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Chapter 29 Sura Ankabut part 1 of 3

Release Date: 06/20/2016

How to attract His blessings and mercy [2:156]

Loving and Living the Quran

In our previous episode, we reflected on how trials are an inevitable part of life. But once we accept that hardships will come, the next important question is: How do we respond to them? In today’s episode, we explore Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155-157), where Allah (SWT) reminds us that patience (sabr) is the key to attracting His blessings, mercy, and guidance. “Who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah's and to Him we shall return.” (Quran 2:156) The sabireen—those who practice patience—are not just enduring suffering; they are aligning themselves with divine...

Adjust your expectations [29:2]

Loving and Living the Quran

Life is full of challenges, and yet, when we face difficulties, we often feel caught off guard. In today’s episode, we reflect on Surah Al-Ankabut (29:2-3), where Allah reminds us that simply professing faith does not mean we will be left untested: “Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, ‘We believe,’ and not be tried?” – (Quran 29:2) Trials and difficulties are not a sign that something has gone wrong—they are a natural and necessary part of life, designed to help us grow, strengthen our resilience, and bring us closer to Allah. In this episode, we explore why we...

Stop the blame game [7:23]

Loving and Living the Quran

When life doesn’t go as planned, our natural instinct is often to look outward—to blame someone or something else for our pain or problems. But what if blame is actually holding us back from healing, growth, and true wellbeing? In today’s episode, we explore the seductive nature of blame and how it functions as a defense mechanism that protects us from uncomfortable emotions like guilt, shame, or vulnerability. Drawing from the Quran, teachings of the Ahlul Bayt (as), and insights from modern psychology, we uncover how blame traps us in emotional stagnation—while responsibility sets us...

Take charge of your life [13:11]

Loving and Living the Quran

In today’s episode, we explore a powerful truth from the Quran about wellbeing: that real change begins from within. While we often wait for external circumstances to shift, the Quran teaches us to focus on what is in our control—our mindset, our actions, and our choices. Drawing from Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:11), “Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves,” we reflect on how transformation starts internally. This verse is a call to take agency over our lives instead of surrendering to powerlessness or blame. We unpack how our...

Call Him and He will respond [40:60]

Loving and Living the Quran

Today's reflection is adapted from the introduction to the book Calling on the Merciful, which features excerpts from the supplications taught by the Beloveds of Allah [swt]. Episode Summary: In this episode, we reflect on the beautiful invitation and promise from Allah [swt] in Surah Ghafir [40:60]: وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ "And your Lord says: Call upon Me, I will answer you." This verse is a powerful reminder of our constant need for connection with the Divine. Despite our illusions of self-sufficiency, our hearts long for the...

Believe in Him and He Will Guide You [64:11]

Loving and Living the Quran

In this episode, we reflect on the profound message of Surah Taghabun, verse 11: وَمَن يُؤْمِن بِاللَّهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهُ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ “… and whoever believes in Allah, He guides aright his heart; and Allah is Cognizant of all things.” [64:11] Life is full of crossroads, difficult decisions, and overwhelming choices, making it hard to find clarity and direction. In today’s world, we often turn to self-help books, mentors, or online influencers, yet find ourselves more confused than before. This episode...

Trust Him [65:3]

Loving and Living the Quran

As we continue to deepen our relationship with the Divine, today’s episode explores one of the most profound promises Allah (SWT) makes in the Quran: “Whoever puts their trust in Allah, He is sufficient for them.” (Quran 65:3) This verse from Surah Talaq reminds us that true peace and security come from relying on Allah. But what does it mean to truly have tawakkul (trust in God)? How do we balance action with faith? And how can we strengthen our trust in Him when faced with uncertainty, hardship, or fear? Join us as we dive into: ✅ The meaning of tawakkul and its two-step process of...

Find peace in submission [2:112]

Loving and Living the Quran

In this episode, we explore the third essential aspect of developing our relationship with Allah: submission to Him. If we truly recognize and reciprocate Allah’s love and have awe of His greatness, submission becomes a natural and fulfilling choice rather than a burden. We begin with the powerful Quranic verse from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:112), which highlights that true submission leads to becoming a Muhsin (a doer of good) and attaining a state of peace, free from fear and grief. This peace is not just a reward in the Hereafter but something we can experience in this life as well. Yet, in the...

Live in Awe [39:23]

Loving and Living the Quran

In this episode, we continue our exploration of developing a deep connection with Allah by focusing on khashyah (خشية)—awe of Allah. Often mistranslated as fear, khashyah is a reverence that comes from knowledge, reflection, and love rather than anxiety over punishment. We begin by reflecting on Surah Az-Zumar (39:23), where Allah describes how the hearts of those who truly fear Him soften upon hearing His words. Unlike khauf (fear), khashyah transforms the soul, bringing both awe and serenity. We also delve into the psychological benefits of awe, drawing from modern research that...

Reciprocate the Love [2:165]

Loving and Living the Quran

Episode Summary: In our journey toward fostering well-being, we must recognize and nourish our innate need for connection with the Divine. Over the next three days, we will explore three key aspects of developing a meaningful relationship with Allah: 1. Love of Allah 2. Awe of Allah 3. Submission to Allah Today, we begin with **Love of Allah**—the foundation upon which a sincere and fulfilling relationship with Him is built. Key Takeaways: The Power of Love: Love attracts us, deepens connections, and transforms devotion into a soul-fulfilling relationship rather than mere obligations....

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Sura Ankabut (The Spider) is a very important Sura of the Holy Quran with lots of life lessons for us. It is highly recommended to recite this Sura on the Nights of Qadr

This is a recording from a live session in 2009

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