FEATURED

We are delighted to announce that the Al-Maqasid Annual Benefit Dinner will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

This special evening will be an opportunity to reflect on the milestones we’ve achieved together, be inspired by heartfelt talks, and enjoy uplifting performances.

Please save the date! Registration details will be shared shortly InshAllah.

We are honored to announce that Ustadha Badriyya Tahhan will be visiting the Al-Maqasid community from the UK. She will join the sisters of our community for two special gatherings, inshaAllah.

On Friday, January 10th, Ustadha Badriyya will join our weekly Ladies’ Burda at 3 PM. After the recitation, she will share uplifting words of wisdom with the sisters in attendance.

On Saturday, January 11th we will gather for the Hadhra Ihda ‘Ishriya of Sayida Khadijah, followed by a lecture by Ustadha Badriyya and a potluck dinner. This blessed gathering is a beautiful opportunity for dhikr, reflection, and sharing a meal together as a community.

We warmly invite all sisters to join us for these meaningful events and benefit from Ustadha Badriyya’s presence and teachings.

Please sign up to contribute to the sisters potluck by clicking the button below.

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS

January 10th | "The Heart's Elixir" Lecture with Amjad Tarsin | Friday Program at NYU

Date: Friday, January 10th
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: IC Prayer Room 472

In times of dissonance, many seek guidance and solace. The soul, which originates from the heavenly realm, longs for meaning and a deeper connection with God, the Exalted. As the Quran reminds us, "Indeed, in the remembrance of God do hearts find peace." [Quran 13:28] This monthly gathering, led by Amjad Tarsin and Sh. Yahya Rhodus, combines the remembrance of Allah (dhikr) with a study of The Book of Assistance, a foundational text in Islamic spirituality written by the esteemed Imam 'Abd-Allah al-Ḥaddad. The aim is to nourish the heart through remembrance and enrich the mind with sacred knowledge, fostering both spiritual growth and inner peace.

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Heart to Heart

The next Heart to Heart will be on Sunday, January 12th in The Green Barn at 10:30 AM.

Heart to Heart is a monthly discussion over coffee and brunch. We seek to come together as a community and discuss topics related to Islamic spirituality.

Our discussions are centered around the book ‘The Path of the Worshipful Servants' by Imam al-Ghazali, which is a unique book that discusses the ways to overcome the obstacles on the spiritual path.

For parents with young children, we kindly urge you to include your blessed children only if they can sit quietly next to you.

If you would like to contribute to the potluck please sign up by clicking the button below:

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MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

The Maidservant Who Attained the Greatest Honour

Narrated by Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

While on his Night Journey, the Prophet ﷺ smelt a beautiful scent. Jibril told him that this was the scent of the maidservant of the daughter of Fir`awn. She was someone who believed in Allah and loved Him. She was not affected or deluded by the manifestations of wealth and power that she witnessed while living in the palace of Fir`awn.

One day when she was combing Fir`awn’s daughter’s hair, she accidentally dropped the comb.

She said: “In Allah’s name (bismillah).”

Fir`awn’s daughter said: “Who is Allah? Do you have a lord other than my father?”

She replied:“Allah is my Lord, your Lord, your father’s Lord and the Lord of all people.”

Fir`awn’s daughter told her father what the maidservant had said. Fir`awn summoned her and asked her:“Do you have a lord other than me?”

She replied: “Allah is my Lord, your Lord and the Lord of all things.”

Fir`awn said: “If you do not renounce your faith I will punish you and kill you.”

She remained firm and said:“Do what you wish.”

She remained firm in the front of the worst of tyrants. How many people in our times are shaken by the smallest thing?

A cauldron of boiling oil was brought and they cast her first child into it and then her second. She was breast-feeding her third child and out of mercy for the child she tried to stop herself being thrown into the cauldron.

Her child stopped feeding and said to her: “Remain firm, because you are on the right path!”

Then they were both cast into the cauldron. She immediately attained the grace, bounty, forgiveness and generosity of Allah. She reached such a high station that the Best of Creation ﷺ smelt her scent on the best of nights, the night of the Isra’ and Mi`raj. Allah wished to manifest the station of this great woman who truthfully sought Allah and remained firm in her faith.

May Allah make us firm!

Via Muwasala - https://muwasala.org/2015/05/15/the-maidservant-who-attained-the-greatest-honour/#more-2993

When we connect to the Prophet ﷺ, we connect to the ultimate source of healing—his guidance and mercy are a cure for what ails the soul.

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LOVING THE BELOVED ﷺ

This weekly Majlis includes a recitation of the prophetic biography in poetry form followed by a counsel intended to connect the listener to the Prophet ﷺ and his teachings. The more we know about his life, character, and way, the more we will come to love and follow the one beloved to Allah.

Readying the Heart for Ramadan - Auzair Khilwati

As the sacred month of Ramadan approaches, believers are reminded to prepare spiritually and rid themselves of the burdens of past transgressions. This preparation is likened to clearing a path for the blessings to come, ensuring our hearts are ready to fully embrace the mercy and opportunities of the holy month.

