The environment children are raised in plays an essential role even in cultivating a perception of the reality. Our surroundings – social, political and even topographical – have an impact on our human character. Society moulds much of our outlook and the way in which we perceive and view things; no matter how hard one may exert in trying to be indifferent he/she will be influenced by these elements, and will also determine how they interact, behave and communicate with each other.*

This may be true of those [Muslims] who harbour some abhorrence to the teachings of Islam, hence slowly and inevitably leave Islam completely – Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s case is emblematic, in my opinion, of this crisis. Several factors contributed to this situation – one significant cause is that they were not educated on the true and authentic Islam which is based on justice and equality, but rather much of the wrongdoings that were committed against them were justified as being Islamic by their perpetrators. Continue reading To be a Mufti

In the media age we live in, where branding or compartmentalising people in ‘isms’ and stereotypes has become the norm, not following the status quo can leave an individual feeling despondent and dejected because of the onslaught they might face for not conforming.

This is very true in the field of realising and implementing the comprehensive and middle-way of the Islamic Da’wa – especially when many people pigeonhole themselves into different divisions and categories.

The ailment of elitism and seductiveness has permeated the mindset of some Muslims and [sadly] even many Islamic activists (Duaat). It is very regrettable that there are some who have an elitist and exclusive mentally in our community. They want people to follow what they feel or perceive to be correct, without properly ascertaining whether the views and opinions they are advocating are actually sound. I am sure the readers know what I am talking about. Continue reading To be a Muslim

One of the problems the Islamic Movement is facing, especially in the West, is the rigidity and over-zealousness of some activists. They are trying to apply the exact carbon-copy methods, ways and tools, which were introduced by its founders for their particular context and realities.

The consequences of this is that the Movement loses its dynamic, pragmatism and the spirit upon which it was established and instituted. This approach may produce some immediate benefits, however in the long term productivity will be lost and its principles and values will be diluted by factors beyond its domain. Continue reading Operative theories of the Islamic Movement

Many people who go to perform Hajj and experience these and other hideous wrongdoings from their Hajj providers become incensed and irritated by their experience, they promise they will complain or do something about it on their return – however this does not happen. . . . → Read More: Journey of a Lifetime

On his second visit to Madina Abu Hanifa met Imam Baqir, when he was introduced to Imam Baqir, the latter addressed him in the following words: “So it is you who contradicts the traditions of my grandfather on the basis of Qiyas”. Abu Hanifa said: “May Allah forbid, who dare contradict the Ahadith? After you sit down, Sayyidi, I shall explain my position.” Continue reading The great debate: Abu Hanifa v Imam Baqir

It is well known among the scholars that the Prophet in his various capacities instituted and established certain norms, commands and prohibitions; some in his capacity as a Prophet, some in his capacity as a judge, some in his capacity as a political leader, etc.

Therefore, not all instructions, commands and prohibitions fall under the general genus of laws which are binding for all time, place and context. Imam al-Qarafi discusses this extensively and demonstrated the difference between the Prophet’s actions ‘as a conveyor of the divine message, a judge and a leader,’ (Tashri’ bil Tabligh). He suggested that each of these intents has a different implication in the law. Continue reading Muhammad: the counsellor