Shows
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHow to Keep Your Heart Soft in a Hard World With Shaykh Zakaria Abdelaziz#wijhah
2025-08-1656 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastDear Beloved Son - Episode 1One of Imam al-Ghazali’s advanced students wrote to the Imam with a question: From all the fields of knowledge, what will benefit us most in the grave? The student was seeking advice short enough that he could keep it with him at all times and refer to it constantly. Ayyuhal Walad is the great Imam’s response: a personal note from al-Ghazali to his student, and by extension to anyone who desires to follow their way.#wijhah
2025-04-2536 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 29 - Tawakkul in the Face of Tyranny : P2In the Quran, the story of Prophet Musa begins with an account of his mother’s distress regarding the fate of her child. As she feared for her child’s life, Allah Most High commanded her to do the unthinkable: release him from her protection and cast him into the river. Where does a mother acquire such courage and strength?
2023-11-1242 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 68 - Spiritual Foundations: P7The path to developing sincerity and taqwa (God-conciousness) begins with taking account of one’s actions and developing self-awareness. Before we are presented with a summary of what we did in our lives, we would be wise to take account of ourselves everyday.
2023-11-1224 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 28 - Tawakkul in the Face of Tyranny : P1Our Prophet ﷺ faced immense difficulties and pressure in his early days in Makkah. Surrounded by the tyranny of his people, our Prophet ﷺ was comforted by Allah through the revelation of the Quran. The Quran is filled with stories of the various prophets that Allah sent. Allah Most High explains that the reason He relates these stories to us is so that our hearts may be strengthened: “We have told you the stories of the prophets to make your heart firm” (11:120). One story that was repeatedly revealed to him ﷺ during this time period was the story of the Prophet Musa (peace be u...
2023-11-1236 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 27 - With The Heart In Mind: P16This week, we will wrap up our exploration of “With the Heart in Mind” with a discussion of how the Prophet ﷺ served as the perfect role model of moral intelligence.
2023-11-1245 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 67 - Spiritual Foundations: P6After emphasizing that Islamic spirituality must be rooted in the Quran and Sunnah, Imam al-Muhasibi reminds us to examine our intentions in all that we do. By remaining vigilant of and purifying our intentions and objectives, we develop God-consciousness, which is the path to spiritual growth as a believer.
2023-11-1220 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 27 - Do Not Despair, Palestine Will Be freeIn recent days, we as an Ummah have witnessed unimaginable disregard for the sanctity of human life, specifically the lives of our brothers and sisters in Gaza. In such moments, our hearts may be filled with pain, anger, frustration, and disappointment. We may begin to feel the onset of hopelessness and wonder how to remain optimistic. We may even begin to question why God has not yet intervened to stop the nonsensical oppression.It is important in such times to support one another by coming together as a community to mourn the lives we lost and pray for...
2023-11-1258 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 66 - Spiritual Foundations: P5Imam al-Muhasibi describes someone who adheres to the teachings of the Quran as someone who has “emerged from the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge, and from the torment of doubt into the comfort of certitude.” From this, we understand that the Quran possesses the power to transform individuals, provided they open their hearts to be touched by its message.
2023-11-1238 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 26 - With The Heart In Mind: P15Last week, we discussed how a Muslim approaches developing a moral standard which they abide by. This week, we will discuss the first of the five elements of moral intelligence: having a moral compass that is calibrated to Prophetic ideals.
2023-11-1227 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 65 - Spiritual Foundations: P4After establishing the Quran and Sunnah as the foundation of Islamic spirituality, Imam al-Muhasibi outlines how a believer ought to approach the book of God: acting according to its commandments and prohibitions; responding to its threats with fear and to its promises with longing; and to reflect on its stories and parables.
2023-11-1240 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 25 - With The Heart In Mind: P14Having discussed emotional intelligence in previous weeks, we now turn our attention to the third and final section of “With the Heart in Mind.” This section discusses moral intelligence, which some have defined as “the capacity to process moral information and to manage the self in a way that realizes that moral ideal.”
2023-11-1228 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 64 - Spiritual Foundations: P3A well-known narration of our Prophet ﷺ called the Hadith of Jibreel serves as one of the foundational sources for our understanding of Islamic spirituality. In this hadith, our Prophet ﷺ is asked multiple questions about the three aspects of religion (Islam, Iman, and Ihsaan) by the angel Jibreel. This week, we will discuss the answer given by our Prophet ﷺ about Ihsaan: “that you worship God as though you see Him; for even though you cannot see Him, He sees you.”
