The Siege of the Parties and the Drive of Gaza
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The Siege of the Parties and the Drive of Gaza

In Sūrat al-Aḥzāb, Allah describes in vivid detail the events of the Battle of the Trench, also known as the Siege of the Parties. This took place in the fifth year after Hijrah, when the Prophet ﷺ and the believers faced one of the most severe trials in the early history of Islam. A confederation…

Common misconceptions: is it necessary to have a barrier between men and women in the mosque?
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Common misconceptions: is it necessary to have a barrier between men and women in the mosque?

Though it is a common feature of masajid that they separate men and women, it is not a necessity to have a physical barrier between men and women during congregational (jamāʿah) prayer or in the mosque generally. It is important to clarify this point, as not all mosques have the space to create separate men…

Starvation can never be justified
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Starvation can never be justified

Islamic teachings are unequivocal on the matter of sustenance. In Surah al-Aʿrāf, Allah commands: “Do not spread corruption on the earth after it has been set in order” (7:56). Corruption, or fasād, takes many forms, and one of the gravest is denying people the means to survive. Provision is part of the divine balance, and…

O Palestine – A Collection of Khutbahs
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O Palestine – A Collection of Khutbahs

This powerful collection of Khutbahs by Shaykh Haytham Tamim spans a dark period in our history where our Ummah has been tested with some of the severest atrocities we have witnessed in our lifetime and have been betrayed by world leaders. Offering his weekly reflections on the ongoing struggle for justice in Palestine, Shaykh Haytham…

Misconceptions about dolls and teddy bears in Islam

Misconceptions about dolls and teddy bears in Islam

Skip to content Are teddy bears and dolls permissible in Islam?  Among many parents and educators, questions often arise about whether toys such as teddy bears and dolls are permissible in Islam. Some fear that their presence may be in conflict with Islamic teachings on images or idol-making. However, a close look at the Qur’an,…

The metaphorical use of shade, wind and rain in the Quran

The metaphorical use of shade, wind and rain in the Quran

Shade Allah ﷻ mentions in Surat Al-Furqan: “Have you not seen how your Lord extends the shade? If He had willed, He could have made it stationary. Then We made the sun guide to it. Then We withdraw it to Ourselves with a gradual manner.” (25:45–46) This verse draws our attention to the subtle and…

The psychology of blame in the Quran
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The psychology of blame in the Quran

Blame in the Quran 1. Refusal to take responsibility In the Quran, we see that blame is used frequently by disbelievers to avoid taking responsibility. They blame their refusal to believe on the fact that the Messenger (peace be upon him) was human, rather than an angel. وَقَالُواْ مَالِ هَٰذَا ٱلرَّسُولِ يَأۡكُلُ ٱلطَّعَامَ وَيَمۡشِي فِي…

Is it the sunnah to raise hands in takbir during the salah?

Is it the sunnah to raise hands in takbir during the salah?

Everyone raises their hands to open the salah for takbirat al-ihram. But  is it also necessary to raise the hands in takbir before other positions in the salah, such as going into ruku’ and rising from rukuʿ? This is a matter of scholarly discussion. The Hadith of Ibn ʿUmar عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ رضي الله عنهما:أَنَّ…

A blueprint for teaching – learning from the Prophet ﷺ
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A blueprint for teaching – learning from the Prophet ﷺ

As a teacher, I often reflect on what the Prophet ﷺ would prioritise if he were in our position today. What would his main concern be? It’s a big question and I don’t claim to have all the answers. But I began searching through the Qur’an, hoping to find a clearer picture of the Prophet’s…

Justice and the weight of responsibility. Remembering Srebrenica.
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Justice and the weight of responsibility. Remembering Srebrenica.

Upholding justice and responsibility in Islam In Surah an-Nisa, Allah says: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ ۚ إِن يَكُنْ غَنِيًّا أَوْ فَقِيرًا فَاللَّهُ أَوْلَىٰ بِهِمَا ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا الْهَوَىٰ أَن تَعْدِلُوا ۚ وَإِن تَلْوُوا أَوْ تُعْرِضُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًا “O you who…

Treating daughters-in-law as maids is not Islamic
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Treating daughters-in-law as maids is not Islamic

A daughter-in-law is not a doormat Islam is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life. It is religion in which we are encouraged to help and serve others. However, it is not a religion in which we accept being exploited. Unfortunately, there are cultural practices which oppress daughters-in-law that have no…

How to deal with interference by parents and in-laws within marriage
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How to deal with interference by parents and in-laws within marriage

One of the most painful realities within many Muslim families today, particularly in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, is the interference of parents and in-laws in their children’s marriages. Whether it’s choosing a spouse, managing the relationship, or raising grandchildren, this interference often goes beyond well-meaning advice and becomes a cause of long-term damage…

How do you deal with an unjust mother or father in Islam?
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How do you deal with an unjust mother or father in Islam?

If your mother or father is unjust, their injustice does not nullify their rights over you. The rights of parents (both the mother or father) over their child are immense. Allah has commanded the child to treat his parents kindly, even if they are polytheists and urge him to associate partners with Allah. Allah says:…