Salah with Sadie

  As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh ("Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and his Blessings")! Islam and Christianity have distinct beliefs and practices, especially in the winter holiday season, but exploring this topic can shed light on the nuances of Islamic teachings and the diversity within the Muslim community. In this blog post, we will discuss whether Muslims can participate in Christmas celebrations and how they navigate their religious beliefs while respecting the traditions of others. Who celebrates Christmas? Christmas is primarily celebrated by Christians around the world. However, it is also celebrated by people of other faiths or those who do not adhere to any particular religion, as it has become a widely recognized cultural and festive holiday in many countries. Pew Research Center states that 81% of non-Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas. Further, 87% of the religiously un-affiliated participate in Christmas, 73% o...

  As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh ("Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and his Blessings")! Thankfulness and gratitude are important concepts in Islam that holds great significance in the lives of Muslims. These virtues are deeply rooted in the teachings of the religion and plays a crucial role in the spiritual and personal development of individuals. Previously, we talked about whether or not Muslims can celebrate Halloween. But how does that apply to non-religious holidays? In this blog post, we will explore the concept of thankfulness in Islam, its importance, and how it is practiced by Muslims Gratitude towards Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala Thankfulness in Islam is rooted in the recognition of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala's blessings and expressing gratitude towards Him. Muslims believe that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and He bestows countless blessings upon His creation. From the air we bre...

  As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh ("Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and his Blessings")! "Surely Allah will admit a woman into paradise because she gave a thirsty dog to drink by taking water from a well with his shoe." Introduction Islam, a religion built on principles of compassion and respect for all living beings, places significant importance on the welfare of animals. In this blog post, we will delve into the role animals play in Islam, exploring their rights, the ethical treatment they deserve, and the responsibilities Muslims have towards them. We will also look especially at how cats are regarded in Islam. The Rights of Animals in Islam Animals, both domestic and wild, have inherent rights in Islam. Islam recognizes that all animals are part of Allah’s (subhanahu wa ta'ala) creation and should be treated with care and respect. According to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), animals deserve to be treated well, prov...

As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh ("Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and his Blessings")! Introduction The core beliefs of Islam can be encapsulated within the Five Pillars of Islam, which provide a fundamental framework for the life of a Muslim. These pillars emphasize that belief is not enough without practice. This blog post aims to give a brief overview of these Five Pillars, namely Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), Sawm (Fasting), and Hajj (Pilgrimage). Shahada (Faith) Shahada, or the declaration of faith, is the first pillar of Islam. It is a simple but profound statement: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." This declaration affirms the oneness of God and acknowledges Muhammad as his prophet. The Shahada is a fundamental aspect of a Muslim's identity and signifies their acceptance of Islam's core beliefs. This statement is repeated every day by Muslims as part of Salah. In or...

  As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh ("Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and his Blessings")! The hijab is one of the most recognizable symbols in Islam. The hijab is a symbol of modesty and faith for millions of Muslim women around the world. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning and significance of the hijab while I tell you about my own personal relationship with the hijab. What is a Hijab? The hijab, in its most basic form, is a headscarf worn by Muslim women as a physical reminder of their faith and commitment to Islam. The primary purpose of the hijab is to maintain modesty and promote dignity for women. It serves as a visual indicator of a woman's devotion to her religion and her desire to be judged for her character and her ideas rather than her physical appearance. What are the rules of Hijab? It is important to note that “hijab” is just as much a verb as it is a noun. For men (yes, men have to hijab as well), that means to low...

As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh ("Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and his Blessings")! For reverts, Halloween can be a confusing time. Halloween was a time of jack-o-lanterns, costumes, and so. much. candy. However, as a revert, the celebration of Halloween raises questions and concerns due to its origins and some of the practices associated with it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between Halloween and Islam, discussing its historical roots, potential conflicts with Islamic beliefs, and possible alternatives for Muslims to consider. History of Halloween Celtic Roots Halloween dates back to the Celtic festival called Samhain. It was a festival to celebrate the harvest, the end of summer, the coming of winter, and the blurring of boundaries between the living and the dead. Samhain was characterized by the belief that the barrier between the living and the dead was permeable, allowing spirits to roam freely on Earth. Samhain ...