Amena Tanveer

Shukr (Gratitude) and how it differs from Hamd (praise)

Do we know the real meaning of this word?  The dictionary meaning is the quality of being grateful; readiness to show appreciation for something. Islamically, shukr is thankfulness or gratitude for blessings as bestowed by the Bestower; our Rabb.  It can be a feeling in the heart, words expressed on the lips, or gratitude expressed…...

Neglecting Obedience is Sin

Our Creator has given us a complete way of life: our deen.  It is obligatory to live according to the Shariʽah, which is derived from the Qur’an and Sunnah.  Failing to comply on any aspect which is obligatory or to avoid that which is forbidden is sinful. Unfortunately, some of us have become unmindful of…...

An Open Letter from the Women of the Ummah to Its Men

Open letter from women to men

Our dear beloved husbands, As-salāmu alaykum waraḥmatullāhi wabarakātuh… When we embarked upon the journey of life as a team in marriage, while keeping the ākhirah in mind, we had certain ideas, thoughts and aspirations.  And we assumed that you had similar ones too.  Our lives needed a strong relationship and some economic stability to help…...

What Sabr or Patience Really Means

tending sheep

Sabr As A Concept In Islam The linguistic meaning of the root verb, sa∙ba∙ra, is to confine, detain, retain, restrain, restrict or withhold something. Usually, when used in the religious sense, it’s object is the self or soul. As a concept in Islam, sabr is often translated as patience, but it also includes aspects of…...

What Does Allah Want From Us First?

straight road

On hearing the word “first” what should immediately spring to mind is the obvious: basic, primary, obligatory. But why should we think basic when we consider ourselves advanced? The reason is that nothing grows and flowers unless it is planted well and nourished with the right conditions. Right?…...

Sincerely for Allah: Al-Ikhlaas Explained

THE verb khalasa means ‘to become pure, clear, free or safe’, and akhlasa is ‘to purify something’. So ikhlaas means ‘purification’ – the purification of one’s belief and intention, which leads to sincerity in worship. Ikhlaas can also indicate the purification of one’s deeds from riyaa’ (showing off), in complete obedience to Allah alone. Every…...

In Allah We Trust: What Tawakkul Really Means

Birds tawakkul

“At-Tawakkul ‘ala Allah” is the Islamic concept of complete reliance on Allah or “trusting in Allah’s plan.” The root word in Arabic is وَكَلَ (wakala) which means to entrust, charge or authorize. Allah is al-Wakeel, the Disposer of Affairs, the One entrusted, relied upon, depended upon and sufficient to take care of all matters. Difference…...

Taqwa – التَقْوَى

Taqwa is in the heart

Taqwā has been variously defined as: fear of Allah, piety, righteousness or God-consciousness. During the farewell pilgrimage, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had said, “Taqwā is here,” pointing to his heart. What follows from this God-consciousness is love of pleasing Him and hope for His mercy, balanced by fear of displeasing Him or earning His wrath. What…...