Can you hold the mushaf (Quran) while praying?
We should perform our salah as we were taught to pray by the Prophet (peace be on him), who said, as reported by Malik ibn al-Huwayrith: Pray as you have seen me praying. (Bukhari...
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What can you recite during sujud?
During sujud the sunnah is to recite subhana rabbiyal a’la) which means ‘Glorious is my Lord the Most High’. You can also recite tahlil (La ilaha illallah which means ‘there’s no God but God’) and...
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Who can be called a kafir?
We hear the word kafir in the media all the time. What does the word kafir mean? Who can it be applied to? Kafara and satara are synonyms which mean to conceal or cover....
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Is organ donation permitted in Islam?
I am frequently asked whether it is permissible to donate organs in Islam. The answer is that apart from certain restrictions, it is a matter of personal choice. What is organ donation? Organ donation...
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How can you get your child to cooperate when they are fed up with your instructions?
Kindness and patience is paramount. Children respond to the tone of your voice. Your tone makes or breaks your communication. A harsh tone pushes the red button. It triggers a barrage of resentment. When...
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What is wrong with laughing too much? The boundaries of comedy
Excessive laughter The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Do not laugh too much, for verily excessive laughter kills the heart.” (Bukhari, Adab al-Mufrad; Sunan Tirmidhi; Sunan Ibn Maja; Musnad Ahmad) And in some...
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Is it OK to wish Jumu’ah Mubarak?
Friday is a special day for the Ummah. Allah Almighty put barakah in it for our ummah. Many people like to wish each other Jumu’ah Mubarak. Is there anything wrong with this? It is...
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Is life unfair when it doesn’t go to plan? Are you envious of others?
Question: Generally one expects that one will grow up and have a certain life, one will get married and will have children. When those things don’t happen then you’re left with a sense of...
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Should you follow a tariqa?
Many people find the idea of their spiritual journey being fast-tracked by joining a tariqa (Sufi path) appealing. They think that their connection with Allah will be strengthened, and accelerated and that showing obedience...
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Do you have to make up missed salah (qada salah)?
The obligation of salah Praying at the specified time is obligatory for all sane Muslims over the age of puberty. Verily, As Salaah (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours. (Surah...
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Should you only drink while sitting down?
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be please with him) said the Prophet (peace be on him) said: None of you should drink while standing’ (Muslim) This hadith though clear in its meaning has to be...
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Can you say ‘salam’ to non-Muslims? Unpicking the confusion that the salam is exclusively for Muslims.
Common misconceptions – due to the misapplication of hadith There is common opinion that you should not greet non-Muslims with the salam. Or that you should only reply to them with ‘walaikum‘ not ‘walaikum...
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Why don’t Muslims eat pork?
In all the Abrahamic faiths it is documented that pork is forbidden. Certain groups within the Jewish and Christian faiths have chosen to drop this food rule, saying that it is no longer necessary....
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Should I stop making dhikr if my heart is not engaged?
Sometimes we engage in dhikr but the heart is not connected to the tongue. Should we stop? The first point is to continue doing dhikr, as otherwise the shaytan will come and hunt you...
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What are the pillars of salah?
Salah has pillars (arkan) which are essential components. If any of these are missing, then the salah must be repeated. Salah also has obligatory components (wajib parts), however if these are missed, they can...
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