Entries by Yousuf Patel

The Trodden Path (Episode 4): A Glimpse At the Lives of the Illustrious Scholars and Saints of the 20th and 21st Century.

In this series, Shaykh Shoayb Ahmed of South Africa will take us on a journey through the lives and biographies of some of the most celebrated and well known scholars of the twentieth and twenty – first century. These historical accounts will provide us with refreshing insights and lessons, and motivate us to follow in […]

Summary Notes of Embracing Excellence: 30 Steps on the Straight Path (01) – Ustadha Shireen Ahmed

DAY 1: On Certainty Synopsis: Ustadh Amjad starts this class by reviewing who is the author and why this text is important.  He then delves into the topic of what is certainty (yaqīn), and what are the benefits of having strong faith.  He explained that one’s certainty can be strengthened by three actions, and that […]

Review of “The Rise of the Scholarly Gig Economy and Fall of Community Development” – Nurulain Wolhuter

In a recent article in Muslim Matters, Shaykh Osman Umarji highlights the plight of many scholars of sacred knowledge who give up their careers and livelihoods to study abroad and subsequently return to the West to teach the Muslim community. Instead of being honored and respected for their sacrifices, they face criticism and complaints. Instead […]

When Should I Fast? When Should I Celebrate Eid? Moonsighting, Calculations, and Muslim Unity – Shaykh Hamza Karamali

Every year, Muslim communities are divided over whether to fast and celebrate Eid based on naked-eye sighting of the moon or calculations, and whether to follow the first sighting anywhere in the world, or whether to follow a local sighting. In this seminar, Shaykh Hamza Karamali will explain the various scholarly positions on how to […]

Branches of Faith Podcast Review – Nurulain Wolhuter

In the series of podcasts on the Branches of Faith, some leading scholars will explain the different branches of faith, as they appear in the works of the Islamic tradition. These branches include (1) branches of belief and certitude, (2) branches of spiritual works, and (3) branches of social excellence. In this introductory session, Shaykh […]

Making the Most of Ramadan – Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib & Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

In this reminder, Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib advises how to take advantage of sacred times of the year where blessings are multiplied. He especially emphasizes making righteous intentions for righteous works to gain their reward if circumstances change. He illustrates how to use religious understanding to make the most of such blessed opportunities in […]

Reflections on the Life of Omar ibn Said – Dr Hadia Mubarak

Dr Hadia Mubrak shares her reflections and thoughts on the life and legacy of Omar ibn Said.   In our public discourse, the term “Muslim” tends to be synonymous with words like “foreigner,” “immigrant” and “refugee.” Yet the historical reality of Muslims in America depicts a completely different portrait. The first Muslims to come to […]