SHAYKH MIKAEEL AHMED SMITH
Shaykh Mikaeel Ahmed Smith, a faculty member at Qalam, teaches Tafsīr, Sīrah, Aqīdah, and Ḥadīth, conducts community classes, and features on the Qalam Podcast. Formerly a resident scholar at the Islamic Society of Annapolis and the Islamic Society of Baltimore, he embraced Islam at 18 after reading the Qur’an and the Autobiography of Malcolm X and memorized the Qur’an. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Studies from Dar ul-Uloom Canada and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Tarleton State University. He is the author of With the Heart in Mind, a book exploring the moral and emotional intelligence of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and When Hearing becomes Listening, a book exploring the concept of Prophetic Listening. He is currently a graduate student at the University of Dallas.
WHAT IS FRIDAY GEMS?
Friday Gems is CelebrateMercy’s weekly live online program, which aims to further our mission to help people discover the truth about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and transform their lives through his beautiful example and teachings.
For the average busy Muslim adult, it’s a great way to maintain a consistent connection with the most beloved ﷺ of God, on the most blessed day of the week.
Part 1 (30 min) of the session is a fulfillment of the tradition of the Prophet ﷺ to engage meaningfully with the 18th chapter of the Quran, The Cave (al-Kahf), every Friday. This practice holds various virtues. English translation is shown on the screen with the Arabic verses so that it’s a meaningful experience for the audience.
Part 2 (35 min) is an inspiring and practical reminder delivered by one of our esteemed teachers on a certain aspect of the Prophet’s ﷺ life, character and teachings. This is coupled with references to relevant passages in the Quran. The topic is presented in a manner that’s applicable to one’s own life, today’s world and current events.
Part 3 (25 min) is a heartfelt discussion and Q&A between the teacher and the audience. It’s a great opportunity to foster community and support one another, no matter where a person is in their journey. Emulating the Prophetic example, prayers and encouragement are exchanged, leading to a heart softening and spiritually uplifting experience.