Read Islamic Books

Q. There are a number of books which contain the full translation of the Holy Qur’an without giving the Qur’anic text in Arabic. Please explain whether reading of such translations has the same reward as the recitation of the Arabic text of the Holy Qur’an is supposed to have. Moreover, can one touch such translation in a state of impurity and if somebody reads the translation of the verse of ‘Sajdah’ is it incumbent upon him to perform the sajdah of tilawat? (Anonymous)  Read more... (341 words, estimated 1:22 mins reading time)

Q. The word ‘Shaheed’ has been frequently used in the books, newspapers and magazines for different type of people. I am sure that this word should have a specific connotation in the Islamic terminology. I will be grateful if you please explain the true meaning of this word and the categories of persons for whom this terms may be applied in Shari’ah.
(Abdul Sattar, Chicago)

A. In fact ‘Shaheed’, is a specific term, used in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. It has certainly a specific meaning and one should be careful before applying this term to a person and you should ascertain whether hi is really qualified to be called a Shaheed.  Read more... (523 words, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)

Q. 1. Is it all right for me to follow the Jamia Mosque for Eid-ul-Adha celebration although I do not agree with this decision to celebrate it with Hajj day in Saudi Arabia (i.e.next to Hajj day).

2. What is the true significance of the details given in the attached brochure on the light of the Fiqh followed in different schools?

3. Does it agree with the decision taken by Fiqh council of Saudi Arabia which has members from all over the Muslim world.
(A Canadian Muslim)  Read more... (1553 words, estimated 6:13 mins reading time)

Q. “What is the procedure for a Christian to convert to Islam in order to marry a Sunni Muslim girl? Which reputable institution in Karachi arranges for such a conversion and Nikah, so that it is a widely accepted in our society?”
(Anonymous)

A. It is not correct practice to embrace Islam for the sake of marrying a Muslim girl only. Islam is a composition of certain beliefs and acts. It is a way of life. It is a matter of faith and conviction. In order to become a Muslim, it is necessary to accept all its basic teachings with one’s heart and soul. If one’s real purpose is only to marry a Muslim girl, and he wants to register himself as a Muslim only because he cannot marry that girl without it, while he does not have faith in the basic beliefs of Islam, he cannot be a Muslim in reality.  Read more... (728 words, estimated 2:55 mins reading time)

Q. “Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the city limits of Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah. The entry of non-Muslims in the Haram limits of Makkah was banned in 9th Hijrah by a Quranic order contained in the Surah al-Bar’ah, verse 27.

Did this order apply to the Haram of Makkah only or also to the Haram of Madinah? The Qur’an does not say so.

Imam Malik and Umar bin Abdul-Aziz etc. Interpreted the verse to apply to all the masjids.  Read more... (731 words, estimated 2:55 mins reading time)

Faith: The most basic and essential attribute of a Muslim marriage is the common faith that binds the couple. Since Islam is a way of life and not just a religion confined to weekly worship it becomes an integral part of a Muslim’s life. The frame of reference shared by the couple eases communication and sharing of values which is not possible in an interfaith marriage. It is highly recommended that faith play an important role in the developing a loving relationship. For example, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, that when a husband feeds his wife, he gets a reward for this act and Allah increases the bond of love between them. So when we love each other for the sake of Allah WE ACTUALLY INCREASE OUR FAITH.  Read more... (1936 words, estimated 7:45 mins reading time)

Ghazi Anwar Pasha’s Last Letter to his wife

Ghazi Anwar Pasha was from amongst those great Mujahideen of Turkey who had spent all his life fighting against the enemies of Islam. Eventually he was martyred by the Russians. Only a day prior to this he sent a letter to his wife, Najiya Sultana. This letter was published by her in the Turkish newspapers, and after being transferred was published by her in the newspapers in India on the 22 April 1923.

This letter is so touching and thought provoking that every young man should read it. An inspiring account of Mujahideen from the Ottaman period.  Read more... (981 words, estimated 3:55 mins reading time)

THE NIKAH OF HADHRAT FAATIMAH (radhiallahu anhaa)— A LESSON FOR US!

Hadhrat Ali (radhiallahu anhu) very bashfully approached Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) for the great wealth of Nabi’s (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) daughter. Hadhrat Ali (radhiallahu anhu) made his marriage proposal for the hand of Hadhrat Faatimah (radhiallahu anhaa) directly to Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam). The command of Allah Ta’ala was immediately revealed and Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) accepted the proposal.

The rigmarole, frills and fancies attendant to proposals and engagements were totally absent. The customs surrounding marriage proposals and engagements of nowadays are nonsensical and at variance as well as in conflict with the Sunnah.  Read more... (557 words, estimated 2:14 mins reading time)

“For twenty years I waged Jihad against myself.  I struggled, all throughout to remain standing in prayer at night.  For those twenty years I never tasted the sweetness of the night prayer.  It was only after that that I found comfort and sweetness.”

These are the words of one of the greatest scholars of the early generation.  Al-Imam Sufyaan ath-Thawri (161 H) is known as one of the Eight Ascetics of his age.  He was, rahimahullah, ‘aabid – a worshipper.

Twenty years of Jihad by night.  No sweetness was experienced by ath-Thawri (rahimahullah) for twenty years?  Read more... (1514 words, estimated 6:03 mins reading time)

1. When the husband divorces his wife or their nikâh is annulled through khula’, zihâr, ’îlâ’ or any other way, or the husband passes away – then in all these cases the woman has to remain in a house for a certain period of time. As long as this period does not expire, she cannot go to any other place nor can she marry another person. Once this period expires, she can do whatever she wishes. This period of waiting is known as ‘iddah.  Read more... (930 words, estimated 3:43 mins reading time)