Academy: TAZKIYAH TRACK

This class delves into the timeless wisdom of Risalat al-Mustarshidin by Imam Al-Muhasibi, a seminal work offering spiritual and ethical guidance for those seeking closeness to Allah. Through an exploration of its themes—self-accountability, sincerity, and the purification of the heart—students will gain practical insights into the refinement of their inner and outer conduct. The course will provide a structured study of Imam Al-Muhasibi's advice on character development, self-discipline, and attaining true God-consciousness (taqwa).

This class explores select narrations from Imam Muslim’s Sahih in the chapter on Duʿā and Forgiveness, focusing on the Prophet’s (ﷺ) supplications, the etiquettes of making duʿā, and the boundless mercy of Allah. Students will reflect on how these supplications can transform their relationship with Allah, instill hope in His forgiveness, and cultivate sincerity in their prayers.

This class delves into The Book of Etiquettes from Sunan Abu Dawood, exploring the prophetic teachings on manners and conduct that shape a believer’s character and interactions. Through the study of authentic hadiths, students will gain insight into the refined etiquettes of daily life, social interactions, and personal development as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The course aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of how Islamic manners reflect faith and enhance one's relationship with Allah and others.

In this modern era, where skepticism often clouds the truth, the importance of understanding and learning about the proofs of Allah's existence cannot be overstated. We live in a time when faith is frequently questioned, and the existence of a higher power is subjected to doubt and debate. It is more crucial than ever for us to equip ourselves with knowledge and to understand the various evidences that affirm the existence of Allah.

Prepare to be amazed as we delve into a tale of miraculous wonder that changed the course of history forever! The Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is a story of profound significance, an event that catapulted him to the highest realms when Allah's (SWT) ease was needed most. We are thrilled to present an incredible session with none other than the revered Shaykh Omar Suleiman! Together, we will embark on a mesmerizing journey through the events of that fateful night, a night that bestowed upon us the priceless treasure of Salah. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to enhance your understanding and strengthen your faith.

This class delves into the profound wisdom of ibn Abi al-Dunya's classic work, "al-Riqqah wal-Bukkāʾ," exploring the spiritual and emotional aspects of tears and a soft heart. The course offers insights into the reasons behind emotional tears and the significance of a tender heart in Islamic spirituality. Students will journey through traditional teachings, understanding how tears can be a gateway to spiritual awakening and a sign of a heart attuned to the divine.

This course delves into the profound and enlightening world of Imam Bukhari's "Adab al-Mufrad," a collection of hadiths focusing on Islamic morals and manners. It offers students a unique opportunity to explore the teachings and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW that emphasize ethical and moral conduct in daily life. The class provides an insightful journey through selected hadiths, offering wisdom that is both timeless and universally applicable, with a focus on personal development and spiritual growth.

This class delves into the profound insights of Ibn Qayyim on the essence and beauty of worship in Islam. Drawing from his work, we explore the multifaceted dimensions of worship, emphasizing its role as a transformative tool for the heart and soul. The teachings of Ibn Qayyim offer a deep understanding of how worship, beyond ritual acts, forms a connection with the Divine.

The state of one's heart plays a vital role in a Believer's overall well-being, influencing both their thoughts and actions. As a result, Believers are encouraged to continuously strive to purify their hearts on their spiritual journey, aiming to enhance the significance of their actions for Allah SWT.

As commonly said within our tradition, the one who knows himself, knows his Lord. The relationship with knowing Allah SWT has a direct correlation with knowing ourselves. Oftentimes, this cannot be done without also connecting with those around us as well. The Prophet (SAW) was a master of all three, spending days in isolation (prior to prophethood), nights in worship and also being the best to the people around him.

In today’s day and age, it is more important than ever to raise our children in a prophetic way. There are many changing forces around us that wish to pull our children towards different ideologies, but the one constant is the prophetic model.

We are Well-Informed about our lives, our homes, our encounters and the people we experience them with, but how informed are we of the life of the grave that awaits us? What is our belief in terms of the grave, the questioning, and its rewards and horrors? What are the circumstances of the inhabitants of the grave and what do they experience? ​ Join Mufti Abdul Wahab Waheed this Ramadan as he teaches us what we were told about the life in the grave by our Prophet ﷺ. This class will be full of the Qur’an, hadith, and stories of the pious predecessors in order for us to ponder over, reflect and take admonishment so that our hardened hearts may become soft and receptive to the words of Allah ﷻ and His beloved Messenger ﷺ and we prepare for the inevitable life in the grave.

