Halaqas

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

From Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series on marriage. Recognizing true, inner piety and distinguishing it from outer, affectatious piety. Both in ourselves and a potential spouse.

Marriage: Chapter 5

Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series on marriage in Islam. In this chapter we discuss marriage contracts - when and why they are necessary.

Marriage: Chapter 6

Chapter 7 of Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series on marriage. We begin the discussion on divorce, the tendency for us to forget the good and accept personal responsibility when our marriage falls apart.

Marriage: Chapter 7

Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa on the delusional state natural to being human, and how it keeps us from purification and elevating closer to God.

The Fog of Self-Deception: Chapter 1

The final chapter from Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series on marriage. In this we finish off the topic of divorce.

Marriage: Chapter 8

The fog is constantly setting in driving us from doing what is helpful and keeping us locked into bad habits. In this series Dr. Abou El Fadl helps us define the fog and how to move away from it.

The Fog of Self-Deception: Chapter 2

From a halaqa series with Dr. Abou El Fadl. How the fog can mislead us and keep us locked into patterns of spiritual impurity.

The Fog of Self-Deception: Chapter 3

The final chapter in Dr. Abou El Fadl's "Fog of Self-Deception" series

The Fog of Self-Deception: Chapter 4

From Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series, the follow up to "Fog of Self-Deception". We begin by understanding the actual meaning behind 'ibadah and the Islamic conception of God as compared to Christianity and Judaism

Building a Partnership with God: Chapter 1

The 2nd Chapter from Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series. How do we build an intimate partnership with God and what is different in the Islamic approach to this relationship?

Building a Partnership with God: Chapter 2

From Dr. Abou El Fadl's halaqa series on Building a Partnership with God. Chapter 3 out of 4

Building a Partnership with God: Chapter 3

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