Who am I? Understanding Identity

 

Winning Hearts Through Character: Sharing Islam by Living Its Values

 

In a world filled with noise, arguments, and competing ideas, one of the most powerful ways to introduce people to Islam is not through debate, but through character. Throughout Islamic history, countless people were drawn to Islam not because they were persuaded by lengthy discussions, but because they witnessed Muslims embodying honesty, kindness, justice, humility, and compassion.

The Power of Example

Islam teaches that actions often speak louder than words. When a Muslim demonstrates integrity in business, patience in hardship, generosity toward others, and respect for people of all backgrounds, they become a living reflection of Islamic teachings. Such behavior naturally sparks curiosity and admiration.

Many people form opinions about Islam based on the Muslims they encounter. If our conduct reflects the beauty of the faith, we can help others see Islam through its true values rather than through misconceptions or stereotypes.

Following the Prophetic Model

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for his excellent character long before he began publicly calling people to Islam. He earned the trust of his community through honesty, reliability, and compassion. His treatment of family, friends, strangers, and even opponents demonstrated the principles he preached.

People were often attracted to Islam because they saw sincerity and goodness in his actions. This teaches an important lesson: effective invitation begins with personal example.

Key Islamic Values That Inspire Others
Honesty and Trustworthiness

Being truthful and dependable builds credibility. Whether at work, school, or in daily interactions, honesty reflects a core Islamic principle and earns respect from others.

Kindness and Compassion

Simple acts of kindness can leave lasting impressions. Helping a neighbor, supporting someone in need, or showing empathy during difficult times demonstrates the mercy that Islam encourages.

Patience and Good Manners

People notice how we respond under pressure. Remaining calm, respectful, and patient during disagreements can be more influential than winning an argument.

Justice and Fairness

Treating everyone fairly, regardless of their background, beliefs, or status, reflects the Islamic commitment to justice and human dignity.

Humility

Humility allows people to connect with us authentically. Rather than presenting ourselves as morally superior, we should acknowledge our own imperfections and strive for continual growth.

Building Relationships Before Conversations

Meaningful discussions about faith often arise naturally through genuine relationships. When people trust and respect a Muslim, they are more likely to ask questions about Islam and be open to learning.

Instead of focusing on persuading others, focus on being a good friend, colleague, neighbor, or community member. Authentic relationships create opportunities for sincere dialogue.

Avoiding Pressure and Respecting Choice

Islam teaches that faith must be embraced freely and sincerely. The goal is not to pressure people but to share truth with wisdom, respect, and kindness. Every person has the right to make their own decisions regarding belief.

When discussing Islam, listening is just as important as speaking. Understanding another person's experiences and concerns helps create meaningful conversations based on mutual respect.

One of the most effective ways to introduce people to Islam is by living according to its values. A smile, an act of honesty, a moment of patience, or a gesture of compassion can communicate more about Islam than a thousand arguments.

When Muslims strive to embody the teachings of their faith, they become ambassadors of Islam through their character. By leading with kindness, integrity, and respect, we can help others see the beauty of Islam in action and open the door to meaningful understanding.

Jewish Professor James D. Frankel's Journey to Islam

 

Professor James D. Frankel was born into a Jewish family and raised with basic religious values. From a young age, he was deeply curious and constantly questioned rabbis about God and religious practices. However, when he couldn’t find satisfying answers, he began to drift away from Judaism and started searching for truth through other religions.

He explored different beliefs, studying the Bible and developing love and respect for Jesus, but he could not accept him as God. His journey led him to Buddhism, the Upanishads, and various philosophies. Interestingly, although his close Pakistani friend had gifted him a copy of the Quran years earlier, it remained untouched on his shelf for a long time.

Everything changed when he encountered a street dawah conversation that challenged him deeply. In an attempt to prove a point, he finally opened the Quran. Instead of what he expected, he found clarity, truth, and a powerful connection with Allah. That moment marked a turning point in his life, leading him to accept Islam and begin a completely new journey of faith.

