Ibn al-Qayyim
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What Matters at Heart
‘A servant is not afflicted with any chastisement greater than a hard heart and of being remote from God. ‘Hardness of the heart comes about by four things, when the level of need is exceeded: eating, sleeping, speaking and socialising. ‘Hearts that are attached to carnal passions are veiled from God to the extent of… Continue reading
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Ten Ways to Nurture Love of God
In his usual characteristic flare, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (d.751H/1350CE) discusses ten ways in which the seeker may cultivate a deep and abiding love of God. Rooted in Scripture, the journey starts with love as an expression of divine obedience which, as it steadily becomes internalised, culminates in being “lost” in the love of the One… Continue reading
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Have You Parted Company With the Qur’an?
The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others.’1 And then there is this hadith: ‘Verily God elevates a people by this Book and debases others by it.’2 These hadiths probably go some way in explaining why Muslims – and what some still call the Muslim world… Continue reading
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Isn’t Loving God Enough to Make One a Believer?
The Qur’an states: There are among people those who set up equals besides God, and love them as [only] God should be loved. But those who believe are more ardent in their love of God. [2:165] One can often hear certain people puzzle over why Jews, Christians, Sikhs and others, are not considered believers – given… Continue reading