Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education

The Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education (NFIE) is a non-profit, tax exempt, religious and educational organization dedicated to serve Islam with a special focus on Tasawwuf(Sufism),

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

The Legacy of Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad RA | Dr Mostafa al-Badawi - Interview by Dr. Shadee Elmasry - Safina Society - May 9, 2025

YouTube Video: 

https://youtu.be/adH1hQmxEVE?si=NH_O490tumwzB849

Safina Society: https://www.safinasociety.org/

Mecca Books: A Man of Many Splendours: Habib Mashhur al-Haddad - His Life, Mission and Influence -Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi

About The Book 
A vivid and detailed portrait of Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad, the great 20th century Ba-Alawi scholar and saint whose influence in many parts of East Africa was so profound that he was considered the Renewer (Mujaddid) of Islam.

An equally great and famous Saint of the 13th century CE, Shaykh Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, the direct successor at the head of the Shadhili Sufi Order of Shaykh Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili, said, “Know that whomever God chooses to make a summoner to Him He must make known to His servants, for only then will he be able to call them to Him. He will then clothe him in boch majesty and splendour.”

Mashhur means famous and Habib Ahmad did indeed become exceptionally famous. His presence was imposing, yet at the same time, because of his engaging and affectionate manners, quite soothing. His knowledge was awesome. He was truly a man of many splendours.

To compile this account, Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi drew on the numerous verbal and written accounts he lad been collecting over the years from those who had known Habib Ahmad closely, his own personal experience, Habib Ahmad’s writings, letters and poems, and the many recordings of his discourses.

About The Author

Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi

"Dr. Badawi has been instrumental in introducing works of Imam ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAlawī al-Ḥaddād to the English readership. "

Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi is a scholar of Islamic sciences as well as a consultant Psychiatrist and member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Dr. Badawi is one of the leading contemporary translators of Islamic books from Arabic to English. He has translated the 10 treatises that constitute the complete prose works of Imām al-Ḥaddād, Key to the Garden by Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad, The Degrees of the Soul by Shaykh al-Shabrāwī, and a collection of Bā-Alawī treatises recently published under the title Spiritual Insights

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Transforming the Soul: Spiritual Psychology & the Sufi Path with Baraka Blue & Dr. Abdallah Rothman: Rumi Center for Spirituality & the Arts - April 20, 2025

A special session exploring these essential questions: How do we move beyond the limitations of the lower self? How can we cultivate inner stillness and spiritual insight? What are the diseases of the heart and their cures? How do outer religious practices connect to inner spiritual dimensions? These are all questions we dive deep into and cover in our Sufi Psychology online course. To join us, enroll here:  www.rumicenter.love/sufi-psychology


Rumi Center for Spirituality and the Arts Website: https://www.rumicenter.love/

Baraka Blue Website:https://barakablue.com/

Baraka Blue's Books: Amazon: "The Art of Remembrance "-Baraka Blue is one of the most widely read Sufi poets in the world today. In the great tradition of Rumi and Hafez, his poetry is at once ecstatic and humorous, insightful and amorous, joyful and nostalgic. In flashes of the visionary, the playful, the passionate, the lyrical, and the profound, Baraka Blue's words serve as a lively spiritual companion to all seekers, lovers and people of heart. amazon.com

Amazon: "Reedbed Diaspora " The reed flute represents the human being- cut from the primordial spiritual realm, from communion with our Source in the river of pure peace, light, and gnosis. After a time before time in the divine presence, witnessing and communing with the Ultimate Reality, we were brought out from the riverbed and placed in the here-below. We have come to this realm, according to the Sufis, to witness, remember and awaken to our original state. At the core of our beings we all yearn for this return. For we are the Reedbed Diaspora. Baraka Blue is a poet, emcee, and educator born in Seattle, Washington. He is known for his unique blend of the American traditions of Hip-Hop and Spoken Word poetry with the Islamic tradition of mystical poetry exemplified by Rumi, Hafiz, and others. He has performed across North America and internationally, in countries such as the U.K., Turkey, the Gambia, Senegal, Egypt and Morocco. amazon.com

Dr.Abdallah Rothman Website:https://abdallahrothman.com/

Amazon Books: "Developing a Model of Islamic Psychology & Psychotherapy"-At a time when there is increasing need to offer psychotherapeutic approaches that accommodate clients’ religious and spiritual beliefs, and acknowledge the potential for healing and growth offered by religious frameworks, this book explores psychology from an Islamic paradigm and demonstrates how Islamic understandings of human nature, the self, and the soul can inform an Islamic psychotherapy.

