 This
classroom-style lecture was held at the Dar al Islam Teachers'
Institute in New Mexico. The audience consisted of non-Muslim
middle school and high school teachers from around North America.
The primary objective of this program was to educate the teachers
about the fundamental Islamic beliefs and practices within the
context of an interactive and intensive spiritual retreat. In
this session, Hamza Yusuf outlines the five life stages of the
human being according to the Qur'an: the pre-worldly existence,
the dunya (life on earth), the barzakh (the grave), the gathering
on the Day of Judgment, and the final abode (Heaven and Hell).
Although each stage is covered in detail, the emphasis is placed
on the dunya realm and death. Many interesting topics are explored
relating to the unseen world which, according to the speaker,
makes up the vast majority of all creation. A comprehensive
talk that provides insight into the Muslim worldview and is ideal
for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Other topics discussed: our
disenchantment with the world, fitrah (inherent nature of the
human being) and the age of discrimination. (Duration: 2 hours,
43 min) Hamza Yusuf became  Muslim
in 1977 and studied Islam for 10 years in the United Arab Emirates,
Saudi Arabia and Africa. He received teaching licenses in various
Islamic subjects from scholars in various countries.
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