Living with a Purpose | Mufti Abdul Rahman Waheed | Jummah Khutba

 

Every moment is a gift, and the Prophet ﷺ taught us to cherish it as if it's our last. Live each moment with purpose, sincerity, and gratitude, for we never know when our time will come.

A Year in Gaza: Training to be a War Surgeon | Full Documentary

 

Riccardo, an Italian final-year medical student, is going on Erasmus. The destination: Gaza, a war zone. His friends are shocked. However, it is important to him as he wants to become a war surgeon and is writing his thesis on explosive bullet wounds. Entering Gaza is not easy, he needs permission from three different authorities: the Israeli army, the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas.

Upon arrival at the Islamic University, he is welcomed by the chancellor and interviewed by the local and international media. Riccardo starts to feel the pressure: his experience will determine the success of the exchange programme. The imminence of war doesn’t help and he starts suffering panic attacks.

This improves as Riccardo makes friends with some young Palestinians, who advise him how to handle his anxiety. But when war is rekindled, Riccardo has to make many difficult choices. In crossing the border between Israel and the Strip, Riccardo also crossed the boundary between adolescence and adulthood, a journey of personal struggle that will test whether or not he truly has the strength to pursue his dreams.

This film was first released in 2021.

The SHOCKING Truth Israel Hides from World

Israel is running and let's be absolutely explicit about this  system of torture camps.

Actor Jacob Berger Escaped Zionism

 

Jacob Berger is a Jewish American actor, influencer and media personality. He joined us to pod to talk about why he's pro- Palestine. Check out his work: ‪@JacobBergerActor‬

The Evils of Judging in Islam

 

Judging others is a common human tendency, but in Islam, it's a behavior that carries significant spiritual and ethical consequences. The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) offer profound guidance on the dangers of being judgmental and emphasize the importance of humility, empathy, and understanding.

1. The Sanctity of Intentions
One of the core principles in Islam is that actions are judged by intentions. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Actions are judged by intentions, so each man will have what he intended." (Sahih Bukhari)

This hadith reminds us that only Allah knows the true intentions behind an individual's actions. When we judge others, we overlook the complexity of their circumstances and intentions, which are known only to Allah. By passing judgment, we risk assuming a role that belongs solely to the Divine.

2. The Dangers of Arrogance
Judging others often stems from a place of arrogance or self-righteousness. The Quran strongly warns against arrogance, equating it with a severe sin:

"And do not turn your face away from people in contempt, nor go about in the land exulting over others; indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluded and boastful." (Quran 31:18)

When we judge others, we position ourselves as superior, forgetting that all humans are fallible and in need of Allah's mercy. This sense of superiority can lead to spiritual decay, making us blind to our own faults and shortcomings.

3. The Harm of Gossip and Backbiting
Judging others often leads to gossip and backbiting, both of which are explicitly condemned in Islam. The Quran vividly describes the severity of these acts:

"O you who have believed, avoid much suspicion, for some suspicion is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it." (Quran 49:12)

This verse highlights the destructive nature of judgmental attitudes, which can lead to divisions within the community, harm reputations, and create lasting enmity.

4. The Virtue of Covering Faults
Islam teaches that believers should strive to conceal the faults of others rather than expose them. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment." (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith underscores the importance of mercy and compassion. By refraining from judgment and instead offering support and understanding, we contribute to a more compassionate and cohesive society.

5. Focusing on Self-Improvement
Islam encourages self-reflection and personal growth over the judgment of others. The Quran advises:

"O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them. Nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them." (Quran 49:11)

This verse reminds us that our focus should be on improving ourselves rather than finding faults in others. By concentrating on our own spiritual development, we fulfill the true purpose of our lives and avoid the pitfalls of judgment.

6. Trust in Allah's Justice
Ultimately, Islam teaches that the judgment of others is best left to Allah, who is the Most Just. The Quran states:

"Indeed, Allah is the Best of Judges." (Quran 95:8)

Trusting in Allah’s judgment allows us to relinquish the burden of passing judgment on others, fostering a sense of peace and humility.

Conclusion
Judging others is a practice that Islam strongly discourages. It is a behavior that not only harms the individual being judged but also corrupts the soul of the one who judges. By focusing on our own actions and intentions, avoiding arrogance, and showing compassion towards others, we can align ourselves with the teachings of Islam and build a community rooted in mercy and understanding. As Muslims, it is our duty to reflect on our own shortcomings and trust in Allah’s perfect justice, rather than assuming the role of judge over our fellow human beings.

