Grounded
Grounded presents a practical Islamic framework for living with clarity, resilience, and purpose in a distracting age. It draws on traditional Islamic scholarship and adapts it to modern life. The podcast encourages listeners to practice faith while remaining engaged with the world around them, rather than withdrawing from it. It offers a steady, grounded approach to spiritual and everyday challenges.
Episodes
Matn Abi Shuja’ Session 5
Siwak, the tongue and the heart, and the six obligations of wuḍūʾWe opened this lesson the way we open most of them: by going back over what we have already covered before taking a step forward. The book we are studying is Matn al-Ghāyah wa-l-Taqrīb, often simply called Matn Abī Shujāʿ. Its author is al-Qāḍī Aḥmad ibn al-Ḥusayn ibn Aḥmad al-Iṣfahānī, known as Abū Shujāʿ. Abū means father, and shuj
Study Note: Surah al-Mulk, Ayat 8–30
Recap: where we left off* Virtues of al-Mulk. Recited every night, it protects its companion in the grave and intercedes for them on the Day of Judgement. Think of it as a companion that stays with you after this world.* Ayat 1–2. All barakah is in Allah’s hand. He created death and life as a test. Hardship tests our sabr, and ease tests our shukr. Neither one shows whether Allah loves us.* Ayat 3
Surah Al-Baqarah — Part 8: Revision, and “When It Is Said to Them” (Ayāt 10–11)
By now Ayāt 1–10 should be memorised, so this session began with a full revision of everything so far. The Female Cow, 286 ayāt, a Madanī surah, divided into nine parts, the first of which is the three types of people: the muttaqīn (Ayāt 2–5), the kāfir (Ayāt 6–7), and the munāfiq (from Ayah 8). Most of this has been covered in earlier notes, so only what was added this week is set down here. Then
Surah Al-Baqarah — Part 7: The Hypocrites, Part One (Ayāt 8–10)
Last week we sealed the heart of the kāfir and stood at the mouth of the third category. This week we step into it. Of the three types of people in Part One — the muttaqīn (Ayāt 2–5), the kāfir (Ayāt 6–7), and the munāfiq (Ayāt 8–20) — the hypocrite is given the longest passage by far. Thirteen ayāt against four and two. It is worth asking why before we read a single word of them.1. Why the Hypocr
The Man with the Two Gardens and the Materialism
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayQuran at Home. Each week we take some ayat from the Qur’an. On Tuesday we read them and learn their tajweed. On Thursday we look into their meaning and draw out lessons we can live by.Where we are in the storyLast week we finished the first story of the surah — the Aṣḥāb al-Kahf, the people of the cave — and drew out its
Tajweed Tuesday
It’s Tuesday, so it’s Tajweed Tuesday — where we break down the tajweed rules from the ayat our students learn on Saturday at Qaswa Madrasah.Grounded is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.This term and next, we’re working through Surah al-Kahf. This week: ayat 34 - 44.If the ayat feel too long to read in one sitting
Who is a Kafir & Who is a Munafiq?
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.day1. Where We AreWe are in Part One of Surah Al-Baqarah, which deals with the types of people. Recall that the division of the surah into parts is not divine — these are scholarly aids to help us navigate the terrain of the surah. At a glance the Quran can seem to move from theme to theme without order, but beneath the sur
Quran and Good Friends - our protection from Dajjal
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayQuran at Home. Each week we take some ayat from the Qur’an. On Tuesday we read them and learn their tajweed. On Thursday we look into their meaning and draw out lessons we can live by.Where we are in the storyLast week we finished the story of the Aṣḥāb al-Kahf — the people of the cave. Who were they? A group of young me
Tajweed Tuesday
It’s Tuesday, so it’s Tajweed Tuesday — where we break down the tajweed rules from the ayat our students learn on Saturday at Qaswa Madrasah.Grounded is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.This term and next, we’re working through Surah al-Kahf. This week: ayat 32 - 36.If the ayat feel too long to read in one sitting
Matn Abī Shujāʿ — Part 3
Recap and continuation: the categories of water, skins of dead animals, bones and hair, gold and silver vessels, and the Siwāk.1. About the Text and Its AuthorMatn Abī Shujāʿ is a short treatise (not a poem) detailing the rulings of fiqh according to the Shāfiʿī school. The English poem used in class is a translated rendering; the original is prose.* Author: Aḥmad ibn al-Ḥusayn al-Iṣfahānī, known
Who is a Kafir?
