What strategies are used to keep Muslims out of the political process? What are our concerns? Dr. Hathout shows how these tactics are not new. Examples of these attacks from the life of the Propher Muhammad are discussed.
The three factors we must not lose to survive as a Muslim community: faith, direction, and drive. Also discussed, the difference between good and bad organizations.
Human nature demands immediate results and when results are not received, we are vulnerable to despair. Discussed is the importance of patience during difficult times.
How do we analyze the impact of 9/11 and the tactics used by those who want to destroy Islam? Focusing on the three main strategies used by Islamophobes: spreading lies, Muslims as suspects, and attacking the foundations of Islam.
The three major issues affecting Muslims after 9/11. What is our response?
- The increasing number of detainees and deported Muslims
- The violation of laws in Palestine
- The call for war in Iraq
Loss of faith after 9/11 and the impact of the “axis of evil”: Jerry Falwell, Frank Graham, and Pat Robertson. Aslo, the importance of knowing who and what our U.S. representatives serve.
How to stay perserverant and not feel defeated with world events.
How do we handle natural and man-made disasters? What does it mean to be tested by God? Dr. Hathout discusses how blaming God is the wrong reaction and our responsibility as viceregents on earth.
Dr. Hathout reviews the many forms of discrimination against Muslims in America and the similarities between the current form of government and a dictatorship.
Discussed are two major concerns of our community: our position in the US as established citizens and attacks on Islam by those who know very little about it.
Respecting our rights and the rights of others. Dr. Hathout reviews Sura 11, Verses 113-115.
What are the factors that stand between us and God? A close look at:
- Fear other than fear of God.
- Despair: Losing trust in God.
- Hardening of the heart: Loss of compassion
The dangers facing American Muslims: confusion over Middle East politics and losing our identity as American Muslims.
Defining our stand against the Iraq war and clarifying our roles as American citizens.
Taking a close look at the silver lining of every difficulty.
Dr. Hathout examines how we should take a role in society by the following actions:
- Studying and understanding events using rational thinking
- Forming a stand
- Speaking out
How do we understand the nature of the period we live in? We either have a pessimistic attitude or we have the attitude of a true believer. How do we react to being tested by God?
Dr. Hathout discusses how to respond to hostility using the example of the Prophet and his companions.
How to interact with the following types of people: people who are eager to learn about Islam, people who are full of hate, and the kind-hearted who are afraid of Islam. Also, dealing with the many different kinds of Muslims such as those who are hiding out of fear and Muslims who have left Islam.
Dr. Hathout discusses the three factors we as a community must overcome to avoid being marginalized: fear, a hardened heart, and despair.
It is important to assess the strength of our faith before the month of Ramadan, as well as after. What are the criteria given to us in the Quran? Who are the true believers? Dr. Hathout reviews God consciousness, mending relations, and obeying the teaching of God and His prophets.
From obscurity to Eid in the White House, the history of Ramadan in the United States is explored. What is the significance and where do we go from here?
What is the difference between behavior, character, and attitude? Also, the concept of thankfulness in Islam is discussed.
Dr. Hathout reviews the forms of speech that can have a positive or negative effect.
Dr. Hathout explores the Islamic concept of freedom and discusses how it is not originally a western philosophy.
Remembering Islamic taste. How does wrong behavior become normal in our society? What is our standard? Also discussed, the concept of leadership in Islam.
The goals of Islam’s enemies are to mislead the public, trample the constitution, and isolate Muslims. Our goal is to attempt to deal with those who are being manipulated by the media and fear Islam, and not to deal with those who are trying to destroy it.
The torture of Muslim prisoners by the American military is an attempt to dehumanize them. Where does the hate come from? The effects of racism and how we should react are discussed.
How do we handle ourselves in regard to world events? Our main goal is to protect our community and our country. The three reactions that are not acceptable: apathy, blind anger, and fear.
Any reaction to injustice must be within Islamic guidelines and not with anger and violence. Are we guided by Islamic prinicples or are we using Islam to justify our actions and agendas? What is the difference between prisoners of war and hostages? Dr. Hathout discusses our reactions to world events.
What factors bring civilization down? Dr. Hathout analyzes the effects of normalizing bad behavior and the strategy used to do it.
Dr. Hathout explores the dangers of depression. When all hope is gone, we must rely on our faith by using the Quran, the model of our Prophet, and past experiences.
The main factor that distinguishes us from other creatures is self-restraint. Our spiritual connection with God directs our conduct and self-restraint throughout life.
Dr. Hathout reminds us that we have an important mission and explains how to accomplish it regardless of world circumstances.
We are well informed on the sentiments of the American public regarding world affairs. But how well do we know the sentiments of Muslims around the world? Dr. Hathout reflects on a recent trip to Egypt and shares the opinions and frustrations of Muslims in the Middle East.
Dr. Hathout reviews the many aspects of Hajj including the concept of togetherness, monotheism, diversity, equality, and mannerism.
Dr. Hathout discusses the Hijra and what we should learn from it.
The status of our Ummah needs to change through a return to the Quran. We can no longer respond to blood being spilled by numbness, denial, or conspiracy theories. Dr. Hathout reviews Quranic ruling on violence against others.
Are we responsible for the deteriorating condition of Muslims around the world? How, and what do we about it? Dr. Hathout examines our responsibility at the individual and community levels by debunking common excuses given for our lack of action: conspiracy theories, victim mentality, blame game, and relegating responsibility to others.
Dr. Hathout discusses Sura 61 Verse 2 and avoiding rhetoric. The importance of doing what you say you will do.
What does it mean to have a cohesive community? Dr. Hathout analyzes the many factors that contribute to an effective community and how to continue to make it grow.
How do we respond to those who want to burn or destroy the Quran? In response to recent events regarding those who want to desecrate the Quran, Dr. Hathout reminds us that God will protect the Quran and that it is not just paper.
In order to follow the straight path of Islam, we cannot react with anger or despair to current events. Dr. Hathout discusses how understanding the issues rationally and thoroughly will lead to the correct solutions.
Continued from the previous week. Many Muslims have lost their way to the straight path by succumbing to hate and anger. The importance of Muslim public opinion is discussed.
After a bombing incident in the streets of London, Dr. Hathout emphasizes the need to protect Muslim youth from being exploited by extremists.
What is the purpose of giving a fatwa against terrorism? And, what do we do after giving the fatwa?
Dr. Hathout explains why Muslims are required to help those in need.
What is our duty in times of natural and man made catastrophes?
Dr. Hathout suggests that we resolve to follow the guidelines in the Quran.
A look at Ramadan over the past 30 years and how it has changed in America. Also, the importance of supporting our Islamic institutions.
As Ramadan comes to a close, Dr. Hathout reflects on its purpose and also discusses the many different ways God tests us.
Dr. Hathout talks about the attempt to make Islam irrelevant and the feeling of despair as two of the main challenges facing Muslims today. We must study and understand these challenges in order to deal with them effectively.
Are Muslim organizations doing enough? Dr. Hathout discusses the importance of assessing our individual contributions and the purity of our hearts.
Discussed today is the growing sectarian violence in Iraq and the failure of Muslims to leave the past behind.
What and who are the enemies of Islam? What is their tactic and how are we falling into their traps? Dr. Hathout discusses how to deal with the enemies of Islam and the six types of enemies Muslims must be aware of.
Commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. How the completion of Islam happened in 3 ways: through the Quran, the messenger, and implementation of Islamic law.
Dr. Hathout reviews 3 verses in the Quran that emphasize our responsibility to change our behavior and offers ways to implement the guidelines when coming to the mosque.
Dr. Hathout discusses different tactics used by hate groups to isolate other groups, particularly Muslims, and stresses 4 factors we must focus on: the Quran, Prophet Muhammad, our community, and the enemies. Also discussed is the attempt to isolate the Prophet and his followers.
Dr. Hathout emphasizes the importance of Muslims being concerned and involved with issues pertaining to justice and human rights for all people and not just other Muslims.
With disheartening news fulfilling the airwaves, Dr. Hathout reviews Sura 42, Verses 40-43 to explain how Muslims are ordered to defend themselves against tyranny and oppression, rather than feeling helpless and filled with despair.
Dr. Hathout uses Sura 12, Verse 108 to show how we must define who we are and our mission, just as the Prophet Muhammad was ordered to do, to complete the mission with clarity.
What do we gain from coming to the mosque? Dr. Hathout discusses the importance of giving back.
What does the Quran say about how we relate to non-Muslims? What should our relations be with our fellow American citizens? Dr. Hathout discusses the issues of misunderstanding and suspicion between Muslims and non-Muslims and how we solve the problem.
Dr. Hathout discusses how the documentary “Obsession” is being used to promote fear and how we should counter the attack.
Human beings can make plans, but the future is out of our control. The importance of remembering that nothing will happen without God’s will.