Do you teach your children to love Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and to reflect on his life, character, and being?

Imam Zaid Shakir on history of Islam in America, structural racism, and Black resistance.

Imam Zaid Shakir explains in great detail the essence of Islam is for one to actualize the station of servitude which results in the inverse relationship of lordship only to Allah Most High.

“Those who believe are more intense with their love for Allah” – What does this mean and how can we attain this love?

Imam Zaid Shakir delivered this powerful sermon on Eid Al-Adha emphasizing how Prophet Abraham (upon him be peace) was an embodiment of leadership, obedience, and thankful for the blessings bestowed by Allah despite the trials and triumphs endured. To be a leader seek strength and guidance by relying on Allah, during these days and times of social confusion. Recorded live at the Unity Park in Oakland, CA on Aug. 10, 2019.

Society is taking us away from our true nature and purpose. Islam is calling us to this. How can we avoid the distractions and return to The Truth?

Imam Zaid Shakir highlights reclaiming our legacy for an abandoned frontier, the community, people, and nation of Latin America (Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America), and impact of African Muslim interaction.

Imam Zaid Shakir delivers a Khutbah about the importance of following the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his rightly guided successors. This sermon was delivered at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay in Pleasanton, California on May 24, 2019.

Learning leadership and humility from Umar ibn al Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him.

Imam Zaid Shakir gives a talk in Ramadan 2012 about fasting, worship, and attaining forgiveness. He reads from Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali’s book “Lata’if al-Ma’arif fa ma li Mawam al-Azim min al-Wadha’if” (“The Subtleties of Knowledge Concerning What Each Season Contains of Religious Duties”).

Imam Zaid spoke at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on July 30, 2012.

Do we really know if we are paying our zakat correctly? Are we purifying our wealth?

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses the faith-affirming night journey
of the Prophet (PBUH) when he made a heavenly ascension (Al Isra Wal Mi’raj).

Isra Mi’raj is commemorated on the 27th of Rajab.

Imam Zaid’s talk was delivered at the Muslim Community Center of East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on Friday, April 2, 2019.

This night happened in 621, which is the year of sadness (‘Aam ul Huzn) when Abu Talib & Khadijah (RA) died. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) rode Buraq (a white steed) during his journey and Allah enjoined 50 prayers and reduced the prayers to five.

He met different Prophets on the journey:

– 7th Heaven met Ibrahim (AS)
– 6th Heaven met Musa (AS)
– 5th Heaven met Harun (AS)
– 4th Heaven met Idris (AS)
– 3rd Heaven met Yusuf (AS)
– 2nd Heaven met Isa (AS) & Yahya (AS)
– 1st Heaven met Adam (AS)

MI’RAJ – Ascend to heaven where he speaks to God
ISRA’ – Night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem

The prophet went from the Haram mosque (Saudi Arabia) to Al-Aqsa Mosque (Palestine) – a journey that by flight today takes nearly two hours.

Sharia is a religious law forming part of the Islamic tradition. It is derived from the religious precepts of Islam, particularly the Qur’an and the Hadith. In Arabic, the term sharīʿah refers to God’s immutable Divine law and is contrasted with fiqh, which refers to its human scholarly interpretations. The manner of its application in modern times has been a subject of dispute between Muslim traditionalists and reformists.

The traditional theory of Islamic jurisprudence recognizes four sources of sharia: the Quran, Sunnah (authentic Hadith), qiyas (analogical reasoning), and ijma (juridical consensus). Different legal schools—of which the most prominent are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali and Jafari—developed methodologies for deriving sharia rulings from scriptural sources using a process known as ijtihad.

Traditional jurisprudence distinguishes two principal branches of law, ʿibādāt (rituals) and muʿāmalāt (social relations), which together comprise a wide range of topics. Its rulings assign actions to one of five categories: mandatory, recommended, neutral, abhorred, and prohibited. Thus, some areas of sharia overlap with the Western notion of law while others correspond more broadly to living life in accordance with God’s will.

This series of talks were delivered at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California in December 2012.

Imam Zaid Shakir expounds on the crises of despair in society, impact on the Muslim community, and the cure for this disease. Khutbah given at Lighthouse Mosque, Oakland, CA. on 9-14-18.

Imam Zaid Shakir clarifies how to make an accurate assessment of what constitutes oppression, the consideration of justice, and not to separate the standards established by the divine law. Recorded on 12/8/2018 at MCA (Muslim Community Center), Santa Clara, CA.

Imam Zaid Shakir clarifies what it means to strive for communal empowerment and how Muslims can recommit to this lifelong journey starting from embracing our strangeness and ending at submission. Lecture took place on Jan. 12, 2019, University of California, MSA West Conference 2019, Irvine, CA.

