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Showing posts with the label Faith

Is It a Sin to Complain to Allah? A Reflection on Sustenance, Destiny, and Divine Decree

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Is questioning destiny the same as rebelling against God? Is sustenance predetermined in Islam? Can a person’s final outcome change through their actions? In this article, we examine the concepts of sustenance, destiny, and fate within Islamic thought, exploring the fine line between sincere questioning and spiritual rebellion. Hello everyone, This article is not written in academic language, but rather in a conversational, heartfelt style. I thought this would make you feel more connected while reading. Recently, on social media, I came across a post by a poet whom many of you know and whose poems you enjoy reading. He had written a poem, but removed it shortly after due to the reactions it received. That’s why I can’t write the entire poem here, nor do I want to mention his name. However, the content of the poem was roughly as follows: “God, you created me, you sent me to the world. But did you ask me when you created me? Why are you now holding me accountable for what I have done? D...

Are Public Sector Salaries Halal? Islamic Perspective on State Income and Lawful Earnings

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Are government salaries halal in Islam? Is it permissible to receive income from the state if public revenues include taxes or mixed sources? This article examines the Islamic ruling on public sector salaries, state treasury income, taxation, and dealing with unjust rulers according to classical Islamic scholarship. When receiving salaries and donations from the state, the following points must be considered and evaluated: Where did this property come from and how did it come into the hands of the state, and is the state entitled to receive it? We will examine these two points under two subheadings. The state’s revenues are as follows: 1- Spoils of war, fey’, jizya revenues, and goods obtained through peace treaties from non-Muslims; 2- Inheritances without heirs, goods with unknown owners, and waqfs without trustees; 3- Businesses; 4- Zakat and alms. These assets, collected in accordance with the necessary conditions and procedures, constitute the state’s lawful revenues. Apart from t...

Can You Perform Ablution with Water Drunk by a Cat? The Islamic Ruling Explained

 Cats hold a respected place in Islamic tradition. However, the ruling regarding water drunk by a cat—commonly referred to as “cat leftovers” in fiqh terminology—has been discussed extensively in classical jurisprudence. This article examines the hadith narrations and the opinions of major scholars, particularly within the Hanafi school, to determine whether performing ablution with such water is permissible or merely disliked (makruh). In a hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The cat is a predatory animal.” (Ahmed b. Hanbal, Musnad 2/442; Darekutni, Sunan, Taharat, 1/69; Zeylei, Nasbu’r-Raye, 1/127.) It is one of the animals whose meat is not eaten. This hadith indicates that the water a cat drinks is impure. Indeed, the water that predatory animals drink is impure. This is because predatory animals eat carrion. Cats, whether domesticated or wild, eat carrion. Tahawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said...

What Is Hidanah? Who Gets Child Custody After Divorce in Islam?

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Divorce in Islam is not merely the separation of two adults; it directly affects the future of a child. One of the most discussed issues in Islamic jurisprudence is hidanah — the right of child custody and care after separation. Many people ask: Who receives custody after divorce in Islam? Does the mother automatically have priority? Can the child choose? This article examines the concept of hidanah within classical Islamic law, compares scholarly opinions across schools of thought, and evaluates the issue from the perspective of the child’s best interest. “Divorce is a separation; but for the child, it is the beginning of a new life. So, with whom will this life be shaped?” When a marriage ends, the most precious thing left behind is the child. The Islamic rules that determine the child’s care, upbringing, and who they will live with are called ‘hidanah rights’; this right is a responsibility shaped by conscience regarding who the child will live with after the separation. A woman cam...

Who Was Ahmed Al-Badawi? His Life, Spiritual Journey and the Bedeviyye Order

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  Ahmedi Bedevi Mosque and Complex Ahmed Al-Badawi is one of the prominent Sufi figures of the 13th century and the founder of the Bedeviyye Order in Egypt. Known for his ascetic lifestyle, prolonged silence, and spiritual training through gaze and attention, he became a central figure in Islamic mysticism.In the history of Sufism, the concept of asceticism encompasses not only individual purification but also maintaining distance from political authority. This issue is discussed in greater detail in our article titled " Are Public Sector Salaries Halal? An Islamic Perspective on State Income and Lawful Earnings " within the context of the relationship between public authority and religion.  Born in Fez and later settled in Tanta, Egypt, his life combines scholarship, spiritual discipline, miracle narratives, and the institutional formation of a Sufi order. This article presents a comprehensive overview of his life, teachings, disciples, and historical influence. Life Ahm...

Religious Understanding Today: Formalism, Modernization and the Crisis of Meaning

In today’s world, religion is no longer shaped only by personal faith; it is influenced by culture, identity, and modern social pressures. As societies evolve, religious understanding also changes — sometimes deepening awareness, sometimes reducing belief to outward form rather than inner conviction. Many people identify strongly with religion, yet fewer stop to reflect on whether faith is being consciously understood or simply inherited and repeated. Has religion become a social label rather than a moral responsibility? Has modernization altered not the essence of faith, but the way it is practiced and perceived? This article examines contemporary religious understanding through themes such as sincerity, consciousness, social influence, and moral responsibility. The goal is not confrontation, but reflection.  Religion should be a field that seeks answers to humanity’s most intimate questions: “Why do I exist?”, “What should I do?”, “To whom am I accountable?” Yet today, these ques...