Drawing on a qualitative, grounded theory analysis of interviews with Islamic scholars and clinicians, this unique volume distils complex religious concepts to reconcile Islamic theology with contemporary notions of psychology. Chapters offer nuanced explanations of relevant Islamic tradition and theological sources, consider how this relates to Western notions of psychotherapy and common misconceptions, and draw uniquely on first-hand data to develop a new theory of Islamic psychology. This, in turn, informs an innovative and empirically driven model of practice that translates Islamic understandings of human psychology into a clinical framework for Islamic psychotherapy.

An outstanding scholarly contribution to the modern and emerging discipline of Islamic psychology, this book makes a pioneering contribution to the integration of the Islamic sciences and clinical mental health practice. It will be a key resource for scholars, researchers, and practicing clinicians with an interest in Islamic psychology and Muslim mental health, as well as religion, spirituality and psychology more broadly. amazon.com

Amazon: "Clinical Applications of Islamic Psychology"Islamic Psychology (IP) is rapidly developing and growing in the public interest, with more academic and clinical training programs worldwide. Over the past decade, much work has gone into creating theoretical frameworks and therapeutic modalities for applying IP principles in clinical settings. A significant amount of work is dispersed throughout the world in isolated settings as individuals or groups of practitioners develop and implement their models. This edited volume provides a window into some of that work from clinicians globally, attempting to put IP concepts, principles, and frameworks into therapeutic practice. This work builds on the momentum of academic discourse and practical applications, contributing to the field's evolution as it moves toward mainstream recognition. The authors of each chapter present their professional experiences, ideas, methods, and evidence-based research, giving a broad view of the current state of affairs in the clinical applications of Islamic psychology.amazon.com

Amazon: "Islamic Psychology Around the Globe"Islamic Psychology (IP) is an emerging discipline evident from a consistent growth of publications worldwide in the last 40 years. While the body of knowledge and practice is not new and was known as Ilm an-Nafs or science of the self during the Islamic Golden Age, it lost its significance for many centuries primarily because of the secularization of psychology and colonization of the Muslim world. IP has now developed into a professional and academic field, as it tries to understand the human self from an Islamic worldview. This book examines IP development in 17 countries ranging from Indonesia to Bosnia to the United States. A bird's eye view of the discipline's growth, as offered across the chapters in this book, can help the reader understand the history, challenges, and prospects of this developing field and illuminate for the broader field of psychology how the Islamic tradition has been integrated into mental health practices in Muslim communities. The book broadens the reach of modern psychology by exploring spirituality and religion in the Muslim world.amazon.com

The Saint and the SwordI Episode 10 I Koshar Musalman I Podcast: Dr.Farah El-Sharif

 YouTube Video Podcast: Sep 16, 2023

https://youtu.be/qe3CQWwD1wk?si=ljsD2jO_aelh1Ppv

According to Paul Heck, networks of taṣawwuf took the lead in resisting European colonial powers in the nineteenth century, for example in North Africa against the French and in the North Caucasus against the Russians. In this podcast, we speak to Dr. Farah El-Sharif, about how Sufi scholars led the resistance against colonial powers and injustice. In her work, she highlights how, for Sufi warriors like Emir Abdelkader and Omar Mukhtar, the commitment to principled resistance against oppression came about because of their commitment to taṣawwuf, not in spite of it. Contrary to the popular association of taṣawwuf with political quietism and docile pacifism, Dr. Farah brings our attention to how many doyens of taṣawwuf did not disengage themselves from the struggle against oppression, but instead actively participated in it. We also talked about India's domestication of taṣawwuf in Kashmir.

Dr. Farah El-Sharif's Article : The Maydan, Jan 31, 2023

The Saint and the Sword:How Sufi Scholars of the Nineteenth Century resisted Colonialism & State Repression: https://themaydan.com/2023/01/the-saint-and-the-sword/ 

Amazon Book: Sufi Warrior Saints:Stories of Sifi Jihad from Muslim Hagiography: Harry S. Neele

This book presents a thematic collection of hagiographical stories of Sufi saints, often referred to as friends of Gods. Despite the diverse wealth of Sufi works, much of the rich, global and centuries old literature of Sufi warrior-saints, has yet to be translated into English. Examining hagiographical depictions of Sufi mujahids, Neale corrects frequent misunderstandings of the term jihad in relation to Sufi thought and practice. Using Sufi hagiography, treatises, travel narratives and Muslim histories, each chapter comprises the lives of Sufi saints during significant historical events, from the Crusades to the Mongol Invasion and in regions ranging from Islamic Spain to North Africa and India.
 

