ibn juzayy
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Tawhid is Much More Than Just A Theological Abstraction
This short read explains what tawhid is, and why it is the central theological concept of Islam. Without understanding tawhid, one simply cannot understand Islam in any real or significance sense. It also explains that tawhid isn’t meant to be a theological abstraction we merely write or academically talk about. Instead, it is meant to Continue reading
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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
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Climbing Mount Taqwa
The Qur’an speaks of God as dhu’l-ma‘arij: Lord of the ascending ways. [Q.70:3] Believers are expected to be climbers, so to speak, in their upward journey to God. The ascent, however, is not that simple and the old saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” must be the watchword. The iradah (“will”, “aspiration”, “spiritual ambition”) to find God is, unarguably, Continue reading
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Don’t Confuse Being Patient With Being Complacent!
Shakespeare put these words in the mouth of one of his most complicated characters, Iago, in the tragedy of Othello: ‘How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees? ‘ Indeed! In Islam’s teachings, patience, or sabr, is one of the great demands required of each and every believer. The 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