Awaken! : Hadiths to Awaken and Heal the Heart and Soul

In the twenty-third episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith gives glad tidings to the patient among the poor that they will enter Paradise five hundred years before the rich. The second hadith provides more detail about the poor who will precede others to Paradise. The third hadith speaks of the occasion when the poor emigrants were given the good news of entering Paradise forty years before others that brought good cheer to their hearts and delight to their faces. Shaykh Abdullah draws parallels from this for people who are suffering in the current financial crisis and advises us to bring joy to their hearts. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – https://seekersguidance.org/donate.  

In the twenty-second episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers four hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith demonstrates the lack of luxury in the life of our beloved Prophet  (Allah bless him and give him peace). He used to sleep on a mat of woven fiber used to leave marks on his blessed body. His pillow was rough leather stuffed with palm fibers. The second hadith shows the insufficient provisions of the Companions of the Platform (Ashab al Suffa). They did not even have enough clothing to cover their entire body. In the third and fourth hadiths, we are given the advice to look at those below us in financial status and worldly blessings and not at those above us so that we do not belittle Allah’s favor upon us. This prevents envy from entering our hearts and inculcates gratitude. A complete believer compares himself to someone better than him in religion and someone less than him in worldly matters. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – https://seekersguidance.org/donate.   

In the twenty-first episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers one hadith from Kitab al-Riqaq, which conveys the cure to a hard heart and provides a means to reach Allah Most High. This hadith exemplifies the limited means with which the family of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) lived. Shaykh Abdullah explains in detail the incident when the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) had to pawn his valuable armor to a Jewish man in exchange for a small amount of barley and stale fat. The Prophet's character (Allah bless him and give him peace) was such that he did not want any favor from anyone in return for the immense benefit that he had brought to humanity. His recompense was not in worldly riches but the Hereafter and his aim were only to seek the face of Allah Most High. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – https://seekersguidance.org/donate.

In the twentieth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith contrasts the judgment of people regarding a person with the Judgement of Allah Most High. The criteria that people use to judge a person’s worth are based on outward appearance and worldly standards, whereas Allah judges a person’s worth by the purity of their hearts. The second hadith describes the simplicity of the Prophet's life (Allah bless him and give him peace) and his family. They did not even have their fill of simple food like barley bread for two consecutive days. The third hadith illustrates that we should train ourselves and our families to have simplicity in our lives and avoid excesses.  For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – https://seekersguidance.org/donate/.

In the nineteenth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith establishes that the generality of the people who enter Paradise are the down-trodden and the people of means are detained from entering it. In the second hadith, we learn that the majority of the dwellers of Paradise are the poor and Shaykh Abdullah explains in detail what it means for women to constitute a majority of the dwellers of Hellfire. Islam brought honor to women and gave agency and rights to them. This hadith removes the misconception that men are the only ones responsible and women have no accountability. The third hadith uses a metaphor to indicate the superiority of the poor emigrants in entering Paradise. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with a multitude of meanings. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter –   https://seekersguidance.org/donate/  

In the eighteenth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers two hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. These hadiths are from the chapter of the Virtues of the Poor and the Lifestyle of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Shaykh Abdullah explains that real virtue is not in increased wealth but an increase of recompense from Allah Most High. He postulates that it is enough to show the virtues of the poor over the rich that the best of creation, our beloved last Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), was made to live the lifestyle of the poor. The first hadith shows the contrast in how people perceive a person and how Allah may perceive him. It describes a person with a disheveled appearance who gets rejected by people, yet he may have such clout with Allah that Allah Most High will fulfill it for him if he makes an oath by Allah. From the second hadith, we learn that we are not given victory and provision except by virtue of the poor and weak among us. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit https://seekersguidance.org/podcasts/.Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter –   https://seekersguidance.org/donate/

In the seventeenth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith emphasizes the importance of God-consciousness. Regardless of who the people are and where they are located, those most deserving of the company and the intercession of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) are the ones who have the most taqwa (God-consciousness). The second hadith sheds light upon the significance of inward submission to Allah to have the Divine light expand your heart and receive guidance from Allah Most High. The third Hadith advises one to seek the closeness of a servant of Allah who abstains from this lowly world and speaks very little, for this person imparts wisdom. It is crucial not only to have abstemiousness oneself but also to have good company.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate.

In the sixteenth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith describes how good deeds will come forth to intercede on behalf of a person on the Day of Judgement, and his Islam will be the first thing that Allah Most High will look at. The second hadith provides an example from the Prophet's life (Allah bless him and give him peace) to demonstrate the significance of the sweetness of worship for someone who is undistracted by the luxuries of this world. The third hadith contains succinct and profound advice given by the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) to a man who asked for brief counsel. Shaykh Abdullah explains the meanings of the three primary counsels given: praying as though it is your farewell prayer, not saying anything that you will regret tomorrow, and gathering your despair for what is in the hands of people. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate.

