Loving and Living the Quran

Attend to His communication [25:73]

April 04, 2024 00:21 - 3 minutes - 4.63 MB

Continuing with painting a portrait of the Ibrad ur Rahman, verse 73 of Chapter 25, Sura Furqan points to another characteristic of these sincere believers: [25:73] and they who, when they are reminded of the signs of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind against them Scholars explain that the “falling deaf and blind” refers to the act of falling down, to snore, to droop down as if the person were bored or inattentive, or did not wish to see or hear or pay attention. In other word...

Do not engage with the ignorant [25:63]

April 03, 2024 22:28 - 9 minutes - 12.7 MB

Yesterday we started discussing the qualities of the Ibad ur Rahman [servants of the Most Compassionate] from Chapter 25, Sura Furqan. We said that we need to reflect the quality of compassion within ourselves and then we discussed the first quality from verse 63: the quality of humility. Today, let us look at verse 63 again and explore the second quality of Ibad ur Rahman which reads: The servants of the Compassionate are those who walk humbly upon the earth, and when the ignorant addr...

Be servants of the Merciful [25:63]

April 03, 2024 22:28 - 12 minutes - 16.5 MB

Today’s reflection is from Sura Furqan and over the next few days, we will look at selections from verses 63-76 in Chapter 25 Sura Furqan, where the Quran talks about the qualities of Ibad ur Rahman or the Servants of the Most Merciful. The verse reads: The servants of the Compassionate are those who walk humbly upon the earth, and when the ignorant address them, say, “Peace.” The word “ibad” which is usually translated as “servants” or “slaves” means so much more than that. An ...

Adopt balance in your spending [25:67]

April 03, 2024 22:21 - 6 minutes - 8.88 MB

Another quality mentioned in Sura Furqan of the Ibad ur Rahman is that they are “qawama”, they adopt the “just mean” in spending. Verse 67 says: And they who when they spend, are neither extravagant nor parsimonious, and (keep) between these the just mean. [25:67] Islam at its core, is the “middle path”, the path between two extremes and Prophetic traditions state that “a virtue lies between two vices”. In this case, the virtue mentioned is that of infaq or spending on othe...

Avoid falsehood and vanity [25:72]

April 03, 2024 22:21 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MB

Continuing with our series of exploring some of the characteristics of the Ibadur Rahman, verse 72 from Chapter 25 [Sura Furqan] says: And they who do not bear witness to what is false, and when they pass by what is vain/idle talk, they pass by nobly. [25:72] Another two qualities of the sincere servants of the All Compassionate is that 1) they do not testify falsely or give false evidence, and not do they take part in anything which implies falsehood or fraud. Scholars explain th...

Worship at night [25:64]

April 03, 2024 22:21 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MB

Continuing with our series of drawing a portrait of the Ibad ur Rahman [the Servants of the All Compassionate], verse 64 of Chapter 25, Sura Furqan says: And they who pass the night prostrating themselves before their Lord and standing. [25:64] So the third quality mentioned of the Ibad ur Rahman is that In the pursuit of spiritual elevation and perfection of servitude to the All Compassionate they are drawn to the tranquility of the night, seeking solace in the worship of their Cre...

Seek forgiveness continuously [25:65]

April 03, 2024 22:21 - 4 minutes - 6.47 MB

Continuing with the portrait of Ibad ur Rahman, verses 65 & 66 from Sura Furqan outline another quality: [25:65] And they who say: O our Lord! turn away from us the punishment of hell, surely the punishment thereof is lasting Servants of the Ibad ur Rahman are in continuous touch with their own humanity, with their propensity to make mistakes, to offend, to fall short and to choose evil over good in the moment. They are deeply aware of their own shortcomings due to the nature of...

Do not be wasteful and extravagant [17:26]

April 03, 2024 21:13 - 10 minutes - 15 MB

In Sura Israa (17:26), Allah says: And do not squander wastefully. Reflection: In this verse as in other places in the Quran, Allah [swt] is commanding us not to be extravagant or wasteful. Islam encourages to be balanced in all aspects of life, including how we spend money and resources. And even, as in this verse, in giving charity. While it is encouraged to use and enjoy the bounties and blessings that we have been given, this needs to be done mindfully and with a concern for the we...

Principles of healthy discussion [16:125]

March 19, 2024 09:00 - 6 minutes - 9.38 MB

Let’s remind ourselves of the principles of healthy discussion and debate from the Quran which we have been exploring over the last few days Use wisdom and good admonition and dispute with them in a manner that is best [Quran16:125]. Establish common ground Establish common ground 29:46 Use logic and appeal to reason [Quran 36:77-79] Do not offend [Quran 6:109] Present a balanced perspective [Quran 2:219]. Respond with goodness rather than react to evil [Quran 41:34].

