The Hikmah Project

Saqib Safdar

Welcome to The Hikmah Project, a unique platform dedicated to the exploration of the world's spiritual wisdom traditions, with a special emphasis on Islamic metaphysics and mysticism. Our mission is to offer seekers of sacred knowledge an avenue to delve into mystical texts, guided by renowned experts from across the globe. Through podcasts, online courses, and events, we aim to foster a community of learning and spiritual growth. Drawing inspiration from the Qur’anic verse: أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَتَكُونَ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌۭ يَعْقِلُونَ بِهَآ أَوْ ءَاذَانٌۭ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا ۖ فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى ٱلْأَبْصَـٰرُ وَلَـٰكِن تَعْمَى ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٱلَّتِى فِى ٱلصُّدُورِ "Have they not traveled throughout the land so their hearts may reason, and their ears may listen? Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but it is the hearts in the chests that grow blind" (Qur’an 22:46) we recognize the profound role of the Heart (Qalb) in transcending mere rational understanding. This concept, resonating with the idea of Intellectus in Latin, highlights a supra-rational faculty of intelligence and awareness. As Ibn ʿArabī illustrates in the Fuṣūṣ al-Ḥikam, this journey is for those who are the folk of the Divine ( أَهْـلِ الله ) and the people of the Heart ( أَصْحاَبِ القْلوب ).. Our focus on 'mystical' delves into the inner essence of teachings, moving beyond formalism as cautioned by Imam Al Ghazali. We aim to transcend the mere form to uncover the essence and to understand the relative in light of the Absolute. The Hikmah Project is your gateway to exploring profound works such as Rūmī's Mathnawī, Ibn ʿArabī's Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya and Fuṣūṣ al-Ḥikam, Ibn ʿAṭā Allāh al-Iskandarī's Ḥikam, Amīr ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Jazāʾirī's Kitāb al-Mawāqif, and al-Ghazālī's Mishkāt al-Anwār. These texts are not just repositories of wisdom; they are guides for the gnostic on their spiritual path. As Ibn ʿArabī says in his Secrets of Voyaging, these journeys are bridges to our essence and unique states. They remind us that we are an integral part of everything. These voyages are only bridges…that are placed for us upon which to ‘cross over’ to our essences and the states that are specific to us…What I have recounted to you is to remind you of what is within you…so that you will know that you are everything, in everything and part of everything” وإنما هذه الاسفار قنطر وجسور موضعة نَعبُر عليها إلى ذوتنا و أحوالنا المختصة بنا فيكون هذا الذي قصصته عليك يذكِّرُك بما فيك، و ما نبَّهتك عليه، فتعلم أنك كل شيء وفي كل شيءومن كل We invite you to join us in this enlightening journey of discovery and spiritual awakening. May your quest for sacred knowledge be fruitful and inspiring. Welcome to The Hikmah Project.

  1. 09/25/2024

    Journeying Beyond the Horizons with Allama Iqbal - In Conversation with Humaira Masihuddin

