'The more we're connected, the more we seem to be disconnected' pretty much sums up our growing modern dilemma. Our globalised social media age is one in which selling ourselves, sharing ourselves, expressing ourselves and defending ourselves are now part and parcel of everyday life for millions of people across the world. In such an age, writes Os Guinness, it's a case of: 'I…
Should I Stop Making Dhikr If My Heart Isn’t In It?
'I'm remembering Allah, but my heart's not in it; what's the point' is a typical anguish for many of us? 'When I make dhikr, my heart doesn't have focus, it's all over the place. Is there any use' is another one? So should we stop making dhikr because out heart lacks focus on Allah; because there isn't any hudur al-qalb…
Are We Amusing Our Hearts to Death?
One hadith states: 'Laugh not too much; for too much laughter deadens the heart.'1 This isn't to say that laughter or humour must be avoided altogether; for laughter and light-heartedness, in moderation, are prophetic Sunnahs that helps lighten burdens, ease anxiety and bring about joy to oneself and to others. Indeed, there is little virtue in…
Beacons Upon the Path of the Soul’s Purification
The Prophet, peace be upon him, once said: kun fi'l-dunya ka'annaka gharibun aw ‘abiru sabil - 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or traveller.' [Al-Bukhari, no.6416] Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali began his commentary to this hadith by stating: 'This hadith forms the basis for having brief hopes (qisar al-amal) in terms of…
Are We Letting Time Whizz Right Past Us?
Imam al-Shafi‘i remarked: 'Time is like a sword, if you do not cut it, it will cut you.' He also said: 'Your soul, if it is not kept busy with the truth, it will busy you in untruths and falsehood.'1 Islam's "masters of the heart" tell us that filling our lives with works of faith and…