Beginning and Ending on the Inside

In this episode Imam discusses the meaning of "fikr"  or contemplation/meditation. He gives examples of how it operates both practically in the world as well as subtly in the heart. He explains who it is a faculty which is like a bee, bringing together many nectars to produce a healing honey. This practice leads the seeker to become free from all fear and grief. In this week's advice, he speaks about how to make your soul/ego into your friend. This is the final episode of season 1. Thank you so much for listening. We will resume with season 2 in the fall. 

In this episode Imam speaks about how to ignite our faculties in a constructive manner through the Qur'anic instructions of performing dhikr and fikr. These two faculties guide us to know our past so that we can operate into the future. In this week's advice, Imam discusses the topic of generosity and how we all always have something to give. He says, to give is to receive. This portion of the podcast was recorded in front of a live audience. 

In this week's episode, we discuss the difference between the Qur'an's teaching of approaching everything inwardly first, and then moving into the physical/superficial/outward, vs the Western modality which is to approach things from the outward first. Imam discusses how to approach the Qur'an through the inner realm. This week's advice to the seeker was recorded live. He discuses the idea of increase based on shukr/gratitude and he discusses the nature of true gratitude, which is to notice the small things. 

In this week's episode, Imam speaks about how the Qur'an is different from previous revelations from God. He discusses the accessibility and inclusivity of the Qur'an and how it is a text for all people until the end of this timeline.  This week's advice was recorded live so there is a slight change in audio. He gives the seeker advice about growing and expanding in knowledge every single day. 

In this episode we discuss the relationship between the Qur'an and Muhammad, upon him be blessings and peace. Imam explains who Allah is and how the Qur'an operates as a technology from Allah which teaches us about Allah in order to know ourselves. Finally Imam gives special advice to the seekers on the path about how to see and engage with our teachers.

In this episode, Imam Fode Drame explains where the Qur'an comes from and how God communicates with us.  In this week's advice or *Nasiha*, he leaves the seeker with counsel about not getting distracted from your servitude to God by your particular specialness to God. 

In this first episode, Imam Fode Drame begins with an Arabic prayer and then gets into explaining what the Qur'an is; defining it using the definitions which the Qur'an itself uses to define and explain itself. He expounds on how the Qur'an how is multidimensional, being that it is both a miraculous text and a miraculous meaning, both being primordial or qadeem. At the end of each episode, we will ask Imam to give us a practical piece of advice. In this episode, he gives advice about the common question of many seekers, "does God love me?" He ends the episode with a prayer in both Arabic and English. New Episodes on Mondays.