The Arabic word hayaa’ is a powerful and rich word with extensive meanings. Loosely translated as “modesty,” hayaa’ is linguistically linked to hayaa (life, to be alive), and the lack …
Honoring our Neighbors: According to the Quran and the Sunnah
As Muslims, we have a unique responsibility towards our neighbors. In fact, our neighbors have rights over us as outlined in the Qur’an, where God says, “Worship Allah and associate …
Forgiveness in Islam
Is it easy to forgive someone who’s wronged you? Perhaps not for everyone, and not in every situation. Think of a time in your life when you forgave someone and …
Two Types of Hypocrisy
What does it mean to be a hypocrite? Linguistically, hypocrisy can refer to many things, including the intentional external deception that contradicts the internal or private state of belief. From …
Gratitude, Staying Centered, and Remembering Allah SWT
We are living through difficult times and many people feel a bit overwhelmed by what is going on in the world. Some complain, some hold all of the troubles inside …
Character Building: The Essence of a Believer
All praises are for Allah, Lord of all that exists; and peace and blessings of Allah be on His final messenger and his household. Character is the solid foundation of …
‘Like Holding a Burning Coal’
For this article, five Muslim mothers confided in me, sharing their concerns, frustrations, and wishes with regards to their children’s practice of Islam. Most chose to remain anonymous, and so …
Homeschooling: Benefits, Challenges, and Practical Tips
Providing an education for their children is one of parents’ most crucial tasks. Muslims, in particular, have always stressed the importance of learning. Our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be …
Helping Teens Set Goals and Stay Focused on Them
Developmental psychology proposes that everything that happens to us impacts, to lesser or greater degree, the way our brain develops. So, on top of our basic brain structure and inherent …
Protecting Your Loved Ones: A Legal and Religious Perspective on Wills
In ordinary times, conversations about death are more or less rare. Most people prefer to avoid such thoughts, relegating the idea of the afterlife to the foggy, distant future. Others …