Surah Hadid: Reflecting the beautiful meanings of a beautiful Surah In the beautiful surah, Surat Hadid, Allah Almighty says: He is the First and the Last, and the Manifest and the Hidden, and He is All-Knowing about every thing. (57:3) It is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then settled…
A Capitol Disaster Todays reflection is about reckless leaders. It is very topical due to the violence that took place when the Capitol in the US was stormed on Wednesday by right-wing insurgents. In the Quran, Allah Almighty revealed to us how He informed Ibrahim (peace be on him) that He had chosen him and…
The New Year begins Today is a new day: it’s like a blank page, a new chapter. We decide what to write on it. We have a new day; we have a new year. So we should decide what to write on this new page in our lives. And without doubt, it’s recorded. We create…
Lessons from a remarkable person and a remarkable life As Muslims we find meaning in the Quran. When we reflect on the meaning of life, our lives and our purpose, we look to the Quran for answers. The Quran gives us answers but also presents to us figures from the past so that we can…
I would like to make a comparison between what Allah Almighty sent Eesa and what Allah sent Muhammad (peace be on them). Servants of Allah When Allah Almighty talked about the miraculous birth of Eesa (peace be on him), He said: قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ آتَانِيَ الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيًّا He (Eesa) said, “I am the…
The best and the worst leaders In a beautiful hadith, narrated by ‘Auf b. Malik, who embraced Islam after the Treaty of Hudabiya, the Prophet (peace be on him) taught us who are the best leaders and the worst leaders. He said that the best leaders are the ones you love and who love you….
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…