MyISLAM

Thursday, 7 August 2025

Are Women an Evil, Dangerous Fitna For Men?

Are women bad and evil?

Absolutely not! This isn’t the Islamic view, anyway.

It was narrated by Abdullah bin Amr that the Messenger of Allah said:

“This world is but provisions, and there is no provision in this world better than a righteous wife (woman).” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Women are “the counterparts of men,” as the Prophet said. [Sunan Abi Dawud]

Allah honored women; we have discussed this on the website repeatedly.

There is an entire chapter in the Qur’an called “The Women”, and another titled after a noble woman “Mary” (peace be upon her).

Allah says about her:

“O Mary, indeed Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds. O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow with those who bow [in prayer].” (Qur’an 3: 42-43)

Women are also equal to men as worshippers before Allah Almighty.

Exploitation of women on account of their beauty

However, it is a fact that women are more beautiful; Allah honored them with a special beauty.

He says:

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire – of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return. (Qur’an 3:14)

As a result of this beauty, it is not a hidden fact that women are exploited and abused by those who don’t fear Allah.

You can read tons of research and books on how women are objectified, sexualized, exploited and demeaned in the mainstream media.

The American Psychological Association (APA) recently released a report on the sexualization of women in media and found that “massive exposure to media among youth creates the potential for massive exposure to portrayals that sexualize women and girls and teach girls that women are sexual objects.”

Sadly, you can see women’s hips, waists, chests, legs or lips being discussed in the media.

And those identified as celebrities are known for their bodily features, which is utterly demeaning and disgraceful to human dignity.

Women’s beauty is used to sell products and market commodities.

You can read how one of the biggest industries in the world, the unfortunate and utterly disgracing porn industry, is based on exploiting women.

The origin of the word actually means “prostitute” or female slave, and hardly anyone is actively working on stopping this evil humiliation of human beings.

This is the real evil, deluding women and exploiting them in this manner.

Allah created women beautiful, but He asked them to cover their beauty where appropriate, be modest, and not expose their beauty except in the right context.

This is why He ordinated hijab (women covering) and modesty in physical appearance and behavior.

O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful. (Qur’an 33:59)

**So what is the Fitna?**

Fitna means a trial or a test.

Women are beautiful, and if women don’t have taqwa (God-consciousness that affects their looks and behavior) it becomes a big test for men.

Will they obey God and lower their gaze? Or will they give into their lust and allow their nafs to control their behavior?

Narrated Usama bin Zaid: the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said,

“After me, I have not left any trial more severe to men than women.” [Sahih Al Bukhari]

It’s not a mystery that some women who don’t observe modesty do try to seduce men by their looks, speech or attitude. And some men do fall for that.

Men Are Responsible, Too

But, this isn’t to say that “women are evil,” just that they need to observe Islamic modesty in their dress.

Believing men need to lower their gaze and observe their modesty, as well.

If they do so, there is no problem. But if women are immodest/immoral and men are weak/immoral, then this is the disastrous combo.

We are simply meant to help one another, not destroy one another.

The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakah and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those – Allah will have mercy on them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise. (Qur’an 9:71)

And Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

Wednesday, 6 August 2025

Who Was Bilal ibn Rabah?

Today we are going to be talking about one of my favorite companions. This is a Companion who is famous sometimes for the wrong reasons. It is Bilal ibn Rabah, the chief of all the people who give adhan.

Bilal ibn Rabah’s Noble Yet Enslaved Origins

Bilal has a very interesting background that we often fail to talk about. His father and his mother were both actually prominent people before they became slaves. Rabah, his father, was actually an Arab and was not from Abyssinia.

His mother, whose name was Hamamah, was actually a princess in Abyssinia. And they were both taken as slaves on the year of the elephant. Hence, Bilal was actually born in Makkah but born to parents, who although were not born as slaves, were taken as slaves. So Bilal grew up as a slave in the Arab world his entire life.

A Handsome Slave in the Hands of Makkah’s Royals

Bilal fell into the hands of the royals of Makkah because he was well-known for his abilities, for his strength, and for his intelligence. Bilal was also a very handsome man. Ad-Dhahabi (may Allah shower his soul with mercy) described him as being dark, muscular, had hazel eyes that were piercing. He said if you looked at his eyes then you wouldn’t want to look anywhere else.

