Heeding Admonition Part 2 of 3
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 20th January 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/Px5_0raCe8U

This talk revolves around the importance of genuinely engaging with religious teaching and taking personal responsibility for one’s spiritual growth and understanding. The talk emphasizes that merely attending lectures, reading, or listening is not sufficient for real transformation. To fully benefit from the guidance of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, one must cultivate a sincere intention, acknowledge personal responsibility, and actively engage with the material in a focused and respectful manner. It is also crucial to maintain humility and seek knowledge from learned individuals while being attentive and present during teachings.

The talk shares anecdotes from Islamic history, describing how the companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified respect and dedication towards learning from their teachers. They approached knowledge not as a mere academic endeavour but as a heartfelt connection with their teachers. Emphasizing the necessity to avoid following one's desires, the speaker argues that true guidance requires striving against inner impulses that detract from absorbing religious teachings.

The talk concludes with a reminder for the audience to seek constant improvement, urging them to act on what they learn and to turn to Allah for assistance in their spiritual journeys.

Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk:
- Advice on attending religious talks
- Example of respect in a gathering
- Humility & respect when seeking knowledge
- Parting advice from a respected scholar
- Acting on beneficial knowledge immediately
- Avoid following desires
- Turning to Allah (inābah) & examples of the sahabah

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Heeding Admonition Part 2

Heeding Admonition Part 3 of 3
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 27th January 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/3g1HOY6lvxw

The talk emphasizes the significance of benefiting from divine guidance by actively engaging with religious teachings through listening, reflecting, and acting on them. The importance of personal responsibility, maintaining a sincere intention, and listening attentively in a respectful environment is underscored. Additionally, the talk discusses the necessary qualities to absorb the teachings, including humility, respect for the content, and the importance of companionship with truthful individuals.

Furthermore, the dangers of self-conceit, greed, and the preference for worldly desires over spiritual growth are elaborated. The focus is on fostering a humble attitude towards learning, encouraging individuals to be open to correction and aware of the effects of their choices.

The talk concludes with a reminder to detach from worldly desires and prioritize spiritual improvement, praying for everyone to benefit from divine admonitions and guidance effectively.

Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk:
- Requirements in order to benefit from knowledge
- Recap of previous points mentioned
- Being fearful of accountability
-  Condition of Taqwā when taking knowledge
- The love of wealth and the dunyā
- Turning away from the dunyā
- Be willing to be corrected

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Heeding Admontion Part 3

Friend or Foe? The Effects of Company Part 1 of 2
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 10th February 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/Ufwtuea-N4w

The emphasis of this talk revolves around the significant influence of companionship on an individual's character, behaviours, and beliefs. The talk references Quranic verses and aḥādīth that highlight the necessity of maintaining relationships with truthful and righteous individuals, while cautioning against the detrimental effects of bad company. Various historical anecdotes and examples from the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions, particularly Abu Bakr Siddiq, are shared to illustrate how deeply one's companions affect not just personal morality but also public standing and decision-making. 

The talk delves into how societal perspectives on relationships have evolved, drawing profound insights about recognizing a person through their associates. Ultimately, the talk urges listeners to be mindful in selecting friends, engage in sincere friendships rooted in virtue, and consider the long-term effects of their social circles on their journey toward righteousness and moral integrity, ending with a heartfelt supplication for guidance in finding pious companions.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- Importance of good company
- Caution against bad friends
- Solitude vs. Poor company
- Giving in to peer pressure
- Example of peer pressure in the Quran
- Becoming relaxed with friends
- Relying on advice from friends
- Misplaced trust in friends
- Mob mentality among friends
- The beautiful friendship of Abu Bakr

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Friend or Foe? The Effects of Company Part 1

Friend or Foe? The Effects of Company Part 2 of 2
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 17th February 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/MFSoFxJdO4g

This talk emphasizes the profound impact that friends and companions have on an individual’s faith, behaviour, and overall character. Drawing upon various aḥādīth and Qur'anic verses, it illustrates the idea that a person is influenced by their companions—"a man is upon the Deen of his friend." Good company not only uplifts one's spirituality but also enhances knowledge and concerns for righteousness, whereas bad company can corrupt their moral standing, leading to adverse influences and negative thoughts about virtuous individuals and principles.