Allah says in the Quran: “O you who have believed, shall I guide you to a transaction that will save you from a painful punishment? You believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is best for you if you should know. He will forgive you your sins and admit you to gardens beneath which rivers flow and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence. That is the great attainment.” (Surah As-Saff, 61:10-12).

This verse reminds us of the divine promise: forgiveness, freedom from tribulations, and entry into Paradise for those who act righteously and remain steadfast in faith. Just as we meticulously prepare for significant worldly events, we should dedicate time and effort to spiritually preparing for Ramadan. This includes acts of worship, seeking forgiveness, and reconnecting with Allah through sincerity and devotion.

Cleansing the Heart Through Forgiveness - Omar Amir

As we prepare for the blessed month of Ramadan, the months of Rajab and Sha’ban serve as a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. This talk highlights the importance of self-accountability, as taught by Sayyiduna Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him): "Take account of yourselves before you are taken to account." It emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness, drawing inspiration from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who endured immense harm yet exemplified forgiveness with his words, "No blame will there be upon you today; may Allah forgive you" (Sura Yusuf, 12:92).

Forgiving others is a profound test of the heart, yet it is essential for achieving inner peace. The speaker encourages us to begin this journey by reaching out to those with whom relationships have strained, asking for forgiveness with humility and sincerity. As Allah is Al-‘Afuw (The Pardoner), we too should strive to emulate this divine attribute.

Persevering Through Hardships - Magan Isa Hoday | Seminary Student

Life’s trials are not without purpose; they are tests that refine and strengthen our faith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reminds us, “Hellfire is surrounded by desires, and Paradise is surrounded by hardships” (Sahih Muslim). This profound hadith teaches us that enduring challenges with patience and perseverance is a path to eternal success.

The Qur’an reassures us with the promise, “Indeed, with hardship comes ease” (Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:6). In moments of difficulty, our sincerity and trust in Allah are put to the test. By maintaining a good opinion of Allah both in ease and in hardship, we affirm our faith and draw closer to Him.

The Path of Mercy and Hope - Abu Bakr Rhodus | Seminary Student

Reflecting on the wisdom of Shaykh Abdul Qadir Al-Jilani, this talk emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah’s mercy and maintaining hope, even in moments of weakness. It reminds us of Allah’s profound assurance in the Quran: “Do not despair of the mercy of Allah” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:53). Despite our human frailties, the door to Allah’s forgiveness and mercy remains open.

Gratitude and Humility - Hasan Us'Sutteri | Seminary Student

Servitude to Allah reminds us of our dependence on His mercy and generosity. Even if a person were saved from Hellfire and given the smallest place in Paradise, it would be an unimaginable gift. The story of the man who was removed from Hellfire and granted Paradise shows the vastness of Allah’s mercy, as reflected in His words: “My mercy encompasses all things” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:156).

The Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ describes how Allah will ask the last person to enter Paradise, “Would you not be pleased if you had the equivalent of the world and as much again?” (Sahih Muslim). This teaches the importance of humility and gratitude for Allah’s blessings, which are far greater than we can ever comprehend.

As Ramadan approaches, reflecting on Allah’s mercy inspires hope and a sense of deep gratitude. Recognizing that even the smallest blessings are beyond what we deserve encourages humility and reliance on Allah’s boundless kindness.

JUMU’A KHUTBA

The weekly Jumu'a, or Friday, Congregational prayer is live streamed from Al-Maqasid from 12:15pm-1:10pm.

Taqwa of the Blessed Times of the Year - Auzair Khilwati

“Being cognizant of the various times of Allah Ta’ala is extremely important for the Muslim; it is extremely important for the Muslim who wants to live his or her life in complete unison with the Sunna of the Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wa sallam.”

There are specific times of the year when acts of worship are worth more than when they are performed outside of that time. In this khutba, Auzair Khilwati explains the importance of knowing when these times are and discusses in particular the blessings distinctive to the Holy Month of Rajab.

Seminary Rawha

Linguistically related to the spirit (ruh), the Rawha is a class centered around Islamic spirituality. It explores the text-based tradition that outlines the spiritual path and aims to inspire seekers to both embark upon it and attain its realities.

The Blessed Names of the Prophet ﷺ

The many blessed names of the Prophet ﷺ point to his exalted rank and nobility ﷺ. In these sessions, we will study Shaykh Idris Watts’s translation titled, the Heavenly Guide to the Beacon of Pure Light, which is a commentary on the blessed names of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Imam al-Jazūlī’s Dalā’il al-Khayrāt.

Lesson (6) His Blessed Names “Māḥin (Effacer),” and “Ḥāshir (Gatherer)” ﷺ

Lesson (7) His Blessed Names “Āqib (Last in Succession)” and “Tāhā” ﷺ

Al-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyya
(Muhammadan Characteristics)

Studying the prophetic characteristics increase us in knowledge and thus love of the Best of Creation صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم. In these lessons we will cover the blessed work of Imam al-Tirmidhi titled, Al-Shamā’il Al-Muḥammadiyya (Muhammadan Characterstics).

Lesson (6) Al-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyya: Chapter 1 | Hadith 8 (Part 1)

Lesson (7) Al-Shama’il Al-Muhammadiyya Chapter 1 | Hadith 8 (Part 2)