Uzma Saeed We, humans, love to complicate simple concepts and designs and turn them into something different. While this may be beneficial in many cases as it does lead to discoveries and innovation, as far as religion is concerned, it would be counterproductive. The basic need for a religion [...]
Exploring the intersection between LGBTQ and the Islamic faith can be both delicate and polarizing. While Muslims often view sexuality from a moral standpoint, those within the LGBTQ movement view Islamic teachings on sexuality as backwards and in need of reform. They have asserted that any disagreement with LGBTQ lifestyle [...]
A question people often ask is whether Islam has a central authoritative figure, like a pope. Islam is a faith that does not have any institutional hierarchy that is similar to Catholicism. When the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was alive, he served as the ultimate religious authority. However, [...]
By Aisha Sheikh, Hafsah Chak, Zayna Hamdeh Conflicting views regarding the connection between nature and the divine have revolved around society for ages, and for many, they remain a ponderous topic. Some consider that nature itself is divine, while others believe that nature is actually a sign of an existing [...]
By Zaynab Sohail, Aisha Hasan, Huda Karam The world around us can seem chaotic, crazy, and difficult. Why is the world the way it is, and how do we deal with it? Allah (God) created our universe with a purpose. In this life, we are meant to be tested in [...]
By Uzma Saeed As I was leaving the parking lot of a local shopping center in Virginia, I noticed a woman sitting on a bench with a shopping cart full of belongings. She appeared homeless. All the shops were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Needless to say it was [...]
Today, many people claim to follow nothing. Their reasons are varied and often confusing. I recently met a very successful businessman, who said that he does not feel the need to follow anything. I didn’t find it wise to argue with him about religion because he felt so challenged already [...]
By Laura El Alam People who embrace Islam are often called “converts,” and some members of the Muslim community insist that the correct label is “reverts.” Ustadh Wm. Halim Breinnis believes that both “convert” and “revert” are insufficient terms. In this interview, Usdadh Halim explains why these terms can [...]
By Uzma Saeed Several years ago, one of my very close relatives died leaving behind a pile of debt. Needless to say, his children were devastated. Their pain was two-fold; losing their beloved father and the unpaid personal loans he had taken from friends and family. He was an [...]
Are you a counselor with a Muslim client? There is a growing concern among Muslims that mental health professionals either do not respect their religious beliefs or simply are not aware of basic Islamic values, and thus offer a therapy that is incongruent with their belief system. This article proposes [...]
