It is very easy to counter all the arguments and clichés about women in Islam. In fact, this whole article is conceived as an exercise in ridiculing all these tired misconceptions. See this as a “fact sheet” with some pertinent quotations that can be memorised.

Continue reading “Women in Islam” →

Tolerance is proof of intelligence and a symbol of excellence. ⁹

In one famous Hadith, the Prophet is reported to have said, “All of humanity are as equal as the teeth of a comb.” ⁸ It is recorded that once, while the Prophet Muhammad (S) sat with his companions, a funeral cortege passed by and he stood up out of respect. A companion remarked that this was only the funeral of a Jew, implying that that was far too unimportant for the Prophet’s attention. He challenged this by asking, “Was he then not also a human being?” ⁸

Continue reading “The Fitrah (divine essence) in all of us, our primordial human nature that leads us to tolerance” →

On the importance of martyrdom in Islam

“The best death is martyrdom.” (Holy Prophet (S), Biharul Anwar, Vol. 67,p.?)

“Self-sacrifice is the best (form of) benevolence and the highest stage of faith.” (Ghurar Al-Hikam wa Durar Al-Kalim, Aphorism 10, “On self-sacrifice”)

Martyrdom in Islam is a major concept. Anyone who fails to grasp the meaning of martyrdom, will also not understand the sublime message in Islam. “Islam” means submission, to God, and it is in martyrdom that this submission to God finds its full expression. “In Islamic Ideology, the greatest aim in the life’s struggle is to become victorious over the self.” (“Self-Building”, Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini)

Continue reading “Martyrdom in Islam” →