Rules of Engagement | Hamza Yusuf, Salam Al-Marayati, Qamar-ul Huda & Hala Hijazi

Does engagement have its own risks-or is it a valuable tool for social change? Conversely, is an empty seat an effective political strategy?
Clickable Chapters: Rules of Engagement
00:00:07 - Program introduction by Safir Ahmed
00:02:08 - Speaker introductions
00:05:20 - Panelists assemble on stage
00:05:29 - Question for Salam Al-Marayati
00:13:32 - Question for Hamza Yusuf on the importance and nature of engagement
21:06:49 - Engagement influence on course at Harvard Law
00:23:47 - Question: What do you consider as a success when engaging government officials?
00:26:33 - Hamza Yusuf answering this question
00:27:31 - Qamar-ul Huda answering this question
00:31:28 - Hala Hijazi remarks on the role of public servants in engaging elected officials
00:34:37 - Question: Tips on effective lobbying?
00:39:38 - Question on Hamza Yusuf's White House meeting with President Bush after 9-11
00:48:15 - Hamza Yusuf on the "Trump Commission” on inalienable human rights
00:51:52 - Question: Is protesting an effective form of change? Answered first by Salam Al-Marayati
00:56:43 - Answer to this question by Qamar-ul Huda
00:57:54 - Answer to this question by Hamza Yusuf
00:58:50 - Clip - The Prophet wanted people to be guided
01:01:13 - Hala Hijazi follow up remarks on protesting
01:02:36 - Question: Are there situations when we should disengage? Answered first by Hamza Yusuf
01:06:05 - Salam Al-Marayati on disengagement
01:09:19 - Closing remarks by Qamar-ul Huda
01:11:23 - A complaint about the panel and a challenge to Hamza Yusuf’s position
01:18:18 - Closing remarks by Salam Al-Marayati
01:21:28 - Clip - Hamza Yusuf - This could be a huge mistake. We're all fallible.
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[@TanveerKhan-il2gk]

to having shaikh hamza yusuf in my life it is a blessing of GOD on me.

[@hzelg5684]

Ok.

[@itsmeshazad]

Lol you need to get out more mate

[@m.schnabel8955]

The importance of this discussion and in general the underlying message about the possible change of hearts cannot be overestimated. With a world-wide atmosphere of hatred and lack of thoughtful communication, Hamza Yusuf is a role model for muslim communities that wish to improve their social standing. As a Muslim in Europe, one wonders if Sheikh Hamza and the faculty of Zaytuna College are aware about how much inspiration, advice and in fact guidance their media presence represents for our collective muslim community. Sheikh Hamza is in every sense an ambassador of our faith. Greetings from Germany.

[@mehshaz]

M. Schnabel you said it so beautifully what I was hoping to write. Being born and growing up in Europe, I felt confused and lost in my religion until Allah led me to discover Sheik Hamaza Yusuf, he has not only transformed my way of thinking and living but also my relationship with Allah and Islam. I have never felt more content in my life until I started to listening to him.

[@nadimo9762]

Assalamu alaykum mashaAllah, jazakallah - greetings from Hagen (NRW) Germany, very well said :) wichtige Worte

[@m.schnabel8955]

@@LookAndRest www.selam-mainfranken.de =)

[@furchungsteilung4795]

@@m.schnabel8955 ما شاء الله Ich habe mir gerade eure Website angeguckt und bin begeistert! Auch wenn die Welt oftmals düster wirkt, gibt es immer wieder Lichtblicke, die daran erinnern, dass Gott-liebende Geschwister sich große Mühe geben, ihren Beitrag zu leisten für etwas mehr Balance im Diesseits. Möge Allah euch erfolgreich sein lassen und reichlich belohnen!

[@m.schnabel8955]

@@furchungsteilung4795 Vielen Dank für diese lieben Worte.

