Explore every episode of the podcast Hujjat Podcast

In this episode of The Breakdown, Zayn sits down with world-renowned Qur’an reciter, Qari Mikhaael Mala.

We discussed his personal journey with the Holy Qur’an, from the UK to Egypt, as well as questions regarding recitation and maqamaat, and how listeners can get started on their own Qur’anic journeys.

In a specially-released short snippet, we are honoured to hear his beautiful recitation of Surah an-Nasr (110).

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How do the leaders of our community ensure that we continue to increase in our Islamic knowledge and how can we ensure the longevity of Islamic learning within our community?

Join Abbas as he sits down with Sheikh Abbas Ismail to discuss his role as head of Islamic Education at Hujjat Stanmore from 2020-2022. We discussed some of Sheikh's reflections over the two years that he was in office, key aspects of his role and how the Islamic knowledge of the community was improved in the two years and looking forward to ensure how we can ensure the longevity of Islamic learning considering a change in executive committee every two years. 

Can we end the climate crisis? How effective are international conventions like COP26 in solving global problems? What is environmental justice? And do we have an Islamic responsibility to become more sustainable?

In the midst of international momentum on tackling the climate and environmental crisis, we had a conversation with Professor Mohamed Iqbal Asaria on this highly relevant and critical issue. Through his experiences in international development, Prof Iqbal explains the main issues we face in achieving environmental justice and we discuss what impact our changes as a community and ummah can have in the bigger picture.

 Did Lady Zainab (as) play a much greater role in Karbala than we know?

How do her sentiments of leadership differ or compare to those of Western feminist movements in the post-modern era?

Does free speech exist within any religion? Or, is it a luxury limited to believers in God?

All this, and much, much more in our latest podcast featuring the world renowned Father Christopher Clohessy .

Mohammed and Ahmed found Father Chris to be really cool - he is cultured, humble despite his global recognition, and incredibly intelligent. Having grown up in an Irish Catholic family in South Africa, he then pursued the study of religion. 

Father Christopher spent a year in Cairo, Egypt, studying Islamic studies as a Catholic priest, and then became aware of Imam Hussain (as). Since then, he learned of the battle of Karbala, and subsequently two of the most incredible personalities in world history - Lady Fatima (as) and Lady Zainab (as). Father Christopher has been one of the first academics to publish works in the English language on these two characters. He has lectured in communities worldwide, alongside his day-to-day work as a Professor in Shi'i studies at the Pontifical Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies in Rome.

We hope you enjoy the episode - make sure to share feedback with us!

After Friday's terrorist attacks at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, Ahmed Gokal and Abbas Gulamhussein sit down with Sheikh Jaffer Ladak to discuss the aftermath of the attacks, how we as a community should respond and what more can be done to protect our centres. They also discuss the media's role in creating the Islamophobic environment that has led to such an unprecedented attack at mosques during Juma prayers. Please recite a Sura Al-Fatiha for those who lost their lives in Friday's terrorist attack.

Recorded just a few days before the North London derby between Arsenal and Spurs. Our resident Aalim and lifelong Spurs fan Sheikh Jaffer Ladak sits down with Moh Haider a passionate Arsenal fan from Arsenal Fan TV.  They discuss Moh's censorship for supporting Palestine, racism in football, Islamophobia - and that time that Sheikh put Moh's shoes under a gutter, in the rain, at Mosque...

Our first Friday series looked at ‘effective listening’ and the second at ‘Where and where not to gain knowledge from’. In this series we will look at how to navigate differences of opinion. This is because increasingly there is a trend that when differences arise, be they in the family unit, political issues of the jamaa’at or between scholars, people sometimes resort to sending out communications to defame one another, often with little knowledge of the facts. 

This of course is intolerable, especially as the Prophet Muhammad (s) said, “I was raised to bring morality to its peak.” How then can we as a community learn to deal with differences of opinion maturely?

Our series will focus on three things: 1) What the Qur’an & Ahl al-Bayt (a) have said about differences of opinion 2) What the scholars themselves have said about differences of opinion and 3) What examples they give us about navigating differences of opinion. 

1) The Qur’an introduces where differences of opinion came from:
“Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over the Scripture except those who were given it – after the clear proofs came to them – out of jealous animosity among themselves.” (2:213)

This explains that differences existed and then Prophets and Revelation was sent to judge between said differences. However, because jealousy and animosity lay within some people, they weaponised this knowledge and used it fuel discord. This is why Allah swt told the Prophet (s) to purify people first and then teach them, for without removing their ill natures, knowledge would just add to differences, stating “reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book” (62:2)

2) Scholastic differences of Ijtihadat demonstrate the depth of that matter and emanate from from various knowledges and experiences. Sheikh Ahmad Zarrooq stated:

"The difference of opinion about one reality, when those differences multiply, indicate toward the depths of understanding the totality of that thing (meaning it is so deep, it is hard to grasp it in any one articulation). If you go back to one source that contains a summation of what has been stated about it, that articulation is based on what was understood by that thing. And its expression by each individual is on account of his knowledge, experience, state, taste and other matters.”

