(part 1 of 2): When is a Muslim not a Muslim? Many of us have heard the term ‘Nation of Islam’, and may think that it is merely a different way of expressing the phrase Ummah of Muhammad, meaning those who follow the teachings of Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon … Read more
(part 1 of 3): Rights for all of Humankind Just what exactly are human rights? Is it just the right to life? Alternatively, is it the right to freedom, liberty, and justice? Do human rights include having the right to security, and a safe haven? Since the end of World War 2, Western international politics … Read more
(part 1 of 2): Purity of Intention in the Religious Realm It is narrated on the authority of Umar ibn al-Khattab who said: I heard the Messenger of God say: “All actions are judged by motives, and each person will be rewarded according to their intention. Thus, he whose migration was to God and His … Read more
(An explanation of Quran 3:14 – 18) (part 1 of 2) The Quran is the book that Muslims believe to be the direct and literal words of God and it is God’s greatest gift to humanity. It is a book like no other book; it is not a history book or a story book or … Read more
(part 1 of 2): Success or Failure is recognised by the Ultimate Result “Not alike are the dwellers of the Fire and the dwellers of the Paradise. It is the dwellers of Paradise that will be successful.” (Quran 59:20) God tells us in the Quran that the inhabitants of the fire and the inhabitants of … Read more
(part 1 of 2) Mind and reason are an essential part of Islamic thought and legislation. One could not exist without the other. What exactly do we refer to when we talk about the mind? There are two kinds of reasoning by the mind that have been identified. The first is intuitive reasoning that includes: … Read more
“O Mankind! Partake of what is lawful and good on earth, and follow not Satan’s footsteps: for, verily, he is your open foe and bids you only to do evil, to commit deeds of immorality, and to attribute unto God what you do not know.” (Quran 2:168-169) God addresses all of humanity, the faithful and … Read more
“O mankind! Be conscious of your Lord, who has created you from one soul (Adam), and out of it created its mate (Eve), and out of the two spread many men and women. And remain conscious of God, in whose name you demand [your rights] from one another, and of these ties of kinship. Verily, … Read more
It is a long-established custom among Muslim parents to put a piece of well-chewed date (or other available sweet fruit) in the mouth of a newborn baby. Muslims do this following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, believing him to bee, as the Quran says, … Read more
One must understand this world in the context of Monotheism (Belief in the Oneness of God). The message of the prophets is simple: People were created to worship God alone.. The God of Islam is a Loving Beloved God (al-Wadud), a Compassionate God (ar-Rahman), a personal God who showers those who adhere to His way … Read more