Yaqeen Podcast

Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the second defining quality of Ibad ur-Rahman (Servants of the Most Merciful): those who embody forbearance (hilm) and composure when confronted by ignorance or provocation.

“When the ignorant address them, they only respond with peace.” — Qur’an 25:63

What does it mean to stay calm when you’re tested? How do we respond to rudeness, mockery, or anger without losing our dignity? Through stories of the Prophet ﷺ and the early believers, Dr. Omar Suleiman reveals that this verse is not about remaining silent in the face of oppression, but about rising above the foolish, refusing to be drawn into their heat, and maintaining moral strength when emotions run high.

What is the foundation of true unity? Is it shared heritage, culture, or even family ties? This lecture by Dr. Omar Suleiman highlights that genuine unity is rooted in piety and the collective striving for goodness.

Learn why the most effective way to help an oppressor is to stop their oppression—and how this principle becomes the basis for working together in truth. This isn't just a discussion about community; it's a profound challenge to redefine your understanding of unity and solidarity.

Ten episodes, three days, and numb legs. In this bonus session, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek and host Qaanitah Hunter spill the secrets of filming Real Talk and discuss everything from first impressions to high school awkwardnes to maintaining trust in the timing of Allah. True to title, the two get very real. 

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What does it mean to walk the earth lightly? In this opening lecture of the Ibad al-Rahman: Servants of the Most Merciful series, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the very first quality that Allah attributes to His most beloved servants — humility.

“The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly…” — Surah al-Furqan, 25:63

Dr. Omar explains how true faith begins not only in the heart, but appears in the way we move, speak, and carry ourselves. Through reflections on the Prophet ﷺ’s character, the struggles of the early believers in Makkah, and the contrast between arrogance and grace, this session invites you to embody a faith that walks gently — yet stands firm in dignity.

Join the journey of Ibad al-Rahman — a call to live as those recognized by Allah Himself.

Are you feeling bored, distracted, or emotionally flat in your worship?

Explore why believers sometimes feel disconnected or weary in their salah, duʿāʾ, and dhikr, and how to revive sincerity and spiritual energy. This khutbah also offers a deep and practical explanation of the profound hadith: “Allah does not tire until you tire,” clarifying its meaning and what it teaches us about consistency, balance, and Divine mercy.

Of all the ways of Muhāsabah (holding ourselves accountable) this is the most unique. How do we work on ourselves before our own bodies speak on the Day of Judgment. Our limbs, our eyes, our hearing, our tongues, and even our desires are recording every step, every glance, and every word.

When everyone said “me, me,” the Prophet ﷺ said “my ummah, my ummah.” He cried for his followers and made du‘a for people he never met — including you. The Prophet ﷺ taught us that when you pray for others, angels reply: “Ameen, and for you the same.”

So expand your du‘a. Pray for the ummah, for the oppressed, for those who’ll never know your name.

When you pray beyond yourself, Allah expands your heart.

Watch till the end to learn how the Prophet ﷺ’s example can transform your du’a.

When the test came, the Sahabah didn’t hesitate. Neither did the disciples of Isa (AS). Their devotion wasn’t just words, it was action, sacrifice, and faith. Are we even close to their level of devotion? While we can never be Sahabah, we can discover what it truly means to embody the spirit of those who showed utmost devotion.

In this Gaza Diaries episode, a Palestinian-Australian doctor who volunteered in Gaza recalls paramedics who had to make peace with death, a night when hundreds of injured and dying children filled the hospital wards to overflowing, and a moment that changed a colleague’s worldview as young patients awoke reciting Qur’an. Anchored by his mother’s words—“Death is in Allah’s hands”—Dr. Mohamed Mustafa reflects on intentions, resilience, and why elevating Palestinian voices is the path to re-humanization.

One day, everything we chase of wealth, power, or status, will lose its shine. The world will expose what we once thought was worth fighting over, and every argument, betrayal, and war will come down to one question: Was it really worth it?

This khutbah is a reflection on how greed and ego blinds us from doing the right thing. From broken homes to global injustice, the pattern is the same: we destroy what’s priceless for what’s temporary.

From the Rapture to the Antichrist, religious texts often outline visions of the future. The Qur’an, too, speaks of what’s to come. But Allah ﷻ emphasizes the past—on the stories, lessons, and warnings from history—so that we’re prepared for what lies ahead. Is the past more important than predicting outcomes of the future? Dr. Omar Suleiman answers these questions and more in this khutbah.

