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Practice and Pursuit of Ihsan-Lecture:1

Release Date: 08/24/2020

Loving and Living the Quran

"…and so that you complete the number and glorify Allah for having guided you, and that you may give thanks." — Surah Al-Baqara (2:185) 🌙 Episode Summary As we approach the end of Ramadan, we reflect on what it means to truly keep Allah at the center of our lives. Ramadan has been a time of spiritual focus, self-discipline, and connection to the Divine. Now, as we prepare to celebrate Eid, we are reminded to exalt Allah’s greatness and express gratitude for His guidance. This is not the end—but a launchpad for the rest of the year. 💡 Key Themes Allahu Akbar as a...

Count Your Blessings [14:34]

Loving and Living the Quran

Count Your Blessings Verse Reflection: “And if you count Allah's favors, you will not be able to number them.” — Surah Ibrahim (14:34) 🌟 Episode Summary In this episode, we reflect on the Qur’anic reminder that Allah’s blessings are infinite—too many to count. From the seen to the unseen, the obvious to the hidden, His favors surround us constantly. True gratitude lies not just in counting our blessings but in recognizing them, reflecting on them deeply, and allowing that awareness to nurture our faith and wellbeing. 🧠 Why We Can’t Count His Blessings They Are...

Pay it forward [28:77]

Loving and Living the Quran

Pay It Forward Qur’anic Verse: “…And do good to others as Allah has done good to you.” – Surah Al-Qasas (28:77) 🌟 Episode Summary This reflection centers around the Quranic command to use our blessings—wealth, knowledge, time, and influence—not just for ourselves, but in service to others. Drawing from the story of Qarun, a man who failed to recognize his blessings as a trust from Allah, we are reminded that our resources are tests, not trophies. Doing good with what we have is how we build our Hereafter and bring light to this world. 💡 Key Themes Blessings...

Nurture your conscience [75:2]

Loving and Living the Quran

"And I swear by the self-accusing soul." – Surah Al-Qiyamah (75:2) 🧭 Episode Summary: In this reflection, we explore the concept of Nafs al-Lawwama—the self-accusing soul—as a divine gift that keeps our spiritual compass aligned. Rather than seeing guilt as something to suppress, the Quran invites us to embrace it as a sign of life in the heart and a tool for growth. During Ramadan, when our spiritual awareness is heightened, let’s learn how to work with our conscience, not against it. 💡 Key Takeaways: Allah swears by the self-accusing soul, emphasizing its deep...

Respond with your best [41:34]

Loving and Living the Quran

“Repel (evil) with what is best, then the one between whom and you was enmity will become like a close friend.” — Surah Fussilat (41:34) 🧭 Episode Summary: Conflict is inevitable, but how we respond is a powerful reflection of who we are. In this episode, we explore the Quranic invitation to repel negativity with what is best. Instead of mirroring anger, sarcasm, or aggression, we are reminded to stay rooted in our values, respond with calm, and create the possibility of transformation—even in strained relationships. 💡 Key Takeaways: Don’t mirror negativity:...

Prioritize Justice & Fairness in Relationships [5:8]

Loving and Living the Quran

“Let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably; act equitably, that is nearer to piety.” — Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8) 🧭 Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we reflect on the Quran’s powerful guidance to uphold justice and fairness, not just with those we love, but especially with those we disagree with or dislike. True justice, as Allah commands, is rooted in principles, not personalities. The verse reminds us that rising above personal bias and maintaining equity, even in emotionally charged situations, is a sign of deep taqwa (God-consciousness). It is through...

Do not mock or make fun of others [49:11]

Loving and Living the Quran

🧭 Episode Summary: “O you who believe! Let not one people deride another; it may be that they are better than they.” Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11) In today’s reflection, we explore the serious spiritual and emotional consequences of mockery and ridicule in relationships and community life. While sarcasm and making fun of others may feel like harmless humor, the Quran reminds us that such behavior erodes the foundation of peace, respect, and brotherhood—and may be deeply offensive in the sight of Allah. 🧠 Key Points: Mockery = Contempt: Ridiculing others, even subtly, falls...

