Hajj and Eid-ul Adha

"The fact is that Ibrahim was a community by himself---." [Qur’an, 16: 120, 121] Abdullah bin Omar bin A’as reports that the Prophet Muhammad saw said: Following the arrival of Adam and Eve on earth, Allah swt ordered them through Archangel Gabriel to build Ka’bah. After they had fulfilled the Divine Will, they were ordered … Continue reading Hajj and Eid-ul Adha →

The Leader of Mankind

“Recall that when his Lord put Ibrahim to test in certain things and he fulfilled all of them, He said, ‘I am going to make you the leader of mankind…” [Qur’an, 2:124] The notion of sacrifice, which means offering something to a deity in homage, is as old as life on earth. The first … Continue reading The Leader of Mankind →

Chronology of Ka’bah and Hajj

“…Behold, the first House (of Prayer) established for humanity is the one at Bakkah (Makkah)…” [Qur’an, 3: 96] Man has been created solely for the purpose of worshipping Allah SWT: “I have not created the jinns and humans but to worship Me.” [Q, 51: 56] Thus, the first man who resided on earth was the … Continue reading Chronology of Ka’bah and Hajj →

Effects of Kufr and Shirk on Life

“Surely those who do not expect to meet Us, who are gratified with the life of this world and content with it, and are heedless of Our signs, their abode shall be the Fire in return for their misdeeds.” [Qur’an, 10: 7-8] Before we discuss Kufr (atheism) and Shirk (polytheism) and their effects on life, … Continue reading Effects of Kufr and Shirk on Life →

Wisdom and Communication

“He grants wisdom to those Whom He wills: and whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been granted much good. Yet none except men of understanding take heed.” [Qur’an, 2: 269] Two major characteristics of a Muslim define his personality as a conscious and disciplined person mindful of his duties to his Creator and society. Wisdom … Continue reading Wisdom and Communication →

The Last Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad

After his first and the last Hajj on Friday, 9th Dhul al’Hijjah, 10 AH (632 AC), the day the fictitious lunar calendar coincided with the true calendar, the Prophet Muhammad saw delivered his landmark Sermon in the valley of Arafat in which he spotlighted twenty-five cardinal points, mostly embedded in the Qur’an (Q). These points … Continue reading The Last Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad →

Islamic Vision of Democracy

"And those who obey their Lord and establish the Salat (prayers), and conduct their affairs by mutual consultation…” [Qur'an, 42: 38] The essence of democracy is the representation of the members of a political or social unit in managing its affairs. Essentially, a simple majority, by head count of those who participate in the process, … Continue reading Islamic Vision of Democracy →

Respect for Life

It is not about a person or many. It's about respect for life under every skin. The Truth of the Qur'an is evidenced everyday: “He who slays a soul……shall be as if he had slain all mankind; and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given life to all mankind…”.[Qur’an; 5: … Continue reading Respect for Life →

The Power Behind Change

“…And were it not that Allah repelled one group of people by means of another, the earth would be overlaid with mischief. But Gracious is Allah to the people of the world.” [Qur’an, 2: 251] We live in a dynamic world where the conditions and the circumstances surrounding us constantly change. While this is a … Continue reading The Power Behind Change →

Salat Times

“...The salat is enjoined upon the believers at appointed times.” [Q, 4: 103] The Salat – five daily obligatory prayers – is the most momentous engagement of a Muslim’s daily life when a devotee turns exclusively toward his Creator to refresh his bond with Him and recommit his loyalty. Each salat must be offered at … Continue reading Salat Times →