He was such a handsome, strong and intelligent man that he was given to the royal classes of Makkah. So, he was in the hands, eventually, of Umayyah ibn Khalaf.

How Bilal ibn Rabah Embraced Islam

Umayyah ibn Khalaf was one of the staunchest opponents of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). One day Bilal heard Umayyah talking about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). And he gathered from Umayyah’s talk to the others about the Prophet, that the Prophet is calling to Tawhid, to the Oneness of God.

This is our fitrah, and what we already believe inside of us, we are already tuned to One God. So even though they were slandering the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and saying what they were saying, he believed in the Messenger of Allah and his message just from hearing that.

“One God, One God” – The Cry of Steadfast Faith

Torture was heaped on Bilal who responded with repeating the words, “One [God], One [God]!” That is very profound. `Umar ibn al Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) asked Bilal later on life, once Bilal had become established as a great Muslim leader, “Why is it that you only said, ‘One [God], One [God].’?”

He replied, “Oh commander of the believers, had I known anything other than ‘One [God], One [God],’ I would have said it. That was all I knew about Allah.”

Bilal’s Exemplary Patience

And for that ‘One [God], One [God],’ Bilal would be tortured and be pushed almost to death over and over and over again. Let me take you through a few days of the life of Bilal in that situation. First, they tied him up in the house and they deprived him of food and drink. So, they starved him and dehydrated him and they would put the idols in front of his face and say, ‘Kiss the idol. Worship the idol, worship Al-Lat and Al-`Uzza (names of famous idols).’ They would humiliate him and they would spit at him.

They would refer to him with the derogatory term, “You, son of a black woman.” What they were saying to Bilal indeed was that even though your father was an Arab, it doesn’t matter. That’s why that term was so offensive especially to Bilal.

Then Bilal, as he continued to refuse worshipping idols saying, ‘One [God], One [God],’ he would be dragged in the desert. Umayyah ibn Khalaf actually put a collar on him. Can you imagine a man being dragged like a dog with a collar? He put a collar on him, dragged him out in public, spat at him, humiliated him, tortured him and whipped him in front of everyone. They tortured him in front of the other slaves in particular so that no one would follow his example. Bilal was between unconsciousness and consciousness and was still saying ‘One [God], One [God].’

Abu Bakr’s Sacrifice to Free an Unbreakable Soul

Finally they tried to even kill Bilal by having multiple other slaves push a big stone onto his back so that it would crush him to death. Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq rushed to purchase the freedom of Bilal. Abu Bakr came to Umayyah and said to him, ‘How much do you want for this slave? How much do you want for him?’

Umayyah ibn Khalaf he said, ’10 dinars,’ which was a huge price for a slave at the time. Without thinking, Abu Bakr gave him 10 dinars. Umayyah laughed and commented, ‘If you would have argued with me a little bit and tried to negotiate, I would have given him to you for even one dinar.’

Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) responded, “By Allah, if you were to sell him for 100 dinars, I still would have purchased his freedom.’

Subhan Allah, look at the change that took place in Bilal’s life; how much the Muslims valued him.

When Abu Bakr paid that huge price for Bilal some people said, Abu Bakr was only doing that to show off. Or there was something between him and Bilal; he owed Bilal for something and that’s why he did it.

But Allah Almighty defended Abu Bakr when he freed Bilal. He revealed in Surat Al-Layl that he only spent to please Allah, for the pleasure of Allah and for nothing else ; there’s no worldly gain out of this (92:18-20).

- aboutislam.net

Tuesday, 5 August 2025

Doors of Mercy

Guard Allah

Allah has laid down certain rules and regulations for us humans to establish on earth. And when we uphold the values, set by our Lord, it is only then that we will be able to live peacefully. When we guard our premises and not overstep the boundaries laid by God, then God helps us and blesses us in all spheres of our lives. In other words, He takes care of everything for you. The question is have you guarded what Allah has asked you to?

