How do I renew my faith and renew my connection with my Lord and Creator? Sura al-Hadid is a 29-verse sura containing key guidance on renewing faith through reflection (fikr) and remembrance (dhikr).
It contains powerful reminders on awakening to the reality of the Glory of Allah, the fleeting essence of this life, and the lasting reality of the next life.
It contains key calls to live our faith through sacrifice, charity, concern for good, and strengthening our connection to the Beloved Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).
It asks the deep question: “Has the time not come for believers’ hearts to be humbled by the Remembrance of Allah and what has been revealed of the Truth?” [v.16]
Then it outlines the way of the Prophets, the way of faith and striving. This way is the means to “the doubled share of Divine Mercy,” [v. 28] and all true joy.
This course explores these themes through reference to the great Tafsirs (commentaries) on the Quran, and brings out the life lessons on faith, devotion, submission, and spirituality. It will give students a lot to reflect on their relationship with Allah, and their approach to life, their priorities, and time.
- Teacher: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
The Quran is the Book of Guidance. Allah Most High calls us to reflect deeply on it, and the Beloved Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The best of you are those who learn and teach the Quran.” [Bukhari]
The course is based on the great tradition of Quranic exegesis (tafsir), through which the understanding of the Quran has been preserved, protected, and its guidance clarified.
Among the major Tafsir works Shaykh Faraz Rabbani refers to: (1) Tafsir Abu Su`ud; (2) Tafsir Ibn Kathir; (3) Tafsir al-Qurtubi; (4) Hashiya al-Sawi on Tafsir al-Jalalayn; (5) Ibn Ajiba’s al-Bahr al-Madid; (6) Razi’s al-Tafsir al-Kabir; (7) Tafsir al-Alusi; (8) Ibn Ashur’s al-Tahrir wa’l Tanwir; (9) Qushayri’s Lata’if al-Isharat; and (10) Biqa`i’s Nadhm al-Durar, among others
- This course is for Muslims of all ages seeking to deepen their appreciation and understanding of the Book of Allah.
- It is particularly beneficial for those seeking to renew their connection to Allah Most High, to the Quran, to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and to renew their faith and practice.
- This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in Quran Studies, Islamic Beliefs, and Spirituality.
- It is a general course. There are no prerequisites required to successfully complete this course.
Study Effort
- Recommended: 2 hours weekly
- Understand a complete, beautiful Sura of the Quran
- Appreciate the beauty, depth, and rich meanings of Sura al-Hadid.
- Reflect on the Glory of Allah, His Attributes, and the Truth of His Promise.
- Consider their life relationship with Allah, their priorities, and have the guidance to put what matters first in their life.
- Act on key principles of guidance, and specific calls to good that will enable them to prioritize their faith, and bring meaning, beauty, and the clarity and contentment of certitude in their lives.
- Learn key concepts of Islam, including the Glory of Allah Most High, how we view this life and its purpose, the reality of the Hereafter—and, most importantly, what ultimately matters.
Cultivating mindfulness of Allah Most High is a process that every Muslim struggles with. We spend much time in heedlessness of Allah, lacking consciousness of His ever-present and enveloping Mercy.
This course unpacks the meanings of Sura al-Rahman, serving as a reminder for students and encouraging them to reflect upon the signs of the Mercy of Allah. Students will learn the main themes of this sura and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Allah's Mercy upon humanity.
Along with a translation and explanation of the verses in this sura, there is a particular emphasis upon cultivating awe of Allah Most High. Completing this course will help students develop gratitude by viewing all aspects of their lives under the lens of Allah's Mercy.
- Teacher: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
- This course is for students of all ages.
- It is particularly beneficial for students and teachers of the Qur’an.
- This course can also be taken by anyone who is interested in an introduction to, and familiarization of, Qur’anic studies.
- It is an On-Demand course. Students do not need any prerequisite courses to successfully complete this course.
- Understand the overarching themes of Sura al-Rahman.
- Develop an appreciation of the meanings of the Qur’an.
- Generally understand the mercy and glory of Allah.
- Cultivate awe of Allah Most High.
- Describe the Day of Judgment, Paradise, and Hellfire.
What would you ask God if you were granted the opportunity to ask one question?
“My Lord, what are the best means with which those close to you have gotten close to you?” Imam Ahmad asked when he saw Allah for the hundredth time in his dreams. “With my words, Ahmad,” was the response he got. “With, or without understanding?” he enquired; “With, or without understanding,” was the answer.
