To the surprise of no one, Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran in an open manner, bombing a number of cities, generating casualties, the most significant being the assassination of Supreme leader Ayatullah Ali Khameini. Iran has retaliated by launching missiles and drones at various places within the Middle East which play host to United States bases, and of course on Israel itself. How the military side of things plays out in the immediate future is impossible to predict with precision, but it should be noted that the mechanisms of how we have arrived at this point be studied from various angles, with as much fairness as possible.
In short, we have arrived at this stage for a number of reasons, summarized as follows.
(1) In the very recent situation, protests against skyrocketing inflation (itself a byproduct of U.S. economic sanctions) were infiltrated with what can be politely referred to as rioters, burning everything from police stations, mosques, homes and much more, leading to thousands of deaths.
(2) The Iranian authorities described such persons as agents of the United States and Israel, with an agenda of creating enough social chaos to collapse the Iranian government. The Internet was temporarily shut down in Iran in order to limit the abilities of the rioters to coordinate, a move which seems to have worked. Both The US and Israel, in various official and unofficial public communications, acknowledged their hand in these things, attempted to circumvent the Iranian move (by the use of smuggled Starlink terminals). Indeed, US president Donald Trump directly called for Iranians to move against the government and stated "help is on the way." Thus, another pretext was used in an attempt to justify military attacks on Iran by the United States.
(3) When this failed (although it did lead to the deaths of thousands), The Trump administration changed tactics, threatening attacks to disable Iran's "ambitions " to possess Nuclear weapons. For those who have kept up with these issues over the years, this was laughable. Not only was the nuclear sites attacked by the United States in the so called 12-day war, Iran has for decades maintained that they are against nuclear weapons, but only want to utilize Nuclear technology for domestic purposes. More importantly, a treaty was already in place by The Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA) an agreement which the United States unilaterally withdrew from upon Trump's second term. See Here New York Times perspective
(4) In any case, peace talks took place, albeit in unusual circumstances, mediated by the government of Oman. It is in this context, while talks are still under way, that Israel and the United States simply launched attacks anyway. Recent behavior of the Israelis show that war still occurs, in the most treacherous ways, and that at core neither agreement, morality or common sense would be utilized. This is demonstrated by the Israeli attack on Doha, Qatar itself, targeting Hamas leaders while in peace talks with them In September 2025. The fact that the United States did NOT defend Qatar from an attack (despite the presence of their air force as well as defense technology) shows that at core, neither the US nor Israel can be trusted at all!
(5) The peace talks mediated by Oman was on the nuclear question, which even Iranian officials were saying that progress was being made. Then, the Trump administration demands it be on missile technology. The goalposts keep moving because the claims to want diplomacy and peace was all subterfuge. The desire is NOT peace, but rather the total overthrow of the Iranian authorities.
(6) Common sense demonstrates that the Iranians would respond, and have done so by launching attacks on U.S. bases and other military targets that are based in the region, such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, The United Arab Emirates, and of course Israel itself. The long-term impact of such actions have yet to reveal themselves, but it is obvious that the world economic system will be devastated should Iran choose to close the Straits of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil travels.
The above is simply common sense, a straightforward analysis that can be easily understood. Indeed, we can say that even the Trump administration has -by and large- been open with stating its overall agenda of death and destruction, using only thinly disguised excuses as pretext to present justifications.
The false justifications mirror past accusations which led to other conflicts, such as the assertions that Iraq had to be invaded by the United States in order to remove "weapons of mass destruction" (WMD) in 2003. This is an example of gaslighting in the sense that we have been expected to have forgotten this pattern in recent history. False pretexts exist throughout the history of wars, especially conflicts directed against Muslim nations.
The false justifications in the current conflict have been built up particularly in social media, with the most ridiculous accusations directed towards Iran, such as sanctioning pedophilia, hatred against local Christians and Jews, and much more. As a student of history, theology and related topics, I have been particularly annoyed at these assertions, which are obviously mostly directed towards American politicians and public which is mostly uneducated in these fields.
Arrogance
The American push against Iran-directed by Israel- is a reflection of a bigger attitude of "Might Makes Right" as well as White privilege. That class in power, the same with deep connection to the late Jeffrey Epstein, sees themselves as better than everyone else, that any actions they initiate are for the benefit of the planet. This class has become emboldened in recent years, to the extent that U.S. defense secretary Pete Hegseth directly said that the United States is not obligated, nor will follow "stupid rules of engagement" or engage in "politically correct wars."