    Guest Humaira Masihuddin is a lawyer based in Islamabad and holds LLM in Public International Law from the University of London, LLB (shariah and law) from the International Islamic University, MA in Cultural Anthropology from University of Pittsburgh USA and an MSC in Criminal Justice Studies from University of Leicester in UK. She is a criminologist cum victimologist and and has been visiting faculty in a number of law enforcement and security training schools including, Punjab Police College Sihala, Police Training School in Islamabad, Federal Police Academy and the Federal Judicial Academy, Defence services academy.  She started judicial trainings in 2006 and has since then trained Family court judges, Additional District and session judges, ATC judges and prosecutors in diverse subjects such as Therapeutic jurisprudence, guardianship and custody issues, women specific legislation Etc.,  She has twenty three years of experience as a trainer in the criminal justice system and has besides judges trained police officers, lawyers , prison staff and investigators She regularly imparts trainings on Theories of Criminality, Criminology of violent extremism and Terrorism, Interrogation, Victimology, Gender based violence, Policing of Vulnerable Groups and fundamental rights in the constitution of Pakistan. Diverse topics including the concept of Multiculturalism and Pluralism with special reference to Islamic teachings, Human Rights, Rights of Minorities in Islam and other topics are also taught by her on various forums as part of her social engineering project.  Humaira has worked on a wide range of issues as a consultant for various organizations including enabling environment for minorities in electoral and political processes, She was Technical advisor for project Police Awam Saath Saath, assignment included sharing of media products with police , lawyers and others , research on police heroes and best practices. Sexual harassment at the work place. Procedural defects in laws related to offenses against religions, comparative study of Blasphemy laws in Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh and India. Pluralism and treatment of minorities, Trafficking, Child sexual abuse. Street children and prevention of HIV/ AIDS. Podcast Summary: In this episode of The Hikmah Project Podcast, host Saqib Safdar warmly welcomes lawyer and scholar Humera Nasihadin to explore the life and philosophy of one of the East's greatest visionaries—Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Saqib, a long-time admirer of Iqbal's work, introduces Humera as an expert who has been studying and teaching Iqbal for over two decades. With degrees in law, anthropology, and Sharia, she brings a unique perspective to Iqbal's deep, multi-faceted thought. The conversation spans Iqbal’s significant contributions to poetry, philosophy, and Islamic thought, focusing on his key concepts like Khudi (selfhood) and his deep spiritual connection to Rumi. Humera discusses how Iqbal drew inspiration from the Qur'an, blending traditional Islamic values with a forward-looking vision to meet the challenges of modernity. She explains that Iqbal’s poetry is not just to be understood intellectually but felt deeply, as it touches the soul and offers universal insights. Together, Saqib and Humera recite and analyze some of Iqbal’s most poignant verses, bringing out their relevance to contemporary issues like nationalism and the Palestinian cause. Humera highlights Iqbal’s role as a spiritual and philosophical leader whose timeless wisdom continues to inspire generations. She also shares personal anecdotes about how Iqbal's influence extended beyond the intellectual to deeply

    1h 32m
  2. 07/16/2024

    The Heart of Business with Mark Silver

    Podcast Summary: Heart of Business - Episode with Mark SilverIntroduction: Mark’s book, Heart-Centered Business, is dedicated to Al Amin, highlighting the deep trust and love Mark strives to embody in commerce and life. Mark Silver's Journey: Raised in a Jewish family, Mark dreamed of becoming a rabbi but felt something was missing.While exploring deeper spirituality and starting his journey with business owners, he encountered Sufism through teachers from the lineage of Sheikh Muhammad Jamal.Initially, Mark struggled with his transition from Judaism to Sufism, feeling conflicted about betraying his heritage.A profound spiritual experience led him to fully embrace Sufism, taking shahada and finding healing between his Jewish and Islamic identities. Sufism and Business: Sufism’s teachings deeply influenced Mark’s approach to business, focusing on love, integrity, and the sacredness of relationships.He emphasizes that business, often seen as detached from spirituality, can be an act of love and service, challenging modern capitalism’s toxicity. Heart-Centered Business: Mark founded Heart of Business in 2001 to help entrepreneurs integrate spirituality with the practical aspects of running a business.His approach involves seeing business as a dynamic set of relationships, not just transactions, encouraging entrepreneurs to cultivate curiosity, compassion, and a healthy relationship with money. Key Themes and Quotes: Dedication to Al Amin: Mark admires the trustworthiness and integrity of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), striving to embody these qualities in his business practices. Love in Business: Love, if unleashed, could transform the world of business, making it a part of a culture that lifts and serves everyone. Essence of Business: Business lies in the aliveness of relationships, not just in transactions or systems. Healthy Relationships: Healthy businesses necessitate healthy relationships, avoiding the pitfalls of unhealthy dynamics. Curiosity and Shame: Cultivating curiosity is crucial as it shifts the internal narrative, softening judgment, and opening the heart to truth and possibility, countering shame. Seeing the Divine in Business: Every aspect of business, including clients, colleagues, and even money, should be viewed as an expression of the divine. Practical Application: Mark's work involves practical business coaching, spiritual guidance, and retreats to help entrepreneurs align their business practices with their spiritual values.His virtual retreats offer a space for deep spiritual practice, helping participants gain insights and make decisions aligned with their heart’s guidance. Conclusion: Saqib and Mark discuss the importance of integrating spirituality with business, emphasizing that such integration can lead to profound transformation and healing in the business world.Listeners are encouraged to explore Mark's work and consider how they can bring more heart-centered approaches to their own business practices. Contact and Further Information: Listeners can learn more about Mark Silver and Heart of Business at https://www.heartofbusiness.com, where they can find resources, assessments, and information on joining the community for support and growth in