How do you protect the boundaries set by Allah? First of all, you will have to learn about the do’s and the don’ts. For instance what Allah has allowed and asked for you to do and what He has told you to stay far away from. When you are cautious about fulfilling these responsibilities it is then that Allah will bless you with happiness and success. It doesn’t mean that you have to delve into books of fiqh, just having that connection with your Lord and depending on Him to guide you will be sufficient for now. Prophet Muhammad has explained this in a beautiful hadith as follows;

Abu al-‘Abbas ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas (ra) reports:

“One day I was riding (a horse/camel) behind the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when he said, ‘Young man, I will teach you some words. Be mindful of God, and He will take care of you. Be mindful of Him, and you shall find Him at your side. If you ask, ask of God. If you need help, seek it from God. Know that if the whole world were to gather together in order to help you, they would not be able to help you except if God had written so. And if the whole world were to gather together in order to harm you, they would not harm you except if God had written so. The pens have been lifted, and the pages are dry.’ ” (Related by Tirmidhi)

Is it a punishment?

The general rule of thumb to distinguish between a trial and a punishment is as follows. If one has committed a sin, then he may be punished for it in various ways or Allah may forgive him. Because Allah says in the Quran,

“Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself…” [Quran 4:79]

In another verse Allah also says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” [Quran 42:30]

If it is a test then it generates not from a mistake that was committed, but actually in other forms according to one’s level of faith. For instance of one loses his job because of his abiding by the laws of Allah, then that is considered a test/trial. Concerning trials, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“If Allah loves a people, He tries them, and whoever has patience will have patience, and whoever is anxious will be anxious.” (Reported by al-Imam Ahmad; Saheeh al-Jami’, 1706).

How to Fix it

All human beings make mistakes. So will you go to hell because you have made tremendous blunders? When you catch yourself making a mistake and then turn in repentance to God, it is then that you have succeeded. Allah says,

“Say: O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (because of sins), do not despair from the mercy of Allah. Verily, Allah forgives all sins. Verily, He is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Quran 39:53]

If your mother is still alive, now is the chance for you to fix your past. Our religion has clearly stressed the importance of taking care of our parents so much so that after the right of Allah, comes the right of your parents. One interesting fact is that the right of the mother is three times more than the right of the father! Because your mom literally put her blood and sweat for raising you.

Doors of Mercy

If Allah has already enlightened you then you shall make up for your mistakes. Hug your mom and ask her for forgiveness, be kind to her and take good care of her. You will feel much better if you just put your head on her lap and let your worries pour away with your true tears. No matter how deep of a mess you’re in there will always be a hand to pull you out. It’s your choice of wanting to take hold of it. Have strong faith in Allah and keep on going.

On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:

“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Allah the Almighty said: O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and I will forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins almost as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness almost as great as it.” (Related by at-Tirmidhi and Ahmad ibn Hanbal).

And Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

Monday, 4 August 2025

Heart & Its Connection with God

Mankind is the best art of God in the universe. God manifested Himself best in human nature. The names, attributes and essential qualities of God that worked to create/fashion/maintain the universe also worked in human nature, thus every human is like a universe in a micro level.

One of the key concepts that make human beings so valuable at the side of God is the heart and its connection with its Creator.

Although the heart is a biological organ which pumps blood through arteries and veins in the human body, it is also the center of intellectual and spiritual faculties.

Heart is the human truth that contains one’s real nature. Mankind can know, perceive, and understand through the heart. The human soul or spirit is an inner dimension of the heart; therefore, God speaks to it with utmost care.

When God offered “amanah” (the Trust) to the heavens, the earth and mountains, they all shrank from bearing it because they did not have such capacity, but human has undertaken it because, the heart has a capacity to carry out heavy responsibilities such as reflecting the divine knowledge in its nature.

Human beings are addressees of divine speech (Qur’an) and God promised rewards and Paradise for those who purify their hearts from all kinds of dirt and sins.

The heart can be elevated to divine pleasures through guidance and be honored with God’s acceptance.

The biological heart is a vital organ for the human body similarly the spiritual heart is the center of true humanity, and the source of all human feelings and emotions.

Human beings can achieve knowledge, faith and love of God through the heart. If spirituality is dominant in the heart people will enjoy peace and tranquility. However, if it is polluted with immoral thoughts and is disconnected from God then people will experience stress, anxiety and emptiness.