We've witnessed calls for a ceasefire before, only to be met with broken promises. While we hope the war is over, in moments like these, we’re reminded that true victory begins not with celebration, but with remembrance. Dhikr before shukr, this was the way of the Prophet ﷺ, who taught us to turn to remembrance after relief, anchoring our gratitude in worship rather than emotion.

The flotilla heading toward Gaza is more than a group of ships; it's a united act of resistance with a single goal in mind: end the blockade on Gaza. Ultimately, Allah (swt) decides when justice will come, but we must always keep in mind that change doesn’t come from a single act, it comes from many people moving together with purpose.

Not every believer is loud or visible, but many of the most beloved to Allah are the ones you barely notice. The Prophet ﷺ praised the quiet, modest Muslim whose duʿāʾ is accepted, whose service is sincere, and who lives humbly without seeking attention. #BecauseOfMarwan honors a leader who is the heart of the Dallas Muslim community and being unjustly held and persecuted.

What happens when your dreams don’t come true? You find contentment, because your dreams are not greater than Allah’s decree. Tune in to Dr. Omar Suleiman deliver a powerful message about manifesting your story while trusting in Allah’s plan.

There is more good in saving more than just yourself. The Prophet (Saw) taught frequently about the sincerity and superiority of those who go beyond worship, and build and benefit others.

Activist Mahmoud Khalil sits down with Dr. Omar Suleiman to share what kept him grounded through months in ICE detention for protesting the genocide in Gaza. From seeing “Allah” etched on a cell wall to hearing that strangers made du’a for him daily, Mahmoud reflects on faith, courage, and the power of a united ummah.

Charlie Kirk's murder is a reminder that not all deaths are the same. While the media amplifies some, others, like the tens of thousands in Gaza, are minimized or completely overlooked. This can shape how we respond emotionally to different deaths.

Dr. Omar Suleiman delves into the Islamic response to death, examining how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ responded differently depending on people who died, from the hypocrites to the honored martyrs.

Mahmoud. Leqaa. Dr. Khan Suri. They imprisoned their bodies, but not their minds. True activism is rooted in fearlessness, as Dr. Omar Suleiman highlights in this powerful message on standing up to those complacent and complicit with oppression. 

Islam values emotional well-being and encourages us to care for our mental health, but faith is not meant to be reduced to a tool for self-soothing alone. Allah says, “Do not grieve or despair,” yet He also reminds us that this life is a test, one that involves hardship as much as it does ease.

Are your goals too small? You might be selling yourself short without even realizing it. If your aspirations are too small, you risk falling into sin, settling for mediocrity, and never reaching the life (or akhirah) you’re truly capable of.

What does it mean to eat and enjoy food while our brothers and sisters are dying because they're being denied a basic human need? Dr. Omar Suleiman looks at the morality of eating while keeping Gaza's suffering close to heart.

Want to know what kind of Muslim you truly are? Pay attention to how people react around you. In this powerful message, Dr. Omar Suleiman reminds us that good character isn't just about personal piety. It's also about being someone others feel safe around. He contrasts this with the painful reality of Muslims who have let their brothers and sisters in Gaza down, not through direct harm, but through silence and inaction when they were most needed. 

How can we hold onto the Qur’an, like the 12-year-old girl in Gaza, paralyzed and unable to move, who still lets the words of Allah guide her in her toughest moments? Dr. Omar Suleiman delivers a powerful message on anchoring our hearts to the Qur’an, even as hope begins to fade.

Witnessing starvation, dehumanization, and atrocity can erode your spirit – or worse, your faith in Allah’s promise to help the believers and hold the oppressors accountable. Shaykh Mohammad Elshinawy shares valuable insight on divine timing, including how to strengthen your faith in the help of Allah.

In a world filled with constant change, uncertainty, and global upheaval, pause and reflect on this question: What if we stopped just asking for safety… and started asking to be used by Allah for something greater? In this heartfelt lecture, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores how to see ourselves as vessels for Allah’s work amid the ongoing global shifts we face. Through inspiring examples of figures like Salman Al-Farsi and Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, learn how true safety and success come from spiritual devotion, not worldly gains. Now is the time to align our talents, circumstances, and heart with divine purpose and to seek Allah’s guidance and protection through challenging times—holding fast to faith and performing every deed sincerely for His pleasure.

Dr. Omar Suleiman explores how to love your blessings without being imprisoned by them, and how to practice detachment daily using dhikr, gaining perspective, and being disciplined with your dunya.

What if the Muslim representation we’ve been fighting for is actually working against us?

In this Focal Point episode, Imam Tom Facchine explores the rise of Muslim representation in media, politics, and pop culture, and why it might be more harmful than helpful. From tokenism to identity politics, we unpack how visibility without values can betray the very communities it claims to uplift. 

