Explanation of Hizb al-Bahr | Shaykh Sulayman Van Ael

For centuries, Muslims facing hardship, fear and need have turned to one dua: Hizb al-Bahr, the Litany of the Sea, of Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili.

What did he place in these words that has carried so many hearts through affliction?

In this series, Shaykh Sulayman Van Ael takes us through the Hizb passage by passage: the Names of Allah it calls upon, why they were chosen, why they appear in that order, and what state of the heart each phrase teaches us to stand in before Allah ﷻ.

About This Series

This is not a study of the text alone.

It is a journey into the understanding of Qur'an and Sunnah that Imam al-Shadhili distilled into this dua. As Shaykh Sulayman was taught by his own shaykh:

"The hizb is the text, and you are the explanation."

Through these classes we will learn:

• What a hizb is, and why the words of the great scholars carry such weight
• How to call upon Allah ﷻ in affliction, travel, need and fear
• How these words are meant to transform the one who reads them

Every meaning is traced back to Qur'an and Sunnah, alongside the duas of the Prophet ﷺ.

📺 Livestream & Recordings

Classes are held in person and streamed online.

👉 The livestream link and the recordings playlist will be included in your confirmation email after signing up.

🗓 Schedule

• Classes are announced as they are scheduled
• Next class: Tuesday 21st July, 7:00 PM (UK time)
• In-person at Castlefield Community Centre, High Wycombe
• Online via livestream

We will take this journey without rushing, sitting with each passage for as long as it requires.

Who Is This Series For?

This series is for everyone:

• Scholars and beginners
• Men and women
• Those in ease and those in hardship
• Anyone seeking a closer connection to Allah ﷻ through the words of His awliya

What Students Will Take Away

• A deep, verified understanding of Hizb al-Bahr, phrase by phrase
• A companion dua for hardship, travel and need
• The adab of asking Allah ﷻ: how the righteous approached Him before making their requests
• Freedom from grudges, and the habit of making dua for people rather than against them

As Shaykh Sulayman says:

"These words are meant to transform you."

👤 Instructor

Shaykh Dr. Sulayman Van Ael is a leading Islamic scholar and teacher, known for his deep knowledge and ability to connect timeless Prophetic wisdom to modern-day challenges. He has studied across the Muslim world, memorised the Qur'an, and holds ijazah in the 10 qira'at.

Shaykh Sulayman has taught at institutions including Cambridge Muslim College and serves as a chaplain and advisor in the UK and Europe. His teaching style is warm, practical, and spiritually uplifting, making him a beloved teacher to thousands of students worldwide.

🤲 Free to Attend

This series is free for all. If you would like to support Karima Foundation and our teachers in making classes like this possible, there is an option to donate when you sign up.