This article was sent-in on behalf of Mohammad Rana Farooq

Islam is a natural Din (practical and complete code of life) which enjoins tolerance and moderation in everything that matters. The Holy Qur'an states explicitly:

Kuloo waishraboo wala tusrifoo innahu la yuhibbu almusrifeena.

"Eat and drink, but waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters." (7:31)

Salat (prayer), fasting, zakat (obligatory charity) and hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) are all ritual practices of worship but these too are characterized by moderation. There are occasions when offering prayer is forbidden by Shariah. The observing of fast is tempered by sahr and iftar (having pre-dawn and post-sunset meals before and after fasting). The Shariah has imposed strict restraint on constant fasting without taking recourse to sahr and iftar at a stretch. In order to safeguard one's chastity the institution of marriage has been made compulsory so as to realize the natural urges of biological need. Spending in the cause of Allah is a laudable act but it is conditioned by limits so as to ensure a balanced approach that one may not squander away all and go himself a begging.


Continue reading "So, what's up with music in Islam?"...

When you talk to other people, and the religion topic comes up, what do you think might happen? If you tell the person you're a Muslim, they might think you're a turban-wearing, camel-riding fool, who has bombs in his back pockets. While some people are afraid to tell their religion, there is one guy, Muhammad, who is not afraid to tell his true origins...

Continue reading "I AM A MUSLIM"...

Salaam

The first ten days of the final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul-Hijjah, started on November 18th OR on Thursday November 19th (check with family/ local mosque to confirm date).

The Prophet (pbuh) said:
"There is no day more honourable in Allah's sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allah than those in these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah)"

Remember the 9th day is the day of Arafah, and the 10th day is Eid-ul-Adha (yay Eid!)

Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for two years (should fall on Thursday 26th - or Friday 27th - check with your local mosque!)

It was reported from Abu Qutaadah (may Allah be pleased with him) that The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was asked about fasting on the Day of Arafaah. He (pbuh) said: 'It expiates for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year'. Narrated by Muslim.

Some tips... Continue reading "Some tips for this week!"...

According to a report published on October 8th, 2009, there are 1.57 Billion Muslims around the world, which means that 1 in 4 people practices Islam. This is definitely a 'Muslim' Boom!

For many years, the size of the Muslim population has been under constant overview, with estimations running the gamut anywhere from 1 Billion to 1.8 Billion. The report was from Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion and Public Life is the most thorough and varied of its type. It's taken them, approximately, 3 years to remove the curtain from this matter.

Continue reading "Baby Boom? No. Muslim Boom!"...

I looked at her once, and twice, and yet again. I did not smile at her as I did to everybody else, oh no, I wasn’t about to make her the recipient of my affection. Instead, she smiled at me, the cheek of it all, but I merely looked away, ha! A smirk passed over my face and my eyes became cold, devoid of emotion. I crossed my arms and held my chin high. My heart suddenly clenched, what was unseen though was the little green arrow that pierced it. I didn’t realise, but the arrow rapidly spread a vile poison throughout my body and my mind gulped it all, producing all sorts of loathsome thoughts about that girl. Just because she has the beauty, wealth, and authority, just because she has it all, she thinks she’s better than me. I became certain that if I had all that, I would be so much higher in status than her… I became envious. Continue reading "The Green Arrow "...

Too lazy to take out the Holy Quran from your bookshelf? Placed so high in your bookshelf that you can't reach it? You've not got wudhu, so you can't touch it?

Fahaad Naveed (14), little cousin of Azeem Mirza, writing from the US.

Islam defined as a religion. I believe that a Muslim should define Islam as a friend. I as a Muslim have always believed that Islam should be treated as a friend. Treat it as one's own parent, that meaning respect Islam as you would respect your own parent. Islam is a religion that should not be ridiculed in front of other Muslims that would be the same as disrespecting the Quran and the same as your parents. I believe that Islam should be on the top of the list in life. For me, reading the Quran is like reading an interesting novel which you can't keep your eyes off. My knowledge of Islam is not too far in deep. We Muslims should encourage Islam around the world not just in our country. I will pray for the world to remain in peace through the ages. Continue reading "Islam is my friend"...

Everyone living in England will be well accustomed to the work culture that is dominant here.. "The classic 9 to 5". Most jobs in the majority of fields will involve working hours like these and it is not surprising that sometimes one may feel as though work is taking over your life! Do you feel like this..? I know I do! Continue reading "Have you got the balance right? "...

Alhamdulillah, Allah (SWT) has blessed us to see this glorious day once again, but do we really reflect on the blessing that this day holds?

Every moment of Ramadhan is precious. We must occupy ourselves in worship every moment and every moment every deed has mass reward.

Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) has said that: “Every deed that the son of Adam does will be multiplied tenfold to seven hundred fold and a reward given accordingly. But Allah has said that fasting is an exception because it is observed for His sake and He will reward for it. A man gives up his passion and his food for His sake”. (Bukhari and Muslim). Continue reading "Celebrating Eid and its virtues "...