2023-11-1243 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 63 - Spiritual Foundations: P2Imam Al-Muhasibi begins his book with a description of Allah’s righteous servants as being people who are faithful, virtuous, fearful, and reverent. He then lays the foundation for how spirituality should always be measured and understood: its adherence to Allah’s guidance in the Quran as demonstrated by the Prophet ﷺ.
2023-11-1241 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 24 - With The Heart In Mind: P13The Quran frequently commands us to “listen attentively” so that we may benefit from messages being conveyed to us. Truly listening and being heard is far from simple, even between people who care about each other. Effective listening includes hearing what people mean, not just what they say; sharing a difference of opinion without being dismissive; and, encouraging uncommunicative people to open up.
2023-11-1245 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 62 - Spiritual Foundations: P1The greatest need of human beings is guidance. In the Quran, we find ourselves constantly seeking guidance from Allah: “Guide us to the straight path” (1:6). Our prayer is not complete without asking Allah for guidance to the straight path. This week, we begin a new series where we will explore the foundations of spirituality as explained by the great Imam Abu Abdullah al-Harith bin Asad al-Muhasibi (died in 243/857) in his work “Treatise for the Seekers of Guidance.”
2023-09-0327 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 23 - With The Heart In Mind: P12When we think of communication, we often think of speech. However, we communicate with others through other means as well, such as body language and physical touch. The Prophet ﷺ has taught us through his noble example how to remain interpersonally aware by ensuring our body language and physical touch communicate love and concern for others.
2023-09-0338 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 22 - With The Heart In Mind: P11As we continue our study of “With the Heart in Mind,” we will discuss awareness and how we might develop that within ourselves. As we develop the ability to be more aware of ourselves, we can use that ability to become more aware of others and how they’re feeling.
2023-09-0339 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 61 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 131-135We will wrap up the study of Surah Taha this week as we cover verses 131 until the end. In these verses, we are commanded to prioritize the Hereafter over this ephemeral world, so that our end may be a righteous one.
2023-09-0339 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 60 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 128-131This week, we turn to the last passage of Surah Taha starting from verse 128. Allah Most High reminds us that we ought to take lessons from those who have passed before us, so that we may avoid repeating the mistakes they made. We are commanded to prioritize the Hereafter over this ephemeral world, so that our end may be a righteous one.
2023-09-0338 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 21 - With The Heart In Mind: P10The journey of developing emotional intelligence begins with learning and practicing self-awareness. With self-awareness, you understand your own emotions and their impact on your behaviour. You know what you are feeling and why—and how it helps or hurts what you are trying to do. You sense how others see you and your self-image reflects that larger reality. It also gives you clarity on your values and sense of purpose, so you can be more decisive when you set a course of action.
2023-09-0325 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 59 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 123-127Beginning from verse 123 of Surah Taha, Allah Most High describes what the state will be on the Day of Judgement of those who turn away from the Quran’s reminders: they will be resurrected without the ability to see. Why might this be?
2023-09-0337 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 20 - With The Heart In Mind: P9During this week’s session, we aim to complete our discussion of Imam al-Ghazali’s quote from the Alchemy of Happiness. Thereafter, we will turn to discussing how intrapersonal awareness contributes to interpersonal awareness.
2023-09-0338 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 58 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 117-122One of the many lessons we learn from the story of Adam, Hawa, and Shaytaan is that no matter what mistake a person makes, Allah's forgiveness awaits them so long as they seek it.In this story, there is a profound "fork in the road" when Shaytaan whispers to Adam and Hawa to approach and eat from the tree: both parties had made mistakes, but while one gets cursed, the other is forgiven. What was the difference?
2023-08-2642 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 19 - With The Heart In Mind: P8This week, we will discuss the importance of intrapersonal awareness as elucidated by Imam al-Ghazali in his work ‘The Alchemy of Happiness’ in the following passage:“In a word, there is nothing closer to you than you. If you do not know yourself, how can you know anything else? .... you must seek out the truth about yourself: What sort of a thing are you? Where did you come from? Where are you going? Why have you come to this stopping place? For what purpose were you created? What is your happiness and in what does it lie? What is you...
2023-08-2636 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 57 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 115-116Verse 115 of Surah Taha begins a discussion of the story of the Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). The story contrasts the states of Prophet Adam and the devil in reaction to mistakes they made. In this story lies deep lessons for us about how we ought to react (or not react) when we make mistakes.
2023-08-2526 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 18 - With The Heart In Mind: P7This week, we’ll be discussing the importance of emotional investment and human bids for connection. We will also discuss the importance of intrapersonal awareness as elucidated by Imam al-Ghazali in his work ‘The Alchemy of Happiness’ in the following passage:“In a word, there is nothing closer to you than you. If you do not know yourself, how can you know anything else? .... you must seek out the truth about yourself: What sort of a thing are you? Where did you come from? Where are you going? Why have you come to this stopping place? For what purpose...
