Research Made Audible: a Yaqeen Papers Podcast

The way we imagine God affects how we relate to Him, ourselves, and to the world. Having a healthy and balanced perception of God, based on scripture and prophetic guidance, is essential for thriving. This paper introduces the topic of “God image” and attachment. What is your spiritual attachment style? Explore how our belief in divine love can affect our attachment to God, and how our image of God influences how we relate to Him.

The Prophet said, “No good deeds are better than those done in these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.” As these days pass, don’t let their quietness fool you. Within them lies the chance to come closer to Allah in ways both seen and unseen. Whether through a whispered duʿa , a private fast, or an unseen act of charity—respond to the invitation. These are the best days of the year. Learn more about how to make the most of the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah here .

The Qur'an engages with the Bible and Torah in what is known as "intertextuality". How does the Qur'an both affirm and correct Christian and Jewish literature? The exploration of intertextuality in the Qur’an elucidates how it interacts with Jewish and Christian texts, highlighting its role as the final divine revelation and ultimate guidance for humanity. The Qur’an’s narratives, often familiar to Jewish and Christian audiences, serve to impart moral and spiritual lessons through stories that resonate with these communities. This interaction with existing religious traditions exemplifies "intertextuality," where the Qur’an engages with other texts and traditions to convey its unique theological messages.

Is Islam pro-life, pro-choice, or both depending on the circumstances? And what implications does the answer to this question have for current political discourse? This essay seeks to offer a comprehensive look at how classical and contemporary Muslim jurists have dealt with the subject in accordance with evolving methods, circumstances, and debates surrounding the topics of contraception and abortion.

Images of the yearly Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Makkah) continue to capture the attention of the world. As people witness the synchronization of actions and purpose of millions of pilgrims, they experience amazement and wonderment. People often ask, “ Why is the Hajj important ?” or “What is the purpose of pilgrimage rituals in this day and age?” In this paper, we discuss the power of rituals in general and focus on the various benefits and significance of the Hajj rituals in particular. In the course of this discussion, we embark on a whirlwind tour of relevant material from anthropology, psychology, theology, jurisprudence, exegesis, philosophy, and—most importantly— Islamic spirituality .

Human beings were created with an internal drive to seek out purpose and to live for something greater than themselves. Explore the three levels of religious practice in Islam as expressed in the famous ḥadith of Gabriel: 1) Islām (outward submission to the will of Allah), 2) Īmān (faith), and 3) Iḥsān (spiritual excellence).

Explore how the Qur’an, in particular, encourages us to be grateful by looking at the various contexts in which the concept of shukr arises. In doing so, we hope that you will not only walk away with divinely-rooted motivation to express shukr in your own life, but to reflect on how the Qur’an offers us truly comprehensive guidance in living our most satisfying lives.

Why would the Prophet ﷺ marry a child? That is the question many want answered, but before we begin to address it, we have to admit it is more than a mere question; rather, it is an accusation and judgment of character. Underneath the question lies the notion that we should be troubled by the age of ‘Aisha at marriage, that whatever her age was, it is concerning, and—worse than that—however great the Prophet ﷺ was, the age at which ‘Aisha was married to him is problematic. The controversy over the age of ‘Aisha is, in fact, a quite recent phenomenon. It is quite simply an attempt to defame the Prophet ﷺ—as those of old attempted to do—by questioning his judgment and ethics in marrying ‘Aisha at as young as 9. But this attempt at defamation, like all others, falls flat.

