A Year Has Ended!
In all languages of the world, with all their similarities and discrepancies, it is a “disturbing” fact that the year has passed so soon. For me, no rhetoric whatever or any degree of euphemism in any language is capable of reducing the “negative” connotations of that statement. Yes, this is a sad fact because it simply means that the life of every human being has lost another precious year towards the inevitable end of all creatures, death.
Read More »Prophetic Traditions of `Eid
It is recommended for the Muslim to busy himself with Takbeer till the Imam comes for prayer, because Takbeer is the recommended act of worship at that time. The Muslim may recite the Quran or perform voluntary prayers on the condition that it is not a prohibited time. However, saying Takbeer is preferable.
Read More »The True Meanings of `Eid: Unity and Mercy
`Eid has many noble and valuable meanings that make everyone happy. Thus, everyone has his own goals and wishes and seeks to achieve them by making the best use of their blessings. However, the best of these wishes is what is done sincerely for the sake of Allah The Almighty and that which is beneficial for all people without limiting the wishes of people as long as they are lawful, for there is no idea without an aim and no soul lives without hope.
Read More »Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Pilgrimage
Starting from Makkah on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the Prophet at midday, on his she-camel, went to Mina, where he spent the night before leaving, after sunrise, for ‘Arafat, where he delivered his major speech. The Prophet’s speech that day was the highlight of his pilgrimage, outlining the nature of Islamic society.
Read More »Hajj: A Universal Message for Peace
In hajj, a pilgrim meets and peacefully deals with people from different languages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and schools; so he trains himself to accept plurality and diversity. He will be open to live in peace and co-exist with people of different faiths and cooperate with them for the betterment of their community and the whole world.
Read More »“Who Will Save You from Me Now?”
Imagine that you found yourself in this leader’s position. What would you do with the bandit? Would your state of mind give you any chance to think before acting? Would anyone blame you if you struck the thief down in self defense?
Read More »Hajj: A Journey of Selfless Brotherhood
It is at moments such as these that you begin to realize why God ordained Hajj for us at least once during our lifetime, so that we can truly and practically experience the beauty of selfless brotherhood, and come away with valuable lessons that leave an impact that lasts a lifetime.
Read More »Hajj: A Journey without End
Pilgrims must spare no effort in adhering to these criteria and observances in order to render their Hajj valid and acceptable by Allah. If these criteria were not met while they are performing the rituals, their Hajj will be nothing more than one similar to the pilgrimage the polytheists used to perform in pre-Islamic times and it will bear no fruits whatsoever.
Read More »Even a Smile is Charity: A Life Example
Muslims are also commanded to perform da`wah (calling others to Islam). I recall very well that a catalyst for my interest in Islam 11-years ago happened to be the adab (good manners) of a Somali taxi driver who, incidentally, was always smiling. Obviously he had a clear understanding of the hadith that says: “If Allah would guide one person through you to Islam, it is better than the whole world and whatever that’s in it.”
Read More »Nursi to the Youth: Belief is Your Shield
If man has fallen into misguidance and heedlessness, sorrows over what was done or missed in the past and anxieties about the future will mar his illicit pleasure, diluting it with pains. Such pleasure is like poisoned honey. This means that, with respect to enjoyments of life, misguided people are even a hundred times lower than the animals.
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