Amazon Book: Sufism and Politics: The Power of Spirituality: Paul L Heck

Sufism is often overlooked in scholarly consideration of the politics of the Muslim world. The articles comprising this volume consolidate thinking about the political dimension of Sufism and offer new horizons for scholarly reflection on the role of Sufism in Muslim society. Sufism has been an active player in defining the societal nature of Islam, no less than its theological nature, and this volume underscores the way in which Sufism has played that role while adapting itself to changing political considerations. Issues include authority and institutional interests; the moral good and the state; patronage, power, and the competitive politics of sainthood; theological assessments of the value of the world, justice, and conceptions of civil society as seen through the eyes of Sufism.

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Islam in Japan and the Cultural Imperative with Dr. Naoki Yamamoto: Shajarat Al Nur - Feb 15, 2025

 YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/0vRcRnrpf7s?si=6SUtjG3NGgBJn8oM

Talk Objective: In this virtual talk, under the theme of Suḥba, we explore the historic connection between Islam and Japanese culture and tradition. Dr. Naoki Yamamoto highlights how the dimension of iḥsan within the Islamic tradition plays a pivotal role in reviving and renewing traditional Japanese cultural practices and ethics. He also touches on aspects of the Japanese tea ceremony and its profound cultural significance. 

Speaker Profile: Dr. Qayyim Naoki Yamamoto is currently an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Turkic Studies, Marmara University. He completed his PhD at the Graduate School of Asia and Africa Studies, Kyoto University, in 2018. Dr. Yamamoto specializes in Ottoman Tasawwuf and traditional Japanese culture. His publications include a Japanese translation of Sulami’s ‘Kitāb al- Futuwwa’ and ‘Introduction to Tasawwuf: A Comparison with Shonen Manga (Shueisha Web Essay Series).

’ The Theme – Suḥba: Companionship has been the cornerstone – the beating heart – of traditional Islamic communities. Whether through seeking the guidance of a murshid (guide) to gain esoteric knowledge, building zāwiyahs (communal centers) for spiritual cultivation and craft refinement, or exchanging ideas and cultural inspirations, these practices have paved the way for soteriological blossoming within the Islamic tradition. In this series of talks, we explore this topic – steeped in spiritual depth and historical context. About Us: Shajarat al-Nur is dedicated to reviving traditional cognitive frameworks embedded and influenced by the science of the heart – “iḥsan.” We draw inspiration from spiritual cultivation to respond to contemporary challenges while remaining grounded and connected through pursuing excellence and knowledge. 

Our mission at Shajarat al-Nur is to illuminate the path to the traditional sciences through engaging talks and live events led by renowned scholars and experts.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Through the Lens | al-Zāwiyah: the Corner of Blessings with Peter Sanders: Shajarat Al Nur - Video: Feb 9, 2025

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/nzjzM4Xd-Hw?si=GbWZ_iMMYmF5ZkCU

Talk Objective: In this virtual interactive talk, centered on the theme of Suhba, we explore the pivotal role of the zāwiyah (communal center) in fostering soteriological growth within the Islamic tradition. Renowned photographer Peter Sanders guides us through a visual journey with his captivating photographs and personal experiences of zāwiyahs in Morocco and Libya. We explore the enduring influence of these establishments and their evolving roles in contemporary Islamic societies. By examining historical precedents and modern iterations, we reveal how these ancient wellsprings of spirituality can guide and shape our responses to today’s complex challenges, drawing from their timeless wisdom and creativity.

Speaker Profile: Peter (Abdul-Adheem) Sanders is the world’s preeminent photographer of the Muslim world. For over fifty-five years, he has captured more than half a million images that reflect a rich traditional civilization filled with warmth, humanity, and compassion. His exemplary work and initiatives earned him a place among the 500 most influential Muslims in the world. He serves as a permanent ambassador for MOSAIC, a charity established by HRH King Charles. Born in London, Sanders began his career in photography in the mid-1960s, capturing the faces of well-known musicians such as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and The Rolling Stones. In the 1970s, his focus shifted to the traditional and spiritual universe of Islam, and he converted to Islam in 1971. That same year, Sanders had the unique opportunity to document the world's largest worship gathering in Mecca during the Hajj season. Sanders traveled the world to meet and photograph saints and sages of Islam, publishing his work in books such as “Meetings with Mountains: Encounters with Saints and Sages of the Islamic World” and “Exemplars of Our Time” with Michael Sugich. He is currently finalizing his book “Heaven, Earth, and the 10,000 Things: The Lives of the Muslims of China”. The Theme – Suhba: Companionship has been the cornerstone – the beating heart – of traditional Islamic communities. Whether through seeking the guidance of a murshid (guide) to gain esoteric knowledge, building zāwiyahs (communal centers) for spiritual cultivation and craft refinement, or exchanging ideas and cultural inspirations, these practices have paved the way for soteriological blossoming within the Islamic tradition. In this series of talks, we explore this topic – steeped in spiritual depth and historical context. About Us: Shajarat al-Nur is dedicated to reviving traditional cognitive frameworks embedded and influenced by the science of the heart – “iḥsan.” We draw inspiration from spiritual cultivation to respond to contemporary challenges while remaining grounded and connected through pursuing excellence and knowledge. Our mission at Shajarat al-Nur is to illuminate the path to the traditional sciences through engaging talks and live events led by renowned scholars and experts.

