Knowing Allah
Purification of the heart
Justice
Truthfulness
How to keep motivated
Muslim identity
Self-development
Self-audit
In the opening verses of Surat al Qasas, Allah Almighty says: We recite to you from the story of Moses and Pharaoh—in truth—for people who believe. Pharaoh exalted himself in the land,and divided its people into factions. He persecuted a group of them, slaughtering their sons, while sparing their daughters. He was one of the…
As the Black England footballers are subjected to disgusting racial abuse in the wake of England’s Euros 2020 defeat, we are reminded again of the continuing systemic racism in our countries, which led to the protests in the US and around the world, following the tragic death of George Floyd just a year ago. Fundamentally,…
It has been narrated by Tirmidhi and also Imam Ahmad and others that Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) once said: ‘Who will take these words from me, and act upon them, or teach them to somebody who will act upon them?’ The cautious vs…
Islam is not theoretical, it’s practical. Our obligations are towards Allah Almighty and towards the people with whom we inhabit the world. Our relationships with people begin with our immediate families. Our immediate families are composed of those with whom we are related by blood. There are many verses in the Quran and hadith about…
Honour and dignity Allah Almighty mentioned in the Quran, We have dignified or honoured the children of Adam. (17:70) This is the only ayah in the Quran which has the word ‘karramna’ (honoured). Allah Almighty has therefore given dignity and honour to the children of Adam, all of them. This honour is a given from…
The General Principles series This is the third in the series on General Principles of Islam- which every Muslim should know. This series started when one of my students in my Arabic class said, ‘You have mentioned the main principles of Islam many times, but what are they? Where can I read about them?’ I…
The main principles in Islam: Certainty (part 3) What is yaqeen What is yaqeen? Yaqeen is being certain that Allah Almighty is in control of everything. Certainty is one of the main principles of Islam. It is knowing that nothing is beyond Allah’s control, whatsoever, even if we don’t understand the underlying wisdom is the…
Throughout my studies of Shariah, over 30 years now, we keep referring to the general principles of Islam. The general principles are an expression that is referred to widely by my shuyukh teachers, their teachers and their shuyukh and throughout our literature. One day, in the Monday circle I deliver, I was asked by some…
عن أَنَسٍ –رضي الله عنه– قَالَ: “كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ –صلى الله عليه وسلم– يَتَوَضَّأُ بِالْمُدِّ, وَيَغْتَسِلُ بِالصَّاعِ، إِلَى خَمْسَةِ أَمْدَادٍ” مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ. The Prophet (peace be on him) would do wudu with under a litre of water and ghusl with about 3-4 litres. However on most days, our consumption of water in a single shower…
Main principles in Islam: Tranquility (part 4) Indeed in the remembrance of Allah, hearts find tranquility. (13:28) Engage the heart Tranquility descends on the heart when it’s pure, and to purify it we need to engage it in dhikr (remembrance) of Allah. Not from lip service dhikr. If you are reciting dhikr quickly, you won’t…
The Prophet (peace be on him) said: ‘He will not be admitted to Jannah, the one who has in his heart an atom’s weight of pride.’ A man asked the Prophet (peace be on him): ‘We like to have beautiful dresses and shoes. Is it out of pride? Will this be classified under kibr?’…
Being an Ummah with a Backbone The propensity to sin can be controlled by some, but not others who feed this tendency, and unchecked are able to unleash its rampant and malignant spread. A common question we ask ourselves is why do people behave like this? The modern answer is ‘because I can.’ Why did…
The Importance of Justice in Islam Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded. (16:90) This comprehensive ayah recited at the end of every Friday Khutbah contains the foremost principle of justice in Islam….