At the outset, let it be understood that the concepts invoked in this discourse are universal without any characterization. The sanctity of life is inspired in every soul and ingrained in every rational mind, irrespective of faith denomination, or other affiliations. Capital punishment for homicide has generally been the norm in all criminal justice systems … Continue reading Sanctity of Life and Capital Punishment
Category: Humanity
Moral Structure: Social Imperative for a Just Society
“…It is Allah alone Who guides to the truth. Then, who is more worthy to be followed…?” [Qur’an, 10: 35] The superiority of man over other creations is because of his intellectual capability and his freedom to channel this capability in any direction he chooses by using the means placed at his disposal. It is … Continue reading Moral Structure: Social Imperative for a Just Society
Thoughtless Free Speech
“O you who believe! Fear Allah and speak words straight to the point.” [Qur’an, 33: 70] Being unaware of its boundaries in a civilized society, the champions of free speech have once again sparked unrest in Muslim populations around the world by republishing defamatory caricatures that depict the Prophet of Islam. The French satirical newspaper … Continue reading Thoughtless Free Speech
The Prophet of Humanity
“And We have sent you but as a mercy to mankind.” [Qur’an, 21: 107] The greatness of a leader is predicated upon his comprehension of the existing conditions of his society, his vision for the future, his own conviction in the mission he envisions to pursue, a coherent plan and strategy to divert the course … Continue reading The Prophet of Humanity
If This Were the Last Lecture I Would Give, What Would I Say?
The following excerpts are taken from a presentation given by Professor M Riaz Khan on Thursday, October 19, 2000, at a lecture series entitled: “If This Were The Last Lecture I Would Give, What Would I Say?” sponsored by the Multi-faith Council of the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The full transcript was extracted from the … Continue reading If This Were the Last Lecture I Would Give, What Would I Say?
The Focus of the Qur’an
"The most Merciful (Allah) has taught this Qur'an. He it is Who created man (and) taught him speech." [Qur’an, 55: 1-4] Every breath we take to stay alive in this world is a favor of Allah SWT, and each one is with His permission. His favors are boundless and beyond human horizon: "Were you to … Continue reading The Focus of the Qur’an
Gender Balance
“In a fair manner, women have the same rights against their men as men have against them, and men are a degree above them (in responsibility)…” [Qur’an, 2: 228] Since the beginning of human civilization women have been treated unjustly in every society. They have been abused, exploited, and subjected to sub-human standards, including domestic … Continue reading Gender Balance
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
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
Islamic Point of View 