Friday khutbahs (sermons) and Usuli Virtual Khutbahs by Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl, delivered at The Usuli Institute and various other locations.

Khutbahs

Collection of Dr. Abou El Fadl's lectures given around the world. 

We are always uploading more frequently as more people join our team! Check back often for new content.

Lectures

Halaqas

Part 1: Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his original Quranic commentary on Surah 73: Al Muzzammil, one of the earliest revealed chapters of the Quran. As part of the Project Illumine: The Light of the Quran series, this presentation of the chapter-by-chapter meaning of the Quran is the fruit of a lifelong dedication to the study of every tafsir of the Islamic tradition coupled with intense dhikr to open the deeper meanings of the surahs. This is the thirteenth surah that has been covered in this unique approach to covering the Quran, driven by the desire to understand the message that ignited the passion of the early Muslims during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song answers the question of where to start on the journey to come closer to God.

Surah 73: Al-Muzzammil | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his original Quranic commentary on Surah 67: Al-Mulk, as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org).

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the forty-third chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, one of our students, Marwa reflects on her journey with Usuli. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 15 June 2021.

Surah 67: Al Mulk | Original English Commentary and Q&A | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his original Quranic commentary on Surah 77, Al Mursalat, as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). 

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the thirty-fourth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day.  In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song shares some more book history on the Professor's book, The Search for Beauty in Islam: A Conference of the Books. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 4 May 2021.

Surah 77: Al-Mursalat | Original English Commentary and Q&A | Project Illumine

Part 1: Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his original Quranic commentary on Surah 16: al Nahl, as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). 

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the forty-sixth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song marks the one year anniversary of the Project Illumine journey and looks back on the past year. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 26 June 2021.

Surah 42: Al Shura | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 14: Ibrahim as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). There is a Q&A at the end.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the forty-ninth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song reflects on the power of passive versus active decision making in resisting the bad. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 10 July 2021.

Surah 14: Ibrahim | Original English Commentary and Q&A | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 70: ////al Ma'arij as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). There is a Q&A at the end.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the fiftieth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song discusses the impact of merging theoretical belief into lived reality and embracing the truths that God is constantly with you while Satan is truly your avowed enemy. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 13 July 2021.

Surah 70: Al Ma'arij | Original English Commentary and Q&A | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 2: Al Baqarah (Day 1 out of 13) as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). The verses of Baqarah covered in day one are roughly, numbers one to thirty-five. 

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the sixty-eighth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, our Executive Director Grace Song gives a behind the scenes look into Project Illumine and the commencement of Surah Al Baqarah at this stage of the project. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 6 October 2021.

Surah 2: Al Baqarah (Day 1) | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 2: Al Baqarah (Day 3) as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). The verses of Baqarah covered in day three are roughly, numbers seventy-four to one hundred twenty-four. Watch the previous days on our YouTube channel, starting with Day 1 here: https://youtu.be/rCKnt_S8I5U

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the sixty-eighth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, our Executive Director Grace Song shares ways to engage with our content if you have limited time, like subscribing to our mailing list and following us on social media. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 16 October 2021.

Surah 2: Al Baqarah (Day 3) | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

First single by Wietske Merison from her album titled, WITNESS. For more, visit www.usuli.org/music/wietske. Also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/DvOG3qce5Ko Full album release date: March 1, 2023.

Lyrics:

I testify
By heart and eye
By the tears I cry
I no longer deny

The blessings in my life that are too numerous to count
My heart I thought was lost but in your mercy it was found
So from this moment onward, ya Hadi be my guide
Till even my darkest darkness is just a shadow of your light

Ashaddu an la ilaha illa Allah, la ilaha illa Allah,
La ilaha illa Allah, la ilaha illa Allah
La ilaha illa Allah, la ilaha illa Allah
La ilaha illa Allah, wa ashaddu anna Muhammadan Rasul Ullah

I witness
I see you are the sight beyond my eyes
I witness
Truth has become apparent beyond lies
I witness
The many different names have become one
I witness
Returning back to where we had begun

Ashaddu an la ilaha illa Allah, la ilaha illa Allah,
La ilaha illa Allah, la ilaha illa Allah
La ilaha illa Allah, la ilaha illa Allah
La ilaha illa Allah, wa ashaddu anna Muhammadan Rasul Ullah

WITNESS

Shahada by Wietske Merison

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 4: Al Nisa’ (Day 9) as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). The verses covered in Day 9 are roughly, one hundred twenty-two to one hundred twenty-nine.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the seventy-fourth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, our Executive Director Grace Song discusses a donation matching program during Ramadan, upcoming events at the Usuli Institute, and more! Please visit our website to donate to our endeavors! Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 19 March 2022. 

