Thoughts Archives - AlJumuah Magazine

Are You a Complete Muslim? | Part 15

CULTIVATING RESULTS (continued) The rituals of our Islamic practices –articulating the Shahadah, performing Prayer, giving Zakah, practicing Fasting – are not ‘magic.’ But rather, the accomplishment of them ‘primes the [water] pump,’ so to speak, and prepares for the spiritually life-giving ‘water’…

On Respecting Other Peoples’ Religious Views (Islam And Judaism)

“You are the sons of the Lord your God” (Torah, Deuteronomy 14:1) “Thus says the Lord: Israel is my son, my first-born.” (Torah, Exodus 4:22) Does ‘sons’ mean that Jews, either as individuals or as a people, are Divine? Of course not.…

God Knows History

AS I WAS reading the history of the Dravidian religion of India that prevailed before the coming of the Aryans from the north, I was struck with horror by the “religious” beliefs and practices. There existed sects who worshiped the male sexual…

Time In The Quran: Taking A Clue From Einstein’s Theory Of Relativity

How are we to understand the Qur’anic verses wherein a day is likened to thousands of years and the events such as those of the Day of Resurrection sound like time-travel? Our physicist author takes a clue from Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.…

Are You a Complete Muslim? | Part 14

RENEWAL OF GUIDANCE The message brought by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not new; the Quranic verses emphasize that his message was the same as given to the peoples before him through their messengers and prophets. The basic tenent of that message? The…

A Practical Approach to Unity

By Jaafar S. Idris TRUE UNITY IS unity of hearts that comes as a result of faith in Allah and that makes people love each other as brothers and sisters. It is this bond of brotherhood that makes it easy for people…

Epiphany in Appalachia

I SIT HERE in the middle of the night in Appalachia, in fulfillment of a commitment made long ago to one dear. Appalachia is among the resource-richest places on earth, long one of the poorest, and certainly one of the most maligned…

Ramaḍan and Revelation: Like Falling In Love

This year Ramaḍan will be extra special to those other than Muslims because the Jewish week-long holy days of Passover (Pesach), as well as the Christian holy days of Good Friday and Easter Sunday fall during the Muslim holy month of Ramaḍan. Holy Books Revealed in…

Common Mistakes During Fasting

Some seemingly innocent errors made by a fasting person can actually effect his fast. We will take a look at some of these mistakes in the hope of improving our fast and to make them more perfect for the sake of Allah.…

The Ansar and Us

THE NAME OF Anṣâr never fails to evoke undertones of sacrifice, submission, and love of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ and warm sentiments of appreciation in our hearts. There is much for us to learn from their lives. Is there something common…