Yaqeen Podcast

Dr. Farhan Abdul Azeez just returned from Gaza—again. He went during Ramadan, prayed Eid with children in new clothes, and hours later saw their bodies in the morgue. He stood beside men who were martyred moments after smiling with him.In this conversation with Dr. Omar Suleiman, he shares what he witnessed, what the world must know, and what it truly means to love the ummah—to walk through rubble, taste the sweetness of faith, and keep returning to serve, even if it might be the last time. Why do doctors beg to go back to this nightmare? Why do the people of Gaza still smile, pray, and celebrate Eid in tents beside destroyed masjids? And what does it say about us—that they feel abandoned not by their enemies, but by their brothers?

After nearly two years since the escalation of the genocide, half the Christian population of Gaza has been killed or forced to flee by the Israeli regime. But despite Palestine being home to Christianity’s holiest sites, the Palestinian Christians being the oldest Christian community anywhere in the world, and very prominent Christian voices like the late Pope Francis calling for an end to the genocide, many Christians in the West continue to support Israel.Why? Why do Christian Zionists fail to practice the teaching of “love your neighbor” in this case? What is the shared history of Muslims and Christians in the Holy Land? And how must our communities work together for justice today?In the latest episode of Gaza Diaries, Dr. Omar Suleiman discusses these questions with Palestinian pastor Rev. Munther Isaac of the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine.

“I’d spend my entire sujud du’a time praying for Gaza, only to wake up and go to work in a company that was contributing to that suffering.” In this one-on-one interview, Dr. Omar Suleiman sits down with Ibtihal Aboussad to talk about her decision to call out Microsoft during its 50th anniversary celebration for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza through its AI program. She breaks down what led up to that moment, how she prepared spiritually, and what it meant to take that public stand.

What is it like to face death on a daily basis? What is the connection between this life and the realm of the Barzakh? How do we grieve the loss of loved ones and our Muslim brothers and sisters?Join Sh. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Ahmad Hraichie, "The Muslim Undertaker," for a powerful and emotional reflection on the Barzakh, the Islamic burial process, and the experiences of undertaking and washing.Sh. Ahmad Hraichie, a Funeral Service Director, shares his personal reflections and insights as they discuss grief, the inevitability of death, and the afterlife. This deep discussion offers valuable perspectives on coping with loss and understanding the journey to the afterlife.

Why would the Prophet ﷺ marry a child? That is the question many want answered, but before we begin to address it, we have to admit it is more than a mere question; rather, it is an accusation and judgment of character. Underneath the question lies the notion that we should be troubled by the age of ‘Aisha at marriage, that whatever her age was, it is concerning, and—worse than that—however great the Prophet ﷺ was, the age at which ‘Aisha was married to him is problematic.The controversy over the age of ‘Aisha is, in fact, a quite recent phenomenon. It is quite simply an attempt to defame the Prophet ﷺ—as those of old attempted to do—by questioning his judgment and ethics in marrying ‘Aisha at as young as 9. But this attempt at defamation, like all others, falls flat.Listen to the paper audio podcast, "Why Did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Marry Aisha? Dismantling the Controversy of Aisha's Age," to explore more.

You can’t fix what you refuse to face.Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas reflect on how Ibn Hazm (rh)’s brutal honesty with himself made him a better man—and why confronting your own flaws is the key to real transformation.

What if you fall asleep out of exhaustion on the Laylatul Qadr? Can you still gain the blessings of this night? And what steps can you take to avoid falling asleep?

Have you been saving your best for just one night?Dr. Omar Suleiman unpacks the mindset the Sahabah warned against and reframes how we should approach the 27th night and Laylatul Qadr.

Why was the Prophet ﷺ made to forget the exact date of Laylatul Qadr? When is the benefit and the mercy of Allah for us in that?

Is your knowledge making you worse?You can memorize verses, master texts, even preach to others—and still be far from Allah. So what kind of knowledge actually purifies the soul?In this Midnight Majlis reflection, Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas explore Ibn Hazm’s advice about knowledge, ego, and the difference between true guidance and performative scholarship.

Your real strength isn’t in your body.In this second night of Midnight Majlis, Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas reflect on chapter 3, “The Mind and Repose” — and how conquering your ego is the only path to real inner peace. Dive in as Ibn Hazm (rh) dismantles every false measure of pride we cling to — strength, speed, power, popularity — and redirects our gaze to the only virtue that matters: the intellect used in service of God.

FOMO keeps us chasing, comparing, and feeling like we’re always behind. But what are we actually afraid of missing?In the first session of this year’s Midnight Majlis, Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Yaser Birjas unpack Ibn Hazm’s reflections on anxiety, comparison, and why setting higher aspirations for your soul is the only way to escape the trap of constantly feeling left out.Because the real question is: What if you’re missing out on something far greater?

When an odd night meets a Friday, is it Laylatul Qadr?Some scholars say that when the best night aligns with the best day, it holds extra weight. But does that mean tonight is the night?In this brief reminder, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores what happens when blessed times coincide, why scholars emphasize this alignment, and how we should approach it spiritually—because if tonight carries the weight they describe, it could be the Laylatul Qadr we’ve been seeking.

The brief pause in the bombing is over—again. In the holiest month. How do we process the continued onslaught and oppression against our ummah and the exhausting cycle of grief and helplessness? How do we find strength when oppression returns after hope?

If you’re unsure whether you owe zakat or how to pay it correctly, this practical guide lays it all out.Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and the twin of salah.In this brief but essential crash course, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy dives into the key technicalities: who must pay, how much, and what counts. He covers everything from the nisab threshold to the 2.5% rule (and when it’s 2.6%), as well as how to calculate your savings, investments, business assets, or retirement plans.“The right of the poor is in your pocket right now.” — Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy

“The Qur’an has no structure.” This is a common claim made by critics, but is it true? How does Surah Al-Baqarah, the longest surah in the Qur’an, actually reveal a perfect, interconnected design?In this reflection, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy walks through the structure of Surah Al-Baqarah, showing how every verse is connected. From the failure of Banu Isra’il to the test of the ummah of Muhammad ﷺ, every shift in the surah serves a purpose: to show what true submission looks like.“Surah Al-Baqarah is the summary of Islam—submission to Allah, wholeheartedly and willingly.” — Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy“The Qur’an is all tied together. And this is the secret behind every surah.” — Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy

You’re flying through the Qur’an this Ramadan, but it feels distant. Why don’t the words of God move your heart? Why does it reach some people so easily while you struggle to connect?In this reflection, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy explores the barriers blocking the Qur’an—distraction, heedlessness, and giving it only what’s left of our time. The Mighty Book is too proud to accept leftovers, and it will only attend to you if you give it your undivided attention.“The Qur’an will never give you part of itself until you give it all of yourself.” — Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy“It’s not about stopping at an ayah. It’s about you opening your heart wide for an ayah to stop you.” — Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy

Struggling to keep up with your Qur’an recitation goals this Ramadan?Your greatest triumph isn’t how far you get in the Qur’an—it’s how far the Qur’an gets into you. Some rush through it, but the Qur’an only heals those who approach it with sincerity. Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy breaks down the three types of people with the Qur’an—and what truly counts in your recitation.

“I know from Allah what you don’t know.” These were the words of Prophet Ya’qub (as) when everyone around him believed Yusuf (as) was gone forever. But how did he hold onto certainty when the world told him otherwise? And what does this teach us about faith in the Unseen—especially when the promise of justice in places like Palestine seems so far away?In this reflection, Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the deep connection between Ya’qub and Yusuf (as), the unseen ways Allah reassures the hearts of the oppressed, and why true faith is believing in Allah’s promise—no matter how impossible it seems.“We know from Allah what they don’t know. And we have more trust in the word of Allah than in anything we see in front of us.” — Dr. Omar Suleiman

“Now I understand why Hell exists.” This thought has resonated deeply in response to the latest atrocities in Palestine. But does it imply that Muslims are cruel and desire the suffering of others? And why is there a window to Hell in Paradise where believers witness the punishment of tyrants? In this brief reminder, Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on maintaining moral integrity while seeking justice—and what it means to find peace in knowing oppressors will face their consequences.“It’s not like the believers like to see suffering. It’s the confirmation that the suffering of believers did not go unpunished.” — Dr. Omar Suleiman

Fasting and prayer existed long before Islam, but not all nations preserved it. Who changed their way, and who kept the original fast? Dr. Omar Suleiman takes us back in time to nations past, their ways of worship, and the one prophet whose legacy we carry: Ibrahim (as).

