Alcohol clouds the brain Allah Almighty called alcohol Khamr (intoxicant) in Surat un-Maidah from ‘cover’. Khimar means head cover*. Therefore khamra is something which covers, clouds and befuddles the brain. When someone is intoxicated they cannot think clearly, their mind is fogged. They can’t function properly. Allah Almighty’s prohibition is clear: O you who have believed,…
It was narrated from Abdullah bin Abi Talha, from his father, that: The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) came one day with a cheerful expression on his face, and we said: ‘We see you looking cheerful’. He said: ‘The Angel Jibril came to me and said: ‘O Muhammad, your Lord says: ‘Will it…
Keep the remembrance of Allah at all times Make Allah your only concern Imam Al-Muhasibi continues. Do not dismiss the remembrance of Allah, keep His Dhikr at all times, be engaged with the remembrance of Allah in all affairs and all concerns. So if you are concerned about something, then be in the remembrance of…
Look after your heart Look after your Dameer (heart) and your intention. Purify your heart, clean it and declutter it. Untie the knots in your heart. Make your heart sound until it becomes pure, soft and free. How do you declutter the heart? Clearing the space in the heart is like clearing space on your…
Take stock of your time and activities Imam Al-Muhasibi wrote a letter to his friend [as usual, it’s framed as on the account of a wise man who wrote to his friend] offering some advice. We have mentioned before that Imam Al-Muhasibi’s close companion is Al-Junayd Al-Baghdadi. He wrote: “I advise you to… What are…
Imam Al-Muhasibi wrote a letter to his friend [as usual, it’s framed as on the account of a wise man who wrote to his friend] offering some advice. We have mentioned before that Imam Al-Muhasibbi’s close companion is Al-Junayd Al-Baghdadi. He wrote: “I advise you to… 1. Eethar: Give preference to Allah first Fix what…
The prohibition of alcohol was introduced gradually. It happened in stages. This is gradualism. As Islam was revealed over 23 years, the dos and dont’s were not delivered in a single complete package as we have now. Rather, a process of transforming hearts, minds and social practices took place as the verses were revealed bit…
The gifts of Allah Nafahatullahi are the gifts of Allah Almighty. There are plenty of narrations of the Prophet (peace be on him) which mention such gifts. One of these narrations is by Anas ibn Malik, who reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: Do good deeds in the time that…
Abu Hurairah said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger (peace be on you). I hear many narrations from you but I forget them.’ He said, ‘Spread your cloak.’ I spread my cloak and he moved both his hands as if scooping something and emptied them in the cloak and said, ‘Wrap it.’ I wrapped it, and since then…
Confusion about destiny People have been confused by this topic from the time of the companions of the Prophet (peace be on him) till today. What is destiny? How much control do we have? Can it be changed? What is the role of dua? Believe in destiny Al Walid bin ubadah bin al Samit came…
What is Istikharah? The istikharah du’a is a supplication asking Allah for guidance on what is the best decision. It is a beautiful du’a which the Prophet (peace be on him) taught us to seek goodness from Allah when you have a specific decision to make. In the past, people used chance and superstitions to…
Sacred knowledge brings us closer to Allah. The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said, ‘Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge.’ (Muslim) ‘Verily, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge out…
Can you change your character? People often wonder if it is possible to change your character. Allah Almighty talked about the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) in many verses in the Quran, but one of the unique verses, were when he said: Indeed you have the best character. (68:4) We all long to follow…
The Prophet (peace be on him) used to fast the 6 days of Shawwal. They do not have to be fasted consecutively but at any time during the month. When can you fast after Eid? You can fast from 2nd Shawwal, but it is better to delay the fasting the six days of Shawwal until…
A good starting point for the concept of intercession is an occasion when the Prophet (peace be on him) disappeared, and his companions were extremely worried what had become of him, and whether they had been replaced by some other set of companions. Ubada bin As-Samit narrated that One day the Companions did not find the…