Qur'an Connection by Good Tree Academy (Good Tree Academy)

Ustadh Michael wolfender talks about the origin of the popular idea that life on earth happened by chance and states that although this idea is popular, it is the most illogical explanation. He explains how the most logical explanation is that there is a Designer, a Creator of the heavens, the earth and all in between.

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Brother Wadud Hassan reminds us to hold on to the Qur'an and always turn to it especially in times of need.

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Taking care of your soul is as important, if not even more, than taking care of your body. Emotions come from and impact your soul. How do you feel when you're angry? A purpose of anger is protection, not to adversely impact others.
So, as Principal Wadud Hassan advises, the best way to respond to anger is with patience, compassion, and forgiveness. He shares the example of how our prophet Muhammad ﷺ respnded to a bedouin who grabbed the prophet ﷺ by his collar as a means of introduction and attention. Our prophet’s ﷺ response was to turn with a smile to then understand what the bedouin’s need concerned.
We often think of our soul as if it’s within our heart, in our chest. It’s not really an incorrect way of thinking as how you view your heart and your chest is a physical manifestation of your emotional state. Principal Wadud gives the example of the famous dua of Moses (as) which Allah shares in Surah Taha 20:25 - 28 as his prophet asked of Him: “O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness.) And ease my task for me. And untie the knot (the defect) from my tongue (i.e. remove the incorrectness from my speech). That they understand my speech.”

Start feeding your soul by remembering Allah, ask of Him and know that Allah is with those who are patient and mindful of Him. Remembering Allah is actually a form of positive self-talk. Indeed, Allah has built a home for every human in paradise. This life is a test to earn this eternal reward, in part by developing ourselves and our souls with these habits: 

Make wudu - cleaning yourself and asking Allah to wash away your sins and have the body parts you’ve washed shine with light to guide you on the Day of Judgment 
Frequently say “In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficient, The Most Merciful.” Such as when you start, are in the midst of and when you end anything. 
Pray. Worship is our conversation with Our Creator with the effect of calming us from daily distractions. 
Ask of Allah by making lots of dua. Allah loves when His servants ask of him. 
Don’t not talk with someone for three days when you are experiencing conflict with them. Do greet them and resolve to end the issue before 72 hours have passed. 
Shake hands, of course, while observing hygienic protocols. Humans benefit from touch.
Greet others with a greeting of peace. 
End your day ensuring you are not harboring grudges; it’s easiest to do this by forgiving others. 
Read. The first command Allah sent in the revelation of the Qur’an is “Read.” Build a connection with Allah’s Book by starting with a translation of the Qur’an and you will begin to understand the value of learning to understand its Arabic.
Write, whether it’s an email, post, journal or letter. Writing is cognitive and cathartic.

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As a parent looking for an Islamic school, a key criteria to look at is the Quranic curriculum. At Good Tree Academy, the Qur’an’s lessons are integrated into the curriculum, which also means the school does not qualify for state funding. 

If we want treasures from Allah, we must strive for them in the decisions we make, including ardently supporting institutions such as Good Tree Academy. “O humanity! Indeed, you are laboring restlessly towards your Lord, and will ˹eventually˺ meet the consequences..” Surah Inshiqaq (The Sundering) 84:6 

In this week’s khutbah, Ustadh Michael Wolfender shares lessons from the Qur’an on how to benefit from two treasures Allah has revealed. The first are the short surahs at the end of the Qur’an and the lessons they contain, including not to be mean as ultimately this really only hurts yourself. 

“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth.” Surah Tawbah (The Repentance) 9:36

The second treasure are the four sacred months: al-Muharram, Rajab, Du al-Qa'dah, Du al-Hijjah when Allah says we should take advantage of the opportunity to get closer to Allah by increasing our worship, memorizing more and studying the meaning of Allah’s Book. Winners encourage each other to do good. Losers won’t take advantage of the treasures Allah provides. Worse, they prevent others from doing good.

Make good decisions. Seek to please Allah and He will be pleased with you, provide you guidance and rewards in abundance. 

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Allah created all humans as equal. But modern times and history show example after example where humans disobeyed the universal value of treating each other equally. Such racism has ignited wars, spurring sinning behavior Allah detests.

As a means of recognition, society can then single out certain people to ‘honor,’ such as with Black History Month. Ustadh Michael Wolfender explains the conundrum this displays on ensuring we each recognize the value of one another every single day by seeking to better our character. 

The best amongst us only occurs in righteousness. If someone belittles you, respond with peace. Don’t let others lose your inner peace. Allah is with each of us all the time, as He says in Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow 2:186): “When My servants ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond ˹with obedience˺ to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided ˹to the Right Way˺.”

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Allah doesn’t expect perfection. He expects to worship only Him, talking to Him in prayer and doing your best. Allah sent us His Book, the Qur’an, beginning its revelation in the month of Ramadan where He commands fasting: “Ramaḍân is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Al-Baqarah 2:185 The Cow)

Ustadh Michael Wolfender provides examples of believers who changed themselves based on their relationship with The Holy Qur’an, the significance of the qibla changing in the month before Ramadan and how Prophet Abraham and his son built the Ka’ba in Mecca. The power of the Qur’an is evidenced in how it changed civilizations, the direction for Musims to pray and turned lives to accept Islam. 

Ramadan is a time to prepare and change yourself to follow the blueprint Allah provides in the Qur’an. Do your best, Ustadh Michael explains, is what Allah is asking for and ask of Him as He says in the ayah following the verse on Ramadan: “When My servants ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond ˹with obedience˺ to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided ˹to the Right Way˺.”  (Al-Baqarah 2:186 The Cow)

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All of His books Allah revealed in the month of Ramadan, while most Muslims may only consider the Qur’an’s revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  in the cave of Mount Hira. This is among the reasons Ramadan is a special month with increased blessings. Allah closes the doors to the hellfire and opens the doors to paradise. Prayers increase in reward 70-fold. Optional prayers are elevated to the reward of obligatory prayers. Beyond rewards as an incentive, Ramadan is a month to develop and build your relationship with Allah, remembering Him in your heart. Build good values, like patience. 

Principal Wadud Hassan shares the origin story of an early scholar of Islam, his beginnings as a sinner, the death of his daughter and a dream where she helped bring him towards Allah. It’s guidance like this which can help us chart a straight path to understand the value of our short lifetime compared to the Day of Judgment which will last 50,000 years. 

This Ramadan, add to your good deeds by supporting Good Tree Academy to continue our mission of cultivating the next generation of Muslim scholars and leaders. 

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Once a year, the earth is crowded with angels. Allah announces: “That night the angels and the ˹holy˺ spirit descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every ˹decreed˺ matter.” (Al Qadr 97:4 The Power) This night is in the last ten nights of Ramadan and it’s among the ways Ustadh Michael Wolfender shares how we can get close to angels and earn Allah’s Pleasure. 

Jummuah means congregation in Arabic and Fridays are when Muslims meet together for the congregational prayer in the middle of the day. Muslims attending jummuah can earn the rewards of a mountain of gold in blessings as angels take attendance of who comes to jummuah and pay attention to the weekly reminder. 

Angels are made of light and they look for where believers are worshiping so they can join. But if you get distracted, they’ll leave. We can’t see or hear angels here, but everyone entering paradise will. In Surah Ghafir, Allah shows how angels supplicate for believers saying: “Our Lord! Admit them into the Gardens of Eternity which You have promised them, along with the righteous among their parents, spouses, and descendants. You ˹alone˺ are truly the Almighty, All-Wise.” (Al Ghafir 40:8 The Forgiver)

When you make dua or ask of Allah on behalf of others, angels make the same request for you. They listen to our duas and report to Allah all of our actions. 

Back to that one night when Allah crowds the earth with angels. It’s called Laylatul-Qadr or the “Night of Power.” Allah sends a special visitor: the archangel Gabriel, the angel who brought revelation of the Holy Qur’an. Knowing how humans would question how or whether one of their own could see or meet an angel, Allah sent revelation affirming how Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did see Jibreel, declaring in Surah Takwir: “I do swear by the receding stars which travel and hide and the night as it falls and the day as it breaks! Indeed, this ˹Quran˺ is the Word of ˹Allah delivered by Gabriel,˺ a noble messenger-angel, full of power, held in honor by the Lord of the Throne, obeyed there ˹in heaven˺, and trustworthy. And your fellow man is not insane. And he did see that ˹angel˺ on the clear horizon” (At-Takwir 81:15 - 23 The Overthrowing) 

Since revelation completed with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Jibreel only visits once a year. Search for Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan to be in the company of angels worshiping with you. 

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Principal Wadud Hassan shares some of the rewards from fasting, including: 

• Allah has created a special gate in paradise called Al Rayyan for those who fast
• Fasting is a shield which will protect you from hellfire on the Day of Judgment
• Charity and night prayer extinguishes fire
• Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for believers on the Day of Judgment
• Fasting one day removes a believer seventy years away from hellfire
• When those fasting are in the company of those who are eating, angels send blessings for those sacrificing for Allah’s Sake

There are levels of fasting beyond abstaining from food and drink, such as staying away from what’s forbidden in bad behavior. Those fasting can then focus on good values like cleansing your heart by forgiving others and seeking forgiveness.

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If you saw a treasure chest wide open permitted for you, would you not take? Ustadh Michael Wolfender presents the reality of the best night of the year with a wild example worth paying attention to.

In Surat Al-Qadr (97 The Night of Power), Allah repeats three times which He doesn’t do anywhere else in the Qur’an in this manner. Allah reveals He sent the Qur’an on a night in Ramadan called Laylatul Qadr - the Night of Power. 

Then Allah asks the reader to consider what exactly is this night that has so much power. This is where Ustadh Michael uses his outrageous analogy to help us understand the rewards for worship being accepted on this night.

Laylatul Qadr includes a special visitor who only comes to earth once a year now. Angel Gabriel brought Allah’s Message to prophets, concluding with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.  In the fourth verse of Al Qadr, Allah describes the earth filling with angels on this special night.

How can you take advantage? We don’t know which of the last ten nights of Ramadan exactly is Laylatul Qadr. Instead, we search for it. It might be one of the odd nights, particularly the 27th of Ramadan. The best way is to worship each of these nights, give charity, pray, read Qur’an and make dua, asking of Allah. He is The Most Generous. He is The Creator. He is All Powerful. He can grant us everything we wish for and it would not decrease Him in any way.

The treasure and reward is available one night a year. It’s up to us to avail ourselves of Allah’s Bounty.

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In Surah At Tariq, Allah prompts us to consider our origin: “Let people then consider what they were created from!” (At-Tariq 86:5 The Nightcomer) 

Ustadh Michael Wolfender uses this ayat along with examples like IKEA furniture, cow stomachs, birds’ eyes and stomachs to consider advanced design and our purpose.

Our purpose is to learn about and worship Allah, as we will return to Him. This life is a test of patience and gratitude for the bounties Allah provides and withholds. 

In the second half of Surah At-Tariq, Allah advises of the guidance He has sent in His Book: “Surely this ˹Quran˺ is a decisive word and is not to be taken lightly.” (86:13 - 14) The Qur’an advises us of our purpose, in our faith and path in this life with guidance for earning eternal happiness.

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Whatever is best doesn’t come easy. It takes work.

For those who love, study and learn the Qur’an, upon entering paradise, angels will don these believers with garments and crowns, including their parents who fostered the best learning.

Allah has given us some illustrations of the rewards He has prepared in paradise, and they are like nothing we’ve seen. Paradise will have mansions which will look like stars they are so high. 

And who will these mansions be for? Principal Wadud Hassan explains it is for those who will be told to recite Qur’an. The more you recite, the higher and higher levels the reciter will rise. When the reciter stops determines the level of his or her home in paradise. 

Heaven will contain tents like hollowed pearls 60 miles from each side. 

These rewards are especially for the believers who apply the perfume of Qur’an to your soul. It’s a smell palpable to angels. 

Earning paradise means hard work, worship and deeds like fasting, reading Qur’an and exhibiting good character. The next time you face a challenge, like waking up on time for Fajr prayer, think of the treasure Allah has waiting for you and work hard in this short life for that eternal happiness. 

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Good Tree Academy Senior and this year's valedictorian Faizan delivers Jummah Khutba about following the example of Prophet Muhammad (SWS). 

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Born in France, Ustadh Michael Wolfender accepted Islam in 2009 after earning his master's degree in engineering the previous year. In 2013, Brother Michael graduated at the top of his class from Bayyinah Dream, a full-year Arabic intensive program. Since then, he has been teaching at Good Tree Academy in north Texas, leading Arabic curriculum development as Hifz Department lead.
In this episode, Brother Michael recounts his first reading the Qur'an when he misunderstood a major point and was disappointed. He shares how he learned the Qur'an is a book of guidance on how to find answers. "Allah doesn't spoonfeed us," he says, sharing how Allah tells us "This is the book that has guidance" for those who have the right intentions.
In forthcoming episodes, Brother Michael provides highlights from each part or juz of the Qur'an. 
In Ayah 30 of the second surah or chapter, we begin to understand the story of Allah guiding our first father and how Allah guides us to understand the creation of mankind through His teaching Adam with the guidance He provides. Adam, like all of his descendants, has the ability to learn. We are to balance acquired knowledge and revealed knowledge from Allah. Those who follow Allah's guidance will not grieve and will achieve worldly and eternal success.
Ayah 252 of Al-Baqarah (The Cow) underscores Allah is the source of all knowledge. And in Ayah 282, we learn connecting to Allah, being mindful of Him and He will teach us. We can learn from many sources, including teachers and books, but some knowledge we will only attain from Allah in the guidance He provides. 
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In just over six minutes, Ustadh Michael covers instructions Allah provides in Surah Al-Baqarah which will bring believers the ultimate reward.
The second juz or part of the Holy Qur'an focuses on success. We receive instructions from Allah on actions for believers such as the pilgrimage (haj) and fasting during Ramadan. 
In Ayah 156, Allah guides believers to be patient because He will test with trials and tribulations. A solution is to focus on the Hereafter when we will return to Him. 
In Ayah 200, during instructions on Haj, we are provided a very profound and well-known seeking of blessing or dua: "Allah, give us the best in this world and the best of the Hereafter." Ayah 207 provides a solution on changing your focus to please Allah. He wants us to follow Him. Then, as Brother Michael relates, in Ayah 214, Allah asks whether believers think it will be easy to talk into Paradise. There will be difficulties and Allah is here to help us. 
During the verse on instructions for marriage, we receive guidance for happiness in the home. Who you marry bears on your fate in the Hereafter. And we conclude with Ayah 238 on protecting prayer because this is our connection to Allah.

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Juz 3’s highlight is Surah 2 Ayah 260 where Brother Michael focuses on the question: How does Allah bring life back to the dead? This is a common obstacle to belief for many.

Belief is a foundation. Qur’an comes from Allah. And the Qur’an provides proofs of Allah throughout. Firm belief comes from clear proof.

Ayah 260 provides a method to seek certainty, which we see in Allah providing Prophet Ibrahim a personal miracle. Among His Qualities, believers defer to Allah’s Command, Authority, Intellect and Perfection. 

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It’s important to keep our end goal in mind. Ustadh Michael Wolfender presents Allah's perfect example how focusing on Jannah lifts the spirit of the believer through tough times. The answer is in working for the best reward.

Swallowing anger, forgiving mistakes and seeking Allah’s forgiveness is just part of the solution Ustadh Michael details in this episode on how to achieve Allah’s promise.

We’re now on the 4th juz and Surah Ali ‘Imran (Family of Imran) which teaches keeping the end goal in mind. This surah was revealed after the battle of Uhud, where Muslims faced hardship when soldiers did not obey, resulting in 70 from their army killed. Brother Michael refers to Ayat 132 - 136 when Allah recognized the Muslims’ hardship and sadness. The lesson: obey Allah and His Messenger peace be upon him and Allah will shower His Mercy on you. Rush towards forgiveness from your Master and Paradise is as wide as the universe. Don’t let the ups and downs of daily routines bog you down. Focus on earning Allah’s forgiveness and earning Paradise. Spend on others, swallow anger and overlook mistakes. Forgive others and let go of anger. Ask Allah for forgiveness when you make a mistake and rush for Paradise, focusing on the Hereafter. For this, Allah offers descriptions of rivers flowing for eternal enjoyment.

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Ustadh Michael continues our connection with the Qur’an by examining ayat from Surah An-Nisa which teach lessons on legitimate leadership and who we should follow.

Obeying is Worship. Learn how Islam promotes followers as leaders.

The best leaders are the best followers. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the best follower of Allah and we should follow him. 

In Ayah 78, Allah refers to the battle of Uhud as the Muslims established community in Medina. This foundation would set the stage for the growth and spread of Islam across civilizations. 

Hypocrites left the battle of Uhud leaving Muslims outnumbered. These hypocrites then stated had Muslims come with them, they would have avoided disaster and death. 

To this, Allah replies death will come to you regardless of where you hide and in Ayah 82: whoever obeys His messenger ﷺ is obeying Allah. 

As Brother Michael says, "Put your reliance upon Allah. Trust in Allah. And Allah is enough. You can trust Him. He's The One Whose Authority commands respect. Just rely upon Allah. "

Most people don’t stop and think about the Qur’an, which has enough evidence to prove it is the word of Allah. Use the Qur’an to be convinced. Followers obey Allah 100 percent.

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender turns to Surah Al-Ma’ida to show how keeping clean leads to pure faith. Keeping clean grows your faith. Washing purifies sins, character and connections.

This surah has a message of the value of keeping clean, including instructions for wudu or ablution (washing before prayer). As Brother Michael says, purifying yourself prepares you for Allah to fulfill His Blessing on you so we may be grateful. 

Ayat 7 - 8 discuss physically purifying the body expiates sins. This then allows inner purity, helping initiate commitment for believers to be firm for Allah and a testimony to the justice of Islam. Be fair in all of your actions. 

So this four-step process consists of: 1. Purify 2. Feel good from cleanliness 3. Make internal commitment 4. Be mindful of how you behave with others

All of these actions contribute towards the second level of fasting which includes being mindful of speech and behavior. 

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Allah is our Master and Muslims, as believers, must love Allah and be mindful of Him as his obedient slaves. For this, Allah promises His Endless Mercy. Ustadh Michael Wolfender shows us the evidence from Surah Al-An’am, the sixth surah in The Holy Qur’an, where Allah indicates the mandate He has placed on Himself that He will be merciful.

A clear message from this surah: you should believe in Allah. Allah gives us time to find Him and believe in Him. His Mercy will end if you choose not to believe in Him. The ones who don’t believe are lost. Again in Ayah 54, Allah mandates His Mercy for the believers.

Finally, Brother Michael reveals ways to find Allah’s forgiveness.

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In Surah Al-A’raf, Allah recounts the original story of forgiveness, and from this we learn a powerful dua Ustadh Michael Wolfender encourages us all to use in calling out to our Master.

The first step towards gratitude is learning to admit wrong. See how that’s the right thing to do in today’s Qur’an Connection. The seventh surah in the Holy Qur’an contains the story of the devil (Ibliss) and Adam. Ibliss, after refusing Allah’s command, testified to the efforts he will consistently demonstrate in leading humans astray, attesting most humans will not be grateful. 

The tactics he used with Adam and Hawa are consistent. He made Adam raise doubts and suspicions about not going near the tree and presented himself as a trusted advisor. Ultimately, his deceit was successful. Adam and Hawa eat from the tree and immediately regret their disobedience and the consequences.

Adam blames himself. Allah taught our forefather, the first human, this dua Brother Michael recites seeking forgiveness based on sinning and accepting accountability, blaming none others. The first step towards gratitude is learning that admitting wrong is the right thing to do.

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A commanding character is built through mercy for imperfections. Ustadh Michael Wolfender completes his look at the seventh surah and how forgiving weaknesses and promoting the strengths of those around you paves your path to Paradise.

Do you wish for the Final Day to be your Day of Mercy from Allah? Then He expects you to demonstrate that every day. If you wish for Allah to shower His mercy, He expects you to start the positive chain reaction. 

Look for the good in people, their manners and their speech. This helps to remove and overlook shortcomings. Don’t ask others to do things which may not be easy for them. Encourage excellence in speech and behavior through modeling. Focus on the positive. Build a mindset focused on the Mercy of Allah and not His Punishment.

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Would you like some direct encouragement from Allah? Ustadh Michael Wolfender relates ayat from Surah Al-Anfal on the dividends of standing firm and remembering Allah. Allah’s plan is the best. He is with the patient. 

The eighth surah uses the Battle of Badr and its real life lessons for our learning backdrop. In ayah 42, Allah relates how the Muslims planned to intercept a trade caravan but it went another route. Instead, their destiny was to fight an army assembled of their Meccan foes. Allah says He planned this meeting to occur in the manner He designed. Further, He made each army look smaller to the other. The lesson here: looks may be deceiving. 

Ayah 49 quotes some in the Meccan army who derided the Muslims. Allah says He has His plan: whoever trusts Allah, Allah has His Authority and He is Wise. When you meet an opponent, stand firm and remember Allah. Obey Allah and do not have dissension among each other. Allah is with the patient. Keep connecting with Allah. We plan, Allah plans and Allah’s is the best plan. 

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender details the character believers should strive for – understanding that Allah has provided clear proofs, looking for the balance and wisdom in Allah’s creation, and always seeking to learn more. This way of building character provides purpose and perspective against those simply seeking enjoyment in this world, neglecting Allah’s signs.

The tenth surah is named after Prophet Yunus, though his story is not described in detail. Rather, Allah speaks about His Signs. Like with many surahs, the opening verse emphasizes this is the Qur’an from Allah. 

Brother Michael details four ways Allah provides proof the Qur’an is His Words: 

1. Descriptions of the hereafter: heaven and hell
2. Describes our universe with wisdom and balance; the preciseness and accuracy attributes His creation
3. Character of prophets
4. Stories of destroyed civilizations who didn’t obey

Which bring us to a reference of this surah’s name: Prophet Yunus’ community, upon his return, did believe and flourish. 

Ayat 5 - 7 discuss these types of people:

1. Those who take Allah’s Words and accept them as clear proofs; they care to understand more
2. Those who care what will happen next, after this world
3. Those who are short sighted, being happy with just this world and don’t consider the next (YOLO much?)

Power is for believers. See if paradise is for party animals.

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender tells us in Surah Hud Allah uses stories of the examples of His prophets to demonstrate sincerity, humility and patience. Our goal is to emulate these prophets’ examples, but many people don’t and reject this sincere message. Use fasting to make yourself among those who aren’t stubborn and refuse to listen to the proof from Allah.

The first ayah of the eleventh surah explains the relevance of the parts of the prophets stories relayed in the Qur’an. The second ayah continues indicating the prophets all provided the same message and brought good news. These messengers relayed the message of Allah only for Allah. They are patient. But people are stubborn, replying ‘We don’t understand. You haven’t given us proof.’ This response carries through throughout time. Believers are always few. Among Muslims, few fast. Fast to grow sincerity, humility, and patience. 

May Allah give us blessings through His Wise Qur’an.

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Today’s Qur’an Connection carries a special significance because Ustadh Michael Wolfender, department head at Good Tree Academy, shares the parable of the good tree as Allah describes how to grow long lasting goodness.

Are you planting roots by studying Allah’s words in the Qur’an and taking action with good deeds to reach high into the sky like the branches of a good tree? Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but takes lots of care and consistent action, such as connecting often with the Qur’an.

Allah uses the parable of a good tree to help us understand the value of connecting with the Qur’an. Ustadh Michael, reviewing ayat 24 - 25, details the story of roots, branches and bearing fruit to grow your deen. He explains, “A good word is like a good tree, deeply rooted and its branches grow to the sky.” What is a good word? Look at the words of the Qur’an. 

This proverbial tree gives fruit year-round. Good words have a long-lasting impact. 

The original companions who embraced Islam are not here today to see throngs of Muslims gathering around the world in houses of worship, bearing the fruit of their faithful efforts. 

Long lasting impact only comes with care of good words, continuously using the Qur’an’s guidance and sharing faith with our character as examples. 

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Being grateful makes you positive. Allah helps believers prompt this connection, with His blessings which He recounts in Surah An-Nahl. Hear just one example Ustadh Michael Wolfender explains and check if you had considered just this one blessing.

Ustadh Michael also explains how, while we’ll never fully appreciate all of Allah’s blessings, He is the most forgiving and it is His mercy which will accommodate our inability to thank Him for all He provides.

Allah lists His blessings in the 16th surah in the Holy Qur’an. Ustadh Michael Wolfender explains in Qur’an Connection how we can use the surah of the bee as a lesson in positivity.  

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender focuses on one of the lessons Allah teaches us in Surah Al-Kahf, the 18th chapter in the Holy Qur’an - that poverty and wealth come from Allah.

Do you face the tests Ustadh Michael describes: comparing yourself with others, equating success with materialism, a false confidence of stability without attribution to Allah or even a misguided sense of your ultimate destination because of your current circumstances?