3) The scholars themselves allowed for differences of opinion but ensured their Akhlaaq in dealing with those differences. These included keeping their debates in house as much as possible. Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi narrates, 

“One day ‘Allamah Tabataba’i called for me and said, “I would like Al-Mizan to be translated and I believe you should do this”. I accepted the offer and translated the first volume which was in Arabic – and contained very precise and condensed information – into two volumes [of Farsi]. One day I visited him and said, “Agha! You are a learned scholar but I am someone who cannot resort to others (taqlid) in certain matters. Therefore as I translate your discussions, do I have your permission to write any difference of opinion I might have in the footnotes?” He replied with one meaningful sentence, “Let us discuss and criticize between ourselves first, and not among the public.”

“And those who accuse free women then do not bring four witnesses, flog them, (giving) eighty stripes, and do not admit any evidence from them ever; and these it is that are the transgressors” (24:4)

This verse first teaches us that accusing a woman of indecency is such a weighty issue, it requires four witnesses to testify the same as evidence. In our context, when politicians make large claims, there needs equal evidence. Second, when we see persistent liars, they have used up the currency of trust and not permitted to make claims ever again. Those politicians that have constantly been wrong or peddled falsities, no matter their claims going forward, should not be listened to.

As there are multiple claims made, it requires the interrogation of each claim and claimant in order to clearly view the truth. Only by putting these claims side by side can we begin to distinguish between them. This is something Imam Ali (a) taught us.

When the Holy Prophet (s) migrated, he left behind Imam Ali (a) as his representative. Handhalah Ibn Abi Sufiyaan instructed U’mair Ibn Waail to make a false claim and go to Ali and tell him:

“I had placed one hundred mithqaal of gold with the Holy Prophet (s). Hand my property back to me.”

Handhalah added that if Ali asked for witnesses Abu Jahl, I’krimah, U’qbah, Abu Sufiyaan and Handhalah would testify. The Imam (a) asked him to bring his witnesses near the Ka’bah. When all of them had arrived, he began questioning each one, individually and separately, about the items being held in trust. 

“What time was it when you had placed your possession with Muhammad (s)?” he questioned U’mair first.

“It was morning when I gave him the gold and he handed it over to his servant,” replied U’mair.

H. Ali (a.s.) asked Abu Jahl the same question.

He replied, “I have no idea.”

When Abu Sufiyaan was questioned, he responded, “It was at sunset and he had placed it in his sleeves.”

When Handhalah was questioned, he gave the answer,“He took possession of the gold at the time of Dhuhr and placed it in front of him.”

When U’qbah was questioned, he replied, “It was A’sr when the Prophet took the possession in his own hands and carried it to his house.”

And finally, when the Imam (a.s.) questioned I’krimah, he answered, “It was bright and early in the morning when Muhammad (s.a.w.) took possession of it and sent it to the house of Fatimah (a.s.).”

The Imam (a.s.) then informed them of their conflicting statements and their deception thus became apparent.

Then, turning to U’mair, he asked him, “Why was it that while you lied, you appeared uneasy and your face had gone pale?”

U’mair replied, “By the Lord of the Ka’bah! I had not placed anything in trust with Muhammad (s.a.w.). It was a deception Handhalah had bribed me into. This necklace here, belonging to Hind, with her name inscribed on it, is one of the things presented to me as a bribe.”

This gives to us various principles of navigating the veracity and truthfulness of those who make claims or expect us to follow them.

Whom are we prohibited from taking knowledge from and why?

- 2 + 2 = 4

- Water boils at 100 Celsuis

- Grass is green

- Mixing red and blue makes purple

- Liverpool will win the Premier League this season

Each of these statements represent a different type of claim. Where are they rooted? One claim is from mathematics, one is from physics and chemistry, others are by trial and observation. One is from the Bible, one is from the books of Ahadith and the last is a belief.

But what makes us claim these and why should they be believed? What happens when the Bible tells us the world is 6,000 years old but archeology or carbon dating may tell us the world is 4 million years old, for example. Whom do we believe, when do we create a hierarchy of beliefs and why?

In our previous two Friday Sermons we addressed the question: ‘Why is there a problem finding sound knowledge?’  This is because firstly, there are so many people claiming expertise yet all claiming different positions and secondly, because we live in a time when truth is purposefully convoluted with falsehood.

"O Ibn Mas’ood, from amongst the signs and conditions [of the end of times] will be that people will trust treacherous people and consider trustworthy people treacherous and the truthful one will be called a liar and the one telling the lie will be called truthful."

This week, I will present the first set of verses in which the Qur’an provides us with categories of people we are forbidden from taking our knowledge from – whether this be religious knowledge or political knowledge – because they are not qualified, worthy or trustworthy in order for us to lend them our ears. Each of these categories mention qualities of people who should be abstained from.

