Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry)

Al-Maqasid
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ISLAM

In this series of lectures, Shaykh Yahya introduces Futuwwa, roughly translated at “spiritual chivalry,” as set forth by Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) in his book Kitab al-Futuwwa.

  1. 04/11/2019

    Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry): To Break a Nonobligatory Fast to Make Others Happy

    In this next session, Skaykh Yahya discusses two more character traits of Futuwwa mentioned in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: (1) to break a nonobligatory fast to make your brother or sister happy; and (2) to bring happiness and joy in your relationships with others. With respect to breaking a nonobligatory fast, Shaykh Yahya explains the larger significance of this trait and why service to others is the quickest way to receive spiritual openings. He also begins the session with a beautiful discussion on ihsan (beautiful character) using a system of trees as a metaphor. Subscribe to Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry) on Soundwise

    23 min

  2. 04/11/2019

    Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry): To View Wealth As What One Gives

    In his book Kitab al-Futuwwa, Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) states that it is from Futuwwa (spiritual chivalry) to view what remains from one’s wealth as what was spent in charity and not what was withheld. Shaykh Yayha mentions that this great character trait derives from a faith-based perspective and is found in all of the Prophets, starting with the Prophet Adam, alayhi as-salaam. Several examples from the Qur’an and Hadith are mentioned, providing a clear and illuminating explanation.  Subscribe to Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry) on Soundwise

    19 min

  3. 04/11/2019

    Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry): To Begin Eating Only After Everyone Else Has Started

    The next trait of Futuwwa discussed in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa, is to begin eating only after everyone else has started eating. Although this trait may appear to be small and easy, Shaykh Yahya explains why you cannot have a leader without this fundamental etiquette. He then discusses the meaning of leadership with examples from the Qu’ran and Hadith. Additionally, a story about a righteous scholar, a rope, and a stone is told, providing a beautiful lesson on consistency.  Subscribe to Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry) on Soundwise

    26 min

  4. 04/11/2019

    Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry): To Show Good Hospitality and To Honor Guests

    In this session on Futuwwa based on Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa, Shaykh Yahya continues with the next great trait of spiritual chivalry: showing good hospitality and honoring guests. He mentions the story of what Sayyida Khadijah, radi allahu anha, said to comfort the Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, after he received his first revelation: specifically, the five traits that the Prophet (saas) possessed, including receiving guests hospitably. Shaykh Yahya also explains how the prophetic methodology can be found in these five traits. Short discussions on why prayer is our “primary occupation” and why the entire earth is a masjid are also provided. Subscribe to Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry) on Soundwise

    34 min

  5. 04/11/2019

    Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry): Rectifying One’s Inner State

    This next session on Futuwwa based on Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa, states that the real work is with rectifying one’s inner state. As part of the discussion, Shaykh Yahya mentions that when the Prophet, sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, taught, he sometimes wore nice clothes and sometimes wore simple clothes, and Shaykh Yahya discusses the wisdom behind that. Also, two examples from the life of Muhammad Ali are related which show the strength of his inner character and explain why so many people loved him.  Subscribe to Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry) on Soundwise

    25 min

  6. 04/11/2019

    Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry): Speak Truthfully and Fulfill Trusts

    Shaykh Yahya continues his discussion on Futuwwa based on Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa with the next character trait: speaking truthfully and fulfilling trusts. The six different levels of truthfulness are mentioned, with a focus on the first level—always maintaining truthfulness in speech and being careful with what we say. He also discusses the virtue of fulfilling trusts in the context of a hadith that lists four traits that if possessed, it does not matter what someone misses from the dunya. Prior to the discussion on Futuwwa, Shaykh Yahya relates a beautiful story about the Prophet’s, sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, great-great-grandson, Ja’far al-Sadiq. Subscribe to Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry) on Soundwise

    22 min

  7. 04/11/2019

    Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry): To Love and Visit Each Other and To Care For Strangers

    In this next session on Futuwwa, Shaykh Yahya first translates a poem by Al-Habib ‘Ali Bin Muhammad Al-Habashiyyi, which teaches us how to implore our Lord and which can be found in the book Al-Khulasah (The Cream of Remembrance). Afterwards, Shaykh Yahya discusses the next two character traits mentioned in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: (1) to love and visit each other for the sake of Allah, Ta’ala, and (2) to love and care for strangers. The concept of “stranger” is explored through several ahadith.  Subscribe to Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry) on Soundwise

    37 min

  8. 04/11/2019

    Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry): To Show Compassion and Share Your Possession

    In this session Shaykh Yahya first translates a beautiful poem about Hababah Khadijah al-Kubra, radi Allahu anha. the beloved first wife of the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alaihi wasallam. He then discusses the next character trait of Futuwwa mentioned in Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami’s (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) book, Kitab al-Futuwwa: to show compassion to your brothers (sisters) and to share your possessions with them. We are encouraged to give things away in accordance with the sunnah and provided practical advice on how to make this trait a reality in our own lives.  Subscribe to Futuwwa (Spiritual Chivalry) on Soundwise

    28 min
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In this series of lectures, Shaykh Yahya introduces Futuwwa, roughly translated at “spiritual chivalry,” as set forth by Imam Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al Sulami (d. 412 AH, 1034 CE) in his book Kitab al-Futuwwa.

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