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.

‘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).

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.”

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.

Al-Qaraḍāwī: Niqāb is Neither an Obligation Nor an Innovation

In his fatwa about the niqāb, between the claim of its obligation or innovation, the esteemed scholar Dr. Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī states: “I know that the argumentation surrounding these controversial issues will not end with a composed article, research work, or authored book. For, as long as the causes for ikhtilāf (disagreement) remain, the ikhtilāf among people will not disappear – even if they are religious, sincere Muslims.”

On Niqab and Culture: Shaykh Abdullah Adhami

Fiqh of Jihad: Book review of Shaykhul Islam al-Qaradawi’s latest masterpiece on Jihad by Dr Rashid al-Ghannushi

Taqleed or following of an Imam on matters of Shariah: Mufti Taqi Usmani

Mother of all vices

The British Beer & Pub Association said that UK pubs closed at a rate of 52 per week in the first half of the year – a third more than the same period in 2008.

The global economic crisis has made many people redundant and forced many businesses to cut down on their production while others are forced to close down. However, although it is bad news for some people in the UK, the recent news of the British pubs closing down at a record rate, in my opinion, is good news.

The Authority of the Mufti: Imam Ibn ‘Ashur and the President of Tunisia

Honesty: A key ingredient of happiness

Honesty is one of the universal principles which all civilised communities and peoples agree with. Without it individuals and the society at large will be in complete turmoil and live in suspicion of each other. When friends, family, work colleagues and couples are not honest with each other, to create and develop a society that is conducive to the equilibrium that God desires for us, then the life of those and others in the wider society will be in jeopardy.

To sing or to sin?

One of the most heated issues that are debated in fiqh is the permissibility or not of music in Islam. While the majority of the classical scholars, it appears, prohibit the usage of musical instruments in singing [accompanied with licentious activities or not], a minority among them opine the view that music in itself is not unlawful except when it is accompanied with the drinking of alcohol and other prohibited practices, then it is prohibited.