2023-08-2542 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 56 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 111-114Having described the Day of Judgement at length, Allah Most High points out that He revealed the Quran as a reminder about that Day. We are further reminded that knowledge is ultimately granted to us by Allah, hence we should always seek it from Him.
2023-08-2541 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 17 - With The Heart In Mind: P6In a well-known narration, the Prophet ﷺ said, “All of you are shepherds (tending to your flock), and all of you will be questioned regarding your treatment of their flock.” One cannot expect to treat their flock well if they cannot understand them. Thus, the need for developing emotional and social intelligence becomes critical to ensure we can engage in healthy relationships with everyone around us.
2023-08-2531 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 55 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 108-111This week’s study of Surah Taha begins from verse 108 wherein Allah Most High is describing the state of humans on the Day of Judgement. This is followed by verses describing the story of the Prophet Adam (AS) in which great lessons and reminders are found.
2023-08-2540 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 54 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 99-107Why does Allah Most High tell us about the Day of Judgement? What impact does knowledge of such a day have on the human psyche? For the next 10-20 verses, Allah describes what the state of those who turn away from His reminder will be on the Day of Reckoning.
2023-07-1033 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 16 - With The Heart In Mind: P5We complete the first section of “With the Heart in Mind” with a discussion of the Islamic pedagogical system that Muslim scholars went through during their training to become leaders. By examining the contents of their curriculum, we can begin to understand how scholars viewed the developmental stages of one’s intelligence.
2023-07-1041 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 53 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 97-99In the verses following the story of Musa (peace be upon him), Allah Most High describes the afterlife–one of the most critical stages in the journey of human existence. The Day of Judgement is a day that is meant to motivate the believer to constantly strive to improve themselves, in the hope of receiving God’s mercy on that day. This passage in Surah Taha offers us insight into the occurrences on that tremendous Day.
2023-07-1042 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 15 - With The Heart In Mind: P4This week, we continue our discussion of “With the Heart in Mind.” We will examine a theory of intelligence from Imam Harith al-Muhasibi, an early Muslim scholar famous for his purity of faith and righteousness. He was one of the pious predecessors (Salaf) of this Ummah and a contemporary of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. He was called ‘Al-Muhāsibī’ due to his constant reckoning of himself, taken from the word ‘Muhāsib’ that means ‘One who takes account of something.’
2023-07-1041 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 52 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 95-96In the verses following the story of Musa (peace be upon him), Allah Most High describes the afterlife–one of the most critical stages in the journey of human existence. The Day of Judgement is a day that is meant to motivate the believer to constantly strive to improve themselves, in the hope of receiving God’s mercy on that day. This passage in Surah Taha offers us insight into the occurrences on that tremendous Day.
2023-06-1841 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 14 - With The Heart In Mind: P3This week, we continue our discussion of “With the Heart in Mind.” We will explore the following statement by Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi:“The human being is distinguished by another capacity. It is the rational or intellectual capacity which can reach the reality of things in existence as they actually are. It is within this capacity that the light of the gnosis of Allah is illuminated. It is within this capacity that the light of His greatness shines and it is this capacity which can look upon the secrets of the world of Allah's creation and His commands. This c...
2023-06-1840 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 51 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 90-94As we continue our study of Surah Taha, we conclude the story of Musa (peace be upon him) that has been a major focus in the surah so far. The discussion shifts to the purpose that Allah Most High narrates the stories of prophets to us in the Quran: as a reminder.
2023-06-1838 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 13 - With The Heart In Mind: P2It is not the abandonment of reason that allows one to accept revelation; Islam is not a religion that demands a leap of faith in order to believe. Rather, it is reason itself that leads one to submit to revelation. It is also worth noting that revelation is not contrary to reason.
2023-06-1837 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 50 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 85-89We resume our study of Surah Taha this week starting at verse number 87. We will discuss the concluding details of the story of as-Samiri and his deception of Bani Israel, followed by Musa (as) Harun (as)'s discussion on how the situation unfolded. In light of these verses, we will reflect on how to deal with those around you - those you agree with, those you disagree with, those you're in charge of, and more.
2023-06-1835 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 12 - With The Heart In Mind - P1As we resume our Wednesday night sessions, we begin a new series covering the book, “With the Heart in Mind” by @mikaeelahmedsmith . One of the most important traits for anyone to develop in life is emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence can have a surprisingly powerful effect on our lives, from our ability to foster long-term relationships with friends and romantic partners to whether we’re able to succeed in school and pursue meaningful work that gives us a sense of purpose. In “With the Heart in Mind,” the author explores the trait in light of the Prophet’s ﷺ life. We start our study...
