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  1. Zubair Khan
    Zubair Khan Islamic Scholar Specialist in Islamic Law & Jurisprudence

    Name is the method used to address the child after it is born in the world. In other words, a person is called by a special word to distinguish him from other people, hence the name. And keeping this name is very important in Islam. Every person is inextricably linked with his name, nickname or titlRead more

    Name is the method used to address the child after it is born in the world. In other words, a person is called by a special word to distinguish him from other people, hence the name. And keeping this name is very important in Islam. Every person is inextricably linked with his name, nickname or title.

    Regarding naming, Hazrat Rasool (pbuh) ordered to name the newborn with a good and beautiful meaningful name on the seventh day of the child’s birth. (Tirmidhi)

    The Prophet (peace be upon him) urged to keep beautiful names, you will be called by your own name and your father’s name on the Day of Resurrection. So you have beautiful names. (Abu Dawud)

    The following points are noteworthy about the importance of names in Islam.

    For example- 1. Allah’s instructions: There are clear instructions in Islam about the importance of naming. Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Qur’an, “O Zakaria, I (Allah) give you the good news of a son. His name will be Yahya. I have never named anyone by this name before. [Surah Maryam, verse 7 (second chapter)]

    2. Keeping beautiful and meaningful names: Hazrat Rasulullah (SAW) emphasized on keeping beautiful and meaningful names. After the birth of the child, it is an essential duty of parents and guardians to give a beautiful and meaningful name. It is better to associate it with the Attributes of Allah Ta’ala and to name it after His beloved servants.

    3. Laws of Islam: Naming is one of the laws of Islam. However, it is forbidden to name after disbelievers, polytheists and notorious sinners. The Companions who had ugly and offensive names, Hazrat Rasool Kareem (PBUH) changed them to beautiful and meaningful names.

    4. Enthusiasm for naming names after Prophets: The titles and surnames of Hazrat Rasool Kareem (PBUH) were prevalent in everything. Because all kinds of names have a great influence on the person or thing and even on the character. Because words have an effect, swearing or cursing provokes others.

    5. Means of identification: Name is the means of identification of people. But the sad thing is that the present Muslim society is running towards indifference day by day avoiding this great importance of keeping name in the eyes of Islam. Muslims are naming their children after Jews, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. It is not clear by hearing the name, whether the person is Muslim or not. Again, many times it is seen that although the original name is Arabic and very beautiful, parents and guardians have given nicknames, which in many cases are meaningless and prove to follow a foreign culture. Like- George, Michael, Jacker, Dolly, Molly, Ratan, Vidyut, Beauty, Boltu, Montu, Nantu, Pintub, Ranjan, Ravi, Shashi etc. Name is one of the means of identification of a person. For that, having a beautiful and meaningful name is a serious responsibility and duty on every parent or guardian. So let’s give a beautiful and meaningful name for the child without following meaningless or foreign culture.

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  1. "Qadr" in terms of vocabulary refers to 'estimation', while in religious terminology, it refers to Allah's knowledge and decision regarding events that have been determined before their occurrence in the universe and all its creations. There are two types of "Qadr": 1. Qadr Mubram (Decreed Fate): ThRead more

    “Qadr” in terms of vocabulary refers to ‘estimation’, while in religious terminology, it refers to Allah’s knowledge and decision regarding events that have been determined before their occurrence in the universe and all its creations.

    There are two types of “Qadr”:

    1. Qadr Mubram (Decreed Fate): This is the final decision written by Allah’s command on the Preserved Tablet, and it cannot be changed.

    2. Qadr Muallaq (Dependent Fate): This is a promise from Allah that if a person desires, through their good deeds and supplication, their fate can be changed.

    Events such as divorce, marriage, children, death, and every moment of a person’s life are written in fate, and their details and qualities are a secret, forbidden to delve into according to Shariah. Hence, it’s obligatory for us to have faith that whatever good or evil exists, it’s all within Allah’s knowledge, and fate is from Allah alone. Therefore, we must continuously engage in righteous actions and strive for self-improvement.

    There’s a Hadith stating that the fate of a person eventually prevails over them. The companions asked, “Shouldn’t we then rely solely on fate and not act?” The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) replied, “No, keep doing good deeds, for everyone will find it easy to do what they were created for.” This means to continue doing good deeds in the hope that death comes while one is in a state of goodness, thus ensuring salvation.

    Although everything an individual does is according to divine fate, humans are not helpless like inanimate objects; therefore, we are obligated to strive and adopt good planning. Nonetheless, what actions a person will take, when, where, is all within Allah’s knowledge, but humans are not compelled by it, and they are obligated to strive.

