace and Suffering…
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1 Lecture 1: The nature of this world and the mindset of a traveller 35:04
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Welcome to Loving and Living the Quran , a podcast dedicated to practical spirituality for modern Muslims. In this series, we reflect on finding peace in an imperfect world, recorded live during the Muharram sessions of July 2024. The majalis serve to honor Bibi Sayyeda Zahra, providing a unique opportunity for us to give rather than receive, in a community where support and introspection are central. Our actions begin with intentions, echoing the teachings of our prophets. By consciously setting intentions daily, especially during significant months like Muharram and Ramadan, we align ourselves spiritually and transform our lives. Topics Discussed: Balancing Acceptance and Action: We explore how intention shapes our behavior, fostering an environment where every attendee supports and respects one another, embodying the teachings of Zahra. Standing Up to Injustice: In today's turbulent times, it's crucial to emulate Imam Hussain's courage to fight against injustice and spread his message of peace beyond sectarian boundaries. Reflecting on Ayats: From Surah Ana and Surah Hadid, we reflect on the impermanence of worldly pleasures and the lasting peace found in spiritual fulfillment. As we dig deeper into these reflections, we aim to build a toolkit for finding peace and happiness amidst life's challenges. Join us in embracing these teachings to enrich our lives and communities! We value your feedback and invite you to share your thoughts and topic suggestions via email at livingthequran786@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter at livingthequran.org for updates on future episodes. Thank you for listening, and may peace and blessings be upon you all!…
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As We Wrap Up The Blessed Month Of Ramadan, We May Be Feeling A Mix Of Emotions: A Tinge Of Sadness At The Ending Of The Month Of Blessings, Mercy And Forgiveness, A Sense Of Relief That We Were Able To Fast And Pray [And That We Can Eat Again!] And Maybe Some Regret That We Did Not Or Could Not Do More During The Blessed Minutes And Hours Of This Sacred Month Of Allah [Swt] When We Were His Guests. Many of us have been deeply impacted by the news from Palestine and our sense of helplessness to stop the atrocities. Please let us remind ourselves that we have the huge weapon of Dua at our disposal. And though the month of Ramadan may be coming to an end and our eyes may not water quite so much at every Sahoor and Iftar, thinking of our brothers and sisters starving while we are blessed with an abundance of food and drink at our tables, we cannot and must not forget that we have an ongoing duty to do what little we can which includes turning to Him in prayer to ease their plight and to grant them peace and freedom Ameen. No matter what level of closeness and spirituality we attained during this month, we may be wondering of how to make it stay with us a little bit longer. For many of us, this is the only time in the year when we change the focus of our attention from worldly matters and at least cast a glance at matters of the spirit. During the rest of the year, although we may profess love and belief in Allah, we may think of Him or call on Him only in times of distress and rarely find time to turn to Him in extra prayer or gratitude. During this awesome month, however, we have tasted of the Divine Banquet of Mercy, we have developed some good habits and feel a bit forlorn that we will lose this sense of spirituality again until next year. As we approach Eid, it is a good idea to reflect on some tiny steps that we can take to maintain the spirit of Ramadan alive so that the spiritual gains that we have achieved are not lost. So that we may start next Ramadan inshallah at a slightly higher plane of spirituality than we did this year. Just as gains in health are only maintained if one continues with some good habits after time at a health spa, the spiritual gains achieved during this Spiritual Spa time can be maintained with some simple baby steps. Here are some actions that we took during this month which helped us nurture our spiritual bond to Him, and some ways that we can continue these practices: 1. Establishing Salaat Ramadan is a time when we are most conscious of Salaat and its’ timings, especially the fajr and maghrib prayer. Regular and timely prayer is the most basic and vital way to maintain our connection to Him. Salaat is designed by the Almighty to be an intentional and consistent detachment from the world and an invitation to turn inwards, to connect to the Source at regular intervals to fuel our spirit. We are invited in the Quran to establish Salaat, not just to pray the occasional Salaat. This means that this act of worship has to be a pillar of our life, a structure of our existence. Baby steps: Make a commitment to start praying at least one Salaat exactly on time, every day. “Adorn” the Salaat by adding recommended actions to the basic prayer. Start with something small and do it consistently before adding the next piece. 