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 is the removal of any ‘organ’ (tissues, cells, blood and so on, such as the cornea) from the donor and its…
The Islamic Funeral prayer Salatul Janaza is performed in congregation to seek pardon for the deceased and all dead Muslims. It is Fard al Kifaya, a collective obligation upon Muslims, which means that at least one person from the community has to fulfil this obligation. As long as someone attends, it is accepted on behalf…
Can you hold a Khatam al Quran or recite the Quran for the deceased Widespread practice The practice of holding khatams is so widespread in the community. Probably more than 80 percent of people do this. Is it permissible? In a nutshell, in our time, the entire ummah, barring a small minority, say that it…
How long is the mourning period in Islam Mourning lasts for three days for everyone except the widow. The widow has to mourn four months and ten days, as stipulated in the Quran: And those of you who die and leave wives behind them, they (the wives) shall wait (as regards their marriage) for four…
Sadly there is widespread confusion over whether to perform ghusl over those who have passed away due to the coronavirus. Need for clarity As well as the distress and bereavement of losing loved members of the family and community, there is anxiety among families on the issue, and a need for clarity and assurance that the…
Protecting our youth Glorified is the One who has sovereignty and He is able to do anything. The one who created death and life in order to test you, who among you is best in conduct and He is All Forgiving Almighty. (67:1-2) Among the incidents that are sadly taking place everyday in London,…
When a loved one passes away, what practices are cultural and what are Islamic? Islamic funeral arrangements can often evoke quite heated feelings. There are those who are adamant that certain practices should take place and others who are quite vocal against them. Allah Almighty wants ease, simplicity and compassion for the grieving family, yet…
What Have You Packed? Being Prepared to Face Death Whenever you go on a journey you pack for it. Our most significant journey is to the Hereafter to meet Allah the Almighty, and so it is important to check what have we packed. It would be insane to go on a journey without provision. Therefore,…
Here Today. Gone Tomorrow. Who can guarantee tomorrow? We have no idea what is around the corner, less still the length of our lifespan. We all know people whose death came out of the blue – not just sudden but at a young age. ‘How is it that you deny Allah, while you were…