Given how much we hear through sermons and lectures, not many of us lack information about what needs to be done. In months like Muharram and Ramadan, we get really inspired through the mimbar. These months are like a spiritual re-boot for us in that we are invited to pause from our regular lives and reflect on the big picture. We are invited to ponder about the big questions in life and ask ourselves whether the direction we are heading is likely to lead to ultimate success and happiness. We are given the opportunity to change tracks or adjust our direction so that we can follow a path which will result in ultimate success.

(Note: this post consists of the speaking notes for Lecture 1 of the Nobility of Character Series. The audio file is also posted and may be helpful to hear while you go through the notes)

Listening to and getting inspired through lectures and sermons is obviously the first (and important) step to making meaningful changes in our lives because it leads to awaren...

In this episode we talk about the arguments used by the Quraish to disbelive in the message of the Quran

This episode is part of a longer live traiing on practicing forgiveness. In this section, we explore the cost of holding onto resentments and discuss how and why we form grievances. Once we recognize how holding onto resentments robs us of joy and saps our energy, we can begin the process of healing ourselves from the poison of resentment.

Leading up to Ramadaan, I will inshallah try and upload some sessions on self development. Here is one from a live session in 2009. It introduces the concept of self knowledge and briefly covers the steps to getting to know ourselves

Do you find that your temper gets in the way of maintaining good family relationships? Do you find yourself focusing on the challenging aspects of other's personalities? Here are some suggestions to manage anger so that it does not get in the way of great family relationships.

Many of us struggle to focus and maintain concentration when we pray. Sometimes it seems that the harder we try to focus, the more difficult it appears. This session is the recording from a live session from 2007, where we explore the issue of concentration in salaat and discuss various strategies to improve focus.

In the final session on Sura Saba, we discuss accountability and summarize the message of the Sura.

Continuing our study of Chapter 34, Sura Saba. In this episode, we discuss how arrogance, power and materialism caused the Meccans to disbelieve in the message of the Quran.

What does it mean to say that Allah swt will bring small acts of goodness to light?
What are the worldly benefits of doing small acts of kindness?
How can we practice doing small acts of kindness every day?