Islam Governs all Aspects of Our Lives: Islam governs all aspects of life through its comprehensive system of guidance and principles derived from the Quran, the Sunnah (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), and Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh).

Islam provides guidance not only in matters of worship and spirituality but also in social, economic, legal, and ethical aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of faith, morality, justice, compassion, and community, shaping individual behavior and societal norms. From personal conduct to family life, business dealings, governance, and interactions with others, Islam provides a framework for ethical behavior and virtuous living. Muslims are encouraged to seek guidance from Islamic teachings in all aspects of their lives, striving to adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Quran and Sunnah while navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Food & Drink

What foods and drinks are forbidden?

In Islam, there are specific dietary restrictions outlined in the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) that prohibit certain foods and drinks. These restrictions are intended to promote health, cleanliness, and obedience to Allah's commands. The primary prohibitions include:

1. Pork (Pork meat and its by-products) : The consumption of pork and pork-derived products are strictly forbidden in Islam. This prohibition is mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:173, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3) and is based on the principle of impurity and uncleanliness associated with pigs.

2. Alcohol (Intoxicants): The consumption of alcohol, including wine, beer, and other intoxicating beverages, is prohibited in Islam. This prohibition is reiterated multiple times in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:219, Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:90-91) and is based on the harmful effects of alcohol on individuals and society.

3. Carrion (Dead animals): Muslims are prohibited from consuming animals that have died without proper Islamic slaughter (Zabiha). This includes animals that have died naturally, been strangled, or killed by other means not consistent with Islamic guidelines for slaughter.

4. Blood: The consumption of blood is forbidden in Islam. This prohibition is mentioned in the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:173, Surah Al-An'am 6:145) and is based on the principle of respect for life and the sanctity of blood.

5. Animals slaughtered in the name of other than Allah (Dhabiha): Muslims are instructed to eat only meat from animals that have been slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines, with the name of Allah invoked at the time of slaughter. Meat from animals slaughtered in the name of other deities or without mentioning Allah's name is considered unlawful (Haram).

6. Food offered to idols or deities (Sacrificed meat): Muslims are prohibited from consuming food that has been offered as a sacrifice to idols or deities other than Allah. This includes meat sacrificed in the name of false gods or deities.

These dietary restrictions are intended to promote physical health, spiritual purity, and obedience to Allah's commands. Muslims adhere to these prohibitions as part of their religious obligations and strive to consume only lawful (Halal) foods and drinks that are permissible according to Islamic principles.

This is an informative video detailing how Muslims should consume food and drink:

Clothing and Dress

What types of clothing and dress are forbidden?

In Islam, there are guidelines regarding modesty and appropriate dress for both men and women. While there are variations in interpretation and cultural practices, the general principles include:

For Women:

1. Awrah Coverage: Muslim women are required to cover their entire bodies except for the face and hands when in the presence of non-Mahram (non-related) men. This concept is known as "Awrah," and it varies slightly among different schools of Islamic thought, but generally includes the entire body except for the face and hands.

2. Hijab: The term "Hijab" refers to the headscarf worn by Muslim women to cover their hair and neck. While the style and manner of wearing the Hijab may vary based on cultural and regional practices, its purpose is to maintain modesty and fulfill the requirement of covering the head for Muslim women.

3. Modest Clothing:Muslim women are encouraged to wear loose-fitting and non-revealing clothing that conceals the shape of the body. Clothing should be opaque and not transparent, ensuring that the shape of the body is not visible underneath.

4. Prohibited Clothing: Clothing that is tight-fitting, revealing, excessively flashy, or designed to attract attention to one's physical attributes is generally discouraged. Additionally, clothing with inappropriate slogans, images, or symbols is also considered inappropriate for Muslim women to wear.

For Men:

1. Awrah Coverage: Muslim men are required to cover from the navel to the knee in the presence of non-Mahram women.

2. Modest Clothing: Muslim men are encouraged to wear modest and loose-fitting clothing that covers the body appropriately. This includes garments that do not reveal the shape of the body and are not excessively tight or revealing.

3. Prohibited Clothing: Similar to women, men are also discouraged from wearing clothing that is excessively tight, revealing, or designed to attract attention. Clothing with inappropriate slogans, images, or symbols is also considered inappropriate for Muslim men to wear.

