An explanation on how angels and jinn can assume different forms and shapes and appear in this world and become visible.

The message of Prophet Muhammad was crucial, for a proper relationship of love and respect can be established only if that is how human beings regard one another.

Islam came over me like a robber who enters a house by night; but, unlike a robber, it entered to remain for good.

Ala-al-Din Ibn Al-Nafis was born in 1213 A.D. in Damascus and his major original contribution of great significance was his discovery of the pulmonary circulation

Islam urges people to be respectful and merciful towards animals. This is well established from several hadiths analyzed in the article.

Ordinary souls experience serene moments, pure from earthly dross and defilement, when any bitter or harsh feelings they have are softened, and their thoughts are elevated from earth to the pure and fresh air of heaven, where a sense of peace and tranquility pervades their being. But they soon descend to their low ground, where

While I was depressed watching the news about Muslims and thinking of the afflictions that befell them, I heard a voice inside me saying “It is you who delay Muslims’ victory. You are the principal cause of all the afflictions that Muslims suffer from.” I wondered, “How come this while I am an ordinary person

Few people have not heard of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, but the fame of his poetry in the West has only existed since 1839, when Edward Fitzgerald published an English translation of Khayyam’s Rubaiyat (“Quatrains”). It has since become a classic of world literature, and is largely responsible for influencing European ideas about Persian

A Muslim should steer clear of all sins, major and minor ones. A faithful Muslim takes care of every utterance or deed, avoiding anything that makes him subject to the punishment of Allah and His Wrath. The major sins are those acts which have been forbidden by Allah in the Qur’an and by His Messenger

In continuing with the noble traits of the true servants of The Merciful, we find that they are characterized by a deep sincerity; they give up their precious sleep time in devotion to their Most Gracious Creator. The Most High elucidates the next quality of His servants who are, “Those who spend part of the

    cure can not be found until the disease has been diagnosed and medicine is useless unless it counters the causes of the disease. From this we learn that the only thing which nullifies a thing, is its opposite. The reason why a person persists in sin is heedlessness and succumbing to desires. Only knowledge

When Allah commands us to give up sins and to avoid them it is not because our sins will harm Him. It is only us who will benefit by avoiding sins. Likewise, we alone will be affected by the sins we commit. It was the habit of the righteous ancestors to think about their sins

One of Satan’s favorite tricks is to make people think and say, I will do such-and-such soon, in a little while, maybe tomorrow, or next week and so on. He makes them delay their actions making them feel secure and happy with the present. Some people have named this “The Great Obstacle.” A person may

Suspicion could ruin the relations between people, particularly when it is based on flimsy evidence, or hearsay. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) spoke in very clear terms about misplaced suspicion, giving clear orders to refrain from it. One clearly authentic hadith that combines some of the actions that cause discord within the

One of the major troublesome areas of human existence is the problem of sin or evil in the world. It is commonly believed that sin started with Adam and Eve during their life in the Garden of Eden. That event led to the Fall and has ever since branded the human race with guilt, stigma,

Allah the Almighty says: {O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims.} (Aal `Imran 3:102) O you who believe! The message is clearly directed to us as believers. It is not a general statement but is specifically addressed to the believers. This ayah from Surat Aal

A quick flashback when my daughter Salma was then attending her first classes in kindergarten. Miss Zainab, her respectful teacher, taught her how to write the alphabet in both Arabic and English, as well as how to draw some interesting objects: a duck, a bird, and a watermelon. Salma started practicing and training on exploring

If we say that sins are dangerous, then belittling sins and taking them lightly is more dangerous than sinning itself

In Surat Ash-Shams, Allah swears by the nafs [here translated “soul” but better understood as “self”] saying {By the soul [nafs] and He Who proportioned it, and inspired it its wickedness and its righteousness; he has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who instills it (with corruption)}. (Ash-Shams: 7-9). The above Qur’anic verses

The brief narration of the Prophet's hijrah (migration) to Madinah after getting Allah's permission.

The Prophet's approach in dealing with two very different societies, the Makkan society before Hijrah and the Islamic society in Madinah.

Part of lessons taught from the hijrah (migration) of the Prophet Muhammad to Madinah is the hijrah of hearts.

The Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions from Makkah to Madinah, is one of the greatest landmarks in the history of Islam. It is a unique event in the history of humankind. The Hijrah that marks the beginning of the construction of an ideal Islamic society

Mary was someone who had humility and modesty in her heart, as expressed in her relationship with God. It can be argued that no era of history has witnessed the widespread exposure to illicit images and lewd behavior on a global scale as the current times we live in. From the easy access of internet

Mary sacrificed giving her whole self to the service of God, and being a sign for His religion. When we think about Mary, how often do we associate her role with the da`wah to Islam? Do we realize how much she cared about her people being receptive to guidance, coming to the truth? Do we

This article examines Mary's unique personality and the kind of relationship she had with God

We see in the life of Mary the pinnacle of motherhood and womanhood.

In the inspired vision of our great and holy founders, Jesus and Muhammad, there is far more that we share in common than there is that divides us. The relationship between Christianity and Islam throughout history has often been characterized by misunderstanding, rivalry, and frequently hostility. As illustrated in the movie The Kingdom of Heaven,

Victory does not come haphazardly or by chance. It has certain laws and principles that Almighty Allah has clarified in His Book in order that His believing servants understand and follow them. – The First Law: Victory and Help Are Only From Almighty Allah He whom Allah Almighty grants help will never be overcome even

Actually, it is quite difficult to answer when someone asks “Why do you smoke?” I had never been able to give a real, true, actually honest, and respectful answer. At some point, I suddenly realize that I was hooked onto it, very difficult to live without. The thought of kicking the habit is, probably, forget

The rapid deterioration of human environment is nothing but a crisis of values. It is actually the most striking manifestation of the development of the Western civilization

We believe that God has given us free will, and we freely choose our actions. From the outset, we should point out that this is an issue in which the world’s greatest minds have applied themselves, and on account of which many people have lost their way. The Prophet’s companions did not speak about questions

Looking around, I saw faces from every corner of the globe. Ask anyone who’s gone to Hajj what lessons he or she learned, and you’ll receive a multitude of answers. My own Hajj taught me a number of lessons, but perhaps one of the things I most remember about it was how humbling an experience

Every year during the hajj season the memories of that presentation come flooding back as I watch the crowds at Makkah’s Mosque circling the Ka’bah Many years ago while I was still in primary school in Australia, an Evangelist preacher who was supposedly a publisher of glad tidings, came to speak at our school hall.

Muslims feel peacefulness and serenity around the Kabah like nowhere else in the world. In a far away land, I walked. Tired, weary, exhausted, and sleepy, I kept walking. The sun was burning into my eyes and the heat was hurting my aching head. I was drained out, thirsty, and physically fatigued. I looked deep

When I got to Makkah, I was totally overwhelmed in a way which I had never experienced anywhere before To go for hajj is certainly one of the most remarkable experiences a believing Muslim can have. It can be compared to nothing else, and is absolutely unique in every way. When we say our daily

Do we obey Allah in Hajj only or do we take heed to His commandments in the Quran? Reflecting on the meaning of Hajj or pilgrimage, a Muslim realizes that this is about a long journey to the most sacred place, Makkah. Traveling to Hajj is more than just a physical journey, it is also

Since the advent of Islam, till a few decades before today, traveling to perform hajj and staying there was extremely difficult. There was a lot I was told about hajj before I performed mine for the first time in my life. I was told that it was physically very tasking; that it involved practicing and

Three tips for Muslim pilgrims on the best way to embark on hajj rites with full strength and correct understanding.

The article entails the journey of Hajj and its incredible experiences of selfless brotherhood for most pilgrims

With the right preparation, Hajj can be one of the most beautiful times of our lives. Hajj is an amazing journey.

[No misfortune can happen on earth or in yourselves but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: that is truly easy for Allah. In order that you may not despair over matters that pass you by, nor exult over favors bestowed upon you. For Allah loves not any vainglorious boaster.] (Al-Hadid

The article explores some of the Prophet’s hadiths related to Hajj that reveal the significance of this great worship

The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad provides the means to achieve the noble purpose for which God created the human being. I remember meeting a young man in the sacred mosque of Makkah once during the month of Ramadan. He had come to Makkah to perform `umrah. He was wearing a white turban and had hair

Muhammad and the Rebuilding of the Kaaba The modesty of the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was the most prominent trait of his personality.  Even from an early age, his sense of shame in an open society of the Arabs prior to Islam was remarkable.  In one instance,

Modesty before God according to His right to modesty is that you protect your mind in what it learns; your stomach in what it ingests … Muhammad and Modesty before God Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), said: “Every religion has its characteristic, and the characteristic of Islam is modesty.” (Hadith in Al-Muwatta) Modesty, in

Modesty can be seen as the means by which morals and ethics in society are maintained and pursued. Modesty and shyness focus a special aspect in the relationship between man and his Creator, this important role made all prophets and messengers encourage modesty, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed from the teachings

Do we obey Allah in Hajj only or do we take heed to His commandments in the Quran? Reflecting on the meaning of Hajj or pilgrimage, a Muslim realizes that this is about a long journey to the most sacred place, Makkah. Traveling to Hajj is more than just a physical journey, it is also

Now, it is a good opportunity for parents to teach their kids about Hajj.In this time of the year, many Muslims around the world are preparing for Hajj journey. And it’s a good opportunity for parents to teach their kids about Hajj rituals and its significance.Again, Onislam’s Family & Society tries to provide you with

Pilgrims performing Tamattu’ Hajj first perform Umrah upon arrival in Makkah. They then end their ihram and wait in Makkah till the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah Every year, millions of Muslims from the four corners of the world head to Makkah to perform Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam. The journey needs dedication, energy and a

“We orbited God’s House in accord with the atoms, in harmony with the planets” After sunset, the mass of pilgrims proceeds from Arafat to Muzdalifah, an open plain about halfway between Arafat and Mina. There they first pray and then collect a fixed number of chickpea-sized pebbles to use on the following days. Before daybreak

Namira Mosque at Arafah The hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah, a central duty of Islam whose origins date back to the Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him, brings together Muslims of all races and tongues for one of life’s most moving spiritual experiences. For fourteen centuries, countless millions of Muslims, men and women from the

Cramps attack those people with normal bodies who carry out arduous works under high temperature and thus exert great amounts of perspiration. The phenomenon of exhaustion frequently takes place in the summer or in places with high temperature such as the Holy Sites. Sometimes, it attacks the person suddenly, but it mostly be caused by

At every step and every action, a pilgrim remembers God and makes supplication to Him. Therefore, mentioning God’s name is the ultimate goal of Hajj. Muslims believe that Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj has been made obligatory on those who are physically and financially able to perform

When the pilgrim utters the “Talbiyah”, everything around him recites it in the complete submission to the one God. “Tawheed” (the Oneness of God) was the message with which all the messengers and prophets were sent to establish on earth. Every prophet was ordered to convey the message of “Tawheed” to his people. In all

Continuing his speech he said: “People, you have an obligation towards your womenfolk and they have an obligation towards you… When the time of pilgrimage drew near, the Prophet caused it to be known all over Arabia that he intended to offer the pilgrimage to the Ka’bah, which has always been a religious ritual ever

Few examples on the Prophet's leadership characteristics during hajj

The Kabah in Makkah is the first house built on earth for the worship of the One and Only God of the universe. Religious pilgrimages usually derive their importance from their connection to the birth or death or burial of a prophet or a saint. There is indeed a general misunderstanding among people that hajj

These lines try to trigger such pondering talent in Muslim brothers and sisters by taking them through the step-by-step simple hajj

Imagine a place full of throngs of different colors and races from around the globe. They are all full of sincere love toward one another. Can you think of such a place in today’s world? If not, then you have to see Makkah and Madinah during the season of Hajj. At this time of the

{Perform to their completion both the pilgrimage and the `Umrah purely for God’s sake. If you are prevented from doing so, then make whatever offering you can easily afford…} (Al-Baqarah 2:196) The exact date of the revelation of this verse is not known, except for one report indicating that it was revealed at Al-Hudaybiyah during

After highlighting the significance of Kabah, Surat Aal-Imran moves on to state that God has imposed a duty on mankind to make pilgrimage to this House once they are able to do so. Otherwise, they let themselves fall into disbelief which causes God no harm: {Pilgrimage to this House is a duty owed to God

