Try Islam

The evolution of humankind is not only possible but is the main purpose and outcome of believing and practicing Islam. The approach of Islam to elevate the human self and get it closer to God is realistic, comprehensive, rational and direct. Mankind is a complex-though marvelous-creation of God. Needless to say, it is only the Creator Who could know precisely the intricacies of the human soul, and how to elevate it far and beyond. Divine messages are like “users’ manuals” of this creation. Such “manuals” are essential to understand and proceed on the path of human elevation. Read the rest of this entry »

ONE of the slogans most characteristic of the present age is `the conquest of space.’ Means of communication have been developed which are far beyond the dreams of former generations; and these new means have set in motion a far more rapid and extensive transfer of good than ever before within the history of mankind. The result of this development is an economic inter-dependence of nations. No single nation or group can today afford to remain aloof from the rest of the world. Economic development has ceased to be local. Its character has become world-wide. It ignores, at least in its tendency, political boundaries and geographical distances. It carries with itself – and possibly this is even more important than the purely material side of the problem – the ever-increasing necessity of a transfer not only of merchandise but also of thoughts and cultural values. Read the rest of this entry »

Sunnah in the Arabic language (without any religious context) means a way or method that can have two states, either good or bad. It is derived from the word: “Sanan,” which is Arabic for: a road or a path.

Such meaning is mentioned in the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) in which he said, “Whosoever does a good Sunnah will get the reward for it and the reward of others who followed him in doing the same thing until the day of judgment. And whosoever does a bad Sunnah will have the punishment of doing it and the punishment of others who followed him in practicing it” (Muslim). Read the rest of this entry »

Hajj is an important pillar of Islam. It has many benefits and meanings for Muslims. Hajj has a form and a spirit. Its form is to have ihram, perform tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah) and sa`i (walking between the two hills), go to Mina, `Arafat, Muzdalifah, do the rami (throwing pebbles) at the Jamarat and make sacrifice of a sheep, goat or camel. The spirit of Hajj includes love, devotion, sacrifice, patience, mercy, harmony, unity, etc. Read the rest of this entry »

This is a brief discussion on Hajj – its virtues, benefits and a little about its rulings.

According to the correct view, Hajj was made obligatory in 9 AH (i.e., after Hijrah, migration to Madeenah), the year of the Delegations, in which the chapter of Aal-‘Imraan was revealed; (it is this chapter) in which Allaah says which means, “…And (due) to Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way…” (Aal-‘Imraan: 97) Read the rest of this entry »

Allah, Most High, says, “Blessed be He in whose hand is the Sovereignty, and He is able to do all things. He created death and life that He may try which of you is best in deed. He is the Exalted in Might, oft Forgiving.” (Al-Mulk: 1-2)

Also, He says, “It is He who made the night and day to follow each other for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude.” (Al-Furqan: 62) Read the rest of this entry »

(all glory be to Him) tells us in the Holy Quran about Ramadan that, “(He wants you) to complete the prescribed period (of fasting), and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.” (2:185)

Many benefits, in addition to the spiritual, result from completing this prescribed period of fasting. This article attempts to explain those related to our biological rhythms. Read the rest of this entry »

Is it to lead a rabbinic and monastic life? Is it prolonged solitary meditation? Is it to lock ourselves inside a mosque, church, synagogue, or temple and destine ourselves to seclusion and prayer for the rest of our lives? To a certain extent, the conventional meaning of “worship” has become exotic, hostile, or even extinct in the postmodern world. Read the rest of this entry »

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS
The Arabic word Islam means peace, submission and obedience. The religion of Islam is the complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God as revealed to His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
A Muslim is one who believes in God and strives for total reorganization of his life according to His revealed guidance and the sayings of the Prophet. He also works for building human society on the same basis. “Muhammadanism” is a misnomer for Islam and offends its very spirit. Read the rest of this entry »

The submission of man to his Creator is the essence of Islam. The word “Islam literally means, “to submit or to surrender. The real question one should ask is: “submit and surrender to whom?

Muslims submit and surrender their will and desires to the will and the laws of the Creator. This is what “Islam truly means. By referring to, “The Creator, Muslims are talking about “Allah”.  Read the rest of this entry »