Pakistani Wedding Traditions and Customs explained

Asian weddings can be a lengthy process due to their vast customs and traditions. I’ve been to over five weddings this Autumn to observe what they exactly entail and why. It’s interesting that the majority of Pakistanis continue to follow this cultural trend of marriage, regardless of how ‘British’ they may be.

In this post I’ll explore the typical Pakistani Muslim wedding from beginning to end. Alongside aiming to explore whether these practices conflict with Islam; is there a boundary?

Most arranged marriages and even those of choice (i.e lovers) begin with Continue reading Pakistani Wedding Traditions and Customs explained

Common Mistakes in Ramadan

Common Mistakes in Ramadan

For many of us Ramadan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a robotic exercise than a form of Ibaadah (worship); we fast from morning to night like zombies because everyone around us is fasting. We forget that its a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil and sin. We forget to make Dua, forget to beseech Allah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire. Sure we stay away from food and drink but that’s about all we manage to do. Lets have a look at some of the most common mistakes in Ramadan.

Too much stress on food and drink

For some people, the entire month of Continue reading “Common Mistakes in Ramadan”

Moon sighting in Islam and the rules

Muslim Moon Wars How moonsighting is established islamicallyUsing Modern equipmentLocal vs GlobalProblem with SaudiNecessary to follow local mosqueSolutionsMisc What is Moon sighting? Year after Year, Eid after Eid, Muslims debate on what the correct day is for Ramadhan, Eid, Hajj, etc. There have been instances of countries keeping only 28 fasts in total and at other times lengthening this to 31. There are various approaches … Continue reading Moon sighting in Islam and the rules

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Islamic Haircuts

Haircuts in Islam An unusual topic for me to discuss, but one Muslims generally overlook. Although not the strictest of rulings, there are hadith that stress keeping an adequate hair style. You can argue there’s far more important things to worry about but purity is in all aspects of your life. The main underlying factor is that adopting any hairstyle that entails shaving some part of … Continue reading Islamic Haircuts

Is Shisha Halal? – Muslim Nightclubs

Shisha Lounge – Muslim Nightclubs? This post is not a rant neither a message from the Haraam Police but i’d like to explore modern shisha lounges and how they’re becoming Muslim Nightclubs. Although the health hazards of shisha alone outweigh those of cigarettes, I want to focus on the outlets in this post. You can read more on shisha here: What is a Shisha outlet? … Continue reading Is Shisha Halal? – Muslim Nightclubs

Animal rights in Islam

It is not only humanity that was liberated by the coming of Islam but Animals too. Animals had rights, owning an animal never meant it was absolutely your property any more. Britain’s oldest animal shelter was formed in the nineteenth century, whilst 1200 years ago Muslims set up the first animal welfare centres. There is a popular but often neglected Hadith where:   A good … Continue reading Animal rights in Islam

Music and Singing in Islam

The permissibility and non-permissibility of Music and Singing in Islam In this article, I have compiled the arguments for both the permissibility and non-permissibility of Music and Singing in Islam. Which I hope gives the reader an insight into what the noble scholars of this religion have derived from the Islamic sources of legislation (i.e. Qur’an and Sunnah). In the subject of musical instruments and … Continue reading Music and Singing in Islam

The Power of Bismillah

The Power of Bismillah

Whilst growing up we are pushed to recite Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim before starting any task or chore and especially before eating. But how many of us understand the meaning behind the phrase? Even for those of us who know the translation, when saying it, how much sincerity is there in our utterance. What is the true power of bismillah

Firstly it is vital to remember that Allah needs Continue reading “The Power of Bismillah”

Abortion In Islam

The Ruling of Abortion in Islam Abortion is the removal of a foetus from the womb; either by consuming certain drugs or by emptying the womb through the process of suction. This ethical issue is continuously debated around the world where some people edge towards pro-life and others pro-choice however Islam has its own ruling on this Issue. There have been slightly different opinions but … Continue reading Abortion In Islam

Personality Vs Character

Personality Vs Character There is a trend amongst young people where the following phrase is asserted ‘its not about looks, its about personality’. I think its actually really silly and selfish to think like this; you’re actually just as shallow as one who only focuses on looks. What most of you probably mean or should mean is It’s about the character. There’s obviously confusion between the … Continue reading Personality Vs Character

Secrets in Archery

Archery – A Sunnah Sport Full of Secrets

Wondering how to do ibadah (worship) while playing a sport? A few years ago a friend and I followed our beloved Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) advice and started archery.
 
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) once passed by some people of the tribe of Bani Aslam who were practicing archery. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said:
 
“O Bani Isma`il ! Practice archery as your father Isma`il was a great archer. Keep on throwing arrows and I am with Bani so-and-so.” [Bukhari

I pulled out an old wooden bow from the attic and bought some arrows. Five minutes away was an archery club and it turned out to be the place I would go to several times a week for years to come. It didn’t take long before I decided to get some serious equipment. Here are some of the most important lessons I learnt about and through archery over the years: Continue reading “Secrets in Archery”

A case for Polygamy

Polygamy

Should we allow Polygamy

Bigamy – having two wives

Polygny – having more than two wives

Polyandry – having more than one husband

Polygamy in England was first declared illegal in 1604.

We are at a period in this country where liberal values and personal freedoms are taken in to account, i.e. freedom of expression and freedom of religion. Proposals to allow gay marriages have been allowed, something never envisaged by the British Government ever. One of the claims made are Continue reading “A case for Polygamy”

Muslim Nightmare!

A Short Scenario of Muslims among Islamophobes (or why there is nothing good a Muslim can do)

BlamingtheMuslim


Muslim gets convicted of a crime

Islamophobes say “Muslims are criminals”

Islamophobe gets convicted of a crime

Islamophobes say “The Police and Courts treat Muslims better than us, and would never do this to a Muslim”


Muslims involved in charity work

Islamophobes say “It is a Front to try to spread Islam”

Muslims who are not involved in charity work

Islamophobes say “Muslims never do anything for the community”


Muslims who have jobs

Islamophobes say “Muslims are Continue reading “Muslim Nightmare!”