2023-06-1836 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 49 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 80-85We resume our study of Surah Taha this week starting from verse 80. In the verses that follow, the story of Musa (peace be upon him) shifts to a discussion of the condition of Banu Israa’il post-Pharoah. Having escaped from the tyrant, Banu Israa’il now encounter a man named Samirii.
2023-06-1837 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 48 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 72-80After the showdown between Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) and the magicians (on behalf of Pharoah), the magicians who had previously devoted their life and work to Pharoah recognized the truth of the message of Islam and submitted. Threatened with execution, they remained firm, ultimately choosing Allah despite what awaited them.
The next passage moves on to address the final moments that Musa (peace be upon him) and Bani Israel had with Pharoah. Their escape, being pursued by the army, the miracle Allah granted them to save them, and how the very same miracle Allah granted...
2023-03-0840 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 11 - Trusting AllahAmong the most important and transformative actions of the heart is husnul dhan billah'. to always have a positive opinion or expectation from Allah. This manifests when we always assume the best from what God is doing. It means to always look with a positive lens at the work of God–at the actions of God in our lives and in the world. This spiritual practice completely transforms the way we respond to our lives.
Another spiritual tool that helps in the healing process is to put our trust in Allah and have consciousness of Him (taqwa). If we...
2023-03-0825 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 47 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 56-71In the next passage, Allah Most High describes the showdown between Musa and the magicians, followed by the magicians’ acceptance of Musa’s message. The passage reminds us to never give up hope when inviting others to the worship of Allah.
2023-03-0837 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 10 - Submission and GratitudeThere are many psychological resources that help us heal, but even more powerful than all of these are the spiritual resources given to us by God and His Messenger (ﷺ). These potent tools can transform our lives and the way we respond to pain, but only when applied consistently. Knowledge is power-but only when lived. Only when that knowledge is integrated internally and externally. When the light of God truly enters our hearts, it changes us. It softens us and transforms our actions and our lives.
2023-03-0831 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 46 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 49-58Beginning from verse 49, the conversation between Musa (peace be upon him) and Pharoah is mentioned. After receiving guidance from Allah Most High on how to advise Pharoah, Musa and Harun (peace be upon them) proceed to speak with Pharoah about God and His attributes, contrasting the characteristics of virtue against the characteristics of corruption.
2023-02-1536 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 9 - Healing through Our RelationshipsWhen we think of recovering from loss, some common tools of recovery come to mind. We think of therapy, self-care, and the likes. However, there are also some less intuitive methods of recovery like relationship building, service to others, and good character.
2023-02-1035 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 45 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 42-49Pharoah is one of the greatest tyrants of all time - he oppressed thousands and thousands under his control and eventually inflated his ego to the point where he declared, "I am your god, the most high!" His transgressions against God and humanity reached such limits that Allah gave Musa and Harun (peace be upon them) the mission to go and speak to him.
When someone is clearly in the wrong, and they wrong others while they're at it, the last thing we think about is to make sure we speak to them with etiquette, care, and compassion...
2023-02-1041 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 8 - Tools To Deal With The PainPain is real. But so are the tools to heal it. We are told to take action to improve our own situation and prevent pain from turning into prolonged suffering. We were meant to be tested in this life. But we are not meant to sit passively and suffer. And just like there are factors which hinder healing, there are also psychological and spiritual tools that support and even expedite the healing process.
2023-02-1032 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 44 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 24-36In the next passage we’ll be discussing, Musa is seeking aid from Allah regarding the task at hand; Allah Most High has told Musa (peace be upon him) that he is a messenger and that he must go to Pharoah and convey the message of truth and justice of Islam to him. This is the most overwhelming task that Musa has been given in his life. Despite having gotten by in life until now, and despite being ordained a messenger, Musa exemplifies wisdom and humility in his duaa he makes to Allah as he requests help for his ta...
2023-02-0143 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 7 - Lack of Closure & AcceptanceOften in life, we don’t have all the answers. We may desperately desire an answer, yet we don’t receive closure. We end up delaying our own healing process. We are like a detective who refuses to close the case. Like an open wound that we refuse to let heal. We use all our energy looking for clues, rather than allowing for closure and acceptance.
2023-02-0135 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 43 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 7-23Verses 17-23 of Surah Taha cover a well-known conversation between Allah Most High and the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him). This conversation contains powerful lessons about tawakkul (reliance on God) and God’s omnipotence.
