The Institution of Masjid

“He only shall tend Allah’s masajid who believes in Allah and the Last Day and establishes proper salat and practices zakat and fears none but Allah…” [Qur’an, 9:18] Islam is not a religion in the customary sense or a collection of some noble spiritual practices. It is not a theology or philosophy either, nor is … Continue reading The Institution of Masjid →

Beyond Ramadan

"…Allah wants you to complete the prescribed period (of Fasting) and to glorify Him for the Guidance…" [Qur'an, 2: 185] The ethnic and religious polarization, cultivation of cultural divisions, relentless fueling of ideological differences, and geopolitical crises in an already troubled world suggest that a more tumultuous time lies ahead for humanity. It is disturbing … Continue reading Beyond Ramadan →

The Revealed Scriptures: Shared and Distinct Features

“We raised earlier Messengers with clear signs and Divine Books and We have now sent down this Reminder upon you that you may elucidate to people…” [Qur’an: 16: 44] Human civilization has evolved from the Stone Age to the Cyber Age. It did not happen overnight, nor did it happen accidentally or magically. It still … Continue reading The Revealed Scriptures: Shared and Distinct Features →

Lailat-ul-Qadr: The Night of Glory

“We have sent down this (Qur’an) in the Night of Glory…The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.” [Qur’an: 97, 1-3] During the month of Ramadan, Muslims generally engage in rigorous spiritual activities. The purpose of these intense efforts is self-reinvigoration and moral renaissance in personal behavior and social interactions that must continue … Continue reading Lailat-ul-Qadr: The Night of Glory →

Featured

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 →

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 →

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 →