The Jews sought constantly to exploit the question of changing the direction of Muslim prayer (qiblah) which meant that the Muslims faced the Kabah in prayer instead of turning towards Jerusalem. The Prophet and his Companions faced Jerusalem in their prayers for 16 or 17 months after the Prophet’s emigration to Madinah. This topic has

Hajj is an obligation which none can undertake except those who are strong as well as honest, and none can perform its rites in full except those whom Allah has granted good knowledge and healthy bodies. In addition, its superior horizons cannot be perceived except by those who have perfect faith, sound body, great heart,

These two adversaries have become engrossed in contention about their Lord. For the unbelievers garments of fire shall be cut out; and scalding water will be poured over their heads, melting all that is in their bellies and their skin. In addition, there will be whips of iron for them. Whenever, in their anguish, they

Many of us have experienced a time in our life when we have fallen out with a friend or family member and have not spoken to them for a while because of things that were said. Most often these arguments last a very short time and we soon make up our differences and carry on

A believer’s sole aim is to attain the good pleasure of God (Allah). However, Allah’s good pleasure is not only earned solely by performing certain acts of worship at definite times. Allah’s good pleasure is also earned by conducting oneself correctly throughout one’s lifetime. The following verse informs us that a believer’s entire life must

The concept of brotherhood and equal treatment of all individuals in society and before the Law is not meaningful unless accompanied by economic justice such that everyone gets his due for his contribution to society or to the social product and that there is no exploitation of one individual by another. The Quran urges Muslims

The pomegranate, ar-Rummān in Arabic, is mentioned thrice in the Qur’an. In the Qur’anic verse quoted to the right, pomegranates are mentioned as one of the fruits that will be found in paradise. This article, the third and final part of a series on Plants in the Qur’an, will discuss the characteristics of this red

Perhaps the most overwhelmed being on planet earth at this moment is the young Muslim. Think about it. You are the news. Every time you turn on the television, listen to the radio, surf the Net, all you see is news about you. Actual recent sample headlines range from “Prominent Islamic group launches inquiry into

Sacrifice is the theme to which I have been asked to address myself today. What does the word mean? In a wider sense, ‘sacrifice’ means giving up things which are vauled or desired. Those things may be tangible, countable like time, wealth or life, or intangible, unmeasurable like feelings, attitudes, opinions or aspirations. They are

Modern research on stress has often focused on the fact that, as Americans, we have little reason for real stress, and we often exaggerate it. Many therapies are focused on reducing our perception of stress. However, in light of the disaster, many American Muslims are truly experiencing true stress – the primal kind of stress

The lack of will that affects the Muslim Ummah nowadays has many factors. Some of them are related to the past and others to current events. Some originate within the Ummah and others originate outside it. These factors affect the self, whether the individual or collective, and the motivation to work. When the self is

    (If a misfortune befalls you, it is the fruit of your own labors. He forgives much.) (Ash-Shura 42:30) This Qur’anic verse tells us that whenever anyone is afflicted by some misfortune, it is necessarily the result of one or more of their own actions. Complaining against others in this world is meaningless. When everyone

In this article, the author continues discussing the basic prerequisites for approaching the Qur’an. In part one, he highlighted the importance of having deep faith that the Qur’an is the word of God. He also emphasized the necessity of approaching the Qur’an with a pure and sincere intention. In part two, he draws our attention

In the first article of this series, the author highlights the importance of having a strong and deep faith that the Qur’an is the word of Allah. Such faith is the only means to transform and improve yourself by the Qur’an. The second prerequisite emphasized by the author is the necessity of approaching the Qur’an

Have you ever touched a bare electricity wire with wet hands? Have you ever put your hand on burning coals during a barbeque? Have you ever tasted thick bleach? Have you ever thought of why your answer to the above three questions is “no”? The reason why your answer to the above three questions is

Many are those fettered with chains of sin, and those captivated by bad habits of whose damage and dangers they are completely aware. They stay imprisoned by those habits after their wills are weakened. Habits have their own power over souls and authority over hearts; they become implanted in the human being, and turn into

