Jama Masjid India

Description:  The Islamic understanding of homosexuality. Homosexuality is one of the 21 st century’s  hot  topics. The issue of gay marriage is being debated around the world. Strangely however many people do not understand what the word homosexuality means nor do they understand what Islam says about the issue. In this article we will define the term, look at scientific evidences related to homosexuality, discuss the view of other religious groups and finally see just what Islam says about the issue. Homosexuality is the manifestation of sexual desire toward a member of one’s own sex or the erotic activity with a member of the same sex. (The Greek word homos means  the same ). A lesbian is a female homosexual. More recently the term “gay” has come into popular use to refer to both sexes who are homosexuals. The Merriam Webster free online dictionary,   in its concise encyclopaedia defines homosexuality as sexual interest in and attraction to mem...

(part 1 of 2): Islamic Wills Description:  A brief and basic outline of the importance of wills. Islam is much more than a religion; it is a way of life.  Islam is guidance from God that directs us through life, and God willing into the next life.  It is for this reason that God also guides us through the process of death and dying.  Death will come to each and every one of us; however there are things we can do to make our passing easier for those we leave behind.  One of those things is to make sure we leave an Islamically sound will.  Islam has placed great emphasis on both the laws of inheritance and making a will, thus there is compelling evidence that every sane adult Muslim should have a will. “It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequeath not to let two nights pass without writing a will.” [1] “A man may do good deeds for seventy years but if he acts unjustly when he leaves his last testament, the wickedness of his deed will ...

Description:  The importance of time in Islam. What is time, what causes it?  Is it a dimension, can you slow it down or speed it up?  When we think of time we tend to think of the ways in which we measure the passing of time, a clock or watch, or we think of a measured interval of time such as an hour or minute.  Humankind has always been concerned with time, the passage of time, the measurement of time, and the scientific qualities of time.  We talk about time travel, the relativity of time, the direction of time and wheel of time. There are theories and concepts of time and it is studied in religion, philosophy and science.  Time even has economic value.   Time is money .  Time has social and personal importance; we use our concept of time to place events appointments and milestones in sequence.  We order our lives around time, in Islam lives are structured around the daily prayers.  In the 11 th  century, Avicenna d...

(part 1 of 3): Peace with God Description:  How Islam creates a sense of peace with one’s creator and one’s self. The Relationship between Islam and “Peace” ( Salaam ) Perhaps the best way to begin a discussion of the relationship between Islam and peace and security is to deal with a statement that is heard often these days: “Islam means peace.”  If the one making this statement means that the actual meaning of the word “Islam” is “peace,” then this is definitely wrong.  It is true that the word Islam and the Arabic word for peace ( salaam ) both come from the same root.  This demonstrates that there is going to be a relationship between the two.  It is vitally important to understand what that relationship is and how that relationship occurs. The word “Islam” is the verbal noun of the verb  aslama .  This verb is defined as, “He resigned or submitted himself.”  When used with respect to God, it means, “He became submissive to God.” [1...

(part 1 of 3): Bonds of Faith Description:  Laying the basis for cohesion within society. Societies are made up of different individuals who vary in race, ethnicity and religion.  Today, there is much talk about pluralistic societies and how can societal cohesion be promoted in such societies.  The approach to Islam in this question is unique.  In the process, it creates the strongest bond possible. Before getting to a description of the strongest bond, it is important to note that Islam strikes at the very root of societal disunity: racism and prejudice.  One can pass as many laws as one wills but as long as this disease is rooted in the heart, there can never be true social cohesion.  Nothing highlights this fact more than the debates going on in Europe and the U.S.  over immigration.  Hatred for “foreigners,” even those who are full members and citizens of society, will always prevent true social cohesion. Islam has wiped that dis...