Orientalism can refer to the whole approach of Western countries to the orient. The orient usually means the Islamic world. Orientalism also can refer to the purpose and method of scholars and institutions devouted to study of the orient. As with any discipline there is tremendous variety in quality of attention that individual scholars give… Continue reading Orientalism
The Meaning of “Indeed, Allah has ninety-nine names”
Al-Bukhārī and Muslim narrate from Abū Hurayrah that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed, Allah has ninety-nine names, one less than one hundred. Whoever enumerates them will enter Paradise.” This wording is from Muslim. The meaning of the ḥadīth is that whosoever enumerates these names shall enter Paradise; it is not to be understood as implying… Continue reading The Meaning of “Indeed, Allah has ninety-nine names”
The Three Foundational Disciplines of Traditional Education
Education is the lofty foundation upon which the intellectual, spiritual and moral edifice of generations is raised. It not only refines the character of individuals, but also awakens the collective consciousness of nations, guiding them towards their ultimate goal. If education becomes merely a means for vocational training, the accumulation of information, or the pursuit… Continue reading The Three Foundational Disciplines of Traditional Education
The Intellectual Decline of the Educated Class
Although the intellectual, cultural and ideological atmosphere of the modern age may appear bright on the surface, a strange darkness confronts us when we examine it closely. This darkness is not the product of ignorance; rather, it is the light of education that has given sight but taken away insight. The very class that was… Continue reading The Intellectual Decline of the Educated Class
The Aim of Education
How widespread are the misconceptions people harbour about education, and how grave is their error when they imagine it to be merely a path to employment, a means of acquiring a trade, or a ladder by which an individual might ascend to wealth, status or power. Those who think this way—and they are many—look upon… Continue reading The Aim of Education
Tawajjuh (Attention)
That which becomes intelligible to a person is, in reality, what enters into their realm of knowledge; and that which remains beyond their comprehension and grasp, remains unfamiliar and unknown to them. There are various levels of understanding, and as these levels differ, so too do the degrees of knowledge. Acknowledging this foundational truth necessarily… Continue reading Tawajjuh (Attention)
The Purpose of Education
Education is the soul of human society and the foundation of civilisation and culture. It is not merely a means to acquire material skills or economic advancement; rather, it is that transformative process which illuminates a person’s character, consciousness, morals and inner being. It is through education that individuals become truly human and nations attain… Continue reading The Purpose of Education
A Visit from Al-Huda International
Today, a noble and dignified delegation from Al-Huda International Welfare Foundation, under the leadership of its esteemed head Dr Farhat Hashmi, honoured my humble abode with their visit, bestowing upon it a grace and dignity through their presence. It was one of those blessed moments that do not merely bring fleeting joy, but leave a… Continue reading A Visit from Al-Huda International
Do We Truly Know Reality?
Human beings, throughout history, have been on a quest to reach the truth. From ancient times to the present day, people have adopted every possible path to understand the reality of the universe and their own existence. Philosophers reflected, mystics felt, scientists experimented, and thinkers analysed. Yet the fundamental question remains: can we truly know… Continue reading Do We Truly Know Reality?
Dhikr
The human being is the subtle secret of the world of creation—one that cannot be comprehended merely through the light of reason, nor reached by the lens of empirical experience and observation. His existence is not simply a structure of matter, but the centre of a meaningful cosmos. It is in this inner realm that… Continue reading Dhikr