Muslims Forum

Few leaders in the Arab and Muslim world have left as profound and lasting an impact as King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud , the third monarch of Saudi Arabia. Renowned for his sharp intellect, diplomatic skill, and deep-rooted Islamic values, King Faisal played a transformative role in shaping the modern identity of Saudi Arabia—balancing progress with tradition and reform with religious integrity. Early Life and Path to Leadership Born in 1906 in Riyadh , Faisal was the son of King Abdulaziz , the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. From an early age, Faisal was recognized for his potential and was groomed for leadership. As a teenager, he was entrusted with diplomatic missions, representing his father in key international engagements. These early responsibilities nurtured his political maturity and refined his diplomatic instincts. Before becoming king, Faisal held several high-profile positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs —a role he maintained for decades—and Prime Ministe...

 In Islam, marriage is regarded not merely as a legal contract but as a sacred covenant that encompasses spiritual, moral, and social dimensions. The subject of interfaith marriage—unions between Muslims and non-Muslims—has long been a matter of scholarly examination and legal interpretation. To understand this issue thoroughly, it is necessary to refer to primary Islamic sources such as the Qur'an, the Hadith, and the insights of classical and contemporary jurists. [1] The Foundational Principles of Marriage in Islam Marriage (nikāḥ) in Islam is grounded in essential values, including: Mutual respect Shared ethical and spiritual values A common belief in God These principles aim to support the development of a virtuous household rooted in a spiritually nurturing and faith-centered environment. The Qur’an beautifully encapsulates this purpose: "And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find peace and tranquil...

 These ten noble companions are known as the Ashra Mubashsharah (العشرة المبشرون بالجنة) because the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ personally declared them among those promised Paradise, as mentioned in various authentic Hadiths (e.g., Sunan al-Tirmidhi , Musnad Ahmad ). They are honored not only for their deep faith but also for their exemplary character, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication to Islam. Below is a detailed list of the Ashra Mubashsharah — the ten companions of the Prophet ﷺ who were given the glad tidings of Paradise during their lifetimes — along with brief descriptions of their lives and notable contributions: [1] Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA) Full Name: Abdullah ibn Abi Quhafah Key Contributions: The closest companion of the Prophet ﷺ and the first adult male to accept Islam. Accompanied the Prophet ﷺ during the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah. Became the first Caliph after the Prophet’s ﷺ passing. Played a pivotal role in unifying the Muslim community and ordered the compilati...

  Early Life and Background Khalid ibn al-Walid (رضي الله عنه) was born around 592 CE in Makkah, into the esteemed Banu Makhzum clan of the Quraysh tribe. His family was renowned for its military strength and leadership, qualities Khalid naturally inherited. His father, al-Walid ibn al-Mughira, was a wealthy and influential leader in Qurayshi society, deeply involved in the political and social dynamics of pre-Islamic Arabia. From a young age, Khalid was rigorously trained in warfare, including horseback riding, swordsmanship, and military strategy. His physical prowess, sharp intellect, and natural leadership made him a standout among the youth of Makkah. During the early years of Islam, Khalid was a staunch opponent of the new faith and actively participated in efforts to resist the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers. Embracing Islam Although initially a fierce adversary—particularly noted for his pivotal role in the Muslim defeat at the Battle of Uhud—Khalid's views gradually ...

  Early Life and Noble Lineage Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (رضي الله عنها) was born around 555 CE in Makkah, into the esteemed Qurayshi tribe of Banu Asad. Her father, Khuwaylid ibn Asad, was a prominent leader and a prosperous merchant, and her mother also hailed from a distinguished and noble lineage. Even before the advent of Islam, Khadijah (RA) was widely recognized for her dignity, wisdom, and exemplary character. She was honored with the title “Tāhirah” (the Pure One) for her virtue, generosity, and moral integrity. From a young age, she exhibited remarkable intelligence, strong principles, and natural leadership—qualities that later helped her become one of the most influential and respected women in Arabian society. A Successful Businesswoman After inheriting her father’s trading enterprise, Khadijah (RA) skillfully expanded it into one of Makkah’s most successful and reputable businesses. She specialized in trading goods from regions like Syria and Yemen, and employed capabl...

