إدريس أحمد

Islamic teachings address the curse of arrogance and pride and offer transformative path towards overcoming these traits.

What will we bring back from Makkah and Madinah when we go to Hajj and Umrah? Many friends ask me such questions. In this article, I try to mention the summary of the answer I give to these friends, in sha Allah. 1. Tawhid, Iman and Yaqin Tawhid, Iman and Yaqin are the first and

Aisha bint Abu Bakar (R.A.), the third and youngest wife of the Prophet Muhamad ﷺ, comes on the top of the list amongst the other Ummahatul Mu’mineen of the Prophet ﷺ, in terms of spreading the messages and teachings of Islam after the Prophet ﷺ for more or less 44 years. Setting an exemplary model

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to offer the Eid prayers in the prayer-place (musalla). There is no report of his offering the Eid prayer in his mosque. Al-Shaafa’i said in al-Umm: It was narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to go out on the two Eids

The Battle of Badr is a significant event in Islamic history, and it serves as a testament to the piety and bravery of the Sahabah

We are living in a time when worldly desires are flying high. People strive for fame, power, and money. How Muslims can have a clarity about their priorities

Whenever I think about Islam’s stance on freedom, I am shocked by the words of some Muslim thinkers who see freedom as a Western and liberal deviation that has no basis in Islam and does not agree with the spirit of religion. They wave in your face the verse “And I did not create the

Knowledge is too great for it to be publicized, and clearer than for it to appear, for it is dearer to be desired and nobler to be desired. Islam is one religion which gives a special concept to knowledge. The scholars are living a life in their books after they have passed away from this

Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of his time said: “I have missed more than 9.000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions, I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that

Sometimes it feels like it’s just too much – these fluctuations in our faith, the repeated sinning, the feeling that “I just don’t deserve Allah’s mercy.” The tests always feel like punishments. There is a constant worry about the future: my marriage, my money, my career, my nation… And some difficulties just feel like they

It is easy for one to talk about righteous deeds and actions and all required steps to achieve them. Yet in today’s society and busy life and lack of time to focus, one may need more details and specific directions and activities to guide him through this great journey. This series on the topic of

How is it that some people are able to weather the roughest of challenges, the most difficult of climates and the harshest of situations all within the stride of calmness? Others are not so eloquent in doing so and controlling their rage, their frustration, their hatred becomes a harsh climate of its own. When this

Unani is Arabic for “Ionian,” which means “Greek.” It is a formal medicine that has been practiced for 6,000 years. Also known as “hikmat,” Unani Tibb Medicine was developed by the Greek physician Hippocrates (40 – 370 B.C.) from the medicine and traditions of the ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. When the Mongols invaded Persia and Central

Islam is more than a religion; it is a complete way of life. Nothing is too small or too big to be covered by the teachings of Islam. Rejoice and be happy, remain positive and be at peace. This is what Islam teaches us, through the Quran and the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace

(And of people are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else)) (Al-Baqarah 2:165) If I asked you, have you ever felt true love? What would you say? Would you think about your spouse?

Nafilah is a word imbued with beauty and meaning, and no matter how much was said about its interpretation and its essence, one of its meanings is that of increase and addition. In terms of Islamic Sharia, it means supererogatory acts of worship in addition to the obligatory amount (in Arabic, it is: fard) of

Since the time we were children, we have learned the difference between good and bad. The formula is simple. When something good happens, we are happy. When something bad happens, we are sad. And the criterion is clear. Good is about acquiring, and we work to see results that can be weighed and measured. For

In our journey to gain tranquility of the heart, we explored what we need to know when faced with difficult situations. We need to understand that God has told us we will be tested, that these tests are for a reason, and that there will be relief. When we are worried thinking about the future,

Indeed, all sins poison the heart and lead to its illness, disease and destruction. Being in effect as harmful to the heart as actual poisons are to the body, they sicken it and define its will as other than what God wants (of His servant). Imam Ibn Al-Mubarak, may Allah have mercy on him, said: 

In Surat Al-Mutaffifin Almighty Allah draws a comparison between two groups of people and gives us the chance to choose for ourselves: in which group would we like to fit? The first group comprises the friends of Sijjin whose situation in this worldly life is described in the noble Qur’an as well as what awaits

The Qur’an (7:160) says, “Eat of the good foods We have provided for you.” The question may arise: if Allah has provided us with so many good foods, why are so many people starving and many more suffering from malnutrition? The answer may lie in our ignorance of the abundance that has been sent to

The essence of belief in the Almighty Allah and the story of the young boy as mentioned in Surat Al-Buruj

A biography of the noble ruler Nour-ud-Din Zangi, his sublime achievement in uniting Muslims and liberating their occupied lands.

