Ethics and Morality: Living a Life of Justice, Compassion, and Integrity Islam is not merely a system of rituals and worship; it is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses ethical principles and moral guidelines intended to shape the behavior of individuals, families, and societies. The teachings of Islam emphasize the importance of upholding justice, compassion, honesty, and integrity in all aspects of life. These ethical teachings, rooted in the Qur’an and the Sunnah (the practice of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), are meant to guide Muslims in their interactions with Allah, fellow human beings, and the world around them. This chapter will explore the ethical framework in…

The Path of Worship: Deepening Connection Through Salah, Fasting, and Zakat In Islam, acts of worship are not just rituals performed mechanically or as a set of external actions; they are deeply transformative practices that strengthen a Muslim’s connection to Allah (God) and foster a sense of discipline, humility, and empathy. The core acts of worship in Islam—Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Zakat (charity)—are integral to the spiritual life of every Muslim. Together, they form the foundation upon which the relationship with Allah is built, while also guiding the individual toward a life of righteousness and compassion. This chapter delves into the spiritual significance and transformative power of…

The Pursuit of Knowledge: The Role of Education and Wisdom in Islam In Islam, the pursuit of knowledge holds a central place in both the spiritual and worldly lives of Muslims. The Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, opens with the first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) commanding him to “Read!” (Qur’an 96:1). This first word of divine revelation marks the beginning of a long tradition in Islam that encourages the acquisition of knowledge. Islam does not distinguish between religious and secular knowledge; both are considered valuable as long as they are pursued with the right intentions and serve to fulfill the ultimate purpose of serving…

Friday (1) Narrated Abu Sa`id: I testify that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said,  “The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male Muslim who has attained the age of puberty and (also) the cleaning of his teeth with Siwak, and the using of perfume if it is available.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 880) (2) The Prophet (ﷺ) said:  “Whoever takes a bath on a Friday and does it well, and purifies himself and does it well, and puts on his best clothes, and puts on whatever Allah decrees for him of the perfume of his family, then comes to the mosque and does not engage in idle talk or separate…

Taqwa Tying taqwā to the love of Allah is very important. Are we showing Allah that we want to be loved by Him? Are we demonstrating it by our deeds in a translatable way, that we’re not going to do anything that is going to dissatisfy His pleasure? Imam al-Ghazālī said something very profound, “The greatest consequence of sin is not the punishment that comes with it, but the distance that comes between you and Allah.” If we were created by God to return to Him in a state that is pleasing to Him and if He has given us everything that is needed to do so, then to demonstrate…

None of you needs to ask himself [about anything] except for the Qur’an Ibn Masood (radi Allahu `anhu – may Allah be pleased with him), a famous companion of the Prophet ﷺ (peace be upon him) said: “None of you needs to ask himself [about anything] except for the Qur’an: If he loves the Qur’an, he loves Allah, and if he detests the Qur’an, he detests Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.”1 Hence, there is a direct correlation between one’s relationship with Allah and his relationship with the Qur’an. This is the case because the Qur’an is our source of knowledge about the truth of all matters, what Allah (swt) likes and dislikes, and…

Duties of the Month of Muharram 1. It is the best of months for general voluntary fasts, after Ramadan. 2. It is especially recommended to fast the 10th of Muharram (known as the Day of `Ashura), with a day before it or after it. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, quoting Kasani’s al-Bada`i] 3. It is also virtuous to give in charity on this day. Extracts from Ibn Rajab’s Lataif al-Ma`arif, regarding the month of Muharram: The Virtues of Fasting in the Month of Muharram and Its First Ten Days Muslim reported from Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him), that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said ,…

Allah is over you watching and listening Times may still be tough, but knowing that, you begin to feel at ease. Problems and frustrations seem so minimal when comparing them to Allah’s mercy, understanding, and forgiveness. Never feel as though your problems may be too much for Allah to handle. It is never to late to turn to Him. “And when My servants ask you about Me, I am indeed near. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant whenever he calls on Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me, so that they be led aright.” [Surah Baqarah: 186] Always call on Him, for He is…

Acquire the knowledge Narrated Hasan: Knowledge is of two types. Firstly, knowledge perceived by the heart, and that is useful knowledge; secondly, the knowledge at on the tip of one’s tongue, and that is an argument from Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, against the children of Adam. Transmitted by Darimi. Al-Tirmidhi – Hadith 270 Narrated Abdullah bin Amr: I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, “Allah will not deprive you of knowledge after he has given it to you, but it will be taken away through the death of the religious learned men with their knowledge. Then there will remain ignorant people who, when consulted, will give verdicts…

Al Kitab- the most beautiful Word This is called “al-Kitab” (the book). When a Muslim talks about “this book”, it is understood that he is referring to the Holy Quran and it is highly respected. It is a book above all books, because it is the complete and final revelation of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala to humanity. It is the most beautiful Word, the Word of Guidance, the Book of Wisdom and will remain unchanged and protected until the Day of Judgment. Many Muslims decorate the pages and covers of their books and place them on the highest shelf in their homes to show their high status. Most Muslims begin…