Explore every episode of the podcast Faith Circle Podcast

This week, as we continue Kitāb al-Fitan, we turn to a critical topic:Rebellion. Khurūj. Obedience to rulers.Voices are rising. Emotions are high. And without Prophetic guidance, the lines start to blur…“Is obedience to rulers unconditional?”“Is opposing the ruler rebellion?”“Where is the line between principled political resistance… and reckless chaos that destroys more than it reforms?”These are not distant questions.They are urgent, unfolding before us in real time — especially as we witness the pain of Palestine, and confront the complicity of our governments. 🇵🇸 This is a conversation we cannot afford to avoid.

Episode 2 of Flames of Fitnah - exploring Imām al-Bukhārī’s Kitāb al-Fitan in Brisbane!

When truth blurs, voices clash, and the world feels unsteady — where do you turn?We return to the timeless guidance of the Prophet ﷺ. Step into Imām al-Bukhārī’s Kitāb al-Fitan — where every narration cuts through the noise, anchoring you with clarity, conviction, and direction in times of trial.

CLOSEST CONNECTIONS FINALE‼️What if your entry into Jannah… was delayed—or even denied—because of how you treated those next door?🏘️The Prophet ﷺ emphasised good treatment of neighbours again and again… so much so that the Companions thought they would be given a share of inheritance! Yet today, we can live side by side for years, without knowing their names, their struggles, or their rights over us. 💔This session is a wake-up call. Join us for the final session on Adab Al Mufrad, as Ustadh Zareef uncovers:• The collection of Hadith on our weighty responsibility to our neighbours• Practical ways to live this teaching daily • How conduct with your neighbours could be a path to Paradise… or a prevention from it

In the next chapter of Adab al-Mufrad, we turn to one of the weightiest trusts Allah places in our hands: our children. Will your parenting be a means to Allah’s mercy? Or a neglected amanah you will be held to account for?

Imam al-Bukhari begins with a powerful opening: the virtues of daughters. Discover how these teachings reshape an entire ummah’s understanding of girls and women. ❤️

A class for parents, future parents, and all of us entrusted with guiding the next generation.

Your family ties aren’t random — they’re connected to Allah Ar-Raḥmān Himself.

A means to Jannah.

A cause for increased provision.

A test of who you really are.

But what does it actually look like to maintain them in real life? What is the difference between true connection and simple reciprocation? How do we navigate difficulty in family relationships?

Join us as we unpack the depth of silat ar-raḥim — beyond culture, beyond assumptions.

Our parents hold a station unlike any other — their love, sacrifice, and guidance shape our very lives. This Faith Circle class draws from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad to explore the unmatched virtues of mothers, the weighty station of fathers, and the delicate balance of our obligations toward them. ⚖️ 💙Discover:

• How did the Prophet ﷺ expound on the virtues of the parents?
• ⁠What can we do to honour our parents in everyday life?
• ⁠How do we maintain goodness to them, even after they have passed?

These Ḥadīth guide us through the weighty obligation of Birr al-Wālidayn — a sacred responsibility that carries the lays the path for the ultimate reward of Paradise. 🌹⛲️

Awakening the Oblivious Sleepers to the Seasons of Life (Tanbih an-Naa’im Al-Ghamr Alaa Mawasim Al-Umar)” by Ibn Al-Jawzi. A short text that gives specific advice from the Quran and Sunnah to people across the life span - Childhood/Parenting, Youth, Adulthood, Old Age, Decrepitude.

Taught by Dr. Zohair Abdul Rahman

Khutbah by Dr Zohair: Until Next Time — Bidding Farewell to Ramadan

“Awakening the Oblivious Sleepers to the Seasons of Life (Tanbih an-Naa’im Al-Ghamr Alaa Mawasim Al-Umar)” by Ibn Al-Jawzi. A short text that gives specific advice from the Quran and Sunnah to people across the life span - Childhood/Parenting, Youth, Adulthood, Old Age, Decrepitude.

Taught by Dr. Zohair Abdul Rahman

Kuraby Masjid, 21 Feb 2026

In the wake of the recent tragedy in Bondi, and in recognition of the courage shown by Ahmed Al Ahmed, this khutba offers a moment of reflection during challenging times for all Australians.

Part 3 – Salahuddin👑

The Final

Last week we learnt from Ustadh Zareef that to liberate our holy lands, each of us has a part to play 🌍✨. Our role begins with creating and fostering an environment that inspires the ummah—guiding and nurturing our future generations 🌱.

After the Qadr of Allah ﷻ, Salahuddin did not liberate Al-Quds alone, but with an ummah that shared his vision. 🤝

And this week, from Ustadh Saarim:

Salahuddin’s consolidation of power in Egypt and Syria, the Battle of Hittin ⚔️—the beginning of the end—and the continued struggle for the Holy Land. 🕌🇵🇸

Ustadh Zareef will take us through a session aimed at the heart of what true revival looks like.👑

This time, we explore:

• Fractured but Rebuilding: the ummah in Salahuddin’s youth - divided, strained, yet quietly preparing for a turning point.

• Driven by Purpose: the sincerity and depth of those who shaped him and walked with him.

• Cancel Culture? Would we have handed Salahuddin the reins of leadership today, or are we so quick to judge and would dismiss him before his rise?

• Practical Action: the steps we can take now to nurture a generation capable of unifying, healing, and uplifting the ummah.

This isn’t just a class - it’s a call to reflection and responsibility.

We begin our new mini-series on Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi — the liberator of Jerusalem

Why study history? When we trace the rise and fall of nations, the character of leaders, patterns of victory and defeat, and how Allah’s decree unfolds across time — we are reflecting on the āyāt kawniyyah: signs of Allah written in the world and in the events that shaped our Ummah.

•⁠ ⁠The Virtues of the Holy Land: reconnecting our hearts to Palestine, Jerusalem, and Masjid Al-Aqsa

•⁠ ⁠The First Crusade

•⁠ ⁠The Zengid Dynasty: The spark and preparation that paved the way for Salahuddin’s rise

Jumuah khutba 14 Nov 2025

New Series! Quran Cover-to-Cover!

In this introductory session, we discuss:

• What it means to become a Companion of the Qur’an

• The Power of the Qur’an on the Human Heart ❤️

• Principles of Tadabbur al-Qur’an (deep reflection)

• The theory of Maqāṣid Suwar (the objectives of each Sūrah)

Part 3 of 3. Last time, we explored the wisdom of avoiding discord over valid differences of opinion in acts of ʿIbādah. This week, Imam Uzair dives into the rest of the Departments in detail

How do we respond to the most recent ceasefire by drawing lessons from the Battle of the Trench and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah? What does activism look like in Islam, and three guiding principles of sacred activism as we move forward in our efforts for a free Palestine

When injustice becomes constant, resistance must become louder.

This week marks the 77th anniversary of the Nakba. As the genocide in Palestine continues with unbearable brutality, many are starting to feel numb. Outrage fades. The news becomes routine. But as the Ummah of the Prophet ﷺ, we cannot allow ourselves to grow used to this.

This isn’t just a humanitarian crisis — it’s a spiritual test. How do we hold on to taqwa in an age of injustice? How do we turn heartbreak into action? 💔

Join Shaykh Mohammad Elshinawy for a vital evening that connects our inner state with our outward duty. True social justice begins with the soul - a heart anchored in love of Allah, and a life shaped by purpose.

In this session, we’ll explore:

• How spirituality sustains consistent and courageous action

• Rethinking ‘ibādah: why social justice and political activism are forms of worship.

• How we, as individuals and a global community, can respond meaningfully to injustice — with both heart and action

We’re delighted to welcome back our dear Imam Uzair Akbar! 🙌 Over the next two weeks, he’ll be continuing with one of our all time favourite Faith Circle classes: The Five Departments of Islam 📚 ✨ In his last class, Imam Uzair shared an uplifting reminder on filling our hearts with the love of Allah, and letting that guide us towards goodness in every interaction. His heartfelt, personal stories left us truly moved.

We're honoured to be joined by Imam Uzair Akbar for a powerful session. As a true pillar of our community, he is known for his profound contributions which offer clarity, depth and balance. In sha Allah he will guide us through a holistic understanding of our deen, helping us to reconnect with purpose and honour in our character and faith.

🕯 The five interconnected departments that forms a complete Islam:

Aqā’id – Beliefs that ground our worldview

Ibādāt – Worship that nourishes the soul

Mu‘āmalāt – Dealings that reflect justice and trust

Akhlaq – Character that mirrors prophetic integrity

Ādāb al-Mu‘āsharāt – Social etiquette that builds harmony

In the Battle of the Trench, the Companions faced fear, trial, and uncertainty — yet Allah’s words guided their hearts. And for us, the Qur’anic stories can’t be just history — they must challenge us to reflect deeply on our lives today.Ustadh Zareef takes us through reflections on this profound Surah…•⁠ ⁠Divine Commentary – How does Allah capture the siege of Al Khandaq with perfect succintness and power?•⁠ ⁠Medina to Gaza – How can the Sahaba’s example guide our Ummah through struggles like in Palestine?•⁠ ⁠Excuses, Excuses – Are we at risk of being hypocrites, like those exposed in this Surah?•⁠ ⁠Firmness in Faith – What does it mean to truly trust Allah’s promise?

