On Sundays we explore The Meaning of the Names of Our Lord, by Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal. Each week, Said Bin Yunus examines one Divine Name in light of the Arabic language, the Qur’an, the Sunnah and traditional Sufi commentaries to expose deeper meanings and enliven our invocations and reflections with new understandings as we strive to connect and cultivate the Divine Names into our character.
Everyone is welcome! Join us:
When: Sundays, 9:30 – 11:00 am Pacific Time / 12:30 – 2:00 pm Eastern Time
NEXT CLASS DEC 10TH, 2023
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Meeting ID: 854 4846 6518
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Join us by Phone: (669) 900-9128
Last Class, From December 3rd:
Class 159, Al-Sami’ Part 2: In this session we examine As-Sami’ through the lens of Islamic theology: explaining the categories of Names of the Divine Essence, Attributes and Actions; then what the 6 negating attributes of the Essence are; along with the 7 affirming attributes of His Qualities; and the implications of those attributes for understanding His All-Hearing nature.
Previous Classes in this Series:
Class 158, Al-Sami’ Part 1: In this session we introduce the Divine Name as-Sami’, The All-Hearing, by: examining how to read, write and pronounce the Arabic letters; understand the triliteral root and related words; discuss references in the Qur’an and ahadith; and answer Q&A.
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- Class 1: Introduction to the Class – In this session, we discuss: the importance of learning & remembering the Divine Names of Allah (Exalted is He), the format of the class & books to be used.
- Class 2: Introduction to the Text Part 1 – In this session, we discuss: the Introduction to Sidi’s text The Meanings of the Names of Our Lord; what is an essence, attribute/quality & action; the Presence (hadhrat) of Allah; distinguishing between the Divine Essence, Attributes, & Actions; the 6 Attributes of Divine Incomparability (tanzih): 1) Absolute/Necessary Existence; 2) Self-Subsistance; 3) Pre-Eternality; 4) Infiniteness; 5) Incomparability to creation; 6) Oneness.
- Class 3: Introduction to the Text Part 2 In this session, we discuss: a review of yesterday; 7 Attributes of (Allegorical) Divine Immanence (tashbih): 1) Life, 2) Knowledge, 3) Will Power, 4) Power, 5) Hearing, 6) Seeing & 7) Speaking.
- Class 4: Introduction to the Text Part 3 In this session, we discuss: Q&A on the Attributes of (Allegorical) Immanence (tashbih), & the Divine Action of creating creation.
- Class 5: Introduction to the Text Part 4 In this session, we discuss: Wudud & mawjud; the nature of the Asma ul-Husna.
- Class 6: Introduction to the Text Part 5 In this session, we discuss: various questions related to the the terms previously mentioned.
- Class 7: Introduction to the Text Part 6 In this session, we discuss: the Divine Names as the bridge between Wujud & mawjud; 3 types of spiritual perception related to spiritual wayfaring & drawing near to Allah through the Names.
- Class 8: The Name Allah, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the style of Sidi’s book The Meanings of the Names of Our Lord; the preeminance of the word Allah; the Qur’anic quotes relation to sincerity; the role of the Divine Names in relation to accepted dua’, the Sufi search for ‘The Supreme Name’, our Master Abul-Hassan Ash-Shadhuli’s search for The Supreme Name & ‘being’ the Supreme Name.
- Class 9: The Name Allah, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: the 1st paragraph of page 3, the nature of the scholarly debate of regarding the Name being derived or revealed; a selection from Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari regarding those who say the Name is not derived from creation just as the One Who is described by the Name is not derived from the philosophies & conjectures of creation.
- Class 10: The Name Allah, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: the other position of the scholarly debate regarding the Name being derived or revealed; the root word A-L-H; the meaning of laa ilaha illa llah; the meaning of an ilah; Q&A.
- Class 11: The Name Allah, Part 4 In this session, we discuss: how each of the letters indicate Allah’s essence without losing any meaning when losing letters; a spiritual understanding of consonants & vowels.
- Class 12: The Name Allah, Part 5 In this session, we discuss: how each of the letter contains secrets witnessed by the gnostics; ‘Alif in the Name Allah, in relation to ‘ulfa (the ‘love” that was the impetus for creating) & ta’leef (the act of ‘reconciling love’ bringing the multitudes of creation in harmony with the One; letters & vowels as bodies & spirits; the names of the Names (al-asma’ ul-asma’); the subtle workings of created speech as reflection of Divine speech.
- Class 13: The Name Allah, Part 6 In this session, we discuss: the secrets of the letter ‘Alif in the Name Allah, as described by Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari in the book The Pure Intention; Knowledge of the Unique Name.
- Class 14: The Name Allah, Part 7 In this session, we: finish the discussion on the secrets of the letter ‘Alif in the Name Allah, as described by Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari in the book The Pure Intention; Knowledge of the Unique Name.
Class 15: The Name Allah, Part 8 In this session, we discuss: the secrets of the letter lam in the Name Allah, as described by Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari in the book The Pure Intention; Knowledge of the Unique Name. - Class 16: The Name Allah, Part 9 In this session, we discuss: the secrets of the letter ha in the Name Allah, as described by Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari in the book The Pure Intention; Knowledge of the Unique Name.
- Class 17: The Name Allah, Part 10 In this session, we discuss: the status of the Name Allah in relation the Essence, Attributes, Asma ul-Husna, Acts/creation, as well as the Divine Names in previous scriptures; also an exercise from Sidi to open the ‘eye of the heart’.