Islam Isn’t a ‘Men’s Religion’ Here’s What No One Shares. | Real Talk ft. Dr. Tesneem Alkiek

 

 Is Islam defined by men? It’s a question many Muslim women wrestle with—but maybe it’s the wrong question to begin with. Women have played an indispensable role in shaping the Islamic tradition. From hadith transmitters and legal scholars to the teachers of imams, Muslim women were never sidelined by the religion itself—even if some voices have drowned them out. In this episode, Dr. Tesneem Alkiek and host Qaanitah Hunter reframe the conversation, reminding us that while the path forward may not always be easy, it’s always there.

Islamic Views on Narcissism: A Spiritual Perspective

 

The modern discussion of narcissism often takes place within psychology, describing an inflated sense of self-importance, constant need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Yet these destructive traits were identified centuries ago within Islamic teachings under different terms: kibr (arrogance), ‘ujb (self-admiration), and an unrestrained nafs (ego). Islam, as both a faith and a way of life, provides profound insights into these inner diseases of the heart and prescribes remedies that nurture humility, compassion, and balance.

In the Qur’an, arrogance and self-glorification are presented as among the most dangerous traits. Allah says:

“Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.” (Qur’an 4:36)

“Do not walk upon the earth arrogantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.” (Qur’an 17:37)

These verses highlight how arrogance blinds a person to their true limitations and their dependence on the Creator. Narcissism, in its essence, is a form of self-delusion, a denial of the reality that all strength and beauty belong only to Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned his followers about the spiritual dangers of arrogance and pride. He said:

“No one who has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.”
(Sahih Muslim)

When asked to define arrogance, the Prophet ﷺ explained:

“It is rejecting the truth and looking down upon people.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This definition reflects the very core of narcissism: the dismissal of others’ worth and an exaggerated sense of superiority.

Another closely related disease is ‘ujb—self-admiration. While arrogance often involves comparison to others, ‘ujb can manifest even when a person is alone, through constant self-praise and feelings of moral or intellectual infallibility. Ibn al-Qayyim, the great scholar of spirituality, described ‘ujb as more dangerous than sins, because while a sinner may repent in humility, the one filled with ‘ujb sees no fault within themselves.

The Qur’an also warns against self-righteousness:

“So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him.” (Qur’an 53:32)

This verse directly addresses the narcissistic impulse to present oneself as flawless and superior.

The destructive effects of narcissism extend beyond the individual to families and communities. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized mercy, empathy, and service to others as the foundations of healthy relationships. He said:

“The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One above the heavens will have mercy upon you.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

A narcissistic person, who seeks to dominate relationships and feed their ego, violates this Prophetic ethic of mercy. Instead of uniting people through compassion, narcissism fractures bonds through manipulation and selfishness.

Islam does not call for self-loathing, however. Confidence and dignity (‘izzah) are encouraged, but always rooted in gratitude to Allah. The Qur’an affirms:

“Honor belongs to Allah and to His Messenger and to the believers.” (Qur’an 63:8)

True dignity, then, is not in self-worship but in submission to Allah. The believer is taught to acknowledge blessings, not with pride, but with humility and thanks:

“Whatever blessing you have is from Allah.” (Qur’an 16:53)

The cure for narcissism lies in cultivating humility (tawadu‘) and constant remembrance of Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will raise him in rank.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Humility here is not weakness, but a strength rooted in the recognition of one’s dependence on the Creator. It softens the heart, opens one to self-critique, and strengthens empathy toward others.

Practical remedies prescribed in the Islamic tradition include remembering death, reflecting on one’s sins rather than others’ faults, engaging in acts of service, and keeping company with the humble. The Qur’an praises those who walk the earth with gentleness:

“The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them harshly, they say words of peace.” (Qur’an 25:63)

In this verse, humility is portrayed not as weakness, but as dignity and inner strength.

From an Islamic perspective, narcissism is more than a psychological trait—it is a spiritual ailment that blinds the heart, corrupts relationships, and distances a person from Allah. The Qur’an and Sunnah provide both diagnosis and cure, reminding us that honor and elevation come not from self-glorification but from submission, humility, and service. In an age where self-promotion is often celebrated, Islam’s timeless wisdom calls us back to a different path: one where true greatness is found in humbling oneself before Allah and uplifting others.

