Qur’an recital is common during Ramadan. Understanding the noble Book is even more important. Toward this end, the ICT has produced an ‘English only’ version with simplified expressions. Imam Muhammad al Asi is the translator. We urge readers to get a copy as well as gift it to non-Muslim friends. Join the caravan to promote Qur’anic understanding.
In his regular column, Abu Dharr continues to clear the web of confusion surrounding early Islamic history that has engulfed Muslim minds for centuries.
The tunnels in Gaza have proved a very effective means of confronting the zionist invaders of Gaza. The Palestinian Islamic resistance has inflicted significant damage on the zionists. It has striking parallels with the trench the Muslims dug in Madinah as defence mechanism in the Battle of Ahzab.
After the Prophet (pbuh) left this earthly abode, those that took over leadership position of the Muslims did not impose themselves. Solidarity between the Muhajireen and Ansar was strong that enabled the Muslims to confront the challenge in the war of Riddah.
The Saudis have not only occupied the Haramayn (Makkah and al-Madinah), their court preachers even prevent people from praying for the Palestinians subjected to zionist barbarism. Pilgrims have been arrested for wearing the kaffiyeh. The Haramayn must be liberated from the clutches of the Saudis.
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.
Pakistani politics are a farce. Despite its immense potential, the country is on the verge of bankruptcy. The army refuses to allow a normal political process to continue. The men in khaki have messed up the country since its creation and are running it into the ground.
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.
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.
Amid the US-Israel generated hype about normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia, the plan does not seem to be heading for fruition any time soon. Whether the Saudis will be able hold out on their demands, however, is a caveat. Only time will tell whether it succeeds.
That Muslims have deep love for the noble Messenger (pbuh) is not in doubt. How this is expressed varies greatly among Muslims. It is important to understand the broader dimensions of the Seerah, in particular his acquisition and use of power to establish justice in society.
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.
Muslims throughout the world commemorate the Day of Ashura when Imam Hussain and his entire family were martyred in the plains of Karbala. The struggle between Haqq and batil is waged daily in countless ways, big and small. Muslims must decide which side they are on.
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.
Most Muslims respond positively to any call for establishing Islamic laws in society. While an average person does not have the capacity to do so, many Muslim intellectuals have also unfortunately fallen under the influence of western thought and are unable to offer direction.
In his continuing discussion of what constitutes Quraish, Abu Dharr explains that it does not refer to the tribe but primarily those who were with the Prophet (pbuh) in Makkah and then migrated with him to Madinah.
Hajj is one of the important obligations in Islam. Most Muslims perform it in a mechanical manner without realizing its true import based on the teachings of the Qur’an.
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).
Taqwa is an important concept in Islam. It has much deeper meanings than mere ‘piety’. The just-concluded month of Ramadan was meant to build our taqwa. With Ramadan’s end, our quest for taqwa, however, does not end. There are other routes to achieving taqwa.
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