- Class 18: The Name Allah, Part 11 In this session, we discuss: acting on knowledge of the Name through dhikr ‘Allah’; Qur’anic verses & ahadith explaining benefits of dhikr Allah & offering encouragement to practice.
- Class 19: The Name Allah, Part 12 In this session, we discuss: what Sidi means by “unifying Allah” in the text by looking at Path to Allah, Most High pg 207-210, “The Station of Unity by the Elect & Elect of the Elect”.
- Class 20: The Name Allah, Part 13 In this session, we discuss: what Sidi means by ‘unifying Allah’ through actions of the limbs; how the stations of the heart in Path to Allah Most High unify the actions of the heart & prepare our consciousness for the state of annihilation in the remembrance of “Allah”.
- Class 21: Ar-Rahman Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the Name Ar-Rahman as a Name of the Divine Essence; the Arabic root R-H-M; different translations of the Name; the exalted nature of the mercy of Ar-Rahman
- Class 22: Ar-Rahman Part 2 In this session, we discuss: Ar-Rahman in relationship to the Attributes of the Divine Essence; in relation to the Name Allah, & in relation to all the other Names as the well spring from which all other Names manifest & return to; also Q&A.
- Class 23: Ar-Rahman Part 3 In this session, we discuss: a comparison of the nature of mercy, love, wisdom; the Nature of Ar-Rahman as the greater, universal Mercy vs Ar-Rahim as smaller, particular Mercy.
- Class 24: Ar-Rahman Part 4 In this session, we discuss: Ar-Rahman in relation to creation; as the Name by which creation was gifted existence; the 2 blessings no being is without & the need for gratitude; the cosmology of the ‘nafas ar-Rahman’ (the breath of the Universally Merciful).
- Class 25: Ar-Rahman Part 5 In this session, we discuss: “making mercy our banner”; mercy as the foundation of the entire spiritual way of life (din); the Divine Intent in sending our Master Muhammad (salla’llahu ‘alayhi wa sallim); & the implications for us as followers.
- Class 26: Ar-Rahman Part 6 In this session, we discuss: embodying the Divine Name Ar-Rahman by becoming one of the “Slaves of the Most Merciful” (ibad ur-Rahman) mentioned in surah al-Furqan; listing 5 of 13 qualities that characterize this special class of slaves.
- Class 27: Ar-Rahman Part 7 In this session, we discuss: attributes # 6-13 of the “Slaves of the Most Merciful” (ibad ur-Rahman); & the rewards of this special class of slaves.
- Class 28: Ar-Rahim Part 1 In this session, we: compare & contrast the Divine Names Rahman (Universally Merciful, i.e. greater mercy) & Rahim (Particularly Merciful, i.e. lesser mercy); Ar-Rahim as the mercy we recognize through ourselves.
- Class 29: Ar-Rahim Part 2 In this session, we: compare & contrast Ar-Rahman vs Ar-Rahim as the Originator of creation vs the Sustainer of creation; the role of Ar-Rahim as mercy in this world (dunya).
- Class 30: Ar-Rahim Part 3 In this session, we discuss: the phrase ‘Ar-Rahim of the dunya (worldly life)’; Mercy as the all creation revolves around; Ar-Rahim as personal mercy/tailored to each creation; mercy in 100 parts; the vastness of Rahim’s mercy.
- Class 31: Ar-Rahim Part 4 In this session, we discuss: the phrase ‘Ar-Rahim of the dunya (worldly life)’; Ar-Rahim (specific mercy) tailored to what we seek/how we strive vs. Rahman (freely given mercy); the outcome of those who seek mercy within Allah’s guidance; the mercy for those who ignore or reject Allah’s guidance.
- Class 32: Ar-Rahim Part 5 In this session, we discuss: Rahim/the Bestower of small mercies in the dunya that everyone gets in relations to the bigger mercies given to select few in the Hereafter by Rahim/the Bestower of Mercies.
- Class 33: Ar-Rahim Part 6 In this session, we discuss: examples of Ar-Rahim’s mercy as the guide to taqwa (God Consciousness) & tawfiq (Divinely granted success), as well as the guide through mistakes to tawba & forgiveness.
- Class 34: Ar-Rahim, Part 7 In this session, we discuss: Rahim of the Hereafter; with descriptions of Allah’s merciful forgiveness from ahadith about the Day of Resurrection.
- Class 35: Ar-Rahim, Part 8 In this session, we discuss: the formula Bismillahi-Rahmani-Rahim; tying together previous discussions defining the Divine Names generally, as well as Allah, Rahman & Rahim specifically; also discuss some particular blessings achieved through using this formula in daily actions.
- Class 36: Ar-Rabb, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the similarities/differences of the meanings of the Name Ar-Rabb in comparison/contrast to the Name Allah; looking at the linguistic root R-B-B; the relation of Jamali/Jalali meanings of the words; tarbiyya (fostering development); & universal vs. personal Godhood.
- Class 37: Ar-Rabb, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: Ar-Rabb as One Who creates, sustains & nurtures creation step-by-step until it reaches completion; Rabbi-l-‘Alamin (Lord of All the Worlds of Creation); & the development of the worlds of Lahut, Jabarut, Malakut & Mulk.
- Class 38: Ar-Rabb, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: Ar-Rabb as One Who creates, sustains & nurtures creation step-by-step until it reaches completion; Rabbi-n-nas (Lord of Humanity); the creating, sustaining & development of the body of Adam from clay & descent of the spirit.
- Class 39: Ar-Rabb, Part 4 In this session, we discuss: Ar-Rabb as One Who creates, sustains & nurtures creation step-by-step until it reaches completion; the Rabb of each human being; the 5 “lives” or stages of life development each soul goes through in: a) the life before conception; b) the life of the dunya; c) life of the grave; d) life of Resurrection & e) life in the Hereafter.