When we are put in a difficult situation, we find our minds and hearts flooded with questions. We think ‘Why me?’ and ‘What did I do for this trial to be sent upon me?’. These questions are bound to pop up, but the difference between the believer and the nonbeliever is that the believer’s Iman-based view of these trials shapes their worldview in a completely different manner. ​ Join Shaykh Yasir Fahmy this Ramadan as he teaches us what the Qur’an and the Sunnah teach us about trials and tribulations! Expect to find a plethora of advice on navigating, protecting and navigating life in the face of trials.

As Believers, we are anxious about our exams, nervous about our health, worried for our children, and agonize over our future. However, it is within the remembrance of Allah (SWT) that our minds can soften and find true comfort. But what is true rememberance of Allah (SWT) and how do we remember Him (SWT) throughout our days? The Importance of Dhikr seminar with Imam Zaid Shakir explores the virtues of one of the simplest forms of worship and surveys its effectiveness in remedying a diseased Believer.

When it is best to speak up? When it is best remain silent? In today’s time, there is immense pressure placed on us to speak our minds and share our opinions. However, as we learned through the stories of the Prophets, there is a wisdom behind one’s speech and one’s silence. There is a fine balance between being oppressed by remaining silent and oppressing others by speaking up. Often times we are in conflict in regards to what decision to make. Through the story of Prophet Suleiman AS, we observe an ant speak up in front of the noble Prophet of Allah SWT. This action, though it may seem insignificant, was then relayed in the Quran for all of humanity to take lessons from. Why was the ant honored in this way? We are excited to host Shaykh Mohammad Elshinawy for a seminar Between Ants and Men: The Art of Speaking Up and Remining Silent where we will use Quranic examples to understand the etiquette of standing up for ourselves and others and remaining silent in front of those who are deserving of it

Knowing who Allah is cannot be accomplished without the knowledge of his Names. Repeated throughout the Quran and invoked in the Prophet’s Duas, these Names are the epitome of the believer’s description of Allah.

Few works in traditional poetry and prose have gained prominence in the way Sa’di’s Gulistan has. Having spent a significant part of his life in the suhbah of scholars, rulers and the righteous, Sa’di decided to gather the most impactful stories and poems that would help the believer in internalizing the most important principles needed to navigate this Dunya.

Would you like to have an insight into the secrets to prayer? Not just knowing the external dimensions of this pillar, but the inward reality, etiquettes, and spiritual reflections that allow change for our beings. This course is adapted from Imam Al-Ghazali's Revival of the Religious Sciences. Classes will be live and recorded inshallah.

From the politicization of religion to the Age of Enlightenment, it is evident that the world’s way of thinking is inconsistent and contradictory to its past. For believers, Islam liberates us from such a worldly condition and encourages us to return to our “Fitra” or natural state. However, one can become distracted by the ever-changing perceptions on ethics, morals, and purpose. We are excited to present to you A Changing World workshop led by Shaykh Suleiman Hani where we will explore the historical world views that have shaped society, provide tools on how to perceive other movements that contradict the Islamic framework and discuss preventative measures we can take to strengthen our faith.

Allama Iqbal was a strong proponent of the spiritual revival of Islamic civilization across the world and his poetry appeals to many for their vast commentary on self-reflection and Islamic ideology. His work explores the adequacy in Islamic ethics and the nuances embedded within Quranic verses. Studying his poetry can inspire believers to embark on a journey of simplicity and enlightenment for the sole purpose of drawing closer to Allah (SWT). The seminar will explore various poetry of Allama Iqbal in hopes of arising a cathartic change within ourselves towards self-knowledge and introspection.

Ibn Ata’llah, a classical Islamic scholar whose investments in The Islamic Sciences are well known, had written a book that appeared to intentionally avoid the polarizing and controversial aspects of Sufism and instead focused on its essence: character refinement, inward purity, enhanced presence with Allah swt, and increased love for Allah SWTs Messenger (SAW). In that unifying spirit and similar intent to focus on the essential and avoid the controversial, the American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM) and Miftaah invite our community to explore selected readings of this short but extremely profound work of tazkīya (purification). We will be using the Arabic original and Dr. Jackson’s translation.

