Friend or Foe? The Effects of Company Part 2 of 2
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 17th February 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester
Video: https://youtu.be/MFSoFxJdO4g
This talk emphasizes the profound impact that friends and companions have on an individual’s faith, behaviour, and overall character. Drawing upon various aḥādīth and Qur'anic verses, it illustrates the idea that a person is influenced by their companions—"a man is upon the Deen of his friend." Good company not only uplifts one's spirituality but also enhances knowledge and concerns for righteousness, whereas bad company can corrupt their moral standing, leading to adverse influences and negative thoughts about virtuous individuals and principles.
Throughout the talk, the speaker discusses the concept of solitude over harmful associations, drawing parallels with the stories of prophets and righteous figures who distanced themselves from unvirtuous peers. By conveying the dangers of hypocritical friendships, the importance of pious company, and urging listeners to seek Allah’s guidance for better companionship, the speaker concludes with a focus on the ultimate consequences in the afterlife—reinforcing the message that the company we choose in this life significantly determines our fate in the hereafter.
Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- The Impact of good & bad company
- Ibrahim a.s moving away from his people
- Avoiding the company of the ignorant
- The people of the cave (Aṣḥāb al-kahf)
- The couplet of Imam Malik ibn Dinar
- Choosing your company in the akhirah
- The prophets praying for good company
- Solitude is worship
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1:16:50
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1:16:50
Friend or Foe? The Effects of Company Part 1
Friend or Foe? The Effects of Company Part 1 of 2
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 10th February 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester
Video: https://youtu.be/Ufwtuea-N4w
The emphasis of this talk revolves around the significant influence of companionship on an individual's character, behaviours, and beliefs. The talk references Quranic verses and aḥādīth that highlight the necessity of maintaining relationships with truthful and righteous individuals, while cautioning against the detrimental effects of bad company. Various historical anecdotes and examples from the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions, particularly Abu Bakr Siddiq, are shared to illustrate how deeply one's companions affect not just personal morality but also public standing and decision-making.
The talk delves into how societal perspectives on relationships have evolved, drawing profound insights about recognizing a person through their associates. Ultimately, the talk urges listeners to be mindful in selecting friends, engage in sincere friendships rooted in virtue, and consider the long-term effects of their social circles on their journey toward righteousness and moral integrity, ending with a heartfelt supplication for guidance in finding pious companions.
Below are some of the topics mentioned in this talk:
- Importance of good company
- Caution against bad friends
- Solitude vs. Poor company
- Giving in to peer pressure
- Example of peer pressure in the Quran
- Becoming relaxed with friends
- Relying on advice from friends
- Misplaced trust in friends
- Mob mentality among friends
- The beautiful friendship of Abu Bakr
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1:40:40
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1:40:40
Heeding Admontion Part 3
Heeding Admonition Part 3 of 3
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 27th January 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester
Video: https://youtu.be/3g1HOY6lvxw
The talk emphasizes the significance of benefiting from divine guidance by actively engaging with religious teachings through listening, reflecting, and acting on them. The importance of personal responsibility, maintaining a sincere intention, and listening attentively in a respectful environment is underscored. Additionally, the talk discusses the necessary qualities to absorb the teachings, including humility, respect for the content, and the importance of companionship with truthful individuals.
Furthermore, the dangers of self-conceit, greed, and the preference for worldly desires over spiritual growth are elaborated. The focus is on fostering a humble attitude towards learning, encouraging individuals to be open to correction and aware of the effects of their choices.
The talk concludes with a reminder to detach from worldly desires and prioritize spiritual improvement, praying for everyone to benefit from divine admonitions and guidance effectively.
Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk:
- Requirements in order to benefit from knowledge
- Recap of previous points mentioned
- Being fearful of accountability
- Condition of Taqwā when taking knowledge
- The love of wealth and the dunyā
- Turning away from the dunyā
- Be willing to be corrected
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1:21:33
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1:21:33
Heeding Admonition Part 2
Heeding Admonition Part 2 of 3
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 20th January 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester
Video: https://youtu.be/Px5_0raCe8U
This talk revolves around the importance of genuinely engaging with religious teaching and taking personal responsibility for one’s spiritual growth and understanding. The talk emphasizes that merely attending lectures, reading, or listening is not sufficient for real transformation. To fully benefit from the guidance of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ, one must cultivate a sincere intention, acknowledge personal responsibility, and actively engage with the material in a focused and respectful manner. It is also crucial to maintain humility and seek knowledge from learned individuals while being attentive and present during teachings.
The talk shares anecdotes from Islamic history, describing how the companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified respect and dedication towards learning from their teachers. They approached knowledge not as a mere academic endeavour but as a heartfelt connection with their teachers. Emphasizing the necessity to avoid following one's desires, the speaker argues that true guidance requires striving against inner impulses that detract from absorbing religious teachings.
The talk concludes with a reminder for the audience to seek constant improvement, urging them to act on what they learn and to turn to Allah for assistance in their spiritual journeys.
Below are some of the timecodes and topics for this talk:
- Advice on attending religious talks
- Example of respect in a gathering
- Humility & respect when seeking knowledge
- Parting advice from a respected scholar
- Acting on beneficial knowledge immediately
- Avoid following desires
- Turning to Allah (inābah) & examples of the sahabah
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1:24:09
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1:24:09
Heeding Admonition Part 1
Heeding Admonition Part 1 of 3
Delivered by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq on Friday 13th January 2023 at Al Kawthar Academy, Leicester
Video: https://youtu.be/-ZbJEEwB4Jk
This talk emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, sincere intentions, and humility when engaging with religious teachings. While individuals receive religious knowledge through various means - such as the Quran, Hadith, and lectures - it is crucial to reflect upon how much this knowledge actually transforms a person for the better. The talk highlights several barriers to understanding and absorption of religious teachings, illustrating through historical examples of the Quraysh's response to the Quran and Rasulullah's ﷺ community gatherings, where despite being in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ, many did not truly listen or accept the message due to their hardened hearts and preconceived notions.
To genuinely benefit from religious admonition, individuals must cultivate specific qualities and fulfill certain conditions such as having robust faith, sincere intention, and respectful listening practices. Active participation and humility in seeking knowledge are essential, as distractions and arrogance can hinder one's ability to absorb divine teachings.
The talk encourages attendees to be respectful of both the material and the teaching environment, asserting that genuine engagement and humility will lead to meaningful spiritual growth and understanding.
Below are some of the topics in this talk:
- Prerequisites for transformation
- The Prophet ﷺ only being a warner
- The Prophet's ﷺ love for his ummah
- First condition - Iman (Belief)
- Second condition - Ikhlas (Sincerity)
- Third condition - Listen attentively
- Fourth condition - Respect
- Taking notes during lectures
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Al Kawthar Academy was established under the guidance of Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq to cater for the religious, spiritual and educational needs of English speaking Muslims. Its endeavour is to become a reliable reference and a valuable resource of authentic Islamic material in various media.
For more information visit our website: www.akacademy.org