The Passionate Pastor Podcast
The Passionate Pastor Podcast is a personal archive of Friday sermons (khutbahs) delivered by Dr. Hesham A. Hassaballa, an American Muslim physician and imam. The title comes from the Arabic nickname "Imam Al 'Asabee" — the passionate preacher — reflecting the host's energetic style in the pulpit. Each episode presents a full Friday sermon on matters of faith, worship and everyday life for a Muslim audience. Listeners can follow the sermons over time as they are given week by week.
Episodes
Why We Celebrate The Prophet's (pbuh) Birth
The birth of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which we commemorate this month, is, at the end of the day, the greatest manifestation of the love of God for all of us. Friday Sermon delivered at the Qiam Institute: https://qiaminstitute.org/
"Except Those Who Consistently Pray"
Just like an antibiotic is dosed so that it can fight the infection the entire day, our daily prayers keep us grounded and remind us constantly of our purpose in life.
Finding Love in All The Right Places
As many commemorate Valentine's Day, Dr. Hassaballa looks to our tradition to find true love stories.
Qur'an verses: https://quran.com/28/23
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
The True Meaning of Insha’Allah
Dr. Hassaballa discusses verses 23-24 of Surah Kahf, and the true meaning of the phrase "inshā’Allah."
Qur'an link: https://quran.com/18/23 and https://quran.com/18/24
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Worshipping God Out Of Love
The worship of God out of love is the best kind of worship.
Independence from God?
Achieving independence is a laudable goal. Does that extend to achieving independence from God Himself?
We Have Given You So Much Abundance
In the aftermath of the worst thing that can happen to someone, Allah ﷻ gives the Prophet ﷺ an enormous gift.
The Consequences of Forgetting God
If we forget God, we are liable to live a life without purpose, and that would be Hell on earth.
Carpe Diem
We think we have all the time in the world. We need to stop thinking that…
Beware A Dead Heart
If our All Merciful God says He will increase the diseased heart of a person, then that person must be the worst of the worst.
A Higher Loyalty
Human institutions have no loyalty. That doesn’t mean we should be treacherous. Why? Because we have a higher loyalty.
The Gift of Belief
We don’t do God or His Messenger a favor by accepting faith. In fact, it is God who is doing us the ultimate favor.
It’s All About Me
What if Yusuf (AS) said, “You know what? I deserve this!” when he was tempted?
Beware the Questions
It’s not necessarily wrong to ask God questions, and it wholly depends on the attitude behind them.
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The Safety of God’s Path
In his latest sermon, Dr. Hassaballa discusses verses 1-2 of Surah Taha and their implications.
Qur'an link: https://quran.com/taha
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Seerah Part 2
Dr. Hassaballa continues recounting the story of the Prophet Muhammad, peace upon him, from his marriage to Khadija (R) until the first revelation.
Based upon the book of the life of Muhammad (S) by Martin Lings.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
”Where Are You Going?”
In this sermon, Dr. Hassaballa reflects over the Qiblah, or direction of prayer, and its implication for our lives.
Qur'anic verse: https://quran.com/81/26
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
”And Few of My Servants are Truly Thankful” - Part 2
Dr. Hassaballa recounts an incident that occurred during a recent work trip, and he reflects upon that incident and how it relates to gratitude to God, a sequel to his most recent sermon
Chapter Sheba, verses 10-13: https://quran.com/saba
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
“So glory be to God when you enter upon the evening and when you rise in the morning. His is the praise in the heavens and on the earth when the sun declines and when you reach the noon tide. He brings forth the living from the dead and brings forth the dead from the living and he revives the earth after its death and even so you shall be brought forth.” (Qur’an 30:18-20) https://quran.com/30
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The Miracle of Marriage
Dr. Hassaballa gives a sermon on the miracle that is marriage and the formation of the family.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
A Prayer For Peace in the Holy Land
Lord, we want a future where Israeli children and Palestinian children play together in parks, grow up together, and together make the world a better place from the Holy Land, the land which You sanctified and made sacred.
Lord our God, help us bring peace to that part of the world.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episode
Qur’an Study: The Slander of Our Mother A’isha (R)
In this episode, we discuss the story of the slander of our Mother A’isha (R) and the verses in Surah 24 that comment on it and declare her innocence.
Resources:
Story of the Slander: https://yaqeeninstitute.org/omar-suleiman/aisha-bint-abu-bakr-ra-slander-and-death-of-the-prophet-the-firsts
Qur’an verses: https://quran.com/an-nur
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with
Are Other Muslims Safe From Me?
The proper question to ask is not, “Are other Muslims safe from me?” The proper question, rather, is “Have I made life better for each and every person that interacted with me today?” A popular Hadith of the Prophet, upon whom be peace, needs to be looked at in a new light.
Hadith referenced in this episode: https://hadeethenc.com/en/browse/hadith/10101
This is a public episode. If you would
There Is No “Impostor Syndrome” with God
Yes, God does indeed care about us and is with us.
How Ramadan Begins and How It Ends
Ramadan begins one way and ends in another. Both are incredibly important.
