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Showing posts from January, 2025

Spirituality in Islam (3): Mindfulness and Meditation

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A Deeper Connection with Allah ﷻ In today's fast-paced world, many seek inner peace through mindfulness and meditation. While these concepts are often associated with Eastern philosophies, Islam has its own profound spiritual practices that cultivate awareness, tranquility, and a deep connection with the Creator. Unlike secular mindfulness, which focuses on detachment and self-awareness, Islamic mindfulness centers around the remembrance of Allah ﷻ, self-purification, and the pursuit of ultimate truth . 1. Dhikr: The Heart of Islamic Mindfulness Allah ﷻ says in the Quran: " Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. " (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28) Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is one of the most effective ways to cultivate mindfulness in Islam. It keeps the believer present, aware, and spiritually connected. Whether through tasbih (glorifying Allah), tahmid (praising Allah), or tahlil (affirming His oneness), engaging in Dhikr elevates the soul above worldly distrac...

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (11) – The All-Knowing

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Divine Wisdom Beyond Human Understanding قَالَ إِنِّي أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ " He said, 'Indeed, I know what you do not know .'"  (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:30) Context of the Verse This statement is part of a larger conversation between Allah and the angels about the creation of Adam ( عليه السلام ). When Allah announced His intention to place a vicegerent (khalifah) on earth, the angels questioned the wisdom of this decision, saying: " Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You? " Allah’s response— " Indeed, I know what you do not know " —highlights His infinite wisdom and knowledge, which far surpasses the understanding of even the angels. Meaning and Significance This statement reflects Allah’s attribute of  الْعَلِيمُ (Al-Aleem, The All-Knowing)  and emphasizes: Divine Wisdom : Allah’s decisions are rooted in perfect knowledge and wi...

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (10) – The Master of Creation

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Reflecting on the Heavens and Earth هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى إِلَى السَّمَاءِ فَسَوَّاهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ وَهُوَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ " He is the One who created everything on Earth for you, then turned to the heaven and fashioned it into seven heavens. And He is the All-Knowing. " (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:29) Meaning and Significance This verse highlights Allah’s power and wisdom as the Creator of both the earth and the heavens: Creation of the Earth: Allah created everything on earth for our benefit, providing us with resources, beauty, and a place to live. Creation of the Heavens: After creating the earth, Allah “turned to the heaven” and fashioned it into seven heavens, showcasing His limitless power and mastery over the universe. The All-Knowing: The verse concludes by emphasizing Allah’s attribute of الْعَلِيمُ (Al-Aleem, The All-Knowing), reminding us that His creation is perfect and purposeful. This verse invites us to ...

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (9) – The Creator and Provider

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 Reflections on Divine Care الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ فِرَاشًا وَالسَّمَاءَ بِنَاءً وَأَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ رِزْقًا لَكُمْ فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا لِلَّهِ أَنْدَادًا وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ " He who made the earth a resting place for you and the sky a canopy, and sent down water from the sky, bringing forth fruits for your sustenance. So do not set up rivals to Allah while you know [better]. " (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:22) Connection to the Previous Article In the previous article, we explored Allah’s attribute of الْخَالِقُ (Al-Khaliq, The Creator) through the verse: " O humanity, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, so that you may become righteous. " (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:21) That verse called us to worship Allah as our Creator, emphasizing His role in bringing humanity into existence. Now, in verse 22, we see a natural progression: Allah not only creates but also sustains and provides for His creation. This v...

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (8) الخَالِقُ

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 الخَالِقُ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمُ الَّذِي خَلَقَكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ "O humanity, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, so that you may become righteous." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:21)   الخَالِقُ English: The Creator Hebrew: הבורא ( HaBoreh ) Etymology and Linguistic The name الخَالِقُ (Al-Khaliq) comes from the root خ-ل-ق (Kh-L-Q) , which means to create, shape, and bring into existence from nothing . Unlike human "creation," which involves reshaping existing materials, Allah’s creation is ex nihilo—He brings things into being purely by His will . This root appears frequently in the Quran: الخَالِقُ (Al-Khaliq) — The Creator الخَلَّاقُ (Al-Khallāq) — The Supreme Creator, used to emphasize His continuous act of creation Allah’s creation is perfect, precise, and purposeful , with every detail designed with wisdom. Spiritual Reflection Allah ﷻ declares in the Quran: ❝ خَالِقُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ فَاعْبُ...

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (7) إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

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  إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ English: Indeed, Allah is over all things Powerful. Hebrew: אכן, אללה הוא כל-יכול ( Achen, Allah hu kol-yachol ) Etymology and Linguistic The word قَدِيرٌ (Qadeer) comes from the root ق-د-ر (Q-D-R) , which conveys meanings of absolute power, complete authority, and perfect ability . It signifies the One who decrees and executes all matters with full control and wisdom . This root appears frequently in the Quran: قَدِيرٌ (Qadeer) — mentioned 50 times قَادِرٌ (Qaadir) — mentioned 14 times القَادِرُ (Al-Qaadir) — one of Allah’s 99 Beautiful Names Unlike human power, which is limited and subject to weakness, Allah’s power is absolute, eternal, and boundless . Spiritual Reflection Allah ﷻ emphasizes His supreme power in the Quran: ❝ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ❞ " Indeed, Allah is over all things Powerful. " (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:20) This verse reminds us that nothing is beyond Allah’s ability —whether it is creating th...

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (6) وَاللَّهُ مُحِيطٌ بِالْكَافِرِينَ

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وَاللَّهُ مُحِيطٌ بِالْكَافِرِينَ  " And Allah is encompassing of the disbelievers. " (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:19) Etymology and Linguistic The word مُحِيطٌ (Muhit) comes from the root ح-ا-ط (H-A-T), which means "to surround" or "to encompass." In this verse, Allah describes Himself as مُحِيطٌ بِالْكَافِرِينَ (Muhitun bil-Kafireen), meaning He fully encompasses the disbelievers in His knowledge, power, and control . This attribute reminds us that nothing escapes Allah’s awareness. Even those who reject Him are within His grasp, and their actions are fully known to Him. It is both a warning to those who oppose His guidance and a reassurance to believers that Allah’s justice will prevail. Spiritual Reflection This verse appears in the context of a parable about disbelievers who are like those caught in a storm, unable to see or hear clearly. Just as the storm surrounds them, Allah’s knowledge and power encompass them completely. The Prophet ﷺ also emphasized All...

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (5) مَالِك يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

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 مَالِك يَوْمِ الدِّينِ مَالِك يَوْمِ الدِّينِ English : The Master of the Day of Judgment Hebrew : Melech Yom HaDin (מֶלֶךְ יוֹם הַדִּין) Etymology and Linguistic The name مَالِك (Malik) comes from the root م-ل-ك (M-L-K), which signifies ownership, authority, and control. It is often translated as " Master " or " King ," but its meaning goes deeper—it conveys absolute sovereignty and dominion . The phrase يَوْمِ الدِّينِ (Yawm ad-Deen) refers to the Day of Judgment , the day when all of humanity will be held accountable for their deeds. The word الدِّين (Ad-Deen) means " reckoning " or " judgment ," emphasizing that this day is one of ultimate justice and recompense. Together, مَالِك يَوْمِ الدِّينِ means that Allah is the sole Owner and Judge on the Day of Judgment . No one else has authority or power on that day—not rulers, not nations, not even the angels. It is a day when Allah’s absolute justice will prevail, and every soul will receive...

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (4) رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ

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 رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ   رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ English: The Lord of the Worlds Hebrew:   Ribono Shel Olam (רִבּוֹנוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם) Etymology and Linguistic The name رَبّ (Rabb) comes from the root ر-ب-ب (R-B-B) , which carries meanings of nurturing, sustaining, owning, and guiding . In Arabic, Rabb is often translated as "Lord," but its meaning is much deeper— He who creates, sustains, governs, and nurtures all of existence. The word العالمين (Al-‘Alameen) refers to everything in existence —the seen and unseen, the past, present, and future, including humans, jinn, angels, and all of creation. Thus, رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ means that Allah is the absolute Master, Creator, and Sustainer of all that exists . Unlike earthly rulers, His Lordship is not limited to a time, place, or people—it is eternal and all-encompassing. Spiritual Reflection This majestic name appears in the opening verse of the Quran: ❝ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ ❞ " All praise is due to Allah, t...