- Class 40: Al-Malik, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the meanings of the linguistic root M-L-K; the different translations of the word Malik; the wisdom of the Name Al-Malik in surah 114; the wisdom of the Name Al-Malik in surah 1; the relations of al-Malik to al-Malakut (the world of sovereignty/ command), al-Mulk (the world of dominion/possession) & the malaa’ika (angelic messengers who carry out His commands).
- Class 41: Al-Malik, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: al-Malik as the Sovereign Who decrees; Mercy & Justice as the perogative of all Divine Decrees; decrees in the dunya: destiny & the sacred law; decrees of the next life: final judgment; Q&A related to the reading.
- Class 42: Al-Malik, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: al-Malik in relationship to consequences; whose agency is direct in the world of Malakut (sovereignty) & hidden in the world of Mulk (Dominion); the Wisdom of creating human kings & subjects; how the Sacred Law applies to everyone (rulers & ruled); 3 categories of (fiqh) in the Sacred Law & the 5 types of rulings (obligatory, recommended, permissible, disliked & forbidden).
- Class 43: Al-Malik, Part 4 In this session, we discuss: hajj as a metaphor for visiting the King; the meaning of being a slave of Al-Malik; witnessing the Kingship of al-Malik through His Subjects.
- Class 44: Al-Quddus, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the meanings related to the word al-Quddus: holiness, purity, sacrosanctity & immaculacy; Allah’s Attribute of being “free from similarity”; meaning of perfection & the perfection of Allah al-Quddus in the 7 attributes of meaning.
- Class 45: Al-Quddus, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: the 2nd & 3rd paragraphs of Sidi’s text; purity in relation to Allah & humanity; the Love of Allah attached to those who purify themselves.
- Class 46: Al-Quddus, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: the spiritual path of purification; Imam Ghazali’ls 4 degrees of purity: a) physical purity in substances; b) ritual purity of acts; c) purity of the limbs & heart from misdeeds; & d) purity from ‘other than Allah’.
- Class 47: As-Salaam, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the linguistic meaning of the Divine Name As-Salaam in translation; root meanings & contrasting the creation’s state of peace with Divine Peace.
- Class 48: As-Salaam, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: the text’s opening verses; the meaning of greeting with Peace, the origin & etiquettes around giving the greetings of Peace.
- Class 49: As-Salaam, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: the meaning of din (way of life/religion); islam as the din of Allah; the Qur’an’s four levels of meaning of islam; & a description of the 1st & 2nd levels of meaning.
- Class 50: As-Salaam, Part 4 In this session, we discuss: the last 2 ways Allah (glorious & exalted is He) uses the word islam in the Qur’an: the name of the whole way of life inspired to Prophet Muhammad (blessings & peace be upon him) & the 1st of 3 dimensions within that din.
- Class 51: Al-Mu’min, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the linguistic meanings of the Divine Name al-Mu’min; translations, root meanings & ideas related to ‘faith’, ‘faithfulness’, confidence in one’s loyalty, to help us understand al-Mu’min as “The Remover of Fear”, “Giver of Tranquility” & “The Faithful One”.
- Class 52: Al-Mu’min, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: ideas related to ‘faith’ as belief; epistemology of how we know what we know, Sidi’s explanation of Sufi epistemology; iman as belief that corresponds to Reality; the role of the intellec (‘aql) & Islamic science of theology (‘aqidah) in confirming iman as true belief synonymous with islam.
- Class 53: Al-Mu’min, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: al-Mu’min the giver of iman as a station that is distinct from the station of islam; the distinguishing benchmark of sincerity between the two.
- Class 54: Al-Mu’min, Part 4 In this session, we discuss: al-Mu’min as The Giver of Iman; the station of isman as a station that is distinct from the station of islam; the epistemological sources of knowledge of common people; the benchmark of sincerity; going on to discuss knowledge of the specifically elect; knowledge through signs; & iman in realtion to benchmarks of love.
- Class 55: Al-Muhaymin, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: linguistic aspects of the Name al-Muhaymin such as different tranlations the root words A-M-N and H-Y-M-N and their meanings; & how all of these relate to the station of ihsan (spiritual excellence/beauty/witnessing).
- Class 56: Al-Muhaymin, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: the relationship of al-Muyahmin & ihsan; the nature of ihsan; al-Muhaymin’s protection of the friends of Allah outwardly & inwardly; & al-Muhaymin’s protection of the essential secret (sirr).
- Class 57: Al-Muhaymin, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: how Names as-Salam, al-Mu’min & al-Muhaymin manifest the lights of islam, iman & ihsan; the benchmarks of love in each of these stations (hawa, hubb, ‘ishq & wudd) in relation to the protection of Allah; also benchmarks of inspiration: different types of inspirations; Divine inspirations (waaridat) & 3 types of light.
- Class 58: Al-Muhaymin, Part 4 In this session, we discuss: al-Muhaymin in relation to protecting Allah’s signs (Glorious & Exalted is He) in The Qur’an & his people; we discuss the 3 light sources (waaridat) that protect from differing degrees of darkness.
- Class 59: Al- ‘Aziz, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the linguistic aspect of the Divine Name al- ‘Aziz, the different translations & root meanings; as well as reading from supplementary texts to show us the relationship of power, nobility & sweetness this Divine Name implies.
- Class 60: Al-‘Aziz, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: the relationship of al-‘Aziz 3 qualities related to qualtity of dignity & nobility associated with al-Aziz; strategies for unifying through this Name.
