Meditation is often overlooked within the Muslim community, yet it's foundational to truly living and embodying the faith. In this episode, I explore the essential role of meditation in Islam—not as a borrowed practice from other traditions, but as a core, intrinsic expression of surrender, which is the very meaning of Islam. I explain how meditation helps Muslims internalize surrender not just outwardly through ritual, but inwardly through presence, stillness, and peace.



I also share insights from my journey and training with spiritual masters who emphasized the inward dimension of Islam, highlighting how outer practice without inner presence leads to a lifeless faith. We often learn only the form of religion, forgetting its spirit—yet the form exists to express the soul. Meditation reconnects us with this inner essence, teaching us to surrender in the present moment and free ourselves from fear and grief by aligning with divine will.



True Islam means submitting wholly—to the outer disciplines and the inner experience of God's presence. Meditation makes this real. It’s the practice of learning to let go, of training the mind to be still, of allowing the heart to open to divine love. Through this, we begin to embody the Shahada—not just in words but in being. I also introduce a new and free Primer on Islamic Meditation masterclass, which offers practical steps to begin this transformative practice. It’s time we return to the heart of Islam: complete, conscious surrender.



Chapters



00:00 | Why Meditation Is Often Misunderstood in IslamMeditation is rarely associated with Islam, yet it's deeply foundational to it.



01:03 | My Journey Into Islamic SpiritualityI share my background and the origins of the Islamic Meditation Program.



02:35 | Defining Islam as SurrenderIslam means surrender, both outwardly and inwardly—a truth taught by all prophets.



06:13 | The Inner and Outer Dimensions of ReligionIslam must be practiced with both form and spirit; without spirituality, it is lifeless.



08:00 | Inward Surrender as True SubmissionReal faith means surrendering the heart and mind to God's will in the present moment.



10:13 | What Meditation Really IsMeditation is inward surrender—a practice of presence, trust, and freedom.



12:33 | The Friends of God and the Power of PresenceTrue surrender brings peace and removes fear and grief, as described in the Qur'an.



14:24 | Oneness, Strength, and Spiritual AnchoringMeditation allows for divine connection, spiritual power, and real independence.



15:18 | Final Reflections and Free Meditation ResourceI invite listeners to a free masterclass on Islamic meditation to help integrate this vital practice.