On the anniversary of the birth of Sayeda Zainab (a), I’m delighted to announce the publication of my new mobile app, available on both iOS and Android platforms. The app is free and packed with exciting features, including hundreds of videos and lectures, thousands of answered questions, books and publications, halal food guide, qibla finder, podcasts, Hajj & Ziyarah guides, live sessions plus an exciting daily quiz! Please download this app and pass the info on. Feedback is welcome. Search for Sheikh Al-Hilli on Google play or App Store. #app

Have you ever wondered why some people who disobey Allah (swt) enjoy great wealth, while others who sincerely worship Him struggle to make ends meet? Nothing Allah does is without wisdom. Whatever Allah has destined for you will reach you, even if the whole world tries to stop it. And whatever He has not destined for you will never be yours, even if the whole world tries to give it to you. So never measure Allah’s love for you by how much wealth you have. Having more does not necessarily mean Allah is pleased with you, and having less does not mean He has abandoned you. Contentment is not about having everything you want. It is about finding peace in knowing that Allah’s wisdom is greater than your wishes. وَلَوْ بَسَطَ اللَّهُ الرِّزْقَ لِعِبَادِهِ لَبَغَوْا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَٰكِن يُنَزِّلُ بِقَدَرٍ مَّا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِنَّهُ بِعِبَادِهِ خَبِيرٌ بَصِيرٌ “Were Allah to expand the provision for [all] His servants, they would surely create havoc on the earth. But He sends down in a [precise] measure whatever He wishes. Indeed, He is all-aware, all-seeing about His servants.” Holy Qur’an 42:27

The best response to the few calling for English latimiyyas to stop is to produce more English latimiyyas! The remembrance of Imam Hussain (a) is unique and powerful. Across centuries, it has flourished in countless languages. Its reward is immense. Imam Sadiq (a) is reported to have said: “Whoever recites for Hussain (a) poetry, cries and makes others cry, then paradise is written for them!” (Kamil Al-Ziyarat). If English latimiyyas are not for you, no one is forcing you to listen. Rather than discourage those serving Imam Hussain (a), we should nurture more poets and reciters to carry the eternal message of Karbala to new generations. To my dear Hussaini poets and latimiyya reciters: keep going! Stay true to Islamic guidelines, take pride in this service, and seek your reward from Allah (swt). Do not let a few negative voices silence yours.

“I’m praying and asking God. Maybe it’ll happen!” How many times do we truly believe that what we ask God for will be granted? Some use supplication as mere lip service; others do it simply out of habit. Prophet Zakaria (a) wanted a son. His body said, “Impossible.” His age said, “Impossible.” His wife’s infertility said, “Impossible.” Yet when he spoke to Allah, he said: “You have never disappointed me!” Let us believe in Him and trust Him. قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّي وَهَنَ الْعَظْمُ مِنِّي وَاشْتَعَلَ الرَّأْسُ شَيْبًا وَلَمْ أَكُن بِدُعَائِكَ رَبِّ شَقِيًّا ‘He said, ‘My Lord! Indeed my bones have become feeble, and my head has turned white with age, yet never have I, my Lord, been disappointed in supplicating You!’’Holy Qur’an 19:4

“Sheikh, my wealth is increasing. I have more followers, better health, everything is going well — and I don’t even pray or practise. So don’t tell me what to do!” Don’t let worldly success deceive you. Allah (swt) warns: فَلَمَّا نَسُوا مَا ذُكِّرُوا بِهِ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَبْوَابَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا فَرِحُوا بِمَا أُوتُوا أَخَذْنَاهُم بَغْتَةً فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْلِسُونَ “So when they forgot what they had been reminded of, We opened for them the doors of everything, until, as they rejoiced in what they were given, We seized them suddenly…” (Qur’an 6:44) Not every open door is proof that Allah is pleased with you. The frightening possibility is this: Allah may keep giving you exactly what you want while you keep moving further away from Him — until the door suddenly closes. So never mistake abundance for approval. Don’t mistake more dunya for more favour. The scariest punishment may be getting everything you want — while losing Allah.

The best heart — entrusted with the best Book. The best Akhlaq — made the best example. The best teachings — the clearest path to success. The best family — their love and obedience made obligatory. The best speech — words that still guide billions. The best legacy — the final and greatest Messenger of Allah. 1501 years ago today, Prophet Mohammed ﷺ was born. The greatest human being to walk this earth.