I Found The BLIND Muslim TRIBE Lost in the Sahara Desert

 

In this Ramadan exclusive documentary, OnePath Network embarked on an extraordinary journey into the heart of the Sahara Desert to uncover the inspiring story of Dale Kombe, a remote village in Mauritania inhabited by a tribe of blind Muslims. With no guidance from Google Maps and facing countless challenges, our team went on a mission to learn profound lessons of faith, resilience, and contentment from a community that has mastered survival against all odds. Witness the unwavering faith of the villagers, their incredible hospitality, and the miraculous stories that define their lives. This is a journey of faith, discovery, and unforgettable encounters.

How did the Mongols Become Muslim? The Story of Berke Khan

 

My Journey to Islam: Paul Clifford

 

The destination in all cases is one and the same, it is Islam, the religion Allah accepts from humans. Yet, every traveller from any religion, or from "no religion", to Islam has a different starting point. No wonder, every journey is a unique experience. In "My Journey to Islam" we trace the path taken by the travellers and hear from them how their journey was made.

In this episode, we meet Paul Clifford to hear from him about his journey to Islam.

Muslims are Voting | The Establishment is Panicking

 

Sign up to The Muslim Vote today. 

My First 24H of RAMADAN as a British Muslim | اول صيام لمسلم بريطاني

 

Palestine, Islam, and Christianity | A Conversation with Imam Dr. Omar Suleiman

 

Imam Dr. Omar Suleiman is a Palestinian American world renowned scholar and theologically driven activist for human rights. He is the Founder and President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, and an adjunct professor of Islamic Studies in the Graduate Liberal Studies program at Southern Methodist University. Suleiman was recently awarded the James Joyce Award, an award given by the Literary & Historical Society (L&H) of University College Dublin (UCD), and the highest award granted by an Irish university society. Suleiman is also included in The Muslim 500 - an annual ranking of the world's most influential Muslims compiled by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. In 2019, the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University and Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives recognized Suleiman among 200 honorees who embody the legacy of the abolitionist’s commitment to social change. He is a native of New Orleans, and currently resides in Dallas with his wife and 3 children.

The Sacred Heart: Understanding the Importance of Jerusalem in Islam

 

In the tapestry of Islamic faith and history, few cities hold as profound a significance as Jerusalem. Known in Arabic as "Al-Quds," meaning "The Holy," Jerusalem occupies a central place in the hearts and minds of Muslims worldwide. Its importance stems from a rich blend of religious, historical, and cultural significance, weaving together centuries of spiritual devotion and human longing. In this blog post, we delve into the multifaceted importance of Jerusalem in Islam, exploring its sacred sites, historical legacy, and enduring symbolism.

At the core of Jerusalem's significance in Islam lies its association with the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj), a miraculous journey recounted in the Quran and Hadith literature. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he ascended through the heavens, encountering prophets, and ultimately standing in the divine presence. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, is believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad led other prophets in prayer during his night journey, solidifying Jerusalem's sanctity in Islamic belief.

Furthermore, Jerusalem holds a special place in Islamic eschatology, serving as the backdrop for significant events prophesied to occur in the end times. Muslims believe that the Day of Judgment will begin at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, underscoring the city's role in the unfolding of divine destiny. This belief infuses Jerusalem with a sense of sacred anticipation, drawing pilgrims and believers to its gates in search of spiritual fulfillment and divine mercy.

Moreover, Jerusalem's significance in Islam is intrinsically linked to its role as a center of religious pluralism and coexistence. Throughout history, Jerusalem has been home to diverse religious communities, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews, who have lived side by side, sharing the city's sacred spaces and shaping its cultural landscape. Despite periods of conflict and division, Jerusalem's spiritual heritage embodies the Islamic values of tolerance, compassion, and respect for diversity, serving as a beacon of hope for peaceful coexistence in a fractured world.

Jerusalem's importance in Islam also extends beyond its religious significance to encompass its historical and cultural legacy. As the site of significant events in Islamic history, including the Umayyad Caliphate's establishment of the Dome of the Rock and the subsequent rule of various Muslim dynasties, Jerusalem has left an indelible imprint on Islamic civilization. Its architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and literary legacy continue to inspire Muslims worldwide, connecting them to their shared heritage and collective memory.