- Class 63: Al-Mutakabbir, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the translations of al-Mutakabbir; the root word K-B-R’s meanings; the act of takbir & al-Mutakabbir who places the signs of His Greatness in all of creation’s existence, attributes & actions; also the impossibility of assigning this Name to anything in creation.
- Class 64: Al-Mutakabbir, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: the second set of root word meanings; the first instance of creation behaving with kibr by Iblis (we seek refuge in Allah from him); those who follow his pattern; & the outcome of kibr in this world & the next.
- Class 65: Al-Mutakabbir, Part 3 In this session, we review: the meanings of kibr, takbir, Allah’s Name al-Mutakabbir & the consequences of creation claiming greatness, then discuss: how to draw near to al-Mutakabbir through recognizing arrogance within ourselves, & understandings of how to rid our selves from it through the writings of Imam al-Ghazali & the aphorisms of Ibn Ata’illah.
- Class 66: Al-Khaaliq, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the translations & root word meanings associated with the Divine Name al-Khaaliq; the different Names indicating Allah’s being The Creator; al-Khaaliq as the One Who creates from nothing; & this Name’s relationship to the Existence (wujud), Life (hayya), Will (irada) & Power (qudra) of Allah.
- Class 67: Al-Khaaliq, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: al-Khaaliq as the One Who creates in a pattern; the nature of khalq (outward character traits) & khuluq (inward character traits); Ghazali’s definition of character in relation to state of being, consciousness, quality (quwwa) & action.
- Class 68: Al-Khaaliq, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: unifying through the Divine Name al-Khaaliq; al-Khaaliq as the creator of the means & results; implications for spiritual healing brought by our guide, Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal; & refining our khuluq (inner character traits) to resemble the perfect human being as al-Khaaliq manifested him (salla’llahu ‘alayhi wa sallim).
- Class 69: Al-Baari’, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the linguistic meaning of al-Baari’ by looking at the meanings of the translations and Arabic root word B-R-’; how the Names of Creatorship are synonymous when viewed individually; how they have differences of meaning when viewed in relationship to each other; how the Name al-Baari’ produces creations that are ‘free & clear’ from other creations; as well as ‘free & clear’ from any imperfection; connecting with this Name through reflection and relenquishing self-calculation (tadhbir).
- Class 70: Al-Musawwir, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the translations; meanings of the root word S-W-R & related words; the relationship of al-Musawwir to previous Names al-Khaaliq & al-Baari’; the role of al-Musawwir in fashioning the forms of all creation; and connecting with this name through reflection (muraqaba) on the forms of things & the wisdoms of those forms until contemplative witnessing (mushahada) opens up.
- Class 71: Al-Ghaffar, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the translations, meanings of the root Gh-F-R and related words; forgiveness in relation to the Essential Attributes of Allah; al-Ghaffar in relation to the other Divine Names of forgiveness.
- Class 72: Al-Ghaffar, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: the Divine Name al-Ghaffar in relation to the Divine Names al-Ghaafir, al-Ghafur, Qualities al-‘Aziz and al-Hakim.
- Class 73: Al-Ghaffar, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: the meaning, types & effect of sin, the meaning & effect of maghfirah (forgiveness); the Divine Name al-Ghaffar in relationship to al-Halim; & the vastness of Allah’s forbearance & forgiveness.
- Class 74: Al-Ghaffar, Part 4 In this session, we discuss: unifying with Allah through the Name al-Ghaffar through the practices of seeking forgiveness (istighfar), repentance (tawba), & reflection on the Hikam of Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari.
- Class 75: Al-Qahhar, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the pronunciation, Arabic root meanings and translations of the Divine Name al-Qahhar, as well as the uses of this Name in the Qur’an, Sidi’s text and the text by Ibn Ajiba.
- Class 76: Al-Qahhar, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: all qahri experiences only coming from Allah; qahri experiences creating rifts of belief in the human heart; the justice of al-Qahhar’s qahr vs. human oppression/tyranny; the tyranny of autocracy & democracy; the Divine ideal of governance; understanding why Allah (exalted is He) sends oppressors; and the manners of dealing with tyrants.
- Class 77: Al-Qahhar, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: the injustice of human innovation; the innate oppression of innovated forms of governing the self and society; the Divine outcome of oppressing one’s self/society; the human nafs as greatest of tyrants; conquering the nafs through complying with Divine Justice and Mercy expressed in the sacred law; further discussion on political systems and the wisdoms of Sidi’s (r.a.) form of rearing students.
- Class 78: Al-Qahhar, Part 4 In this session, we discuss: shifting from being an adversary to ally of al-Qahar; by incorporating the meaning in our actions and cultivating the quality in the heart; the meaning and value of the shari’a and tariqa in relation to this Name; using the limbs to heal the heart.
- Class 79: Al-Qahhar, Part 5 In this session, we discuss: the station of excellence (ihsan) in relationship to al-Qahhar; not separating Divine Beauty (jamal) & Majesty (jalal); Divine wisdom in sending jalal & qahr; finding gentleness (lutf) in subjegation (qahr).
- Class 80: Al-Qahhar, Part 6 In this session, we discuss: the excellence (ihsan) of al-Qahhar; being present with how Allah presents Himself instead of how we want Him to be; vanquishing self-preferences for al-Qahhar; al-Qahhar and fana’ (spiritual annihilation); Q&A related to healing modalities and fana’.
- Class 81: Al-Qahhar, Part 7 In this session, we discuss: Q&A from last class’ material; descriptions of the state of fana’ from Sidi’s texts.