The Breakdown  Episode 3 - The biggest challenge young Muslims face Known within the community for his lead role in "313", Inayat Kanji faced many of the most severe challenges a Muslim teen can face. Inayat has since turned his life around to inspire many around him. Now an acclaimed actor and social activist, Inayat sits down with Ahmed and Mohammed to discuss the greatest challenges Muslim youth face - and steps to overcome it. (p.s. this discussion is far less depressing than it sounds!) Join your hosts, Ahmed Gokal and Mohammed Gulamhusein as we discuss all of this throughout this highly entertaining episode. Be sure to follow us on social media to suggest topics/speakers and stay up to date with all news!

Sheikh Jaffer Ladak and Dr Masuma Jaffer (our Resident Aalim and Resident Aalima respectively) sit down together to discuss the results from the recent surveys that were conducted amongst our community as well as their plans for the year 2019 with regards to community engagement and the direction they wish to steer discussions through their classes and speaking engagements as well as how they plan to work together moving forward for the betterment of our community inshallah! 

Part 1: Presenting the Problem In a world with so many opinions vying for your attention and belief, how do you know what is true and what is false? To whom do you go to get your knowledge and how do you know whom to trust? Take the issue of Brexit. A spectrum of politicians, experts, panel guests, radio and tv hosts all claim to know what they are talking about and know what is in your best interest. Or take the number of scholars and speakers each with varying opinions on the same topic. It can become confusing and difficult to navigate. How do I know whom to listen to and who is truthful? Our topic over these forthcoming Friday Khutba’s will be to review what the Qur’an and Ahadith instruct us about where to place our trust when there are so many multiple voices God-willing. The Qur’an mentions to us the story of Prophet Shu’ayb (a) and his dialogue with the people of Medyan. “He said, ‘O my people, have you considered: if I am upon clear evidence from my Lord’” (Qur’an 11:88). All the prophet’s (a) have similar dialogues. Usually the prophet is rejected because he doesn’t have the elite following him or their lives are comfortable so they see no need to change their practises, such as the people of Hud (a) who had the greatest technological advancements of time. Place yourself in the shoes of the community of Prophet Shu’ayb (a). If he came to you and said, ‘Believe in me. Because I am on clear evidence from my Lord’, a legitimate question would be raised, ‘Would someone saying to you, ‘I am on evidence of truth’ be enough to convince you?’ (We will discuss this verse more in the coming weeks). This issue of whom to trust was mentioned by Imam Ameer al-Mo’mineen Ali (a) in Sermon 32 of Nahj al-Balaghah when he stated, “O people! We have been born in such a wrongful and thankless period wherein the virtuous is deemed vicious and the oppressor goes on advancing in his excess.” When reputations and qualities of people are mixed up, it becomes even more difficult to know whom to trust for sound opinions. In fact this is a challenge particularly emphasised at the End of Time. In a famous narration the holy Prophet Muhammad (s) mentions signs for the Last Days saying يَا ابْنَ مَسْعُودٍ إِنَّ مِنْ أَعْلَامِ السَّاعَةِ وَأَشْرَاطِهَا أَنْ يَكُونَ الْمُؤْمِنُ فِي الْقَبِيلَةِ أَذَلَّ مِنَ النَّقَدِ “O Ibn Mas’ood, from amongst the signs and conditions [of the last days] is the Believer will be humiliated worse than the ugly goat.” ابْنَ مَسْعُودٍ ، إِنَّ مِنْ أَعْلَامِ السَّاعَةِ وَأَشْرَاطِهَا أَنْ يُؤْتَمَنَ الْخَائِنُ ، وَأَنْ يُخَوَّنَ الْأَمِينُ. و ان يُصدِّق الكاذب و ان يُكذِب الصادق  O Ibn Mas’ood, from amongst the signs and conditions will be that people will trust treacherous people and consider trustworthy people treacherous and the truthful one called a liar and one telling lie will be considered truthful. An example of this is a true story about Donald Trump. Recently he was visited by Disney who have animatronic figures of all the past Presidents. They wanted to record something so that as visitors came they would hear what President Trump had to say. Usually recordings are something grand, inspiration, like the Gettysburg Address. Trump however, wanted his recording to say, “Americans invented the Skyscraper.” This is not true at all. Skyscrapers are just taller buildings than those before. The Qur’an mentions the people of Hud (a) as being the first to build talk buildings! He outright lied! And why?! Because he owns Trump Towers and so wanted to be associated to a historical achievement – so he decided to just make one up! This is our dire situation today and so our series addresses where to get knowledge and whom to trust.

The Breakdown  Episode 2 - Can you chase happiness? (with Dr. Mahmood Mawjee)  After the loss of his father in 2016, Dr Mahmood made the decision to change his life - and not just his own, but those around him. His goal is to become a billionaire - by touching the lives of a billion people worldwide. He's spoken internationally alongside names such as Steve Wozniak, Mel Gibson, Al Pacino, and many more! Can you chase happiness? Is there a way to discover your purpose in life? How does one turn their biggest weakness into their biggest strength?  Join your host, Ahmed Gokal as we discuss all of this in this episode. Be sure to follow us on social media to suggest topics/speakers and stay up to date with all news!

