Five Traits of Hypocrisy: A Commentary on the Prophetic ﷺ Ḥadīth
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 14th February 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/8btJV4hutIg

Various traits of hypocrisy are understood at face value. However, many of these traits stem deeper than their outward appearance. This talk aims to explore the roots of these traits and what believers should do to avoid them.

The talk starts by enumerating five traits of hypocrisy from two main ḥadīth on the topic. Lying, being the first of the traits of hypocrisy, is placed in the wider context of the person being false of character – of which speech is just a part. This, as opposed to ṣidq, which denotes the person being true, something praised in several verses of the Qur’ān. It is shown how lying can cause a person's character to become false and the consequences of lying are described as being destructive. This includes destroying relationships, barakah and reducing ones blessings in trade. Worldly gain from lying is said to be short-term but with a graphic punishment described for it in the hereafter.

Falsehood is also identified as being the basis from which the remaining four traits of hypocrisy stem. When discussing these traits, differentiation is made between promises and pledges; the breaking of each forming a separate trait. The trait of betrayal of trust is described to include both material as well as non-material trusts, such as private conversations.

The last trait described is that of sinning in disputes. Disagreement is explained to be unavoidable, the importance being to disagree honourably; by not being foul-mouthed nor extending the disagreement to other things and people.

Find out in this talk how various traits of hypocrisy are mentioned in the Qurān and aḥādīth.

Below are some of the topics in this talk:
- Two main ḥadīth on traits of hypocrisy
- Religion is Naṣīḥah
- Meaning of aḥzāb and the Siege of Madīnah
- Meaning of kadhib (Lying)
- The Story of Masjid al-Ḍirār
- Destructive Nature of Lying
- Truth Being Profitable in the Long Term
- Saḥābah Narrating Dreams to the Prophet ﷺ

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Five Traits of Hypocrisy - A Commentary on the Prophetic ﷺ Ḥadīth

Gratitude Part 1
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 9th October 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/iyCUFViNH5o

Gratitude can be shown in every part of our daily life; from the food we eat, to the health and wealth that Allah has blessed us with. This two-part series explores a variety of blessings we should be grateful for, how to express gratitude and the dangers of ingratitude.

This talk begins with the connection between ingratitude and disbelief and how these are explained with examples from the Quran. Ingratitude towards other people and the origin of the word 'kufr' are explained in this context.

The talk also emphasises our many blessings, including the gift of life itself, and how well-off we are compared to many others. Gratitude is explained to be part of a healthy lifestyle also by worldly practitioners; having a positive impact on one's mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. The negative consequences of ingratitude, such as envy, are contrasted to this. 

Gratitude and patience are mentioned to be two sides of the same coin; giving the same reward which can be utilised in all the situations of a believer. In the end of the talk, guidance (hidāyah) is put forth as being the greatest gift of all.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:

- Connection between ingratitude and disbelief
- The meaning of 'kufr'
- Grateful for the gift of life
- Gratitude being a healthy lifestyle
- The gift of time
- Positive effects of shukr

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Gratitude

Gratitude Part 1

Gratitude Part 2
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 30th October 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/HHNTt61nhwY

Gratitude can be shown in every part of our daily life; from the food we eat, to the health and wealth that Allah has blessed us with. This two-part series explores a variety of blessings we should be grateful for, how to express gratitude and the dangers of ingratitude.

This talk starts by emphasising our fundamental blessings such as food and health and how one should not equate their differing degrees of blessings to their own good deeds, or lack thereof. Rather both Allah's giving and withholding are a test and thus two sides of the same coin. Also, being tested in mental health should be seen without stigma, in the same way as when a person is tested in physical health. 

Ahadith and verses of the Quran are quoted to show pious individuals being grateful to Allah for their good deeds rather than ascribing them to themselves. A sense of satisfaction for ones deeds is described as being different from having impermissible pride over them.

Gratefulness is also connected to other positive spiritual traits – sabr and contentment – whilst ingratitude is said to go hand-in-hand with stinginess.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:

- Blessing of food
- The blessing of our eyes
- Speech impediment of Musa a.s
- How can we be grateful?
- Grateful for our good deeds
- The truthfulness of Ka'b ibn Malik
- Connection of ingratitude and stinginess
- Worldly benefits of gratitude

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Gratitude Part 2

Ungrateful to the Creation: Ungrateful to the Creator
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 6th November 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/Ba_1Gnt-ipA

Gratitude is an important part of our lives which should not only be shown to the Creator, but also to the creation. Many aḥādīth emphasise the need to express gratitude towards others and how this can be done is explained in this talk.