In today's world, where political tensions and territorial disputes often overshadow Jerusalem's spiritual essence, it is essential to reclaim and reaffirm its sacred status in Islamic consciousness. By recognizing Jerusalem as a symbol of unity, peace, and divine presence, Muslims can uphold its sanctity and honor its rich heritage, transcending narrow political agendas and fostering a deeper sense of spiritual solidarity.

In conclusion, Jerusalem holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims as a city of profound spiritual significance, historical importance, and cultural resonance. Its sacred sites, prophetic legacy, and enduring symbolism continue to inspire believers around the world, uniting them in their reverence for the city's divine mysteries. As we reflect on Jerusalem's timeless allure, let us strive to uphold its sanctity, preserve its heritage, and nurture its potential as a symbol of hope, reconciliation, and peace for all humanity.

Islam and Mental Health: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

 

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and it is a topic that has gained increasing recognition and importance in recent years. In the context of Islam, the religion offers a holistic approach to mental health that addresses not only the spiritual but also the psychological and social aspects of a person's life. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between Islam and mental health, highlighting how Islamic principles can contribute to emotional and psychological well-being.

I. Spiritual Well-Being

Prayer and Meditation: Salah (prayer) is one of the fundamental acts of worship in Islam. It provides a sense of peace and tranquility and serves as a form of meditation, helping individuals connect with Allah (God) and find inner calm.

Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Engaging in dhikr involves the repetition of certain phrases or verses from the Quran, helping to calm the mind and strengthen the connection to the divine.

II. Social Support

Community and Ummah: Islam emphasizes the importance of a strong community and the sense of belonging to the Ummah (the global Muslim community). This sense of belonging can provide emotional support and a safety net during challenging times.

Family Bonds: Strong family ties are encouraged in Islam, and the support of family members can be crucial in times of mental distress. Islam places a high value on maintaining healthy family relationships.

III. Psychological Well-Being

Seeking Knowledge: Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge, including self-awareness and understanding. Seeking knowledge about mental health and emotional well-being is seen as a virtuous endeavor.

Compassion and Empathy: Islam teaches compassion, empathy, and kindness toward others. These qualities not only benefit society but also contribute to one's mental well-being by fostering positive social interactions.

IV. Coping with Challenges

Patience (Sabr) and Perseverance: Islam teaches the importance of patience in the face of adversity. Developing patience can be a valuable coping mechanism when dealing with life's challenges.

Seeking Professional Help: Islam encourages seeking help from experts, including mental health professionals, when dealing with mental health issues. It is not a sign of weakness but a responsible step towards healing.

V. Breaking Stigmas

Destigmatizing Mental Health: Islam promotes open and compassionate conversations about mental health issues, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and treatment.

Promoting Understanding: Islamic leaders and scholars play a crucial role in promoting understanding and acceptance of mental health challenges within the Muslim community.

Conclusion

Islam offers a holistic approach to mental health, encompassing spiritual, social, and psychological well-being. By incorporating Islamic principles such as prayer, community support, seeking knowledge, and practicing compassion, Muslims can enhance their mental health and well-being. It is essential to remember that addressing mental health challenges is not contradictory to Islamic faith but aligns with the religion's teachings of self-care, compassion, and seeking help when needed. Through a balanced approach, individuals can find strength, resilience, and peace within the framework of their faith.

Islam's Cure for Depression | Khutbah by Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy

Islam cultivates beliefs and practices in our daily lives that empower us to stay positive and cure the feelings of depression that hold us down.

Empathy in Islam

 

Empathy is a profound human quality that transcends cultural, religious, and geographical boundaries. In Islam, empathy holds a central position as one of the core values that fosters compassion, understanding, and unity within the Muslim community and beyond. This blog post explores the concept of empathy in Islam, its significance, and how it is expressed in various aspects of a Muslim's life.

Understanding Empathy in Islam

Empathy in Islam is deeply rooted in the belief that all human beings are interconnected, created by Allah (God) with inherent dignity and worth. The Arabic term for empathy is "tafakkur," which means to contemplate and deeply understand the feelings, experiences, and struggles of others. It involves the ability to place oneself in another's shoes, perceive their emotions, and respond with genuine care and concern.

The Quranic Perspective on Empathy

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, contains numerous verses emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion towards others. One of the most cited verses is Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), which states: "O mankind, indeed, We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."

This verse highlights the divine wisdom behind human diversity and encourages mutual understanding among people from different backgrounds, thereby promoting empathy.

The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Exemplary Empathy

The life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) serves as a remarkable example of empathy in action. Throughout his teachings and actions, he consistently demonstrated empathy towards all, regardless of their status or beliefs. He displayed compassion towards orphans, the poor, the sick, and even those who opposed him.

An anecdote that showcases his compassion is when a Bedouin man urinated in the mosque, an act that infuriated others. Instead of responding with anger, the Prophet (PBUH) calmly explained that the mosque was a place of worship and purity and gently advised the man. This incident exemplifies how empathy can dissolve hostility and ignorance and foster a sense of understanding and harmony.

Empathy in Social Interactions

In Islamic teachings, empathy is encouraged in everyday interactions. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "None of you will have faith until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." This Hadith emphasizes the golden rule of treating others as we wish to be treated. By empathizing with others, Muslims are encouraged to build strong bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within their communities.

Empathy in Acts of Charity and Support

Islamic teachings also emphasize the significance of empathy in acts of charity and support. Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, requires Muslims to give a portion of their wealth to those in need. The practice of giving alms helps believers to empathize with the less fortunate and recognize their responsibility to uplift the vulnerable members of society.

Additionally, Muslims are encouraged to visit the sick, console the bereaved, and provide assistance to those facing hardships. These acts are rooted in empathy and reflect the belief that by alleviating the suffering of others, one earns the pleasure of Allah and strengthens the community.

Empathy as a Catalyst for Peace and Unity

In today's interconnected world, empathy is more critical than ever in bridging divides and promoting peace. By embracing empathy, Muslims can break down stereotypes and misconceptions that surround their faith, paving the way for interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Empathy in Islam goes beyond mere understanding; it is an active and compassionate response to the joys and struggles of others. By cultivating empathy, Muslims can enrich their relationships, strengthen their communities, and contribute to a more harmonious global society. In a world often marked by strife and division, the Islamic concept of empathy offers a powerful antidote – one that promotes unity, compassion, and love for all of humanity.

CUT THE ROPE WITH PEOPLE & HOLD ONTO THE ROPE OF ALLAH.

 

Today, I want to share some valuable advice with you. It's about reducing our dependence on and expectations from people as we go through different phases of life. Oftentimes, hurt, resentment, cynicism, and detachment arise because we place too much trust in others and expect too much from them. Instead, let's shift our focus and place our ultimate trust in Allah alone.

The wise words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remind us that seeking relief from people in times of difficulty will not bring true solace. However, when we seek relief from Allah, He will provide for us, either by quickly fulfilling our needs or bringing us peace through our trials.

So, let's take this advice to heart:

-Avoid asking people for money; instead, seek help from Allah.
-Don't rely on others to find a life partner for you; trust Allah's plan for your future.
-Refrain from coveting what others possess; be content with what Allah has provided for you.
-Limit excessive complaining to others; turn to Allah in prayer and seek His guidance.
-Stop seeking constant appreciation, love, and comfort from people; find solace in Allah's love and mercy.
-Don't expect others to treat you exactly as you treat them; instead, focus on being kind and selfless for Allah's sake.
-Release the fear of losing people; remember that Allah is always with you.

Ibn al-Qayyim wisely said that for everything a slave loses, there is a substitute, except when one loses Allah; nothing can replace Him.

The key is to strive for self-sufficiency and dependence on Allah alone. The Angel Jibreel reminded the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that the nobility of a believer lies in prayer at night and independence from relying too much on others.

When we prioritize seeking Allah's help, love, and guidance, people will naturally be drawn to us. The more we ask Allah and depend on Him, the more He will love us in return.

Instead of relying on others for every need, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised that it is better to work diligently and earn a living for oneself, without burdening others.

So, let's cut the rope of dependence on people and firmly hold onto the rope of Allah's support and love. Make sincere dua (supplication) to Allah to free you from the need for others, and focus on being a giver, a healer, and a helper to those around you. As long as you help others, Allah will continue to support and help you.

