“…One should not overeat while breaking the fast to the point that he fills his stomach, as there isn’t any container that Allah hates more than a full stomach. How can one benefit from fasting and subdue this enemy and break this desire if he breaks his fast by making up for it through eating everything that he missed out on during the day? In fact, some even eat more than they usually would during the day! This habit has continued to the point that so many types of food are prepared for ... [Continue Reading]

Focusing on food; to the extent that people begin to worry about eating more than actually fasting. This also goes along with spending tons of money on Iftars even though a person does not need to eat that much food. Making Suhr way before Fajr. Some people eat Suhr a few hours after Tarawih or Isha Salah, this is wrong. It should be eaten closer to the time of Fajr. People don't make Niyyah [intentions] to fast for Ramadhan. This is something in the heart and does not need to be verbal. Also ... [Continue Reading]

One narration states, "You are going to a people from the People of the Book. Let the first thing that you call them to be the worship of Allah. If they acknowledge Allah, then inform them that Allah has obligated upon them five prayers during their days and nights." [Al-Bukhari, Muslim] This hadith is clear. It does not require much of an explanation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) applied this principle in his practical calling to Islam. He stayed in Makkah for thirteen years to teach the ... [Continue Reading]

What is meant here by “the inclusiveness of Islam” is that fact that Islam is for all times and places.  Regardless of who a person may be or where he may be, Islam should be his religion and his way of life.  This is just as much true for those who lived during the lifetime of the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, or those who will live in 2525 (if God wills that there shall be such a year). The correct understanding of this point revolves around a number of issues.  The ... [Continue Reading]

In common folklore, angels are thought of as good forces of nature, hologram images, or illusions.  Western iconography sometimes depicts angels as fat cherubic babies or handsome young men or women with a halo surrounding their head.  In Islamic doctrine, they are real created beings who will eventually suffer death, but are generally hidden from our senses. They are not divine or semi-divine, and they are not God’s associates running different districts of the universe.  Also, they are not ... [Continue Reading]

Prophethood is not unknown to heavenly revealed religions, such as Judaism and Christianity.  In Islam, however, it has a special status and significance. According to Islam, God created man for a noble purpose: to worship Him and lead a virtuous life based on His teachings and guidance.  How would man know his role and the purpose of his existence unless he received clear and practical instructions of what God wants him to do?  Here comes the need for prophethood.  Thus God has chosen from ... [Continue Reading]