Dua Makarim Akhlaq is one the most beautiful Duaas what we have. It is actually a full program of self development in itself. If we read this carefully, it can guide us to realize and work towards developing true nobility of character.

This is from a live session, recorded in 2007.
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Laylatul Qadr is a night wherein Allah swt decides our “qadr” - He makes decisions regarding what to grant us to fulfill our full potential. One way to think about this is to consider that He is asking us to be co-creators in our own destiny by allowing us and inviting us to worship on this Grand Night and ask for what we need in order to live our purpose on this planet. This is a night which is filled with the opportunity to change the story of our lives.

While considering what to ask for (in addition to the health and safety of ourselves, our families and the Ummah) it is worth taking some time to reflect on our purpose in life, how we can fulfill it and what we need to get going. This important reflection will help us in beginning to take responsibility for our lives and become proactive in creating a life that is meaningful and fulfills the purpose for why we are here. It is only once we have a purpose that we can ask for meaning help in fulfilling it.

Here is a short exercise th...

Truth is the Night of Power,

hidden amid the other nights

so the soul may try each one.

Not all nights are the Night of Power,

yet all nights aren’t empty of it either.

• Rumi, Mathnawi II: 2935-2936

As we approach the blessed nights of vigil, contemplation and worship, let us turn inward to prepare so that we can be ready to soak in the full extent of the Mercy and Blessings of God on the Grand Night.

Here are some resources from the blog and podcast that may be useful as we begin to reflect on the magnitude of Laylatul Qadr.

Please feel free to share them via email or through social media.

Let us remember each other and our brothers in faith and humanity across the globe during these blessed moments.

With duas

Marzia

General introduction to the importance of Laylatul Qadr:

Lecture:

003:Reflections on Sura Qadr and Laylatul Qadr

http://marziahassan.libsyn.com/reflections-on-sura-qadr-and-laylatul-qadr

Preparation for Laylatul Qadr Interview on AhlulBayt TV

Basic ...

The lessons in detail (as well as podcast episodes of live lectures) can be found on this blog as well.

All the above infographics were designed by the talented folks at The Visual Age. Please like their Facebook Page! Thank you

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Continuing with our study of Sura Ankabut, the last three sections (verses 45 - 69) have many important injunctions and lessons, including that of Salaat, discussing points of difference, maintaining attention and travel. 

This is a recording from a live session in 2009

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Sura Ankabut (The Spider) is a very important Sura of the Holy Quran with lots of life lessons for us. It is highly recommended to recite this Sura on the Nights of Qadr

This is a recording from a live session in 2009

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Continuing our study of Sura Ankabut, in this session we discuss the benefits of travel in the path of God. We also discuss the meaning and implications of Allah as Aadil (Just). The metaphor of the spider's web and the lessons that we can learn from this are also covered in this session. 

This is a recording from a live session in 2009. 

Check out this episode!

Sura Dukhan is one of the suwer that we recite on the Nights of Qadr. In the beginning of the Sura, Allah swt talks about the Quran being revealed on a blessed night.

This is a recording of a live session from 2009.

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The Quran asks man to reflect on this question: "O man! What has beguiled you from your Lord, the Gracious One?" (Chapter 82:6)

Inspired by this question, lets reflect on the many things that distract us from the Path to Allah and from our main purpose in life, which is reaching our full potential. In fact, modern life is so full of distractions that it is hard for us to focus on anything at all. We seem to be running in all directions, having lost sight of what our true priorities are.

In this session, we talk about the distraction of MATERIALISM, how it distracts us, and why this is a problem.

We talk about 5 steps to start managing the distraction of materialism and get back on track to what will truly bring us the peace and happiness that we crave.

Here is the link to the slides/handout that accompanies this episode.
Check out this episode!

Suratul Ahzab is a very significant chapter of the Holy Quran and includes discussion on many social, political and domestic issues. It was revealed in fifth year of Hijra which was a critical year in the history of early Islam.

The Sura mentions the Battle of the Ditch (Khandaq) also called Battle of Ahzab, it gives us a clear psychological portrait of the hypocrites and compares that to the psychology of the believers.

In this Sura particularly, the love that Allah (swt) has for the Prophet (saw) is emphasized. We are reminded of his stature with Allah (swt) and with the Believers, how he is a role model for us, how he and his household is purified by Allah (swt) and how Allah (swt) and His angels send salutations on him, just as we are commanded to do. We are also reminded how we must not cause the Holy Prophet (saw) any hurt or even the slightest inconvenience.

Following are the links to the audio recordings of the discussions on this Sura.

Part 1: Verses 1 – 8

The Sura sta...