I think most of us recognise the importance of the Arabic language as the language of the Islamic revival.

The reasons for this are obvious – being the language of the Qur’an, Hadith and Islamic sciences, no serious attempt at understanding this beautiful tradition can progress without a thorough knowledge of Arabic. For those people who believe translations will suffice Continue reading Working on your Arabic

A couple of days ago, I visited the leafy suburb of Chislehurst in Kent to see, or perhaps more keeping with the tradition, hear one of the most famous Indian hadith scholars of our time: Shaykh Yunus of Saharanpur. I had been advised by the venerable Shaykh Akram Nadwi to pay the Shaykh a visit.

The venue was Darul Uloom London, a relatively small madrasa, at its graduation ceremony – where about ten students graduated as ‘ulama’ this year. I use inverted commas as I am Continue reading Darul Uloom London

Jihad is one subject often regarded a barrier to progress, dialogue, peace and reconciliation. For too often, Jihad is interpreted as synonymous with warfare and terrorism. Is this an accurate reflection of the reality?

Should Muslims today drop the notion of Jihad and aspire for a peaceful Jihad? Could this be an acceptable alternative to violent Jihad? Are we witnessing the emergence of what I call a ‘feminised Jihad’ Continue reading Feminising Jihad

Our organisations are, whether we like it or not, concerned with the preservation of tradition. Tradition in our case is two fold: firstly—and this is the broader aspect—we are concerned with the preservation of Islam as a religion, with its beliefs, practices, ideas, and rituals.

Alongside this, Islamic Movement organisations emerged nearly a century ago with the intention of making Continue reading Movement concepts and the importance of knowledge

Egypt’s octogenarian leader, Hosni Mubarak, celebrated his 80th birthday last weekend by earlier sentencing leading Muslim Brotherhood members – including its third most senior figure Khairat el-Shater, and key financial backers. 

Today Mubarak’s cordial neighbour Israel celebrates its 60th anniversary. Whilst the likes of Desmond Tutu call ‘for mutual respect between Israelis and Palestinians’, Johann Hari of the Independent focuses on something more basic – Israeli sh*t!

Many Jews and Palestinians are NOT celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary because of the shameful and inhumane way Israel treats the Palestinians. You can’t get any worst than this: first you subjugate them to years of occupation, state terrorism and assassination of their legitimate political leaders, refuse to allow thousands of refugees their right to return home, demolish homes and create the world’s largest prison (Gaza) and now, wait for it… pump your faeces down the throats of Palestinians. Continue reading Mubarak and Israel – birthday crackers with a difference