Researches

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta
The Hijra and the Islamic Calendar

The Hijra and the Islamic Calendar

Since time immemorial, man has found it necessary to measure the passage of time. By simple observation of the stars, changes in the seasons, harvest cycles, and the periods of light and darkness that alternated continuously,...

Preserving the Environment; from an Islamic Perspective [Part II]

Preserving the Environment; from an Islamic Perspective [Part II]

Islam urges us to protect our environment through discovering its secrets and preserving its beauty. The movement of the universe is a natural and clear message that speaks out the greatness of the Creator but no one is able ...

Preserving the Environment; from an Islamic Perspective [ Part I ]

Preserving the Environment; from an Islamic Perspective [ Part I ]

All thanks are due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, the messenger of the true word to all mankind, the sent mercy, the truthful, the chosen, the seal of prophe...

Renewal (Tajdid) in Islamic sciences

Renewal (Tajdid) in Islamic sciences

It is obvious that the principles of Islamic jurisprudence is the object of pride for Muslims and one of the remarkable achievements produced by the genius of our religious scholars. Ibn Khaldun said, "The science of the prin...

Reform (Islah) and Renewal (Tajdid) in Islamic Thought

Reform (Islah) and Renewal (Tajdid) in Islamic Thought

Islah (reform) and tajdid (renewal) are religious imperatives that aim to return Islamic faith, its texts, principles, methodologies, understanding and inference to their original pristine state and remove any properties that...

Civil Work in Islam

Civil Work in Islam

From the different concepts and definitions we have for the term “civil society” we will able to see that they tackle various issues, concepts, and various political, intellectual, moral, economic and social mechanisms.

Justice in Islamic legislation

Justice in Islamic legislation

Man’s stewardship of earth is a matter that proceeds from God the Almighty; man is entrusted with the protection and guardianship of the earth as well as with its administration and the rectification of any evil that may occu...

 Excellence is all about “Self-Purification”

Excellence is all about “Self-Purification”

Allah (SWT) created man from three elements: mind, body and spirit. The most noble of these three elements is the spirit which is a hidden secret from Allah, “They question you about the Spirit. Say, 'The Spirit is at my Lord...

A comprehensive study on the content of Dabiq  Magazine An analytical review      to QSIS’s media apparatus and means of confronting it

A comprehensive study on the content of Dabiq Magazine An analytical review to QSIS’s media apparatus and means of confronting it

The Qa’ida separatists in Iraq and Syria known as “QSIS” possess a powerful media apparatus which enabled it in mere months to become the most famous extremist magazine all over the globe.

The Higher Objectives of Islamic Law

The Higher Objectives of Islamic Law

Shari’ah in its general sense means the way, and thus the Islamic Shari’ah is the way revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Allah Almighty says: “Then We put thee on the (right) Way [Shari’ah] of Religion: so follow thou that ...

The Higher Objectives of the Quran  and the Etiquette of Dealing with it

The Higher Objectives of the Quran and the Etiquette of Dealing with it

The Noble Qur’an has great objectives, fair aims and elegant wisdoms, all of which are derived from the status of Allah (SWT)[1]. As Allah (SWT) did not create us for nothing, He, too, did not send His Book empty of secrets a...

The Family from an Islamic Perspective

The Family from an Islamic Perspective

Parity is the law of Allah[1] in all His creations as seen in, “And of all things We created two mates; perhaps you will remember.” (TMQ[2], 51:49). As Muslims we all realize that Allah has created all the creatures with His ...

Zakah: Economic and Social Effects

Zakah: Economic and Social Effects

In the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Ever-Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon His upright Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.

The Economic System in Islam

The Economic System in Islam

Generally speaking, scholars and researchers have not given sufficient attention to studies related to the field of Islamic economics. If we turn to the Islamic works dealing with financial matters, we would find that althoug...

The Concept of “The Ummah"

The Concept of “The Ummah"

The Concept in the Qur’an: The Glorious Qur’an is the first constituent that sets the concept of the nation in its new meaning; its broad and balanced concept that hinges on the unity of creed. It was the first to reach ou...