[@Ardyn-Izunia]

if you know Sheikh Hamza Yusuf he can make you feel like he is off point then suddenly he links so perfectly with no flaws and it always fascinates me every single time

[@husamwadi2635]

Wasn't the marriage advice I was looking for, but nonetheless a good lecture 😂

[@bebrave1622]

Lolz. Engagement.

[@Hidden.SufiRealities-smc]

Hahahah I was pleasently surprised. Forgot what I was expecting.

[@bakrhawari3045]

Hahahahahahhaha this is gold

[@manishabhaya1075]

I came here just because Sheikh Hamza Yousuf and found couple of other wise and active people. Alhamdullillah. I am thankful to Allah for having Hamza Yousuf in our life May Allah bless him with health, wealth and Jannah al Firdaus. Aameen.

[@hassanmg1739]

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf has been my online teacher for many years through listening to his lectures.

[@asupanharianinternet]

Im happy to see its latest update about Sheikh Hamza Yusuf

[@asupanharianinternet]

I hope we can learn about it and implement it, here, in Indonesia

[@malwar21]

I don’t think I could share the stage with Hamza Yusuf, the light of his knowledge would obscure my presence.

[@bebrave1622]

Love you shaykh Hamza. May Allah reward you and increase you and protect you and your family.

[@TanveerKhan-il2gk]

last time i saw shaikh hamza yusuf in Ramadan.so finally here we go.i am always curious about him because i got many inspirational motives from his lectures.since i started listening him i became more interested im my religion and religious practice.i have learned many more Islamic classical history from him.MAY ALLAH INCREASE his wisdom.AMEEN

[@falconfire2700]

May Allah protect Hamza Yusuf. He's getting old, but he and his knowledge will always be beautiful.

[@Luna8b]

Great talk. Thank you shaikh. Shaikh Hamza is a great representation of how to be patient when you’re wrongfully and aggressively accused of something.

[@M-estiso]

What a nice "circle" of wisdom.

[@mohmadvahora6703]

Alhumdolillah Good to see you shaykh humza. Please keep supplying your faiz....

[@nikureshi]

Thank you for this talk! Stay blessed everyone.

[@ruqayyapervaiz7400]

May Allah continue to bless shaykh Hamza Yusuf and the panellist. The gave a wealth of knowledge. They answered the question from the lady with eloquence. A lot of Muslims needs to learn how to speak to each other with respect and dignity, both on social media and in person. We will all answer to Allah for what is said.

[@afnankhan43001]

Listening to Sheikh Hamza is literal therapy

[@msa11387]

Absolutely outstanding lecture!

[@mahjabinafsar4771]

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, you exude greatness!

[@Aven2025]

Great talk. Sheikh Hamza you are a great blessing in my life. May Allah swt bless you. Ameen

[@MA-jc6ms]

بوركت شيخ حمزة يوسف ❤

[@quantumo2099]

Alhamdulilah!

[@GloryBelongsTo_ALLAH]

May Allah unite us, Aameen!!!

[@khadramohamed8367]

Mansha Allah sheikh Hamza. Love the wisdom in the way he delivers Islamic knowledge. The way he handled the audience member interruption was gold! The other panel members were also great. Thank you Zaytuna college!

[@abusharifah72]

Met most the panel in my college years. Haven't seen them in 20 plus years.

[@saimasiddiquiali]

This was an amazing panel and information they shared. The feedback is for the moderator, although very talented and noteworthy and relevant to the topic, this was not her time to share her accomplishments or call this engagement a debate, it is not a debate, it is a panel sharing their experiences and thoughts. Moderator who is supposed to keep speakers on topic and support the time took over which caused agitation to the audience for 30 minutes of q & a. The lady who spoke up aggressively was simply judgemental and was not listening to the entire talk.

[@foxyinflats]

agreed. they need a better moderator. she wasted significant time discussing her own opinions and accomplishments. that is not the role of a moderator. if she has her own agenda, then she should have been on the actual panel. moreover, she was just not eloquent or clear.

[@M-estiso]

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf emphasizes something that I would describe as deeper problem muslim communities probably have - not just in the US. I live in Berlin, the capital of Germany, and in many different discussions friends and I had, we often came to the conclusion, that even in Germany you'll find a plenty of muslim scholars who defame each other.

[@m.schnabel8955]

Plenty of muslim scholars in Germany? Maybe you can help me out here and name a few?

[@adamtalat3197]

Wisdom...of sheikh....❤❤❤

[@DhammeMaxmoud]

He is blessings 🙏❣️

[@methadonekillmeslowly5937]

May god blessing hamza

[@ZubairAhmed-od2xv]

It was 1990, or thereabouts, shaykh hamza عمره الله، came to my hometown and gave a talk on Islam and secularism... Anyone who doubts his sincerity watch that video, you can see the jazba and ikhlaas he has for this deen and the ummat of Rasul Allah (aleyhe salaat was Salaam).. نحبك في الله يا شويخ...

[@shoaibhaq8680]

You do realise people change regarding their worldview overtime... He might not be the exact same person what he was back then

[@arashahad8733]

We need more people like Sheikh Hamza

[@iman6330]

Our capacity of understanding is limited. Take advantage of the lessons learned in every discussions such as this. Many things we still have to learn but time is running fast.

[@DhammeMaxmoud]

Yes yes

[@due_process]

Sheikh Hamza is well read.

[@sultanahsalim4893]

Wa alaikum as salaam wa Rahmatullah

[@usinglogic]

It would be good for @Zaytuna College to do its own clip curation (in general but for this talk specifically). It is suggested that you cut a clip from 1:11:27 until the end of Salam Mariati's answer to Dr. Izzudine which could be titled "Activist challenges Hamza Yusuf of working with the Trump administration". It is neither sensationalist nor misleading, and because it is an open question on many people's minds, it would likely be widely shared and disseminated. Thank you @Zaytuna College

[@cameronhill2857]

You have a link to the clip?

[@dustinn.4269]

Thanks for your panel really enjoyed it and look forward to hearing from you. Being a Westerner growing up in the United States, I have changed my view on Islam. Some of the things that I have noticed is the way the Quran is being presented to The United States. One of the problems I have had not knowing what books a beginner should start reading first, there needs to be a a translation that talks about where to start, their are many questions, that westerners have that are not covered on the internet. Also I feel that The way Dawah the n the United States is being done wrong trying to convert someone in a few minutes when they don't understand what it means to believe in something, or don't really know if they really believe in something whole heatedly is doing a disservice. Maybe have a way to educate the public and answer their questions that they have would be great, most of the public is not going to visit their local mosque. Again thanks for your panel very informative hope to hear from from you.

[@yoyoutubing5199]

I like your ideas. You can ask me any questions you have and maybe I will be able to give you logical answers

[@yoyoutubing5199]

I like your perspective. And I would love to hear what type of questions you and other people like you have. Your questions will increase me in knowledge too

[@yoyoutubing5199]

First you should know what quran is. How it got to the earth or how it was revealed. How God chose a prophet to reveal quran to us thru him. Know this. And next step is start reading english translation of the quran.

[@alimal-haqq7758]

hamza yusuf shokeshaa

[@khaledal-kassimi7121]

Bless you all. Could we possibly get this in Arabic?

[@arsahil8779]

The point which makes hamza yusuf more on the right path that he knows he is not sure. We as man can only try for what we think is right and the success is in the hands of almighty. The reason he cited for being there should clear all airs. Rest is upon almighty to give him sucess or not. But i just pray it doesnot take him away from lord himself

[@taybagulnar]

Which verses is shaykh hamza referring to at 44:56?

[@asifmahmood4359]

May Allah bless all those who are working for spreading true picture of Islam. About the lady who raised an issue, should have been polite in conveying her concern. May Allah guide us all in understanding the teachings of Quran and Sunnah. For that lady, the participants were talking about the rules of engagement specifically from Quran and Sunnah and I am sure that she instead paying any attention and benefiting from this scholarly discussion kept her mind engaged in her self created distraction.

