“People ask you (O’ Muhammad) concerning the Hilal (phases of moon). Say: They are signs to determine time for the sake of people and for Hajj…” [Qur’an: 2, 189] Moonsighting becomes a hot topic and a controversial one each year as the month of Ramadan approaches. While the Islamic centers engage in policy-making and figuring … Continue reading MOON: Sighting or Calculations!
Category: Islam
Sanctity of Life and Capital Punishment
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
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
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
The Laws of Inheritance in Islam
To write a will about the distribution of the wealth a Muslim leaves behind is an obligation in Islam. The inheritance needs to be distributed to the inheritors in accordance with verses: 11, 12 & 176 of surah Al’Nisa [Qur’an, 4: 11, 12 & 176]. However, many of us have our favorite causes to support … Continue reading The Laws of Inheritance in Islam
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
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
Islamic Point of View 