Performing the prayer is a command of Allah. It is the most important pillar of Islam. It distinguishes between the believers and non-believers. Prayer is not an option; it is obligatory. It is not once or few times a week. But, it must be performed five times a day. All prophets of Almighty Allah merely

Control of Pollution in the Environment: According to scientists and philosophers man is considered as the major factor in disturbing the natural balance of the universe. Man interferes intentionally or unintentionally in the earth’s ecosystems by impairing its perfect order and precise sequence. But it seems that man has cut off his nose to spite

With the approach of Ramadan every year, how can a Muslim reap the benefit of the first night of Ramadan

What do we mean with living Islam with others. How this differs from using Islam against others

How can a Muslim understand his anger experience and what ways can he control the primal level of it and transform into positive energy.

This article aims to explore some questions regarding the growing phenomenon of pornography in the lives of some Muslim husbands.

Morals can either be classified as secular or religious. Secular morality tries to establish a moral system that is independent of God and religious faiths. In terms of motives for morality, various explanations have been given. One explanation is that people are ethical in pursuit of happiness or perfection. Another suggests that pressure by political

When we fast in Ramadan, we inevitably think of those who feel hunger every day of the year. We experience hunger and look forward to breaking with the food at iftar

Learning how Islam encourages the Muslim to spend his money for the sake of Allah in form of charity (Sadaqah) especially during Ramadan.

What were the special characteristics these illustrious and best women had and how can we follow in their footsteps?

In times of crisis and affliction, Muslims should return to Allah, putting their trust in Him and depending on Him in all of their affairs. Why should we Muslims trust in Allah and rely on Him? The answer can be summed up in the following points: –    Because Allah is capable of all things. –   

The habit of almsgiving and generosity of the first generations of the Muslims, the Salaf during the period of Ramadan.

Tips for the best manners to welcome the most anticipated guest Ramadan, and benefit from its fruits.

In this age of international competitions in numerous fields and at various levels, can Muslims turn their attention to a new kind of race on an entirely different plane? A race for attaining Allah’s medals of honor for piety. In the Noble Qur’an, Almighty Allah commands us in the language of the times, to compete

Mercy is a favor from Allah that He puts in the hearts of whomsoever He wills of His servants. Verily, Allah will have mercy on His servants who show mercy to others, as He is the Most Compassionate the Most Merciful. He loves the merciful and calls to mercy. He orders His servants to enjoin

The Battle of Badr was the first great battle in the history of Islam, and those who participated in it were granted honor and grace by Almighty Allah. There are many Qur’anic verses revealed with regard to the Battle of Badr, but what attracts attention are the first verses of Surat Al-Anfal (The Spoils of

Ramadan is a month of serenity and spiritual elevation. But when the body’s glucose level decreases too much from fasting, this could lead to irritability and aggression. Other factors may also contribute to the feeling of irritability, such as refraining from the habitual cigarette. Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) advised us to ‘keep our

There is still a controversy as to whether color therapy works within the realm of vibration or within the world of the brain. And Muslims would be pleased to know that this debate would not even be possible without the Muslim contribution to optics and to the discovery of how colors work. Before Muslim scientists

There is no doubt that the Quran is the Book of Allah, His eternal word and divine miracle. How does Quran cover the virtues of Ramadan

Some people have butterflies in their stomach when Ramadan draws near. They become more alert as Ramadan gets closer. Why do we have this anxiety?

Fasting during Ramadan was ordained during the second year of Hijrah. Why not earlier? In Makkah the economic conditions of the Muslims were bad. They were being persecuted. Often days would go by before they had anything to eat. It is easy to skip meals if you don’t have any. Obviously fasting would have been

The ruling of the ill and travelers who are exempted from fasting Ramadan and must make up for the missed days

Elderly men and women are permitted to break their fasts, as are the chronically ill, and those who have to perform difficult jobs under harsh circumstances and who could not find any other way to support themselves. All of these people are allowed to break their fast, because such a practice would place too much

I`tikaf (Spiritual Retreat) meaning & legitimacy: I`tikaf means to stick to something, whether good or bad, and to block out everything else. Allah says in the Qur’an: “What then are images that you pay devotion [akifun] to them?” (Al Anbia’: 52)—that is, what they devoted themselves to in worship. What is meant here is the

The virtues of observing voluntary fasts during the following days: six days of Shawwal, first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and the month of Muharram.

