sharia

A good number of the Prophet's hadiths promises huge rewards for seemingly small acts of worship. How best can Muslims think of these offers and benefit from them and wide off any doubts.

In "Toward Understanding the Qur’an," Khurram Murad emphasizes the vital importance of personally engaging with and comprehending the Qur'an's message. While acknowledging the blessings bestowed upon those who read the Qur'an with devotion, Murad underscores that true enrichment comes from understanding its meaning.

Explore the journey of self-purification and the common obstacles faced along the way. From negligence and pride to haste and despair, learn how to overcome these pitfalls and achieve inner growth.

The month of Ramadan is an ideal opportunity for engaging in this noble activity, especially with our fellow Muslims

Most hearts are moved as that dear time draws nearer. They feel a different and a special spiritual atmosphere in this blessed month

The end of Ramadan ushers in one of two major celebrations in the Islamic calendar; a day of festivities called Eid al-Fitr. In Arabic ”Eid” means something which returns and is repeated every certain period of time. The word ”Eid”, however, has evolved to mean a festivity. The word ”fitr” is the root of the

The most blessed time of Ramadan is approaching; the showers of mercy and blessings are heaped on the believers during the last ten nights of Ramadan. It is time to put more effort and be more dedicated. It is a golden chance for those who were careless in the past days of Ramadan to make

In the darkness, silent whisper breeze of night, Descended from heaven the book of guidance, From Allah, the one to whom belongs all wisdom, might, To intellects it brought knowledge, to heart it brought light. To the Beloved Prophet, Muhammad, the pure, the one with open heart, The Absolute Wisdom of Allah (SWT) did the

There has not been a prophet or messenger that did not spent his nights worshipping the One Who had sent him. Qiyam Al-Layl (Night Vigil Prayer) has always been a sign of believers. The people of the Ummah that preceded us revived their nights with Prayer and supplication and besought their Lord at a time

Loving one’s spouse is an important tenet in Islam, as the family unit represents an important cornerstone of the faith.  Marriage and family life expert Dr. Gary Chapman explains that each one of us speaks one or more of five different languages of love.  The “Love Languages”, he says, refer to how we perceive that

Faith and hope are closely related; a true believer is the most hopeful and the most optimistic person among people, and the farthest one from pessimism, complaining, and dissatisfaction. This is because true faith indicates the belief in the power of Allah that controls this universe. Faith also indicates the belief in infinite might, boundless

Fasting is prescribed to every Muslim in the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar year. During this period Muslims do not eat a grain of food nor drink a drop of water from dawn to dusk, no matter how hungry or thirsty they feel. It is faith in Allah, the only One

The three components to the sweetness of faith are like pieces of a puzzle Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: “There are three qualities that whoever possesses will taste the sweetness of faith: That Allah and His Messenger are dearer to him than all else, that he loves a person only for the sake

The month of Ramadan has a sublime rank in the hearts of all Muslims because of its abundant merits and diffuse attributes that were illustrated by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Therefore, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), as well as the Tabi`in (first generation after the Prophet), were keen

The Creator, the Almighty, has not honored any nation as He has honored the Islamic nation. When one investigates its Sharia, its eras, generations, and times, one finds it enjoying many opportunities for divine forgiveness and divine satisfaction. It has been granted the greatest rewards and the most opportunities to earn the satisfaction of its

In the greatest month of the year, the blessed month of Ramadan, we turn to our Lord with heavy hearts consumed by the challenges we face as Muslims living in the West, and consumed by the overwhelming struggles that have befallen our brethren across the world as they strive to rebuild societies that have deteriorated

It is only a few hours that separate us from the blessed days and nights of Ramadan. So, it is time to start warming up, set goals and think about ways to maximize your gains during the month. Early preparation means greater benefits. The opportunity of Ramadan is so precious to let it slip away.

The article explains some ways a Muslim can observe in preparing for Ramadan.

The two fundamental sources of Islam are the Qur’an (the word of God) and the Sunnah (the example) of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). By Sunnah, we mean the actions, sayings and silent permissions (or disapprovals) of the Prophet. The word “Sunnah” is also used to refer to religious duties that are

All Muslim jurists, no matter what school they belong to or what region they come from, and no matter whether their schools have continued to exist till today or ceased to exist, maintain that referring to the Sunnah and abiding by it is part and parcel of Islam. All of them, whether they adopt the

There are three degrees of fasting: 1. The fast of the ordinary person. The fast of the ordinary person consists of  the abstinence of appetite, sexual intercourse, noise, arguing etc … In addition to the fara’id, obligations of the fast, the seeker may advance in his practice by observation of the traditions (Sunnah) of the

The jinn we know as Satan was created from fire. Before his obedience and sincerity were tested through Adam, he had been in the company of angels, acting and worshiping as they did. Unlike angels, however, who cannot rebel against God (At-Tahrim 66:6), Satan was free to choose his own path of conduct. When God

Why did God choose human beings as His messengers? Wouldn’t it be more appropriate if God sent angels to guide people and to show them the straight path? Wouldn’t people be more eager to believe an angel than merely another human like themselves? How fair would it be for human beings to have angels as

The article shows how the Quran lay out the framework as to what are the basis, the objectives, and the goal of marriage in Islam

Humbleness can be divided into two basic categories. The first kind is humbleness before God, which implies faith in Him and total submission to His will and commands without feeling haughty. The second category is humbleness with people, usually defined in dictionaries as the quality of being humble or modest and lacking pride, boastfulness or

An explanation on how angels and jinn can assume different forms and shapes and appear in this world and become visible.

Islam teaches us to be merciful to the entire creation, even towards those who oppose Islam and worship idols

The essence of Tawakkul (Putting one's trust in Allah), its application on the growth of faith, and some examples from the story of prophets.

There is something really special about people who fear Allah and obey His commands. You’ll notice it in the look in their eyes, their hope for the future, their resilience, and their steadfastness. It is an uncommon trait in today’s world. We could call it inner tranquility. In today’s world, people are taught from childhood

Mu’adh bin Jabal reported the Prophet’s advice to him and said: the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Fear Allah wheresoever you may be, and follow up and evil deed with a good one, it will efface it (the evil deed). And deal with mankind with good manners.” [1] This hadeeth is one of the Forty

The Quran and Sunnah are full of references to Paradise and the great reward that is therein. The article therefore gives the descriptions of paradise.

There is much information contained in the Qur’an whose source cannot be attributed to anyone other than Allah. Another approach to the authenticity of this book.

How Qur'an challenges its reader or critics to present any substantial proof against its authenticity.

The Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are the sources from which every Muslim woman derives her rights and duties. Today people think that women are liberated in the West and that the women’s liberation movement began in the twentieth century. Actually, the women’s liberation movement was not

The following is summarized from discussion on the hadith (leaving that which is of no concern to him) from the highly recommended commentary on the Forty Hadeeth An-Nawawi.

The virtues of modesty in Islam and some thoughts on its application.

OK, folks, try this one at two o’clock in the morning or, if you can’t manage that, after the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer when the world around you is quiet. Spend some time reflecting on the Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension—Israa’ and Mi`raj—which are remembered on 27 Rajab. Imagine yourself accompanying him on that miraculous journey.

The real and complete success is clearly expatiated in the Holy Qur'an. It shows the characteristics of the concept and their impacts on the believers.

This article explores the different kinds of traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (Sunnah), which along with the Qur'an form the main reference of Islamic Law.

The knowledge of the prophet's sunnah and the reconciliation approach of any assumed contradiction between hadiths and Qur'an texts

The changing of Qiblah in Islam was not just an incident of changing the direction of Salah only, but rather an incident of transforming the soul.

As a secular society we all accept the concept of individual accountability for our actions; as a spiritual community we see that many people do not believe in punishment for sins and heedlessness.  When we read the Qur’an and Sunnah, we see that God is not guaranteeing anyone heaven as a result of their being

Anyone who looks around modern society will quickly notice the many blessings of technology and scientific advancement. As Muslims we recognize that these are blessings from our beloved Creator who provided us with the means to achieve success. We also see, as a result of people straying from God and His message, the ugly side

Taqwa is one of the fundamental principles in Islam. It is usually translated as: fear of Allah, piety, righteousness, or being conscious of Allah

Believers are required to pay special attention to the spiritual and moral health of our hearts.

