Yasir Qadhi was born in Houston, Texas and completed his primary and secondary education in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston, after which he was accepted as a student at the Islamic University of Madinah.
After completing a diploma in Arabic, he graduated with a B.A. from the College of Hadith and Islamic Sciences.
Thereafter, he completed a M.A. in Islamic Theology from the College of Dawah, after which he returned to America and completed his doctorate, in Religious Studies, from Yale University. Currently he is teaching at Rhodes College, in Memphis, TN.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi delves into the way to trust in Allah's wisdom in giving some and depriving others of wealth, children and sustenance and also elaborates on where our true contentment and happiness lies.
Allah gives His sustenance to those whom He loves just enough so that they don't go beyond the bounds. If Allah were to give us everything then we may go beyond that which is permissible for us and fall into sin.
Qadr is used to find peace in whatever has happened in your life. For more such amazing facts and observations by the Shaykh on the value of finding contentment in the Qadr of Allah, do listen intently.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi gives a lecture on some verses of Surah az-Zumar and acquaints us with the blessings of Islam.
"So is one whose breast Allah has expanded to [accept] Islam and he is upon a light from his Lord [like one whose heart rejects it]? Then woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah. Those are in manifest error.” Allah has sent down the best statement: a consistent Book wherein is reiteration. The skins shiver therefrom of those who fear their Lord; then their skins and their hearts relax at the remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah by which He guides whom He wills. And one whom Allah leaves astray - for him there is no guide."
[Surat Az-Zumar, verses 22 & 23]
"Allah takes the souls at the time of their death, and those that do not die [He takes] during their sleep. Then He keeps those for which He has decreed death and releases the others for a specified term. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought."
[Surat Az-Zumar, verse 42]
"O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful. And return [in repentance] to your Lord and submit to Him before the punishment comes upon you; then you will not be helped."
[Surat Az-Zumar, verses 53 & 54]
This verse is the most hopeful and optimistic verses in the entire Qur'an.
From the above verses, we can learn many aspects of our life:
Some of us have no love for Islam as our hearts have been hardened by the worldly pleasures and true Iman evades us.
The greatness of the Qur'an is explained in vivid detail.
The hearts of the believer tremble when they hear the Qur'an sometimes and sometimes as you read it , the heart finds comfort and peace.
We are made to be optimistic of the Mercy of Allah as He forgives all our sins. This can be achieved by turning in repentance towards Allah.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi discusses the following points in this lecture:
The translation and explanation of the most common duas recited during Taraweeh and Witr prayers is explained clearly.
Sahaba performed Qunut inside of Witr Salah.
Muslim scholars have put together duas from Quran, hadith and their own understanding.
Ibn Umar RA said, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ rarely left a gathering making this supplication: “O Allah, give us a share of fear of You that will prevent us from disobeying You, of obedience to You that will help us to reach Paradise, and of certainty that will enable us to withstand the calamities of this world; cause us to enjoy our hearing, sight and strength so long as we are alive, until we die; avenge us against those who wrong us; support us against those who wrong us; do not make our calamity in our religious commitment; do not make this world our main concern and all that we know about; do not send against us those who will show no mercy to us.”
Aameen!
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi shares in explicit detail the story of Prophet Lut AS and how this story is relevant in today’s times.
Prophet Lut AS was sent as a brother and a Prophet to his people who genuinely cared about them and was conscious of Allah and sought reward from Him alone.
"When their brother Lut said to them, "Will you not fear Allah?" Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger. So fear Allah and obey me. And I do not ask you for it any payment. My payment is only from the Lord of the worlds." - [Surah Ash-Shuara, verses 161-164]
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi summarises on the rulings of Zakah and how it is a means to purify our wealth.
Zakah was ordained upon the Believers and is obligatory once every lunar year so that we can purify our wealth. If we have 85 g of gold and 595 gm of silver , we are entitled to give Zakat.
There are 3 types of charity:
Nafl charity
Zakat on our money
Zakat ul Fitr
Zakat of 2.5% is supposed to be given on the following types of wealth:
Wealth money gold silver currency
Business commodities
How does one calculate Zakat? Shaykh Yasir Qadhi elaborates explicitly and deserves a fair listen.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi gives the standard interpretation from mainstream orthodox Sunni Islam of Surat al-Nur verse 35 - The verse of Light.
"Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things."
- [Surat An-Nur, verse 35]
No Ayah of the Qur'an has been the most oft-commented than Ayah al-Nur (the verse of light) with a plethora of Tafasir based on the exposition of Ayah al-Nur.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi divulges details on the importance of being patient in the wake of hardship, difficulties, calamities and trials.
Almost a hundred verses in the Qur'an command us to be patient and teach us about the blessings of patience.
Anas RA said that the Prophet ﷺ said, “The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.”
Sabr and Iman go hand in hand. True righteousness is depicted when we exhibit patience or Sabr. Those who are patient are promised glad tidings by Allah on the Day of Judgement. It is through patience that Allah will save us from the punishment of Allah.
Being patient is a part of belief in Allah. Many prophets like Nuh AS,Ibrahim AS, Musa AS, Ayyub AS and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ set forward exemplary standards of patience in the wake of insults, humiliation and torture.
