Food for the soul. All the world in one building, spilling out of the doors. Beautiful khutbah too. Cambridge Central Mosque, good Jummah. So glad to have made the journey. First return to the city in over twenty years. Beautiful architecture. Wonderful atmosphere. The people of this locality are very fortunate. Of course, my beloved …
While a public declaration of faith is not for me, in a way I’m glad that the mild-mannered are at last speaking up and making themselves heard. Glad because it counters the raucous voices that teem online. My only hope that they’re not swept along with the ugly vitriol, but instead become anchors amidst the …
In a month’s time, I will have been Muslim exactly twenty-five years. In that time, I cannot say that everything has been easy. A lot of this period has been characterised by me tripping and stumbling onwards. For years, every Ramadan I would resolve to sit and study the Quran, but more often than not …
Say, “Come! Let me recite to you what your Lord has forbidden to you. Do not associate others with Him. Honour your parents. Do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for you and for them. Do not come near indecencies, openly or secretly. Do not take a life—made sacred by God—except …
We all need such a space. Those of us that don’t have one, I suppose, must create our own. For sure, my heart yearns for such a place. Perhaps one weekend I will make pilgrimage to their humble dwelling for an afternoon. It reminds me of that place of my dreams, on a journey up …
Did We not relieve your heart for you and ease you of the burden that weighed so heavily on your back, and raised high for you your repute? So, surely with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes more ease. So when you have finished your duties, then stand for worship, and to your Lord …
And, just like that, another year zips past. Where did it go? What can we say? How will we be accounted? Life fleets past in the blink of an eye. Ramadan mubarak to you all. May the Most Merciful shower his infinite mercy on you and your family during this blessed month. May the One …
Often, when I consider the portrayal of our faith both from within and without, I wonder if there is any hope for those we love and admire. Are they even capable of cutting through the mire to discern even a little goodness in our tradition? And yet, despite these pervasive thoughts, the kind of heart …
Misunderstanding the words of his wise one, the pious chap laughs in his condemnation of those that fast and give charity: “We do not not believe in empty rituals.” This he says with unkempt hair, bangles on his wrist and a ceremonial dagger tucked into his pyjamas. Irony is lost on this fellow. All his …
When I think of all the wrong I have done — and continue to do — it makes me feel quite despondent. Yes we have those words of encouragement: “Who despairs of God’s mercy except one who has gone astray?” But still, those memories which fleet across my mind nevertheless cause me to shudder, pangs …
In another two weeks it will be Ramadan once more, the blessed month of fasting. For me, my twenty-fifth attempt to ward off evil and become more conscious in my actions. O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of …
This is a way which, when practiced, dignifies men and women. This is a way which raises up even the most lowly in the eyes of society, and makes them great before their Lord. This is a way which, when made real, makes the broken whole. This is a way which unites the hearts even …
