God commands us to reflect upon His creation in the Quran. Nature around us is one of the objects we are supposed to ponder. “Have they not then looked at the sky above them: how We built it and adorned it with stars, leaving it flawless? As for the earth, We spread it out and placed upon it firm mountains, and produced in it every type of pleasant plant – all as an insight and a reminder to every servant who turns to God in devotion.” [50:6-8] This Quranic command is there because in nature there are many signs that point to God’s unicity, supremacy and majesty. These signs indicate God’s power and the beauty in His creation.
God says about Mary in the Quran, “And remember when the angels said, ‘O Mary! Surely God has selected you, purified you, and chosen you over all women of the world.’” [3:42] This passage in the Quran speaks about the status of Mary and how she is celebrated on her own merit. She is not only admired for being the mother of Jesus, but also for her own qualities and devotion to God. Read More
(in the Prescribed Ritual Devotions)
Salah, the five prescribed daily ritual devotions, is the second pillar of Islam. The Messenger Muhammad described it as the main and most important matter of Islam. There are different types of Salah, prescribed ritual devotions, some of which are obligatory, while others are recommended or specific to certain events or circumstances. Salah consists of actions such as standing, bowing and kneeling. It also consists of supplications, verbal devotions glorifying God and the recitation of Quranic passages.
The lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, known as the Sunnah, is the second source of knowledge in Islam after the Quran. It compliments and explains the Quran, and gives practical examples explaining the Quranic commandments in context. This is why God sent messengers throughout history before His revelation of scripture. God says, “God revealed to you the Book and wisdom.” [4:113] Wisdom here refers to the example of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, the Sunnah.
When God commands us to offer daily ritual devotions or perform the pilgrimage to Mecca in the Quran, it is the lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ that shows us exactly how. The lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ teaches us how to offer the ritual devotions, what to say, how many units to offer, the prescribed timings, and the conditions that need to be met beforehand such as ritual washing. The lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ explains how to perform the rites of the pilgrimage, where to go and when; what to do there and how.
The authority of the lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ stems from the many commands throughout the Quran in which God instructs us to follow His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ. Here are some of the fifty references in the Quran related to this subject: God says, “He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed God; but those who turn away – We have not sent you over them as a guardian.” [4:80] God commands us to obey the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ and warns us against disobeying him, “O you who have believed, obey God and obey the Messenger and do not invalidate your deeds.” [47:33]
Accepting the Messenger Muhammad’s ﷺ commands, teachings and rulings is an integral part of faith. In fact, the very testimony of faith that brings one to Islam includes the declaration that one would believe in what Muhammad ﷺ brought, obey his instructions, refrain from his prohibitions, and only worship God in compliance with his example. His words and teachings are sanctioned by God and thus must be obeyed as if God Himself commanded them. God says, “By your Lord, they will not truly believe until they make you, (O Muhammad), judge over their disputes, after which they should not find within themselves any discomfort from what you have judged, rather they should submit to it in full willing submission.” [4:65]
Without the lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ, we wouldn’t be able to understand the Quran correctly. This would lead to each person misunderstanding the Quran according to their ideas and desires. which would lead to much confusion and would result in a way different from Islam as intended by God. The Messenger Muhammad ﷺ explained and demonstrated how to understand the Quran and live by it. This is why, when his wife Aeysha was asked to describe his character, she replied that it was the Quran, meaning he embodied its teachings.
The lived example and model of the life of the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ is divinely inspired. God says, “He, i.e. Muhammad, does not speak of his own desire, it is nothing less than a revelation sent to him.” [53:3-4] This means that everything he says in terms of God’s way is mandated by God and has the authority of having come from God. This is why his disciples memorized details of his example and narrated it to others. In properly following the Sunnah, we can understand the Quran and practice Islam the way God wants. May Allah enable us to do so.
