Yaqeen Podcast

Many of us know about Khadijah (RA), but do we really know what made her exceptional? Even after her death, the Prophet ﷺ spoke of her constantly, sent meat to her old friends, and grew emotional at the sound of her sister’s voice. Listen to the khutbah by Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy to gain a new perspective on the Prophet (SAWS) and his relationship with Khadijah (RA).

What happens when the world tries to define you and the definition is wrong?In this jummuah khutbah, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores Muslim identity in America and how Islam gives us the tools to reclaim our dignity when labels are used as weapons. Whether you've been called a terrorist for wearing hijab, an antisemite for supporting Palestine, or simply made to feel like an outsider, Islam has always had an answer.Drawing from the Quran, the Prophet ﷺ, Malcolm X, and early Islamic history, this sermon unpacks what Islam teaches about racism, slander, and the ethics of naming and why Muslims are proud to carry that name no matter the cost.If you're Muslim and navigating Islamophobia, or if you're simply curious about what Muslims believe about identity and human dignity, this khutbah is for you.

When was the last time you actually showed up for Allah?Allah says in Surah Al-Ahqaf: "We accept from them the best of what they did." Not the most. Not the longest. The best.Ihsan is excellence in action and showing up for Allah the way He deserves, with your full heart, not whatever energy survived the day. And khushu in salah isn't a gift some people are born with. It's something you have to choose to give.In this jummah khutbah, Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on what ikhlas in worship actually looks like, why you can go through the motions of salah for years without ever really arriving, and how one moment of true presence with Allah can outweigh a lifetime of routine.If your worship has started to feel empty, this is where you start.00:00 Introduction & Opening Praise00:25 The Trial of Ibrahim (AS)02:49 How Allah Receives Our Deeds04:41 The Du'a at the Kaaba07:52 Am I Giving Allah My Best?08:48 The Condition for Acceptance09:58 Allah's Mercy Multiplied11:06 Acceptance on the Day of Judgment15:05 Prioritizing Allah with Your Time17:16 Giving What You Love Most18:45 Closing Du'a & Prayer

Allah controls what you’re allowed to see. And sometimes, He lets the wicked see exactly what they want to.This Easter, the world is reflecting on the story of Jesus. The Quran tells us directly: “They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them.” (Surah An-Nisa, Verse 157). Allah didn’t just protect Isa (Jesus). He constructed an illusion. And they fell for it completely.This is the reality of Istidraj — when Allah allows the wicked to believe they are winning, gradually drawing them toward accountability while they remain completely unaware.So why does Allah do this? We see it today.In the rise of authoritarian power. In the silence of the international community. In every moment where injustice appears to go unanswered. And we see it in ourselves, when we think we’ve gotten away with something and nothing happens.In this Khutbah, Dr. Omar Suleiman explains why what you’re witnessing right now is not the full picture.

The Sunni-Shia divide is among the most consequential fault lines in Islamic history — yet it is rarely examined with the care and precision it deserves. In this opening episode of Deep Dive: Iran, Imam Tom Facchine returns to the formative period following the death of the Prophet ﷺ, tracing the theological disputes, political tensions, and communal fractures that gave rise to Shia Islam as a distinct tradition. Drawing on primary hadith sources, this episode resists both the polemical impulse to weaponize sectarian differences and the revisionist tendencies to minimize it. The goal is neither condemnation nor uncritical solidarity — but an informed understanding of where these divisions come from and what they actually mean.00:00 Is Iran a Hero or a Sectarian Monster?00:44 Two Extremes: Polemic vs. Erasure04:16 Finding the Middle Ground on Sectarianism05:14 Shi'ism: A Whisper That Grew Into a Shout07:09 Fatima (RA)'s Inheritance and the First Fracture09:08 Why Did Ali (RA) Delay His Oath of Allegiance?13:29 What the Hadith Actually Says — and Doesn't18:21 The Council, Abdurrahman (RA), and Uthman (RA)'s Election21:37 Was Uthman (RA) a Puppet? Debunking the Conspiracy32:20 The Cult of Personality Around Ali (RA)34:31 Three Traumas That Changed Everything35:04 The Assassination of Uthman (RA) and Civil War36:00 Hasan (RA)'s Conditional Abdication to Muawiyah (RA)37:12 Karbala: The Wound That Never Healed38:27 Post-Karbala: Revolt, Repentance, and Revenge41:28 The Kaysanites: The First Identifiable Shia Sect42:51 Ghadir Khumm and the Revisionist Origin Story52:12 Do Twelver Sources Claim the Quran Is Corrupted?53:42 Attacking the Companions as an Act of Worship58:41 Honest Critique: The Responsibility of Every Muslim01:03:23 Wala and Bara: Loyalty Has a Gradient01:07:53 Do We Have Solidarity With the Muslims of Iran?01:09:25 Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

When life feels unbearable, remember this: Allah never places a burden on any soul greater than it can bear. Faith isn't only for the easy seasons of life. True worship means turning to Allah in your darkest moments and your brightest ones.In this khutbah, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores why Allah tests those He loves, how to maintain strong faith when you're at your breaking point, and practical ways to find peace and perseverance through hardship.

What are you keeping your angels busy with? What are they building for you in Jannah, brick by brick, with the dhikr that you make every day? And how does dhikr give you the strength and courage in this life to do the right thing? Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas continue to discuss gems on the benefits of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that are outlined by Ibn al-Qayyim (rh) in his book Al-Wabil al-Sayyib min al-Kalim al-Tayyib (available in English translation under the titles “The Invocation of God” or “Remembrance of the Most Merciful”). 

“How can you neglect to remember the One Who never neglects to remember you?” Never discourage the dhikr of Allah for yourself or others, for that is a way of showing enmity to Allah and depriving yourself of the great reward of even just being present in the gatherings of remembrance.

What is ma’iyyah (with-ness) of Allah, and how do you gain it? And how can we avoid the pitfalls of our dhikr becoming mere lip service, a pursuit of spiritual ecstasy, or something that feels like a cheat code? Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas continue to discuss gems on the benefits of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that are outlined by Ibn al-Qayyim (rh) in his book Al-Wabil al-Sayyib min al-Kalim al-Tayyib (available in English translation under the titles “The Invocation of God” or “Remembrance of the Most Merciful”).

While the ummah searches for Laylatul Qadr, Masjid Al-Aqsa stands in silence. A place loved by the prophets, honored by Allah, and sacred to the hearts of believers—yet closed to those who long to pray within it.In these blessed nights, as we raise our hands in duʿa and seek Allah’s mercy, let our hearts remember Al-Aqsa. Feel its absence. Let your duʿa reach it. May Allah protect it, honor it, and allow the believers to return to it again.

What is the connection between dhikr and light? What does the Verse of Light mean for our lives? And how do we build a life of anticipating meeting Allah and seeing Him in Jannah?Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas continue to discuss gems on the benefits of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that are outlined by Ibn al-Qayyim (rh) in his book Al-Wabil al-Sayyib min al-Kalim al-Tayyib (available in English translation under the titles “The Invocation of God” or “Remembrance of the Most Merciful”). 

What is the tawbah that Allah never rejects? Many of us struggle with guilt, wondering if our prayers for forgiveness are actually being heard. In today’s khutbah, Dr. Omar Suleiman explains the spiritual mechanics of Allah’s forgiveness and why admitting your sins is the key to unlocking divine mercy.00:00 Opening Praise and Salawat00:27 The Prophetic Duʿa of Repentance02:20 The Secret of Tawbah05:26 Admitting the Sin Without Excuses06:19 Regret vs Despair in Repentance09:13 Adam vs Iblis: Blame and Divine Decree12:57 Reopening Old Wrongs and Making Things Right15:20 Recognizing the Only One Who Forgives18:09 Closing Reflections and Duʿa

Do you miss Allah? Is there a way to measure how far you are from Him? What does your dhikr have to do with the angels, the heavens, and His Throne? And which of your friends are remembering Him with you? Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas continue to discuss gems on the benefits of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that are outlined by Ibn al-Qayyim (rh) in his book Al-Wabil al-Sayyib min al-Kalim al-Tayyib (available in English translation under the titles “The Invocation of God” or “Remembrance of the Most Merciful”). 

How does the remembrance of Allah calm your body? Can you love the Qur’an and music at the same time? Does Allah ever mention you by name? And how do you move beyond doing dhikr on autopilot? Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas share gems from the first 17 benefits of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) that are outlined by Ibn al-Qayyim (rh) in his book Al-Wabil al-Sayyib min al-Kalim al-Tayyib (available in English translation under the titles “The Invocation of God” or “Remembrance of the Most Merciful”). 

Ibn al-Qayyim (rh) outlines the 3 keys to happiness in this life and the next: gratitude, patience, and seeking forgiveness. And dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is essential to each of these. As Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas embark on this year’s Midnight Majlis with the book Al-Wabil al-Sayyib min al-Kalim al-Tayyib (available in English translation under the titles “The Invocation of God” or “Remembrance of the Most Merciful”), they first explore ways we should prepare our hearts and lifestyles for dhikr.  