One of the biggest issues facing Muslim Americans today is Islamophobia. All around us, Muslims are targeted simply for being Muslim, making it incredibly hard for the youth of our generation to practice their faith comfortably. Allah ﷻ tells us in the Quran, “وَلاَ تَهِنُوا وَلاَ تَحْزَنُوا وَأَنتُمُ الأَعْلَوْنَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ” “And do not grieve and do not be sad, for you are the higher ones if you were believers.” How can we get Muslim youth to have strength in who they are, without needing to run away or hide?

Imam Zaid Shakir clarifies that Allah is described as light of the heavens and earth: unique in powers, wisdom, knowledge and brings forth the creation from darkness into light. The purpose for the believer is to protect faith and resist the evil maladies that lead to disbelief. Khutbah given at The Lighthouse Mosque, Oakland, CA. on Dec. 7. 2018.

Imam Zaid Shakir gave this powerful talk at The Majlis’ first annual fundraiser about the prophetic tradition of compassion in our everyday life.

The nation-state and nationalism are both modern phenomena. In his article for Renovatio, Zaid Shakir writes that Islam contains clear arguments against the most important elements of nationalism. This conversation explores the contents of his article, Where Islam and Nationalism Collide, to be published in Vol I, Issue II of Renovatio: the Journal of Zaytuna College: https://renovatio.zaytuna.edu/article/where-islam-and-nationalism-collide

Imam Zaid Shakir clarifies masculine and feminine gender in Islam, and meaningful relationships between men and women.

Imam Zaid Shakir delivers a Khutbah stressing the importance as Muslims to be givers of glad tidings in light of mankind’s corruption of the land, air, water, and its impact on communal life.

Imam Zaid Shakir speaks about Islamophobia and bigotry in America against Islam and Muslims at the 2017 Festival of Faiths event.

Imam Zaid Shakir emphasizes the importance of being a spiritual light in non-material terms in order to offer the world a different way of seeing reality.

Imam Zaid Shakir speaks at the DC Women’s conference talking about the struggles of women and how it can inspire us.

Imam Zaid Shakir reminds us that when we say “In God We Trust” we are following in the footsteps of all the Prophets of Allah (peace be upon them all), He reminds us not to despair as it is not our way, the way of believing people.

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses Islam’s stance on the LGBTQ issue and limits as Muslims, and in regards to the LGBTQ community. How, Muslim youth should interact with the LGBTQ community, including when their own Muslim friends identify as LGBTQ. He also explains how youth can be ambassadors of Islam while still respecting other communities.

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) narrated by Abu Thar (RA), be mindful of Allah, a good action clears a misdeed, and treat people with good character.

Imam Zaid Shakir talks about honoring the legacy of many greats who struggled and sacrificed to provide a dignified living for American-Muslims. Imam Zaid spoke at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on Sunday, October 14, 2018.

In this sermon Imam Zaid Shakir discusses the importance of internalizing and actualizing to the depths of our being the reality of God, heaven, hell, and other aspects of the unseen realm in these days and times.

In this Sermon, Imam Zaid Shakir provides integral advice on how to internalize the reality and meaning of Allah in our lives.

Sermon published on Oct. 5, 2018 at Islamic Center of Tempe, Phoenix, AZ.

Imam Zaid Shakir talks about taking stock of our faith and prioritizing our many loves in life to avoid a crisis of faith.

This sermon was delivered at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay in Pleasanton, California on September 30, 2016.

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses the noble historical role of Prophet Muhahammad (SAW) in light of the current events upon the release of a derogatory film depicting a negative image and how some Muslims have responded to it.

A powerful khutbah delivered by Imam Zaid Shakir during Ramadan of 2013 at the Muslim Community Center of East Bay (MCC) about the significance of Laylat Al-Qadr (Night of Power)

The lack of shyness is one of the root causes of immoral and shameful actions in society.

Imam Zaid Shakir delivers a Khutbah about returning to divine guidance. This sermon was delivered at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on Friday, April 27th, 2018.

Imam Zaid Shakir states God has sanctified life and murder of unarmed innocent human beings is a violation and crime against public order.

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses in this profound sermon recent insults upon the Prophets (peace be upon them), satanic forces tearing apart families and society as a whole. This sermon was delivered at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on Friday, March 23, 2018.

Imam Zaid Shakir talks about our community’s proclivity to procrastination so we can hasten to implement God’s commands to us and to avoid the prohibitions. He gave tips to remedy and beat our laziness, including performing our prayer (Salat) on time.

This sermon was delivered at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on Friday, February 2, 2018.

Being a Muslim doesn’t mean you only do the rituals and forget about those around you. Islam is about living your life in a way that also leads to the betterment of society. One way to increase your spirituality is through standing up for justice. The Prophet is our example of someone who practiced spiritual development through civic engagement.

