Spirituality
The Gift of Pain
Why pain is not a burden to escape, but a signal that shapes growth, purpose, and closeness to Allah.
Ibn al-Qayyim on Sabr
Allāh, Glorious and Most High, made patience a racehorse that never falters or stumbles; a sword that never loses its sharpness; a vanquishing army that is never defeated, and a fortress that…
Ibn Rajab on Beneficial Knowledge & Gnosis
Whoever suffices with knowledge of the Qurʾān and Sunnah, confining himself to what is reported from the Companions and Successors (in matters of the religion), makes his intention sincere – seeking Allāh’s…
Surah al-Buruj: a crucial lesson on human suffering
“When they sat by it” Surah al-Buruj in light of Bystanding The place of ‘witnessing’ is a salient motif in Sūrah al-Burūj. At four points within the sūrah Allah draws our attention…
Finding our ‘tribe’ in a modern world
Finding our tribe in a modern world: Questions on belonging Growing up in London, I felt fairly proud that I knew the neighbour to our right. To this day though, I don’t…
Imagine: the blessings of Ramadan all year round
There I was, standing upright in my prayer, listening attentively to the imam’s beautiful recitation with tears rolling down my face from the fear of Allāh and out of hope for Allāh’s…
“Clean War” – When Media & Militarism Meet
Tell that to the ravens plucking out eyes on the blood-packed sand To fathers cradling the last of their hopes in torn bodies To young girls swelling with the unwanted gifts…