1. Quick Recap: Where We AreWe are working through Surah Al-Baqarah, and by now the introduction should be second nature.* Meaning of the surah: The Female Cow* Number of ayat: 286* Place of revelation: Madinah — this is an early Madani surah, one of the earliest revealed after the HijrahSurahs are classified by when they were revealed, not simply where:* Makki — revealed before the Hijrah* Madani
Tajweed Tuesday
It’s Tuesday, so it’s Tajweed Tuesday — where we break down the tajweed rules from the ayat our students learn on Saturday at Qaswa Madrasah.This term and next, we’re working through Surah al-Kahf. This week: ayat 27 - 31.If the ayat feel too long to read in one sitting, break them down. Take one small portion and work it until it’s fluent. Then move to the next. Slow is fine. Stopping isn’t. Cons
Surah Al-Baqarah — Akhira Centric Mindset & Delayed Gratification
Quick Recap* Meaning of the surah: “The Female Cow.”* Number of ayat: 286.* Nickname: The peak (summit) of the Quran.* Virtue: On the Day of Judgement, Al-Baqarah and Ali Imran will come and shade their companions.On dividing the surah: We are studying Al-Baqarah in nine parts. This division is a teaching aid created by scholars to help us navigate the surah — it is not divine. The order of the su
The Most Peaceful Sleep
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayQuran at Home. Each week we take some ayat from the Qur’an. On Tuesday we read them and learn their tajweed. On Thursday we look into their meaning and draw out lessons we can live by.Why Surah al-KahfRasūlullāh ﷺ encouraged us to recite Surah al-Kahf at least once a week. It protects us from the Dajjāl and from the fitn
Tajweed Tuesday
It’s Tuesday, so it’s Tajweed Tuesday — where we break down the tajweed rules from the ayat our students learn on Saturday at Qaswa Madrasah.This term and next, we’re working through Surah al-Kahf. This week: ayat 21 - 26.If the ayat feel too long to read in one sitting, break them down. Take one small portion and work it until it’s fluent. Then move to the next. Slow is fine. Stopping isn’t. Cons
When Youth Hold on the Quran, the World Moves
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayLast week we covered the introduction, ayat 1–8. We saw how Allah opens the surah with Alhamdulillah — a practice of gratitude — and directs that gratitude towards the Qur’an itself. Allah corrects those who claim He has a son. Then He moves to the purpose of creation: this world was made beautiful as a test of who among
Tajweed Tuesday
It’s Tuesday, so it’s Tajweed Tuesday — where we break down the tajweed rules from the ayat our students learn on Saturday at Qaswa Madrasah.This term and next, we’re working through Surah al-Kahf. This week: ayat 17 - 20.If the ayat feel too long to read in one sitting, break them down. Take one small portion and work it until it’s fluent. Then move to the next. Slow is fine. Stopping isn’t. Cons
Matn Abi Shuja’ — Part 2: The Five Rulings, and a Revision of the Four Waters
Recap: The Text We Are StudyingWe are studying Al-Ghayah wa’t-Taqrib, a classical short-form manual of fiqh written by Imam Abu Shuja’. Despite its brevity, this small text has been memorised and studied for close to a thousand years — from Cairo to Java, West Africa to Hadramaut. We are now continuing that same chain of transmission here in Western Australia.What Is Fiqh?* Literal meaning: deep u
Tafseer Thursday — Surah al-Kahf, The First Ten Ayat
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayLast week we set the scene: who the Dajjāl is, and how this Surah protects us from the trials he brings with him. This week we go into the first ten ayat — the portion the Prophet ﷺ told us to hold onto.