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (3) الرَّحِيم

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الرَّحِيم الرَّحِيم English: The Especially Merciful Hebrew: רחום ( Rachum ) Etymology and Linguistic Like الرحمن (Ar-Rahman) , the name الرَّحِيم (Ar-Raheem) is derived from the root ر-ح-م (R-H-M) , which conveys meanings of mercy, compassion, and tenderness . The difference between الرحمن and الرَّحِيم lies in their scope and application. Ar-Rahman refers to Allah’s vast, universal mercy that extends to all of creation—believers and non-believers alike. Ar-Raheem , however, emphasizes Allah’s special, continuous mercy toward the believers. It is a mercy that is personal, close, and everlasting. Allah ﷻ frequently pairs these two names together in the Quran— الرحمن الرَّحِيم —showing that His mercy is both immense and deeply personal . Spiritual Reflection One of the most powerful verses that highlight Ar-Raheem is: ❝ وَكَانَ بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًۭا ❞ " And He is ever merciful to the believers. " (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:43) This verse reassures believers that Allah’...

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (2) ٱلرَّحْمَٰن

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ٱلرَّحْمَٰن The Arabic word رحم —which means womb —shares the same root as ٱلرَّحْمَٰن . Just as a mother’s womb provides unconditional care, protection, and nourishment to the child within, Allah’s mercy envelops His entire creation. This divine connection reminds us that His mercy is not just an attribute, but an active, all-encompassing force of love, care, and protection .

Allah ﷻ in Islam: A Quran-Centric Approach (1) الله

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 الله  In a world filled with varying perceptions of God, The Noble Quran presents a clear, profound, and unmatched description of the Divine. This series explores the name " Allah " and His attributes as revealed in the Quran—unveiling their meanings, spiritual depth, and relevance today. Through concise reflections, we aim to present an image of God that resonates with both the heart and the mind, as He has described Himself. الله English: Allah or God Hebrew: Eloah (אֱלוֹהַּ) Etymology and Linguistic The name "Allah" is unique, carrying no plural or gender, signifying absolute oneness. It is derived from the root ألَهَ , meaning devotion and worship. Some scholars trace it to الإله (Al-Ilah) , meaning " The God ," while others see it as a name exclusive to the Creator, unparalleled in form and meaning. Spiritual Reflection "Allah" is the name that encompasses all divine attributes. It is the first word in nearly every chapter of The Noble Q...

Islamic Wisdom (18): The Psychology of Denial

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  Why Some Reject the Truth Even When They See It One of the most fascinating and thought-provoking human behaviors is the refusal to accept the truth even when it becomes as clear as the sun. A hidden force within some people compels them to resist acknowledging what is right, clinging instead to their own opinions—even when undeniable evidence stares them in the face. This naturally raises an important question: why do people persist in falsehood even after realizing the truth ? The Qur'an sheds light on this perplexing phenomenon, answering a question that troubles many: why don’t people embrace the truth the moment they recognize it? 1. Overpowered by Desires Allah describes the people of Prophet Lutﷺ: “ Drive out the family of Lut from your town! Indeed, they are a people who keep themselves pure. ” (Surah An-Naml 27:56) The people of Lut had indulged in corruption and filth, to the extent that they could not tolerate the presence of those who sought purity. Instead of refor...

AIII (2): Artificial Intelligence and the Truth

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A Reflection on Bias Over 1,400 years ago, Islam laid down the foundations of justice in human society, encouraging freedom of expression in the pursuit of truth, standing against oppression, correcting misconceptions, and advocating for reform. Divine Justice: Speaking the Truth, No Matter What Allah ﷻ says: " O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do. " (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:8) This verse emphasizes that justice must be upheld even in the face of enmity. It is a direct command from Allah ﷻ that personal biases or conflicts should never interfere with standing for truth. This aligns with the broader discussion on AI biases—how human inclinations shape the systems we build, often at the expense of fairness and objectivity. Upholding Truth Even Against Yourself ...