by Dr Abdelhak Hamiche During the second half of the 20th century the world had witnessed tremendous progress in the areas of dialogue of civilisations due to the international conflicts at the political level and due to the military conflicts which most countries witnessed. The Islamic Ummah was one of the most affected nations by these conflicts, to the extent that one would say that the

The word Islam is derived from word istislam, which means “surrender,” that is, surrender to God’s laws. The word is also derived from the word salam, “peace,” for if we follow God’s laws we will achieve peace — be it peace of soul, peace of mind, peace between nations, peace between people, and so on. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did not le

By Prof Shahul Hameed Before discussing this issue, we need to have a clear idea of some concepts involved. One question that arises is that of the rationale behind the contrastive juxtaposition of the words “Western” and “Islamic”.  As a matter of fact, this need not be the case. For one thing, there are so many concepts and values that are common to both t

BY Muna Ali When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked about who among people is best, he responded that people are like metals, like gold, and silver and the best of you before Islam will be the best of you in Islam if they understand religion. The implication is that possessing the potential for moral and ethical excellence is a universal endowment by the divine and religion, pro

Allah Almighty mentions in the Quran the ruling for seeking a livelihood, saying at the end of Surah Al Jumuah (Friday Chapter) what means: “After you finish the prayer, go, seek and search out from the blessings of Allah Almighty” Here this means work; a livelihood. Somebody who wants to seek a livelihood. Scholars said that seeking a livelihood can have the following rulings:

By Sadullah Khan Islam is salaam (peace) and tasleem (submission to the Divine). In Islam Peace is the standard, it is the principle, and each person of faith has the moral obligation to maintain peace, without compromising on justice and truth. Islam invites to the subul assalaam (pathway of peace); peace of mind, peace of conscience, peace in the family and society, peace with one’s

By Waleed Ahmed Najmeddine Islam is unlike any other religion because it is not merely a belief to which one adheres, but rather Islam is a complete way of life. Muslims put their beliefs into practice on a daily basis. Islam provides guidance in all the spheres and activities of life. Furthermore, it is unique in that it is not named after any person, tribe, region or culture. Islam is nam

By NASIM CHOWDHURY In the early days of Islam, Umar, who would later become a caliph, was in a frenzied rage and set out to assassinate Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). As he passed the house of his sister, he heard her recite passages from the glorious Quran. After rebuking her, something made him pause and contemplate the meaning of the verses. He had previously dismissed this &l

By Sheikh Mohammed Al Ghazali The outcome cannot be the same for those who do right and those who do wrong. Believing so is unjust:   Verily for the God-fearing there will be the Gardens of Bliss near their Lord. Are We then to treat those who submit to Us as We treat the sinners? What is wrong with you? How do you judge? (Al Qalam 68: 34-6) Everlasting joy awaits the piou

By Kamal Badr Islam lays great emphasis on work. In many places in the Quran it is made clear that time should not be wasted. In the Quran, God draws attention to all the magnificent creations as an indication of the proper planning that leads to wonderful results—for Muslims believe that He creates nothing haphazardly. God relates in the Quran how the heavens and the earth were creat

By Yusuf Al Qaradawi The fundamental attitude of Islam towards man’s position in the world is that Allah the Almighty has made the earth for his benefit. He has given him control over it. Then it becomes man’s duty to profit from this favour and to exert himself to seek Allah’s bounties throughout the earth. It is not permitted for a Muslim to stay idle doing nothing t

By Deana Nassar The basic attitude of Islam towards our position in the world is that God has made the earth for the benefit of man, to whom He has given control over. It is our duty therefore to profit from this favour and to exert ourselves to seek God’s rewards throughout the earth. The Quran reads: It is He Who has made the earth submissive to you; so traverse its paths an

Almighty Allah sent provisions for men and animals along with their creation in this world. But for His infinite Mercy, we would not have at all breathed for a single moment. The Almighty Providence placed everything in this world, which can supply food to animals for their upkeep. The Holy Quran says:  He provides you from where you do not know. (65:3)  All the blessed Prophe

Muslim women wear hijab — which is more than just a head cover — because God ordered them to do so in two places in the Quran, and because Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also ordered it. The Quran says in Chapter 24, verses 30-31:  Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest. That is purer for them. Lo! Allah is Aware of what they do. And tell the believi

A one-day experience of wearing hijab has led a 21-year-old Briton to read more about Islam and eventually embracing the religion. “I took part in the first World Hijab Day and challenged myself to wear the hijab for a month,” Jessica Rhodes (pictured), told Muslim Mirror. “I then began reading the Quran and the words in the Quran seemed logical and clear, rather than

By Adil Salahi  The parents are entitled by right to kind and dutiful treatment from their children. Since this is an important duty that Allah emphasised so strongly, it is essential for every human being to know what constitutes kind treatment of parents. It is no exaggeration to say that for a believer, to be a dutiful son or daughter is to take the way that surely leads to heaven.

By Shahul Hameed  In the Quran, one of the most recounted stories is the story of the bondage of the Children of Israel and their deliverance from Egypt’s Pharaoh. Many Jews may be surprised to learn that Islam as preached by Prophet Muhammad  (peace be upon him) was the same religion preached by Abraham , as well as of all other prophets mentioned in the Torah and the B

By Aisha Stacey In several verses of the Holy Quran, God Almighty makes clear that duty, kindness and gratitude towards one’s parents is the most essential part of Islamic ethics and morals. However, women in Islam, particularly mothers, have been singled out for the upmost respect and devotion.  God Himself tells of the hardships involved in motherhood. And we have enjoi

By Aisha Stacey As human beings, we have an innate sense of morality.  No matter what religion, race or colour we are, certain qualities serve as the moral standard.   We admire justice, bravery, honesty and compassion.  Also, we abhor those who demonstrate treachery, cruelty or corruption.  Moral standards are universal, and one of the most important aspects of Isla

By Adil Salahi It is well established that neighbours have a claim to good and kindly treatment. This is encouraged by all religions. It is also universally accepted in all human societies, apart perhaps from some highly materialistic and individualistic ideas. However, it is given more prominence and greater importance under Islam. The Quran makes it clear that neighbours are entitled to s