The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Surely, in the days of your Lord there are spiritual breezes; therefore, expose yourself to His breezes." This is a ten-part series on practical ways to prepare for the auspicious month of Ramadan. These short reminders are meant to help us immediately prepare for the blessed month, so that when it arrives, we are able to smoothly transition and get the most out of it.
Al-Maqasid is committed to facilitating the realization of Islam, Iman, and Ihsan through immersion in the prophetic inheritance. To further our mission, we aim to establish the Al-Maqasid Media Studio. This production studio will function as a central hub for creating and distributing innovative content, extending our outreach and engagement to community members beyond our local vicinity.
We aim to establish a premier production studio outfitted with state-of-the-art audio and video equipment, advanced software solutions, and a dynamic production environment conducive to achieving the highest levels of production excellence with Ihsān. The Al-Maqasid Studio will furnish the Al-Maqasid Media Team with the tools and resources essential for crafting professional media content. This content is intended to serve as a catalyst for encouraging broader audiences to engage with Al-Maqasid programming.
Technology has made it easier for people to access a wide range of digital media from anywhere at any time. Over the past year our online engagement has more than tripled and the number of people who message us telling us they engage with our content regularly is continually increasing. Research shows that more and more people are turning to online programming for learning:
On average, internet users spend six and a half hours online every day online (for ages 16-24 average 9 hours per day).
88% of people watch online videos every week, and 65% watch online videos every day.
63% of students in the US engage in online learning activities daily.
About a quarter of U.S. adults regularly watch religious services online; 41% use apps or websites to learn about religion.
A common question we are asked is "how can we bring Al-Maqasid to our locale?"
While we prioritize in-person learning for the acquisition of knowledge, we realize there are many people who aren't able to travel to Macungie to participate in our programming. In alignment with our strategic objectives, and considering current research, we intend to launch Al-Maqasid Online in the coming months. Al-Maqasid Online will be our online portal for community engagement and learning.
Al-Maqasid Online will feature digital media content created exclusively for our online community; from interactive online courses, exclusive lecture series, documentary films, short films, animated films, podcasts, monthly gatherings (online), interactive workshops and more.
In addition to securing the space for the physical construction of Al-Maqasid Studio, there is a critical need for the acquisition of professional audiovisual equipment. This encompasses the procurement of new live stream hardware and software, multiple high-quality broadcast cameras, broadcast lenses, multimedia studio hardware and software, lighting fixtures, microphones, audio mixers, computer systems, video backdrops, video set design, soundproofing, and various other essential components.
In order to fund the construction of the studio and procure the necessary equipment, we are initiating a fundraising campaign with a target goal of $65,000. This will enable us to acquire all necessary equipment and complete the studio construction process.
We pray that Al-Maqasid Studio will assume a pivotal role in producing and disseminating digital media content that thoroughly embodies the Prophetic inheritance and represents the profound beauty inherent within Islam.
Yearning for the Beloved
Al-Wird Al-Latif
Al-Ratib Al-Shahir
Dua' Khatm al-Qur'an
DIGITAL COPIES:
Of all the pillars of Islam, fasting possesses the peculiar characteristic of being related to Allah, exalted is He.
The Prophet, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him, said: 'Upon the advent of the month of Ramadan, the gates of paradise are opened up, those of hell-fire shut down, and the demons are chained.'
Intentions for Ramadan
Marhaban Ya Shahr Ramadan
Ramadan Duas
Witriyyah
Fazzaziyya
IFTAR SUPPLICATION
“Indeed, Allah made you victorious at Badr when you were outnumbered. So be mindful of Allah, so that you may be grateful. ˹Remember, O Prophet,˺ when you said to the believers, ‘Is it not enough that your Lord will send down a reinforcement of three thousand angels for your aid?...Allah ordained this only as good news for you and reassurance for your hearts. And victory comes only from Allah—the Almighty, All-Wise.” [Quran 3:123-124, 126]
Commemorating events from the life of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gives life to the our hearts, strengthens our faith, and inspires within us love, reverence, and dedication.
