Common misconceptions: is it necessary to have a barrier between men and women in the mosque?
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Common misconceptions: is it necessary to have a barrier between men and women in the mosque?

Though it is a common feature of masajid that they separate men and women, it is not a necessity to have a physical barrier between men and women during congregational (jamāʿah) prayer or in the mosque generally. It is important to clarify this point, as not all mosques have the space to create separate men…

A blueprint for teaching – learning from the Prophet ﷺ
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A blueprint for teaching – learning from the Prophet ﷺ

As a teacher, I often reflect on what the Prophet ﷺ would prioritise if he were in our position today. What would his main concern be? It’s a big question and I don’t claim to have all the answers. But I began searching through the Qur’an, hoping to find a clearer picture of the Prophet’s…

The rights and dignity of daughters in law in Islam
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The rights and dignity of daughters in law in Islam

A daughter-in-law is not a doormat Islam is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life. It is religion in which we are encouraged to help and serve others. However, it is not a religion in which we accept being exploited. Unfortunately, there are cultural practices which oppress daughters-in-law that have no…

How to deal with interference by parents and in-laws within marriage
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How to deal with interference by parents and in-laws within marriage

One of the most painful realities within many Muslim families today, particularly in South Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, is the interference of parents and in-laws in their children’s marriages. Whether it’s choosing a spouse, managing the relationship, or raising grandchildren, this interference often goes beyond well-meaning advice and becomes a cause of long-term damage…

How do you deal with an unjust mother or father in Islam?
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How do you deal with an unjust mother or father in Islam?

If your mother or father is unjust, their injustice does not nullify their rights over you. The rights of parents (both the mother or father) over their child are immense. Allah has commanded the child to treat his parents kindly, even if they are polytheists and urge him to associate partners with Allah. Allah says:…

Major Principles in Islam: Halal earning (part 4)
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Major Principles in Islam: Halal earning (part 4)

  Foundations of halal earning: contracts in Islamic transactions On the subject of halal earning (al-kasb al-halal), we started by exploring one of the earliest works on the topic, written by Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani, a prominent student of Imam Abu Hanifah. He was a mujtahid in his own right and wrote a short yet…

Major Principles in Islam: Halal earning (Part 3)
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Major Principles in Islam: Halal earning (Part 3)

Halal income Halal earning refers to how to earn your living in a way that pleases Allah. It also includes how to avoid falling into haram, doubtful matters, disliked things, or areas that are grey and uncertain. In the previous session, we mentioned the work of Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan, the student of Abu Hanifah….

Major Principles in Islam: Halal earning (part 2)
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Major Principles in Islam: Halal earning (part 2)

Seeking halal income Earning a ḥalāl living, which is called al-kasb in Arabic, is a very important topic related to everyone’s business transactions, dealings, sales, and so on. It’s essential to understand what is permissible, what is not, the boundaries, the details, and so forth. As I mentioned last time, the first to write on…

How is a woman’s salah different from a man’s?
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How is a woman’s salah different from a man’s?

  The position of women during salah in the Hanafi Madhhab In the Hanafi school of thought, the manner in which a woman performs salah differs in several key ways from that of a man. It differentiates between the prayer posture of men and women based on modesty and humility. 1. Standing (Qiyām) A woman…

Can you view the face of the deceased in Islam?
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Can you view the face of the deceased in Islam?

The moments following a person’s death are deeply emotional. One of the questions often asked in Muslim communities is whether it is permissible to view the face of the deceased. It is permissible to uncover the face of the deceased before burial and to kiss them as a final farewell. This is established in the…

Are Lottery Tickets and Arcade Games Haram in Islam?
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Are Lottery Tickets and Arcade Games Haram in Islam?

We’re surrounded by activities that may seem harmless – buying a lottery ticket or playing arcade games to win prizes. These may appear to be just fun and games, but how should a Muslim approach these forms of entertainment? Gambling is clearly prohibited in Islam Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an: “O you who believe!…

Major Principles of Islam – Chastity and Honour (part 2) The importance of boundaries and protecting children
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Major Principles of Islam – Chastity and Honour (part 2) The importance of boundaries and protecting children

The virtue of being chaste Chastity and honour are known as al-‘Afaaf wal Hayaa’ in Arabic, or sha’af sometimes. The importance of chastity is highlighted in the Quran, particularly at the beginning of Surat al Mu’minoon, where Allah mentions the value of being chaste. In the opening verses, Allah calls believers successful and describes them…

Building a strong nation by becoming strong believers
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Building a strong nation by becoming strong believers

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: عن أبي هُريرة رضي الله تعالى عنه قال: قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: “الْمُؤْمِنُ القَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إلى اللهِ مِنَ المُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ، وفي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ. احْرِصْ علَى ما يَنْفَعُكَ، وَاسْتَعِنْ باللَّهِ وَلَا تَعْجِزْ، وإنْ أَصَابَكَ شَيءٌ، فلا تَقُلْ: لو أَنِّي…