Makkah Al Mukarramah: The time and the place Allah Almighty described the Ka’ba: ‘The first house established for mankind is the one at Bakka; blessed, and guidance for all people. (3:96) The majesty of Makkah and sweetness of Madinah Bakka is the old name for Makkah. The root word for Bakkah means to break something….
The Importance of Being Open Minded Islam is far greater than any school, any imam, any sect and any opinion. It is the Divine Revelation to perfect human character and conduct to spread peace and justice. ‘It is not advisable for the believers to march out altogether. Of every division that marches out, let a group…
Makkah Al Mukarramah: Spirit and Fruits of Hajj Why is Hajj a pillar? Hajj is full of blessings. When you dig deep down it is full of fruits and sweetness despite the challenges which you face; it is a gift from Him Almighty. Hajj is about unity and also a way of elevating you: 1….
‘The strong believer is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer. And in both there is goodness’ (Muslim) What does ‘strong’ believer mean? Is it muscles and brawn? Is it intellect? Or is it Imaan? If it is Imaan does that exclude physical strength? The strong believer is not the one with greater…
What Makes One Deed Acceptable to Allah but Not Another? ‘And say: Work; so Allah will see your work and (so will) His Messenger and the believers; and you shall be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He will inform you of what you did.’ (9:105) Allah Almighty…
Truth vs Untruth It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) happened to pass by a heap of eatables (corn). He thrust his hand in that (heap) and his fingers were moistened. He said to the owner of that heap of eatables (corn):…
Action vs Laziness ‘And say: Work; so Allah will see your work and (so will) His Messenger and the believers; and you shall be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He will inform you of what you did.’ (9:105) Picking the Right Actions There are no less than three…
Leadership and Justice When his Lord tested Ibrahim’s faith, (by His words) and he satisfied the test, He said, “I am appointing you as the leader of mankind.” Abraham asked, “Will this leadership also continue through my descendants?” The Lord replied, “The unjust do not have the right to exercise My authority.” (2:124)…
Why We Are Thankful at Eid, and the Benefits of Feeling Thankful Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful. hardship (2:185) In Surah…
The Low Down on Repentance How do I erase a bad deed? Will Allah accept my repentance? How do I repent? Is my sin too great to be forgiven? The repentance accepted by Allah is only for those who do wrong in ignorance [or carelessness] and then repent soon after. It is those to whom…
The Message of Love Allah the Almighty mentioned in surah Shu’ara: And indeed, the Qur’an is the revelation of the Lord of the worlds. The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down Upon your heart, [O Muhammad] – that you may be of the warners (26:192-4) In this very verse there are many lessons, but my…
Our Responsibility to Look after the Earth In Surah al-A’raf Allah Almighty said, ‘Do not corrupt the Earth… Indeed Allah Almighty’s mercy is close to those who are doing good.’ (7:56) And in Surah al-Hud, He says, ‘He is the one who brought you from the Earth and made you to dwell in it. So,…
Two Types of Hypocrite Beware, it is, in fact, they who spread disorder, but they do not appreciate. (12) And when it is said to them, ‘Believe as people have believed,’ they say, ‘Shall we believe as the fools have believed?’ Beware, it is, in fact, they who are the fools, but they do not…
Hypocrisy – how it originated and what are the signs Hypocrisy is a disease of the heart. Just like heart disease, very often people do not even realise they have it. If they do not seek a cure for it, their disease spreads aggressively and leads to dire consequences personally, as well as for those…
What have we been entrusted with? And why we should maintain trust Allah the Almighty says in the Qur’an when he was describing the believers in Surah Mu’minun, ‘And those who are faithful to their trust and pledges.’ (23:8) In Surah Anfal, He says, ‘Believe. Do not betray Allah Almighty or His Messenger and your…