Today, the 3rd of Shawwal, 1446 AH, our esteemed and brilliant colleague Professor Yahya Michot passed away in the United States of America after a prolonged illness that exhausted and fatigued him. Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we return. When the news of his passing reached me, I said: لِتَبكِ عَلَيهِ الإِنسُ… Continue reading The Passing of Professor Yahya Michot, May Allah Have Mercy on Him
The Order of Hearing and Sight in the Qur’an: An Analysis
During my classes on Tafsir (interpretation) of some Surahs of the Qur’an at Cambridge Islamic College on Saturday and Sunday, 15th–16th Ramadan, I received numerous questions. Among them was: “Why does the Qur’an sometimes place hearing (السمع) before sight (البصر), and at other times reverse the order?” This is a frequently asked question, so I… Continue reading The Order of Hearing and Sight in the Qur’an: An Analysis
On That Day, the Event Shall Occur
I returned once during my student days, in the month of Shawwal, to Darul Uloom Nadwat al-Ulama. The director’s office was crowded with those seeking admission. Suddenly, a young boy approached me and said: “I am your neighbour from Jaunpur; fulfil the right of neighbourliness and help me.” I asked, “What is your situation?” He… Continue reading On That Day, the Event Shall Occur
Do Not Count Your Istighfar on Beads
You are proud that in Ramadan you recite Astaghfirullah a hundred thousand times. Some people make a habit of saying Astaghfirullah one hundred times every day. Among you are those affiliated with a Sufi order, repeating the prescribed wazifah of istighfar under their Shaykh’s instruction. Today, I dare to request something from you—stop counting your… Continue reading Do Not Count Your Istighfar on Beads
The Meaning of “He Frowned and Turned Away”
They said: “Why do you look disturbed?” I replied: “Nothing troubled me except an article sent to me. The distinguished jurist Ibn ‘Ashur stated at the beginning of his commentary on Surah ‘Abasa, explaining its purposes: ‘Teaching the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) to balance between different levels of benefit and… Continue reading The Meaning of “He Frowned and Turned Away”
Remembering Two Pure Souls of Nadwah
From the village maktab to Oxford, I can never discharge my debt to the honourable teachers and masters of knowledge and skill from whom I was fortunate enough to benefit. However, there are two pure souls from Nadwah whose influence truly shaped my intellect and thought. Alas! Their like cannot be found in the East… Continue reading Remembering Two Pure Souls of Nadwah
Where Should Women Perform I’tikaf?
The commands and guidance mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah are addressed to all Muslims, irrespective of their social class. Every Muslim is subject to these instructions, irrespective of their status or social position, as everyone is equal in their servitude to God. Despite our immense difference in status, even the Prophet ﷺ, the leader… Continue reading Where Should Women Perform I’tikaf?
Delhi is Still Far Away
Shaykh Nizamuddin Muhammad bin Ahmad bin Ali al-Badauni al-Dihlawi, known as “Awliya” (633-725 AH), was one of the most renowned scholars of India and among the great masters of the Chishti Sufi order. His ancestors hailed from the city of Bukhara, and they migrated to India, settling in the city of Badaun. Shaykh Nizamuddin was… Continue reading Delhi is Still Far Away
What is Your Sect?
Tonight marks the first night of Ramadan 1446 AH. In a hotel in Central London, I delivered an explanation of a few verses from Surah As-Saffat. The audience comprised individuals from all walks of life and various sects. They listened attentively to the lesson and asked numerous questions, to which I tried to provide satisfactory… Continue reading What is Your Sect?
Introduction
All praise is due to Allah, Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not. Peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad, the most eloquent speaker of Arabic, and upon his family, companions, and those who follow them in excellence until the Day of Judgment. The Arabic literary tradition, in its… Continue reading Introduction