The following is a transcript of a lecture delivered by Dr. Mohammad Akram Nadwi, on the role of women Islamic scholars in preserving and transmitting prophetic tradition (Hadith)

Muslims believe that the Qur’an in its entirety is the words of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) over a long period of time and that the Qur’an is protected from any form of corruption and alteration. There are many proofs that the Qur’an is Allah’s revelation. Here I will

Ulum al-Qur'an appeared early with the advent of the dawn of Islam. The first generation of believers used to meet in the house of Al-Arqam to memorise, recite, contemplate and construe the Qur'an

One characteristic of the Qur’an is moderation or harmony between the divine and human, the spiritual and the material, the individual and the collective, and so on. The Qur’an pays due attention to all facts of life and all needs of man, and deals with them in such a way as to help man to

he Qur'anic approach is unparalleled as it appeals to human nature from angles where no response could have been imagined to come. Yet we find human nature ready with its positive response

The author seeks to clarify the concept of Sunnah of the Prophet and our obligation to follow it

The definition of Sunnah also referred to as the prophet's traditions and its functions within Islamic law.

Islam urges people to be respectful and merciful towards animals. This is well established from several hadiths analyzed in the article.

What are the four matters that every believing Muslims most have the knowledge of them?

What are the good deeds that can benefit the dead by the permission of Allah

From among the stations of worshipping Allah and seeking His help is the station of fear. Allah said, "So fear them not, and fear Me alone, if you are believers."

What do we mean by the state of repentance (Tawbah) in Islam? How can a believer obtain this state?

It is necessary for an individual to pause at the end of each day that has passed, taking oneself to account for self-criticism

One’s heart should always be filled with the remembrance of Allah. Forgetfulness and negligence are the main weaknesses of human beings. The only remedy is that the believer should develop God-consciousness and be constantly aware that Almighty Allah watches him. All acts of worship aim at drawing man closer to Allah. The Qur’an says, (Establish

(As for the unbelievers, their deeds are like a mirage in the desert that the thirsty traveler supposes to be water, but when he comes near to it finds that it is nothing. But he finds that Allah (has always been present) with him, and that He will pay him his account in full; for

Heart is a very important part of the human body. A lot depends on the heart: Not only our physical health, but also our spiritual and moral health depends on the soundness of the heart. Someone said rightly, “The problem of the heart is the heart of the problem.” All problems, whether individual, familial, social,

This is the message of peace, the message of salvation. This is the message of liberation from being enslaved to mundane things that keep shackling souls with worries and sorrows. This is a call from the One Who controls everything, calling you, humankind, to submit! Submit your life to Him and be calm. Make your

This article seeks to examine what light means to us in Islam. It begins by discussing An-Nur, Allah and his light.

Before we embark on the next stage of this journey, I want to mention two things. First, much of what you read here will not be radically new. The reason for that is that Allah (swt) has equipped us with ways to achieve tranquility of the heart, yet we seldom use them in that way.

The Holy Qur'an explains the formation rain and clouds as follows: "And We have sent the fertilizing winds and sent down water from the sky and given you drink from it..

Anyone who looks around modern society will quickly notice the many blessings of technology and scientific advancement. As Muslims we recognize that these are blessings from our beloved Creator who provided us with the means to achieve success. We also see, as a result of people straying from God and His message, the ugly side

Ordinary souls experience serene moments, pure from earthly dross and defilement, when any bitter or harsh feelings they have are softened, and their thoughts are elevated from earth to the pure and fresh air of heaven, where a sense of peace and tranquility pervades their being. But they soon descend to their low ground, where

The following are a set of supplications from the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet carefully selected from correct sources.

The article explains the importance of devotion in prayer, summarized from a show called: “How can you taste the sweetness of prayer?”

A Muslim should steer clear of all sins, major and minor ones. A faithful Muslim takes care of every utterance or deed, avoiding anything that makes him subject to the punishment of Allah and His Wrath. The major sins are those acts which have been forbidden by Allah in the Qur’an and by His Messenger

In continuing with the noble traits of the true servants of The Merciful, we find that they are characterized by a deep sincerity; they give up their precious sleep time in devotion to their Most Gracious Creator. The Most High elucidates the next quality of His servants who are, “Those who spend part of the

People can be very different when faced with irritating, bothersome, or offensive situations. Some are easily upset and lose their composure; others can remain calm, gentle and yielding through the toughest of trials. Most of us are somewhere in between. The truth is that many people are predisposed to such characteristics and others acquire these

The people in heaven are rewarded differently based upon how much they made this life a means to achieving success in the hereafter. Those who disciplined themselves to live this life for the hereafter are those who embraced the test of life with faith and wisdom. We all have goals that we would like to

The following series will be about the characteristics of those people who truly know God, the Most Merciful and thus live a lifestyle which reflects that

    cure can not be found until the disease has been diagnosed and medicine is useless unless it counters the causes of the disease. From this we learn that the only thing which nullifies a thing, is its opposite. The reason why a person persists in sin is heedlessness and succumbing to desires. Only knowledge