The importance and significance of people at God’s side is according to the quality of their hearts. Because, the heart is the center for many key elements in human nature such as reason, knowledge, intention, belief, wisdom etc. Believers must struggle very hard to keep their heart alive for the Prophet declared that:

“There is a fleshy part in the body. If it is healthy, then the whole of the body is healthy. If it is corrupted, then all the body is corrupted. Beware! That part is the heart.” (Al-Bukhari)

One’s spiritual health is strongly connected with his/her heart. If the heart has a connection with God, it is healthy and alive otherwise it is dead and useless. In order to keep the heart alive people should rely on God and only ask for His help. Although Prophet Muhammad had the best heart he always supplicated to God to protect it from swerving:

“O God, O turner of hearts! Establish my heart firmly on Your religion.” (Tirmidhi, Sunan, Qadar 7)

If people are aware of the needs of their hearts they seek help and protection. God is the One whom we can trust, rely and seek help.

God is known and recognized best in the human heart for it is the most eloquent and truthful tongue of the knowledge of God.

The heart is a means in which all good or bad things can enter into the human mind. When it is connected with God and guided by Him it enlightens all of human nature. On the other side, it can be a source of all evil acts and thoughts when it is controlled by the evil commanding self and carnal desires.

Satan always targets the heart and waits for an opportunity to attack it. If it is not protected by du’a, reliance on God and asking for His help it can be a target for Satan’s poisonous arrows. Since the heart is an abode of belief, worship, and love of God, Satan struggles very hard to steal it.

One of the most important means which can eliminate negative feelings and emotions from the heart is remembrance of God. Offering worship sincerely can strengthen the heart and remove immoral thoughts from it. Sometimes the ablutions in the garden of a mosque or an imam leading the Prayer with a voice coming from his heart can move people to spirituality.

Similarly, by gathering in circles to remember and mention God’s names people could connect themselves to God and feel His presence in their hearts. When remembrance of God is made sincerely this could affect others positively.

Believers should never forget that death is destined for everyone. The Prophet encouraged people to have a strong connection with God by renewing their faith continuously and doing righteous deeds until death comes:

“Control and renew your ship once more, for the sea is truly deep. Take your provisions perfectly, for the journey is truly long. Keep your load light, for the slope before you is truly steep. Be sincere in your deeds, for God, who scrutinizes everything, is aware of what you do.” (Daylami, Musnad, 5/339)

Human beings are in a long journey where they pass through different stages from childhood to old age, and from there to the grave, Resurrection, the Bridge, and then to Paradise or to Hell.

Those who meet with God with a sound heart will be prosperous as God declared in the Qur’an:

{The Day when neither wealth will be of any use, nor offspring, but only he (will prosper) who comes before God with a sound heart (free of all kinds of unbelief, hypocrisy, and associating partners with God).} (26: 88-9)

Faith and knowledge of God is the life of the heart. Living an Islamic life, carrying out religious rituals and worshipping God as if seeing Him is like the blood flowing in its veins to maintain human life. Without worship the heart cannot remain alive, therefore the heart of a believer who does not practice Islam and does not worship God is close to dying.

Although having faith and worshipping God is important for the survival of the heart it is not enough. Muhasaba (self-criticism) and reflection is an important element to feed the heart and maintain its livelihood. Without self-criticism and reflection, the heart is open to dangers and spiritual diseases.

Everyone needs to confront their shortcomings, mistakes and weaknesses. Umar ibn al-Khattab told believers to constantly bring themselves to account before the Day of Reckoning comes. (Tirmidhi, Sunan, Qiyamah, 25)

If people are occupied with their own mistakes, they will neither disdain others nor develop ill thoughts about them. They will constantly struggle to purify their own hearts by freeing themselves from carnal desires and entering the level of the life of the heart and spirit.

Since the life in the dimension of the heart and spirit is superior, believers should not neglect what is necessary to obtain it.

Those who have strong faith (iman) and worship God as if seeing Him and feed their hearts through self-criticism and reflection are under God’s protection. They enjoy complete security by complying all necessary conditions to protect their hearts.

They strengthen their heart by studying the universe and manifestations of God in it. They discover the ultimate reality behind the existence through reflection and increase their faith. The more they know God the more they love Him.

While being full with love of God they fear Him due to the anxiety that they could not worship Him as He deserves to be worshipped. Since their hearts are full with love and fear God loves them and makes others love them.

Fear is a key element which God uses to force us to His Presence and honor us with His company. Like an affectionate mother who reproves her children to draw them to her arms God attracts people to His mercy and blessings by using the feeling of fear in their hearts.

