In Ibn Qayyim's book on Paradise [Hadi al-Arwah ila Bilad al-Arwah] and he discusses the key to Paradise, without which you cannot enter and made a summary of a few key concepts and the keys to them. Some of the KEYS he mentioned as follows: The Key to: Hajj - is Ihram Birr - is Truthfulness Jannah [heaven] - is Tawheed [belief in Oneness of God] Knowledge - is Good questions and paying attention/listening Help/victory - is Sabr [patience] Increase blessings - is Shukr [give thanks and ... [Continue Reading]
Articles
Forgiveness for All Previous Sins
A person need not despair from the mercy of God in regards to the sins one may have committed in their life, for indeed God, The Most Forgiving and Merciful, is able to forgive all sins. When someone converts to Islam, God forgives all of his previous sins and evil deeds. A man called Amr came to the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and said, “Give me your right hand so that I may give you my pledge of loyalty.” The Prophet stretched out his right hand. Amr ... [Continue Reading]
Dealing with Doubts
To understands that doubts in one’s faith are a natural human occurrence. To acquire the tools with which to banish these doubts. Shaytan - sometimes spelled shaitan or shaytaan. It is the word used in Islam and the Arabic language to denote the devil or Satan, the personification of evil. Sunnah - The word Sunnah has several meanings depending on the area of study however the meaning is generally accepted to be, whatever was reported that the Prophet said, did, or approved. Jinn – A ... [Continue Reading]
Should I Change My Name?
Many people who convert to Islam make an active choice to change their name to denote the beginning of a new life, a new start and a new religion. We must remember however that it is not obligatory for a person to change their name except under very specific circumstances. A person is in no way obliged to change their name unless it denotes servitude to someone or something other than Allah or has a forbidden meaning. Objective: To discuss the benefits or merits of choosing a new ... [Continue Reading]
Trials and Tribulations after Conversion: God’s mercy is embedded in the difficulties of life
Taqwa - Linguistically it means “to protect” or “to shield”, as in to protect oneself from wrongdoing. In Islam, Taqwa refers to consciousness of Allah. It describes a state of awareness of Allah in everything you do. Sahabah - the plural form of “Sahabi,” which translates to Companions. A sahabi, as the word is commonly used today, is someone who saw Prophet Muhammad, believed in him and died as a Muslim. Shaytan - (sometimes spelt shaitan or shaytaan) the word used in Islam and the ... [Continue Reading]