🕌 Khutbah : Forgiveness in the Face of Anger – A Path to Divine Love Khutbah Part One Alhamdulillah – all praise is due to Allah, the Most Merciful, the One who created us and guided us to the straight path. We thank Him for the gift of Islam, and we seek His help and His forgiveness. We bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah alone, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His final Messenger. O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except as Muslims. (Aal-‘Imran 3:102) Introduction: The Power of Forgiveness Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,…

The Short Life and the Eternal Afterlife: A Muslim Reflection Introduction From the Islamic viewpoint, the life of this world is but a fleeting moment compared to the eternal existence that follows death. Human beings may live for sixty, seventy, or even a hundred years, but after death begins a phase of life that has no end. This concept forms a central pillar in Islamic belief and deeply shapes the worldview, behavior, and priorities of Muslims. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an again and again that this life is temporary, a test, and that the real life is that which comes after death: “And this worldly life is nothing but…

Understanding Surah Al-Mulk, Verse 2: An Islamic Reflection Introduction The Qur’an is a divine book of guidance, filled with signs and wisdom for those who reflect. Every verse is layered with meaning, and among these profound verses is one from Surah Al-Mulk: “He created death and life so that He might test you, and find out which of you is best in conduct.” (Qur’an, 67:2) This verse encapsulates the essence of human existence, touching upon life, death, purpose, and accountability. From a Muslim perspective, this verse is not only a reminder of divine wisdom but also a powerful motivation to live a life of righteousness, mindfulness, and purpose. The Creator’s…

Man’s Life as a Piece of Land: Building a House to Please Allah In Islam, life is often seen as a trust from Allah, a responsibility given to each individual to make the most of their time in this world. One powerful metaphor to understand this is to see a person’s life as a piece of land upon which he must build a house that pleases Allah. This comparison beautifully illustrates the purpose, challenges, and rewards of life from an Islamic perspective. Just as a builder must carefully plan, gather resources, and work diligently to construct a sturdy and pleasing home, a Muslim must structure their life according to divine…

The Covenant with Allah: Placing Him at the Center of Our Lives In Islam, accepting Allah as one’s Lord is more than just a verbal declaration; it is a profound covenant, a commitment to making Him the central focus of one’s existence. This covenant means that Allah becomes the pivot around which all thoughts, emotions, and actions revolve. Just as the sun is the center of the solar system, providing light and guidance to the planets, Allah is the guiding force in a believer’s life, illuminating the path to righteousness and success. The Covenant: A Pledge of Devotion From the moment a person declares La ilaha illa Allah (There is…

The Five Pillars of a Strong Islamic Life: Faith, Humility, Fortitude, Rights of Others, and Unity Islam is a comprehensive way of life, designed to guide humanity towards righteousness, peace, and success in both this world and the Hereafter. While the Five Pillars of Islam—Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage)—form the foundation of religious practice, the entire structure of Islam also rests upon essential virtues that shape a believer’s character and interactions with the world. Among these, faith, humility, fortitude, recognition of the rights of others, and unity serve as the moral and ethical pillars that uphold the spirit of Islam. Each of these elements…

Ramzan: A Journey of Reflection, Gratitude, and Spiritual Growth Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of immense significance for Muslims around the world. It is more than just a period of fasting; it is an opportunity to deepen one’s relationship with Allah, purify the soul, and reflect on the blessings of life. As we approach this blessed month, I wanted to share some reflections and insights on the spiritual, personal, and communal aspects of Ramzan, and how we can make the most of it to renew our faith and grow closer to Allah (SWT). The Essence of Ramzan Ramzan holds a special place in the…

The Illusion of Worldly Pursuits: Finding True Purpose in Islam In today’s fast-paced world, many people become consumed by their worldly pursuits—whether it be wealth, family, status, or power. Some dedicate their entire lives to growing their businesses, accumulating riches, or chasing political influence. Others seek honor, recognition, or authority, believing that these achievements will bring them happiness and fulfillment. However, Islam teaches that living solely for material gains is a path of ignorance (jahiliyyah), as true purpose and contentment can only be found in devotion to Allah. The Temporary Nature of This World One of the core teachings of Islam is that this world is temporary, and everything in…

The Journey of the Soul: Navigating Trials, Patience, and Gratitude Life in this world is inherently filled with trials, challenges, and moments of hardship. Every individual, regardless of faith, encounters struggles and difficulties that test their resilience and character. For Muslims, the journey of life is seen as a spiritual and moral path where every trial and tribulation serves as a means of growth, purification, and an opportunity to earn the pleasure of Allah (God). How one navigates these challenges, particularly through the practice of patience (Sabr) and gratitude (Shukr), is central to the spiritual development and emotional well-being of a Muslim. This chapter explores the spiritual and emotional journey…

The Foundation of Faith: Embracing Tawhid and the Pillars of Islam The foundation of Islam is built on two essential elements: Tawhid, the oneness of God, and the Five Pillars of Islam, the acts of worship that form the structure of a Muslim’s religious practice. These concepts serve not only as the theological bedrock of the Islamic faith but also as the practical guide to leading a life that is spiritually fulfilling and ethically grounded. Tawhid: The Oneness of God The concept of Tawhid, derived from the Arabic root word wahhada, meaning “to make one” or “to unify,” represents the central tenet of Islam: the belief in the absolute oneness…