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Welcome to the Halaqa blog. May Allah ﷻ increase us with knowledge, amin.
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The Word “Palestine” in Hebrew and its Usage in Judaic Texts
﷽وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم, ما بعد What is the word for Palestine in Hebrew? Does it show it up in Hebrew texts? Let’s take a brief look. Let’s use the Klein dictionary. It is described as: “A clear and concise work on the origins of the Hebrew words and their … Continue reading The Word “Palestine” in Hebrew and its Usage in Judaic Texts
Hanbali vs ‘Ashari Tafwidh – Selections from Hashiyah al-Muwaffaq ala Lum’ah al-Muwaffaq
﷽وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم, ما بعد Here are some pictures I took from a recently published commentary on Hanbali aqida (book cover as well, if interested). These pages, 10-12, show the Hanbali position on tafwidh and where they (supposedly) disagree with the Ash’aris. This is easily refuted though because they … Continue reading Hanbali vs ‘Ashari Tafwidh – Selections from Hashiyah al-Muwaffaq ala Lum’ah al-Muwaffaq
Types of Hanafi Legal Rulings (Ahkam)
﷽وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم, ما بعد The aḥkām in the context of fiqh are the legal rulings based on the usul al-fiqh of a madhhab. Each madhhab slightly differs in the way it breaks down, defines, and applies the rulings. Below, insha’Allah, I will briefly outline the different aḥkām of … Continue reading Types of Hanafi Legal Rulings (Ahkam)
Hanafi Position on Wiping over Socks and Footgear
﷽وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم, ما بعد In Nur al-Idah we can find the conditions for wiping over socks in Hanafi fiqh: With regards to the question of wiping over footgear like boots and shoes, this has been answered in the following fatawa: https://islamqa.org/hanafi/qibla-hanafi/42625 and https://islamqa.org/hanafi/qibla-hanafi/36346 To read the entire chapter … Continue reading Hanafi Position on Wiping over Socks and Footgear
Pray Behind the Virtuous and Sinful
﷽ وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم There is an important point in Aqida al-Tahawiyah: وَنَرَى الصَّلَاةَ خَلْفَ كُلِّ بَرٍّ وَفَاجِرٍ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْقِبْلَةِ وَعَلَى مَنْ مَاتَ مِنْهُمْ “We consider congregational prayer behind any of the people of qiblah, both the virtuous and the sinful, to be valid. We also pray over … Continue reading Pray Behind the Virtuous and Sinful
Imam Safarini al-Hanbali on Who Are the Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jama’at
Imam al-Safarini (1114-1188 AH) stated: أَهْلُ السُّنَّةِ وَالْجَمَاعَةِ ثَلَاثُ فِرَقٍ الْأَثَرِيَّةُ وَإِمَامُهُمْ أَحْمَدُ بْنُ حَنْبَلٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ وَالْأَشْعَرِيَّةُ وَإِمَامُهُمْ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ الْأَشْعَرِيُّ رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ وَالْمَاتُرِيدِيَّةُ وَإِمَامُهُمْ أَبُو مَنْصُورٍ الْمَاتُرِيدِيُّ. Translation: “Ahl al-sunnah wa’l-jama‘ah is three groups: Atharis, whose leader is Ahmad b. Hanbal, may Allah be pleased with him; Ash‘aris, whose leader is Abu’l-Hasan … Continue reading Imam Safarini al-Hanbali on Who Are the Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jama’at
Yaqeen (Certainty) in Du’a
The following is the answer to a question I posed to Sheikh Walead Mosaad Q: What kind of yaqeen am I supposed to have when making du’a generally?And particularly for seeking shifa? A: Yaqeen that Allah hears your dua and will answer it – but in a manner of His choosing and at a time … Continue reading Yaqeen (Certainty) in Du’a
Why I Chose Hanafi Fiqh Over Maliki Fiqh