2023-02-0144 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 6 - Shame vs. GuiltOnce we are in shame, we often fall into despair. We may believe we are not worthy of Allah’s love and mercy and forgiveness. And then we give up on trying to attain Allah’s pleasure and nearness, ultimately because we feel we don’t deserve it. And so in ayah 2: 268, Allah contrasts this plot of shaytan, which uses fear and indecency, with Allah’s mercy and bounty and abundance. The antidote for shame is mercy and compassion. The antidote for scarcity/fear of poverty is abundance and God’s bounty and grace.
2023-01-1542 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 42 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 9-16Our study of Surah Taha continues as we begin from verse 9 with the story of the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him). There are many similarities between the experiences of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Prophet Musa (peace be upon him). Hence, Allah Most High shares many stories of the Prophet Musa in Surah Taha.
2023-01-1327 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 5 - Negative Thought Patterns & Cognitive DistortionsWhen we indulge, entertain, and feed negative thoughts, we sabotage our own healing and happiness. Thoughts will always “knock on the door of our minds.” We must view our thoughts and inner dialogue like we view a visitor that comes to our door. Think of how diligently we guard our homes and valuables. We use locks, security systems, and fences. We do not open the door for just anyone. And if a robber shows up at our front door carrying weapons, we would never willingly open the door to him. No one would invite him in, feed him food, give...
2023-01-0637 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 41 - Reflections on Surah Taha | Verses 1-8As Ramadan nears, it’s important to prepare for the blessed month by increasing our connection with Allah’s word. So, for the coming weeks until Ramadan, we will pause our study of the 99 names of Allah, and we will begin a study of Surah Taha. The surah begins with a reminder that the Quran serves as a reminder and source of guidance, not a cause for distress.
2023-01-0349 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 4 - The Underlying Causes of PainWe all understand what happens if we get a physical wound. We understand that it needs treatment, and we need to go to a doctor. We know there needs to be a process for that wound to recover. Unfortunately, when someone has an emotional or psychological wound, many people do not have this same understanding.
There is often very little patience or compassion for the process necessary for healing. Instead there is the notion that people can “just get over it” or “suck it up”. And yet, no one would tell a person who broke their leg, to just “...
2022-12-1135 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 40 - Names of Allah: Al Qabid & Al Basit | The Withholder & The ExpenderGod is the Most Wise, the Most Just, and the Most Merciful. Both His withholding from us and His giving are part of His wisdom, justice and mercy. God knows us and our states. When He restricts, He also expands - there is no restriction without eventual expansion, there is no withholding without eventual giving. The manifestations of qabd (withholding) and bast (expansion) are many.
2022-12-1140 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 3 - The Messages Behind the PainWe are all tested in different ways. Some people are tested in their health, while others are tested in their wealth. When health is given to us, how do we use it? When wealth is given to us, how do we spend it? And then when health or wealth is taken from us, how do we respond? Our trials also serve many purposes in this life and the next. Our trials can cure us, purify us, strengthen us, and bring us back to who we were meant to be. They prepare us to meet our Creator with a beautiful...
2022-12-0238 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 39 - Names of Allah: Al Nur | The LightGod is the source of all light and, because He is the Light, it is only He who truly illuminates. It is by His light that all darkness is dispelled - both physical and spiritual - yet His light itself is too powerful for us to comprehend in this life. When we are facing a problem, we are in darkness. The solution to that problem is from al-Nur. This is part of God’s illumination.
2022-11-2848 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 2 - Healing the EmptinessAt some level, so many of us have experienced emptiness. But very few people know why. And even fewer people know how to fill that emptiness. This life and our entire journey here, is not an end in itself. It is a purposeful process, designed by God to shape our hearts. To prepare our souls for the Final Meeting with Him. We must allow the process to refine and remake us. And our wounds are a part of that process. It will hurt. It will seem like the end so many times. But it is not the end. Our...
2022-11-2536 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 38 - Names of Allah: Al Karim | The GenerousThe Arabs would use the word Karim for something beneficial with lasting benefit, and it is also used for something that is weighty and dignified. The adjective karim is used to describe someone who gives without being asked, and exceeds expectations.
2022-11-2051 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastHealing Hearts Episode 1 - Keys to Goodness, Locks to EvilThis week, we will be discussing the following hadith:
Sahl ibn Saʿd reported that Allāh’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Indeed, there are treasuries of this goodness. These treasuries have keys. Blessed is the person who Allāh has made a key for goodness and a lock for evil. And may that person be ruined who Allāh has made a key for evil and a lock for goodness.” (Ibn Mājah)
2022-11-1637 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 37 - Names of Allah: Al Hamīd & Al Mājid | The Praiseworthy & The GloriousThe names al-Hamīd and al-Mājid are frequently mentioned together. Allah is al-Hamīd and al-Mājid because He truly possesses all those numerous attributes and qualities that are glorious and necessitate praise - qualities of perfection and goodness.
