God-Centered Morality in the New Dark Ages with Dr. Farah El-Sharif

 

Good Leadership vs Tyranny in the Qur'an

 

Leadership is one of the greatest responsibilities a person can carry. Whether leading a nation, a community, a family or even one's own conduct, Islam teaches that leadership is a trust from Allah. The Qur'an presents powerful examples of both righteous leaders and oppressive tyrants, allowing believers to learn from their successes and failures. These stories are not merely historical accounts. They provide timeless guidance on justice, humility, accountability and the consequences of abusing power.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock." (Sahih al-Bukhari 7138, Sahih Muslim 1829). This principle reminds Muslims that every position of authority, no matter how small, carries responsibility before Allah.

One of the finest examples of righteous leadership in the Qur'an is Prophet Sulayman (Solomon), peace be upon him. Allah blessed him with immense wealth, power and a kingdom unlike any before or after him. He commanded armies of humans, jinn and birds, yet he never attributed his success to himself. Instead, he recognised every blessing as a test from Allah.

Allah says:

"My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do righteousness of which You approve, and admit me by Your mercy into the ranks of Your righteous servants."

Surah An-Naml (27:19)

Rather than becoming arrogant, Sulayman remained grateful, just and humble. His leadership was rooted in obedience to Allah rather than personal ambition. He judged fairly, treated others with dignity and used the authority Allah had given him to establish justice rather than elevate himself. His example teaches that true leaders recognise that power is temporary and accountability is eternal.

The story of the Queen of Sheba provides another remarkable example of wise and righteous leadership. Although she was not initially a believer, the Qur'an portrays her as a thoughtful ruler who sought counsel before making major decisions. When she received Sulayman's letter inviting her to worship Allah, she did not allow pride or emotion to dictate her response. Instead, she consulted her advisers.

Allah says:

"She said, 'O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness for me.'"

Surah An-Naml (27:32)

Her advisers reminded her of their military strength, but she understood that war often brings devastation upon ordinary people. She wisely observed:

"Indeed, when kings enter a city, they ruin it and make the honoured of its people humiliated. And thus do they do."

Surah An-Naml (27:34)

Rather than rushing into conflict, she pursued diplomacy and sought to better understand Sulayman's message. When she finally met him and witnessed the signs Allah had granted him, she recognised the truth without allowing pride to prevent her from accepting it.

She declared:

"My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allah, Lord of the worlds."

Surah An-Naml (27:44)

The Queen of Sheba demonstrates qualities that define excellent leadership. She listened before acting, valued consultation, prioritised peace over unnecessary conflict and possessed the humility to admit when she had been mistaken. Her willingness to change course when presented with the truth stands in sharp contrast to Pharaoh, who rejected overwhelming evidence because of his arrogance.

Another remarkable example is Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), peace be upon him. After years of betrayal, slavery and imprisonment, he was appointed over the storehouses of Egypt during a time of economic crisis. Instead of seeking revenge against those who had wronged him, he governed with wisdom, honesty and compassion.

He said:

"Appoint me over the storehouses of the land. Indeed, I will be a knowing guardian."

Surah Yusuf (12:55)

Yusuf demonstrated that competence and integrity are essential qualities of leadership. His authority was exercised to preserve lives and protect society rather than enrich himself.

The Qur'an also highlights the leadership of Dhul Qarnayn, a ruler whom Allah describes as travelling across the earth establishing justice wherever he went. When he encountered a people threatened by Gog and Magog, he did not exploit them for wealth. Instead, he refused excessive payment and asked only for their cooperation.

He said:

"What my Lord has established me in is better, but assist me with strength."

Surah Al-Kahf (18:95)

His leadership reflected service rather than self-interest. He recognised that success came through Allah and worked alongside the people rather than above them.

In contrast, the Qur'an repeatedly presents Pharaoh as the ultimate example of tyranny. He viewed himself as superior to others, demanded absolute obedience and oppressed the Children of Israel through violence, slavery and fear.

Allah says:

"Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions, oppressing a sector among them."

Surah Al-Qasas (28:4)

His arrogance reached such an extreme that he declared:

"I am your highest lord."

Surah An-Nazi'at (79:24)

Despite witnessing miracle after miracle through Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, Pharaoh refused to repent because he valued power over truth. His downfall illustrates that tyranny is ultimately self-destructive. Despite his apparent strength, his kingdom collapsed because it was built upon oppression rather than justice. Allah reminds believers throughout the Qur'an that no tyrant escapes His judgment.