- Class 82: Al-Qahhar, Part 8 In this session, we discuss: the role of al-Qahhar in the state of spiritual annihilation (fana’), the fana’ in the station of nafs al-mulhammah; Sidi’s textual descriptions of the fana’ & how to reach it; Prophetic examples of fana’; al-Qahhar and Substisting by Allah (baqa’ bi-llah).
- Class 83: Al-Wahhab, Part 1 In this session, we discuss: the Divine Name Al-Wahhab (The Bestower) from the linguistic lens of the letters’ form and pronunciation, root meanings, and translations. We also look at texts about al-Wahhab from the Qur’an, Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal, Ibn Ajiba and Tosun Bayrak. We re-introduce the theological concepts of tanzih (Divine Incomparability) and tashbih (Divine “Immanence”); followed by Q&A.
- Class 84: Al-Wahhab, Part 2 In this session, we discuss: Imam al-Ghazali’s text on the Divine Incomparability (tanzih) of al-Wahhab; some theological implications associated with Divine Giving; followed by Q&A/discussion.
- Class 85: Al-Wahhab, Part 3 In this session, we discuss: the theological implications of tashbih (Divine “Immanence”) in relation to the Divine Name al-Wahhab using Sh. Tosun Bayrak’s text; followed by Q&A/discussion.
- Class 86: Al-Wahhab, Part 4 In this session, we discuss: establishing a connection to al-Wahhab through experiencing blessings in acknowledgment of His gift; and understanding the etiquettes of supplication (dua’‘).
- Class 87: Al-Wahhab, Part 5 In this session, we discuss: the second aspect of establishing a connection to al-Wahhab by cultivating unconditional gratitude for any/all of His Divine Gifts.
- Class 88: Al-Wahhab, Part 6 In this session, we discuss: the definition of din (culture, religion, spiritual way of life), the example of giving in the din of all the Prophets (peace be upon them all), the place of giving in the Qur’an, and the superlative example of Prophet Muhammad’s (blessings & peace be upon him) ethic of giving.
- Class 89: Al-Wahhab, Part 7 In this session, we discuss: Islamic/Sufi cultural ethics of working, trusting, giving and taking; cultivating the trait of giving like al-Wahhab; and obligatory and optional Prophetic social institutions that inculcate giving in society and the heart.
- Class 90: Al-Wahhab, Part 8 In this session, we discuss: inculcating the traits of al-Wahhab by giving according to Prophetic etiquette; the first etiquette of giving from a halal income; the shari’a meanings of halal/haram, types of rulings in the sacred law; obvious and not so obvious forms of non-halal incomes.
- Class 91: Al-Wahhab, Part 9 In this session, we discuss: inculcating the traits of al-Wahhab by giving according to Prophetic etiquettes (continued from last week): 2) giving by sphere of influence; 3) giving to the best choice (i.e. not wasting wealth); 4) giving secretly vs. publicly.
- Class 92: Al-Wahhab, Part 10 In this session, we discuss: inculcating the traits of al-Wahhab by giving according to Prophetic etiquettes (continued from last week): 5) giving w/o reminders; 6) giving w/o injury; 7) not taking back gifts; 8) not elevating the ego when giving generously.
- Class 93: Al-Wahhab, Part 11 in this session, we discuss: Imam Ghazali’s three degrees of selflessness, and the three obstacles to giving we face on the Path to Allah.
- Class 95: Ar-Razzaq, Part 1 in this session, we discuss: reading/pronouncing the Arabic letters, exploring the Arabic triliteral root and related words; a few texts from the Qur’an and ahadith; and several Q&A.
- Class 96: Ar-Razzaq, Part 2 in this session, we discuss: scholarly texts from Sidi Muhamad al-Jamal, Imam al-Ghazali and Tosun Bayrak, that describe Ar-Razzaq’s manifestations in providing: creatures with existence, different types of provisions, different means to those different provisions, and knowledges of actualizing those means.
- Class 97: Ar-Razzaq, Part 3 in this session, we discuss: the theology of Ar-Razzaq provision; the six tenets of faith (iman); faith (iman) as a codification of Absolute Truth vs relative reality; faith (iman) as conviction vs theoretical acceptance; and importance of creedal knowledge. From there the class diverged into Q&A regarding Sidi’s (Allah sanctify his spirit) teachings regarding inner vision and spiritual healing.
- Class 98: Ar-Razzaq, Part 4 in this session, we discuss the theology of Divine Transcendence (tanzih) in relation to The Provider (Ar-Razzaq) and provision (rizq): Ar-Razzaq as the One/only Provider in the cosmos; His responsibility and promise of provision; the excellence (ihsan) by which provisions are distributed throughout creation; Divine independence from the secondary causes He usually provides through.
- Class 99: Ar-Razzaq, Part 5 in this session, we discuss the theology of Divine Immanence (tashbih) in relation to the Provider (Ar-Razzaq) and provision (rizq): how Ar-Razzaq uses secondary causes with the worlds of creation to distribute provision; how He is not confined to using them; how He is absolutely unlike any creation He uses; His singular responsibility for providing for all creations; His unfailing promise to provide; His attempts at comforting the creation by affirming where provision is stored and delivered.
- Class 100: Ar-Razzaq, Part 6 in this session, we discuss the text of Shaykh Ahmad Ibn Ajiba (may Allah sanctify his secret) as the foundation for our discussion on the spiritual process of drawing closer to Ar-Razzaq. We read from the beginning of his chapter as a summary of our previous classes; then we introduced the outward manifestations of Ar-Razzaq in societies relationship to provisioning.
