Within the Sufi tradition, malfūẓāt have held a particular significance. However, it is essential to understand the nature of this significance in its proper context. Malfūẓāt are, in essence, the sayings and instructions of Sufi masters and shaykhs, delivered to their disciples for spiritual training, inner reform, and in light of specific spiritual states. These… Continue reading Malfūẓāt: Contextual Guidance, Not Permanent Sources
Sighting the Crescent
They said: The scholars have differed greatly regarding the sighting of the crescent, dividing the Muslims in determining the beginning of the month of Ramaḍān, the day of ʿĪd al-Fiṭr, and the day of ʿArafah and the Ḥajj. This has led to fragmentation and discord among them. Thus we see people in a single country—even… Continue reading Sighting the Crescent
The First Eid in Oxford
There was a time when Eid and even Diwali were celebrated together; Now such is the state that people embrace each other in fear. The very word Eid—the moment it is heard—kindles a lamp in some hidden chamber of the heart. Yet this lamp is not lit by the same oil in every land. In… Continue reading The First Eid in Oxford
Reminder: Iftar unfollowed by suḥūr
Behold, the beloved has resolved upon departure; and between me and him there remains but a breath that falters and a moment that slips away. I almost stretch forth my hand to detain him, yet I know full well that a barrier lies between us that cannot be pierced, and that the means of holding… Continue reading Reminder: Iftar unfollowed by suḥūr
Reminder: Ramadan takes pride in the fasting and nightly devotions of the Muslims
Layla takes pride in her love for Qays al-‘Āmirī, that love which wandered through the deserts of Najd, yet was only made purer by its wandering, and truer by its trial, until it seemed a spirit unbound by land and unconfined by time. And Shirin takes pride in the devotion of Farhād, who refused to… Continue reading Reminder: Ramadan takes pride in the fasting and nightly devotions of the Muslims
Scholarly Disagreement: Limits, Etiquette, and Responsibilities
The very nature of knowledge and research is founded upon disagreement. Among scholars, there is sometimes agreement and at other times disagreement, and this اختلاف (difference of opinion) is both necessary and beneficial for reflection and deep thinking. However, such disagreement must never be unregulated or descend to a personal level; rather, it must always… Continue reading Scholarly Disagreement: Limits, Etiquette, and Responsibilities
Reminder: Do not wrong anyone
Do not wrong anyone, for wrongdoing will become layers of darkness on the Day of Resurrection. How heavy those darknesses will weigh upon hearts on the day when secrets are laid bare and deeds are weighed. So beware lest a fleeting power, a passing anger, or a domineering desire lead you to lay your hand… Continue reading Reminder: Do not wrong anyone
The Moment of Farewell
Today is the twenty-sixth day of the blessed month of Ramadan. The heart is immersed in a strange state. It feels as though only yesterday a caravan of divine mercy descended from the heavens at our doorstep, and today that very caravan is gathering the reins of its camels, preparing to depart. Only a moment… Continue reading The Moment of Farewell
Games, Recreation, and Life
_(An excerpt recalling Jaʿfar Masʿūd Ḥasanī)_ * There was a time when, on the horizon of Muslim life, swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship shone like brilliant stars. In their light flourished an entire world of courage, skill, and manliness. It was an age when the battlefield itself was the playing field, and every young man tested… Continue reading Games, Recreation, and Life
Reminder: There is nothing but myself and the mirror
I looked upon Zaid, and he appeared envious; I looked upon Amr, and he seemed ignorant; I looked upon Samer, and he was lewd in his licentiousness; I looked upon Hajjaj, and he was bitter. Yet I discerned no one without discovering some flaw, some imperfection, as if deficiency had gathered in all humanity, as… Continue reading Reminder: There is nothing but myself and the mirror