Week 1 – 17 October 2026 – 11:00am EST

Foundations of Integrity

Before receiving revelation at age 40, Muhammad ﷺ was defined by his character in Meccan society. We will discuss the “Pact of Chivalry” (Hilf al-Fudul) and how his reputation for honesty was a prerequisite for his mission.

Early life in Mecca; the “Year of the Elephant”; reputation as al-Amin; integrity in business and trade.

Readings:

• Sa‘īd Nursi, Risale Nūr: The Letters – 19th Letter (Section 19k — His Character and Person)
• M. Fethullah Gulen, Messenger of God: Chapter 4: “The Essentials of Prophethood” — read the sub-section “Trustworthiness” (pp. 66–74).
• Martin Lings, Muhammad:
  • Chapter VII: “The Year of the Elephant” (p. 19).
  • Chapter XIII: “The Household” (p. 37).
  • Chapter XIV: “The Rebuilding of the Ka’bah” (p. 41).
• Shaykh Muhammad ‘Abd al-Hayy al-Kattani, Shama’il: Chapter 40: “The Prophet’s Character” (p. 69).

Week 2 – 24 October 2026 – 11:00am EST

Resilience & Revelation

The mission was marked by extreme hardship, including social and economic boycotts. We examine his focus and patience while undergoing isolation.

The Cave of Hira; managing the shock of revelation; early Meccan persecution; developing emotional resilience.

Readings:

• Sa‘īd Nursi, Risale Nūr: The Letters – 19th Letter (Section 19k — The Mi’raj passage)
• M. Fethullah Gulen, Messenger Of God: Chapter 9: “Other Dimensions of His Prophethood” — read the sub-sections “His prayers and supplications” (p. 279) and “The Prophet of universal mercy” (pp. 283–288).
• Martin Lings, Muhammad:
  • Chapter XV: “The First Revelations” (p. 43).
  • Chapter XVIII: “Quraysh Take Action” (p. 52).
  • Chapter XXXI: “The Year of Sadness” (p. 96).
• Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Mentioning the Best of Creation: Read Stanzas 1–5 (p. 2) and the corresponding commentary on expanding the breast during hardship.

Week 3 – 31 October 2026 – 11:00am EST

The Family Man (I): Partnership

We analyze his 25-year marriage to Khadijah (ra), focusing on mutual support and her role as a successful entrepreneur. We also look at his participation in household chores and honoring women.

Relationship with Khadijah (ra) as a businesswoman and bedrock; gender roles and domestic presence.

Readings:

• M. Fethullah Gulen, Messenger Of God: Chapter 5: “Prophet Muhammad as Husband and Father” — read “The Prophet and his wives” and “The Prophet’s consultation with his wives” (pp. 159–164).
• Hossein Kamaly, A History of Islam in 21 Women: Chapter 1: “Khadija” (Starts on p. 8).
• Kecia Ali, The Lives of Muhammad: Chapter 4: “The Wife of Muhammad” (pp. 114–154).

Week 4 – 7 November 2026 – 11:00am EST

The Family Man (II): Legacy

As a father and grandfather, he ﷺ was known for immense compassion, often seen embracing Hasan and Husayn during public duties. We will explore his affirmation of feelings and encouragement to emote.

Fatherhood and grand-parenting (Fatimah, Hasan, Husayn); empathy for orphans and the vulnerable.

Readings:

• Sa‘īd Nursi, Risale Nūr: The Letters – 19th Letter (Section 19m — Sixth Essential)
• M. Fethullah Gulen, Messenger Of God: Chapter 5: “Prophet Muhammad as Husband and Father” — read “God’s Messenger and children” (pp. 165–170).
• Hossein Kamaly, A History of Islam in 21 Women: Chapter 2: “Fatima”.
• Shaykh Umar Husayn al-Khatib, Prophetic Guidance: Section 6: “Social Relations” — read the sub-section “Your Children” (p. 117).
• Remembering the Beloved Nasheed Book: The Shimmering Light: Focus on the verses honoring his lineage and the grandfather of Husayn, starting from “Marhaban Jadda l-Husayni marhaban” (p. 28).