When Allah commands us to give up sins and to avoid them it is not because our sins will harm Him. It is only us who will benefit by avoiding sins. Likewise, we alone will be affected by the sins we commit. It was the habit of the righteous ancestors to think about their sins

One of Satan’s favorite tricks is to make people think and say, I will do such-and-such soon, in a little while, maybe tomorrow, or next week and so on. He makes them delay their actions making them feel secure and happy with the present. Some people have named this “The Great Obstacle.” A person may

Suspicion could ruin the relations between people, particularly when it is based on flimsy evidence, or hearsay. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spoke in very clear terms about misplaced suspicion, giving clear orders to refrain from it. One clearly authentic hadith that combines some of the actions that cause discord within the

This world is like an exam hall. This life is like an exam-period. As the examination period is short, so is the life of this world. However, the list of important tasks of a believer is not short. Along with worship like salah, sawm, zakah, hajj, a believer’s list of duties includes many other things.

Islam is the second largest religious group in the world. It entails about 1.8 billion of followers or more than 24% of the world population. Nowadays, many studies are showing that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and may become the world’s largest religious group by the second half of this century.

One of the major troublesome areas of human existence is the problem of sin or evil in the world. It is commonly believed that sin started with Adam and Eve during their life in the Garden of Eden. That event led to the Fall and has ever since branded the human race with guilt, stigma,

Allah the Almighty says: {O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims.} (Aal `Imran 3:102) O you who believe! The message is clearly directed to us as believers. It is not a general statement but is specifically addressed to the believers. This ayah from Surat Aal

The verse of Qur'an mentioned in the article reveals four basic qualities of pioneers in good deeds

A quick flashback when my daughter Salma was then attending her first classes in kindergarten. Miss Zainab, her respectful teacher, taught her how to write the alphabet in both Arabic and English, as well as how to draw some interesting objects: a duck, a bird, and a watermelon. Salma started practicing and training on exploring

If we say that sins are dangerous, then belittling sins and taking them lightly is more dangerous than sinning itself

When I see someone repenting, see their return to Allah, see their efforts to walk on the straight path, my heart is filled with joy. Alhamdulillah, the number of repentant men and women is increasing day by day. Despite the happiness for these virtuous ones, there are also some people whose acts and deeds make

In Surat Ash-Shams, Allah swears by the nafs [here translated “soul” but better understood as “self”] saying {By the soul [nafs] and He Who proportioned it, and inspired it its wickedness and its righteousness; he has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who instills it (with corruption)}. (Ash-Shams: 7-9). The above Qur’anic verses

The Prophet's approach in dealing with two very different societies, the Makkan society before Hijrah and the Islamic society in Madinah.

Part of lessons taught from the hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad to Madinah is the hijrah of hearts.

The Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions from Makkah to Madinah, is one of the greatest landmarks in the history of Islam. It is a unique event in the history of humankind. The Hijrah that marks the beginning of the construction of an ideal Islamic society

The article discusses the definition and legal ruling related to martyrdom in Islam, and the revered status of martyr.

What will we bring back from Makkah and Madinah when we go to Hajj and Umrah? Many friends ask me such questions. In this article, I try to mention the summary of the answer I give to these friends, in sha Allah. 1. Tawhid, Iman and Yaqin Tawhid, Iman and Yaqin are the first and

We believe that God has given us free will, and we freely choose our actions. From the outset, we should point out that this is an issue in which the world’s greatest minds have applied themselves, and on account of which many people have lost their way. The Prophet’s companions did not speak about questions

Do we obey Allah in Hajj only or do we take heed to His commandments in the Quran? Reflecting on the meaning of Hajj or pilgrimage, a Muslim realizes that this is about a long journey to the most sacred place, Makkah. Traveling to Hajj is more than just a physical journey, it is also

Since the advent of Islam, till a few decades before today, traveling to perform hajj and staying there was extremely difficult. There was a lot I was told about hajj before I performed mine for the first time in my life. I was told that it was physically very tasking; that it involved practicing and

Three tips for Muslim pilgrims on the best way to embark on hajj rites with full strength and correct understanding.

The article entails the journey of Hajj and its incredible experiences of selfless brotherhood for most pilgrims

With the right preparation, Hajj can be one of the most beautiful times of our lives. Hajj is an amazing journey.