Shaykh Riyadh Ul Haq

Envy: The Inferno Within Part 1 Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 21st February 2020 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester Video: https://youtu.be/LjfqSVELPWQ This three-part series details the causes, effects and how an individual can safeguard themselves from falling into the sin of envy. The destructive nature of external sins is clearly understood by many, but what about the internal sins we commit? Envy is included among the internal sins and has the ability to extinguish our good deeds. All of us have the ability to envy others as well as being envied ourselves. Several examples are given on how the prophets suffered ill effects of being envied and how envy made people reject their message. One protection suggested against being envied is that we remain silent and private; including being restrictive in narrating our dreams. Examples are given of the widespread problem of dreams being interpreted by unqualified people. As for the negative effects of our own envy, these are described as being

The Hypocrites: A Tafsīr of Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn Part 5 Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 3rd May 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester Video: https://youtu.be/5N4PQpLQCaA Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn is the 63rd chapter in the Qurān and was revealed in Medina. It is a sūrah detailing some of the claims and plots of the hypocrites and is one which the Prophet ﷺ would often recite during the Friday prayers. This series details the causes of revelation for each verse as well as an in-depth analysis of aḥādīth surrounding these events. The final part in this series covers the remaining three verses of the surah in which the topic is shifted to wealth. Hypocrites are absorbed by wealth due to their shallow and short-sighted worldview. Having failed the test of wealth and seeing themselves in others, their belief was that Muslims would share a similar view on wealth. Family members, children and wealth are all deemed as a test for a believer as mentioned in verses of Surat al-Taghābun. Several aḥādīth are quoted

The Hypocrites: A Tafsīr of Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn Part 4 Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 5th April 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester Video: https://youtu.be/xBJHaxdJt8k Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn is the 63rd chapter in the Qurān and was revealed in Medina. It is a sūrah detailing some of the claims and plots of the hypocrites and is one which the Prophet ﷺ would often recite during the Friday prayers. This series details the causes of revelation for each verse as well as an in-depth analysis of aḥādīth surrounding these events. The fourth part in this series continues by explaining how the surah shifts in reference to those hypocrites who responded arrogantly when advised. Arrogance is here identified as a trait of hypocrisy and it is emphasized that we should, ourselves, avoid arrogance and neither label others as hypocrites based on any of the traits of hypocrisy. Abdullah ibn Ubay's character and phases in his relationship with the Prophet ﷺ is explained in detail, with the battles of Badr and Uhu

The Hypocrites: A Tafsīr of Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn Part 3 Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 22nd March 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester Video: https://youtu.be/GtPjnEDPyG8 Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn is the 63rd chapter in the Qurān and was revealed in Medina. It is a sūrah detailing some of the claims and plots of the hypocrites and is one which the Prophet ﷺ would often recite during the Friday prayers. This series details the causes of revelation for each verse as well as an in-depth analysis of aḥādīth surrounding these events. The third part of this series moves from focusing on the hypocrites in general, to a separate group who were considered their leaders. The political situation in Makkah and Madinah is explained as well as what characteristics made people rise up to become informal leaders. These characteristics are often the same as what we aspire to, however they do not mean anything in the eyes of Allāh. The talk then details the interior of the hypocrites' by explaining how they are "like

The Hypocrites: A Tafsīr of Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn Part 2 Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 15th March 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester Video: https://youtu.be/iaHyMo1HNic Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn is the 63rd chapter in the Qurān and was revealed in Medina. It is a sūrah detailing some of the claims and plots of the hypocrites and is one which the Prophet ﷺ would often recite during the Friday prayers. This series details the causes of revelation for each verse as well as an in-depth analysis of aḥādīth surrounding these events. The second part in this series details some of the traits of hypocrisy; including the sin of lying, false testimony, and how the hypocrites of Medina felt that they could get away with their deception. These characteristics should be distant for a believer and the quality of truthfulness, trustworthiness and vision on the hereafter is praised by Allāh. The hypocrites would often focus on short-term gains and use their lies as a shield to protect themselves and their wealth. I