[@sophiaperennis2360]

I find the word "change" used in the introduction to be disturbing. "Change" is how we got here in the first place, it's why the word is in the state it is in. Change is the calling card of the progressives, the people who created modernity and have pushed atheism and unbelief onto the world. We do not need "change", we need a return to tradition. We need to reject progress and modernism, we cannot embrace those things for the sake of "political" opportunism, which is what i'm seeing happening today in a lot of places. With that said, when Hamza Yusuf started speaking it was a breath of fresh hair compared to the empty political platitudes that came before and after.

[@bolivardz3316]

Dommage que c'est traduit en français

[@ferdouspsyche7692]

“Shaykh Hamza yusuf is a PhD and I am a Kindergartener” this is how I compare my knowledge level to Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. Over 90% people do not understand my lecture, how on earth people will understand him ? Some of his talks are far too deep to even comprehend and can be misunderstood.

[@AH-nl1mi]

True. Some things that he says has very deep meanings. And sometimes I think that I get it but it's not even close to what he's talking about. He studied islam for 40 years and keeps himself humble. May Wallah bless him even more and elevate his statues in Jannah.

[@razalizalina770]

Only Allah puts understanding to our hearts n minds NOT humans..this is aqidah...lectures gvn by scholars are lite ..we need to b patient

[@hassandanielchavezdcomplex8935]

Salaamualaykum. There are risks in engagement, however if you would not take risks absolutely nothing will change. As a Muslim it is required to seek knowledge as well as never be complacent. An empty seat is detrimental and an empty political strategy. Alhamdulillah for people like Ilhan Omar, Hamza Yusuf, and all Zaytuna College.

[@hzelg5684]

do you or would you dance in homosexual parades like Ilhan ?

[@Aaii446]

It is wrong to say that if you are oppressed or wronged by the government, that you respond in the same way. Islam preaches patience and forgiveness in these matters. Also seek help through the right legal channels if one thinks he is wronged.

[@samiware1704]

I wonder why you removed the Great Prophet Jesus peace and blessings be upon him, and his soon coming, from the equation.

[@Muhammad-vy4ft]

That woman that stood up is exactly the wrong person to be representing Islam and Muslims...if one doesn't know how the Adab (manners) of the scholars are then they definitely aren't in a place of leading people

[@snekjuce]

Not trying to raise a point of contention, just hopefully constructive criticism, of the introduction. try to cut down on useless vocal fillers such as "uhm"....Pausing is a plus not a minus. It would be nice to have a shorter intro as well. Just an opinion though. Jazakumullah for any beneficial knowledge imparted.

[@tuwaylib]

...

[@honestabe6841]

Being emotional wont help you. Should of been calm and respectful and maybe you would of came across better.

[@S3ven4]

Why did that lady attack Hamza like that? So rude and disgusting.

[@oo-fn6gp]

she was probably upset at the interviewer canceling the Q&A abruptly at end. she was probably waiting a long time to ask her question and probably felt was being deliberately silenced by the organisers. her tone was very emotional and rude, but she wasn't rude with her words. so we should give her slack.

[@rufuslamah7517]

I think a muslim woman should be proud to wear hajib always and not be allowed to conduct an Islamic program without hajib on. IT is not a good example for others especialy the youngs. IS DRESS code not mention in the Quran?

[@jumanjimusic4094]

Just because she made her point agressively does not mean she has no point. Stop bashing people like you know everything you are all sheeps that follow the PC culture.

[@ZubairAhmed-od2xv]

Not pc culture, just basic adaab.

