loader from loading.io

Learn to love what is good for you [2:216]

Loving and Living the Quran

Release Date: 03/15/2025

Episode 328: Lecture 5 M2025: Building a relationship with God part 2 show art Episode 328: Lecture 5 M2025: Building a relationship with God part 2

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 this episode, we continue our exploration of ways to strengthen our relationship with God and focus especially on developing Khasiya or Awe in our hearts. We end the discussion by exploring 5 ways we can experience Awe in our everyday lives     For questions and or comments related to this content, please email [email protected] Please visit for more resources on practical spirituality. Please...

info_outline
Episode 327: Lecture 4 M2025: Building a relationship with God part 1 show art Episode 327: Lecture 4 M2025: Building a relationship with God part 1

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 completing our discussion on distractions on the path towards God, we start our discussion on building our relationship with Allah by looking at His proper name   For questions and or comments related to this content, please email [email protected] Please visit for more resources on practical spirituality. Please consider subscribing and leaving a rating & review on Apple Podcasts and Facebook/IG...

info_outline
Episode 326: Lecture 3 M2025: Distractions on the path towards God show art 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...

info_outline
Episode 325: Lecture 2 M2025: Building personal resilience show art 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]...

info_outline
Episode 324: Lecture 1 M2025: Introduction & Verse Theme – Understanding Istiqamah show art 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...

info_outline
Episode 323: Voices of Truth: What Isa (as) Said from the Cradle” Surah Maryam – Part 3 show art 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...

info_outline
Episode 321: Faith Under Fire: Lessons from the First Hijrah” Surah Maryam – Part 1 show art 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...

info_outline
Episode 322: The Strength of a Silent Woman: Maryam’s Trial and Triumph” Surah Maryam – Part 2 show art 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 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
 
More Episodes

Episode Summary:
We often seek comfort and avoid discomfort, but what if the things we resist are actually the key to our well-being? In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216), Allah (SWT) reminds us:

“It may be that you dislike something while it is good for you, and it may be that you love something while it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you do not know.”

This verse is a powerful call to trust Allah’s wisdom over our limited perception. Whether it’s waking up early, exercising, fasting, or enduring hardships, growth often comes from embracing temporary discomfort for long-term well-being.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Comfort ≠ Happiness – Modern life prioritizes ease, but research shows that avoiding struggle weakens us mentally, emotionally, and physically.
🔹 Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking – Just as athletes and students push through challenges for future rewards, we must apply the same principle to spiritual and personal growth.
🔹 Ramadan as Training – Fasting teaches us that self-restraint leads to deeper fulfillment. What feels difficult in the moment becomes a source of strength.
🔹 How to Align with True Well-Being:

  • Reframe hardships – See challenges as growth opportunities.
  • Trust Allah’s wisdom – Even if you don’t understand the purpose now.
  • Embrace discomfort intentionally – Through fasting, Tahajjud, or patience.
  • Seek long-term benefit – Make choices that future you will be grateful for.

Final Reflection:
The next time you resist something beneficial, pause and ask:
"Am I avoiding this because it’s truly bad for me, or simply because it’s uncomfortable?"

🎧 Tune in now to explore how embracing discomfort leads to lasting well-being!