Please join us for our annual commemoration of the Great Battle of Badr, which took place on the 17th of Ramadan. This is the Decisive Day when Allah gave victory to His Beloved Prophet and the Companions. The Battle of Badr was a turning point for the entire Ummah, and there are many lessons to be learned from the events that took place.
Our program begins at 6:00 PM EST, which will consist of the narrative of events, some reflections, devotional poetry, and du‘a and end with a community Iftar.
The gathering will be broadcast at https://www.almaqasid.org/live
The Quran is a source of guidance, light, and healing. Allah the Exalted says, "Alif-Lām-Rā. ˹This is˺ a Book which We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ so that you may lead people out of darkness and into light, by the Will of their Lord, to the Path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy." [Quran 14:1] Let us ask ourselves: how many of us are impacted by the Quran in this way? We need to gain a deeper understanding, appreciation, and love for Allah's Book so that its light fills our hearts.
This Ramadan series covers various aspects of the Quran to help strengthen our connection to Allah's Words. We will cover topics such as the blessings and merit of the Quran, its names, the etiquettes one should have with the Quran, and its themes.
We pray that Allah grants us His enabling grace and that these lessons are a means for opening our hearts to the Noble Quran.
There is no better way to learn about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ than to study what the Lord of the heavens and earth has mentioned about him in His Book. These sessions will explore the topic of the Quran and the Prophet ﷺ, highlighting the centrality of connecting to him ﷺ.
It is commonly said the name of the Prophet Musa ﷺ is mentioned more than the name of the Prophet Muhammad—which is true—but what is often overlooked is that Allah speaks directly to the Prophet ﷺ in the second person throughout the Quran.
We will explore some of these verses as well as those that indicate the great stature and special characteristics given to our Prophet by Allah ﷻ. Finally, we will take a brief look into some aspects of how the Prophet ﷺ was a walking Quran.
There is no better way to learn about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ than to study what the Lord of the heavens and earth has mentioned about him in His Book.
These sessions will explore the topic of the Quran and the Prophet ﷺ, highlighting the centrality of connecting to him ﷺ. It is commonly said the name of the Prophet Musa ﷺ is mentioned more than the name of the Prophet Muhammad—which is true—but what is often overlooked is that Allah speaks directly to the Prophet ﷺ in the second person throughout the Quran.
Allah ﷻ teaches us in the Opening Sura of the Quran to make the following supplication: Guide us along the Straight Path, the Path of those You have blessed—not those You are displeased with, or those who are astray. [Quran 1:6-7]
In this lesson, Sh. Yahya Rhodus teaches us the relationship between the Straight Path and being connected to the inheritors of the Prophet ﷺ who are living embodiments of Prophetic guidance.
"And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be in the company of those blessed by Allah: the prophets, the people of truth, the martyrs, and the righteous—what honorable company!" [Quran 4:69]
In this episode, we will look at what occurred before this verse was revealed and how love of and obedience to the Messenger is a means for being with him ﷺ in Paradise.
"O believers! Be mindful of Allah and be with the truthful." [Quran 9:119] This verse teaches us the importance of being with the believers and being in the presence of the living inheritors of the Prophet ﷺ who embody his Sunna.
Sh. Yahya Rhodus gives us a number of practical ways we can be "with" the truthful, and he explains the ascending degrees of truthfulness that we must seek to attain.
"Indeed, that is My Path—perfectly straight. So follow it and do not follow other ways, for they will lead you away from His Way. This is what He has commanded you, so perhaps you will be conscious ˹of Allah˺." [Quran 6:153]
In this episode, we reflect on the Prophet ﷺ as our guide along the Straight Path. We must honor and appreciate the gift of guidance we have in him ﷺ and not follow other ways that will take us away from the path of felicity and true success.
"So whoever renounces false gods and believes in Allah has certainly grasped the firmest, unfailing hand-hold. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing." [Quran 2:256]
The more that we know about our Prophet ﷺ, the greater our certitude will be in him and in the religion that was revealed to him. We see this manifested in Abu Bakr's response (may Allah be well pleased with him) after the Prophet ﷺ returned from the Night Journey and Heavenly Ascension.
