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Practice and Pursuit of Ihsan-Lecture5

Loving and Living the Quran

Release Date: 09/01/2020

Keep Allah central in your life [2:185] show art Keep Allah central in your life [2:185]

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...

info_outline Count Your Blessings [14:34] show art 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...

info_outline Pay it forward [28:77] show art 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...

info_outline Nurture your conscience [75:2] show art 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...

info_outline Respond with your best [41:34] show art 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:...

info_outline Prioritize Justice & Fairness in Relationships [5:8] show art 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...

info_outline Do not mock or make fun of others [49:11] show art 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...

info_outline Choose your interpretations wisely [49:12] show art 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...

info_outline Divided We Fall [8:46] show art 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...

info_outline Make peace between your brothers [49:10] show art 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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Dealing with challenging relationships whilst practicing Ihsan.

Reference to Surah Ar-Rad, Verse 21-24- talking about the Ulul Albab- Men of Understanding.

 

  • Characteristics of Ulul Albab in dealing with challenging people:

 

  1. Understand where the challenging person is coming from.
  2. Give them the benefit of the doubt.
  3. Practice patience- self-control, will power, and acceptance.
  4. They do Ihsan for Allah’s pleasure. 
  5. They establish prayer as it serves as a reminder of their destination.
  6. They are detached from material possessions.
  7. If triggered, they say, “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan.”
  8. They spend secretly and they spend openly.
  9. They repel evil conduct with good.
  10. They show extra kindness to those who trigger them.

Hadith of Holy Prophet (SAW) talks about the best traits of character in dunya and akhirah:

  • Forgive people who have been unjust to you and oppressed you.
  • Do good to people who have done bad to you.
  • Give to people who have deprived you.

Essence of Dua Makarimul Akhlaq:

  • Allow me to repel evil with goodness
  • Transform my evil into good

The power of pausing and how to practice it:

  • We have the rational mind to separate our response from the trigger.
  • Learn to stop long enough to get in touch with your values.
  • Consider how to respond to a triggering situation.
  • Consider the consequences of your actions. 
  • External events cannot be controlled but our response to them is in our control.

Ways to strengthen our internal pause button:

  • Recognize the trigger. 
  • Mentally pause your reaction.
  • Take a deep breath. 
  • Make the intention to react in a positive manner.
  • Ask someone for help.

LINKS:

SURAH AL-HIJR VERSES 45-50

SURAH AR-RAD VERSES 21-24

SURAH FUSSILAT VERSES 34-36

SURAH QASSAS VERSE 54

DUA MAKARIMUL AKHLAQ

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