Therefore, every verse in the Qur’an that contains threat and punishment indeed originates in God’s mercy to uplift souls and hearts. If a heart is full with the fear of God it does not fear from others, because, it is freed from all kind of anxiety and useless fear.

Thus, fear is an essential element to keep one’s heart alive and to have strong relation with God. Although people may have good nature and clean hearts this is not enough to refrain completely from committing sins. To help them in their struggle to avoid sins and keep their hearts alive God creates the feeling of fear in their hearts. He praised those servants in the Qur’an who supplicate in fear and hope:

{They forsake their beds to cry unto their Lord in fear and hope.} (32: 16)

When the verse {those who give what they give while their hearts are in awe, because they are to return to their Lord} (23:60) was revealed, A’isha, the Prophet’s wife, asked the Prophet:

“Are those who commit such major sins as fornication, theft, and drinking alcohol?”

He answered negatively saying:

“Those mentioned in the verse are believers who perform the prescribed prayers, fast, and give alms but tremble with fear that such acts of worship may not be accepted by God.” (Tirmidhi, Sunan, Tafsir al-Qur’an, 24)

There is no guarantee for anybody that he will leave this world with faith and pleasure of God even if he reaches spiritual peaks. A real believer always fears and implores God not to swerve his heart from the straight path. The Prophet said:

“God does not let his servants have one of the two feelings of security or fear in both worlds.” (Ibn Hibban, As-Sahih, 2/406)

If a person fears in this world and lives accordingly he will be safe in the hereafter, the opposite is also true. The attitude of the Prophet is an example for us for he feared God in the utmost level in spite being under the protection of God.

Indeed, fear and hope are divine gifts which God implants in Believers’ hearts. By preserving the balance between fear and hope people can fly in the dimensions of spirituality. The Prophet stated:

“So long as the heart of a servant is not sound and straight, his belief cannot be true and upright; so long as his tongue is not true, his heart cannot be sound and straight.” (Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 3:198)

A heart which is full with fear and love of God and has acquired full spiritual contentment never deviates. This heart is the polished mirror in which God looks in full appreciation. A person who sets his/her heart solely on God and abandons any attachment other than Him and acts with the feeling that God constantly watches him/her can host the Noble Guest in his/her purified heart.

One cannot attain reliance as long as the door of the heart remains open to others. But, once the heart closes its door to all that is other than God it becomes eligible to receive spiritual gifts and favors coming from God. At this stage, the heart implores God saying Glory be to Him Who sees me, knows my place and hears my speech. Then it gradually comes to rest as a result of experiencing spiritual gifts from God.

Those who have set their hearts on God and have decided to reach Him never ignore any way that leads to Him. A sound heart leads one straight to God without any deviation. By living in the shade of the Qur’an and Sunnah they feel the manifestation of the Hidden Treasure in their hearts.

The heart which is satisfied with God welcomes with a smile death and hears the Divine compliments as mentioned in the Qur’an:

{O you soul at rest (content with the truths of faith and God’s commands and His treatment of His creatures)! Return to your Lord, pleased and well-pleasing. Enter among My servants, and enter My Garden.} (89: 27-30)

Sunday, 3 August 2025

Siwak: Preventive Medicine For Your Teeth

One of the best ways to protect one’s teeth is siwak. The Prophetic Sunnah contains several mentions of it. Siwak are cleaning wicks. They get their name from the Arabic word “yudlik”. Its rough translation is “massage” (i.e., massage the mouth). It means more than “tooth brush.”

The best type of siwak is that which comes from the araak tree. The siwak of the Prophet (PBUH) was from that tree.

Siwak is a natural twig fortified with natural minerals that help clean the teeth, other inhibitors that prevent gums from bleeding, cleaning agents that kill microbes and germs and a scent that gives breath a naturally fresh smell.

Siwak is an ideal, natural brush that has been endowed with more than any artificial toothpaste could ever have.

Like a toothbrush, the wicks on siwak clean between the teeth and do not break under any amount of pressure; rather, they are flexible and strong. The small wicks bend to the appropriate shape to get plaque and leftover food out from in between teeth while avoiding any damage to the gums.

The Prophet (PBUH) taught us more than 1,400 years ago to use siwak to clean our teeth and mouth and give it a nice scent.

Anas quoted the Prophet (PBUH) as saying: “Whenever the Angel Gabriel would visit me, he would advise me to use the siwak.”

