A Shakespearean tragedy, the case of Anwar al-Awlaki

The murderous acts of US Army Major Nidal Hasan has put the American Muslim community in the spotlight again, for all the wrong reasons. This single insane act will have repercussions far beyond US borders, Muslims in the West  will now be viewed with more suspicion and a potential fifth column.

Contextualising Islam in Britain: Dr Jasser Audah

What does it mean to “contextualise” Islam in Britain and what purpose does it serve, if any? Is contextualising another form of “reforming” Islam by compromising the very principles of Islam?

To be a Mufti

The environment children are raised in plays an essential role even in cultivating a perception of the reality. Our surroundings – social, political and even topographical – have an impact on our human character. Society moulds much of our outlook and the way in which we perceive and view things; no matter how hard one may exert in trying to be indifferent he/she will be influenced by these elements, and will also determine how they interact, behave and communicate with each other.

Do I have to leave Britain?

Q. Brother, I have been told by someone that I have to emigrate from Britain to a Muslim country and if I do not I will be sinful, what should I do?

Between Ignorance and Extremism: Shaykh Dr Abdullah bin Bayyah

Like Sidi Abdal Hakim said, “Tradition or extradition” – it’s not a joke, and people really have to think about the presence of over 25 million Muslims in Western Europe. We have to really think about what we’re doing here, what we’re planning to do here in the future. For those of you who have children, you have to really think about what’s going to be the situation of your children and your children’s children.  I mean, these are really serious situations.

Discussing Terrorism & Jihad: Sheikh Haitham Al Haddad

All praise belongs to Allah and blessings and peace be upon the final prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

We have recently seen a number of articles and lectures by various speakers and scholars about jihad and terrorism, and although these brothers have sincere intentions (and we ask Allah to reward and guide them), I fear that this discourse is lacking the basic framework of an academic methodology, and as a result it can easily be misleading and cause more problems than it solves.

‘Non-Muslims’ instead of ‘Kuffar’

An extract from Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi:

In calling (da’wa) others with wisdom and beautiful preaching and arguing with that which is best, which the Muslims are required to do – it is advisable (particularly in the age of globalisation) to not address those whom we differ with, as kuffar, even though we believe that they are so. This is especially in the case of the People of the Book (Christians and Jews).

Operative theories of the Islamic Movement

One of the problems the Islamic Movement is facing, especially in the West, is the rigidity and over-zealousness of some activists. They are trying to apply the exact carbon-copy methods, ways and tools, which were introduced by its founders for their particular context and realities.

The consequences of this is that the Movement loses its dynamic, pragmatism and the spirit upon which it was established and instituted. This approach may produce some immediate benefits, however in the long term productivity will be lost and its principles and values will be diluted by factors beyond its domain.

Superman and the Islamic Movement

Around 10 years ago, I asked Dr Tariq Ramadan for help with an essay on Nietzsche, the German philosopher. I knew he was a lecturer in philosophy, so who better to help with one of the most difficult texts (political thought) for undergraduates?

Admired by his supporters, dismissed by his critics - I can confirm and declare that Tariq Ramadan is no Übermensch (superman).

Journey of a Lifetime

The great debate: Abu Hanifa v Imam Baqir

On his second visit to Madina Abu Hanifa met Imam Baqir, when he was introduced to Imam Baqir, the latter addressed him in the following words: “So it is you who contradicts the traditions of my grandfather on the basis of Qiyas”. Abu Hanifa said: “May Allah forbid, who dare contradict the Ahadith? After you sit down, Sayyidi, I shall explain my position.”

Intellectual Foundations of Islamic Political thought

Q. Dear Abdullah thank you for the articles. I have another request, could you briefly explain to me the intellectual foundations of Islamic politics? Thank you.

Muhammad: the counsellor

It is well known among the scholars that the Prophet in his various capacities instituted and established certain norms, commands and prohibitions; some in his capacity as a Prophet, some in his capacity as a judge, some in his capacity as a political leader, etc.