Ruling on an Ivory Smoking Pipe in Islam: Pure or Impure?

Open traditional Islamic manuscript next to a wooden tasbih, quill, and inkwell on a desk illuminated by morning light.

Short Answer In the Shafi’i school, ivory taken from a dead elephant, a slaughtered elephant, or cut from a living elephant is impure. A smoking pipe made from that ivory is impure too. Using it in a wet mouth is forbidden according to every opinion in the school. Using dry ivory on the body is … Read more

What is Ikhlas? Meaning, Levels, and How to Achieve It

A minimalist illustration of a water drop falling onto a calm surface, symbolizing the essence of pure intention and sincerity (ikhlas) in worshiping Allah based on Sufism principles.

Within the framework of Islam, righteous deeds hold a central position. However, mere physical actions lack weight in the sight of Allah ﷻ if they are devoid of their primary essence. The soul of all acts of worship is ikhlas (sincerity). Without it, regardless of the volume of deeds a human being performs, their value … Read more