Muslims Forum

 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...

 One of the most persistent misconceptions about Islam is the belief that it allows or even promotes forced conversions. This idea has been widely propagated over the centuries, often fueled by misinformation or political motives. However, a close look at Islamic teachings, the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the conduct of the early Muslim community clearly reveals that Islam strictly opposes any form of forced conversion. 1. The Quran’s Clear Stance: No Compulsion in Religion The Qur’an firmly rejects coercion in matters of faith: “There is no compulsion in religion. The right path has become distinct from the wrong.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:256) This verse lays down a fundamental Islamic principle: that faith must be a product of free will. Genuine belief cannot arise from force or fear; it must come from sincere understanding and heartfelt conviction. True submission to God must be voluntary to hold any value. 2. True Faith Originates from the Heart In Islam, belief is a matter of ...

 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 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 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...

 The question of whether Islam spread through warfare or compassion has long been a subject of debate and misconception. However, a careful examination of Islamic history, the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and the behavior of his companions reveals a consistent reality: Islam primarily expanded through mercy, justice, exemplary character, and peaceful outreach . While there were instances of military engagement, these were largely defensive and aimed at protecting religious freedom. [1] Islam’s Core Message: Peace and Compassion The word "Islam" is rooted in the Arabic letters S-L-M , which relate to peace, submission, and safety. Fundamentally, Islam is about submitting to the will of Allah and living a life defined by justice, kindness, and moral integrity. The Qur’an describes the mission of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the following verse: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107) This verse underscores that the Pr...

  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 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 ...