ON HOLD - Rediscovering the Beauty of Islam - Lecture Series

As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh,

Thank you to everyone who has been supporting our new Saturday series, Rediscovering the Beauty of Islam with Dr. Safi Kaskas.

To ensure the series can continue in a consistent and beneficial way, we are temporarily placing the program on hold while we review its scheduling and logistics.

Our goal is to provide a dependable experience for everyone attending, and we appreciate your patience as we work through the details.

In shāʾ Allāh, we will share an update as soon as the next session has been confirmed.

Please keep Dr. Safi, this effort, and our community in your duʿāʾ.

Jazākum Allāhu khayran,
ICNVT

Program Vision

Many Muslims today are searching for a deeper connection with Allah and their faith. Some grew up learning Islam primarily as a set of obligations without fully experiencing its beauty and mercy. Others struggle to separate Islamic teachings from cultural expectations or are seeking answers to difficult questions in a rapidly changing world.

This weekly series aims to help participants rediscover Islam through the lens of the Qur'an—focusing on faith, purpose, mercy, and authentic connection with Allah.

The goal is not merely to provide information, but to cultivate understanding, healing, and spiritual growth in a welcoming environment where questions are encouraged and participants can engage meaningfully with their faith.

Through thoughtful reflection and discussion, participants will explore topics such as:

• Building a personal relationship with Allah
• Understanding Islam beyond cultural assumptions
• Navigating questions and doubts with confidence
• Rediscovering the purpose and wisdom behind worship
• Finding hope, mercy, and resilience through the Qur'an
• Strengthening family and community relationships
• Developing a faith rooted in understanding, sincerity, and love of Allah

The series seeks to create a space where individuals can reconnect with the beauty of Islam and develop a stronger foundation for living their faith with purpose and conviction.

Whether you are looking to strengthen your faith, reconnect with Islam, or gain a deeper appreciation for the Qur'an's message, this series is for you.

All are welcome. Questions are encouraged.

What We'll Explore Together

Over the course of this 12-week series, we will explore questions of faith, purpose, worship, family, mercy, authenticity, and belonging, all through the lens of the Qur'an and the Prophetic example.

Semester 1: Coming Home to Faith

Week 1: Islam Beyond Inheritance

"Why am I Muslim?" - 6-20-26

Topics:

• Faith by choice vs. faith by default
• The Qur'an's invitation to think and reflect
• Building a personal relationship with Allah

You are allowed to own your faith journey.

Week 2: Separating Islam from Culture -

Topics:

• What is religion?
• What is culture?
• When culture enriches faith
• When culture obscures faith

Discussion:

"Have there been times where you've struggled to distinguish between Islam and cultural expectations?"

Week 3: Faith, Questions, and Doubt -

Topics:

• The Qur'an's examples of questioning
• Ibrahim (AS) asking Allah to strengthen his heart
• Doubt as an opportunity for growth rather than shame

Struggling with questions doesn't make you a bad Muslim.

Week 4: Allah's Mercy vs. Fear-Based Religion -

Topics:

• How Allah describes Himself in the Qur'an
• Hope and accountability
• Moving beyond guilt as the primary motivator

Allah SWT invites us to Him through both hope and accountability.

Week 5: Healing Our Relationship with Worship

Topics:

• Why do we pray?
• Worship as connection, not obligation alone
• Rediscovering meaning in acts of worship

Islam is meant to transform our hearts, not merely fill a checklist.

Week 6: The Prophetic Model of Compassion -

Topics:

• How Prophet Muhammed ﷺ taught people
• Gentleness and wisdom
• Balancing principles with mercy

The Prophet ﷺ transformed hearts through wisdom, compassion, and patience.

Week 7: Faith and Mental Well-being -

Topics:

• Anxiety, burnout, and emotional struggles
• The Qur'an's recognition of hardship
• Spiritual resilience

Faith does not eliminate human emotions, it helps us navigate them.

Week 8: Building Healthy Families -

Topics:

• Mercy within families
• Communication and respect
• Breaking cycles while honoring parents

Breaking unhealthy cycles can be an act of honoring those who came before us.

Week 9: Islam and Authenticity -

Topics:

• Being sincere with Allah
• Letting go of performative religiosity
• Faith as transformation, not appearance

Islam is not an identity, but a way of life.

Week 10: Community, Belonging, and Disappointment -

Topics:

• When communities fall short
• Separating Islam from people's mistakes
• Remaining connected despite imperfection

When communities disappoint us, Allah remains constant.

Week 11: Rediscovering Purpose -

Topics:

• What Allah created us for
• Contribution and service
• Living intentionally

You were created for more than simply getting through life.

Week 12: Open Forum

"The Questions We've Been Afraid to Ask" -

Anonymous submissions.

Examples:

• "How do I reconnect after years away?"
• "What if my family pushed me away from religion?"
• "What if I struggle with certain teachings?"
• "How do I know Allah loves me?"

Whether you are strengthening your faith, reconnecting after years away, navigating difficult questions, or simply seeking a deeper relationship with Allah, this series offers a welcoming space to reflect, learn, and grow together through the guidance of the Qur'an.