Episode 11.24 - The Firsts

Did you know that telling the truth is a superpower? It sets you on the path to Paradise and fills your heart with light. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise.” In this story, we learn about how a young boy who was truthful inspired a gang of criminals to change their ways and become righteous men. This is the story of Imam Jilani & the Highway Robbers. — Story adapted and narrated by: Amjad Tarsin Soundscape and editing: Ibrahim Souadda Cover design: Selma Tarsin Umm al-Khayr: Veronica Hernandez Young Imam Jilani: Muhammad Tarsin Robber 1: Ali Hunsicker Robber 2: Sohaib Mannan Gang leader: Ibrahim Souadda

In this special episode of SoulFood, we continue with the second half of our conversation with Ustadh Omar Popal. We talk about people who act like God's gatekeepers to limit other people's access to God, Prophetic care and mercy, and the blessings that are passed down through the spiritual connection of the Sanad (chains of transmission).

In this special episode of SoulFood, we engage in a lively and informal conversation with Ustadh Omar Popal. We talk about experiencing the love of Allah ﷻ as a more powerful emotion than fear, how Ust. Omar fell in love with sacred knowledge, and in closing, he mentions a powerful story about the importance of honoring all of God's creation. Ustadh Omar Popal, raised in Northern Virginia, began Islamic studies at 16, starting with Quran memorization in Durban, South Africa. He went on to study at Madinatul Uloom (Virginia) and Dar al-Qasim (Chicago), graduating from the latter, with formative training at Dar al-Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen. He has taught Arabic and Islamic studies at several mosques and institutes including Al-Maqasid, and he founded Tanwir Institute in 2018 to serve the DC metro area's Muslim community.

Allah ﷻ says, "Inform My servants that I am indeed the Forgiving, the Merciful." [Quran 15:49] In this episode, we will cover: • Divine mercy in the Quran • Hadiths on mercy • Parting advice This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial

The noblest station in Paradise is to be with our Prophet ﷺ and to accompany him. In this episode, we will cover: • Love is everything • Signs of love • Loving the Quran This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial

In this episode, we look at a lengthy statement of the Prophet ﷺ about the last man to be released from the Fire and entered into Paradise. This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial

Who are the groups of people given the distinct honor of entering Paradise first? In this episode, we will cover: • The rank of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ • The Mu'adhins • The poor believers This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial

"And as for those destined to joy, they will be in Paradise, staying there forever, as long as the heavens and the earth will endure." [Quran 11:108] In this episode, we will cover: • The life of this world • Never-ending reward • Everlasting life This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial

After visiting Allah ﷻ in Paradise, people will go to a marketplace, which will be surrounded by Angels. In this episode, we will cover: • The market of Paradise • The true Eid This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial

Allah ﷻ says, "On that Day ˹some˺ faces will be bright, looking at their Lord." [Quran 75:22-23] In Paradise, the veil will be lifted and nothing is more pleasing than beholding Allah's Noble Countenance. In this episode, we will cover: • Seeing Allah ﷻ • The banquet of eternity • Speaking to Allah ﷻ This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial