KQZ Institute

KQZ Institute The KQZ Institute, based in Nottingham, is a non-profit educational organisation dedicated to nurturing knowledge, character, and community cohesion.

Our vision is rooted in reviving the noble tradition of Islamic scholarship in the UK.

 ?The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said regarding the people of Yemen, “They are my companions, I am from them and they are from...
24/02/2026

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The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said regarding the people of Yemen, “They are my companions, I am from them and they are from me. And I will enter Paradise and they will enter with me.”

Did you also know Yemen is desperately in need of food.

As ‘faith is from Yemen,’ perhaps we can speculate about the state of our faith today as mirrored in the ruins of the blessed land.

We need #86 generous supporters to step forward and donate £100 each in Zakat and/or Sadaqah to help us reach our goal and make a real difference.

💴 Donate today quoting the project of your choice:

Iʼm raising money to serve the people of Yemen. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

Habib Muhammad al-Haddar’s Al-Nafahaat al-Ramadaaniyah | Shaykh Amir Nawaz Class Summary Shaykh Amir Nawaz began the cla...
16/02/2026

Habib Muhammad al-Haddar’s Al-Nafahaat al-Ramadaaniyah | Shaykh Amir Nawaz

Class Summary

Shaykh Amir Nawaz began the class on Al-Nafahaat al-Ramadaaniyah by Habib Muhammad al-Haddar with the powerful hadith narrated by Abu Huraira in which the Prophet ﷺ said “Ameen” three times upon ascending the pulpit. The Prophet ﷺ explained that Gabriel had made three supplications: that the one who reaches Ramadan and is not forgiven is distanced from Allah’s mercy; that the one who finds his parents in old age and does not honor them is likewise distanced; and that the one who hears the name of Muhammad ﷺ and does not send blessings upon him is also deprived. Shaykh Amir stressed the seriousness of these warnings, especially the tragedy of reaching Ramadan yet failing to attain forgiveness in a month overflowing with mercy.

He focused particularly on the station of parents in Islam. Allah commands in the Qur’an not even to say “uff” to one’s parents, and Shaykh Amir explained that “uff” is not even a word but a slight expression of irritation, similar to a sigh. Even this smallest sign of annoyance is unacceptable, which shows the immense rank parents hold. He explained that the pleasure of the father is from the pleasure of Allah and that Paradise lies beneath the feet of the mother. The great Imams of the past deeply understood the station of the mother, to the extent that some would advise their loved ones to bury them at their mother’s feet. He also reflected on how Allah connects His name Al-Raheem to the rahim (womb), teaching that whoever severs ties of kinship severs from divine mercy, and whoever maintains them connects to Allah.

Shaykh Amir then moved to the famous khutbah delivered by the Prophet ﷺ on the last Friday of Sha’ban in the second year after Hijrah, in which he prepared the Companions for the coming of Ramadan and spoke about its immense virtues. He explained that Ramadan is a month in which rewards are multiplied, sins are forgiven, and doors of mercy are opened. He spoke about Laylatul Qadr and how, in these blessed nights, people are transformed, destinies are written, and hearts are opened. He mentioned personal encounters with individuals whose lives were changed during these nights, illustrating that these are not abstract virtues but lived realities.

Finally, Shaykh Amir explained that fasting has levels. The most basic level is refraining from food, drink, and marital relations during the daylight hours, which fulfills the legal obligation. A higher level is fasting with the limbs, protecting the tongue from backbiting, lowering the gaze from what is unlawful, avoiding listening to gossip, and guarding one’s actions. The highest level is fasting with the heart - controlling one’s thoughts, purifying the heart from envy, pride, and rancor, and keeping it constantly aware of Allah. The overall message of the class was that Ramadan is an immense opportunity for forgiveness and transformation, and that true success lies not just in physical restraint but in spiritual elevation and drawing nearer to Allah.

Watch the full lecture: https://www.youtube.com/live/IdK-k6FvyaE?feature=shared

We are honoured to announce the upcoming visit of Ustadh Amjad Tarsin (USA) to England from 14th to 18th May.The primary...
13/02/2026

We are honoured to announce the upcoming visit of Ustadh Amjad Tarsin (USA) to England from 14th to 18th May.

The primary purpose of his visit is to teach Kingdom of the Heart - a transformative text by Habib Omar bin Hafiz in Nottingham. This special seminar is particularly significant as Ustadh Amjad himself translated the work into English, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with the text through the insight of its translator and a dedicated student of Habib Omar.

Full details of his itinerary across England will be made available soon, insha’Allah. Stay tuned for further announcements and registration information.

 ?The Prophet ﷺ  said, “Giving Sadaqah on Friday is better than giving it on any other day of the week.”Today, over 17 m...
13/02/2026

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The Prophet ﷺ said, “Giving Sadaqah on Friday is better than giving it on any other day of the week.”

Today, over 17 million Y3m3nis face severe food insecurity. They are not only our brothers and sisters—they are also the people of our Prophet ﷺ, who held them dear.

You can support the people of Yemen today by providing the following:

▪️ Food Parcels £45 per parcel 📦
▪️ Cash Assistance (Zakat) £50 per Family 💴
▪️ Meat (1/4) sheep per family £40🥩
▪️ Medical Aid - £85 for 10 patients 💊 💉

💴 Donate today quoting the project of your choice: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/servingyemen?utm_term=aWZjyPXdp

 Join us as we explore Al-Nafahaat al-Ramadaaniyah by Habib Muhammad al-Haddar, a timeless work reflecting the spiritual...
11/02/2026



Join us as we explore Al-Nafahaat al-Ramadaaniyah by Habib Muhammad al-Haddar, a timeless work reflecting the spiritual breezes of Ramadan. Through reflection and gentle guidance, this gathering invites hearts to deepen their connection with Allah, refine intentions, and experience Ramadan beyond its outward practices. The session will also include an open Q&A for fiqh-related questions concerning Ramadan. All are welcome to come, listen, reflect, and be renewed by the blessings of this sacred month.

Registration Required: https://buytickets.at/kqzinstitute/1987486

02/02/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Ustadh Abdurrahman Smith for leading such an enriching Daff workshop in Nottingham. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved, as we not only learned how to play the Daff but also connected with its history, meaning, and tradition. Please find a summary of the workshop below.

If you look at very carefully how your heart is: when you pray, when you recite the Quran and when you send salawat upon...
27/01/2026

If you look at very carefully how your heart is: when you pray, when you recite the Quran and when you send salawat upon Sayyidina Muhammad (ﷺ) these are the three touchstones that we can determine our state with our Lord.

- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus

Photography by Mustafa Davis

*** Innah lillah hi wah innah ilayhi rajioon ***It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of the eminent schol...
23/01/2026

*** Innah lillah hi wah innah ilayhi rajioon ***

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of the eminent scholar, the Shāfiʿī M***i of Makkah, al-Ḥabīb ʿUmar al-Jīlānī.

May Allah envelop him in His vast mercy, grant him firmness and success in the grave and what follows, and raise him in the highest stations of Jannah alongside our Master, Sayyidunā Muḥammad ﷺ. May Allah grant his family, students, and loved ones patience, comfort, and ease during this profoundly difficult time.

Al-Fatiha

Etiquette For The Spiritual Journey (Adab Suluk al-Murid) | Shaykh Amir Nawaz |  SummaryShaykh Amir Nawaz began the less...
10/01/2026

Etiquette For The Spiritual Journey (Adab Suluk al-Murid) | Shaykh Amir Nawaz |

Summary

Shaykh Amir Nawaz began the lesson by highlighting the significance of the blessed month of Rajab, quoting the hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described Rajab as the month of Allah. This set the tone for a discussion centred on spiritual renewal and preparation on the path to Allah.

He explained that any seeker on the path to Allah must begin with sincere and complete repentance (tawbah). This includes turning back to Allah from all sins and rectifying wrongs done to others. If a person has oppressed someone, taken what is not rightfully theirs, or owes a debt, they must return rights and fulfil obligations before expecting true spiritual progress.

Shaykh Amir outlined the three essential conditions of repentance:
1. Sincere remorse for the sin
2. Leaving the sin immediately
3. Strong determination never to return to it

If the sin involves the rights of another person, then in addition to these three conditions, one must seek forgiveness and restore the rights of the person who was wronged. Shaykh Amir highlighted the importance of mercy, good character, and how one treats others, reminding us: “If you want to be forgiven, then forgive people.” He further added, “If you want to know how Allah will treat you, then look at how you treat people.”

He reminded the gathering that “Paradise is ours to lose,” stressing personal responsibility in one’s actions and behaviour.

Shaykh Amir further explained that a true seeker should remain deeply aware of his shortcomings in fulfilling duties and obligations to Allah. When a person feels regret, sadness, and heartbreak over these failings, this is actually a sign of divine closeness, for Allah is with such a person.

The lesson also stressed the danger of small sins, warning that major sins often begin with persistent minor ones. Protecting oneself from all sins, no matter how insignificant they may seem, is therefore essential.

A strong emphasis was placed on guarding the heart, as Shaykh Amir described the heart of the seeker as more precious than the body. If the heart becomes corrupted, the Hereafter is ruined, even if outward actions appear sound.

Finally, Shaykh Amir concluded by stressing that knowledge alone is not enough. True religion lies in application, stating clearly that Islam is not just about learning the religion, but living the religion.

