The final night of Ramadan has approached, and with an anguished heart, we bid farewell.  

As the month is quickly closing upon us, how can we continue to have an awakened heart? 

The believer lives with the understanding that everyone of their actions are seen. 

In a beautiful verse, God gives us insight with respect to that which we should strive for in this world, so we can attain the best in the next world. 

In the Quran, God offers an incredible validation for those who strive in His way. 

After the nights of Qadr, we have emptied our heart of vice, and now our job is to supplement it with the best of qualities. 

The night of Qadr is the most important of our lives...how can we soften our heart and stand before God in complete humility?

We seek toward cultivating a toward heart that is consistently looking for God at every moment during our lives.

We live in a world whereby inequity dominates because there is no sense of internal justice. 

We have to also examine ourselves and aspire for growth so that transition between this world and the next is seamless. 

The believer never despairs, because our faith always runs deep, regardless of the situation around us. 

Amongst the hardest things for a believer to attain is tawakkul in God.

Complacency is one of the most trying of all spiritual diseases and we have to rid ourselves of it during this month. 

A lot of people are comfortable being average...but believers have way more potential than to be okay with just being average. 

The middle of the month of Ramadan marks the birth of Imam Hassan (a), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (s), who teaches us lessons in every dimension of life and resembles his grandfather in so many phases. [Part 2]

The middle of the month of Ramadan marks the birth of Imam Hassan (a), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (s), who teaches us lessons in every dimension of life and resembles his grandfather in so many phases. 

Allah commands us to reflect on His words and His creation...have I ever been thankful for the sun? Or the moon?

During these days, we seek toward cultivating a desire to only seek the pleasure of God, with no concern for anyone but Him. 

Amongst the quickest ways to find paradise is not through increased prayers, fasting or recitation of Quran...but doing the little things at home. 

What does it mean to support God and His Prophet? We learn it in practical steps from the wife of the Prophet, Lady Khadija (a).

A man comes to the Messenger of God (s) asking him, "what is knowledge?" The Prophet answers with an important response that requires some reflection. 

In a tradition, God says, "I sit with the one who remembers Me..." But what does it mean to be in His remembrance? 

The blessing of time is one that we don't get back...we have to hold ourselves to self-account as to not lose the opportunity. 

This month is not supposed to be about food, but for so many of us, it is...how can we transform our relationship?

Vulnerability and admitting imperfection are two sides of the same reality, and they are both so vital in building out a relationship with the Creator. 

The term vulnerability demonstrates our imperfection in front of God...and that is precisely what is needed for true reform. 

Even Ibrahim (a), in his supplication, sought further contentment and certainty as keep his heart at rest. We have the opportunity to hand as well to ascend the ladder of knowledge and cognition of God during these nights and days. 

When Yusuf (a) had an opportunity to take revenge on his brothers, he said, "Today, there is no blame upon you," demonstrating his forgiveness and compassion. We seek the same embrace from God during these nights. 

The best days are upon us, and its time to wake up from our slumber and embrace the blessing. 

Bidding farewell is incredibly challenging, especially for someone who is so close and dear to our hearts...

In this episode, we summarize the 5 timeless lessons that we are able to deduce from Chapter 87 of the Holy Quran. 

The conclusion of Sura A'ala offers us important insight into how we should take lessons from those who have come before us, and a beautiful reminder that humanity has consistently been called to reach our full potential.

In this life, we experience temporary joy and pleasure, but in the world beyond this one, the things that make us happy are better and longer lasting. 

We have the opportunity to make an incredibly unique business deal with the Lord of the Worlds, who offers us an incredible profit margin. 

This world has a strong hold on us, and every ounce of our effort needs to strive to breaking away from it.

True growth is in perfecting the good and improve on the bad...steps we all need to take. 

God provides us with so many an indication why we should strive to attain His pleasure, and on the best of nights, we get the best opportunity to do so.  

We are fighting an internal battle within ourselves everyday, and its vital to cultivate an environment that pushes the self toward virtue.  

Amongst the biggest reasons why God mentions punishment as often as He does in the Quran is because it is meant to serve as a deterrent for the believer; such that we only aspire and desire His reward. 

