Pay Attention to the Masjid Al-Aqsa Shutdown! | Ramadan Pause & Reflect #11 | Dr. Omar Suleiman

What is ma’iyyah (with-ness) of Allah, and how do you gain it? And how can we avoid the pitfalls of our dhikr becoming mere lip service, a pursuit of spiritual ecstasy, or something that feels like a cheat code? Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas continue to discuss gems on the 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”).

While the ummah searches for Laylatul Qadr, Masjid Al-Aqsa stands in silence. A place loved by the prophets, honored by Allah, and sacred to the hearts of believers—yet closed to those who long to pray within it.In these blessed nights, as we raise our hands in duʿa and seek Allah’s mercy, let our hearts remember Al-Aqsa. Feel its absence. Let your duʿa reach it. May Allah protect it, honor it, and allow the believers to return to it again.

What is the connection between dhikr and light? What does the Verse of Light mean for our lives? And how do we build a life of anticipating meeting Allah and seeing Him in Jannah?Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas continue to discuss gems on the 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”). 

What is the tawbah that Allah never rejects? Many of us struggle with guilt, wondering if our prayers for forgiveness are actually being heard. In today’s khutbah, Dr. Omar Suleiman explains the spiritual mechanics of Allah’s forgiveness and why admitting your sins is the key to unlocking divine mercy.00:00 Opening Praise and Salawat00:27 The Prophetic Duʿa of Repentance02:20 The Secret of Tawbah05:26 Admitting the Sin Without Excuses06:19 Regret vs Despair in Repentance09:13 Adam vs Iblis: Blame and Divine Decree12:57 Reopening Old Wrongs and Making Things Right15:20 Recognizing the Only One Who Forgives18:09 Closing Reflections and Duʿa

Do you miss Allah? Is there a way to measure how far you are from Him? What does your dhikr have to do with the angels, the heavens, and His Throne? And which of your friends are remembering Him with you? Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas continue to discuss gems on the 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”). 

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.