Shaykh Hamdi Ben Aissa

Founder and teacher of Rhoda institute. Shaykh Hamdi studied Islamic Sciences in a traditional milieu in Tunisia with his Father, a Zaytuna University-trained scholar and Imam. He went on to study with the world-renowned Teacher, Habib Umar, who became his Guide. Mostly popular as Imam, mentor, and chaplain, Shaykh Hamdi offers classes, speaks at public events and holds seminars and retreats in cities across Canada, in France, and around the world.

The Hajj is fundamentally about celebrating the Anniversary of our primordial Covenant with Allah, which He took upon humanity before our earthly existence: “And remember when your Lord brought forth from Adam’s descendants, from their loins, their offspring and made them bear witness upon themselves saying, `Am I not your Lord?’ They said, ‘Certainly, we bear witness”((Surat al-‘A'raf: 172)) It is in the valley of Na’man’, which according to some commentators lies on the plain between Mina and ‘Arafat where the pilgrims set out their tents, where Allah took this ancient Covenant with all of humanity, from the first of them to the last of them. Here He manifested Himself to them in another dimension of existence, asking them “Do you recognize Me as Your Lord?” To this, we responded indi...