Wednesday, 18 October 2023

A daughter’s love leads to danger in Pakistan

In Pakistani culture, arranged marriages are common.  So when the parents of Samia Shahid chose a husband for her, Samia agreed to the marriage. Despite being raised in England, Samia took her Pakistani heritage very seriously and would do anything to make her family proud.

But Samia’s arranged marriage to her first cousin, Choudhry Shakeel, was far from what she expected. Samia was determined to build a better life for herself, but at what cost?

Monday, 16 October 2023

The Lies About Palestine | Dogma Disrupted w/ Imam Tom Facchine

 


With a mounting death toll of over 1500 lives, we are yet again witnessing the oppression of Palestinians unfold before our very eyes. While the the media buzzes with news articles, think pieces, and commentary, there is much being lost on the context and crux of the issue—primarily, the liberation of Palestinians from an apartheid regime that is committing genocide. Why is it so hard to explain this without being attacked?

Friday, 13 October 2023

OCD and Satan's Whispers, with Sr. Najwa Awad

 


In Surat Faatir, Chapter 35 verse 6, Allah (SWT) says, “Indeed, Shaytan (Satan) is an enemy to you; so take him as an enemy.” One of the weapons at Satan’s disposal is his whispering. What does it mean for Satan to whisper to us? How do we draw the line between his whisperings and our own thoughts? What is the relationship between these whisperings and obsessive-compulsive disorder? In this episode, host Mohamad Zaoud talks to Sr. Najwa Awad, a fellow at Yaqeen Institute and author of the paper, “Clinicians, Imams, and the Whisperings of Satan.” 

Wednesday, 11 October 2023

Feared no one: The life and death of Qandeel Baloch

 


Qandeel Baloch–who was dubbed the Kim Kardashian of Pakistan–was strangled to death in 2016 by her brother Muhammad Waseem. The case was considered the most high-profile "honor killing" of recent years, where women are murdered by male relatives for purportedly bringing "shame" to the reputation of a family. Baloch first received recognition from the media in 2013, when she auditioned for Pakistan Idol. Her audition became popular and she became an Internet celebrity. She was one of the top 10 most searched-for persons on the internet in Pakistan and was both celebrated and criticized for the content of her videos and posts. 

Three months after Qandeel Baloch's death, Pakistan lawmakers responded to the public outcry and passed legislation against the controversial practice–a landmark ruling welcomed by rights activists and lawyers. However, Waseem has been freed by a Pakistan appeals court, three years after he was convicted of killing her for "bringing dishonor" to the family. In her posts, Qandeel Baloch had spoken of trying to change "the typical orthodox mindset" of people in Pakistan. She faced frequent abuse and death threats but continued to post pictures and videos seen as provocative. Nearly 1,000 Pakistani women are murdered by close relatives each year, in so-called honor killings, for violating conservative norms on love and marriage.

Tuesday, 10 October 2023

Finding Peace: How to Deal with Anxiety in Islam


Anxiety is a common human experience that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their religious beliefs. In Islam, there are profound teachings and practices that can help individuals cope with and overcome anxiety. This blog post will explore some of these methods and offer guidance on how to deal with anxiety in Islam.

Prayer (Salah):
One of the most powerful tools in dealing with anxiety in Islam is prayer, known as Salah. Performing your daily prayers not only strengthens your connection with Allah but also provides a sense of tranquility and inner peace. When you pray, you turn your worries over to Allah, knowing that He is the All-Knowing and the All-Powerful.

Dua (Supplication):
In Islam, dua is a form of personal communication with Allah. When you're feeling anxious, take a moment to make dua. Pour your heart out to Allah, express your concerns, and ask for His guidance and support. Remember, Allah is always listening, and He responds to sincere supplication.

Tawakkul (Trust in Allah):
Islam teaches us to trust in Allah's plan. Recognize that anxiety often stems from worrying about the future. While it's essential to plan and take practical steps, remember that ultimately, Allah is the best of planners. Have faith that whatever happens is according to His divine wisdom.

Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah):
Engaging in dhikr, which involves the repetitive remembrance of Allah through phrases and supplications, can be soothing for the anxious mind. The act of dhikr redirects your thoughts away from worry and toward Allah's presence and mercy.

Community and Support:
Islam emphasizes the importance of community and seeking support from others. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or a religious leader about your anxiety. Sharing your concerns can help relieve the burden and provide emotional support.

Self-Care and Health:
Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential in Islam. Ensure you are eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity. A healthy body and mind can better withstand stress and anxiety.

Seeking Professional Help:
If your anxiety is severe or persistent, it's perfectly acceptable in Islam to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and there is no shame in seeking assistance when needed.

Recitation of Quranic Verses:
Certain verses from the Quran, such as Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Surah Al-Isra (17:109), and Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6), are known for their calming and soothing effects. Recite these verses regularly to find comfort and strength. 

