The tried and tested way of teaching the Qur’an is to work through it verse by verse, striving to deepen our experience of the words of God, and to improve conscience and practice of the religion. That said, there is also some merit in stepping back, at this stage of our effort, to articulate some… Continue reading Surah Al `Imran: Overview
The Standing on the Plain of ʿArafah
Translated by Dr. Abu Zayd Standing in ʿArafah is ṣalāh just as ṭawāf is ṣalāh, for Ḥajj combines all forms of ṣalāh together. Ṣalāh as entry into God’s presence Ṣalāh essentially signifies entry into the presence of God. When an ordinary person comes before a powerful king into his majesty’s immediate presence, he becomes apprehensive… Continue reading The Standing on the Plain of ʿArafah
The Meaning of the Expression InshāʾAllāh
By this link: What is the meaning of the expression inshāʾAllāh? I replied: Can the meaning of this expression, which happens to be a basic principle in the life of Muslim, be hidden from anyone? They replied: Its usage has become so commonplace and customary that its meaning and significance has become obscured for us.… Continue reading The Meaning of the Expression InshāʾAllāh
What should the Muslims’ response be
after the passing of the “triple talaq” bill People have called and written me to report that Muslims in India are very angry and, at the same time, very anxious, that the so-called “triple talaq” bill has been passed by both houses of the parliament, and the President has given assent to it. This new… Continue reading What should the Muslims’ response be
The Food of the People of the Book
By this link They said to me: We have some problems understanding verse five of Sūrah al-Māʾidah: “and the food of those given the scripture before you is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them.” So, please assist us in solving the ambiguity and unveiling its hidden meaning. I replied: The book… Continue reading The Food of the People of the Book
1. SUMMARY OVERVIEW
PREFACE (§1–3; 1–3) The opening supplication is followed by a statement of author intent. Ibn Taymiyya aims, in response to a request to do so, to explain the basics of how to understand the Qur|~n. The relevant knowledge includes, on the one hand, what has been transmitted from the Prophet, the salaf and others and,… Continue reading 1. SUMMARY OVERVIEW
Sahih Muslim
The two most sound books of hadith are Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, both of which have always been studied and taught in the highest seats of learning in the Muslim world, and extensively commented on by hadith and fiqh specialists. It is true that, in respect of the soundness of the hadith selected Sahih… Continue reading Sahih Muslim
Children Attending the Mosque
By this link: We’ve noticed that some Imāms and mosque administrators prevent young children from attending the mosque and chastise them when they do. I replied: This is a detestable policy! Preventing children from attending the mosque is in effect preventing their parents from attending and worshiping in the houses of God. God says specifically… Continue reading Children Attending the Mosque
Presenting Islam without deception
Allah has commanded presenting the religion to non-Muslims in a good way, that is to say, with patient courtesy and kindness, and by every means to avoid provoking non-Muslims into retaliatory insults. Providing someone in need of material help (such as food, money, clothes, shelter) with something of what they need is only pleasing to… Continue reading Presenting Islam without deception
Vegetarianism/veganism
A vegetarian or vegan diet may be the right one to adhere to in particular situations. The reasons for this may be that this diet is more healthy or economical, or more something else. Reasons like this are put forward on the basis of human understanding, in turn based on human experience: a dietary regime… Continue reading Vegetarianism/veganism