Maristan

Ibn al-Qayyim ???? ???? likens the heart’s journey to Allah ? to a bird in flight—love as its head, with fear and hope as its two wings. For the bird to soar, all three must be in balance. This harmony is the essence of true worship. When directed toward Allah (???? ?????? ??????), these emotions liberate us from worldly attachments and draw us closer to Him. Watch Episode 6, How Contemplation Can Reduce Anxiety, where Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith explores how we can achieve this balance and embody it in our daily lives. ? ?? Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/tafakkur-ep6 ?? listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/4iFMWeP ?? Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! #Tafakkur #IslamicReflection #DrRaniaAwaad #ShaykhMikaeelAhmedSmith #SignsOfAllah #IslamicStudies #SpiritualGrowth

Is fear a bad emotion? ?? Fear is often seen as something negative, but in the context of worship, it’s one of the greatest gifts a believer can have. Fear of Allah (???? ?????? ??????) doesn’t paralyze—it liberates. Watch Episode 6 "How Contemplation Can Reduce Anxiety" of our Ramadan series to learn more about how to build a healthier relationship with our emotions and strengthen our connection with Allah ?.? ? ?? Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/tafakkur-ep6 ?? listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/4iFMWeP ?? Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! #Tafakkur #IslamicReflection #DrRaniaAwaad #ShaykhMikaeelAhmedSmith #SignsOfAllah #IslamicStudies #SpiritualGrowth

There may be something standing in the way of your heart truly connecting with your Creator. Learn how to practice muhasabah (self-accounting) with simple, practical steps you can incorporate into your daily life. ?? Did you miss it? Watch or listen to Episode 4, "Barriers to Effective Contemplation," now! In this episode, Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith delves into what might be holding us back from deeply engaging with Allah ?. Drawing from the Sunnah of the Prophet ?, he examines the obstacles that harden our hearts, the distractions that pull us away, and the practical steps we can take to safeguard our spiritual well-being. ?? Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/tafakkur-ep4 ?? Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4bvZoeK ?? Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! #Tafakkur #IslamicReflection #DrRaniaAwaad #ShaykhMikaeelAhmedSmith #SignsOfAllah #IslamicStudies #SpiritualGrowth

We are excited to share that an upcoming publication in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health will feature insights from Maristan’s Afghan Refugee Support Initiative (ARSI) Program!??Titled "The Power of the Collective: Co-Designing Trauma-Informed Culturally Centered Care to Address Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) for Refugee and Immigrant Families," this paper highlights the importance of culturally responsive, trauma-informed care and community building for refugee and immigrant communities.??Maristan’s Ariana Aini, ARSI Program Officer, shares:?"I'm so happy that our work is being recognized and this specific topic I'm so passionate about. We need more of these discussions and publications not just for Afghan refugees but all refugees who come to America."??Alhamdulillah, We are proud to see Maristan’s ARSI program reflected in this work, with contributions from Maristan’s Ariana Aini and former team member, Sara Mostafavi.? The full publication is expected in May 2025—stay tuned, inshaAllah! Read the abstract here: bit.ly/ARSIAbstract

Just like our immune system detects harmful germs and fights them off, a contemplative heart—one engaged in dhikr and reflection—is able to detect and counter harmful thoughts. But what happens when we let barriers creep in? Watch Episode 3 of "From Tafakkur to Transformation: A Maristan Series on Contemplation" to learn about what may be preventing us from truly engaging with our Creator and steps we can take to actively guard our hearts from distractions. ? ?? Watch on YouTube: bit.ly/tafakkur-ep4 ?? listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4bvZoeK ?? Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! #Tafakkur #IslamicReflection #DrRaniaAwaad #ShaykhMikaeelAhmedSmith #SignsOfAllah #IslamicStudies #SpiritualGrowth

Explore and learn how to apply Dr. Malik Badri’s four stages of contemplation to achieve shuhood—a state of spiritual cognition in which we perceive everything around us as a reflection of Allah’s beauty, precision, mercy, and wisdom. Learn more in Episode 3 of “From Tafakkur to Transformation: A Maristan Series on Contemplation” — live now! ?? Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eC5VeSek ?? listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4ktFyVC ?? Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode!

With practice and continuous reflection, we can reach spiritual cognition (shuhud)—where every moment, every sight, and every breath reflects on Allah’s ? mercy, wisdom, and beauty. How does one reach this level of spiritual awareness? Find out in Episode 3 of “From Tafakkur to Transformation: A Maristan Series on Contemplation” — live now!? ?? Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eC5VeSek ?? listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4ktFyVC ?? Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode!

Have you ever thought of your heart as more than just a physical organ? Indeed, it is a gateway to spiritual growth—protect it, nurture it, and let it deepen your connection with Allah (???? ?????? ??????). Episode 2 of "From Tafakkur to Transformation: A Maristan Series on Contemplation" is now live! Watch or listen now to learn how practices like Muhasabah (self-evaluation) can open a window to Allah’s mercy and transform your spiritual journey: ?? Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ecVFBDKW ?? listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/es4cTMss ?? Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode!

Looking for a simple way to practice tafakkur every day, especially during Ramadan? To learn more, watch the first episode of From Tafakkur to Transformation: A Maristan Series on Contemplation—now live! ?? Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dBRxR8Cz??? Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3EUGVwf ?? Subscribe & turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode!

Tafakkur is more than just observing the physical world… it is a gateway to the spiritual realms. It is the bridge that connects our hearts to Allah (???? ?????? ??????), deepening our awe, gratitude, and love. Episode 1 of “From Tafakkur to Transformation: A Maristan Series on Contemplation” is live now! ?? Watch on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dBRxR8Cz ?? Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dKTUwHSK