What is patience and how can it be mastered? Shaykh Yasir Qadhi explicitly explains the basics and acquaints us with the concept of patience not being an action, but actually being an inaction. He also elaborates us on the three types of Sabr.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi discusses verses 96 - 115 of Surah Al Muminun and we get acquainted with the trueness of Judgement Day.
‘Repel, by (means of) what is best, (their) evil. We are most knowing of what they describe. And say, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the incitements of the devils, And I seek refuge in You, my Lord , lest they be present with me.(For such is the state of the disbelievers), until, when death comes to one of them, he says, "My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind." No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected.’
At the time of the blowing of the Horn, relationships will cease to exist and one will fail to worry or care for his own. The ones whose scales are heavy with good deeds will emerge victorious and successful. The one whose scales are light will go to Hell where they will live till eternity.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi discusses the verses of Surah Al-Anbiya, 34 - 35 and 83 - 84,which will make us come face to face with the truth behind our calamities and blessings.
"And We did not grant to any man before you eternity; so if you die - would they be eternal? Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned."
[Surat Al-Anbiya, verses 34 & 35]
"And Ayyub, when he called to his Lord, "Indeed, adversity has touched me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful." So We responded to him and removed what afflicted him of adversity. And We gave him (back) his family and the like thereof with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for the worshippers (of Allah)."
[Surat Al-Anbiya, verses 83 & 84]
In the Qur'an, Allah mentions about life, wealth, health and children as a gift for the righteous and also as a punishment for the evil. How do we judge whether what has been meted out to us is a blessing or a punishment?Shaykh Yasir provides valid answers and our doubts are laid to rest.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi shares some of the wisdom and purpose of stories in the Qur'an and how it is an easy and simple method of driving essential points across for the Muslim Ummah to reflect and ponder.
"So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought." -Surat Al-Araf, verse 176
The Quranic stories do not have any of the details like the Biblical stories which is ideal from the point of view of driving a message through for easy comprehension.
There are three kinds of stories in the Qur'an:
Stories of the Prophets.
Stories of incidents and place and people.
Strories of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Wisdom and benefits of stories:
Stories inspire us to derive good morals.
Stories help us to get affirmed in one’s resolve.
Helps us have role models.
Methodology of preaching and tactics to preach.
Serves as a warning for those who reject the Prophet ﷺ.
Has lessons and ethics.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi delves into verses 60 till 82 of Surat Al-Kahf that teach us about the wisdom and benefits from the story of Musa and Khidr.
Allah SWT relates the story of Musa & Khidr in Surat Al-Kahf - two noble Prophets of Allah sent to different nations. This story is a story that deals with the Fitnah of knowledge. Their journey of knowledge is replete with lessons for us to reflect, comprehend and decipher the greatness of the Wisdom of Allah.
We are also made aware of the fact that Khidr assured Musa AS that he did not perform any of the deeds at his free will, but it was the command of Allah that he followed. And, this was the mystery that Musa AS could not bear patiently.
What was the mystery? Listen intently and get captivated by this intriguing story.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi analyses verses 23 and 24 of Surat Al-Isra that illuminate us about the status of parents in Islam.
The status of the parents is second only to the status of Allah SWT. The easiest way to enter Jannah is through obedience to the parents. The widest of Jannah gates are for those who are obedient and good to parents.
"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age (while) with you, say not to them (so much as), "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up (when I was) small."
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “One who pleases his parents has verily pleased Allah, and one who has angered his parents has verily angered Allah.”
We are also acquainted with the numerous ways we can benefit the parents even after they have passed away.
Listen intently to this emotional lecture and imbibe the message that comes across.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi acquaints us with the analysis of the last 10 verses of Surah Al-Hijr and the lessons that we must imbibe and inculcate within us as believing Muslim. This Surah is a milestone with regards to the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ and is a symbol of hope and optimism. How so? Shaykh Yasir Qadhi explicitly elaborates.
Gist of the last verses of Surah Hijr:
Surah Fatiha are the 7 oft repeated verses that have been given to us . there is nothing recited more on this earth than Surah Fatiha. Allah implores us to not wander about the beauty of this world but rather to cultivate genuine love for the Qur'an which is the real treasure.
Keep the company of the righteous and stay away from the wicked. This will make our heart safe from being greedy for the pleasures of this Dunya.
The Dawah of Islam was ordained by Allah to the Prophet ﷺ to be made public.
"Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the mockers." - Allah Himself deals with anyone who is sarcastic, demeaning and derogatory towards the Prophet ﷺ.
Take help from Allah to fortify oneself from the trials and painful and resentful words of the people of this world.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi gives a commentary on verses 21 and 22 of Surat Ibrahim which talks about the confession of Shaytan and what steps we can take to protect ourselves from the influences and tricks of Shaytan.
The gist of this verse lies in the fact that Shaytan simply whispers in the ears of mankind and people blindly obey without controlling their Nafs. But, in the Hereafter, we will come across Shaytan admitting his great deceit and treachery and will confess that he had no power over us yet we succumbed to him in the moments of weakness due to lack of Iman.
"And Satan will say when the matter has been concluded, "Indeed, Allah had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. But I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; but blame yourselves. I cannot be called to your aid, nor can you be called to my aid. Indeed, I deny your association of me (with Allah) before. Indeed, for the wrongdoers is a painful punishment."
