SoulFood FM - Season 7: The Blissful Gift

SoulFood FM - Season 8: The Key to Inner-Secrets

SoulFoodFM - Season 3: Kingdom of the Heart & Limbs

SoulFood FM - Season 4: The Spiritual Dimensions of Ramadan

SoulFood FM - Season 5: The Path of Worshipful Servants

In this season of SoulFood, we'll be studying a book by Shaykh Abu Bakr Bin Salim titled, 'The Key to Inner-Secrets.' 

In this episode, we will cover:
• The life of Shaykh Abu Bakr Bin Salim
• His character and immense generosity
• A few of his sayings

Recommended Duʿa:
اللهمَّ إني أسألكَ العلمَ اللَّدُنِّي والْـمَشربَ الْصَافي الـهَنِي، يا وَهّابُ يا غَنِي.

Allāhumma innī as’aluka al-‘ilm al-ladunnī, wa’l mashrab al-ṣāfī al-hanī, ya Wahhābu ya Ghanī.

“O Allah, I ask You for direct knowledge from Your presence and a pure spring to drink from, O Bestower, O Self-Sufficient!

• The Imams of the Valley by Shaykh Amin Buxton: https://www.meccabooks.com/933-imams-of-the-valley-2nd-edition.html

Episode 8.1 - Fakhr Al-Din

All of creation is an indication of the beauty, majesty, and perfection of the Creator—but how do we witness that?

In this episode, we will cover:
• Witnessing Allah
• The greatest pleasure
• Enabling grace (Tawfiq)

Episode 8.2 - Witnessing

“Know, may Allah grant us and you the tawfiq granted to the righteous: you must engage in obedience, for it is the basis of salvation, and by it one attains success in the Gardens of Paradise."

In this episode, we will cover:
• The basis of salvation
• Cutting hopes short
• Limping towards Allah

Episode 8.3 - Worship

"You must abandon [love of] the world, for it is the cause of every mistake."

In this episode, we will cover:
• Inward & outward worldliness
• One love
• The world serves the righteous

Episode 8.4 - Worldliness

“Truly, the heart is like a mirror—if you polish it, then it reflects; but if you let it remain opaque, it stays that way and becomes blind.”

In this episode, we will cover:
• The heart is the mirror
• The 5 states of the mirror
• Seeing the signs

Episode 8.5 - The Mirror

“Rely upon your Lord, O servant, in every state. Do not rely on yourself, because the one who relies on himself is always exhausted and displeased."

In this episode, we will cover:
• Everlasting comfort
• The most intense punishment
• The best advice

Episode 8.8 - Reliance

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Make yourself known to Allah in times of ease, He will make Himself known to you in times of difficulty.” 

In this episode, we will cover:
• Being with Allah in all states
• Turning to Him with hope
• The 2 types of hope

Episode 8.16 - Ease & Difficulty

“O Allah assist us through knowing You, allow us to taste Your love, and resurrect us with Your Prophets."

In this episode, we will cover:
• Turning to Allah at beginnings and ends
• Shaykh Abu Bakr Bin Salim's Duʿa 
• Thank you

Episode 8.29 - Duʿa

Shaykh Abu Bakr bin Salim (may Allah have mercy on him) said, "Whoever is not thankful for small things will not be thankful for great things."

In this episode, we will cover:
• The blessings of gratitude
• Being thankful for even the small things
• Always witnessing the Giver

Episode 9.23 - Thankfulness

The spiritual retreat (i'tikaf) helps you find stillness and allows your heart to become more present with Allah ﷻ.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Spiritual refuge
• The Prophet’s heart ﷺ
• Always standing at Allah’s door ﷻ

Episode 9.28 - I'tikaf

Understanding the level of authority and divine protection given to the Prophets and Messengers helps us develop our certitude.

In this episode, we will cover: Infallibility of the Prophets • The Prophet's Heart ﷺ • Spiritual Perfection.