Was Prophet Adam (as) the first man on Earth? What does the Quran say about evolution? Can we reconcile evolution with the creation story? In this podcast we unpack what the Quran actually says on evolution and how we as Muslims can reconcile it with our creation story. We discuss how evolution has become an ideology in itself and what happens when we don’t know all the answers… Join Aliya and Sabiha as they host Sister Fatema Meghji to discuss these questions and more. All of our podcasts are available on YouTube, Apple, Google and Spotify, search “HUJJAT PODCAST”.

The previous three weeks have discussed various elements of ‘Effective Listening.’ Week One looked at why the people of Salih (a) ‘did not love to receive good advice’ (Qur’an 7:79). Week Two looked those who put their fingers in their ears (71:7) and how to improve our listening.  Last week saw that the communities of Prophet’s Hud (a) and Shu’ayb (a) claimed ‘We do not understand the Message’ (11:91) and ‘The Message isn’t clear’ (11:53). This is because there was a wilful impediment that stopped them from understanding the simple and divine message. The first reason was because they did Tahreef, or distortion of the words that reached them. When we don’t like a message, we take its content out of context or purposefully misunderstand what is being said. This is a reason for not being able to understand a divine message. The Prophet (s) warned that there would be two groups of Muslims: Those who upheld truth and knowledge, and those who purposefully distorted the knowledge that came to them saying, “This knowledge will be carried in each generation by upright, just people. They’ll repudiate the misquotations of extremists; (out of context). Plagiarisms of people trying to falsify, interpretations of zealots.” This week we will look at the other reason as to why the people of Hud (a) and Shu’ayb (a) would say, ‘We don’t understand your message’ and that is what they held on to in their hearts became the impediment. It was a false assumption that they did not allow to be challenged, and so whatever came to them was dismissed by their faulty assumptions. In the case of the people of Hud (a), they believed that their gods had struck him with evil and so his Message was considered to be just ravings. They said, “We cannot say anything but that some of our gods have smitten you with evil” (11:54). No matter what Hud (a) said to them, it was not listened to because of this false assumption. In the case of Shu’ayb (a), the elites considered their power to be greater than his and so dismissed what came from him, saying: “O Shu’ayb! We do not understand much of what you say and most surely we see you to be weak among us” (11:91). This tells us that a person may not listen to another because of what they harbour in their hearts either a) about the person, b) about the message or c) a false assumption that they will not challenge. Any of these three things will be causes of not listening to another person fairly.  This affected Waleed bin ‘Aqabah in the last hours of his life. A’qabah had once spat upon the face of the Prophet (s) in Mecca. He had joined the Quraysh in the battle of Badr. When defeated, Aqabah was brought before the Prophet (s), who ordered Imam Ali (a) to put him to death. Consequently, his son Waleed, who had been appointed the governor of Kufah during the caliphate of U’thman, always harboured malice towards Imam Ali (a) and continued to abuse him. When Waleed fell ill, Imam Hasan (a) paid him a visit. He opened his eyes and witnessing Imam (a) said: I am repentant of all my past deeds and seek God’s forgiveness for them, except the abuses which I hurled at your father, for which I am not repentant. The Imam (a) said: My father had killed your father and had punished you (for consuming wine) and this is the reason of your animosity towards him.” Due to this malice in his heart he was unable to listen to whatever treasures came from Imam Ali (a). In reality this impediment in Waleed’s heart did not affect anyone but himself. Imam Ali (a) said, “One who harbours evil feelings [and ill will] for others has actually harmed himself.”

This week's Friday Sermon, Sheikh Jaffer Ladak continues his series on 'Effective Listening'. In the first two sermon’s discussing ‘Effective Listening’ we focused on the statement of Prophet Salih (a) that his community were a people who did not love good advice (Qur’an 7:79). This was because (1) It was a truth that made them introspect;  (2) They did not love to learn; and (3) They were arrogant. We also mentioned the verses of the people of Prophet Nuh (a) who would literally put their fingers in their ears so as not to have to listen to what he had to say (Qur’an 71:7) In the following sermons we will focus on the stories of Prophet’s Hud (a) and Shu’ayb (a) specifically in regard to what impeded their communities to hear the messages of their prophets. This will be in the context of their dialogues so as to reflect on the reasons that impede us from understanding the point of view of someone else when we dialogue with them. Visit www.hujjat.org for a full write-up of this week's Khutba.

