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Former Marine Richard McKinney shares his incredible journey—from harboring hatred toward Muslims to stepping inside a mosque with dark intentions. What happened next changed his life forever. Hear how an unexpected encounter led him to embrace Islam and find peace where he least expected it.
In a world often torn by violence, conflict, and dehumanization, it's crucial to revisit foundational moral principles that transcend time and place. One such principle is the sanctity of human life, and in Islam, this sanctity is held in the highest regard.
A Sacred Trust from God
Islam teaches that human life is a divine gift—a sacred trust from God (Allah). Every human being, regardless of race, religion, or status, is born with dignity and value.
The Qur’an declares:
“Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land—it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one—it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.”
(Qur’an 5:32)
This powerful verse underscores that taking an innocent life is a crime against all humanity, and saving a life is a service to all humankind.
Human Life Is Sacred—Not Just Muslim Life
The Qur'anic message is universal. It doesn’t say “a Muslim soul” or “a believer's soul”—it says “a soul.” Islamic ethics emphasize the inherent worth of every human, whether Muslim, Christian, Jewish, atheist, or otherwise.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was once reported to have stood in respect when a Jewish funeral procession passed by. When asked why, he responded:
“Was he not a human soul?”
(Sahih Bukhari)
This reflects the deep spiritual recognition of life’s value, regardless of religion or identity.
Justice, Not Vengeance
Islam permits self-defense and the pursuit of justice, but strictly forbids aggression and the taking of innocent life. The Prophet Muhammad said:
“A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand others are safe.”
(Sunan al-Nasa’i)
Acts of terrorism, suicide bombings, or attacks on civilians are not only morally reprehensible—they are in direct violation of Islamic teachings.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Islam commands the protection of women, children, the elderly, and the infirm—especially during times of conflict. The Prophet Muhammad laid down rules for warfare that forbade harm to non-combatants, destruction of homes, or poisoning of wells—centuries before modern laws of war were codified.
In his final sermon, the Prophet said:
“O people, your blood, your property, and your honor are sacred to one another as the sacredness of this day...”
This final address captured the heart of Islamic ethics: life is sacred, and mutual respect is obligatory.
A Universal Message
The Islamic principle of life’s sanctity is not just a theological idea—it’s a call to compassion, restraint, and justice. It demands that Muslims stand against injustice, whether committed by individuals, states, or even fellow Muslims.
In an age where human lives are too often reduced to numbers, may we remember that in Islam, every life is a universe.
Islam’s message is clear and uncompromising: human life is sacred. That sanctity applies to all people, at all times, in all places. It’s a value not only to be preached—but practiced.
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During this halaqah held at the Xhamia e 4Llullave (Hasan Beg) in Pristina, Kosovo, earlier this year, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan gives us a heartbreaking, yet much needed reminder that sometimes our own family members will be the ones that hurt us the most.
Focusing on the story of the two sons of Adam (AS), Ustadh highlights the ayat from Surah Al-Ma'idah (27-30) in which one of the two sons' sacrifice was not accepted by Allah, resulting in him threatening to kill his brother. The brother's response is where the key lesson lies; he was not passive by simply accepting of his murder, he did in fact attempt to defend himself. However, he made it clear that his intention was not to retaliate and kill, due to his taqwa - i.e. his fear of Allah. He also prayed that his murderous brother would bear his sins, along with his own, for this grievous sin.
Using this example, Ustadh Nouman emphasizes that we do have rights, even against our own family members, and it's not incumbent upon ourselves to humiliate or sacrifice ourselves from them, especially if they refuse to listen or, in extreme cases, aim to cause harm.
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Why I fell in love with Islam and chose to convert. I share the big ideas that made a difference for me. In these last ten days of Ramadan 2025, let's share some Real talk on Muslims, Islam and what it means to be a convert to Islam after 30+ years as a Muslim convert. I share wisdom, experience, and reflections from the life God curated for me as an American-born Taiwanese (immigrant parents) California-raised, Ivy-league educated Muslim convert married to a world renowned Islamic scholar!
I have a lot of love and respect for Glen.
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“You’re an Indian who’s chosen a Pakistani religion. You’ve basically betrayed your bloodline.” That’s what Reece’s mother said when she found out he was Muslim.
Reece once hated Islam.
He believed the worst about Muslims.
“If someone mentioned the word ‘Muslim’ to me, what would come to mind was something backwards.”
He was ready to be an atheist.
But after watching a Stephen Hawking lecture on the universe, he began to question everything.
Then a friend said: “Why don’t you just read the Qur’an?”
He did. “What really caught my eyes were the laws and commands… that just hit me immediately.”
Reese embraced Islam quietly.
When his family found out, the backlash was strong.
But his conviction was stronger.
This is how Allah guides.
This is the impact of dawah.
