Episode 324: Lecture 1 M2025: Introduction & Verse Theme – Understanding Istiqamah

[Muharram 2025 Series:  Holding On to Faith When the World Falls Apart Lessons in Resilience and Resistance from Imam Hussain [as] and Bibi Zainab[as] M1447/2025] In this episode, we explore the meaning and importance of having Tawakkul in Allah swt, what are some of the preconditions, why it is so important and then we discuss how to develop Tawakkul in our hearts   For questions and or comments related to this content, please email [email protected] Please visit www.livingthequran.org for more resources on practical spirituality. Please consider subscribing and leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts and Facebook/IG

[Muharram 2025 Series:  Holding On to Faith When the World Falls Apart Lessons in Resilience and Resistance from Imam Hussain [as] and Bibi Zainab[as] M1447/2025]   In this episode, we explore the meaning and importance of standing up to injustice and how we unknowingly be the problem   For questions and or comments related to this content, please email [email protected] Please visit www.livingthequran.org for more resources on practical spirituality. Please consider subscribing and leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts and Facebook/IG

[Muharram 2025 Series:  Holding On to Faith When the World Falls Apart Lessons in Resilience and Resistance from Imam Hussain [as] and Bibi Zainab[as] M1447/2025] In this episode, we continue our exploration of ways to strengthen our relationship with God and focus especially on developing Khasiya or Awe in our hearts. We end the discussion by exploring 5 ways we can experience Awe in our everyday lives     For questions and or comments related to this content, please email [email protected] Please visit www.livingthequran.org for more resources on practical spirituality. Please consider subscribing and leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts and Facebook/IG

[Muharram 2025 Series:  Holding On to Faith When the World Falls Apart Lessons in Resilience and Resistance from Imam Hussain [as] and Bibi Zainab[as] M1447/2025]   After completing our discussion on distractions on the path towards God, we start our discussion on building our relationship with Allah by looking at His proper name   For questions and or comments related to this content, please email [email protected] Please visit www.livingthequran.org for more resources on practical spirituality. Please consider subscribing and leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts and Facebook/IG

[Muharram 2025 Series:  Holding On to Faith When the World Falls Apart Lessons in Resilience and Resistance from Imam Hussain [as] and Bibi Zainab[as] M1447/2025]   After reflecting on what we can do to build personal resilience, we begin the topic of building our relationship with Allah swt as this is the foundation for Istiqamah. Many of us report feeling disconnected from Allah swt these days. In this lecture, we uncover some of the things in modern life which make it so hard for us to connect to Him.    For questions and or comments related to this content, please email [email protected] Please visit www.livingthequran.org for more resources on practical spirituality. Please consider subscribing and leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts and Facebook/IG  

[Muharram 2025 Series:  Holding On to Faith When the World Falls Apart Lessons in Resilience and Resistance from Imam Hussain [as] and Bibi Zainab[as] M1447/2025]   In order to have the stance of istiqamah, standing strong, we need to have resilience. In this episode, we explore the meaning of resilience, talk about the purpose of trials in our lives and discuss the secrets of resilient people who are able to withstand the challenges of life and are in fact, stronger because of them   For questions and or comments related to this content, please email [email protected] Please visit www.livingthequran.org for more resources on practical spirituality. Please consider subscribing and leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts and Facebook/IG

In this episode, we reflect on the verse from Sura Fussilat where Allah swt says:    [41:30] (As for) those who say: Our Lord is Allah, then continue in the right way, the angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not, nor be grieved, and receive good news of the garden which you were promised. We start exploring the need for idea of resistance as stance towards injustice. We also explore the meaning of Imam Hussain [as] mission and the idea that the mission of Azadari cannot be different than the mission of Imam Hussain [as].  We start exploring the meaning of Istiqamat For questions and or comments related to this content, please email [email protected] Please visit www.livingthequran.org for more resources on practical spirituality. Please consider subscribing and leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts and Facebook/IG  

📌 Episode Summary: This episode continues the narrative of Surah Maryam with the miraculous moment when the newborn Isa (as) speaks from the cradle to defend his mother and declare his prophetic mission. You unpack the meaning and significance of each part of his speech—from affirming his identity as Abdullah (servant of Allah), to describing his mission of prayer, charity, and respect for his mother. From there, the discussion expands into the theological disputes surrounding Isa (as), clarifying the Islamic stance on his nature and role. The Qur’an rebuts both the Jewish rejection of Isa and the Christian deification of him. With tenderness and firmness, the Surah reasserts the essence of Tawheed (oneness of God) and draws our attention to a future day of “intense regret” (Yawm al-Hasrah)—a reminder to live purposefully and mindfully today. The episode ends by introducing the next section: the story of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his dignified but heart-wrenching dialogue with his idol-worshipping father—another example of truth delivered with compassion and courage. 🧭 Key Takeaways: Isa’s First Words Define His Identity: As a newborn, Isa (as) declares: “I am the servant of Allah”—refuting any claim to divinity. His speech reaffirms key values: servitude, prophecy, worship, charity, and respect for one’s mother. Emotional Protection of His Mother: In speaking up, Isa (as) not only defends his own identity but also shields Maryam (as) from slander—modeling how children can become a source of honor for their parents. A Call to Monotheism: The Surah addresses theological disputes about Isa (as), stating clearly that Allah does not beget or is begotten. Any deviation from this is an error rooted in ego, not revelation. Truth Is Simple, Misguidance Is Complicated: While Isa’s (as) words are direct and clear, the man-made constructs (e.g., the Trinity) are convoluted—reflecting the distortion of truth by intellectual arrogance. Faith Means Trust in Divine Power: The phrase Kun fa-yakoon (“Be, and it is”) reminds us that divine will transcends natural law. When we believe in Allah’s power, miracles no longer surprise us—they reinforce our awe. Yawm al-Hasrah – The Day of Regret: Whether believer or not, many will regret missed opportunities for good on the Day of Judgment. Like the parable of the travelers in the cave, we’ll wish we had done more. Living in a State of Ghafla (Heedlessness): Modern distractions and spiritual forgetfulness are examples of ghafla, which the Qur’an warns against. We’re called to awaken and become conscious of our purpose. 💡 Reflection Prompt for Listeners: What do you want your soul to “witness” on the Day of Regret? What small steps can you take today to collect more light for that journey?