Before we celebrate inclusion, we need to ask: At what cost?

In this powerful reflection, Dr. Omar Suleiman shares a moving conversation with a man who was wrongfully imprisoned as part of the Holy Land Foundation Five—men known for their humanitarian work for Palestinian children. Despite enduring extreme hardship, including solitary confinement, this brother's deep faith and commitment never wavered.

Explore how to stay true to our values, find purpose through our struggles, and stay spiritually grounded no matter the circumstances.

Follow Focal Point with Imam Tom for full episodes! 

Who profits from making people fear Muslims? In this Focal Point episode, Imam Tom exposes the multi-million dollar network fueling Islamophobia—fake experts, front organizations, and political actors who weaponize misinformation for profit and power.

This isn’t ignorance, it’s strategy. Who funds the fear? Who benefits? And how do we counter it?

The Bosnian genocide is a testament to the resilience of Islam—and a reminder that Gaza will overcome too.

Listen to Dr. Omar Suleiman as he visits Bosnia and reflects on the stories of survivors and the atrocities of Srebrenica 30 years later, where bones are still being recovered, and speak on what lessons can be learned from witnessing yet another atrocity targeted toward Muslims.

#bosnia #gaza #genocide

00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayers
01:34 My Purpose to Visit Bosnia
02:03 The Freshness of Genocide
03:14 Personal Reflections and Survivor Stories
05:25 Comparisons to Gaza
06:27 The Importance of Early Intervention
09:14 Symbolism of the Srebrenica Flower
10:18 Survival and Resilience of Islam in Bosnia

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A century after his birth — and 60 years after his assassination — El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, or Malcolm X, continues to exert a powerful influence on efforts against racism and oppression from the United States to Africa.

After enduring the cruelty of overt and systemic racism at a young age, Malcolm made a lifelong commitment to uplifting himself and all African-Americans. Bold and uncompromising, but also a sincere seeker of truth, he embraced Islam, performed Hajj, and traveled widely. Malcolm found inspiration and solidarity in Africa’s decolonization movements, from Ghana to Algeria. And his little-known visit to Gaza and his sharp critique of Zionism were among these efforts, even while he continued to forcefully challenge anti-Black racism in America.

We highlight various points in Malcolm’s winding journey, relying primarily on his own ever-insightful words, and reflect on why he remains an inspiration today.

South Africa’s former Minister of International Relations, Dr. Naledi Pandor, became the face of the ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide. In this conversation with Dr. Omar Suleiman, she explains why South Africa took that stand, how faith shaped her response, and what international solidarity truly means.

From confronting false media narratives to receiving death threats, Dr. Pandor reflects on the personal and political cost of speaking out—while urging Muslims to reclaim their moral leadership and global influence. What does it mean to act with Iman when the world chooses silence?

He was told the Palestinian flag would ruin his career.

He carried it anyway — into the cage, into press conferences, and into history. UFC Champion Belal Muhammad sits with Dr. Omar Suleiman to talk about pain, prayer, and the real fight beyond the cage. 

This is a story of rejection, resistance, victory, and divine timing.

Dr. Farhan Abdul Azeez just returned from Gaza—again. He went during Ramadan, prayed Eid with children in new clothes, and hours later saw their bodies in the morgue. He stood beside men who were martyred moments after smiling with him.

In this conversation with Dr. Omar Suleiman, he shares what he witnessed, what the world must know, and what it truly means to love the ummah—to walk through rubble, taste the sweetness of faith, and keep returning to serve, even if it might be the last time. Why do doctors beg to go back to this nightmare? Why do the people of Gaza still smile, pray, and celebrate Eid in tents beside destroyed masjids? And what does it say about us—that they feel abandoned not by their enemies, but by their brothers?

After nearly two years since the escalation of the genocide, half the Christian population of Gaza has been killed or forced to flee by the Israeli regime. But despite Palestine being home to Christianity’s holiest sites, the Palestinian Christians being the oldest Christian community anywhere in the world, and very prominent Christian voices like the late Pope Francis calling for an end to the genocide, many Christians in the West continue to support Israel.

Why? Why do Christian Zionists fail to practice the teaching of “love your neighbor” in this case? What is the shared history of Muslims and Christians in the Holy Land? And how must our communities work together for justice today?

In the latest episode of Gaza Diaries, Dr. Omar Suleiman discusses these questions with Palestinian pastor Rev. Munther Isaac of the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine.

