“The Halaqa has been pivotal for my intellectual, spiritual, and social growth. The wholesome content and discussions of the halaqa have shaped my worldview to be more well-versed in all aspects. From an Islamic lens, I can now grasp complex topics with more ease and understanding. I am also guided in the societal facets of my life with more clarity and grace, knowing the many intricacies of maintaining compassionate, strong bonds but upholding one's dignity. Understanding how to navigate life from a prophetic and Quranic lens is invaluable to a young man like me and every other halaqa member. The halaqa provided this and gave us the weekly reminder of why we are here on Earth, how to till upon it and how to gracefully navigate ourselves to our final abode. I am eternally grateful for this experience, thank you to all the brothers in the group and especially our beloved mentor, Imam Sherif Azeez, Ph.D.”
Br. Farzan
“Being part of this Majlis over the past five years has been one of my biggest blessings. It has brought goodness into my life in so many ways. It has increased my knowledge of the deen and this has brought me closer to Allah SWT. It has taught me patience, and perseverance and made me understand the true meaning of jihad ul nafs. Over the past five years I have developed an unbreakable bond of brotherhood with all those in my group and through multiple volunteer opportunities it has also brought me closer to the community. I am grateful to Allah SWT for His mercy and truly believe I am a better and stronger person because of it, alhamdulillah.
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Br. Ahsan
“A relationship between a student and a teacher of sacred knowledge is one of the most powerful. I and my brothers in Majlis al-Qalam are incredibly blessed with a teacher who is as knowledgable, loving, and close to Allah SWT as Imam Sherif Azeez. Never missing a beat, Imam Sherif conducted his halaqa with military precision - starting in a timely manner, always prepared for the discussion for that meeting, and pushing and inspiring the brothers to be better in every way possible - spiritual, academic, physically strong, leadership, and more. I pray that the years of mentorship and strong bonds of brotherhood built in this Majlis will last a lifetime. ”
Br. Arslan Sabir
“Alhamdulillah for achieving such a milestone it is been five years since I am a member of al-Qalam halaqa I’m very privileged and lucky to be a part of such a gathering where we practice the religion through prophetic teachings and we have established a profound brotherhood this halaqa has been a very important part of my life living in the US it has helped me build my character brought me closer to my religion. As the Prophet, PBUH said, “All of you are shepherds and every one of you is responsible for his herd.” This halaqa has been a place where I have learned the tools to be a good shepherd and I’m grateful to everyone who is been a part of this learning.
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Br. Jawad
“I joined the halaqa nearly 5 years ago with the hope of finding mentorship and brotherhood in a time when it is otherwise difficult to find. I have found so much more than I ever hoped for. The halaqa has helped me become a better person. Of course, the guidance and support of Imam Sheriff has been particularly invaluable. I know these lessons and so much more will serve me for many years to come.”
Br. Umer Waris
“The past 5 years I’ve spent in Majlis Al-Qalam have been nothing short of life-changing. I am not the same Omar that I was 5 years ago, and that is due in part to the Majlis. The values of leadership that have been instilled into me will be a major benefit to not only my friends and family but to our beautiful community as a whole. The in-depth discussions of Hadith and Tafseer of the Quran have better shaped how my relationship with Allah SWT is developed. This has been a humbling experience, and we owe it to our dear brother Sherif for fostering such an environment. The brotherhood that has been established puts me at ease knowing that if there is a time that I need my brothers, they will be there for me. And I to them. There was a time in 2019 that I was dangerously close to having to leave Sacramento, but given that I wouldn’t find such a community that we have and Majlis program that we have, I fought tooth and nail to make sure that I am here to stay. I am still here in Sacramento, due in part, because of Majlis Al-Qalam. I have lots of love for Imam Sherif and for my brothers. ”
Br. Omar Hashemyan
“I joined the halaqa late and saw from the very beginning the close bond everyone shared as brothers and felt like a welcome part of it immediately. On top of the support and many other benefits from being in such a group, we also build a solid foundation in several areas of study in Islam, all of which include unique lessons and perspectives taught to us by Imam Sherif. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a halaqa like this and hope to stay close to the group for years to come.”
Br. Bassil
“Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim.