Please support the Usuli Institute at https://www.usuli.org/donate to help us continue in our endeavors. Your donation to The Institute for Advanced Usuli Studies will help fund important work to combat extremism and ignorance. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to research and education to promote humanistically beautiful and morally elevating interpretations of Islam. We seek to support our brightest minds to advance knowledge and to build a community of individuals founded on dignity, respect and love for all of God's creation. 

For quick links to all previous Project Illumine halaqas, go to: https://www.usuli.org/project-illumin.... Visit https://linktr.ee/usuliinstitute for more resources.

Surah 4: Al Nisa' (Day 9) | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 4: Al Nisa’ (Day 10) as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). The verses covered in Day 10 are roughly, one hundred thirty to one hundred fifty.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the seventy-fourth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, our Executive Director Grace Song discusses a few of the past programs here at The Usuli Institute including the Dispelling Myths Q&A, yesterday’s Khutbah, and the keynote speech the National Muslim Law Student Association. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 26 March 2022. 

Please support the Usuli Institute at https://www.usuli.org/donate to help us continue in our endeavors. Your donation to The Institute for Advanced Usuli Studies will help fund important work to combat extremism and ignorance. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to research and education to promote humanistically beautiful and morally elevating interpretations of Islam. We seek to support our brightest minds to advance knowledge and to build a community of individuals founded on dignity, respect and love for all of God's creation. 

For quick links to all previous Project Illumine halaqas, go to: https://www.usuli.org/project-illumin.... Visit https://linktr.ee/usuliinstitute for more resources.

Surah 4: Al Nisa' (Day 10) | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 4: Al Nisa’ (Day 11 - final day) as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). The verses covered in Day 11 are roughly, one hundred fifty to one hundred seventy-six (the conclusion, including an ending overview of the entire chapter).

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the seventy-fourth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, our Executive Director Grace Song draws attention to a number of recent programs at the Institute including: the latest Khutbah; a class in Muslim, Race, and Law; a library tour; and the latest LaunchGood campaign. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 2 April 2022. 

Please support the Usuli Institute at https://www.usuli.org/donate to help us continue in our endeavors. Your donation to The Institute for Advanced Usuli Studies will help fund important work to combat extremism and ignorance. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to research and education to promote humanistically beautiful and morally elevating interpretations of Islam. We seek to support our brightest minds to advance knowledge and to build a community of individuals founded on dignity, respect and love for all of God's creation. 

For quick links to all previous Project Illumine halaqas, go to: https://www.usuli.org/project-illumin.... Visit https://linktr.ee/usuliinstitute for more resources.

Surah 4: Al Nisa' (Day 11) | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Day 1 of 2: Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 58: Al Mujadilah (Day 1) as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). 

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the seventy-fifth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, our Executive Director Grace Song discusses our progression with the Qur’an under Project Illumine and the singularity of what we have been doing at The Usuli Institute, along with reflections on an Article. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 16 April 2022. 

Please support the Usuli Institute at https://www.usuli.org/donate to help us continue in our endeavors. Your donation to The Institute for Advanced Usuli Studies will help fund important work to combat extremism and ignorance. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to research and education to promote humanistically beautiful and morally elevating interpretations of Islam. We seek to support our brightest minds to advance knowledge and to build a community of individuals founded on dignity, respect and love for all of God's creation. 

For quick links to all previous Project Illumine halaqas, go to: https://www.usuli.org/project-illumin... Visit https://linktr.ee/usuliinstitute for more resources.

Surah 58: Al Mujadilah (Day 1) | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 58: Al Mujadilah (Day 2) as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). There is a Q&A at the end.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the seventy-fifth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, our Executive Director Grace Song announces the first release from Usuli Press, “The Prophet’s Pulpit: Commentaries on the State of Islam” along with some history. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 23 April 2022. 

Please support the Usuli Institute at https://www.usuli.org/donate to help us continue in our endeavors. Your donation to The Institute for Advanced Usuli Studies will help fund important work to combat extremism and ignorance. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to research and education to promote humanistically beautiful and morally elevating interpretations of Islam. We seek to support our brightest minds to advance knowledge and to build a community of individuals founded on dignity, respect and love for all of God's creation. 

