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? 

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?

The life of an Islamic da’ee (preacher) is one of sacrifice and patience. Prophet Nuh عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ demonstrates this, who preached for almost 10 centuries for the sake of Allah while facing rejection and opposition. An overlooked point is why the people of Nuh rejected their prophet  - his lack of popularity. The people’s understanding was that a preacher needed to be famous, wealthy and in the company of the rich. 

The story of Ibrahim  عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ is a lesson on the dangers of compliance culture when a society is collectively on a path of falsehood. When idolatry was entrenched in society, Prophet Ibrahim faced pressure to conform but relied on sound judgement and Divine guidance to expose the truth. This article exposes how blind loyalty leads to corruption and how all Muslims have a responsibility to enjoin good even in times of widespread evil. 

The rebellion of Iblis in the story of Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, is a cautionary tale against arrogance and ego which can lead to Divine punishment. But what if these Satanic traits are not just glorified but prevalent in today’s society?