﷽ اللَّهُــمَّ صَلِّ وَسَـــلِّمْ وَبَارِكْ على نَبِيِّنَـــا مُحمَّد ﷺ When I first converted to Islam in 2015, I initially followed the Maliki madhhab, which has a number of excellent characteristics. I have since decided to move to the Hanafi madhhab for a number of reasons which, insha’Allah, I will enumerate below. Note that this pertains … Continue reading Why I Chose Hanafi Fiqh Over Maliki Fiqh
Don’t Talk About Dunya in Six Places
There are six places where we should avoid talking about dunya: When the Qur’an is recited During a lesson of sacred knowledge During the adhan In the masjid Among the graves in the cemetery In the presence of someone who died
Three Levels of Freedom
﷽ The first level of freedom is the freedom of the common folk: the breaking of bonds of the ego and its passions.حرية عن رق الشهوات At the second stage, the masters speak of the true freedom of the minority (حرية الخاصة), which is liberation from the slavery of the various types of bitterness and … Continue reading Three Levels of Freedom
Hadith: On Saying “Labbayk ya Rasul Allah”
“Labbayk ya rasul Allah!” Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:Mu’adh bin Jabal was riding on the beast with the Prophet (ﷺ), when he (ﷺ) said to him, “O Mu’adh!” Mu’adh replied, “Here I am responding to you (labbayk), and at your pleasure, O Messenger of Allah (لبيك يا رسول الله وسعديك).” … Continue reading Hadith: On Saying “Labbayk ya Rasul Allah”
Wahhabi Takfir of the Ottoman Empire
In Durar 9/291-292 (الدرر السنية في الأجوبة النجدية – ج 9: الجهاد 2 – حكم المرتد) we find the Wahhabis making takfir (excommunication) of the Ottoman Empire, anybody who “worships graves and righteous people” (according to their definition of that), and also anybody who does not agree with them in this takfir. Translation: As for … Continue reading Wahhabi Takfir of the Ottoman Empire
Ahadith Against Extremism
This is a work in progress It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: One who defected from obedience (to the Amir) and separated from the main body of the Muslims – if he died in that state-would die the death of one belonging to the … Continue reading Ahadith Against Extremism
The Ru’ya Twice a Day
﷽ The beautific vision of Allah ﷻ is the greatest reward. Here I will compile the hadith I have found on being given the ru’ya twice a day in Paradise, inshaAllah. Mujahid said, “The lowliest of Heaven’s people shall travel a thousand years in his kingdom, beholding its farthest parts just as he beholds its … Continue reading The Ru’ya Twice a Day
The Problems with DiAngelo’s “White Fragility”
DiAngelo’s White Fragility can be broken down into several categories of problematic views. American Culture America has like a culture of arrogance–whatever they happen to believe at any given moment is somehow a “universal truth and value.” This, of course, is subject to change at any given moment (even though a universal truth shouldn’t change). … Continue reading The Problems with DiAngelo’s “White Fragility”
Tafsir Jalalayn – Example of a Sahih Chain and Problematic Matn
Sometimes a hadith can have a sahih chain, but still be rejected. In Tafsir Jalalayn verse 7:190 we find a peculiar narration: Translation: But when He gave them a righteous child they ascribed to Him associates (shurakā’a a variant reading has shirkan meaning sharīkan ‘an associate’) in that which He had given them (by naming … Continue reading Tafsir Jalalayn – Example of a Sahih Chain and Problematic Matn
Sheikh Abu Madyan – Existence
That which has no existence in/by its essence ** its existence, were it not for Him, would be the epitome of impossibility.مَن لا وُجُوْدَ لِذَاتِه مِن ذاتِه ** فوجودُه لولاهُ عَينُ مُحَال – Sheikh Abu Madyan al-Ghawth Read more here (Arabic)
Wisdom Behind Avoiding Public Affection With Your Spouse
Why do we avoid public affection with our spouses? There’s a deep wisdom behind it.
Leaders Reflect Their People
In the Qur’an we have two verses in surat al-An’am which have a fascinating tafsir about the kinds of leaders we get.