We are shackled by the distractions of this fleeting world; yet God wants us to rise above and enter into a state of His remembrance. 

God has put us in a position to find success via the reminders He has put on display for us, in spite of all the distractions we get caught up with. 

God has created a path to paradise that is meant to be easy, but only if we are also easy!

The path to quench our innate desire for knowledge should never cease; but its important we take it from the appropriate sources and know that God will support is in our journey if we approach it the right way. 

The verses of the Quran provide insight into nature many a time, but also calls us to look within ourselves in a unique way. 

God has created us in a world with seemingly many things to overcome...but not without His guidance, which sprouts from so many different dimensions. 

God has the best of names; and He calls upon us to invoke them. Through building a link with these names, we have the capacity to increase our ma'rifah of Him. 

We know and perceive God through the names and attributes that He has introduced Himself to us by...and He begins chapter 87 with His Ultimate Authority. 

God, the Creator of the Heavens and Earth, in His authority and magnanimity, has created us so that we find Him in the midst of all that we're surrounded by. 

The month of Ramadan is the month of the Quran, and if we begin to listen with our hearts, we have incredible potentials to transform our souls. 

The conclusion of Imam Sajjad's Dua welcoming the Month of Ramadan sends salutations upon the Prophet. There is no better way to start or conclude any dua than by reciting salawat on our Prophet.

It is a privilege to be considered the servant or slave of the Lord of the Worlds... With privilege comes responsibility.

We have created to be a servant of God; and that is an honorable purpose. It's about reminding ourselves of that purpose every so often. 

Complacency is amongst the biggest hurdles that we need to cross as those striving to God; and these nights give us the best opportunity to be successful. 

The believer should always be striving to the best servant of God that we have the capacity to be.

Prophetic traditions point to the fact that the believer is lenient and easy-going, but not to the detriment of calling out injustices. 

There is no doubt that divine support is essential in nurturing and strengthening our relationships. During this month, we are called to cultivate healthier, more meaningful connections with others.

We can all make small improvements and reach the goals we are setting provided that we are determined and diligent in the process. This month of Ramadan affords us the perfect opportunity to do so. 

The human being is a forgetful creation, and if we forget just how blessed we are in this month, we have a chance of losing a great deal.

We start by welcoming the month of Ramadan and acknowledging its beauty, grandeur and unique opportunity we have. And what an opportunity!

We close out Sura Rahman, and this sacred month, with pain that anguishes our hearts, but with a new, improved relationship with our Lord. 

In Sura Rahman, God often poses the rhetorical question..."What do you deny?" But what precisely does it speak to? 

Happiness is not only derived by the things that appear to be physical, but rather things run a bit deeper than appears on the surface. 

It suffices that every decision we make, plays a big role in determining the potential results. And our decisions when it comes to our hearts and deeds is no different.

Attaining paradise isn't easy...its about making the right decisions and putting forth the right effort. 

Who am I to be deserving of the paradise and bounty of the Lord of the worlds?

Paradise is not only about physical gifts that we receive, but rather about the spiritual benefits it offers us. 

How great are the benefits of paradise? Truly, the descriptions only offer a glimpse. 

We do very little, but God compensates a lot!

There's a fine balance in terms of how we understand our Creator, and it's important to recognize that balance to increase knowledge of our Lord.

Being disciplined and held accountable for our wrongdoings is never easy, and it is not meant to be. In Sura Rahman, God mentions the methods in which He may discipline His creation who has veered off from the path He has created us for. 

We are in a state of abject need in front of the Lord of the worlds...and showing that humility in front of God unlocks our secret potential.

There will come a time where God will preside over humanity and hold us to account...it would be prudent that we engage in some self-accountability before then!

God is the Ultimate Authority and we are meant to navigate life to remind ourselves that there is no where else to turn but Him. 

We're not been created to live in this temporal world, but rather for an eternal one. If we cling to God, we have the ability to live forever. 

God is the primary source, and its vital that we remind ourselves of this Divine secret. 

We're a negative bunch, particularly in terms of our perception of faith and everything linked to it. But sometimes, all we need, is a change in mindset. 

The Quran compels us to have conversations with ourselves by calling us to that which is far larger than life...

We often get mixed up and caught up with distractions in life and lose sight of the big picture. 