Recently, the United States Ambassador to Israel-Mike Huckabee- in an interview asserted that Israel has a God-given right to "take" the entire Middle East. Although the Trump administration publicly distanced itself from that statement, it simply is a reflection of already held views in that circle.
Ultimately, these actions and attitudes are poorly thought out, leading to nothing except continued wars that bring no benefit. It is the average people who will suffer the most. I believe that the recent trends in American society to present minorities such as the Somalis (in Minnesota and Ohio) as villains has been initiated in order to provide easy scapegoats, to distract average citizens by directing their anger towards visible minorities. Indeed, it would seem that ICE actions, even President Trump's own comments in his recent State Of The Union address, are meant to facilitate this nonsense.
An Islamic take on these issues
Firstly, the Qur'an has told us that when those who are guilty of flagrant violation of the rules of conduct give us information, that information needs to be subjected to scrutiny before believing and acting on it (Q 49:6). Similarly, the Qur'an has described these forces as those who will proclaim with the loudest voices that they are a class which only wants the best for mankind, rejects any reasonable pleas to reasonable behavior, but rather attempt to manipulate the public via all the media mechanisms at their command (Q 2:9-16).
For average apolitical audiences, it is necessary to exercise a healthy skepticism, stay informed, but perhaps most importantly to not allow the toxic thinking patterns of the Epstein-type class to infiltrate our hearts and minds. Tyranny will not last forever. Eventually, the system of oppression, hatred, racism and arrogance will collapse, and it will collapse largely as a result of its own actions. In the meantime, never believe what this class of abusers say, at least not without verification. Be safe, be active, and develop the tools needed for as much independence as possible. In a broader sense, Muslims-in particular powerful Muslim nations- need these reminders as well, especially in light of sectarian and ethnic conflicts, as we have seen between the brother nations of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Disunity only benefits the Epstein types who have been widely reported to have engaged in sexual abuse, murders, political and social manipulation, and even some levels of child sacrifice See here
Wa Billaahit Tawfeeq.
Introduction
We are in regular contact with people worldwide, employed in a variety of contexts, crossing national, class, sectarian and even religious barriers, and what is almost universally agreed is that our world is in a state of chaos. At whatever angle we look at it, it is hard pressed to see much in the way of positive news. It is our intention, in the following paragraphs, to share some thoughts on the main events taking place, situations that can often have a direct impact on our readers.
Iranian unrest
Protests have erupted in various Iranian cities, leading to confrontations with law enforcement in certain areas, leading to at least 538 deaths according to a PBS report. In addition to this, police officers have been killed, as well as sites such as mosques have been destroyed. I have noticed that much of the English content on these events have come from Pro-Shah supporters, filled with deliberate falsehoods regarding both the Pre and Post Khomeini era, obviously meant to influence the wider audience to see the Iranian state as unreasonable fanatics bent on world conquest. The hand of both the Trump administration and Israel are openly shown in stocking the Iranian unrest, not only in creating the environment of economic instability (via decades of sanctions, trade restrictions. covert and overt intrigue) but also in open acknowledgement of the involvement of MOSSAD (The Israeli intelligence services) on the ground.
Added confusion lies in the control of the Internet and the usage of AI technology, which can make it difficult to accurately perceive which message carries the most active support among Iranians living inside Iran. For a Western audience, particularly those who are largely ignorant of outside historical, cultural and political realities, this is perhaps the most important question that requires an answer. Many Americans will depend upon anecdotal guidance via summarized (slanted) stories from media or from acquaintances of a (insert which nation or region) pedigree.
Operation Absolute Resolve & implications for the future
A brazen, yet politically bizarre, endeavor came to fruition on January 3rd, 2026 with a Delta Force group that invaded Venezuela to capture its President and his wife (Nicolas Maduro & Cilia Flores). This operation was preceded with months of bombings of particular boats and sites within the South American nation by US forces, mainly under the pretext of fighting drug trafficking to the United States. This assertion is now widely dismissed as a rather pathetic claim, which has forced the Trump administration to switch the issue towards openly expressing the intention to dominate Venezuelan natural resources, including its oil.
Ironically, the newly available Venezuelan oil has not been tempting to everyone within the industry. ExxonMobil has expressed such skepticism openly, to the point where President Trump himself has indicated that he is "inclined" to keep it out of any future access. Moreover, it appears that on a practical level, the oil resources would not be available anytime soon, making the entire effort null and void!
Another interesting theory is that the capture of Venezuela's oil resources would be needed to offset damage to the economic system should Iran choose to close the Straits of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil traffic passes.
