Faithful Reflections

The concept of worship ( Ibadah ) in Islam is far broader than the common understanding of religious rituals. While other religions often limit worship to specific ceremonies like praying or fasting, Islam defines worship as encompassing a person’s entire existence. As many Muslim scholars explain: "Worship is an all-inclusive term for those internal and external sayings and actions of a person that are pleasing to Allah ." This means that worship is any activity performed in obedience to Allah’s will, extending far beyond rituals into one’s beliefs, social activities, family life, and contribution to society. I. Total Submission: The Core Mandate Islam views the individual as a whole, requiring complete submission to Allah. The Qur'an instructs the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to declare this total submission: Say (O Muhammad) my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death belong to Allah; He has no partner and I am ordered to be among those who submit, i.e...

The foundation of a fulfilling life in Islam is captured in a single, profound statement from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When he was asked, “What is the deed that makes people enter Paradise the most?” he answered: “ Godliness , and noble manners .” This simple statement links the two essential elements of faith: the spiritual connection to God and the practical, moral conduct toward creation. I. Defining Godliness (Taqwā) The first element, Godliness or Taqwā, is the universal command from God to humanity, reiterated throughout the scriptures: “And We have directed those who received the Scripture before you, and (We direct) you to keep your duty towards Allah .”  ( Qur’an 4:131) Taqwā literally means "protection" or "guarding oneself." It is the constant awareness (consciousness) that leads a servant of God to create a protective barrier between himself and God’s punishment. This shield is built by consistently fulfilling God's command...

This article examines a profound piece of advice given by the Prophet Muhammad (prayers and peace be upon him) to his companion Ibn Abbas : “When you ask [for anything], ask it from Allah , and if you seek help, seek help from Allah.” This Hadith is not just a spiritual command; it is a comprehensive guide to success, defining who to ask, the required mindset, and the role of human effort. Its eloquent brevity contains core lessons on human dignity, proactive effort, and absolute reliance on the Divine. I. The Command: Absolute Reliance on the Divine ( Tawhīd ) The first phrase,  "When you ask, ask Allah; and when you seek support, seek support from Allah,"  establishes the fundamental principle of pure monotheism (Tawhīd) in practical life. Seeking help ( Isti’ānah ) from God is considered one of the most important acts of worship because it signifies total dependence on Him and an acknowledgment of His absolute power., This command implies that we must manifest our need...

Humanity has always received divine instruction through two inseparable channels: the direct Word of God (the Scripture) and the example of the Prophet chosen to convey it ( the Sunnah ). If either channel is neglected, the original clarity of God's will risks being compromised. Historically, this dual reliance has been inconsistent. Some traditions, like the Hindu scriptures , focused solely on the sacred texts while gradually neglecting the role of their prophets, leading to confusion over meaning. Similarly, early Christians, by focusing intensely on the person of Jesus Christ while neglecting the original message and timely recording of the revelation, eventually lost the core essence of pure monotheism ( Tawhīd ) contained within the original teachings, ultimately deifying the Prophet himself. The main scriptures revealed before the Qur'an—the Old and New Testaments —acquired their final form long after the era of the prophets. Critically, the New Testament was not reco...

Throughout history, countless leaders have left their mark, but the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stands out for his unique and comprehensive success in reshaping both the spiritual and political worlds. His influence has been profoundly recognized and studied by prominent Western thinkers across different centuries and disciplines. The following three assessments show why these influential figures concluded that Muhammad’s impact on human history is unparalleled: 1. George Bernard Shaw : The Prophet of Pragmatic Leadership George Bernard Shaw  (1856–1950), the famous Irish playwright, Nobel Prize winner, and co-founder of the London School of Economics (LSE), viewed the Prophet Muhammad through the lens of social and political utility. Shaw admired a political system that was rational, adaptable, and capable of solving complex global problems.    He expressed his conviction in the structural strength of Islam, stating: “I believe that if a man like...