Traditional Medicine Finds Connection with Naturopathic Healing

The leftovers of food found between teeth provide an excellent environment for the festering of millions of bacteria, which can lead to painful and bloody gum disease and cysts. In the worst cases, there can be inflammation of the jawbones.

Bacteria also produce damaging enzymes that eat away at the calcium of the teeth, which causes cavities. In severe cases, the bacteria produce gases that emit nasty stenches from the mouth.

Modern scientific studies have found that siwak has natural minerals that kill microbes and germs and remove plaque.

The Prophet (PBUH) used to rub t siwak over his tongue, teeth and gums. Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari said, “I visited the Prophet, peace be upon him, and siwak was at the edge of his tongue.”

Chemical Breakdown of A Siwak

The best type of siwak is that which comes from the Araak tree; Scientific Latin name: “Salvadora persica”.

Siwak has 19 beneficial ingredients in it. Most important among them are:

Antibacterial acidic inhibitors that fight decay and diarrhea. They are natural disinfectants which can stop bleeding. They disinfect the gums and teeth and close any microscopic cuts that may have existed in the gums. On first usage, siwak will taste harsh and maybe even burn, because of a mustard-like substance found in it, but this is the ingredient that fights decay in the mouth and kills germs.
Minerals such as sodium chloride, potassium, sodium bicarbonate and calcium oxides. These clean the teeth. For instance, the American Dental Association considers sodium bicarbonate to be a preferred ingredient in toothpastes.
Natural scented oils that taste and smell nice, give the mouth a nice smell. They make up about 1% of
Enzymes that prevent the buildup of plaque that causes gum disease. Plaque is also the no. 1 cause of premature loss of teeth.
Anti-decay and anti-germ ingredients that act as a penicillin of sorts, decreasing the amount of bacteria in the mouth, which means cleaner teeth and cleaner air when breathing through the mouth.

Some researchers have found that dry brushes cause rapid tooth decay. Actually, wetting one’s toothbrush mitigates the damage. So siwak should be dampened before usage. If there is no alternative, one’s saliva will suffice to dampen the stick.

Siwak also has chemicals that cause the mouth to produce extra saliva, which is the mouth’s organic defense and cleaning mechanism. - aboutislam.net

Saturday, 2 August 2025

How Friday Prayer Brought Me to Islam

After I graduated from high school almost twenty years ago, I worked different jobs to finance my studies at the Community College in my home town near the Mexican border. One of the jobs was at a local gas station where I usually worked night shifts.

Musa also worked at the gas station. He worked the afternoon shift from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. I usually took over his shift.

One day he asked me whether I can change shifts with him the next day. The next day was a Friday. I agreed. And Friday at eight he then took over my shift. The same happened the week after.

I did not mind and it seemed that he had some really important thing to take care of during Friday afternoon.

However, when I asked him the following week whether he would like to switch shifts, he declined. I did not suspect anything and just went along with my own schedule.

The following week, Musa took me on the side and explained to me that our supervisor made trouble for him because he switched shifts with me.

If he wanted to keep his job, Musa had to comply with the supervisor’s instructions and had to work Fridays during the day. The next few weeks whenever I met Musa he seemed unhappy and was quiet.

Friday – The Special Day of the Week

Then, one Thursday, he told me that he will quit his job because he had to work Fridays and was not able to attend his prayer.

I was shocked. Musa wanted to quit his job because he could not attend a prayer?

“So, why don’t you go to pray another day?”, I asked him.

“That’s not possible”, he explained to me.

I did not understand. He must have noticed my puzzled look and then told me his story and how attending Friday prayer in congregation is an extremely important part of being Muslim.

“Muslim? I didn’t know you were Muslim.”

Musa just smiled. We said goodbye and that was the last time I saw Musa for a long time.

Pondering My Own Religiosity

The fact that Musa quit his job to be able to attend his prayer on Friday made me think and reflect a lot. My family was quite religious. I mean, we did not go to church every Sunday but my mom often recited small prayers.

My family was Catholic. My parents came to the US a long time ago. I was born in Chicago and after some time, my parents decided to move closer to their old home. That is why we moved to the border to Mexico.

We celebrated Christmas but I have never seen my parents read in the Bible. So, actually religion did not play a big role in our life.

For Musa, his religion seemed so important. That made me reflect and ponder. How can something be more important than to have a job that helps you pay your bills?

