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

Release Date: 03/08/2025

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....

Rest Your Heart in His Remembrance [13:28]

Loving and Living the Quran

Rest Your Heart in His Remembrance [13:28] Episode Summary: In our constant search for peace and happiness, we often turn to material success, relationships, achievements, and self-care. However, true and lasting peace can only be found in the remembrance of Allah. In this episode, we explore the profound wisdom of Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:28): "Those who believe and whose hearts are set at rest by the remembrance of Allah; now surely by Allah's remembrance are the hearts set at rest." This verse teaches us that the tranquility (itminan) we seek is achieved by connecting with As-Salam, the Source...

Recognize your true nature [30:30]

Loving and Living the Quran

"Know Your Fitrah" [30:30] Episode Summary: What brings us true well-being, peace, and happiness? The answer lies in understanding our fitrah—our innate nature as created by Allah. In this episode, we reflect on Surah Ar-Rum (30:30), where Allah tells us that human beings are created with a natural disposition that inclines toward truth, justice, and beauty. However, most people remain unaware of this divine compass within them. We explore the two key concepts in this verse: Hanif – Turning away from misguidance and inclining toward the oneness of God. Fitrah – The pure, God-given...

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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 explores how anchoring ourselves in faith and trusting in Allah’s guidance can bring clarity and peace.

Key Takeaways:

The Challenge of Uncertainty: Human knowledge is limited, and we cannot foresee the impact of our decisions.
Faith as an Anchor: In an era of shifting moral values and endless choices, relying on Allah provides a stable foundation.
Divine Guidance Over Worldly Advice: While self-help resources can be useful, ultimate guidance comes from Allah, protecting us from misguidance.
The Burden of Life Without Guidance: Scholars describe the struggle of those who lack divine direction as climbing an insurmountable mountain with thin air, leading to distress and confusion.
Simple Steps to Seek Guidance: Turning to Allah is as simple as praying two rak’ahs with the intention of seeking guidance or pausing to ask for clarity in moments of uncertainty.

Practical Wisdom from Islamic Teachings:

Imam 'Ali (AS) on Seeking Guidance: He advises continuously asking Allah for the best in all matters:
- “In all your actions continuously ask (Allah) for the best.” (Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 31)
- “Any time you have decided to perform an act, then ask (Allah) for what is best.” (Ghurur al-Hikam, Saying 3988)
Dua Makarim Akhlaq – A Prayer for Steadfastness: Imam Zain ul Abedin (AS) asks Allah for unwavering guidance:
- “Make me enjoy a righteous guidance which I do not seek to change, a path of truth from which I do not deviate, a well-guided intention which I do not doubt.”

Final Reflection: This verse offers a hopeful message—by believing in Allah and turning to Him sincerely, He will guide our hearts and ease our struggles. Our journey in faith is a continuous process of seeking, recognizing, and acting upon divine guidance. May we always turn to Him and find clarity in His wisdom.

Tune in to this episode and explore how you can cultivate a heart guided by faith.

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