The Fiqh of Salam: Rulings on Saying, Replying, and the Rules of Engagement on WhatsApp

A smiling Muslim woman holding a smartphone displaying a message notification reading **“Assalamualaikum.”** This image illustrates a discussion on the Islamic ruling of responding to greetings (*salam*) on WhatsApp and social media platforms.

Have you ever felt conflicted when a WhatsApp notification chimes, displaying a message that reads “Assalamualaikum”? A quiet voice in your head might wonder whether you should reply with typed text, a voice note, or if simply answering silently in your heart is sufficient. Or perhaps you have found yourself in the perplexing situation where … Read more

The Ruling on Parody in Islam: Harmless Entertainment or Severe Insult? Imam Al-Ghazali Explains

Illustration comparing parody for entertainment with the harmful consequences of mocking others in Islam.

In today’s social media-driven era, parody and impersonation content are absolutely rampant. From mimicking the distinct speech patterns of politicians and parodying a friend’s unique walking style, to creating comedy sketches that blatantly highlight someone’s physical flaws—all are executed in the relentless pursuit of likes, laughter, and entertainment. Admittedly, it is often hilarious, and we … Read more

What is Ghibah? Definition, Punishment, and How to Repent (Al-Ghazali’s Guide)

An illustration metaphorically depicting the danger of *ghibah* (backbiting), showing the silhouettes of two people whispering in a dark room, with a mirror reflection revealing them eating raw flesh.

Have you ever heard someone initiate a conversation with the phrase, “I don’t mean to speak ill of them, but this is just a fact…”? Be extremely cautious; such “savior” sentences frequently serve as the gateway to one of the most severely underestimated major sins humanity commits: Ghibah (backbiting). In Islam, safeguarding the tongue is … Read more

Fajr Prayer Time: Understanding Fajar Shadiq vs Fajar Kadzib in Shafi’i Fiqh

A Muslim woman performing the **Fajr prayer** in her bedroom at dawn, with an alarm clock on the table showing 5:00 a.m., illustrating the time limit for the prayer.

Many Muslims are still confused about determining the exact time for Fajr prayer. In fact, knowing with absolute certainty that the prayer time has commenced is one of the essential valid conditions (shurut as-sihhah) that must be fulfilled before an individual establishes any obligatory prayer. For those who wish to study the detailed requirements of … Read more

The Complete Guide to Salat al-Istikhara and Its Dua According to Imam Nawawi (Kitab Al-Adhkar)

An illustration of a Muslim performing the Istikharah prayer and supplicating in the last third of the night, seeking divine guidance regarding a life partner and employment.

Every individual inevitably finds themselves standing at the crossroads of life. Whether it concerns selecting a career path, choosing a life partner (marriage), or simply making a monumental business decision, the heavy cloud of doubt frequently haunts us: “Is this truly the best choice for me?” In Islam, we are never left to wander aimlessly … Read more

Signs of Puberty (Baligh) in Islam According to Safinatun Naja

An open copy of Kāshifatu al-Sajā, a commentary on Safīnat al-Najā, placed on a wooden table as a primary reference for the signs of puberty (baligh) in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh).

For every Muslim parent, witnessing a child grow up is a profound blessing. However, there is one highly critical phase that frequently induces confusion: the transitional period from childhood to adulthood, or Akil Baligh (reaching the age of legal responsibility). Exactly when do obligatory acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting, become fully binding … Read more

How to Deal with Backbiting: An Assertive Guide by Imam Al-Ghazali

Person looking uncomfortable, signaling refusal while friends laugh and gossip.

Have you ever found yourself trapped in an incredibly awkward situation like this? You are sitting casually with friends or colleagues. Initially, the conversation flows pleasantly, discussing hobbies or work. Suddenly, the direction of the conversation shifts. One person begins mentioning someone’s name, and slowly, they start “peeling away” their flaws and exposing their private … Read more

The Etiquette of the Sick and the Obligation of Repentance Before Death According to Asna al-Matalib

Hands of a patient holding prayer beads (tasbih), praying for forgiveness.

Illness frequently arrives without an invitation. For many individuals, sickness is merely a physical disruption that severely hinders daily activities. However, within the profound theological framework of Islam, illness is a “love letter” from Allah, simultaneously serving as a critical early warning for us to prepare for our ultimate destination. When the physical body begins … Read more

The Signs of Death and How to Perform Talqin for the Dying According to Shafi’i Fiqh

A close-up photo of a child gently holding the hand of a parent who is in the final moments of life on a bed, accompanied by prayer beads and the Qur’an, depicting a calm atmosphere of spiritual companionship.

Witnessing a beloved family member lying weak on the threshold of death is an excruciatingly heavy moment. The heart feels suffocated, the mind becomes disoriented, and panic frequently ensues. We anxiously wonder, “Is this the final moment?” and “What exactly must I do to assist them?” In Islamic terminology, this highly critical transitional phase is … Read more

The Complete Guide to Islamic Funeral Rites (Tajhiz al-Janazah) According to Shafi’i Fiqh

Complete Guide to Caring for the Deceased: A wooden funeral bier covered with a green cloth embroidered with golden Arabic calligraphy reading “Laa ilaha illallah Muhammad Rasulullah,” placed in a calm room with soft natural sunlight, symbolizing the sacred process of tajhiz al-janazah (preparing the deceased for burial).

Death is an absolute certainty that will inevitably approach every living creature. In Islam, the profound respect afforded to a human being does not terminate the moment the soul departs from the physical body. The body of a Muslim possesses an inherent sanctity and honor (hurmah) that must be meticulously preserved by the living. This … Read more