The Mistake Hunters What do you focus on when you attend a gathering? What do you remember when you left? Was it the mistakes of the speakers? The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him said): Seeking knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim. (Ibn Majah) The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: ‘The…
Managing Wealth How much do we actually need? How much do we waste and how much do we save? A prudent person should cover their basic needs, spend and lend and then invest in our future generations. Bill Gates is a modern example of generosity and philanthropy. Within our Islamic history we have the instructive…
At the time the ayahs about riba and debt were revealed, people did not trust each other. There was an atmosphere not just of mistrust, but also greed and exploitation. The rich controlled wealth and money was not in free circulation. Those who needed money couldn’t easily access it. Islam promotes the creation of a…
Stuck between a Rock and Hard Place Confused.com …about Mortgages, Insurance and Banking The Dangers of Riba Riba literally means increase. Known widely as ‘interest’ and ‘usury’, it is the charge levied for ‘using’ money. In other words, it is where one party makes a profit through lending to another party. It is the increase…
RIBA – Worse Than Any Other Vice Neither Wrong Nor Be Wronged What is riba? How bad is it? Why did Allah Almighty ban it? Finance is so complicated now. Aren’t times different now from then. Do the ayahs on riba still apply today? At the time the Qur’an was revealed, an atmosphere of greed and…
What Causes Du’as to be Rejected? Check Yourself When people are afflicted naturally they turn to Allah Almighty for relief. Some times that relief is not granted. I am frequently asked: How do I know if I am being tested or punished? The answer to this question lies with you. You need to analyse why an affliction…
Praying for the Impossible Why We Should Never Give Up Hope. Remember when Imran’s wife said: ‘O my Lord, I have vowed that what is in my womb will be devoted exclusively for You. So, accept (it) from me. You, certainly You, are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’ (3:35) The Du’a that Allah Almighty Loved The story…
How to Recognise False Claims Allah the Almighty sends in the beginning of every century for this Ummah somebody to renew the deen for them. (Sunan abi Dawood) Allah the Almighty sends in the beginning of every century for this Ummah somebody to renew the matters deen for them (Bayhaqi) These authentic narrations address…
The Difference between Culture and Islam This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. (5:3) Perfection and Completion In this famous part of the ayah in Surah Al-Maidah, Allah Almighty told us that the religion had been perfected, the Qur’an…
The Limitations of Scholars When Rebellion is Permitted The Arab spring raised many questions about the legitimacy of tackling unjust dictatorships and oppressive regimes. Is it permissible for the public to rebel when their rulers are failing them? There have been scholars throughout history who have legitimised and rubber stamped the wrong doings of rulers,…
To Obey or Not to Obey? Oh you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those of you who in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for…
Identifying the Right Teacher Different Types of Teacher There are many different types of scholars in our midst today. Some scholars are strict and literal in their understanding, some liberal and reforming, some practical and balanced, some politically minded, some spiritually orientated, some self taught (desktop scholar), some well-known and others not so well-known. The…
Where Do You Derive Your Knowledge From? Knowledge comes from seeking it. It does not just descend on you. But then where is the best place to seek it from? The Need for Scholars For many of us Islam was passed down to us culturally and evolved through contact with books, courses and video clips….
The Four Schools of Fiqh What is the place of the madhabs in Islam? Can we trust them? Do we have to follow them? Or can we just go back to Qur’an and Sunnah? The best generation is my generation (Bukhari) In this narration, the Prophet (peace be on him) is confirming that the best…
Denying the Sunnah is Denying the Qur’an And whatever the Messenger has given you take it, and whatever he has forbidden for you refrain from it. Fear Allah. Indeed Allah is severe in His punishment . (59:7) We have revealed the message to you in order to clarify for them what has been revealed. That…