2. Reading the Quran To succeed in any area of life, the first step is knowledge about the rules that govern that area. We do not expect to excel at academics or in the workplace without reading the texts that govern the particular field. Similarly we cannot expect to succeed in this world, get to know the system of cause and effect, to know ourselves or figure out how to achieve ultimate success in the hereafter without looking at the manual gifted to us by the Creator of the system. Although we may have spent much time in recitation during the month of Ramadan, an ongoing relationship with the Quran necessitates understanding, contemplation and action. Only with understanding and reflection can we use the wisdom in of the Book to improve our life here and beyond. Baby steps: Read and reflect on one ayat of the Quran every day. Once again, it is important to start small so that it is sustainable in the long term. One verse a day means that we will have read and understood 365 verses at this time next year. Small steps add up. When reading a verse which calls to action, make a note of how you could respond through action. If you acted on this verse, what would you be doing differently? Please join our community of Quran study where we do exactly this. If you are getting this newsletter, you are already a part of it. If you would like someone else to join, please send them this link. 3. Giving generously Many of us plan our yearly giving, Sadaqa, Khums and Zakat, during the month of Ramadan. We actively seek out those that are needy and reach out to them with giving in cash and in kind. We experience the deep sense of gratitude, humility and sense of satisfaction that comes from reaching out and helping fellow human beings. It reminds us of the human connection that we share, of our responsibility to the whole and of the necessity of enabling the flow of wealth rather than the hoarding of it. Throughout the Quran, the acting of giving Zakat (literally means to purify wealth through giving) comes hand in hand with establishing prayer. Allah swt constantly reminds us that our relationship to Him through prayer is complemented by our relationship to humanity through giving. Baby steps: Be aware of need all around you. When the urge to giving strikes, do not second guess it or talk yourself out of it. Take action to meet the need in whatever way you can. Start a small but regular contribution to a cause. By automating it, it ensures that it will happen even if you forget or feel strapped for resources. 4. Dua One of the most special things about Ramadan are the moments of connection to Him through Dua or supplication. The process of turning to Him and asking from Him enriches us beyond measure and gives us spiritual strength. Whereas sharia applies to our outward actions and its job is to regulate human action in order to create the basis of social justice, dua is the training the heart to love the Creator, to experience His love and to understand that the more you love Him, and have a personal relationship with Him, the more you understand that the laws of sharia are to help you reach your full potential. The duas that we have been reciting during this month all emphasize the personal quality of Allah’s relationship with us and His all-encompassing love. Dua is therefore a vital practice to cultivate spirituality and nurture our connection to Him. Baby steps: Look through a compilation of dua such as the Sahifa Sajjadiya or the Duas of Imam Ali (as). Pick one that calls to you. Pick a longer Dua and spend a few minutes after Salaat reading and reflecting on a few verses of it at a time. Feel free to make notes of your reflections or to mark passages that speak to you at this time. Endeavour to use those passages to communicate with Him at various times of the day. 5. Maintaining Family Relationships The month of Ramadan finds many of us trying to reach out to family, by an invitation for iftar or sending food and gifts. As the nights of Qadr approach, we are reminded about making amends with those members of our family whom we have issues with. Through prayer and supplication, our hearts become soft, through closeness to Him, we begin to recognize the big picture and may be more amenable to forgive and overlook the small grievances that we may have been holding. While reflecting on the Quran, we are reminded to pardon people, to manage our anger, to repel evil with good and to maintain relationships with our blood relations. We begin to recognize, once again, that He is happy with us if are human connections are in order. Baby steps: Regularly reach out to long forgotten family members through a phone call, email or text. Consider inviting family to share meals with you, even if the house is a mess and even if your cooking is not perfect! You will reap the rewards in increased love and attachment. Let us pray to Allah swt to help us to continue the good deeds that we may have started during this month and to continue staying away from that which displeases Him. Let us wrap up