This is why we are encouraged to read Surah Al-Kahf, or part of it, every Friday. Of the lessons it contains, Brother Michael shares one of a conversation between two people, one wealthy and one poor. Allah takes two ayah to describe the person’s wealth, taking credit for all of what the wealthy person has. 

However, the wealthy person compares himself with his neighbor. He is hurtful to his neighbor by complimenting his own wealth over his neighbor’s. Essentially, he is confusing success with materialism and comparing himself with others. 

Second, he takes for granted the security Allah has provided, forgetting the forthcoming Day of Judgment. 

Finally, he mistakes Allah’s blessings, thinking Allah is happy with him, based on his comfort and security. And assumes this will also ensure a place in paradise for him in the Hereafter. 

Wealth and poverty are both are a test from Allah. Forgetting that everything comes from Allah is equivalent to placing the importance of wealth before Allah as our primary purpose for being here on earth: to worship Him.

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Allah mentions one of His prophets more than any other in His Book of Guidance and teaches us many dua at the tongue of this prophet. Ustadh Michael Wolfender shows how achieving perfection comes through obedience aligned with dua in Surah 20 Taha. 

See how asking of Allah can also be seeking to please His direction. As Brother Michael says, "Throughout the Qur'an, what we see from Musa is that he makes dua and he does his best. He makes dua and he does his best. He's trying to please Allah. Nothing else. Everything he does is about good deeds and pleasing Allah. And then, he keeps talking to Allah, like a student who keeps coming to the teacher.  'Did I do well? Did I do well? Help me out on this. Help me out on this!' He wants to please the teacher and he keeps talking to the teacher to see how he did."

Ustadh Michael tells us the story behind the famous dua from the prophet Allah details the most in His Book. 

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender told us in Episode 1 how the Qur’an is a book of guidance for one who seeks to find answers. In this episode on the 17th juz, Ustadh Michael gives us a specific example with the realm of science. The first premise refutes the idea that religion is antagonistic to science. 

Five minutes in, Ustadh Michael explains Allah clearly addressing what we call the Big Bang theory today. In the 21st surah, Al-Anbya (The Prophets) and ayah 30 Allah describes the heavens and the earth used to be one entity and then ‘We separated them’ followed by ‘from water, We made every living thing.’

As Brother Michael explains, "Religion and science are meant to go together. Islam brought the whole world out of darkness into light in the golden ages of Islam and that's because Islam makes scientific research as a virtuous act. A virtuous endeavour. You get rewarded for trying to find out about the creation of Allah."

Allah is the creator of the universe and Allah is the author of the Qur’an so they are aligned. The Qur’an is not a book of science. Qur’an is a book of guidance on how to find knowledge. Scientific discovery requires testing. The more we find in science, the more we need to reference the Qur’an. 

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What happens when one light meets another light? Ustadh Michael Wolfender shares with us how Allah’s guidance can make believers shine as He brings them out of darkness into light, with an explanation beginning from Ayah 35 of Surah An-Nur (24) The Light. 

Allah’s guidance is a light. Anyone who is guided receives that direction from Allah. The Qur’an is His guidance and a source of light. Ustadh Michael Wolfender shares what happens when these lights of guidance from Allah and the Qur’an meet.

Brother Michael explains, "Becoming a Muslim was an enjoyment for me. But the real light came, that feeling of light, that 'okay, I'm doing the right thing' only comes when you go to the Qur'an. That's where the light really comes.”

Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth, both physically and in guidance. Faith is like a light, a shining star in your heart enclosed in your chest. Qur’an is the light from Allah, the guidance of Allah. Everyone has this light and it becomes light upon light when connected with the Qur’an. Allah guides whomever He chooses. It is upon us to seek this guidance. This light is available for everyone. 

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Everyone loves a winner! Ustadh Michael Wolfender shares Allah’s open guidance to winning in today’s Qur’an Connection, looking at Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26 The Poets). This surah contains stories with lessons from civilizations who didn’t heed Allah’s message, with opportunities to learn from the justice and mercy of Allah.

Allah provides us a simple formula for success: be mindful of Him and obey His messenger. Ustadh Michael Wolfender shows us what happened to five civilizations after Allah delivered guidance and patience. Time passed and they still didn’t listen.

Allah has created a home for everyone in Paradise and He defends the oppressed. All we need to do is remember Him as He’s directed and observe the guidance His messenger provides.

Brother Michael says, "He says whoever purifies his soul, pushes it to the taqwa side, being mindful of Allah and being mindful of consequences, that person is guaranteed success."

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender ponders Ayat 73 of Surah 28 Al-Qasas (The Stories) and the balance Allah provides us in splitting night and day. The times we are required to pray guide our day. Allah says the day is for work and the night is to rest and stand in prayer to speak with Him. Appreciating this balance, observing and obeying His order expresses gratitude and belief.

Brother Michael says, "The source of believing is to be grateful. To start appreciating Allah, to get to recognize Allah's signs, Allah's design and appreciate Him for those." 

Allah provides guidance for balance in our lives and the examples of this abound in the day and night. 

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender from Good Tree Academy has the perfect reminder for us on working in this world for what we need here and in the hereafter. Allah knows what we are looking for. He hears us ask and He provides.

How often do you consider that less in this world may mean more in eternity?  Brother Michael explains how Allah rewards those who are patient and trust and rely on Him.  In ayah 56 - 60 of Surah Al-’Ankabut (29 The Spider) Allah commands to only worship Him. Every soul will taste death and we will all return to Allah. 

We all face ups and downs in life. Allah is indeed taking care of us. Paradise is the reward for those who are patient and rely on Allah. 

In ayah 60, Allah illustrates that animals look as if they have nothing. Everyday they go out and they are provided for by Allah. We are the same. Allah knows our condition. He hears us and provides.

We must be patient, if things don’t go according to our plan. Be thankful. Allah has His plan for each of us. 

Brother Michael explains, "We want things for this life and we don't plan much for the hereafter. Sometimes Allah gives us what we need for this life less than what we aspired to or wanted. And yet, that's because He wanted us to, He wants us to get more from the hereafter."

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Believers take time to ponder the wonders of Allah, knowing that the power of belief relies on faith. Rather than taking for granted expectations, we appreciate Allah’s design and order. Ustadh Michael Wolfender explains what he calls the ‘Director’s Cut’ detailing what we don’t see but has Allah’s Hand in everything. 

In the first two ayah of Surah Saba (34 Sheba), Brother Michael explains Allah’s commands and mercy come down from the sky and angels carry our deeds up, similar to rain falling from the sky as a mercy quenching plants and water evaporating and returning to clouds.

Brother Michael says, "Every day, every second, as we speak, angels are moving back and forth. Allah is sending angels to do what He told them and to implement His command. And, every second that we speak, there's angels recording everything that's happening. And there's angels making dua to Allah for the believers. All of this is happening coming up and down from the sky. So Allah's command comes down from the sky through the angels, and the deeds of the people go up to the sky through the angels."

Ustadh Michael Wolfender explores what we don’t see, considering how Allah’s commands and mercy come down and our deeds are carried up.

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender focuses on a popular surah, the guidance in Surah 36 Ya-Sin, where Allah indicates His Book is a revelation of His Mercy. 

Allah has sent His messengers as a mercy to mankind and His Revelation full of wisdom. Yet His messengers are mocked by their communities. In this surah, Allah lists examples of what we should be thankful for, illustrating why we should recognize Allah as our Provider. 

Allah reminds us we are quick to turn to Him when in need, with a reminder that believers are always thankful, too. Brother Michael explains a comparison Surah Ya-Sin, often referred to as the heart of the Holy Qur’an, makes of people who do not acknowledge Allah as our Caretaker with unyielding ground. 

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Everyone wants to be on the winning team. As believers, our number one priority is to ensure Allah is on our side. Ustadh Michael Wolfender uses an analogy to illustrate why Marvel’s superheroes have nothing on our Creator.

We hope these podcasts help you speak sincerely to Allah. He knows our troubles, is the Forgiver of all sins, accepts repentance, is severe in consequence and is our Unending Giver. Our final return will be to Allah, who will provide the fairest judgment to all oppressors. 

Brother Michael takes us through Surah Ghafir (40 The Forgiver), starting with ayat 1 - 4 explaining Allah knows the troubles believers endure. He accepts repentance. He is severe in meting consequences. He gives without measure. All will return to Allah and on the Day of Judgment all will see oppressors being overcome by Allah. To help illustrate His Grandeur, Allah describes the angels carrying His Throne. 