Watch the full lecture: https://www.youtube.com/live/aoU--AlNiWY?feature=shared

09/01/2026

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The Prophet ﷺ said, “Giving Sadaqah on Friday is better than giving it on any other day of the week.”

Today, over 17 million Y3m3nis face severe food insecurity. They are not only our brothers and sisters—they are also the people of our Prophet ﷺ, who held them dear.

You can support today by providing the following:

▪️ Food Parcels £45 per parcel 📦
▪️ Cash Assistance (Zakat) £50 per Family 💴
▪️ Meat (1/4) sheep per family £40🥩
▪️ Medical Aid - £85 for 10 patients 💊 💉

💴 Donate today quoting the project of your choice: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/servingyemen?utm_term=aWZjyPXdp

There are people who shake the world with their voices, and there are people who shake the heavens with their sincerity....
31/12/2025

There are people who shake the world with their voices, and there are people who shake the heavens with their sincerity.

The story of Uways ibn ʿĀmir al-Qaranī is not just history.

It is an invitation, a possibility,
You could be one of Allah's closest servants… even if no one ever knows your name.

Uways ibn Amir al Qarani was a poor man from Yemen. He lived a simple life and took care of his elderly mother. He was not known, not respected by society, and had no special position. To most people, he looked like an ordinary man with nothing remarkable about him.

During the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Uways believed in Islam and loved the Prophet ﷺ deeply. He wanted more than anything to travel to Madinah and meet him. But Uways had one responsibility that came before his own desires his mother. She was old, weak, and depended on him completely.

One day, Uways asked his mother for permission to go to Madinah. She allowed him, but only for a very short time because she could not manage without him. Uways agreed. He traveled toward Madinah with great excitement in his heart.

When he arrived, the Prophet ﷺ was not in the city. At that moment, Uways faced a choice. He could wait until the Prophet ﷺ returned, or he could keep his promise to his mother and go back immediately. Uways chose his mother. He did not wait. He turned around and returned to Yemen so his mother would not suffer.

Because of that choice, Uways never met the Prophet ﷺ in person.

Even though Uways never met him, the Prophet ﷺ spoke about him to his Companions. Uways never met the Prophet yet he told them that a man named Uways ibn Amir would come from Yemen. He described him clearly. He mentioned that Uways once had leprosy and Allah cured him except for a small mark. He said that Uways was extremely devoted to his mother. Then the Prophet ﷺ said something amazing:

لَوْ أَقْسَمَ عَلَى اللَّهِ لَأَبَرَّهُ
“If he were to swear by Allah, Allah would answer him.”
A person whos Dua is 100% answered !?

The Prophet ﷺ even told the Companions that if they ever met Uways, they should ask him to make duaa and ask Allah for forgiveness for them.

Years later, after the Prophet ﷺ had passed away, Umar ibn al Khattab رضي الله عنه became the Caliph. Umar remembered what the Prophet ﷺ had said. Every year during Hajj, Umar would ask people from Yemen if there was a man among them named Uways ibn Amir.

For many years, no one knew him.

Finally, Umar found him. Uways was poor and living a simple life. Umar asked him questions to confirm his identity. Did you have this illness. Are you from this tribe. Do you have a mother and take care of her. Uways answered yes to everything.

Then something incredible happened.
Umar, the leader of the entire Muslim world, the Ameerul Mu'mineen, asked Uways to make duaa for him.
Who wouldnt grab that opportunity, a man whose prayers will be answered unconditionally.
A man unknown to the world but well known in the heavens.

After that, people began to notice Uways. But Uways did not like attention. He did not want fame or recognition. He preferred to remain unknown. He returned to his quiet life, worshiping Allah and caring for his mother.

Why this Story matters to us?

Uways was not special because he was famous. He was special because he was sincere. He did not do big public acts. He did not give speeches. He did not lead armies. His greatness came from obedience to Allah and kindness to his mother.

This means something very important for us today.

You do not need to be famous to be close to Allah.
You do not need people to notice your worship.
You do not need followers or praise.

If you pray sincerely, care for your parents, avoid sin when no one is watching, and choose Allah over your desires, you can be raised in rank just like Uways.

The story of Uways teaches us that sometimes, even when we desire something deeply for the sake of Allah, circumstances may prevent it. But continued obedience, thats what matters.

It teaches us that some of the greatest people in Islam lived quietly. They were unknown on earth but honored in the heavens.

And that door is still open.

We could be one of them.

اللهم ارزقنا الإخلاص، واجعلنا من عبادك الصالحين ولو كنا مجهولين بين الناس.

O Allah, grant us sincerity and make us among Your righteous servants even if we are unknown among people.

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