Every year, as Muslims, we try our hardest to be patient, eat well, pray regularly and make positive life changes during Ramadan. However, as the year progresses it often seems that we forget those promises to ourselves. Although it is not the Muslim new year, 2002 is a good time for Muslims to renew the

Overeating…Ramadan…it sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Actually, many people  compensate for the meal missed during the day at iftar because the body is deprived of food for a long period of time. However, overeating does not help; we usually eat more than what is needed to compensate. Our aim at iftar should be to eat only

Alhamdulillah, we are all alive and have been given the blessing of another Ramadan. I just wanted to wish you all a blessed and fruitful Ramadan. I hope that we as an Ummah can come back to Islam and use this Ramadan as a time to re-energize ourselves spiritually, get closer to Allah and really

Sahl ibn Sa’d (RA) narrates that An-Nabi (SAAWS) said, “In Jennah there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan, a door which the Saa’imoon will enter from, no one else except them. It will be announced, ‘Where are the Saa’imoon?’ and the Saa’imoon will stand. No one except them will enter from the Rayyan gate.” Have you

A Purpose for Every Work There are essentially two component factors in any work which a man has to perform. The first thing is the purpose for which a work is done and the second thing is the particular shape of that work which is chosen to achieve that purpose. For instance, take the case

Muslims everywhere are expecting the blessed month of Ramadan. At the beginning of Ramadan, Allah bestows His Mercy on people; at the middle period of it, Allah forgives the sins of the repentant; at the end of it, Allah delivers his righteous servants from Hell-Fire. In Ramadan, people observe fasting by day and perform Vigil

Every Ramadan, Muslim minorities all over the world start the month of Ramadan and end it with a sour taste, the taste of differing over when to start and when to finish. You may find in the same local town or city, a mosque that may fast with an Arab country, another one that may

We have mentioned that worship like Salah, Sawm, Zakah and Hajj are very important and renewed sources for provision in our path. We tried clarifying that concerning prayer, and now we will do the same with Fasting and may Allah help us. Allah, Most High, says, {O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you

If you ask most young people how they feel generally and how they feel within their families, the most common answer is ‘isolated’ ‘different’ ‘lonely’. What has happened to us that we have forgotten how to communicate with our kids! Are we just too busy to really listen to them? Have we forgotten how it

Muslims all over the world begin fasting, from dawn until dusk, for 30 days as ordained in the Qur’an (2:183). ”O, you who believe. Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you can learn Taqwa.” The Arabic word, Taqwa, is translated in many ways, including God-consciousness, God-fearing,

There is a nice statement worth mentioning on despotism, reasoning and free choice: “Despotism in opinion wastes the sane, and obliges the choosers”. When someone acts autocratically despite the fact of being surrounded by wise people, he will cancel their reasoning by such an act. Hence, despotism abolishes reasoning of wise people and turns the

You all remember that the Prophet Muhammad borrowed money from a Jew from the People of the Book, and to this, a narrow minded person might say: “Is it rational that the Prophet took money from a Jew, whereas he was surrounded with his companions who were ready to sacrifice their souls and hearts for

As adults, we lose much of the simplicity we once knew as children. Islam is very simple; but as adults we make it seem so very complicated. The message of Islam has existed since the beginning of time, and its message is for all people. The message of Islam can be summed up as follows:

When my first Ramadan came around, I had only been Muslim for seven months. I lived with my mom, but had not gotten to the point of telling her that I had converted, so my first Ramadan was an undercover Ramadan.  Because I had a full-time job, I was able to fast while away from

It has been several years since I converted to Islam. And I have come a long way since my first Ramadan, which was a disaster. I had no idea what fasting was or what the spiritual requirements of the Holy Month were. Finding Islamic books in English was next to impossible and I was not

In Part 1 of this article, four of the ten characteristics of believers were discussed by the author. Whatever the situation a believer does not change, a believer is loving and caring of believers, a true believer is a well-mannered person and reciting the Quran is a requirement for the believer . In this second

There are many authentic prophetic hadiths that talk about the characteristics of the believer. Someone may ask: Why did the Prophet (peace be upon him) describe the believers’ characteristics? The answer is: Because the human being always flatters himself; he constantly complains about his livelihood, even though he praises his intellect. Self-flattery is part of