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 one content with Allah’s decree is always joyful and happy. The one who dislikes Allah’s decree is always worried and sad.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Witnessing the Creator and creation
• Contentment as the means for everlasting comfort
• The source of all success

Additional Resource:
• Wird al-Latif (Prophetic Invocations): https://muwasala.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/al-Wird-al-Latif.pdf

Episode 8.19 - Contentment

“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

So much of our lives are spent gaining the skills needed to become employed. But before we begin seeking a livelihood, we should first strive to acquire contentment.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Acquiring contentment and practicing restraint
• Recognizing the true treasure
• Working to be independent

Episode 9.18 - Work

In light of the tragedies taking place in the world, we decided to share an episode from Season 5 on tribulations. We ask for the restoration of peace and justice for all those facing oppression in the world.

---

In the face of tribulations one experiences in this world, patience is the best response.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Difficulties on the spiritual path
• The great rewards for patience
• The way to exhibit patience

Intro and outro music by Sidi Ibrahim Nass

Additional Resource:
• The Prayer of Need (Ṣalatul Ḥāja): http://seekershub.org/ans-blog/2009/07/24/how-does-one-perform-the-prayer-of-need-salat-al-haja/

Replay • Tribulations

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

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

This is a special episode of SoulFood where we explore stories to nourish young souls. It is part of our LaunchGood campaign to help SoulFood reach more people. 

If SoulFood has touched your life, or if you believe in the power of stories to nurture faith and hearts, we ask for your support. Please consider donating generously and sharing this campaign with others. 

Become a SoulFood supporter today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

~~~

Imam al-Ghazali & the Fly
Producer: Ilyas Curtis
Designer: Selma Tarsin
Voice of Imam al-Ghazali: Imam Rasul Suluki
Narrator: Amjad Tarsin

SoulFood Stories - Imam al-Ghazali & the Fly

Good deeds are the raw materials used to build the palaces in Paradise.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Various good deeds
• The raw materials
• The Houses of Praise and Joy

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and https://soundcloud.com/naderkhanofficial

Episode 11.11 - Good Deeds

“And if you looked around, you would see ˹indescribable˺ bliss and a vast kingdom.” [Quran 76:20]

In this episode, we will cover:
• The horses of Paradise
• Entering Paradise
• Allah's contentment

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial


Episode 11.18 - Bliss

The Prophet ﷺ informed us that there will be some people who enter Paradise whose hearts resemble the hearts of birds.

In this episode, we will cover:
• This Ummah in Paradise
• Hearts of birds
• Humble and meek believers

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial

Episode 11.19 - Residents

The people of Paradise will converse about the time they spent together in the world in devotion.

In this episode, we will cover:
• The radiance of the believers
• Conversations in Paradise
• Taste of Paradise

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial

Episode 11.20 - Conversations

Allah ﷻ says, "On that Day ˹some˺ faces will be bright, looking at their Lord." [Quran 75:22-23] In Paradise, the veil will be lifted and nothing is more pleasing than beholding Allah's Noble Countenance.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Seeing Allah ﷻ 
• The banquet of eternity
• Speaking to Allah ﷻ  

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial

Episode 11.21 - Beatific Vision

After visiting Allah ﷻ in Paradise, people will go to a marketplace, which will be surrounded by Angels. 

In this episode, we will cover:
• The market of Paradise
• The true Eid

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial

Episode 11.22 - Marketplace

"And as for those destined to joy, they will be in Paradise, staying there forever, as long as the heavens and the earth will endure." [Quran 11:108]

In this episode, we will cover:
• The life of this world
• Never-ending reward
• Everlasting life

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial 

Episode 11.23 - Immortality

Who are the groups of people given the distinct honor of entering Paradise first?

In this episode, we will cover:
• The rank of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 
• The Mu'adhins
• The poor believers

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial

Episode 11.24 - The Firsts

In this episode, we look at a lengthy statement of the Prophet ﷺ about the last man to be released from the Fire and entered into Paradise.

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial

Episode 11.25 - The Last

The noblest station in Paradise is to be with our Prophet ﷺ and to accompany him.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Love is everything
• Signs of love
• Loving the Quran

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial

Episode 11.26 - Companionship

Allah ﷻ says, "Inform My servants that I am indeed the Forgiving, the Merciful." [Quran 15:49]

In this episode, we will cover:
• Divine mercy in the Quran
• Hadiths on mercy
• Parting advice

This Ramadan, support SoulFood’s LaunchGood campaign to help the podcast reach more people. Support today at www.launchgood.com/soulfood

Intro music by Nader Khan. For more of his work, please visit: www.youtube.com/@NaderKhanOfficial and @naderkhanofficial


Episode 11.27 - Mercy

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

Anger is like a fire that ignites within the nafs, lashing out when things don't go your way. The Quran praises those who are able to rein in their anger and not give in to their selfish desires. 

In this episode, you will learn: 
• The blameworthiness of anger 
• What true strength is 
• Avoiding extremes 
• The forbearance of the Prophet ﷺ

Episode 5 | Anger

Islam guides us to having a healthy connection to the Divine and healthy relationships with creation. Envy veils a person from God's wisdom and power, and it destroys relationships between people.

In this episode, you will learn: 
• The communal importance of having open hearts 
• To be cautious of false piety 
• The two kinds of envy 
• How to cure envy

Intro and outro music by Nader Khan

Episode 7 | Envy

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

Have you ever thought of shaking hands as a spiritual experience?

In this episode, you will learn: 
• The effects of shaking hands on the heart 
• The Angels' descent in Ramadan 
• The etiquette of shaking hands

Intro and outro music by Nader Khan

Episode 3.10 | Embrace

“But eat the lawful and good things that God provides for you. Be mindful of God, in whom you believe.” (Quran 5.88)

In this episode, you will learn: 
• The importance of carefully seeking halal food 
• A story of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr's scrupulousness 
• The imperative to be conscious with food

Recommended links: 
• Food, Inc.: http://www.takepart.com/foodinc

Intro and outro music by Nader Khan

Episode 3.13 | The Stomach

Episode 2.1 | Nobility

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

The past can weigh heavily on our hearts, but by having contentment in God's decree, we find true peace.

In this episode, we will cover:
• The benefits of contentment 
• The dangers of being discontent
• Blessings & difficulties

SoulFood FM is brought to you by the Muslim Chaplaincy of Toronto. Support their programs and services today by donating at www.mcuoft.com/donate

Intro and outro music by Sidi Ibrahim Nass

Episode 5.15 • Fate

[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

The result of true knowledge is that it translates into beautiful Prophetic manners.

In this episode, we will cover:
• Good manners and knowledge
• The virtue of good character
• A list of important etiquettes

Additional Resource:
• Islamic Manners by Sh. Abdul-Fattah Abu Ghudda: https://www.meccabooks.com/795-islamic-manners-9780953758272.html?search_query=islamic+manners&results=820

Intro and outro music by Firqa al-Masarra

Episode 7.20 • Manners

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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