  Early Life and Noble Lineage Ayesha bint Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنها) was born in Makkah in the year 613 CE, approximately five years after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began receiving revelation. She was the daughter of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA), the Prophet’s closest companion and the first Caliph of Islam. Her mother, Umm Ruman (RA), was a woman of great piety and devotion. Ayesha (RA) was raised in a household deeply grounded in faith, righteousness, and unwavering commitment to Islam. From an early age, she displayed exceptional intelligence, a sharp memory, and keen insight—qualities that would later make her one of the most influential women in Islamic history. Her upbringing in an atmosphere of piety and knowledge laid the foundation for her remarkable contributions to the Ummah. Marriage to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Ayesha (RA) was married to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in 1 AH (623 CE) after the migration to Madinah. Although the marriage contract had been concluded earlier, she began livi...

  Early Life and Background Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, one of the most revered scholars in Islamic history, was born in 164 AH (780 CE) in the city of Baghdad, during the height of the Abbasid Caliphate. His full name was Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hanbal al-Shaybani. He descended from the noble Arab tribe of Shayban. Although his family originated from Basra, he was brought up in Baghdad, which was then a thriving hub of intellectual and religious scholarship. Imam Ahmad lost his father in early childhood and was raised by his devout mother, who nurtured in him the values of faith, perseverance, humility, and sincerity—qualities that later became hallmarks of his character and scholarly legacy. Quest for Knowledge From a young age, Imam Ahmad showed a strong inclination toward learning. He memorized the Qur’an early on and pursued studies in Arabic language, poetry, and Islamic jurisprudence. As he grew older, his passion for the Hadith sciences became his primary focus. In his quest for ...

  Early Life and Background Imam Mālik ibn Anas ibn Mālik ibn Abī ‘Āmir al-Asbaḥī was born in the year 93 AH (711 CE) in the sacred city of Madinah, during the era of the Umayyad Caliphate. He hailed from the noble Yemeni tribe of Al-Asbah and belonged to a family deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship. His grandfather was a Companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and his father was also engaged in religious learning. Growing up in Madinah, a center of Islamic knowledge and spiritual heritage, Imam Mālik was nurtured in an atmosphere of devotion, scholarship, and respect for the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. His mother, a woman of profound insight and piety, played an instrumental role in shaping his path. She encouraged him toward the study of Hadith and Fiqh, once advising him, “Go to Rabiʿah and learn from his manners before you learn from his knowledge,” while dressing him in the garb of a seeker of knowledge. Pursuit of Knowledge From a young age, Imam Mālik dedicated himself to the pur...

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, one of the most revered scholars in Islamic history, was born in Baghdad in the year 164 AH (780 CE) , during the rule of the Abbasid Caliphate. His full name was Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Hanbal al-Shaybani , and he descended from the noble Arab tribe of Shayban . Although his family originally came from Basra , he was raised in Baghdad—then a flourishing center of scholarship, culture, and intellectual activity. His father passed away when he was very young, leaving him in the care of his devout and steadfast mother. She played a pivotal role in shaping his character, instilling in him strong values of faith, patience, discipline, and sincerity . Pursuit of Knowledge From an early age, Imam Ahmad immersed himself in the pursuit of knowledge. He began by memorizing the Qur’an , and studied Arabic language , grammar , poetry , and Islamic jurisprudence . As he grew older, his focus shifted predominantly to the study of Hadith (Prophetic traditions) , which became t...