As movie-goers, we’re used to special effects. So Brother Michael describes, "Hollywood has got nothing on Allah. SubhanAllah. Allah is going to take the universe and fold it up until there's not a sound, there's nothing left, kind of like how the universe was before the big bang. And He's going to say 'To whom belongs the kingdom now? Whose is the kingdom today?'”

Hollywood’s special effects are no match for the Day of Judgment. Understanding this perspective helps share the superpower of belief.

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Admit it - you’ve compared what you have to what someone else has, whether as a child or an adult. That’s human nature. Ustadh Michael Wolfender explains why Allah distributes wealth, education, knowledge, talent, skill and even family ties evenly, though we may often be envious or not understand a perceived imbalance.

Brother Michael is referring to Ayah 31 of Surah Az-Zukhruf (43 The Ornaments of Gold) where we learn the mercy of Allah is better. He distributes blessings accordingly and it is best to focus on what we do have. 

Brother Michael says, "If you've been going to the mosque, to the masjid during the month of Ramadan, there's a lot of fundraising going on. Sometimes you might be wishing that you could be raising your hand to give a lot of money like other people do. But Allah knows your intention. Allah knows what's inside the heart. And the person who has two dollars and gives one dollar has given fifty percent. The person who has two thousand dollars and gives twenty has given a lower portion. Allah knows the intention. Allah accepts the intention."

Do the best with what you have instead of being selfish by comparing yourself to others or making fun of those who have less. 

Allah could have made everyone rich; the differences Allah provides us is intended for us to better appreciate.

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender focuses on growing the right relationship with Allah. The word ‘slave’ typically has a negative connotation. Yet, believers are happy to be slaves to the right Master.

Our service doesn’t bring Allah any benefit. Yet, we are benefiting ourselves by serving Him. No other slave or master relationship is the same. A master does and should take care of his servants.  Allah is close, tolerant and He loves us. He has built a home for each of us in paradise. It’s simply up to us to choose His path.

Brother Michael explains, "The ayah of the purpose of creation” where Allah says, “I didn't create jinns and humans except for one purpose: that they serve and worship Me." 
In Surah Al-Ahqaf (46 The Wind-Curved Sandhills) ayah 33, Allah reminds He can bring life back to the dead. 

Compare the process humans use to create. We make things due to need. 

It is not tasking for Allah to create, as He did with the universe and everything in it. And He doesn’t need anything from His creation. 

Our purpose is to worship Allah. We serve Allah; we follow His instructions. We benefit ourselves by serving Allah. For a believer, being a slave to Allah is the highest level of happiness.

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Allah is everywhere. Look up and you will see His creation in the sky, feel the wind, the smell of everything organic is from Him, hear His guidance and connect with His words from the Qur’an.

Allah has prepared everything we need. Rushing to prayer is rushing to Him.

Ustadh Michael Wolfender recites from Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51 The Winnowing Winds) ayah 47 describing the creation of the sky where Allah says ‘We are expanding it,’ i.e. expanding the universe alluding to the reference made in an earlier episode to the Big Bang theory.

The surah continues directing rushing to Allah, declaring and believing there is no god but Him. And to embody rushing to Allah by rushing to prayer. 

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Allah tests those he loves. Ustadh Michael Wolfender recites from Surah At-Taghabun (64 The Mutual Disillusion) explaining that no situation happens except with the permission of Allah. Whoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart. Continue to obey Allah and His messenger ﷺ. 

We can achieve contentment and happiness in this life, even with hardships which can make us better.

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender spends less than five minutes with a lesson from Surah Mulk (67 The Sovereignty) on making the most of every moment and Allah’s perfection. His creation is perfect. We are imperfect. Allah wants us to win. He forgives our shortcomings, when we fall short of praising Him, when we fall short in our worship, when we fall short in our interactions with each other. 

Brother Michael says Allah “forgives when we fall short of praising Him. He forgives when we fall short of obeying Him. He forgives when we fall short of our interactions with people. He forgives when we fall short in our aspirations and our patience and our gratitude to Him. He forgives all of that. So yes He's in charge. But He also forgives."

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender concludes his 30-part review of succinct messages from the Holy Qur’an, delivered in conjunction with daily fasting during Ramadan. 

Many feel some sadness as the month ends, reflecting on the sacrifice and worship offered to please our Master. Ustadh Michael explains the oath Allah swears by in Surah At-Takwir (81 The Overthrowing) Ayat 15 so we can see that Ramadan is really a fresh beginning on the journey to connect with Him: 

"We cannot let this end of Ramadan be the end of our connection with the Qur'an. This last day of Ramadan is not the end. It's only the beginning. It's only the beginning. And this month of Ramadan taught us to find the patience and consistency to do some everyday. We have to keep  it up. A little bit every day consistently.”

What a gift Allah revealed to humanity and our Prophet peace be upon him in this blessed month with His guidance in the Holy Qur’an. A gift of guidance to help us achieve success in this life and for eternity.

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Ramadan is a blessed time of sacrifice and worship. Did you know Allah extends that blessing? Learn how as Ustadh Michael Wolfender describes the benefits of six bonus fasts. Ustadh Michael has a short message for each additional day of sacrifice for Allah - each one of those days equals another ten days reward of fasting. 

For this episode, Ustadh Michael recites from Surah Taha, Ayah 102 where Allah discusses time and Surah Al-Muddaththir (74 The Cloaked One) Ayah 37 on making use of time. 

One way we can make best use of the time that we have is to reap the rewards of fasting the entire year, even though it only takes six more days beyond Ramadan.

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender shows how to learn effective words in the Qur'an to build a connection with Allah’s Book. Brother Michael shares the link in why surahs are placed in the order they are. As an example, Prophet Ibrahim’s dua is mentioned early in the Qur’an and is answered at the end, showing precise placement of surahs and words. See the Arabic vocabulary document referred to at https://youtu.be/rdK0WiKcYa0 or QuranConnection.org

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender relates the story of a 7th grader’s realization from four pages in Surah An-Naml (27 The Ant). Hear how a prophet’s numerous miracles continue to prompt him to always turn back to Allah with humility and gratitude. 

Throughout time, humans have questioned belief, including the miracles from prophets which defeat science. Allah answers this in the Qur’an, as Allah is The Source of Science. Brother Michael refers to Allah’s qualities referenced in Ayat al-Kursiyy, the 255th verse of the second surah. 

Ultimately, belief relies on trust. 

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender describes the process of learning Qur'an's messages, starting with the shorter surahs to connect with messages of guidance. Next steps are to learn the meaning of individual words and how sentences work. See how Brother MIchael refers to this with the last six surahs at https://youtu.be/bPBEWbtBVcM. In particular, Brother Michael refers to learning techniques used at Good Tree Academy and how students learn to understand surahs Al-Ghashiya (88 The Overwhelming) and Al-Fajr (89 The Dawn).

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To encourage completing six days of fasting before the month of Shawwal ends, Ustadh Michael looks at the power of the Qur’an, the protection Allah provides for it and the focus He endowed our Prophet peace be upon him. Brother Michael references Surah Al-Jinn (72 The Jinn) to reflect on faith in the unseen. This message helps us focus on what is real and worth pursuing.

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Believers learn the balance between fear and hope. Ustadh Michael Wolfender outlines how motivation and pressure can push you to the ultimate reward. A balance of fear and hope keeps believers on the straight path. Life is a test to become a better person. This would not occur without challenges and pressure. Brother Michael refer to Surah Al-Humazah (104 The Traducer) which has many references to the hellfire as the other surahs around it do address paradise. We hear an anecdote of a student’s ability to connect to the Qur’an and a technique you can strive toward. 

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender has a reminder of the reward we’re striving for as he references some of his favorite ayat from Surah Al-Mursalat (77 The Emissaries). The Day of Judgment can be a happy day. Brother Michael explains the reminder Allah provides that is so eminent it was the last ayat our Prophet peace be upon him led prayer with.

Believers accept the will of Allah. We accept His direction in how He guides us to worship Him. Belief in the Day of Judgment is one measure to keep Muslims seeking to journey in this life on the straight path. Watch Brother Michael’s video of this podcast at https://youtu.be/PmKkWJqa7hU

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Guest Khateeb Sheikh Arsalan Haque gave Good Tree students an important message about watching what you say and that Ramadan is the best time to practice.

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Ustadh Michael tells us a very interesting story of how the first Quran was written down and how Allah's promise was kept to preserve it.