2022-11-1431 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 36 - Names of Allah: Al Hayy & Al Qayyum | The Living & The SustainerAllah was before there was anything else, and He will remain after everything is gone. There is no life before Him or without Him. When we call upon Allah al-Hayy, we are recognizing Him as the absolute source of life and thus the source of all perfect qualities.
Al-Qayyum is the One by whom all things are eternally managed aright. He is the source of everything needed by the worshiper, from the One he or she worships.
2022-11-1014 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 35 - Names of Allah: Al Sittir | The Concealer‘Verily, God the Almighty and Majestic is Modest and Concealing; and He loves modesty and concealment.” (Abu Dawud)
In the hadith above, the Prophet ﷺ tells us that Allah is ‘gracious/shy,’ bearing in mind that His haya comes from a place of honour, generosity, and majesty, not meekness or submissiveness. He is also al-Sittir, the One Who conceals the faults and shortcomings of His servants, and He loves those who conceal the faults of others.
2022-11-1025 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 34 - Names of Allah: Al Aliyy | The Most HighAllah is great and high in His essence, His attributes, and His actions. The name al-’Aliyy emphasizes to us that whatever we see as elevated, or whatever we choose to elevate - even our own selves - Allah is far, far above that.
2022-11-1036 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 33 - Names of Allah: Al Hakam | The JudgeGod’s name al-Hakam means that He is the ultimate arbitrator and judge, whose rulings and decrees no one can overturn. On the Day of Judgment, He will be the ultimate Judge. He will judge between us regarding that which we used to differ, and everyone will receive their just reward.
Remembering that we will be judged by al-Hakam can help to make the trials of this world easier. He sees our struggles and knows what we go through, internally and externally, and He appreciates our efforts for Him. He will judge with true justice and equity.
2022-11-1042 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 32 - Names of Allah: Al Alim & Al Hakim | The All Knowing & The All WiseAllah emphasizes His knowledge of the different realms, as He tells us, “That is the Knower of the seen and unseen—the Almighty, Most Merciful.” (32:6) For this reason, we need to take a step back when we assume that we know all there is to know and make a judgment based on that.
This is especially so when things don’t go our way. Allah tells us, “Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.
This does not mean that we cannot jud...
2022-11-1038 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 31 - Names of Allah: Al Ghaffar | The Ever ForgivingMany of us have felt disheartened because we messed up in our relationships with Allah. We may have committed sins, mistakes, and missteps. Perhaps we messed up too many times to count. And maybe we messed up in the worst of ways, leading us to experience shame and unworthiness.
And this results in us feeling that we cannot turn back to God; indeed, a feeling that we cannot even have a relationship with Him. How could we, when we have so many mistakes? Yet Allah tells us that He is the Forgiver of sin, the Oft-forgiving, the Ever-forgiving...
2022-11-1025 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 30 - Names of Allah: Al Tawwab | Turning BackSometimes, we reach a point in life where we realize we’ve strayed from our destination. Such a realization leads one to want to return. But to be able to return, there must be something to which to return, and it is vital that you know what that is.
Allah tells us that He is al-Tawwab; He is the One to whom we return when we’ve lost our way.
2022-11-1038 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 29 - Names of Allah: Al Samad | The RefugeIn Surah al-Ikhlas, we are told that Allah is al-Ahad and al-Samad. The surah summarizes Allah’s attributes, which means that knowing Allah is al-Samad is crucial.
2022-11-1029 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 28 - Names of Allah: Al Ahad | The One & OnlyAt the core of Islam is the central truth that God is One; He is al-Wahid (the One) and al-Ahad (the Unique). This negates any other supposed divine entity. And since God is One, He needs to be one in our hearts as well
2022-11-1043 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 27 - Names of Allah: Al Latif | The SubtleWe all desire to be treated with gentleness and kindness. Gentleness does not need to be some grand gesture, but can be displayed in simple daily acts. Gentleness manifests in the smile of a stranger when we’re feeling down or a phone call from a friend who wants to know how we’re doing. It can even be in the correcting of a mistake in a kind way, rather than harshly. We all appreciate this type of treatment, and indeed our hearts warm to the one who expresses this gentleness. One of Allah’s names is al-Latif-He who is Ben...
2022-11-101h 02
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 26 - Names of Allah: Al Khaliq | The Creator99 names of Allah series - Al Khaliq
2022-11-1043 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 25 - Names of Allah: Al Mutakabbir | God is GreaterIn this world, it may often feel that there are many issues that are bigger than us which we cannot affect, or which are too big to overcome by ourselves. The problems of the world and our personal troubles often feel burdensome and overwhelming. It can be all-consuming. Yet part of the reason why Allah reveals His names to us is for reassurance. By internalizing the names al-Kabir (the Most Great) and al-Mutakabbir (The Proud), we can begin to lift the weight of the world off our shoulders knowing that He alone possesses rights and attributes above those of...
