Theology

What is a Madhhab? Exploring the Role of Islamic Schools of Law

Introduction Earlier this year, a debate between the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb and Mohamed Othman al-Khosht, President of Cairo University went viral.[1] Khosht argued that Islam needs renewal by...

Dr. Emad Hamdeh

Does That Apply to Non-Muslims, Too?

Introduction A common question Muslims have when reading the Qur’an and Sunnah is whether or not the lessons found therein apply to non-Muslims. Sometimes a text will refer to “Muslims” or “believers,” but does that...

Justin Parrott

Introduction to I’jāz al-Qur’ān: The Role of Muhammad ﷺ

This paper is Part 2 of the I’jaz al-Qur’an publication series. Read Part 1 here. Say, “Even if all mankind and jinn came together to produce the equivalent of this Qur’an, they could not produce its...

Sh. Suleiman Hani

The Sublimely Subtle: Allah’s Name al-Latif

Introduction In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Grantor of Mercy. Prelude At every turn, subtle dangers lurk that people may never notice, let alone protect themselves against. Little did he know, that...

Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy

Seeking the Source of Peace: Allah’s Name as-Salām

Introduction Verily, Peace (al-Salām) is among the Names of Allah He has placed on the earth, so spread it between yourselves.[1] We all gravitate towards peace or what appears to give us tranquility and calm, even...

Dr. Jinan Yousef

Heavenly Affection: Living the Love of Al-Wadūd

Introduction Most theistic religions, including Islam, affirm love as one of the divine attributes of God, our Creator. It is considered a virtue by many people to selflessly love others for God’s sake, or to love...

Justin Parrott

Atheism and Radical Skepticism: Ibn Taymiyyah’s Epistemic Critique

Introduction[1] Epistemology is the academic discipline that addresses the question, “How do I know what I know?” In other words, it studies how knowledge is established, what makes a belief justified, what constitutes...

Dr. Nazir Khan

Daily Recipients of Opportunity: Allah’s Name al-Halim

Note لا إله إلا اللهُ العظيمُ الحليمُ ، لا إله إلا الله رَبُّ العرش العظيم ، لا إله إلا الله رَبُّ السماوات وربُّ الأرضِ ، لا إله إلا الله رَبُّ الْعَرشِ الكريمLā ilāha illā Allāh al-ʿaẓīm al-ḥalīm. Lā ilāha illā Allāh...

Dr. Jinan Yousef

Tahajjud: Fuel for the Self and Society

Introduction Damascus is a beautiful city. Jasmine vines and bright purple bougainvillea flowers grow on balconies all over the city and jacaranda trees sneak up in the small spaces between blocks and buildings. I used...

Dr. Tamara Gray

The Inimitable Qur’an: The Revelation to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Note In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Grantor of Mercy. In this final installment of the Proofs of Prophethood series, some miraculous aspects of the Qur’an are featured, and some of the commonly cited...

Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy

The Problem of Evil: A Multifaceted Islamic Solution

Abstract If God is All-Good, All-Powerful, and All-Knowing, why does suffering or evil exist? As suffering is a shared human experience, questions have been raised throughout history regarding the purpose of evil and...