"If you call them to guidance, they do not hear. And you ˹O Prophet˺ may see them looking at you, but they cannot see." [Quran 7:198]
This lesson focuses on how the Quran calls us to "see" the Prophet ﷺ. In order to recognize who the Prophet ﷺ really, we require spiritual sight that is illuminated by sincere faith.
"And they say ˹mockingly˺, “What kind of messenger is this who eats food and goes about in market-places ˹for a living˺?" [Quran 25:7]
"The disbelieving chiefs of his people said, “We see you only as a human being like ourselves, and we see that no one follows you except the lowliest among us, who do so ˹hastily˺ without thinking." [Quran 11:27]
The Quran calls us to see through the veils that prevent people from seeing the true. Instead of benefiting from the way of the Prophets who are role models for us, some people due to their arrogance and ignorance, underestimate the true nature of those chosen by Allah as guides for humanity. We must recognize that the human side of the Prophet ﷺ is a door for us to understand his special qualities and to follow his path, thereby attaining nearness to Allah ﷻand His reward.
Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Even though I am a man like you, I receive revelation that your God is only One God. So whoever hopes for the meeting with their Lord, let them do good deeds and associate none in the worship of their Lord.” [Quran 18:110]
Instead of equating the Prophet ﷺ with other regular human beings, Allah ﷻ call us to reflect on His Beloved's special qualities and his being given revelation. When studying the human qualities of the Prophet ﷺ, we see his miraculous nature, magnificent character, and special qualities, further deepening our reverence and love for him.
The Companions (may Allah be well pleased with them) had the greatest reverence for and understanding of Allah’s Book, which led them to have a deep love and unbreakable connection to Allah’s Beloved ﷺ.
This lesson highlights examples of the Companions’ faith and their connection to the Prophet ﷺ, which further illustrates the closeness of the connection between the Quran and the Prophet.
The Companions (may Allah be well pleased with them) had the greatest reverence for and understanding of Allah’s Book, which led them to have a deep love and unbreakable connection to Allah’s Beloved ﷺ.
Even after the Prophet's passing ﷺ, the Companions' love remained unwavering. In this lesson, we look at a few more examples of their attachment to the Prophet ﷺ.
Allah ﷻ tells us regarding Prophet Musa ﷺ, "I showered you with My love ˹O Moses˺ so that you would be brought up under My ˹watchful˺ Eye." [Quran 20:39]
Two verses later, Allah ﷻ says, "And I have selected you for Myself. " [Quran 20:41]
If this is the degree of love and care Allah granted Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), what does that say of the rank granted to Allah's Beloved ﷺ? This should inspire us to follow his Sunna, have greater reverence for his teachings, and be even more committed to his path so that we may also be granted Allah's love ﷻ.
"So be patient with your Lord’s decree, for you are truly under Our ˹watchful˺ Eyes. And glorify the praises of your Lord when you rise. And glorify Him during part of the night and at the fading of the stars." [Quran 52:48-49]
These verses highlight how Allah ﷻ is consoling His Prophet ﷺ and describing the extent of His care and protection for His Beloved.
Our mother Aisha (may Allah be well pleased with her) said, after seeing how Allah ﷻ was continuously fulfilling the Prophet's wishes, "Your Lord truly hastens to give you what you want!"
Allah ﷻ says, "Indeed, We see you ˹O Prophet˺ turning your face towards heaven. Now We will make you turn towards a direction ˹of prayer˺ that will please you." [Quran 2:144]
And, "And ˹surely˺ your Lord will give so much to you that you will be pleased." [Quran 93:5] When reflecting on these verses and the vastness of Allah's generosity towards His Prophet, we should be inspired to appreciate the blessing of being from the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “If you ˹sincerely˺ love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Quran 3:31]
The Sunna of the Prophet ﷺ is the path to Allah’s love. When reflecting on this verse, it teaches us the centrality of love within Islam and that the foundation of the spiritual path is following the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
"They swear by Allah to you ˹believers˺ in order to please you, while it is the pleasure of Allah and His Messenger they should seek, if they are ˹true˺ believers." [Quran 9:62]
In this episode, Sh. Yahya Rhodus points out a beautiful and subtle aspect of the Arabic which shows the Prophet's ﷺ perfect alignment with Allah's will and good pleasure ﷻ. The Companions had a deep understanding of these verses, which is why they sought to bring joy to the Prophet ﷺ, knowing that if the Messenger was pleased with him that it was a sign that Allah ﷻ was pleased with him.