For quick links to all previous Project Illumine halaqas, go to: https://www.usuli.org/project-illumin... Visit https://linktr.ee/usuliinstitute for more resources.

Surah 58: Al Mujadilah (Day 2) and Q&A | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Day 1 of 2: Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 63: Al Munafiqun (Day 1) as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). 

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the seventy-sixth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, our Executive Director Grace Song shares a few messages she’s received. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 30 April 2022. 

Please support the Usuli Institute at https://www.usuli.org/donate to help us continue in our endeavors. Your donation to The Institute for Advanced Usuli Studies will help fund important work to combat extremism and ignorance. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to research and education to promote humanistically beautiful and morally elevating interpretations of Islam. We seek to support our brightest minds to advance knowledge and to build a community of individuals founded on dignity, respect and love for all of God's creation. 

For quick links to all previous Project Illumine halaqas, go to: https://www.usuli.org/project-illumin... Visit https://linktr.ee/usuliinstitute for more resources.

Surah 63: Al Munafiqun (Day 1) | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 61: Al Saff as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). There is a Q&A at the end. (This is a corrected version from an earlier upload)

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. This is the seventy-eighth chapter in the series. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, our Executive Director Grace Song shares critical news items including the right wing Israeli group's call to tear down Al Aqsa Mosque on Jerusalem Day. She shares reflections as a convert connecting to Al Aqsa and reads an email from a long-time Usuli follower and convert. Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 21 May 2022. 

Please support the Usuli Institute at https://www.usuli.org/donate to help us continue in our endeavors. Your donation to The Institute for Advanced Usuli Studies will help fund important work to combat extremism and ignorance. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to research and education to promote humanistically beautiful and morally elevating interpretations of Islam. We seek to support our brightest minds to advance knowledge and to build a community of individuals founded on dignity, respect and love for all of God's creation. 

For quick links to all previous Project Illumine halaqas, go to: https://www.usuli.org/project-illumin... Visit https://linktr.ee/usuliinstitute for more resources.

Surah 61: Al Saff | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Wietske Merison and Grace Song, Executive Director of The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org) discuss Wietske' first music album, WITNESS, and her reflections on music, the process of writing her music, and the story behind her songs on the album. WITNESS was sponsored by The Usuli Institute. For all songs, visit: wietskemerison.hearnow.com/ Full album and podcast released 1 March 2023.

Wietske Merison and Grace Song Podcast: On WITNESS by Wietske Merison

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 102: Al Takathur and Surah 107: Al Ma'un as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 11 February 2023.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. Surah Al Takathur is the 94th surah in the series; Surah Al Ma'un is the 95th. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song previews the next major Usuli project on the horizon - Project Illumine II: The Light of the Prophet Muhammad (The Sirah Halaqas) with more to come.

Please support the Usuli Institute at https://www.usuli.org/donate to help us continue in our endeavors. Your donation to The Institute for Advanced Usuli Studies will help fund important work to combat extremism and ignorance. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity dedicated to research and education to promote humanistically beautiful and morally elevating interpretations of Islam. We seek to support our brightest minds to advance knowledge and to build a community of individuals founded on dignity, respect and love for all of God's creation. 

For quick links to all previous Project Illumine halaqas, go to: https://www.usuli.org/project-illumin... Visit https://linktr.ee/usuliinstitute for more resources.

Surah 102: Al Takathur and Surah 107: Al Ma'un | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 105: Al Fil and Surah 106: Quraysh as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 18 February 2023.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. Surah Al Fil is the 96th surah in the series; Surah Quraysh is the 97th. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song discusses the next major Usuli project on the horizon - Project Illumine II: The Light of the Prophet Muhammad ("Decolonizing the Sirah in the Age of Islamophobia: A Master Class") along with its fundraising campaign (www.launchgood.com/projectilluminesirah); and share another new song by Wietske Merison titled, "City of Angels":   

 • "City of Angels" by Wietske Merison  .

