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;…
Attaining excellence with the right foundation From the hadith Jibreel found in the collection of Imam Bukhari, we can ascertain the basics of our religion. The religion of Islam in a simplistic view can be separated into three categories. Firstly, Imaan – the belief in Allah, His Angels, His divine books, His Prophet’s (peace be…
Levels of Knowledge True knowledge leads to insight which in turn raises our rank in the eyes of Allah and confers a level of responsibility and leadership. Not everyone, however, who acquires knowledge attains this level. A closer examination reveals what differentiates the ranks of those who seek knowledge. Above every possessor of knowledge there…
#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…
Should we seek any knowledge? What are the signs of beneficial knowledge? When we say ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge’ we are not specifying the type of knowledge we want Allah to grant us, as Allah did not want to restrict the knowledge to any particular science but rather left it open to include…
The connection between knowledge and spirituality How does knowledge lead to illumination? Why knowledge is a lifelong quest. Why we need knowledge more than food and water And say (Muhammad): ‘My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.’ [Taha: 20:114] The more we know the more we feel closer to Allah. And for this reason, the…
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…
Why is it necessary to seek knowledge? What do we gain from it? There are many hadiths showing the virtues and merits of knowledge. In the following hadith reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said: ‘Whoever follows a path searching for knowledge,…
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…
What is the secret to effective learning? Where do students go wrong in the acquisition of knowledge? ‘And say, My Lord increase me in knowledge’ (20:114) Many Muslims know that seeking knowledge is encouraged in Islam, but few know what is necessary as far as intention, deeds, manners and etiquettes when seeking knowledge. The more…