- Class 101: Ar-Razzaq, Part 7 in this session, we discuss: the outward social dimension of seeking provision from Allah Ar-Razzaq, by understanding the concepts of ecology, economy and economics in relation to how we acquire provisions.
- Class 102: Ar-Razzaq, Part 8 in this session, we discuss: the first spiritual stage of connecting to Ar-Razzaq through seeking His provision; the provisions of the dunya; the provisions of the akhira; the means (asbaab) of aquiring the provisions of the akhira; questions & answers.
- Class 103: Ar-Razzaq, Part 9 in this session, we continue to discuss: the first spiritual stage of connecting to Ar-Razzaq through seeking His provision; the material means (asbaab) of aquiring blessings; and the sufi attitude towards working vs prayers; Q&A.
- Class 104: Ar-Razzaq, Part 10 in this session, we continue to discuss: the first spiritual stage of connecting to Ar-Razzaq through seeking His provision; the first two spiritual means (asbaab) of aquiring blessings, avoiding misdeeds of the sacred law and performing good deeds of the sacred law.
- Class 105: Ar-Razzaq, Part 11 in this session, we continue to discuss: the first spiritual stage of connecting to Ar-Razzaq through seeking His provision by spiritual means, namely: Qur’anic verses, specific invocations (dua’s), variousforms of Remembrance (adhkaar), keeping family ties, practicing gratitude and contentment with Allah’s decree.
- Class 106: Ar-Razzaq, Part 12 in this session, we continue to discuss: the first spiritual stage of connecting to Ar-Razzaq through seeking His Provision while inculcating a state of trust in Divine Providence.
- Class 107: Ar-Razzaq, Part 13 in this session, we continue to discuss: the first spiritual stage of connecting to Ar-Razzaq through seeking His Provision; the relationship of trust vs. ‘taking the means’; the Messenger of Allah’s (blessings & peace be upon him) sunnah and state; and the meanings of the sayings: “Do not exert undue effort in what you are guaranteed” and “Do not waste what you have been given”.
- Class 108: Ar-Razzaq, Part 14 in this session, we discuss: the second spiritual stage of cultivating the Name Ar-Razzaq in our character; the similarities and differences of the sacred law (shari‘a) and the spiritual path (tariqa); shifting attention from getting provision to giving provision; who is obliged to give to whom; and optional acts of giving.
- Class 109: Ar-Razzaq, Part 15 in this session, we continue to discuss: the second spiritual stage of cultivating the Name Ar-Razzaq in our character; reviewing the order and encouragement to give; and the opposite of that, namely withholding/stinginess (bukhl).
- Class 110: Ar-Razzaq, Part 16 in this session, we conclude our discussion of the second spiritual stage of cultivating the Name Ar-Razzaq in our character; reviewing bukhl – the act of withholding and quality of stinginess; it’s remedies according to Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal and Imam al-Ghazali (may Allah have mercy on them); and ending with a discussion of abstinence (zuhd).
- Class 111: Ar-Razzaq, Part 17 in this session, we continue to discuss: the third spiritual stage of annihilating in/realizing the Name Ar-Razzaq in the station of spiritual excellence (ihsan); reviewing the character traits of generosity & abstainence as a pre-requisist for annihilation (fana’); the nature of annihilation (fana’) as the actual knowers have described it; then looking at benchmarks of giving according to the stations of islam, iman and ihsan; ending with the quality of prefering others over one’s self (ithar).
Class 112: Al-Fattah, Part 1: In this session, we discuss al-Fattah from a linguistic lens: identifying the letters, pronounciation, triliteral root meanings and translations; as well as from a textual lens: reading from the Qur’an, and Sufi writings of Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal, Ibn Ajiba, Imam Ghazali and Tosun Bayrak (may Allah have mercy on them all).
Class 113: Al-Fattah, Part 2: In this session, we discuss al-Fattah from a theological lens: clarifying the terms of Divine Incomparability (tanzih) and Divine Immanence (tashbih); looking at the nature of created limits vs the unlimited Reality of Allah; the role of the Name al-Fattah in unlocking limits; and specific etiquettes with these understandings.
Class 114: Al-Fattah, Part 3: In this session, we continue discussing al-Fattah from a theological lens: how to reconcile Divine Immanence with Divine Incomparability; how al-Fattah manifests through the various physical, emotional, imaginal, intellectual and spiritual processes of creation.
Class 115: Al-Fattah, Part 4: In this session, we discuss al-Fattah in relation to the spiritual path (tariqah); how to connect with this Name through cultivating awareness of the cycles of need and opening.
Class 116: Al-Fattah, Part 5: In this session, we continue discussing al-Fattah through questions and answers about the first station on the spiritual path (tariqah); how the advice of cultivating need is related to negative feels around neediness; the essence of istighfar seeking forgiveness; al-Fattah and gnosis; differences between prophetic spirituality, gnosis and miracles vs shaytanic spirituality, psychic knowledge and powers.
Class 117: Al-Fattah, Part 6: In this session, we discuss al-Fattah in relation to the second station of the spiritual path (tariqah); choosing to support others’ openings; and the Prophetic context of Surah al-Fath (The Opening).
Class 118, Al-Fattah, Part 7: In this session, we discuss the third station of realizing the Name al-Fattah in one’s inner being; the inner reality of Divine nasr (succor, support) and fath (opening, victory) in relation to the different worlds (mulk, malakut, jabarut, lahut); the stations of certainty (‘ilm al-yaqin, ‘ayn al-yaqin, haqq al-yaqin); the station of all creation being ‘one nafs’,descriptions of fana’ (spiritual annihilation of the self); and Q&A about Sidi.
