The enigmatic letters and what they teach us What do we know about the mystery of the opening letters of Surah Baqarah? Can we ever know their real meaning? Alif. Laam. Meem. (2:1) These letters are the puzzling opening of Surah Baqarah. Though there is some discussion it is generally agreed that the basmallah is…
What can we gain by studying this lengthy surah? What is its significance? And why is it called The Cow? To the novice, beginning their journey of the Qur’an, Surah Al Baqarah can seem somewhat daunting – so lengthy, comprehensive and detailed. Yet, when we look closely at it, it is simultaneously the answer…
What are the key points to bear in mind when reciting Surah Fatiha? The richness of Surah Al Fatiha cannot be over-estimated, as it sets out what we believe (aqeeda) as well as what we need to do (action). Poised delicately between hope and fear, through this surah, we glimpse the vastness of Allah’s…
Why is it necessary to seek knowledge? What do we gain from it? There are many hadiths showing the virtues and merits of knowledge. In the following hadith reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: ‘Whoever follows a path searching for knowledge,…
The Straight Path – the shortest route Is guidance innate, or do we need help to find the straight path? Can we rely on others or do we have to make an effort ourselves to be rightly guided? ‘Take us on the straight path The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your…
What is the secret to effective learning? Where do students go wrong in the acquisition of knowledge? ‘And say, My Lord increase me in knowledge’ (20:114) Many Muslims know that seeking knowledge is encouraged in Islam, but few know what is necessary as far as intention, deeds, manners and etiquettes when seeking knowledge. The more…
How do we seek help from Allah? Can we invoke help from the blessed Prophet (peace be upon him)? You alone do we worship, and from You alone do we seek help. (1:5) Once we have praised Allah Almighty and recognised that He is the source of everything we have, we turn to Him in…
Lord of All the Worlds: We can only find our place in the universe by getting to know who created us All Praise unto Allah, Lord of the worlds The All Merciful, the Very Merciful The Master of the Day of Requital (1:2-4) The Qur’an begins with Praise of Allah Almighty, and then goes…
How to address nobility When we communicate with Allah Almighty, how do we start? How can we express our needs to Him without being rude or gauche? All praise (and thanks) belong to Allah, Lord of all the worlds (1:1) Anyone appearing before majesty would feel inadequate, perhaps speechless unless they had been taught…
Traditionally we say bismillah before many things. Is it just cultural or is there more to it? And what happens if we don’t say it? In need of protection As accomplished as we think we are as a species, it just takes a mere glance from a plane to remind us just how tiny we…
Healing through the Quran Ruqya is treatment through recitation. Recite the following an odd number of times i.e. 1,3 or 7 times (7 is preferable). It is up to you how many times you recite these. Though you may only recite it once, or you can recite them as much as possible, such as 7…
The Essence of the Entire Quran How the perfect beginning reflects the perfection of its Creator In the Name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Most Merciful. Praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds The All Merciful, the Very Merciful The Master of the Day of Judgement. You alone we worship…