One of the most fascinating aspects of the Masnavi is the use of symbolism. Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi had a genius for selecting the perfect object to symbolize a metaphysical reality. For example, he uses more than thirteen diferent animals to symbolize the nafs (lower self or ego) in order for us...

Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah on the Kitab al-hikam by Ahmed Ibn Ata Allah Al-Iskandari, offers a glimpse into the Aphorisms (observations of general truth), intended as a guide for seekers on the spiritual path. it has been described by the great scholar and spiritual guide of Ibn Ata Allah, Abdul Ab...

At least seventeen times a day, practicing Muslims recite Surat al-Fatihah, the most recited passage of the Qur’an. In this course, Imam Zaid Shakir will explore the ocean of meanings embedded in “the mother of the book” as a means to exploring the endless wisdom of the Qur’an. Drawing from vario...

Among the world’s most renowned and acclaimed poets is the master of words and spiritual insight, Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi. So beloved is he throughout the world that UNESCO declared the year 2007 as “International Rumi Year”. Eight centuries ago he kindled a flame of enduring love and for centuri...

In this course, students will cover the twenty-first book of the “Revivification of the Religious Disciplines.” In this text, Imam Ghazzali gives a detailed exposition of the nature of the most important aspect of human existence: the heart. Students will develop an understanding of the character...

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 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...

The Masnavi of Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi is indeed a vast and rich ocean. Within this ocean, however, are many islands made specifically for the traveler so that he may rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery and never tire or drown in its depth. Each island is different from another, some have amazin...

Dr. Umar discusses how our 'aqida (creed, the obligatory belief system) of Islam should construct our world view but how the culture of world view undercuts this. The beliefs we have give us the structure of reality and when we learn 'aqida we should also be laying the foundation of our world vie...

Ustadha Saara Sabbagh enlightens us on the beautiful character of the Best of Creation and highlights his excellent manners in relation to his wives and family.

Sections of of Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah’s book Amali Ad-Dilalat Wa Magali Al-Ikhtilafat is interpreted and explained. The first portion is the biography of Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah and how the Arabic language is used in Principals of Jurisprudence.(Usul). Detailed explanation of the sciences ...

Comparison between the Bible verse of John 3:16 and Quran 21:107 thoroughly dissected by Dr. Ali Ataie. Degrees of revelation in different religions, with an explanation of Song of Solomon, the description of the Prophet Jesus. Followed by a question and answer section.

Treatise on Shaykh Abdullah Sirajuddin from Halab (Aleppo) "he Testimony Of Faith". A hadith based text on sincerity and protection of shahadah. Includes question and answer section.

Taken from authentic hadith and Quran as a The Prophetic life is analyzed from the time of Jahaliya in the Arabian Peninsula, the youth of the Prophet, his life with Sayeda Khadija, Revelation of Quran and teaching it to others. Then the declaration of Islam of respected people in the community w...