The Breakdown is a new podcast launched by Al Haadi Youth. We wish to address key issues that affect Muslim youth in the West - in particular, those living within the UK. We have lined up a fantastic array of dynamic guests to discuss thought-provoking topics, which we hope will instigate much needed dialogue within the Muslim community. In this first episode, Ahmed Gokal welcomes Sheikh Jaffer Ladak to the Stanmore community, in his new role as the resident scholar. Sheikh Jaffer has pretty much done it all - an author, researcher, international speaker, debater - as well as former entrepreneur, football club owner and high school teenage rebel! This episode explores his exciting history, his vision and ambitions for the community, as well as what he hopes to bring to the thousands of members within the Stanmore community. Stay tuned for updates on our podcasts, as well as getting the opportunity to ask your questions to guest speakers by following us online. Instagram: @alhaadiyouth Facebook: Al Haadi Youth Snapchat: @alhaadiyouth

In last weeks sermon, we asked two primary questions: ‘Why do two people listen to the same thing yet understand it so differently?’ and ‘Why would a person hate to receive good advice?’ What is occurring in relation to a person’s listening that would determine these outcomes?

These questions were raised from the verse (7:79), “O’ my people! verily I have delivered to you the Message of my Lord, and advised you sincerely; but you do not like sincere advisers’”. 

Some texts place the emphasis on the speaker to ensure proper conveyance of their speech and ideas; as we’re focused on the listener in these discussions there are also texts that place responsibility on the one hearing to ensure they have understood whats been said. That means paying attention, noting down, seeking clarification or reflection. For example, Imam Ali (a) is narrated to have said, “Knowledge is not ruined except by the miscomprehension of the listener” (Ghurar al-Hikam) 

The Qur’an mentions how far people will go to avoid listening to something beneficial. In the story of Nuh (a) it mentions, (71:7) “Whenever I called unto them with a view to Your granting them forgiveness, they put their fingers into their ears, and wrapped themselves up in their garments [of sin]; and grew obstinate, and became [yet more] arrogant in their false pride.”

At the time of the Prophet Muhammad (s), a champion poet, Tufayl ibn ‘Amr, was warned by the Quraysh not to listen to the Prophet lest he become ‘enchanted’ by his words. When he performed Tawaf he would put his fingers in his ears, until he said to himself to listen to what was being said. When he listened to the Qur’an being recited, he fell in love with it, followed the Prophet (s) home, and converted to Islam that day. This tells us the importance of taking fingers out of our own ears, metaphorically speaking.

Arguably, we are losing our listening skills. This has been occurring since we invented ways of writing, recording on tapes, CD’s etc. Indeed a premium on accurate listening disappeared. One way to prove a person has lost their hearing is the need to shout louder to get someones attention. As a society, we have lost our hearing. The media has to shout at us and still we don’t pay attention. For example, only two months ago there were headlines that the planet has 9-12 years left before environmental damage goes past the fail safe point. But who is listening?

Our texts inform us on how to be better listeners.

1.  Both prohibited (haraam) and dis-advised (makruh) things must be avoided.
   
   Imam Ali (a) said, “Train your ears to listen well and do not pay attention to that which does not increase anything useful for you by listening to it, for verily this corrodes the hearts and leads to dispraise” (Ghurar al-Hikam)

2) Choose wisely what you listen to

Imam Ali (a) said, “Do not desire for everything that you hear, for this suffices as gullibility (or foolishness).”

While the Qur’an says, (39:18) “Those who listen [closely] to all that is said, and follow the best of it: [for] it is they whom God has graced with His guidance, and it is they who are [truly] endowed with insight!

3) Silence. Take several minutes a day to sit in silence and allow yourself to hear what comes from the heart

4) Listen for channels of sound. Pick out something to listen to when there are lots of sounds at once and focus on being attentive to that sound such as on the road when there’s cars, listen for the birds.

5) Savour. We’ve been so accustomed to recording and putting everything up on What’sApp or Social Media. Just be present and allow the moment to sit with you.

6) Realise what ‘Listening Positions’ you require to be in during different gatherings; when should I be an active vs. passive listener, or a critical vs. empathetic listener.

(7:79) “Then he turned away from them and said: ‘ O’ my people! verily I have delivered to you the Message of my Lord, and advised you sincerely; but you do not like sincere advisers’.”

Why do two people hear the same thing and understand it so differently? Why do two people have one conversation and react uniquely to the same words shared between them? Even to the extent that they may have a shared experience or family unit?

Previously, we said our Friday Sermons format would be to look at verses in the Qur’an regarding the Prophetic mission, personality and relationship between prophetic call and those called upon (us). The idea is each week we take a verse, discuss it and take it home with us as homework to reflect on and implement.

I have chosen this verse to begin with for two reasons: First, because the New Year spurs in us a desire for renewed development and second because our forthcoming series will be focused on the stories of Prophet’s Hud (a) and Salih (a).

The theme of the verse is ‘effective listening’, that is to maximise what we listen to. We spend 60% of our communication listening yet only 25% or less is retained.