Few things to do for obtaining the treasures of the last ten nights of Ramadan

Both the Qur’an and Hadith contain descriptions of Paradise as being filled with green: These it is for whom are gardens of perpetuity beneath which rivers flow; ornaments shall be given to them therein of bracelets of gold, and they shall wear green robes of fine silk and thick silk brocade interwoven with gold, reclining

The explanation of the Prophet Saying: Maintain truthfulness, for truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Heaven..

Before answering whether earthquake is a punishment or a universal norm, there is a need to understand what an earthquake means, and why it happens.

Every Ramadan we make plans to improve ourselves as Muslims, but those plans do not always come to fruition later because the surge of faith that we have now is severely lacking outside this blessed month. Part of the reason is because the devils are locked up during this month, so to repel the devils

As the last ten nights are now upon us, it is time to re-evaluate how far we have come. Two-thirds of the month have already passed and will not return. However, we still have enough time to make a final push in this month, to maximize the benefit that we can attain, and draw closer

These are few questions on fasting and its ruling in Islam: 1-Until Dawn, One Can Eat, Drink and Have Intercourse: If someone has food in his mouth when Fajr is beginning, he should spit it out. If he is having intercourse (with his wife) at that time, he should immediately stop. If he does so,

What are the gates of paradise? Who will receive this great reward? Who will be able to defeat his evil desires more than anyone else?

Reasons for the weakness of Muslims in the current time and solutions.

Pleasures of this world are tangible and present, while delights of Paradise are unseen promises. People are readily influenced by what they can instantly see and know. It is hard for them to forgo something that is in front of them for the sake of something that is in the future, so how much harder

Valentine’s Day is a holiday that is believed to have originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated on February 15th. The festival was a fertility celebration and involved the pairing of men and women by lottery. In the 5th century, the Christian church replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day, which was

Every day, as we go through the same old routine of life, getting up, praying, going to work, dealing with people, going home, sleeping, etc, how easy is it for us to walk with blinders on our eyes? I thought of this the other day when I was scolded by someone about a thing that

Knowing the heart and its qualities and functions is an integral part of the religion and a basis for those who seek the cause of Allah

The list below include things that people do during their fasting day and do not invalidate their acts of fasting. 1-Pouring water over oneself and submersing oneself in water: Abu Bakr ibn `Abdurrahman reported from a number of companions that they had seen Allah’s Messenger pour water over his head while he was fasting due

1-The Days of `Eid: All scholars agree that such a fast is prohibited. It does not matter if the fast is obligatory or voluntary. `Umar testifies: “The Messenger of Allah has forbidden fasting on these two days. Concerning the `Eid of breaking the fast, it is for you to break your fast [of Ramadan]. On

At Shaykhan, halfway between Madinah and Mount Uhud, the 1,000-strong Muslim army led by Prophet Muhammad stopped. The sun had begun to sink beneath the horizon. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) alighted from his horse, As-Sakb. He was fully dressed for battle. A turban was wound around his helmet. He wore a

The beginning of Ramadan and how fasting was introduced during the month of Ramadan

The example of the Prophet, his Companions, and the earliest generation of Muslims in realizing the benefit of Ramadan

The best women are those who attain the Paradise of delights. The women of Paradise are of different grades, and the leaders of the women of Paradise are Khadijah, Fatimah, Maryam (Mary), and Aasiyah. Imam Ahmad reported with an authentic chain of narration that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) drew four

Introducing Abu Hurairah, an important companion who helped preserved and transmitted the valuable legacy of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

The holy month of Ramadan is a time of restraint, reflection, and renewal. Muslims make every effort to better themselves and to be drawn closer to their Creator. They guard their tongues, engage in long hours of worship, exercise patience, and open up their hearts and pockets to charitable causes. However, when it comes to

Tips and guidelines on how to maintain a balance life in Islam through its principles of moderation.