Additional resource: اللهم صلِّ على سيدنا محمدٍ وآله وصحبه وسلم | Allāhumma ṣalli ʿalā Sayyidinā Muḥammadin wa ālihi wa ṣaḥbihi wa sallim | O Allah send blessings and peace upon our master Muhammad, and upon his Family and Companions

Episode 10.5 - Infallibility

In commemoration of the Isrāʾ & Miʿrāj, we're re-releasing the episode on the Prophet's wondrous journey ﷺ.

———

The greatest spiritual journey occurred on the night when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was taken to Jerusalem, then ascended to Paradise.

In this episode, we cover:
• Purity of the Prophet’s Heart ﷺ
• Blessed places
• Manifestations of the Unseen
• The Imam of the Messengers

Additional Resource:
• 'The Night Journey & Heavenly Ascent' by Al-Sayyid Muhammad Alawi al-Maliki (translated by Gibril Fouad Haddad): https://www.meccabooks.com/1388-prophet-s-night-journey-heavenly-ascent-9780954754037.html 

• Dua for Protection:
Aʿūdhu bi-wajhillāhi al-Karīm
wa bi kalimātillahi al-tāmmāt
al-latī lā yujāwizuhunna barrun wa lā fājir
min sharri mā yanzilu min al-samāʾ
wa min sharri mā yaʿruju fīhā
wa min sharri mā dharaʾa fil-arḍ
wa min sharri mā yakhruju minhā
wa min fitani al-layli wal-nahār
wa min ṭawāriq al-layli wal-nahār
illā ṭāriqan yaṭruqu bi-khayrin yā Raḥmān

Translation:
I seek refuge in Allah’s Noble Countenance
and in Allah’s perfect words
which neither the righteous nor the disobedient overstep
from evil that descends from the heavens
and evil that ascends to it
and evil that is created in the earth
and the trials of night and day
and the visitors of night and day
save the visitor that visits goodness upon us,
O Most Merciful!

Intro and outro music by Ahbab al-Mustafa

Special • Night Journey

Modesty beautifies and dignifies us. Without it, we become dehumanized and humiliated.

In this episode, we will cover: 
• The danger of unrestrained desires
• The beauty of modesty
• Preserving the purity of the Fitra

Episode 10.8 - Modesty

One of the most beloved actions to Allah ﷻ is to be of service to His creation.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Serving the elderly
• The importance of service
• Serving with humility

Episode 10.9 - Service

In this special episode of SoulFood, we are honored to engage in a conversation with Shaykh Musab Penfound. We talk about the exquisite humanity of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and how we can get in touch with the beauty of his heart, character, and way.

Shaykh Musab Penfound was born and raised in Manchester, England. After a two year journey, he embraced Islam at the age of eighteen. In 2006, he moved to Tarim, Yemen to study at the illustrious Dar al-Mustafa under the guidance of Habib Umar Bin Hafiz. 

In addition, he has traveled in the company of Habib Kazim al-Saqqaf and Habib Umar Bin Hafiz on educational trips. Currently, Shaykh Musab lives in Tarim, Yemen where he continues to benefit from being in the company of his teachers and their blessed gatherings. 

He travels regularly in service of the Prophetic way to educate people in the spiritual tradition of Islam. He has taught and lectured in Europe, South Africa, Kenya, the Comoro Islands, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia.

SoulFood Conversation: Exquisite Humanity w/Sh. Musab Penfound

We're re-releasing this episode from the SoulFood archives on the story of Jesus and his mother Mary in Islam (peace be upon them both). As many of those around us celebrate Christmas and the miraculous birth of Jesus, it is a great reminder of the immense love and respect we as Muslims have for Jesus as well.

Feel free to share with friends and family who might be interested to learn about Islam's perspective on one of the most beloved human beings to ever live. 