In any case, I see the future in even bigger terms that what has been described. Indeed, emboldened by the clear kidnapping of Maduro, President Trump (mostly through X) has issued threats to Columbia and Cuba. The US has conducted operations in places as diverse as Nigeria, Syria and been as of late openly threatening to annex Greenland for "security needs".
Economics and addressing threats to Israel are not the only driving forces behind these rather odd actions. These actions are all designed to instill fear and outright terror in the hearts of friend and foe alike. Returning to Greenland, it is not enemy territory. It is a part of Denmark, which is of course a NATO member-state. The Trump bid for Greenland, by hook or crook, while certainly irrational in outer appearance, is a reminder that US power is still present and not up for dispute or negotiation.
Xenophobia ( Immigration, ICE, Somalis)
On the domestic front, The United States of America is facing multiple issues. While most are arguably questions of legality, I actually think it is the social arena that has more of an impact that deserves attention. Xenophobia has become not only a theory that is platformed within mainstream media, but it is also normalized, as demonstrated by countless discussions we have engaged in with people, fed by the media (devoid of depth) on various cultural, historical and religious expressions. Often it seems as if even the poor and middle class Americans have no problem to "vote against their own interests"- as long as "the other" is somehow either punished or derived of some perceived gain.
The Somalian community, with a strong presence in Minnesota and Columbus, Ohio, are under great scrutiny. Marriages are assumed to be of an illegal or even immoral nature, businesses as a whole are assumed to be involved in fraud, and of course the Boogeyman of "funding terrorism in Africa". While Somalis are not the only immigrant community in the United States, they make for an easy target by ambitious politicians and outright clout chasers looking for money and views in part because of their skin color and outward Muslim appearance. Thus, it is deemed acceptable to direct negative attention to them.
The USA has always had an issue with racism within society, with official sanction or at least tolerated to a certain degree, however it has become more visible during the lead-up to the first Trump presidency, as the fear of "replacement" of Whites by Non-Whites is a real phobia. Our readers may recall the 2017 Charlottesville, Virginia protests with the slogan "you will not replace us" shouted.
Thus, there are many elements which are leading to the current climate of openly expressed racist stereotypes and general xenophobia. Racism ultimately thrives on power. Indeed, It has been argued that a weak group cannot truly be "racist". ICE has been weaponized in communities throughout the United States, bringing with it a host of lawsuits, tensions with local law enforcement, and sometimes deadly confrontations, as seen with the recent death of Renee Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A 37 year old White woman, her shooting has been seen as a stark reminder of the serious situation faced on a domestic front.
Censorship
While most Americans became exposed to the realities of censorship, limiting freedom of speech while protesting against the genocide of Palestinians by the state of Israel, it seemed confined to academia. Universities were threatened financially to curb Pro-Palestinian activities. The September 2025 assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk has only added fuel to this fire. Academics and activists were harassed and even fired from their jobs for being critical of Kirk's views.
Are these seemingly disparate issues connected?
Indeed these issues are connected. Their main connection is that they expose that the empire is decaying. I find it ridiculous that funds can be directed towards financing armies overseas, destabilizing other nations, as well as the activities of ICE, yet homelessness remains a great challenge. 40% - 60% of Americans cannot meet their basic financial needs, and we read in the book Broke in America: Seeing, Understanding and Ending U.S. Poverty by Joanne Samuel Goldblum and Colleen Shaddox that "the United States is doing virtually nothing to change the situation..the government spends far less on programs to make housing available...Policy and what one advocate calls " the commodification of housing" encourages surging prices that literally leaves too many people out in the cold." (pg.53).
When the leadership chooses to ignore issues such as this and concentrate on vilifying others, it shows that they have no vision for the future, other than temporary glitter. Much has been made of the Iranian protests, which initially started as a reply to the devaluation of the local currency. Yet, the current government, preceded by the rule of the Pro-West Shah (Mohammed Reza Pahlavi) had much of the same evidence of decay. In 1971, the Shah had thrown a party, celebrating the 2500 year anniversary of the Persian empire. It was extravagant. French cuisine was served. An entire tent city was built. The total cost of this week-long event, attended by over sixty world dignitaries, was estimated to be around $500 million. Average Iranians not only had little freedom, they had little food. This, along with a host of other things (including torture, killings and general oppression) build up the resentment that eventually led to the downfall of the Shah's regime in 1979.