Historical Geography and Timeline of Early Fiqh and Hadith
﷽ Note: insha’Allah, I intend to update this article over time with more details You’ll notice a few things from looking at this map. There’s a complex interplay of time and location between these scholars, which had a significant influence on how they approached their deen. Let’s take a look. Different Eras Imam Abu Hanifa … Continue reading Historical Geography and Timeline of Early Fiqh and Hadith
On Western Aversion to Anything Islamic
It’s kind of peculiar how absolutely averse the Western world is to anything even remotely Islamic, to the point that people intentionally excise the “Islam” part out of products and history to sell it to Westerners.
None More Knowledgeable Than the Scholar of Madina
Abu Musa al-Ash’ari narrated that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “People will go out from East and West in search of knowledge, and they shall find no one more knowledgeable than the knowledgeable scholar of Madinah.” {Related by Imam al-Hakim} Abu Hurayrah who narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Very soon will people beat the flanks of camels in … Continue reading None More Knowledgeable Than the Scholar of Madina
Judaism and the Afterlife
Insha’Allah this will be a continual WIP I’ve found some interesting things in Judaic sources on the afterlife. Mishneh Repentance 8 In the Mishneh Torah, Repentance 8 we find references to Hell and a description of the soul. We also find education on how ephemeral this life is and that the true goal is the … Continue reading Judaism and the Afterlife
What’s the Difference Between an Empire and a Caliphate?
The difference between an empire and a caliphate are clear when you compare European imperialism to Islamic caliphates.
Three Types of Knowledge
There’s 3 types of knowledge: Tajreebi – Experimental. Trial and error. Empirical. ‘Aqli – Intellectual – Like math and logic. Transmitted – Knowledge, history, religious, etc. Prophets (alayhum as-Salaam) give us transmitted religious knowledge (Qur’an and hadith) through chains.
The Maliki-Ash’ari Tradition is the Oldest in The American Continent
A brief review of Islamic history in the West.
Sahih Bukhari Was Written for Scholars, Not Laymen
It is important to note that many of the famous Hadith works we know of were not written for the average Muslim, rather they were written for scholars well versed in the study of hadith.
The God That Failed – Ex-Communists Writings – A Summary
The book “The God That Failed” is a series of six essays written by ex-Communists from Europe and America. Below are summaries of the book which are a good start in refuting Communism as an ideology, which is diametrically opposed to the Shari’a and violates many of its maqasid: the protection of property and religion.
Mentioning the Dajjal From the Minbar
Chapter: The Dajjal Will Not Come Out Until The People Neglect* His Mention Rashid ibn Sa’d narrated: When Istakhar (in Persia) was conquered, a caller called: “Hey! Indeed the Dajjal has come!” Then Sa’b ibn Jathamah met them and said: if not for what you said, I would inform you that indeed I heard the … Continue reading Mentioning the Dajjal From the Minbar
Sheikh AHM On the American vs Mongol Invasion of Iraq
Sheikh Abdul Hakim Murad in an interview on his new book: Travelling Home: Essays on Islam in Europe. The Qur’an is very emphatic that believers should fear God alone. And nowadays we find that this kind of discourse of victimhood that a lot of Muslims have succumbed to is based on a real fear. We’re … Continue reading Sheikh AHM On the American vs Mongol Invasion of Iraq
Albani’s criticism of Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahab
الألباني: محمد بن عبدالوهاب فيه غلو وشده Albani considered Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahab a reformer and praised his Da’wah, but he also criticized him for their excessive Takfir. Albani says about Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahab: – He had exaggeration and harshness– His followers inherited that from his teachings– He could not differentiate between authentic [صحيح] and weak [ضعيف] Ahadith– … Continue reading Albani’s criticism of Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahab
Riyadh as-Saliheen on Six Lawful Instances of Backbiting
Imam Nawawi wrote in Riyadh as-Saliheen that there are six instances where backbiting is permissible.
On the Prohibition of Backbiting and Listening to It
Excerpts from Riyadh as-Saliheen and its commentary on backbiting and listening to it.
Osama Bin Laden’s Salafi Arguments – Iraq Letter
OBL used a number of Salafi arguments to justify his actions, like telling people not to listen to scholars but instead listen to him.
On Admitting When We’re Wrong
The travail of Shaytan, may Allah ﷻ protect us from him, is his inability to simply admit that he was wrong. This is what separates him from Adam ﷺ: Adam ﷺ chose humility and repented, Shaytan chose arrogance (الكِبر) and refused to admit he was wrong, even when the truth is overtly clear. ‘Abdullah bin … Continue reading On Admitting When We’re Wrong
The First Knowledge to be Removed is Khushu’
Knowledge of the heart will be first to be taken away. And look at what we’ve seen in the past two centuries!
Why Tasawwuf Sometimes Doesn’t Make Sense
We may read poems, texts, quotes, and aphorisms that make no sense to us, but mean a lot to others. Why?
Fiqh and Aqida Differences
There are & were awliya’ who are Hanafi,Maliki,Shafi’i,& Hanbali in fiqh. There are & were awliya’ who are Ash’ari, Maturidi, & traditional Athari in aqida. If all of these great men and women reached the highest stations with Allah ﷻ through these various paths, why cling and promote one of them so strongly above the … Continue reading Fiqh and Aqida Differences
Meaning of the Hadith: Renounce the World and Renounce What is with the People
Renounce worldliness and Allah will love you; renounce what is in the hands of people and people will love you.
Don’t Move Yourself Until Allah Moves You
Unlike the other ‘ulum, reading and studying advanced texts in tasawwuf won’t make you advanced in tasawwuf. “Skipping ahead” like that can actually delay your own advancement on the path. “Don’t move yourself until Allah ﷻ moves you,” as the murshidun say. This doesn’t mean you don’t have himma or make effort–rather, learn to be … Continue reading Don’t Move Yourself Until Allah Moves You
Shuyukh and Muluk – Real and False Sheikhs
On the path it is always possible and sometimes easy to go astray.
Adab al-Murid: A Beginner Text on Suluk
Etiquette of the seeker with its commentary in English and Arabic are core for the salikeen.
Thinking Good of Others – Five Examples
Examples of non-practicing Muslims I’ve met as a lesson on thinking good of others.
What Does “Allah Created Adam in His Image” Mean?
﷽ The Jews and Christians understood this anthropomorphically from the Old Testament. They may refer to God as a “perfect man in the sky” or a “big man” and other man-like characteristics. Muslims almost never understood it this way, aside from a tiny few of sectarians. Hadith This hadith has been transmitted on the authority … Continue reading What Does “Allah Created Adam in His Image” Mean?
The Friend and the Enemy of Shaytan
One day, the prophet Yahya ﷺ asked Shaytan who is his friend and who is his enemy…
Four Styles the Prophet ﷺ Used to Make Du’a
These photos show 4 styles that the Prophet ﷺ would use to make du’a.
How America Inspired the Nazis
Many are unaware of America’s role in inspiring the Nazi party.
Muslim Slave Struggles in America – A Story
Our sister’s great-great grandfather’s story of punishment for teaching his children the Qur’an.
On Fighting Kibr – Standing Corrected
What to do when someone corrects you.
Notes: Albani’s Revolutionary Approach to Hadith
Notes on an academic article on sheikh al-Albani’s approach to hadith and his relationship with the Salafi movement. Interestingly, he agreed with them in aqida but staunchly disagreed in fiqh.
The Narration of Imam Malik Laughing at Sufis
Imam Malik and the Sufis Q. al-Qadhi ‘Iyadh is known to be a great sunni scholar, yet quiet recently a salafi brother pointed out that in his book “Tadreeb al-Madarik”, al-Qadhi quotes a narration from Imam Maalik who rejected sufism. This confused me deeply and i wanted to know if you could clarify this issue … Continue reading The Narration of Imam Malik Laughing at Sufis
Wird of ibn Taymiyyah
What was the wird of ibn Taymiyyah? Ibn al-Qayyim mentions a practice of his in his Madārij as-Sālikīn.
Meccan and Medinan Jesus ﷺ
Christians have only witnessed one side of the life of Jesus ﷺ: the “Meccan” side.
20 Hadiths on Khatam al-Nabuwwah
20 narrations on the finality of prophethood. It is mutawatir, and therefore a part of our aqida.
On Seeking The Elusive Islamic State
There’s a strange idea among parts of the ummah that “there is no Islamic state.”
War Profiteering of Terror
We all know America’s military-industrial complex is replete with war profiteering. But few are aware of the details in the War on Terror.
How Europe “Got Ahead”
Untying the historical revisionism and false narratives of Western colonialism and the industrial revolution.
Playground Politics and Leaders We Deserve
Something I find quite disturbing in America (and other countries) is the childishness of politics. People are actually excited that America is in trouble right now, just so they can take their jabs at Trump. Everything is so polarized between hard-Left and hard-Right, it’s just a competition between demagogues rather than any actual concerted effort … Continue reading Playground Politics and Leaders We Deserve
2 Common Misconceptions Christians Have About Christianity
When engaging in dialogue with Christians, a good portion of your time may be simply spent on dispelling myths, misconceptions, and straw man arguments about not only Islam, but also about Christianity itself. Most laypeople in the world are generally uninformed about religion in general, including their own. I will say that non-Protestants (IE Catholics, … Continue reading 2 Common Misconceptions Christians Have About Christianity
Stop Calling the Thobe a Man Dress
One of the Islamophobic phenomena of the War on Terror is calling thobes a “man dress.” This misnomer was really one in a long list of insults against Muslims to otherize our religion and culture and make Muslims seem as weird and “backwards” as possible. So let’s break it down from every angle. What is … Continue reading Stop Calling the Thobe a Man Dress
Ilm al-Muamalah and Ilm al-Mukashafah
When studying Ghazali and similar authors, it’s important to understand the division of two types of the knowledge: Ilm al-Muamalah (علم المعاملة): The outward knowledge that can be taught and learned. It is the knowledge of transactions between us and Allah ﷻ, us and our hearts (ex: sincerity), us and other people (ex: being brotherly … Continue reading Ilm al-Muamalah and Ilm al-Mukashafah
Why Uyghurs Are Being Persecuted – A Brief History
Brief Summary: Xinjiang was incorporated into China in the 1800s. After WWII, they split into two factions in the Chinese civil war, the majority supporting the KMT. After the KMT lost through the rest of China, Xinjiang agreed to join the CCP. Mao recanted his promises. Han Chinese were always favored in Xinjiang politically and … Continue reading Why Uyghurs Are Being Persecuted – A Brief History
Refinement of Hearts
Imam Zaid Shakir said that his Sheikh, Mustafa Turkmani, used to frequently say: رجل واحد صاحب الحال يؤثر على ألف رجل وألف رجل بلا حال لا يؤثرون على واحد A single person who has a refined spiritual state can affect a thousand, but a thousand people who lack any refinement in their state cannot affect … Continue reading Refinement of Hearts
On Socratic Ignorance, Double Ignorance, and the Dunning-Kruger Effect
A lot of people nowadays think that what they know is the extent of what can be known. Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans Socrates was known for many things. He rejected the gods of the Greek pantheon and was a monotheist. He held contempt for Athenian democracy and supported the idea of a technocracy. And he was … Continue reading On Socratic Ignorance, Double Ignorance, and the Dunning-Kruger Effect
Separation of Church and State in Islamic History and Freedom
No people on Earth ever had a more successful separation of Church and state than Muslims did. From a very early time, religious scholars became endowed and separated from the state, and critical of it. The state needed them for legitimacy and they did not need the state. Therefore, they always had the ability to … Continue reading Separation of Church and State in Islamic History and Freedom
Seeing the Faults of Others
One of the signs of the khawarij is they obsess over the faults of others–it’s all they see. They never see their own faults. One of the signs of the awliya’ is they are constantly preoccupied with their own faults, which seem endless. They hardly have time to see the fault of others, their schedule … Continue reading Seeing the Faults of Others
Usul and Furu’ – What Makes a Madhhab
When it comes to the concept of a madhhab, a lot of people simply see the furu’ (fruits) of different madhahab, but they don’t see the usul (methodology) behind them, and that’s actually what makes it a madhhab. A madhhab is what happens when a qualified mujtahid (someone who mastered all of the Islamic sciences … Continue reading Usul and Furu’ – What Makes a Madhhab
Hadith: We Returned from the Lesser Jihad to the Greater Jihad
There’s a famous hadith in Bayhaqi that says: الحديث الذي ورد عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال لأصحابه لما رجعوا من الغزو : ( رجعنا من الجهاد الأصغر ، إلى الجهاد الأكبر ) ، قالوا : وهل هناك جهاد أعظم من جهاد الكفار ؟ قال : ( نعم . جهاد النفس ) . It was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon … Continue reading Hadith: We Returned from the Lesser Jihad to the Greater Jihad
Picking Sides in Politics
The dichotomies of American politics have resulted in a number of American Muslims “picking sides” and throwing vitriol in the other direction. Personally, I don’t have a side to pick–which is representative of the prophetic sira where the prophet ﷺ, when presented with old tribal rivalries on who gets to place the black stone in … Continue reading Picking Sides in Politics
Why Are Trump Supporters Obsessed with the Left?
You can hardly get a word in before a rebuttal is being repeated to you, defending Trump’s latest actions. Yet you actually said nothing about Trump, let alone criticized him. You try to start an intellectual, casual conversation about politics, since this gentleman you are talking with seems interested in politics, and yet the only … Continue reading Why Are Trump Supporters Obsessed with the Left?
Two Types of People Often Targeted by Jinn
It’s notable that many people in the world have never experienced jinn, and may even disbelieve in their very existence. Other folks have several stories to share. Why the different experiences? On a basic level, there’s two types of people who are often targeted by jinn: The first is the most obvious (to Muslims at … Continue reading Two Types of People Often Targeted by Jinn
Meanings of Kalla
The particle kalla كلاَّ, like most particles (ahruf) in Arabic, has multiple meanings and usages. Here insha’Allah I’ll translate 4 of them from alMaany‘s online dictionary. Particle that provides dissuasion, rebuke/reprimand, and and disapproval. It is permitted to stop on it or begin after it.{كَلاَّ سَنَكْتُبُ مَا يَقُولُ} “Nay! We will record what he says…” … Continue reading Meanings of Kalla
Early Christian Theologies
This will be a continual work-in-progress over the years of compiling a list of early Christian theologies, focusing mainly on those with Muslim-sounding themes or major turning points in history. No single early theology lines up 100% with what Muslims believe the prophet Jesus ﷺ truly preached. But by looking at different theologies, we can … Continue reading Early Christian Theologies
Tafsir of Surat al-Ikhlas
﷽ Surat al-Ikhlas is one of the most well-known chapters of the Qur’an which describes Allah ﷻ. It answers the question, “who is God?” Surah Title The title of the chapter is سورة الإخلاص, the chapter of “ikhlas.” It is often translated as “sincerity,” but let’s take a deeper look. It is a form 4 … Continue reading Tafsir of Surat al-Ikhlas
Imam Al-Tufi Al-Hanbali – Ijma on Adopting a Madhhab
Imam Al-Tufi Al-Hanbali [d.716 AH]- may Allah have mercy on him – said in: “Sharh Mukhtasar Al-Rawda” (3/686): “Giving preference [tarjeeh] to a school of thought [madh-hab] – in its entirety over another madh-hab – has occurred by consensus [ijmaa’]…
Bukhari’s Teacher – Adopting a Maddhab Began with the Sahaba
Adopting a madh-hab was practised since the time of the Sahabah and the knowledge of all the Sahabah pours into the 4 schools of thought that are preserved until today.