In this episode, you will learn:

• The Family of 'Imran

• The Lady Mary ﷺ

• The Birth of Jesus ﷺ

• His Life and Miracles

• Relationship between Prophets Jesus and Muhammad (upon them both be peace)


Recommended Links:

• Lessons from the Life of Jesus ﷺ by Habib Ali al-Jifri (youtu.be/9OfQjEY7x0s?si=k4Lgk7p0kG9CfTnn)

• "The Muslim Jesus" by Tarif Khalidi (a.co/d/1rhNrK0)

• "Mary: the Blessed Virgin of Islam" by Aliah Schleifer (a.co/d/h5mV7FX)


Intro and outro music by Nader Khan (www.naderkhan.com)

SoulFood Special | Jesus (peace be upon him)

God the Exalted says, "O  believers! Be mindful of Allah, and say what is right. He will rectify your deeds for you and forgive your sins." [Quran 33:70-71] 

Being mindful of the language we use helps bring light to our hearts and to the hearts of others.

In this episode, we cover:
• The tongue is the translator for the heart
• How speech affects all of our actions
• Beautiful speech

Episode 10.10 - Language

Selfishness places your ego at the center of existence, which blinds you from Allah. Generosity refines your nafs so that you can come to witness Allah's perfection.

In this episode, we cover: 
• The dangers of selfishness
• The beauty of generosity
• Why we should have generous hearts

Episode 10.11 - Generosity

By protecting our natural spiritual state (fitra), we preserve our God-given ability to recognize and access truth and goodness. One of the ways to maintain our fitra is by being in touch with nature.

In this episode, we cover:
• Preserving the fitra
• Being connected to the earth
• The blessings of farming

Episode 10.12 - Nature

In commemoration of the Isrāʾ & Miʿrāj, we're re-releasing the episode on the Prophet's wondrous journey ﷺ.

———

The greatest spiritual journey occurred on the night when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was taken to Jerusalem, then ascended to Paradise.

In this episode, we cover:
• Purity of the Prophet’s Heart ﷺ
• Blessed places
• Manifestations of the Unseen
• The Imam of the Messengers

Additional Resource:
• 'The Night Journey & Heavenly Ascent' by Al-Sayyid Muhammad Alawi al-Maliki (translated by Gibril Fouad Haddad): https://a.co/d/7aLMR8L
• The Prophet's Heart ﷺ: https://medium.com/@amjadtarsin/the-prophets-heart-ﷺ-d0cd35bff41f

• Dua for Protection:
Aʿūdhu bi-wajhillāhi al-Karīm
wa bi kalimātillahi al-tāmmāt
al-latī lā yujāwizuhunna barrun wa lā fājir
min sharri mā yanzilu min al-samāʾ
wa min sharri mā yaʿruju fīhā
wa min sharri mā dharaʾa fil-arḍ
wa min sharri mā yakhruju minhā
wa min fitani al-layli wal-nahār
wa min ṭawāriq al-layli wal-nahār
illā ṭāriqan yaṭruqu bi-khayrin yā Raḥmān

Translation:
I seek refuge in Allah’s Noble Countenance
and in Allah’s perfect words
which neither the righteous nor the disobedient overstep
from evil that descends from the heavens
and evil that ascends to it
and evil that is created in the earth
and the trials of night and day
and the visitors of night and day
save the visitor that visits goodness upon us,
O Most Merciful!

Intro and outro music by Ahbab al-Mustafa

In commemoration of the Isrāʾ & Miʿrāj, we're re-releasing the episode on the Prophet's wondrous journey ﷺ. Part 2 focuses on the Prophet's heavenly ascent.

———

Part 2 of the Night Journey & Heavenly Ascent

After the Night Journey to Jerusalem, the Prophet ﷺ begins his ascent through the seven levels of Paradise to the Lote Tree––and then is given a vision of his Lord ﷻ.