‘Sheikh, I keep praying & asking Allah but nothing happens. I’m slowly losing hope. I even went Umrah & Ziyarah. Nothing!’ Everything has its time. Instead of losing hope, say this: ‘Allah has answered me, but He’s preparing the best time!’ Remember the holy Prophet (s) had to wait 40 years to first receive the revelation! God Hears you. He Knows your pain. But He delays things so they’re delivered more beautifully! Nothing you’ve asked for is in vain, it’s just not the right time. Trust Him. He will Never disappoint. Guaranteed! إِنَّ رَبِّي لَسَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ Indeed my Lord hears all supplications. (Holy Quran 14:39)

‘Please be fair!’ We say it when we’re mistreated. We demand fairness from others. We want our rights respected. We don’t want anyone to wrong us. But are we fair to Allah (swt)? The next time we are about to sin, deliberately miss our prayers, mistreat someone, or take our deen lightly, remember this powerful Hadith Qudsi: ما أنصفني عبدي، يدعوني فأستحي أن أرده، ويعصيني ولا يستحي مني “My servant has not been fair to Me: he calls upon Me, and I am too generous to turn him away; yet he disobeys Me and is not ashamed before Me.” (Irshad Alqulub) We demand fairness from everyone. Perhaps we should first ask: am I being fair to Allah?

Which one was your favourite? Majalis of First Ashra of this Muharram. Watch all lectures on the Muharram 2026 Playlist on my YouTube channel youtube.com/playlist?list=PL… Feedback and suggestions welcome May Allah (swt) accept from us.

10 Etiquettes (Adab) of Muharram Majalis As we enter the majalis of Imam Hussain (a), let us observe these adaab: 1. Attend with sincerity, seeking only the pleasure of Allah (swt), not recognition, status, or praise. 2. Dress respectfully, reflecting the sanctity of Muharram. Wear black 3. Serve others wherever possible, whether through volunteering, donating, organising, or helping attendees. 4. Avoid gossip, backbiting, and rumours, and do not allow sins of the tongue to erase the rewards of the majlis. 5. Make notes from lectures, discuss with family and friends on way back 6. Cry during eulogies, and if difficult lower your head during museeba 7. Be vigilant in Majalis. Report suspicious behaviour. Respect the neighbours. Don’t waste water or food. 8. Speak to non Muslims & others about values of Ashura and why we mourn 9. Make intention for personal positive change and plan to do it. 10. Avoid distractions eg social media or watch World Cup too much!

The admission by Br Tom of @yaqeeninstitute that mistakes were made in the Sunni–Shia series is commendable and an important first step. Publicly acknowledging errors is not easy, and that should be recognised. However, there should also be a clear apology to the millions of Shias who were misrepresented throughout the series. In addition, the misinformation presented to viewers — such as the claim that Twelver Shias today originate from the Kaysanites, or that Shia beliefs are “worse” than the Khawarij — should be publicly corrected and clarified so the record is properly set straight. Doing so would demonstrate the level of integrity, sincerity, and academic responsibility that these sensitive discussions require.

The 3-part Sunni–Shia series by Yaqeen Institute is deeply disappointing. It contains numerous misrepresentations, inaccuracies, negative bias, and unfair accusations regarding Shi‘a Islam — all presented without meaningful consultation with Shi‘a scholars or proper verification of Shi‘a beliefs from authoritative sources. For a major Muslim platform with such wide influence, this is irresponsible and unacceptable. Respectful disagreement is one thing. Misrepresentation is another. I urge all to voice their concern and consider unfollowing Yaqeen until this series is removed or responsibly revised with proper scholarly engagement and fair representation.

New 100 1-Min Videos on Hajj & Umrah Noor Islamic Education is pleased to publish a set of 100 short clips, presented by Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hilli, on various aspects of Hajj and Umrah, including fiqh questions, key reminders, common mistakes and more… Questions covered include: * Common mistakes in Tawaf * ⁠Can I use headphones in Ihram? * ⁠What should I recite in Saee? * ⁠I feel sad after Umrah/Hajj, what shall I do? And much more.. This playlist is essential viewing for those planning to go to Hajj or Umrah. Kindly share with friends and family youtube.com/playlist?list=PL…