In this series, we will examine questions of Islamic theology more pertinent to contemporary times. Based on student input, we address six questions that cover topics such as salvation for people of other faiths, evolution, the problem of evil, and more.

This course introduces us to the life and teachings of the renown 13th century poet, Mawlana Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī. At the essence of his teachings, Mawlana Rumi teaches us the key to living a meaningful life and having an honorable death. Throughout his works, he emphasizes the importance o...

The sacred law guides the life of every Muslim, but often times its spirit and universal objectives are missed in the particulars. This course will discuss the sources of the law, its moral values, its objectives, and explore contemporary applications of legal reasoning. This will help believers ...

The Aphorisms of the famous 13th century Alexandrian jurist and sage, Ibn ‘Ata’Allah, have gained renown and acceptance by the Muslim ummah for elucidating the attributes of a heart in complete surrender to God. In this series, we will examine a selection of some of the key Aphorisms (Hikam) rela...

In the Qur’an, Allah tells us that He created death and life “that He may try which of you is best in deed.” How then can we strive to make our deeds pleasing to our Creator? This course will provide an analysis of the process of our actions. First, we will examine the evaluation of acts and the ...

One of the great motifs of the Quran is the presentation of stories of those who came before us so that we may reflect and learn. This series will examine a collection of stories from the Qur’an that highlight several key virtues. From the patience of Prophet Ayub, to the resolve of Prophet Musa,...

The human being is an ensouled creature, and the refinement of that soul is a lifelong endeavor. These sessions will examine the principles of the science of spiritual refinement, discuss the key formulators of this science, and review its foundational virtues. By learning the principles of spiri...

Based on the last section of The Helping Guide of Imam Abdal-Wahid ibn ‘Ashir, this course will provide students with an introduction to the discipline of ihsan, the third dimension of the religion in the well-known hadith of Jibrīl. Students will learn fundamental concepts of spiritual purificat...

Based on the landmark paper of the same title by Professor Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, this course will cover the fundamental concepts in what makes up an Islamic worldview. Through this course, students will develop a basic understanding of the field of Islamic philosophy as understood by som...

Legal maxims are important foundations of Muslim ethical reasoning. They also aid scholars and students on the path to scholarship with the capacity to grasp the higher principles that undergird the laws of Islam. This course acquaints students with both the overarching and subordinate legal maxi...

This course will cover three main areas of Islamic creed: the attributes of Allah, the nature of the Prophets, and transmitted revelatory knowledge from the unseen. Students will learn about what attributes are necessary to, conceivable of, and inconsistent with divinity; what is the Muslim under...

From a young age many of us have been encouraged to memorize the last ten surahs of the Quran. For many years, this is all that some of us have recited in our salah. The question then becomes: do we even know what these verses mean? What their historical context for revelation was? What their imp...

In this course, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf covers four hadith that summarize the most important teachings of the religion.

Khwaja Abdallah al-Ansari, the great 11th century sage and exegete, has in his treasured writings many illustrations of sacred meanings that are easy for all to understand. In this course, we will examine many of his counsels that will be of benefit due to their universal applicability.

Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 751 AH/1350 CE) said that the sacred law rests on four pillars: mercy, wisdom, benefit, and justice. How do we preserve these foundational principles given the changing times? This course will examine the landmark work of the master jurist, Shaykh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, “The Marra...

A selection of tafsir from Surat al-Fatihah and other chapters of the Quran. Taught by Imam Zaid Shakir.

One of the unique abilities of the great poets of the past was that they put words in their proper order while simultaneously creating beautiful prose. In the Islamic tradition, to put things in their proper place is called adab. In contrast, to put things where they don’t belong is considered un...

This course will compare and contrast Islamic theology with some of the defining elements of the most common theological trends in the Dharmic faiths of Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism and Christianity. Particular attention will be given to systematic presentatio...

“Imam al-Nawawi was a renowned scholar, teacher, and saint. Most Muslims are aware of his scholarly achievements; his sainthood is also a matter of consensus, and numerous miracles have been ascribed to him. Among these miracles is his devotion (hizb).”— Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah

In this short ...

An exploration of several contemporary questions of theology including materialism, scientism, evolution, and more. Taught by Dr. Omar Qureshi.

The ummah has accepted the hadith collection of Imam al-Bukhari as the most authoritative collection of the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Throughout Islamic history, it has been read and studied as a source of guidance, inspiration, as well as intercession in times of st...

