Apathy is Not a Choice for the Muslim Ummah So often we believe it is enough to take care of our individual responsibilities and that what is happening at a social or political level is not our concern. However the dangers of this attitude are revealed in the hadith of the boat: The example of…
Be Shy of Allah Almighty O People, be shy before Allah Almighty as He merits The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Be truly shy from Allah.’ The companions said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, praise and thanks be to Allah, we are shy from Him.’ Upon which he replied, ‘It is not that I…
Knowing Sins. The Big and The Small Allah wants to accept your repentance, but those who follow [their] passions want you to digress [into] a great deviation. (4:27) Just as you can’t challenge a parking permit if there was no sign there saying you can’t park there, Allah Almighty has given us the sign posts…
Why There is No Limit to Recklessness, Hubris and Greed In a world riddled with oppression and injustice, one wonders why do we sin? Is it forgetfulness or rebelliousness? Or is it just that it is so easy to sin and there’s nothing to stop us? And Satan will say when the matter has been concluded,…
Why So Sad? O you who believe, do not be down-beat or in a state of despair. Allah fashioned you with His own Two Hands. He made you, but He is not in need of you, rather, it is you who is inherently, inseparably and intricately in need of Him. He created you because He is…
What do I need to know about Rizq? We spend our lives chasing our rizq. Trying to make ends meet, to increase our wealth and spending it. What do we need to keep in mind? The Prophet (peace be on him) said, ‘Oh people, nothing makes you closer to Allah Almighty, and closer to jannah…
Allah is Beautiful and loves Beauty Islam encourages the Muslims to stand out among people, readily distinguishable by their dress, appearance and behaviour, so that they will be a good example, worthy of the great message that they bring to humanity. The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) used to look after his appearance,…
Sequence of Revelation What were the first five Surahs revealed? What is their Significance? The very first exposure to Islam by the community in Makkah was through the following verses: Iqra ayahs 1-5 Surah Alaq (96) Part of Surah Al Qalam (68) Surah Al Muzzammil (73) Surah Al Muddaththir (74) Surah Fatiha (1) Iqra –…
Resisting the Urge for Revenge Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your faults, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (3:31) What does it mean to ‘follow’ the Prophet (peace be on him)? It means translating our love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) into action by…
Why We Have to Speak Out And (remember) when his Lord tried Ibrahim with certain words, then he fulfilled them: He said: ‘Surely I am going to make you an Imam for men.’ (Ibrahim) said: ‘And of my offspring?’ He said: ‘My covenant will not include the unjust.’ (2:124). In this particular ayah there are…
Spreading LOVE when there is HATE. What can we do when we feel helpless watching disasters unfold all over the world? What should our response be? Can we afford to sit back and watch or is there anything we can do? ‘O you who believe, be patient and compete in patience, and protect your frontiers,…
Why doesn’t Happiness Last? Have you noticed that no feeling lasts. Our moods are fluctuating constantly and moments of happiness evaporate into thin air. Why is happiness so transient? And why does life often feel like a struggle? And We certainly sent Musa with Our signs, [saying], ‘Bring out your people from darknesses into the…
Leadership, Punishment, and Wealth Certainly you have knowledge of those among you who transgressed in (the matter of) the Sabbath. We said to them, ‘Become apes, abased.’ (65) Thus, We made it a deterrent for those around and (those who came) after them – and a lesson for the God-fearing. (2:65-66) Clear and Effective Leadership…
What Qualities a Teacher of Deen Should Have The observation of Allah Almighty, in the life of a teacher, is perhaps the single most important aspect a teacher should have; the others are secondary features that fall into place when the first is present. As the teacher is acting as a representative of Allah and…
Do you have to Practice What You Preach? And be steadfast in Salah (prayer), and pay Zakah, and bow down with those who bow down. (43) Do you enjoin righteousness upon others while you ignore your own selves, although you keep reciting the Book? Have you then no sense? (2:44) Allah Almighty is pointing out…