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Keyword: Islamic history

Showing 1-20 of 64
Opinion

We Cannot Alter Facts, But We Can Alter Our Ways Of Looking At Them

Abu Dharr

Jumada' al-Ula' 17, 14452023-12-01

In his ongoing series about the early history of Islam after the Prophet (pbuh) passed away, Abu Dharr looks into the life of Uthman, the third Khalifah. He urges readers to rise above our pre-conceived notions when examining the lives of early personalities in Islam.

Opinion

An Ounce Of Discretion Is Better Than A Pound Of Knowledge

Abu Dharr

Rabi' al-Thani 17, 14452023-11-01

If Muslims study the early period of Islamic history after the Prophet (pbuh) left this earthly abode carefully, they will discover that there was no polarization between Umar ibn al-Khattab and Imam Ali. True, they had their independent opinions on issues but there was no ill-will whatsoever.

Opinion

By Falling, We Learn To Go Safely

Abu Dharr

Rabi' al-Awwal 16, 14452023-10-01

If the early Muslims had an opportunity to put in place a proper institutional framework, the tragedy that erupted during Uthman’s khilafah may have been avoided.

Opinion

Do Not Find Fault With What You Don’t Understand

Abu Dharr

Safar 15, 14452023-09-01

The third Khalifah, Uthman’s deviation from the policy established by the Prophet and his two successors (Abu Bakr and ‘Umar) by apportioning a share of the Islamic state treasury to his relatives caused deep unease among most Muslims, leading to deep fissures in society.

Opinion

Always Leave A Little Room For A Mistake

Abu Dharr

Muharram 14, 14452023-08-01

When the Prophet (pbuh) left this earthly abode, the vast majority of Muslims were newcomers to Islam, hence not fully immersed in the values of Islam. Even the Prophet’s committed followers (the Muhajiroon and Ansar), at time made decisions concerning issues of justice and equality that may have fallen short of the Qur’anic and Prophetic standard. We should not, however, impute ulterior motives to them.

Opinion

Better Conference Than Conflict

Abu Dharr

Dhu al-Qa'dah 12, 14442023-06-01

The persons around the Prophet (pbuh) were the founding fathers of Islamic self-determination. While not all of the same ranking, they were the first among the first (al-Sabiqeen). This was the generation of the Muhajiroon and the Ansar. They suffered persecution and torture but remained steadfast in their loyalty to the Prophet (pbuh).

Opinion

Knowing Others Is Wisdom, Knowing Yourself Is Enlightenment

Abu Dharr

Shawwal 11, 14442023-05-01

The Islamic system of governance as exemplified by the Prophet (pbuh) and his two successors should not be confused with the western concept of “democracy”. Islam’s system was and is unique. It needs to be understood well to avoid the pitfalls that emerge from faulting thinking

Opinion

The Lessons of Badr

Zafar Bangash

Ramadan 10, 14442023-04-01

The battle of Badr was an extremely important event in early Islamic history. It was a battle for the very survival of the nascent Muslim community. Because of their strong commitment, the Muslims were able to defeat an enemy force three times larger.

Opinion

We Are What We Are; We Gain Nothing By Copying Others

Abu Dharr

Ramadan 10, 14442023-04-01

Let it be known that the Khilafah ruling method is based upon the concept of bay‘at. This means that the citizenry in an Islamic socio-governmental order is involved in deciding who their “chief executive” shall be. One way of understanding the Khilafah is to say that it was a “social contract” between the executive decision maker(s) and the resident citizens on the basis of Shura.

Opinion

Fools Learn Nothing From Wise Men, But Wise Men Learn Much From Fools

Abu Dharr

Rajab 10, 14442023-02-01

Allah (swt) told His beloved Prophet (pbuh) to make decisions through mutual consultation with his followers. Despite being guided from on high, there were occasions when the Prophet (pbuh) sought the opinion of his companions and accepted it even when it was contrary to the opinion he held. This has important implications for Muslim life.