In this episode, we cover:
• The Seven Heavens
• The Lote Tree
• The Divine Meeting

Additional Resource:
• The Seeds of Paradise: Subḥān Allāh, al-ḥamdu lillāh, wa lā ilāha illā Allāh, wa Allāhu akbar––wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh [God is Transcendent, all praise belongs to God, there is no deity except God, and God is the Greatest––and there is no power nor might except by God]

Intro and outro music by Ahbab al-Mustafa

Special • Heavenly Ascent

Your spirit is a jewel, but the nafs is like a corrosive material that damages the jewel. How do you purify the nafs so that the spirit can experience divine realities?

In this episode, we cover:
• The ugliness of the ego
• Spiritual purification
• Levels of the soul

Episode 10.13 - The Spirit

Supplicating (duʿa) represents the very essence of our trust in Allah ﷻ. It's a gift from Him and spiritual lifeline, as Allah says, “Call upon Me, I will respond to you.” [Quran 40:60]

In this episode, we cover:
• That duʿa is the essence of worship
• Allah's mercy and generosity
• The power of duʿa 

Intro music from Dar al-Mustafa 

Episode 10.14 - Supplications

SoulFood is about changing yourself in the spirit of what the great scholar and poet Rumi once said, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

In this episode, you will learn:

• About the host
• Why we chose to do soulfood
• The Hadith of Primacy
• How to live more mercifully in our lives 

Recommended Links:

• “Mercy: the Stamp of Creation” by Dr. Umar F. Abd-Allah (http://www.nawawi.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Article1.pdf)

• “Soul of Islam Radio” (https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/soul-of-islam-radio/id928730843?mt=2)

• “SeekersHub Podcast”
(https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/seekershub-podcast-islam-islamic/id991567843?mt=2)

• "Diffused Congruence" (https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/diffused-congruence-american/id720647120?mt=2) 

Intro and outro music by Nader Khan (http://naderkhan.com).

SoulFood

Episode 0 | Why SoulFood?

It is said, "Whoever knows themselves will know their Lord." Part of spiritual refinement is to understand the nafs, which is the greatest barrier between you and the Divine.

In this episode, you will learn:
• The honor of the soul (Arabic: rūḥ)
• What the nafs is
• The degrees of the soul
• The path of spiritual refinement

Recommended Links:
• "Marvels of the Heart" by Imam al-Ghazali (https://www.amazon.com/The-Marvels-Heart-Religious-Sciences/dp/1887752315/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1FESGJKTCGY3H9EJNSGG)

• "Man and the Universe" by Dr. Mostafa Badawi (https://www.amazon.com/Man-Universe-Perspective-Mostafa-Al-Badawi/dp/9957230212).

Episode 1 | Nafs

Is having money our goal in life? What happens when it becomes a distraction from our true purpose?

God the Exalted says, "Believers, do not let your wealth and your children distract you from remembering God: those who do so will be the ones who lose." [Qur'an 63.9]

In this episode, we cover: 
• The blameworthiness of loving money 
• The extravagance we're warned of 
• How to use money for good 
• The everlasting treasure

Intro and outro music by Nader Khan

Episode 9 | Money

Hope and fear are two wings that work seamlessly together as the believer travels towards God the Exalted. True hope makes one work for God's rewards; whereas healthy fear prevents a person from committing sins.

In this episode, you will learn: 
• Hope and fear in the Quran 
• Importance of hope 
• Having a healthy sense of fear 
• The importance of balance

Intro & outro music by Nader Khan

Episode 18 | Hope & Fear

Your heart is the center of your being, and your limbs are connected back and have an impact on the heart.

In this episode, you will learn: 
• The unique qualities given to the heart 
• The relationship between the heart and limbs 
• The reality of the heart

Support the Muslim Chaplaincy by donating today at www.mcuoft.com/donate

Intro and outro music by Nader Khan

Episode 3.1 | The Heart

Imam Ibn Ata Illah said, "Your limbs are like irrigation channels that flow to the heart."

In this episode, you learn: 
• The place of moral accountability 
• The connection between the heart and limbs 
• How actions are based on the state of the heart

Intro and outro music by Nader Khan

Episode 3.2 | The Limbs

The tongue is the translator of the heart and its words have a serious impact upon the heart.