In the fifteenth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers seven hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first four hadiths contrast the ephemeral nature of the life of this world with the certainty of the Hereafter and its imminence. The fifth hadith sets out two qualities of the best person: a swept-out heart and an extremely truthful tongue. Shaykh Abdullah delves deep into the meanings of a swept-out heart, explaining how this person is pure-hearted, free of sin,  has no oppression, malice, or envy. The sixth hadith puts forth four qualities, which if a person possesses, it does not matter what he loses from the world. The seventh hadith explains three qualities that Luqman al-Hakim possessed that gave him the high status he had. These include truthful speech, fulfilling trusts, and leaving that which does not concern him. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate.  

In the fourteenth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers seven hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first two hadiths expound upon the concept of blessing in wealth and how unlawful wealth is the foundation of spiritual dilapidation. The third hadith puts forward the notion that those who gather wealth for its own sake have no intellect. True intelligence (‘aql) is that which restrains a person from doing something wrong. In the fourth hadith, Shaykh Abdullah explains how intoxicants are the aggregator of sins and how the love of this world is the instigator of every single sin. The fifth Hadith mention two things that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) feared for his nation: stubborn desires and long hopes. The sixth and the seventh Hadith compare the reality of this world and the Hereafter. This world is traveling away from us, and the Hereafter is hurtling forward towards us, so we are encouraged to be people who focus on the Hereafter. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate.    

In the thirteenth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers six hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first two hadiths demonstrate the companions’ worry about having excess wealth and the responsibility of accounting for it on the Day of Judgement. The third hadith emphasizes the reality that a worldly person is not safe from sins. Whoever loves this world, and is involved with it, will get affected by it. In the fourth hadith, we are reminded of the true purpose for which the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent. He was not sent to amass wealth but to glorify the praises of Allah and to prostrate. The fifth and the sixth hadiths juxtapose the concepts of earning lawful wealth with good intentions and earning lawfully but for the sake of ostentation. While the wealth earned is permissible in both cases, the intention behind it changes the outcome in the Hereafter. The same wealth can be used as a key to good or as a key to evil.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate.  

In the twelfth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first Hadith gives the glad tidings of success to the one whose heart Allah has made purely for faith. Such a person has a sound heart, truthful tongue, upright personality, and soul at peace. His eyes and ears also perceive the truth. The second Hadith explains the concept of gradual misguidance (istidraj). Allah Mighty and Majestic sometimes opens the doors of worldly riches to some sinners, who are actively engaged in disobeying Allah, to seize them. The apparent worldly blessings are, in reality, a downward spiral for those people. The third Hadith warns against the sin of hoarding wealth.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate.  

In the eleventh episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers four hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith informs about the blessing of health and cold water, one of the first blessings that you will be asked about on the Day of Judgement. The second Hadith explains five things given to the children of Adam that they will be accountable for even before they move their feet on the Day of Judgement. Shaykh Abdullah then commences the third section of the book with a Hadith that negates superiority of any skin color (race) over another and affirms that goodness is only based on God-consciousness (taqwa). The fourth Hadith expounds upon the benefits of abstinence from lowly desires. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate.

In the tenth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers five hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith focuses on the underestimated blessings upon awakening from sleep; having safety, health, and provisions. The second hadith provides guidance on the quantity of food and drink to be consumed daily, resulting in optimum health and strength to worship Allah Most High. In the third hadith, Shaykh Abdullah explains the importance of remembering the reasons for eating since those who are satiated the longest in this world are hungry the longest on the Day of Judgement. The fourth hadith identifies wealth as the spiritual trial of followers of the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) which can also be manifested in overeating and overindulging. The last hadith compares the blessings accumulated on Earth by mankind to the small percentage sent forth for the Hereafter. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with a multitude of meanings.     For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

In the ninth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. For those seeking the pleasure of Allah Most High, the first hadith signals giving up the love of the temporal World, thereby removing clutter from the hearts and allowing the love of Allah to enter. Simultaneously, humanity will also love them because they are not perceived as competitors for life’s attractions. The second hadith compares the time spent in this World to a traveler resting while on a journey. It is brief and purposeful with a destination in mind; the Hereafter. The third hadith describes those unknown among the people but known and considered special to Allah Most High. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with many meanings.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

In the eighth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith distinguishes between resources considered necessary and those in excess which mankind will be taken to account for on the Day of Judgement. In the second hadith, Shaykh Abdullah draws on the call to live a life with hearts connected to Allah Most High and the Hereafter, untethered from the charms of this temporal world. The third hadith establishes that once the basic human needs are fulfilled, extras should be allocated to neighbors and communities in need. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with a multitude of meanings. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

In the seventh episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers four hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith contrasts spiritual slavery, or slavery of the heart, to physical slavery, with the former being the worst type of slavery. In the second hadith, the Beloved Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) compares the kind of harm two wolves could inflict on a flock of sheep with the harm that greed for wealth and prestige can do to human hearts. The third hadith informs that intention to spend and earn from lawful sources is an act of worship that is rewarded. The fourth hadith explains why spending on needs while avoiding extravagance is on the path of gaining the pleasure of Allah Most High. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with a multitude of meanings.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate    

In this SeekersGuidance podcast, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers readings from Imam Tabrizi’s Mishkat al Masabih, which serve to melt the heart and encourage a state of receptiveness to Divine reality. In the sixth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith discusses the value of this physical world in the sight of Allah Most High and how the apportioning of wealth is at His sole discretion. The second hadith advises on the remembrance of Allah Most High in every aspect of life, even when choosing a profession and seeking a living. The third hadith cautions against chasing after the glitter of this temporary world, allowing the love of it to overtake the heart. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with a multitude of meanings.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

In the fifth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. In the first hadith, the Final Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) counsels mankind to take advantage of youth before old age, health before sickness, wealth before poverty, free time before becoming busy, and life before death. The second hadith emphasizes the reality that no one knows their lifespan, but a successful person does not wait for a calamity to befall him before preparing for the Hereafter. In the third hadith, Shaykh Abdullah reminds us that this temporal world is a trial as it creates a distraction from the worship of the Creator. The remembrance of Allah Most High should be at the root of our every action. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with a multitude of meanings.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

In the fourth episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers three hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. In the first hadith, the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) dispenses five instruction for us to act upon and teach to others; avoid unlawful things to be the most worshipful of people, be pleased with what Allah has apportioned to be the wealthiest of people, show excellence towards neighbors to be true believers, love for mankind what you love for yourself to be a true Muslim, and avoid excessive laughter to save the heart. In the second hadith, Shaykh Abdullah explains that Allah Most High asks us to free our hearts from the things that occupy them and worry us. Shaykh Abdullah sheds light in the third hadith on the superiority of those who stay far away from unlawful and doubtful things over those who engage in numerous good actions, but pay little attention to avoiding the prohibited actions whether in secret or public. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with a multitude of meanings.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate  

  In the third episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers six hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. In the first hadith, the Beloved Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) describes successful people as those who embraced Islam. Were blessed with just enough provision for each day, and who was made content with that by Almighty Allah. In the second hadith, Shaykh Abdullah explains that true wealth is what we personally consumed, wore, and enjoyed, followed by that which we gave in the path of Allah Most High for purposes such as charity, education, and philanthropy. The third hadith emphasizes that our actions and deeds are the only things that stay with us and can be a source of comfort when we die. In the fourth hadith, Shaykh Abdullah underscores that wealth not sent forward to the Hereafter is left for the inheritors and will be of no benefit to the deceased. The fifth hadith further encourages us to adopt the attitude of the angels and concentrate our efforts on the wealth sent forth. In the sixth hadith, Shaykh Abdullah expounds on the concept of riches and affluence which means to be free of need from what others possess. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with a multitude of meanings.   For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate  

In the second episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers five hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith informs us that the veil between us and Hellfire is removed through unlawful desires, and likewise, the veil between us and Paradise is removed via disliked inconveniences; this means that the road to Paradise is paved with tasks that may appear trivial or without benefit in this world. The second hadith elevates the disheveled, humble, and honest servant over the people of materialism because they understand the value of worship and possess the tools necessary to handle calamities. In the third hadith, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) encourages us to exercise caution when confronted with the riches of this world because excess kills the heart and increases us in laziness. In the fourth hadith, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) again warns us concerning the dangers of wealth, but he adds a key point; wealth often leads to competition and greater evils. The fifth hadith highlights how styles of wealth consumption allow us to thank Allah for all His blessings. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with a multitude of meanings. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate

In the first episode of this series, Shaykh Abdullah Misra covers hadiths from Kitab al-Riqaq, which convey the cure to a hard heart and provide a means to reach Allah Most High. The first hadith reminds us of the importance of good health and free time, representing two of man’s invaluable resources. The second hadith offers a framework for understanding the realities of this world, namely its trivial nature in the eyes of Allah Most High. In the third hadith, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) likens this world to a prison for the believer and paradise for the ungrateful disbeliever in order to build patience. The fourth hadith defines the reward for good deeds and conveys a sense of continuity such that believers receive immense rewards in this world and the next, unencumbered by time, whereas disbelievers consume their reward and carry nothing forward into the next abode. Indeed, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given the gift of true eloquence, characterized by the brevity of speech in combination with a multitude of meanings. For more SeekersGuidance podcast shows, visit seekersguidance.org/podcasts. Help SeekersGuidance reach millions around the world through reliable knowledge and guidance from qualified scholars, completely free: become a monthly supporter – www.seekersguidance.org/donate