Circles of Learning (Halaqas) · 18. July 2020
Part 1: Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl shares the ground-breaking results of his lifelong engagement with the Quran in this new tafsir halaqa. He shares his personal journey in discovering the meaning of Surah al Rahman, Chapter 55 of the Quran. This is the third example of the application of Dr. Abou El Fadl's original methodology.
Circles of Learning (Halaqas) · 01. September 2018
In Part 1, Dr. Abou El Fadl concludes the Quranic commentary on Surah al Rahman from Verse 67 through the end. In the introduction, Director Grace Song relates two reflections on life in the U.S. as a Muslim, one about middle school and one about the power of the puppy.
Circles of Learning (Halaqas) · 25. August 2018
Part 1: In the introduction, Director Grace Song discusses Westworld and the idea of "cornerstones," which define a person; the perils of social media; what it means to be a feminist and a Muslim feminist. Then, Dr. Abou El Fadl continues to present his original Qur'anic commentary of Surah al Rahman through Verse 65.
Circles of Learning (Halaqas) · 11. August 2018
In Part 1, Director Grace Song discusses her most powerful role model for a Muslim woman, her mother-in-law Afaf El-Nimr. She also talks about the oppression facing the Uyghur Muslims in China. Dr. Abou El Fadl further elaborates on the crises in China, Burma, the Middle East and around the world as a product of Islamophobia and the burden upon Muslims to invest in combatting Islamophobia.
Circles of Learning (Halaqas) · 28. July 2018
Part 1: In the introduction to the Usuli Institute Halaqa, Director Grace Song speaks about her experiences as a "recovering racist" in her journey after conversion. Dr. Abou El Fadl speaks about the Tariq Ramadan case; explains the difference between the Islamic law adjudication of zina (fornication) versus rape (a crime of terror); and discusses the #MeToo movement.
Circles of Learning (Halaqas) · 14. July 2018
Part 1 of 3: In the introduction, Director Grace Song shares stories about the place and power of knowledge in the Muslim experience, especially as an American convert confronting "Modern Day Muslim Urban Myths." She answers the question of how her life is better after becoming a Muslim; what a typical week looks life in the cause of knowledge; and the economic fallout from not investing in knowledge. She and Dr. Abou El Fadl talk about saving Islamic manuscripts. Dr. Abou El Fadl gives insight...