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Showing posts from September, 2025

Revelation in Motion (50): The Sea Split Open

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  “And [recall] when We parted the sea for you and saved you and drowned the people of Pharaoh while you were looking on.” (Al-Baqarah 2:50) Can you imagine watching the impossible happen—an ocean splitting before your very eyes? Before the Quran For the enslaved, the sea was not freedom but a wall. Behind them stood Pharaoh’s army; before them stretched water without end. There was no escape, no future, only certain death. Despair reigned. After the Quran The Quran reframed this moment: despair is the seedbed of miracles. With one command, the sea opened. Walls of water stood still, a path of deliverance carved into the impossible. The oppressed walked through safety, while the oppressors drowned in their arrogance. Salvation was not abstract—it was seen, lived, and unforgettable. Our World Today Today, many feel trapped between Pharaohs of power and seas of impossibility. But the Quran insists: the same God who split the sea can open a way for you. What looks final i...

Revelation in Motion (49): Saved from the Sea

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  “And [recall] when We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, who were afflicting you with the worst torment—slaughtering your sons and keeping your women alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord.” (Al-Baqarah 2:49) What happens when oppression feels endless—can a whole people really be saved? Before the Quran For centuries, Pharaoh’s power seemed unstoppable. He enslaved, humiliated, and terrorized the Children of Israel. Their sons were slaughtered, their women spared only to bear more slaves. Survival itself became a wound. Tyranny felt permanent, and hope was buried under fear. After the Quran Then the Quran retold their story, not as a distant history but as a living lesson. No tyranny lasts forever. The same sea that Pharaoh claimed power over became the sea that drowned him. The enslaved walked free. The mighty fell. God’s justice flipped the order of the world. Our World Today From Gaza to Sudan, from refugees on the move to oppressed communities sil...

Revelation in Motion (48): The Day No One Can Help

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  “And fear a Day when no soul will suffice for another at all, nor will intercession be accepted from it, nor will compensation be taken from it, nor will they be aided.” (Al-Baqarah 2:48) If tomorrow no one could defend you, pay for you, or even stand beside you—what would you live for today? Before the Quran In pre-Islamic Arabia, salvation was thought to be negotiable. Tribes relied on alliances, wealth, and bloodlines for honor and protection. Leaders assumed their status could shield them, poets imagined their words could immortalize them, and sacrifices to idols were seen as bargaining chips with the unseen. After the Quran The Quran ended this illusion. On the Day of Judgment, none of these will matter—no ally, no wealth, no lineage. Each soul stands alone, stripped of excuses and pretenses. Justice will be absolute, and only truth and deeds will speak. Our World Today Modern people still live under the same illusion. Some think influence, money, or connections...

Revelation in Motion (47): The Burden of Favor

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  “O Children of Israel, remember My favor which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you over the worlds.” (Al-Baqarah 2:47) What happens when blessings become a burden instead of a bridge to gratitude? Before the Quran Nations before Islam often measured greatness by privilege—power, wealth, and status. Divine favor was seen as permanent, unconditional, almost a birthright. Gratitude was shallow, responsibility was forgotten, and blessings became a source of pride rather than humility. After the Quran The Quran shattered this illusion. Favor was not about superiority but accountability. The Children of Israel were reminded that being chosen was not a license to boast but a trust to honor. Blessings came with responsibility, and neglecting that trust turned honor into humiliation. Our World Today Today, many still confuse privilege with virtue. Nations boast of progress yet ignore justice. Individuals flaunt wealth but forget the Giver. When blessings aren’t tied ...

Revelation in Motion (46): Meeting God Without Fear

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  “Who are certain that they will meet their Lord and that they will return to Him.” (Al-Baqarah 2:46) If you knew you were going to meet God tomorrow, would you feel fear—or peace? Before the Quran People feared death as a cruel end, a vanishing into darkness. The afterlife was uncertain, wrapped in myth, or denied entirely. The thought of returning to a Creator was not a source of hope but a shadow of dread. After the Quran Then revelation lifted the veil. Life was not a cycle of despair but a journey home. To meet God was not to be lost—it was to be found. For the believer, certainty of return brought courage, patience, and dignity in the face of trials. Death no longer mocked life—it gave it meaning. Our World Today Modernity glorifies life but denies death. We hide it, fear it, refuse to speak of it. Yet anxiety grows, because without knowing where we’re going, every step feels fragile. The Quran invites us back to certainty: you are returning—not to nothingness, ...