The Hypocrites: A Tafsīr of Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn Part 1 Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 8th March 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester Video: https://youtu.be/PrAuGwRR8J0 Sūrat al-Munāfiqūn is the 63rd chapter in the Qurān and was revealed in Medina. It is a sūrah detailing some of the claims and plots of the hypocrites and is one which the Prophet ﷺ would often recite during the Friday prayers. This series details the causes of revelation for each verse as well as an in-depth analysis of aḥādīth surrounding these events. The first part of this series explains the background of the sūrat; along with a linguistic explanation of the word 'nifāq', and an overall summary is given for the beginning, middle and end of the sūrat. The reason why hypocrisy arouse in Medina, the varying degrees of hypocrisy and some of the traits of hypocrisy are also covered in detail. It is shown towards the end of the talk how easily the hypocrites would make a claim of believing in the Prophet ﷺ and how Allāh rejecte

Clutching Cinders Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 8th February 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester Video: https://youtu.be/aSim2nGtSgM The Prophet ﷺ has warned us, "A time will come upon the people, during which a person who remains perseverant and steadfast on his faith will be like one who is clutching cinders." (Tirmidhi) This prophecy of the Prophet ﷺ shows the believers that a time of great fitnah will come, where holding on to one's own religion will be extremely difficult. The presence of fitnah is nothing new as Allāh has made it part of His sunnah to test every nation, especially the believers. This has been clarified in many verses of the Qurān. What should a believer in order to safeguard their faith during these trying times? The concept of sabr is explained in detail along with remaining concerned with oneself; so that a person remains critical of themselves and not of others. This principle also applies to the company a person keeps and the rewards that are reserved for one who

Concern Yourself with Yourself Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 1st February 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester Video: https://youtu.be/RbXr7nRhFZE Allāh and His Rasūl ﷺ have advised us on how to deal with the various fitnah in our lives. One of the best advises is to safeguard our tongue during times of fitnah and to concern ourselves with ourselves. It is mentioned that the ʿulamāʾ emphasized this concept and that not acting on it can potentially lead a person to committing major sins. The belief that sins only consist of physical actions is rebuked, even though our culture may have influenced us to belittle sins of the tongue and mind. The hadith of ifk is brought as an important example showing why we should leave that which doesn't concern us and that our involvement is usually of no benefit. Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk: - Importance of good company - What is salvation? - The three things that gave Luqman his rank - How investigation leads to major sin - Guardin

Fitnah Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 25th January 2019 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester Video: https://youtu.be/1koLszfr5Ro In Arabic the word 'fitnah' was originally used to stress-test gold in order to purify it from mixed substances. It is now commonly used to show how Allah tests a believer to see if they will be pure or turn away from His mercy. We are surrounded by tests, both major and minor; in politics, history and in our personal life. These trials have been foretold by Allāh and His Rasūl ﷺ and many examples throughout history have been illustrated in this talk. These tests, however, should not make us despondent in life. Rather we should respond to them with good deeds, silence, patience, taqwa and realising that our aim should be for the hereafter. Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk: - The purpose of our creation - The Prophet ﷺ foretelling fitan - Fitnah in our spouses, families and children - Meaning of fitan in the minor sense and major sense - The great saha

The Pursuit of Perfection Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Sunday 16th December 2018 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester. Video: https://youtu.be/t4uRlYBHWfw Perfectionism is a human trait. We seek to have everything perfect around us, yet we neglect the agitation and harm this causes to our mental state and spirituality. The life of the Prophet ﷺ was anything but perfect; where he was an orphan from a young age, was persecuted by his own family and suffered the loss of all his children during his lifetime except his youngest, Fatimah. Despite all of this, the Prophet ﷺ remained settled and patient. Many people seek to perfect the world around them through religion, but this is a misconception. Verses of the Quran indicate that hearts do find settlement in the remembrance of Allah, but have we truly understood the verse? This talk does well to help us understand that perfection cannot be attained in the world around us, but we should seek to perfect our inner spirit. Practical steps are mentioned to help