Appeal to reason and ask [rhetorical] questions [36:77-79]

March 18, 2024 21:38 - 6 minutes - 5.5 MB

One of the methods frequently used by the Quran to convince the reader of its arguments is the use of logic and rhetorical questioning. Researchers into Quranic linguists assert that such rhetorical questions are used in more than a thousand verses of the Quran and each use is an invitation for the reader to shift their thinking paradigm. Let us remind ourselves that a rhetorical question is one that is asked without expecting or needing an answer but for the sake of emphasis or effect. Li...

Respond rather than react[41:34]

March 18, 2024 09:00 - 5 minutes - 8.15 MB

We have explored this verse from Sura Fussilat from many different aspects. Today’s exploration will be in line with our theme of using verses from the Quran to guide us when we find ourselves in the midst of an argument. Despite our best intentions, things can get heated when we are in the midst of a conflict. It is hard to hear things that go against our belief system. It is so easy to take things personally. Others can say things in a way that triggers us and potentially make us lose o...

Do not offend your opponent [6:108]

March 17, 2024 19:57 - 6 minutes - 5.97 MB

Do not revile those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they should revile God out of enmity, ignorance. [Quran 6:108] This verse from Sura Anam cautions believers not to turn to offence and aggression in the midst of an argument, especially on matters of faith. It also provides a solid reason why it is not a good idea to do so: because such behaviour will most likely lead to a retaliation of like for like. When we are in the midst of an argument, it can be easy to become triggered a...

Present a balanced perspective [2:219]

March 17, 2024 15:31 - 7 minutes - 9.93 MB

When we are in the midst of a conflict or a dispute, we tend to focus only on our side of the argument, ignoring or rejecting what merit or truth may be found on the other side. And when we do this, the other side gets more focused on proving us wrong and highlighting their arguments. Discussions and arguments like these seldom if ever, result in a deeper understanding. And they almost never result in any one side giving in to the other. The Quran teaches us anoth...

Establish common ground 29:46

March 17, 2024 13:20 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MB

Continuing with our series on inspiration from the Holy Quran for engaging in discussion and dispute, the verse today is from Sura Ankabut where Allah (swt) says: And dispute not with the People of the Book, save in the most virtuous manner, unless it be those of them who have done wrong. And say, “We believe in that which was sent down unto us and was sent down unto you; our God and your God are one, and unto Him are we submitters.” [Holy Quran 29:46] This verse is an injunctio...

How to debate and dispute 16:125

March 17, 2024 13:13 - 9 minutes - 8.86 MB

Today we start a series on verses from the Quran that guide us how to discuss, debate and disagree with people. In the following verse from Sura Nahl, Allah says: Call unto the way of your Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation. And dispute with them in them in a manner that is best [16:125] 4 commands are given to the Holy Prophet [as] in this verse. “(O’ Prophet!) call (mankind)…” “…to the path of your Lord…” “…with wisdom and good admonition…” “…and dispute with the...

Turning to the Quran for Guidance and Inspiration to Manage ourselves and take effective action in challenging times Part 2 – Channelling anger effectively and towards the right people and entities

November 08, 2023 20:55 - 22 minutes - 16.1 MB

Many of us are feeling angry at the injustices, the oppression, the mass murders, the brainwashing, political posturing, refusal of people to stand up and speak the truth, Islamophobia . … .there really is plenty to make and keep us mad. Our anger is pointing to the fact that we find ourselves in a situation which is unacceptable according to any standard of morality or humanity and it is completely justified. The issue is how are we channelling our anger? Are we using it in effective wa...

Turning to the Quran for Guidance and Inspiration to Manage ourselves and take effective action in challenging times Part 1

November 08, 2023 17:28 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MB

All of us are struggling with collective grief and vicarious trauma during these most distressing of times. While we want to help, we often feel hopeless and helpless. In these episode, we will turn to the Quran for guidance on how to manage ourselves and our strong emotions and take effective action to support our brothers and sisters in Palestine. freepalestine#prayforgaza🇵🇸 #gaza #ceasefire#ceasefirenow🇵🇸 #freepalestine🇵🇸#falasteen #distress #quran#freegaza#prayforpalestine #palestini...

Asking for forgiveness from God and other people [49:11]

August 19, 2023 15:32 - 38 minutes - 52.5 MB

In this episode, we discuss the topic of asking for forgiveness. We start by talking about how to ask forgiveness from God and turn to the topic of apologizing to people and what ineffective and effective apologies look like. Please let me know what helped and was useful and do take a moment to subscribe on itunes and rate and review the show as it helps reaching a wider audience. www.livingthequran.org

Offer a sincere greeting [4:86]

April 21, 2023 10:00 - 10 minutes - 13.9 MB

In Sura Nisa, we are given a simple and powerful command: to return another person’s greeting in a better or at least equal way. In this episode, we discuss the role greetings play in our relationships and how we can offer sincere greetings to each other.

Practice integrity between speech and action [61:2]

April 20, 2023 10:00 - 10 minutes - 13.8 MB

This verse from Sura Saff reminds us to practise integrity in our speech and action, that is to say and do the same thing. In this episode we discuss the importance of keeping our word and how this impacts all aspects of our lives.

Walk with humility [17:37]

April 19, 2023 10:00 - 8 minutes - 11.5 MB

The verse from Sura Isra speaks about the body language of humility and arrogance. In this episode we discuss the challenges of humility in the modern age and what we can do to keep ourselves grounded.

Consider what you are sending ahead [59:18]

April 18, 2023 10:00 - 8 minutes - 11.6 MB

As we have discussed, the true impact of our actions will only be made apparent to us at the final accounting. We can help ourselves have a good outcome by paying attention to how we are spending our time and what return we will get for the time and energy we are spending in this lifetime.

Practice small acts of kindness [99:7]

April 17, 2023 10:00 - 9 minutes - 12.8 MB

Verses 7 & 8 of Sura Zilzal remind us to pay attention to our small deeds and how we will encounter the impact of these actions on the Day of Judgement. In this episode we explore the idea that we may be able to see the impact of our actions even in this world and we discuss how we can benefit ourselves by consistently doing small acts of goodness and kindness.

“If I strive, He will guide” [29:69]

April 16, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 17.1 MB

Sura Ankabut, which we have been reflecting on ends with a promise from God: that He will guide us to Him if we strive. In this episode we talk about what that means and what we need to do in order to access this guidance. More resources and reflections on Sura Ankabut can be found in this link: https://www.livingthequran.org/blog/Resources%20for%20Laylatul%20Qadr

Remember the promise you made during the crisis? [29:65]

April 15, 2023 10:00 - 7 minutes - 10.7 MB

Verse 65 of Sura Ankabut reminds us that under very difficult situations, human beings tend to turn to God and vow to change their lives if they get through this challenging time. But human beings are forgetful creatures and we often go back to our habitual ways once crises have passed. In this verse, we explore and try to understand this human tendency. More resources and reflections on Sura Ankabut can be found in this link: https://www.livingthequran.org/blog/Resources%20for%20L...

Prepare for the test [29:2&3]

April 14, 2023 10:00 - 15 minutes - 34.9 MB

Verses 2&3 of Sura Ankabut declare a fact of life: that we will be tried. In this episode, we reflect on the role of trials and hardships in our lives and discuss how we can best prepare and go through them in an effective way More resources and reflections on Sura Ankabut can be found in this link: https://www.livingthequran.org/blog/Resources%20for%20Laylatul%20Qadr

Attach to strength rather than frailty [29:41]

April 13, 2023 10:00 - 12 minutes - 28.2 MB

Sura Ankabut [The Spider] gets its name from verse 41 which talks about the frailty of the spider’s web. In this episode we reflect on what makes the house of the spider so different and what lessons we may derive from this example More resources and reflections on Sura Ankabut can be found in this link: https://www.livingthequran.org/blog/Resources%20for%20Laylatul%20Qadr

Recognize the value of the Night of Destiny [97:3]

April 12, 2023 10:00 - 10 minutes - 14.7 MB

In preparation for the upcoming nights of Qadr, let us reflect on the verse from Sura Qadr and discuss some ways we can expand our consciousness on this blessed night. More resources for Laylatul Qadr can be found on this link: https://www.livingthequran.org/blog/Resources%20for%20Laylatul%20Qadr

Worship and service are inseparable [5:55]

April 11, 2023 10:00 - 5 minutes - 8.11 MB

The verse from Sura Maida encapsulates the philosophy of Islam, which is to worship Him and to serve His creation. We go into a bit of background on this verse and narrate the story behind its revelation while reminding ourselves how we cannot separate worship to Him and meeting the needs of His creation.

Choose your interpretations wisely [24:12]

April 09, 2023 00:03 - 12 minutes - 28.8 MB

Verses from Sura Nur were revealed when a person was accused of unchaste behaviour by a group of gossip mongers. The community believed the rumours and the gossip spread. The verse deals very strongly with both the spreaders and believers of the rumours. In this episode we discuss how we can practise adopting kinder and more helpful assumptions about people.

Watch those suspicions [49:12]

April 08, 2023 23:26 - 6 minutes - 9.42 MB

Verse 12 from Sura Hujarat cautions believers from falling prey to negative assumptions and suspicions about each other. In this episode, we try and understand the brain’s tendency to do this and discuss first steps in counteracting this very human tendency.

Did you notice the ease? [94:5]

April 07, 2023 11:03 - 7 minutes - 18.1 MB

Verse 5 which is repeated in verse 6 of Sura Inshirah is familiar to many of us. We discuss what does it mean to have ease along with difficulty and how can we become more intentional in beginning to notice the ease while we are going through a challenging period in life.