Choose your interpretations wisely [49:12]

Loving and Living the Quran

In this episode, we explore a subtle but powerful relationship principle from the Quran: how our interpretations of others’ behavior shape our emotional well-being and relationships. Suspicion and negative assumptions can harm even the strongest bonds. But with awareness and compassion, we can choose more balanced, kind, and healthy interpretations. 🧠 Key Insights: 🔹 The Human Mind Is a Meaning-Making Machine We constantly interpret others’ words and actions—but those interpretations are often shaped by our own insecurities or past experiences, not reality. 🔹 The Double...

Divided We Fall [8:46]

Loving and Living the Quran

“And do not quarrel, for then you will lose heart and your power will depart.” [Surah Al-Anfal 8:46] Conflict is natural in any relationship, team, or community—but how we handle those differences determines whether we grow or fall apart. In this episode, we explore the Quranic warning against internal division and how unresolved quarrels can strip us of our energy, effectiveness, and unity. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Differences are Natural — Mismanagement is Destructive The verse reminds us that conflict isn’t the issue—division is. When we quarrel endlessly, we lose...

Make peace between your brothers [49:10]

Loving and Living the Quran

In this episode, we explore Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10) which calls us to a higher standard of community: “The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” This verse emphasizes that we are not just acquaintances or allies—we are spiritual siblings, bound by faith. Disagreements are inevitable, but the Quran commands us to be active agents of reconciliation, reminding us that conflict resolution is a deeply spiritual act. Key Themes Covered: 🔹 Brotherhood in Faith Islam defines the believers as one family—a...

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TOPIC OF THE YEAR: The pursuit and practice of Ihsan

The primary purpose of these gatherings is to give our condolences to the household of the beloved Holy Prophet of Islam.

BLESSINGS OF THESE MAJLIS:

It revives not only our deen but us too.

It helps us realign what really matters.

Commemorating the tragedy has kept our religion alive.
It is only the Grace of God and this huge sacrifice by the most beloved of his creatures that has kept this deen alive till today.
It allows us to get in touch with ourselves and remind ourselves of where we need help and transformation in our life.

An important part of these days is to pass on the message of Kerbala to others.

Hadith by Imam Reza (AS): “By learning our knowledge and teaching it to people. If people knew the merits of our knowledge they would follow us.”

Imam Hussain’s (AS) message: Living with the concept of ihsan- kindness, excellence, and virtue.

COVID- Challenges and opportunities:

Safety and protection
Intention and action
Motivation to attend

The Holy Family as inspiration

Fatima Zahra (SA):

“Best of people on the earth in origin, dignity and honour.”
Pillar of Islam
An axis of intercession
Her children- Hasan, Hussain, Mohsin come from the same root word- h-s-n.
Hasan: one who is virtuous and does good.
Hussain: derivative of Hasan.

Basic foundations of morality and righteousness

Adl: Give people their due which has been asked of them. Imam Ali (AS) said that, “Adl is the foundation on which the world rests.”
Ihsan is going above and beyond justice and acting with nobility and kindness. Imam Ali (AS) says, “When you are focused on doing more than is required, that’s how people fall in love with you.”

‘Hasana’ is a key root word of the Quran.

It appears 194 times in the Quran.
It means inner beauty, living a life of virtue.
Allah is the ultimate ‘mohsin’- one who does ihsan.
When we do things that are hurtful to ourselves or others, He deals with us only that we deserve. But when we do good, he multiplies it.

LINKS:

H.A.R. GIBBS: A STUDY OF HISTORY (1963)

Fara'edoh-Samtayn vol.2 p.68

Beharul-Anwar, vol.43 pp.4-18

Beharul-Anwar, vol.8 p.51

Surah Al-Nahl [16:90]

Surah Qassas [28:77]

Surah An-Najm [53:31]

To access lots of free resources on relationships and personal growth, please sign up for #DailyWisdom at www.marziahassan.org/dailywisdom

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