On The Timing and Virtues of the Night of Power: The Heart's Joy in Remembering Laylat al-Qadr by Ibn al-ʿIrāqī
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Hindutva and Anti-Muslim Violence: How to Navigate Hindu Supremacy
Safa AhmedHindutva does not only harm Muslims in India; it has found resonance in diasporic communities, involves itself in transnational repression, and openly pledges its allegiance to other far-right movements. Its supporters amplify Zionist propaganda that enables Israel’s genocide in Palestine, provide eager audiences for prominent Islamophobes, and even collaborate politically with dangerous white supremacists. To counter this growing threat, Muslims and allies must recognize the global harms of Hindu supremacy and build equally coordinated efforts to resist it.
The Meaning of La Ilaha Illa Allah: An Annotated Translation of Imam al-Zarkashi’s Treatise on the Islamic Testimony of Faith
Sh. Yousef WahbIntroduction In the forty-seventh sūra of the Qur’an, Sūrat Muḥammad, God commands, “So know that there is no deity except Allah.”[1] What makes this command especially striking is its timing; it was revealed approximately fifteen years into the Prophet’s mission, at a point when he and his companions already held an unshakable conviction in the oneness of God. Why, then, would such a foundational truth require reaffirmation? The verse suggests that knowing God’s oneness involves more than a one-time acknowledgment; it is an ongoing process that demands sustained reflection, deliberate cultivation, and inner renewal. Scholars have interpreted this divine command in various ways, many […]
The Divine Wisdom Behind the Pairing of Allah's Names in the Qur'an
Jinan YousefIntroduction “Allah has ninety-nine names. Whoever preserves (ahsaha or hafidhaha) them will enter Paradise.”[1] Such was the teaching of the Prophet ﷺ. Many of us have heard this hadith, but fewer of us have internalized the true scope of its meaning. To preserve Allah’s names is not simply to memorize them—it is to live by them. “To Allah belong the best names, so call upon Him (udʿuhu biha) with them.”[2] Duʿa in the Qur’an can refer to supplication specifically and worship more broadly, depending on the context.[3] Here, we are being told to call upon Allah with His names—for example, “O Allah, forgive me, You are the Most Forgiving […]
Love and Hate for God’s Sake: Revisiting the Doctrine of al-Wala’ wal-Bara’
Dr. Hatem al-HajIn the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful Properly reconciling commitment to God and compassion for man is among the most pressing needs of today’s world. It is no secret that Muslims’ relationship with the “other” (including fellow believers of other theological orientations) has become such a major trial for many—particularly those hailing from the Western world[1]—that it risks eroding the sweetness of their faith, or even pushing them away from it. The Islamic doctrine of al-walaʾ wal-baraʾ, often translated as loyalty and disavowal, has the power to remedy this conflict—if and when accurately defined. The equilibrium it achieves between obedience to God and compassion to mankind attests to Islam’s […]
Marriage and Gender Roles in Islam: Beyond Rights and Duties
Dr. Tesneem AlkiekIntroduction Over the past two centuries, Muslim societies confronted what often felt like insurmountable trials: from colonial domination and military defeat to political fragmentation and institutional decay. And yet, even as the Western world began to stagger under the recoil of the very ideologies it violently imposed, Muslim societies remained remarkably resilient in one vital domain: the family. Muslim homes buckled down to weather waves of religious and intellectual onslaught. Marriage was not merely a social arrangement but a space for cultivating moral values and sustaining quiet resistance. But the storm has now caught up with us too, straining one […]
Virtues of Surah al-Baqara: Healing and Protection in the Qur’an’s Longest Chapter
Sh. Suleiman HaniIntroduction One night, standing underneath the vast stretch of the starry sky, Usayd ibn Ḥuḍayr found himself reciting Surah al-Baqara. His horse, tied beside him, suddenly grew agitated. When Ibn Ḥuḍayr paused his recitation, the horse fell silent. He resumed his recitation, only for the horse to again become visibly distressed. He stopped, and again so did his horse’s agitation. For one final time he tried to continue his recitation, but to no avail—his horse was unsettled and worked up, and his son, Yahya, was too close for comfort. Ibn Ḥuḍayr, fearing that the horse might trample his son, bent down […]
Belief in Divine Love: Discovering Spiritual Attachment Styles
Dr. Hassan ElwanWhat is your spiritual attachment style? Explore how our belief in divine love can effect our attachment to God scale and how our image of God influences how we relate to Him.