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Ustadh Michael speaks about how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known to be the most honest and trustworthy individual in his community even before he became the Messenger of Allah.

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Our guest khatib Sheikh Ikrimah speaks to the students about the importance of not wasting the precious time Allah SWA has given us with the coming of every new day.

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Some try to prove God does not exist through science but the Quran makes it clear that the Designer behind all science is Allah (SWA).

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Ustadh Michael speaks about how the Muslims historically brought people together of different religions to build secure, thriving communities.

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Ustadh Michael speaks about how Allah tests us with the Quran. We should give it priority over other activities, especially in the month of Ramadan. Please support our Tuition Assistance Program at goodtreeacademy.org/ramadan. 

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10th Grader Ammaar gives a beautiful khutba offering his fellow students a list of important things to act on to help them benefit from the blessed month of Ramadan.

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Eighth-grader Unays shares his beautiful recitation. This Ramadan, support students studying Allah's book. Visit https://goodtreeacademy.org/ramadan or Zelle to donations@goodtreeacademy.org. Donations are Zakat eligible.

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Listen to Ustadh Hafiz Michael Wolfender tell his story about how he converted to Islam and how the Quran transformed his life. Support students studying Quran at https://goodtreeacademy.org/ramadan or Zelle to donations@goodtreeacademy.org. Zakat donations are accepted for our Tuition Assistance Program.

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Good Tree Academy's Full Time Hifz student Aminah shares her beautiful recitation with us. Support students studying Quran with your Sadaqa or Zakat at https://goodtreeacademy.org/ramadan, Zelle to donations@goodtreeacademy.org or mail a check to our school.

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Learn about our school and how you can support our future Muslim leaders. 

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Good Tree Academy students offer a Quranic reminder, an Islamic Story and a few poems about being Muslim. Listen to this entertaining show for the whole family. Support the education of Muslim children with your Sadaqa or Zakat at https://goodtreeacademy.org/ramadan or Zelle to donations at goodtreeacademy.org

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Listen to the beautiful recitation of Full Time Hifz student Yaqub and support students in need of financial aid with your Sadaqa or Zakat. Visit https://goodtreeacademy.org/ramadan, Zelle to donations@goodtreeacademy.org or mail a check to our school.

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Ustadh Michael speaks about the Laylatul Qadr and how the Quran was a treasure sent down from the Lord of all of the worlds. In these last 10 days of Ramadan let us treasure it by reading, listening, and trying to understand its meaning. To support students memorizing and learning the meaning of the Quran visit https://goodtreeacademy.org/ramadan, Zelle to donations@goodtreeacademy.org or mail a check to our school address.

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In this episode, Sr Daniyal talks to our hosts Shauna Mustafa and Maryam Yousafzai about the struggles of Muslim women in the modern world.

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Hear the beautiful recitation of high school student Rayyan. To support students studying the Quran alongside core academics, please donate your Zakat or Sadaqa at https://goodtreeacademy.org/ramadan or Zelle to donations@goodtreeacademy.org

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Are you ready to show Allah your steadfast belief in Him in what He calls the best ten days? Ustadh Michael Wolfender explains why Allah selects the beginning of Hajj for such a precious time. 

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We’re on Day Two of the ten blessed days, as millions of believers would love to converge in Mecca this year but cannot accept Allah’s invitation to His House.

Allah understands your intention, whether it’s a hope to be on a physical journey to Mecca and where you may be on your path of faith within Islam. Allah has declared Islam as THE religion for humanity and given us the gift of prayer to worship Him.

Ustadh Michael Wolfender further explains how Prophet Ibrahim was chosen to build Allah’s house on Earth, and then invite believers.

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The idea of bearing witness and being a testimony to Islam’s message of truth is an idea to help believers remain steadfast on Allah’s straight path.

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Allah invites believers to His House to witness what is good for us and to remember Him. 

Remember that Allah encourages this journey as one of the strongest acts of obedience in worshiping and connecting to Him. Brother Michael’s newest video helps you connect with our Master and perfect our worship of Him, no matter how far you may be from Allah’s House. 

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender discusses Ayah 35 of Surah Hajj which deviates from details on Hajj to discuss four qualities of believers: being humble before Allah, patience with what befalls believers, offering worship and prayer and spending from what Allah has provided. Each is a means to increase your connection with our Maker. Support Good Tree Academy  at ​http://goodtreeacademy.org/donate

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender is producing these podcasts to help believers understand the directions Allah provides so we can all increase our worship, particularly in the ten most blessed days.

Ustadh Michael provides examples of exercising patience, particularly when performing Hajj. As Brother Michael explains, a second way to increase worship of Allah is to focus on and offer prayer. 

Support Good Tree Academy’s efforts to share Allah's Message online at ​http://goodtreeacademy.org/donate

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The best investments we can make in this lifetime are those which we’ll carry towards the Hereafter - good deeds, engaging to understand Allah’s words in the Qur’an and offering prayer.
Ustadh Michael Wolfender encourages an act to tip your scale of good deeds in your favor.
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The Eid celebration after Hajj and the best ten days commemorates sacrificing and sharing.

Ustadh Michael Wolfender examines and extols the virtues behind obeying Allah’s commands in preparing meat to eat.

What do you think about Ustadh Michael’s contention to vegetarians of the world? Our goal is to help spread understanding of Islam and Allah’s guidance, with the direction He’s provided. As humans, we are given the choice to follow the directions our Prophet peace be upon him has brought.

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On the Day of Arafat, Ustadh Michael Wolfender reminds us of the most important day when we will meet Allah with our reckoning for eternity.

As the ten best days conclude, Hajj is nearly complete for the pilgrims. They spent many hours preparing. Ustadh Michael helps us consider the preparations we are all making to meet our Master.

We can use these simple three examples everyday, making every simple action a remembrance of Allah: looking for shade, drinking water and treating each other equally.

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Celebrating Eid al-Adha with you, Ustadh Michael rejoices in the culmination to our Ten Best Days series by concluding with a description of what Allah promises His believers and we will be pleased with Him.

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Ustadh Michael talks about Surat Muzzamil and the stories of Musa(AS) and Muhammad(SAW) and how they stayed patient and trusted Allah(Swat). The three things he mentions are trusting Allah, keeping your head up, and never giving up.

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Sheikh Moaz speaks about how good manners are a major part of being a good Muslim. 

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Tenth grader Dann gives his first khutba about how you don't know why things happen the way they do when they happen. The believers are the ones who are able to say "Allah knows best." 

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Listen to Imam Faisal Ahmad talk about common challenges facing the American youth today and how they can overcome them. Support students studying Islamic alongside core academics at https://goodtreeacademy.org/donate or Zelle to donations@goodtreeacademy.org.

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12th grader Yusuf gave a khutba about good character and being prepared for the day we will meet with Allah.

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Ustadh Michael speaks about Allah's mastery in designing creation.

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Good Tree Student Council interviews Ustadha Sophia Khan who shares simple and helpful advice on how to stay true to your faith while handling the challenges of modern life, like work, family, and daily struggles.

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender’s khutbah discusses the premise and challenges of purifying before prayer, the importance of oral hygiene and nutritious diet. Moving your thumbs on a digital device is easy today, when early Muslims built sound minds and bodies with archery, horse riding and swimming. Allah is our Light and has provided our souls connections to Him. Science shows how animals emit particles of light from the heart and the brain. 

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender advises our purpose is to realize who Allah is and appreciate Him, but most don't. Ask Allah of His blessings and be in His service. However, most don't appreciate His Abundance. For those who pursue a goal of learning Arabic and the Qur'an, the purpose is to learn about Allah, the Power of the Universe. He guides those who seek and want to know more and has gifted humans with intelligent appreciation. 

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Did you know prayer was provided as a gift from God? 

Listen to how the original command to pray 50 times a day was reduced to 5, but still retains the reward of 50. Washing before prayer cleanses the worshipper of sins. Prayer itself is an expiation. Learn about the purpose in actions during worship and praying in a private conversation with Allah, as He responds to each verse in the opening chapter of the Holy Qur’an. In Surah Fatihah, worshippers ask Allah to ensure they stay on the straight path, which can be referred to as: truth, Islam, guidance from Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and the Qur’an itself. 

Allah answers this prayer in the opening chapter with the beginning of the following chapter, indicating the Qur’an is the guidance worshippers are seeking. It is provided for believers to cling to, recite and act on its contents. 