2022-11-1039 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 24 - Names of Allah: Al Mumim | The Granter of SecurityA universal concern of humans is freedom from fear. We deal with uncertainties and unknowns all the time; these situations can easily lead to fear. Allah is Al-Mu’min, the Granter of Security. He strengthens the hearts and gives freedom from fear.
2022-11-1038 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 23 - Names of Allah: Al Salam | The PeaceAs humans, we constantly desire serenity. We desire this peace because the soul craves the divine. The soul’s desire for peace, in essence, is leading us to Allah because only He can truly bestow peace. This world is a creation of Al-Salam, and He has created means of peace within it. Knowing Al-Salam simply means that we recognize that the source of this peace is Allah Himself.
2022-11-1039 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 22 - Names of Allah: Al Quddus | The PureOne of the greatest mistakes humans can make in relation to their understanding of Allah is to filter our understanding of Him through our experiences with His creation, incorrectly attributing those characteristics to Him. Thus, it is important for us to recognize and understand Allah’s transcendence. The name Al-Quddus tells us that Allah is pure from any defect and purified from anything blameworthy.
2022-11-1041 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 21 - Names of Allah: Ash Shakur | The Most AppreciativeAs humans, we want to know that our actions matter, that they hold significance. Sometimes, other people don’t seem to show us the appreciation that we so desperately desire. That never happens with Allah, because He is ash-Shakur. He appreciates all good deeds, no matter how small, and rewards generously for them.
2022-11-0441 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 20 - Names of Allah: Al-’Adl | The JustOne of Allah’s names is al-’Adl, the One who only acts with justice, who made oppression forbidden for Him and forbade it for others. The injustice that we see around us is a call for us to end oppression and establish justice.
2022-11-0438 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 19 - Names of Allah: Al Wahhab | The Bestower of GiftsThe name al-Wahhab reminds us that everything that we possess has been given to us as a gift. While the giving of gifts requires us to be grateful, it also contains a deeper message: care.
2022-11-0433 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 18 - Names of Allah: Al-Razzaq | The ProviderThe name al-Razzaq refers to the One who is constantly providing His servants with that which benefits them physically and spiritually. However, humans can panic and forget about Him in moments of financial and spiritual distress. Reflecting on this name helps ground the humans in the reality that it is Allah alone who is “the Provider, the firm possessor of strength.” (51:58)
2022-11-0434 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 17 - Names of Allah: Al-Malik | The KingAllah’s names inspire awe, reverence, love, and hope. The name “al-Malik” reminds us that Allah is the King of all kings and deserves to be venerated and respected as such. Our love for Him should drive us to increase in obedience to Him and to not neglect His commands.
2022-11-0427 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 16 - Names of Allah: Al-Rahmān & Al-Rahīm | The Beneficent & The MericfulWe are introduced to the names al-Rahmān and al-Rahīm at the very beginning of the Quran. It is how Allah chose to introduce Himself; this tells us a lot about who He is and how we ought to understand our relationship with Him.
2022-11-0443 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 15 - Names of Allah: Al-Rabb | The LordAllah Most High introduces himself as ‘al-Rabb’ in the very first verse of Surah Fatihah. This name is then repeated over 900 times throughout the Quran. What is it that Allah Most High is trying to tell us about Himself through this name?
2022-11-0443 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 14 - Names of Allah: Al-Haadi & Al-Rashīd | The GuideWhen we want to reach a destination, we usually rely on a guide. We might use Google maps or ask someone who knows where we want to get to to
show us the way. We ask our guides not only to show us a way, but the best
way. And if we get lost or veer off path due to some distraction, we return to our guides to help get us back on track. One of Allah’s names is al-Hādi, the Guide.
2022-11-0444 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 13 - Names of Allah: IntroductionWhen in need, a believer is never left without someone to turn to. Allah says in the Quran:
“Allah has the Most Beautiful Names. So call upon Him by them.” (7:180)
Thus, we are commanded to seek our needs from Allah by calling Him with His most beautiful names. Each name reflects something unique and magnificent about who Allah is, and how He can help us.
2022-11-0440 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 12 - Self-delusionThe essence of human beings, the ‘heart’, is veiled with improper desires and vices, so that its true function, which is to mirror the light of Heaven, is damaged. The 'heart' is more than a piece of flesh, it is the seat of the soul, and holds the key to the intimate relationship which exists between soul and body. Each heart, according to this traditional wisdom accumulated over centuries of spiritual practice and experience, possesses four qualities: predatory, animal, demonic, and divine. The latter represents our true origin and potential, and by use of the intelligence and spiritual practices enab...
