The fifth quality that Imam al-Ghazali mentions one should seek in a friend is honesty. Without honesty, a friendship is susceptible to deception and fracture.
We seldom think that pain can be a cause for celebration and joy. Yet, for the believer who has their gaze set upon the Afterlife, the reward earned through patience and bearing of difficulties makes it worth it.
One of the most important qualities to look for in a friend is uprightness: the discipline to avoid persisting in major sins. An upright friend will ensure that they don’t neglect your rights, just as they don’t neglect the rights of God.
The classroom of character development in this world is the difficulties that we go through. Each challenge offers us an opportunity to develop a part of us. The eighth wisdom of pain in life is to develop the spiritual capacity for patience.
This week, we continue our study of the qualities Imam al-Ghazali has outlined to look for in a friend, and to embody as a friend to others.
Our Prophet has taught us that we will follow the way of our friends. So how does one choose friends? What ought they to look for? In the next section, Imam al-Ghazali explains what qualities to look for in a friend, and to embody as a friend to others.
Recorded: Jan 22, 2025
Most of us see moments of tribulation as a pain to be removed. Imam Izz bin Abdul Salaam reminds us that every encounter with difficulty is an opportunity to develop our character. Among the character traits that we can only learn through difficulties is forbearance. Recorded: Jan 15, 2025
Our Prophet has taught us that we will follow the way of our friends. So how does one choose friends? What ought they to look for? In the next section, Imam al-Ghazali explains what qualities to look for in a friend, and to embody as a friend to others.
We often think of strangers as people we meet spontaneously, without any consideration for the etiquettes and conduct we ought to exhibit with them. Imam al-Ghazali outlines 6 guidelines for how to ensure we treat strangers in the best manner.
Recorded: Jan 10, 2025
As we return to our regular programming, we resume our study of the wisdoms that Allah Most High has placed in pain. The hardships of life have a way of bringing us to our knees and raising our hands in supplication to Allah, seeking a way out.
The fourth benefit mentioned by Imam Izz bin Abd al-Salaam is turning to Allah during hard times. When we find ourselves struggling with our circumstances, we naturally look for those that can help us. And there is none more worthy of turning to in those moments than Allah.
Our Prophet has commanded us to treat others according to their status; this means that different people will have different rights of treatment that they deserve. In the next section, Imam al-Ghazali explains to us the different categories of acquaintances, and how we can interact with each of them.
The third benefit we acquire from experiencing difficulties in life is the development of sincerity in our relationship with Allah. We realize that none can remove the calamity from us but Allah, thereby purifying our hearts of trust and conviction in anyone other than Him.
Recorded: Dec 11, 2024
When we think of who our friends/companions are, we sometimes overlook Allah as our closest companion. Imam al-Ghazali begins the section on true friendship by speaking about what it means to be a faithful and devoted companion to Allah.
Sometimes, when life is going well, we forget how much we actually need Allah; we feel self-sufficient and as a result, we often rebel against Him. The difficulties in our lives can serve as a means of reminding us who is truly in control of all affairs, and how utterly feeble we are before the Divine Command.
One of the most challenging aspects of life is maintaining and sustaining healthy friendships. We spend a lifetime training to develop skills for the workforce; it’s time we explore what it means to be a good friend. This week, we begin a new series: “The Art of True Friendship.” We will explore the advice of Imam al-Ghazali on what it means to be a genuine friend to Allah and those around us.
The first benefit that Imam 'Izz Al-Din Ibn 'Abd Al-Salam outlines is attaining knowledge (ma’rifat) of Allah’s Lordship and Power. Difficulties have a way of humbling us and reminding us of our own weaknesses. And sometimes, it is just that humility that is needed for us to deepen our relationship with Allah.
In our final session of “Putting Life into Perspective,” we will continue our exploration of the final abode. We will discuss people’s experiences as they first enter paradise and meet their Lord.
Tune in as we wrap up our series “Putting Life into Perspective,” a study of ‘The Lives of Man’ by Imam al-Haddad
Recorded: Nov 22, 2024
One of the most common questions we ask ourselves regarding life is why difficulties and tribulations take place. What possible benefit could come out of us struggling and suffering through various events in life? To address these questions, a sixth-century Syrian scholar 'Izz Al-Din Ibn 'Abd Al-Salam penned a treatise outlining 17 benefits that we are blessed with by means of the tough times we go through.
Join us as we begin a new series, The Wisdoms of Pain.
Recorded: Nov 20, 2024
The last life explained by Imam al-Haddad is the eternal abode that one will ultimately end up in: paradise or the fire. This week, we study the details regarding these abodes mentioned in the Qur’an and the sayings of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Join us as we continue our series “Putting Life into Perspective,” a study of ‘The Lives of Man’ by Imam al-Haddad.
Recorded: Nov 15, 2024