We're a creation that was created from the earth, and we will return back to it...

Its vital to show thanks for the smallest of blessings and recognize everything we take for granted. 

In life, it's all about balance and contributing to the equity in our society...

All of the creations of our Lord are in a state of submission to the Creator. 

God has created us with such detail and precision, and it's important for us to appreciate that uniqueness. 

The Quran is meant to be mercy for us, and that which allows for us to truly reach our potential.

In God's name does everything come to be...and out of His mercy, we are...

The Quran is an intimidating book for many, but there are steps that we can take to unlock its beauty.

The Quran is meant to be a roadmap for our lives...but have we taken it seriously?

Another opportunity to bear the fruit of this blessed month...why me? Why us? What did I do to deserve another chance?

The month of Ramadan is over, but we have the privilege a fresh start and a new beginning. 

The Holy Month of Ramadan is not over, though it is quickly coming to a close. Its important to continue to be in a state of dua that we are successful beyond this month as it comes to an end. 

We are in a state of utter and absolute need of God at every moment, and its vital for the believer to show that humility every so often.

Though a common theme of this month is to break attaching from this world, we still live in. How can we find that sense of balance we're looking for?

In life, we're always looking for happiness, but for whatever reason, its very difficult to find. We quickly realize that happiness is only once we've linked with God and all that He desires from us.

Every decision we make open the door for a hundred more decision. If we make the right one on day one, the process will be a bit easier later on.

Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq of the Imam teaches us how to ask, what to ask and when to ask...and this month, especially in these days, is all about asking for more...

The night of Qadr is upon us...what do I ask for and how do I seek?

There is no success without God's support...sometimes we need to just ask for it.

(Part II)

There is no success without God's support...sometimes we need to just ask for it.

The easiest way that the Satanic influence controls us is via the tongue, so its vital to remain vigilant and mindful at every moment.

There is nothing more beloved to God than His servant who demonstrates utter and absolute poverty in front of Him.

Our lives are consumed with physical distractions that make us lose sight of everything...but what happens if we lose God?

We don't always have the time, energy or opportunity to do good or make a meaningful change in the world...so when we do, best not waste it!

Seeking perfect mannerisms in the supplication of Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq essentially is asking God that we're able to resemble our actions after the greatest of His creations...the Prophet Muhammad (s).

Our external character is a reflection of the internal state, and in these next lines of Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq we ask God to support  us in this reformation process of heart. 

We are consistently in a battle with the world and its distractions, and our only shield is Taqwa; through character traits which create a barrier between us and all vice.

Humility in front of God channels a sense of external humility to others...a station that is beloved to God.

The battle of the soul is a never ending struggle, and sometimes the negative tendencies overwhelm us...thats why we need dua.

The soul is a battlefield for the human being which needs to cultivate a sense of virtue to remain victorious over vice. 

It's no secret that Islamic tradition emphasizes maintaining kinship ties and positive relationships between ones family, but that isn't always a simple process. In the next set of lines from Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq of Imam Zayn al-Abideen (a), we seek support from God to do the right thing when it comes to family. 

Relationships can very well be challenging, and they're a lot harder when we don't put God in the equation and lean on His support!

One slip can lead to long term detriment of our hearts and souls, thus it requires us to be incredibly attentive to our everyone of our actions and the environment that we are situated within. 

We love validation and being appreciated, but sometimes the praise that we get can be a dangerous trigger that compels our soul into pridefulness.

Arrogance and pride are the qualities which have casted away Satan from the divine realm, and also have the potential to be detrimental to our success in this world and the next. 

We find it hard to be content with what we have, and always have a desire for more. Once we diagnose that as a problem, we can seek God's assistance in eradicating a dangerous quality.

In the next set of lines from Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq of Imam Zayn al-Abideen (a), he eloquently seeks from God a lifestyle that is indicative of a believer and someone who sees this world with the clarity that is needed for ultimate success. 

Everything in our tradition begins with our intention, and purifying our intention such that we are committed to God and His sake is what we should be consistently working toward...but we can't achieve that unless God supports us in reaching that stage. 

This month is the month of dua and supplication. In this episode, we begin by looking into the opening lines Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq of Imam Zayn al-Abideen (a). 

As we have arrived at the door of the sacred month, its important for us to collectively be aware of just how blessed of days and night we are entering into so we can maximize them to the best of our potential!

As the crescent for the day of Eid appears on the horizon, it's important to remind ourselves that the last night of Ramadan is the not the end of our journey.

In the Quran, God teaches us that the best way to propel the Satan is via our gratitude and show of thanks to our Creator.

In the Quran, God tells us to be beautiful to others in the same way He acts with beauty to us. How can I illuminate that type of beauty?

In a powerful hadith from Imam Hussain (a), he advises a man of what to remember when we have the urge to transgress God's boundaries. 

Love is a dynamic term that can be applied to many things. But what does it truly mean to love God?

It's important to not get overly reliant on God's mercy to a detriment, but rather have a balanced approach as taught to us by the Messenger (s) and his family (a). 

The Night of Decree is upon us, and its a night that is too great to waste...so let's make the most of it!

The entire year leads up to tomorrow night. Am I ready to be in the company of angels?

In the episode, we take a look at a brief, concise hadith from Imam Ali, where he offers some insight with regards to who attains paradise. 

What does it mean to be a leader? How did the best leader lead?

The 19th of the month of Ramadan marks the day when the Commander of the Faithful uttered his epic phrase as we has assassinated during the course of prayers.  

God-consciousness can only be attained if we allow for a reformation of the heart and intellect. That will then transition and allow for our bodies to be dedicated to Him.

Our biggest hinderance to finding love in our relationship with God and His Prophet is the negative perception that we have of religion. These nights give us the opportunity to change that. 

Reflection is a key to unlocking the secrets of the world and gaining in true knowledge of our Creator. 

A beautiful tradition from Imam Hassan (a) talks to us about the importance of feeding our hearts, souls and intellects prior to feeding our stomachs. 

During the month of Ramadan, we have an opportunity to navigate our relationship with God, but also with others. And dealing with people isn't always easy, but its necessary!

It's important to not get complacent, recognizes areas of improvement, and be a bit more diligent in seeking God. 

There's so much talk during this month about seeking proximity and closeness to God...but what exactly does that mean?

We often take the smallest manifestations of mercy for granted, but during this month, its important we show a bit more appreciation for the little things. 

On the 10th of the month of Ramadan, the Messenger (s) lost his wife Khadija. What do we learn from the grief of the Prophet?

The believer should always be looking for the opportunity to serve, in a manner that is humble and sincere. 

When we know there's a problem, that's the best time to fix it. This month, we have that opportunity. 

Sometimes, all the talk about putting in more during this month is challenging, unsustainable and puts undue pressure on us. It's all about finding a balance and not comparing ourselves to others. 

It's easy to put off worship of God during the month of Ramadan because we have so many other things going on. But let's change that and do a little bit more this time around.

When we tire ourselves via fasting and worship, our faculties all start to weaken. But the soul begins to be a bit more attentive, so pay heed to it! 

In the Quran, God commands Moses and Aaron to speak to the Pharoh in a gentle manner. What does that teach us with regards to how we should speak to God to ourselves? 

How does Moses' understanding of self totally differ from the approach of the Pharoh? How does God present this in the Quran?

In a beautiful description in the Quran, Moses introduces God to the Pharoh. 

A new day. A new month. A new year. The best time to ask the biggest questions. 

The final night of Ramadan is upon us...but its not the last night of our relationship with the Creator.

Our efforts these last few nights can speak for us throughout the spiritual grind of the year...

The Holy month isn't over yet, so its important to take a pause and remember what it's all about before it ends!

In a Hadith of the Prophet (s), he says the best of people are those who do three things...what are they?

The Quran is meant to be a text that we engage with, not solely read. In this episode, we discuss some practical ways to actively reflect upon it. 

We don't live in this world forever, so might as well do the best we can in our limited time to leave a lasting legacy.

The most important night of the year has arrived, and until the breaking of dawn, nothing else should matter. 

What amazes the commander of the faithful and the inheritor of the Prophetic qualities and merits?

What amazes the commander of the faithful and the inheritor of the Prophetic qualities and merits?

What amazes the commander of the faithful and the inheritor of the Prophetic qualities and merits? 

