Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi: A Global Celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s Birth by Dr. Attia Youseif
Hui (Chinese-speaking) Muslims in China by Jing Xu
A Journey of a Lifetime: A Personal Reflection on Muslim Unity, Spiritual Connection to Allah SWT, and Personal Development by Mayesha Awal
This summer, in June 2024, I had the profound privilege of completing my obligatory pillar of Islam, the Hajj pilgrimage, alongside my sister and mother. This journey is symbolic of Yawm al-Qiyamah, the Day of Judgement, the day in Islam when every human being will be held accountable for their sins. As our sheikh (Muslim scholarly leader of a community) described it, Hajj is “a dress rehearsal for the Day of Judgement.” Hajj is a physically, spiritually, and emotionally charged experience. Our sheikh mentioned that you emerge from it as a different person, stating, “the person you were when you stepped on the plane has died.” This proverbial expression captures the significant transformation that Hajj instills in the Hujjaj (pilgrims of Hajj). Islam teaches that the Hujjaj are invited by Allah SWT[1], that they are the guests of Allah SWT, and that Allah SWT takes care of them during Hajj. Amidst the completion of the manasik (rites), surrounded by millions of Muslims from all around the world, I experienced a profound emotional connection with my Creator, Allah SWT. Hajj allowed me to reflect on the unity of Muslims globally, take advantage of opportunities, and think of ways to improve my character.
Pilgrimage Prelude: Spiritual Sojourn in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah and Umrah in the Holy City of Al-Makkah Mukarammah by Mayesha Awal
This year, I performed the Hajj pilgrimage with my mother and sister. Our journey lasted 16 days, during which we performed Umrah (the minor or lesser pilgrimage) and visited Madinah. Although visiting Madinah and performing Umrah are not technically part of the five main days of Hajj, it is common for Hujjaj (pilgrims) to visit Madinah and perform Umrah as a part of the pilgrimage. In this article, I am going to highlight my journey in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah and performing Umrah in the blessed city of Makkah.
Empowerment of Muslim Women in India – Underestimated and Misconceived by Rabia Omar
Past, present and the future are all connected by a string into a loop. The past can be lauded for all its inventions and development but should also be held responsible for all the evils that have rippled into the present. A common factor between these concepts of time is the people who control and are controlled. Thankfully there are those who see through the unfair affair, stand up to voice the injustice and indulge in the actions that try to hold the string still against the harmful ripples. History often calls these brave souls as “empowered.”
Commemorating Sacrifice and Resilience: Understanding the Importance of Ashura by Ashhad Hassan Malik
Growing up in a Muslim household, situated in the Sunni-dominant country of Pakistan, I was exposed to various religious traditions, from fasting in Ramadan to Eid celebrations to praying on Holy nights. However, the significance of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic new calendar, was less emphasized or not clear enough to me. With time, I became accustomed to the decades old ideological divide between Shia and Sunni Muslims, particularly evident during Muharram, due to differing beliefs about the Day of Ashura. While Shias mourn the passing of the Prophet’s grandson, Hussain Ibn Ali, Sunni practices differ.
The Everlasting Message of Ḥusayn: A Legacy of Humanity and Faith by Dr. SeyedAmir Asghari
The martyrdom of Ḥusayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his family, and his loyal companions is commemorated every year on Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, particularly within Shia Islam. This event is central to the Shia faith, symbolizing the eternal struggle between truth and falsehood, justice and oppression.
Family, Society, Culture, and Heritage by Derya Doğan
Being a Muslim is becoming an increasingly complex faith-based identity, that is greatly impacted by cultural, social, historical, and political dynamics in today’s world. People have started using hyphenated identities such as liberal-, conservative-, secular-, or progressive-Muslim to define themselves. Some argue that using such terminology makes the Muslim identity about the politics of liberalism, conservatism, or progressivism, and less about religion. Others may argue that this is an attempt to distinguish oneself from concepts of fundamentalism or Westernism, while still maintaining a cultural identity shaped by Islam.
Experiencing a Persian Heritage, Culture, and in a Muslim-Majority Country: Tajikistan by Mayesha Awal
