Islamic Revival

Working within the system, simply does not work. As a matter of fact, it took a  revolution  to  reform  the system from within. However, the double-discourse employed by the Muslim Brotherhood seemingly misses this point. From within, the reformist methods adopted by the Brotherhood through Parliamentary participation are justified through a strategy of  incrementalism (tadaddaruj) [1] .  Meaning that steps are taken incrementally within the system, to reform it – with the intention of eventually taking power and transforming those elements of the establishment incommensurable with Islam. To the Islamophobic West, the Brotherhood reassures policy makers in Washington D.C, Paris, and in London that they do not, and will not pursue an Islamic State. Not even a majority in Parliament. But only a sizable bloc in parliament as to maintain the ‘democratic nature’ of the government and to embrace values such as ‘plurality’. Recent talks between the U.S and the Brotherhood are indicative th

The following is a translation from the Arabic book “The Islamic Personality' Volume 1 by Sheikh Taqiuddin an-Nabhani. Please refer to the original Arabic for accurate meanings. This section is part of a wider chapter about Ijtihad and Taqleed please refer to it for more elaboration on the topic.  Allah (swt) has not ordered us to follow any mujtahid , imam or mazhab, rather He (swt) ordered us to adopt the hukm Shar’i . He ordered us to adopt what the Messenger (saw) brought and to abstain from what he (saw) has forbidden us. He (swt) said: وَمَا آَتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُوا “ And whatsoever the Messenger (saw) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)” [TMQ Hashr: 7].  Therefore, the Shari’ah does not deem it right for us to follow the people except the rules of Allah (swt). However, the reality of taqleed has led the Muslims to follow the rules of certain mujtahids whom they have assigned as imams for

The following is the translation of a chapter from the Arabic book 'Al-Fikr al-Islami' (The Islamic Thought) by Sheikh Mohammad Mohammad Ismael Abduh, an Assistant Professor at the Egyptian University (now known as Cairo University) in the past.   Allah (swt) legislated the punishments in Islam as deterrents and consolations. They are deterrents in order to deter people from committing the crimes. They are also consolation for they take away from the Muslim the punishment of Allah (swt) at the Day of Judgement. The fact that the punishments in Islam are deterrents is established by the text of Qur’an. Allah (swt) says: “And there is life for you in retaliation, O men of understanding.” [TMQ Al-Baqarah: 129] The fact that Allah (swt) made life in the retaliation means that carrying out the retaliation (punishment) is what saves the life. This  is not by saving the life of the one who was punished, for in the retaliation (punishment) is his death and not his life, rather th

Alhamdulillah, the blessed days of the Hijri month of "Dhul Hijjah" are upon us. وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ "By the ten nights."  [TMQ Al-Fajr 89:2] The "ten nights" which Allah [subhana wa ta'ala] is swearing by here, are the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah. [1] Allah [subhana wa ta'ala] swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Ibn ‘Abbas [radi Allahu ‘anhu] narrated that Prophet [sall-Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said:  "There is no deed more precious in the sight of Allah, or greater in reward, than a good deed done during the ten days of Sacrifice."  He was asked:  "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?"  He said:  "Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing."  [2] It is a great chance to collect uncountable hasanat . It is a great chance to ren

Srinagar is located in Kashmir Valley and it is known it for its gardens, lakes and houseboats. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and  dry fruits . It is also known for the oft happening protests that happen after the Friday prayers every week. It is also the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Recently I had an opportunity to visit Srinagar, with all what I had heard about the scenic beauty and the weather I prepared myself well for the visit. Srinagar is accessible via road and by flight, train services do not yet exist for the region due to rough mountainous terrain it is located in. Once we landed in Srinagar, I pulled out my mobile to call my friend who I was visiting and only then I realized that my mobile sim which I had purchased in New Delhi would not work in Srinagar rather I would have to get hold of another Sim card. The reason upon enquiry was informed to be security measures. There were no telephone booths inside the airport and I had to resort

This is an extract from the book "Al Jaami'u li Ahkaam is Siyaam" (A complete guide to the rules of fasting) by Sheikh Abu Iyaas Mahmood bin Abdul-Lateef bin Mahmood ('Uwaydhah). Please note this is a draft translation from Arabic. If any confusion arises from the translation then please refer to the original  Arabic book . In relation to fasting the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah then Al-'Amal As-Saalih (the righteous action) of which fasting is included is better in this nine days than Jihaad in the way of Allah except that a Mujaahid expends his body and wealth in it. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has sworn by the ten nights of Dhul Hijjah in the first four ayaat of Surah Al-Fajr: وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ وَالشَّفْعِ وَالْوَتْرِ وَاللَّيْلِ إِذَا يَسْرِ "By the Dawn, And ten nights, And the Even and the Odd, And the night when it departs" Imaam Ahmad (14565), An-Nasaa'i, Al-Bazzaar, At-Tabari, Ibn ul-Mundhir, Al-Bayhaqi and Al-Haakim who verified it

Where does the loyalty for the Muslim lie today? When the Prophet peace and blessing be upon him mentioned that the Believers are like one body? Can their loyalty be to their family, tribe or nation ahead of other loyalties? Is there any other loyalty than the loyalty to Allah and His Messenger, to al-Islam and the Deen of Allah, to the Believers and the Umma of the Messenger of Allah? الولاء و البراء Al-Walaa` wa al-baraa` Walaa’ (loyalty, allegiance) and baraa’ (innocence from, disowning) are amongst the key concepts of the Islamic aqeedah which every Muslim must understand and hold close to their hearts. In essence it means the loyalty to Allah, to His Messenger and to the believers, and the innocence from and disassociation from disbelief, the disbelievers and all those who aid them in any way. Anyone who reads the book of Allah will find many verses explaining this point, such as when it is stated in the Qur’an - يا أيها الذين آمنوا لا تتخذوا اليهود والنصارى أولياء بعضهم أولياء