This course will cover the legal methods and regulations surrounding the most essential devotions of Islam: the daily prayer and
fasting. It will cover multiple and detailed aspects including the methods of preparation for prayer,
the requirements for valid prayer, prayer while travelling, what...

Based on the last section of The Helping Guide of Imam Abdal-Wahid ibn ‘Ashir, this course will
provide students with an introduction to the discipline of ihsan, the third dimension of the religion
in the well-known hadith of Jibrīl e. Students will learn fundamental concepts of spiritual
puri...

Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad explores his 17th set of Contentions.WIth emphasis of the human relationship with nature and human nature. #1 "If you open the door to a small vice, a large one may enter before you close it." The Contention explains the relationship that is ibadaa (worship) and the relat...

Ustadha Saara Sabbagh teaches through heartfelt stories on how to get closer to Allah through the heart. This course, a natural compliment to a program such as the Rihla, will provide students with
guidelines on how to observe proper etiquette towards both sacred knowledge and the possessors
o...

The Path to Virtue {l-Dharī'a ila makarim al-Sharī'a) is an introduction to the ethical philosophy
of Islam. A seminal work on Islamic ethics, it discusses various topics including moral character,
the states of the human being, how to change character, the faculties of man, and much more.
Thi...

The love of Allah and His Messenger is an integral part of our faith and deen. These two
forms of love give birth to love for the deen; for the Sahabah; the ummah and for the people of
knowledge. This course will elaborate on all six of these and explain, from primary sources, why
they must ma...

Shaykh Amin Kholwadia teaches the legal rulings of water, prayer with definitions and detail.

The Shamā’il of Imam al-Tirmidhī is a treasured collection of almost four hundred hadiths detailing the various characteristics of the blessed Prophet Muhammad. The chapters include details on the Prophet’s physical appearance, his clothing, his manners of daily living including his blessed speec...

Dr. Umar carefully explains the definition of "fitra". The fitra is made of good. Detailed explanation of the hadith regarding fitra, "Every child born, is born on the fitra". Discussion of outside influences of fitra (human nature).

Imam Al Ghazali's Revival of the Religious Sciences with Sidi Idris Watts explains reflection of God with tears and prayers and its profound effect on the heart.

Imam Al Ghazali's Revival of the Religious Sciences with Shaykh Hamzah Wald Maqbul from the Alaedeen Masjid in Konya, Turkey. Reminders on Qu'ranic supplications, worshiping Allah with intensity, guarding against nifaq (hypocrisy). How to physically make dua'a (supplication) and being persistent ...

Book Two: The Foundations of the Articles of Faith from Ihya Ulum al-Deen The Book of Knowledge. What is sustaining us? What is the way to become a strong believer and reflecting on the signs of Allah (the Books) and within creation. This lesson accompanies a meaningful nasheed and video of scene...

Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad interviews Dr. Osman Lavic regarding the rare manuscripts of Sarajevo. He begins his lesson on the Ihya Ulum alDeen on the book of Tawba (repentance). Chapter of Tawba is immediately obligatory, Patience and Gratitude, Fear and Hope. Video 33 offers its viewers with a lov...

The inner dimensions of trust and faith, stations of certainty, truthfulness, and the meanings of Book 38, vigilance and reckoning.

From the luminous Ihya Ulum alDeen Shaykh Muhammad Mendes breaks down the chapter of "Breaking of the Two Desires: The Tongue, Envy, the World, Love of Wealth". The destructive traits of the soul that lead the human being away and explains realities of the traits and practical ways to cure them. ...

Explanation of the nature of purity and impurity, prayer and zakat. A deeper level of understanding is given with insight to the reason behind the sacred meanings in the Shafi madhab.

Shaykh Seraj goes over the Ihya regarding work ethics , lawful and unlawful transactions, riba and buying and selling. The chapter of brotherhood is rooted in that love of your brother comes from good manners. The adab of benefits of seclusion, and the benefits of mixing with society.

Based on the famous treatise of the same name by the saint-scholar Sidi Ahmad Zarruq, this course will provide a summary of the requirements for spiritual enhancement. In a dense and concise summary, students will learn the foundations of spiritual development, the pitfalls associated with it, fo...

In the first video, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf explains the importance of each chapter and meaning of their titles in Imam al Ghazali's Ihya. The introduction begins with a recitation of the hadith that reminds those of the worst punishment on the Day of Judgement are those with knowledge that doesn't b...