Surah 105: Al Fil and Surah 106: Quraysh | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 98: Al Bayyinah and Surah 99: Al Zalzalah as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 25 February 2023.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. Surah Al Bayyinah is the 98th surah in the series; Surah Al Zalzalah is the 99th. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song clarifies the Usuli publication process and highlights the next major Usuli project on the horizon - Project Illumine II: The Light of the Prophet Muhammad ("Decolonizing the Sirah in the Age of Islamophobia: A Master Class")

Surah 98: Al Bayyinah and Surah 99: Al Zalzalah | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 90 Al Balad and Surah 95 Al Tin as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 4 March 2023.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. Surah Al Balad is the 100th surah in the series; Surah Al Tin is the 101st. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song calls attention to the full album launch of WITNESS by Wietske Merison (https://wietskemerison.hearnow.com/); her podcast discussion with Wietske Merison about WITNESS (  

 • "WITNESS" by Wietske Merison: A Conve...  ); and the podcast "The Malcolm Effect," in which Dr. Abou El Fadl was interviewed by Momodou Taal (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fyw....

Surah 90 Al Balad and Surah 95 Al Tin | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 100: Al 'Adiyat and Surah 101: Al Qari'ah as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 11 March 2023.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. Surah Al 'Adiyat is the 102nd surah in the series; Surah Al Qari'ah is the 103rd. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song calls attention to the conversation between Professor Aminah Al-Deen and Dr. Abou El Fadl on her show Critical Talk on Muslim Network TV: Critical Talk

Surah 100: Al 'Adiyat and Surah 101: Al Qari'ah | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 91: Al Shams and Surah 104: Al Humazah as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 18 March 2023.

Project Illumine is a year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. Surah Al Shams is the 104th surah in the series; Surah Al Humazah is the 105th. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song calls attention to the khutbah, "The Wellsprings of Islamophobia: It's Not Where You Think," and shares another song from WITNESS by Wietske Merison, "Hardship."

Surah 91: Al Shams and Surah 104: Al Humazah | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Surah 103: Al-Asr and Surah 108: Al-Kawthar | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 109: Al Kafirun and Surah 111: Al Masad as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 9 April 2023.

Project Illumine is a three-year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. Surah Al Kafirun is the 106th surah in the series; Surah Al Masad is the 107th. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Research Fellow Rami Koujah raises some interesting questions and offers some comic relief.

Surah 109 Al Kafirun & Surah 111 Al Masad | Original English Commentary | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his Quranic commentary on Surah 97: Al Qadr, Surah 113: Al Falaq, and Surah 114: Al Nas as part of the ongoing Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 15 April 2023.

Project Illumine is a three-year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. Surah 97: Al Qadr is the 110th surah in the Project Illumine journey, Surah 113: Al Falaq is the 111th, and Surah 114: Al Nas is the 112th. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Research Fellow Rami Koujah raises some interesting questions and offers some comic relief.

Surah 97: Al Qadr, Surah 113: Al Falaq, and Surah 114: Al Nas | Project Illumine

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his final two Quranic commentaries on Surah 112: Al Ikhlas and Surah Al Fatiha, concluding the Project Illumine: Light of the Quran series at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). Recorded at The Usuli Institute on 30 April 2023.

Project Illumine is a three-year-long intensive immersion into the unique moral messages in each of the 114 surahs (chapters) of the Quran, the fruit of this scholar's lifetime relationship with the Quran. Surah Al Ikhlas is the 113th surah in the series; Surah Al Fatiha is the 114th. This is not the traditional line-by-line exegesis, but a chapter-by-chapter thematic approach that seeks to rediscover the original meaning received by the early Muslims that sparked their passion such that they transformed from desert dwellers to civilization builders. It is an investigation of the timeless moral and ethical lessons of the Quran then applied to our modern day. In the introduction, Executive Director Grace Song shares her thoughts on the journey and reads Thank You letters to Shaykh from around the world, testifying to the impact of these Project Illumine halaqas.

Surah 112: Al Ikhlas and Surah Al Fatiha | Project Illumine, Usuli Institute

Professor Khaled Abou El Fadl delivers a powerful lecture on the notion of reasoning with God and the forgotten role and importance of reason in the Islamic tradition. He discusses his latest book, Reasoning with God: Reclaiming Shari'ah in the Modern Age, and how Muslims need to reclaim the beauty of their tradition in which reason and reasonableness are central to leading a life of Godliness as opposed to Godlessness. Enlightening, powerful and pertinent to the challenges facing Muslims in the modern world today. Delivered keynote lecture at the University of Indiana, Bloomington, Indiana, April 14, 2017.

Reasoning with God and the Challenge of the Unreasonable

"As Donald Trump speaks about his plans to combat terrorism, we wanted to take a look at two words you'll probably hear: Sharia law. It's become so scary to many Americans that lawmakers in some states have tried to pass laws banning it." Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson gets a crash course in sharia law from Khaled Abou El Fadl, a law professor at UCLA.