Revelation in Motion (45): Patience and Prayer — The Forgotten Strength

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  “And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive.” (Al-Baqarah 2:45) When life crushes you, where do you turn—distraction, denial, or something deeper? Before the Quran In the world before revelation, hardship was met with despair, superstition, or empty rituals. Strength was sought in idols, in chance, or in human pride. Suffering often led to collapse, not growth. After the Quran Then came a radical message: strength is not in escape but in patience. And patience is not passive—it is resilience, endurance, and trust. Prayer became the lifeline, turning hardship into connection with the Divine. It redefined struggle as a path to closeness, not abandonment. Our World Today Modern society offers countless escapes—scrolling, substances, distractions—but little grounding. We avoid suffering instead of transforming through it. Yet here lies the Quran’s timeless call: anchor yourself in patience, steady yourself in p...

Revelation in Motion (44): Preaching Without Practicing

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  “Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?” (Al-Baqarah 2:44) What’s more dangerous than ignoring truth? Preaching it without living it. Before the Quran In ancient societies, authority figures often used religion as a tool. They preached morality but lived in contradiction—priests who hoarded wealth, elders who demanded virtue yet indulged in vice. Hypocrisy was tolerated as long as the words sounded holy. After the Quran Then the Quran shattered this double standard. It called out hypocrisy—not as cleverness, but as blindness. The verse asked a piercing question: How can you teach truth and betray it in your own life? For the first time, accountability was tied not only to knowledge, but to personal integrity. Our World Today We see it again: leaders demanding sacrifice but living in luxury, influencers promoting values they don’t follow, parents teaching honesty yet lying daily. The dis...

Revelation in Motion (43): Prayer, Charity, and Bowing Together

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  “And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].” (Al-Baqarah 2:43) What happens to a society when worship and charity walk hand in hand? Before the Quran In pre-Islamic Arabia, religion was fragmented. Worship was tied to idols, rituals to superstition, and generosity to pride or tribal loyalty. Acts of charity were done for reputation, not righteousness. Worship had no anchor, and society had no compass. After the Quran Then came this verse, weaving worship, charity, and community into one. Prayer aligned the heart with God. Zakah aligned wealth with justice. And communal bowing aligned individuals into a shared humility, breaking the chains of arrogance. For the first time, faith was not just personal ritual—it was collective transformation. Our World Today Modern spirituality often isolates: meditation for the self, charity for a tax break, gatherings for status. But the Quran insists: prayer and giving are inseparab...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (50): Artificial Beauty

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  Did you know that studies show most young people dislike their real appearance because they compare themselves to filtered images online? With cosmetic surgeries and apps reshaping faces, beauty has become an illusion—and dissatisfaction the norm. Islam reminds us that true dignity lies in accepting the way Allah created us. The Qur’an says: “We have certainly created man in the best of stature.” (Quran 95:4).  To distort that natural creation out of vanity is to forget the honor Allah already gave. The Prophet ﷺ cursed those who altered their bodies for beauty’s sake (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5931), not to limit adornment, but to protect us from an endless cycle of insecurity. The early Muslims found beauty in modesty, character, and light on the face from faith. Filters fade, surgeries scar, and trends change—but dignity rooted in natural creation never ages. In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (49): Longevity without Purpose

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  Did you know that life expectancy has doubled in the past century—yet many feel their years are empty, stretched long but thin in meaning? Living longer doesn’t always mean living better. Islam shifts the focus from quantity of years to quality of deeds. The Prophet ﷺ said:   “The best of people are those whose lives are long and whose deeds are good.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2330).  What counts is not how many birthdays we celebrate, but what we do between them. The early Muslims weren’t obsessed with prolonging life; they were driven to fill whatever time they had with purpose—service, worship, knowledge, and building communities. Even short lives, lived with intention, left legacies that endure to this day. Modern culture glorifies longevity but often forgets direction. Islam teaches us that the value of life is not in its length, but in its depth. To live meaningfully is to live eternally. In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (48): The Denial of Death

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  Did you know that in many cultures today, death is almost a taboo subject—hidden away in hospitals, avoided in conversation, replaced with distractions? People plan for careers, vacations, even retirement—but not for the one certainty of life. Islam calls us to remember death, not to spread fear, but to awaken purpose. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Remember often the destroyer of pleasures (death).” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 4258).  Facing mortality gives clarity: what matters, what lasts, and what doesn’t. The early Muslims lived with this awareness. They built communities, pursued knowledge, and enjoyed life—but always with akhirah in sight. Death wasn’t denial—it was direction. Modern culture may deny death, but that only deepens fear when it finally arrives. Islam transforms that fear into preparation, courage, and hope in Allah’s mercy. To remember death is to live more fully, not less. In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (47): Privacy Lost