Practice Patience and Gratitude:
Anxiety often leads to impatience and negativity. Islam encourages patience (sabr) and gratitude (shukr) in the face of adversity. Reflect on the blessings you have, even in difficult times, and trust that Allah's plan is for your ultimate good.

Dealing with anxiety in Islam involves a holistic approach that combines spirituality, self-care, and seeking support when necessary. Remember that you are not alone in your struggle, and Allah is always there to guide and support you. By incorporating these Islamic teachings and practices into your life, you can find peace and resilience in the face of anxiety.

Monday, 9 October 2023

Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al-Sudais

 


In this video, we reveal to you 10 interesting facts about Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al-Sudais. He is a renowned Quran reciter from Saudi Arabia, known for his emotional, heart-touching voice when reciting the holy Quran. He is better known as Al-Sudais, but his complete name is, Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz al-Sudais An-Najdi. 

Friday, 6 October 2023

Abu Saeed al-Khudri (ra): The Jewel of Madinah | The Firsts | Sahaba Stories | Dr. Omar Suleiman

 


He was given the lofty title of the Mufti of Madinah for his rare combination of Hadith and Fiqh. He narrates over 1000 ahadith from the Prophet ﷺ, and lived a long life of devotion all in his home city of Madinah. 

Thursday, 5 October 2023

The Qur'an and Depression | Taraweeh Reflections with Dr. Omar Suleiman

 


What relationship does the Quran have to our feelings of happiness, sadness, grief, or anxiety? 

Wednesday, 4 October 2023

Resilient Souls: Stories of Spanish Muslims

 


Introducing a groundbreaking documentary exploring the lives of converted Spanish Muslims who, for the first time ever, are opening their doors to international media and sharing their inspiring stories with a global audience. The resilient community invited TRT World into their homes, offering a rare glimpse into their captivating lives. Discover their remarkable journeys — filled with both triumphs and challenges — as they navigate the intricate tapestry of being Muslim in the heart of Europe. Witness the joy, struggles and unique perspectives that shape their identity and contribute to the rich multicultural fabric of Spain. 

Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Navigating Depression in Islam: A Path to Healing


Depression is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of their faith or background. In Islam, mental health is regarded as an essential component of overall well-being. This blog post aims to explore the topic of depression within the context of Islam, offering guidance on how to approach and cope with this challenging condition while staying true to your faith.

Understanding Depression

Depression is not a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. It is a medical condition that affects the mind, emotions, and physical well-being. In Islam, it is important to recognize that mental illnesses like depression are not seen as a punishment from Allah or a reflection of one's iman (faith).

Seeking Help

The first step in dealing with depression in Islam is to seek help. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of seeking medical treatment when necessary. There is no shame in consulting a mental health professional, therapist, or counselor. In fact, seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care.

Prayer and Faith

Maintaining a strong connection with your faith can be a source of comfort and strength during times of depression. Engage in regular prayers, recite Quranic verses, and make dua (supplication) for healing. Remember that Allah is the Most Merciful, and turning to Him can provide solace and guidance.

Community Support

Islam places great emphasis on community and the support of fellow believers. Reach out to your family, friends, or a support group within your mosque or community. Sharing your feelings with others can help alleviate the isolation often associated with depression.

Self-Care

Taking care of your physical and mental health is an essential part of Islam. Engage in regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure you get adequate sleep. These practices can significantly impact your mood and overall well-being.

Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a powerful way to combat depression. Take time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and express gratitude to Allah. This positive mindset shift can improve your outlook and bring peace to your heart.

Patience and Perseverance

Depression is a long and often challenging journey, but remember that Allah is with you every step of the way. Be patient with yourself and persevere through the difficult times. The Quran reminds us, "Indeed, with hardship comes ease" (Quran 94:6). Your suffering will not last forever.

Professional Help and Medication

In some cases, depression may require medication or other forms of medical intervention. Islam encourages seeking medical treatment when necessary, as it aligns with the principle of preserving life and health.

Depression is a complex and multifaceted condition that can affect anyone, including those who follow the Islamic faith. It is essential to approach depression with compassion, understanding, and a combination of spiritual and medical approaches. Remember that seeking help, maintaining faith, building a support network, practicing self-care, and staying patient are all important aspects of managing depression while remaining true to your Islamic beliefs. You are not alone in your struggle, and healing is possible with the right resources and support.


Monday, 2 October 2023

Uncovering Iraq's religious front for child prostitution | Iraq's Secret Sex Trade

This powerful investigation into Shia clerics in some of Iraq's holiest shrines uncovers a network of exploitation of young women and girls, trapped into prostitution and pimped out by a religious elite. For the first time the clerics' secret sex trade has been captured on camera. Undercover filming and victim testimony reveal how they procure young women for male clients, and are prepared to conduct ‘pleasure marriages’ with children.