As another year draws to a close, momentarily our attention is drawn to the passing of time. Certain milestones flicker in our minds. Shaky legs learnt to walk, wobbly teeth fell out, exams were passed (though not always), knots were tied, steady legs began to wobble and loved ones left us. 365 days expired – never…
Why people turn to astrologers Across cultures and societies, people most often consult astrologers at moments of anxiety and uncertainty. The most common trigger is marriage. Individuals worry about whether marriage is written for them, when it will happen, whether a particular person is a suitable match, or whether obstacles they face are signs of…
Following my exciting adventure up Jabal Nour, I decide to embark on my next escapade… Mount Uhud. Free to go where I want, when I want, how I want… the prospect is exciting. Following another negotiation with a taxi driver in which I know he is overcharging me, I swiftly agree to 50 Riyals –…
Something inside me said ‘Leave right now!’ I felt I didn’t have a moment to lose. I quickly slipped on my trainers and threw on my abaya, wondering whether it would be getting in my way when I was climbing… As I prepared to leave, Mum wondered why I was in such a rush, we…
Understanding musalsal hadith Musalsal hadith are a fascinating part of hadith studies because they show not only what was narrated but how the narration was passed from teacher to student across generations. Instead of focusing only on the words of the hadith, this category highlights repeated patterns in the chain of transmission, such as a…
Are string instruments permissible in Islam? The permissibility of music In Islam, any ruling of prohibition has to be based on authentic evidence and clear meaning. In music there is no such evidence, so we can’t pronounce it haram. The use and the accompanied actions might be haram, that’s a different discussion. If a…
The unity that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ achieved among his people stands as one of the most extraordinary social transformations in human history. Before Islam, Arabia was a land scarred by vengeance, tribal wars, and moral decay. Entire generations perished in feuds that began over pride or pastures. Class, lineage, and bloodline determined worth; women…
There are some favours in life that money cannot measure and words cannot repay – moments when someone steps in and lifts a weight off your shoulders. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and one of the great scholars of the Companions, reflected on this in…
The difference between conventional and Islamic mortgages For Muslims, one of the greatest financial challenges of our time, is purchasing a home without falling into riba (interest), which is strictly prohibited in Islam. Conventional mortgages are based on interest-bearing loans, while Islamic banks and financial institutions offer alternatives that aim to comply with Shariah. Among…
What is the sandwich generation? Modern society has given rise to the term sandwich generation, describing men and women burdened with a dual duty: supporting their ageing parents while simultaneously raising their children. With people living longer, financial demands rising, and family structures becoming more nuclear, many Muslims today feel the squeeze of being “sandwiched”…
Submission lies in not questioning Allah’s wisdom Ibn Abī al-‘Izz al-Ḥanafī (d.792) said: “The foundation of servitude (‘ubūdiyyah) and faith is submission.” Know that the foundation of servitude (‘ubūdiyyah) and faith (īmān) in Allah, His Books, and His Messengers rests upon submission (taslīm) and refraining from asking about the detailed wisdom behind the commands, prohibitions,…
What is mahr? Mahr is the obligation that the groom gives to the bride at the time of marriage. It is a sum of money or other property, which becomes payable by the husband to the wife as part of the marriage contact (nikkah). It is commanded in the Qur’an: “And give the women [upon…
Is abortion permissible in Islam? Islamic law upholds two paramount concerns in the matter of abortion: the sanctity of foetal life and the preservation of the mother’s life. The Qur’ān explicitly prohibits unjust killing: وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الِتِي حَرَّمَ اللهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ “And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right.”…
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….
Chastity is an important topic, and we need to cover as much as possible from it to apply in our reality. We have plenty of challenges, but nevertheless, this is life, and life is full of challenges. It doesn’t mean if we have difficult topics that we stop. We continue. We do our best…