“…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
Category: Islam
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
Salat-ul Eid without Congregation!
The issue is not the venue, whether the salat is done at home, or in an open field, or in a Masjid. It is about the requirement of congregation or a large communal gathering. If a congregation is not possible, what are the options? Sometimes a sense of sadness about missing something of significance is … Continue reading Salat-ul Eid without Congregation!
Amount of Sadaqa-tul Fitr
Based on the Hadith (Abu Dawood), the Shari’a has established the amount of Sadaqa-tul Fitr (fitra) as one half of a Sa'a of wheat per person in the family (regardless of age), which is equivalent to 3.85lbs/person (one Sa’a = 7.7 lbs). The current price of wheat in Massachusetts is $2.25/lb. Thus, the exact fitra amount this year is (3.85x2.25 =) $8.66, rounded to $9 per person. This is the threshold that must be communicated transparently in public announcements without … Continue reading Amount of Sadaqa-tul Fitr
Islamic Point of View 