Class 119, Al-Fattah Part 8: In this session, Q&A took the place of the continued discussion regarding the Supreme Opening (fath); we discussed the process leading to the fath: annihilation in character (fana’ fi-khuluq) that precedes annihilation in taste (fana’ fi-dhawq); annihilation in the shaykh, Messenger (peace & blessings be upon him), and Allah (glorious & exalted is He); fana’ in the case when the Shaykh is no longer in the body; relationships between the stations of the sharia/tariqa/haqqiqa, the stations of the nafs and preparatory work for fana’, as well as advice on drawing near to the Shaykh.
Class 120, Al-‘Alim Part 1: In this session, we discuss the Divine Name Al-’Alim (The All-Knowing) from a linguistic lens: how to read, write and pronounce the Arabic letters, the triliteral root and related word cognates; we read texts from the Qur’an, ahadith as well as Sidi Muhammad’s text from The Meaning of the Names of Our Lord; then read from Imam al-Ghazali’s text to look at this Name from the perspective of theology.
Class 121, Al-‘Alim Part 2: In this session, we discuss the Divine Name Al-’Alim (The All-Knowing): first reviewing what we discussed last class from the Arabic language, then looking at this Name through a theological lens. Using the texts of Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal and Imam al-Ghazali (may Allah have mercy on them), we looked the incomparability (tanzih) of Allah’s knowledge in relation to creation’s.
Class 122, Al-‘Alim Part 3: In this session, we discuss theological understandings related to the Divine Name Al-’Alim (The All-Knowing) by continuing with Imam al-Ghazali’s text (may Allah have mercy on him); detailing his second point distinguishing the knowledge of Allah (glorious and exalted is He) from all of creation: namely that our (limited) knowledge is related to our (limited) heart; we discussed the heart as the locus of consciousness; we discussed the chapter “The Relation of Human and Imaginal Faculties” from Sidi Muhammad’s book (may Allah have mercy on him) The Reality of Imagination.
Class 123, Al-‘Alim Part 4: In this session, we discuss theological understandings related to the Divine Name Al-’Alim (The All-Knowing) by continuing with Imam al-Ghazali’s text (may Allah have mercy on him). We discuss the created limits of inner knowledge and adab of claiming inner knowledge; how Divine knowledge conceives creation rather than being derived from it; and the criteria that distinguishes different branches of knowledge.
Class 124, Al-‘Alim Part 5: In this session, we discuss theological understandings related to the Divine Name Al-’Alim (The All-Knowing) using Shaykh Ahmad Ibn ‘Ajiba’s text. Drawing on the study of logic, we examine types of rational propositions (necessary, inconceivable/impossible and conceivable/possible); then look logically at the proposition of the existence of God and the cosmos. We discuss the logical proofs relating how the creation could not have always existed, how it could not have created itself, and that it is rationally necessary for an Uncreated Creator to create the cosmos. We discussed the contingency of creation, and technical terms Sidi uses throughout his text for the different types of existence known by al-’Alim.
Class 125, Al-‘Alim Part 6: In this session, we buil off of the last class reading about the ma’lumaat (known existences) from the gnostic perspective by reading Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal’s text The Reality of Imagination. We explore the metaphysical origins of creation in the eternal knowledge of al-’Alim, Who imagines the ‘established essences’ (‘ayan athabita) that are the seed or blueprint of everything in creation.
Class 126, Al-‘Alim Part 7: In this session, we continued building off of the last class treatement of Shaykh Ahmad ibn Ajiba’s text (may Allah have mercy on him); discussing the relationship of Divine Transcendance (tanzih) and Divine Immanence (tashbih) through the concepts of spiritual indwelling (hulul), spiritual union (ittihad) and displacement/transferral (intiqaal); followed by an extended Q&A.
Class 127, Al-‘Alim Part 8: In this session, we look at how the Pre-Eternal Knowledge of Allah (Exalted is He) is made manifest in the worlds of creation through agency of the Muhammadan Light. We read from the text, He Who Knows Himself, Knows His Lord discussing Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal’s (may Allah have mercy on him) gnostic depiction of the relationship of the Muhammadan Spirit to the Mother of the Book, Intellect, Pen, Tablet, Throne and Pedestal.
Class 128, Al-‘Alim Part 9: In this session, we discuss the first station of establishing spiritual connection to Allah (Exalted is He) through the Name al-’Alim; we look at the encouragement to seek inner inutitive knowledge in relation to knowledge of the outer sciences; offer strategies to open the outer law with inner illumination to progress on the tariqa; and Q&A.
Class 129, Al-‘Alim Part 10: In this session, we continue discussing the first station of establishing spiritual connection to Allah (Exalted is He) through the Name al-’Alim; read Sidi Muhammad quotes rom (may Allah sanctify his secret) describing the relatonship between exoteric and esoteric knowledge for traveling the path to Allah (glorious & exalted is He); then took Q&A.
Class 130, Al-‘Alim Part 11: In this session, we continue discussing the first station of establishing spiritual connection to Allah (Exalted is He) through the Name al-’Alim. We read sections from Reliance of the Traveller Book 1 on Sacred Knowledge, including “The Knowledge of Good & Evil’, “The Superiority of Seeking Sacred Knowledge”, “Seeking Sacred Knowledge for Other Than Allah” and “Personally Obligatory Knowledge”; then took Q&A.