Reason and Revelation in Islamic Thought

Reason and Revelation in Islamic Thought

One of the singular distinctions of Islam is the balance maintained between ‘aql and naql, that is, between human rational thought and revealed scripture. Certain people admit the intellect alone to be the source of knowle...

Orientalism

Orientalism

Orientalism There is no doubt that Orientalism has its significant impact on the Western world and the Islamic world alike, even if the reaction is different in each case. In the Western world no one who wants to write a...

Moderation

Moderation

Introduction: No past nation has ever been defined as a moderate or ‘a middle’ nation. This particular definition in only in line with the charitable nature of this nation as what befits Allah’s words, “You are indeed t...

Means to Promote Friday Sermons

Means to Promote Friday Sermons

1) Introduction 2) Definition of the “Friday Sermon” and its importance 3) Properties of the Friday Sermon 4) Challenges faced by the Friday Sermon 5) Promoting and developing Friday Sermons

Islamic Philosophy

Islamic Philosophy

The relation of Islamic philosophy to Greek philosophy There are two views regarding the relationship between the Islamic and Greek philosophical traditions. One holds that Islamic philosophy served merely to transmit Greek ...

Islamic Legal Maxims

Islamic Legal Maxims

The development of jurisprudential maims comprises one of the greatest intellectual contributions of the history of Islamic thought. They are the general formulas of Islamic legal statutes, the most comprehensive axioms of le...

Introduction to Islamic History

Introduction to Islamic History

Introduction A historical incident is just an isolated event that happens once and is never repeated again. If the researchers and historians all agree on the occurrence of one incident then surely their interpretation for...

Human Rights in Islam

Human Rights in Islam

Introduction Human dignity is manifest since the very moment of the man’s creation. Allah (SWT) created man in the best and most perfected form ever. Contemplate this verse in which Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as...

Hudūd in the Islamic Sharia

Hudūd in the Islamic Sharia

Ḥudūd : It is a decreed punishment that is prescribed against the one who performs (whatever action) that mandates it. Alternatively, it may be defined as: A decreed punishment that is obligatory as a right of God, Most High,...

History of the Muslim-Christian Relations

History of the Muslim-Christian Relations

Throughout history, there have been different stages of wax and wane in the Muslim-Christian relations, which have been influenced by numerous interests and influences. However, generally speaking, they largely kept as good, ...

An Introduction to Studying the Qurʾānic Sciences

An Introduction to Studying the Qurʾānic Sciences

Introduction Fully encompassing the questions of a given science and comprehending its rulings is always necessarily contingent upon mastering its introductory aspects, which are the keys to unlocking the doors to its myster...

 Family Structure from an Islamic Perspective

Family Structure from an Islamic Perspective

Parity is the law of Allah[1] in all His creations as seen in, “And of all things We created two mates; perhaps you will remember.” (TMQ[2], 51:49). As Muslims we all realize that Allah has created all the creatures with His ...

Islamic Civilization

Islamic Civilization

In its golden days the Arab Islamic civilization presented many memorable and timeless contributions that have enlightened

Acts to Worship

Acts to Worship

In the name of Allah, all thanks are due to Allah, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His Prophet Muhammad –the granted mercy, the rendered grace and the luminescent lantern– and upon his follower till Judgment Day....

Friday Sermon

Friday Sermon

Means to Promote the effectiveness of the Friday Sermons 1) Introduction 2) Definition of the “Friday Sermon” and its importance 3) Properties of the Friday Sermon 4) Challenges faced by the Friday Sermon 5) Promoting ...

The Testimony of Women in Islam

The Testimony of Women in Islam

Shahadah [Testimony] in Arabic has many meanings, such as conclusive information, presence, inspection, a declaration of faith, oath or acknowledgment, and martyrdom.

