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There is no inherent disconnect or contradiction between Islamic Spirituality and social or political activism. In fact, Islamic spirituality is not only relevant but essential to all forms of activism. This Podcast will present a paradigm for a spiritually-inspired activism where activism achieves what it was always meant to be: a vehicle for nearness to the Divine through genuine individual and social ethical change. This series will comprise of seven discussions that will explore 1. The f ...
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What can I practically do to inculcate beautiful character (akhlaq) by ensuring that my heart (qalb) does not fall prey to the selfish, evil and subtle snares of my lower-self (nafs)? How can I become more aware of what lurks within me? And how can I guard myself from character that the Divine despises? While knowledge of the science of purificatio…
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In the next series of discussions, we will be looking at a number of means to help protect us, and our activism, from the ills within us. Today’s discussion concerns knowledge (‘ilm). Knowledge (‘ilm) is light. It is the energy that propels us to journey in nearness to the Divine. Allah is not worshipped with ignorance. Our Islamic tradition emphas…
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The greatest peril in our relationship with the Divine are the sins (dhunub) of the lower-self (nafs). Sins are transgressions against the Divine will. They are disobedience to Him in what He prescribes and proscribes. We don’t usually understand sins as having consequences. But they do. Regardless of their consequences, it be should be enough to u…
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The first step in purifying our hearts (qulub) is to become vigilant regarding the use of our senses. Our senses are the gates to our hearts (qulub). Whatever I allow through my senses and limbs will either beautify my heart or corrupt it. Indeed, the contents of my heart – my emotions, thoughts, ideas and will – are all the result of the choices I…
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Allah is the Cause of all causes, the Originator of means and ends. Nothing exists except by His will and power. This belief is a necessary truth of his Divine unicity (tawhid). We seek nearness to Him by surrendering to His prescriptions and proscriptions and actualizing them in our lives. This striving is our worship (‘ibadah). Without practical …
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