10 Ways to Maximize Your Worship in the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan | Blog
Dr. Omar SuleimanWe have a unique opportunity in the last 10 nights of Ramadan to seek forgiveness and draw closer to Allah. Here are 10 tips to make the most of these blessed nights.
Parenting Style and Our Relationship With God: The Influence of Parental Love on Our Perception of God
Dr. Osman UmarjiIntroduction One of the most foundational Islamic beliefs is the acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty. Sovereignty refers to Allah’s absolute ownership, power, and supreme authority over the universe. Allah refers to Himself as ‘the Owner of Sovereignty’[1] (Mālik al-mulk), and Sūrat al-Mulk begins with the proclamation, “Blessed is He in whose hand is all sovereignty.”[2] “Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the throne. He covers the night with the day, which is in haste to follow it; and the sun, the moon, and the stars are subservient to His command. Unquestionably, to Him belongs […]
Belief in Divine Love: Discovering Spiritual Attachment Styles
Dr. Hassan ElwanWhat is your spiritual attachment style? Explore how our belief in divine love can effect our attachment to God scale and how our image of God influences how we relate to Him.
10 Ways to Maximize Your Worship in the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan | Blog
Dr. Omar SuleimanWe have a unique opportunity in the last 10 nights of Ramadan to seek forgiveness and draw closer to Allah. Here are 10 tips to make the most of these blessed nights.
And just like that, an entire month of fasting has gone by. Even though the thought of fasting for weeks on end may have felt intimidating before Ramadan began, many of us simply blinked and time was up. We have been left with a profound sense of bitter-sweetness now that the month is over. “What do I do next?” we may ask ourselves, “How can I maintain that spirit of Ramadan?”The Prophet ﷺ gave us the solution we need when he encouraged us to fast 6 days in the month that immediately follows Ramadan: Shawwal. Fasting the 6 days of Shawwal is not […]
Ayatul Kursi is one of the most important verses in the Qur’an. It is known as the greatest verse in the Qur’an and should be memorized, understood, and often recited. It serves as a daily means of protection from worldly harm, and also as a means of protection from unseen sources of harm.
Parenting Style and Our Relationship With God: The Influence of Parental Love on Our Perception of God
Dr. Osman UmarjiIntroduction One of the most foundational Islamic beliefs is the acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty. Sovereignty refers to Allah’s absolute ownership, power, and supreme authority over the universe. Allah refers to Himself as ‘the Owner of Sovereignty’[1] (Mālik al-mulk), and Sūrat al-Mulk begins with the proclamation, “Blessed is He in whose hand is all sovereignty.”[2] “Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the throne. He covers the night with the day, which is in haste to follow it; and the sun, the moon, and the stars are subservient to His command. Unquestionably, to Him belongs […]
Focused on the concept of Sirat al-Mustaqim, this series provides clarity and direction in an increasingly complex world. It draws upon foundational texts to help believers stay grounded in their faith.