Women as Heads of State

Women as Heads of State

Islam has never restricted women’s roles in society to some domains at the expense of others. A woman was the first to accept the message of the Prophet (May God shower His peace and blessings upon him). The first martyr in t...

Women in Islamic History

Women in Islamic History

There is no doubt that history is the mirror of cultures and civilizations throughout the world. Without people’s real actions and application, the reality of people’s thoughts and beliefs would not be recognized. The place o...

The Status of Women in the Quran

The Status of Women in the Quran

Questions often arise about the status of woman in Islam, so I have returned to the traditional sources of Islam, including the books of the scholars and Islamic history. One of the two sexes that God [swt] has honoured over ...

The Status of Women in the Prophetic Sunnah

The Status of Women in the Prophetic Sunnah

I will refer to some texts in which the Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] responded to a question from one of his companions. The companion asked the Prophet [pbuh], ‘Who is the most beloved person to you?’ He replied, ‘A’ishah.’ [Al-H...

The Right of Women to Divorce

The Right of Women to Divorce

Just as Islam gives women the right to choose her husband, it gives her the option to break off a marriage if matters worsen between them and there is no possibility of reconciliation. One of the erroneous conceptions about I...

The Right of a Woman to Choose her Husband

The Right of a Woman to Choose her Husband

Islam has granted equal rights to men and woman in choosing their spouses. Because an Islamic marriage is valid and legitimate only if there is genuine consent on the part of both husband and wife, parents (and all other part...

The Islamic View of Female Circumcision

The Islamic View of Female Circumcision

Religious leaders with sensitivity to both the intellectual debates of the time as well as the circumstances of the Muslim community have long taken an interest in the questions raised with respect to Islam and women. I have ...

Polygamy in Islam

Polygamy in Islam

The subject of polygamy is regularly pointed to in an effort to demonstrate the failings of Islam and its lack of respect for women. In order to correct these misconceptions, it is necessary to point out that Islam did not in...

Marriage of Minors in Islam

Marriage of Minors in Islam

A recent troubling trend on the rise in Egypt and elsewhere has been the number of marriages of girls under the age of minority, in contravention of recent Egyptian laws aimed at protecting children by stipulating that marria...

Hijab in Islam

Hijab in Islam

Over the years, the dress code among Muslim women has been given great attention, especially in relation to the practice of Hijab [head covering], which is often seen as a symbol of oppression. While Islam is certainly not th...

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

In a modern society in which a woman has access to education, and plays a crucial role in building and maintaining society, clinging to old-fashioned notions about disciplining women via violence does not make sense. Whereas ...

Do Women take Unequal Shares of Inheritance in Islam?

Do Women take Unequal Shares of Inheritance in Islam?

It is commonly stated in contemporary times that Islam oppresses women by making their inheritance half that of men. As Muslims, we have firm conviction in God’s immutable attributes and this conviction keeps such claims from...

The Ash’ari’s School of Theology

The Ash’ari’s School of Theology

Ash‘aris are those who adhere to Imam Abu Hasan al-Ash‘ari in his school of theology, and before we understand what this school of theology is we should know who Abu Hasan al-Ash‘ari was. Imam Abu Hasan al-Ash‘ari and schola...

The Aqida (Creed) of Ahl al-Sunna wa’l-Jama’a

The Aqida (Creed) of Ahl al-Sunna wa’l-Jama’a

Creed The word for creed in Arabic is ‘aqida. Linguistically, it means to bind firmly and tightly. And in the terminology of the sciences, it is a belief held strongly and with conviction in the hearts of humans, whether i...

Comparative Religions in Islamic Thought

Comparative Religions in Islamic Thought

The discipline of comparative religion is characterized by investigation into religious doctrines, study of the extent of their verity, the points of commonalities as well as differences among them, and other related matters....

An Introduction to Kalam: (Islamic Theology)

An Introduction to Kalam: (Islamic Theology)

This brief treatise comprises an introduction to the study of the science of Kalam, one of the most important disciplines of Islamic knowledge. It will suffice to introduce its major branches and comprehend some of the proble...