We have something similar in Washington. President Trump wants to build a ballroom in the White House, as well as adding to the West Wing. The costs for these endeavors are expected to be about $400 million! All the while, the same president has demanded the homeless of Washington, D.C. to be removed (in Aug.2025) in order to make the District Of Columbia "safe and beautiful".
What can we do?
It is fortunate that in an American context there is still some significant measure of freedom within the political culture. Citizens can and should exercise their political rights, such as engaging in voting, all the while, we have to learn not to be so dependent on governments nor corporations. For all the above issues, the solutions can be summarized as follows.
(1) Be educated : Try to do a little bit more research on important topics. Reading physical books as opposed to dependence on websites.
(2) Strengthen your connection to a healthy family and community; These are the real social security nets, more dependable than those at the whims of government and corporations.
(3) Where possible, share accurate information with open minded individuals. This is particularly relevant to Muslims when presenting Islam. The religion of Islam has been deliberately misrepresented by the same forces we have discussed within this article. They use all manner of false propaganda. Thus, sharing accurate information on Islam is not only an issue of social survival, it is also a religious obligation ( Q 16:125).
(4) Be cognizant of safety concerns.
(5) Strengthen your financial freedom and movement security. This means having a marketable skill set, good social ties, discipline in spending and keeping a valid passport.
Introduction
Occasionally, we share our notes- as prepared for our weekly Qur'an study sessions- in the form of an article, as a means to present with more clarity the texts and/or the subject under discussion.
The section of the Qur'an under analysis in our recent studies stems from Soorah At-Toor. While it is true that the themes of Paradise and Hellfire are found throughout the scripture, it has been this particular section, beginning with the seventeenth verse, which has been the foundation for further contemplation.
What is Hoor Al 'Ayn? حور العين
إِنَّ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ فِى جَنَّـٰتٍۢ وَنَعِيمٍۢ
Before addressing the meaning of Hoor Al 'Ayn, it is important to conduct a careful, contextual analysis of the texts in question. Beginning at Q 52:17, it presents the contrast between the realities of Hell and Paradise, the latter being a mode of existence in which 'gardens" (in the plural) are present, a general sense of well-being, in which there is refuge, safety, provision, dignity and finally mates.
وَزَوَّجۡنٰہُمۡ بِحُوۡرٍ عِیۡنٍ
The Saheeh International translation renders wa zawwajnaahum bi-hoorin 'ayn as " And We will marry them to fair women with large, (beautiful) eyes." ( Q 52:20). A notion about this term is that God is giving females of certain skin color as mates, complete with sensual rewards to men. Sometimes associated with this is another notion of the presence of seventy-two virgins, made available to martyrs. For the latter, there is nothing in the Qur'an even remotely in support of that particular assertion, and it is our observation over the years that this notion has actually been popularized by Non-Muslim media sources and pundits, who attempt to rebut Islamic theology and various Muslim political causes by presenting Muslims as sex-crazed fanatics out for world conquest!
The term Hoor Al 'ayn is simply an expression denoting mates of comfort. In English, we use expressions such as "easy on the eyes" that carry not only a comment on physical attractiveness, but on disposition. Indeed, the Qur'an has a du'aa that holds a similar meaning.
رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ"Our Lord. Bestow on us spouses and offspring that will be a comfort to our eyes (Qurrata a'yunin).." ( Q 25:74). The Qur'an also mentions the concept of purified spouses (Azwaajun Mutahharah) (Q 2:25). These particular attributions ties in very well with the overall presentation of the reality of Jannah, as we will see.
While the mention of a heavenly drink is noted in various locations in the Quranic text, a key text uses the word "wine" (khamr), and is itself within a verse which begins its description of paradise with the word "metaphor" (mathal) (Q 47:15) To be clear, the implication is that the entire presentation of Jannah in the Qur'an is purely figurative, meant to give us an approximation of an experience we have not encountered in this worldly realm. It is not meant to be read in a literal fashion.
The heavenly drink is mentioned in Soorah At Toor as accompanying meals, and itself a drink that won't present the sort of harms that occur with wine in this world ( Q 52:22-23). Thus, the "wine" of heaven and the "wine" of earth are two different items, with contrasting results!
"Boys" in heaven?
وَیَطُوۡفُ عَلَیۡہِمۡ غِلۡمَانٌ لَّہُمۡ کَاَنَّہُمۡ لُؤۡلُؤٌ مَّکۡنُوۡنٌ
Q 52:24-25 asserts that the residents of paradise will be surrounded by youths who will be like preserved pearls. The Arabic term for these youths is Ghilmaan (the singular being Ghulam). Christian apologists, eager for any negative spin, have attempted to portray this (and other similar texts) as pedophilia! However, when read in context, it does not assert anything of that sort. Rather, it is stating that those in heaven, provided with all of their needs, will also have staff facilitate that provision.