“Living the Dream”
Many people say, “I’m living the dream” sarcastically. We have to always remember to be grateful for the blessings God has bestowed on us.
The Only Way To Achieve Immortality
Throughout human history, literature, and art, the human being has sought to live forever. God has the only way the human being can achieve this feat.
“What’s Your Angle?”
The Prophet Muhammad’s enemies tried to negotiate with him, tempting him with worldly riches so he can stop preaching. They were, in effect, saying, “What’s your angle?” He had no angle, except our salvation.
“God is Greater than ___________.”
As we return to our routines after Ramadan, let us try to live a life in which God is greater.
What If “The Game” Can Be Rigged In Your Favor?
Normally, the “House always wins.” With God, you do.
God “Rigs the Game” In Your Favor
As opposed to the human realm, where the “House always wins,” and the game is rigged against you; with God, the game is always rigged in your favor.
I’m “Spiritual”
If we are just “spiritual,” and do no rituals or follow God’s commands, are we being grateful?
The Human Tendency to Forget
On one level, it is a Mercy from God. On another level, it is absolute disaster.
The Proper Approach to Trusting God
The Qur’an does say, “Trust in God.” Does the believer play any role?
“I’m Only Human”
Of all the excuses we can make for our sins, “I’m a human being” is the absolute weakest.
Qur’an verse referenced: https://quran.com/9/49
If God Does It All, What About Me?
Dr. Hassaballa discusses the Battle of Badr and the lessons we can learn.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Reflections On The Name “Allah”
Beginning a series on the reflections on the 99 Names of Allah
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God Wills It
In this sermon, Dr. Hassaballa reflects over the verse in the Qur'an where Allah (swt) addresses Jesus Christ (as).
Qur'an verse: https://quran.com/5/110
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Ramadan Resolutions After Eid
In this special Eid-ul-Fitr edition of the Passionate Pastor, Dr. Hassaballa encourages himself and everyone else to resolve to be better versions of themselves in the months and years ahead.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Seerah Series Part 1
This is the first part of a multipart series on the story of the life of the Prophet (S), based on the book by Martin Lings.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Correction: Filtering Our Sight Through God
Dr. Hassaballa learned the meaning of the literal phrase "see using Him" in the verse he quoted in Surah 18.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
The Birth of Christ in the Qur’an
Dr. Hassaballa relates the beautiful verses in Chapter 19, "Mary," which recount the birth of Christ, upon him be peace. https://quran.com/19/16
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
The Gift of Donating Blood
As an ICU physician, there is no way I can care for patients without having blood products available. Mosques across the country should be setting up blood drives, as this is part and parcel of what Muslims are all about: helping their neighbors.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Supplication: The Believer’s Superpower
In this episode, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the importance of Dua', or supplication, and how it's the superpower of the believer.
Resources:
Conditions of Dua': https://islamqa.info/en/answers/13506/conditions-of-accepting-dua
Surah Baqarah 186: https://quran.com/2/186
Surah Ghafir 60: https://quran.com/40/60
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or ge
Qur’an Study: Surah Al Hujurat, Part I
In this episode, Dr. Hassaballa leads a group discussion on the first eight verses of Surah Al Hujurat, or "The Aparments."
Qur'anic Scripture Link: https://quran.com/49
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Living up to Your Best Potential
In this episode, we reflect over Surah Al Tin, the 95th chapter of the Qur'an.
Surah link: https://quran.com/95
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The Woman At The Grave
I know, O Lord, the anguish of the woman at the grave
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Luck with God?
I’m always uncomfortable with the phrase “Good Luck,” because God is Perfect and in charge of everything in the Heavens and Earth.
What If We Got A “Get Into Jannah Free” Card?
Would we live a life of debauchery?
Seerah Part 3
Dr. Hassaballa continues on in the Seerah of the Messenger (S), going over Chapters 15-21 of Martin Lings' book.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
An Arabic Reflection on the Beginning of Ayat-ul-Kursi
هذه أول خاطره للدكتور هشام حسب الله باللغة العربية، يتأمل على بداية آية الكرسي ومعنى الإيمان بالله
In this first in a series of brief reflections in other languages, Dr. Hassaballa reflects on the meaning of the beginning of verse 255 in Chapter 2 of the Qur’an.
Quran verse link: https://quran.com/2/255
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get a
”And Few of My Servants Are Thankful”
Dr. Hassaballa talks about being grateful to God all the time, especially when things are going well.
Quranic verses:
Chapter Sheba, verses 10-13: https://quran.com/saba
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Reflecting on Best Father on Earth
With Father’s Day coming up, we reflect on the best father who ever walked this earth ﷺ .
Never Let Hatred Change You
When everything and everyone screams “revenge,” Allah ﷻ tells us to keep our values.
The Passion of Muhammad ﷺ
Am I using emotional blackmail? Yes.
The Qur’an Is Not Desperate For “Likes”
The Qur’an is such an amazing source of guidance, and it is essential you approach it with a sincere heart.
Seerah Part 4
Dr. Hassaballa continues going over Martin Lings' Seerah, ending at Chapter 28.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Prophet Abraham (S) As Father
In this Friday sermon, Dr. Hassaballa reflects on Prophet Abraham as a father, given that Eid al Adha was on the same day as Father's Day.
Qur'anic verse: https://quran.com/14/39
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Beware the Enviers
In this Friday sermon, Dr. Hassaballa discusses how some people, just like Satan before them, like to bring you down out of jealousy.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
We Need to Also Avoid Spreading ”Bad Words”
The Qur'an also speaks about a bad word being like an uprooted tree. We should think long and hard about the things we say, most especially me.
Relevant Verse 14:26 -> https://quran.com/14/26
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
The Birth of a Prophet: God’s Greatest Gift
Dr. Hassaballa speaks about the amazing gift that is the birth of a Prophet, be it Jesus or Muhammad or any prophet.
Relevant Scripture:
Chapter 19:16-33 -> https://quran.com/19/16
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
”The Best of Stories” Part I
In this episode, we go over chapter 12 verses 5-23, the first part of the wondrous story of the Prophet Joseph, upon whom be peace.
The translation is from The Study Qur'an.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Qur’an Study: Surah Al Hujurat Part II
In this episode, Dr. Hassaballa continues his discussion with his Qur'an study group over verses 9-13 in Surah Al Hujurat.
Qur'anic Scripture Link: https://quran.com/49
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Take It All In and Then Be Grateful
Despite whatever inconveniences may come with our positions, let us remember the enormous bounty of God and then be grateful to Him.
The Eucharist in the Qur’an
Dr. Hassaballa discusses the story of the Eucharist in the Qur'an (5:112-115) and his hope of peace and reconciliation between communities of faith.
Qur'an Link: https://quran.com/5/112
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
The Deadly Long Game of Satan
This is the first episode of "Al Imam Al 'Asabee," or The "Passionate Pastor," podcast. The podcast will house all my Friday Sermons which I give on a regular basis. Satan plays a deadly long game. We need to be ever vigilant against it, lest we fall prey to it. Friday sermon delivered on May 26, 2023.
The story recounted in this sermon can be found here.
Quranic references: Surah Ibrahim, Surah
Don’t Let Go Of The Bond You Made With God
Dr. Hassaballa gives the Khutbah for Eid ul Fitr 2025
Why We Fast
It all begins with the story of the last person to enter Paradise.
Let’s Start Smiling
If we want to be more like the Prophet (S), who was born this month, let’s start by smiling.
“Where Are You Going?”
The Qur’an asks very powerful rhetorical questions, and Dr. Hassaballa reflects on one them them.
Verse: https://quran.com/81/26
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Should We Spend Millions on Longevity?
In this reflection, Dr. Hassaballa wonders whether we, as believers, should spend millions on longevity, as some very wealthy people do.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Seeing God In The Cicadapocolypse
In the sermon, Dr. Hassaballa discusses his personal disgust with cicadas, and the opportunity they provide to glorify God.
Qur'anic verse: https://quran.com/23/14
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Every Day He Is Upon A Task
Many times, we say we are “too busy” to do the things God asks of us. What if God said that to us? In this Friday Sermon, Dr. Hassaballa reflects on this disastrous situation.
Qur’an verse: https://quran.com/55/29
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Of Eid and Father’s Day
This year, Eid ul Adha and Father's Day are on the same day. This makes us reflect on the Prophet Abraham (pbuh) as a father.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
”We Shall Show Them Our Signs Upon The Horizons...”
In this Friday sermon, Dr. Hassaballa reflects on how the marvels of the Cosmos point to the truth that this Universe must have a Creator.
Qur'an verse: https://quran.com/41/53
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Created For Mercy
In this Friday Sermon, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the verse in Surah Hud, verse 119, and its implications. It also ties in perfectly with the fast of Ramadan.
Qur'anic verse link: https://quran.com/11/119
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Flipping the Script on Bankruptcy
In this Friday sermon, Dr. Hassaballa discusses the very frightening Hadith about the bankrupt one of the Prophet's (S) Ummah.
Qur'an: https://quran.com/6/158
Hadith: https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2418
Hadith: https://sunnah.com/bulugh/16/95
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Flipping the Script on Earthly Life
In this Sermon delivered on February 23, 2024, Dr. Hassaballa discusses how God and His Prophet (S) challenge the believer to "flip the script" on commonly held beliefs.
Qur'an: https://quran.com/2/177
Hadith: https://sunnah.com/riyadussalihin:237
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Maximizing Our Spiritual Net Worth
In this Friday Sermon, Dr. Hassaballa discusses how we can maximize our spiritual net worth.
Qur'anic verse: https://quran.com/6/162, https://quran.com/6/163
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drhassaballa.substack.com
Let us Spread More ’Good Words’
Dr. Hassaballa reflects over the power of a good word.
Quran'ic verse mentioned in the episode: https://quran.com/14/24
Please note, Dr. Hassaballa mentioned in the episode that the verse was in the 12th chapter. It was actually in the 14th chapter. Dr. Hassaballa regrets the error.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episo
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