The Beginning of Guidance for Muslim Women
Latest Episodes
Online Class Recording #2: Avoiding the Sins of the Eye, Ear and Tongue
Welcome to the second, online class recording of Imam al-Ghazali's Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidayat). We discuss how the commentator, Imam al-Jawi, builds his commentary by drawing upon eleven branches of knowledge that we identify and colour cod
Online Class Recording # 1: Avoiding the Sins of the Limbs
Welcome to our first class recording! We have switched from straight podcasting to teaching the text, The Beginning of Guidance, on the online Zoom format. These classes are available to all listeners who would like to attend in person on Sundays, or if y
Fasting: Voluntary Trade and Spiritual Realities
This is a detailed episode divided into two parts. In the first part, Imam al-Ghazali discusses the voluntary fasts that are recommended on an annual, monthly and weekly basis. The rewards and reasons for fasting at these times are explained and the comm
The Etiquettes of the Congregational Prayer and Fridays
Perfecting the etiquettes of the congregational prayer is an important part of a Muslim's family and community life. In this episode, we discuss the details of the etiquettes that pertain to the Imam (the person leading the prayer) and the Ma'mum (the per
Delight Us By It, O Bilal! Part 2
We conclude our study of the formal prayer with Imam al-Ghazali's detailed explanation of how to perfect its performance. We are taken step-by-step through each movement, with advice on perfecting the raising of the hands to enter the prayer, the recitat
Delight Us By It, O Bilal! Part 1
Join us in this episode for a detailed explanation of four short paragraphs in Imam al-Ghazali's Beginning of Guidance on preparing the heart before prayer! Firstly, we revise the conditions of prayer, such as having the correct purification, covering the
Praying in Your Sleep
Finish up your day the Prophetic way, by following the eight etiquettes of sleep described by Imam al-Ghazali in this chapter. Learn how to prepare for sleep, the dua and ayaat to read before sleeping, how to wake up and what does it mean to pray in your
Precious Jewels
In this episode, Imam al-Ghazali lays out the optimal schedule for benefiting from the remainder of the day from noon until the night prayer. He reminds us that we have a precious jewel in every moment... Discover how to prepare for each of the rest of th
Keep Your Heart Connected When Engaged With Worldly Life
After morning worship is concluded, how should we best spend our time until midday? Imam al-Ghazali counsels us in four areas of activity from which the person seeking her Lord in all times of the day will benefit the most. We are taught about wha
Motherhood and the Mosque
In this episode we discuss some of the challenges facing mothers with young children and how to be worshipful in any situation. We expand upon the key concept of having a full worship schedule by learning how to structure and benefit the most from our tim