When the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) would retreat to the cave of Ḥira’, it was an act of spiritual purification, a search for the key to confront the widespread injustice of his people — a system built on falsehood, centered on worshiping idols that neither benefit nor harm, yet used to mislead the masses and uphold the power of the strong over the weak. It was then that Allah (swt) revealed to His servant His Book — a Divine guide presenting the true

Allah (swt) says: “Indeed, those who inject deviation into Our verses are not concealed from Us. So, is he who is cast into the Fire better, or he who comes secure on the Day of Resurrection? Do whatever you will; indeed, He is Seeing of what you do” (41:40). The “deviation” (ilḥād) mentioned here refers to turning away from the Ayat (verses, signs) of Allah and disregarding the guidance they contain. These signs comprise both: Universal signs: the evidences found in creation

“Do the people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried? We certainly tested those before them. And ˹in this way˺ Allah will clearly distinguish between those who are truthful and those who are liars” (29:3). Faith is not merely a word to be uttered, nor something to be inherited. It is not confined to outward acts of worship or adherence to customs. Rather, it is a living reality with responsibilities, a trust that carries burdens, and a s

“When Moses said to his servant, ‘I will not give up until I reach the junction of the two seas or continue for a long period’” (18:60). In these words, we witness unwavering determination, firm resolve, courage, and perseverance. Amazement only deepens when we realize that the purpose of this journey was not to expand a kingdom or pursue worldly authority, but rather, a sincere desire to increase in virtue and perfection — a quest to meet one who could grant him greater know

“So is one whose breast Allah has expanded to [accept] Islam and he is upon [i.e., guided by] a light from his Lord [like one whose heart rejects it]? Then woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of Allah. Those are in manifest error” (39:22) Sharḥ aṣ-Ṣadr — the expansion of the breast — is the divine opposite of constriction. It signifies openness, spiritual vitality, and the settling of peace and joy in the heart. Constriction, in contrast, is marked

Divine selection (istifa’) is one of Allah’s universal laws (sunan) that govern His creation. It encompasses every realm of existence. Allah (swt) selects messengers from among the angels and messengers from among humanity. He chooses specific times and places— just as He chose Ramadan from all months, and the Kaaba from all locations. This Divine selection always relates to a purpose for which the selection occurs, and generally, that purpose is to serve the message of servi

“So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And let not those who have no certainty of faith to shake your firmness” (30:60). Patience is the believer’s means and weapon on the long, thorny path that may at times seem endless. Its foundation lies in trust in the promise of Allah, and its fruit is steadfastness — unwavering, free from doubt or hesitation. One should not let those who lack certainty shake their resolve, stirring within them distress, anxiety, or pani

Sincere advice ( naṣīḥah ) is a foundational principle in religion — if not the very essence of it — based on Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) saying: “The religion is sincere advice (al-dīn al-naṣīḥah). The Companions said: “To whom, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “To Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, to the leaders of the Muslims, and to their general public.” When Prophet Hūd (peace be upon him), addressed his people, he said: “And I am to you a trustworthy advi

When Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was challenged about his Lord, the irrefutable proof he offered of the Benevolent and Merciful Creator’s existence was His guidance. Ibrahim (pbuh) declared: “Do you dispute with me concerning Allah while He has guided me?” (6:80). This statement highlights the profound reality that guidance itself serves as undeniable evidence of Allah’s existence. Without it, a person remains lost - misguided in perception, blinded to the truth, constrained

As we are welcoming the new Hijri year, the year 1447, it is in the spirit of our faith to remember the days of Allah (swt) with facts that help the believer gain more strength on the journey to Allah (swt). Nowadays, the new Hijri year is mostly remembered around the Muslim world with certain traditions not truly related to the faith, such as the preparation of special dishes! Alas, the Hijra is only now remembered as a tradition, not as a Spirit and a Gift! We all tend to f

For optimal management of the Nafs, consider it as a separate entity from the being; this will help to better manage it and better understand its behavior. Such a way helps contain the actions of the Nafs within the concordance of the true purpose of life. In fact, if the Nafs is not governed in an upright way, it will then take the lead, commanding the mind and imprisoning the heart.  Knowing the reality of the Nafs is quite complex, however, the Nafs can be described as a f

“Allah is the One Who has subjected the sea for you so that ships may sail upon it by His command, and that you may seek His bounty, and that perhaps you will be grateful. He ˹also˺ subjected for you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth—all by His grace. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.” (45:12-13). Pondering on Allah’s creation is a necessary act of worship for the believers to safeguard their mindfulness and awareness of the journey of lif

Just take a pause to think about the very essence of life and existence, the present and future, the pre-eternity and eternity, your position in this mega cosmos and your destiny unto the eternity … The first words a believer would utter after a deep dive into his/her thoughts on this matter would be: “AlHamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) the One Who has guided me to know that He (swt) is my Lord, the Originator and Creator of the universe, the Owner of death, life and resurrec

“By the dawn; By the ten nights (of the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah). And by the even and the odd (of all the creations of...

Most people follow the same trend in seeking happiness. It is all about achieving something in this life, which is believed to confer that ever-sought after great feeling of fulfillment. But, in reality, happiness is unattainable. Like a mirage, the closer one gets to it, the farther it seems. It is not pessimism that drives this thought, but it is the reality of human nature. At every achievement, the self longs for more, compelling itself to embark on the next journey searc

“O Humankind, fear your Lord. Indeed, for the ˹violent˺ quaking at the Hour is surely a dreadful thing. The Day you see it, every nursing mother will abandon what she is nursing, and every pregnant woman will deliver her burden ˹prematurely.˺ And you will see people ˹as if they were˺ drunk, though they will not be drunk; but the torment of Allah is ˹terribly˺ severe” (22:1-2). On this day, nothing can bring reassurance to the hearts of the believers, except the call of the Mo

It is well known that the highest level of worship is Ihsan (excellence in worship) — a state of the utmost mindfulness and adoring/ being in awe of The Creator, defined as worshipping Allah as if seeing Him (swt). This form of worship allows the servant to attain the loftiest levels of servitude possible and, through it, to experience the most profound sense of Divine closeness and the love of Allah (swt). There is no one who does not aspire to reach the station of Ihsan, gi

“O, Believers! Believe in Allah, His Messenger, the Book He has revealed to His Messenger, and the Scriptures He revealed before” (4:136). This call to have faith after one has already believed is essentially a call to correct, solidify, and deepen one’s faith. It is a call setting one on a continual self-examination of Iman, to preserve and firmly anchor its roots in one’s heart, so that Iman does not become vulnerable to being overtaken by impure elements, leading to the co

Confining one’s vision of existence to a worldly life and a dying world, ends with a person deliberately accepting the submission to a materialistic life in which the ultimate worry is tomorrow. In this tomorrow, one wishes to receive the good news of the long-awaited achievements and the fulfillment of dreams. Driven by hope, he/she continues to wish to attain that tomorrow. But then, death comes prior to one having lived that tomorrow. Narrated Anas bin Malik, the Prophet M

In times of distress; being touched by a storm of trials, the earth despite its spaciousness seems constrained and the self feels suffocated. There is no need to flee anywhere; it will not help to get away. Indeed the pains are in the chest, and wherever one goes they will still be there... What then, is the way to a near relief?   Know first, that relief is neither gained by getting back what one has lost, nor getting what s/he desires. Nor also, by the happening of a specif