One Ramadan can transform your destiny. Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy reflects on the power of this sacred month and how it can redefine your future. Don’t miss this powerful reminder on making the most of Ramadan’s blessings.

What happens when Allah speaks? The Qur’an is more than words—it’s a miracle that shakes the heavens, makes angels faint, and revives souls. Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy explains the power of Allah’s words and why no one can change the Qur’an—but the Qur’an can change you.

Fasting and prayer are more connected than you realize. Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the deep bond between sawm and salah—and how they elevate your worship in Ramadan and beyond.

The Hadith of Jibreel (as) was a warning—a sign of divine justice. The tears of the Prophet ﷺ were a plea—a sign of mercy. Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the weight of both complaints—and what they mean for us today.

Pursued and imprisoned for a crime another man confessed to, Imam Jamil Al-Amin, formerly known as H. Rap Brown, remains a giant in jail. Stripped of his freedom, he now battles cancer behind bars—and still stands as a force of justice that injustice could never silence. Dr. Omar Suleiman reflects on his enduring fight, his undeniable innocence, and his unshakeable trust in Allah.

From Palestine to Pennsylvania, injustice thrives when justice serves the powerful. But Islam teaches that no one is above justice—not even yourself. Imam Tom explains how Islamic justice exposes global hypocrisy and why the world needs it now.

Salahuddin al-Ayyubi (rh) is one of the greatest heroes in Islamic history. How did he liberate Masjid al-Aqsa after nearly 90 years of the Crusaders’ occupation? Take a deeper dive into his story, including the early centuries of the Muslim rule in Palestine, the motivations of the Crusades, the mentorship of Nuruddin Zengi in Syria, Salahuddin's rise to power in Egypt, his personal piety, and his road to victory in Jerusalem.

Allah has promised this ummah victory — how could victory in Palestine not be a part of that? So when will Palestine be free? Dr. Omar Suleiman explains how the story of Bani Isra’il conveys an important warning to all people to never become like their tyrants. He emphasizes that Muslims always have and always will seize Jerusalem with justice, mercy, and honor. And he explains the signs of the Day of Judgment in relation to Palestine, including the return of Isa (as) and the final gathering of humanity.

How did we lose Jerusalem after Salahuddin’s victory? What will it take to liberate Masjid al-Aqsa today? What can we learn from the Crusades, the rise of Zionism, and the internal divisions that have plagued the ummah? Join Dr. Omar Suleiman on this story of resilience, betrayal, and a question that still haunts us: will we rise to reclaim what was lost?

Amidst his deepest hardships, Allah took the Prophet ﷺ close to Himself in the Mi’raj, and gave him and his ummah a special gift. Learn the full story of Isra and Mi’raj (Night Journey and Ascension), during which the Prophet ﷺ journeyed miraculously to Masjid al-Aqsa and then through the heavens, meeting some of the greatest prophets, seeing his ummah, having an intimate conversation with his Lord, and returning with the 5 daily prayers.

The Roman Emperor Heraclius is a significant figure in the life of the Prophet ﷺ and the history of the da‘wah in Palestine. The Prophet ﷺ wrote a letter to inviting him to Islam. He was convinced that Islam was the truth and that the Muslims would soon rule in Palestine. So why didn’t he become Muslim? And how did events proceed from there until the Muslim conquest of Palestine just a few years later, under the leadership of Omar ibn al-Khattab (ra)?

The city of Damascus in Syria, and the Umayyad Mosque within it, are immensely significant in the history — and future — of the ummah. This is the city where Yahya (as) was buried, the Prophet ﷺ traded, Bilal (ra) and Abu Darda (ra) settled, in which Salah al-Din Ayyubi (rh) was raised, and where Isa (as) will return and pray. Dr. Omar Suleiman explains these and many other reasons why this is a place revered by the believers.

It was the night everything changed. Learn the full story of the miraculous and transformative Isra wa'l Mi‘raj (Night Journey and Ascension) of the Prophet ﷺ, and the events in Palestine's history that are closely connected to it.

What is al-Sham? Almost no other region has as many virtues mentioned by the Prophet ﷺ about it as this region, which comprises Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan. It is a land of Prophets, miracles, the defeat of oppressors, and the gathering on the Day of Judgment. It is the heartland of the believers, the barometer of this ummah, covered by the angels’ wings, illuminated by the Prophet ﷺ’s light. What does all of this mean for our relationship with al-Sham?

