Before the tragedy of 9/11, many American Muslims were opposed to interfaith dialogue, thinking that it would compromise their faith. Thus in 1985 when Imam Ihsan Bagby and I, along …
Maryam and Jesus in Islam (peace be upon them)
Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an: “Say: we believe in Allah and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the tribes, and that given to …
Don’t Let Gossip Make You Bankrupt
Ssshhh. You hear a juicy tidbit from a neighbor, who heard it from a friend, who heard from her sister on a social chat group, who added some “spice” to …
The Concept of Shukr in Islam
As Muslims, it is our foremost duty to say shukr to Allah (SWT) for all of His blessings. It is helpful, therefore, to know in a deeper way what shukr …
Promoting Islamic Fiction: A Worthwhile Struggle
Back when I embraced Islam as a bright-eyed youth twenty-four years ago, there wasn’t much with an Islamic flavor available in the fiction and literature department. At the time, I …
Jafar ibn Abi Talib (r): Exemplary Interfaith Leader
Despite his noble standing among the Quraysh, Abu Talib, an uncle of the Prophet, was quite poor. He had a large family and did not have adequate means to support …
Islamic Schools – The Light for Future Generations
Islamic Schools are growing as a viable option for Muslim parents in America when deciding on the best education for their children. Islamic schools are now capable of providing a …
Islamic Education — The Foundation for a Way Forward
Let me begin by defining what Islamic education is and what it means, or should mean, to Muslims. The aim of Islamic education, as defined by the First World Conference …
Strictness and Leniency in Teaching: Finding the Balance
Leniency does not mean giving someone a pass from their responsibilities, but that you excuse them when there’s a valid reason without holding it against them, and that you believe …
Musab Ibn Umayr (R): The Teacher Appointed by the Prophet (p)
Early Life Musab ibn Umayr was born and grew up in the lap of affluence and luxury. His rich parents lavished a great deal of care and attention on him. …