Sexual abuse, whether of women or men or children, cannot be prevented by law. At most, law agencies can punish abuse after it has happened and has done the terrible, lasting psychological and social damage that it does. In the Western world over the last seventy years any notion of ‘sin’ attached to sexual behaviours… Continue reading Sexual abuse
Who Taught You History?
By this link: Why do you always encourage us to study history? I replied: Knowledge of history is a serious and hefty matter, and one of extreme importance. It represents the review of strategic elements and developmental factors in human societies, and the study of civilizational, political, economic and cultural conditions across time and space.… Continue reading Who Taught You History?
The Descent of Jesus, the Son of Mary, peace be upon them both
By this link: Will Jesus the son of Mary, peace be upon them both, descend as a just ruler before the Day of Judgement? I said: why do you ask this question? Do you not know that I dislike these theological dogmatic questions that neither benefit religion nor worldly life, have no bearing in matters… Continue reading The Descent of Jesus, the Son of Mary, peace be upon them both
Do You Speak to God?
By this link: What is the meaning of God’s statement: “And to Moses God spoke directly;” His statement: “O Moses! I have indeed preferred you to all others by virtue of the Message I have entrusted to you and by virtue of My speaking to you;” the statement of Adam ﷺ: “You are Moses whom… Continue reading Do You Speak to God?
The Art of Criticism
By this link: What is the true meaning of critique? I replied: Critique1 linguistically means to examine something and distinguish its good from its bad, and lexically refers to highlighting the dimensions that are beautiful, complete or beneficial, while exposing those that are detested, deficient or harmful. It is also to study an academic or… Continue reading The Art of Criticism
Principles of Ḥadīth in the Ḥanafī School
By this link: We have learned from you ḥadīth and its principles in exhaustive detail. You have laid out for us its rules and principles in an easy manner and detailed for us the differences of the trustworthy scholars and proficient experts, along with their views in authentication and weakening of ḥadīth narrations. You have… Continue reading Principles of Ḥadīth in the Ḥanafī School
Who Taught You How to Think? An Introduction to Maulānā Shahbāz Iṣlāḥī
By this link: What is critical thinking? I replied: The faculty of critical thinking is basically the process of analogical deduction, which consists of drawing order and connection between things and matters, linking the known with the unknown, and that which is understood with that which is less understood. Sound critical thinking emanates from the… Continue reading Who Taught You How to Think? An Introduction to Maulānā Shahbāz Iṣlāḥī
The Sunnah Explains the Qurʾān
By this link: Do you agree with those who say that the entirety of the Sunnah explains the Qurʾān? I replied: Who am I to agree or disagree with the Imāms of the ummah? I am merely a student who stole a seat at their table, who seeks to learn something from them, and share a… Continue reading The Sunnah Explains the Qurʾān
The Prophet as a Teacher
The Enduring Influence of the Prophet’s Example The manners and personal preferences, and also the public judgements and policies, of the Prophet, ﷺ, have been studied and preserved by devout Muslims throughout the millennium and half since the coming of Islam. No other religious leader has had such an enduring influence on so many people… Continue reading The Prophet as a Teacher
Da`wah
God says He does not love that men say what they do not do (al-Saff). This means two things. (a) Be careful of the language you use. Don’t be like those poets who say things that sound very impressive but are impossible to do, i.e. don’t speak for effect; speak simply and from the heart.… Continue reading Da`wah