How could anyone despair of a Lord who sends Laylatul Qadr? A night better than a thousand months, where Allah multiplies good deeds and forgives sins beyond what we can imagine. Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on Allah’s mercy and why every believer should approach these nights with hope, repentance, and longing to return to Him.

As Laylatul Qadr approaches, have you thought about what you will ask Allah for?The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most powerful nights of the year, especially the odd nights. These are moments filled with mercy, forgiveness, and the opportunity for life-changing du’a.In this khutbah, Dr. Omar Suleiman shares four essential du’as you should make during the last ten nights of Ramadan that can transform your life in this world and the next.00:00 Opening Praise and Salawat01:52 Entering the Final Days of Ramadan02:30 How to Build Your Duʿa Framework03:16 The Four Qualities the Prophet Told Us to Hold On To04:02 The Simplicity of the Prophetic Method06:30 The Story of “Dandana” and the Power of Simple Duʿa09:13 Why the Prophet Taught Aisha This Duʿa for Laylatul Qadr10:15 Begin Duʿa with Praise and Tawheed14:21 Seeking Forgiveness for Yourself and Others17:05 Ask Allah for the Highest Levels of Jannah18:45 Seeking Protection from the Hellfire20:29 Expanding Your Duʿa for the Ummah22:31 Closing Du'a

Is it an even night or an odd night?As we enter the last 10 nights of Ramadan — the most blessed part of the entire month, and the opportunity to catch the immensely valuable Laylatul Qadr — we must not take any chances. Do your best on every single night. Dr. Omar Suleiman also urges us to make du’a for our unjustly detained brothers and sisters in the last 10 nights of Ramadan. May Allah grant them and their families ease and hasten their release. 

What are the 3 lies being sold in America right now? From those who stood against Nuh (as) and the Prophet ﷺ to those committing crimes in Iran, the oppressors have always had foot soldiers who swallow the propaganda and genuinely believe they’re fighting for a good cause.Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on Surah al-Mu’minun, verse 24, and emphasizes that Muslims must urge their neighbors to realize that they are being lied to and kept afraid so that they don’t open their eyes to the truth. 

What happens when powerful elites are exposed — and war follows?Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on the Epstein scandal, the Iran war narrative, and a powerful ayah from Surah Al-Isra about how nations fall. The Qur’an teaches that when corruption spreads among the elites, destruction follows a pattern.Are we witnessing that pattern today? From past empires to our present moment, exposure often comes before collapse.

There are clear, black-and-white truths about the current conflict, but also many gray areas and political dynamics. How should Muslims navigate this?Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on leaning into your fitrah, the Qur’an’s guidance on conflict between Muslims, remembering the Names of Allah as you process the situation, and the reality that multiple things can be true at once.

Why is Surah Tawbah the only surah in the Qur’an without bismillah?Surah Tawbah is one of the most powerful and hard-hitting chapters of the Qur’an. It opens with a final warning and disavowal, yet it is still called the Surah of Repentance. How can a surah that begins with distance still carry the name of tawbah?This reflection explores its missing basmalah, its urgent call back to Allah, and the balance between mercy and ultimatum. Surah Tawbah reminds us that while Allah’s mercy is vast, repentance is not meant to be delayed. We do not set the timeline for our return — Allah does.His mercy is unlimited, but our time is not.

What does it mean to feel “safe” from Allah? These powerful verses from Surah Al-A'raf contrast two states — sleeping at night and playing during the day — and expose a deeper issue: a heedless heart.This reflection is a wake-up call about spiritual alertness, small sins we take lightly, and how to live with constant awareness of Allah without paranoia — but with purpose. Are we awake… or just moving?

The Prophet ﷺ said:“Whoever fasts one day in the path of Allah, Allah will distance his face from the Fire by seventy years.”In this khutbah, we reflect on the deeper meaning of this powerful hadith. We explore what it means to build distance from the Fire, why a believer should never feel secure from it, and why no act of fasting is ever small in the sight of Allah.

In Surah Al-An‘am (6:12), Allah says: “He has written mercy upon Himself.” And in the hadith qudsi, Allah declares: “O My servants, I have made oppression forbidden for Myself…”The One with absolute authority chose to write mercy upon Himself and make oppression haram for Himself. What does that mean for us? When you have the upper hand — at home, at work, in leadership — do you hold yourself to a higher standard? Or do you justify your actions because you can? A powerful reminder about divine justice, mercy, and not losing yourself.

What does it truly mean to be “rooted in knowledge”? The Qur’an praises a special group of believers — but their defining quality may surprise you. This lecture explores the difference between intellectual ego and sincere faith, the danger of twisted interpretations, and why saying “I don’t know” is actually a sign of strength. True knowledge begins with humility and ends with, “We believe in it all.”

This Ramadan, make one life-changing commitment: Surah al-Baqarah.The Prophet ﷺ said, “Take it, for taking it is a blessing and leaving it is regret.” It brings barakah into your home, expels Shaytan, and will come as shade on the Day of Judgment for the one who holds onto it.Less than 50 pages. One year. Start now — and meet next Ramadan with it in your heart.May Allah make the Qur’an the spring of our hearts. 

He defeated kings. He liberated Jerusalem. He broke the Third Crusade. But in the end — what mattered to him most?Not the throne. Not the cities. Not even Jerusalem.This episode uncovers Salahuddin’s final concern, his greatest desire, and the responsibility he placed on those who came after him.

How can you know if Allah accepted your Ramadan?As the month comes to a close, take time to reflect deeply. Do an honest evaluation of your Ramadan. Was it transformative? Did it bring you closer to Allah?In this powerful reminder, Dr. Omar Suleiman encourages us to assess our worship, intentions, and growth, and shares a beautiful du’a the Sahabah would recite at the beginning of a new month, teaching us how to move forward with hope and purpose.Stay connected and sign up for email updates on Yaqeen Ramadan content here: https://yqn.io/f7b0ab

Allah grants His mercy to whom He wills and raises whom He wills in faith. What does it mean to be among those chosen, and how can we strive to be included?Listen to this khutbah to reflect on how Allah selects His servants for special mercy, guidance, and increase in iman, and what we can do to seek that honor.

Dr. Omar Suleiman continues his reflection on the characteristics of the Servants of the Most Merciful through Surah Al-Furqan, ayahs 70–71. In this episode, he explains how true repentance is marked by sincere regret, a firm intention not to return to sin, and a commitment to rectifying past wrongdoing.The Servants of the Most Merciful do not plan their sins, nor do they take repentance lightly. Instead, they turn back to Allah with humility and hope, seeking His vast mercy. Watch this episode to learn how sincere tawbah can transform your mistakes into means of forgiveness and wipe away your sins.

Major sins do not happen overnight. Dr. Omar Suleiman expands on verse 25 of Surah Furqan, “They are˺ those who do not invoke any other god besides Allah, nor take a ˹human˺ life—made sacred by Allah—except with ˹legal˺ right, nor commit fornication. And whoever does ˹any of˺ this will face the penalty.”This episode explores how major sins line shirk, murder, and zina begin long before the act itself, through heedlessness, unchecked desires, and spiritual neglect. Learn why your lowest moments matter more than your spiritual highs, how sin develops step by step, and how believers protect their faith by staying mindful, accountable, and connected to Allah.

After Jerusalem was opened, the world didn’t celebrate — it came for revenge.Europe gathered its greatest kings. Richard the Lionheart arrived with a mind as sharp as his sword. The siege of Acre dragged on for years until both sides were exhausted — then came a betrayal no one expected.This is where Salahuddin is tested like never before: a shocking wedding proposal, a massacre that changed the Crusades, a Frankish mother running to the Sultan for help — and a leader who refused to become the monster he was fighting.

Extravagant or intentional? How you spend your money reveals your character. Are you crossing the line into extravagance, and how do you stay humble when you have more?In this episode of Ibad ar-Rahman, Dr. Omar Suleiman talks about the people who remain humble even when their wealth, a test in this world, increases.

Between fear that humbles the heart and hope that lifts it, the Servants of the Most Merciful walk a path of beautiful balance.In this fourth session of ʿIbad ar-Rahman, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the Qur’anic verse: “Our Lord, turn away from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is ever enduring.” — Surah Al-Furqan, 25:65Even as they spend their nights in prayer and their days in service, these servants never feel secure in their deeds. Their worship deepens—not in pride—but in awe, love, and trust in Allah. They fear His displeasure without falling into despair, and they hope in His mercy without growing complacent.Join Dr. Omar Suleiman as he reflects on what it means to live between fear and hope, the two wings that carry the believer toward Allah.

In this episode of Ibadur Rahman, Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on the next defining quality of the Servants of the Most Merciful:“They are those who spend a portion of the night prostrating themselves and standing before their Lord.” — Surah Al-Furqan, 25:64After a day of patience and composure among people, these devoted servants find their strength and renewal in solitude — when the world sleeps and their hearts awaken before Allah. Through the stillness of qiyām al-layl, they draw mercy, clarity, and the power to face the trials of the day.Dr. Omar Suleiman explores how night worship becomes the believer’s anchor: a time of sincerity away from all eyes, where humility deepens, the soul is healed, and true connection to the Most Merciful is restored.

Jerusalem was liberated. The ummah celebrated. But Salahuddin knew the truth — the real war was only beginning.Europe’s kings mobilized. Massive armies crossed land and sea. A counterattack unlike anything before was coming.Because victory does not end wars. It invites them.

Do you really care about Ramadan? If you do, you would prepare for it the same way you prepare for the most important events in your life. Ramadan doesn’t reward last-minute effort. When you show up half-prepared, it shows in your experience. The quality of your Ramadan begins with the quality of your preparation.

“It’s a fact: the Qur’an will make you a better person, spiritually and mentally. Understanding the words of Allah will bring you closer to Him and inspire good within you. Memorizing ayat will improve your memory and make you a sharp student. Reading every day will build good habits into your routine. In this episode, Dr. Tesneem highlights how—and why—to build the Qur’an into your life, no matter how busy you are.

The sincerity of arriving first is the sincerity of enthusiasm. The sincerity of leaving last is the sincerity of endurance. But it is steady, patient endurance that keeps you grounded when everyone else has left.Watch this lecture by Dr. Omar Suleiman on cultivating endurance in your faith and carrying it beyond moments of motivation.

Sha‘ban is a time to prepare the heart. Tame the ego now, before Ramadan begins, because the ego is what clouds judgment and pulls us toward what harms us instead of what heals us. Listen to the full khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman to learn how to check your ego.

The Prophet ﷺ communicated with compassion, and that alone should be enough to know that his words  were never meant to belittle or degrade others. So how do we react to statements attributed to the Prophet ﷺ that appear to do just that—especially when they seem to target women? In this episode of Real Talk, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek unpacks that tension, offering case studies from the Qur’an and Sunnah that have been misunderstood or misused, and shares how we can all feel more confident and empowered in understanding our tradition with greater clarity and depth.

Salahuddin lures the massive Frankish army out of their forts using Raymond’s wife as bait. The Crusaders march into a strategic trap — a desert without water, poisoned wells, and burning shrubs.By the time they realize what they’ve walked into… there is no way back.

Are you among Allah’s friends, or those who stand against Him? And how would you even know? There are major sins for which Allah has promised to wage war against those who commit them. At the same time, there are deeds that earn His pleasure and draw a person closer to Him as one of His allies. Listen to the full khutbah to learn which actions bring you nearer to Allah—and which invite His anger.

It’s normal to struggle. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Faith wears out in your hearts just like clothes wear out.” So the question isn’t whether you’ll experience ups and downs—we all will.The real question is: What will you do to renew your faith?In this episode, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek shares how she navigated her own periods of spiritual burnout, and offers practical reflections on how to engage with the parts of Islam that might feel harder for you than for others.

Not every invitation to a seat at the table is one worth taking. Sometimes, showing up is actually selling out, and if we don’t define our limits, others will define them for us. Imam Tom breaks down what Muslims need today: knowing when to engage, when to walk away, and how power can use our presence to legitimize injustice. 

A word of affirmation that anchors you in truth. Not the kind that comforts you when you are doing wrong, but the kind that corrects you, strengthens you, and helps you remain on the right path. These are the friendships that truly matter.Watch this lecture by Dr. Omar Suleiman on the power of authentic friendship and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely care about your faith and your future.

When a pillar of leadership disappeared, the ummah didn’t just face uncertainty—it began to fracture.Division spread quickly: fear, suspicion, propaganda, and leaders willing to bargain away dignity just to survive. Loyalties splintered. Cities hesitated. Unity became fragile.And in the midst of that chaos, a name returned from the shadows—bringing with it a plot so unthinkable it forced the entire Muslim world to respond.

Sha’ban is the month of preparation for Ramadan. Every act of worship and every good habit you build in Sha’ban sets the foundation for your best Ramadan yet.Sha’ban is the month of training the nafs, your lower self. It’s a time to strengthen discipline, resist temptations, and silence the whisperings of Shaytan. By struggling against your desires now, you enter Ramadan spiritually ready and focused.Listen to the full khutbah by Dr. Omar Suleiman as he explains why Sha’ban is the perfect month to prepare your heart, mind, and soul for Ramadan.

"Live your truth.” “You do you.”Culture relentlessly pushes us to put ourselves and our happiness above all else. But if that’s the key to fulfillment, why are we more miserable than ever? In this episode, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek unpacks the rise of individualism and moral relativism, the impact of anger on mental health, and how forgiveness and re-centering God can help us move from bitter to better.