Ḥayāʾ (healthy shame) is without doubt from among the foundational moral qualities, so much so that the Prophet ﷺ deemed it the very hallmark of Islam by saying, “Every religion has its signature character trait, and the signature character trait of Islam is ḥayāʾ.” Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

This paper is an english translation of Ibn al-Iraqi's book presenting 27 opinions on the timing of laylat al-qadr, and the various signs of laylat al-qadr, including where: the occurrence of laylat al-qadr has been abrogated (one opinion); the timing of laylat al-qadr is entirely hidden (one opinion); laylat al-qadr is a fixed night every year (23 opinions); and laylat al-qadr shifts from year to year (two opinions). Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

If the Qur’an is truly one timeless, unchanged book, how can it be read in multiple ways? What is the meaning behind these multiple readings ( qirāʾāt ), and how many are there? This paper introduces the concept of multi-formic Qur’anic modes of recitation and provides a brief account of the origins and canonization of the qirāʾāt , the nature of their differences, and their number and geographical distribution. Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

In this paper , Dr. Tamara Gray describes the benefits of tahajjud or qiyyam ul-layl, and shares practical advice on how to cultivate this nightly prayer habit, particularly during Ramadan when spiritual habits naturally increase. Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

The key to servitude to Allah is by loving Him, and we love Him by coming to know Him, and we come to know Him by reflecting on His names and attributes. This paper endeavors to reflect upon the names contained within the last verses of Sūrat al-Ḥashr, particularly in terms of their sequence and relationship to one another, in an attempt to increase our knowledge and love of Allah and thus better our relationship with Him. Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

There is no day or night that has been emphasized more than the night known as laylat al-qadr (the Night of Decree). The Qur’an’s 97th chapter is dedicated entirely to this night: Indeed, We revealed [the Qur'an] during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. (97:1-5) This paper discusses why this night is the best night to worship in, and how best to seek its rewards. Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

Worship is an art. It is an art that every worshipper must master. Yet few ever do. Parents and preachers, shaykhs and masters, groups and spiritual orders, books and lessons all may play a role. But it is you who must learn to make your connection to God a thing of beauty. In this paper , Dr. Ovamir Anjum explores the art of worship and how to make the most of your Ramadan nights by seeking a deeper connection with Allah. Here are five practical tips on how to achieve this, and God-willing, have a successful and fulfilling Ramadan. Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

The Qur’an is more than a text to be recited; it is divine nourishment for our souls. Yet, its transformative power is only realized when we pause, ponder, and allow its wisdom to penetrate our hearts. Without reflection, even the most eloquent recitation may remain superficial, leaving the heart untouched. This paper delves into the essence of tadabbur, exploring its spiritual significance, and sharing practical strategies to cultivate a deeper, more reflective engagement with the Qur’an. Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

In this Ramadan guide for new and newly-practicing Muslims , learn about the virtues of fasting, why we fast, and what we hope to gain through our acts of worship in Ramadan. Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

Part 1 of our parenting series by Sarah Sultan and Najwa Awad discussed the importance of resilience in developing confident Muslim children, and introduced an Islamically Integrated Resilience Model (IIRM) for parenting that is inspired by Sūrah Luqmān in the Qur'an. In this paper from the parenting series, we discuss the importance of attachment, and the crucial links between resilience in children and attachment to Allah, parents, and the righteous. What is the importance of attachment in parenting and how can it affect spiritual and mental health? What do the Qur’an and Hadith teach us about attachment? How can parents foster their children’s attachment to Allah? What are concrete everyday actions we can take to help increase our child(ren)’s attachment to Allah? What are some important considerations we should keep in mind as we're trying to foster healthy attachment in our child(ren)? Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

Why do some people accept Allah’s sovereignty intellectually, but not spiritually? Why do they struggle to surrender to His decrees and commands? We believe that at the core of this spiritual struggle is a distortion in people’s perceptions of Allah. A distorted image of God fosters misunderstandings of the intent behind His commands and decrees, and subsequently rebellion. The aim of this paper is to unpack how divergent understandings of God develop and, in turn, impact our worship, surrender to Him, and religious doubts. Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org

The Qur’an was revealed long ago in a very different context. Some verses were revealed in direct response to specific events, addressing particular people and scenarios. Others are concerned with the prophets and nations of the past. How does the Qur'an continue to be relevant for us in the modern age? Note: The audio files are generated using AI technology. As such, the intonations and pronunciation of certain words may not reflect human speech patterns. For the original written research paper check out https://yaqeeninstitute.org