1) Shirk (associating others with Allah) and kufr (disbelieving in Him) Allah says concerning the people of Pharaoh (interpretation of the meaning): “The Fire, they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon. And on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels): ‘Cause Fir‘awn’s (Pharaoh) people to enter the severest torment!’”[Ghaafir 40:46] 2) And Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And if you could but see when the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers) ... [Continue Reading]
Articles
Intercession in the Hereafter
What is intercession (shafaa’ah). Are there different kinds of intercession? Will people intercede or only the Prophets? Are there any people whose intercession will not be accepted?. Praise be to Allaah. When the distress becomes too great for the people on the Day of Judgement and they have stood for too long, suffering in the heat and terror and distress, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) says, “How will you be when Allaah gathers you together like arrows in a ... [Continue Reading]
Keys to Success according to Ibn Qayyim
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]
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]