In this episode, Ustadh Saarim takes us deep into one of the most pivotal moments in the Seerah: The Battle of the Trench.

Uncover the story of a massive coalition of Quraysh and allied tribes uniting against Madinah, the ingenious strategy of Salman al-Farisi, and the tense days of siege that tested the believers to their core. Through it all, we witness how unshakable reliance on Allah turned the tide and secured a decisive moment in Islamic history.

The world is a prison for the believer and paradise for a non-believer.

As this series concludes, the finale *The Liberal Delusion* confronts the false and dangerous ideologies which have replaced divine truth with human delusion. The modern trinity of Agnosticism, Secular Humanism and Liberalism.

The system presents us with a world without God, morality without revelation and politics without accountability, leading us on a dark, dystopic and hollow path.

Join us as Dr. Zohair takes us through the core myths of our age and how Kitab al-Zuhd wa'l-Raqa'iq provides us with insight and understanding to realign us with our ultimate purpose.

“A man once saw a thorny branch on the road and removed it so it wouldn’t harm the people—so Allah was pleased with him and forgave him.” – Our beloved Prophet ﷺ

There are deeds we underestimate, light on the tongue and in the hand, but with pure intentions and sincerity they can carry the weight of our salvation in the afterlife.

Gaining knowledge and clarity on intentions, and how to purify them, is essential in redirecting our notions of success and ensuring they aren't done in vain.

Dr. Zohair will be taking us through the narrations of Kitab al-Zuhd wa’l-Raqa’iq on the spiritual weight of small actions, the power and purification of intentions and how we may be underestimating the path to paradise.

"Having a truthful companion is better than being alone, but being alone is better than having an evil companion.”

–Abu Musa (RA)

How do we protect ourselves from the harm of unvirtuous friendships, while still nurturing the bonds of kinship, brotherhood, and unity within our community?

What are the signs of a true friendship—versus one rooted in ego, sin, or spiritual harm?

Join us tonight as Dr. Zohair takes us through the narrations of Kitab al-Zuhd wa’l-Raqa’iq that, in sha Allah, will grant us clarity, deepen our understanding, and reconnect us with teachings that bring us closer to Allah.

In this week's session of Faith Circle with Sheikh Elshinawy, we’ll explore how wealth and faith can coexist. What does it mean to live a life of faith, purpose and generosity in a world with so much fitna?

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“Convey from me, even if it is one verse."

- The Beloved Prophet ﷺ 📚 Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 3461)

We're excited to announce a special guest for this week's faith circle, join us on *Thursday 17th of April at 6:45pm* as we'll be joined once again by *Sheikh Sajid Umar* for *The Dawah Imperative in The West*.

Sh. Sajid has completed a bachelor's degree in comparative fiqh and honours from the higher institute for judiciary studies. Following this, he completed a PhD relating to the topic of Financial Risk Management.

As a qualified Mufti, judge, educator, author and researcher, and his experience in delivering programs for youth worldwide, Sh. Sajid brings us a unique background which will help us tackle an important questions related to our Islamic duties for Dawah in the west:

🗣️ What are our individual responsibilties in calling to Islam in a non-Muslim society?

🌍 How do we accurately, and effectively represent Islam in a world full of misconceptions and hostility?

🎯 What are the biggest mistakes we make in Dawah—and how can we fix them?

Don't miss our Q & A after the class, and we look forward to welcoming you in sha Allah!

n Al Qayyim said,

“The first thing of your religion that you will lose is khushoo’, and the last thing that you will lose of your religion is salaah. There may be a person praying who has no goodness in him, and soon you will enter the mosque and not find anyone who has khushoo” (Madarij Salikeen)

Allah has declared that the flourishing of the believer is connected to the flourishing of their prayer, “Successful are the believers, those who have Khushu’ in their prayer” (Quran, 23:2)

Hasan Al-Basri said, *“Allah is not worshipped with anything greater than long-lasting sorrow (tūl-al-huzn)”*

We often hear people say that if you have faith you will never be sad or anxious. But then how do we understand this aphorism from one of the great tabi’un?

Are Muslims immune from the midlife crisis ? Or quarter life crisis ? Is it possible that you are a believer but feel nihilistic ?

As you know I dislike platitudes and cliches…let’s explore these questions at a deeper level as we continue our reflections from Kitab Zuhd wa Ar-Raqa’iq by Ibn Mubarak.