  Early Life and Background Imam al-Shafi‘i, whose full name was Muhammad ibn Idris ibn al-‘Abbas ibn Uthman ibn Shafi‘ , was born in Gaza, Palestine , in the year 150 AH (767 CE) —the same year in which Imam Abu Hanifa passed away . He descended from the noble Quraysh tribe and traced his lineage back to Abd Manaf , the great-grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Following the early death of his father , Imam al-Shafi‘i was raised by his mother in Mecca , where he began his initial studies. Despite facing financial difficulties, his mother remained committed to his education. Her efforts bore fruit early on—he memorized the Qur'an by the age of seven and Imam Malik’s Muwatta by the age of ten , showcasing a remarkable intellect from a young age. Pursuit of Knowledge and Major Teachers Imam al-Shafi‘i undertook extensive journeys in his quest for knowledge, learning from some of the most distinguished scholars of his era. Among his most influential teachers were: Imam Ma...

  Early Life and Background Imam Abu Hanifa, whose full name was Nu‘mān ibn Thābit ibn Zūṭā al-Kūfī , was born in Kufa, Iraq , in the year 80 AH (699 CE) , during the rule of the Umayyad Caliphate. He came from a family of Persian origin . His grandfather, Zuta , is believed to have been brought to Kufa as a prisoner from Kabul, where he later embraced Islam. The family became known for its honesty in trade and strong adherence to Islamic values . Though born in a period marked by political turbulence, especially between the Umayyad rulers and the Alid movement, Abu Hanifa initially focused on a career in commerce . He was a silk merchant , widely respected for his trustworthiness and ethical conduct in business. However, his growing intellectual curiosity and regular interaction with scholars eventually inspired him to pursue a life dedicated to Islamic knowledge and jurisprudence. Education and Teachers Imam Abu Hanifa acquired knowledge under the guidance of some of the ...

  Early Life and Noble Lineage Imam Hasan ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه) was born in the blessed city of Medina on the 15th of Ramadan, 3 AH (625 CE) . As the eldest grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ , he held a unique and cherished place in the Prophet’s heart. His parents were Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) and Fatimah az-Zahra (RA) , the noble daughter of the Prophet ﷺ. From the moment of his birth, the Prophet ﷺ demonstrated his deep affection for the newborn. He gave him the name Hasan —a name previously unknown among the Arabs—and performed the Sunnah of Tahnik , gently placing a chewed date into the infant's mouth as a gesture of blessing and love. As a member of the Ahl al-Bayt , Imam Hasan (RA) was raised in an environment filled with faith, wisdom, and righteousness, surrounded by some of the most virtuous individuals of the early Muslim community. Prophetic Praise and Hadith about Imam Hasan (RA) The love and admiration the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had for Imam Hasan (RA) are well do...

  Early Life and Lineage Imam Hussain ibn Ali (رضي الله عنه) was born on the 3rd of Sha’ban in the year 4 AH (626 CE) in the blessed city of Medina. He was the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the son of Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) and Fatimah az-Zahra (RA), the noble daughter of the Prophet ﷺ. Through this esteemed lineage, Imam Hussain (RA) belonged to the Ahl al-Bayt—the revered household of the Prophet ﷺ—honored across the Muslim world for their unparalleled piety, virtue, and close relationship with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Prophet’s ﷺ Love and Praise for Imam Hussain (RA) The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ displayed profound love and affection for Imam Hussain (RA), frequently expressing his high spiritual rank in authentic narrations. Among his many words of endearment are: "Hasan and Hussain are the leaders of the youth of Paradise." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3768 – Sahih) "O Allah, I love them, so love them, and love those who love them." (Sahih al-Bukhari...

  What is Youm al-Ashura? Youm al-Ashura refers to the 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It holds profound historical and spiritual significance in Islam and is observed through fasting, remembrance, and reflection. The word "Ashura" is derived from the Arabic term Asharah (عَشَرَة), meaning "ten," signifying its occurrence on the tenth day of Muharram. Religious Significance of Fasting on Ashura Fasting on Ashura is rooted in the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. When he migrated to Madinah, he found the Jewish community fasting on this day to commemorate how Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea. Upon learning this, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "We have more right to Musa than they do." (Sahih al-Bukhari) He then fasted on this day and encouraged his followers to do the same. The Reward for Fasting on Ashura The Prophet ﷺ highlighted ...