The Quran states that this world will flourish through the blessing of *tawheed* (oneness of God). The purpose of Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) prophethood was to serve as a bearer of glad tidings and a warning to all of humanity. The completion of the illumination of *tawheed* and the fulfillment of its purpose remain ongoing tasks. This lecture emphasizes the enduring relevance of this message and the continuing need to strive for its realization.

199

This lecture emphasizes that success and overcoming challenges are only possible with the support of a divine force. It addresses the reasons for national decline and the imposition of external policies, asserting that true independence requires alignment with a higher power. The speaker warns against allowing external entities like the IMF and World Bank to dictate national fate, highlighting the need for policies rooted in faith and divine guidance. Without divine support, the nation risks continued subjugation and the loss of control over its own destiny.

84

This lecture clarifies the meaning of Surah Al-Asr, emphasizing that all of humanity is in loss except those who believe, perform righteous deeds, call to truth, and exercise patience. The verse’s initial oath highlights the importance of understanding its context. The discussion details the conditions for escaping loss, focusing on faith, good actions, upholding truth, and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Dr. Israr Ahmad elucidates the interconnectedness of the verses and the overall message of accountability and the path to success.

64

The soul is the center of our existence, distinct from the body. While the body originates from the earth, remains for a time, and ultimately returns to it, the soul is eternal and originates from, and returns to, God. Death involves the separation of the soul from the body; the soul itself does not die but transitions. The act of ‘ قبض’ (taking/receiving) relates to the body, not the soul. The soul’s journey is one of return to its divine source, a concept encapsulated in the phrase ‘Inna lillahi wa ilayhi raji’un.’

58

This lecture explores the three dimensions of Allah's knowledge as detailed in Surah Taghabun. The first is His knowledge of everything in the heavens and earth. The second is His awareness of both outward actions and hidden intentions. The third, and most profound, is His knowledge of the contents of the human heart, including subconscious thoughts and motivations. Humans often deceive themselves, believing their intentions are pure when they are not. Allah knows these hidden biases. This discussion connects these concepts to modern psychology, explaining the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind. It highlights that Allah is aware of the internal struggles, temptations, and the turmoil within the human psyche, even before the individual is consciously aware of them.

79

Pre-Islamic Arabs practiced forms of worship that mirrored some Islamic rituals. While distorted, practices resembling prayer (salat) existed, although expressed through clapping and whistling. The pilgrimage to the Kaaba (hajj) was also common, though the Quraish limited their participation to Mina instead of Arafat. Animal sacrifice (qurbani) was routinely performed, and the core phrases of the pilgrim’s chant (talbiyah) remained largely unchanged. These practices demonstrate a pre-existing spiritual inclination among the Arabs, which Islam later refined and perfected.

49