📌 Episode Summary: In this powerful and emotionally resonant episode, you delve into the heart of Surah Maryam—the miraculous conception and birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus) through Maryam (as), a paragon of purity, courage, and spiritual strength. Beginning with the backstory from Surah Al-Imran, we learn about Maryam’s early life, her mother’s intention to dedicate her unborn child to God, and the miraculous signs surrounding her upbringing under the care of Prophet Zakariya. The episode then explores Maryam’s spiritual retreat, her encounter with Jibra’il (Gabriel), and the divine declaration of a miraculous birth. You highlight how this moment, while a divine gift, was also an enormous trial: the physical pain of childbirth, the emotional anguish of public shame, and the psychological toll of facing it alone. Yet, Maryam’s response models sabr (patience), tawakkul (trust), and emotional authenticity. The podcast closes with profound reflections on God’s mercy during hardship, the balance of effort and divine support (e.g., Maryam being told to shake the palm tree), and a compelling reminder that faith does not mean the absence of emotion—but the resilience to stay anchored in divine guidance even through anguish. 🧭 Key Takeaways: Spiritual Dedication Begins Before Birth: Maryam’s mother dedicated her unborn child to God’s service, teaching us the value of intentional parenting and prenatal dua. Seclusion as Spiritual Preparation: Maryam’s withdrawal to a quiet place was not a rejection of society, but a deepening of her bond with God—a reminder that moments of solitude can precede spiritual breakthroughs. The Divine Name ‘Ar-Rahman’: Surah Maryam repeatedly uses God’s name Ar-Rahman to emphasize His compassion, especially toward women and those bearing heavy burdens. Miracle and Trial Intertwined: Maryam’s experience teaches us that divine gifts can come with great tests. Even a miracle like the virgin birth involved pain, fear, and societal shame. Emotions Are Not Weakness: Maryam’s wish for death in the throes of labor shows us that strong feelings are not a sign of weak faith. The Qur’an validates emotional overwhelm while guiding us to respond with trust and restraint. Take Action, Even in Despair: Maryam is told to shake a dry palm tree—an act that might seem futile. Yet, this symbolizes that even when we feel helpless, we are not absolved from trying. Our effort meets God’s mercy. Nutrition and Prophetic Wisdom: The mention of dates post-birth aligns with both Qur’anic miracles and Prophetic advice—highlighting Islam’s alignment with holistic well-being. 💡 Reflection Prompt for Listeners: Think of a time when you were overwhelmed and alone. What helped you keep going? Can you look back and see moments where God’s mercy reached you—often in quiet, unexpected ways?

📌 Episode Summary: In this opening episode of the Surah Maryam series, we dive into the historical and spiritual backdrop of Chapter 19 of the Qur’an. You begin by highlighting the virtues of Surah Maryam—its poetic rhythm, spiritual benefits, and relevance for those struggling with anxiety or hardship. The main focus is on the profound story of the first Muslim migration to Abyssinia. Through the lens of this pivotal moment, we explore how Surah Maryam served as a spiritual defense and a tool for bridge-building across faiths. The podcast revisits the powerful exchange between Hazrat Ja’far ibn Abi Talib and the Christian king Najashi, revealing timeless lessons in interfaith dialogue, calm advocacy, and shared values. The episode ends with the first ruku of the Surah, focusing on Prophet Zakariya’s heartfelt prayer for a righteous child—an emotional and deeply personal example of divine mercy, faith in the unseen, and legacy rooted in spiritual values. 🧭 Key Takeaways: Spiritual Merit: Surah Maryam brings comfort to the anxious, protection to the frightened, and blessings in life, wealth, and children to those who recite it regularly. Historical Context: The surah was revealed around the time of the first hijrah to Abyssinia—when early Muslims, facing brutal persecution, sought refuge under the just Christian king Najashi. The Power of Interfaith Dialogue: Ja’far’s recitation of Surah Maryam moved Najashi to tears and led him to reject the Quraysh's demands. It showed that shared spiritual values can open hearts even across religious lines. Speak from Shared Humanity: Differences in faith are real, but the Qur’an encourages us to begin dialogue by focusing on commonalities. Quoting Imam Ali: “People are either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity.” Women in the Qur’an: Surah Maryam is the only chapter named after a woman. While many women are mentioned in the Qur’an, Maryam (as) is uniquely named and honored—highlighting her extraordinary status across Abrahamic faiths. Theme of Divine Gift: The surah begins with the story of Zakariya (as), an aging prophet praying with deep humility and sincerity for a child who can continue the mission of truth. His answered prayer exemplifies how Allah grants beyond expectations, especially when intentions are pure. 💡 Reflection Prompt for Listeners: When you’re advocating for your faith or values—at work, in the community, or online—how can you lead with calmness, compassion, and common ground, just like Ja’far did?