Why do kings and other potentates whose rule is clearly un-Islamic insist on having court preachers on their payroll? The court preachers play an important in providing a veneer of Islamicity, and therefore, legitimacy where none exists, to these rulers.
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.
Pakistan has been in the grip of an unending political crisis that has badly damaged its economy. A syndicate of criminals and gangsters has taken the country hostage with no prospects in sight to resolve the crisis. It has put the very survival of the state at risk.
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.
Throughout history, human beings have been involved in wars. The last century was particularly brutal. The patterns of war, however, seem to be changing and those at a disadvantage are fast catching up with developments in latest technology.
Comparing the policies of Umar and Uthman shows how the problems arose in early Islamic history and the deleterious consequences that followed
Justice is an important concept in Islam. It is also often touted at the global level but regrettably, there is little justice in the world. The rich and powerful exploit the poor and weak. There is no system whereby people can seek redress for injustices inflicted on them.
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.
Since the Seerah is central to the ethos of Muslim life, it must be properly understood beyond the aspects of rituals. There is need to look at in its broader context as a process of transformation.
The toxic impact of sectarianism based on ignorance has caused much havoc in the Muslim Ummah.
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.
Last month there were two summits: one in Jeddah on July 16 and the other in Tehran on July 19. In the first, Joe Bident tried to cajole Arabian regimes back into US subservience but failed. In the second, Iran, Russia and Turkey struck a bold new vision for the future.
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.
While only a million pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj this year—an improvement on the last two years—the Saudis have sourced out the system to a Hindu fascist outfit. It will be a “lottery” system, akin to gambling. This is forbidden in Islam. Saudi policies clearly show they are unfit to administer the affairs of Hajj.
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.
The demise of the US-led unipolar world order is crumbling before our eyes. A multipolar world order is emerging. Muslims must strive to find their rightful place in this emerging new order since it is largely through their sacrifices that America’s military machine has been defeated.
Contrary to common-held misconceptions among some segment of the Muslim population, Imam Ali had maintained very cordial and warm relations with the Khulafa. Muslims need to remove their blinkers and view their history correctly in order to overcome prejudices of sectarianism
Power has once again fallen into the hands of thieves and murderers in Pakistan. This is the direct result of American conspiracy carried out through the support of local collaborators among the politicians, media, judges and the military.
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.
As Muslims begin another month of fasting in Ramadan, they should turn to the noble Qur’an for guidance. A new, distinctive contemporary translation by Imam Muhammad al-Asi would help them understand its pristine message much better.
