Sharia Takeovers and Middle East Chaos | Ramadan Pause & Reflect #8 | Dr. Omar Suleiman

How does the remembrance of Allah calm your body? Can you love the Qur’an and music at the same time? Does Allah ever mention you by name? And how do you move beyond doing dhikr on autopilot? Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas share gems from the first 17 benefits of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that are outlined by Ibn al-Qayyim (rh) in his book Al-Wabil al-Sayyib min al-Kalim al-Tayyib (available in English translation under the titles “The Invocation of God” or “Remembrance of the Most Merciful”). 

Ibn al-Qayyim (rh) outlines the 3 keys to happiness in this life and the next: gratitude, patience, and seeking forgiveness. And dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is essential to each of these. As Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas embark on this year’s Midnight Majlis with the book Al-Wabil al-Sayyib min al-Kalim al-Tayyib (available in English translation under the titles “The Invocation of God” or “Remembrance of the Most Merciful”), they first explore ways we should prepare our hearts and lifestyles for dhikr.  

How could anyone despair of a Lord who sends Laylatul Qadr? A night better than a thousand months, where Allah multiplies good deeds and forgives sins beyond what we can imagine. Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on Allah’s mercy and why every believer should approach these nights with hope, repentance, and longing to return to Him.

As Laylatul Qadr approaches, have you thought about what you will ask Allah for?The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most powerful nights of the year, especially the odd nights. These are moments filled with mercy, forgiveness, and the opportunity for life-changing du’a.In this khutbah, Dr. Omar Suleiman shares four essential du’as you should make during the last ten nights of Ramadan that can transform your life in this world and the next.00:00 Opening Praise and Salawat01:52 Entering the Final Days of Ramadan02:30 How to Build Your Duʿa Framework03:16 The Four Qualities the Prophet Told Us to Hold On To04:02 The Simplicity of the Prophetic Method06:30 The Story of “Dandana” and the Power of Simple Duʿa09:13 Why the Prophet Taught Aisha This Duʿa for Laylatul Qadr10:15 Begin Duʿa with Praise and Tawheed14:21 Seeking Forgiveness for Yourself and Others17:05 Ask Allah for the Highest Levels of Jannah18:45 Seeking Protection from the Hellfire20:29 Expanding Your Duʿa for the Ummah22:31 Closing Du'a

Is it an even night or an odd night?As we enter the last 10 nights of Ramadan — the most blessed part of the entire month, and the opportunity to catch the immensely valuable Laylatul Qadr — we must not take any chances. Do your best on every single night. Dr. Omar Suleiman also urges us to make du’a for our unjustly detained brothers and sisters in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. May Allah grant them and their families ease and hasten their release. 

What are the 3 lies being sold in America right now? From those who stood against Nuh (as) and the Prophet ﷺ to those committing crimes in Iran, the oppressors have always had foot soldiers who swallow the propaganda and genuinely believe they’re fighting for a good cause.Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on Surah al-Mu’minun, verse 24, and emphasizes that Muslims must urge their neighbors to realize that they are being lied to and kept afraid so that they don’t open their eyes to the truth. 

What happens when powerful elites are exposed — and war follows?Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on the Epstein scandal, the Iran war narrative, and a powerful ayah from Surah Al-Isra about how nations fall. The Qur’an teaches that when corruption spreads among the elites, destruction follows a pattern.Are we witnessing that pattern today? From past empires to our present moment, exposure often comes before collapse.

There are clear, black-and-white truths about the current conflict, but also many gray areas and political dynamics. How should Muslims navigate this?Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on leaning into your fitrah, the Qur’an’s guidance on conflict between Muslims, remembering the Names of Allah as you process the situation, and the reality that multiple things can be true at once.

Why is Surah Tawbah the only surah in the Qur’an without bismillah?Surah Tawbah is one of the most powerful and hard-hitting chapters of the Qur’an. It opens with a final warning and disavowal, yet it is still called the Surah of Repentance. How can a surah that begins with distance still carry the name of tawbah?This reflection explores its missing basmalah, its urgent call back to Allah, and the balance between mercy and ultimatum. Surah Tawbah reminds us that while Allah’s mercy is vast, repentance is not meant to be delayed. We do not set the timeline for our return — Allah does.His mercy is unlimited, but our time is not.

What does it mean to feel “safe” from Allah? These powerful verses from Surah Al-A'raf contrast two states — sleeping at night and playing during the day — and expose a deeper issue: a heedless heart.This reflection is a wake-up call about spiritual alertness, small sins we take lightly, and how to live with constant awareness of Allah without paranoia — but with purpose. Are we awake… or just moving?