Class 131, Al-‘Alim Part 12: In this session, we continue discussing the first station of establishing spiritual connection to Allah (Exalted is He) through the Name al-’Alim. We read sections from Reliance of the Traveller Book 1 on Sacred Knowledge, including “Communally Obligatory Knowledge”, “Forbidden Knowledge”, “Offensive Knowledge” and “Permissable Knowledge”; Then took Q&A.
Class 132, Al-‘Alim Part 13: In this session, we finish our previous discussion on establishing a spiritual connection to Allah (Glorious & Exalted is He) through the Name al-’Alim through acquiring sacred knowledge of the outer sciences. We discuss issues related to where and how to start a course of studying the basic knowledge of the din.
Class 133, Al-‘Alim Part 14: In this session, we begin to transition into Ibn Ajiba’s second station, cultivating the knowledge of al-’Alim into our character. We began the class by looking at the role of the intellect through Sidi Muhammad’s texts in Path to Allah Most High and Reality of Imagination. Our discussion changed direction from the original topic by many questions and answers.
Class 134, Al-’Alim Part 15: In this session: we addressed issues related to last week’s Q&A; then we returned to the discussion of cultivating the Name al-’Alim into our character according the advice of Ibn Ajiba’s text by reading “Terminology of the People of Realization” from Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal’s text Path to Allah Most High.
Class 135, Al-’Alim Part 16: In this session: we discussed Ibn Ajiba’s text on cultivating the Name al-‘Alim into one’s character, explaining the meaning by finishing the reading of Sidi Muhammad’s chapter “Terminology of the People of Realization” in Path to Allah Most High; followed by Q&A.
Class 136, Al-’Alim Part 17: In this session: we continued our discussion of Ibn Ajiba’s text on cultivating the Name al-‘Alim into one’s character by defining related terms from Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal’s text He Who Knows Himself, Knows His Lord pg 13, and Q&A.
Class 137, Al-’Alim Part 18: In this session: we finished our discussion of Ibn Ajiba’s text on cultivating the Name al-‘Alim into one’s character by defining related terms from Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal’s text He Who Knows Himself, Knows His Lord pg 13-16, and Q&A.
Class 138, Al-’Alim Part 19: In this session we finish our classes on the Name al-‘Alim; discussing the terms dhawq (“tasting”), hal (“state), maqam (“station”); the concept of the waarith al-anbiyyah (“inheritor of the Prohpets), the Sufi usage of ‘alim/‘ilm vs. ‘arif/ma’rifah; and traditional descriptions of the state of fana’ (annihilation).
Class 139, Al-Qabid/Al-Basit Part 1: In this session we look at dual Names al-Qabid (The Constrictor) and al-Basit (The Expander) through a linguistic lens; how to read, write and pronounce the Arabic letters; understanding the triliteral root meanings and associated words; then look at source text material from the Qur’an.
Class 140, Al-Qabid/Al-Basit Part 2: In this session we discuss this Name pair through a theological lens; examining the different classifications of the Divine Names (essence, attributes and acts); applying the knowledge of the Essence of Allah to these Names of Divine.
Class 141, Al-Qabid/Al-Basit Part 3: In this session we expand on linguistic and theological understandings by reading Ibn Ajiba’s text; offering commentary from Sidi Muhammad’s writings in Path to Allah, Most High that describes how the experience of qabd and bast changes through the stations.
Class 142, Al-Qabid/Al-Basit Part 4: In this session we we repeat the information in the 3rd class because a long period transpired between classes without making previous recordings available.
Class 143, Al-Qabid/Al-Basit Part 5: In this session we continue to explain Ibn Ajiba’s text by offering commentary from other aphorisms from Ibn Ata’illahs Hikam.
Class 144, Al-Qabid/Al-Basit Part 6: In this session we continue to explain Ibn Ajiba’s text by offering commentary from the chapter “The Poor” from Sidi Muhammad’s book Path to Allah, Most High; discussed the importance of having a good opinion of Allah and what He creates to arriving at true gnosis; answered questions on justice vs. acquiescence and justice in character development vs outward society.
Class 145, Al-Qabid/Al-Basit Part 7: In this session we examine Ibn Ajiba’s advice for connecting with this Name; offering commentary from Sidi Muhammad’s chapter on “The Commanding Nafs” from Path to Allah, Most High and verses of the Qur’an.
Class 146, Al-Qabid/Al-Basit Part 8: In this session we conclude our discussion on these Names by reading Ibn Ajiba’s advice for cultivating this Name in our character and realizing this Name; we offer benchmarks from the Qur’an, ahadith and writings from Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal (may Allah have mercy on him) describing the spiritual state of fana’ & baqa’.
Class 147, Al-Khafid/Rafi’ Part 1: In this session we begin discussing the Divine Names of the Debaser and Uplifter; looking at the linguistic aspect of reading, writing and pronouncing the Arabic letters and source text material from the Qur’an.
Class 148, Al-Khafid/Rafi’ Part 2: In this session we discuss
Class 149, Al-Khafid/Rafi’ Part 3: In this session we discuss
Class 150, Al-Khafid/Rafi’ Part 4: In this session we discuss
Class 151, Al-Khafid/Rafi’ Part 5: In this session we discuss
Class 152, Al-Khafid/Rafi’ Part 6: In this session we discuss
Class 153, Al-Mu’izz/Mudhill Part 1: In this session we
Class 154, Al-Mu’izz/Mudhill Part 2: In this session we
Class 155, Al-Mu’izz/Mudhill Part 3: In this session we
Class 156, Al-Mu’izz/Mudhill Part 4: In this session we
Class 157, Al-Mu’izz/Mudhill Part 5: In this session we