The first step is identified as expressing verbal gratitude and making du’ā’ for the person. But even before that, it is emphasized that we must develop the ability to recognize favours in the first place. This is because ingratitude, and the selfishness it stems from, is part of human nature. A number of verses of the Qur’ān are cited to show this ingratitude, as well as real life examples of human self-entitlement, even in religious matters. All of this occurs despite being recipients of other people’s favours.

Simple deeds such as smiling and pouring water from a jug are mentioned as acts of charity and how these can be a form of gratitude themselves.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:

- Importance of gratitude towards creation
- How “JazākAllāhu khayrā” is different from “Thank you”
- Ingratitude and self-entitlement towards one's parents
- Selfishness in religion
- Stories of ingratitude 
- Smiling being an act of charity
- Selflessness of animals
- All of us are recipients of favours

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Ungrateful to the Creation: Ungrateful to the Creator

The Prophet's ﷺ Gratitude
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 4th December 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/MYUhLiZhE2I

The Prophet ﷺ was a leading example when showing gratitude towards the creation and the Creator. Many du'ā uttered by the Prophet ﷺ include words of gratitude to Allāh and he would often pray excessively for those who carried out favours for him.

This talk starts by establishing that it is a command of Allāh that we acknowledge Him and that gratitude is a manifestation of that acknowledgement. It shows how previous prophets showed gratitude and how the Prophet ﷺ was told to follow in their footsteps. The Prophet's ﷺ gratitude to Allāh is shown by his ‘ibādah, the wording of his du'ā and his dhikr, all of which are mentioned to be connected to gratitude.

Thereafter the gratitude of the Prophet ﷺ to the creation is mentioned, including his genuine generosity. Several examples show how the Prophet ﷺ showed gratitude to the ṣaḥābah and even non-Muslims and enemies for kind actions. The talk emphasises the need to reciprocate favours of other humans, even if by making du'ā' for them.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- Worship of Allāh connected to shukr
- Du'ā beginning with the praise of Allāh
- The Prophet's ﷺ habit of sleeping
- Irrational fear of poverty
- Sincere du'ā for others
- The Prophet's ﷺ du'ā for others
- Gratitude towards non-Muslims
- Description of the Prophet ﷺ in earlier scriptures

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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The Prophet's ﷺ Gratitude

Religion is Naṣīḥah Part 1
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 15th January 2021 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/rP049YNdlQE

The famous ḥadīth of Tamīm al-Dārī is often translated as, "Religion is advice." However, there is more to the meaning of these words than a simple translation. What exactly is 'naṣīḥah' and how can it be applied to Allāh, His Prophet ﷺ and the believers?

This talk details the word naṣīhah beyond its common, but partial translation of 'advice'. The word 'nuṣḥ' is explained; including its meaning of extracting pure honey, and several verses in the Qurān containing derivatives of the word are mentioned. Previous prophets, including the Prophet ﷺ exercised nuṣḥ in all conditions and examples of these are explained in this talk.

Thereafter the talk explains 'naṣīḥah to Allāh' and how it entails placing Allāh above all else and not being in a deceitful relationship with Him. The sincere believers who remained behind at the battle of Tabūk are mentioned as positive examples. Furthermore, our duties to Allāh’s book are said to be similar to the Prophet’s ﷺ duties as mentioned in Surat al-Jumu’ah. 

Towards the end of the talk, five of our duties to the Prophet ﷺ are extracted from verses of the Qurān. Naṣīḥah to the Muslims leaders and laity is also mentioned, but very briefly.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- The ḥadīth of Tamīm al-Dārī about naṣīḥah
- Meaning of naṣīḥah
- The Prophets having nusḥ for their nations 
- Antonyms of naṣīḥah
- Naṣīḥah for Allāh
- Background of naṣīḥah in Sūrat al-Tawbah
- Our duty to the book of Allāh
- Our duty to the Prophet ﷺ
- Naṣīḥah for other believers

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Religion is Naṣīhah

Religion is Naṣīhah Part 1

Religion is Naṣīḥah Part 2
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 12th February 2021 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/aXczi-glDVE

The famous ḥadīth of Tamīm al-Dārī is often translated as, "Religion is advice." However, there is more to the meaning of these words than a simple translation. What exactly is 'naṣīḥah' and how can it be applied to Allāh, His Prophet ﷺ and the believers?

This talk continues from the first part of the series and focuses on the latter part of the ḥadīth of Tamīm al-Dārī, especially regarding showing naṣīḥah to the leaders and laity alike. An understanding is presented on how naṣīḥah should be shown to the leaders and why it is so important. This is supported by a number of aḥādīth.

