This is a way of using words that fix their meanings for yourself and others. It is useful and necessary to have precise terms for highly specialized tools and instruments, and for designating certain measures or quantities and, in certain disciplines for designating certain concepts. This use of language is strictly limited to communication with… Continue reading Specialized/technical language
Purpose of Islam
The purpose of Islam is not to create an Islamic social or political system; rather the point is for individuals, young and old, men and women to strive to please God. Collective life, customs, manners and laws should help that purpose, not to replace it. When we come into the world, we come as dependent… Continue reading Purpose of Islam
Writing for one’s time
There have been many great Muslims who did not commit their religious wisdom to writing. We know about them and have some of their sayings only because they taught their disciples who recorded them. We cannot say such Muslims were self-absorbed or self-centred, not concerned with fellow human beings, because they were teachers and improved… Continue reading Writing for one’s time
Modern science seeks power, not wisdom
Modern science is dedicated to explaining events and processes in the natural world, most of the time by means of some degree of mastery of the chain of the causes and effects that lead to specific events and processes. The problem with this approach is two-fold. Firstly, in respect of the knowledge generated and, secondly,… Continue reading Modern science seeks power, not wisdom
Over-definition of legal concepts
Many scholars infer from instances of Qur’anic or Prophetic ruling, what they think is the common or universal principle which governs these rulings. For example, the notion that ‘the state of woman is covering’ is derived from specific rulings about how Muslim women should dress. This notion is not qualified by statement such as ‘when… Continue reading Over-definition of legal concepts
Shaykh Ahmad Fahmy Zamzam Nadwi al-Maliki (1959–2021)
This morning (Saturday 23rd Rabi’ al-Awwal 1443 AH, or 10/30/2021), I received news of the passing of Sheikh Fahmi Zamzam al-Banjari al-Maliki Nadwi. Certainly we belong to God and to Him we shall return. As unexpected and shocking as an earthquake, the news shook me. This sudden loss caused my heart to weep, filling me… Continue reading Shaykh Ahmad Fahmy Zamzam Nadwi al-Maliki (1959–2021)
The Qur’an should not be valued as merely a sacred object
1. Allah says in the Qur’an about the Qur’an, that it is a self-consistent, coherent message from the Creator to the most favoured among His creatures. He also says of it that it is the final revelation of His will and purpose for mankind, the completion and perfection of what He has sent down for… Continue reading The Qur’an should not be valued as merely a sacred object
Authority of God
People cannot reproduce the authority of God and His Messenger; therefore they should not claim it. They should exercise their best just judgement and show the best example so people may wish and choose to follow them. But their judgements and examples do not have and should not have the authority of the Qur’an and… Continue reading Authority of God
Foreword by Shaykh Abdullah Judai
To Madkhal ilā Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī by Mohammed Akram Nadwi All praise belongs to God, Lord of all worlds. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except He Who is without partners and Who is the protector of the pious. I bear witness that Muḥammad is His servant and messenger, the trustworthy and… Continue reading Foreword by Shaykh Abdullah Judai
My Late Father, May Allah Have Mercy on Him
Translated by Mohsina, Fatima and Aisha Akram Yesterday (Friday 4th Ramadan 1442 / 16th April 2021) my father, Tajammul Hussain departed from this world. The hour that the heart dreaded at the mere thought of eventually came. After seven years of separation, my mother and father have reunited. May Allah forgive their sins, envelop them… Continue reading My Late Father, May Allah Have Mercy on Him