The proper manners with the Quran can supercharge the benefit received from the Quran, whether one approaches it as a worshipper, a student, or a teacher. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explains what the Quran is, and shows how it was perfectly preserved. This preamble imbues the listener with a certainty of the Quran’s Divine origin.
He then discusses the numerous virtues of this Blessed Book, and how one can gain the maximum benefit from it through proper outward and inward conduct.
This course is essential for those wishing to gain closeness to Allah through His Book, and flings wide open the doors to having a direct connection with Allah through His words.
- Teacher: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Realize the importance of the words of Allah in the Divine revelation.
- Explain what the Quran is and how it was preserved.
- Increase in certainty towards the Divine origin of the Quran.
- Discuss the virtues of the Quran.
- Connect with Allah through His words.
The keys of excellence in relations are found in Sura al-Hujurat. It calls to the believers to adopt these standards, appealing to the God-given faith that we have as the motive for making us do so. Shaykh Faraz Rabbani clearly presents the themes of this sura drawing on the wisdom of great scholars such as Imam Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, and Shaykh Ahmad ibn Ajiba.
This course discusses what proper conduct before Allah is; the rank and wisdom of the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and give him peace; how believers should be towards him; and the immense blessings of faith, guidance, and obedience.
We learn to confirm what we hear before judging and acting, and how to be just and merciful to believers should they have a dispute amongst themselves. Mockery, name-calling, spying, and backbiting are also addressed due to the extremely detrimental effect they have to relations.
The course concludes with looking at what is a real virtue, and how those of virtue should deal with others to manifest it. We see that Allah constantly calls to obedience, yet He also reminds us of His mercy, reminding us to have proper conduct towards Him.
- Teacher: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand what is proper conduct before Allah.
- Explain the standards of excellence found in Sura al-Hujurat.
- Discuss how believers should behave towards the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).
- Understand the importance of confirming the news before judging and acting.
- Realize how to be just and merciful to people.
- Explain the harms of mockery, backbiting, name-calling, and spying
- Teacher: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Surat al-Asr is one of the shortest suras in the Qur’an. Yet it summarizes all that humans need to attain eternal success; all they need to make the most of time; and all they need to avoid loss, in this life and the next.
- Shaykh: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
As Divine speech, the Quran leads people from darkness to true light. It is guidance for the people of piety to the straight path that leads to Allah. Pious people hold fast to the Book of Allah and have the correct inner and outer manners of relating to the Quran.
Shaykh Faraz discusses ten outward manners, such as ritual purity when reciting; consistency in the amount read each day; striving to read one juz a day; accurate tajwid; and supplication in the recitation.
He also explains ten inward manners that generate the outward ones, including slow and reflective recitation; understanding the deeper meanings of the Quran; removing the veils that prevent us from understanding it; rising in the degrees of excellence in recitation, which culminates in putting Allah first and oneself last; and recitation in the knowledge that there is no might or ability except with Allah.
The keys to living the Quran in these ways include recognizing how deeply one needs Allah’s guidance; seeking to emulate those who have been rightly guided; and ensuring that one has the certitude in faith that flows from beneficial knowledge.
- Teacher: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Develop proper etiquette for reciting the Quran.
- Explain ten outward manners of relating to the Quran.
- Summarize ten inward manners of connecting with the Quran.
- Understand the importance of emulating our pious predecessors.
- Recognize the deep need for guidance from Allah.
This course helps you appreciate the beauty and majesty of the Quran and find the presence of Allah through it.
The Quran is the Speech of Allah. This final revelation is recited by believers devotionally, but it isn’t simply guidance ‘from’ Allah. Rather, the Revealed Book points to the meanings indicated by Allah’s Eternal Attribute of Speech.
This is a tremendous reality: when we recite or hear the Quran, Allah is directly addressing us, and we are in His Presence. All the manners and etiquettes of reciting the Quran, and the benefits and rewards of consistent recitation, return to this meaning.
This On-Demand course helps us appreciate this reality and learn how to ‘Behold the Quran’ and bring it into our lives.
- Teacher: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
- Teacher: الشيخ علي هاني
- This course is suitable for teenagers and adults.
- It is particularly beneficial for all Muslims.
- It is a General Level course. There are no prerequisites required to successfully complete this course.
- This course can also be taken by anyone who wants to connect to Allah through the Quran.
- Define what the Quran is.
- ‘Find’ the Presence of Allah–with the serenity, contentment, joy, and clarity it brings.
- Appreciate the beauty, majesty, and depth of meanings and guidance of the Quran.
- Build a living relationship with Allah through your connection to the Quran.