Usul al-fiqh: Meaning and History

Usul al-fiqh: Meaning and History

Introduction There are typically eleven disciplines listed under the heading of the “Islamic sciences” or the “shar’i sciences.” These may be divided into the “intrinsic sciences” – theology, Qur’anic exegesis, hadith, law...

The Theory of Islamic Education

The Theory of Islamic Education

Islamic education comprises a set of concepts and tenets pertaining to human nature, creed, intellect, and attitude, along with spiritual and physical values, all entwined in unified perceptual framework and relying, entirely...

The Research Methodology in Traditional Islamic Scholarship

The Research Methodology in Traditional Islamic Scholarship

An intellectual journey to engage Islamic Traditional Heritage Islamic civilization has undoubtedly played a major part in the development and advancement of human civilization, which shows that classical Muslim scholars a...

The History and Sources of Islamic Law

The History and Sources of Islamic Law

All praise is due to Allah, from Whom alone we seek help and guidance. We seek refuge in God from the evils of our own selves and from our evil deeds. He who Allah guides is guided, and he who He does not guide has no guide. ...

Shariah Law

Shariah Law

The discipline of Islamic law has a distinguished place among the Islamic sciences. It contains an entire dictionary of terminology, and a comprehensive methodology to order the lives of Muslims in all its dimensions – ritual...

Islamic Legal Theory (Usul al-fiqh)

Islamic Legal Theory (Usul al-fiqh)

There are typically eleven disciplines listed under the heading of the “Islamic sciences” or the “shar’i sciences.” These may be divided into the “intrinsic sciences” – theology, Qur’anic exegesis, hadith, law and legal theor...

Applying Shari’ah in Today’s World

Applying Shari’ah in Today’s World

The issue of implementing the shari’ah needs to be understood in a broader manner than its restriction to the application of corporal punishments (hudud) for crimes as is widespread in both Muslim and non-Muslim contemporary ...

An Introduction to the Theory of Qur’anic Interpretation

An Introduction to the Theory of Qur’anic Interpretation

The Noble Qur’an is a divine book and a sacred text that God revealed so as to encompass matters of belief, legal practice, morality, ideals and lessons. God fashioned the Qur’an to be inimitable and He guarded it from error ...

Obtaining citizenship of non Muslim countries: an Act of Polytheism?

Obtaining citizenship of non Muslim countries: an Act of Polytheism?

There are some extreme opinions by self claimed scholars which accuse those who obtain citizenship of non Muslim countries of kufr or disbelief and shirk or polytheism. This erroneous understanding forms an eminent threat as ...

Islam and Democracy: Two opposite Poles?

Islam and Democracy: Two opposite Poles?

The conventions of the Islamic state evolved from its beginning up to the end of the Ottoman Caliphate. As society became more complex, as knowledge and academic institutions spread, and the age was characterized as being a t...

Terrorism Has No Religion

Terrorism Has No Religion

Terrorism cannot be born of religion. Terrorism is the product of corrupt minds, hardened hearts, and arrogant egos, and corruption, destruction, and arrogance are unknown to the heart attached to the divine.

Jihad in Islam: Myths & Facts

Jihad in Islam: Myths & Facts

The concept of Jihad in Islam is one of the topics that causes the most confusion and is surrounded by a loud cacophony aiming at equating Jihad with mass murder and random shooting sprees. All concept have roots in a grou...

The 'Umrah: Rulings and Rites

The 'Umrah: Rulings and Rites

1- The definition of 'umrah 'Umrah means visiting the Sacred House of God while in ihram. Its actions include tawaf, sa'y, and the rest of the pillars and requisites of 'umrah. 2- The ruling for 'umrah

The Rites of Hajj in Detail

The Rites of Hajj in Detail

The pillars of hajj The obligatory features of hajj are those actions which are necessary for its validity and the omission of which are not expatiated by slaughtering or any other action. The obligatory features of hajj a...

