The limits of leadership There are plenty of verses in the Quran about leadership and the importance of the leader in the community. At the same time, we also have plenty of narrations in the sunnah which define the responsibilities and boundaries of leaders. Leadership is not a blank cheque to do what you want…
How many miles do you have to travel to be a traveller? Scholars take the view that when you travel the distance of approximately 55-60 miles you are considered a mussafir – a traveller. Though there is a variation of opinion on the distance, a minority of scholars say that once you leave the boundary…
Today I want to share with you my reflection on how to open a locked gate, without a locksmith! We just have to follow the prophetic way and this brings the key to unlock the gate to our pocket. 1. Turn to Allah and call on Him Allah Almighty says: ﴿٦٢﴾ أَمَّنْ يُجِيبُ الْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا…
The prohibition on travelling the distance of 3 days unaccompanied The majority of narrations state and confirm that it is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel the distance of 3 days and 3 nights unaccompanied by a mahram. The majority of early jurists, particularly from the…
The hadith on pictures وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: قدم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من سفر وقد سترت سهوة لى بقرام فيه تماثيل، فلما رآه رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم هتكه وتلون وجهه وقال: “يا عائشة: أشد الناس عذابا عند الله يوم القيامة الذين يضاهون بخلق الله” ((متفق عليه)). ‘Aishah (may…
Halloween is not a religious festival Halloween is not a religious festival, though it appears to have its origins in pagan and later Christian traditions. It is a secular celebration. Traditionally it is thought that the Celts believed that on the night of 31st October, the ghosts of the deceased returned to the world. Historically,…
Though Muslims definitely believe in the Prophet Eesa (peace be on him), we don’t know the exact day of his birth and we don’t celebrate his birth or Christmas anyway. Indeed we don’t celebrate the birthday of any prophet, including the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him). Instead, we might deliver a talk about him…
Is it haram to celebrate birthdays? Birthday parties are not haram in themselves. There is nothing haram about celebrating the day someone was born, as long as that celebration does not involve doing anything prohibited, for instance serving alcohol or having inappropriately revealing clothes. Birthdays are not related to worship or belief It is a…
The physical intoxicant Allah Almighty prohibited alcohol gradually over four stages. In Surat al Maidah, He said: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ O you who believe, surely intoxicants and gambling and idolatry and divination are filth made up by Satan, so avoid it, that…
The psychological impact of bullying The Prophet (peace be on him) had been mocked, intimidated and humiliated over 13 years in Makkah. He was called a sorcerer, poet and liar, as recorded in the Quran and the seerah, though he had always been known to be truthful and trustworthy – al Sadiq al Amin. When…
To go or not to go It is the right of a Muslim that his invitation should be accepted. This means that if he invites you to his son’s walima, you have to accept his invitation. Accepting wedding invitations is compulsory, while accepting other invitations is advisable but not obligatory. This is based on the hadith…
Today is World Children’s Day. I’m pretty sure many of you have no idea of this. It was established in 1959 by the UN National Assembly when they adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and since that time 20th November is Children’s Day. They outlined the rights as: The child must be…
The Islamic etiquettes of sneezing Cover your mouth The prophetic way is to cover your mouth with your arm or a handkerchief when you sneeze. The Prophet (peace be on him) used to do this and he taught his companions to do the same. It is the right of the Muslim to have dua made…
Is it permissible to consume a small quantity as it is not intoxicating? It is not allowed to consume alcohol even in small quantities, including confectionery, or in meals that are cooked with alcohol, as the alcohol does not all evaporate, including in dishes which are flambé, as the alcohol remains after it has been…
Allah Almighty mentioned the importance of His revelation repeatedly – the final revelation and the perfect message which He sent to humanity. The Sunnah is the manifestation and explanation of the Quran – the practice and application of the Quran. Does your attachment to the Quran match your attachment to your phone? Many of us…