NYU Islamic Center Podcasts · Islamic Center at New York University

Prophetic Advice to Abu Dhar Al-Ghufari, Part 12 with Dr. Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer

·30 min·2 clips

Perfect faith is measured by character, not by memorized knowledge.

1. NYU Islamic Center Podcasts presents Dr. Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer on the Prophetic advice to Abu Dharr al-Ghaffari, Part 12. 2. Dr. Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer speaks as the presenter, and Abu Dharr al-Ghaffari matters because his questions drive the structure of the Prophet’s counsel. 3. The episode asks what the Prophet Muhammad considered "the best" in faith, charity, prayer, migration, and character. 4. The speaker says Abu Dharr asks, "أي الاعمال يحب إلى الله عز وجل," after receiving many pieces of advice from the Prophet. 5. The Prophet’s first answer in the episode is that "الإيمان بالله" is the most beloved action to Allah. 6. The speaker explains that rituals like prayer, fasting, and charity do not fulfill religion if they lack sincerity and recognition of Allah. 7. He connects that point to Kitab al-Aql in al-Kafi and to the idea that intellect and heart are prerequisites for worship. 8. Abu Dharr then asks which believers have the most complete iman, and the answer is "أحسنهم خلقًا." 9. The speaker uses that answer to argue that faith is visible in how a person treats other people. 10. He says good Muslims protect others with their "tongue and hand," meaning speech and conduct. 11. The discussion also cites Imam Ali in Nahj al-Balagha on judging friends by how they speak in front of you, behind your back, and after death. 12. The speaker says the Imams of Ahlul Bayt were not remembered for harsh treatment or inappropriate language, even by their enemies. 13. Abu Dharr asks which migration is best, and the Prophet answers "al-hijratu min as-su'ah." 14. The speaker explains that vice can be found anywhere, so the task is to identify environments and habits that protect a person from distraction. 15. Abu Dharr asks which part of the night is best, and the Prophet says the middle of the night is best for prayer. 16. The speaker explains that the ethical force of that answer is the difficulty of waking up when it is cold and comfortable to stay asleep. 17. Abu Dharr keeps asking for "the best," and the Prophet’s answers consistently reward effort, secrecy, discipline, and exertion. 18. The tone is instructional and sermon-like, with long Arabic quotations, English explanation, and repeated applications to daily practice. 19. Listeners interested in Shi'a ethics, worship, and character formation. 20. Listeners wanting a short, plot-driven story may skip this.

As heard by us

A steady lesson on leaving vice behind, checking the self, and building a safer inner life.

This talk begins with Abu Dharr's question about migration, but it really stays with the problem of how a believer lives under distraction. The speaker moves away from geography and toward conduct, asking listeners to look hard at what they should flee and what they should add.

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Why you'd press play

When you need a quieter reset, this Abu Dharr teaching keeps your footing.

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