Piety, Generosity and God-Consciousness: The Character of Harun al-Rashid
Harun al Rashid was known as the Caliph of the Golden Age, whose name is immortalised in legend and historical folklore. However, his personal piety and character is not as commonly depicted. This article focuses on personal stories of al Rashid outside of his leadership, outlining his piety, worship and treatment of scholars. For Harun al-Rashid's early life, political career and major historical events, read Harun al Rashid: The Caliph of the Golden Age.
Imam Abu Hanifa: The Merchant Who Became a Pioneer of Fiqh
Imam Abu Hanifa رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ was a pioneer of fiqh—but he did not begin his life as a scholar. He was a wealthy merchant who, after being encouraged by a scholar to pursue knowledge, transformed the field of fiqh. Known for his piety, generosity and resilience against oppressive rulers, his timeless legacy has shaped Islamic scholarship.
What Al Aziz and Prophet Musa Teach About Masculinity
The stories of Prophet Musa and Al Aziz in the Quran present two very different models of manhood. One was a strong leader who supported the vulnerable and led his people. The other was a weak, passive man in authority who was unable to control his wife or manage his home. The latter was Al Aziz, who represents an absence of true male leadership - chivalry, strength and an ability to establish order. This article showcases the difference between Prophet Musa and Al Aziz, and how their actions and mindsets help define traditional masculinity, and the consequences of its absence.
Khawlah bint Hakim and the Lost Art of Matchmaking
Khawlah bint Ḥakīm was a matchmaker during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, who helped couples marry — including the Prophet himself. Her strong people skills and ability to unite families is a desperately needed role in modern society, which has experienced a decline in matchmakers. This article analyses the legacy of Khawlah bint Hakīm and explores the ways the Muslim community can revive organic matchmaking in the contemporary age.
When Greed Destroys a Nation: Lessons from the People of Shuʿayb
The people of Shuʿayb were a nation destroyed for cheating in business. The cause of their downfall was viewing every interaction through the lens of profit. This led to extremes in how they treated others. Similarly, modern society has also become obsessed with profit margins over honest transactions.
Umm Ayman: The Prophet's Second Mother
Umm Ayman was the ultimate mother figure to the Prophet ﷺ. She cared for him after the passing of his mother and remained by his side through many of the hardships and trials he faced. This article explores Umm Ayman's service to Islam, her unwavering devotion to the Prophetic mission, and her remarkable story of resilience, motherly affection, and steadfast faith.
Abu Lahab: The Toxic Mindset of the Extremely Rich
Abu Lahab was a staunch enemy of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from the moment he called Quraiysh to Islam. Abu Lahab was a wealthy businessman, whose materialistic worldview caused him to value money over religion. This mindset remains prevalent in contemporary capitalist society. Billionaires devote their lives to accumulating wealth and status, believing that death can be delayed and money shields from divine accountability.
Has Modern Education Killed Our Relationship With Learning?
At the heart of every civilisation is education. A society's capacity to flourish depends on people's pursuit of knowledge, yet modern education faces challenges on several fronts: over-examination culture, a decline in critical thinking, dependence on artificial intelligence and the rising cost of higher education. Studying is no longer about intellectual growth, but a means of obtaining employment. This has weakened our relationship with knowledge. This article examines the ways in which modern education has failed contemporary learners, reflecting on the purpose of education and the value of knowledge.
The Islamic Golden Age: How Faith Fuelled Innovation
The Golden Age was the peak of intellectual creativity. It produced famous figures like Ibn Sina, Al-Khwarizmi and Ibn al-Haytham. But the most important question is not what they achieved, but how Muslim societies could produce so many innovators in the first place. Creativity rarely emerges from isolated geniuses. We all have the capacity to learn, create and innovate, but the conditions must be right. This is through society establishing institutions, incentives and a shared value system which produces talented people. This article looks at religiously driven knowledge production in the Abbasid Golden Age, and how it fuelled creativity.
Harun Al Rashid: The Caliph of the Golden Age
Harun al Rashid is a figure of legend, known for his portrayal in A Thousand and One Nights, whose reputation is fused with history and folklore. While he did not politically advance the Abbasid caliphate, his investment in arts and culture contributed to the Golden Age in the Islamic world, later influencing Europe. However he also faced internal strife through uprisings, political turmoil and Byzantine invasions. This article attempts to capture the true nature of Harun al Rashid’s caliphate and his impact on history.
