In daily life, people navigate decisions using different approaches, often without realizing it. Sometimes, we rely on imitation (mimetics)—following established norms, routines, or the behaviors of those before us. Other times, we use reasoning. Consider a doctor treating a patient. If the doctor follows a mimetic approach, they might apply textbook treatments precisely as written, … Continue reading Hermeneutics: Mimetics vs. Reason
The Usage of Shirk in the Quran
The term Shirk ( شِرْك ), as used in the Quran, means association; in the context of religion and the Quran, it signifies associating anything or anyone with God. This word comes from the root "shin-ra-kaf" ( ش ر ك ), which occurs 168 times in the Quran. Below is a summary of all the different occurrences … Continue reading The Usage of Shirk in the Quran
Trade-Offs
Introduction: Every Choice Has a Cost In a well-known exchange, economist Milton Friedman was confronted by a college student about the safety of the Ford Pinto. The student argued that Ford should have invested more in safety measures to prevent fatalities, framing the issue as a moral failure on the company’s part. Rather than debating … Continue reading Trade-Offs
Human Pre-Existence & Original Sin
A common misconception among Muslims is that humans are born sinless. However, the Quran reveals that this is not true. It suggests that all humans—and even all creatures—carry consequences of a primordial event that predates our earthly lives. Unlike the Christian doctrine of original sin, which ties inherited guilt to Adam and Eve’s disobedience, the … Continue reading Human Pre-Existence & Original Sin
Life, Death, and Inception
Human existence is not confined to the boundaries of this earthly life; rather, it stretches back to a prior realm. As the Quran reveals, we were among God's creatures enjoying His provisions in Paradise before our arrival here. [2:25] Give good news to those who believe and lead a righteous life that they will have gardens … Continue reading Life, Death, and Inception
By the Even and the Odd
In Sura 89, Dawn (Al-Fajr), God swears by the even and the odd. [89:3] By the even and the odd. (٣) وَٱلشَّفْعِ وَٱلْوَتْرِ The Quran is composed of 114 Suras (chapters) and 6,234 numbered verses. Summing the Sura numbers sequentially (1 + 2 + 3 + ... + 114) gives a total of 6,555. Separately, the total … Continue reading By the Even and the Odd
How Christians and Sunnis Justified Their Idolatry
Historically, both Christianity and traditional Islam have grappled with the tension between their foundational scriptures and the later traditions that emerged within their communities. Both faiths began with firm proclamations of strict monotheism with the declaration that there is no god but God. Yet, over time, scholars and theologians in both religions were compelled to … Continue reading How Christians and Sunnis Justified Their Idolatry
Believers Implore God Alone (Du‘ā in Quran)
According to the Quran, calling upon anyone or anything besides God—whether in prayer, supplication, or hope—is a grave act of association (shirk), signifying the attribution of partners to God. This act directly contradicts the Quran's foundational principle of strict monotheism. This article is a summary of the Quranic verses addressing the concept of "du‘ā" ( دُعَاء )—the act … Continue reading Believers Implore God Alone (Du‘ā in Quran)
Would You Support God’s Messenger, Today?
It is a common belief among those who consider themselves virtuous that, had they lived in the era of one of God's messengers, they would have been among the few to recognize the truth and follow their call. This assumption of moral clarity and inherent goodness comforts many, allowing them to imagine themselves as allies … Continue reading Would You Support God’s Messenger, Today?
The Messenger vs. The Message
A messenger of God comes to deliver God's message, and it is this message that should be valued and pursued throughout one's life. However, people often shift their focus from the message to the messenger, losing sight of the true purpose of their coming. This is evident, for example, in how many Christians have become … Continue reading The Messenger vs. The Message
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