Blessed is the One in Whose Control is all dominion
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayWe are beginning Surah al-Mulk. Thirty ayat, two and a half pages. If we have memorised it, we can recite the whole surah in under three minutes.What al-Mulk meansAl-Mulk carries two meanings, and both are correct: kingdom, and dominion. We met the root already in al-Fatihah, at maliki yawmid-din — also recited maaliki y
Tajweed Tuesday
It’s Tuesday, so it’s Tajweed Tuesday — where we break down the tajweed rules from the ayat our students learn on Saturday at Qaswa Madrasah.This term and next, we’re working through Surah al-Kahf. This week: ayat 11–16.If the ayat feel too long to read in one sitting, break them down. Take one small portion and work it until it’s fluent. Then move to the next. Slow is fine. Stopping isn’t. Consis
Surah Al-Baqarah — Ayat 1–3: The People of Taqwa
RevisionThe surah* Al-Baqarah means the cow.* 286 ayat — the longest surah in the Quran.* Nicknamed the peak of the Quran (Sanam al-Quran).* Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah Ali Imran are twin surahs. If you read them, study them, memorise them and act on their lessons, they will come on the Day of Judgement as clouds — shade on a day when there is no shade except the shade of Allah.* The surah has nine
Tafsir Thursday — Surah al-Kahf: An Overview
New term, new surah. This term and next, we’re studying one of the most important surahs in the Qur’an — the one Rasul ﷺ told us to read every Friday: Surah al-Kahf.This note is a companion to the video. Watch for the full explanation; use this to hold the structure in your mind.Why this surah mattersRasulullah ﷺ taught that Surah al-Kahf is our protection from the Dajjāl — the great deceiver who
Tajweed Tuesday — Suratul Kahf (Ayat 1–10)
New term, new surah. This term and next, we’re staying with one surah — the one Rasul ﷺ told us to read every Friday: Suratul Kahf.We begin with the first ten ayat. Today’s focus is the Tajweed; the meaning comes Thursday.A few things we cover in the video:* Qalqalah — bouncing the qāf, ṭāʾ, bāʾ, jīm, dāl in sukūn. ʿabdihī, yajʿal — a clean bounce, not a spread sound.* Ikhfāʾ in anzala — the nūn r
Surah Al-Baqarah, Part 2: The Peak of the Quran
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.day1. The nameAl-Baqarah means the cow.The surah is named after the account of the Israelites who were commanded to slaughter a cow. This is the only place in the Quran where that account appears.How surahs are named* Allah reveals the name directly, and the Prophet ﷺ states it.* The surah is named after its opening words o
Matn Abi Shuja’ Explained for Beginners | Year 7 Fiqh Lesson 1
Why We Start With WaterWe began the year not with prayer, but with water.The book is Matn al-Ghāyah wa al-Taqrīb — “The Goal and the Path” — better known simply as Matn Abī Shujāʿ. Its author was a judge, Qāḍī Abū Shujāʿ Aḥmad b. al-Ḥusayn al-Aṣfahānī, from Isfahan in what is now Iran. He is buried in Madīnah, and by some accounts lived to 160. His friends asked him for something small: the fiqh o
The Greatest Surah in the Quran
Once a month I teach a tafseer class at UWA, and tonight we finished Surah al-Fatihah. We started back in April, paused in May while I was at Hajj, and picked it up again this week.This is the most important surah in our lives. We recite it at least seventeen times a day — and there has to be a reason Allah asks that of us. The whole reason we sit with it is to see how seven short verses, recited
Tafsir Thursday: The Test of Nineteen
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayWhere we left offLast week we paused at ayah 25, in the middle of a sustained portrait of al-Walīd ibn al-Mughīra — the father of Sayyidunā Khālid ibn al-Walīd, and one of the leading poets of Quraysh.For all his hostility, al-Walīd could not stay away from the Qur’an. In the dark of the night he would slip out of his ho
Tajweed Tuesday
This week we are completing our recitation of Surah al-Muddaththir. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.grounded.day/subscribe
Tajweed Tuesday
Surah al-Muddaththir 26 - 31 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.grounded.day/subscribe
Stand Up and Warn: Surat Al-Muddathir
