The rise of social media has fundamentally reshaped how young Muslims in North America connect with their faith. This article explores the phenomenon of “Digital Dawah,” the act of inviting others to Islam through online platforms, and its multifaceted impact on their religious lives. A New Frontier for Dawah Traditionally, Dawah involved face-to-face interactions. Today,…
Eid al-Fitr, marking the joyous conclusion of Ramadan, takes on a unique character in North America. Here, it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from the rich traditions of diverse Muslim communities. This article explores how Eid is celebrated in this multicultural landscape. Traditional Observances and Prayers: The heart of Eid lies in shared religious practices. Eid…
Sawm is the Arabic term used to describe the act of fasting. Passed the age of puberty, Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadan, which entails abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations and displeasing speech and behaviour from dawn until dusk. Why is Sawm important? The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of…
Both require a penalty to be paid, however the amount due for each broken promise/oath and intentionally missed fast, will vary. The amount paid for each missed fast is the equivalent of feeding 60 people. Therefore, for each missed/intentionally broken fast you must pay £300. The amount paid for each broken promise/oath is the equivalent…
When someone cannot fast in Ramadan (due to ill health, travelling or menstruation for example) they should make up the missed fasts when they are able to do so. However, if they will not be able to make up missed fasts (due to old age or chronic illness that is unlikely to improve) they should…
In Islam, Aqiqah is the sacrifice of livestock; such as goats and sheep, at the birth of a child. The Aqiqah is performed as part of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It often takes place on the seventh day after a baby’s birth. However, there’s nothing wrong with doing it…
Sadaqah means “righteousness” and is a voluntary charity given to please God. Sadaqah also describes a voluntary charitable act towards others, whether through generosity, love, compassion or faith. These acts are not necessarily physical or monetary. Simple good deeds such as a smile, or a helping hand, are seen as acts of sadaqah. The Prophet…
Undertaking Hajj is an Islamic and spiritual duty – it is the fourth pillar in Islam. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah (SWT) commands Muslims to visit Makkah and complete it as part of their faith at least once in their lifetime – in fact, there’s a whole Surah (chapter) in the Qur’an named after it! In this chapter, Allah…
The month of Dhul Hijjah is one of the holiest periods of the Islamic year, SubhanAllah. A month of increased spirituality, we witness two very special events (Hajj and Eid ul Adha) – all in devotion to Allah (SWT). Many people don’t know that the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are better than all…
What is Zakat? Zakat (zakaat, zakah), or almsgiving, is one of the five pillars of Islam. This means that Zakat is mandatory for Muslims, along with the other four sacred pillars of Islam. For every sane, adult Muslim who owns wealth over a certain amount – known as the Nisab – he or she must…