Our Duty to the Prophet ﷺ Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 30th November 2018 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) Video: https://youtu.be/N8c0aUfzoKA Our lives are filled with relationships between various people. Many of these relationships require reciprocal behaviour for them to be long lasting and successful. Allah shares a relationship with his creation, where He promises to provide and care for them in return that they worship Him alone. Our relationship with the Prophet ﷺ should also be a reciprocal one, where he sacrificed and faced hardships so that he may see as many of us as possible enter Paradise. The Prophet ﷺ fulfilled the duties which Allah had placed upon him. What then are our duties to the Prophet ﷺ? Allah has detailed five important duties in the Quran for us to act upon as followers of the Prophet ﷺ. These are discussed in details; including how we should not only love the Prophet ﷺ but also revere him. Examples of how the sahabah would behave and revere the Prophet ﷺ are

Reverence for the Prophet ﷺ Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 9th March 2018 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) Video: https://youtu.be/UXaUDLHd2sM "Verily, We have sent you (O Muhammad ﷺ) as a witness, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner. In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, and that you assist and honour him ﷺ, and (that you) glorify (Allah's) praises morning and afternoon." [Surah 48 : Verses 8-9] Allah has instructed us to not only follow the Prophet ﷺ but to also respect and revere him. The companions were prime examples who fulfilled this obligation; in addition to their other qualities of believing, assisting, honouring and loving the Prophet ﷺ. It is made clear that the Prophet ﷺ, due to his bashful nature, did not respond to instances of lacking reverence for him, but several examples from the Quran show Allah repeatedly responding on his behalf. Etiquettes for our own behaviour with others are also deduced from these verses, as well as the

Benedictions & Salutations on the Prophet ﷺ Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 23rd February 2018 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) Video: https://youtu.be/UqBUZ4fmGD8 "Verily Allah and His angels send their benedictions upon the Prophet ﷺ. O you who believe! Send your benedictions upon him and salute him with a goodly salutation" [Surah 33 : Verse 56] Allah has instructed the believers to send salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ as he was sent with the message of Islam and will intercede for the believers on the Day of Judgement.  This talk begins by introducing us to the verse in Surat al-Ahzab, where Allah sends his own salutations to the Prophet ﷺ. It explains the meaning of Allah’s salat and then the meanings and benefits of our sending salat and salam. Allah’s continuous honouring of the Prophet ﷺ is exemplified with how he has legislated salat and salam on many occasions; such as in relation to adhan, when entering and leaving the masjid and on the day of Jum'ah. The uniqueness of sending

The Prophet's ﷺ Love for his Companions Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 9th February 2018 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) Video: https://youtu.be/4ltVDHjL_kA This talk shows how the Prophet ﷺ had a great impact on the Sahaba and how they loved him in return without any wealth influencing them. Given this love from the Sahaba and the Prophet’s ﷺ unique character, it would have been inconceivable that he wouldn't requite this love. His love for them was both explicitly expressed and manifested by weeping. It was for all Muslims; regardless of age, family or tribe. This is shown by his love of the Ansar despite them being from rival tribes to his. The Prophet's ﷺ love was also shown towards the children and the weak, despite it being difficult to feign love for such people. Special focus is placed on his love of Usamah ibn Zayd, who was both a child and from slave descent. Examples of loving relationships with Abu bakr and Umar are also mentioned. Given his love for all Muslims, the talk ma

The Companions' Love for the Prophet ﷺ Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 2nd February 2018 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) Video: https://youtu.be/ZulWYQUIvJY The companions displayed immense love for the Prophet ﷺ and this talk demonstrates the depth of this love with many examples. It becomes clear that the companions loved the Prophet ﷺ more than anyone else, including themselves, and preferred his own happiness and well-being over anyone else's. The companions loved the Prophet ﷺ not only as a friend or family member, but as the Messenger of Allah. The love of Abu Bakr is specifically mentioned, as well as a wide range of other companions, including the wives. At times the manifestations of their love can be difficult to comprehend, but this talk explains the context behind their actions and how they would have preferred no other option. The talk further mentions the reverence that the companions had for the Prophet ﷺ and the support they willingly gave. The fear of the Prophet ﷺ leav