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayLast week we began our journey into Surat Al-Muddathir, and there is something striking about reading it directly after Surat Al-Muzzammil. The two surahs sit beside each other in the Mushaf, and they sit beside each other in meaning. If Al-Muzzammil is about spiritual development, Al-Muddathir is about community develop
Tajweed Tuesday
This week we worked through fifteen short ayat from Surat al-Muddaththir. Their brevity is a gift — perfect terrain for drilling fluency without getting lost in long breath patterns.A few rules surfaced again and again. Heavy Ra after a fatḥah or ḍammah, produced by raising the back of the tongue, never by pouting the lips. Throat letters given their proper place — the kha in khalaqtu, the hamzah
Khutbah: Hajj, the Jamarāt, and the Sacrifice of Ibrāhīm ﷺ
There’s a moment in Hajj most people only think about as a logistical headache — the stoning of the Jamarāt. Crowded, hot, exhausting. You queue up, you throw, you move on.But behind that act is one of the most instructive scenes in our religion. And it happens to a father and a son, thousands of years before any of us were born.-----Ibrāhīm ﷺ waited decades for a child. He was an old man — the on
Tafsir Thursday: An Overview of Early Revelation — Where Surah Al-Muddathir Lands
Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.This term, Term 2 of 2026, Grounded begins its study of Surah Al-Muddathir. Last term covered Surah Al-Muzzammil, and these two surahs reflect each other in meaning. Before opening the ayat itself, this first session steps back to map the landscape — where Al-Muddathir sits in the early revelation to the Prophet ﷺ, and what each surah was teaching him in
Tajweed Tuesday
Assalamualaikum,Welcome back to Tajweed Tuesday! We are back after a long break. This term insha Allah we will be reading Surah al-Muddaththir.Remember to practice your Quran daily, even if it is only 10 minutes. Consistency always beats intensity. And when practicing remember that, slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Slow down and read smoothly. Only speed up once you are smooth. This is a public
The Pattern That Never Changes — From Nuh to Musa to Now
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayThe Structure of This SurahBefore we go forward, it helps to see the shape of what we have been reading.Surah Al-A’raf is a Makki surah. Its primary audience was the Quraysh of Makkah. Its central argument is historical: look at the nations before you. Contrast this with Surah Al-An’am — also Makki, also addressing the Q
The Size of a Chickpea
We praise Allah for allowing us to experience and complete another Ramadan. And now that we’ve emerged from it, there’s a question worth sitting with: what comes next?Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali mentions that the pious predecessors would spend six months after Ramadan asking Allah to accept their deeds — and the remaining months begging Him to let them witness another one. That’s the rhythm. Gratitu
When Feelings Become God
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayWe stopped last week at the story of Prophet Salih. We didn’t finish it. Tonight, inshaAllah, we push through — all the way from Salih to Lut to Shu’aib. Three Prophets, three nations, three types of corruption. And then next week, we begin the long passage on Prophet Musa.Quick RecapWe’ve been tracing a pattern. Prophet
Post-ramadan: The Pattern Tha Runs Through Every Prophet’s Story
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayRamadan is over, but the tafseer continues. Our aim is to finish Surah Al-A’raf in four weeks — which means we move faster than we did during Ramadan. In Ramadan, we paced the tafseer to match what we were reading in taraweeh each night. Now we push forward.For those who missed the Ramadan series, all the posts are on Su
Hope & Victory in Ramadan
We praise Allah for allowing us to complete another month of Ramadan and to celebrate the day of Eid together.Today is a day of celebration. Today we are happy. Today we are joyous.But if you look into the global geopolitical events at the moment, it is hard for us to be joyous. It is hard for us to celebrate. Palestinians are still being killed daily, still facing genocide. The Middle East is bur
Night 29: The Last Night — and Why La Ilaha Illallah Is a Declaration of Independence
Tonight is the 29th night of Ramadan. The last taraweeh. The last night of the year.Make full use of it. The best du’a for Laylatul Qadr is Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu anni ya Kareem — O Allah, You are the Pardoner, You love to pardon, so pardon me. Keep returning to it tonight, and especially at suhoor time. Allah mentions in the Quran a special rank for those who make istighfar
Night 28: The Flood of Nuh, the Aztecs, and the Kimberley
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayNight 28. The last taraweeh is tomorrow. It went fast.A few housekeeping notes: Thursday night — the eve of Eid — we will have a potluck iftar at Qaswa House starting at 6pm, with iftar around 6:35. Bring a plate to share. The kids will have activities while the adults eat. After that we’ll pray Isha together and do takb
Night 27: The Night the Angels Come Down — and Why the Elites Always Reject the Truth
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayTonight is the 27th night of Ramadan.By the account of many companions and the opinion of many scholars, the 27th carries the highest probability of being Laylatul Qadr among all the odd nights. There is no guarantee — the Prophet ﷺ told us to hunt through all of the last ten. But if any one night has the strongest case,
Night 26: How Idol Worship Begins
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayThree nights left after tonight. The hunt for Laylatul Qadr is not over — tonight could be 25th for some people depending on moon sighting. Use every remaining night. Don’t coast.
Night 25: What Kind of Soil Are You?
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayNight 25. Four nights left after tonight.Quick announcements: Eid will be this Friday insha’Allah, based on ANIC’s announcement. Qaswa will be praying at MacDougall Park in Como. Takbir starts at 8, prayer at 8:30. Setup is at 7:30 — the more hands the better. Bring a prayer mat or picnic mat, and a plate to share is ver
Night 24: Allah’s Mercy Is Close — But to Whom?
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayTonight is the 24th night. Eid has been announced — next Friday, insha’Allah. That means 29 nights of Ramadan this year. Which means we have five nights left.Before anything else — stay out of the arguments about moon sighting. Online or otherwise. This is not the time. There is a hadith that the Prophet ﷺ was once shown
Night 23: This Is How You Call on Allah
Tonight is the 23rd night. And because the Islamic calendar begins at Maghrib, tonight is already Friday night. Many of our pious predecessors said that when an odd night of Ramadan falls on a Friday night, the likelihood of it being Laylatul Qadr increases.This is the night we’ve been hunting for all year. So do extra. Make lots of du’a. Don’t waste a minute of it.And as it happens — alhamdulilla
Tafsir Thursday: The Final Ayah of Surah Al-Muzzammil — Mercy, Hard Work, and the Loan to Allah
The Last Ten Nights Are HereBefore diving into the final ayah of Surah Al-Muzzammil, a timely reminder — tonight is the 23rd night of Ramadan. The last ten nights are upon us, and the Prophet ﷺ told us to hunt for Laylatul Qadr in these nights, especially the odd ones. Tonight is one of them.So what should fill these nights? Extra raka’at. Extra Quran. Extra dhikr. And the best du’a for this occas
Night 22: Two Realms, One Human Being
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayEight nights left. Make them count.Quick reminder before we get into the tafseer: Zakatul Fitr is wajib on every Muslim — $20 per head this year. It’s due before Eid prayer, so don’t leave it to the last minute. If you’re not sure where to give locally, I’ll post the details for MWSC — Muslim Welfare Support Centre — in
What "Six Days" Actually Means
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayNight 21. First of the odd nights.Go all in from here.We’ve been over this — Laylatul Qadr is greater than a thousand months. Greater than 83 years. Most of us won’t even live to see 83. And yet Allah is handing us this, every single year, completely free. One night of worship worth more than a lifetime. Don’t let it pas
Tajweed Tuesday
Opening Reminder: The Last 10 Nights of RamadanTonight marks the 21st night of Ramadan — one of the odd nights in which Laylatul Qadr may fall. The Prophet ﷺ urged us to seek it in the last ten nights. Allah describes it as a single night greater than a thousand months — more than 83 years of worship.The minimum we should commit to: praying Isha and Fajr in congregation every night of these last t
Night 20: How Do We Enter Jannah?
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayFollowing along? A paid subscription includes the Surah Al-A’raf Study Guide and Workbook. Grounded is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The last ten have begun.Taharaw laylatal qadr fil ashril awakhir min Ramadan. Hunt for Laylatul Qadr
Night 19: Between Two Worlds
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayThe Last Ten Begin TomorrowTonight is the 19th night of Ramadan. The last ten start tomorrow.The Prophet ﷺ told us that whoever misses the good of Laylatul Qadr has been denied all good for the entire year — because that person looked at a night worth more than a thousand months and said: I’m fine, I don’t need it.One th
Night 18: What Allah Actually Wants From You
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayAfter BadrThe battle is over. The Muslims are victorious. Fourteen Muslims were martyred. Seventy Quraysh were killed, including Abu Jahl — the man who had led the persecution of the believers for over a decade.And then the Prophet ﷺ did something that tells you everything about his character. He instructed the Muslims t
Night 17: Yawmul Furqan — The Day That Changed Everything
Tonight is the night of Badr.On this night, 1,443 years ago, 313 Muslim men camped on the plains of Badr — underprepared, outnumbered more than three to one — on the eve of a battle that would determine whether Islam survived or was extinguished.There is no tafseer of Surah Al-A’raf tonight. Tonight belongs to Badr.How They Got ThereThe Muslims left Madinah on the 12th of Ramadan. The mission was
Night 16: Your Decisions Have Consequences You Will Never Live to See
A quick note before we begin: from tonight, we recite Dua Qunut in Witr. The Shafi’i madhab holds that Qunut in Witr is only in the second half of Ramadan — following the practice established by Sayyidina Umar ibn al-Khattab when he unified the companions behind one imam for Taraweeh and instructed Sayyidina Ubay ibn Ka’ab to lead with Qunut in the final nights. May Allah enter us among those who
Tafsir Thursday: The Warning of Fir’aun and the Freedom of Choice
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayA Ramadan Halftime Check-InBefore we dive into today’s ayat, I want to take a moment to remind myself and all of you — today marks the 15th of Ramadan. We are at the halfway mark of this blessed month.It’s time to pause and reflect on our first half. How has it been? Have we been building momentum? Because here’s the thi
Night 15: Getting to Jannah Is Easier Than You Think
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayHalfway. Fifteen nights in, fifteen nights to go.The warm-up is over. From here, we accelerate. The last third — the ten nights of salvation — is coming. But before we get there, the middle ten: the days of forgiveness. Use them.A brief note before tonight’s tafseer: on the 17th of Ramadan, we commemorate Yawm al-Furqan
Tajweed Tuesday
al-Muzzammil 15 - 19This week we read and dissect the tajweed rules in ayat 15 - 19 of Surah al-Muzzammil. When it comes to learning a new skill, like Quran reading, remember that consistency beats intensity. It is very important that we practice daily even if it is just for 10 - 15 minutes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episo
Night 13: No Fear, No Regret
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayAllah does not leave us alone on this earth.After Adam’s descent, after the warnings about Shaitan’s tactics, after the long passage of advice to the children of Adam — Allah makes a promise. Ya Bani Adam, imma ya’tiyannakum rusulum minkum. O children of Adam, surely a messenger from amongst you will come to you.That wor
Night 12: Every Haram Protects Something Sacred
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayA poor non-Muslim once approached a wealthy tabi’een and said: your Prophet lied. He said this world is a prison for the believers — yet you are living like a king and I have nothing. How is this your prison?The tabi’een replied: because you have not seen what Allah has prepared for me in the akhirah. If you could see it
Night 11: You Are Not a Prisoner on Earth
Note: The first half of tonight’s session wasn’t recorded — it was a revision of Night 10’s discussion on tabdhir and israf. We pick up from where the new material begins.The Balance Islam StrikesSome spiritual traditions teach that poverty is the path to God. Monks take oaths of poverty. Monasteries require their residents to own nothing, eat simply, wear rags. Buddhism requires its monks to beg.