Listening not limited or reduced to listening to lectures but refers to being attentive and allowing for deeper truths to penetrate. The bones and flesh of the ear are just the tools for listening, but effective listening requires a state of observance to what around you. To this end Imam Ali (a) is narrated to have said, “’Whoever listens effectively reaps its benefits immediately.’ الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ): مَن أحسَنَ الاستِماعَ تَعَجَّلَ الانتِفاعَ. (Ghurar Al-Hikam, No. 9243). We can appreciate here the difference between listening and hearing.

The sequence of verses start from verse 75 when the chiefs mockingly asked the believers, “Do you know that Salih is sent by his Lord?” “Those who were haughty said, ‘Indeed we are deniers of what you believe in.” The verses continue, “Then the earthquake overtook them so they became motionless bodies in their abode.” This means Prophet Salih (a) was addressing dead bodies!

He (a) was a sincere advisor to them. He spoke to them about things which should be readily acceptable: Truth, justice, goodness, reform. Yet isn’t it strange to see people who react so aggressively or stubbornly to a call of Amr bil Ma’roof. One might say to their friend or family member, “Don’t listen to..” or “Don’t watch..” and you will often find obstinance or even a hostility toward sincere advice.  

What is the reason a person would be hostile toward beneficial advice? The verse explains, they “Did not love good advice.” As a result, whatever advice they heard could not do more than just reach their ears. This also means the opposite would be true, that had they loved good advice, they would have been receptive to it and benefitted from it.

There are three reasons from them not loving or disliking religious advice:

1. Hearing it shook them

2. They did not love to learn

3.They were arrogant. 

This verse teaches us the foundations of ‘Effective Listening’. To re-read it, reflect upon it and think about whether, when and how we love to receive religious advice is this week’s homework.

May Allah  make us the humble, attentive and truth seeking. Ameen Ya Rabb.

Sheikh Jaffer Ladak's third Friday sermon after being announced as the new Resident Aalim, starting in January 2019. He outlines the way in which we plan to frame discussions in his community addresses going forward.

Sheikh Jaffer Ladak's second Friday sermon after being announced as the new Resident Aalim, starting in January 2019. He outlines the way in which we plan to frame discussions in his community addresses going forward.

Sheikh Jaffer Ladak's first Friday sermon after being announced as the new Resident Aalim, starting in January 2019. He outlines the way in which we plan to frame discussions in his community addresses going forward.

Who are the sources of authority in Shia Islam after the imams, and who decided this? Have scholars always had the same authority since the imam’s occultation or has this changed over time? What are the main sources the scholars use to establish their authority? And who were the key individuals that helped form the Shia Islam that we follow today. Join Abbas as he hosts Dr Zack Heern of Idaho State University to discuss these questions and more. All of our podcasts are available on YouTube, Apple, Google and Spotify, search “HUJJAT PODCAST”.

Who are the sources of authority in Shia Islam after the imams, and who decided this? Have scholars always had the same authority since the imam’s occultation or has this changed over time? What are the main sources the scholars use to establish their authority? And who were the key individuals that helped form the Shia Islam that we follow today. Join Abbas as he hosts Dr Zack Heern of Idaho State University to discuss these questions and more. All of our podcasts are available on YouTube, Apple, Google and Spotify, search “HUJJAT PODCAST”.

The Breakdown Ep.28 - Moonsighting in Islam ft. Miqdaad Versi Join Abbas as he sits down with Miqdaad Versi, a researcher in Moon Sighting as they discuss why Eid is on different days for Shia Muslims, and how different Shia Scholars determine the start of a new month.  We discuss the opinions of a number of mainstream Shia scholars including Sayed Sistani, Sayed Khoei and Sayed Khamenai.  During the podcast, we viewed images of the birth of the crescent for Shawwal 1442 on screen, to aid the discussion. If you are not watching the podcast on YouTube, these images can be found at https://moonsighting.com/1442shw.html 

What is the nature of our soul? How does our souls transition across different realms? How do our souls experience heaven and hell? In this episode, Sheikh Mohammad Sadeq delves into these questions and explains how we can uplift and elevate ourselves during these holy months. Please join us as we discuss this and more with @mskhosh. Ramadhan Mubarak to all!

In the current economy we are discouraged to save and encouraged to spend, this makes it difficult to save for the future. In this podcast, Abbas is joined by Financial Advisor, Shabbar Kassam where we discuss some the method of compounding, or as Einstein called it “the eighth wonder of the world”. We also discussed how to invest in the stock market for the long term and the behavioural aspects of investing, including the rationale behind Cryptocurrency investing.

Please join us as we discuss this and a lot more in this episode of the breakdown!

All our episodes are available on Apple, Google, Spotify and YouTube.

In the current economy we are discouraged to save and encouraged to spend, this makes it difficult to save for the future. In this podcast, Abbas is joined by Financial Advisor, Shabbar Kassam where we discuss some key hints and tips on saving for the future, the difference between saving and investing and also pensions as a way to get ‘free money’.

Please join us as we discuss this and a lot more in this episode of the breakdown!

