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…
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…