Non-Arabs (Mostly Persian) Influence on Sunni Islam

In early Islamic society, a Muslim ruler once asked about the judges and scholars overseeing various provinces, only to learn that most were non-Arab clients, or mawālī—a term referring to freed slaves or non-Arab converts who became clients under the patronage of Arab tribes. This account is recorded in Al-ʿAqd al-Farīd, written by Ibn ʿAbd … Continue reading Non-Arabs (Mostly Persian) Influence on Sunni Islam

Ruh

The Ruh ( ٱلرُّوحُ ), often translated as Spirit or Revelation, is a concept about which the Quran tells us that we have limited information. [17:85] They ask you about the revelation (ruh). Say, "The revelation (ruh) comes from my Lord. The knowledge given to you is minute."  وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلرُّوحِ قُلِ ٱلرُّوحُ مِنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّى … Continue reading Ruh

None can grasp it except the sincere (56:79)

The Quran informs us that it is inaccessible to those who are not sincere. [56:75] I swear by the positions of the stars.[56:76] This is an oath, if you only knew, that is awesome.[56:77] This is an honorable Quran.[56:78] In a protected book.[56:79] None can grasp it except the sincere.[56:80] A revelation from the Lord of the universe. (٧٥) فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِمَوَاقِعِ النُّجُومِ(٧٦) وَإِنَّهُ لَقَسَمٌ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عَظِيمٌ(٧٧) إِنَّهُ لَقُرْآنٌ كَرِيمٌ(٧٨) فِي كِتَابٍ مَكْنُونٍ(٧٩) لَا يَمَسُّهُ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ(٨٠) تَنْزِيلٌ مِنْ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ Ironically, most … Continue reading None can grasp it except the sincere (56:79)

Ideal Goals, Practical Means

According to the Quran, God calls believers to strive to be the best worshipers and faithfully adhere to His laws. This entails choosing the more challenging path and striving towards the ideals that God has set forth whenever possible. [90:11] He should choose the difficult path.[90:12] Which one is the difficult path?[90:13] The freeing of slaves.[90:14] Feeding, during the … Continue reading Ideal Goals, Practical Means

Prophet (Nabi) & Muhammad

[49:2] O you who believe, do not raise your voices above the voice of the prophet,* nor shall you shout at him as you shout at each other, lest your works become nullified while you do not perceive.  يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ لَا تَرْفَعُوٓا۟ أَصْوَٰتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ ٱلنَّبِىِّ وَلَا تَجْهَرُوا۟ لَهُۥ بِٱلْقَوْلِ كَجَهْرِ بَعْضِكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ أَن تَحْبَطَ … Continue reading Prophet (Nabi) & Muhammad

An Undue Burden

An intriguing observation is that individuals often apply minimal scrutiny to the beliefs they were raised with while simultaneously demanding an unreasonable level of proof before they accept new ideas. Consider that the beliefs we're born into are deeply embedded from an early age, reinforced by the foundational structures of family, community, and culture. These … Continue reading An Undue Burden