Remember, whoever relies on Allah, Allah is sufficient for them (Quran, Surah At-Talaaq 65: Verse 3). Allah also aids His servants when they help their fellow human beings (Hadith, Sahih Muslim).

Let us pray to Allah to protect us from worry, grief, laziness, and other hardships and to grant us strength and contentment. May Allah guide us to live a life of faith, compassion, and reliance on Him. Ameen.

Islam’s Stance on Celebrating Birthdays

 

Islam teaches Muslim to have a unique character and to be distinguished. A Muslim is weaned on morality and avoiding blind imitation. Islam supports the celebration of a birthday if it is an expression of gratitude to Allah for His bounties, sustenance and blessings in man’s life, as long as that celebration does not include anything that may displease Allah, the Almighty. Focusing on the issue of celebrating birthdays, we would like to start by citing the following: “In Islam, birthdays are not considered `eid (a festival) like `Eidul-Fitr or `Eidul-Adha, because `eids have conditions and guidelines such as not being allowed to fast during the days of Eid. Therefore, birthdays are simply occasions of a person’s date of birth and are a matter of culture. If a person wants to commemorate his/her date of birth, then he/she may do so, especially if he/she takes the opportunity to reflect on the past and pledge to be better during the following year. However, to make the birthday an important occasion is not recommended or encouraged.” (Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: www.islamicity.com) 

 Shedding more light on the issue, the prominent Muslim scholar Sheikh Tajuddin Hamid Al-Hilali, Mufti of Australia and New Zealand, states: “A Muslim has a distinguished personality. He should not imitate others in evil things and leave the good ones. Talking to our children about their birthdays, we should remind them that on such days they should remember the blessings of Allah and praise Him for giving them life and guidance. It would be better if we ask them to offer something in charity as a form of showing gratitude. Still there is nothing wrong if we try to make them feel happy on that day as long as we are using lawful things. It is better if we make it a day ahead or a day after. You said that your children insist on having such a celebration, and this is really dangerous. If the child insists on having his desires fulfilled at this early age, what is going to happen when he grows older? We need to be alarmed and never allow Western traditions that are based on individualism, to ruin our families. Thus, calling birthdays `eids is not accepted, for this has no basis in Islam.

  At the same time, there is nothing wrong if we use these occasions to inculcate Islamic principles in our children, like showing gratitude to Allah, praising Him and seizing the chance of this life in performing good deeds since the older we grow the nearer to the grave we come.” Speaking about the same issue Sheikh Faysal Mawlawi, Deputy Chairman of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, adds: “Permissibility is the original ruling in this case, as there is no evidence of prohibition. The principle of not following the Jews and Christians is really required in matters of their false claims and beliefs in relation to religion. Such beliefs are no more than disbelief from an Islamic perspective. Islam supports the celebration of birthdays if it is an expression of gratitude to Allah for His bounties, sustenance and blessings in man’s life, as long as that celebration does not include anything that may displease Allah, the Almighty. In this context the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he answered: “It is the day on which I was born.” Muslim scholars take this hadith and the hadith of fasting on the Day of `Ashura’ (10th of Mharram) as evidence on the permissibility of celebrating good occasions, which have special significance in our religion such as occasions like the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In this context, people must be aware that celebrating such occasions, e.g. the Prophet’s birthday, is no more than a matter of habit, and by no means a religious requirement.

 However, if it entails any forbidden practices, such a celebration becomes forbidden for that reason alone. Moreover, a celebration of this sort becomes recommended if it includes recommended acts of worship. It is also right to say that such celebrations contain some aspects of innovation, however it is an innovation in matters of popular habits not in matters of religion. Actually innovation in habits is not prohibited. What is prohibited in this context is innovation in religion, as indicated in a well-known Prophetic hadith. By analogy, there is nothing wrong in celebrating birthdays, as long as the celebration does not include any forbidden practices.”

Read More on islamonline :

Is There Any Leeway in Keeping A Pet Canine?

Misyar Marriage and other Types of Marriages | Q&A | Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi

 

Overcoming Setbacks | Habits to Win Here and Hereafter | Dr. Tesneem Alkiek