‘Sheikhing it Up with Sheikh Faiyaz’ offers unique reflections on spirituality, humanity, justice and contemporary issues from the lens of the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad, and his immaculate family.
Some final reflections as we approach the last night of the Holy Month.
The blessed month isn't over yet, and that means theres more opportunity to supplicate to our Creator!
The way we speak and communicate with others is important as it tells a lot about how conscious we are.
The small, good, sincere deeds that we perform are that which never go to waste!
In order to make the most of these last few nights, its important we start preparing for the future. How can we allow for the blessings of this month to continue beyond Ramadan?
As we approach these last few nights of the month of Ramadan, what is more important than perfecting our etiquette? In this episode, we take some advices from the Prophet as he advises us on how to do so....
The Night of Qadr is upon us...let's be sure to recognize its essence and make the most of what has the potential to transform our lives.
"Spirituality" is a popular and attractive word, but to truly "be spiritual" one has to give an effort and that starts with the way we think. What is Imam Ali's approach to understanding his Creator?
The last will of Imam Ali (a) is fulled with beautiful words and insights. Let's practice some of those words...
Part IV
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?
Part III
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?
Part II
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?
Being grateful for God's blessings is vital on our path of His proximity. But for many, its a trial due to our negligence of what exactly to be thankful for.
The 15th of the Holy Month of Ramadan marks the birth of Hassan bin Ali, the elder grandson of Prophet Muhammad (s). Let's take some insight from his words of advice.
God's remembrance allows us to see the distractions of this world and only focus on Him.
How can we truly illuminate the meaning of God's remembrance by transitioning our mindsets to real focus on Him?
"Dhikr" or being in a state of God's remembrance is stressed a great deal within Islamic tradition. But what exactly does it mean? And how can we truly illuminate its truth?
The human beings loves to procrastinate and waste time. Let's start to collectively make an effort to change that!
Its important that we seek perfection in everything that we do, and amongst those things that need reformation is our relationships...our ability to communicate...and grow as couples, families, friends etc...
Our lives are short, so in the time we are here, its important to leave a legacy that speaks for us in the world beyond this one.
The month of Ramadan is a time to go beyond ourselves and tap into what it means to truly being a slave of God. That requires us to exert ourselves in obedience to God.
We are living in unusual times, and there is that much more reason for us to value community.
We are able to recognize God through His names, and it's important we ponder about them as they draw us closer to true knowledge of Our Creator. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz reflect on the last verse from Sura Luqman (chapter 31), that speaks to God as the All-Knowledgeable.
The Month of Ramadan sets the course for us to reach ultimate perfection in our duties, responsibilities and, of course, our character. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz reflects on different traditions from the Prophet and his family that speak to the idea of husn al-khuluq, or beautifying our etiquette.
Nightly Ramadan Reflections 4: Knowing the Self (IV) Part IV
Welcoming, once again, the holy month of Ramadan, is not only a ritual, but the start of real reformation.
Nightly Ramadan Reflections 3: Knowing the Self (III) Part III
Welcoming, once again, the holy month of Ramadan, is not only a ritual, but the start of real reformation.
Nightly Ramadan Reflections 2: Knowing the Self (II) Part II
Welcoming, once again, the holy month of Ramadan, is not only a ritual, but the start of real reformation.
Nightly Ramadan Reflections 1: Knowing the Self (I)
Welcoming, once again, the holy month of Ramadan, is not only a ritual, but the start of real reformation.
The last verse of Sura al-Duha speaks to the importance of gratitude and thankfulness. But what exactly should we be thankful for? And how can I express it?
Islamic tradition emphasizes cultivating ones' own spirituality, but not at the expense of others. Rather, it is a tradition that exudes care and compassion for our communities. Sura al-Duha outlines some of our responsibilities in being agents for change.
In Islamic tradition, the Prophet plays a central role as someone that we seek to emulate. In this episode, we reflect on some of the obstacles and hurdles he endured, and how we seek to walk in his sacred footsteps.
Going through hardship, trials and tribulations is part of what it means to be a human being. But learning and growing from them is the most important lesson we can learn.
Sura al-Duha provides us with a host of inspiration--amongst them, it gives us divine instruction on how to have some hope in our lives.
In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz reflects on chapter 93 of the Holy Quran, and talks a bit about the new opportunity that everyday offers us.
For many of us, it has been a while since we engaged the book of God. But thats okay, because today is a new day, and it seems like a good opportunity to reintroduce ourselves!
