January 2013

January 29, 2013

‘Aqidah Comes First! Doesn’t It?

“‘Aqidah comes first” is a phrase which has, over the last quarter of a century, become a slogan in some Muslims quarters. Yet there can be no denying that ‘aqidah or belief (from ‘aqada: to tie, bind, fasten securely; from which comes the idea of tying certain beliefs to one’s heart in utter conviction of them), is the single most important aspect Continue reading

salafism reconsidered, theology

‘aqidah, creed, holistic Islam, Ibn Hajr al-‘Asqalani, Islam & ethics, message of Islam’s early revelations, societal obligations
January 24, 2013

Counsels for the Heart: The Series

In terms of the importance of the heart (qalb), and its purity from spiritual vices and sins, the Qur’an says: The day when wealth and sons will benefit not, except he who brings to God a sound heart. [26:88-9] The conclusion of a famous hadith says: ‘Truly there is a piece of flesh in the body Continue reading

sufism, suluk & spirituality

Exquisite Pearl, Islam Channel, purifying the heart, spiritual journey to God
January 18, 2013

The Prophet ﷺ and His Lovers

Believing men and women down the centuries have not just affirmed the Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood and teachings, they experienced him as an intimate and intensely beloved presence in their lives too. ‘None of you truly has faith,’ said the Prophet, peace be upon him, ‘until I become more beloved to him than his father, son and Continue reading

prophetology, salafism reconsidered

al-Dhahabi on veneration of the Prophet, exaggeration about the Prophet, limits of love and veneration, loving the Prophet, obligation to revere the Prophet, venerating the Prophet
January 13, 2013

The Doors of Faith, Fear & Hope

The Qur’an says: And call on Him in fear and hope. Indeed God’s mercy is near to the doers of good. [7:56] In depicting the believers, the Qur’an declares: They hope for His mercy yet fear His torment; the torment of your Lord is something to be avoided. [17:57] It is said that the heart, in its worship of God, Continue reading

sufism, suluk & spirituality

degrees of fear, degrees of hope, fear of God, hope in God’s mercy, ibn juzayy, Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali
January 10, 2013

Adab: Being People of Beauty

‘Pious character, refined behaviour and moderation constitute one of seventy parts of prophethood,’ said the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. [Al-Bukhari, al-Adab al-Mufrad, no.468] Another hadith records the Prophet, peace be upon him, as saying: ‘Nothing is heavier in a believer’s scales on Judgement Day than beautiful character.’ [Al-Tirmidhi, no.2003] Yet another links beautiful character and Continue reading

ethics & morals, short read, short texts for reflection

adab, Al-Hajjawi, beauty in behaviour, Hanbali adab-poem, Islamic manners, muslim high culture, refined behaviour, the art of good living
January 6, 2013

Does Allah Love Everyone?

People can mean quite different things when they speak of love. For some, love means desire, passion or lust: it is often used as a byword for self-gratification. To some, love is compassion, mercy, tenderness. To others, it is soppy, sugary, gooey sentimentality. For others still, it is devotion, longing and yearning. Then there is passionate love Continue reading

consider Islam, correctives & clarifications, theology

divine love, divine mercy, God in Islam, God’s love, Is God love?, Islam and the love of God

About Me

My name is Surkheel Sharif (aka Abu Aaliyah). Born and raised in London, England, I began my more formal, but gradual studies of the Islamic sciences around the late 1980s (just a few years after having quit my degree in Astrophysics). I also gained an MA in Islamic Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London, in 2009.

I’ve translated a few Islamic works from Arabic into English; one of them, a short text on Muslim spirituality, called The Exquisite Pearl (2000). I have also authored a few books, including: More Fish Please & the Earth’s Complaint (2011); Fussing Over the 15th of Sha’ban & the Golden Rule of Differing (2011); A Muslim’s Guide to Modernity (2025); and Salafism Reconsidered (forthcoming)

I am the founder and current Director of the Jawziyyah Institute (est. 1999): a non-profit organisation dedicated to cultivating an Islam true to its time-honoured tradition, relevant to its current context, and of benefit to wider society.

January 2013

‘Aqidah Comes First! Doesn’t It?

Counsels for the Heart: The Series

The Prophet ﷺ and His Lovers

The Doors of Faith, Fear & Hope

Adab: Being People of Beauty

Does Allah Love Everyone?