Night 10: Dress Well, Spend Wisely, and Don’t Follow Your Feelings
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayOne third of Ramadan is behind us.There is a narration — its grading is discussed among scholars, but widely used as a reminder — that the first ten nights carry the overwhelming mercy of Allah, the second ten His forgiveness, and the final ten His guarantee of salvation from the fire. Though in reality, every single nig
Night 9: The Quran's Prescription for a Shameless World
Nine nights in. If you’ve been reading one juz a night, you’ve just passed Surah Al-A’raf in your recitation — the very surah we’re studying together. A good reminder of how the Quran works on multiple levels simultaneously.The Naked Tawaf — ContinuedLast night we left off with the Quraysh practice of doing tawaf naked around the Kaaba. Tonight, a detail worth noting: the Quraysh themselves were e
Stand Up, Pray, and Let Allah Handle the Rest
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayHere’s the expanded version:Tafsir Thursday — Surah Al-Muzammil: Stand Up, Pray, and Let Allah Handle the Rest8th of Ramadan ReflectionsWe’re one week into Ramadan. If you started slow — that’s okay. Ramadan is a marathon. You start steady and sprint towards the end. What we don’t want is the opposite: starting strong an
Tajweed Tuesday
al-Muzzammil 10 -14This week we read and dissect the tajweed rules in ayat 10 - 14 of Surah al-Muzzammil. When it comes to learning a new skill, like Quran reading, remember that consistency beats intensity. It is very important that we practice daily even if it is just for 10 - 15 minutes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episo
When You're Overwhelmed, Try This
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayWhere do you find strength when you’re overwhelmed?In this week’s Tafseer Thursday, we dive into Surah Al-Muzammil — and the answer Allah gave the Prophet ﷺ when he was facing the hardest task of his life.Grounded is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or pai
Tajweed Tuesday
al-Muzzammil 5 - 9Assalamualaikum,It is Tuesday, that means it is time for Tajweed Tuesday. Last week we embarked our journey into Surah al-Muzzammil and read ayat 1 - 4.This week, insha Allah, we will read ayat 5 - 9. If you are listening to this episode as a podcast, I highly recommend that you watch the video as there are some concepts that are easier to understand by seeing.All right, without
40 Principles of the Religion - Ep 2
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayWhy Belief Must Come Before Practice: Introduction to Imam Al-Ghazali’s 40 PrinciplesUnderstanding the foundations of Islamic knowledge requires more than memorizing rulings or performing rituals. It demands a systematic approach to learning that begins with certainty in belief before moving to practice. This article exp
The Night Prayer That Strengthens You
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayAssalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.Welcome back to Tafsir Thursday. We’re in a new year, a new term, and that means new surahs to explore together.But this term is different. Instead of diving into one surah, we’ll be studying two: Surah Al-Muzzammil and Surah Al-Muddathir. Why two? Three reasons: first, they’re
Tajweed Tuesday
al-Muzzammil 1 - 4Welcome back to Tajweed Tuesday. As we begin a new term and a new year, we’re moving on to study fresh surahs. This term, we’ll explore two powerful chapters: al-Muzzammil and al-Muddaththir. Though relatively short, both contain profound meaning and hold special significance—they were revealed very early in Islamic history, sent down back to back.Each Tuesday, we’ll follow our u
40 Principles of the Religion - Ep 1
