life support
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Is it permissible to switch off a ventilator in Islam?

Being told that a loved one’s ventilator may be switched off is tough and daunting. No one envies the person who has to make such a decision, yet with the medical technology now available, it is a situation that many families find themselves facing. The Islamic ruling depends on why the ventilator is being withdrawn…

public spending
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Poverty leads to envy and unrest. Spending on the poor is a public duty

Seven prophetic instructions for a believer عن أبي ذَرٍّ الغِفاريِّ رضي الله عنه، قال: أمرَني خليلي ﷺ بسبع: ١-(أمرَني بحبِّ المساكينِ والدُّنوِّ منهُم. ٢-وأمرَني أن أنظرَ إلى مَن هو دُوني ولا أنظرَ إلى مَن هو فوقي. ٣-وأمرَني أن أصِلَ الرَّحِمَ وإن أدبَرَتْ. ٤-وأمرَني ألا أسألَ أحدًا شيئًا. ٥-وأمرَني أن أقولَ الحقَّ وإن كان مُرًّا. ٦-وأمرَني…

funeral
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Can zakat be used to pay funeral expenses?

In general, zakat should not be used to pay a deceased person’s burial expenses directly, even if the deceased was zakat-eligible during their lifetime. The main reason is that most scholars stipulate that zakat must involve transferring ownership (tamlik) to a living recipient who is one of the eight categories mentioned in Surah al-Tawbah (9:60)….

What is the difference between Islamic mortgages and conventional mortgages
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What is the difference between Islamic mortgages and conventional mortgages

The difference between conventional and Islamic mortgages For Muslims, one of the greatest financial challenges of our time, is purchasing a home without falling into riba (interest), which is strictly prohibited in Islam. Conventional mortgages are based on interest-bearing loans, while Islamic banks and financial institutions offer alternatives that aim to comply with Shariah. Among…

Be a key to goodness: The ethos of service in Islam
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Be a key to goodness: The ethos of service in Islam

In an age where success is often measured by status, wealth and influence, Islam offers a very different vision of greatness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that true honour is not found in being served, but being a servant of Allah, the Most High, and then serving others. As for being a servant of Allah,…

Turn all your transactions into worship

Turn all your transactions into worship

Islamic law distinguishes between two broad areas: huquq Allah (the rights of Allah) and huquq al-‘ibad (the rights of people). Huquq Allah are the rights of Allah. They include acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, zakah and Hajj. They also include rulings that uphold Allah’s commands, such as the prescribed punishments in the Shariah….

how to divide spending
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Facing the cost of living crisis: helping those in need

The Quranic principle of spending Allah says in the Quran: ويسألونك ماذا ينفقون قل العفو “They ask you what they should spend. Say: what is beyond your needs.” (Surah Baqarah, 2:219) This ayah gives us a clear principle about spending, charity and responsibility. The Companions asked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) what they should…

How well do you know yourself? Critical thinking and introspection vs deflecting blame

How well do you know yourself? Critical thinking and introspection vs deflecting blame

The reality is that we are all human. We all have shortcomings. And so do others. Allah tests us through one another. How we deal with each other, live with one another, tolerate one another, forgive, respond and grow together. But if we flip that, others are being tested by us. Just as much as they are testing us, we are testing their patience. We are the ones provoking them, annoying them and perhaps boring them.

Spiritual narcissism and Islam
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Spiritual narcissism and Islam

When religion becomes a tool for ego, control, and self-glorification Religion is meant to soften the heart. It should humble the soul and draw a person closer to Allah Almighty. True spirituality increases sincerity, mercy, self-awareness. It instills khawf (a deep awareness of standing before Allah). The more a person truly knows Allah, the more…

Can you pray Salatul Janaza for a missing person?
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Can you pray Salatul Janaza for a missing person?

When a person has been missing for a long time, it is natural for people to begin wondering whether they have passed away. Yet, in Islamic law, Salatul Janazah can only be performed if there is certainty. Therefore, as long as the death of the missing person has not been established, Janazah prayer cannot be…

When silence becomes complicity – levels of dhulm
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When silence becomes complicity – levels of dhulm

The limits set by Allah Allah Almighty has not left us without guidance. He did not leave us to decide for ourselves what is right and wrong according to changing moods, pressure, or convenience. He laid down obligations, set boundaries, prohibited what is harmful, and out of His mercy remained silent on certain matters. The…

All About Eve (Part III): Balance and Communication

All About Eve (Part III): Balance and Communication

Emotional balance in marriage Balance is also needed in the emotional life of marriage. If there is one thing we see repeatedly, it is that extremes do not help. Extremes, whether difficulty regulating emotions or emotional distance, can both be challenging. Some people are overwhelmed by emotion and cannot regulate themselves well. Others become so…