In one of the most seminal hadith, Abu Hurairah narrated: One day while the Prophet (ﷺ) was sitting in the company of some people, (The angel) Jibril came and asked, ‘What is imaan (faith)?’ Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) replied, ‘Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe…
The Essence of Eid al Adha Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: When the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) came to Medina, the people had two days on which they engaged in games. He asked: What are these two days (what is their significance)? They said: We used to…
The Battle between Self Interest and Truth And remember We said: “Enter this town and eat of the plenty therein as ye wish; but enter the gate with humility, in posture and in words, and We shall forgive you your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good.” (58) But the transgressors changed…
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…
How to Escape the Clutches of the Nafs Seek help through patience and prayer. It is indeed exacting, but not for those who are humble in their hearts, (45) Who bear in mind that they are to meet their Lord, and that to Him they are to return. (2:45-46) What prevents us from caving into…
The Courage to Recognise the Truth ‘O Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfil your covenant with Me and I shall fulfil My covenant with you and fear none but Me. (40) And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and…
How to Keep Knowledge Safe Moving Away from Student Mentality We all know that from experience that sitting in a classroom as a student is not the same as being in the class as the teacher. The difference is in the preparation. If you were the teacher, you would have prepared the subject matter, what topics…
The Importance of Being Open Minded Islam is far greater than any school, any imam, any sect and any opinion. It is the Divine Revelation to perfect human character and conduct to spread peace and justice. ‘It is not advisable for the believers to march out altogether. Of every division that marches out, let a group…
What Makes One Deed Acceptable to Allah but Not Another? ‘And say: Work; so Allah will see your work and (so will) His Messenger and the believers; and you shall be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He will inform you of what you did.’ (9:105) Allah Almighty…
Truth vs Untruth It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) happened to pass by a heap of eatables (corn). He thrust his hand in that (heap) and his fingers were moistened. He said to the owner of that heap of eatables (corn):…
Action vs Laziness ‘And say: Work; so Allah will see your work and (so will) His Messenger and the believers; and you shall be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, then He will inform you of what you did.’ (9:105) Picking the Right Actions There are no less than three…
Knowing the Creator Through His Creation What can we know about Allah Himself? What does His creation tell us about Him? It is He who created for you all that the earth contains; then He turned to the heavens and made them seven skies – and He is the knower of all things. (2:29) Allah…
Why We Are Thankful at Eid, and the Benefits of Feeling Thankful Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful. hardship (2:185) In Surah…
What styles are used in the Qur’an to appeal to us? Can we learn how to do dawah from them? At times we are appealed to at an emotional level. At others it is on a rational level. In our own lives, we have ups and downs, experiencing mercurial spiritual levels and from time…