Tag: religion
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Alright, everyone, let’s gather ’round for a conversation that’s close to my heart: interfaith dialogue. Now, I know, sometimes the words “interfaith dialogue” can sound a bit… formal, a bit like a dusty textbook. But trust me, it’s anything but! It’s about real people, having real conversations, and building real bridges. You know, in our…
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Minimalism in Islam: Living Simply and Purposefully In a world inundated with excess—where materialism often overshadows spirituality—embracing minimalism can be a refreshing and transformative approach to life. Minimalism, defined as a lifestyle that prioritizes simplicity and intentionality, resonates deeply with the teachings of Islam. It invites us to reflect on the essence of our humanity,…
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The Importance of Halal Living in Modern Times In a world that is constantly evolving, where cultural boundaries blur and lifestyles shift, the concept of halal living emerges as a beacon of guidance for Muslims navigating the complexities of modern life. Halal, which translates to “permissible” in Arabic, encompasses not only dietary choices but also…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…