"And hold firmly together to the rope of Allah and do not be divided. Remember Allah’s favor upon you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts, so, by His grace, you became brothers." [Quran 3:103]
With the coming of the Prophet ﷺ, who is described as Allah's grace in the verse above, Allah miraculously united the hearts of the believers despite tribal feuding that had existed between the Aws and Khazraj for many generations. This verse highlights how the Prophet ﷺ is a blessing for us in all times and that his way contains solutions for even the most complex problems.
Allah ﷻ says, "Surely those who pledge allegiance to you ˹O Prophet˺ are actually pledging allegiance to Allah. Allah’s Hand is over theirs. Whoever breaks their pledge, it will only be to their own loss. And whoever fulfills their pledge to Allah, He will grant them a great reward." [Quran 48:10]
And, "Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you ˹O Prophet˺ under the tree. He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down serenity upon them and rewarded them with a victory at hand." [Quran 48:18]
This lesson focuses on the events preceding the revelation of these verses and highlights the blessing of being connected to the Prophet ﷺ, and that those who pledge their allegiance to him are actually pledging their allegiance to the Lord of the heavens and the earth ﷻ.
"Whoever obeys the Messenger has truly obeyed Allah." [Quran 4:80]
When the hypocrites attempted to criticize the Prophet's exalted rank ﷺ and create discord within the community, Allah ﷻ revealed the verse above. This further confirmed and emphasized His Prophet's authority. Knowing this helps us remain steadfast in following his Sunna ﷺ and protects us from deviating from his path.
Allah ﷻ says, "O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, then proceed ˹diligently˺ to the remembrance of Allah and leave off ˹your˺ business. That is best for you, if only you knew. Once the prayer is over, disperse throughout the land and seek the bounty of Allah. And remember Allah often so you may be successful. When they saw the fanfare along with the caravan, they ˹almost all˺ flocked to it, leaving you ˹O Prophet˺ standing ˹on the pulpit˺. Say, “What is with Allah is far better than amusement and merchandise. And Allah is the Best Provider.” [Quran 62:9-11]
These verses tell us about the special blessings and mercy those with the Prophet ﷺ receive. In this lesson, Sh. Yahya Rhodus discusses ways we can, despite living 1400 years later, be "with" the Prophet ﷺ.
Please join us in this most generous month as we reconnect our hearts to the Qur'an in seeking the Contentment and Noble Countenance of Allah, the Almighty, with the our Ramadan programs.
*For those who cannot attend in person, the gathering will be broadcast online at www.mixlr.com/almaqasid
‘Eid Prayer & Festivities
📅 Date: Monday March 31st
⏱️ Time: 9:30 AM ‘Eid Prayer
📍 Location: Al-Maqasid
We invite you and your family to join us for a joyous ‘Eid celebration, beginning with the ‘Eid prayer followed by a community brunch and a day filled with fun activities for all ages — including games, face painting, a henna tent, Amazing Race, and more!
‘Eid prayer will be held outdoors behind the Green Barn across the creek, weather permitting. In the case of rain, we will gather for prayer in the Ribat Musalla, insha’Allah.
If you’d like to contribute to the brunch, please sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44ADAE2EA4FACF8-55895147-almaqasid
We encourage carpooling and kindly ask that you bring your own prayer rug if we’re praying outside, insha’Allah.
May Allah ﷻ accept from all of us and allow us to conclude Ramadan with hearts full of gratitude, humility, and joy.
