Wisdoms from the story of Suleman (peace be on him) and the Queen of Sheba from Surat Al Naml
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Wisdoms from the story of Suleman (peace be on him) and the Queen of Sheba from Surat Al Naml

The kingdom of Suleman (peace be on him) We came across the story of Suleman (peace be on him) who was given special miracles. Suleman had the most magnificent kingdom of any prophet. Some prophets were given power and authority as kings, while others were in more humble positions. The servant king Muhammad (peace be…

The message of anti-corruption is always met with resistance – Reflections on Surat al-Shu’araa’
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The message of anti-corruption is always met with resistance – Reflections on Surat al-Shu’araa’

Shuayb (peace be on him) was one of the five Arab prophets, (the others being Hud, Salih, Ismail and Muhammad, peace be on them). He lived in Madyan (Midian, which is a large area in the Sham and Hijaz region that now part of Saudi). Despite his teaching of the Oneness of God, the people…

Challenging unfair traditions – reflections on Surat al Al-Shu’araa’

Challenging unfair traditions – reflections on Surat al Al-Shu’araa’

There are numerous lessons for us in the exchanges between people in the Quran, like Musa (peace be on him) and Firaun and between Ibrahim and his father and his people. Lessons in the discussions Allah Almighty presents and highlights very specific scenes from their lives as they are common scenarios which we encounter in…

There are no coincidences
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There are no coincidences

Creation has precision In the beginning of Surat al Furqan, which is a Makki surah, Allah Almighty said: تَبَارَكَ ٱلَّذِى نَزَّلَ ٱلۡفُرۡقَانَ عَلَىٰ عَبۡدِهِۦ لِيَكُونَ لِلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ نَذِيرًا (١) Glorious is the One who has revealed the Criterion to His servant, so that he may be a warner to all the communities (25:1) الَّذِي لَهُ مُلْكُ…

The Great Struggle – Reflections on Surat al Furqan

The Great Struggle – Reflections on Surat al Furqan

This is a Makki surah, which bears the characteristics of the early revelations before the migration to Madinah and the foundation of a Muslim society. Makki surahs focus on establishing belief and questioning the status quo by challenging the community to examine and explore their customs and traditions. Are they in line with the truth…

Light upon light – The verse of light and the heart of the believer
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Light upon light – The verse of light and the heart of the believer

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, The lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a brilliant star, Lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, Neither of the east nor of the west,…

Is it permissible to pray tarawih online?
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Is it permissible to pray tarawih online?

Praying tarawih in your home while following an imam who is performing the tarawih prayer online is a relatively new phenomenon, which was adopted by some imams, including myself during the unprecedented global pandemic of 2020. No doubt this raised eyebrows and many people have wondered whether it is permissible and why we never performed…

Blocking the haram. The command to lower the gaze and to wear the hijab in Surah An Nur

Blocking the haram. The command to lower the gaze and to wear the hijab in Surah An Nur

Surat An Nur is a surah full of etiquettes. Knocking before entering One of these etiquettes is to seek permission before entering someone’s house, which is known as istidhan. Before you enter anyone’s house, knock on their door, or call out ‘Asalamalaikum’ if there is no door, call the people of the house. O believers!…

Don’t believe every rumour. Reflections on Surat an Nur

Don’t believe every rumour. Reflections on Surat an Nur

When was Surat an Nur revealed? This is a famous surah. It was revealed in Madina and therefore has many rulings. There is no authentic narration on the virtue of this surah, but there is a weak narration by Muhajid, who was not a companion but a tabiy’i (next generation of successors of the companions)…

Do I have to stop eating when I hear the adhan at Suhoor?

Do I have to stop eating when I hear the adhan at Suhoor?

If you are eating when you hear the adhan or the time for suhoor has ended, finish what you have in your mouth but do not keep eating beyond that. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ…