| Surah Al-Jumuah (62:1-11) (Aug 24, 2008) | Download | Shaykh Amin starts with a brief overview of the thinking that led the Prophet (S) and his companions to choose Friday as the day of congregation for Muslims. The Shaykh shares insight into the emphasis laid on the remembrance of death as a collective exercise for the believers, and on the purpose of the day of Jumuah as implied by the verses of this chapter. "When the khateeb is on the minbar, you must leave the duniya, collectively." |
| Surah Al-Saff (61:1-14) (Aug 17, 2008) | Download | The Shaykh begins with some background information citing the incident that evoked the revelation of this particular surah. A subtle perspective emerges as the Shaykh dismisses the seemingly obvious theme of 'practice what you preach' as not doing justice to the deeper meaning of the opening verses of this surah. The admonition is "Do not impose a burden upon yourself that you cannot carry". The ways of the people of Moses (AS) and the people of Jesus (AS) clarify this warning given to the believers. The surah closes with encouraging words to the believers to strive for Allah. |
| Surah Al-Mumtahinah (60:12-13) (June 15, 2008) | Download | Shaykh Amin concludes this chapter by sharing some insights and examples on the institution of baiy'ah (the oath of allegiance). The session ends with some words on the litmus test of belief in the Aakhirah. |
| Surah Al-Mumtahinah (60:7-11) (June 8,2008) | Download | 'Allah loves those who treat people kindly and justly'. This theme is at the heart of these verses. Shaykh Amin expands on these verses and clarifies the peaceful stance that Muslims ought to assume living in a non-Muslim Western society. This session has some very interesting insights from the Shaykh on social and political issues in Fiqh. |
| Surah Al-Mumtahinah (60:1-6) (June 1,2008) | Download | Shaykh Amin talks at length about the implications of the very first verse of this chapter. He explains the importance of keeping the Muslim community in check and ensuring it is not corrupted by subtle outside forces that can erode the essentials of the Faith. 'The Muslim family is more important than the tribal family.' |
| Surah Al-Hashr (59:15-24) (May 18,2008) | Download | In these verses, a parallel is drawn between the devil and the hypocrites. Shaykh Amin talks about the 'Hashr' - the groups that people belong to (believers, disbelievers and hypocrites) and how that grouping narrows down into the duality of Jannah and the fire. Reminders follow - 'the trigger for sinning is forgetting Allah...'. The chapter concludes with an analysis of how Allah's infinite generosity made it possible for Man to receive revelation, and even recite it. A fascinating tradition is related regarding the ultimate satisfaction derived by the believers who dwell in Jannah. |
| Surah Al-Hashr (59:10-14) (May 11,2008) | Download | The Shaykh dwells on the tenth verse of this surah, highlighting the importance of refraining from judging believers who preceded us, in particular, the Companions of the Prophet (SAWS). He goes on to derive a strikingly simple categorization of Muslims based on this verse. The session ends with a discussion of the attributes of the hypocrites in the context of the first few verses. |
| Surah Al-Hashr (59:1~9) (Apr 27,2008) | Download | The Shaykh begins this Surah with some background on the tribe of Banu Nadeer and their acts of treason that ultimately led to their exile. The economics of the distribution of wealth are discussed in the light of Verse 7 of this Surah. The Shaykh closes with a discussion of true piety within the context of wealth-distribution. |
| Surah Al-Mujadalah (58:14~22) (Apr 20,2008) | Download | In explaining these verses, the Shaykh discusses the conditions of those who abandon their religion for political gain. He goes on to mention the known attributes of the hypocrites. '...when you lose dhikr, the devil is now controlling your mind...' |
| Surah Al-Mujadalah (58:9~13) (Apr 13, 2008) | Download | Muslims do not conceal their faith or their intentions, and Muslim leadership is expected to have transparency. The Shaykh darws out the advice embedded in these verses for Muslims to be dynamic social beings who accomodate each other's needs. |
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