Extreme fear There are many lessons we can learn from different stories in the Quran about handling fear and anxiety. All of us experience moments and periods of overwhelming fear, when we do not have control over our emotions. How do we exit this predicament? What is the solution? At this time, many of us…
Women may pierce their ears In general women have had their ears pierced throughout history and throughout the world. This is permissible. However, multiple ear piercings would require the consent of the husband as he might find it unattractive in his wife. Therefore it is a matter of mutual consent. (Similarly it is not right…
Surah Hadid: Reflecting the beautiful meanings of a beautiful Surah In the beautiful surah, Surat Hadid, Allah Almighty says: He is the First and the Last, and the Manifest and the Hidden, and He is All-Knowing about every thing. (57:3) It is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then settled…
A Capitol Disaster Todays reflection is about reckless leaders. It is very topical due to the violence that took place when the Capitol in the US was stormed on Wednesday by right-wing insurgents. In the Quran, Allah Almighty revealed to us how He informed Ibrahim (peace be on him) that He had chosen him and…
The New Year begins Today is a new day: it’s like a blank page, a new chapter. We decide what to write on it. We have a new day; we have a new year. So we should decide what to write on this new page in our lives. And without doubt, it’s recorded. We create…
Lessons from a remarkable person and a remarkable life As Muslims we find meaning in the Quran. When we reflect on the meaning of life, our lives and our purpose, we look to the Quran for answers. The Quran gives us answers but also presents to us figures from the past so that we can…
I would like to make a comparison between what Allah Almighty sent Eesa and what Allah sent Muhammad (peace be on them). Servants of Allah When Allah Almighty talked about the miraculous birth of Eesa (peace be on him), He said: قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ آتَانِيَ الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيًّا He (Eesa) said, “I am the…
The best and the worst leaders In a beautiful hadith, narrated by ‘Auf b. Malik, who embraced Islam after the Treaty of Hudabiya, the Prophet (peace be on him) taught us who are the best leaders and the worst leaders. He said that the best leaders are the ones you love and who love you….
Are mortgages halal? In Islam usury is clearly forbidden. It is a major sin and is one of the seven gravest ones. Those who commit it are considered as waging war against Allah Almighty and His Prophet (peace be on him). Fiqh Councils throughout the Muslim World state that bank interest is usury. Those who…
What is the definition of zina? Zina is illicit sexual intercourse – having sex with someone you are not married to. We have been warned about zina in many narrations in the hadith and in the Quran Allah Almighty did not just say ‘Don’t commit zina’ but ‘Don’t come near zina’ (la taqrabu zina). This…
Equality for women’s pay Where does Islam stand on women’s place in society? Is she allowed to have equal pay and be in positions of leadership? I wonder why people separate women from society as if they are a different species. When Allah Almighty said, Ya Ayuhal Ladhina Amanu, (O you who believe) He did…
The beautification and adornment of women goes back to time immemorial. If a woman wants to beautify herself what are the limits? Beautification can be sinful and can be rewarding. The basic principle in Islam is that beautification in public is not permissible. In Islam, women can beautify themselves within their homes (i.e in front…
How to identify Mr or Miss Right It can be very complicated trying to find the right person to marry. Even more so if you are idealistic about it. If you are realistic, it is much easier. I can tell you from experience, that many people are too idealistic. I have a friend, who is…
There is no such thing as an Islamic dress. We have general guidance, which we have to adhere to. The design, style and colour depends on your culture and where you live. There are certain fashions which are prevalent in society such as ripped jeans, skinny jeans and baring different parts of the body, which…
The Islamic Funeral prayer Salatul Janaza is performed in congregation to seek pardon for the deceased and all dead Muslims. It is Fard al Kifaya, a collective obligation upon Muslims, which means that at least one person from the community has to fulfil this obligation. As long as someone attends, it is accepted on behalf…