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Spiritual Significance in Islamic Architecture: Dr Mostafa Badawi - Interview with Muhammad Abd Al-Aziz

YouTube Video: Muhammad Jawad - Feb 8, 2025

https://youtu.be/gVC9BcMF-oo?si=WWMhGliDWyLmFKAW

Islamic Architecture is among the most recognisable and most admired in the world. It’s known for its beauty, precision and timelessness, but few understand the meanings and metaphors that underpin it. In this book, Dr Mostafa Badawi takes an unprecedented look at the Spiritual Significance in Islamic Architecture taking the reader on a journey to uncover long forgotten meanings.

Amazon Book : Spiritual Significance in Islamic Architecture - Mostafa Badawi


"About The Book Islamic Architecture is among the most recognizable and most admired in the world. It’s known for its beauty, precision, and timelessness, but few understand the meanings and metaphors that underpin it. In this incredible new publication, Dr. Mostafa Badawi takes an unprecedented look at the Spiritual Significance in Islamic Architecture taking the reader on a journey to uncover long forgotten meanings. This stunning production comprises of 452 full colour pages with premium gold gilted edges, cloth hardback, and dust jacket making it a must have for every home and a perfect gift. Book Blurb It is a cosmic law that the universe that we know is made of complementary and interacting pairs, positive and negative, upper and lower, matter and anti-matter, and so on. That this is the reflection in the created universe of the polarization of the Divine Attributes into Attributes of Majesty and Attributes of Beauty has always been known to Muslim intellectuals. But that this law is represented pervasively in all Islamic art and especially architecture has been lost sight of by the Muslims of today. In fact, everything in a traditional Muslim environment, not only architecture, but furniture, utensils, clothes, and calligraphy, is a spiritual reminder of God and the laws governing this world and the next. This study explores in unprecedented detail and with authoritative textual references the deeper meanings of many of the elements of Islamic architecture."

A Man of Many Splendours - Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad RA:His Life, Mission and Influence" by Dr Mostafa al-Badawi - Interview by Dr. HA Hellyer

 YouTube Video - Source: Muhammad Jawad -Jan 21, 2025

The book "A Man of Many Splendours: Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad : His Life, Mission and Influence" by Dr Mostafa al-Badawi.On the 14th Rajab 1416 (1995) Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad (Rahimahullah) returned back to his Lord. Today we remember the great scholar and saint and the special qualities he possessed. “Mashhur means famous and Habib Ahmad did indeed become exceptionally famous. His presence was imposing, yet at the same time, because of his engaging and affectionate manners, quite soothing. His knowledge was awesome. He was truly a man of many splendours."


Book: A vivid and detailed portrait of Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad, the great 20th century Ba-Alawi scholar and saint whose influence in many parts of East Africa was so profound that he was considered the Renewer (Mujaddid) of Islam.

"Habib Ahmad Mashhur Al-Haddad (1907-1995): His Life, Mission & Influence

A vivid and detailed portrait of Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad, the great 20th century Ba-Alawi scholar and saint whose influence in many parts of East Africa was so profound that he was considered the Renewer (Mujaddid) of Islam.

An equally great and famous Saint of the 13th century CE, Shaykh Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, the direct successor at the head of the Shadhili Sufi Order of Shaykh Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili, said, “Know that whomever God chooses to make a summoner to Him He must make known to His servants, for only then will he be able to call them to Him. He will then clothe him in boch majesty and splendour.”

Mashhur means famous and Habib Ahmad did indeed become exceptionally famous. His presence was imposing, yet at the same time, because of his engaging and affectionate manners, quite soothing. His knowledge was awesome. He was truly a man of many splendours.

To compile this account, Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi drew on the numerous verbal and written accounts he lad been collecting over the years from those who had known Habib Ahmad closely, his own personal experience, Habib Ahmad’s writings, letters and poems, and the many recordings of his discourses.