Another striking example is Qarun (Korah). Although not a king, he represents the tyranny of wealth and arrogance. Allah blessed him with immense riches, but instead of expressing gratitude, he claimed sole credit for his success.

He said:

"I was only given it because of knowledge I have."

Surah Al-Qasas (28:78)

His pride caused him to reject Allah's blessings and ignore the needs of others. Eventually Allah caused the earth to swallow him and his wealth, demonstrating that material success without humility leads only to ruin.

The Qur'an also presents Nimrod as a ruler whose pride led him to challenge Allah Himself. When Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, declared that Allah gives life and causes death, Nimrod arrogantly attempted to imitate divine authority. Allah then silenced him with a simple argument concerning the rising of the sun.

Allah says:

"Have you not considered the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord because Allah had given him kingship?"

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:258)

This account illustrates how power often blinds people into believing they are beyond accountability.

One of the greatest characteristics separating righteous leaders from tyrants is humility. Allah says:

"That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth or corruption."

Surah Al-Qasas (28:83)

Islam teaches that leadership is not about domination but service. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lived this principle perfectly. He mended his own clothes, served his family, consulted his companions and never placed himself above others despite being the Messenger of Allah. Allah praised his character by saying:

"And indeed, you are of a great moral character."

Surah Al-Qalam (68:4)

The Qur'an repeatedly links good leadership with justice. Allah commands:

"Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression."

Surah An-Nahl (16:90)

Justice must be applied even when it goes against one's own interests. Allah says:

"O you who believe, stand firmly for justice, as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives."

Surah An-Nisa (4:135)

These verses establish justice as the foundation of legitimate authority.

The lessons of these Qur'anic examples remain profoundly relevant today. Leaders who seek personal glory, suppress truth, divide people and place themselves above accountability follow the path of Pharaoh rather than the prophets. Those who lead with humility, gratitude, wisdom, consultation, justice and compassion reflect the qualities that Allah praises.

Ultimately, every believer exercises leadership in some capacity. Parents lead their families, employers lead their staff, teachers lead their students and individuals lead themselves through their choices. The Qur'an reminds us that the true measure of leadership is not influence or status but faithfulness to Allah and service to His creation.

On the Day of Judgment, titles, wealth and authority will disappear. What will remain is whether leadership was exercised as a trust or abused as a means of oppression. The Qur'an calls every believer to choose the path of justice, humility and accountability, following the examples of Allah's righteous servants such as Sulayman, Yusuf, Dhul Qarnayn and the Queen of Sheba, rather than the doomed legacy of tyrants like Pharaoh, Qarun and Nimrod.

Israel stole Rashid Khalidi’s land. The U.S. is building an embassy on it

 

On July 1, Israel and the United States signed an agreement to build a permanent U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem on confiscated Palestinian property. Among the descendants of the Palestinian families who own the site is historian Rashid Khalidi. He details his family’s nearly 30 year legal battle against the planned embassy — and reflects on whether the hundred-year war on Palestine may finally be entering a new chapter, given historic shifts in global public opinion. 

The SHOCKING Truth of Mossad No One Tells You | Bassem Youssef

 

Few intelligence agencies have generated as much fascination, controversy, and mythology as Mossad.

In this clip, Bassem Youssef discusses some of the agency's most famous operations, the role intelligence services play in modern geopolitics, and why Mossad has become one of the most recognized spy agencies in the world.

Bassem Youssef and Dan Bilzerian

 

Losing Your Father: Finding Strength Through Islamic Guidance

Few losses change a person's life as profoundly as the death of a father. Whether he was your protector, your teacher, your provider, your best friend, or simply a reassuring presence in your life, his absence can leave a silence that feels impossible to fill. Even years after his passing, certain moments, a familiar scent, a family gathering, or hearing advice he once gave can bring the grief rushing back.

Islam does not ask us to pretend that this pain does not exist. Rather, it acknowledges the depth of human emotion while teaching us how to carry grief with faith, patience, and hope.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself experienced the loss of loved ones throughout his life. He lost his father before he was born, his mother when he was a young child, his beloved grandfather, his uncle Abu Talib, his devoted wife Khadijah رضي الله عنها, and several of his own children. His life reminds us that grief is not a sign of weak faith. It is part of the human experience.