[@jumanjimusic4094]

Zubair Ahmed Baic adab? Poor woman who is more man than you stands up and makes simple clear statements with clear facts. Do you think our prophets (PBU) did not have adab when they spoke against wrong doings? Did they not, every single one of them, get chased out, get in wars and run for their lives? Maybe you could’ve been there to show them some of what you call ”adab”. As I said, sheep. Beeeeeh beeeehhhhh beeehhh Instead of listening to the people with different opinions like Hamza Yusuf clearly does, you call out people bash them and call them ”with no basic adab”. Why didnt Hamza make that statement on the scene? Why didnt he tell her to get some basic adab? Because he has adab, and you do not.

[@wazma32]

Zubair Ahmed basic adab lol

[@wazma32]

Jumanji Music he kind of mentioned her being rude didn’t he? Kind of

[@jumanjimusic4094]

Wazma She has every right to be rude, even when she clearly wasnt, just because she has a tone of authority to her voice does not mean she is rude, if you lure someone to listen to a conversation and you promise them to be able to ask questions, and they come all the way to sit and listen to 4 people with the same opinion, only to find out you cant even ask the question but you type it on a piece of paper and they pick out what they want to answer to avoid hard questions and keep the sheeps in their place, you have every right to be angry. You guys are all sheeps just following the pack, that’s why you will never do any change in this world.

[@EmadSabbah]

Just as I was about to finish watching the FOX NEWS, and Alarabiya style of one sided panel, a sister came and woke me up @ minute 1:10:00.

[@jocelynburrell9174]

Even the LGBT took the laws and made a community can any say their leaders they have social worker seem like they are Being in Quran looking out for their Parents

[@dawnhirsh6263]

Around 40:45 Hamza Yusuf talks about meeting in the White House with a Catholic Bishop and a Jewish rabbi, Franklin Graham. Franklin Graham is the son of Billy Graham. The are/were two of the most famous Evangelical, Protestant, Christian preachers in the United States. They are household names, even for people who are not Evangelicals. Franklin Graham is not Jewish. He is not a rabbi, nor has he ever claimed to be. So much for interfaith dialogue.

[@jocelynburrell9174]

Muslims who have wealth their children get the best they have Christian community the Quran have been here Doing what they know was sent down now while people are learning Black people do have been here was not batters they was warning us we can be Muslims?

[@RogueOne.]

The sharia is the constitution of the United States Yh this guys finished

[@oo-fn6gp]

sharia has meaning of law. he's saying the equivalent law of this land, usa is the constitution. and it has to be obeyed. as this lands laws are not a gross violation of human rights and therefore do not mandate disobeying it. if the law of the land was demanding the violation of fundamental rights like nazi Germany did with oppressing jews, then you could argue disobeying the law. but it isn't, so u can't. if your safety and freedom are guaranteed, and your rights protected by the state you have no legal grounds in sharia to disobey their laws. if you don't want to obey them, you have to leave the country. but you have no right in islam to stay in usa, and disobey the law so long as the law is not oppressive.

[@hzelg5684]

I love the woman who stood up and told em about their censorship .....true activist... yes Hamza God is the judge but make time for peoples questions. I see how they all of sudden got time for excuses. I see what is going on.

[@karimb972]

She was rude, wrong, self-righteous and irrelevant. This wasn't a high school debate about what type of activism is the best. Ignorant, arrogant people trying to talk down to people who are more knowledgeable about islam than them. That is NOT our religion and our tradition. Shameful

[@HussainFahmy]

*_Islamic values should be the rules of engagement by women in a forum._*

[@Drigger95]

oh get lost

[@grosbeak6130]

Well here in America the answer to your questions are very simple, it's called the Constitution and the Bill of Rights of the United States. Those are the two things that you work with and engage with in this Jeffersonian democracy called America. The first that you need to understand, and I'm referring to the speaker here and this channel, is that it's the Constitution of the United States and not the Koran that is the engine of this country. We live in a Jeffersonian democracy that has the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that are the very Foundation of what America is, and what America is is not based on the Koran. You have freedom of religion in this country but there is a clear understanding of the separation between Church (temple, mosque) and the state. Just put your head on straight when it comes to that and I don't think you will have many problems with Muslims participating in American society. And that Society includes many synagogues around this country and Jewish communities alongside with churchs and Christians. And let's not forget a growing population of atheists, the LGBQ, gay marriage and transgender communities. Again, get that straight in your head and there shouldn't be many problems in fitting or being part of American society.