The Miracle of Qurʾānic Memorisation Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 6th October 2017 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) Video: https://youtu.be/H9Icdg0LVd0 The Qurʾān has been preserved by Allah and He has placed it in people's hearts in a miraculous manner. This talk shows how difficult various other things are to memorize and retain in comparison to the Qurʾān. It also shows how children are able to playfully memorize the Qurʾān, even academically challenged ones, and how they carry it with them for the rest of their lives. Thereafter this talk goes into depth of the biographies of three individuals whose cases show that Allah gives and withholds the Qurʾān from whom he wishes; two people who, despite mental disability, learnt the Qurʾān against all odds and recite it from memory continuously, and one genius scholar who had memorised many other books but was unable to memorise the Qurʾān. Finally the concept of Allah giving and withholding from whom he wants is mentioned in the context o

The Virtues of the Noble Qurʾān Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 29th September 2017 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) Video: https://youtu.be/1N6yhIiBBCE Millions of individuals have memorised the Qurʾān and continue to do so today. This unique method of preservation is an unchanged tradition stretching back to the Prophet ﷺ and the angel Jibril. This talk explains how the aspects of words, meanings and recitation of the Qurʾān is all from Allah and preserved by him, in contrast to everyday language. This talk also details the honour shown to a Hafiz of the Qurʾān as demonstrated by the Prophet ﷺ and Umar and goes on further to explain the superiority of memorising the Qurʾān compared to other goals in life. This goal will cause a Hafiz of the Qurʾān to excel in the eyes of Allah in this life and enjoy benefits given to him on the Day of Resurrection. Memorising the Qurʾān is made easy by Allah and very possible with the correct methodology and this in turn can make the Qurʾān blend with

The Virtues of the Noble Qurʾān Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 22nd September 2017 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) Video: https://youtu.be/nojKrvANPhc The recitation of the Qurʾān is emphasized for all, even for those who recite with difficulty. The effect of its recitation on both the reciter and those who listen is explained in this talk along with examples. Many of the Arabs, including those who were enemies of Islam, were affected by listening to the miraculous nature of the Qurʾān; to the extent that some went on to embrace Islam. Throughout history many individuals have occupied themselves with the recitation of the Qurʾān and turn to it especially during times of need. Allah has placed blessing in time for one who recites it and the angels surround those who recite the Qurʾān. The Qurʾān is not restricted to the wealthy, but the poor companions during the time of the Prophet ﷺ would often listen and practice the Qurʾān. This talk does much to help an individual recognise the mira

Respect in Islam Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 10th March 2017 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) Video: https://youtu.be/hJ9sUdSPotQ Respect is an integral part of Islam; from respecting the symbols of Allah and his Messenger ﷺ to respecting those who carry knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah. A person should not view showing respect as reducing their honour, rather it is a means of raising themselves in the eyes of Allah. We have been commanded to respect our parents in Islam even during the difficulty of them in old age. This talk goes on to mention how ‘ilm cannot be attained without respect and that respect should be shown to a person’s teachers and elders. Examples are given of the scholars of the past respecting their teachers and how showing that respect elevated their position in this dunya. Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk: - What does the word 'haram' mean? - Harun ar-Rashid sending his son to study - The arbitration of Sa'd ibn Muadh - Warning those who s

True Success Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 3rd March 2017 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester (UK) Video: https://youtu.be/JU9U_6_qNoU A person may equate success to worldly possessions and status whereas Allah declares success to be simpler than that. The markers of success, as recorded by Allah, are listed in this talk with numerous examples brought from the Quran and hadith. The dangers of a person being greedy and envious for the wrong reasons are also mentioned with reference to verses of Surat al-Takathur. The focus towards the end of the talk explains that true success is ultimately in the akhirah and what a person must do in order to attain it. Below are some of the topics contained in this talk: - Who are the successful ones? - The markers of success - What does the word 'falah' mean? - Money cannot buy success - Wealth and riches are a distraction - Greed being the root of many evils - There can be no success without taqwa *************************************************************