ImanWire Podcast

Dealing with a narcissist can be an unpleasant experience, whether it is in our family, workplace or community. How does narcissism connect with the Islamic discourse on the nafs and self-purification? Aaatifa Shareef, a professional licensed counselor and instructor at Qalam Institute, bridges the fields of modern psychology and Islamic knowledge to discuss how we can manage our relationships with narcissists who can make our lives very difficult. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Narcissist-in-Chief and the Nafs 13:03 - Diagnosis and the Balance of Psychology and Islamic Knowledge 21:34 - A Strong Sense of Self vs. Self-Admiration 32:26 - Dealing With Problematic Family Members 35:26 - Severing Ties 37:13 - Ihsaan, Birr & Boundaries 42:22 - Only Human: Not Letting It Affect Us 52:39 - Drawing Attention to Narcissism in a Loving Way 57:33 - Finding a Support System 1:01:29 - Respecting the Elderly vs. Questioning the Family 1:04:21 - Institutional Leadership 1:12:22 - Getting Cut Off 1:15:58 - Self-Care Regimen

"I must never be the defender of my nafs, or thinking that I have nothing to change and others must change. I must always begin with the premise, that I have everything to change." Shaykh Mokhtar Maghroaui continues the conversation of the addiction of the nafs and how to begin taking the steps to changing them. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction 03:09 - Homecoming Journey 05:46 - Facing Bankruptcy 10:23 - Embracing Emptiness 15:30 - Achieving Ultimate Freedom 17:59 - Understanding the Cup Analogy 22:12 - Exploring Khalifa Concept 27:50 - Spiritual Cleansing Beliefs 37:40 - Anwar: Divine Illumination 40:10 - Experiencing Allah's Light 44:40 - Self-Reflection on Faults 51:39 - Angelic Intervention Story 55:43 - Divine Support for the Devout 56:48 - Embracing Rectification 57:40 - Intermission Break

As people worldwide struggle to cope today with the negative impact of man-made environmental degradation, the crucial step to a solution is understanding our place in the created world and its connection with our Creator. Dr. Amir Abdelzaher joins the podcast to discuss an Islamic vision for spiritual ecology, connecting theology with environmental ethics. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction 2:34 - Challenging Definitions: What Is the Environment? 7:53 - The Creation of Allah: How We Value the Environment 17:39 - The Environment in Worship of Allah 21:08 - The Environment as a Sign: The Contingency Argument for God 29:02 - Environmental Literacy: Deducing the Attributes of Allah 32:39 - A Witness for or Against Us? 35:19 - Reverence and Glorification: Resonating With the Environment 43:24 - Environmental Sensitivity 44:56 - Where the Environment Stands Today 50:30 - Representing the Divine: The Command of Abu Bakr and Its Principles 55:29 - Man Vs Nature: Who Takes Priority? 1:01:14 - Concrete Jungles and Reconnecting With the Environment

Addiction overpowers us even when knowing its harm. In this episode Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui teaches how to have the will, the desire, and the resolve to change and begin removing habits that cause addiction in the heart. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction to Addiction and Purification 1:52 - Willpower and Change Initiation 15:35 - Self-Reflection and Negative Traits Acknowledgment 18:50 - Realization of Self in Addiction Recovery 24:15 - Al-Qawi: Embracing Inner Strength 29:35 - Al-Matin: Cultivating Resilience in Sobriety 33:15 - Al-Aziz: Achieving Dignity in Addiction Battle 37:40 - Qalb's Role in Overcoming Addiction 40:50 - Ego's Influence on Addiction Journey

Dawud Walid, an author and Imam, explores the pressing issue of masculinity today, advocating for a return to Islamic spiritual chivalry, or Futuah. He discusses how this concept promotes selflessness and responsibility in young men. The conversation touches on the vital role of marriage in shaping true masculinity and the detrimental effects of overprotective parenting. Walid emphasizes the need for mentorship and community support in nurturing responsible leaders while balancing traditional values with modern challenges in manhood.

"The one who is better than me in akhlaaq (character traits), is a better human being then me." The worth of a human being, practically speaking, is shown through his akhlaq. In this session, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui speaks about Akhlaaq and Tawhid (Divine Unicity). CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction 03:20 - Divine Unicity E 14:49 - Initial Practice of Tawḥīd 22:12 - Divine Beauty in Islam 28:20 - Islamic Stewardship and Responsibility 35:40 - Allah's Love for Beauty 40:29 - Justice in Islamic Teachings 41:17 - Avoiding Negative Traits in Islam 42:20 - Islam on Humility vs Arrogance

Shaykh Riad Saloojee returns to the ImanWire Podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on adab, an often misunderstood or minimized practice that in actuality is central to the life of a believer. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction 3:38 - What is Adab? 9:04 - Moral Character vs Etiquette 15:17 - Adab, Justice & Wisdom 29:00 - Small Details & the Big Picture 37:36 - The Inheritance of Adab 52:33 - How to Acquire Adab 1:04:08 - Misconceptions About Adab

Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui delves deeply into the Qur'an's verses of Surah Ash-Shams to unravel the intricate nature of the human psyche. Exploring themes of choice, virtue, and potential, he highlights how nurturing and understanding one's inner self can lead to either success or failure. CHAPTERS: 0:00- Introduction 1:12 - Quranic Wisdom Significance 1:55 - Solar Influence on Mind 6:34 - Lunar Effects on Emotions 10:15 - Earth's Stability and Human Psyche 19:20 - Space-time Concept in Islam 23:35 - Surah Ash-Shams: Self-Reflection 41:21 - Psychology of the Nafs

Our existence is all about the divine manifestations. In this episode, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui explains how everything has to do with 'tazkiyah'. Ultimately our hearts must be in a state of 'tawhid,' the awareness of Allah ﷻ and his attributes. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction 20:13 - Salim Heart: Pure Qalb 22:21 - Purified Heart: Disease-Free Qalb 24:10 - Heart's Beauty: Inner Radiance 26:55 - Divine Reflection: Heart as Allah's Mirror 37:02 - Prophetic Guidance: Best Path 40:03 - Analogy of the Baker: Life's Recipe 43:38 - Life's Tests: Significance & Purpose

The ultimate objective is to strive for a heart that is 'saleem.' What does this mean? In this episode, Shaykh Mokhtar Maghraoui explores what it means and continues to speak about the du'a of asking for a heart of 'saleem.' We delve into the essence of possessing a heart that is Saleem—an ultimate marker of success, freedom, and happiness in the Dunya and beyond. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Soul Purification Quest 2:20 - Treasuring Spiritual Wealth 15:01 - Defining True Happiness 20:54 - Prayer for Divine Certitude 25:35 - Embracing Certitude's Serenity 28:30 - Supplication for Truthfulness 34:25 - Du'a for Goodness & Protection 38:30 - Prophet's Hadith on Soul