Zakat is a fundamental pillar of Islam, meant for purification of wealth, supporting the needy, and uplifting the Muslim Ummah. However, in today’s materialistic world, Zakat has become a battleground between different institutions secular education vs. madrasas, modernity vs. tradition, dunya vs. akhirah. The wealthy are emotionally manipulated by speeches quoting the Quran and Hadith,…
1 Belief in the 27th Night as Laylatul Qadr Many Muslims assume that the 27th night of Ramadan is Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree). Since this is a highly virtuous night, they rush to complete the Quran in Tarawih, hoping to gain maximum reward. • “Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night…
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: • “Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast will have a reward like his, without it detracting from the fasting person’s reward in the slightest.” (Tirmidhi) This beautiful Hadith was meant to encourage generosity, humility, and care for the less fortunate. However, in today’s reality, it…
Yes, Ramadan is the best opportunity to transition from Nafs-e-Ammarah (the commanding self) to Nafs-e-Mutma’innah (the peaceful, contented self). The process of fasting, when done with sincerity and awareness, helps purify the soul, weaken the lower desires (Nafs), and strengthen the connection with Allah. Understanding the Stages of the Nafs 1 Nafs-e-Ammarah (The Commanding Self)…
It is a common observation that mosques are full in the first week of Ramadan and on the 27th night, but attendance fades in between. This inconsistency shows that many Muslims approach Ramadan as a seasonal event rather than a way of life. The challenge is to shift from ritualistic Islam to living Islam with…
Ramadan is more than a month of fasting it is a time of deep spiritual refinement, self-discipline, and inner transformation. The word Tarbiya in Islamic tradition refers to nurturing, growth, and development both physically and spiritually. Just as the body is trained to abstain from food and drink, the soul is trained to develop taqwa…
The Islamic Studies Association (ISA) warmly welcomes the arrival of Ramadan, a time of spiritual renewal and solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters in South Asia and across the world. In 2025, Ramadan begins on March 2nd and concludes with the joyous celebration of Eid ul-Fitr on March 30th. Notably, this year, Ramadan coincides…
Ramadan, originally a time for self-restraint, spiritual purification, and reconnecting with Allah, has sadly become, for many, a month of feasting instead of fasting. The very purpose of fasting – to develop Taqwa (God-consciousness), discipline, and empathy is often lost in overindulgence, excessive socializing, and disrupted routines. 1 The Reality: Feasting Instead of Fasting Many…
Ramadan is not just about hunger and thirst it is a training period to shift from bodily desires and mental distractions to a purified heart (Qalb-e-Salim), as mentioned in the Quran: “The Day when neither wealth nor children will benefit [anyone], except he who comes to Allah with a sound heart (Qalb-e-Salim).” (Quran 26:88-89) If…
