Years ago, I argued that the fourth dietary prohibition is limited to animals that are dedicated to other than God at the time of sacrifice, based on 6:145 and all other corroborating evidence. [6:145] Say, "I do not find in the revelations given to me any food that is prohibited for any eater except: (1) … Continue reading Who Can Lead Salat?
Strawmaning Opposition = Bearing False Witness
The Quranic standard of truth is not limited to accurate speech—it demands just representation. To speak the truth is not only to avoid lying, but to avoid distortion, omission, exaggeration, and selective framing. A believer is called not only to be truthful, but to be fair—and especially when fairness is difficult. [4:135] O you who believe, … Continue reading Strawmaning Opposition = Bearing False Witness
Submitters Keep Their Word
In the Quran, belief is not merely a matter of words or rituals—it is proven through integrity, trust, and upright conduct. Among the defining traits of the believer is that they keep their word. They honor covenants, fulfill promises, and speak the truth even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. This is not a minor virtue … Continue reading Submitters Keep Their Word
Behavioral Hypocrisy: When Faith Becomes a Cloak for Tyranny
Some of the most dangerous people in religious communities are not open disbelievers—they are the ones who quote scripture fluently, maintain perfect ritual, and demand loyalty in the name of “correct belief,” all while behaving in ways that betray every moral principle they claim to uphold. This is behavioral hypocrisy—when faith becomes a mask, not … Continue reading Behavioral Hypocrisy: When Faith Becomes a Cloak for Tyranny
Sanctified Arrogance: Hiding Behind Orthodoxy
What happens when someone who knows all the right theological answers behaves in all the wrong ways? Every community has its share of difficult personalities, but in a group of believers, we often assume that correct doctrine leads to righteous behavior. And yet, sometimes the opposite is true: the person most fluent in God’s scripture … Continue reading Sanctified Arrogance: Hiding Behind Orthodoxy
Solomon Smiled and Laughed
A blessed brother from our community recently shared a beautiful insight into a moment from the Quran—one that may seem small at first, but reveals a truth far greater than we can imagine. It concerns the story of Solomon and the ant. [27:17] Mobilized in the service of Solomon were his obedient soldiers of jinns … Continue reading Solomon Smiled and Laughed
Oldest Surviving Manuscript of Imam Malik’s Muwatta’
Early Manuscripts and Fragments of the Muwatta’ Imam Malik’s al-Muwaṭṭa’ was compiled in the 2nd century AH (8th century CE) and was transmitted by many of his students in slightly variant versions. The very earliest physical evidence of the Muwatta’ dates back to Malik’s own lifetime. For example, a papyrus fragment (PERF No. 731) from … Continue reading Oldest Surviving Manuscript of Imam Malik’s Muwatta’
Where is the Sunni’s Isnad For Their Salat?
One of the foundational claims of Sunni Islam is that religious practice is preserved through Hadith, authenticated by a rigorous science of transmission—ʿIlm al-Rijāl—and a system of isnād, or chains of narration. But when it comes to the most essential ritual in Islam—Salāt (the Contact Prayer)—this claim falls apart. The reality is simple: Sunnis do … Continue reading Where is the Sunni’s Isnad For Their Salat?
Sincerity & Truth
The pursuit of truth is the defining moral challenge of every human being. But what makes someone capable of discovering it? The Quran makes the answer clear: sincerity. Not knowledge. Not heritage. Not clever arguments. Only sincerity grants a person access to truth. [56:75] I swear by the positions of the stars.[56:76] This is an oath, if … Continue reading Sincerity & Truth
The Most Defined Term in the Quran: Salat
The Quran repeatedly affirms that its message is clear. Revealed in the native language of its audience so that its message would be understood—not obscured. [14:4] We did not send any messenger except (to preach) in the tongue of his people, in order to clarify things for them. God then sends astray whomever He wills, and guides … Continue reading The Most Defined Term in the Quran: Salat
Quran Talk Blog 