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How can there be a Christmas?

Have you ever heard of the god Saturn? How about Odin? Perhaps you’ve heard about Mithra? The names of these so-called gods have been extinguished from our vocabulary for centuries, and yet they are still being worshipped today. They are venerated in many modern Christmas traditions, celebrated by Christians, Hindus, and yes – even some Muslims.

It is becoming common knowledge that, while Jesus’ birthday is staunchly celebrated on the 25th of December, the actual date of his birth is unknown. While the Bible remains silent on the specific date, it does mention that Jesus was born while …. “there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke2:8) Can you imagine shepherds needlessly watching over their flock, with only blankets to protect them from the bone-crushing chill of the stormy winter nights? No, it is more likely that Jesus’ birth would have occurred during the warmer parts of the year if this evidence is to be taken into account.  Read more

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“We follow only the Qur’an and Sunnah”

by Muhammad Haq (Haq)

Sitting in the mosque board meeting, as one issue after another was raised, I’ll confess it was difficult not to drift into my own thoughts. However, one issue was raised that caught my attention that was, perhaps not surprisingly, the issue of finance and fundraising: the mosque needed funds for refurbishing the ablution (wuḍu) area. Without much progress being made, I identified a possible source, although it was not problem-free. The source I suggested had a large proportion earned from unlawful sources; however, there was an opinion within Fiqh (jurisprudence), which allowed the utilisation of such funds for public good (maslaḥa).1 This objection was fairly raised by some, but as I started to explain how there was a scholarly opinion – “Forget the scholars!! We only follow the Qur’ān and Sunnah,” shouted a fellow member, Read more

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The Correct Meaning of the Statement “When a Hadīth Is Authentic, It Is My Opinion”

By Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah
Translated by Muntasir Zaman

Before concluding the first cause of difference, it is necessary to discuss two doubts that dwell in the minds of many people:

The statement, “When a Hadīth is authentic, it is my opinion”
The authenticity of a Hadīth is sufficient to practice upon it
The first doubt is put forth as follows:

Imām al-Shāfī‘ī mentions, “When a Hadīth is authentic, it is my opinion.’ Hence, if we come across an authentic Hadith in Sahīh al-Bukhārī, for example, in a particular issue and we practice according to that Hadīth, then we have practiced upon an established Sunnah and according to a reliable school of jurisprudence. Moreover, it is incorrect to confine the madhhab of Imām al-Shafi‘ī to what is written in the works of his school of jurisprudence because, based on his own statement, any authentic Hadith will also form part of his madhhab.”

The answer is that the statement “When a Hadīth is authentic, it is my opinion” has been recorded from scholars besides Imām al-Shāfi‘ī. Rather, this is the mute expression of every Muslim who understands the meaning of the statement, “there is none worthy of worship besides Allāh, and Muhammad is His messenger.” Read more

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The Prophet’s Marriage to Aisha

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat - Oman (carpet)

The Prophet’s Marriage to Aisha
By: Mawlana Muhammad Hashim

Unfamiliarity with the life of the Prophet of Islam, his character and teachings and his native culture and the social conditions prevalent during his life can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. A common area of misunderstanding is the subject of the Prophet’s marriages, especially his marriage to Aisha.
At the time of her marriage, Aisha was six, and at the age of nine she started living with the Prophet. Unfamiliarity with this course of events can be resolved to some degree by studying the relevant aspects of the lives of the lives of the Prophet and Aisha, and by learning a bit about cultural norms of the time. Read more

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The Prophet’s Marriage to Aisha

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat - Oman (carpet)

The Prophet’s Marriage to Aisha
By: Mawlana Muhammad Hashim

Unfamiliarity with the life of the Prophet of Islam, his character and teachings and his native culture and the social conditions prevalent during his life can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. A common area of misunderstanding is the subject of the Prophet’s marriages, especially his marriage to Aisha.
At the time of her marriage, Aisha was six, and at the age of nine she started living with the Prophet. Unfamiliarity with this course of events can be resolved to some degree by studying the relevant aspects of the lives of the lives of the Prophet and Aisha, and by learning a bit about cultural norms of the time. Read more

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