Seize the day! Another lockdown. Another chance to turn adversity to opportunity.
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Seize the day! Another lockdown. Another chance to turn adversity to opportunity.

Here we go! Another challenge. Another lockdown for four weeks. As many people have braced themselves, and the high streets have shut down, and we go into a sort of hibernation, we have to remember that this is destiny from Allah Almighty. It is Qadr Allah. And yes, we have to be patient and reflective…

Are these really 'unprecedented times?
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Are these really ‘unprecedented times?’

We are constantly being reminded that we are facing a tough time We keep hearing that these are very difficult times and the phrase ‘this is an unprecedented situation’ keeps popping up. The news has been dominated by bad news on a daily basis for so long. Life is not the same as it was…

suicide in islam
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Suicide in Islam

Suicide is prohibited in the Quran. ۞ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُواْ ٱلنَّفۡسَ ٱلَّتِي حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّۚ ذَٰلِكُمۡ وَصَّىٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ And do not kill the self that Allah has prohibited, except with the truth (i.e., by right, in the course of justice). [6:151] Allah Almighty sanctified our soul, so we are forbidden to kill it. The only time He sanctioned killing it is in the pursuit of justice….

If you thought swearing was no big deal, think again
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If you thought swearing was no big deal, think again

Islam teaches us not to throw words without weighing them. The Prophet (peace be on him) taught us about major sins (Kaba’ir), including shirk, killing and zina (fornication/adultery). Each one of these comes with a set of punishments. These punishments have to meted out according to rules which restrict who can apply them and under…

2020 – The year of calamities and tests. How to protect your blessings.
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2020 – The year of calamities and tests. How to protect your blessings.

These days, with the return of the coronavirus and the news getting worse every day, I want to share with you a very beneficial du’a. ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) used to supplicate thus: إني أعوذ بك من زوال نعمتك، وتحول…

can a woman recite the quran on her period?
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Islamic rulings on Qur’an recitation during menstruation

We have different opinions on this topic: The opinion that women should not recite the Quran There is a common perception that women may not recite the Quran during their period. This idea stems from the following hadith: Ibn ‘Umar May Allah be pleased with him reported that the messenger of Allah ( peace be…

Can you hold a khatam for the deceased? Should you mark death anniversaries? Can you attend non-Muslim funerals?
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Can you hold a khatm for the deceased and mark death anniversaries in Islam?

Can you hold a Khatam al Quran or recite the Quran for the deceased Widespread practice The practice of holding khatams is so widespread in the community. Probably more than 80 percent of people do this. Is it permissible? In a nutshell, in our time, the entire ummah, barring a small minority,  say that it…

Can women visit the graveyard?
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Islamic rulings on women visiting graves

Praying the salatul janaza (janaza prayer) Praying the janazah (funeral) prayer is prescribed for both men and women, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever attends the janazah until he offers the prayer will have one qirat (of reward), and whoever attends until (the deceased) is buried will have…

How long is iddah for widows? Do older women need to observe iddah?
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Common misconceptions: How long is iddah for widows? Do older women need to observe iddah?

How long is the mourning period  in Islam Mourning lasts for three days for everyone except the widow. The widow has to mourn four months and ten days, as stipulated in the Quran: And those of you who die and leave wives behind them, they (the wives) shall wait (as regards their marriage) for four…

are forced marriages allowed in islam?
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Forced marriage has no place in Islam

Forced marriages are haram in Islam. In Islamic law, it is strictly prohibited (haram) for a father or mother to compel their son or daughter to marry someone against their will. A marriage brought about through coercion is considered religiously invalid, particularly in the case of a daughter. The right to choose a spouse is…

how to deal with sin in the community
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How to deal with sin in the community

How to deal with sinners Whether it is your family or friends or a public figure, every now and then, they make mistakes. Unfortunately as a community, we have many shortcomings, and one of these is that we don’t know how to handle people’s misdemeanours and mistakes, or ill judged statements, from an Islamic point…

silencing women is not the prophetic way
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Silencing women is not the prophetic way

Islam came to liberate women from the abusive and oppressive mentality which had existed towards in the Arab community for centuries. Islam gave woman the freedom to express herself and to be independent, financially and socially. She could get an education, she could do business, and she had a voice. It is culture which perpetuates…