Circles of Learning (Halaqas) · 12. January 2019
In Part 1 of the Usuli Institute Halaqa, before jumping into the Quranic Commentaries (tafsir) on Surah 101: al Qaria, Khaled Abou El Fadl adds more insight and afterthoughts following the previous halaqa on the Meaning, Purpose and Effect of Prayer from 22 December 2018. In the introduction, Director Grace Song shares more insights on what type of people convert to Islam, what they experience in the early stages of conversion, and how to survive the early experiences of being a Muslim convert....
Circles of Learning (Halaqas) · 22. December 2018
Part 1: In this special session at The Usuli Institute, Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl explains the form and substance of the ritual prayer of Islam, what is known as the "backbone" of the faith, and discusses the meaning and significance of each of the component parts: the ablution, the standing, the bowing, the prostration, what is recited and much more. He delves into the deeper meaning, power and purpose of prayer, the way that prayer affects the energy of the space in which it occurs (as well as...
Circles of Learning (Halaqas) · 06. October 2018
Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl presents his original Quranic commentary on Surah 104: Al-Humazah, which is directly relevant to the current state of affairs in the world. In the introduction, Director Grace Song discusses the travesty of the Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation and its implications from the lens of a Muslim woman convert.
Circles of Learning (Halaqas) · 25. August 2018
Part 1: In the introduction, Director Grace Song discusses Westworld and the idea of "cornerstones," which define a person; the perils of social media; what it means to be a feminist and a Muslim feminist. Then, Dr. Abou El Fadl continues to present his original Qur'anic commentary of Surah al Rahman through Verse 65.