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلْوَهَّابُ
They say, “Our Lord! Do not let our hearts deviate after you have guided us. Grant us Your mercy. You are indeed the Giver of all bounties." 3/8 Quran.
Alhamdulillah Allah SWT has brought me closer to Islam through Majlis Al Qalam. I am grateful for having the opportunity to be part of this group, may Allah SWT increase His blessings on us and our loved ones. In the past five years that we have been together, our knowledge of Islam has increased, our hearts are purer, our brotherhood has become stronger, and we are better Muslims than five years ago. Thanks to our Imam, Sherif Azeez, we have overcome many challenges in our deen in the past five years. Having long and sweet discussions about Allah SWT, Islam, Qur'an, and Muhammad ﷺ has increased our faith and understanding of Islam.
It is every Muslim's duty to study, understand, to remember Allah SWT, to “read/Iqra” as Allah SWT said in the Qur'an, to spread the message of Islam, to study and teach Islam, and this group has given me the opportunity to do just that. May Allah SWT bring us even closer to Islam, increase our Iman, bless us and our loved ones, and forgive us. Ameen.”
Br. Jamal
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Any group of people that assemble in one of the Houses of Allah to recite the Book of Allah, learning and teaching it, tranquility will descend upon them, mercy will engulf them, angels will surround them and Allah will make mention of them to those (the angels) in His proximity." So to have that done to you by the angels in a country like the US, and in the capital state of the LGBT on the west edge of the earth is priceless and nothing short of a blessing from our lord and creator Allah SWT.
A righteous brotherhood is what I wanted from this Halaqa, and Alhamdulillah I got way more than that, it opened many doors for me to serve Allah by serving his creation.”
Br. Ali
“As a member of the majlis program, under the guidance and leadership of Imam Sherif Azeez, I can easily say this halaqa has been the most significant factor in strengthening my relationship with Islam and with Allah in these past five years. The regular recitation and Tafseer of the Qur’an have not only helped make the Qur’an a regular part of my life but also establish a deep understanding of many surahs and ayat. Our analysis of various scholarly texts, a hadith, and accounts of Seerah have increased my knowledge of my deen and in my love for the beloved Prophet of Allah ﷺ.
At the very core of our halaqa is our brotherhood. The connection we share as Muslim brothers allows us to fully be ourselves, to have candid conversations about difficult topics, and to ask any questions on our minds - because we know that we have each other's best interests at heart. We advise each other, support each other, and love each other for the sake of Allah. I am grateful to Tarbiya and Imam Sherif all of their efforts in creating this program, and I am of course grateful to Allah for helping me find and be a part of this wonderful community. May Allah bless our teachers and volunteers who make these types of programs possible and may He help us students use our knowledge to benefit ourselves, our loved ones, and our community.”
Br. Ismail
“ I was invited to join a new Halaqa mentored by Imam Sherif. Entering this Halaqa, I had expectations of greatness, and throughout the years of being a part of the Halaqa, the time has only improved the Halaqa.
The members of the Halaqa were brothers who I’d seen around, but never within my circle of friends. But five years later, I would go to war with them. They are some of the greatest brothers I have ever gotten to love. Not only are they great friends, but they are also great business partners, educators, and even career influencers.
Imam Sherif is probably the coolest Imam I’ve ever known. He is very knowledgeable in so many things, but at the same time, he knows how to relate to every one of his students. Imam Sherif also happens to have the answers to so many things that many others continue to argue over.
Being a part of this Halaqa has helped me succeed in so many things in life. I’ve been able to achieve my dream job of working in the government. I have been blessed with opportunities to start many groups with my brothers. I have even gotten the opportunity to work with my brother in having our own Halaqa.
All in all, this halaqa has helped me become a better version of myself, and now I will take this knowledge in helping others achieve their goals of becoming a better Muslim, such as I have.”
Br. Ramiz
“Halaqa for me is a way of life to understand Islam, knowledge of why we live in this world, and a place to improve upon our faith.
Halaqa increases my Iman, it helps me spiritually, mentally, and overall knowledge to improve myself.
Halaqa has been very beneficial in improving living life for a better future not just for me but all the brothers I have noticed. A good example, most of us brothers now have a state job, and they are very happy base on my information. This all depends on halaqa.”
Br. Imad