Anyone who has ever traveled on a cruise, stayed in a hotel, or dined in a restaurant, will have experiences with staff, whose primary job is to make the guest feel comfortable. These establishments will have cooks to prepare food, waiters to present it, and even have training to be able to engage with their clients. Indeed, much of the formal studies in Business Administration, hospitality management, and other related fields is in the study of methods and tools to facilitate ease for clients, ensuring a sustainable business. The staff is expected to be energetic, intelligent and able to interact with the public. This is how the term Ghilmaan is employed in the account of paradise. There is nothing sinister in the Quranic presentation of Jannah, and certainly does not suggest anything repugnant.
Healthy discourse in Jannah is a result of being a sincere seeker in the Dunya
اِنَّا کُنَّا مِنۡ قَبۡلُ نَدۡعُوۡہُ
Q 52:25-28 has the inhabitants of Jannah speaking about that which led them to their abode, acknowledging that Allah has saved them from having the experiences of Hellfire. The sentence in verse 28 quotes them as saying Inna Kunna Min Qablu nad'oohu which means "indeed, we were-before- calling upon Him (i.e. God)".
This "calling" should not be seen in the limited fashion of formal du'aa. Indeed, the Qur'an itself " And when MY servants ask you (O Muhammad) about ME, Then I am close. I respond to the call of those who call to ME. Thus, let them respond to ME, and have faith in ME, so that perhaps they will find guidance" ( Q 2:186).
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لِى وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِى لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ
This clearly demonstrates that the life-long process of a believer, a seeker, who has sought out God's support, knowledge of Divine realities, is the "calling" that finds its answer-ultimately- within the other dimension known as paradise.
A summary of the Jannah existence
اِنَّ اَصۡحٰبَ الۡجَنَّۃِ الۡیَوۡمَ فِیۡ شُغُلٍ فٰکِہُوۡنَ
ہُمۡ وَاَزۡوَاجُہُمۡ فِیۡ ظِلٰلٍ عَلَی الۡاَرَآئِکِ مُتَّکِـُٔوۡنَ
لَہُمۡ فِیۡہَا فَاکِہَۃٌ وَّلَہُمۡ مَّا یَدَّعُوۡنَ
سَلٰمٌ ۟ قَوۡلًا مِّنۡ رَّبٍّ رَّحِیۡمٍ
"Indeed, the inhabitants of Jannah on that day will be busy with happiness (shughulin faakihoon), They, and their mates, shaded, in a state of relaxation on adorned couches, for them is the fruit (of their spiritual labors in dunya) and (in addition) for them is whatever they ask for: Peace: A decree (Qawlan) from a Merciful Lord." ( Q 36:55-59).
The verbiage resembles a vacation, as previously noted. An environment in which the traveler's needs are met. A good vacation in this world will include moments of education, such as museum tours, natural areas, in which tour guides will give important information on history, geology, geography, etc.
Jannah as a picture of something to bring about in our world today
Muslims cannot deny that the afterlife (Akhirah) is a reality, something that is eternal, whereas our lives in this world is not only temporary, but even the planet itself is temporary. At some point, it will cease to exist. Thus, while we should seek the Jannah of the afterlife by giving our obedience to the guidance of Allah, as conveyed through His own words and the overarching example of His Messengers (upon them all be peace), we have to remember that we are still inhabitants of this world, a world that Allah has made humans to exercise responsibility (Q 2:30). We are told to pray for that which is pleasant in this world and the next abode in equal fashion ( Q 2:201), and that each have a share of this life that should not be neglected ( Q 28:77).
The followers of Prophet Muhammad ( Sall Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam) went on to create an entirely new civilization, a civilization that, despite its flaws, had a deep and profound impact on the world, in every field imaginable. Poignant examples include the Muslim rule of Spain (Andalusia) and the Indian subcontinent, as well as within West Africa, which built not only mosques, palaces and gardens, but constructed those physical and intellectual edifices that were meant to sustain a healthy spirituality and worldly existence. The Taj Mahal is still seen today as one of the wonders of the world, a site that was built entirely on the premises of paradise as displayed within the Qur'an.
The picture of paradise is universal provision, mutual respect, companionship, healthy thinking and ultimate peace. Are not those things that humans can create in this world? Do we not need sobriety in this world? Strong families and healthy relationships? Cleanliness, and an ethic inspired entirely by faith?
