Episode 326: Lecture 3 M2025: Distractions on the path towards God
Loving and Living the Quran
[Muharram 2025 Series: Holding On to Faith When the World Falls Apart Lessons in Resilience and Resistance from Imam Hussain [as] and Bibi Zainab[as] M1447/2025] After reflecting on what we can do to build personal resilience, we begin the topic of building our relationship with Allah swt as this is the foundation for Istiqamah. Many of us report feeling disconnected from Allah swt these days. In this lecture, we uncover some of the things in modern life which make it so hard for us to connect to Him. For questions and or comments related to this content, please email...
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Episode 325: Lecture 2 M2025: Building personal resilience
Loving and Living the Quran
[Muharram 2025 Series: Holding On to Faith When the World Falls Apart Lessons in Resilience and Resistance from Imam Hussain [as] and Bibi Zainab[as] M1447/2025] In order to have the stance of istiqamah, standing strong, we need to have resilience. In this episode, we explore the meaning of resilience, talk about the purpose of trials in our lives and discuss the secrets of resilient people who are able to withstand the challenges of life and are in fact, stronger because of them For questions and or comments related to this content, please email [email protected]...
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Episode 324: Lecture 1 M2025: Introduction & Verse Theme – Understanding Istiqamah
Loving and Living the Quran
In this episode, we reflect on the verse from Sura Fussilat where Allah swt says: [41:30] (As for) those who say: Our Lord is Allah, then continue in the right way, the angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not, nor be grieved, and receive good news of the garden which you were promised. We start exploring the need for idea of resistance as stance towards injustice. We also explore the meaning of Imam Hussain [as] mission and the idea that the mission of Azadari cannot be different than the mission of Imam Hussain [as]. We start exploring the meaning of Istiqamat For...
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Episode 323: Voices of Truth: What Isa (as) Said from the Cradle” Surah Maryam – Part 3
Loving and Living the Quran
📌 Episode Summary: This episode continues the narrative of Surah Maryam with the miraculous moment when the newborn Isa (as) speaks from the cradle to defend his mother and declare his prophetic mission. You unpack the meaning and significance of each part of his speech—from affirming his identity as Abdullah (servant of Allah), to describing his mission of prayer, charity, and respect for his mother. From there, the discussion expands into the theological disputes surrounding Isa (as), clarifying the Islamic stance on his nature and role. The Qur’an rebuts both the Jewish rejection of...
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Episode 321: Faith Under Fire: Lessons from the First Hijrah” Surah Maryam – Part 1
Loving and Living the Quran
📌 Episode Summary: In this opening episode of the Surah Maryam series, we dive into the historical and spiritual backdrop of Chapter 19 of the Qur’an. You begin by highlighting the virtues of Surah Maryam—its poetic rhythm, spiritual benefits, and relevance for those struggling with anxiety or hardship. The main focus is on the profound story of the first Muslim migration to Abyssinia. Through the lens of this pivotal moment, we explore how Surah Maryam served as a spiritual defense and a tool for bridge-building across faiths. The podcast revisits the powerful exchange between Hazrat...
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Episode 322: The Strength of a Silent Woman: Maryam’s Trial and Triumph” Surah Maryam – Part 2
Loving and Living the Quran
📌 Episode Summary: In this powerful and emotionally resonant episode, you delve into the heart of Surah Maryam—the miraculous conception and birth of Prophet Isa (Jesus) through Maryam (as), a paragon of purity, courage, and spiritual strength. Beginning with the backstory from Surah Al-Imran, we learn about Maryam’s early life, her mother’s intention to dedicate her unborn child to God, and the miraculous signs surrounding her upbringing under the care of Prophet Zakariya. The episode then explores Maryam’s spiritual retreat, her encounter with Jibra’il (Gabriel), and the divine...
info_outline![Keep Allah central in your life [2:185] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/35881965?height=50&width=50)
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](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/35881900?height=50&width=50)
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](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/35881725?height=50&width=50)
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](https://assets.libsyn.com/item/35881625?height=50&width=50)
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_outlineThree keys to living a life of Ihsan (cont.)
Key 3: Pardon and forgive- Understanding God’s forgiveness
- Ghaffar- He who forgives the quantity of sins.
- Ghafoor- He who forgives the quality of sins.
- Al-'Afuw- He who removes the ill effects of sins.
These are the same qualities that one must apply in their relationships with others.
Types of forgiveness:
- Situational forgiveness- when one moves on from a situation that causes them turmoil.
- Dispositional forgiveness- pardon, forgive and overlook others for their shortcomings.
Motivation for change- inspiration from the Quran and Hadith:
- Continuously remind oneself that forgiving others gives access to His mercy.
- To attain God’s forgiveness one must forgive his fellow human beings.
- Assume that everyone has at least as good intentions as oneself.
- Psychologists and ulema both explain that forgiveness is an inner freedom.
- God transforms bad deeds into good deeds- forgive and promote if someone admits a mistake.
- A momin is obsessed with his own shortcomings, not with those of others.
Difference between anger and resentment:
- Anger: is a quick emotion. It is a fire that goes out quite quickly.
- Resentment: a persistent feeling of upset towards a situation. It’s similar to hot burning coals that continue to smoulder long after.
What we hold on to costs us emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Barriers to forgiveness:
- Not recognizing the cost to one’s well-being.
- Fear of condoning hurtful behaviour.
- Belief that “they should pay for it.”
- Lack of skills in coping with anger.
What is forgiveness?
- Forgiveness does not mean condoning another’s behaviour.
- It’s a change in feelings and attitudes regarding what happened.
- Letting go of negative emotions such as taking revenge.
- There is no desire to make the other person suffer anymore.
- There is an increased ability to wish the other person well.
- Results in spiritual expansion and closer proximity to God.
LINKS:
SURAH YUNUS VERSE 65
SURAH AN-NUR VERSE 22
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