    1h 27m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Hikmah Project, a unique platform dedicated to the exploration of the world's spiritual wisdom traditions, with a special emphasis on Islamic metaphysics and mysticism. Our mission is to offer seekers of sacred knowledge an avenue to delve into mystical texts, guided by renowned experts from across the globe. Through podcasts, online courses, and events, we aim to foster a community of learning and spiritual growth. Drawing inspiration from the Qur’anic verse: أَفَلَمْ يَسِيرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَتَكُونَ لَهُمْ قُلُوبٌۭ يَعْقِلُونَ بِهَآ أَوْ ءَاذَانٌۭ يَسْمَعُونَ بِهَا ۖ فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَعْمَى ٱلْأَبْصَـٰرُ وَلَـٰكِن تَعْمَى ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٱلَّتِى فِى ٱلصُّدُورِ "Have they not traveled throughout the land so their hearts may reason, and their ears may listen? Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blind, but it is the hearts in the chests that grow blind" (Qur’an 22:46) we recognize the profound role of the Heart (Qalb) in transcending mere rational understanding. This concept, resonating with the idea of Intellectus in Latin, highlights a supra-rational faculty of intelligence and awareness. As Ibn ʿArabī illustrates in the Fuṣūṣ al-Ḥikam, this journey is for those who are the folk of the Divine ( أَهْـلِ الله ) and the people of the Heart ( أَصْحاَبِ القْلوب ).. Our focus on 'mystical' delves into the inner essence of teachings, moving beyond formalism as cautioned by Imam Al Ghazali. We aim to transcend the mere form to uncover the essence and to understand the relative in light of the Absolute. The Hikmah Project is your gateway to exploring profound works such as Rūmī's Mathnawī, Ibn ʿArabī's Futūḥāt al-Makkiyya and Fuṣūṣ al-Ḥikam, Ibn ʿAṭā Allāh al-Iskandarī's Ḥikam, Amīr ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Jazāʾirī's Kitāb al-Mawāqif, and al-Ghazālī's Mishkāt al-Anwār. These texts are not just repositories of wisdom; they are guides for the gnostic on their spiritual path. As Ibn ʿArabī says in his Secrets of Voyaging, these journeys are bridges to our essence and unique states. They remind us that we are an integral part of everything. These voyages are only bridges…that are placed for us upon which to ‘cross over’ to our essences and the states that are specific to us…What I have recounted to you is to remind you of what is within you…so that you will know that you are everything, in everything and part of everything” وإنما هذه الاسفار قنطر وجسور موضعة نَعبُر عليها إلى ذوتنا و أحوالنا المختصة بنا فيكون هذا الذي قصصته عليك يذكِّرُك بما فيك، و ما نبَّهتك عليه، فتعلم أنك كل شيء وفي كل شيءومن كل We invite you to join us in this enlightening journey of discovery and spiritual awakening. May your quest for sacred knowledge be fruitful and inspiring. Welcome to The Hikmah Project.