Note:
ﷺ – This symbol is a prayer that is written using Arabic calligraphy. It is said/written whenever the Messenger Muhammad ﷺ is mentioned, as per the command in the Quran 33:56. It means “May Allah honor, bless, and protect him.”
In the depths of faith, a whisper flows,
A phrase profound, where true surrender grows,
La Hawla wa la Quwata illa Billah, we say,
In every breath, in every prayer, it stays.
God gave His Messenger Solomon a number of unique miracles. Due to his high level of wisdom, he was highly aware of the power of God. He recognized that God was responsible for any condition he found himself in, whether easy or difficult, and he praised God for it. He said, “All praise and thanks is due to God [27:15]. God says that Solomon asked for a kingdom unique to him, and God answered his prayer. “He turned to Us and prayed: ‘Lord forgive me! Grant me such power as no one after me will have. You are the Most Generous Provider.’” [38:35] Read More
In chapter 27 of the Quran, God tells us that on one occasion, Solomon was taking roll call of his army and noticed that a hoopoe bird was absent, “Solomon inspected the birds and said, ‘Why do I not see the hoopoe? Is he absent?” [27:20] When the bird returned, it informed Solomon that its delay was due to it having come across a kingdom ruled by a rich and powerful queen that worshipped the sun instead of God. “I found a woman ruling over the people, who has been given a share of everything- she has a magnificent throne – [but] I found that she and her people worshipped the sun instead of God. Satan has made their deeds seem alluring to them, and diverted them from the right path, they are astray.” [27:23-24] Read More
The Quran, as the divine word of God, deserves utmost respect and reverence. Whether you can read Arabic at present or not, here are some essential etiquettes when engaging with the Quran in written form. The Quran in written form is called a ‘MusHaf.’ As you progress through the faith, God willing, there may come a time when you can read the Quran in its Arabic written form from a ‘MusHaf.’ Until that time, you should read a translation in your language. You may also find translations that have the Arabic text along with the translation. All the rulings that apply to the Arabic written text of the Quran may not apply to the translations or the copies that have both the Arabic and the translations. We will note below those that are specific to the Arabic Quran in its written form, ‘MusHaf.’ Read More
Ramadan is a month of worship in many different forms. For many of us, Islam is a virtual experience due to a variety of reasons. However, it does not need to be this way for everyone. For those of us who have access to a Muslim community, one major aspect of Ramadan is the social aspects it encourages. We see this in different ways: Read More
Understanding Fasting Times in Islam: Clearing Misconceptions
As a new Muslim, understanding the correct timing of fasting is essential. Unfortunately there are some misconceptions due to false media coverage and lack of correct knowledge of Islamic practices. Let’s delve into the details to ensure clarity and adherence to this fundamental practice.
The Start of Fasting
- Fajr (Dawn): The beginning time for the Fajr ritual devotion (Salah) is the start of the time for fasting. Fasting begins at Fajr, which is dawn time, at the break of dawn. It’s the moment when the first light appears on the horizon, signaling the start of a new day. At this point, Muslims must stop eating, drinking, and engaging in intimate sexual activity.
● Sunrise vs. Fajr
- Misconception: Some people confuse the start of fasting with sunrise. However, they are distinct moments over an hour apart.
- Clarification: Fasting begins at Fajr, not sunrise. Fajr occurs before the sun rises, during the twilight phase. Fajr time window ends with sunrise.
- Pre-Dawn Meal (Suhur): It’s recommended to have Suhur (the pre-dawn meal) in the last half-hour before Fajr. This should sustain you throughout the day.
3. The End of Fasting
- Maghrib (Sunset): Fasting concludes at Maghrib, precisely after the sun sets. This is also the starting time for the Maghrib ritual devotion (Salah). As soon as the sun sets you can eat and drink to complete the fast for the day.
Conclusion
Understanding the correct timing for fasting is essential for practicing this pillar of Islam. Remember to set your intention, start the fast before Fajr time, and complete your fast promptly at Maghrib. May your fasting be accepted, blessed and spiritually enriching!