Opinion

A Gem Is Not Polished Without Rubbing, Nor A Man Made Perfect Without Trials

Abu Dharr

Jumada' al-Akhirah 08, 14442023-01-01

In his continuing series reflecting on the divergence of opinion in early Islamic history, Abu Dharr takes up the issue of the Shi‘i and Sunni understanding of the word ‘ismat (from which the word ma‘sum) is derived.

Opinion

Confessing That You Were Wrong Yesterday Will Show You Are Wise Today

Abu Dharr

Jumada' al-Ula' 07, 14442022-12-01

Comparing the policies of Umar and Uthman shows how the problems arose in early Islamic history and the deleterious consequences that followed

Opinion

To Reason Correctly From A False Principle Is The Perfection Of Sophistry

Abu Dharr

Rabi' al-Thani 06, 14442022-11-01

In his regular column, Abu Dharr narrates how Abu Bakr and Umar adhered, to the best of their abilities, to the Qur’an and the Prophetic example in conduct of state policy. Usman, however, fell short when his family—the Bani Umayyah—wormed their way into the political system and subverted it from within.

Opinion

We Must Learn To Be Selfless Before We Assume Public Office

Abu Dharr

Safar 05, 14442022-09-01

The Prophet’s successors—Abu Bakr and Umar—followed strictly the high standard set by Allah’s chosen Messenger in discharging their duties. In his regular column, Abu Dharr sheds light on this.

Opinion

No Man can Safely Govern that would Not Willingly become Subject

Abu Dharr

Muharram 03, 14442022-08-01

The Prophet (pbuh) set an example of a selfless decision-maker and a noble leader. This unselfish character in the highest office of the ummah was illustrated by both Abu Bakr and ‘Umar before ‘Uthman with the proviso that they themselves admitted; i.e. they are imperfect and vulnerable as are all human beings.

Opinion

Most Men can Stand Adversity, But to Test a Person’s Character, Give Him Power

Abu Dharr

Dhu al-Hijjah 02, 14432022-07-01

Relations between Imam Ali and the Khulafa were always cordial. The Ahlul Bayt also maintained a good attitude towards them, contrary to some sectarians. While sectarianism exists on both sides, there are prominent Shi‘i scholars who have shown respect for the khulafa and urged their followers to do likewise.

Opinion

A Fault-mender is Better than a Fault-finder

Abu Dharr

Ramadan 30, 14432022-05-01

In his continuing series on the early history of the emergence of Islamic leadership after the Prophet (pbuh), Abu Dharr highlights the circumstances that led to such decisions. He also exposes the deep-seated prejudices of Muslims wedded to their sectarian outlook.

Opinion

Hindsight Explains the Injury that Foresight would have Prevented

Abu Dharr

Sha'ban 29, 14432022-04-01

In his regular column, Abu Dharr invites readers to rise above their sectarian prejudices and see the cordial interaction between Abu Bakr, Umar and Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all) soon after our beloved Prophet (pbuh) left this world. Our prejudices are preventing us from creating genuine unity among Muslims.

Opinion

Absence of Malice

Abu Dharr

Jumada' al-Akhirah 29, 14432022-02-01

The meeting convened by the Ansar at Saqifah immediately after the Prophet (pbuh) joined Heavenly company was not based on malice. The meeting led to the appointment of Abu Bakr as Khalifah of the Muslims to avert chaos. Unfortunately, sectarians (both Sunnis and Shi‘is) have turned this into a contentious issue. It shouldn’t be.

Opinion

Beware of A Reconciled Enemy

Abu Dharr

Jumada' al-Ula' 28, 14432022-01-01

Tackling the sensitive issue of succession of Muslim leadership after the Prophet (pbuh) joined heavenly company, Abu Dharr guides readers through the ground realities at the time and peels away the layers of prejudices that have shrouded those events in early Islamic history.

Showing 1-20 of 64

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