There is no place with a history like Palestine. The stories of countless Prophets, peoples, tyrants, and empires have unfolded here. But what are the qualities that make a people truly worthy of the Promised Land?

Masjid al-Aqsa: the first qiblah of this ummah, the second masjid ever built in this world. Why have the hearts of believers always yearned for it? What profound secrets and virtues does it hold? This lecture uncovers these hidden gems, inviting you to explore the unique significance of al-Aqsa.

Masjid al-Qiblatayn in Madinah marks the site where the qiblah of the Muslims changed from Masjid al-Aqsa to Masjid al-Haram. Dr. Omar Suleiman explains when, why, and how this occurred, and what it meant for the Muslims who passed away before the qiblah changed.

In Chapter 4, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy shows why the message brought by the Prophet ﷺ is truly unique and holistic.Sections:Pure MonotheismFaith in DestinyThe Ṣalāh (Ritual Prayer)Ṣiyām (Devotional Fasting)Prohibiting Extramarital RelationsProhibiting Interest-Based LendingProhibiting Alcohol ConsumptionHealthy Eating and Personal HygieneScience and MedicineDownload the full e-book: https://yqn.io/cawd

In the Chapter 3, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy expounds on the Prophet ﷺ’s incredible achievements in just 23 years. Sections:A Love Larger than LifeHistory’s Greatest Success StoryRestoring the Unity of GodRevolutionizing Human RightsMolding a Model GenerationDownload the full e-book: https://yqn.io/mmpx

In Chapter 5, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy lists some of the prophecies made by the Prophet ﷺ.Sections:The Byzantines will ReboundThe Abode of Abū LahabThe Globalization of IslamUndeterred by Time or DistanceSix in SequenceCounting the ConquestsSecurity will PrevailThe Last EmperorsA Whisper in His Daughter’s EarThe Longest ArmThe Martyrdom of ‘Umar and ‘UthmānInevitable InfightingTensions Among the Prophet’s HouseholdThe Fate of ‘Ammār‘Alī Suppressing the KhārijitesRepairing the RiftCycling Back to Virtue is PromisedAsmā’ Sends A Tyrant HomeUmm Ḥarām’s Date with DestinyPreempting the QuestionerAn Unforgettable SermonThe Emergence of Selective TextualismA Horrific WildfireProsperity and Hedonism Before the End TimesCompeting in MaterialismThe Unavoidability of Ribā (Interest)An Increase in Brutality and KillingThe Plunge into ImmoralityMuslims Becoming Easy PreyThe Immortality of His NationNever Thought You Would SpeakDownload the full e-book: https://yqn.io/dex4

In Chapter 6, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy explains the miracles of the Prophet ﷺ.Sections:The Possibility of MiraclesThe Demonstrability of MiraclesSpecific Miracles of the Prophet ﷺThe Moon SplittingThe Night JourneyThe Tree WeepingThe Stones SpeakingIncreasing the Water SupplyIncreasing the Food SupplyAnswered PrayersDownload the full e-book: https://yqn.io/llzc

In Chapter 7, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy describes the inimitability of the Qur’an, the greatest miracle brought Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.Sections:A Literary MasterpieceMuhammad or Shakespeare?Knowledge of the Inaccessible PastPharaoh’s Body Will SurviveThe Heavens Did Not Grieve for PharaohJoseph’s King Wasn’t a PharaohWas Muhammad Spoon-Fed Biblical History?Preserved as PromisedAn Extraordinary PotencyEchoes of a Prophet ﷺDownload the full e-book: https://yqn.io/75r2

In A Parting Word, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy shares his conclusion to the book. Download the full e-book: https://yqn.io/uoce

In Chapter 2, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy shares the qualities that made the Prophet ﷺ’s unmatched character.Sections:His Honesty and IntegrityHis Simplicity and HumilityHis Mercy and CompassionHis Clemency and ForgivenessHis Bravery and ValorHis GenerosityHis Perseverance and Trust in GodDownload the full e-book: https://yqn.io/qm54

In the Preface, Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy shares personal experiences which led him to write a book on the proofs for the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ.Sections:Quenching A Parched WorldThe Proof Within UsA Multitude of ProofsDownload the full e-book: https://yqn.io/30f3