We should be inspired by our faith in God, in His messenger Muhammad (upon whom be peace), to fix ourselves as individuals and to spread healthy awareness to our fellow human beings that it is entirely possible to take actions, make solid plans, to have some levels of paradise in this world. The foundation for that is already present.
فَذَکِّرۡ فَمَاۤ اَنۡتَ بِنِعۡمَتِ رَبِّکَ بِکَاہِنٍ وَّلَا مَجۡنُوۡنٍ
أَمْ يَقُولُونَ شَاعِرٌۭ نَّتَرَبَّصُ بِهِۦ رَيْبَ ٱلْمَنُونِ
Q 52:29-30 tell us that the Messenger who delivered all of this information is not a promoter of dark arts, insane, not a poet with his head in the clouds. The Messenger ('alayhis salaamu was salaam) delivered this information, these words, at the command of Allah. This is a perfect place to end our article. After all, the Prophet himself, an uneducated orphaned individual, went on to achieve the success of his mission in his very lifetime, whose followers literally changed the world after his death. The Prophet Muhammad is an example that it is possible for us to be successful, regardless of those barriers placed against us.
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem. Alhamdulillaahil ladhee anzala ‘Ala ‘Abdihil Kitaab, wal ladhee ‘allama bil Qalam, ‘allamal Insaana Maa Lam Ya’lam.
Introduction
Is there a separation between ‘secular’ and ‘sacred’ Knowledge?
Directly addressing the topic, we begin with the Qur’an, which famously contains the du’aa “O My Lord, Increase me in knowledge” (Rabbi Zidnee ‘ilmaa- Q 20:114). There is a broader context, which we will return to later. But for now, we have this prayer to Allah asking for knowledge. Also well-known is the hadeeth which states that “seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Sunan Ibn Maajah 224). These quotes often decorate the walls of schools and universities throughout the Muslim world. Other expressions that have currency in Muslim circles include “ Seek knowledge, even into China” “Knowledge is the lost property of the believer” ( hadeeth via Sunan At-Tirmidhee 2687).
The Power of the Islamic revelation
Karen Armstrong writes “ The Koran constantly stresses the need for intelligence in deciphering the “signs” or “messages” of God. Muslims are not to abdicate their reason, but to look at the world attentively and with curiosity. It was this attitude that later enabled Muslims to build a fine tradition of natural science, which has never been seen as such a danger to religion as in Christianity.” ( A History of God, pg. 143, 1993 edition, New York).
Practical tips for students
All of us should be students of this religion, at least enough of it to elevate our existence in this world for the better. We should all know how to perform the basic practices, such as the five pillars, and have the essential moral foundation present. The basic moral foundation of a Muslim is given in a number of Quranic verses, such as Q 2:177, 17:22-39, and 23:1-11.
We cited earlier the famous du’aa “O My Lord, Increase me in knowledge.” That du’aa is given within a broader context, which we shall share now.
فَتَعَـٰلَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمَلِكُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۗ وَلَا تَعْجَلْ بِٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يُقْضَىٰٓ إِلَيْكَ وَحْيُهُۥ ۖ وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًۭا
“ Thus, Highly exalted is Allah, The Ruler, The Ultimate Reality (Al-Haqq), And do not be in a rush with the Qur’an before its revelation is completed for you. And say “O My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (Q 20:114)
The revelation of scripture came to the Prophet slowly. It was not all at once. Similarly, when we are engaged in the study of the deen, it should be in a calm fashion, taking time to internalize its theology as well as its morals. So, the format should be (1) Theology (2) Morals. (3) Basic practices, taking the requisite time to understand these things, at least on a fundamental level.
Attending gatherings such as this, Halaqahs, Qur’an sessions, regular self-study using actual books, taking notes, using simple tools such as notebooks, highlighters and different color pens, to help in retaining knowledge and organization of records.
Knowledge is also attained and more easily retained through direct experiences with a teacher, and travel, in which we are exposed to the natural world, to Allah’s creation.
The Qur'an mentions that traveling "in the land" increases one's intelligence on all levels, including
emotional intelligence (Q 22:48). The same text implies that xenophobia is also removed through travel, however there are exceptions, primarily being those with "blind hearts". The Qur'an also shows us the need for good teachers (Q 16:43) in order to limit the pitfalls of the mistakes earned through self-study (without mentorship).
Thank you for your indulgence. Wa aakhara da’wanaa ‘anil hamulillaahi rabbil ‘aal ameen.
