02 – Faith & Certitude – Renewing Religion- Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Renewing Religion: An Overview of Ghazali's Ihya

In this re-broadcasted episode, Shaykh Faraz gives an overview of the second chapter from Imam Ghazali’s Ihya Uloom al-Din, Foundations of Islamic Belief. Shaykh Faraz highlights what Muslims believe, how faith is nurtured, and the understanding of faith. He concludes with an example of the Prophetic through one of the narrated supplications of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Shaykh Faraz tells us that it is personally obligatory for every Muslim to know with clarity and certitude what is necessary to believe about Allah, His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and the transmitted articles of belief.

Shaykh Faraz then highlights the point Imam Ghazali makes about how faith is nurtured. He says that faith is not nurtured by mere study. Rather, it is nurtured by submission and by turning to Allah Most High in devotion. This is done through living faith in one’s life, by acquiring virtuous traits and by ridding oneself of blameworthy traits.

Then, Shaykh Faraz outlines the levels of faith. The first level is mere faith; accepting without understanding. The second level is faith with understanding. The third level is living faith with consciousness. In understanding and studying the proofs of Islamic beliefs, there is a strengthening of faith, Shaykh Faraz tells us.

Finally, Shaykh Faraz concludes with Prophetic supplication that portrays faith: (يا حي يا قيوم برحمتك أستغيث أصلح لي شأني كله ولا تكلني إلى نفسي طرفة عين) (Oh Living! Oh Sustaining! In Your Mercy do I seek urgent aid! Rectify all my affairs — and do not leave me to myself for a blinking of an eye.) In this brief overview of Imam Ghazali’s opus magnum, Ihya Uloom ud-Din (Renewing the Religious Sciences), this series will serve as blueprint for how the believer can bring to life their religion. It will aim to help the believer to not just practice the form of the religion properly, but to also practice it with excellence.

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