Muslims believe that God created them to worship Him and lead a life of righteousness and piety. They also believe that Islam is not only about religious affairs. Islam is a complete way of life. In their endeavors to lead their life, they, as humans, aspire to attain wealth, health, social position, etc. It is

It’s never easy to stand when the storm hits… As soon as it starts raining, lightning shortly follows. Dark clouds replace the sun and all you can see are the waves of an ocean, once calm, surrounding you. No longer able to find your way, you reach out for help. You begin by calling the

The Opening of Mecca Not until 630 CE did Muhammad re-enter his native city Mecca, leading ten thousand people. Before entering the city, the Prophet reached Quraysh’s leader Abu Sufyan, who submitted to the Prophet’s requests to engage in no war, accept Islam, and allow this massive army to enter the city peacefully. Thus, without

As was discussed earlier, Muslims had been oppressed, humiliated, tortured, persecuted, and driven into exile. During this 13 year period, Muslims did not retaliate against the ill-treatment of Quraysh. The following critical incident, however, where Muslims attacked a caravan belonging to Quraysh, was a turning point in which a policy regarding war was established. This

Migration of the Prophet: Masterpiece of Thoughtful Planning On at least two occasions, the tribe of Quraysh planned to kill the Prophet but did not because of the fear of new bloodshed between them. Quraysh tribes, however, drew up a plan to kill the Prophet without the fear of reprisal. This proposal called for the

The close assessment of Arab tribal life during pre-Islamic era and the influence of Islam and Muhammad's humanistic behavior.

In this episode, the study of the rise of Islam explores certain terminologies and the effect of culture differences on people's behavior.

This article shows some few ways Islam and Muslims hold a special status for Christians and Jews. They are referred to as the people of the book.

Richard Dawkins said of religion: “I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world.” Others think the same as Dawkins. And there are times when I meet some ‘religious’ people and almost sympathize with the Oxford academic. Too many people hide behind religion in order not to think,

This article seeks to outline the revelation in the Qur’an on thankfulness, and discuss its various attributes. It also explains how the believer can become more thankful

Tips for the difference or the similarity between education and culture. What determines illiteracy and non culture.

How do we gain the tranquility of the heart by earning the love of Allah?

Seeking the tranquility of the heart through having a proper understanding about the God and the actual patience in the destiny

{Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him…} (An-Naml 27: 62) For whatever problem we have, whatever difficulty we find ourselves in, we have the most powerful weapon to ward off the pain that plagues us. It is the weapon of du`a’ (supplication). We know with certainty that

Abu Nasr Mohammad Ibn al-Farakh Al-Farabi was born to a noble family in the small village of Wasij, in the province of Farab in Turkestan, in 872 AD (259 AH).

How best can we love the Almighty Allah and make His love reflects in our attitudes and behaviors?

What are the things that bring about Allah's love and make it grow in our heart and thus gives us the real tranquility and faith?

This is a difficult subject to write about. As Muslims, we can get quite emotional and sensitive about our identities. We sometimes think that our particular ‘version’ of Islam is better than others and unfortunately we can sometimes be quite narrow-minded. Often people are naïve about the vast historical, political and social stimuli that impact

What is the meaning of Ikhlas (Sincerity), its essential benefit to the growth of the faith and its effects on the good deeds.

The effect of thankfulness during the moment of hardship in the relation to the verse {And when your Lord proclaimed: If ye give thanks, I will give you more}

How is thankfulness linked to the aim of existence based on the verse {Why should Allah punish you if you have thanked (Him) and have believed in Him}

Tips of the importance of good morals as an essential requisite of Muslim faith.

The article shows how everyone strives in search of happiness and looks for a way to escape worries. It explains the real means of happiness.

How the Holy Qur'an addresses the purpose of life? How it has always presented the reminders to Mankind on how to lead a proper life.

The first months, and in some cases years, for many new Muslims are usually challenging as they are an important transition stage with many things to learn and do...

Very rarely we hear positive stories of inter-religious affairs in the news nowadays. It is becoming a cultural trend that conflict and controversy drive the propaganda for the media, fuelled by politicized “religions,” and even more so between the religions of the people of the Book and Islam. Very rare is the positive coverage between

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “I have been sent in order to perfect moral virtues (in you).” As I slip into my waning years of life and look back at all the adventures and misadventures I have been privileged to savor, I realize just how centrally important this narration is to appreciate our