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  Did you know that the average social media user shares more personal data in a week than previous generations did in a lifetime? Photos, locations, thoughts—nothing seems private anymore. But when everything is exposed, what remains sacred? Islam values privacy as a protection of dignity and trust. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seeking permission has been prescribed because of the glance.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6241; Sahih Muslim, 2156).  Even entering someone’s home required care, respect, and boundaries. The early Muslims guarded secrets, respected privacy, and treated what was hidden as a trust. Oversharing was unthinkable, because they knew that dignity thrives in discretion. Today, exposing every detail may feel like connection, but it often breeds envy, exploitation, and regret. Islam teaches us that safeguarding our private lives isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. When we protect what is meant to be hidden, we preserve our peace, our honor, and our hearts. In a modern world, ...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (46): Overexposure of Sin

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  Did you know the Prophet ﷺ warned that “All of my ummah will be forgiven except those who commit sins openly” ? (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6069; Sahih Muslim, 2990). Today, people not only sin—they broadcast it, celebrate it, and turn it into content. Modern culture normalizes disobedience by making it entertainment. The more sin is shared, the less the heart feels shame—and without shame, repentance becomes harder. Islam teaches the opposite: conceal your sins, seek forgiveness, and protect your dignity. Allah loves those who turn back to Him in repentance. The early Muslims wept over their mistakes in private, never boasting about them, because they knew humility invites mercy. To boast of sin is to harden the heart. To repent from sin is to soften it and bring it closer to Allah. In a world obsessed with exposure, Islam restores the beauty of modesty, humility, and turning back in secret to the One who forgives all. In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matt...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (45): The Tyranny of Algorithms

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  Did you know that algorithms predict what you’ll click on better than your closest friends know you? Every scroll is designed to keep you hooked—until your desires, opinions, even your mood, are quietly programmed by a feed. But Islam teaches us not to be slaves of what others choose for us.  Allah commands: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity. That is purer for them.” (Quran 24:30).  Guarding the gaze isn’t just about modesty—it’s about protecting the heart from being led by whatever flashes on a screen. The Prophet ﷺ trained his companions to control what they looked at, because every glance plants a seed in the heart. They didn’t allow outside forces to decide their inner state—they chose discipline over manipulation. Algorithms thrive on distraction and desire. The Sunnah thrives on clarity and self-mastery. The difference is freedom. In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (44): Virtual Reality, Lost Reality

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  Did you know that millions now spend more hours each week in virtual worlds than they do with their own families? Escape has become easier than ever—but what are we escaping from? Virtual reality offers entertainment, but it also tempts us to trade real struggles, responsibilities, and growth for empty illusions. The more we escape, the more disconnected we feel from what truly matters. Islam grounds us in purpose.  Allah says: “ Did you think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned? ” (23:115).  Life isn’t a game to run from—it’s a trust to live with meaning. The Prophet ﷺ never escaped reality. He faced challenges head-on, with patience, courage, and reliance on Allah. His companions did the same, building a civilization by living fully present in the real world. Digital escape may numb us for a moment, but it leaves the soul emptier. Grounding ourselves in faith gives us strength to face reality, not flee from it. In a modern worl...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (43): Noise Everywhere

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  The average person checks their phone over 300 times a day . But here’s the question: if our attention is constantly hijacked, what’s left for reflection, prayer, or even a calm conversation? This is the crisis of distractions—not loud music or crowded places, but the constant pull of alerts, pings, and endless multitasking. Our minds are scattered, our hearts restless, and even in salah, we struggle to stay present. Islam calls us to khushu‘—deep focus and humility before Allah. The Qur’an praises: “Certainly will the believers have succeeded: they who are during their prayer humbly submissive.” (23:1–2). True focus is not just silence around us, but stillness within us. The Prophet ﷺ guided his companions to prepare for prayer by setting aside worldly concerns, teaching that real presence before Allah is a shield for the heart. They learned to live with intentionality, not constant interruption. Endless distractions fragment us. Khushu‘ restores us. And when the heart is g...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (42): Endless Distractions

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  Ping. Buzz. Ding. From the moment we wake up, notifications compete for our attention. But here’s the real cost: if our minds are always pulled in a thousand directions, how can our hearts ever find focus? Islam calls us to khushu‘—deep presence and humility, especially in prayer.  Allah says: “Certainly will the believers have succeeded: they who are during their prayer humbly submissive.” (23:1–2).  Focus isn’t a luxury—it’s a path to success. The Prophet ﷺ taught his companions to cut off distractions before Salah, to clear the heart and mind so they could stand fully before Allah. They treated every moment of focus as sacred, knowing that attention is life itself. Endless distractions scatter us. Khushu‘ gathers us back to what matters most. And when we reclaim our focus, even for a few breaths, the heart tastes true peace. In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (41): Knowledge without Wisdom

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  We live in an age of endless information—scrolls, feeds, notifications, and breaking news every minute. But here’s the question: does more knowledge make us wiser, or just more distracted? The Qur’an draws a clear line: not all knowledge benefits.  The Prophet ﷺ would pray, “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3843).  Information alone doesn’t transform hearts—it must be coupled with understanding, reflection, and action. The early Muslims sought knowledge that shaped character, purified intentions, and improved society. They didn’t measure wisdom by how much they knew, but by how much they lived what they knew. Today, we risk drowning in data but starving for guidance. The solution isn’t to know everything—it’s to seek what draws us closer to Allah, what builds us as human beings, and what heals our communities. In a modern world, the Sunnah is our way back to what truly matters.

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (40): The Age of Doubt

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  Did you know that surveys show fewer people today trust religion, family, or even truth itself than ever before? Doubt has become the default setting of modern life. Everything is questioned—yet nothing is certain. But Islam doesn’t leave the heart wandering in endless skepticism. It offers yaqeen—certainty rooted in revelation, reflection, and lived experience.  Allah says: “ Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will be its guardian. ” (15:9).  Truth is not fragile—it is preserved, accessible, and steady in a world of shifting sands. The Prophet ﷺ embodied this clarity. His companions weren’t paralyzed by doubt; they had conviction that gave them courage, patience, and unshakable purpose. Certainty didn’t blind them—it freed them to live fully without fear of every passing doubt. Skepticism leaves the heart restless. Yaqeen fills it with peace. And when certainty anchors you, storms cannot sweep you away. In a modern world, the Sunnah is our...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (39): Knowledge without Action

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  Did you know the world produces more university graduates today than at any point in history—yet injustice, corruption, and moral decay keep rising? We celebrate diplomas, but often forget the purpose of knowledge itself. In Islam, knowledge is not an ornament to display—it is a responsibility to live by.  The Qur’an warns of those who “ say what they do not do ”. " Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you do not do. " (Quran 61:3).  Knowledge without action is like a tree without fruit: impressive from afar, but empty when you approach it. The Prophet ﷺ taught that the best among us are those whose deeds match their words, whose learning transforms into worship, honesty, service, and humility. Real ‘ilm is not measured by certificates, but by how it shapes character and benefits others. So ask yourself: is what I know changing how I pray, how I treat people, how I spend my time? Because on the Day of Judgment, it’s not our diplomas that will testi...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (38): The Illusion of Progress

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  Did you know that despite all our technological advances—smartphones in every hand, AI at our service, rockets reaching other planets—rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness are higher than ever? We call it “progress,” but is it really? True progress is not just faster machines or taller buildings. It is hearts at peace, families intact, and souls connected to their Creator. Without that, all our “advancement” is just noise dressed as success. Allah reminds us: “The Day when wealth and children will not benefit, except one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” (Qur’an 26:88-89)  Real achievement is measured in faith, integrity, and righteousness—not in gadgets or status. The early Muslims built no skyscrapers, but they built civilizations of justice and mercy. They left no apps behind, but they left timeless principles that shaped humanity. Their “progress” was not about tools, but about values. So next time the world dazzles you with the latest upgrade, ask your...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (37): Fame as Success

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  Did you know that surveys show children today are more likely to say they want to be “famous” when they grow up than to say they want to be teachers, doctors, or scholars? In our age, success is measured by visibility—how many followers, how many views, how loud your name echoes. But fame is fragile. It lifts people one day and buries them the next. It feeds the ego but starves the soul. And in chasing the spotlight, sincerity is often the first casualty. The Prophet ﷺ said:   “The thing I fear most for you is the lesser shirk: showing off.” (Musnad Aḥmad, 23630)  True success is not being seen by millions, but being accepted by Allah. One sincere deed in secret outweighs a lifetime of applause. The early Muslims lived this reality. Many of their greatest deeds were hidden—night prayers no one saw, charities no one knew, sacrifices no one praised. Their sincerity gave them eternal success, even if the world forgot their names. What about us? Instead of asking, “How...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (36): Excessive Planning

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  Suffering is trying to control the uncontrollable. Did you know that surveys show anxiety disorders have skyrocketed in part because people try to control every detail of their future—jobs, finances, relationships, even health? Endless planning often leaves us more restless than prepared. When life is micromanaged, one unexpected event can unravel everything. The obsession with control feeds stress, disappointment, and despair. Islam calls us to balance: work with effort, but trust the outcome to Allah.  The Prophet ﷺ said:   “If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: they go out hungry in the morning and return full in the evening.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī, 2344)  Tawakkul is not passivity—it is effort anchored in trust. The early Muslims planned, but they didn’t cling. They prepared for battles yet prayed for victory. They worked for their livelihoods yet knew rizq was written. Their peace came not fro...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (35): The Commodification of Time

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  Did you know that in today’s culture, time is often reduced to a price tag—“time is money”? Hours are sold, schedules monetized, and even rest is treated as wasted potential. But when time becomes a commodity, life becomes a transaction. This mindset drains the soul. People feel guilty for resting, anxious when unproductive, and trapped in endless busyness. We may earn more—but we live less. Islam teaches that time is not currency, but amanah —a trust from Allah.  The Prophet ﷺ said:  “There are two blessings which many people waste: health and free time.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 6412)  Time is not to be sold away blindly—it is to be invested in what brings us closer to Allah. The early Muslims valued time as life itself. They divided their hours between worship, work, family, and reflection. Even their leisure carried purpose. Their days may have been fewer in number—but fuller in meaning. What about us? Instead of measuring every hour in money, let’s measure it i...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (34): Greed as Growth

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  Did you know that the richest 1% of people today own more wealth than the bottom 50% of humanity combined ? Modern economies glorify endless profit—no matter the cost to people, families, or the planet. Growth is measured in numbers, not in well-being. But greed never satisfies. The more we chase, the more we feel deprived. Societies built on profit obsession produce inequality, stress, and corruption. Wealth increases, but blessings vanish. The Prophet ﷺ said:  “Wealth is not in having many possessions, but true wealth is the richness of the soul.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 6446; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 1051)  Real prosperity isn’t about how much you own—it’s about barakah: divine blessing that makes even little feel abundant. The early Muslims sought barakah, not greed. They traded with honesty, shared what they earned, and gave in charity generously. Their wealth united communities instead of dividing them, and it carried blessings that outlived their lifetimes. What about us? I...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (33): Cancel Culture

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  Did you know that online surveys show more than 60% of people are afraid to share their honest opinions publicly—out of fear of being “canceled”? One mistake, one wrong word, and a person can be cast out forever. Cancel culture thrives on condemnation. It shames without mercy, erases without context, and denies people the chance to grow. But a society that never forgives will eventually suffocate itself. Islam offers a higher path: forgiveness and repentance. Allah says:  “Indeed, Allah loves those who repent and loves those who purify themselves.” (Qur’an 2:222)  And the Prophet ﷺ said:   “All the children of Adam are sinners, and the best of sinners are those who repent often.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah, 4251) The early Muslims made mistakes too—but they found doors of mercy open. A sinner could become a saint through repentance, and a community would embrace those who returned to Allah. Their strength was not in perfection, but in compassion. What about us? Instea...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (32): Parentless Elders

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  Did you know that in some countries, nearly half of elderly people report feeling abandoned or neglected by their families? Many spend their final years in loneliness, placed in institutions rather than honored in homes. Abandoning parents leaves deep scars. Elders who once sacrificed everything for their children are left with silence. Families lose blessings, and societies lose wisdom carried only by those who have lived long lives. Allah commands directly:  “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents…” (Qur’an 29:8).  And the Prophet ﷺ said:   “May he be humiliated, may he be humiliated, may he be humiliated—the one whose parents reach old age with him, and he does not enter Paradise by serving them.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 2551) The early Muslims saw their elders as treasures. They cared for them, sought their advice, and treated their service as worship. Their respect for parents preserved family bonds and invited Allah’s mercy into their homes. What ...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (31): Childhood Lost