From a role model like Imam Ali (a), we are inspired to be worshippers by night and lions by day!

Our internal spiritual state manifests outwardly and influences what we see, what we listen to and even how we walk!

Prayers is the pillar of our religion, and if we want to improve ourselves this month, it starts with improving our prayers. 

Prayers is the pillar of our religion, and if we want to improve ourselves this month, it starts with improving our prayers. 

The 15th of Ramadan marks the birth of the man who inherits  Prophetic etiquette and character...

In a beautiful hadith, Imam Hassan (a) describes our blessings as a treasure, if only we're thankful for them...

It may sound a bit cliche, but without a doubt, every deed matters; as long as it's coupled with God-consciousness and patience. Let's take a look at the story of Yusuf (a) for some inspiration...

In the Quran and Hadith literature, there is an emphasis on seeking "zuhd" or asceticism. What exactly does that mean?

For some, being alone during the holy month serves an opportunity for spiritual development, while for others they prefer a sense of community. In Islamic tradition, luckily, there's an emphasis on both. 

History is an important tool for us to reflect upon so we can improve our future. And the best of examples that we have are the Prophet and his family.

We always need a simple reminder to get us focused and back on track...

The month of Ramadan is a month to purify these souls of ours...but what exactly is the soul? And how do we purify it?

The month of Ramadan is a month to purify these souls of ours...but what exactly is the soul? And how do we purify it?

We need to hold ourselves accountable so we improve in our spiritual journeys, but not at the expense of beating ourselves up whenever we make a mistake. How do we find balance so we can continue to improve?

It's easy to remember God when all things are falling apart, but its all about consistency...

There's not a lot of things as inspirational and humbling as looking up at the sky and reflecting on God's creation...

We're back for another year, as guests of the All-Merciful.  Let's see the big picture and make the most of the blessed month!

God states in (21:107): "And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds." How can we understand and apply this verse in both our theological and ethical understanding of the Messenger of God?

God states in (21:107): "And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds." How can we understand and apply this verse in both our theological and ethical understanding of the Messenger of God?

God states in (21:107): "And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds." How can we understand and apply this verse in both our theological and ethical understanding of the Messenger of God?

Welcoming, once again, the holy month of Ramadan, is not only a ritual, but the start of real reformation.

Welcoming, once again, the holy month of Ramadan, is not only a ritual, but the start of real reformation.

Welcoming, once again, the holy month of Ramadan, is not only a ritual, but the start of real reformation.

Welcoming, once again, the holy month of Ramadan, is not only a ritual, but the start of real reformation.

In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.

In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.

In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.

In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.

In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.

In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.

In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.

In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.

In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness

In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.

The word love has two different variations in the Arabic language, and one that specifically speaks to our love of the Prophet and his family.

[Part II]

Sheikh Faiyaz welcomes the month of Ramadan again as the crescent has been sighted and we begin to make our preparations for the transformations of our own souls.

please note the recording is in low quality unfortunately

1- What Does Symbolism in Faith Mean?

2- How are Muharram Symbols and Rituals Evident Relevant?

3- What is Symbolism for Imam Hussain Supposed to Yield?

People of faith have long reflected in terms of how to approach their understanding of God--how can we reconcile love of God and fear of God? How do we understand Him to be the Most-Compassionate but also the All-Just?

People of faith have long reflected in terms of how to approach their understanding of God--how can we reconcile love of God and fear of God? How do we understand Him to be the Most-Compassionate but also the All-Just?

Paradise requires a great deal of effort on behalf of the believer, and its important to be in a perpetual state of obedience to God. Thus, in continuing on the theme of attaining paradise from episode 14, Sheikh Faiyaz takes a look at verses in the Holy Qur'an from Sura Fatir which define His bounty.

Furthermore, the 15th of the month of Ramadan is the birth of Imam Hassan bin Ali, whom the Prophet states is "the leader of the youth of paradise."

The month of Ramadan is of course the month of fasting, but what does it mean to fast? What is the spiritual goal that we are hoping to attain during this blessed month? And most importantly, what can we do to really bear the fruit of these sanctified days?

What are the 4 most important things we should be thankful for, primarily during this blessed month of Ramadan?