When his son Ibrahim passed away, the Prophet ﷺ held him, wept, and said:

"The eyes shed tears and the heart grieves, but we do not say except that which pleases our Lord. Indeed, we are saddened by your departure, O Ibrahim."

This beautiful hadith teaches us that crying is not contrary to patience. Islam does not forbid tears. It forbids despair and objection to the decree of Allah. Feeling heartbroken while remaining content with Allah's wisdom is one of the highest forms of patience.

Allah reminds us in the Qur'an:

"Every soul shall taste death, and you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection."

Surah Aal Imran 3:185

Death is the one certainty every family will face. Although knowing this does not remove the pain, it helps us remember that this separation is temporary. For the believer, death is not the end but the beginning of another stage of existence.

It is natural to replay memories and wish for one more conversation, one more embrace, or one more opportunity to express gratitude. If you still carry regrets, remember that Allah's mercy is vast. One of the greatest gifts Islam gives us is that our relationship with our parents does not end when they leave this world.

The Prophet ﷺ taught that when a person dies, all of their deeds come to an end except for three things. One of these is a righteous child who prays for them.

Every sincere du'a you make for your father reaches him by the permission of Allah. Asking Allah to forgive him, expand his grave, grant him light, elevate his rank, and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus is among the greatest acts of love you can offer him.

Giving charity on his behalf is another beautiful way to continue honouring him. Supporting a mosque, helping someone in need, providing water, donating Qur'ans, sponsoring education, or contributing to any ongoing charitable project can become a source of continuous reward for him if done with the intention that Allah accepts it on his behalf.

Maintaining the family ties that your father valued is also an act of righteousness. Visiting relatives, caring for your mother if she is living, checking on his friends, and preserving the values he taught are all ways of keeping his legacy alive. The Prophet ﷺ emphasised that honouring a parent's friends after their death is among the highest forms of dutifulness.

Grief often comes in waves. Some days you may feel at peace, while other days the loss feels as though it happened yesterday. This is completely natural. Healing is not about forgetting. It is about learning to carry love and loss together while continuing to trust Allah's plan.

There may also be moments when you question why Allah took your father when you still needed him. These questions often arise from pain rather than disbelief. Islam encourages us to remember that Allah is Al Hakim, the Most Wise, and Al Rahman, the Most Merciful. His wisdom extends beyond what we can understand in this life.

Allah says:

"It may be that you dislike something while it is good for you, and it may be that you love something while it is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know."

Surah Al Baqarah 2:216

Sometimes the greatest comfort comes not from finding all the answers but from trusting the One who knows them.

One day, every believer hopes for a reunion that will never again be interrupted by separation. Allah describes the people of Paradise as being reunited with those they loved in faith. This promise gives hope to every grieving heart. If both parent and child die upon faith, Allah can reunite them in eternal happiness where there is no death, no illness, no sadness, and no farewell.

Until that day, continue making du'a for your father. Speak well of him. Continue the good that he began. Live in a way that would make him proud before Allah. Let your character become part of his ongoing legacy.

If today your heart feels heavy because you miss your father, know that Allah sees every tear that no one else notices. He knows every silent prayer you whisper and every ache you carry. Turn to Him often, for no one heals hearts like the One who created them.

May Allah forgive all our fathers, have mercy upon them, expand and illuminate their graves, accept their good deeds, overlook their shortcomings, and grant them the highest ranks of Jannatul Firdaus. May He grant patience to every son and daughter who mourns them, replace grief with hope, and reunite believing families in Paradise where they will never be separated again. Ameen.

Jewish socialist Yasmine Johnson at the Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion

 

Yasmine Johnson, Jewish socialist and co-convenor of Students for Palestine (Australia) testifies at the Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion on Monday 13 July 2026

Bek Lover On TYT: Breaking Down the "Muslim Invasion" Narrative

 

Bek Lover joins Cenk Uygur on The Young Turks (TYT) for an in-depth conversation on the "Muslim Invasion" narrative, media propaganda, Islam in America, Albania, U.S. politics, free speech, lobbying, history, and the importance of building bridges across political divides.

The Cult Around Israel No One Wants to Talk About

 

For eighteen centuries, Christianity never taught what most American evangelicals now believe about Israel.
So where did it come from?
In this video I investigated the origins of Christian Zionism — the theology, the money, and the foreign influence operations actively targeting American churches right now. What I found was a paper trail hiding in plain sight, registered with the U.S. Department of Justice.
This is the story they don't want you to find.

Who am I? Understanding Identity