Why should we worship Allah? Allah Almighty does not need our worship. So why worship Him? Do we pray because we know Allah Almighty or do we know Allah Almighty because we pray? ‘O people, worship your Lord who created you and those before you, so that you may become God-fearing’ (2:21) Worship is the…
Our Responsibility to Look after the Earth In Surah al-A’raf Allah Almighty said, ‘Do not corrupt the Earth… Indeed Allah Almighty’s mercy is close to those who are doing good.’ (7:56) And in Surah al-Hud, He says, ‘He is the one who brought you from the Earth and made you to dwell in it. So,…
Two Types of Hypocrite Beware, it is, in fact, they who spread disorder, but they do not appreciate. (12) And when it is said to them, ‘Believe as people have believed,’ they say, ‘Shall we believe as the fools have believed?’ Beware, it is, in fact, they who are the fools, but they do not…
Hypocrisy – how it originated and what are the signs Hypocrisy is a disease of the heart. Just like heart disease, very often people do not even realise they have it. If they do not seek a cure for it, their disease spreads aggressively and leads to dire consequences personally, as well as for those…
What have we been entrusted with? And why we should maintain trust Allah the Almighty says in the Qur’an when he was describing the believers in Surah Mu’minun, ‘And those who are faithful to their trust and pledges.’ (23:8) In Surah Anfal, He says, ‘Believe. Do not betray Allah Almighty or His Messenger and your…
When to do dawah. Knowing who will respond to Islam and who won’t. Are all disbelievers the same? Will their punishment be the same? Who are the ones whose hearts are sealed? Should our dawah be open to all disbelievers or should we focus on those who are more likely to benefit? A disbeliever is…
How to Spot a True Believer What should we be like and how should we behave? What are the characteristics that any two believers, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity will have in common? ‘Who believe in the Unseen, and are steadfast in Salah (prayer), and spend out of what We have provided them;…
#Glorify the Word of Allah Say NO to Ferrari tarawihs! The time has come for the ummah to rise up against the annual scourge of fast-paced recitations in some masjids across the world. At the time of year when people most yearn for a deep spiritual experience, some mosques are doing a disservice to worshippers AND…
The Truth – only if you seek it How do we know that the Qur’an is the truth from Allah Almighty? What assurance do we have that the Qur’an can help us in our lives? How do we know that it is still relevant to us today? This Book has no doubt in it –…
Why has Allah not defeated the perpetrators of evil? Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) says in the Qur’an: “Had Allah willed it, He could have defeated them by Himself, but it is His test. He is testing you by the means of others. And for those who were killed for the sake of Allah, Allah will…
Our Amanah (trust) from Allah It has been narrated in Imam Nasa’i’s Sunan Al-Kubra and Ibn Hibban on the authority of Anas bin Malik (Radiallahu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Indeed, Allah will ask every guardian about the Amanah which he has been given. Did he keep it or did he lose…
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…
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…