The inaugural subject of this class explores the dynamics of doubt in the American Muslim community from select verses of the Quran. This course approaches the Quran in general and how to understand it (aka to prevent doubt). How can we keep our theology strong when faced with certain verses from the Holy Quran? Often there are intellectual doubts that invade our minds, but sometimes those doubts manifest from our hearts. These Yaqeen instructors break down several aspects of how we can begin to appreciate and understand the Quran from multiple viewpoints.

In this exceptional work of 185 reports, al-Suyuti takes the believer on a journey through some of the glad-tidings and comforting reassurances given to surviving family members and all Muslims, young and old alike of the honour and divine care arranged by Allah for a loved one when they pass on from this life into the next. It covers three fundamental stages of the afterlife, namely, death, the grave and the various resting places for souls. A must-have for lovers of the hereafter.

Self-reflection is one of the essential ingredients of progress in Islam. Imam Khalid Latif will discuss the famous work of Imam Abdullah al Haddad who was a great scholar and a reviver of Islam in the 12th century. This class will provide us with clear instructions on how to purify and cultivate our hearts through practical counsel and guidance. This class will serve as a key for us to understand ourselves better and therefore connect with Allah SWT.

The journey of the soul transcends beyond our paradigm of reality. Its voyage begins prior to our entry into the world from our mother's womb and later transitions from this sphere to the next after our ending. Will we ever meet our souls at the grave? Do our bodies and souls reunite in the afterlife? And where do our souls rest until the Day of Judgement?

Ibn Ata’llah, a classical Islamic scholar whose investments in The Islamic Sciences are well known, had written a book that appeared to intentionally avoid the polarizing and controversial aspects of Sufism and instead focused on its essence: character refinement, inward purity, enhanced presence with Allah swt, and increased love for Allah SWTs Messenger (SAW). In that unifying spirit and similar intent to focus on the essential and avoid the controversial, the American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM) and Miftaah invite our community to explore selected readings of this short but extremely profound work of tazkīya (purification). We will be using the Arabic original and Dr. Jackson’s translation.

Many people think that the topic of Mental Health has been sidelined and ignored within our Islamic Tradition. The reality is far from that. Our religion has a deep and beautiful history on this topic and also provides clear and proven processes to guide us in these situations. Dr. Rania Awaad is a practicing psychiatrist based at the Stanford University School of Medicine and is a Clinical Associate Professor at Stanford University.

Repentance is not simply a process of saying certain words or phrases; it is a means of changing our behavior and actions. The goal of tawbah is to maintain the connection and love with our Lord at all times with our heart and our deeds. Miftaah Institute invites Shaykh Rami Nsour for a seminar on Repentance - A Guide to Changing Habits, using resources from the deen and modern scientific research.

Those who are promised shade on the Day of Judgment will have Allah's shade on the day there is no shade except for His. It is in the interest of every single Muslim to try and procure this relief on this day. Thankfully, the Prophet SAW outlined seven different types of people with their own righteous characteristics that will have this distinct honor. This Saturday, November 21st, Miftaah Institute invites Shaykh Navaid Aziz to explore those who are promised shade on Judgment Day and how we may become one of those people inshallah.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize one’s own emotions and handle interpersonal situations in an empathetic manner. The Prophet SAW was a master at this skill. He would navigate social situations in a way where it would always make the other party feel better about themselves. Miftaah welcomes guest instructor Imam Mikaeel Ahmed Smith, author of With the Heart in Mind for a seminar that will prophetically change the way you look at your interactions with others.

Bidayat al-Hidaya is a highly motivational manual written by the great legend, Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali, detailing the fundamentals of acquiring guidance through God-consciousness (taqwa). Imam Ghazali argues that just as there is an end to this noble objective there is also a beginning to it, which must be made firm for one to achieve success. While being concise and to-the-point the manual is laid out in the form of a detailed daily timetable, providing the reader strong inspiration and much heart-rending counsel.

Self-reflection is one of the essential ingredients of progress in Islam. Imam Khalid Latif will discuss the famous work of Imam Abdullah al Haddad who was a great scholar and a reviver of Islam in the 12th century. This class will provide us with clear instructions on how to purify and cultivate our hearts through practical counsel and guidance. This class will serve as a key for us to understand ourselves better and therefore connect with Allah SWT.