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  Did you know that children today are exposed to adult fashion, music, and social media trends as early as age 7 ? Innocence is fading fast—childhood is being traded for premature adulthood. This rush steals from kids what they can never reclaim. They mimic adult behaviors without understanding them, lose the purity of play, and face pressures their hearts aren’t ready to carry. A childhood lost is a wound to the entire society. The Prophet ﷺ honored childhood. He greeted children in the streets, played with them, and allowed them space to laugh and grow. He said: “He is not of us who does not have mercy on our young and respect for our elders.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī, 1921) The early Muslims preserved innocence. Children learned gradually, protected from corruption, nurtured in play, and eased into responsibility with love and wisdom. That care produced balanced, confident adults rooted in faith. What about us? Instead of pushing kids into adult culture, let’s guard their innoce...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (30): Parenting Outsourced

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  Did you know that children today spend an average of 4–6 hours a day on screens, while meaningful family conversations often last less than 30 minutes ? For many, tablets and TVs have become the real parents. Outsourcing parenting to screens may keep children quiet, but it starves their hearts. They learn values from algorithms instead of parents, absorb endless distractions, and miss the warmth of tarbiyah —nurturing with love and faith. The Prophet ﷺ embraced children, joked with them, carried them on his shoulders, and even shortened his prayer when he heard a child crying. His example showed that raising children isn’t about keeping them occupied—it’s about filling them with love, guidance, and mercy. The early Muslims raised their young through presence. Fathers and mothers taught Qur’an, modeled good character, and included their children in worship and daily life. This tarbiyah built generations who carried both strength and faith. What about us? Instead of handing ov...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (29): Exhausted Mothers, Absent Fathers

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  Did you know that surveys show mothers today work what amounts to two full-time jobs when household duties are combined with employment—while many fathers remain emotionally or physically absent from family life? The result: exhausted mothers, disconnected fathers, and children left in the middle. This imbalance drains families. Mothers collapse under the weight of endless responsibilities. Fathers lose the bond with their children. And homes—meant to be havens—become places of stress and silence. The Prophet ﷺ showed a different model. He was present in his home, serving his family, mending his clothes, and yet leading with strength and mercy. He said: “The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī, 3895) The early Muslims followed this balance. Fathers carried responsibility with compassion. Mothers were honored, supported, and uplifted. Together, they raised children in love and faith, building homes w...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (28): Disposable Friendships

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  Did you know that studies show most friendships today last only a few years, often ending when people change jobs, schools, or locations? Friendships have become disposable—kept while convenient, discarded when costly. This fragility leaves many feeling replaceable. One disagreement, one busy season, and bonds dissolve. Loyalty is rare, and loneliness grows deeper. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.” (al-Mu‘jam al-Awsaṭ, 6192) And he also said: “A believer is the mirror of his brother.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, 4918) True friendship in Islam is built on sincerity, loyalty, and helping one another toward Jannah—not on temporary convenience. The early Muslims were bound together by faith. They shared their wealth, defended one another, and stood by each other in hardship and joy. Their brotherhood was not seasonal—it was lifelong. What about us? Instead of seeking friendships that entertain, let’s invest in friendshi...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (27): Forgotten Neighbors

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  Did you know that in many modern cities, people can live for years in the same building without ever knowing their neighbors’ names? Surrounded by walls, screens, and locked doors, we’ve become strangers next door. This neglect weakens communities. When neighbors don’t know or care about one another, loneliness grows, safety declines, and hearts harden. We gain privacy but lose belonging. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Jibrīl kept advising me about the neighbor until I thought he would make him an heir.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, 6014; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 2625) Neighborly rights in Islam aren’t optional—they’re sacred. To care, to visit, to protect, and to share: these acts turn a group of houses into a true community. The early Muslims embodied this. They would send food next door, check on one another’s wellbeing, and treat neighbors like extended family. This bond created strong, resilient societies where no one was left isolated. What about us? One knock, one smile, one shared meal can revive...

Unmodern Aspects of Islam (26): The Worship of Celebrities

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  Did you know entire industries are built today on the fame of a few people—celebrities and influencers—who can sell out products, shape opinions, and even define beauty standards with a single post? Millions follow their every move, but few ask: are they worthy of such devotion? This worship of celebrities has turned humans into idols. Their lifestyles become trends, their words treated like scripture. Yet, when their scandals surface or their fame fades, those who worshipped them are left empty-handed. Islam directs our admiration elsewhere. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, 3641) True influence lies with those who carry knowledge, live with integrity, and guide others toward Allah—not with those who entertain for profit. The early Muslims didn’t elevate people for their looks or wealth. They honored scholars, martyrs, and the pious—those whose lives illuminated the path of faith. Their role models left legacies, not tre...