Prayer includes prostrating before Allah, which brings the believer closest to His Creator. Upon completing worship, let it linger in remembering Allah until the next opportunity to prostrate. Use the time in between prayers to make dua in asking Allah, as He loves for believers to ask of Him. 

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The month in which Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him was born offers a time to share lessons every human should learn to build character and please our Lord. Referenced are 20 advices from our prophet peace be upon him: talk softly, walk humbly, eat sensibly, breathe deeply, sleep sufficiently, dress properly, interact politely, act fearlessly, work patiently, think truthfully, believe correctly, behave decently, learn practically, plan orderly, earn honestly, spend intelligently, sacrifice regularly, worship dedicatedly, serve parents happily, show love passionately. Muslims should know our prophet peace be upon him, love him, honor him and follow him. He was the first to carry his name and millions of parents have since honored him by bestowing his name on their progeny. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him is known as the bringer of good news, merciful, full of piety and a mercy to the worlds. Listen to how he consoled a palm tree and a lesson from the battlefield which teaches us to follow his guidance today. Be more interested in your character than your reputation. Learn how you prepare for, manage and address challenges and controversy demonstrates character. Be positive, optimistic and strive hard in life. Those to dare to fail will achieve greatly. Understanding this means believers can implement and share Qur’an’s guidance. 

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Those who believe, do good deeds, encourage each other to the truth and encourage each other to be patient and to act with patience achieve success. Ustadh Michael Wolfender explains the guidance in Surah Asr, including how early believers in Islam recited this to each other upon leaving one another. Allah has only given humans intellect, for us to realize, understand and believe in His Guidance. Belief in the unseen is the measure of a believer. Obeying Allah and His messenger ensures success and wards against the distractions of wanting more and more. 

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Ustadh Michael Wolfender uses his own story of finding Islam, the father of a victim of murder and historical prophethood references to emphasize the power of AIM and being happy, pleased and content.

Allah Has given us the gifts to understand who He is We don’t always understand everything that happens to us.

Learn the Arabic phrase reflecting being content, happy and pleased with Allah’s decree.

No hardship comes to you except that it is the plan of Allah. Those who accept this have their heart strengthened. Allah knows your troubles. Allah wants good for you.

We hear how the father of a victim of murder forgave the murderer, helped him and hugged him.

We also hear of struggles Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him faced and continued to forgive, acting with mercy and contentment with the decree of Allah, despite the loss of six of seven children and others including his best friend and supporter. He did not question Allah’s wisdom and instead found the strength to forgive.

AIM to be content; this creates true inner strength. 

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Most of our duas fall into one of two categories: seeking to remove a problem and future benefit. It’s important for believers to always remember and call upon Allah, and it is also natural and appropropriate when one is bearing an increase in problems, to increase worship and dua. Duas are accepted and responded to immediately, over the course of your life or in the hereafter. So when a believer doesn’t see an immediate acceptance, this is not a reflection of Allah’s immediate view of you and His Happiness with His believer. 

Allah provides the examples of His prophets for believers to learn from. Noah (as) preached for 950 years. And we get frustrated often in seconds or minutes!

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him continued to offer dua on behalf of his relatives who did not accept Islam. Allah reminds us those we pray for do not automatically receive guidance because of duas made for this purpose. 

Jacob (as) had 12 sons and he lost his youngest, Joseph, as a child; he made dua and cried over losing his son. So much so that he lost his eyesight. After many years, Jacob was reunited with his son.

Moses’ mother put him in a basket and threw him in the river Nile. Upon consideration, we’ll understand there is nothing on this earth like a mother’s love for her child. Moses’ mother made dua for her son. And he was returned to her within hours. 

The reason we make dua is we expect a return. But we must first understand that the word ‘dua’ means to call, invite and cry out. Duas do include requests and demands. They are from a slave turning to his Master, to beg of Allah of Him and His Bounty. That you ask Allah is most important and engage in conversation with Him. 

Joseph (as) was falsely accused and jailed. However, if he had never made it to Egypt, he never would have been brought before the king and earned a position in his court, leading to reunion with his family. 

Pain is provided for a reason: to learn, be patient and ask of our Master, balanced by thanking Him for the blessing He continually showers us with.

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Stress is inherent in current society. Ustadh Michael Wolfender relates ‘pills are not the solution,’ though 1 in 6 Americans uses antidepressant medication. Qur’an has antidotes for stress. In Surah Al-Hijr, Allah says those who didn’t accept His message will wish they did. We are instructed to serve Allah until we reach death. Praising and declaring the perfection of Allah is a means of handling stress. And the reward for enduring this life is illustrated in Surah Fatir (translated as Originator) verses 33 - 35. Until we earn that reward, we can alleviate stress by reciting the last three surahs. Say this at night three times, blow on your hands and wipe them over your body. 

When a person (leaving their home) says:  بسم الله توكلت على الله ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله “In the name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah, and there is no opportunity and no power except with Allah,” the Angels reply: ‘You have been protected, you have been sufficed, you have been guided.’

In Surah An-Nahl (translated as The Bee) verse 97, we learn by performing good deeds and keeping faith, Allah will make sure such a believer has a happy life. 

Finally, whoever feels some sort of stress and says the following dua, Allah will remove it and turn it into happiness:

Oh Allah, I am Your slave, the son of Your slave, my forelock is at Your hand, Your decision is a done deal for me, Your decree is fair to me. I asked You by all Your names, that You have given Yourself, that You have revealed in Your Book, or that You have taught any of Your creation, or that You have kept secret with You in Your knowledge of the Unseen, that You make the Qur'an the spring (joy) of my heart, the light of my chest, the relief of my sadness, and the removal of my worries.

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي عَبْدُكَ، ابْنُ عَبْدِكَ، ابْنُ أَمَتِكَ، نَاصِيَتِي بِيَدِكَ، مَاضٍ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ، عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤُكَ، أَسْأَلُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ، أَوْ أَنْزَلْتَهُ فِي كِتَابِكَ، أَوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أَحَدًا مِنْ خَلْقِكَ، أَوِ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِي عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ، أَنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ رَبِيعَ قَلْبِي، وَنُورَ صَدْرِي، وَجَلَاءَ حُزْنِي، وَذَهَابَ هَمِّي

[This related in Musnad Ahmed, rated sound by Ibn Hajar and by al-Albani]

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In Surah 92 Al-Layl (The Night), Allah swears by the day and night as opposites, just as life can be divided between those who give and those who don’t. The first category of people are those who give, are mindful of Allah and the consequences of actions, believing, following and adopting the truth when seen. For this, Allah says he will ease such a believer to ease, provide success and make it easy to achieve. Allah guarantees this. 

The second category of people are those who are selfish, refuse to give and thinks for themselves. Relying on themselves, when truth is presented, the response is: ‘I have a better way,’ denying the best and preferring to handle matters of their own accord. To this, Allah says He will make it easy for such to fail, fall on hardship and face failures. 

Wealth and materialism carry no benefit beyond this world and can pave a path to doom, while a sharing heart gives to others, thinking of their benefit. A true believer loves for another what s/he loves for him or herself, dedicating choices to ensure they please Allah. 

Allah says to follow His Way to earn success, as His plan is to make His servants happy. In searching for a leader, the simple answer is to follow Allah and His Messenger ﷺ

To earn eternal happiness, as a believer, you will face tests. The answer is to put trust in Allah by turning to Him. Asking of Allah, worshipping Him and making dua (asking of Him) is pleasing to Him. 

As an example, Allah relays the story of the teenagers of the cave and the test they faced in Surah Kahf (The Cave) and how they turned to Allah, knowing that confidence in following Allah is the right way. Be bold and strong in knowing this is the right way. These teenagers worshipped Allah as One while those around them worshipped idols. They were called to their king’s court and required to profess that they would worship idols as the rest of their community did. But this went against their faith. So they made dua to Allah and Allah says ‘we made them firm, strong and not scared’ because they believed in the truth. But they faced the test to worship idols or be sentenced to death. The teens professed faith in Allah as One, the Master of the Universe and that they would never worship any other. Their boldness then also spurred them to prompt those making them do this to bring the idols they worshipped forth and profess themselves why they should be worshipped.. Of course, inatimate objects could not.

The teens fled. Allah provided miracles as assistance and recompense.  The correlation for us is the stronger we hold to Allah when tested, the stronger His Help will be for the believer. 

We would be lost without the Guidance from Allah. We each have the opportunity to demonstrate truth to humanity and strength in belief. Allah provided the teenagers of the cave the miracle of sleep for 300 years and a dog to protect them.