Throughout the talk, the speaker discusses the concept of solitude over harmful associations, drawing parallels with the stories of prophets and righteous figures who distanced themselves from unvirtuous peers. By conveying the dangers of hypocritical friendships, the importance of pious company, and urging listeners to seek Allah’s guidance for better companionship, the speaker concludes with a focus on the ultimate consequences in the afterlife—reinforcing the message that the company we choose in this life significantly determines our fate in the hereafter.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- The Impact of good & bad company
- Ibrahim a.s moving away from his people
- Avoiding the company of the ignorant
- The people of the cave (Aṣḥāb al-kahf)
- The couplet of Imam Malik ibn Dinar
- Choosing your company in the akhirah
- The prophets praying for good company
- Solitude is worship

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Friend or Foe - The Effects of Company Part 2

Seeking & Striving for Religious Success Part 1 of 2
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 7th July 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/xNhTSSQPaPk

The talk provides a deep reflection on the recent celebrations of Eid and the indispensable themes of sacrifice associated with Hajj, emphasizing that the essence of these traditions transcends mere animal offerings to personal sacrifices of time, wealth, and desires. Quoting examples from the Quran and stories of the Prophets, particularly Ibrahim (a.s.), the talk outlines how true leadership arises through enduring challenges and fulfilling divine commands and highlights the significance of striving in the pursuit of religious success. 

Further, the talk mentions the challenges individuals face in fulfilling their spiritual ambitions, drawing comparisons to common human tendencies, such as failing to follow through on New Year resolutions. The overarching message reinforces that true success in religion is not merely a product of intention but requires stringent sacrifices, commitment, and a willingness to act despite life’s distractions, with practical examples from historical mentors and scholars illuminating the necessity of dedicated effort in one's spiritual journey.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- Lessons from the days of Hajj & Eid
- Effort required for religious success
- The example of Qarun during the time of Musa a.s.
- What is religious success?
- Striving for religious knowledge
- Sacrifices in order to attain our ambitions
- Examples from the lives of the pious

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Seeking & Striving for Religious Success Part 1

The Sage & Scholar of the Ummah Sayyidunā ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 10th November 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/jbU8ibxf5b8

The talk revolves around the life and legacy of ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd (r.a.), one of the most illustrious companions of Rasulullah ﷺ, who played a pivotal role in early Islam. The talk  highlights Ibn ibn Masʿūd’s early embrace of Islam as the sixth person to convert, despite the adversity he faced. His knowledge, exceptional intelligence, and unwavering love for the Qur'an were paramount, as evidenced through various instances, including witnessing miracles at the hand of the Prophet ﷺ, participating in battles, and publicly reciting the Qur'an.

The talk emphasizes ibn Masʿūd’s profound relationship with Rasulullah ﷺ, where he served as a confidant and attendant, immersing himself in the Prophet’s ﷺ teachings. His humility, combined with deep knowledge of the Qur'an and Sunnah, earned him respect from the community, especially from Umar (r.a.), who frequently praised him.

The talk reflects on the legacy of ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd, urging the audience to embody the values exemplified by him, emphasizing piety, humility, and a commitment to learning and practicing Islam, making a case for maintaining the spirit of the early companions in contemporary times.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd embracing Islam
- Ibn Masʿūd's relationship with the Prophet ﷺ
- His love for the Qur'an
- The attendant of Rasulullah ﷺ
- The dua of ʿAlqamah
- The piety of Ibn Masʿūd
- The knowledge & mannerisms of Ibn Masʿūd
- His knowledge of the Sunnah
- Recitation of Ibn Masʿūd

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The Sage & Scholar of the Ummah Sayyidunā ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd

The Legacy of Sayyidunā ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 17th November 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/zeHKoO-fElI

The talk centres on the profound legacy of ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd (r.a), one of the most trusted companions of the Prophet ﷺ, exploring his extensive knowledge and its enduring influence within Islamic scholarship. ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd was depicted as a key figure whose teachings shaped significant schools of thought, particularly the Hanafi school of Fiqh, and his role in Kufa as a lead teacher established a foundation for subsequent scholars. Despite facing some criticisms from contemporary figures, the talk underscores that many misconceptions arise from ignorance about scholarship and hadith transmission.

Furthermore, the discussion elaborates on the geographical spread and historical context behind the four main Islamic schools of thought, illustrating how ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd's teachings were instrumentally passed down through numerous layers of scholars, culminating in what is known today as the Hanafi school.

The talk emphasizes the importance of unity, respect for differences, and the need to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the sahaba and their successors who have preserved the teachings of Islam through generations. The message calls for a renewed appreciation and understanding of Islamic teachings, grounding responses to criticisms in knowledge-based dialogue and respect.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- Criticisms Faced by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud
- Historical Context of the Schools of Fiqh
- Responses to Criticism
- Differences of Schools of Fiqh and Recitation (Qira'ah)
- Contributions of Abdullah ibn Masood in Kufa
- The Masahif (copies) of the Quran
- The Students of Abdullah ibn Mas'ud
- Collective Knowledge of the Scholars of the past

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The Legacy of Sayyidunā ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd

The Learned Lady & Mother of the Ummah ʿĀʾishah Part 1
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 1st December 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/WkF-Zg1lfKE

Part 2: https://youtu.be/tg9-SkSOjas
Part 3: https://youtu.be/XuCKdxikl9o

This lecture delves into the life of Umm al-Mu'minīn ‘Aisha (r.a.), emphasizing her unique position as the daughter of Abu Bakr (r.a.) and wife of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The talk outlines how her upbringing in a devout Islamic household laid the foundation for her future role as a scholar in Islam. It is highlighted that ‘Aisha's (r.a.) learning stemmed from her close association with the Prophet ﷺ and her exposure to the teachings of Islam from a very young age. Her interactions with the Prophet ﷺ, whose character and morals greatly influenced her, combined with her father's piety and scholarly achievements, fostered her development into one of Islam's most prominent figures.