2022-11-0441 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 11 - Pride & ConceitPride is to think oneself great and conceit is to be self-satisfied and impressed with oneself. The basis of all damnation is pride because it is the original sin of Iblees (Satan) and that’s why we have to be very wary of it. As for arrogance, the signs of it are to look down on people and reject what is true. That is why the sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him, is grounded in humility, both in outward actions and inward consciousness.
The best way to guard oneself against pride is to attribute all good in...
2022-11-0438 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 10 - Love of Status & OstentationHow one is viewed by others is one of the most ingrained inclinations in a human, and thus only those of truly high status are those who let go of their love of status and leadership. Seeking fame for the sake of fame has become central to our society today and that is blameworthy.
2022-11-0431 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 9 - Love of WealthPossessing wealth in and of itself is not wrong, however, it can’t be all consuming such that it distracts you from everything else. One of the principal objectives of zakat is to force you to give something you love for the sake of Allah. We must make a regular habit of taking stock of our shortcomings and identifying ways to improve upon them. One is either on a path of increase or decrease in their deen and iman, and as such, one should always strive to improve, because if you stand still, you will inevitably be on a do...
2022-11-0428 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 8 - Defects of the TongueThe tongue is small, but can lead to immense calamities. The two most difficult body parts to protect and avert from sin are the tongue and the private parts – so much so that our beloved Prophet – Allah bless him and give him peace – said:
“Whosoever gives me a guarantee to safeguard what is between his jaws and what is between his legs, I shall guarantee him Jannah.” (Bukhari)
What is between his jaw refers to the tongue; both what it expresses and what it consumes. What is between the legs refers to the private parts. When the believer p...
2022-11-0433 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 7 - Disciplining the SoulThe spiritual life in Islam begins with riyadat al-nafs, the inner warfare against the ego. Distracted and polluted by worldliness, the lower self has a tendency to drag the human creature down into arrogance and vice. Purification of the self is the greatest success that a person can attain and every other success is measured in comparison to it, in so much that it can facilitate the purification of the self. Purification of the self entails the removal of all qualities displeasing to Allah and the acquisition of all qualities pleasing to Allah. Only by a powerful effort of...
2022-11-0432 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 6 - Remembrance of DeathRemembering death, the only inevitable thing, is something we usually shy away from. However evasiveness will not serve us well. To enjoy and live life fully we must come to terms with the fact that it will come to an end. This is helped when we know what is in wait beyond death.
2022-11-0434 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 5 - ContemplationThe topic of contemplation takes us into the deep waters of the human mind. What are thought and contemplation? Why are they so meritorious in the eyes of Islam? What are the benefits of disciplined and attentive mindfulness? Moreover, how exactly do we enact the Revelation’s instruction to ‘meditate on the creation of heaven and earth’? How do we correctly consider nature and its symmetries and wonders?
The first type of contemplation is spending time in nature which calms the soul and really allows our internal sounds to quiet so we can start to think about deeper matter...
2022-11-0445 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 4 - SincerityTrue sincerity can lead habits to be acts of worship if they are done with the right intentions. Many of the companions would actually hide a lot of their acts of good and worship so that they would ensure its sincerity. Thus, sincerity is the defining factor of our actions that determine whether our actions will be accepted or not. No matter how outwardly correct we may seem, without inward purity and sincerity, our spiritual practice and our moral life are meaningless.
2022-11-0441 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 3 - Love, Longing, Intimacy, and ContentmentGod loves His creation, and human beings most especially; and we are called to love Him in return. This religious virtue turns life into a delight, as we recognise the signs of God’s love in creation and in other people, and learn to be satisfied with God’s decree at all times.
With much reflection on the tremendousness of the Exalted and Great, one’s knowledge increases, is strengthened, and becomes more expansive. And with the expansion of one’s knowledge of Allah, one’s love becomes more expansive and stronger until Allah and His messenger ﷺ become more beloved...
2022-11-0446 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 2 - Poverty & AbstinencePoverty and abstinence are a means to leading a life that is both connected to the universe and disconnected from the world. Our deen advises us to have less, and the Prophet would often praise the poor people of the community. The Prophet would continually warn of worldliness. Thus, we must not be attached to the things of this world, but attached to the things that one can do in this world that will yield results in the hereafter.
2022-11-0426 min
Wijhah Initiative PodcastFriday Night Faith Circles Episode 1 - Fear & HopeAlmighty God is to be feared, for His justice is absolute. But we also hope for His mercy, for He is the most merciful of all . We fear our weakness, and hope for God’s forgiveness.
2022-11-0424 min