According to scholars, the designation of a charity is that of an *agent* and hence is bound by a number of values, most notably Amanah (or fulfilling the trust). This refers specifically to discharging the trust of donations in respect to the donor as well as the beneficiaries it has been collected for, in a […]

The current financial situation for many people is in the air. Those in a job may not feel the pressure, but the reality is that things are uncertain and *can* take a turn for the worse for anyone. Some quick reflections for: Those who still have a job/income; 1) Thank Allah (swt) – It’s easy […]

With everything going on, it’s always important to remember that it is Allah who protects this religion and it’s people.  The Prophets (as) and the righteous – they were physically attacked, mocked and harassed by underhanded enemies or hypocrites.  But as Allah said to the Prophet (saws): “وَاللَّهُ يَعْصِمُكَ مِنَ النَّاسِ” “Allah will protect you […]

A potential need within the Muslim charity sector is simple, pragmatic and accessible guidance on a variety of Islamic positions. In other words, a ‘Fiqh of charity administration’ which covers two main elements;  1) Well researched Islamic rulings and  2) their application (in particular at field/project implementation level). Alhamdulillah, there is some good research based […]

There are many manners of social interaction (ādāb) which one learns from books and there are others which are learnt directly from teachers or elders. In both there is great wisdom and application. I remember being told that when walking with a scholar or elder (e.g. a parent) that one should stand to their right, […]

Sometimes I wonder if it is a given that teachers/Imams who stand on the minbar and give talks or classes will receive a greater reward in comparison to a volunteer who opens and closes the mosque, makes sure it is hoovered or organises worshippers during Covid 19.  There is no doubt that seeking/teaching knowledge is […]

There are two types of trial we can all face when approaching the religion according to Ibn al-Qayyim (ra); 1) Doubts and confusion (Shubuhāt) 2) Desires (Shahawāt) For the first, this can lead to hypocrisy and disbelief. Excessive doubts occur due to not knowing enough about the integrals of the religion, or understanding the rank […]

I was reflecting on one of Shaykh Kishk’s (ra) sayings when he said; ‘How do I ask you O Allah, and I am I? I am ashamed to ask you, and I am I. But how do I not ask you O Allah, when you are you!?’ We sometimes get so caught up in this […]

I remember many years ago I was seriously considering leaving the charity sector. We all heard many stories whether it was lack of transparency, incompetency or even malpractice.  I then asked Shaykh al-Judai’ and sought his advice of whether to leave based on a specific issue. He responded; ‘If you are in a position where […]

Weed or cannabis is still a big problem amongst the Muslim youth. I have seen brothers with beards even smoking it which is a shock. Now, I personally think part of the reason it’s slightly more accepted is because it’s not seen in the same light of alcohol – most Muslims understand drinking alcohol is […]