In this episode, you will learn: 
• Directly proportional impact between the heart and limbs 
• Worship’s affect on speech 
• Why rectifying your speech is part of faith 
• The tongue’s effect on the other limbs

Intro and outro music by Nader Khan

Episode 3.3 | The Tongue

Words have a profound impact on the individual, family, and society.
Are we conscious of the words we speak and listen to? 

In this episode, you will learn: 
• The effect of words upon the individual and society 
• How foul speech affects our standing before God 
• The fruits of beautiful speech 

Intro and outro music by Nader Khan

Episode 3.4 | Words

What you listen to shapes your thoughts, perspectives, and choices.

In this episode, you will learn: 
• Importance of hearing 
• Why you should seek to listen to good things 
• How you purify your heart through listening

Intro and outro music by Nader Khan

Episode 3.5 | Listening

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "When the month of Ramadan arrives, the Gates of Paradise are opened, the Gates of the Fire are closed, and the devils are chained." [Bukhari & Muslim]

As the month of blessings, mercy, and forgiveness is upon us, we embark on another season of SoulFood! This year's episodes will focus on the spiritual blessings and benefits of Ramadan.

In this episode, we will cover:
• The meaning of 'Ramadan'
• The purpose of fasting
• The importance of fasting

SoulFood is a project of the Muslim Chaplaincy of Toronto. Please support the programs and services of the Muslim Chaplaincy by becoming a monthly donor today at www.mcuoft.com/donate.

Intro & outro music by Nader Khan (www.naderkhan.com)

Episode 4.1 | Ramadan

This season of SoulFood focuses on the spiritual blessings and opportunities of Ramadan. 

In this episode, we will cover:
• The Prophet's dua for the new moon
• The importance of intention when fasting
• The Virtues of fasting

Intro & outro music by Nader Khan (www.naderkhan.com)

Episode 4.2 | Fasting

God calls us in Ramadan to seek ever higher levels of spiritual achievements. So ask yourself, what degree is my fasting at?

In this episode, we will cover:
• The 3 degrees of fasting
• Goals in Ramadan
• Seeking Allah ﷻ 

Intro & outro music by Nader Khan (www.naderkhan.com)

Episode 4.3 | Degrees

Fasting is not merely refraining from food and drink but controlling our limbs and tongues from sin.

In this episode, we’ll cover:
• The state of your heart in Ramadan
• Dangers of vile speech in Ramadan
• Increasing in Taqwa

Intro & outro music by Nader Khan (www.naderkhan.com)

Episode 4.4 | On Guard

Ramadan is the time to dedicate yourself to being alone with Allah ﷻ and getting to work in performing acts of worship.

In this episode, we will cover:
• The description of the Prophet ﷺ in Ramadan
• The importance of generosity
• The need for worship

Intro & outro music by Nader Khan (www.naderkhan.com)

Episode 4.5 | Work

The beginning of the spiritual path is caused by a heavenly urge which is cast into the heart.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Imam al-Ghazali's intro to 'The Path of Worshipful Servants'
• How worship is the currency of our dealings with Allah ﷻ 
• The question of meaning

Intro and outro music by Sidi Ibrahim Nass

Episode 5.1 • The Beginning

If you are able––by God's enabling grace––to overcome these seven obstacles, you will taste the sweetness of nearness.

In this episode, we will cover:
• The 7 obstacles on the spiritual path
• The Glorious Result

Intro and outro music by Sidi Ibrahim Nass

Episode 5.2 • The 7 Obstacles

The first obstacle on the spiritual path is gaining the knowledge necessary to fulfill God's commands, in order to move forward.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Knowledge & worship
• What kind of knowledge?
• The fruits of knowledge

Resources:
• Being Muslim: A Practical Guide by Asad Tarsin - http://www.beingmuslim.org
• Absolute Essentials of Islam (Shafi'i): http://seekershub.org/home/courses/ILAES100
• Absolute Essentials of Islam (Hanafi): http://seekershub.org/home/courses/ILAE100
• Absolute Essentials of Islam (Maliki): http://seekershub.org/home/courses/ILMW201A

Intro and outro music by Sidi Ibrahim Nass

Episode 5.3 • Knowledge

On the spiritual path, sins are shackles that prevent us from moving forward. 

