How has Ramadan been so far? Are you looking forward to hearing more beneficial lectures this month? I have compiled a few lectures and series which I think would be beneficial for all. My suggestion would be to pick a few and be consistent in listening to that series rather than trying to do all and finally feeling burned out after week 1.
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little.” ( Sahih al Bukhari)
Quran fi Hayati by Al Manar International – This is not a Ramadan course but a Quran Tafseer course by Sister Farheen Sheikh which is an excellent resource for in-depth learning of the Quran. There is both a self-paced course which is free and a paid course which runs bi-weekly and is done live. Even the self-paced course has support from the teacher via the Whatsapp groups on Saturday where any doubt of the student is cleared by the teacher. Since this is the month of the Quran, this course will help us in kick-starting our learning of the Qur’an.
Here to Hereafter 2021 by Al Manar International – Taken by Sister Farheen Sheikh. The introduction on the website states – Here to Hereafter is a journey that gradually nurtures your heart to connect with Allah through Quranic verses and ahadith. Knowing Allah is the key to loving Allah. So let’s fall in love this Ramadan. While it is planned as a Ramadan course, it can be revisited to enrich your souls time and again. This course is in the English language. You can read more about the institute and instructor here. (Do your own research of the institute and instructor before starting any course!)
Meeting Muhammad ﷺ by Imam Omer Suleiman – I have been looking forward to this series because I really learnt a lot from the previous series by the same scholar – Prayer of the Pious and Angels in your presence. The introduction states – ‘Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be in the presence of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, as his companions were? What would it be like to see him, host him in your home, pray behind him, and have him as a teacher and friend? We may not know what it was like to be his companions in this life, but we have everything we need to strive to be with him in the next. This Ramadan, journey from knowing about him to knowing him and loving him. Spend Ramadan 2021 with the Beloved ﷺ. ‘
The trailer video made me emotional.
Quran 30 for 30 by Yaqeen Institute – Short reflections from the Quran. The introduction states – ‘Qur’an 30 for 30 is a Ramadan series for everyone. Hosts Dr Omar Suleiman and Sh. Abdullah Oduro will be joined by a different guest each day for the month of Ramadan to explore the beauty and the lessons of the Qur’an. Listen in to their conversation as they read, wonder, understand and extract gems and practical tips from the Holy Book. This year will feature a special focus on seerah, as we explore the life, love, and legacy of Rasulallah ﷺ that resonates throughout the Qur’an’
The Parables of the Quran by Sheikh Yasir Qadhi – Another eagerly awaited series to know more about parables in the Holy Qur’an.
Verses of Hope and Healing by Mufti Menk – From the introduction on YouTube- ‘Many have lost their loved ones, many have lost their jobs their income. Many don’t know what is happening. Many are recovering from Covid. For this reason, this is why I have chosen this theme this Ramdan – Verses of Hope & Healing’
Finally, a cheeky note from Abu Eesa Niamatullah can be read on his Facebook page, reminding us to maybe lessen our usage of social media and look inward. Any action that we take should be bringing us towards Allah and not away from Him and that includes whether we hear the popular lectures or not.
I have also compiled a list of books to read during Ramadan though I feel I might not be able to read them all (or maybe not even one!). Sharing it here hoping it will be useful for you all.
- Surah Yusuf by Yasir Qadhi –
- Angels in your presence by Omer Suleiman
- Allah loves by Omer Suleiman
- Prayers of the Pious By Omer Suleiman
- If the Oceans were Ink by Carla Power
A few books which I have previously read and would make excellent Ramadan reads
- Don’t be Sad by Aidh A Qarni
- A temporary Gift by Asma Hussein
- Women in the Qur;an : An Emancipatory Reading by Asma Lamrabet
- Nurturing Eeman in Children by Aisha Hamdan
- Positive Parenting in the Muslim Home
May we be blessed to utilize this month completely. Include me and my family in your duas. Do you have any lectures or books to add to this list? Comment below!
Author Bio
Dr Shahira is a Dentist by profession who writes about Parenting, Books and Dentistry on her personal blog at www.drshahira.com.