When Allah says in the Qur’ān that He guides whom He wills and leaves astray whom He wills, it means that He guides those who seek and respond to His guidance: “Those who strive in Our way, We shall guide them to Our paths.”1 And He leaves astray those who intentionally and persistently reject His…...
Since worship in Islam is so comprehensive, one might wonder which kinds are best and most pleasing to Allah, which ones have the highest rank and draw one closest to Allah. The scholar, Ibn al-Qayyim gave a detailed answer to this question, mentioning the practices of those who have embarked upon that path along with…...
WE all recognize that humanity lives crowded together in an increasingly small world of many cultures. It is no longer possible for a Muslim to isolate himself completely from the influences of alien civilizations or from the impact of corrupt environments no matter where he happens to live. Western culture, in particular, has…...
ABDULLAH bin Masʽūd reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “No person is killed unjustly but that the elder son of Adam bears the burden of that blood because he was the first to begin the practice of murder.“1 That wretched soul was Qābeel (Cain), who was led by arrogance and envy to do…...
Call upon Me; I will respond to you. [Surah Ghafir 40:60] And when My servants ask you, concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. [Surah al-Baqarah 2:186] ALLAH has directed us to call upon Him, and then He promises response. The Messenger…...
HOW often mankind is in need to remember Allah’s words: And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rāji‘ūn” (Indeed we belong to Allah,…...
Undoubtedly, the greatest blessing Allah can bestow upon a person in this life is opening his heart to the guidance of Islam. The new Muslim is one chosen by his Lord to be enlightened and purified due to divine knowledge of the good within his or her soul. Then, in return for acceptance of the…...
ONE might wonder why our Creator would require us to fast for a month out of every year, given that He is all-powerful, self-sufficient and not in need of anything from His servants. Indeed, He does not gain any benefit from His servants’ worship, nor is He harmed by their refusal. So why do we…...