Shari'ah in Today's World: Renewing Islamic Discourse
Dr. Hatem al-Haj
Introduction Renewal of religious discourse in Islam (tajdeed) has taken center stage due to the turmoil in Muslim lands nowadays. While the concept of tajdeed is legitimate, the implication (occasionally stated explicitly) that religious discourse is the root cause of the many problems from which Muslim-majority countries suffer is unfair. It deliberately overlooks a myriad of factors leading to these problems, which if examined, would show that these harms are partly self-inflicted and partly inflicted on Muslims by others. However, it would also be unreasonable to claim that the contemporary religious discourse is completely free of any guilt. First, let me state here that it is […]
In Defense of Faith: Principles and Guidelines for Islamic Apologetics
Dr. Hatem al-Haj
This essay has been summarized based on an intensive course delivered by Dr. Hatem Al-Haj entitled Islamic apologetics in December 2019 and presented in essay format by Dr. Nazir Khan with additions and final essay verified, edited, and approved by Dr. Hatem al-Haj. Introduction The principles governing Islamic apologetics constitute a field of knowledge that is in need of greater attention from Muslim scholars. Indeed, the term itself is unfamiliar to most Muslims. Typically, Muslims dealing with allegations against Islamic doctrines or practices speak of “Radd al-shubuhāt,” or refutation of misconceptions. However, apologetics is not limited to the refutation of misconceptions. It involves establishing a science that is […]
Why We Need Ulama: The Importance of Seeking Islamic Knowledge From Scholars
Dr. Usaama al-Azami
Why should Muslims seek Islamic knowledge from ulamāʾ, known as scholars of Islam? Learn about the importance of seeking guidance from islamic scholars and why it is essential towards upholding our practice of the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Finding Truth in the Age of Fake News: Information Literacy in Islam
Anonymous Guest Author
Abstract Information literacy is the set of skills needed in the modern age to discover, evaluate, interpret, and use information properly and truthfully. With the worldwide proliferation of misinformation on the internet, information literacy is rapidly becoming the most important human competency of the 21st century, as important as reading and writing were to previous generations. Essential components of information literacy include maintaining appropriate attitudes towards learning, assessing the authority of information providers, employing appropriate research methodologies, engaging information-sharing and scholarly communities, and utilizing the latest technology. In many ways, the scholastic tradition of Islam foreshadowed modern information literacy concepts as classical scholars prioritized ethics and manners, systematic curricular learning, […]
A Sober Second Thought: When and How Should Changes in Islamic Law be Made?
Amir Abu-Ghudda
Introduction It is common for us to hear talk about the need for change and adaptability in Islamic law. The unprecedented developments that human society has gone through since industrialization have made dramatic change the rule, not an exception. This is true even since the advent of the smartphone and social media. Managing such change has challenged all legal, religious, and philosophical traditions. It’s no surprise that the issue of change in Islamic law has been a major topic of debate among Muslims. Sometimes the call for change is rooted in a desire to completely abandon the Islamic legal tradition. Other times, however, […]
Focused on the concept of Sirat al-Mustaqim, this series provides clarity and direction in an increasingly complex world. It draws upon foundational texts to help believers stay grounded in their faith.
Shari'ah in Today's World: Renewing Islamic Discourse
Dr. Hatem al-Haj
Introduction Renewal of religious discourse in Islam (tajdeed) has taken center stage due to the turmoil in Muslim lands nowadays. While the concept of tajdeed is legitimate, the implication (occasionally stated explicitly) that religious discourse is the root cause of the many problems from which Muslim-majority countries suffer is unfair. It deliberately overlooks a myriad of factors leading to these problems, which if examined, would show that these harms are partly self-inflicted and partly inflicted on Muslims by others. However, it would also be unreasonable to claim that the contemporary religious discourse is completely free of any guilt. First, let me state here that it is […]
In Defense of Faith: Principles and Guidelines for Islamic Apologetics
Dr. Hatem al-Haj
This essay has been summarized based on an intensive course delivered by Dr. Hatem Al-Haj entitled Islamic apologetics in December 2019 and presented in essay format by Dr. Nazir Khan with additions and final essay verified, edited, and approved by Dr. Hatem al-Haj. Introduction The principles governing Islamic apologetics constitute a field of knowledge that is in need of greater attention from Muslim scholars. Indeed, the term itself is unfamiliar to most Muslims. Typically, Muslims dealing with allegations against Islamic doctrines or practices speak of “Radd al-shubuhāt,” or refutation of misconceptions. However, apologetics is not limited to the refutation of misconceptions. It involves establishing a science that is […]
Why We Need Ulama: The Importance of Seeking Islamic Knowledge From Scholars
Dr. Usaama al-Azami
Why should Muslims seek Islamic knowledge from ulamāʾ, known as scholars of Islam? Learn about the importance of seeking guidance from islamic scholars and why it is essential towards upholding our practice of the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Finding Truth in the Age of Fake News: Information Literacy in Islam
Anonymous Guest Author
Abstract Information literacy is the set of skills needed in the modern age to discover, evaluate, interpret, and use information properly and truthfully. With the worldwide proliferation of misinformation on the internet, information literacy is rapidly becoming the most important human competency of the 21st century, as important as reading and writing were to previous generations. Essential components of information literacy include maintaining appropriate attitudes towards learning, assessing the authority of information providers, employing appropriate research methodologies, engaging information-sharing and scholarly communities, and utilizing the latest technology. In many ways, the scholastic tradition of Islam foreshadowed modern information literacy concepts as classical scholars prioritized ethics and manners, systematic curricular learning, […]
A Sober Second Thought: When and How Should Changes in Islamic Law be Made?
