Yearning for the Divine: The Journey from Nafs to Fana

In this episode a senior Sufi Shaykh leads a reflective session before Isha, exploring the deep inner work behind outward religious practice. Through personal anecdotes and teachings about his own Shaykh, the speaker guides listeners into the distinction between external ritual and the inner purpose those rituals point to. The talk emphasizes that acts of piety are means, not ends, and invites listeners to seek the real satisfaction—an intimate discovery of Allah—rather than temporary comforts or social markers.

Key topics include the nature of human yearning and restlessness, the search for permanence, and why ordinary achievements or ritual observance cannot fully satisfy that longing. The Shaykh outlines the three stages of fana—annihilation in the Shaykh, annihilation in the Rasul ﷺ, and ultimate annihilation in Allah—and explains how the negation of the artificial self (the I) is central to spiritual realization.

The episode also covers practical spiritual guidance: the value of silence and inner calm, the difference between outward imitation of the Sunnah and its inner embodiment, how the nafs influences actions, and the role of constant inner witnessing in progress. Listeners hear illustrative remarks about the purity and presence of past Mashayikh, and how a purified heart becomes like a mirror reflecting Divine light.

A brief Q&A segment addresses who benefits from ritual practice, the relationship between the soul and discovery of Allah, and signs of true spiritual progress. This episode is for anyone seeking deeper understanding of Sufi concepts—fana, inner Sunnah, and the transformation from doing to letting Divine presence act through the heart.

Purification and Prophethood: The Role of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Cleansing the Soul

In this episode the Shaykh opens a post-Ramadan series on a vast and powerful theme: the role of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in spiritual purification. After a brief reminder that we are tested by Allah and a request for dua for Brother Idris — who attended despite illness — the host explains the plan for a multi-week exploration with contributors including Brother Tariq, Brother Rafay, Brother Isa, Asif, Brother Sajid and, God willing, Brother Idris when he is able.

The discussion centers on three foundational priorities for purification: correct aqidah (belief), the obligations (fara'id) led by salat, and then the further disciplines that draw the heart closer to Allah. The Shaykh stresses that genuine purification must be rooted in the Sunnah and Sharia and that without sound creed all deeds are judged. He emphasizes the centrality of salat — performed on time and in congregation — as the primary act that pleases Allah and paves the way to further spiritual states.

Episodes also warn against contemporary confusions in Sufism: the misuse of labels, separation of spiritual practice from fiqh and Quranic knowledge, and the danger of elevating karamat and novelty over istiqamah and adherence to shar'i methodology. The Shaykh contrasts authentic awliya, steeped in Quran, hadith and fiqh, with modern trends that borrow terminology or practices from non-Islamic traditions or ungrounded scholarship.

Practical guidance is offered: prioritize learning the basic beliefs and obligations first, build life around salaah and the masjid, beware of excessive nawafil that cause one to miss fard duties, engage in zikr and azkar to weaken the nafs, and seek consistency (istiqamah) and humility before a qualified shaykh. The episode includes illustrative anecdotes and Qur'anic/hadith reminders (including references to Surah al-Baqarah on seeking help through patience and prayer and historical examples from the Companions) to reinforce the urgency of returning to fundamentals.

Listeners should expect a mix of theological clarification, practical admonition, and spiritual counsel aimed at reorienting personal practice toward Sharia-based purification. Future sessions will unpack the Prophet’s ﷺ role in purification in detail and offer multiple speakers’ perspectives and applied lessons for daily worship, zikr, and lifelong istiqamah.

Allah knows how many mistakes we commit, but as we say, Allahumma aghfir wa raham, amma ta'alam, tajavuz amma ta'ala — may Allah overlook our mistakes and accept our ibadah through the wasilah of our Shaykh. In this episode we reflect on the life, karamat (miracles), and teachings of a Shaykh who preferred anonymity yet whose influence grows after his passing.

The host and guests recount visits to Daar-ul-Ehsaan and the Shaykh’s headquarters in Faisalabad, Pakistan noting a dramatic rise in visitors and demand for his books. We hear eyewitness stories — including a 1980 account from Moti Masjid of the Shaykh’s miraculous arrival as a ‘river of nur’ and the experience of Hazrat Junab Najib — and the Shaykh’s own written reflections on being spiritually tasked with people in far-flung places.

Central to the episode is the Shaykh’s teaching on ‘awakened hearts’: a hierarchical classification describing 300 hearts like Adam, 40 like Musa, 7 like Ibrahim, 5 like Jibreel, 3 like Mikhail, and a single heart like Israfil. The guests explain the responsibilities and barakah (blessing) of such hearts — that by their dua and presence they can bring life, increase the ummah, send rain, boost produce, and lessen calamities — and how only an awakened heart can truly rouse other hearts from spiritual sleep.

We also cover practical spiritual guidance from the Shaykh: the purpose of the body and its faculties (eyes to behold, heart to adore, tongue for dhikr, ears to hear the Rasul ﷺ, hands for purity, feet for service), the emphasis that the body is for worship not desire, and a reminder that provision and honor are ultimately in the hands of the Most Generous — Allah. The episode blends storytelling, spiritual classification, and actionable reminders on devotion and reliance on Allah.

Guests and voices include narrators and mureeds who share first-hand memories (notably Hazrat Junab Najib and mentions of Brother Shakeel), excerpts from the Shaykh’s writings, and reflections on how the Shaykh’s karamat and teaching continue to guide and awaken people today.

This episode is a recorded lecture given at a zikr gathering led by a senior Shaykh of the tariqah, drawing on the teachings and written works of Grand Shaykh Hazrat Abu Anees Muhammad Barkat Ali قَدَّسَ اللّهُ سِرَّه الْعَزِيز. The speaker addresses attendees who have traveled long distances for zikr and durood and frames the session around a practical manual compiled from the Grand Shaykh’s writings to guide personal reform (islah) and the obligations of da'wah and tabligh.

Key topics include the difference between knowledge and practice — a strong emphasis that reading books or attending talks means little unless believers put the teachings into action. The Shaykh explains that sincere practice of the Sunnah and regular zikr are essential, and he challenges excuses and complacency, urging members to attend masjid, perform mandated zikr and actively engage in dawah rather than remaining passive or self‑absorbed.

The talk explores spiritual diagnostics: how to know whether you are on Sirat al-Mustaqim or drifting as a fasiq (one who rebels from Allah’s way). The Shaykh illuminates how the nafs (lower self), aided by shaitan, keeps people spinning in confusion and inertia, and he offers practical remedies — recognizing the wrong road, stopping destructive cycles, and intentionally choosing the company and environments that support spiritual growth.

Practical guidance includes daily, achievable practices (for example, consistent short sessions of zikr), observing adab (proper etiquette such as seeking permission and informing leaders if you cannot attend), avoiding places and companions that enable sin, and literally holding the guiding hand of the Shaykh or wali to steady one’s course. The speaker also recounts the scorpion story to illustrate the unceasing mercy of the awliya and the need to never let go of spiritual guidance even when tested.

The episode stresses humility — that all of us, including the Shaykh, are affected by the nafs and therefore require continual vigilance, dhikr and accountability. It closes by inviting questions from brothers and sisters present and reminds listeners that reform demands dedication, sacrifice of time, and willingness to act on what is learned.

This episode features a powerful lecture drawing on the teachings of Shaykh Hazrat Abu Anees Muhammad Barakat Ali قَدَّسَ اللّهُ سِرَّه الْعَزِيز and the Prophetic tradition. The speaker addresses the congregation—with a direct appeal to the sisters in attendance—about proper adab (manners) in the house of Allah, urging everyone to treat each salat and zikr as if it might be their last, so that the heart, not just the tongue, is present in worship.

Core topics include: the sanctity of mosques and the need to avoid socializing during gatherings; the spiritual dangers of heedlessness and distractions; practical steps for daily practice such as reciting the Qur'an regularly, memorizing prescribed du'as, and performing dhikr with sincerity. The speaker shares striking examples of devotion from their Shaykh—longstanding daily counts of zikr, durood and Qur'an recitation—to show the level of commitment expected from disciples.

The episode also presents key hadiths and classical anecdotes to illuminate intention (niyyah) and reliance on Allah’s mercy: the story of Hazrat Hassan Basri’s رضي الله عنه night prayer and the Prophet’s ﷺ teaching that entry to Paradise depends on Allah’s mercy rather than deeds alone; and the famous prophetic narration about a scholar, a philanthropist and a martyr who were rejected for insincere intentions. These accounts underscore that actions without sincere niyyah can be worthless.

Practical guidance rounds out the talk: trust in Allah’s rizq so the dunya does not steal time from preparing for akhirah; a reminder to learn and recite the Qur’an in Arabic; and the specific ritual practice introduced for the gathering (the eight-rakah salat in which Surah al-Ikhlas is recited 11 times after al-Fatiha in each rakah, followed by one salam and dua, with a special dedication of reward to Hazrat Fatima az-Zahra رضي الله عنها). The episode closes with a call to purify intentions, concentrate in prayer, and make sincere dhikr so that worship is accepted by Allah.

In this episode, the speaker opens with praise of Allah and gratitude for the gift of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), and the Holy Qur'an, then moves into a heartfelt guidance session preparing the community for the upcoming month of Ramadan. The talk covers practical and spiritual topics: the importance of sincere gratitude (shukr) expressed through obedience and submission to Allah; expectations and scheduling for Taraweeh prayers (including local timings and arrangements with a hafiz for full Qur'an recitation); and the spiritual significance of fasting and Laylatul Qadr.

Key hadiths and Quranic principles are cited, including the rewards promised for fasting and performing Taraweeh with devotion, the virtues of Laylatul Qadr, and the encouragement to pay zakat during Ramadan for multiplied reward. The speaker emphasizes that Tarawih is an emphasized Sunnah and should be observed by both men and women, independent of ones fasting status, and stresses the importance of learning proper fiqh: what breaks the fast, the conditions and pillars of Salah and fasting, and making correct niyyah.

Practical guidance is offered about community arrangements, contacting mosque leaders for questions, and reminders of mercy in cases of genuine mistakes (e.g., eating in forgetfulness does not break the fast). The talk concludes with a broader spiritual reminder that Ramadan aims to increase taqwa — living with constant awareness that Allah is watching — and that true worship (ibadah) extends into every action of daily life when performed according to the Sunnah.

Jummah Khutbah | Don't Delay Your Deen: Make Every Moment Count

In this episode the speaker begins with heartfelt gratitude to Allah and reminds listeners of the urgency of living for the Akhirah. Emphasizing that life’s length is unknown, he urges believers to seize every moment — especially youth and good health — to perform righteous deeds, avoid procrastinating on the Deen, and prioritize actions that secure success in the hereafter. The talk repeatedly stresses that religious knowledge must translate into practice and warns scholars and laypeople alike against hypocrisy and mere talk without action.

The episode then explores the virtues and recommended acts of the month of Shawwal. The speaker narrates a hadith describing an 8-rakah prayer in Shawwal (each rakah: Surah al-Fatiha once and Surah al-Ikhlas 15 times, followed by dhikr and salawat) and explains its tremendous spiritual rewards — fountains of wisdom, forgiveness, and the opening of paradisiacal rewards. He also describes a related practice of four rakahs with Ikhlas 21 times that will open the eight gates of Paradise and close the seven gates of Hell, and notes the special merit of performing these prayers on the night or day of the first of Shawwal or around Eid.

The speaker highlights the famous Prophetic guidance that fasting six days of Shawwal after Ramadan is equivalent to fasting perpetually and that doing so purifies one’s sins as if newly born. Practical advice is given on when to start (often from the 2nd of Shawwal) and the flexibility to observe those fasts according to one’s schedule.

Throughout the sermon the core themes are clear: be mindful that time is limited, place the Deen into daily practice, avoid pointless hair-splitting over minutiae, and make the most of Ramadan’s mercy by continuing righteous deeds into Shawwal. Listeners can expect Qur’an and Hadith references, moral exhortation, and concrete spiritual practices to implement immediately — from specific prayers and dhikr to the six Shawwal fasts — all aimed at increasing tawfiq and preparing for the Akhirah.

Join Brother Idris and the host for a heartfelt session on the nature of the nafs (the commanding self), spiritual purification (tazkiyah), and practical ways to reclaim inner freedom. The episode explores the Quranic warning that the nafs often urges us toward wrongdoing and explains how the mind and body differ from the timeless ruh (soul). Through accessible metaphors — beads on a string, the witness to the mind, and the monkey-and-jar parable — the speaker clarifies how attachment and identification with roles, possessions and memories empower the nafs and produce suffering.

Listeners will hear real-life examples and relatable anecdotes, from the tragedy of addiction to the surgeon who continued to smoke, to stories of saints and spiritual interventions that illustrate surrender, tawbah and the power of seeking guidance. The talk includes reflections on will versus command in Divine decree, the importance of obeying the Messenger ﷺ , and the central role of zikr (remembrance of Allah) and the company of the pious in weakening the nafs’s grip.

The episode also previews communal observances: guidance about Salat al-Khair and recommended practices for the 15th night of Shaʻban (Shab-i-Barat), including performing night prayer, dhikr and reciting Surah al-Ikhlas. Practical pointers are offered on how to prioritize amal (righteous action) over mere knowledge, how to respond to life’s tests without panic, and how to make room for spiritual growth by letting go of attachments.

Expect spiritual counsel, Qur’anic references, hadith reminders, uplifting stories of saints and seekers, and an invitation to join collective worship and zikr. This episode is aimed at listeners seeking inward transformation: those struggling with compulsions or attachments, and anyone wanting guidance on cultivating presence, surrender and steady practice in the path of tazkiyah.