Umar bin Khattab said, “*Sit with those who have repented, because they have the softest hearts”*

The believer with a past can feel so many different emotions - guilt over their sins, overwhelming gratitude for guidance, imposter syndrome, shame, happiness all together.

Can a righteous believer still be heart broken? Can a repentant Muslim who lost his friends feel lonely?

Maybe your sins were a blessing in disguise to make you humble and not arrogant. To make you soft hearted and not harsh hearted.

These are themes we will explore in Kitab Zuhd wa Raqa’iq this week - we’ll call it: “Righteous Sadness: A Believer’s Grief”

When Wolves become Shepherds

Kitab Zuhd Wa Raqa’iq by Ibn Al-Mubarak.

- ⁠Pitfalls of Preaching & Activism

- ⁠The Art of Da’wah in the West

- ⁠Knowledge & Power

Time waits for no one

We start to go through the narrations in the book, Kitab az-Zuhd wa Raqa’iq.

The key theme of the beginning is about the passing of time and how a believer’s attitude should be toward the finiteness of his life span. This is a reality we often ignore - time is certainly running out, and where are we going?

Ibn Mubarak chooses this narration to start his book:

The Prophet SAW said, “there are two blessings which many people are deceived in: health and free time”

Explore lessons from the life of Abdullah ibn Mubarak the Author of Kitāb az-Zuhd wa’r-Raqāʾiq by Imām Ibn al-Mubārak (رحمه الله), a timeless work on breaking the dunya delusion.

This week and the weeks following, we will draw from the timeless wisdom of Kitāb az-Zuhd wa’r-Raqāʾiq by Imām ʿAbdullāh Ibn al-Mubārak (رحمه الله) (736–797 CE). A scholar, muḥaddith, jurist, and ascetic. Known for his depth, balance, and protection of the vulnerable.

Zuhd isn’t about looking poor or avoiding life’s blessings. It’s about keeping the heart detached from worldly things, even when they’re within reach. Ibn al-Mubārak exemplified this. Though he had wealth and dressed well, he lived simply, gave generously, and stayed focused on Allah.

Ninth Foundation: On the Censure of Pride and Self-Conceit

The eighth foundation: On the Censure of Seeking Fame and Ostentation, and the Remedy

The Sixth Foundation: On the Censure of the World

The fifth foundation: Anger, Malice and Envy

The fourth foundation: on the Defects of the Tongue continued

A translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)

10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah.

The fourth foundation: on the Defects of the Tongue

A translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)

10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah.

The second foundation completed: On Disciplining the Soul, Refining the Character, and Curing the Sicknesses of the Heart

A translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)

10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah.

The second foundation continued: On Disciplining the Soul, Refining the Character, and Curing the Sicknesses of the Heart

A translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)

10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah.

Station 2: On Disciplining the Soul, Refining the Character, and Curing the Sicknesses of the Heart

“Know that good character (khulq al-hasari) is a characteristic (si/ah) of the Prophets and of the Truthful (siddiqiti). Bad character (akhldq al-sayyi'a) on the other hand is a destructive poison which leads a

person who possesses it to traverse the path of Shaytan. You therefore have to know the sicknesses and flaws and then proceed to find the

cures. We will indicate some of the sicknesses of the heart and how to treat them generally, without going into too much detail as this will be clarified [later] insha’ lldh.”

A translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)

10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah.

A summarized translation of a classical manual on purification of the heart by Ibn Qudama Al-Maqdisi (d. 620 AH)

10 foundations for those seeking nearness to Allah. Each night we will go through a foundation

The deceased is followed by three, his family, his wealth, and his deeds. Two return, and one remains - his deeds. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6514

Dr. Zohair takes us through a powerful double session on both the *Journey and Salvation in the Barzakh*.

The transition from this world to the next is among the most profound moments in our existence. And while this mystery has perplexed humanity for centuries, the Quran and Sunnah describe it in vivid detail. Every soul will undertake this journey—some will be received with comfort and peace, while others may face hardship and regret.

🌌 The Barzakh is closer to us than we think, and an incredible reality awaits us: the *descension of angels*, the *soul’s flight through the heavens*, the *grave’s expansion or constriction*, and the *meeting of souls*. But more importantly—what will determine whether that experience is one of *tranquility* or *torment*?

This week, we'll also focus on what we can do to prepare for that moment.

📖 What We’ll Cover:

💨 *The Departure of the Soul* – What happens at the moment of death?

⚖️ *The Interrogation and Conditions of the Grave* – Which questions will we face, and how do we prepare to answer?

