Episode 1Hamza Yusuf – Foundations of Islam Series: Articles of FaithAn in-depth exploration into the concept of “iman” (or faith) in Islam, and its application and implication for human beings in general and for those who call themselves Muslims. This near three-hour session is an intense survey of the human condition in the world today and what the human being must believe, from the Islamic perspective, in order to have hope for security and peace in this life and the hereafter. These objects of belief, which are known as the “articles of faith” in Islam, are what’s at the core of this highly stimulating lecture. These six articles are: belief in the one God, the revealed books, the prophets and messengers, the angels, predestination, and the Day of Judgment. An amazing session that also makes many comparisons to the Judeo-Christian understanding of God’s imminence, salvation, and other very relevant issues pertaining to faith. (Recorded at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute seminar). Other topics discussed: the fitrah (the natural desire to believe in one God), the human intellect, faith vs. disbelief, deja-vu, heedlessness, the transcendence and imminence of God, negation and affirmation within the human psyche, the nafs (the commanding self, the regretful self, and the peaceful self), the philosophical problem of evil in the world, Salmon Rushdie and capital punishment, the five objectives of the Islamic law, inheritance laws, homosexuality, the desire for massive stimulation, the stages of life, the after-death experience, God’s mercy and wrath, suicide, slandering prophets, and Muslim countries today implementing Islamic law.
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Episode 2Hamza Yusuf – Foundations of Islam Series: How the Qur’an Was Revealed and CompiledThe commencement of a two-week, five lecture series within a comprehensive institute dedicated to educating non-Muslim school teachers about Islam. Hamza Yusuf introduces the Islamic experience by first looking at the foundational book of Islam, the Holy Qur’an, its revelation event over a span of 23 years, and the mechanism by which it was compiled and preserved. After first analyzing the meaning of the “Qur’an” through its Arabic roots, Sheikh Hamza discusses the dominant themes in the Qur’an during the Meccan and Medinan periods. He then proceeds to explain the significant events taking place immediately following the death of the Prophet Muhammad (P), and how his companions were deeply concerned with preserving the Qur’an for future generations. These series of lectures have proven to be extremely useful for non-Muslims, new Muslims, life-long Muslims, and young Muslims. (Recorded at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute seminar). Other topics discussed: tri-literal roots in Arabic, inherited world views without reflection, tawheed (monotheism) in Islam, the hereafter, the end of time, the Battle of Yamama, standardizing the writing of the Qur’an, original Qur’anic texts in existence today, the royal “We” used in the Qur’an, the pleasures of Paradise, the Qur’an as the “divine” word of God, and the dialectical variants of the Qur’an.
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Episode 3Hamza Yusuf – Foundations of Islam Series: Pillars of PracticeA unique look at how the Islamic tradition articulates itself, irrespective of how it has been practiced by its people. In a strategic and tactful manner, Hamza Yusuf makes clear the whole concept of “islam” by analyzing the profound meaning of the word as it is explained in the Holy Qur’an. He then moves into a descriptive examination of the Islamic teaching by thoroughly explaining the fundamental practices of Islam: prayer, zakat (obligatory alms-giving), fasting, and hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca). These series of lectures have been immensely popular due, in large part, to the atmosphere created by the classroom-style format and the interaction and engagement by the speaker with the non-Muslim audience. (Recorded at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute seminar). Other topics discussed: the meanings of “surah” and “ayat”, submitting when death comes, religion as self-deception, development and discipline of children, the four seasons as a metaphor for the cosmology of life, determining the prayer times using the sun, women in the mosque, women in the home, wudu (ablution), why pork is forbidden, want vs. need, envy, obeying the laws of the land in which you live, revolution in Islam, symbols in Islam, and going to extremes in practice.
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Episode 4Hamza Yusuf – Foundations of Islam Series: Signs of the Last DayHamza Yusuf teaches this esoteric subject using a methodology and style that makes it comprehensible to all. Utilizing as his basis the hadith of Gabriel (Islam, Iman, Ihsan, and the Hour) in Imam Nawawi’s 40 Hadith, he presents the Islamic teaching concerning the end of time and those signs mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (P). The language and pace employed by the speaker and the analysis of modern theology and society is extremely thought provoking and should motivate further study by the viewer. Due to the unique subject, format, and audience (non-Muslim educators) this lecture is a must for all! (Recorded at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute seminar).
Other topics discussed: finality of Prophethood, the dajjal, psychology, physiology, Judaism, Christianity, philosophy (past and present), anthropology, classical Arabic language, Jesus, prayer timetables, natural disasters, media, children, despair vs. optimism, and statistics.
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Episode 5Hamza Yusuf – Foundations of Islam Series: The Concept of IhsanIn this session, Hamza Yusuf takes a traditional approach to this science based on the teachings he received while studying in West Africa. The result is a rich and refreshing look at exactly how the Muslim goes about making his or her experience in the world a thing of beauty so one can truly contribute to the human condition in a positive way. He begins this discussion by placing the concept of “ihsan” in the context of the contemporary political scene in the Muslim world to show how important this concept is for the proper practice of Islam and what happens when it is neglected. Then he defines “ihsan” and analyzes ways in which the Muslim can go about recapturing the station of “ihsan” enjoyed for so long by the early generations of Muslims. A useful talk for non-Muslims on the topic of Islamic spirituality and a vital lesson for Muslims about how to regain the deeper understanding and appreciation of their own tradition. (Recorded at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute seminar). Other topics discussed: the highest act of making beautiful, the fountainhead of all misdeeds, back-biting, obsession with young age, arrogance, remembering death, and the most hidden of all blessings.
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