The numerous ways in which we can keep the effects of Shaytan at bay:
Ikhlas
Isti'adha
Saying Bismillah
Indulging in Dhikr which includes reading the Quran
Surrounding oneself with the company of righteous people
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi divulges details on the tangent of the story of the brothers of Prophet Yusuf AS and the crimes they committed such as lying to their father, kidnapping their brother Yusuf AS, selling their blood brother into slavery,attempting to murder him and falsifying evidence.
These crimes made the brothers guilty eventually as they repent for their mistakes and sins and ask Yusuf AS for Allah’s Mercy to obtain His Forgiveness. Hence, the path to forgiveness is lined with first and foremost, to accept the sins that have been committed by us and then beg for Allah’s Mercy to unfold upon us.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi reflects on the last two verses of Surah Baqarah or Khawatim Baqarah - verses 285 and 286, which was revealed to the Prophet ﷺ from under the Arsh of Allah SWT directly without the intermediary Jibril AS.
Surah Baqarah has the longest verse, the most blessed verse of the entire Qur'an and also has the most number of stories of other Prophets. Hence, It is the most comprehensive Surah of the Qur'an which deals with Ahkam, Qasas and Aqaaed.
In the miraculous journey of the Prophet ﷺ, three things were gifted to the Prophet ﷺ:
Five prayers
Khawatim Surah Baqarah
Anyone who dies upon Tawheed without indulging in Shirk will be eventually forgiven.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves on the verse 177 of Surat al-Baqarah in this mesmerising Khatirah.
Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.
This verse was revealed when the Qiblah was changed from Baitul-Maqdis to the Ka'bah and all hell broke loose when this matter became aware to the public of the time.ensued a long drawn out controversy and conflict in the public. It was then that this verse was revealed.the key aspects of this verse are:
Righteousness in belief.
Righteousness in rituals like Sadaqah, Prayer , Zakah.
Good manners.
Ihsan or internal spirituality -Sabr or patience.
The ones who tread on the path that is laced with the above essential traits are the true believers and those who have the best form of Iman.
Listen intently to comprehend the importance and lesson for us to imbibe and inculcate through this verse.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi acquaints us on Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 124-130 which sheds light on the status of the noble Prophet Ibrahim AS. He is the most respected human being on earth whom Allah commands our Prophet ﷺ to only take as a role model while also being the most venerated Prophet on the earth.
Prophet Ibrahim AS was tested with many commandments from Allah and Ibrahim AS fulfilled all of them. True Imamah comes with religiosity as was told to Ibrahim AS in the Qur'an. Allah only accepts from the righteous and Allah’s acceptance is the key. The believers hearts tremble when they do good deeds as they are terrified about the fact that what if this good deed does not achieve Allah’s acceptance.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi begins with a brief summary of verses 21 to 23 of Surah Al-Baqarah.
Some points gathered from the lecture are as follows:
The gist of the bond between mankind and the book of Allah, the Noble Qur'an.
"Oh mankind, worship your Rabb"- verse 21 - It is the first address and commandment to mankind in the Qur'an.
These verses are the fulcrum that explicitly elaborate on the entire message of Islam, Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
In the next part, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi connects us with some important anecdotes and facts concerning the pre-Islamic life and the conversion to Islam.
As we delve deeper into the lecture, we come to understand of the prominence behind Abu Bakr RA conversion and shift to that he was the first non family male member to do so. Also, we gather information on how he faced atrocities in the wake of this decision and also about his mother accepting Islam too.
Shaykh Yasir then reveals the reward that Abu Bakr RA achieves for setting into motion this greatest deed - he is elevated in stature by Allah SWT Himself as he is mentioned in the Qur'an in Surah Tawbah as "Second of the two" (Thani Ath-nayn), "sahib" (companion) and that "Allah is with us" .
Some eminent stories making the cut in this video are the story of Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl and Ibn Abu Sult, Abu Bakr (r) learning about prophethood from Waraqah Ibn Naufal and various others.
The happiness of Prophet Muhammad on this great event of Abu Bakr RA conversion to Islam is substantiated from the Hadith narrated by Aishah RA, "When Abu Bakr converted, the happiest person in Makkah was prophet Muhammad ﷺ."
We also get acquainted with the blessed "Ten promised Paradise" at the hands of Abu Bakr as their reward for conversion to Islam and they are - Zubayr Ibn Al-Awwam , Uthman ibn Affan , Talha ibn Ubaydullah , Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas and Abdurrahman Ibn Auf .
Abu BAkr RA was also the first Khateeb of Islam to preach the message of Islam publicly. He showed immense resilience, bravery and courage in his pursuit for da'wah of Islam and set a precedence in giving money, advising the Prophet ﷺ and freeing slaves .
May Allah SWT make us among those who emulate the Sahabas and imbibe their traits to perfection.
In this mesmerizing and magnanimous lecture, Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi acquaints us with the reason as to how and why the noble Qur'an is the eternal living miracle of Allah. The Qur'an is the food of the soul and hence, it is our duty to establish a relationship with the Qur'an.
How is the Qur'an the greatest Miracle of Islam? We acknowledge the fact that the miracle of our Prophet ﷺ is the Qur'an. Why is his miracle the epitome of all miracles ever bestowed on any Prophet? All the previous miracles that had been given to the other Prophets were all distant from the revelation itself. But through the Qur'an, the miracle and the revelation have been combined into one.
What are the factors that make the Qur'an so miraculous?
The language of the Qur'an - The language and style of the Arabic of the Qur'an leaves us in awe and is the epitome of sheer eloquence.
Predictions in the Qur'an - Day of Judgment, the Quran will not be reproduced, Romans versus Persians, victory of the Romans, victory of the Muslims over Mecca, al-Badr, etc.
Stories found in the Qur'an - How did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ know these stories? Many of these are not even in the Old and New Testaments.
The Message of the Qur'an itself - Every single verse has meaning and is full of wisdom and teaches us something significant such as the names and the attributes to Allah.
Scientific aspects of the Qur'an - The Quran tells us about things that the Prophet ﷺ and the people at the time could not have known such as the orbits, embryology and much more.
The effect that the Qur'an has on its listeners - No one can listen to the Qur'an without being completely unaffected and even leads some people to embrace Islam.
The fact that the Qur'an has no contradiction to it - The Qur'an was revealed over a period of 23 years.
The ease by which the Qur'an is memorized- There is no other book that has been more frequently memorized as the Qur'an with over millions of Muslims doing so in its entirety. This is nothing short of a standing living walking miracle and is very much under appreciated at that.
In this new series about the lives of the sahaba, Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi takes us on a journey to get acquainted with family, lineage and tribe of the most prominent Sahaba to have ever walked the face of this earth - Abu Bakr As-Siddique [RA].
The talk commences with brief details on a biography of this great Sahaba .We are also made aware of his actual name and how it came into being.a mention is also made of his parents, his physical attributes and chief characteristics of this eminent personality. The traits that defined him included chastity, dignity, decency ,abstinence from intoxicants and gentleness and many more.
There is a striking resemblance in the usage of superlatives by Aishah RA to address the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr RA which leads us to believe that the two were quite similar in their traits and behaviour.
As we move further in the enlightening video, Shaykh Yasir delves into the numerous nicknames that adorned this great man’s personality such as Al Atiq,As-Siddiq, Al Atqa and many more. These Lakhabs are authenticated with support from various Hadith recited by the Shaykh.
We are then introduced to the family of Abu Bakr RA - his marriages, his sons and daughters from these marriages. Also, the most beautiful achievement of this prestigious and beloved family is its conversion to Islam in entirety which was unlike any other Sahabi. This is commendable given the difficulty and lack of trust in these affairs by the ancestors.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi divulges into the topic of how Islam as a religion is perceived in America and what is his first hand experience in this country being a citizen.
The Muslim communities in America are thriving considerably amidst an environment of tolerance, freedom of mind and expression when it comes to religion and also a friendly approach from fellow non Muslim Americans.
In the second part of the interview, Shaykh Yasir Qadhi attempts to dissect the lion in the room - The ISIS - which is a political and religious organisation established in Iraq and Syria which has created animosity and chaos beyond limit.
What are the origins of this group? This is the result of a backlash and the repercussions of 30 years of backlash, economic instabilities and sanctions, toppling of governments in a country where hundred and millions of people were killed and starved to death.hence, it is a given that chaotic instability will inevitably resurface and from this chaos emerged another chaotic government.
What is the solution to this? This group, like previous similar groups, will eventually burn out since they will consume themselves with their cultic and messianic ideas. To deal with this issue, the solution is two fold - political and educational (which involves theological texts and keeping an open heart and mind to incorporate these teachings into oneself).
Shaykh yasir Qadhi takes on the discussion on what it means to be a Muslim in the current scenario and tackles some controversial questions shedding further light on the topic.
The reality of Muslims in the West is testing and full of trials and should also be tackled in a unique manner. The situation demands so and even though, we abide by the cultures and norms of our times, we should also balance it out with what should be the modus operandi when it comes to being practicing Muslims.
Substandard facilities for the women in Mosques,issues regarding food and religious decisions are all marred with doubt and differences in opinions and this needs to end if we want to keep the flame of Islam alive in our hearts while strongly adhering to our Iman and Shariah.
The need of the hour to make reforms and better our plight is right now so that we do not waste the time we have at hand now and make those vital and necessary changes for the betterment of the Muslim ummah instead of regretting in the future.
In a bare it all lecture, Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi shares his innermost feelings and emotions while shedding light on his inspirational and motivational journey of acquiring knowledge, learning and comprehending the Arabic language and specializing in Hadith studies. He also delves into a conversation that acquaints us with his high aspirations with regards to his worship to Allah SWT, while forming the crux of all motivations.
He also shares and discusses the innumerable challenges, predicaments and factors that tried to deviate him from this path and make him put an end to his undying quest to perfect the worship of Allah. The pearls of wisdom that are meted out to us from his experiences in treading on the path of sacred knowledge of Islam are exemplary and provide us with food for thought on how we as Muslims ought to conduct our lives .
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi now discusses the subject of argument between the Sunnis and the Shias - the Election of Abu Bakr As Siddiq RA as the 1st rightful Khalifa of Islam.
We have numerous evidences in the Qur'an where Abu BAkr RA has been chosen for the coveted job after the Prophet ﷺ such as in Surah Tawbah and another Surah where the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr RA are hiding in a cave. Rightfully so, there are also innumerable Hadith which highlight the stature and position of Abu Bakr RA.
We have a discussion on the merits of the two famous Sa'ds in the history of Islam. Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, and Sa'd ibn Ubadah. What are they? Listen intently as Shaykh Yasir delves deeper.
Abu Bakr RA, in all probability, chose a delegation which obviously included the senior most leaders such as Umar RA himself and Abu Ubaidah RA. This was done immediately so as to take care of the external matters or matters of the city. As for the internal matters of the household, Abbas RA and Ali RA took charge along with Zubair ibn al-Awwam RA.
When commotion began to ensue among the people on who should be the next Khalifa based on Abu Bakr RA suggestion to choose one amongst Umar RA and Abu Ubaidah RA, Umar RA could not take it any more and he pledged his allegiance to Abu Bakr RA in a raised voice, thus bringing a culmination to all the pandemonium that was happening until then.
The matter of the election of the 1st Khalifa happened in a day. Only when Abu Bakr RA was appointed as the Khalifa and the Khutbah given by Abu Bakr RA was the body of the Prophet ﷺ washed and prepared for burial.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi ponders over the origin of ISIS and the factors that have catapulted them into a major nuisance. According to the Shaykh, the source of ISIS is "the hellish conditions that Western powers created in the region."
ISIS harbours itself as the face of establishment of oppression and protection of the Muslims, but the reality is far from its mission. They contradict themselves on so many levels that it deters the very concept of Islam. This group has annihilated the beauty of Islam and distorted the reality of the teachings of our Noble Prophet ﷺ like never before.
This talk needs to be listened to so that a comprehensive understanding of the world and its dire circumstances into which it is plunged an be explicitly fathomed .
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves into the topic of the incident of the Scrolls which the Prophet ﷺ intended to write before his death. It is a point of controversy and warrants a detailed discussion.
When the health of the Prophet ﷺ worsened, he demanded that he be brought a book in which he would write something for all of the Muslims to prevent them from going astray. But Umar RA overlooked this request out of compassion and mercy for the Prophet ﷺ, assuming that this request was being made out of pain and suffering and not in the right frame of mind.
According to the Non Sunni groups, the Prophet ﷺ intended to write the waseeya for Ali RA and supposedly, Umar RA came in the way of it and prevented it from happening. So, they harbour a hatred of sorts for Umar RA.
But scholars like Imam al Khattabi and Imam al Bayhaqi disagree with this assumption and cite their reasons for believing so. They say that the statement made by Umar RA was only because he feared that the Prophet ﷺ may say something vague and ambiguous only for the treacherous munafiqun to benefit from.
Hence, the incident of the scrolls from the perspective of the Sunni group will always be in favour of Umar RA. And Allah knows best.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi gives an amazing summary of his dissertation relating Ibn Taymiyyah at the Yale University and it makes for an interesting listen as we try to decipher the concepts of Aqal and Naqal in the light of Islam.
During the sixth century of Islam, an Iranian scholar named Fakhr ad-Din ar-Razi Rah generated a treatise on the theology of the names of Attributes of Allāh SWT which was presented by some way to Ṣalaḥ ad-Din al-Ayyubi Rah. Here we stumble upon a term - The Universal Rule, which implied that if reason (aql) warred with revelation( Naqal), then emphasis should be laid upon reason and not revelation.
A few centuries later, a man by the name of Shaykh al-Islam Taqi'l-Din Ahmad b. Abd al-Haleem Ibn Taymiyyah (rah), who represented the Athari school of thought, refuted the above rule completely and gave enough proof for this. This is has been explicitly stated in a book published relating to this very aspect. Do listen intently to unravel the details and have a clear chain of thought in this regard.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi considers Shaykh-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah as a mentor and using the theory supported by Ibn Taymiyyah goes on to extrapolate from the text that there can never be a confrontation of sorts between true reason and explicit revelation.
Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi shares his innermost and heartfelt thoughts on the Chapel Hill shootings and the great legacy left behind by Deah Barakat (age 23), his wife Yusor Barakat (age 21), and her sister Razan Muhammad (age 19), who were brutally murdered in the Chapel Hill Shooting.
Deah and his wife were newlyweds and were renowned in the Muslim community for their active participation in noble causes. The heinous murder seems to have been propelled by religious hatred against Islam. Even as the perpetrators of this lowly deed may go unpunished and unaccounted for in this world, the Hereafter awaits to engulf them with the punishment for their act in this world.
May their deaths be accepted as Shahada! And may their deaths not be in vain!
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves into the theory of possibly reconstructing the human mind. Is there a necessity for it? And if there is, what would be the most convenient and appropriate approach? In this inspiring talk, the Shaykh acquaints us with the need to open up to embrace the idea of an independently thinking Ummah entwined with the Islamic Shariah.
The initial times saw Muslims being the ones who had mastered Islamic knowledge and using this wisdom , they were fully capable of guiding and enabling progress of the entire Ummah effortlessly. The Ummah looked upon these scholars for adapting to the Shariah comfortably while at the same time also adopting external influences to go by the events in their lives.
However, we are in a conundrum of sorts where the Ummah are exposed to only a trivial amount of broad minded scholars of Islam and secular sciences. The narrow mindedness of the remainder of them leads to a grave predicament for the Muslim Ummah and endangers the principles of our faith.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi acquaints us with the duas to be said in times of distress and calamity such that an affirmative response is gained.
Ibn ‘Abbas RA said: When Prophet Ibraheem AS was thrown into the fire of Namrood, he said: “Hasbunallahu wa Ni’mal Wakeel - Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the Best Disposer of affairs.” So did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, when he was told: “A great army of the pagans had gathered against him, so fear them”. But he said: “Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)”.
Dua of Prophet Yunus AS -’ La Ilaha Illa Anta Subhanaka Inni Kuntu Minaz Zalimeen - There are none worthy of worship besides You. Glorified are You. Surely I am from the wrongdoers.’
Trials and calamities test the true strength of a Believer and exhibit his stance in this situation - that is, whether he evokes Allah with humility and submissiveness placing complete trust in Allah or otherwise.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses the Qabr of the Prophet ﷺ which is a part of our history and heritage.
The Shaykh begins with the exact position of the houses of the wives of the Prophet SAW which he used to take turns in visiting. The house of Aisha RA was the one whose entrance also opened into the Masjid and hence, was a bit privileged in position. The inside of the house of the Prophet ﷺ is also discussed in vivid details with help from digital models that have recreated the house to the most approximate version. Here, we see the mattress, the utensils, the curtain and much more such items that would have been present in the house
We also get acquainted with the details of the expansion of the Masjid of the Prophet ﷺ in around 9 H under the Khilafa of Al Waleed Ibn Abdul Malik. What did he do to the houses of the wives of the Prophet ﷺ? Listen intently.
There are also reports of the attempts made at smuggling the body of the Prophet ﷺ in the time just to merit themselves with greatness and show off their courage. It obviously failed every single time.
The Big Fire - it is an incident that was very tragic and which happened due to the accidental falling of the lamp which made the entire area go up in flames. This resulted also in the original Mushaf of Uthman Ibn Affan RA being burnt completely. Even though the Masjid was burnt down, Allah protected the Grave of the Prophet ﷺ.
A square of sorts was built around the Grave of the Prophet ﷺ by Baibarus which remained intact for 200 years. But then,a Second Big Fire happened in 886 H, which burned the Masjid down again.
A person by the name of Samhudi was the first person to enter the blessed grave in over 500 years to clean up the Qabr and preserve the original structure of Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz.
The green lattice structure that we see atop the Masjid an Nabawi was actually the brainchild of Sultan Quit Pa of the Mamluk dynasty.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi takes us on a journey which acquaints us with additional fruits of Iman. In this compelling talk, Shaykh Yasir gets us acquainted with the rewards for adhering to the Branches of Faith. Amongst numerous blessings awarded to us by Allah SWT, some are listed below:
Entry into Paradise (Jannah).
Protection from Hell (Jahannam).
Good deeds will be rewarded in the Hereafter.
Forgiveness of sins by having firm Eemaan.
Allah will defend us if we ensure we are blessed with a strong interest in Iman.
Fearing nobody except Allah. having Iman blesses us with courage and fortitude that makes us fear no one.
Finding comfort in one's faith (Islam).
A winner in every situation (never a loser in any situation).
Finding a way out in every difficulty.
Gives refuge from committing more evil deeds.
Helps us with the Angel of Death at time of our end.
True unification of Muslim brothers and sisters globally.
Acceptance of benefit when sincere advice is meted out to a Mu’min.
Noor (light) on the Day of Judgement due to firm Iman.
Greatest blessing in the form of looking directly at the face of Allah SWT.
May Allah perfect and strengthen our Iman make us efficient in tasting each and every fruit of Iman. May Allah keep us steadfast in our goals towards reaffirmation of Eemaan.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses the Fiqh of marriage and numerous points come to the fore.
What should be given as Mahr? And how much Mahr should be given? What is the ruling of the Mahr when a marriage is annulled? Shaykh Yasir Qadhi elaborates explicitly and we get enlightened no end.
It is obligatory for a man to do the Walima once a marriage is done. It is also obligatory to respond to the invitation of a Walima unless there is a valid excuse.
The greatest right of a man on the woman is his right to take his wife within the regulated rulings. The greatest right of a woman on a man is to care for him in all ways possible.
What is the ruling on multiple wives? What are their rights? Listen intently.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi touches important points on the Fiqh of Marriage.
We should only take into account the religion when marriage is considered and not on other factors like status, race, lineage.
Types of marriage contracts that has been prohibited in Islam:
Nikaḥ Shighar
Nikaḥ Mutah
Not giving Mahr to the woman
The Wali cannot say for the Nikah to happen without conjugal union
Medical factors
Nikah Al Kuffar - we are acquainted with the laws, conditions and basics of this kind of marriage by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves into the topic of marriage in its entirety and we get a comprehensive view on the Fiqh of marriage.
There are some sharth are involved for marriage:
Specification of the man and the woman involved in the marriage.
The male and the female should not have been prohibited to marry by nay way such as blood relation.
There must be a wali present who must be a male, sane, of age, free man, he must be of the same religion as the girl,he must have Adalah and he must have Rushd.
The approval of both spouses.
Two witnesses must be present -who are male only.
2 Rukn are absolutely essential for every Nikah - the proposal which is sent by the wali of the girl and the acceptance which is done by the groom.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses the fiqh of marriage while explicitly elucidating the conditions and procedure of marriage.
Marriage is Mustahab and is a Sunnah. It becomes obligatory when he fears he might commit Haram.
Conditions and procedure of marriage:
Bride and groom must be specified.
Both the bride and the groom should give consent for marriage.
The Wali should approve of the marriage.
Two witnesses should be present during the marriage contract.
There be no actual preventive factors.
What nullifies a marriage?
Temporary marriage.
Marriage where one substitutes partners.
Marrying to make first wife Halal for the husband.
Who is the Wali and what is his status in a marriage? What is Mahr? Shaykh Yasir Qadhi answers.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi now reaches the finale of sorts of the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ - the Death of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Usama Ibn Zayd is entrusted with the coveted honour and prestige of heading the expedition to As Sham. But when he left in the month of Shawwal for the same, he was called back to Madinah by the people due to the failing health of the Prophet ﷺ.
About the final sickness of the Prophet ﷺ, there are numerous verses in the Noble Qur'an and the Sunnah that stand testimony to the fact that his death was an imminent reality. But because of the intense love, admiration and respect that the Ummah had for him, the thought of it was unimaginable and unbearable.
When the Prophet ﷺ visited the house of his wife Maymoonah on the 1st or 2nd Rabi al-Awwal, the fever began. So, he sought permission from his other wives to rest in the house of A'isha RA. As time passed by, over the days, his health deteriorated considerably and he needed help from Abbas and Ali RA to help him even stand.
Whilst in the Masjid in his feeble state,he gave some valuable advice to the Muslims - not to take the graves of the Prophets as Masjids,clearance of any debt that he may have and unjust hitting done on anyone.
The Prophet ﷺ led the Maghrib salah on a Friday which was the final salah he led in the Masjid publically and he recited Surah Mursalat. When Bilal RA called him for Isha, he gets up to go but loses consciousness and faints on the bed itself. What happened next? What is the role of Abu Bakr RA in this entire thing? Shaykh Yasir answers explicitly and we are left mesmerised by the turn of events.
On the Fajr of Monday, 12th Rabi al-Awwal in the 11th year of the Hijrah when he lifts the curtain and sees his Ummah praying the salah, he is overjoyed and satisfied that indeed Islam has triuphed.
We gain valuable insights into the entire period of the suffering of the Prophet ﷺ due to the pangs of death, his Duas that are being made by him, his instruction to Usama Ibn Zayd RA and so much moe. Listen intently as the entire scene comes to life due to Shaykh Yasir’s eloquent recreation and explanation of the same.
There are innumerable lessons to imbibe and inculcate form the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ. True love for the Prophet ﷺ can only be calculated by the intensity and eagerness in our actions, following the Sunnah by demonstrating his mercy, hoping to have his intercession on the Day of Judgement.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses at length the very important topic in the Seerah - the Farewell Hajj of the Prophet ﷺ. This was the first and final Hajj of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ left on the 25th Dhul Qa'dah in the year 10 H and reached Mecca on the 4th Dhul Hijjah.when he reached Dhul Hulayfah,he prayed two rakat and entered the state of Ihram. This Hajj was called Hajjatul Wada'a. There are three types of Haj which are Jaaiz:
Hajj Qiran - Umrah and Hajj with one Ihram.
Hajj Ifrad - only doing Hajj, no Umrah.
Hajj Tamattu - separating Umrah from Hajj with separate Iihram for each.
Meanwhile, the Prophet ﷺ sent told Ali RA to bring 100 camels from Yemen to Mecca for the Hajj.hence,Ali arrived with 100 camels and he immediately entered into the tent of Fatimah RA. What happened next? Listen intently.
On the morning of the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, the Prophet SAW prayed Fajr in the Ka'bah and started his journey to Mina. The Hadith of Jabir ibn Abd Allah RA is as detailed as it gets explaining the entire procedure of Hajj as done by the Prophet ﷺ. It is truly a revelation with many Fiqhi doubts being put to rest and also our unintentional assumptions and mistakes can be rectified once in for all.
The Prophet ﷺ gave during Hajj, three Khutbahs: he gave a khutbah on the day of Arafat and Khutbahs in Mina too on the 10th and 11th or even the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. The 9th dhul Hijjah is the day of 'Al Hajj Akbar' which is the Day of Arafat which is when Allah revealed Wahi to the messenger of Allah ﷺ which says -'This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.’
The Prophet ﷺ after three nights in Mina, left on the 13th Dhul Hijjah.
The prime benefits of the Sermons of the Prophet ﷺ are the abolishment of the old customs of jahiliya, demonstration of preaching by commencing from his own family, annihilation of racism and jahiliyyah tribes, strengthening of ties and relations amongst the Ummah, emphasis on the rights of women and many more.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses the Fiqh of Ramadan in this informative lecture.
Rules pertaining to Fiqh of Ramadan:
Niyah for the fast.
Avoiding the things that nullify the fast - eating and drinking intentionally, intimacy,vomiting intentionally etc.
Eat Suhoor.
Making Dua in the final minutes of the fast.
To bring about Iftar at our expense.
To fast with the soul along with the body.
The people who are not obliged to fast.
Listen intently and be acquainted with important details.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses the Sunnah of Salah.
To read beyond Rabbana Walakal Hamd.
To read more than once the Subhana Rabbi Al Azeem and Subhana Rabbi Al Alaa.
Reciting Durood e Ibrahim.
Saying any Dua before the Tasleem.
To raise the hand for the Takbeer.
What are the rulings on the performance of Sujood? What are the mannerisms that are discouraged during Salah? Shaykh Yasir explains the points in the best manner possible.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves deeper into the topic of the Fiqh of Worship and is sure to enlighten us all of the various Arkan of Salah and also the Wajibat. Hence, we get the golden opportunity to make necessary amends in our Salah.
Some of the Arkan of Salah:
Standing up for the prayer
Takbeer
Surah Fatihah
Ruku
Qiyam
Sujood
Calm and peaceful in every act of the Salah
Final Tashahhud
Sitting will saying Tashahhud
To do in the order above
Some of the Wajibat of Salat:
To say Subhana Rabbi Al Azeem and Subhana Rabbi Al Alaa in the Ruku and Sujood at least once.
To say Sami Allahu Liman Hamida and Rabbana wa lakal Hamd.
The first Tashahhud and sitting down in the Tashahhud.
To say Rabbighfirli between the two Sujood.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi divulges details on the topics of Adhan and Iqamah.
The status of Adhan and Iqamah is Fard kifayah.
The Sunnah of the Adhan and the Qiyamah:
Wudu is not a prerequisite for Adhan.
The Adhan is not said before the prayer time.
The Adhan is said in a slow speed and Iqamah is said in fast speed.
Adhan should be given in standing position and in a high place.
It is preferable to put your forefingers in your ears when giving Adhan.
It is needed to face the Qiblah.
During Adhan of Fajr, add the phrase - As Salatu Khayrun Min an Nawm.
It is encouraged that the Adhan and Iqamah be said by the same person.
The words of the Adhan are shared also by Shaykh Yasir Qadhi and the story of the Adhan is a very interesting one and deserves a listen.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses in this lecture the factors that break Wudu, how to do Ghusl, when should we do ghusl or the factors that necessitate Ghusl.
Factors that break Wudu:
Any material coming out of private parts such as stool, urine and wind.
When one goes into a state of coma.
Eating camel meat.
Sleeping about which the different opinions are discussed.
Pre seminal fluid.
After carrying the dead body.
The factors necessitate Ghusl:
Ejection of seminal fluid.
Wet dreams
When a man enters a woman.
After her menstrual cycle is over.
After one’s death.
What is Tayammum? When there is a scarcity of water or absence of water, we wash ourselves without water with pure sand . Tayammum is done for both minor and major impurity. How does one do Tayammum? Shaykh Yasir Qadhi elaborates appropriately.
The factors that break Wudu break Tayammum. But if one finds water, then the existing Tayammum is null and void and we should perform Wudu.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses the topic of blood in the case of women. They are of 3 types:
Haaiz
Nifas
Istihaazah
Things that are prohibited during this state are also clearly explained. Listen intently.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi continues his discussion of purification of oneself.
Taharah is the removal of spiritual and physical impurities. He also discusses the containers for performing Taharah. Every single container which is pure in itself is allowed to be used for purification except those made of gold and silver.
Next in the discussion is the etiquette of using restrooms. Some of them are mentioned below:
Do it in seclusion or conceal oneself.
Say the Dua before entering the restrooms.
Enter the restroom by putting the left foot in.
Say Ghufranaka when leaving the restroom.
It is prohibited to face the Qibla or turn your back to the Qiblah.
Never wash your private parts with the right hand.
Wash your private parts an odd number of times.
The procedure to perform Wudu is discussed next also citing support from the Qur'an in Surah Maidah, verse 6.
Arkan of Wudu:
Intention or Niyyah.
Washing the face
Wash the hands up to the elbows.
Wipe the head
Wash your feet up to the ankles.
Do it in the correct order.
The Sunnah of the Wudu:
Saying Bismillah when beginning the Wudu.
Doing the acts of Wudu three times except the wiping of the head.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses the different branches of Fiqh in this lecture.
Acts of our religion and the consequent Fiqh can be classified into the following categories:
Haram
Makrooh
Mubah
Mustahab
Wajib
The Shaykh starts off with the Fiqh of purification or Tahara.
Categories of water:
Tahoor fluid - natural water - it is pue in itself and can purify other things.
Taahir fluid - it is pure in itself but does not purify other things.
Najas fluid - it is impure in itself which implies that it cannot purify anything.
We get a detailed explanation of the three types of water from the Shaykh and deserves a fair listen.
Shaykh Yasir Qadhi divulges important details on the Fiqh of Salah in its entirety.
First and foremost is discussed the obligatory nature of Salah and how it is a non exception of anybody to perform Salah except that of a menstruating woman.
Next, the Shaykh moves on to shed ample light on the different pointers of Salah:
The Fiqh of Adhan and the Iqamah rules.
Preconditions of Salah - Wudu necessity, performing prayers at the correct timings, covering up of the Awrah as is stated for man and woman,absence of any Najis , facing the Qiblah, intention made for that particular prayer.
Timings of Salah
Arkan of Salah - Stand if capable of doing so, the beginning Takbir of Allahu Akbar, recitation of the Fatihah, Rukoo, Qiyam, Sajdah, the space between two prostrations, performance of Salah in calmness, the last Tashahhud, the first Tasleem, conduction of the Arkaan in its proper order.
Wajibat of Salah.
Sunnah of Salah.
Factors which make Salah null and void.