Description:

In a serene courtyard of a madressah in Northern New Mexico, Abdal Hakim Murad sits down for an informal address on the topic of having peace and contentment with the decree of Allah. He reflects upon his experiences of the ummah over the years and describes how it became apparent that Muslims in modern times are neglecting this traditional virtue, thereby causing widespread agitation and insecurity. Whereas previous generations cultivated this virtue to their own success, today’s ummah seems to be neglecting it to their own demise. Abdal Hakim, a British convert, probes the matter in-depth and shows how the absence of contentment in one’s life can lead to serious defects such as self-righteousness, anger and suspicion of others. The more widespread effect of such a void is an ummah lacking direction, unity and credibility on the world stage. This shrewd observation serves as a great starting point for individual revival and, on the collective level, prescribes the perspective necessary for prevailing over the tribulations facing the ummah today. Other topics discussed: Islamic theology vs. the problem of evil, contentment in the prophets’ lives, the virtue of mercy, scholars as guides, strength in numbers, optimism, and the need for having a sound heart. (Duration: 1 hour, 4 min)