The precious advice that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave humanity in his last Sermon (The Sermon of Farewell) shows how much Islam values and appreciates the concepts of social equality, brotherhood, individual liberty and mutual cooperation as a guiding light for humanity fourteen centuries ago. Join us in covering these beautiful principles and discussing how we can apply them to our daily lives.

Imam Zaid Shakir gives a powerful lecture reminding us of our duty in this world and our eventual return to our final resting place.

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses the Jihad of the self.

Imam Zaid Shakir delivers a Taraweeh Reminder in Ramadan 2012 at the MCC East Bay in Pleasanton, California on August 4, 2012.

Imam Zaid Shakir explains how when Allah says in the Qur’an, “Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Sarah Ra‘d 13:11) a huge component of this is in appreciation of one’s blessings.

In light of current events, Imam Zaid Shakir discusses how the world is a trial for the believer, and the essence of this life is to worship Allah alone.

Khutbah at MCC, Pleasanton, CA. – Sept. 9, 2016

Imam Zaid Shakir examines the example of our great patriarch Abraham focusing on what it means to be a leader and a moral exemplar. This was the Eid al Adha 2017 khutbah.

Imam Zaid Shakir delivers a Jumu’ah Khutbah encouraging us to think well of others because maintaining a good opinion of our fellow believers brings goodness to our worship.

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses the importance and the blessings of the first ten days of Dhull Hijjah.

Imam Zaid Shakir emphasizes the commitment to love Allah, “love for your brother what you love for yourself”, and its profound impact for the Muslims and greater community at large.

Imam Zaid Shakir delivers a Friday Khutbah about how we can patiently preserve through our challenges in the days ahead. This sermon was given on Friday, January 13, 2017 at the Muslim Community Center (MCC) – East Bay in Pleasanton, California.

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses the various different types of people who helped the Prophet (s) in the early days of Islam.

Seeing that you were dead and He gave you life. Then He will give you death, then again will bring you to life (on the Day of Resurrection) and then unto Him you will return. (Surah Baqarah 2: 28)

What happens to us when we die? What is the soul? Where are heaven and hell? Is there a reckoning with the creator? Questions such as these about death and dying have frightened and fascinated humanity since the beginning of time. This session explores these existential questions by providing an overview of answers from the sacred scriptures. It examines the viability of reincarnation, the sensual imagery of Paradise, as well as what to make of near-death experiences. Theological scholarship combined with insight and sensitivity make this session thoroughly translatable, a simple introduction to profound and complicated subjects.

Loneliness and isolation, Imam Zaid Shakir argues, have no place in an ummah of compassion and mercy. He also addresses Sunni-Shia aggression and hatred, which he describes as a disease we must fight.

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children – like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion. (Surah Hadid, 57:20)

We are often reminded in the Qur’an that the world around us is filled with distractions that can keep us from realizing the true potential of our humanity. The modern world’s incessant concentration on material and social pursuits has granted many of us with lots of possessions and ideas, yet we still feel empty inside. Even as Muslims’ identity appears galvanized in a response to an endlessly news cycle, Islamophobia and injustice, this reactive activism to those challenges in itself often paralyzes and distracts us from the pressing issues of the soul that are humanity’s greatest need. In this session we will seek to examine how we can shed the weight from our hearts and unlock our spiritual potential.

Sometimes we forget the reward of Jannah and we lose focus of the real goal. Imam Zaid Shakir reminds us to be strong and be conscious of our real purpose.

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses how Muslims can address the questioning of most fundamental creed of their faith – Belief in the Existence of One God.

Nelson Mandela was arguably the most beloved statesman and leader of our generation. Why do so many people praise him irrespective of their political leanings? What was it about Mandela that transcended politics? This session will examine the life, times, and struggles of this South African leader that reveal, in the light of Islamic teachings, why our Prophet’s Sunnah, when practiced even by those outside of our faith, engenders love and respect in others. Mandela, for example, resorted to violent resistance only after he exhausted all non-violent means to end the oppression of his people. Even those on the far right of the political spectrum have defended his advocacy of violence. Newt Gingrich, for instance, recently wrote that Mandela was “deeply committed to a non-violent approach, until you had a South African dictatorship … which made it impossible to have anything that was purely non-violent.” Gingrich went as far as to compare Mandela to the Founding Fathers of America. What were the qualities and characteristics that made Mandela so unique and drew such approbation? More importantly, what is the role of patience, principle, purpose, forgiveness, and magnanimity in effecting change in human hearts and society?