When Man Tries to Become God: Fi'raun and the Psychology of Tyranny
What happens when kings call themselves gods? How does power transform leaders into tyrants? The story of Fi’raun provides a striking answer. Not only did he reject Divine authority but he elevated himself to the status of god, demanding obedience to consolidate his grip on power. This article explores leaders’ fascination with self-deification and how worshipping human desires gives rise to oppression and tyranny.
Reviving Dār al-Arqam: The First Islamic Institution
Dar Al Akham was Islam’s first educational institution, serving as a religious and educational hub for the first believers. It helped foster community and a shared value system to form a new Islamic movement. It continues to provide a contemporary framework on how to create God-centred and politically conscious spaces to solve societal ills.
The American Crusades: Why the Crusades Never Ended
The era of Crusades never left the West. The language has changed but the beliefs remain the same. A desire to conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Muslim world and rule over the East is what sparked the 11th century Crusades. This belief has persisted in the modern day through the US-Israel led invasions of the Middle East that seeks to fulfil a Messianic prophecy. This article outlines how the Crusades are ongoing and how Europe’s mentality towards the Muslim world remains in the Middle Ages.
Ibn Sina: The Father of Modern Medicine
Ibn Sina رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ - known as Avicenna in Europe - is considered one of the most famous Muslim physicians and philosophers. Ibn Sina’s legacy captures the spirit of the Islamic Golden Age: fusing piety and intellectual curiosity that propelled the ummah to its greatest heights.
Qutayba ibn Muslim: The Commander Who Took Islam to China’s Gates
Al-Walid ibn Abdul Malik’s caliphate was a legendary age of conquest. Qutayba ibn Muslim رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ was tasked to venture into Central Asia and took the Muslim armies to the borders of China. A master of diplomacy who commanded a multi tribal alliance, Qutayba ibn Muslim reshaped the lands of Samarkand, Bukhara and lands across Transoxiana. This article explores his conquests, alliances and sincere jihad in the cause of Islam.
Muhammad ibn Qasim: The 17-year-old General Who Brought Islam to South Asia
Muhammad ibn Qasim رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ was a legendary youth commander who helped spread Islam into the Indian subcontinent. Following the footsteps of Usama ibn Zayd رضي الله عنه in age and military leadership, he represented the best of youth in service to Islam. In only three years he conquered Sindh and spread justice in a far land. From conquests to diplomacy, this article examines Muhammad ibn Qasim’s political legacy.
Tariq ibn Ziyad: The Conqueror of Andalus
Tariq ibn Ziyad رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ , the freed Berber slave of Musa ibn Nusayr, was responsible for bringing Islam to Andalusia. A pious and competent general, his victory ended the oppression in the Iberian peninsula, his army reaching the borders of France. This article explores his legacy, beginning with the early North African conquests, entry into Iberia and the Muslim’s victory at the Battle of Guadalete.
Barsisa: The Monk Who Traded Paradise for Zina
Barsisa had been a pious worshipper known for his devotion to Allah. His story is told by the People of the Book, whose life was ruined after falling into zina (unlawful sexual intercourse). His story is a cautionary tale on free-mixing and succumbing to Satanic desires. But what happens when society itself promotes zina?
The Destruction of Ad: Why Power Always Corrupt Elites
Power is an addictive force. It transforms the weak into the strong, the average man into a warrior and a small village into a mighty nation. This was the case for the people of Ad but was also the reason for their downfall. In particular, their tribal chiefs rejected Prophet Hud عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, and lead a hostile campaign to discredit him. But why were they hostile in the first place? What stopped Ad’s chiefs from engaging with their prophet and accepting Monotheism?
Paganism, Witchcraft and Satanism: The Historical Origins of Feminism
A hundred years. That’s all it took for feminism to dismantle societal structures lasting civilisations. It has forever altered how we view gender, family and power dynamics. But despite its popularity, few understand the spiritual side of feminism. Every movement needs a set of values, often derived from spiritual and religious sources. Feminism is no different. It is a spiritual movement with a political face.