I Wanted to Know More About Islam

I wanted to know more about Musa’s religion. But almost twenty years ago, it was not easy to find information about Islam in my town. One day I went to the downtown area and saw a man that looked just like Musa. I approached him and greeted him before I recognized that it was not him.

“Sorry, Bro”, I said to him.

“I thought you were my old friend Musa”.

The guy smiled and said:

“I know a guy named Musa.”

“Musa, the Muslim?”, I quickly asked.

The guy started laughing: “Yes, Musa – the Muslim”.

He asked me how I know Musa and why I know that he is Muslim. “Are you Muslim?”, he asked.

I denied and told him the whole Friday story. He asked me whether I would like to sit down for tea and continue our talk. I was glad for the invitation because since that Friday story, I actually waited for a chance to find out more about Musa’s religion.

Over the next months, Omar told me everything I wanted to know about Islam. He became my best friend and teacher.

No Compromises on Fridays

One fine Friday, Omar just invited me to join the Friday prayer. I told him that I am not a Muslim. He just smiled and said:

“Not yet.”

I joined him. I listened to the talk and imitated the prayer positions. After it was all finished, I looked at Omar. I felt very nervous. It was almost as if I had butterflies in my stomach. I said:

“I am ready.”

“Then, let’s start… everybody is waiting.”

Omar accompanied me to the front of the prayer room where the Imam waited. I sat down and repeated the words after him. My Shahadah. My profession of faith.

Many Fridays have passed since that special Friday. And wherever I worked, I made sure that Friday is my day off from work. I don’t make any compromises on my Fridays. That’s what I learned from my friend Musa, the Muslim.

The author told the story of Mario who embraced Islam twenty years ago in El Paso, Texas.

-- aboutislam.net

Friday, 1 August 2025

Can Muslims Judge Others’ Sins?

In Islam, only Allah can judge people’s intentions and final outcomes. However, Muslims are encouraged to advise others when clear public sins are witnessed, as long as it is done respectfully and without arrogance. The goal is reform, not humiliation, and advice should be given with mercy, especially in non-Muslim societies.

Judgment in Islam: Mercy, Wisdom, and Responsibility

In Islam, caution and humility are essential when engaging with others—especially in matters of judgment. Muslims are not permitted to judge what lies in someone’s heart or determine their ultimate fate, as this knowledge belongs solely to Allah. The Quran states: {Indeed, Allah is the only One who judges between them.} (An-Nahl 16:124)

However, Islam does allow Muslims to offer sincere advice and to hold one another accountable for clear, outward acts of wrongdoing—but always within ethical and respectful limits.

The Difference between Condemning and Advising

Islam makes a clear distinction between harsh condemnation and sincere, compassionate advice. Below are key principles to remember:

Duty vs. Arrogance

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart.” (Muslim)

While Muslims are encouraged to respond to wrongdoing, this must be done with wisdom, not self-righteousness or superiority.

Mercy Over Condemnation

The Prophet (peace be upon him) also warned: “If a man says, ‘People are ruined,’ he is the most ruined of them all.” (Muslim)

This Hadith teaches us that blanket condemnation is spiritually damaging. Our aim should always be gentle correction and positive reform, not harsh judgment or exclusion.

Outward Actions vs. Inner Intentions

Muslims may assess public behavior when necessary, especially to maintain community ethics. However, no one is permitted to judge another person’s heart or intention. As Ibn `Umar reported: “We judge people by what is apparent, and leave their secrets to Allah.” (Al-Bukhari)

Responding in Western Contexts

Muslims living in non-Muslim societies face unique challenges. In such contexts, the response to apparent wrongdoing should be private, respectful, and compassionate—not confrontational or publicly shaming. The goal is to build bridges, not walls.

Summary of the Islamic Approach to Judging Others

No — Muslims cannot condemn or pass final judgment. That is a right reserved for Allah alone.
Yes — Muslims can advise and guide others when witnessing clear public wrongs, but this must be done with wisdom, humility, and kindness.
Goal — Encourage reform through mercy, not by harming reputations or humiliating others.

Let us always uphold the prophetic teaching: “Make things easy, not difficult; give glad tidings, and do not repel people.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Some Muslims’ Bad Behavior Makes Me Doubt Islam.

Almighty Allah knows best.