The final episode of the series, where Sheikh Faiyaz makes some final conclusions and reminders about how to achieve success beyond this month.
[Part X]
In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.
[Part IX]
In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.
[Part VIII]
In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.
[Part VII]
In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.
[Part VI]
In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.
[Part V]
In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.
[Part IV]
In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.
[Part III]
In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.
[Part II]
In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness
[Part I]
In a powerful sermon delivered by Imam Ali (a), he outlines the qualities and characteristics of those who have taqwa--piety & God consciousness.
This month is about seeking piety, and best we learn is from the "leader of the pious."
Maintaining a sense of spirituality and God- consciousness is often incredibly challenging and grueling. It's important to always remember, its a process!
In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz offers some wisdoms from Imam Ali (a), in terms of how he instructed us to live our lives.
(Part III)
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.
In continuing the previous episode, what are some ways we can demonstrate love of the Prophet and his family?
[Part II]
The foundation of the religion of Islam is love, and specifically loving the Prophet. But what does it mean to love him, and why so much emphasis? [Part I]
In a lengthy tradition, Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (a) offers his companion 9 important advices that cultivate spirituality and a connection to God.
The month of Ramadan reminds us that all obedience and servitude is to God, and along with that, we recognize that He has rights over us. How do we make sure we are keeping up with our responsibilities to Him?
Chapter 31 of the Holy Quran is known as the chapter of Luqman. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz discusses the gift given to Luqman, and lessons we can take from him.
How can we mirror our lives and take lessons from Lady Khadija, wife of the Prophet, in supporting his message?
In a continuation to the previous episode, Sheikh Faiyaz discusses the dangers of falling into the trap of attachment to this world, and what steps we can take to remedy the distractions of the dunya.
Traditions demonstrate that the root of all sin and transgression is love and attachment to this world. This blessed month strives to change that perception for us.
Continuing our discussion on the importance of making strides in our prayer, Sheikh Faiyaz breaks down some practical advices we can apply daily.
Prayers is the most important ritual in our tradition, and that which is a mechanism for us to reach proximity to God. During this month, it is vital for us to make the necessary strides to improve upon our daily prayers. It starts with the will and desire to attain God's proximity.
When engaging in supplications, its vital to recognize the mindset we need to be in. This episode takes a look at a few important points to consider.
Just as important as abstaining from food and drink during this blessed month is the "fast of our tongues."
The month of Ramadan is most often linked to abstaining from food and drink. In reality, its a lot more than that.
There are three types of people who worship God, and the best of them are those who worship God recognizing that He is worthy of worship!
Its That Time of Year Again!
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.
The Humanity of Karbala | Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer | Muharram 10, 1440 | September 19, 2018
In God’s Remembrance | Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer | Muharram 9, 2018 | September 18, 2018
Life After Death | Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer | Muharram 8, 1440 | September 17, 2018
Supporting The Oppressed | Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer | Muharram 7, 1440 | September 16, 2018
Realizing Your Potential | Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer | Muharram 6, 1440 | September 15, 2018
Keeping Good Company | Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer | Muharram 5, 1440 | September 14, 2018
Softening the Heart | Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer | Muharram 4, 1440 | September 13, 2018
Islamic Perspectives on Loneliness | Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer | Muharram 3, 1440 | September 12, 2018
A Preview into Paradise | Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer | Muharram 2, 1440 |
please note the recording is in low quality unfortunately
Muharram Majlis 1 with Sheikh Faiyaz discussing Symbolism & Faith in 3 dimensions
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?
In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz offers some inspiration in regards to the first 10 nights of the month of Dhul Hajja and what we can due to maximize the opportunity.
Some final thoughts and reflections before the conclusion of the Holy Month.
If you enjoyed these episodes please share with your friends and family and be on the lookout for more in the future.
With the month of Ramadan concluding, just a few thoughts to keep our minds and hearts prepared to seek God moving forward.
Part III
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?
Part II
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?
True love can only be understood when someone recognizes their Creator. In a hadith from Imam Hassan al-Askari, he tell us, "God cannot be reached unless by riding the night." During the remainder of this blessed month, its important to spend some moments of our night in dedication and love of God.
Amongst the dominant themes within Islamic tradition is God's all- encompassing mercy and compassion. We begin every act by invoking that same mercy and compassion and during the Holy Month of Ramadan we spend more time in reflection of these qualities. Specifically in the last of these most beautiful nights, its vital to recognize just how vast God's mercy is so we put more of an effort in seeking it.
The night of Qadr as mentioned in chapter 97 of the Holy Qur'an is the most important night of worship and seeking closeness to God. Not only is it the night that the Book of God was revealed to the Prophet (s) but it is also an opportunity to be diligent in our devotion and love to God for He has given us this night as a chance to walk into His paradise.
Worship is often only seen through the lens of prayers, fasting, Hajj and the performance of other rituals. But ritualistic prayer and obedience had been fulfilled by the angels pre-Adam. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz speaks about the stations acquired by Imam Ali (a) and how we can allow ourselves to utilize his example in transcending the worship of the angels.
In a dua, Imam Ali (a) asks God to make him the best of His servants with incredibly profound words when he states, "You are exactly what I love, so make me that which You love." . In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz reflects on the meaning of this prayer and how we can fulfill our responsibility to be the best of God's servants.
The 19th of the blessed month marks the beginning of the epic tragedy of beloved of God and His Prophet, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a). Its important for us to be in a state where we link our heart with his, and walk in his footsteps.
Amongst the best qualities a human being can have is humility. And during this month its vital to work to remove any trace of pride and arrogance from our hearts.
During the month of Ramadan, as we are away from consumption, we have an opportunity to put our time to good use. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz reflects on some practical ways to make use of our time during the remainder of these blessed days, and moving forward, insh'Allah.
A prophetic tradition advises, "One hour of contemplation is better than 60 years of worship." But what does it mean to contemplate and reflect? What are some practical means of reflection and meditation?
(Part II)
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."
Islamic tradition emphasized the notions of mercy and compassion, yet in many circles, conversations about God and His prophet speak to punishment and justice. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz examines verses in Sura Yasin that preview the benefits of paradise and what we hope to attain during this blessed month.
Anger is amongst the greatest hurdles that man needs to overcome in spiritual progression to God. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz takes a look at some advices from the Prophet and his family in practicing patience and forbearance.
The month of Ramadan is a month of introspection and reflection--but perhaps nothing more important to reflect upon than our own character. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz summarized three pieces of advices from the Prophet to Imam Ali in terms of how we can work toward improving our character.
As much as the month of Ramadan is a month of worship and obedience in terms of ritual, its also important to take inspiration from its nights and days so we can be the change that this world so desperately needs.
The 10th of the blessed month of Ramadan commemorates the passing of the most beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammad (s), Lady Khadija bin Khuwaylid. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz looks into the impact that Lady Khadija made in early Islamic history, and how we can utilize our example to make a lasting imprint on humanity.
The Right of Fasting, Part II
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?
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?
The Qur'an consists of unique anecdotes of a variety of different personalities. In this episode, we reflect on chapter 71 of the Holy Qur'an--a conversation had by Prophet Noah with God, and what he advised his community of God's mercy and compassion.
When supplicating to God, or making dua, we might ask with a great deal of sincerity and even fulfill all of the etiquettes and prerequisites mentioned in the previous episode. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz takes a look at a question that believers have struggled with for centuries- why doesn't God respond to me when I ask Him?
Supplication, or dua, is a fundamental rite in Islamic tradition and the month of Ramadan is certainly a prime time to make dua. In this episode, Sheikh Faiyaz briefly runs through some etiquettes of supplicating in the hope that we have our dua accepted by God.
Imam al-Sadiq (a) says in a tradition, "For every breath you take, a thousand thanks become incumbent upon you...and complete thankfulness is to sincerely repent your inability to convey the least amount of thanks."
What are the 4 most important things we should be thankful for, primarily during this blessed month of Ramadan?
Keeping up with spirituality is incredibly difficult, but nonetheless, its important to stay in the game. Particularly for parents of young children, pregnant women, converts and new members to the community, we go through ups and downs when it comes to our relationship with God. This blessed month is an opportunity to stay the course and continue to work hard realizing that going through challenges is part of the process.
For most people, the Qur'an is a book that is incredibly difficult to navigate through. During the holy month of Ramadan, we tend to listen and read the Qur'an a bit more, but building out a relationship with the book of God isn't only reading and memorizing its verses, but sitting back and contemplate its meaning.
The holy month of Ramadan is the month of prayers, fasting, charity, family, community--but above all, it is the month of opportunity. An opportunity to engage with God and an opportunity to cleanse our hearts and souls. The first episode briefly introduces the month of Ramadan and speaks to some of its merits as outlined by the Prophet Muhammad (s) and gives some perspectives into what we can do to maximize benefit during these nights.
