MEN AND WOMENStatus in Islam UMME SALMAH, the Prophet Muhammad’s wife, once remarked to the Prophet, “I hear of God mentioning men but not women.” It was in this context that the following verse was revealed

other’s lifetime companions. The Principle of Division of Labour Within the social framework, however, Islam—to the extent that it is both natural and practical—has adopted the principle of division of labour

to the home, while contributing what is practically possible in the home. The woman’s role is to do basically with management of home and family while contributing what is practically possible to the society

ISLAM AND POLITICSWill of Society IN making an assessment of Islam in relation to politics, one crucial point must be taken into consideration, about politics being only a relative and not the real part

part of Islam. This difference between a real and a relative feature is what is essential and relevant in all circumstances and at all times, whereas the relative feature is required only in relation to

In making an assessment of Islam in relation to politics, one crucial point must be taken into consideration, politics being only a relative and not the real part of Islam. The same is true of politics

activism of their own—what can be called ‘fatwa activism’. They think that by issuing a flurry of fatwas they can reform Muslim society. So, one hears of scores of fatwas against 'un-Islamic' dress, fatwas against

Such an approach is the right way to deal with the situation. This instance concerns a noted Indian Islamic scholar, Maulana Abdul Haq Haqqani, who died in 1831. He has authored a commentary on the Quran.

jurisprudence. The Maulana was asked to issue a fatwa on the matter to opine whether this was Islamically-acceptable or not. However, he declined to give the fatwa, and simply said, ‘My fatwa in this regard

FAITH AND HUMAN BEHAVIOURTrue Faith Explained ISLAM can be summed up very briefly: Fear of God (taqwa) and benevolence towards others. Taqwa means piety, which is, leading a life of caution and restraint

restraint in this world. The object of all the teachings of Islam is to produce the spirit of piety in every action. Those imbued with taqwa always keep in view the will and pleasure of God in every task they

everyone. They have a soothing effect upon all. There is a Hadith to this effect. The Prophet of Islam said: ‘The believer is like a gentle plant. When the winds blow, it does not become rigid, but rather

Khanam is an author, editor, translator, public speaker and former professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among her books are ‘A Simple Guide to Sufism’ and ‘A Study of World’s

email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. SPIRIT OF ISLAM Your Spiritual Companion THIS January 2022 is the beginning of the 10th year of our magazine. Its

answers to age-old questions like: Where do we come from? Where are we destined to go after death? What is the purpose of life? Why is there so much suffering in the world? This magazine also had to make

Wahiduddin Khan, born in 1925, in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, is an Islamic spiritual scholar who is well-versed in both classical Islamic learning and modern disciplines. The mission of his life has been

Sayyidina Imam Al Hassan Peace award for promoting peace in Muslim societies. He has been called ’Islam’s spiritual ambassador to the world’ and is recognized as one of its most influential Muslims . His

Spirituality based in New Delhi. MARVELS OF MAN AS I STOOD in front of India Gate in New Delhi, I thought what a beautiful specimen of architecture and sculpture it was. It is a structure which bears witness to

FASTING AS A SPIRITUAL CULTURESimple Living—High Thinking ACCORDING to Islamic teachings, Ramazan—the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar—is the month of fasting. In this month believers refrain from

from dawn till sunset. They eat and drink during the night. This practice continues for one month. What is fasting? Fasting does not simply amount to observing hunger for a temporary period of time. In

In fact, it symbolizes a lifelong culture, that is, a culture of dedication. According to Islamic ideology, a believer is a man of mission. A man of mission is a different person. He has little time for

FASTING AS A SPIRITUAL CULTURESimple Living—High thinking ACCORDING to Islamic teachings, Ramazan — the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar — is the month of fasting. In this month believers refrain

from dawn till sunset. They eat and drink during the night. This practice continues for one month. What is fasting? Fasting does not simply amount to observing hunger for a temporary period of time. In

In fact, it symbolizes a lifelong culture, that is, a culture of dedication. According to Islamic ideology, a believer is a man of mission. A man of mission is a different person. He has little time for

asked ‘What is the essence of ibadah? He replied: “The worship of God as though you are seeing Him. Or if you are not seeing Him, He is seeing you.” There are two kinds of ibadah, or worship, in Islam, the

hajj, (prayer, fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage) These forms of devotion are called the pillars of Islam. Then there are unspecified forms of ibadah, which consists of dhikr and fikr (3:191), meaning to

Muslim throughout his life.Akhlaq (morality)What is morality? It is to live among one’s fellow men according to the moral teachings of Islam. The essence of Islamic morality is thus set forth and given in

Wahiduddin Khan, born in 1925, in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, is an Islamic spiritual scholar who is well-versed in both classical Islamic learning and modern disciplines. The mission of his life has been

Sayyidina Imam Al Hassan Peace award for promoting peace in Muslim societies. He has been called ’Islam’s spiritual ambassador to the world’ and is recognized as one of its most influential Muslims . His

in six countries. He is the founder of the Centre for Peace and Spirituality based in New Delhi. WHAT DRIVES US TO THE POINT OF NO RETURN? THE World Health Organization reports that suicide has become