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Showing posts from December, 2024

Winning Hearts to Win a Country: Lessons from Surah Al-Mulk

In the pursuit of winning a country—not through conquest, but through winning the hearts and minds of its people—the wisdom of Surah Al-Mulk offers profound insights. This chapter of the Qur'an, often referred to as The Sovereignty , serves as a divine blueprint for personal development, social contribution, and leadership that can inspire positive change in a nation. 1. Leadership Begins with Purpose Surah Al-Mulk opens with a powerful declaration: "Blessed is He in whose hand is the dominion, and He is over all things competent." (67:1) This verse reminds us that ultimate sovereignty belongs to Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of all. For human leaders, this is a call to emulate divine attributes such as justice, compassion, and wisdom. To "win a country," leaders and individuals alike must ground their actions in a higher purpose, focusing on serving others with humility and integrity. 2. Inspire Change Through Deeds The Surah highlights the purpose ...

Why Suicide is Haram: A Perspective Rooted in Faith and Compassion

Suicide is a deeply sensitive topic that impacts individuals, families, and communities. In Islam, suicide is considered haram (prohibited) due to profound reasons rooted in the principles of faith, human rights, and gratitude toward the Creator. The Sanctity of Life Life is a sacred gift from Allah, and each individual is entrusted with its care. In the Quran, Allah says: “And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” (Quran 4:29) This verse emphasizes the value of life and the mercy of Allah, who encourages believers to persevere through trials. Choosing to end one’s life goes against this divine trust, undermining the sanctity of the existence Allah has granted. The Power and Responsibility of Free Will Humans are endowed with free will, a powerful ability to make choices. However, with this power comes responsibility. Misusing this gift by taking one's own life results in consequences that extend beyond the individual. The decisio...

Planning Lessons from Surah Maryam: A Divine Blueprint for Life

Surah Maryam, a beautiful chapter in the Qur'an named after Maryam (Mary, mother of Prophet Isa or Jesus, peace be upon them), offers profound lessons on trust, patience, and planning. It intricately weaves narratives of various prophets and their challenges, emphasizing how divine guidance intersects with human effort. These stories serve as timeless lessons in strategic planning, reliance on Allah, and perseverance. Here are key lessons on planning inspired by Surah Maryam: 1. Trusting Allah’s Plan Amidst Apparent Impossibilities One of the most remarkable stories in Surah Maryam is that of Prophet Zakariya (AS), who, despite his old age and his wife's barrenness, prayed fervently for a child. His prayer reflects hope and faith in Allah’s power: "He said, 'My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white, but I have never been in my supplication to You, my Lord, unhappy.'" (Qur'an 19:4) Lesson: Zakariya’s story teaches ...