🤲 *The Honouring of the Martyrs* – How are the righteous and martyred received and remembered?

🕯️ *Good Deeds That Protect* – What actions follow us into the grave and stand beside us?

📿 *Duas, Salah, Sadaqah & More* – What are the most powerful acts that grant salvation in the Barzakh, and how can we create a legacy that continues to benefit us?

There is a world you can't see... But it can see you, and you're only one step away from it.

Some of us see the Barzakh as something distant, and a realm that we only interact with after death, but in reality *we are connected to it even now.* The unseen world is not entirely seperate from us, we interact with it without even realizing. *The Quran and Sunnah* reveal that the realm of the *Barzakh is interwined with our existence here*, but what does this teach us about the *unseen forces that shape our reality*, our *purpose in this life* and *our ultimate destination*?

Join us for the first session of our Ramadan Faith Circle series, where Dr. Zohair will take us through the role of the Barzakh in our lives today, the unseen connections between this world and the next, and how our existence is already linked to what awaits us beyond the grave.

📖 *What We’ll Cover*:

🔹 *The Barzakh & Our Lives Now* – How does the unseen world affect us?

🔹 *The Connection Between the Living & the Dead* – What happens to those who pass before us? Can our loved ones perceive and hear us?

🔹 *Soulmates & The Soul's Journey*: Do we have an affinity with others because our souls recognize each other? What does Islam teach us about the connection between souls?

For many of us family serves as our greatest source of *love and support*, but this can also be our trying test. The Quran is filled with wholesome stories of strong and beautiful family bonds, but what are we taught about *toxic families, oppressive households and deadly rivalries?*

Join us this week at *Faith Circle, Thursday February 20 at 6:30pm at the Islamic College of Brisbane* as Dr. Zohair will take us through how to navigate family tensions through the lessons in the Quran.

_What can we learn from a mother and young man of unmatched faith who endured in a house of tyranny?_

Despite Firawn being the *worst human in history*, from his household emerged *two of the greatest people to ever live*. If righteousness can prevail from the depths of despair and toxicity, what lessons can we take from this when facing struggles in our own lives?

📖 *What We’ll Cover*:

💔 *Sibling Rivalries* – How envy destroys families, from *Habil & Qabil* to *Yusuf (AS)* and his brothers.

🏠 *Toxic Households* – How can faith withstand any environment?

🔑 *The Key to Redemption* – Can broken relationships be healed? What does the Quran teach us about overcoming family conflict? How can parents protect their families from trauma and resentment?

The pursuit of the right spouse is an imperative part of life and an integral part of our faith, but in today's world the search has become more difficult than ever. With countless options, external pressures, conflicting cultures and fitna permeating our society, how can me wake the wisest decision?

💭_But this isn't a new struggle, one of the most powerful stories in the Quran gives us guidance for this important choice!_

*Prophet Musa* (AS) fled his home and found himself exhausted and alone. However, through his *integrity, diligence and kindness*, and *sincere plea to Allah*, he was granted a marriage opportunity which changed his life.

What lessons can we draw from this remarkable tale, and how does it address our challenges today?

🤔 _How do you even find a spouse?_ Exploring family recommendations, online platforms, and traditional vs. modern approaches.

👀 _Rose tinted glasses make red flags look like regular flags_ What are red flags? How can infatuation cloud judgement and how do we safeguard ourselves from this?

🧠 _Understanding surface-level cues_ — how do subtle behaviours reveal deeper personality traits?

💞 _Compatibility_ - How can we go about understanding ourselves, to know what kind of partner matches us?

Don't miss this opportunity to seek clarity for yourself and those closest to you!

Faith Circle: Parenting in a Secular World – Kids Delay or Decide? 🌟📢

Raising children in today’s world, especially in the West, comes with significant challenges. 🌍 How do we uphold Islamic values and protect our future generations in an environment that often clashes with our beliefs? How do we instill Faith, Purpose, and Steadfast Resilience in our children?

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Ustadh Hisham holds a Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies from Al-Azhar University, serves as the Academic Director at Roots Academy, and is a married father of three. His unique insights will provide practical guidance for parents striving to raise children with strong Islamic values.

What We’ll Be Covering:

📖 Navigating Parenthood in a Secular Society – How can we draw from the Quran and Sunnah to be the best parents?

👨‍👩‍👧 Intergenerational Differences – How do we relate to our children and adjust our parenting approach while acknowledging the different environments we grew up in?

🍼 Kids: Delay or Decide? – When is the right time to have children, and how do we prepare for the responsibility?