The Reality of Apostasy in Islam

The Reality of Apostasy in Islam

The issue of executing apostates represents a great ambiguity for Westerners who think that Islam compels people to follow it. They disregard the Muslims’ constitution concerning freedom of belief, which is found in His sayin...

The Value of Unity

The Value of Unity

And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so t...

The Value of Tolerance

The Value of Tolerance

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error (AL-BAQARA: 256) Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most graci...

The Value of Simplicity

The Value of Simplicity

Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (AL-BAQARA: 185) He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the cult of your father Abraham. (AL-HAJJ: 78) And...

The Value of Respect

The Value of Respect

O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware. (AL-H...

The Value of Peace

The Value of Peace

Then bear with them (O Muhammad) and say: Peace. But they will come to know. (AL-ZUKHRUF: 89) Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; But turn away from the ignorant. (AL-A’RAF: 199) Allah commands justice, the doin...

The Value of Love

The Value of Love

Lo! my Lord is Merciful, Loving (HUD: 90) On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, will (Allah) Most Gracious bestow love. (MARYAM: 96)

Jihad: Concept, history and Contemporary Application

Jihad: Concept, history and Contemporary Application

The concept of Jihad in Islam is one of the topics that causes the most confusion and is surrounded by a loud cacophony equating Jihad with mass murder and random shooting sprees.

The craft of Issuing Fatwas

The craft of Issuing Fatwas

Massive progress in science and technology and the diversity of people's novel needs with their consequent multiple and different circumstances, have led Muslims to seek God's prescribed rulings (Ahkam) so as to distinguish ...

Juristic Differences in Sharia

Juristic Differences in Sharia

Differences among humans are natural, as attested to by the Qur’anic verse: “And from among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variation in your languages and colors. In this are signs for the wor...

Diversity of Juristic Opinions: a Sign of Discord?

Diversity of Juristic Opinions: a Sign of Discord?

The publication of certain books that aim at getting people to adhere to the school of thought of their author while describing their opposition as being innovators, heretics, and astray, pose a threat to the unity of the Mus...

An Introduction to the Fiqh of Muslim Minorities

An Introduction to the Fiqh of Muslim Minorities

One of the most important fruits of Islamic jurisprudence is affording legal solutions to the problems and mishaps of the times. In its turn, jurisprudence is invariably colored by the various conditions and circumstances o...

The Value of Humility

The Value of Humility

And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace!". (AL-FURQAN: 63) Nor walk on the earth with insolence: for thou canst not rend t...

The Value of Honesty

The Value of Honesty

And he who brings the Truth and he who confirms (and supports) it - such are the men who do right. (AL-ZUMAR: 33) O ye who believe! Why say ye that which ye do not? Grievously odious is it in the sight of Allah that ye say t...

The Value of Cooperation

The Value of Cooperation

And let not your hatred of a folk who (once) stopped your going to the inviolable place of worship seduce you to transgress; but help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgr...

The Importance of Manners as Building Blocks of Nations

The Importance of Manners as Building Blocks of Nations

Modern scholars emphasize the role played by religion as a source of humanitarian values. Islamic culture is a culture built upon lofty manners and morals which unite disparate elements within the society and guarantee that t...

Responsibility as a Moral Value

Responsibility as a Moral Value

And say: "Work (righteousness): Soon will Allah observe your work, and His Messenger, and the Believers. (AL-TAWBA: 105) Every soul is a pledge for its own deeds (AL-MUDDATHTHIR: 38) Therefore, by the Lord, We will, of a su...

Ethics in Islam

Ethics in Islam

The famous ethicist Ibn Miskawayh defines character (khuluq, pl. akhlaq) as “a state of the soul which moves it toward action without any need for reflection or deliberation. This state can be divided into two: The first is t...

Akhlaq: Ethical Theory in Islam

Akhlaq: Ethical Theory in Islam

Islam has the unique capacity to transform its various theological tenets and values into practical and moral principles. In fact, the Islamic Shariah was specifically established with an eye to instilling gracious behavior a...