Change your life's perspective - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

 

 

 

Muhammad ibn Maslama (ra): The Knight of Rasulullah ﷺ | The Firsts | Sahaba | Dr. Omar Suleiman

 

The Firsts is a video series that chronicles the lives of the Sahaba (the companions of the Prophet ﷺ) during and after the time of the Prophet ﷺ.

How Palestinian Faith Led to My Shahada | Megan Rice

 

"Sr. Megan Rice shares her extraordinary journey of embracing Islam, influenced by the resilient faith of Palestinians. In a raw and compelling conversation, Megan delves into her conversion story and candidly discusses the critical challenges facing the Muslim Ummah today. This episode uncovers the pressing issues that demand our attention and action, from community unity to confronting external pressures.

Kahanistan- lecture by David Sheen

 

 

 

 How the Jewish far-right remade the mainstream – a lecture at Busboys and Poets in Arlington,

Unmasking the Reality: Genocide and Colonialism as Western Values

 

Throughout history, the world has witnessed unimaginable horrors, many of which have been justified, perpetuated, and institutionalized by Western powers under the guise of civilization, progress, and development. Two of the most egregious acts — genocide and colonialism — are not aberrations of Western history; rather, they are deeply entrenched in its ideological and cultural fabric. To understand these as Western values is not to indict every individual within these societies but to critically analyze the systems, beliefs, and policies that have repeatedly enabled such atrocities.

The Roots of Genocide in Western Ideology
Genocide, the deliberate and systematic destruction of a people, is often regarded as a product of hatred, intolerance, or extreme circumstances. However, when we examine history closely, it becomes evident that genocide has been a recurring tool in the Western arsenal of power. From the extermination of indigenous peoples in the Americas to the Holocaust in Europe, genocide has been used to eliminate those deemed inferior or threatening to the prevailing order.

The idea of racial superiority, which has been a cornerstone of Western thought, plays a crucial role in justifying genocide. The Enlightenment, often celebrated as the pinnacle of Western intellectual achievement, ironically laid the groundwork for this. Thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Hegel espoused ideas of racial hierarchy, positioning Western (particularly European) civilization as the pinnacle of human development. This provided a philosophical justification for the subjugation, exploitation, and eventual extermination of non-Western peoples.

The manifestation of this ideology is seen in the treatment of indigenous populations across the Americas. The decimation of Native American tribes, the atrocities committed against the Aboriginal people of Australia, and the brutal repression in Africa during the colonial era are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader pattern of behavior justified by Western values of superiority and dominance.

Colonialism: The Spread of Western ‘Civilization’
Colonialism, often romanticized as the spread of civilization and progress, is another expression of Western values. The colonial project was driven by a sense of manifest destiny and the belief that Western ways of life, governance, and religion were superior to all others. Under this guise, Western powers embarked on campaigns of conquest, subjugating entire continents and exploiting their resources for the benefit of a few.

The economic motives behind colonialism cannot be ignored, but it is the moral and cultural justifications that reveal its roots in Western ideology. The Doctrine of Discovery, a legal framework used by European Christian monarchies, sanctioned the seizure of lands inhabited by non-Christians. This doctrine, deeply embedded in Western legal and religious thought, paved the way for centuries of exploitation and violence.

The British Empire, the largest and most powerful colonial force in history, exemplifies how deeply colonialism was woven into Western values. The empire's motto, "The sun never sets on the British Empire," reflects the imperialist belief in the righteousness of their mission to dominate the globe. The systematic dismantling of indigenous cultures, the imposition of Western education, religion, and governance, and the brutal suppression of resistance all highlight how colonialism was not merely a pursuit of wealth but a project of cultural domination rooted in Western values.

The Legacy of Genocide and Colonialism Today
While some may argue that these atrocities are relics of a bygone era, the legacy of genocide and colonialism is very much alive today. The structural inequalities, racial discrimination, and cultural erasure that persist in former colonies and among indigenous populations in the West are direct consequences of these historical practices.

Moreover, Western powers continue to wield disproportionate influence in global affairs, often intervening in the politics and economies of other nations under the guise of promoting democracy, human rights, and development. These interventions frequently echo the paternalistic and exploitative nature of colonialism, revealing that the underlying values have not changed but have merely adapted to contemporary contexts.
 

A Call for Honest Reckoning
Recognizing genocide and colonialism as Western values is not an act of blame or condemnation of individuals but a necessary step in understanding the forces that have shaped our world. It challenges the dominant narrative that portrays the West as a beacon of progress and civilization, exposing the darker side of this history.

To move forward, there must be an honest reckoning with this past. This includes not only acknowledging the atrocities committed but also understanding how the values that justified them continue to influence Western societies today. Only through such a reckoning can we begin to dismantle the systems of oppression that have their roots in these historical practices and work toward a more just and equitable world.