Sulaiman Syed

Excerpt: “Ibn ‘Abbad of Ronda” – Seasons, The Journal of Zaytuna Institute

Sulaiman Syed — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 04:21:57 +0000

Ibn ‘Abbad was a Muslim Sufi mentor from Ronda (Andalusia) during the Classical era of Sufism (c. 1200CE-1500CE). The article in the Seasons journal attempted to portray the methodology he utilized by providing texts from letters sent to one of his students (Yahya). Yahya asks various questions regarding different stations and areas in religious matters [...]

Excerpt – Ayyuhal Walad “My Dear Beloved Son” – Imam Al-Ghazali

Sulaiman Syed — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:02:34 +0000

Shaykh Shafeeq Balkhi asked:

“In that [long] time period, what benefit have you derived from me?”

Shaykh Hatim Ism (May Allah Shower His Mercy upon him) responded:

“[I have] obtained eight (8) benefits [from you].”

Shaykh Shafeeq Balkhi (May Allah Shower His Mercy upon him) responded:

“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaeyhe Raji’oon.”

“To Allah we [...]

Short Essay Topics – CIS Islamic Studies Program

Sulaiman Syed — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:40:27 +0000

What are some of the main problems in the way that ḥadīths are quoted in casual conversations and some lectures? What are some of the solutions to these problems?
In the name of Allah, the most Benevolent, the most Merciful. May He bless the final Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him) and all [...]

Purification of the Heart: Summary

Sulaiman Syed — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 04:32:48 +0000

I have been reading Sh. Hamza Yusuf’s “Purification of the Heart,” which is a discussion on Imam Mawlud’s Matharat al-Qulub. The book defines certain illnesses of the heart, which can manifest in a person’s actions and lead to disliked or even sinful behavior. It also prescribes treatments to these illnesses from the Islamic perspective of [...]

Reflection: Naruto and…Islam?

Sulaiman Syed — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 05:46:38 +0000

I have been watching the Japanese cartoon series “Naruto” roughly since 2004. I always felt that the show portrayed morals and values through the stories of its characters. Different aspects of human struggle with weakness are shown through the various side characters such as Shikamaru’s lack of motivation or Hinata’s crippling shyness. But the main [...]

Sidi Ahmad Zarruq (Purification of the Heart)

Sulaiman Syed — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 09:06:57 +0000

The following is an excerpt from Sh. Hamza Yusuf’s commentary/discussion on Imam al-Mawlud’s Matharat al-Qulub. It is a short piece offered by Sidi Ahmed Zarruq. I found it to be very interesting, so I typed up the excerpt to share with others and I have highlighted some important points. It is as follows:

“May God [...]

Self-Reflection

Sulaiman Syed — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:20:31 +0000

I’m sitting here in my hotel somewhere north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is currently 10:54pm. I was reading a bit about Henry David Thoreau and Ayn Rand. Their writings have some common themes, so I decided to look into any analysis that may have been done on the issue. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by [...]

Of Jungles

Sulaiman Syed — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:02:54 +0000

The Madness of this jungle
In search for the light
Losing one’s hope is too easy
Unable to last the night.
We find ourselves in this jungle
My heart entangled with vine,
My limbs taste the arrows.
Of my light, there is no sign.
My Love for [...]

Layla and Majnun by Nizami

Sulaiman Syed — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:00:52 +0000

I finished reading the beautiful story of Layla and Majnun as narrated by Nizami. The story is a roller coaster of emotions but also has a very strong spiritual message. It depicts a definition of love beyond what we have become accustomed to through Hollywood and television. Interestingly enough, this tale of Layla and Majnun [...]

Untitled Piece

Sulaiman Syed — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:00:55 +0000

Homeward bound to a place
unyielding to the bounds
of time and space.
Eating fruits of great variety,
Digesting its sweet nectar
But you must not show your insides.

You are held in place
like a foot bound to a shoe
by shoelace.
It’s safe and warm