Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, When one is trying to climb the steps of faith, one has to go through the first steps in order to get to the last. There is no short-cut. This is why the angel Jibreel asked questions about it, urging the Prophet to define what each consists of, in the hadith Jibreel, … Read more
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, Many Muslims know how to read the Quran. We’re taught in our childhood the alphabet of Arabic, and we go through the whole Quran once with a teacher. We memorize a few surahs from the last part of the Quran, and we leave it at that. Our excuses: I have done the … Read more
by Khadija Sabur-Hawkes (Woman by Nature, invites you to support the Save a Sister campaign to help sisters who are struggling with stress, trauma, self-neglect, serious illness, and low self-worth, to reclaim their lives, by the permission of Allah.) So often in life, we humans struggle and strive to have our basic needs met. Safety, … Read more
Da’wah comes from tad’u, which means to supplicate, call, request, encourage, seek help, incline towards, or ask. Islamically it involves: Calling people to Allah Azza wa Jall Making people better worshippers of Allah Azza wa Jall Encouraging others to become better in practice and understanding of Allah’s religion. Giving da’wah is in general a communal … Read more
We try not to think about death and dying, but in reality thinking about death softens the heart towards the worship of Allah Azza wa Jall. It is the most efficient way of relieving anxiety. It is also the most efficient method of overcoming laziness. It is also a potent antidepressant. Al-Qurtubi quotes in his … Read more
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, One of the clichés we hear in many wise sayings and literature is “live in the present.” It was said by wise people of the past, present, and even wise fictional characters: Happy the man, and happy he alone, He, who can call to-day his own: He who, secure within, can say: … Read more
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, In surat al Furqan, there is a passage (ayah 63 to 76) in which Allah Azza wa Jall describes a special group of people. This group is given a name by Allah – ibadur Rahman, the Servants of the Most Merciful, and they enjoy a special mercy from the Most Merciful. Allah … Read more
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, We have probably come across people, even Muslims, who are convinced that in Islam, men are better than women. Some of us have these beliefs so ingrained in our mind that even in the face of contradicting evidence, we find it difficult to let go of these beliefs. In fact, some prominent … Read more
As Muslims it is our duty to pursue the learning process while breath still fills our lungs and our brains are capable of thought. As parents we are blessed to witness the miracle of learning and are responsible for fostering a love of learning in our children. As teachers we are gifted with spiritual and … Read more