Knowing our Lord is an essential cornerstone of developing an intimate relationship with him – arguably the most important task in a believer’s life. Allah has revealed Himself to us most notably through His Most Beautiful Names (al-‘Asma’ al-Husna). A famous tradition from the Prophet Muhammad s...

This course will comprise of a compilation of material from Shaykh Abdal Hakim’s Contentions 11 as well as various readings from the Mathnawi and the Divan-i Shams-i Tabriz.

This course will cover three main areas of Islamic creed: the attributes of Allah, the nature of the Prophets, and transmitted revelatory knowledge from the unseen. Students will learn about what attributes that are necessary to, conceivable of, and inconsistent with divinity; what the Muslim und...

Based on the text by the same name, this course will focus on an area wrought with confusion in our time, the innovation (bid’ah). In this course Shaykh Jamal will introduce students to a nuance understanding of this important issue through the lens of the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (usu...

This class will examine aspects of the character, mercy, morals and worship of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), based on the inspiring book of Shaykh Abdullah Sirajuddin, may Allah have mercy on him. In addition to examining these aspects of the Prophet’s mission, message a...

A famous hadith details several saving virtues and ends with the Prophet (pbuh) summarizing, “Shall I not tell you how to achieve all of this?” He took a hold of his tongue and said, “Restrain this.” Restraint of the tongue has been considered by scholars to be a central prerequisite to character...

A series of lectures on both the Masnavi of Mevlana Rumi and a selection of the Contentions of Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad.

Historical context and backdrop is given to the listener to explain the poetry and life of Maulana Rumi whose teachings were rooted in fiqh, tasawwuf and dawa. Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad chooses selected portions of the Mathnawi from Book 4. This series includes group dhikr before each class, histo...

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The Contentions are Aphorisms or shortened words of wisdom. Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad begins with the 20th set. The first two are regarding gender essence, being in wonder of everything, and definitions of fatwa choices. Contentions include #7 “If you want t...

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Shaykh Omar Qureshi explains the methodology of following a madhab. The word is derived from “dhahaba” which means they way. When using the word madhab in a fiqh context or a technical sense it refers to a mus...

How do we know things? What is knowledge? How is knowledge acquired? This course will lay out the epistemological foundations of our tradition that answer these questions and more. Based on the foundational text of Imam Muhammad ibn Yusuf al-Sanusi, these sessions will provide students with an un...

This course will covering the opening book of Imam al-Ghazali’s monumental Revivification of the Religious Disciplines entitled, The Book of Knowledge. In this text, Imam al-Ghazali lays out the centrality of knowledge as the focal point of religious development as a basis for the forthcoming boo...

Based on the “Isagoge” of Imam Athīr al-Dīn al-Abharī, this course will introduce students to the science of logic, a prerequisite before serious study of any of the other sciences. In this course students will be introduced to terms, concepts, the five predicable s, definitions, propositions, op...

A series of lectures on both the Masnavi of Mevlana Rumi and a selection of the Contentions of Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad.

This course, taught in the Illuminated city of Madinah by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, introduces his English translation of a celebrated poem on the blessed life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Written over 400 years ago by the noble and erudite scholar, Shaykh 'Abd al-'Aziz al-Lamti, “The Discerning Eye’s De...

Islamic Theology ('Aqīdah)

i Introduction and Epistemology
ii Faith and the New Atheism
iii The Divine Attributes, Implications, and Associations
iv The Divine Attributes, Implications, and Associations
v The Divine Attributes, Implications, and Associations
vi Proofs
vii The Prophetic A...

Shaykh Hamza describes the path to knowledge, through The Spiritual Ascension of Man (Sanan al-Muhtadin) by Sidi Muwaq al-'Abdari with tafsir of Suratal Fatir and the 9 maqams (stations) of spiritual states.

The Gulistan of the great medieval poet and mystic, Sa’di al-Shirazi, is one of the most influential works in the Persian language. It is a collection of poems and stories and is widely quoted as a source of wisdom in the East and West. In this course, students will be taken a walk through these ...

Based on the last section of “The Helping Guide” of Imam Abdal-Wahid ibn ‘Ashir, this course will provide students with an introduction to the discipline of ihsan, the third dimension of the religion in the well-known hadith of Jibril, upon him peace. Students will learn fundamental concepts of s...

In a hadith included in Imam al-Nawawi’s famous compilation, the Prophet Muhammad s told us that the foundation of the religion, prayer, and virtuous acts was in restraining the tongue, saying, “Is there anything that throws people into the Hellfire upon their faces — or on their noses — except t...