here are no formal rules in Islam concerned with the way one wears one’s hair, the style of clothing or anything else related to external appearance. What is important in Islam is that followers must present an Islamic identity, interpret its spirituality, and represent in a good manner the beauty of Islam in their life. … Continue reading Is There an Islamic Code of Conduct Concerning Way of Dressing? →

Moderation is the balanced way between extremes, the middle way between two excesses: ifrat (too much) and tafrit (too little). It is also to use one’s primordial nature, capacity, and skills to do good, to do exactly what is prescribed by the Creator, on His way. Man’s faculties of sense and mind, his emotions, fear, … Continue reading How Can “Moderation” Be Defined? →

Yes, it can. What we say on this subject has been said already by many people. The many conversions to Islam even in the West are a strong argument for Islam’s ability to solve a wide range of problems. Who knows how to run a factory better than its designer and builder? When we want … Continue reading Can Islam Solve Every Problem? →

A Muslim could be defined as one who believes in God and the principles of faith decreed by God, who never deems the opposite of these principles even likely, and thus submits and surrenders himself to God. That is, a Muslim is one who wholeheartedly and sincerely performs and represents all His commands with respect … Continue reading How did Islam spread over such vast territories in such a short time in the past? →

Jihad literally means striving or doing one’s best to achieve something, and its practitioners (mujahidin) are those who devote themselves fully to obtaining God’s good pleasure by opposing those forces that seek to defeat His religion and the upholding of His word. It is far more complex and abstract than actual war, known in Arabic … Continue reading Jihad With Different Aspects →

There are historical, social, and psychological dimensions to this question. First, the very word slavery conjures up revulsion, sorrow, and deep disgust, especially when we remember how slaves were treated in ancient Rome and Egypt. Pictures of people building the pyramids, of gladiators fighting each other to the death for the spectators’ amusement, and of … Continue reading Why does Islam Allow Slavery? →

This charge continues to be leveled against the Muslim world. I would like to counter it by asking the following questions: Given the existing circumstances of 1,400 years ago, how would any one living in Makka or Madina go about exploiting his own clan and tribe? If the supposedly exploited lands and people were those … Continue reading Are Muslims Guilty of Imperialism? →

Jihad is an Arabic word meaning to strive, to make an effort, to face hardships of all kinds. After Islam, it came to mean striving in the way of God. The Qur’an almost equates jihad, an important Islamic duty, with Islam. The most distinguished servants of God, whether Prophets or saints, have attained their distinction … Continue reading What is Jihad? →

What does the Qur’an say about Jihad and how did the Prophet implement it? Q:In light of recent events, the media is constantly talking about jihad. However, sometimes they do not define this term. Can you please tell us what the Qur’an says about jihad, and how the Prophet and the Companions implemented it in … Continue reading What does the Qur’an say about Jihad? →

In classical Islamic terminology, pluralism means to perceive details in different ways while remaining true to the origin and truth, to understand God’s Will in matters related to us in a way that is worthy of Him, and to have different thoughts and ideas. There are many ways to God, for how one reaches Him … Continue reading Why are there differences in interpretation of Islam? →