Sura Luqman emphasizes tarbiya, or spiritual growth, and is named after a great sage. In this series, Shaykh Ibrahim Osi-Efa explores the meanings of this chapter. In this segment, Shaykh Ibrahim discusses sama, or listening to spiritual poetry and songs. Continuing the discussion about entertaining discourse–music meant to distract from God–he mentions that even good […]

Guidance on Breaking the Fast: Importance of Timing Ramadan: The Doors to Ecstasy – Habib Muhammad al-Saqqaf Maximizing the Blessings of Ramadan: Insights into Taqwa

The Prophet’s condemnation of poetry, blessings and peace be upon him, is often misunderstood. Yusuf Latif sheds some light on why. The Mu‘allaqa (hanging poem) of the most famous pre-Islamic Arab Poet, Imru al-Qays, begins with the couplet: Stop, let us weep, in remembrance of a beloved and her campsite Here in the desert between […]

Once there was a poet Who hailed from Tipperary One day he said: “I know what I’ll do I’ll be the new Busiri! I am going to be the one and only I am going to be a star Muslims from all around will cheer This is the new burda! I’ll use a catchy rhythm […]