ABOUT THE COURSE
This Rabi al-Awwal, join poet and teacher Baraka Blue for a month-long exploration of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ teachings on joy, laughter and compassion in the face of life’s greatest trials.
This course explores the way the Prophet ﷺ embodied laughter, lightness and compassion—even in trying times—and what this means for our lives today.
Each day for the month of Rabi al-Awwal, we will reflect on a story or teaching from the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which shows his soft heart, deep care for people, joyous disposition, emotional intelligence and sense of humor. We will spend the month contemplating the sensitivity and compassion of the Prophet ﷺ as well as the wisdom and grace with which he dealt with people of all backgrounds and with which he navigated situations of all types. We will see how he cultivated a community of companions who, no matter the challenges they faced, were quick to smile and to treat one another with compassion and generosity.
“Does God Laugh?” provides a window into the sensitivity, compassion and emotional intelligence of the Prophet Muhammad.ﷺ It is meant to assist lovers and seekers to connect more deeply with the human being behind the message of Islam and be transformed and illuminated by the noble character and wisdom that he exemplified. The course will explore his own states and emotions, as well as his teachings on the good life and how to cultivate joy and happiness no matter what circumstances one finds oneself.
We will consider how our spiritual practice is not meant to insulate us from the world or to avoid its pain and its challenges but to give us the practices and perspectives to not only be healed but to become healers, not only to be transformed but to transform those around around us, and not only become enlightened but to be sources of illumination in the midst of the darkness that exists within the world.
COURSE COMPONENTS
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Daily Hadith Meditations: 30 audio lessons featuring Hadith, stories from the life of the Prophet ﷺ and guided reflections on how to apply their wisdom to your own life.
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Weekly Writing Prompts: Thoughtfully crafted prompts to deepen contemplation and connection.
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Weekly Live Sessions with Baraka Blue: Live Zoom sessions exploring lessons from the Prophet’s ﷺ life followed by Q&A and conversation. Recordings available for all participants.
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Text & Commentary of 30 Hadith Full text of each daily Hadith paired with classical commentary from great scholars and sages of Islam.
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Private Online Community Group: A dedicated space for suhba, sharing reflections, asking questions and engaging in meaningful discussion.
TOPICS COVERED
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When God ﷻ Laughs
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When the Prophet ﷺ Laughs & Smiles
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When the Believers Laugh
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When Laughter Heals, When Laughter Harms
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Prophetic Teachings on Laughter and Humour
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Prophetic Teachings on Joy and Happiness
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The Joy and Laughter of the Companions
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Prophetic Responses to Trying Times
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The Prophet’s ﷺ Joy and Sadness
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The Prophet’s ﷺ Forgiveness and Compassion
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
This course is for people of all ages, all paths, and all faith backgrounds who are interested in learning about one of the world’s most beloved and influential spiritual teachers.
Whether you’ve studied the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ life before or are encountering his teachings for the first time, this course offers an opportunity to reflect on his example—particularly his embodiment of joy, compassion and resilience – even in the face of hardship.
One need not be a scholar, academic, writer or poet. Writing is simply used in this course as one of the tools of contemplation and reflection. Tips for cultivating a simple writing or journaling practice will be offered, but no previous experience is required.
One need not speak Arabic; references to original Arabic sayings (Hadith) will be given, but all Arabic words and passages will be translated into English.
One need not be Muslim or have any prior background in Islamic studies. This course is designed to be open-hearted, accessible, and rooted in universal values of love, mercy, and spiritual growth.
PRICING OPTIONS & REGISTRATION
One Time & 2x-Monthly Payment options available. All pricing options include access to all materials, live sessions with teacher, and lifetime access.
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Register Now
$299.00
One Time Payment (Best Value)
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Register Now
2 x $159.00
2-Month Payment Plan
MEET YOUR TEACHER
Live Sessions & Recorded Hadith Meditations from:
Baraka Blue is a spiritual teacher, poet, musician and academic whose work bridges traditional Islamic wisdom with the transformative possibilities of modern existence. Born in Seattle, he traveled extensively throughout Africa, Turkey, Asia and the Arab world to study directly with renowned scholars and spiritual masters in the Sufi tradition, gaining rare insights into spiritual practices preserved throughout centuries of unbroken transmission.
Holding a master's degree in Islamic Studies from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Baraka Blue seamlessly moves between academic rigor and artistic expression. His poetry, music and teachings have reached global audiences through international performances and lectures at prestigious institutions including Harvard, Princeton and the School of Oriental and African Studies.
In 2018, he founded the Rumi Center for Spirituality and the Arts, creating a hub for online courses and immersive retreats that make traditional wisdom accessible to seekers from all backgrounds and walks of faith – worldwide. His award-winning podcast "Path & Present" features illuminating conversations on navigating spirituality in modern life, while his creative writing workshops have inspired students across K-12 schools, universities and cultural centers globally.
Through his multifaceted work as author, educator and former director of the community-building organization Wasat, Baraka Blue continues to demonstrate how ancient spiritual wisdom offers profound solutions, tools and methodologies to contemporary human challenges.