Amir Abu-Ghudda
Introduction It is common for us to hear talk about the need for change and adaptability in Islamic law. The unprecedented developments that human society has gone through since industrialization have made dramatic change the rule, not an exception. This is true even since the advent of the smartphone and social media. Managing such change has challenged all legal, religious, and philosophical traditions. It’s no surprise that the issue of change in Islamic law has been a major topic of debate among Muslims. Sometimes the call for change is rooted in a desire to completely abandon the Islamic legal tradition. Other times, however, […]
The Forgotten Muslims: How Kashmiris Breathe Islam Under Occupation
Ahmed Bin Qasim
Introduction !هم کیا چاہتے؟ آزادی !آزادی کا مطلب کیا؟ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ[1]!تیرا میرا رشتہ کیا؟ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُHum kyā chahtay? Azādi!Azādi kā matlab kyā? Lāʾilāhaʾillā-llāh!Terā merā rishtā kyā? Lāʾilāhaʾillā-llāh!(What do we want? Liberation!What does liberation mean? That there is no God but Allah!What makes you and me one? That our God is none but Allah!) These words, reminiscent of Bilāl ibn Rabāḥ’s declaration of “aḥadun aḥad” as he was tortured by his master for heeding the call of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, reverberate through the streets of the colonized valley of Kashmir at the moment. Is Islam irrelevant for Muslims when they are engaged in a struggle that […]
Cultivating Faithful Enthusiasm: How the Qur'an Creates Transformative Willpower
Dr. Shabbir Akhtar
The moral and spiritual providence of God What is exceptional about the mission of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, even in a history of prophetic missions that spanned millennia, is that the early Muslims not only believed and joined the mission, they did so with unparalleled enthusiasm and total self-surrender. Against a culture that not only tolerated but valorized the pursuit of physical and sexual conquest, intoxication, and fulfillment of other base human instincts, Islamic society embodied faith-based solidarity, discipline, sobriety, sexual chastity, and altruism without expectation of worldly reward. Under the leadership of its exemplary leader, this Islamic community was […]
Prophetic Ethics: A Model for those Seeking God and Eternal Life
Dr. Ovamir Anjum
For part one in this Ethics Series, see Being a “Good Person” is Not Enough: Why Ethics Need Islam Introduction “God is Beautiful and loves beauty,” said Muhammad ﷺ, the Final Messenger of God.[1] And nothing is more beautiful for the human being, after faith in the Truth Most High, than the manifestation of that faith in one’s character, akhlāq. “I have come only to perfect the noble traits of character,” he ﷺ declared. Recall that in the previous article we explored the meanings of this statement and showed that Allah instilled the love of truth and moral beauty in human nature […]
Honored Since Adam: Islam and the Value of Human Freedom
Dr. Edward Omar Moad
Introduction One recent Ramadan, I spent more time than I should have reading the news and keeping up with the general mayhem of the Middle East. At one point, thousands of Yezidis had fled to a mountain and were under siege by Daesh.[1] According to the story, the American military heroically came to their rescue.[2] Then the story changed: there were far fewer on the mountain than previously believed, and most did not want to leave. I still don’t know what really happened. Is there any way to know? What good would knowing do?[3] Apparently (again, according to the story), local Iraqis […]
What is Islamic Analytic Theology?
Dr. Edward Omar Moad
Abstract The aim of this paper is to share some thoughts and broad proposals on the prospect and definition of a contemporary Islamic Analytic Theology, the role it might play in today’s world, and some of the tasks it should undertake. First, I will propose a definition of the field, in terms of its object, purpose, and methodological framework. I clarify what precisely would make such a pursuit ‘Islamic,’ and how it differs from what is commonly called Islamic Studies. Second, I make three proposals regarding the epistemic parameters of such a discipline. Third, I discuss how modern conditions require […]
