Ijtihad (reasoning) and Taqleed (imitation) Do I need to follow a madhab? Who is qualified to make Ijihad? What essential knowledge does a mujtahid need? Definition While Ijtihad is the process of systematic legal reasoning carried out only by mujtahids (those trained in ijtihad), taqleed is to follow a certain school, or scholar or opinion. The…
The Differences among the Fuqaha In particular we are focusing on the scientific differences among the fuqaha (jurists) and why we have more than one opinion. The main difference is linguistic difference. The second one is evidences and the third is in understanding. When we look at linguistic differences, it becomes clear quite quickly that…
The Origins of the Fiqh Schools Fiqh at the Time of the Prophet (peace be on him) During the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be on him) how was fiqh decided? If someone needed a ruling on a case what did the Prophet (peace be on him) himself do? The first thing the Prophet (peace be on…
Why Scholars Differ This was the first course I delivered in the UK in 2001, but it is as relevant today as it was then, if not more. I used to deliver this course over three months at shariah college, so here I am going to condense it and give you an overview. Why do…
Debts – The Nitty Gritty How is it is relevant to us today? Why did Allah Almighty reveal the longest ayah of the Qur’an about debt? Simply, money concerns us all. All our dealings have financial repercussions. Ayat ul dain (2:282), the longest ayah of the longest surah of the Qur’an relates to debts and contracts. ‘Dain’…
THE LOW DOWN ON BORROWING AND LENDING What Everyone Should Know A loan is a loss on paper. The lender has no access to that money until it is repaid. Yet there are times when we need to borrow and others when we are in a position to lend. In fact, the Prophet (peace…
Du’a is an act of worship that draws us closer to Allah Almighty. In making du’a, the supplicant acknowledges their complete dependence on and need for the One who created, nurtures, and sustains them—and to whom they will ultimately and inevitably return. Since our needs are infinite and endless, one of the best ways to…
How to Increase the Chances of Your Du’a Being Answered Thereupon, Zakariyya prayed to his Lord. He said: ‘O my Lord, grant me from Your own (power) a goodly progeny. Verily, You are the One who listens to the prayer.’ So then, when he stood praying in the place of worship, the angels called out…
Who are the Closest to Allah? Gifts from the Unseen to those Allah Loves So, her Lord accepted her, a good acceptance, and made her grow, a good growth, and made Zakariyya her guardian. Whenever Zakariyya visited her at the place of worship, he found food with her. 10 He said: ‘Maryam, from…
The Mistake Hunters What do you focus on when you attend a gathering? What do you remember when you left? Was it the mistakes of the speakers? The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him said): Seeking knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim. (Ibn Majah) The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: ‘The…
Managing Wealth How much do we actually need? How much do we waste and how much do we save? A prudent person should cover their basic needs, spend and lend and then invest in our future generations. Bill Gates is a modern example of generosity and philanthropy. Within our Islamic history we have the instructive…
At the time the ayahs about riba and debt were revealed, people did not trust each other. There was an atmosphere not just of mistrust, but also greed and exploitation. The rich controlled wealth and money was not in free circulation. Those who needed money couldn’t easily access it. Islam promotes the creation of a…
Stuck between a Rock and Hard Place Confused.com …about Mortgages, Insurance and Banking The Dangers of Riba Riba literally means increase. Known widely as ‘interest’ and ‘usury’, it is the charge levied for ‘using’ money. In other words, it is where one party makes a profit through lending to another party. It is the increase…
RIBA – Worse Than Any Other Vice Neither Wrong Nor Be Wronged What is riba? How bad is it? Why did Allah Almighty ban it? Finance is so complicated now. Aren’t times different now from then. Do the ayahs on riba still apply today? At the time the Qur’an was revealed, an atmosphere of greed and…
What Causes Du’as to be Rejected? Check Yourself When people are afflicted naturally they turn to Allah Almighty for relief. Some times that relief is not granted. I am frequently asked: How do I know if I am being tested or punished? The answer to this question lies with you. You need to analyse why an affliction…