Selections from the Law of Manu
The Law of Manu or Manusmriti is a legal code on dharma in Hinduism. It was used to formulate the Hindu law by the British colonial government. Note that these legal texts are not really read by lay Hindus, who are more likely to read the Ghita and Upanishads. On Caste and Stages of Life … Continue reading Selections from the Law of Manu
Friedrich Nietzsche on Islam
Friedrich Nietzsche writes in his book, Der AntiChrist (the Anti-Christian) in 1888: The whole labour of the ancient world gone for naught : I have no word to describe the feelings that such an enormity arouses in me. And, considering the fact that its labour was merely preparatory, that with adamantine self consciousness it laid … Continue reading Friedrich Nietzsche on Islam
Aqida of Ibn Kathir
What was the aqida of ibn Kathir? Was it the same as ibn Taymiyyah? Ibn Kathir was of the Shafi’i madhhab and a hadith master (who memorized over 100,000 ahadith). Whatever length of time Ibn Kathir studied with Ibn Taymiya, he was in his twenties when the latter died, and his long and fruitful career … Continue reading Aqida of Ibn Kathir
Tahqiq fi Kalimat al-Quran al-Karim
This Shi’a Arabic dictionary is quite an interesting resource when delving further into the Arabic language. Sunnis also refer to his dictionary for deeper elaboration on words. Hasan al-Muṣṭafawī looks into the original word and its application to various resources used in his interpretation of the meaning. http://alfeker.mediafire.com/?7ahbatndj7pkvtb http://alfeker.mediafire.com/?guso84p5yz8ny6l http://alfeker.mediafire.com/?uab8oamxs8oby1h http://alfeker.mediafire.com/?xivcibxyx12xx5c http://alfeker.mediafire.com/?frzex8kbzk4rzfq http://alfeker.mediafire.com/?lzd7pdz2q95nbpx http://alfeker.mediafire.com/?6241ag8ky692of4 http://alfeker.mediafire.com/?15qhbq6x2o668xi … Continue reading Tahqiq fi Kalimat al-Quran al-Karim
Shahada, Deeds, and Paradise
On the Day of Judgement, nothing will weigh heavier than the testimony of faith: ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah. Even 99 scrolls of bad deeds will be outweighed by it. Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Indeed Allah will distinguish a man from … Continue reading Shahada, Deeds, and Paradise
Special Hour of the Night
The following is from page 289 of Islam in the School of Madina: Sayyidi Abd ar-Rahman ath-Tha’alibi – may Allah benefit us by him – has commented on the words of Allah “and let him not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord” (Quran 18:110) saying: “take note: it has been narrated to us … Continue reading Special Hour of the Night
Lunar Names of Days
In ibn Kathir’s tafsir of verse verse 39 of surat Yasin, we find a listing of lunar names of days in a month according to the stages of the moon phase. وَالْقَمَرَ قَدَّرْنَاهُ مَنَازِلَ حَتَّىٰ عَادَ كَالْعُرْجُونِ الْقَدِيمِ – 36:39 As for the moon, We have ordained ˹precise˺ phases for it, until it ends up … Continue reading Lunar Names of Days
Qur’an on Reincarnation
In chapter 23 of the Qur’an, surat al-Mu’minun, a people after Noah ﷺ are mentioned who denied the resurrection and according to ibn Kathir believed in reincarnation. Ibn Kathir states in commenting on Surat Yasin verse 36:31: Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not … Continue reading Qur’an on Reincarnation
Forgiving a Murder in Islam
There’s a hadith in an-Nasa’i about a man who murdered a man’s brother after he insulted him. The prophet ﷺ tried to find a way for his blood money to be paid, and after it wasn’t possible he allowed the man to either forgive him or exact retribution. But if he forgave him, the murderer … Continue reading Forgiving a Murder in Islam
The Wali in Surat Yasin
In surat Yasin we find the story of three messengers rejected by their nation, and a man from the far side of the city comes running, telling his nation to follow the messengers. His nation then kills him and God destroys them. We find in tafsir ibn Kathir that this man is mentioned as “His … Continue reading The Wali in Surat Yasin
What is a Tariqa?
The word tarīqa (طريقة) originally meant method. You have Shari’a and haqīqah, the law and the ultimate reality of things. The method to get from Shari’a to haqīqah and from haqīqah to Shari’a, is the tarīqa. The paths are as many as the breaths of human beings, as the shuyukh used to say. They are … Continue reading What is a Tariqa?
Love of God – What is Irada?
You may have heard the term murīd in Sufism, as in someone who is on a tariqa; a disciple of a spiritual master (sheikh or murshid). But what does it actually mean? In Arabic Lexicon The term murīd is a form 4 اسم فاعل of the word irāda (إرادة). Its trilateral root is ر و … Continue reading Love of God – What is Irada?
Neo-Pagan Manhood Movement
There’s a strange movement among white Western men of this “alpha male.” High testosterone, high energy, strength training, US military culture, and libido are emphasized, with references to both Jesus and Valhalla (despite being completely contradictory) thrown in for good measure. Statues of masculine men from ancient Rome and Greece are practically worshiped and idolized … Continue reading Neo-Pagan Manhood Movement
The Indic Religions and the Vedas
The Indic religions, also known as Dharmic and Indian religions, are comprised of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and others. They are related with similar roots and core beliefs, but flower out in a variety of beliefs and practices. Let’s start with an intro to the history and then get into the Vedic creation story. Note … Continue reading The Indic Religions and the Vedas
Remembrance of God is Greater
Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an: اتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ ۖ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ ۗ وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ – 29:45 [Prophet], recite what has been revealed to you of the Scripture; keep up the prayer: prayer restrains outrageous and unacceptable behaviour. Remembering God … Continue reading Remembrance of God is Greater
Imam Suyuti’s 15 Qualifications to be a Mufassir
Imam Suyuti mentioned in his compendium on the sciences of the Qur’an, al-Itqan fi Ulum al-Qur’an, that there are 15 disciplines that a person must master in order to be qualified to interpret the Qur’an. They are: Knowledge of Arabic language and its vocabulary Knowledge of Arabic grammar (nahu) Knowledge of Arabic morphology (sarf) Knowledge … Continue reading Imam Suyuti’s 15 Qualifications to be a Mufassir
An Islamic Model of the Heart & Soul
I’ve been thinking about a model of the heart and soul for awhile, and as I learn I develop my understanding. Here’s where my current understanding is, subject to change as my knowledge grows and I ponder things, insha’Allah. Anything written here could very well be wrong. Qalb, Nafs, Waswasah, and Ruh The qalb, or … Continue reading An Islamic Model of the Heart & Soul
Doing it On Your Own – The Importance of a Sanad
Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say that there are two types of people. There are those that God looks at directly. And you don’t want to be one of those because they will be melted. They are people that God holds them accountable for everything wrong they did, … Continue reading Doing it On Your Own – The Importance of a Sanad
The Kingdom’s Failed Marriage
Below is an article on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Wahhabism. The author argues that Saudi Arabia’s use of Wahhabism for state control is no longer useful and actually harmful to the ruling class and rest of the world.
Why You Should Keep Your Tariqa a Secret
As the heated argumentation subsides, our tasawwuf tradition is becoming more popular. But there’s certain basics that need to be understood about it before plunging in. The Tariqa The tariqa is a personal endeavor to unplug from the dunya and connect with your Lord. It begins with your irada, your volition to go to God. … Continue reading Why You Should Keep Your Tariqa a Secret