All our episodes are available on Apple, Google, Spotify and YouTube.

Climbing to the Stars ft. Anoushé Husain

Anoushé is a champion for all those experiencing barriers and self-limiting beliefs.

Born missing her right arm below the elbow, living with multiple health conditions, a cancer survivor, a Muslim and coming from an ethnic minority, Anoushé has never let what society or culture thinks she should do limit her or dictate the direction of her life.  Anoushé is a multi-award winning Paraclimber, charity ambassador and motivational speaker who is doing everything she can to give back to the world around her.

Join Ahmed as he delves into Anoushé's mind-blowing life-story, taking from it lessons and inspiration.

In this episode, we are blessed to be joined by Sheikh Mohamad Javad Shomali where he goes in depth into the true nature of the dark side of our psyche and how it can alter our world view. We also go into the origin of intrusive thoughts, why we experience them and how our mindset should be when approaching them.

Please join us as we discuss this and a lot more in this thought provoking episode of the breakdown!

All our episodes are available on Apple, Google, Spotify and YouTube.

In this special episode of The Breakdown, Zayn sits down with recently elected Conservative councillor for Moor Park & Eastbury, Abbas Merali.

As a member of our community elected as a councillor in May, we discussed what his first few weeks in the role have been like, as well as his political and community background. We discussed the structure of local councils, and what the roles of councillors are, as well as the importance of the youth getting involved in politics. 

The second half of the podcast covers issues and concerns raised by community members, including the Islamophobia in the Conservative Party, PartyGate, the cost of living crisis, and more. Tune in for an insight into being elected in the political world as a community member at Stanmore!

LISTEN NOW!

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In this episode, Ahmed and Noora are joined by Qari Zuhair Hussaini from New York - an internationally renowned reciter and architect. We discuss celebrating Milad an-Nabi in our homes, the true contemporary moral value of the Holy Prophet (saw), and the looming debate surrounding Islam, free speech and Western democracy. Tune in to this enlightening discussion to stimulate your mind and your opinions!

Hadith are fundamental to our understanding of Islam and gaining wisdom from the words of our Aimmah. But what actually is hadith? How did we end up with these huge volumes of Hadith, and can we trust these to be what our imams said? How do we deal with Hadith that we read and do not make sense to us?

Join Abbas and Sayyid Ali Imran to discuss these key topics and more. 

If you are interested in learning about the history of Hadith, and how we have what we have today - this is an unmissable podcast!

EP. 3 - TALES OF THE TENTH: WHAT WE DON'T KNOW POST-KARBALA How many captives were taken after the battle of Karbala? Were there other men accompanying Imam al-Sajjad (as)? Are the fine details of Karbala fully accurate and so important to know? In part three of the series, Ahmed and Husein are joined by the respected Sheikh Abbas Jaffer, where we tackle FAQ’s surrounding arguably the most monumental event in Islamic history, and pose challenges to the scholar for his feedback and consideration. Be sure to subscribe on YouTube and your podcast app, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, feedback or suggestions!

EP. 2 - TALES OF THE TENTH: QUESTIONS SURROUNDING THE BATTLE

Is the narrated history of the battle dramatised for emotive purposes? What truly happened at the battle of Karbala? How much detail can we be sure of?

In part two of the series, Ahmed and Husein are joined by the respected Sheikh Abbas Jaffer, where we tackle FAQ’s surrounding arguably the most monumental event in Islamic history, and pose challenges to the scholar for his feedback and consideration.

Be sure to subscribe on YouTube and your podcast app, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, feedback or suggestions!

Would Imam Hussain (as) have fought if allegiance was not demanded from Yazid? Who were the key players in the build up to the battle? What PR statement was the Imam making by bringing his family and children to a battle in the desert?

Ahmed and Husein are joined by the respected Sheikh Abbas Jaffer in this second annual series. We tackle FAQ’s surrounding arguably the most monumental event in Islamic history, and pose challenges to the scholar for his feedback and consideration.

Be sure to subscribe on YouTube and your podcast app, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, feedback or suggestions!

Is the Shia Islam that we practice today the same Islam that was practiced by those before us? How did the Islam that we practice today come about and who were the key players in helping shape this? How were differences in opinion dealt with by the scholars before us? And what are the foundations of the institution of taqlid that we follow today?

Join Abbas as he hosts Dr Zack Heern of Idaho State University to discuss these concepts, and many more. 

If you are interested in the history of Shia Islam and why we follow what we follow today - this is an unmissable podcast!

All of our podcasts are available on Apple, Google and Spotify, search for "HUJJAT PODCAST"

Is the Shia Islam that we practice today the same Islam that was practiced by those before us? How did the Islam that we practice today come about and who were the key players in helping shape this? How were differences in opinion dealt with by the scholars before us? And what are the foundations of the institution of taqlid that we follow today? Join Abbas as he hosts Dr Zack Heern of Idaho state University to discuss these concepts, and many more. If you are interested in the history of Shia Islam and why we follow what we follow today - this is an unmissable podcast! LISTEN NOW: www.hujjat.org/alhaadiyouth

Is prison abolition an Islamic project? How does anti-Shi'ism manifest itself through structures and global power politics? How can we as Muslims stand up for justice? 

