There are, we are cautioned, certain pitfalls along the path which we must steer clear of; and it is not uncommon for those committed to religious observance (“practicing Muslims” is the usual term) to stumble headlong into such dangers, corrupting works of faith and poisoning the Spirit and health of the heart. Of these pitfalls is... Read More »
A surge of the sanctimonious. A pandemic of self-righteousness, if you prefer; and that too one that seemingly peaks to its most destructive during the month of Ramaḍān. Manifestations of which include the thinly veiled ahems of “Ramaḍān *cough* Muslim” when a brother decides to start frequenting the masjid for all five of the obligatory prayers. Read More »
As a man, would you ever ask a woman for advice? Some people might argue that women don't know much and that whoever consults a woman will regret it. They even cite "proof" to support their argument. Should women have a say in things, or should their opinion not even be heard? What did the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions do when it came to taking advice from women? Read More »
The life of this world is fleeting; everything in it, whether it is a source of happiness or misery, will be gone one day. Only memories and stories will remain, remembered as ‘history’. So if you are the owner of something that makes you swell with pride, just remind yourself that it will be dead and gone one day. Just like you. Read More »
It is so much easier to nod our heads in unison when listening to warnings targeted at arrogant individuals, at a formal lecture explaining the Quran or Prophetic narrations, than to actually divorce ourselves from our self-absorbed lifestyles long enough to impartially identify traces of arrogance within our own behavior: in our social interactions; in our dealings with family members; in our very intimate thoughts and feelings. Read More »
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