In this episode, we will cover:
• The shackles of sins
• True repentance
• Never giving up

Intro and outro music by Sidi Ibrahim Nass

Episode 5.4 • Repentance

One of the things that gets in the way on the spiritual path is our attachment to 'stuff'.

In this episode, we will cover:
• How less is more
• Detaching the heart
• Knowing the true nature of the Dunya

Intro and outro music by Sidi Ibrahim Nass

Episode 5.5 • Dunya

Performing a few actions with sincerity is better than performing many acts of worship without sincerity.

In this episode, we will cover:
• The perspective needed for sincerity
• Hadiths about sincerity
• Acting upon knowledge

Intro and outro music by Ahbab al-Mustafa

Episode 6.3 • Sincerity

The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us to be at the forefront of every good action, but he also warned us of showing off. So how do we find the balance?

In this episode, we will cover:
• Hiding acts of goodness
• Public benefit
• Finding the balance

Intro and outro music by Ahbab al-Mustafa

Episode 6.5 • Goodness

[Part 2 of the Night Journey & Heavenly Ascent]

After the Night Journey to Jerusalem, the Prophet ﷺ begins his ascent through the seven levels of Paradise to the Lote Tree––and then is given a vision of his Lord the Blessed and Exalted.

In this episode, we cover:
• The Seven Heavens
• The Lote Tree
• The Divine Meeting

Additional Resource:
• Seedlings of Paradise: Subḥān Allāh, al-ḥamdu lillāh, wa lā ilāha illā Allāh, wa Allāhu akbar––wa lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh [Glorious is God, all praise belongs to God, there is no deity except God, and God is the Greatest––and there is no power nor might except by God]

Intro and outro music by Ahbab al-Mustafa

Episode 6.9 • Heavenly Ascent

As the month of Ramadan approaches with God's mercy, rewards, and spiritual gifts, it is important to prepare our hearts. 

This episode, which starts off the 7th season of SoulFood, talks about that first night of Ramadan and the beautiful divine gift given on that night and the practical ways we can prepare for it.

Intro and outro music by Firqa al-Masarra

Episode 7.0 • The Divine Gaze

When you put the principles of Islam into practice, it translates into fulfilling other's rights over you with sincerity.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Counsel
• The rights of God, His Book, His Messenger, and the Ummah
• The compassion of the Companions

Intro and outro music by Firqa al-Massara

Episode 7.1 • Counsel

Taqwa (God-consciousness) is a state of the heart that influences all of your actions. 

In this episode, we will cover:
• The importance of giving advice lovingly
• The meaning of taqwa
• The benefits of taqwa

Recommended Duʿa:
• Allāhumma aʿinnī ʿalā dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa ḥusni ʿibādatik (O Allah, assist me in remembrance of You, gratitude to You, and excellence in worshipping You)

Intro and outro music by Firqa al-Masarra

Episode 7.2 • Taqwa

One of the ways to receive Divine mercy is by being merciful to His creation.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Boundless mercy
• Cultivating mercy towards envious people
• Receiving Divine mercy

Intro and outro music by Firqa al-Masarra

Episode 7.3 • Mercy

“Deal with all of creation such that you spare them of your evil. If you do so, then God will certainly spare you of their evil."

In this episode, we will cover:
• Why it's important to spare others of your evil
• Intending good for all Muslims
• Having a pure heart

Intro and outro music by Firqa al-Masarra

Episode 7.4 • Restraint

You need to have a good opinion of God to successfully traverse the spiritual path.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Provisions for the Hereafter
• Sincere repentance
• Having a good opinion of God

Intro and outro music by Firqa al-Masarra

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