August 2012
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With the Inbreak of Truth, Comes the Outbreak of Violence
Ibn Mas‘ud – an early convert to Islam, who went on to become one of the most learned scholars from the Prophet’s Companions – said of the Prophet ﷺ when the latter sustained an injury during the battle of Uhud: ‘I can see myself looking at the Prophet ﷺ as he said about one of the prophets of old… Continue reading
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Did Abu Hurayrah Have Secret Spiritual Knowledge?
Al-Bukhari records in his Sahih, no.120, that Abu Hurayrah stated: ‘I preserved from the Messenger of God, peace be upon him, two vessels of knowledge. The first I have disseminated among people. If I were to circulate the other, my throat would be slit.‘ Some contend the vessel of knowledge Abu Hurayrah, may God be pleased… Continue reading
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The Qur’an & Science: Match Made in Heaven?
Muslims are quick to point out that the Qur’an is remarkably free of the scientific inaccuracies found in other religious texts. Many go one step further and point out how astonishingly in tune the Qur’an actually is with modern science. And while it is true that some believers have thrown caution to the wind in their… Continue reading
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The Seven Rules to Seeking Sacred Knowledge
The duties instated by faith are a necessary measure in order to regulate human affairs, guide man, prevent him from straying, as well as dissuade him from self-harm or harming others. By recognising that the Sacred Law (sharī‘ah) exists to guide and protect us, we can attain to a reasonable equilibrium in this world and… Continue reading
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Dhikr: To Be in the Presence of the One
Masters of the inward life say that remembrance of God, or dhikr, is the cornerstone of the spiritual path, the key to sanctification (wilayah) and the weapon of the seeker. In fact, it is the goal behind all acts of worship, as the Qur’an itself teaches: Establish prayer for My remembrance. [20:14] Dhikr is for the heart… Continue reading
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Searching for the Spouse-To-Be
Continuing our exploration into marriage, meaning, intimacy and cultural change, this blog discusses the matter of spousal selection. The first two parts of the blog may be read here and here. Let us re-commence, then, with the following prophetic remark: ‘A woman is married for four reasons: for her wealth, her lineage, her beauty and… Continue reading
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Repentance: the Journey Begins
Our Imams say that repentance (tawbah) is the starting point of one’s journey to God. Masters of the inward life say: inna’l-dhunub hijabun ‘ani’l-mahbub – “Indeed sins veil one from the Beloved.” To this end, the Qur’an instructs: And repent to God, O you of faith, that you may be successful. [24:31] Tawbah – stemming from the word to “turn” or… Continue reading
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How Can Hearts be Softened?
This following piece by Ibn al-Jawzi (d.597H/1200CE) – Hanbali scholar, famous preacher, prolific author – is from his book Sayd al-Khatir. Part meditative, part autobiographical, part exhortational, the book is a rather frank account of his life, works, experiences, achievements, disappointments, hopes, burdens and aspirations. Since it was written over a period of twenty years,… Continue reading
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Marriage: Law, Spirit & Meaning
One hadith states: “Marraige is of my guidance; one who acts contrary to my guidance is not of me. Thus marry, that I may outnumber other nations by you. Those of you who possess the means should marry. If he cannot, let him fast, for fasting is a shield.”1 The Qur’an says: And of His… Continue reading
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Meditations on Marriage
This is not meant to be a detailed portrait of nikah, or marriage in Islam. What I do intend is to try and offer some thoughts and meditations on some hadiths exploring aspects of marriage and meaning, love and intimacy, as well as cultural change. As a sanctified social and legal institution, marriage is regarded in Islam… Continue reading