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  1. Islam does not have a single, universally agreed-upon stance on democracy because interpretations of Islamic teachings can vary. Some Muslims believe that democratic principles, such as the election of leaders and the rule of law, are compatible with Islam's values of justice and consultation (ShuraRead more

    Islam does not have a single, universally agreed-upon stance on democracy because interpretations of Islamic teachings can vary. Some Muslims believe that democratic principles, such as the election of leaders and the rule of law, are compatible with Islam’s values of justice and consultation (Shura). They argue that these principles can be implemented within an Islamic framework.However, there are also differing views among Muslims. Some argue that Islamic law (Sharia) should take precedence over democratic laws, which can lead to tension between democratic governance and certain interpretations of Islamic governance.In practice, the relationship between Islam and democracy varies from one Muslim-majority country to another, reflecting a wide range of political systems and interpretations of Islamic teachings. It’s important to note that there is no single, monolithic Islamic perspective on democracy, and opinions on this topic can be diverse and nuanced.

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  1. In a two-rak'ah (unit) prayer, such as the Dhuhr or Asr prayers in Islam, the Tashahhud is recited in the final sitting position (sujood). Here's what to say during the Tashahhud: Sit with your back straight in the final sitting position. Raise your right index finger while keeping the other fingersRead more

    In a two-rak’ah (unit) prayer, such as the Dhuhr or Asr prayers in Islam, the Tashahhud is recited in the final sitting position (sujood). Here’s what to say during the Tashahhud: Sit with your back straight in the final sitting position. Raise your right index finger while keeping the other fingers closed, pointing it toward the qiblah (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca).Recite the following words in Arabic:أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُTransliteration: Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu.Translation: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.”After reciting this, you can lower your finger and complete the prayer with the Tasleem, which involves turning your head to the right and saying, “As-salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah” (peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) to end the prayer. Please note that the Tashahhud is an essential part of the prayer and should be recited with sincerity and devotion.

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  1. Allahumma barik" is an Arabic phrase that means "O Allah, bless." It is often used in various contexts by Muslims to seek blessings from Allah (God) for something or someone. Here are some common occasions when "Allahumma barik" is said: When giving blessings or well-wishes: Muslims may say "AllahumRead more

    Allahumma barik” is an Arabic phrase that means “O Allah, bless.” It is often used in various contexts by Muslims to seek blessings from Allah (God) for something or someone. Here are some common occasions when “Allahumma barik” is said: When giving blessings or well-wishes: Muslims may say “Allahumma barik” when congratulating someone on a special occasion, such as a wedding, the birth of a child, or any other joyous event. When seeing something beautiful: Some Muslims say “Allahumma barik” when they see something beautiful in nature, like a picturesque landscape or a blooming flower, as a way of acknowledging and appreciating the beauty of creation. During prayer: It is also common to say “Allahumma barik” during or after certain prayers or supplications as a way of seeking Allah’s blessings. When sharing food: Before or after sharing a meal, Muslims may say “Allahumma barik” as a way of asking for Allah’s blessings upon the food and the gathering. When admiring someone’s actions: If someone does something virtuous or commendable, others may say “Allahumma barik” to express admiration and invoke Allah’s blessings upon that person’s actions. It’s important to note that the usage of “Allahumma barik” can vary among different cultures and communities, but it is generally used as a positive expression of blessings and good wishes.

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  1. In Islamic tradition, it is recommended to say "Yarhamuk Allah" (يَرْحَمُكَ اللهُ) to someone who sneezes, as a way of offering a supplication or blessing for them. The phrase "Yarhamuk Allah" means "May Allah have mercy on you." If someone sneezes multiple times in succession, it is generally consiRead more

    In Islamic tradition, it is recommended to say “Yarhamuk Allah” (يَرْحَمُكَ اللهُ) to someone who sneezes, as a way of offering a supplication or blessing for them. The phrase “Yarhamuk Allah” means “May Allah have mercy on you.”

    If someone sneezes multiple times in succession, it is generally considered courteous to say “Yarhamuk Allah” each time they sneeze. This practice reflects the Islamic etiquette of responding to a sneeze with a prayer for God’s mercy and blessings.

    Here’s a typical exchange:

    1. When someone sneezes, they say “Alhamdulillah” (الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ), which means “Praise be to Allah.”
    2. In response, you can say “Yarhamuk Allah,” which means “May Allah have mercy on you.”
    3. If the person sneezes again, you can repeat the process by saying “Yarhamuk Allah” again.

    This is a simple act of courtesy and good manners in Islam and is often practiced by Muslims as a way to show care and concern for one another.

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