Throughout the talk, it is illustrated how ‘Aisha's (r.a.) contributions to Islamic scholarship and society were shaped by her supportive and nurturing nature. Her relationship with the Prophet ﷺ shows a deep bond rooted in mutual respect and love, allowing her to be an integral part of the household in sharing knowledge.

‘Aisha's (r.a.) experiences during the Prophet's final days and her selfless actions regarding the community underscore her impact on Islamic history. The conclusion emphasizes the legacy of ‘Aisha (r.a.) and her companions, inviting listeners to draw inspiration from their lives and lessons.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- The early life of A'isha r.a.
- The relationship between the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr r.a.
- The lineage of Abu Bakr r.a.
- The marriage of the Prophet ﷺ to A'isha r.a.
- The characteristics of A'isha r.a. and love of Rasulullah ﷺ for her
- The final days of the Prophet ﷺ

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The Learned Lady & Mother of the Ummah ʿĀʾishah Part 1

The Learned Lady & Mother of the Ummah ʿĀʾishah Part 2 of 3
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 8th December 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/tg9-SkSOjas

Part 1: https://youtu.be/WkF-Zg1lfKE
Part 3: https://youtu.be/XuCKdxikl9o

This talk emphasizes the significant role of ‘Aisha (r.a) in Islamic scholarship and her unique position as the wife of the Prophet ﷺ. ‘Aisha's (r.a) exceptional character traits, including her intelligence, strong memory, and adventurous spirit in learning, allowed her to absorb knowledge from the Prophet ﷺ directly. Despite her young age, she stood as a reference point for the Sahaba, contributing to complex discussions on Islamic jurisprudence, the Quran, and Hadith. Additionally, her talent in poetry and understanding of various subjects further illuminate her multi-dimensional scholarly role within early Islam.

The talk also highlights ‘Aisha’s (r.a) influence on her contemporaries and how she was consulted on numerous occasions, even by the leaders, regarding various aspects of Islamic law and ethics. Her commitment to learning and teaching demonstrates the importance of knowledge as a pathway to moral righteousness.

The talk ultimately aims to explore ‘Aisha's (r.a) piety and actions that embodied her vast knowledge and set an example for Muslims, signifying that true knowledge is not merely informative, but transformative in leading a life of integrity and faith.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- The unique position of A'isha r.a.
- The knowledge of A'isha r.a.
- Those who would consult A'isha r.a.
- Recognition given to A'isha r.a by scholars
- The inquisitive nature of A'isha r.a.
- A'isha's r.a knowledge of the Quran & Hadith
- A'isha's r.a knowledge of Fiqh, poetry and medicine

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The Learned Lady & Mother of the Ummah ʿĀʾishah Part 2

The Learned Lady & Mother of the Ummah ʿĀʾishah Part 3 of 3
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 15th December 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester

Video: https://youtu.be/XuCKdxikl9o

Part 1: https://youtu.be/WkF-Zg1lfKE
Part 2: https://youtu.be/tg9-SkSOjas

This talk emphasizes the significant role of translating Islamic knowledge into action, highlighting the example of Umm Al-Mu'minin ‘Aisha (r.a). It discusses her profound insight into various fields, such as medicine, poetry, and genealogy, and how her knowledge was sought by many companions, indicating her esteemed position in the early Islamic community. ‘Aisha's (r.a) life exemplifies the balance between scholarly pursuits and acts of worship, with anecdotes illustrating how she engaged deeply in practices of worship and charity while ensuring her actions were aligned with her learning.

Furthermore, the talk elaborates on the humility and simplicity that characterized ‘Aisha's (r.a) life, particularly as she reflected on her legacy and wishes during her final moments. Her readiness to give away wealth, her appreciation for her co-wives, and her desire for a humble burial showcase her generosity and integrity.

The talk concludes by encouraging the audience to emulate ‘Aisha's (r.a) commitment to act on their knowledge in their journey of faith, recognizing that true knowledge leads to humility, devotion, and charitable actions.

Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- Application of knowledge gained
- Engaging in optional ibadah
- The humility and generosity of A'isha r.a.
- Love for Abdullah ibn Zubayr r.a.
- A'isha r.a. reprimanding Abdullah ibn Zubayr r.a.
- Charitable actions of A'isha r.a.
- Reflections on the deathbed of A'isha r.a.

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The Learned Lady & Mother of the Ummah ʿĀʾishah Part 3

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

The Learned Lady & Mother of the Ummah ʿĀʾishah Part 3

Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq

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