Here & Now

A Crash Course In Sharia Law

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl delivers the keynote lecture by Skype for the International Institute for Islamic Thought (IIIT) 2017 Summer Institute for Scholars on the theme, "Theologies and Ethics of Justice: New Directions in 21st Century Islamic Thought." Powerful lecture and Q&A. July 26, 2017

Shari'ah and Epistemology for Humanitarian Ethics

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl's book reading of selections from the "Conference of the Books: The Search for Beauty in Islam"

Lecture: Reading of the "Conference of the Books"

The word "halaqa" means a circle of learning. These "circles" are Dr. Abou El Fadl's method of training the next generation of Islamic jurists.

Listen to Dr. Abou El Fadl answer a student's question on how to interpret Qur'anic verses regarding Heaven and Hell. Do we interpret them literally or are they symbolic? What is the methodology for understanding the Qur'an? 

At the beginning of each halaqa, Dr. Abou El Fadl would take his students' questions before diving into to the current topic. This answer was taken from a recording of the "marriage series". Check back soon to hear the first installment of those halaqas on marriage!

Halaqa: Understanding the Heaven & Hell verses in the Qur'an

From a Q&A during  Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series. This is regarding a more technical matter determining the difference between "usul" and "furu'" in Islamic theology and jurisprudence, and the consequences which stem from applying them incorrectly.

Halaqa: Understanding "usul" and "furu'"

From a Q&A from Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series. Does du'a require a sacrifice? Must we take the first step to see results when asking Allah for favors? Dr. Abou El Fadl explains the islamic theological perspective as well as how it differs from Christianity and Judaism. If you're wondering how we can change to bring in more of Allah's favor these are the 10 minutes you're looking for!

Most importantly, Dr. Abou El Fadl offers a reorientation that revolutionizes what we consider blessings in our lives and reveal how much we take for granted.

Halaqa: Does fulfillment of du'a require sacrifice?

From a Q&A during Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series. If we reflect on reality we find guidance on how to improve our relationship with God. Dr. Abou El Fadl has us take a step back to really evaluate how we treat God and our sincerity with the most important relationship we will ever engage in.

Halaqa: Reflecting on Reality and Our Relationship with Allah

The introduction into Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series on marriage. Why is marriage important and what are the different levels of marriage? Dr. Abou El Fadl introduces two types, Mulk and Malakut marriages. One which is a functional marriage, and the latter being a spiritual union and balance radiating from one's own soul into the partnership between two people reflecting the harmony within God.

Marriage: Chapter 1

The very first halaqa in Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series which began in Texas in the '90s. This first chapter may very well be the most important. Much of the theological mess modern Muslims find themselves in is due to a serious lack of responsibility when it comes to acquiring and transmitting religious knowledge.

The responsibility of teaching Islam falls on teacher since Islam has no clergical system. Those who teach inaccurately, when it comes to religion, are responsible for its misapplication until the final day. How has this responsibility been held throughout Islamic history?

Halaqa: Initiation

In Chapter 3 of Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series on marriage we cover how law plays a role in a marriage, and touch upon divorce. How do we know where to measure when we are failing in our marriage?

Marriage: Chapter 3

From Dr. Abou El Fadl's Halaqa series on Marriage. Here we learn about the first step to achieving a "malakut" relationship with our partner, and what we should look for if we are not already married.

Marriage: Chapter 2

Chapter 4 of Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series on marriage. After briefly beginning the discussion on divorce in Chapter 3, we return to the distinction between the mulk and the malakut marriages. How do we strike a balance in our marriages and in ourselves?

Marriage: Chapter 4

KAEF on Humanistic Life Of Prophet 1 Of 8.MP3

Dr. Abou El Fadl discusses the context, issue, evidence and nature of the discussion on the topic of hijab from a historical and juristic perspective, providing the tools and the methodology for understanding the place of hijab in our modern context. Although the halaqa was given in 1996, all of the topics covered are still relevant today, if not more so. Chapter 1 of 4.

Timestamps:
Introduction to Dr. Abou El Fadl’s chosen method of delivery on this topic, and why
13:45 - Historical-cultural context of female dress and sexual mores in pre-Islamic Mecca and Medina
23:18 - Islam's gradual introduction of the prohibition of prostitution
25:44 - The introduction of women as equals into Meccan and Medinan society, and background of Quran verses specifically addressed to women (“oh you believing women” verses)
34:41 - Sexual morality and marriage in pre-Islamic and ante-Islamic Mecca and Medina
39:15 - Islam’s revolutionary deconstruction of Meccan and Medinan social norms surrounding women

Hijab: Chapter 1

From Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa on hijab. This is Chapter 2 of 4.

