What is the definition of zina? Zina is illicit sexual intercourse – having sex with someone you are not married to. We have been warned about zina in many narrations in the hadith and in the Quran Allah Almighty did not just say ‘Don’t commit zina’ but ‘Don’t come near zina’ (la taqrabu zina). This…
How to identify Mr or Miss Right It can be very complicated trying to find the right person to marry. Even more so if you are idealistic about it. If you are realistic, it is much easier. I can tell you from experience, that many people are too idealistic. I have a friend, who is…
The limits of leadership There are plenty of verses in the Quran about leadership and the importance of the leader in the community. At the same time, we also have plenty of narrations in the sunnah which define the responsibilities and boundaries of leaders. Leadership is not a blank cheque to do what you want…
Today I want to share with you my reflection on how to open a locked gate, without a locksmith! We just have to follow the prophetic way and this brings the key to unlock the gate to our pocket. 1. Turn to Allah and call on Him Allah Almighty says: ﴿٦٢﴾ أَمَّنْ يُجِيبُ الْمُضْطَرَّ إِذَا…
The physical intoxicant Allah Almighty prohibited alcohol gradually over four stages. In Surat al Maidah, He said: يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ O you who believe, surely intoxicants and gambling and idolatry and divination are filth made up by Satan, so avoid it, that…
The psychological impact of bullying The Prophet (peace be on him) had been mocked, intimidated and humiliated over 13 years in Makkah. He was called a sorcerer, poet and liar, as recorded in the Quran and the seerah, though he had always been known to be truthful and trustworthy – al Sadiq al Amin. When…
To go or not to go It is the right of a Muslim that his invitation should be accepted. This means that if he invites you to his son’s walima, you have to accept his invitation. Accepting wedding invitations is compulsory, while accepting other invitations is advisable but not obligatory. This is based on the hadith…
Today is World Children’s Day. I’m pretty sure many of you have no idea of this. It was established in 1959 by the UN National Assembly when they adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and since that time 20th November is Children’s Day. They outlined the rights as: The child must be…
Allah Almighty mentioned the importance of His revelation repeatedly – the final revelation and the perfect message which He sent to humanity. The Sunnah is the manifestation and explanation of the Quran – the practice and application of the Quran. Does your attachment to the Quran match your attachment to your phone? Many of us…
Surat Luqman is a beautiful surah containing the advice of Luqman to his son. He gave us ten wise tips to nurture our children. Who was Luqman? Was he a prophet or a righteous person? The majority of scholars say he was a wise man as Allah Almighty called him in the Quran. Indeed, We…
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…
How do we honour the Prophet (peace be on him)? Everyone is talking about this topic during this painful time and I also want to share my thoughts on this with you. This Islamophobic attack is not about freedom of speech. If it was about freedom of speech it would apply to everyone equally. However,…
The art of ignoring the ignorant It’s so easy to bring the Muslim ummah to their knees. It only takes a bunch of people – ignorant or planted to rile the ummah. The easily-baited Ummah Ever since the virulent reaction of Muslims to Salman Rushdie’s derogatory writing in his book, the response of the Muslim…
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 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….