For Muslims, the Islamic new year is not merely about fireworks or loud celebrations. There is a profound significance behind the system of time we use. However, we often forget how the history of the Hijri calendar actually began. Was it the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who created it? Or the companions? By definition, the Hijri … Read more
What is the true meaning of tafakur? In Arabic, tafakur refers to the act of contemplating or thinking deeply to understand the essence of something. Simply put, it is the profound process of using both reason and the heart to reflect on the signs of Allah’s greatness, His endless blessings, and our own personal shortcomings. … Read more
Every Muslim woman strives for her worship to be valid and accepted by Allah ﷻ. One of the fundamental requirements to resume worship after a menstrual period is purification. However, doubts often arise: Is the mandatory bath we perform after menstruation actually valid? Has the water truly reached every required part of the body? Performing … Read more
Understanding the meaning of prayer (Salah) is fundamental, as it is the pillar of the Islamic religion. Every movement within it possesses strict rules to ensure it is accepted by Allah ﷻ. One essential pillar that we perform repeatedly, yet sometimes overlook the technical details of, is bowing (rukūʿ). Many Muslims ask: what is the … Read more
The worship of fasting (al-ṣawm) is a medium for disciplining the soul and body. Its main essence lies in al-imsāk, namely refraining from everything that invalidates the fast from dawn until sunset. For individuals who are married, the challenge of fasting extends to the manner of physical interaction with their lawful spouses during the day. … Read more
For a Muslim, prayer is the most intimate moment to communicate with the Creator. One of the sunnahs that we often practice at the beginning of prayer is reciting the iftitah. However, did you know that there are many variations of the iftitah recitation taught by the Prophet? In fact, under certain conditions, we are … Read more
The tradition of gathering to break the fast with family or friends always colors the beauty of the holy month of Ramadan. This practice of feasting goes beyond the routine of merely eating. Sharing iftar meals is a means of worship with high value when the doer frames the intention with ikhlas (sincerity) and avoids … Read more
The worship of fasting is a spiritual journey that begins as we recite the prayer for seeing the new crescent moon; this will feel even more meaningful when concluded with gratitude at Maghrib. Noble character demands that we emulate the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in moistening the tongue with prayer, giving thanks for sustenance, and … Read more
The worship of fasting (al-ṣawm) is a spiritual discipline that trains a believer to restrain their desires. Sharia guidance establishes that fasting is not merely restraining the stomach and genitals from dawn to sunset. More than that, fasting is a process of tazkiyatun nafs (purification of the soul) that demands its practitioners to guard their … Read more
The passage of time in Islamic law is heavily reliant on the movement of celestial bodies, particularly the moon. The transition of lunar phases, especially when awaiting the arrival of the holy months of Ramadan and Shawwal, is a time imbued with spiritual value. A servant of God who treads the path of tazkiyatun nufus … Read more