“I’d spend my entire sujud du’a time praying for Gaza, only to wake up and go to work in a company that was contributing to that suffering.” In this one-on-one interview, Dr. Omar Suleiman sits down with Ibtihal Aboussad to talk about her decision to call out Microsoft during its 50th anniversary celebration for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza through its AI program. She breaks down what led up to that moment, how she prepared spiritually, and what it meant to take that public stand.

What is it like to face death on a daily basis? What is the connection between this life and the realm of the Barzakh? How do we grieve the loss of loved ones and our Muslim brothers and sisters?

Join Sh. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Ahmad Hraichie, "The Muslim Undertaker," for a powerful and emotional reflection on the Barzakh, the Islamic burial process, and the experiences of undertaking and washing.

Sh. Ahmad Hraichie, a Funeral Service Director, shares his personal reflections and insights as they discuss grief, the inevitability of death, and the afterlife. This deep discussion offers valuable perspectives on coping with loss and understanding the journey to the afterlife.

Why would the Prophet ﷺ marry a child? That is the question many want answered, but before we begin to address it, we have to admit it is more than a mere question; rather, it is an accusation and judgment of character. Underneath the question lies the notion that we should be troubled by the age of ‘Aisha at marriage, that whatever her age was, it is concerning, and—worse than that—however great the Prophet ﷺ was, the age at which ‘Aisha was married to him is problematic.

The controversy over the age of ‘Aisha is, in fact, a quite recent phenomenon. It is quite simply an attempt to defame the Prophet ﷺ—as those of old attempted to do—by questioning his judgment and ethics in marrying ‘Aisha at as young as 9. But this attempt at defamation, like all others, falls flat.

Listen to the paper audio podcast, "Why Did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Marry Aisha? Dismantling the Controversy of Aisha's Age," to explore more. 

You can’t fix what you refuse to face.

Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas reflect on how Ibn Hazm (rh)’s brutal honesty with himself made him a better man—and why confronting your own flaws is the key to real transformation.

What if you fall asleep out of exhaustion on the Laylatul Qadr? Can you still gain the blessings of this night? And what steps can you take to avoid falling asleep?

Have you been saving your best for just one night?

Dr. Omar Suleiman unpacks the mindset the Sahabah warned against and reframes how we should approach the 27th night and Laylatul Qadr.

Why was the Prophet ﷺ made to forget the exact date of Laylatul Qadr? When is the benefit and the mercy of Allah for us in that? 

Is your knowledge making you worse?

You can memorize verses, master texts, even preach to others—and still be far from Allah. So what kind of knowledge actually purifies the soul?

In this Midnight Majlis reflection, Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas explore Ibn Hazm’s advice about knowledge, ego, and the difference between true guidance and performative scholarship.

Your real strength isn’t in your body.

In this second night of Midnight Majlis, Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas reflect on chapter 3, “The Mind and Repose” — and how conquering your ego is the only path to real inner peace. Dive in as Ibn Hazm (rh) dismantles every false measure of pride we cling to — strength, speed, power, popularity — and redirects our gaze to the only virtue that matters: the intellect used in service of God.

FOMO keeps us chasing, comparing, and feeling like we’re always behind. But what are we actually afraid of missing?

In the first session of this year’s Midnight Majlis, Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas unpack Ibn Hazm’s reflections on anxiety, comparison, and why setting higher aspirations for your soul is the only way to escape the trap of constantly feeling left out.

Because the real question is: What if you’re missing out on something far greater?

“The Qur’an has no structure.” This is a common claim made by critics, but is it true? How does Surah Al-Baqarah, the longest surah in the Qur’an, actually reveal a perfect, interconnected design?

In this reflection, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy walks through the structure of Surah Al-Baqarah, showing how every verse is connected. From the failure of Banu Isra’il to the test of the ummah of Muhammad ﷺ, every shift in the surah serves a purpose: to show what true submission looks like.

“Surah Al-Baqarah is the summary of Islam—submission to Allah, wholeheartedly and willingly.” — Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy

“The Qur’an is all tied together. And this is the secret behind every surah.” — Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy

The brief pause in the bombing is over—again. In the holiest month. How do we process the continued onslaught and oppression against our ummah and the exhausting cycle of grief and helplessness? How do we find strength when oppression returns after hope? 

If you’re unsure whether you owe zakat or how to pay it correctly, this practical guide lays it all out.

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and the twin of salah.

In this brief but essential crash course, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy dives into the key technicalities: who must pay, how much, and what counts. He covers everything from the nisab threshold to the 2.5% rule (and when it’s 2.6%), as well as how to calculate your savings, investments, business assets, or retirement plans.

“The right of the poor is in your pocket right now.” — Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy