Religion

Respecting Humanity in the Light of the Quran

The Quran teaches Muslims to respect all of humanity and treat people with compassion, kindness and justice. The core concept of ‘insan’, meaning human being, underlies a universal ethic of human dignity that transcends race, religion and other differences.

Insight from the Quran
The Quran refers to humans as “insan”, emphasizing our shared nature as beings blessed with reason, free will and the ability to discern right from wrong. Allah created humans “in the best make” and honored us as His representatives or “khalifa” on earth (95:4). Every soul will be held accountable before Allah for how it lived and treated others (33:72).

The Quran teaches that all humans descend from the same parents, Adam and Eve, making us truly one family (49:13). It denounces prejudice based on race, ethnicity or social status, instructing believers to “consort with mankind in the best possible manner” (4:36). Muslims are commanded to speak justly, even to enemies, and “defend the orphan, plead for the widows, clothe the naked, feed the hungry and befriend the strangers” (2:83, 177).

Respecting Life and Dignity
The Quran considers killing an innocent human as killing all of humanity, emphasizing the sacredness of every person’s life (5:32). It condemns atrocities like female infanticide, harsh punishments and unjustified violence (16:58-59; 17:31). Each person’s dignity and honor are inviolable. The Prophet Muhammad himself modeled treating all people, from the wealthy to slaves, with dignity, compassion and justice.

The moral principles of justice, mercy, modesty, honesty and kindness shown to all are hallmarks of Islamic teachings.The Prophet instructed Muslims: “You will not enter paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another.” True faith means respecting the humanity in every soul.

Reflecting Allah’s Justice and Mercy
By respecting human dignity and protecting the rights of others, Muslims reflect Allah’s attributes of justice and mercy.The Quranic principle of “amr bi al-ma’ruf wa nahi `an al-munkar” -enjoining good and forbidding wrong- means speaking truth to injustice and oppression. But it is done in a spirit of wisdom, gentleness and compassion, not malice or hatred.

How we regard and treat our fellow humans will determine how Allah regards us on the Day of Judgment. The Quran reminds believers: “Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him, and be good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, neighbors near and far, traveling companions,beggars and slaves. Allah does not love anyone who is arrogant, proud” (4:36). Let these noble verses guide us to respect and uplift humanity in the light of the Quran.

Humanitarian Aid Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion

Seeking Healing and Protection

Seeking Healing and Protection: The Power of Donations and Vows in Islam

In the rich tapestry of Islamic tradition, one finds several practices that offer solace, hope, and spiritual sustenance. Among them is the act of making a donation or vow to a holy shrine, a practice deeply rooted in the belief that such actions can bring about healing, protection, and relief from life’s trials. This is not merely a transactional relationship but a profound spiritual journey, a personal dialogue between a believer and the divine. We delve into the essence of this practice, exploring its significance and the belief systems that underpin it.

An Act of Faith: The Significance of Donations and Vows
To understand why Muslims make donations or vows to holy shrines, one must first appreciate the broader context of faith and devotion that frames these acts. In Islam, every action is seen as a form of worship, a means to draw closer to Allah (God). Therefore, making a donation or a vow is not just a physical act but a manifestation of one’s faith, a silent prayer whispered in the ears of the divine.

Imagine it like planting a seed in a garden. You water and nurture it, not merely for the act itself but in anticipation of the bloom that will eventually spring forth. Similarly, donations and vows are seeds of hope and faith, sown in the fertile ground of divine mercy, with the expectation of spiritual and physical healing, protection, and relief from difficulties.

The Power of Intent: Seeking Allah’s Guidance
At the heart of this practice is the concept of “Niyyah” or intention. It’s a cornerstone of Islamic teachings that emphasizes the importance of the intent behind one’s actions. In the context of making donations or vows to holy shrines, the intent is to seek God’s help and guidance. It’s akin to reaching out a hand in the dark, seeking the comforting grip of a friend. It’s a call for assistance, a plea for relief, a request for protection – all directed towards Allah, the most merciful and the most kind.

Just like a lighthouse guiding ships safely to shore, the act of making a vow or donation is a beacon that Muslims believe can guide them through the stormy seas of life’s challenges. And it’s not just about asking for help; it’s also about expressing gratitude, acknowledging Allah’s blessings, and reaffirming one’s faith and commitment to the path of righteousness.

A Personal Journey to Healing and Protection
While the act of making a donation or vow may seem like a simple one, it is, in fact, a deeply personal journey, a testament to one’s faith, and a reaffirmation of one’s relationship with Allah. It’s a shining thread in the intricate web of Islamic practices that guide and enrich the lives of believers.

Like a comforting melody that soothes the soul, the act of making a donation or vow brings a sense of peace, security, and hope. Whether it’s seeking healing from physical ailments, protection from harm, or relief from life’s challenges, the act serves as a potent reminder of Allah’s infinite mercy and love.

In essence, the practice of making donations or vows to holy shrines in Islam is an expression of faith, hope, and love – faith in Allah’s mercy and guidance, hope for healing and protection, and love for the divine. It’s a spiritual dialogue that resonates with the deepest yearnings of the human heart, offering solace, strength, and inspiration to navigate the tumultuous journey of life.

Imams of Athar Religion

Sharia Law

Islamic Jurisprudence: How Sharia Law Guides Muslim Life

Islamic law, or Sharia law, plays an important role in guiding the lives of Muslims around the world. The word “sharia”means “path” or “way”- it refers to the moral and religious path set forth through Islamic jurisprudence. Sharia law provides guidance for virtually all aspects of Muslim life, from prayers and burial practices to economic interactions and charity.

At the heart of Sharia is the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran contains general guidance related to religious duties, social interactions, and ethics, but it does not go into specific detail regarding all aspects of life. The Prophet Muhammad’s sayings and actions, known as hadiths, provide additional clarification and detail. Together, the Quran and hadiths form the foundational sources of Islamic law.

Over the centuries, Islamic scholars formulated principles to interpret and apply the sources of Sharia law to specific legal cases. Four major schools of thought, or madhhabs, developed within Sunni Islam: Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki and Hanbali. Each school has its own methodology for deriving rulings, though they generally agree on most fundamental tenets.

Applying Sharia Law
Sharia covers both religious practices and secular life. On the religious side, it dictates how Muslims should perform daily prayers, fast during Ramadan, pay mandatory charitable offerings known as zakat, and make pilgrimage to Mecca.

Beyond religious observance, Sharia covers virtually all aspects of public and private life. It outlines rules for maintaining healthy social interactions, doing business fairly, protecting private property, preserving honor, maintaining honesty and integrity, and taking care of the poor and vulnerable. Sharia also provides guidelines for family life and interactions, including marriage, divorce, child custody and inheritance.

Sharia in the Modern World
Applying Sharia law in the modern world remains a complex and sensitive issue. In some Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, Sharia serves as the basis for civil and criminal law. However, most Muslim nations only incorporate certain aspects of Sharia within their legal systems.
Islamic jurisprudence seeks to outline a just and righteous path for believers, one that fosters moral uprightness, social harmony, and spiritual closeness to God.

Religion

Social justice

Social justice is a central theme in Islam, and Muslims are encouraged to support causes that promote fairness, equity, and welfare for all members of society. In fact, the concept of social justice is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith, and is considered a fundame.

One of the key principles of social justice in Islam is the concept of equality. Muslims are taught to treat all people with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status. The Quran states, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (49:13)

This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating diversity, and emphasizes that the most honorable and righteous individuals are those who act with piety and righteousness. So the first and biggest goal of our team is to do good to people.

Another key principle of social justice in Islam is the concept of charity. Muslims are encouraged to give generously to those in need and to support charitable causes that promote the welfare of society. The Quran states, “And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’” (76:8-9)

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving selflessly and without expectation of reward. Muslims are encouraged to give not only to those in need, but also to support causes that promote social justice and welfare, such as education, healthcare, and economic development.

In addition to charity, Islam also emphasizes the importance of social responsibility. Muslims are encouraged to take an active role in their communities and to work towards the betterment of society. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.”

This hadith emphasizes the importance of using one’s talents and resources to benefit others, and encourages Muslims to work towards social justice and welfare in their communities.

The types of social justice in Islam are as follows:

Economic Justice: Islam places a strong emphasis on economic justice and encourages Muslims to support initiatives that promote fair distribution of wealth and resources. This includes the mandatory charitable contribution of Zakat, which is intended to help alleviate poverty and redistribute wealth from the rich to the poor. Muslims are also encouraged to support economic development initiatives that create jobs and promote sustainable growth.
Environmental Justice: Islam also emphasizes the importance of environmental justice and encourages Muslims to take care of the environment and to support efforts to address climate change and other environmental issues. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, “The earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you as stewards over it. He sees how you acquit yourselves.” This hadith emphasizes the importance of taking care of the environment and being responsible stewards of the earth.
Justice for the Oppressed: Islam also places a strong emphasis on justice for the oppressed and encourages Muslims to support causes that promote human rights and dignity. Muslims are encouraged to speak out against oppression and injustice, and to support initiatives that promote equality and fairness for all members of society.
Social Welfare: Islam also encourages the establishment of systems that promote social welfare and support those in need. This includes initiatives to provide healthcare, education, and housing to those who are less fortunate. Muslims are encouraged to support these initiatives and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

social justice is a central theme in Islam, and Muslims are encouraged to support causes that promote fairness, equity, and welfare for all members of society. By following these principles, Muslims can contribute to the greater good of society and fulfill their religious obligations to serve and worship Allah. Our team is also doing its best to take a step towards improving the level of social justice among Muslims and the people of the world with your help and empathy. We ask you to pray for us to reach this goal and be our hope.

Religion What We Do

I’tikaf A Journey of Self-Reflection and Connection

In the rhythm of life, it is often easy to lose sight of our spiritual ambitions amidst our worldly pursuits. Islam, however, offers a beautiful practice to reconnect with our spiritual essence and deepen our connection with Allah (SWT). This practice is known as I’tikaf, a period of retreat in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan. As we embark on this journey, let’s delve into its significance, how it’s performed, and the profound benefits it offers.

Understanding I’tikaf: An Act of Devotion
I’tikaf, derived from the Arabic root word ‘Akafa’, means to adhere, cling, stick or keep. In Islamic terminology, it refers to a person’s voluntary seclusion in a mosque, dedicating themselves to worship and seeking closeness to Allah (SWT). This practice is highly recommended during the last ten days of Ramadan, a time when Muslims globally intensify their worship in pursuit of Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regularly performed I’tikaf. He said, “Whosoever performs I’tikaf, he keeps away from sins, and he will get the same reward as if he performed good deeds in all those days at home” (Ibn Majah).

How to Perform I’tikaf
To perform I’tikaf, one must first have the intention (Niyyah) to do so. This is a personal commitment between the individual and Allah (SWT). The person then retreats to the mosque, secluding themselves from worldly affairs. During this time, they engage in acts of worship such as Salah (prayer), Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), reading the Quran, and making Dua (supplication).

It’s essential to note that while in I’tikaf, one must abstain from unnecessary talk and activities that don’t contribute to the spiritual purpose of the retreat. This includes refraining from business transactions, idle chatter, and other worldly distractions.

The Benefits of I’tikaf: A Spiritual Awakening
The practice of I’tikaf offers immense benefits, both spiritually and mentally. Here are some of the profound impacts:

Deepened Connection with Allah (SWT): I’tikaf provides a unique opportunity to disconnect from worldly distractions and focus solely on worshiping Allah (SWT). This uninterrupted devotion fosters a deeper connection with our Creator.

Spiritual Purification: The seclusion and intense worship during I’tikaf serve as a means of spiritual cleansing. It’s a time for repentance, seeking forgiveness, and purifying the heart from sins and negative feelings.

Self-Reflection: I’tikaf offers a rare chance for introspection. In the silence of the mosque, one can reflect upon their deeds, intentions, and life’s purpose. This can lead to personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.

Increased Gratitude: Spending time in seclusion allows one to appreciate the blessings that we often take for granted in our busy lives, cultivating a sense of gratitude and contentment.

Preparation for Eid: I’tikaf, performed in the final days of Ramadan, prepares the heart for the joyous celebration of Eid. It’s a transition from intense worship to communal celebration, both aspects of our beautiful religion.

I’tikaf is a spiritual journey of devotion, self-reflection, and connection with Allah (SWT). As we seclude ourselves in the tranquillity of the mosque, we have the opportunity to recharge our spiritual batteries, cleanse our hearts, and emerge with renewed faith and vigor. May Allah (SWT) grant us the opportunity to experience this spiritual retreat and benefit from its profound blessings. Ameen.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion