not used in the dictionary. This term first came to my mind when I read a Hadith of the Prophet of Islam. According to this Hadith, every person is born as Mr. Nature, but due to environmental influences

de-conditioned. It is only after going through this process can right thinking be initiated in a person. What do you mean by de-conditioning? I would like to give an example to explain my point. When a person

is only with their parents, although it is the Creator who should be the centre of one’s emotions. What is the method for de-conditioning our wrong conditioning? There is only one method for undertaking

A Sense of AccountabilityOne of the important teachings of Islam is the concept of accountability. According to the Quran, life is a very serious business, for which reason everyone ought to be imbued

when you measure, and weigh with accurate scales. That is fair, and better in the end. Do not follow what you do not know; for the ear and the eye and the heart shall all be called to account. (17:35-36)

that we gather from outside. Basically, there are three sources: what we hear, what we see, and what we think. These three senses give us what may be called data, but in each case there is the possibility

the Prophet of Islam, one who fasts should never stoop to using abusive language; if someone abuses him, he should simply say ‘I am fasting.’ (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 2363) Islamic fasting, as far

want to do. However, when you are living in a society, you have to give leeway to others. This is what every person on the road does when he drives a car: he either keeps to the left (or to the right depending

can find a greater field of work with more opportunities than before. The Hijrath of the Prophet of Islam was a decision that held the promise of expansion and development. The Hadith also indicates this

the Field of Activity Another Sunnath of the Prophet is Islam could be termed as ‘Changing the Field of Activity’. Although the Prophet of Islam had migrated from Makkah to Madinah, the leaders of the

sides but these battles were inconclusive and there was nothing resolved. After this the Prophet of Islam negotiated a treaty with the people of Makkah that is known as the Treaty of Hudaibiya. This was essentially

is the book of God. It has been preserved in its entirety since its revelation to the Prophet of Islam between AD 610 and 632. It is a book that brings glad tidings to humankind, along with divine admonition

works and says, ‘I am surely of those who submit’? Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend, but

THE EDITORIAL DIRECTORDr. Farida Khanam has been a professor at the Department of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi. A Study of World's Major Religions, A Simple Guide to Sufism are two

two of the books amongst others, of which she is the author. She has also translated many books on Islam authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently, the chairperson of Centre for Peace and Spirituality

courses on peace-building, countering extremism and conflict resolution. AN UNDERSTANDING ABOUT ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE FIQH the Arabic equivalent to jurisprudence literally means an understanding and knowledge

is the book of God. It has been preserved in its entirety since its revelation to the Prophet of Islam between 610 and 632 CE. It is a book that brings glad tidings to mankind, along with divine admonition

do not enjoy: one who belongs to a particular community believes he is sure to be saved, no matter what the standard of his faith and deeds. Paradise is for us, hell for them, he imagines. But God does

INTROSPECTIONPersonality Development ISLAM places the highest emphasis on being a purified personality. It is necessary for every believer to purify himself. Without purification, a God-oriented personality

self-glorification. This kind of attitude should be anathema to a person aiming at purifying himself. What one should do is to develop anti-self thinking, so that he may be able to stand up to criticism. This

irrespective of the words written on paper, what would ultimately prevail would be the Truth. The Prophet’s unshakable conviction that he was God’s Prophet was enough for him not to attach importance

asked him: “O Prophet of God, what has aged you so soon?” The Prophet replied: “It is chapters (of the Quran) like Hud that have aged me.” (Musnad al- Bazzar, Hadith No. 92) What is there in particular in

you will not be helped.” (The Quran, 11:113) This verse pertains to the time when the Prophet of Islam had communicated his message of dawah openly but had found the majority of the people unwilling to

Islamic doctrine or belief, at all times the angels of God are near to every person. They are constantly noting down records of man’s words and deeds. In such a situation, it is absolutely natural that

believer who has surrendered himself before the Lord. What is Taqwa? It is recorded in a tradition that Umar Faruq once asked Ubayy ibn Kaab what taqwa was. He replied, “Have you ever passed by thorny

thorny bushes?” He said he had. Ubayy ibn Kaab then asked, “What did you do then?” Umar Faruq said that he had gathered up his clothes and cautiously kept away from the thorns, so as