The talk then briefly explains the philosophy of wealth in Islām and how a believer should generate and spend their own wealth. Wishing well for others and being sincere to them are part of the rights every Muslim should carry out. A stellar example of this is how Jarīr ibn ʿAbdullāh al-Bajalī was sincere in his belief and would always want what’s best for others.

The talk concludes by explaining how voluntary work is good for a person and how it should also serve as a reminder for the believers for them to be thankful for the blessings of Allāh.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- A brief history of Kūfah
- The khuṭbah of Jarīr ibn ʿAbdullāh al-Bajalī in Kūfah
- Naṣīḥah for the leaders and the laity
- Generating wealth for oneself & the 3 philosophies of wealth in Islām
- Etiquette of asking questions
- Three things that purify the heart
- Jarīr ibn ʿAbdullāh al-Bajalī giving bayʿah to the Prophet ﷺ
- Being genuine to all believers
- Finding joy in serving others

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Religion is Naṣīhah Part 2

Seeking Advice (Naṣīḥah)
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 19th February 2021 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/Nqh9fySBJkc

We seek advice in order to help us make informed decisions. What are the qualities and characteristics we should look for when choosing someone to take advice from?

A good advice giver is said to encompass the wider meaning of nasihah; including being a sincere well-wisher. He should be like the one whom one can narrate dreams to, identified in the hadith as being a 'beloved' or 'intelligent' person. On the other hand, caution is given against taking advice from friends. These friends, often giving dismissive advice, or even playing out their own fancies in their advices.

As for the seeker of advice, he should be sincere; having an open mind and a clear objective with his consultation. The talk furthermore identifies istikharah as being a dua seeking good from Allah and that this should be done at the side of istisharah from the creation. Istikharah is said to be different from superstitious pre-Islamic practises and void of seeking dreams etc.

Towards the end of the talk, the three A’s for dealing with situations (amend, accept and abandon) are expounded upon.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- Who to seek advice from and the definition of a ḥabīb and labīb
- Problems caused by wrong advice
- Superstitions before Islam
- How to ensure sincerity when seeking advice
- Acting on the advice of friends
- The method of istikhārah
- Importance of taking naṣīḥah from the people of naṣīḥah
- The 3 A's (Amend, Abandon, Accept)

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Seeking Advice (Naṣīḥah)

Giving Advice (Naṣīḥah)
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 26th February 2021 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/h3oujjEyuz8

We are often presented with the opportunity to give advice to others. How and when we give this advice is vital as it may be considered unsolicited by the receiving party. This topic falls under the wider meaning of "al-dīn al-naṣīḥah". 

Two types of advice to others are identified: solicited and unsolicited. Regarding the first type, it is deemed an obligation to respond to a request for advice without wriggling out of it. Aḥādīth that enumerate the rights of a Muslim over another are quoted for this reason and expounded on. The exception on giving advice is when the person fears insincerity or lack of wisdom in his advice, in which case it is better to decline.

The importance of sincerity is even more emphasized for unsolicited advice. Positive examples of unsolicited advice are mentioned to be that of the prophets of Allah and Jarīr ibn Abdullah r.a. The importance of advising with knowledge and softness as well as being respectful of other opinions is mentioned.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- Solicited advice and unsolicited advice
- Instruction to give advice and not to avoid the responsibility of giving advice
- Sincerity in giving advice and qualities of the advice giver
- Jarīr ibn Abdullah r.a. giving unsolicited advice
- Importance of knowledge when giving advice
- Manner of giving advice

*This talk took place during the coronavirus pandemic and the Academy was not open to the public.*

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Giving Advice (Naṣīḥah)

al-Bukhārī Completion Ceremony 2022
Final speech delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 30th September 2022 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/xnI7rT9LoIU

Al Kawthar Academy hosts its al-Bukhārī completion ceremony to commemorate graduation from the seven-year intensive ʿĀlimiyyah course.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- Reason for being called a 'Bukhārī' graduation
- The technicality of Ṣaḥīh al-Bukhārī
- Being selective about the verses of the Quran
- The ultimate goal of the Quran
- The first ḥadīth of al-Bukhārī and the final chapter
- Misunderstandings in religion
- The sacrifices of our ʿulamā
- The fame and end of Imām Bukhārī
- Recitation of the final ḥadīth and dua

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al-Bukhārī Completion Ceremony 2022

Humility Before the Almighty - Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on 15th November 2015 at Al Kawthar Academy (Leicester)

Video: https://youtu.be/YChsNmiSIZs

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Humility Before the Almighty

Al Kawthar Academy was established under the guidance of Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq to cater for the religious, spiritual and educational needs of English speaking Muslims. Its endeavour is to become a reliable reference and a valuable resource of authentic Islamic material in various media.

For more information visit our website: www.akacademy.org

Humility Before the Almighty

Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq

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