[@shance1]

I would disagree with the clear separation between church and state. Your overall argument I dont think is too disagreeable, but while the dollar bill still says in God we trust, I don't think the argument of clear separation between church and state is valid.

[@bebrave1622]

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf is all about upholding the Constitution of the United States. He lectures on how we are blessed to have it. You came with a bias and didn't even listen. Muslims love America and we love the Constitution. Why is it a problem for us to use our religion as a foundation for interacting in civil discourse? Nobody is trying to make Sharia or the Quran the new Constitution. I'm really sorry you have been made to believe that. I Ask God to guide is all.

[@shance1]

@Mustafa while some of his points were disagreeable, he wasn't insulting nor particularly aggressive, no need for insults. Just seems like a proud american who isnt too knowledgeable on Islam, the fact hes willing to listen to a discourse like this shows he some semblance of a desire to hear us out at least.

[@grosbeak6130]

Mustafa yeah I went back and read my comment here and I do sound kind of aggressive and I apologize for that but did not in any way mean to be insulting.

[@tazboy1934]

@@bebrave1622 but later on the sharia will be implemented worldwide during time of imam Mahdi and jesys (a.s)

[@jocelynburrell9174]

Wrong become right if you still after knowing that between son of Mary and the seal of Prophets their was no Prophets They love their Goverments Rome and all the things they past to their Children of how to take the 5 ps Police Now they pay not just worship of men and women so paycheck give slaves Things and make them want what we have so a house Riva they will have to work for those pictures of George Washington's Quran they kept worshipping us our women can not over throw anything they know you love love their way those who support the Jews They are friends of each other 1442 yrs

[@rufuslamah7517]

Why is she not wearing hijab?moderating an Islamic program with her hair all over the place.one of those who think hijab is a choice.

[@tazboy1934]

Maybe she is not muslim

[@BreakingCLY]

Mind your own business and make sure your mother/sister is wearing one first

[@SA41959]

Rufus Lamah Hijab is not the 6th pillar of Islam!!! Donning a scarf on the head IS NOT a condition for women to become Muslim! We affirm the shahadah just like men to become Muslim and fulfill all 5 pillars of Islam. None of the men on the panel can be identified as Muslim because they are wearing Western clothing. Since the outward appearance is so important to you the Prophet (pbuh) stated ‘not to resemble the unbelievers’ yet most Muslim men even in predominantly Muslim countries dress like disbelievers. Stop policing women at every opportunity, let them breathe! Worry about the length of your beard and make sure your thawb is above your ankles! Or are you one of those who think the beard is just a choice?? It isn’t sunnah it’s actually fard! See Yasir Qadi’s commentary on this before you start yelling.

[@SA41959]

ÒγÓ REGIMÈ I'm not debating whether a hijab is fard or not, I'm making the point that for a woman to be a Muslim it is not dependant upon her wearing a scarf on the head. Like a man she needs to declare the Islamic testament of faith which then affirms she is a Muslim. There are many shortcomings for both Muslim men and women when it comes to observing the fard acts of Islam, not just a scarf and a beard.

[@OM-vf1tc]

@ÒγÓ REGIMÈ Beard is optional to some schools of thoughts. Even if it is - to the ones that it is, you can't deny when it comes to women men are policing it to the extent that it's reducing it's religious importance. Hijab doesn't reveal anything about iman. I live in the West and have seen the hijab become fetishized, westernised and commercialized - both from those who demand women wear it and 'liberal' muslims. I see many 'hijabis' wearing yoga pants and tight cut jeans - where is the logic in that?!