Dr.Shaji Karun

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…

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…