Make space for others [58:11]

April 07, 2023 10:49 - 6 minutes - 14.5 MB

The command in verse 11 of Sura Mujadilah is so simple and practical and it has a profound impact on community relationships. We discuss what stops us from following this command and what we get in exchange for following it.

Give from that which you love [3:92]

April 05, 2023 09:32 - 11 minutes - 26 MB

In this episode we reflect on the famous verse from Sura Ale Imran where Allah swt asks us to give from that which we love. We discuss what that means, what stops us and how we can inculcate this habit of generosity within ourselves by learning from the Beloveds of Allah swt.

Stop the blame game and accept responsibility [14:22]

April 05, 2023 09:23 - 11 minutes - 26 MB

In this episode, we explore the conversation from Sura Ibrahim when Shaytan tells mankind that they need to stop excusing their behaviour by blaming him and that he did not have the power to compel them to take actions.

Seek counsel and consultation [42:38]

April 02, 2023 17:57 - 8 minutes - 12.1 MB

In this episode we discuss the benefits and barriers to seeking guidance and advice from others and why we need to get into the habit of consultation which is amongst the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (saw).

Let not aggressive speech upset you [10:65]

April 02, 2023 17:49 - 3 minutes - 5.39 MB

When we encounter negativity or aggression towards us, it is easy to lose our emotional balance. We use verse 65 of Sura Yunus to inspire us towards dealing with aggression and negativity.

Speak insightful words[4:63]

April 02, 2023 00:27 - 6 minutes - 9.23 MB

Amongst the most challenging people that the Holy Prophet (saw) dealt with were those who professed belief with their tongue but harboured ill will towards the Prophet (saw) and his mission in their hearts. In this verse Allah swt tells the Prophet (saw) how to deal with this situation. In this episode we explore how this verse can guide us in dealing with situations of aggression and hate towards us.

Say what you mean [33:70]

March 30, 2023 23:35 - 6 minutes - 15.4 MB

In this episode, we explore the meaning of “Qawlan Sadid” from Sura Ahzab and discuss its application in various circumstances

Speak nobly to your parents [17:23]

March 30, 2023 20:24 - 8 minutes - 20.5 MB

We look at the verse from Sura Isra which talks us about honouring our parents and especially about how we speak to them. We explore and discuss why it is important to have the highest level of courtesy and compassion towards our parents in speech and how we can do that despite the hurts we may have experienced as children.

Speak that which is best [17:53]

March 29, 2023 19:51 - 9 minutes - 12.6 MB

The verse from Sura Isra lays out the general commandment for speech in the Quran. We are told to speak words which are “Ahsan”. In this episode, we explore the definition of the word Ahsan and then discuss three ways to make our speech aligned with this verse.

Speak gently in the face of aggression [20:44]

March 29, 2023 09:09 - 6 minutes - 8.77 MB

In this episode we reflect on a verse from Sura Taha where Nabi Musa (as) is given advice on how to converse and present his case in the court of Firoun.

Recognize the power of words [14:24-25]

March 28, 2023 07:30 - 13 minutes - 30.4 MB

Today’s reflection is from Suratul Ibrahim where Allah swt uses the parable of a good tree and compares it with a good word. In this episode we discuss the similarities between trees and words and discuss the importance of having a strong rooted and positive intention for our communication

Give full measure [17:35]

March 26, 2023 21:11 - 6 minutes - 14.7 MB

This verse from Sura Isra talk about the basis of all commercial transactions which are giving full measure and fair dealing.

Resist the temptation to mock others [49:11]

March 25, 2023 21:01 - 16 minutes - 37.9 MB

This verse from Sura Hujaraat cautions us against participating in the ridiculing or mocking of others or putting them down. We discuss the psychology behind this temptation, why it is so problematic and what we can do to stop ourselves.

The Purpose of Fasting [2:183]

March 24, 2023 20:42 - 13 minutes - 30.2 MB

This verse from Sura Baqara explains the purpose of fasting for us and reminds us that nations before us have also fasted. We discuss the three levels of fasting and how we can aim to fulfill the purpose of fasting.

Developing a personal relationship with the Quran [Holy Quran 10:57]

March 24, 2023 09:22 - 32 minutes - 74.6 MB

The verse from Sura Yunus lays out a roadmap of what the functions of the Quran are: Maw‘idhah An advice, a reminder to do good that is done gently, with care and concern. Shiffaun: A cure for what is in the chests. Huddan: A guidance. A clear guidance on the path, on the outcomes of different actions Rahma: A mercy: It lays out the outcome of our actions while we are still able to change direction Using this verse, we can begin to assess our own relationship with the message and devel...

Loving and Living the Quran

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