Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri

The focus of this talk is the Verse of Light. These few short verses indicate the totality of the eternal author. In this short, distilled discourse Shaykh Fadhlalla discloses various insights and sketches representing levels of connectedness between the seen and the unseen. He does so against a backdrop of the type of disclosures that occur in Qur’anic language classically referred to as Muhkham...

The throne verse is a one of several Qur’anic verses that contain complete explications of the ultimate reality, Divine power and control, and the unified nature of existence at every level. It is in order for us to be revived, to be transformed by permanent Life as we journey through transient life. In this talk, Shaykh Fadhlalla explains the nature of cosmic totality and dominion which this ayat...

In this discourse, Shaykh Fadhlalla presents a comprehensive commentary on Surah Ad Dahar, ‘Forgetfulness’, also referred to as Surah Al Insan, or ‘Mankind’. This surah is part of a selection of surahs that contain both Medinan and Meccan verses. It highlights the story of mankind; the purpose of life; and awareness of that which is permanent – sacred presence. The surah presents a sketch of human...

Every surah in the Qur’an has its special flavor. Surah Ar Rah’man, or ‘The Beneficent ’, containsthree major sections through which the total Quranic message is relayed. Shaykh Fadhlalla guides the listener through each in a verse by verse disclosure, unfoldinging key words via their root meanings as a way of opening the tapestries of this great surah. The three segments include: the nature of di...

In a famous Prophetic tradition. The Prophet Muhammad indicates that Al Ikhlas ‘ The Unity’ is a third of the Qur’an. In this talk, Shaykh Fadhlallah demonstrates the endless layers of nourishment this quintessential declaration of unity provides for those who go into it truly bereft. While we cannot encompass that which causes our existence, if we follow the command and confess that Allah is One...

In this powerful talk, Shaykh Fadhlalla illustrates how each cycle – be it annual, monthly, daily, hourly, momentary; or within the blood, breath, human body, earth; or out in the cosmos – has its specific frequency and pattern, and yet each resonates due to the One, original cause and essence of all patterns, vibrations or movements. He describes how laylat al-qadr – the night of power during the...

Al Ankabut, or ‘The Spider’, is one of several surahs in the Qur’an which straddles both Meccan and Medinan periods. This surah discloses the themes and dynamics relevant to the nascent Muslim community, which are simultaneously sketches relevant to seekers of all times. Key themes include ● the nature of transformation; commitment and the purpose of human life; ● the meaning of difficulties, suff...

Al Qiyamah The focus of this talk is Surah Al Qiyamah, or ‘The Reckoning’. Shaykh Fadhlalla demonstrates how this surah, like most of the Meccan unveilings, emphasizes Absolute Truth; the end of time; the purpose of human life; our duty; and transition into the next phase. In the classical maps the human self, and its evolving nature, contains patterns and tendencies with several classifications....

Al Inshi’rah The Qur’an is the ultimate manual of existence, containing within it endless horizons of knowledge that are directly usable to the believer in any situation in which they find themselves. The miracle of the Qur’an is that it uses ordinary language in a transcendent manner: taking discernable linguistic terms and relating them to celestial, cosmic Reality. The focus of this discourse i...

Talk 3 Surah Al Hadid Part 2 The third talk in this series completes the extended commentary on Surah al Hadid - the Iron . Al Hadid is a Medinan Surah, revealed several years after the Qur’anic revelation began, after the establishment of the community of Muslims in the Medinan oasis. In this section, Shaykh Fadhlalla further explores the seamless interaction between micro and macro realities, br...

Talk 2 Surah Al Hadid Part 1 This second discourse of the series centers around the great Medinan Surah al Hadid - the Iron . Shaykh Fadhlalla leads the listener verse by verse though the many-tiered ladder of consciousness to which all human beings are exposed and navigate in the arc of life. Al Hadid is a perfect exposition of the seamless balance between the boundless and the limited zones of c...

This is the first discourse in a series of lectures recorded at the Johannesburg Sufi Centre. In an intimate, interactive setting, Shaykh Fadhlalla presents a series of classes and commentary on twelve key Surah’s of the Qur’an. Shaykh Fadhlalla begins by describing how best to approach the Qur’an. In order to appreciate the unique nature of divine knowledge it is necessary to engage with it throu...

