Some thoughts on the news, religion and life in general
Abul Kalam
Niqabis (and non niqabis) have your say!
Mar 13th
Whether it is an obligation on Muslim women to wear the niqab or not is a matter of juridical difference. Scholars (new and old) have offered different views; some saying it is indeed an obligation while others have said it is not. Personally, I prefer the view which argues that although the wearing of the niqab is not an obligation, it nevertheless does have a basis in Islamic sources and thus should be a matter of choice for Muslim women. However the niqab and niqab wearing women have been receiving some very negative press in recent years. The most recent attack comes from Conservative MP Philip Holloborn. More >
But Andrew, I’m a good boy!
Mar 8th
Andrew Gilligan posted a piece on me on his blog last week. It was another attempt to portray IFE as an extremist Islamist organisation which aims to take over the world and establish Shariah. It goes without saying that blog authors on Between the Lines (BtL) are responsible for what they write and blogs which appear on BtL do not necessarily represent the views of IFE, but this was completely missed by Andrew! After all Andrew is the guy who blames the IFE/LMC for speeches delivered by non IFE members, not invited by the IFE, speaking at a non IFE event.
Bad breath and smelly socks
Nov 24th
I really struggled to complete my Asr prayer today! I was sandwiched between a man who would have won the smelly socks competition hands down, and another man whose breath smelled putrid. What was I to do?
The man with the bad breath kept on exhaling heavily which meant the unbearable smell emanating from within him floated silently yet violently though the air striking me like a heavyweight boxer. While every time I went for Ruku or Sajdah the rotten smell of sweaty, smelly socks reacted with the bad breath to create what can only be described as a suffocating stench! I literally held my nose and actually considered breaking my prayer! More >
Da’wah carriers – lessons from the Hijrah to Abyssinia
Nov 22nd
After 5 years of Da’wah in Makkah, the first 3 years of which were characterised by the secret approach, the last 2 years saw the message of Islam being proclaimed in public by prophet Muhammad and his companions. However Islam was still largely confined to Makkah. The situation in Makkah was deteriorating day by day. It was becoming quite clear to the ruling elite of Quraish that Islam was gaining followers from all clans and all sectors of society. They started to escalate their campaign of repression, violence and torture.
Those of the Prophet’s companions who were weak and lacked tribal protection were subjected to a merciless campaign of persecution. It was in this context that the Prophet encouraged his companions to migrate to Abyssinia, where Negus, the Christian King was known for his love of justice and fairness. Most historians explain the Hijrah to Abyssinia as a means by which the companions were fleeing to save their lives. More >
Jim’s on his way out – trust me!
Aug 14th
I was utterly disgusted and fuming when I read my local MP’s despicable attack on Muslim culture, traditions, Islamic wedding customs, the Shariah, the London Muslim Centre (LMC) and the Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) – all in a short press statement made to the East London Advertiser. More >
Encourage and welcome, don’t push them away
Aug 7th
My fellow blogger Abdullah Hasan was unable to pray Maghrib at the East London Mosque due to the huge congregation, when the larger than life Imam of the Ka’ba – Shaykh Abdur-Rahman al-Sudais popped by.
Come on brother Abdullah, you should know better! When Shaykh al-Sudais visits and you want to pray at the Masjid, arrive early! I too was unable to enter the Masjid but joined the thousands who converged onto the streets surrounding the Masjid to pray behind the Imam of the Haram. I loved the experience, and am looking forward to the next time! More >