In light of the recent political climate, we sat down with community organiser Hoda Katebi for an unmissable conversation.  Through drawing on her activist experience and organising with Believers Bail Out, Hoda deconstructs the structural nature of anti-Shi'ism, as well as how we as Muslims can locate prison abolition in the Islamic tradition. 

An inspirational and topical discussion giving us an insight into the incredible work and radical politics of Hoda Katebi.

All of our podcasts are available on Apple, Google and Spotify, search for "HUJJAT PODCAST"

Looking after our mental health during the lockdown period is of utmost importance. We have seen a rise in reports of suicidal ideation and domestic abuse within Muslim youth populations.

In this podcast, Zohra Khaku, director of Muslim Youth Helpline, discusses why this might be, the challenges they face, and very importantly, some tips for what we may be able to do to protect ourselves and others during this time especially, but also in the long-term.

All of our podcasts are available on Apple, Google and Spotify, search for "HUJJAT PODCAST"

Continuing the Monday night tafseer class series led by Sheikh Jaffer Ladak, the discussion explores the theme of the Surah Nahl.

In this local elections special, Zayn sits down with Green Party candidate for Stanmore, Linda Robinson, ahead of the Harrow council elections on Thursday 5th May.

We discussed the current Harrow council, and what the elections mean, as well as the importance of the youth getting involved in politics, and issues and concerns raised by community members, including the climate crisis, Extinction Rebellion, and more. Tune in for an insight ahead of the elections!

Continuing the Monday night tafseer class series led by Sheikh Jaffer Ladak, the discussion explores the theme of the Surah Hijr.

We’ve all heard about the horrifying situation in Yemen right now. Millions of children in need of aid, families torn apart and infrastructure obliterated. Yemen is currently on its knees.  But do we actually know why this is happening? What are the origins of this crisis? Why are the Saudis launching such an aggressive attack on the country? Join us with @hujjatalim, author of ‘Baldatun Tayyibatun – A Land Most Goodly’, a book written during the crisis relaying the major significance of Yemen in early Islamic history such that the Prophet (s.a.w) said ‘If I had not migrated to Medina, I would have been of the people of Yemen.’  In this podcast, Sheikh takes us back in time as we discuss the major role Yemen had to play in spreading Islam during its infancy, as well as dissecting the current crisis this holy land is now facing.  Please remember the people of Yemen in you duas iA. For feedback, questions or suggestions, email haadiyouth@hujjat.org. Check out our Sheikh Jaffer Ladak's book Baldatun Tayyibatun – 'A Land Most Goodly' of which all proceeds go to Yemen: https://bit.ly/31RggLd All of our podcasts are available on Apple, Google and Spotify, search for "HUJJAT PODCAST"

Continuing the Monday night tafseer class series led by Sheikh Jaffer Ladak, the discussion explores the theme of the Surah Ibrahim.

Which of the Twelve Shia Imams were of African origin? Why should Muslims support the Black Lives Matter movement? What real steps can youth bodies and individuals take to remove microaggressions from mosques? Ahmed and Aliya cohost this unmissable discussion, joined by Sheikh Nuru Mohammed, resident Imam in Birmingham, and Ibrahim Sincere, artist and social activities. For feedback, questions or suggestions, email haadiyouth@hujjat.org.

Continuing the Monday night tafseer class series led by Sheikh Jaffer Ladak, the discussion explores the theme of the Surah Ra'ad.

Did Islam abolish slavery? How do we reconcile histories of slavery with modern-day realities? Professor Jonathan AC Brown, Georgetown University, deconstructs how we view slavery - arguing that slavery has not manifested in one single form throughout history and as a result, we should not see it as an unchanging moral evil. An academically challenging conversation, but definitely a necessary and topical one to have. 

Disclaimer

Please note - Professor Brown shares one opinion on this matter, this is not the only existing opinion, nor is it one necessarily subscribed to by Hujjat Podcast or any affiliated bodies. Similarly, Hadith, historical references, and so on may differ between varying schools of thought and jurisprudence.

Continuing the Monday night tafseer class series led by Sheikh Jaffer Ladak, the discussion explores the theme of the Surah Yusuf.

The Breakdown Ep. 11 - How to fulfil your potential through Islam with Sheikh Mohamad Javad Shomali Is it realistic to suggest everyone can achieve their potential? How can I live an ‘Islamic life’ while having a normal job? What steps do I follow to allow me to achieve my potential? With a new decade on the horizon, it becomes important to reflect on our lives and look to the future. Join Mohammed and Abbas as they sit down with Sheikh Javad to discuss making the most of your time on this earth and how Islam can help you maximise your potential.