October 24, 2024
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Weekend Retreat | On Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil
Weekend Retreat | On Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil, a study of Book 19 of Imam al-Ghazali’s masterpiece Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din (Revival of the Religious Sciences).
The Weekend Retreats have become a cornerstone of Al-Maqasid programming, focusing on Imam Al-Ghazali's seminal work, Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn. Over 350 attendees joined us at Al-Maqasid for the On Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil retreat mashAllah. May Allah bless all of our teachers and students.
Jazakum Allah Khayr to all our guests who came from near and far, who came in person or connected online. May Allah accept all that you intended, all of your efforts in seeking knowledge, and help put into practice all that you've learned to benefit your families, your loved ones, and communities.
If you missed any part of the sessions or wish to review the lessons, please feel free to bookmark and share the playlist from this retreat at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMcp7trDZKJyIJTl3yuG812D_9Ia0afzV
NEW CLASSES
Intermediate ‘Aqida: A Study of Jawhara al-Tawḥīd with Shaykh Yahya Rhodus
We are excited to announce Al-Maqasid's new weekly ‘Aqida class. This class explores intermediate Islamic beliefs through a close study of Imam Laqqani’s Jawhara al-Tawhid — a poem that covers mainstream Islamic beliefs about Allah Most High, His Messengers (peace be upon them), and the Hereafter. Imam Laqqani’s poem has been broadly accepted by the scholarly community as a summary work representative of mainstream Islamic beliefs. In the hundreds of years that have passed since its authorship, this work has attracted dozens of commentaries and super-commentaries.
WHEN:
Sundays 7:15pm - 8:00pm
WHERE:
In-person - (Al-Maqasid - Attic)
7386 Alburtis Road, Macungie, PA, 18062
Online - Watch Live - Via Zoom
TO REGISTER FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPkCS0EylLKtTIv7LFebHrfnf2aH7hIJAefSyMDgNoSdcKrA/viewform
Elementary Shafi’i Fiqh: A Study of The Ladder of Success with Shaykh Auzair Khilwati
We are excited to announce Al-Maqasid's new weekly Shafi’i Fiqh class. In this elementary fiqh class, we will be studying the book Sullam Al-Tawfiq (translated by Shaykh Musa Furber as The Ladder to Success) written by the great scholar and caller to Allah, Al-Habib Abdullah bin Hussayn bin Tahir, who wrote the book specifically for the average Muslim to study and learn what is obligatory for him to know (fard ayn). The student will be given an excellent introduction into practical adherence to the Shafi’i school in one’s daily life and build a solid foundation to live their life according to the Sunna of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and continue studying this religion in English if they choose to do so. Instruction will be in English and the translation written by Shaykh Musa Furber will be the one used.
WHEN:
Sundays 4:00pm - 5:00pm
WHERE:
Al-Maqasid - Khayrat Classroom (upstairs)
7386 Alburtis Road, Macungie, PA, 18062
Online: Live stream (public via Youtube)
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
InshaAllah the next session of "Wayfarers to God - A Sisters Series on Suluk" will take place this Saturday, October 26th from 11-1 pm with Sayyida Nejma Davis at Al-Maqasid in the Green Barn.
'Wayfarers to God: A Sister’s Series on Suluk' by Habib Ali Al-Jifri, facilitated by Sayyida Nejma Davis, serves as a comprehensive guide for all those on a journey of Spiritual Wayfaring or Suluk. Rooted in principles of self-reflection and sincere effort, this lecture series gently navigates the intricacies of understanding the nafs (ego) and the detrimental impact it can have. Habib Ali Al-Jifri sheds light on the path to liberating oneself from the nafs, delving into the exploration of base desires, evil inclinations, and diseases of the heart. His approach resonates deeply, permeating the soul and igniting a call to action.
This is a ladies (16+) only class.
Al-Maqasid's weekly lecture series will cover topics that are essential to every Muslim's religious literacy. We welcome you to join us as our faculty members offer engaging lectures on crucial topics such as the way sacred knowledge was preserved, the importance of infusing spirituality into environments of learning, and what a principled engagement would look like in our context today. Each lecture will be approximately 45 minutes long, allowing ample time for questions and discussion.
Sunday, October 27 6:10 PM - 7:15 PM
MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Truly, in the body, there is a piece of flesh which, if it is sound, the whole body is sound; and if it is corrupted, the whole body is corrupted. Truly, it is the heart.” (Sahih Bukhari)
To protect our heart, we must feed it with the remembrance of Allah.
Allah reminds us in the Quran:
أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ | Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort (Quran 13:28)
“One of the silver linings of difficult times is that everything you do makes a difference”
Stay connected with us on social media!
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.
Tasting the Sweetness of Faith - Yahya Rhodus
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"There are three qualities that whoever possesses will taste the sweetness of faith: to love Allah and His Messenger more than anyone else, to love someone for Allah’s sake alone, and to hate falling into disbelief as much as one would hate being cast into the fire."
(Narrated in Bukhari & Muslim)
These qualities—the love of Allah and His Messenger above all, loving for the sake of Allah, and the deep revulsion for disbelief—are not separate from the state of those true lovers. Rather, they are intertwined with their deep yearning for the Prophet ﷺ, who leads them to the highest station of faith, where the sweetness of belief becomes a reality felt in the heart.
To love for Allah and His Messenger is to walk the path of the Prophet ﷺ, whose life, actions, and love embody the sweetness of faith itself. May we strive to be among those who, through devotion and sincerity, taste this sweetness and find tranquility in their hearts.
The Prophet's Concern for Us – Amjad Tarsin
Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, sent us a Prophet whose love and concern for humanity surpasses our imagination. As Allah says in the Qur'an:
لَقَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولٌۭ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
"There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. He is concerned by your suffering, anxious for your well-being, and gracious and merciful to the believers." (Sura At-Tawbah, 9:128)
This verse encapsulates the deep compassion and care that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had for his Umma. His heart ﷺ was moved by the hardships and challenges faced by those around him, and his life was devoted to easing their pain, guiding them to salvation, and bringing them closer to their Creator.
The Benefit of the Jama’a – Dr. Asad Tarsin
In medicine, there is a concept known as herd immunity: when the majority of people in a community are healthy, even those who are sick or vulnerable can be protected by the overall health of the group. This concept highlights the profound influence that the state of a community can have on individuals within it.
Similarly, in our spiritual lives, the company we keep plays a crucial role in our well-being. Being in the presence of the righteous has an uplifting and protective effect on our hearts and souls. Just as physical health can be shared, so too can the light of faith and goodness be transmitted through proximity to those who embody these qualities.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of good companionship. He said, “The example of a good companion in comparison with a bad one is like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith; from the first, you would either buy musk or enjoy its good smell, while the blacksmith would either burn your clothes or your house, or you would be exposed to a foul odor.”
When we surround ourselves with people who remind us of Allah, who embody noble character and strive toward piety, their presence has the power to inspire and uplift us, even when we struggle spiritually. Their steadfastness in prayer, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and good deeds serve as a source of encouragement for us to do the same, offering us a sense of spiritual "immunity" in difficult times.
Honoring the Best of Creation – Atiba Jones
"One of the most important things that we can do is show gratitude."
One of the greatest ways we can show gratitude is by honoring the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Though we can never reach his exalted station, we are called to follow his example.
The Prophet ﷺ often emphasized that the best of people are those who treat others well. He said, “The best of you are those who are best to their families” and “The best of you are those who are most beneficial to others.” This highlights that true honor is not just in worship but in how we interact with others—treating them with respect, compassion, and forgiveness.
Though we can never fully mirror his character, every effort to do so brings us closer to Allah. Sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, practicing his teachings, and embodying his noble character are ways we show our love and gratitude for him. Through these actions, we honor the best of creation and express our thanks for the mercy he brought to us all.
Forgiving People - Amir Felton
"We are living in a time where people’s moral code is constantly under attack."
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ instilled in the hearts of his followers a deep sense of mercy and compassion for one another. He taught that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, but rather a reflection of moral strength and spiritual maturity. In a world increasingly characterized by division and harshness, we are reminded that the prophetic model calls for patience, understanding, and a readiness to pardon others.
The Prophet ﷺ himself embodied these qualities, forgiving even those who wronged him most, and encouraging us to uphold mercy as a foundational principle in all our interactions. Through his teachings, we learn that forgiveness is a way to heal both ourselves and our communities, fostering an environment where love and mutual respect can thrive despite the challenges we face.
JUMU’A KHUTBA
The weekly Jumu'a, or Friday, Congregational prayer is live streamed from Al-Maqasid from 12:15pm-1:10pm.
Entering Paradise by Fulling Obligations: Hadith 22 - Amjad Tarsin
“In order to fulfill these devotions, it’s not complicated. But we need to know what Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, wants from us.”
Hadith 22 states in the Forty Hadith of Imam Nawawi:
A man questioned the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said: "Do you think that if I perform the obligatory prayers, fast in Ramadan, treat as lawful that which is halal, and treat as forbidden that which is haram, and do not increase upon that [in voluntary good deeds], then I shall enter Paradise?" He (peace be upon him) replied, "Yes." [Muslim]
In this khuba, Amjad Tarsin discusses this blessed hadith and explains, among other things, why it demonstrates Allah's immense mercy to His creation and why obligatory acts are so crucial to one’s deen. Amjad also identifies the Companion, radiallahu anhu, who asked our beloved Messenger ﷺ this most beneficial question and relates what happened to him afterwards.
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 Seminary Rawha takes place Monday and Wednesday evenings
RAWHA
The Rawha takes place every Tuesday at 7:00pm EST. During the Rawha, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus will be covering the Hikam (Aphorisms) of Imam Ibn 'Ata'illah al-Iskandari.
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