Is Islam (the religion and way of life the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came with) the only path to God? Does the Qur'an extend the validity of religions beyond Islam; to any who believe in God and act rightly? Or does the Qur'an insist that Islam is the exclusive and only path to God? And what of the idea…
Time Waits for None: Reflections on Surat al-‘Asr
In one of the shortest chapters or surahs of the Qur'an, we read: By Time! Verily man is in [a state of] loss; except those who believe and perform righteous deeds, and enjoin one another to [follow] the truth, and enjoin one another to patience. [103:1-3] This chapter, or surah, is known as Surat al-‘Asr. I hope to…
How to Nurture Presence of Heart with God?
Without doubt, the greatest trait to nurture in our worship of God and in our journey to Him is hudur al-qalb - "presence of heart". It says in one hadith: 'Ask God [in a state where] you are certain of being responded to; and realise that God does not respond to a supplication from a heedless and inattentive…
Fasting: Starving the Ego, Feeding the Soul
Muslim religious authorities speak about three levels of fasting: Firstly, the “outward fast,” where one abstains from food, drink and sexual union. Secondly, the “fasting of the limbs,” whereby the eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet refrain from sins and acts of disobedience. Thirdly, and it is the highest degree of fasting, the “fasting of…