Wijhah Initiative Podcast

Most of us see moments of tribulation as a pain to be removed. Imam Izz bin Abdul Salaam reminds us that every encounter with difficulty is an opportunity to develop our character. Among the character traits that we can only learn through difficulties is forbearance. Recorded: Jan 15, 2025

Our Prophet has taught us that we will follow the way of our friends. So how does one choose friends? What ought they to look for? In the next section, Imam al-Ghazali explains what qualities to look for in a friend, and to embody as a friend to others.

We often think of strangers as people we meet spontaneously, without any consideration for the etiquettes and conduct we ought to exhibit with them. Imam al-Ghazali outlines 6 guidelines for how to ensure we treat strangers in the best manner. Recorded: Jan 10, 2025

As we return to our regular programming, we resume our study of the wisdoms that Allah Most High has placed in pain. The hardships of life have a way of bringing us to our knees and raising our hands in supplication to Allah, seeking a way out.

The fourth benefit mentioned by Imam Izz bin Abd al-Salaam is turning to Allah during hard times. When we find ourselves struggling with our circumstances, we naturally look for those that can help us. And there is none more worthy of turning to in those moments than Allah.

Our Prophet has commanded us to treat others according to their status; this means that different people will have different rights of treatment that they deserve. In the next section, Imam al-Ghazali explains to us the different categories of acquaintances, and how we can interact with each of them.

The third benefit we acquire from experiencing difficulties in life is the development of sincerity in our relationship with Allah. We realize that none can remove the calamity from us but Allah, thereby purifying our hearts of trust and conviction in anyone other than Him. Recorded: Dec 11, 2024

When we think of who our friends/companions are, we sometimes overlook Allah as our closest companion. Imam al-Ghazali begins the section on true friendship by speaking about what it means to be a faithful and devoted companion to Allah.

Sometimes, when life is going well, we forget how much we actually need Allah; we feel self-sufficient and as a result, we often rebel against Him. The difficulties in our lives can serve as a means of reminding us who is truly in control of all affairs, and how utterly feeble we are before the Divine Command.

One of the most challenging aspects of life is maintaining and sustaining healthy friendships. We spend a lifetime training to develop skills for the workforce; it’s time we explore what it means to be a good friend. This week, we begin a new series: “The Art of True Friendship.” We will explore the advice of Imam al-Ghazali on what it means to be a genuine friend to Allah and those around us.

The first benefit that Imam 'Izz Al-Din Ibn 'Abd Al-Salam outlines is attaining knowledge (ma’rifat) of Allah’s Lordship and Power. Difficulties have a way of humbling us and reminding us of our own weaknesses. And sometimes, it is just that humility that is needed for us to deepen our relationship with Allah.

In our final session of “Putting Life into Perspective,” we will continue our exploration of the final abode. We will discuss people’s experiences as they first enter paradise and meet their Lord. Tune in as we wrap up our series “Putting Life into Perspective,” a study of ‘The Lives of Man’ by Imam al-Haddad Recorded: Nov 22, 2024

One of the most common questions we ask ourselves regarding life is why difficulties and tribulations take place. What possible benefit could come out of us struggling and suffering through various events in life? To address these questions, a sixth-century Syrian scholar 'Izz Al-Din Ibn 'Abd Al-Salam penned a treatise outlining 17 benefits that we are blessed with by means of the tough times we g...

The last life explained by Imam al-Haddad is the eternal abode that one will ultimately end up in: paradise or the fire. This week, we study the details regarding these abodes mentioned in the Qur’an and the sayings of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Join us as we continue our series “Putting Life into Perspective,” a study of ‘The Lives of Man’ by Imam al-Haddad. Recorded: Nov 15, 2024

This week, we complete our study of “When Hearing Becomes Listening” with a review of the book, as well as a study of the last section. We will learn about what one stands to gain from developing the ability to listen deeply. Join us as we wrap up our series, a study of When Hearing Becomes Listening by Sheikh Mikaeel Smith. Recorded: Nov 13, 2024

Last week, our session centered around discussion of the Day of Judgement. We explored its names, the blowing of the Trumpet, the gathering in the Plain, and whose company we may be in on that Day. This week, we explore the subsequent stage of that day: the account given before Allah for all that we did in this life. Join us as we continue our series “Putting Life into Perspective,” a study of ‘Th...

This week, we discuss how deep listeners and empathic confidants are a means of great support and healing for others. One of a human’s greatest needs is to be heard, validated, and supported through their challenging times. Join us as we continue our series, a study of When Hearing Becomes Listening by Sheikh Mikaeel Smith. Doors open at 8:00 PM and talk starts at 8:30 PM. Bring a friend! Recorded...

The fourth life extends from the time when a person leaves his grave for the Resurrection and Gathering, until the moment when humanity enters the Garden or the Fire. During this period, humanity will experience resurrection, crossing the bridge, meeting at the fountain, and giving account before God. We continue our series “Putting Life into Perspective,” a study of ‘The Lives of Man’ by Imam al-...

One of the main benefits of learning to listen attentively is that we necessarily end up developing inner silence. We learn to listen to the noise within and the messages it contains. Accordingly, we are then able to interact with others in a much deeper and more meaningful way. We continue our series, a study of When Hearing Becomes Listening by Sheikh Mikaeel Smith Recorded: Oct 30, 2024

In trying to communicate effectively with others, one of the biggest obstacles can be the assumptions and expectations we carry into the conversation. We form assumptions as a heuristic to process information as efficiently as possible; but, in moments of low self-awareness, those same assumptions can be a means of great misunderstanding.

In this session, we will discuss the third of the lives of humans. The third life extends from the time a man leaves the dunya at death until the moment he rises from his grave at the blowing of the Horn. This is the Intermediate Realm [Barzakh]. Tune in as we continue our series “Putting Life into Perspective,” a study of ‘The Lives of Man’ by Imam al-Haddad. Recorded: Oct 18, 2024

Deep listening requires an open mind because the ultimate purpose behind listening is to gain a new understanding and new perspective even when we think we already know something. The problem is that suspending judgment and personal understanding, which is the quintessential element of listening for understanding, is rather uncomfortable. So we normally make a quick judgment to remove those feelin...

This week, we will continue our discussion on the time that we spend in this world. The various stages we go through in life correspond to the various needs we seek to fulfill. But while doing so, we must ensure that we do not lose sight of our ultimate purpose.

Sometimes, due to prolonged exposure to something, we become desensitized to it. Its effect on us weakens, and we no longer benefit from it the same way. At such times, a cleanse/detox from it is usually beneficial. Constant communication can be very much the same; we often need periods of silence to prepare ourselves for engagement with others. Silence offers us an opportunity to cultivate stilln...

The second life begins when one is delivered from one’s mother’s womb, and ends when one departs from the world until death. This, which is the middle of the lives, is also their purpose. It is the period when man is held accountable for (responding to) the divine injunctions and prohibitions, the consequences of which will be reward or punishment, endless happiness in the proximity of God, the Hi...