common belief that Islam gives a higher status to men in comparison to women. This is a misconception in the truest sense of the word. Contrary to the common misconception cited above, Islam actually gives

that the two genders are different in nature, each being designed for a different purpose. So, the Islamic maxim runs: Equal in respect, but different in role. Each being equal has a different sphere of action

distinction is made between women and men as regards their respective rights. Man and woman in the eyes of Islam complement each other. This concept permits the shortcomings of one gender to be compensated for by

Thinking YOU need to be clear in your expression both written and spoken. The person who hears or reads what you have written should clearly understand and not be confused. Nature has bestowed material things

clarity. Consider this: Islam is taught as a subject in madrasas as well as in universities. But there is a clear distinction between the two in this regard. In madrasas, Islam is taught in terms of belief

belief. In contrast, in universities the Islamic Studies curriculum is taught as a historical phenomenon. If you don’t understand this difference between madrasa education and university education and you

supposed to give sumptuous food? Iftar is an Arabic word, which literally means ‘to break’. In the Islamic context, it means to break the fast, to eat and drink in the evening after the daylong fast. Iftar

It has great significance. It is a combination of spiritual and physical food. According to the Islamic teachings, iftar should be a simple meal and not a lavish affair. Simplicity saves us from distraction

into being, only then can he be hopeful of finding this night and his prayer being accepted by God. What are the rituals to be observed by Muslims in this night. Is it to be observed collectively or individually

tradition, the Prophet of Islam once said of a man who passed by the place where he was sitting that he would go to Paradise. One of the men sitting with the Prophet started wondering what that special act was

was that had caused the Prophet of Islam to say that he would go to Paradise. Therefore, he went to the man’s house and, with his permission, stayed there for three days. On the third day, when he was leaving

enquired as to why he had come there. Then the guest told him what the Prophet had said about him, and that he had come there to watch what special thing he was doing, but he had not seen any special act

18.WHY SHOULD I RESPECT ISLAM AND ITS ADHERENTS? THEY ARE SUICIDE BOMBERS, CRUEL TOWARDS ‘SINNERS’, PATRONIZING TOWARDS WOMEN, FOLLOW CONSERVATIVE MEDIEVAL SOCIAL NORMS AND SANCTIMONIOUS PEOPLE WHO LOOK

AND SMOKE?You are under no compulsion to respect Islam and its adherents. However, you must certainly analyze what you hold in contempt. The very word ‘Islam’ (from the Arabic silm) connotes peace. According

According to a tradition of the Prophet: Peace is Islam. (Musnad al-Bazzar, hadith no. 1396) This means that peace is one of the prerequisites of Islam. A hadith states; A Muslim is one from whose tongue and

18.WHY SHOULD I RESPECT ISLAM AND ITS ADHERENTS? THEY ARE SUICIDE BOMBERS, CRUEL TOWARDS ‘SINNERS’, PATRONIZING TOWARDS WOMEN, FOLLOW CONSERVATIVE MEDIEVAL SOCIAL NORMS AND SANCTIMONIOUS PEOPLE WHO LOOK

AND SMOKE?You are under no compulsion to respect Islam and its adherents. However, you must certainly analyze what you hold in contempt. The very word ‘Islam’ (from the Arabic silm) connotes peace. According

According to a tradition of the Prophet: Peace is Islam. (Musnad al-Bazzar, hadith no. 1396) This means that peace is one of the prerequisites of Islam. A hadith states; A Muslim is one from whose tongue and

to live a life of restraint and be self-controlled. The most important thing required to lead an Islamic life in this world is patience. Unlike other months this month provides more time and a congenial

to live a life of restraint and be self-controlled. The most important thing required to lead an Islamic life in this world is patience. The month of Ramazan serves as a training course in humility. Humility

and his Companions. Today, if we compare the culture followed in society during the month of Ramazan what do we see? One cannot deny that there are individuals who observe this worship in full earnestness

experiences it.13.IN ISLAM, WHAT MAKES AN INDIVIDUAL ELIGIBLE FOR SALVATION?The Islamic concept of salvation is based on tazkiya, or purification of soul. In other words, salvation in Islam is dependent on

of malice.14.THE QURAN SAYS, ‘GOD GUIDES WHOEVER HE WANTS, AND MISGUIDES WHOEVER HE WANTS.’ (35:8). WHAT MAKES GOD WANT TO GUIDE OR MISGUIDE SOMEONE?This is a matter of expression in language. It simply

experiences it.13.IN ISLAM, WHAT MAKES AN INDIVIDUAL ELIGIBLE FOR SALVATION?The Islamic concept of salvation is based on tazkiya, or purification of soul. In other words, salvation in Islam is dependent on

of malice.14.THE QURAN SAYS, ‘GOD GUIDES WHOEVER HE WANTS, AND MISGUIDES WHOEVER HE WANTS.’ (35:8). WHAT MAKES GOD WANT TO GUIDE OR MISGUIDE SOMEONE?This is a matter of expression in language. It simply

GREATEST BLESSINGEfforts Required The best provision in this world is a pious woman. —Prophet of Islam, Sahih Muslim, Sunan an-Nasai THIS Hadith means that every woman is, in terms of potential, capable

consider his dealings with her as a form of worship. Paying whatever price he needs to, he will do what he can so that his wife becomes, in the true sense of the term, the best companion for him.   Every