The story of Noah’s Ark is foundational to both Western and Muslim traditions. The Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) preached for almost a thousand years, but when people did not heed his message, he prayed for their destruction. Noah (peace be upon him) was commanded to build an ark to preserve what was necessary for a new start. In light of the current state of humanity, and our many gross transgressions, which include floods caused by the melting of polar ice caps, perhaps it is time we take this story to heart and reflect on its meanings so we may glean from its wisdom and guidance for our present condition. Today, our scientists seem to be playing the role of prophets, issuing clarion calls to prevent imminent global catastrophes. And yet, like the people of Noah (peace be upon him) before us, we ignore these dire warnings. This talk will look at the Prophet Noah (peace be upon him), his trials, his patience, and his triumph over adversity. It will also focus on what we can do to be part of the solution and not part of the problem, and how we can build spiritual arks of meaning to save us from the flood of heedlessness engulfing humanity.

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses secularism in light of Islam.

Imam Zaid Shakir emphasizes the importance to have internal belief that Allah (God) is sufficient as a protector of one’s livelihood and honor. The believer should be diligent and strive to be a living embodiment of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) message for mankind. Imam Zaid Shakir’s Khutbah at The Lighthouse Mosque Oakland CA Jan. 25th 2013

In this lecture Imam Zaid presents the outlines of a spiritual, social and economic movement to addresses the issue of poverty in America.

Modern societies have become fundamentalist in their secularism and have effectively banned religion from the public square. Religion has been relegated to the status of a personal hobby, to be practiced behind closed doors. Does public morality suffer as a result? Is religious morality inherently divisive and disruptive as many believe?

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses the beautiful opportunity of fasting the entire month of Ramadan and its reward. He stresses that it is a month of mercy, forgiveness, building a store house of good deeds, and liberation from the fire of hell.

In this khutbah, Imam Zaid Shakir discusses 3 things we can learn from Abu Bakr on how to be good leaders.

The Irony of Democracy, can it be resolved? A Zaytuna Faculty Lecture by Imam Zaid Shakir.
The Zaytuna Faculty Lecture Series presents lectures by Zaytuna College faculty members exploring a variety of contemporary topics. http://www.zaytunacollege.org/

Islam is often presented by its detractors as a religion that is void of mercy. In this lecture, Imam Zaid Shakir will examine how mercy is fundamental to Muslim theology, law and life. He will also present the outlines of a practical plan that allows a Muslim to manifest that mercy as he or she interacts with the wider society. This lecture will also demonstrate the fundamental relationship between mercy and unity.

Imam Zaid Shakir discusses the historical events surrounding the day of Ashura and its implications in our modern time.

In this video, Imam Zaid Shakir discusses the concept of thankfulness from an Islamic perspective. He also discusses the importance of speaking out against the abuses which are leading the United States into an era of unprecedented tyranny.

A lecture for those seeking the correct understanding of the utterly misunderstood concept of jihad. Zaid Shakir, addressing an audience at Northwestern University in Chicago, takes a comprehensive look at this truly noble and important concept in Islam. He first analyzes the word itself: its linguistic meaning, its derivatives, and its meaning as described in the Holy Qur’an. He then looks at the practical and normative application of jihad (or struggle) in the everyday life of the Muslim: the struggle of purifying the soul, the struggle of physically fighting in the way of Islam, the struggle with non-antagonist non-Muslims, and the struggle with the devil. Along the way, he explores many related topics such as terrorism, situations that justify the use of violence, various tools one can utilize in struggling against the self, love and compassion with non-Muslims, and the struggles within the family. And he concludes with a commentary on the role of Muslims in non-Muslim lands. An ideal talk for schools, libraries and Muslim student organizations. Other topics discussed: the destruction of the Buddha statues in Afghanistan, the Muslim response to pacifism, jihad in defense of non-Muslims, and the need to establish institutions that can help eliminate root causes of violence. (Duration: 1 hour, 22 min)

In this sermon, Imam Zaid Shakir expounds on four of the keys to a Muslim’s success: faith, God consciousness, righteous deeds, and struggle.

The history of enslaved Muslims in the West is well documented. What is less well know is the influence they had and the impact they left in the communities that they were enslaved in. In a captivating speech, Imam Zaid Shakir talks about the legacy that great individuals such as Ayuba Suleiman Diallo and Abdu-l-Rahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori played during the time of slavery in the United States. He outlines the importance of making connections with our Islamic history and why it is important to be aware of how their steadfast nature and upright character serve as examples to Muslims across the world today.

Imam Zaid Shakir and Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discuss the last 10 blessed nights of Ramadan and seeking the Night of Power.

Part 1: Part 2:

Lecture from MSA National Conference 2010 parallel to the ISNA 2010 Convention.

Courtesy of United For Change.

There are 4 videos in this playlist.

Courtesy of Seekers Guidance

This event took place on Sunday, October 14 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST / 10pm UK It was a SunniPath live event.

This lecture also features Hamza Yusuf.

This video also features Suhaib Webb.

From ISNA 2007: