Yasir Qadhi

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves into the Names of Allah related to Maghfirah. Ghafara means to cover or conceal something, or to overlook what someone has done to you and over 300 verses mention Maghfira in the Holy Qur'an.   There are atleast 7 names derived from Maghfirah -  Al-Ghafur, Al-Ghaafir, Al-Ghaffar, Wasi’al Maghfirah, Ahlal Maghfirah, Dhul Maghfirah and Khairul Ghaafireen. What is the difference between Ghaafir, Ghafur and Ghaffar? Ghafir - the One who Forgives.  Al-Ghafur - Ghafur is the One who has the Power to Forgive no matter how large the sin. Al-Ghaffar - for quantity and frequency, He continuously does Maghfirah. How does one want to strive to attain Allah's Maghfirah?  By asking for Maghfirah continuously.   We learn to forgive others, who have done us wrong. By forgiving others, Allah will forgive us.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delves into the names of Allah that relate to Rahma which is used in almost 500 verses of the Noble Qur'an and the Name of Allah, Ar-Rahman occurs 57 times. Some differences between Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem are as follows: Ar-Rahman (Mercy) is for all of His creation, while Ar-Raheem (mercy) is only for the Muslims.  Ar-Rahman's mercy is comprehensive, while Ar-Raheem’s Mercy reaches only those whom He wants to reach.  Ar-Rahman is in this world, while Ar-Raheem is in the Hereafter.   Ar-Rahman describes the nature of Allah, Ar-Raheem describes His actions.  Ar-Raheem occurs 114 times in the Qur'an. The two most common combinations are Al-Ghafur Ar-Raheem and Al-Azeez Ar-Raheem. Al-Azeez Ar-Raheem means the One who has Power and Mercy. Al-Ghafur Ar-Raheem means  the One who forgives because He has Mercy.   What should be the effect of the 5 names derived from Rahma on our hearts?  Increase in our hearts the love of Allah.   Our hope in Allah's Mercy should be infinite. We need to have good thoughts of Allah.  To be shy of Allah's Mercy. How can we be disobedient to someone who gives us so much?  We should be merciful to others.  To use them in Du'a such as "Ya Rahman, Ya Raheem" etc.  How do we attain the Rahma of Allah?  The ones who show mercy, Ar Rahman will have mercy on them. Coming to the Masjid, praying and listening to Islamic knowledge.  Obey Allah and His Messenger SAW.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi attempts to extract the right meanings of the names of Allah - Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem, Khayrar-Rahimeen, Arhamur-Rahimeen and Dhur-Rahma. Ar-Rahman and Ar Raheem are those name of Allah that resonate with a profound status,both linked, and are the only two names that are the first verses in the Surahs in the Qur'an. The Prophet ﷺ says, 'The most beloved names to Allah are Abdullah and Abd-ArRahman.’   Ar-Rahman is mentioned 57 times in the Qur'an. When Allah mentions the largest creation, His Throne (Arsh), He uses Ar-Rahman 7 times. How do Ar Rahman and Ar Raheem differ from one another? Shaykh Yasir Qadhi answers. The Prophet ﷺ said, "When Allah created the creation, He divided his mercy into 100 parts.  1 has been revealed to this world and because of it people are merciful to each other. He has saved 99 parts of His Mercy and it will be used on the Day of Judgment."

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi acquaints us with the unique characteristics of Allah's names and how we should comprehend these divine names. Among the most common names of Allah is Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem, Arhamar Rahimeen, KhairUr-Rahimeen and Dhur-Rahma. Some unique characteristics of Allah’s names are synonymous with the following: Allah SWT has 99 names. How so? Allah’s names are always extracted from the Qur'an and Sunnah. Allah's names are eternal. Allah’s names always commence with a capital letter such as Ar Raheem, Al-Malik, Al-Quddus. Allah's names must exude truthfulness and valid meaning. Allah's names appear in pairs more often than not such as Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem, Al-Hayy Al-Qayyum.

Shaykh Dr Yasir Qadhi divulges immense details on the most common and primary name of our Creator, "Allah” which is mentioned approximately 3500 times in the Qur'an. The name Allah comes from "Alaha," which means to turn to for protection and help, which every single creation in the heavens and earth do. However, the preferred meaning has the name coming from "Aliha-Ya'lahu," which means "to worship." So, Allah means the one who "is worshipped" and "deserves to be worshipped".  What are the Characteristics of the Name Allah? This name encompasses all the other names of Allah, because the one who "is" and "deserves" to be worshipped must have all the other qualities (i.e, other names of Allah). All four primary Adhkar (SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, LailahaIllallah and AllahuAkbar) also revolve around this name. The name is very easy on the tongue and has a special "Tafkheem" (heaviness) in pronunciation. Over 33 verses begin with the name Allah in the Noble Qur'an.

Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi discusses in this beautiful lecture about the Names and Attributes of Allah and what importance it should be of in our lives in the way of perfection of our Deen. It is binding upon every Muslim to study and memorize the Names and Attributes of Allah. The knowledge of the same is the most sacred type of knowledge one can attempt to imbibe.  Allah reminds us in the Qur'an that "To Allah belong the most magnificent, perfect and beautiful names (Al-Asma Ul-Husna) so make Du'a with them." Knowledge of Allah is the central tenet of our belief and worship of Allah and His religion.nothing increase our Iman as the knowledge of Allah and His Names and Attributes. Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah Al-A’raf, 7:180 - ‘And to Allah belong the best names, so invoke Him by them.’

Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi acquaints us with the six major battles that were won by Muslims during the month of Ramadan and the lessons we comprehend from these historical battles. Battle of Badr - 17 Ramadan, 2 H Conquest of Makkah - 23 Ramadan,8H Battle of Andalus - 28 Ramadan, 93 H Battle under Muhammed Ibn Qasim in Sindh -94 H Battle of Hattin - 583 H Battle of Ain Jaloot -25 Ramadan, 658 H Listen intently to reiterate the comprehensive lessons that must be imbibed and inculcated amongst the Muslim Ummah.

Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi continues to unravel details about Ali Ibn Abi Talib RA, incidents during the lifetime of Abu Bakr RA, including the giving of bai’ah to Abu Bakr RA, and the early seeds of Shi'ism. The separation of the two groups - Sunni and Shias started after the death of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The majority believed that his rightful successor was Abu Bakr RA, but a small group believed that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ successor should be Ali ibn Abi Talib RA. Ali RA had no ill will towards Abu Bakr RA and this statement is the crux of the talk in the video above. Shaykh Yasir Qadhi explicitly explains the circumstances for this situation to arise and also how this was actually nothing short of an issue blown out of proportion when in reality, matters were resolved amicably and without much ado.

Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi sheds light on an academic perspective to the scholars and activists present encouraging them to overcome the Salafi-Ashari divide of intra-Sunni Islam. In a discussion that delves on historical and modern aspects, the Shaykh contemplates on these strands of Sunnism dating back to the 3rd Islamic century, during the time of Imam Ahmad b. Hanbal and his contemporary Imam al-Muhasibi. In the modern era, the Shaykh argues the pros and cons of their unity and disparity. All in all, this essential talk focuses on brotherhood and unity amongst groups that have been historically agitated since time immemorial.

Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi continues to share explicit details on the blessings and life of Ali Ibn Abi Talib RA  in particular incidents that transpired in the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His virtues and good qualities are to keep a tab upon, to such an extent that some of our scholars compiled books focusing only on them. The Prophet ﷺ said: “You are of me and I am of you.” [Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 2699] Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "That is, in lineage, relationship by marriage, in seniority (in Islam), in love and in other ways." Also, we are provided with a detailed elucidation on prominent incidents relating to or having Ali RA in the picture such as battle of Khyber, slander of Aisha RA and many more incidents. Please do watch the video to be enlightened about this great Caliph .