General
From Issue: 304 [Read full issue]
| Living the Quran |
Al-Maida
(The Table)
The 'favour' mentioned here denotes illuminating the Straight Way, and entrusting to the believers the task of guidance and leadership of the whole world. Doubtless, the relationship between God and humankind is a serious and solemn one which calls for sincerity, tenacity, and diligence. An essential corollary of true faith in God is to take one's obligations towards Him seriously and hold them in high regard, and discharge them fully to the best possible standard. God has taken an undertaking from the Muslims that they will believe in His oneness, submit to and serve Him alone. Having become Muslims, they have pledged to promote and spread His religion, to be a good and faithful example to others, and to teach and dispense virtue and goodness to all. Muslims are not the first group of humans to undertake such far-reaching and binding obligations towards God, for they had been preceded by others, namely, the Jews and Christians. There are people (nominal Muslims) who, no matter how much piety and sincerity they try to convey, or no matter how religious they might claim to be, are always betrayed by their attitudes and actions. Their contrived devotion to Islam leads some of them to censure and condemn more severely Muslim believers who commit minor misdemeanours than they would unbelievers. In the minds of such people, the very concept of right and wrong is confused and turned upside down. They would show more tolerance towards the infidel enemies of Islam than they would towards some Muslims. Such insensitivity is totally alien to Islam. Source: |
| Understanding the Prophet's Life |
| Greedy Nature of Humans On the authority of Ibn Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, "Were people to be given according to their claims, men would claim the wealth and blood of the people." Making a claim against somebody else is, practically not morally speaking, a very easy matter. If that were all it took to take other people's wealth and blood, there would be a great deal of evil on the earth. Mankind, save those who have been protected and guided by Allah, is wont to be greedy and overbearing. If they had the chance to take others' wealth and even ask for their lives, they would do so. This is a fact that is proven by this saying of the Prophet. Therefore, steps must be taken to protect society from such behaviour. These 'steps' are the laws or judicial process that have been enacted that protect everyone's rights, life and property. Source: |
| Blindspot |
What's the big deal about Christmas? With the ubiquitous decorations, Santa Claus beckoning, and classmates anxiously awaiting their presents, your siblings are probably wondering once again: what's the big deal about Christmas? Some of them may have just accustomed themselves to the yearly celebration. Younger siblings may be feeling curious, jealous even, of all of the excitement surrounding the event. This is why it's critical to share the Islamic perspective on Christmas with your siblings. Even if they know what it's about, they may feel left out, pressured, or even confused about it and where they stand as Muslims. Here are some ways to bring it up with them. 1. Call a family meeting 2. Discuss Muslim and
Christian beliefs about Jesus, peace be upon him 3. Stress the importance
of respect for other faiths in Islam 4. Talk about gifts
and decorations 5. Respecting others
does not mean compromising your faith Source: |