with an extract from Imam Sajjad as 's Supplication in Bidding Farewell to the Month of Ramadan (Supplication 45) O God, with the passing of this month make us pass forth from our offenses, with its departure make us depart from our evil deeds, and appoint us thereby among its most felicitous people, the most plentiful of them in portion, and the fullest of them in share! O God, when any person observes this month as it should be observed, safeguards its inviolability as it should be safeguarded, attends to its bounds as they should be attended to, fears its misdeeds as they should be feared, or seeks nearness to You with any act of nearness-seeking which makes incumbent upon him Your good pleasure and bends toward him Your mercy, give to us the like [of that] from Your wealth and bestow it upon us in multiples through Your bounty, for Your bounty does not diminish, Your treasuries do not decrease but overflow, the mines of Your beneficence are not exhausted, and Your giving is the bestowal full of delight! Ameen Thank you for joining me on this small effort to reflect on His word and do what we can to live the Quran in our modern lives. Much gratitude and appreciation for your warmth and support and kind messages which fuel me and keep me going. Please accept a warm Eid Mubarak from myself and my family to you and your loved ones. May our deeds be accepted, may we counted amongst His friends and may we all be gathered together under His Protection and Mercy always. Ameen.…
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Loving and Living the Quran
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Yesterday we reflected on a truth about this life from the Quran: that life is full of challenges. Today, let us look at a promise of Allah [swt] that gives us confidence that we have what it takes to succeed in these challenges and find our way through these distresses. At the end of Chapter 2, Sura Al-Baqara the Quran tells us: Allah does not task any soul [impose a duty on, place a burden on] beyond its capacity. [2:286] This brief selection from a longer verse suggests many important points of reflection: The word Quran uses for soul is “Nafs”, the struggling part of ourself. The part that struggles to be better and yearns to actualize. In order not to burden us beyond our capacity or capability, He knows what that capacity is. So many times when we are facing challenges, they seem insurmountable and we feel completely overwhelmed and inadequate to deal with them. At times like these, it is important to remind ourselves of this verse. Even if we are unsure of our own potential, He is in His infinite knowledge and wisdom knows what our capacity is. We need to understand of course, that human capacity is not a static thing. That we grow by stretching ourselves. We experience this in all sorts of ways in the daily course of life in any case. When we go the gym, we do not lift Styrofoam weights that we can swing easily. We lift weights beyond what we think we can lift, thereby stretching our perceived capacity. And in hindsight after going through a period of stress or challenge, we may look back with surprise and wonder at our own abilities to handle the situation. We realise that even though we may have thought we would DIE in the challenge, we actually didn’t! Now, without Divine intervention, given that we prefer a life of comfort and ease [even though this is not ultimately good for us, nor why we are created], human beings would very likely pass away “full of potential”. His expectation from believers, however, is that they will live on the outer edges of their potential and fully realise and actualize it – not die with it. And so we are given trials and distresses according to the measure of our ability and resources to actualize this potential. When we go through and come out on the other side of such bespoke challenges, we are changed forever. There is no going back to “before”. We may have heard of the term “resilience” as the ability to “bounce back” after a set back. Let us deepen our understanding of our options in dealing with challenges. Psychologists explain that people can react in three different ways to challenges and setbacks: we can be fragile and break easily. Or we can be resilient and withstand more stress before breaking down (and then bouncing back a little quicker than most). OR… we can be the OPPOSITE of fragile. Which means, the more challenge we face, the STRONGER we get. This is what Nasem Taleb calls being “Antifragile” in his book of the same name. Taleb gives us a great metaphor to bring the point home. Imagine the wind. It’s a strong wind. It is wind that will extinguish a candle. But it is the same strong wind that will fuel a fire and make it stronger. In terms of this verse, Allah knows that we have the potential to be that fire and the challenges of life are meant to fuel this fire to bring it to its full blazing potential. Our faith in Allah’s knowledge of our ability [beyond our recognition] can give us unshakeable confidence that we have what it takes. Let us do a little teaching on confidence. Etymologically, the word confidence comes from two little Latin words: con and fidere. The word literally means "with intense trust." This is Intense trust in what? Not that everything will go perfectly. That is unrealistic of course and not in line with what we have been reflecting on. It is intense trust in Allah’s promise that it doesn’t matter what happens because we know we have the resources and the ability to handle these challenges. How do we know this? Because these challenges have shown up in our lives and because He has promised us that He will not place a burden upon us beyond what we are capable of. Does this make sense? How will we think, feel and act differently the next time life throws us a curve ball?…
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Loving and Living the Quran
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Today’s reflection is from Sura Balad where Allah [swt] says: Certainly We have created man to be in distress. [90:4] In this verse, Allah [swt] uses the word kabad for distress. Scholars explain that the word kabad which originally means intensity, also signifies 'a disease in the liver of a person’ and is used for any trouble and misery. This verse spells out a truth about the human experience during this plane of existence: from the time the human embryo is conceived it will go through difficult stages with pain and toil until the time it is born, and even from then on; during his childhood, the period of his adolescence, and through his mature and senior years, he is and will be faced with many kinds of challenges, stresses and distresses. The problem, though is that even though Allah [swt] has explained this to us in the Quran, we human beings expect something different. We LOVE comfort and luxury and are deeply attached to the idea of a life of stability and ease. We feel entitled to such a trouble-free existence, even when we have no proof that it is possible. Even when we may recognize that moments of such comfort and ease move us further away from spirituality and recognizing the purpose for which we are here. And so, when we are experiencing challenges and distresses, instead of reminding ourselves that this is, quite simply, the nature of this world, we tell ourselves that “something has gone wrong” and that “it is not meant to be this way” and a number of such things which actively resist the acceptance of this truth. And then, of course, we look at others. We see the edited versions of their lives which are apparent to us in real life or in the virtual arena. And then we compare our distresses and challenges to the snippets of their apparently-distress-free life, to the abundance of peace and joy that we think they are enjoying, and we think that somehow they have managed to escape this reality. I really love how Phil Stutz explains this truth in a hard-hitting way in his great book: Lessons for Living: What Only Adversity Can Teach You. . Phil starts his book by telling us: "Our culture denies the nature of reality. It holds out a promise that you can live in an ideal world where things come easily, a world in which unpleasant experiences can be avoided, where there is never a lack of immediate gratification. Worse, it suggests that if you do not live in this world, something is wrong with you. This ideal world is a realm of illusion. No matter how promising this world seems, it does not exist." He continues by saying: "Be honest. Your own life experiences have been far from ideal. But what you have experienced is what is reality, not what you would like to experience. In short, the nature of reality is this: 1. "Life includes pain and adversity." 2. "The future is uncertain." 3. "Accomplishment of any kind requires discipline." 4. "You are not special. No matter what you did, you cannot avoid these aspects of life." 5. "This will never change." In short: Life is hard. [or as the Quran puts it, we are created to be in distress] Denying and resisting this simple fact of existence and telling yourself the story that life “shouldn’t” be hard is, arguably, THE greatest obstacle to your enjoyment of life. When we quit arguing with reality and stop thinking something must be wrong with us because we’re experiencing life’s inevitable challenges, we can change our relationship to all the pain and uncertainty and hard work inherent to a meaningful life. In other words, when we stop resisting the truth that God has spelled out for us, we can fundamentally and permanently change our lives. Of course this does NOT mean that there is no joy or happiness or even moments of bliss on this earth. It does mean, as Stutz reminds us: “There is love, joy, surprise, transcendence, and creativity as well, but these never occur separately from the above five points." In other words, once we accept that life is hard, that we “are created in distress”, we can stop spending all our energy on resisting the reality of our circumstances and carve out a meaningful, and yes even happy, life for ourselves. We can learn to make peace with an imperfect life and focus on making the best of an imperfect life.…
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