Beginning a New Text with Imam al-GhazaliAlhamdulillah, this session marks the beginning of a new text in our weekly Ratib & Reminders gathering. For those based in Perth, you’re warmly invited to join us live at Qaswa House every Thursday from 7:00–9:00 p.m. The gathering is open to everyone — men and women, young and old.After returning to Perth, it was a joy to be back at Ratib and to see the c
Allah the Most Merciful
Alhamdulillah, my heart is full.I recently had the honour of serving once again as translator for Habib Kadhim as-Saqqaf — a blessing I never take for granted.In 2022, Allah granted me the opportunity to welcome him to Perth for the very first time, and to serve as his translator during that visit. It remains a very precious moment in my life and one I am always grateful for.And now, on his third
Tajweed Tuesday 1 Term 4
We’ve entered a new term, and that means a new Surah! This term, we begin our journey with Surah al-Fath, a powerful chapter that opens with Divine reassurance and promise.In this episode, we recite and break down the first three āyāt, focusing on key Tajwīd principles such as:* Nun Mushaddadah: Learn how inna is read with two harakāt of nasalisation (ghunnah) – not rushed, but softly and smoothly
Martial Arts & Spiritual Practice
Alhamdulillah, I was given the honour of delivering the Friday Khutbah at the Australia Open Pencak Silat International Championship 2024. It was the first time for Australia to host an international silat tournament.When the organiser approached me asking if I can deliver the khutbah at the tournament, my heart skipped a beat. For those of you who know me, will know my love for martial arts.Here’
March for Palestine
Lessons from the SeerahWhen we look at the sīrah, in the seventh year of Prophethood, the challenges facing the Muslims were unbearable.At first, the Quraysh mocked and insulted. But when insults failed, by the fifth year they turned to violence—abusing, torturing, even killing some of the early Muslims. When that too didn’t stop the daʿwah, they escalated further: a total boycott against the Musl
Tajweed Tuesday
Assalamu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.Welcome back to BeQuranic. In this session, we’re looking at our ayat of the week — verses 9 and 10 of Surah al-Ḥujurāt. Today’s focus is Tajweed: we’ll read the verses together, highlight key rules, and talk about how to practise them for fluency.The Ayat of the WeekThese are slightly longer verses, especially ayah 9, so it’s helpful to break them do
Building a Community Based on Surah al-Hujurat
Full transcript (AI generated)Alhamdulillah, we praise Allah for allowing us to gather on this beautiful—if a little chilly—morning. Alhamdulillah for this amazing weather.It was lovely to see the president of the Islamic society in red and white today. To our Indonesian brothers and sisters: Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan—Happy Independence Day. Eighty years since independence—may Allah keep your natio
🎙️ Tafseer Thursday: Clarifying, Verifying & Living With the Prophet ﷺ
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.grounded.dayAssalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and welcome back to BeQuranic.It’s Thursday, and that means it’s Tafseer Thursday—where we go beyond recitation and Tajweed, and dive into the practical reflections that help us live the Qur’an every day.This week, we’re looking at Ayat 6 to 8 of Surah al-Ḥujurāt. But before we
Tajweed Tuesday: Mad Types and a New Rule!
📖 Ayat of the WeekWe’re reading and breaking down Surah al-Ḥujurāt, verses 6 to 8. These āyāt are rich in Tajweed opportunities—perfect for practice.🎯 Tajweed Focus1. يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا* This is a classic case of Mad Munfaṣil (detached).* The word “يَا” ends in a mad and is followed by a Hamzah at the start of the next word: “أَيُّهَا.”* You read this for four ḥarakāt, though up to six
