The Prophetic Living Initiative: A Path to a Fulfilling Life
The Prophetic Living Initiative is a community-based program that aims to bring people together and help them live a fulfilling life. The program was founded by Shaykh Yasir Fahmy, who believes that many people feel disconnected from their community and are not practicing their faith. The Prophetic Living Initiative seeks to bridge this gap by creating a community that is based on the principles of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Prophetic Living Initiative was recently discussed at a conference held at the Marriott Teneak. The conference was attended by over 1200 people who were served delicious Afghani food and given prayer mats as gifts. The conference began with a beautiful recitation by Shaykh Hassan Saleh and was followed by a prayer for the health of Shaykh Yasir Fahmy’s mother, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Shaykh Yasir Fahmy discussed the reasons behind the Prophetic Living Initiative. He stated that many people feel lonely and disconnected from their community. They attend classes and halaqas but do not find themselves practicing their faith. There is a gap between the knowledge they acquire and the actions they take. The Prophetic Living Initiative seeks to bridge this gap by creating a community that is based on the principles of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Prophetic Living Initiative is a communal project that seeks to create real bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. In this modern age, people are more connected than ever before, but they still feel disconnected.
The conference attendees were given a glimpse of a future location of the Prophetic Living community. This community will be a place where people can come together and attend programs for a fulfilling life based on the principles of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Intimate companionship, love of deen, Allah and Prophet are some of the most important aspects of a Muslim’s life. However, there are several obstacles that one may face in achieving these goals. In a panel discussion, Shaykh Yasir Fahmy asked the scholars about some of these obstacles and how to overcome them.
The scholars provided several insights and examples to help Muslims overcome these obstacles. Dr Shadee emphasized the power of intentions and expanding one’s intentions in all thoughts, feelings, and actions. He also spoke about shifting gears and perspectives, looking at everything positively, and flipping any negative into a positive. Muslims should also have high expectations from themselves and low expectations from others, and should always strive to serve Allah and Allah’s creation.
Dr. Yasir Qadhi stressed the simplicity of our deen by focusing on ethics, morality, and building of character after serving the basic obligations of deen. He also emphasized the importance of knowing the character of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and treating others with kindness and respect.
Shaykh Yahya Rhoudus spoke about the importance of righteous companionship and the role of Suhba in uplifting one’s state and challenging them. He also emphasized the value of cultivating atomic habits and consistent acts of worship.
Shaykh Omar Suleiman highlighted the significance of keeping faith simple. He expressed his own self-criticism towards knowledgeable individuals who fail to practice their faith in a genuine manner. The Shaykh urged the audience to reflect on their own character and how it aligns with the prophetic character, rather than simply quoting it. He emphasized the importance of embodying forgiveness, love, concern, and compassion towards others, and persevering through struggles.
The scholars also spoke about the importance of elders as role models and the diversity of talents and potential among the Ummah. They emphasized that everyone will serve Islam in different ways and that there are different ways to get closer to Allah.
Parting Advice: Staying Connected to the Community
In today’s world, people are becoming increasingly picky and judgmental, leading many to believe that it is best to be alone. However, this way of thinking only benefits the devil, as the victory of Allah is with the group. It is important to have a good opinion of Allah and others, as the overwhelming majority of Muslims are good people.
Challenging ourselves and being ready for struggles is crucial in staying connected to the community. Dr Shadee advises us to give people chances and not hold grudges, as Allah gives us many chances despite our shortcomings. We should not get too involved in people’s lives, but rather give them chances and forgive and forget.
Dr. Yasir Qadhi reminds us that our circle of influence starts with ourselves, then our family, community, domestic, and global influence. We should be hard on ourselves and easy on others.
Shaykh Yahya Rhoudus suggests taking notes and reviewing them with family, as it is extremely helpful. We should attach our hearts to the Prophet and protect ourselves with a bubble of his teachings. Reading the Quran and sending salwaats can make us yearn for paradise.
Shaykh Omar Suleiman’s final advice is to approach life one day at a time and not say things today that we will have to apologize for tomorrow. Our Lord does not forget the oppressors or the oppressed.
Summary:
The Prophetic Living Program provides practical mechanisms for living in a community that is grounded in the prophetic spirit. The scholars who spoke at the program emphasized the importance of righteous companionship, empathy, simplicity, consistency, resilience, intentions, forgiveness, and high expectations from yourselves. The parting advice from the scholars emphasized the importance of staying in the jamma, giving people chances, taking notes, and having righteous intentions. The Prophetic Living Initiative is a path to intentional community that can help us connect with our faith and build meaningful relationships.