Ask Allah to make you strong. Turn to the Qur’an and sunnah for guidance. This relieves worry and hardship, replacing it with contentment. The test won’t be removed, but the unnecessary concerns will be. 

Allah, we are at your service. Your Decree and Judgment is Fair to us. We ask Allah to make His Qur’an a means for us to be happy and content, to be a Light in our heart.

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You've heard the statement: Don't blindly follow. In the Qur'an, Allah articulates humans as being created the only creatures with reason and that we should use that reason to seek the truth and believe in it. 90 seconds after the Arabic introduction, Ustadh Michael Wolfender describes in English how Allah, over time, sent prophets with the same message: believe in One God. Today, there are Christians, believing in Jesus' original, true message, who support Muslims' belief in monotheism. 
Ustadh Michael describes how, after Jesus, people changed the religion and the message he delivered. Indeed, Jesus completed the message delivered to the children of Israel. He declared that after him a final messenger would arrive for all of mankind and to follow Moses' message. Why? Because God has sent the same message for all mankind: worship One who is our Creator. 
The superpower in Jesus' time was the Roman Empire, who worshiped idols such as Venus, Neptune, Jupiter and so on. These people added to the religion Jesus brought, including to worship him as God's son. 300 years after him, they made Christianity the state religion with these added beliefs; though, in the Bible, Jesus is recorded saying to 'worship your Lord, He is One.' 
To this day, there are Christians who don't agree with perversions to the original Christian message. Brother Michael includes the story of his relatives, as Christians and their beliefs, along with the stories of two early believers in Islam and three duas which helped, in the early days of Islam, to uphold and spread Allah's message.

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A true Muslim submits willfully to Allah with love and knowledge as, in Islam, there is no coercion in religion. This is how a believer achieves a full Islam to enjoy. Ustadh Michael Wolfender presents the case of Black Friday and the stress capitalism induces in seeking the 'best deal.' Capitalism's zero sum game promotes winners over losers whereas Islam teaches sharing and wanting for others what we wish for ourselves, i.e. not to win over others in order to get the best deal. Thanksgiving is the opposite of Black Friday and does promote the perspective of Islam, which has the cure to stress and worries. 
Continuing to chase this world and what is worldly will reap misery. In Surah Kahf, we learn everything on earth is a beautification. This is all a test to see who will be the most righteous, as all that is worldly will go away.
We cannot control stressful circumstances, but we can control our emotions. Islam teaches a perspective of gratitude, remembering Allah's blessings, believing in Him, His Decree and Wisdom, and being patient.
The Qur'an is full of cure for stress, such as declaring the perfection of Allah. Be grateful: praise and thank Allah. This relieves stress. Prostrate before Allah. 
Surah Nahl contains another reminder that whoever performs good deeds and has faith, Allah guarantees a happy life. This results in contentment.
Allah has preserved the Qur'an in its originally revealed language. As a result, we have a means, among others, to understand the right perspective on life and ways and cures to de-stress. The mindset believers learn from the Qur'an counters many values inherent in capitalism and Black Friday, such as FOMO (fear of missing out).

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As a religion upholding social justice and peace, Ustadh Michael Wolfender looks through Islam's history and guidance in Islam to address how Muslims and Islam upholds and even rooted the values in the U.S. Constitution. 
The best Muslims are those adhering to taqwa, i.e. being mindful of Allah and understanding that He is All-Knowing and The Provider of Success. Those upholding taqwa do so with honor and dignity. It was this character trait which earned early Muslims positions of responsibility and this was a very different approach than the practice at the time, which relied on heritage and tribal relations (not dissimilar from modern social class distinctions). 
This early focus in Islam on social justice resulted in a faction being sent to seek protection with a Christian king in Africa. It also seeded constitutional values based on agreements struck with people of other faiths to uphold mutual rights. Unlike growth of other empires, the Muslim empire grew without a large army in comparison. As an example, Jews and Muslims conquested Spain together. The majority living in the Muslim empire initially were not Muslims, but the numbers grew as those in the region accepted the religion over time. Origins of the U.S. Constitution emanate from European visits to the Ottoman Empire where human rights were a primary focus. This heritage draws towards today, providing purpose to be proud Muslims and proud Americans.

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A special khutbah from a Good Tree Academy senior illustrating the eternal reward everyone should strive for. In His Book, Allah gives glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds as these are the two means to earn eternal success in gardens and palaces with rivers flowing under. We learn of the levels of paradise, the everlasting company we will keep with those we love and neverending enjoyment. 

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Do you find it difficult to begin finding and counting the blessings we enjoy, including the gift of prayer Allah has provided? Ustadh Michael Wolfender presents several considerations, including an analogy of the power Allah presents in traffic and intersections to illustrate the Guidance He provides and His Protection. Allah is full of kindness to those who are devout to Him. He prevents harm. Being mindful of Allah, eager to please and avoiding disappointing Him are ways to develop a relationship with God. 

In Ayah 207 of Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah refers to people who dedicate their lives seeking His Pleasure. And in the next verse, there is guidance on how to do this: Enter into Islam wholeheartedly. As the surah continues, Allah references the innumerable clear signs He provides of His Existence. 

Brother Michael provides the example of pulsar stars recently discovered as making a knocking sound in the universe. More than 1400 years ago when Allah revealed the Qur’an, He explained exactly this in Surah Tariq. Further, Brother Michael explains how the Big Bang theory is also described in the Qur’an hundreds of years before it was articulated by scientists. All inventions are simply understanding how Allah made things. 

The clear path to answering doubt is by turning to Allah, His Book and the guidance of how Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lived and those traditions recorded known as hadith.

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After the first thirty seconds in Arabic, Ustadh Michael Wolfender provides a translation in English praising our Master, the Creator of the Universe. In tough times, we look for answers, for peace. Often without such solutions in sight. These worldly tests can help us achieve our place in paradise, based on our response. It is exactly these circumstances, Brother Michael explains, that brought Prophet Muhammad ﷺ the best news ever - that his ﷺ enemies would be cut off and he ﷺ would receive a gift to help quench believers’ thirst on the Day of Judgment. 

In Surah Al-Kawthar, Allah declares Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final messenger for all mankind. And we learn the benefits believers receive when accepting this. On Fridays especially, send salaam and peace on our prophet ﷺ. Those who do, earn ten times the benefit. Angels deliver these messages directly to his ﷺ grave.

To help explain this, Brother Michael uses modern inventions of computers, DNA testing and lie detectors - and how they illustrate actions described more than 1400 years ago during the Qur’an’s revelation, such as being able to see your eternal destination as you await the Day of Judgment. 

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The Qur’an as a book of guidance requires training and study to understand. Ustadh Michael Wolfender provides lessons from Surah Al-Waqi’ah (56 The Inevitable) with context to help understand and be guided by Allah’s Words. 

Allah provides humanity the power of reason. Arrogance is failing to recognize this or rejecting it in favor of relying on anything other than Allah. Scientists, in their zeal and excitement of discovery, have at times rejected God. Time and reason, however, have shown the truth of recognizing and bringing God clearly into the equation of discovery, science and creation. 

Surah Al-Waqi’ah begins referencing the Day of Judgment. Science correlates this with the trajectory of the sun inevitably crashing into another solar system. As such, science verifies the temporary nature of this world. Science also has discovered the fact that Yellowstone, the famous national park, is sitting on an eventual eruption, which is overdue. Muslims are not overly concerned about such calamities, given the confidence Allah provides believers. Among the series of events prior to the Day of Judgment, Brother Michael explains, is that believers will have their souls removed before the melee of endtimes. 

Verses 1 - 14 of Surah Al-Waqi’ah describe three categories of people on the Day of Judgment: those who will have ease, those who are believers and righteous and those who have earned Allah’s Displeasure. This last category sadly partakes in excess, extravagance, insists and persists with sins, questioning the Day of Judgment. 

In verses 57 - 74, Allah reminds of His Design, illustrating how His Creation clearly provides proper order, with examples of seeds growing and wood provided for fire. Science corroborates this with processes such as photosynthesis and heat energy created from fires in combustion. 

In verses 77 - 82, Allah attests to the Guidance in His Book and asks what are you doing with your life? We can choose which of the three categories we’ll fall into on the Day of Judgment. Brother Michael explains the surah concludes that winners are those who are righteous, care for others, and strive to assist others. Allah says these will be few; and it is up to each of us, given the only creatures endowed with reason, to seek His Guidance and how we chart the course of our eternal destination. 

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