Yaqeen Podcast

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?