In traditions of Islamic spiritual cultivation, unlocking the fullness of our human potential requires that we strive to free ourselves from the dictates of the commanding ego-self, the part of our consciousness whose...
The Christmas holidays were the most important time of year for my family (the Browns and the Pattersons). It was the only time of year when we would see our grandparents, aunts, and uncle, first at my grandparents’...
Jesus (peace be upon him) has a special status in Islam. He’s the servant of God and the bearer of the Gospels. Jesus is one of the 5 greatest messengers sent to man, and God mentioned him specifically 25 times in the...
This post was written in collaboration with The Family and Youth Institute. Do you have a parenting resolution for the new school year? What about having a more positive environment at home? In this article, The Family...
You wake up one day and check your mail to find an unexpected package in your name. You haven’t ordered anything recently, so you’re curious as to what it could be. After you open it, you realize a dear friend sent you...
Visual learners make up 65% percent of the population, so it’s no wonder that infographics are one of the most popular forms of content today. In addition to simplifying complex topics, infographics also improve our...
I was driving my 5 year old son home from his swimming lessons when he told me about a conversation he had with his swimming instructor. It’s a conversation I imagine many Muslim kids and parents in the West have had in...
“Whoever receives the Qur’an, it is as Allah has spoken to him.” In this statement, Muḥammad ibn Kaʿb al-Qurẓī (d. 108/726) expresses one of the most important objectives in revealing the Qur’an: to personally connect...
I am not a person who likes goodbyes. And this topic is a difficult one to tackle as it is deeply personal for me. As I write this piece, however, I am preparing my children to say goodbye to their beloved grandfather...
Trauma is more common than you think. Well over half of your friends, colleagues, and closest family members have experienced harrowing events in their lives. Maybe you have too. Trauma can dwell in your body for years...
For those of us who have experienced divorce firsthand, we know how difficult it can be. We are often left feeling frustrated or hurt by how matters were handled and ended. Despite its taboo nature today, Allah and His...
Our students and children are naturally inquisitive. Out of their curiosity, they often ask questions about our beliefs and the things we do. Sometimes, even as teachers, we ourselves don’t know how to articulate...