Hijab: Chapter 2

From Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa on hijab. This is chapter 3 of 4.

Hijab: Chapter 3

From Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqas on the hijab. Chapter 4 of 4.

Hijab: Chapter 4

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl elaborates on the khutbah he delivered during Friday prayers earlier the same day, entitled "Addressing the Generational Divide Among Younger and Older Muslims," 10 April 2020, presenting the geopolitical landscape of the powers and influences that have shaped the current state of the Muslim world today. The original khutbah can be found on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/jVjdQMzjfJQ and on SoundCloud.

Usuli Addendum: Unpacking the Storm When Islamophobes and Hypocrites Align 4.10.2020

In her second interview with Adee Simon Macdowell for his podcast "Becoming Muslim," Grace Song, Executive Director of The Usuli Institute, answers questions and gives advice to new converts and those interested in becoming Muslim. This is the full interview. The edited podcast version is here: https://untoislam.com/podcast/extremely-beautiful-version-of-islam. In her first interview, she tells her conversion story.

Grace Song on Little Known Ways to Find the Extremely Beautiful Version of Islam, 4.14.2020

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usuli.org/project-illumine 

Part 1: Introduction and Tafsir. Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl introduces a new approach to understanding the Quran, chapter by chapter, the fruit of a lifelong engagement with the holy text of Islam. In this pilot halaqa, he explains how his journey with the Quran developed and evolved over the years and the questions that he engaged from the time of his youth. He presents the methodology he developed and demonstrates it in delving into the meaning of one sample chapter. www.usuli.org

6/27/20

Project Illumine: Surah al Hadid, Part 1

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl delivers the Friday khutbah and jumu'ah prayer at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). This week, he addresses the issue of Muslim women being forced to marry or stay married to men they do not love nor wish to stay with due to pressure from the family, the community, or the local imam. In the second part, he discusses the history of female reciters of the Quran in Islamic history. He closes with a detailed explanation of the conflict taking place between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and why the Los Angeles city government has taken a position on this foreign dispute. For more, visit www.usuli.org.

Usuli Institute Khutbah: On Preserving Women and Female Reciters of the Quran, 9 October 2020

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl delivers the Friday khutbah and jumu'a prayer at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). He discusses the weighty responsibility of taking the Prophet's pulpit - literally every pulpit from which any Friday khutbah is delivered around the world - and the qualifications required of those who take the pulpit. He discusses the recent Islamophobic developments in France driven by its president, bolstered by the silence of Muslim leadership.

Usuli Institute Khutbah: "The Prophet's Pulpit and French Islamophobia," 16 October 2020

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl delivers the weekly Friday khutbah and jumu'a prayer at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). On the occasion of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, Dr. Abou El Fadl reminds us of the simple facts that defined the greatness of the human that was the Prophet Muhammad, a man that changed the face of the planet. Dr. Abou El Fadl explains the recent events in France leading to the murder of a teacher by a 16 year old Muslim student, and provides the context and history and continuing legacy of racism that fuels such acts of hatred in France.

Usuli Institute Khutbah: A Great Prophet and the Racism of France, 30 October 2020

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl delivers the weekly Friday khutbah and jumu'a prayer at The Usuli Institute. He reminds what it means to be Muslim and living a life of Godliness, particularly when it comes to treating rulers effectively like the divine; speaks to the transfer of power in a democracy and its relationship to Godliness; and delves deeper into the motivations of French domination over Muslims given the recent new laws proposed by Macron in France, targeting Muslims.

Usuli Institute Khutbah: "Godliness, Democracy and The Post Colonial Muslim Super Ego," 6 Nov 2020

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl delivers the Friday khutbah and jumu'a prayer at The Usuli Institute (www.usuli.org). He begins by breaking down the theology of "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Greatest") as the key premise of Islam, and how Islam came as a radical liberation for human beings from the oppression of other human beings or other forms of oppression. He develops the idea through numerous examples and applies it to the notion of "Political Islam," a concept which has taken hold around the world but which derives from political opportunism.

Usuli Khutbah: 'Allahu Akbar,' "Political Islam" and the Radical Liberation of Faith, 11.20.20

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