Islamic Sciences

A Punishment or a Mercy? What We Can Learn from COVID-19

Introduction “Is the coronavirus a punishment from Allah?” “Is Allah angry at us?” “Is the coronavirus a blessing, test, or punishment?” These theological questions are in the hearts and minds of many Muslims since the...

Dr. Osman Umarji, Dr. Hassan Elwan and Mustafa Umar

A Loan of Love: Appreciating the Blessing of Family in Difficult Times

Introduction One of the greatest factors that increases one’s faith is seeing revelation come alive. It is one thing to read the Qur’an and prophetic traditions without seeing their practical applications and...

Hanif Fouse

In Hardship and in Ease: How to Rely on God

Introduction …But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.[1] This life is a test, both in good times and bad. As I...

Roohi Tahir

“Why Is Everyone’s Life Better than Mine?” Protecting Yourself from the Dangers of Comparison

Introduction Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated. Thus...

Sarah Sultan and Najwa Awad

“How Can I Ever Get Past This?” Reclaiming Your Future After the Abuse Has Ended

Note Only when we’re brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light. -Brene Brown[1] TRIGGER WARNING This section contains information about sexual assault, which may be...

Najwa Awad and Sarah Sultan

Shari’ah in Today’s World: Renewing Islamic Discourse

Introduction Renewal of religious discourse in Islam (tajdeed) has taken center stage due to the turmoil in Muslim lands nowadays. While the concept of tajdeed is legitimate, the implication (occasionally...

Dr. Hatem al-Haj

Difference of Opinion: Where Do We Draw the Line?

Introduction The core tenets of Islam are established by unequivocal statements of the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ. On those subsidiary matters that are subject to interpretation, the Islamic...

Dr. Nazir Khan

Islām, Īmān, Iḥsān: Climbing the Spiritual Mountain

Abstract This paper presents the three levels of religious practice in Islam as expressed in the famous ḥadith of Gabriel: 1) Islām (outward submission to the will of Allah), 2) Īmān (faith)...

Anonymous Guest Author

“It’s All My Fault”: Quieting and Healing Your Inner Critic

Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. -Edwin Hubbell Chapin[1] Introduction Halima was ecstatic when she found out she was pregnant with her first child...

Najwa Awad and Sarah Sultan

Reframing the Suffering Narrative: Can Affliction Direct Us to Our Calling?

Introduction In 1095 C.E., Imam Abū Ḥāmid Al-Ghazālī (d. 505/1111) was one of the highly esteemed scholars of Baghdad. He had it all: fame, fortune, family, and prestige. Nevertheless, deep in his heart lay an...

Amira Ayad

Are Hadith Necessary? An Examination of the Authority of Hadith in Islam

Introduction The Qur’ān and the Sunnah have served as the primary sources of Islam. Together with the Qurʾān, the statements and actions of the Prophet ﷺ form the basis of Islamic law and theology. Historically...

Dr. Emad Hamdeh

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“Everything is Falling Apart”: Dealing with Unexpected Life Detours

Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for. -Zig Ziglar[1] Case study The day of the doctor’s...