The third segment continues with specific questions directed at Shaykh Fadhlalla and a panel of respondents who illustrate the multidimensional nature of the Qur’anic revelation. Shaykh Fadhlalla reiterates the need to cultivate the appropriate attitudes and courtesy in approaching the Qur’an. The Qur’an is directly revealed knowledge that relates earthly appearances and connections with the infin...

In this second episode, Shaykh Fadhlalla responds to questions related to transformation through the Qur’an. This is a wide presentation of several major topics, including the map of reality; the Qur’an as the multidimensional book of guidance; the interplay of the two essential zones or aspects of existence; the diverse and complementary dynamics in combining the heavenly and earthly aspects of h...

This series presents selected recordings from various gatherings where Shaykh Fadhlalla addresses and responds to essential themes and issues related to transformation, application and awakening through the Qur’an. This episode emphasizes the fundamental dynamics of transformation. By examining key words from the Qur’an and unfolding their meanings, Shaykh Fadhlalla indicates the appropriate presc...

In this Interview Shaykh Fadhlalla discusses in greater depth the inner meanings and transformative elements of the Islamic path as he wrote about it in the publication Transformative Worship in Islam, Experiencing Perfecion . The essence of any path is awakening to the zone of higher consciousness. In this discussion, Shaykh Fadhlalla presents aspects of the transformative dynamics built into Isl...

In this two part interview series hosted by Shafique Morton, Shaykh Fadhlalla discusses various elements of his biography, the prophetic path and specific book publications. In this segment, Shaykh Fadhlalla describes his upbringing, early life experiences and his travels around the world in pursuit of knowledge and truth. He reflects on various essential questions: “What is the end of material pu...

The final talk is a summary and overview of the series. In an overarching manner, a variety of the essential issues related to the Qur’anic manual for living have been covered. One of the central directives of the series has been to present the means of imbibing and living the Qur’anic manual and the essential message of the Qur’an. The concluding talk covers three issues: the purpose of existence...

This segment focuses on the interdependent relations between individuals, communities, societies, and nations; exploring the meaning of harmony and health between and within each. All human beings are Adamic beings. We are all driven towards security, certainty, contentment, and peace. Equally we are subject to multiplicities, differences, and constant changes and cycles of dualities. We are essen...

This Segment specifically explores the nature and meaning of the path, Din of Islam and the Qur’anic manual of transformation. At the essence of all paths is submission, submission to truth at all levels. The Qur’an discloses keys to the essential issues of life: Where is it? how is it? Everything is emerging from the singularity yet what is the interplay between the inner and outer? The Absolute...

This Segment focuses on the meaning of Unity and centers around select aspects of Qur’anic reflections on Unity and Multiplicity emphasizing essential pervasive Oneness. Shaykh Fadhlalla briefly explores the essence of all paths relevant to the unfolding thread of Unity with special reference to the Abrahamic teachings and many occurrences of prophetic lights echoing the message of Unity culminati...

This segment revolves around the theme of prophetic beings and messengers. The talk explores the advent of prophecy and the evolutionary occurrence of various individuals relating and reflecting the message of Unity, culminating in the Qur’an and the way of the Prophet Muhammad. The meaning of prophetic consciousness, inspiration, and ‘the message’ is also explored with special attention given to...

This segment considers the essential designs and patterns in existence, the interrelationships between the macro and micro, and a way of life based on constant improvement of conduct disclosed in the prophetic teachings. The path of service and goodness and the purpose of prohibition are key themes in this episode relevant to developing awareness of boundaries and harmonious connections and intera...

This segment pivots around the centrality of Divine Unity. The Qur’anic universal cosmology and the attributes are further discussed relevant to sentiency, consciousness and an evolutionary unfolding of expansive life. The Qur’anic metaphors relevant to the emergence of human consciousness and nature are given detailed attention in presenting a spiritual cosmology that indicates the local dynamics...

This segment is the core of the series in which the central theme is the Divine Reality. Shaykh Fadhlalla presents various key questions in framing this discourse: ‘Who is Alllah?’, ‘Where is Allah?’, ‘How can we access Allah’s presence?’. This talk presents an essential overview of the Qur’anic cosmology. The ineffable nature of the divine cannot be described or contained, however the Qur’an prov...