Overall, the key principle in Islamic clothing guidelines is modesty, decency, and adherence to the concept of Awrah coverage. Muslims are encouraged to dress in a manner that reflects humility, respect, and adherence to Islamic values while maintaining their cultural and regional identities.

This is an informative video detailing How Muslims should aim to dress.

Relationships

1. In this informative YouTube video series, Ustadh Abdel-Rahman Murphy covers the Virtues of Good Friendship based on Al-Ghazzali's Book On the Duties of Brotherhood.

2. In this paper published by Yaqeen Institute, readers will learn of the importance of family ties in Islam, how to raise confident Muslim children, and how to nurture a loving and caring environment at home according to the Prophetic teachings: "The Importance of Conscious Parenting in Raising Confident Muslims" by Roohi Tahir

Working as a Muslim  

What is Halal and Haram Income?

In Islam, the concepts of Halal and Haram extend beyond just food and drink to various aspects of life, including income and financial transactions. Here's a brief overview:

Halal Income:

1. Halal income refers to earnings that are obtained through lawful and permissible means according to Islamic principles.

2. Examples of Halal income include wages/salaries from lawful employment, profits from halal business ventures, investments in permissible assets (such as real estate, stocks of halal companies, etc.), and income from lawful trades and services.

3. Halal income is earned through honest and ethical means, without involving deception, fraud, exploitation, or any activity that is prohibited by Islamic law.

4. Income earned through fulfilling contractual obligations, providing valuable goods or services, or engaging in fair trade is generally considered Halal.

Haram Income:

1. Haram income refers to earnings that are obtained through unlawful and impermissible means according to Islamic principles.

2. Examples of Haram income include earnings derived from activities that are explicitly prohibited in Islam, such as interest-based transactions (Riba), gambling, selling or dealing with prohibited goods (such as alcohol, pork, drugs, etc.), involvement in fraudulent schemes, and any form of exploitation or oppression.

3. Income earned through dishonesty, exploitation, or engaging in activities that harm individuals or society is considered Haram.

4. Muslims are instructed to avoid Haram sources of income and to seek Halal alternatives in all aspects of their financial dealings.

In summary, Halal income is earned through lawful and ethical means that comply with Islamic principles, while Haram income is obtained through unlawful and impermissible activities. Muslims are encouraged to strive for Halal earnings and to ensure that their financial transactions are conducted in accordance with the teachings of Islam, avoiding any sources of income that are considered Haram.

On this page, you will find details and tutorials on how to integrate into the workforce as a practicing Muslim.

At School

How should Muslims be at school?

Muslims should approach their education with dedication, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, while also adhering to Islamic principles and values. Here are some guidelines for how Muslims can conduct themselves in school:

1. Seek Knowledge: Education is highly valued in Islam, and seeking knowledge is considered a religious obligation. Muslims should approach their studies with enthusiasm and diligence, striving to excel academically in all subjects.

2. Adhere to Islamic Principles: While in school, Muslims should uphold Islamic principles such as honesty, integrity, respect, and humility. This includes being honest in academic endeavors, respecting teachers and classmates, and refraining from engaging in behavior that contradicts Islamic teachings.

3. Maintain Modesty: Muslim students should dress modestly and adhere to Islamic guidelines regarding dress code. This includes wearing clothing that covers the Awrah (private parts) and avoiding clothing that is tight-fitting, revealing, or provocative.

4. Observe Salah: Muslims should strive to maintain their daily prayers (Salah) even while at school. They can schedule their prayers during breaks or lunchtime, or seek permission from school authorities to pray in a designated area if possible.

5. Respect Religious Observances: School authorities should be informed about the religious observances of Muslim students, such as fasting during Ramadan or the need for prayer accommodations. Schools should strive to accommodate these religious practices to the best of their ability.

6. Participate Actively: Muslim students should actively participate in classroom activities, group discussions, and extracurricular activities, while also being respectful of others' opinions and beliefs.

7. Avoid Unlawful Activities: Muslims should refrain from engaging in activities that are prohibited by Islamic law, such as cheating, lying, bullying, or any form of misconduct. Instead, they should uphold ethical standards and strive to be positive role models for their peers.

8. Balance Secular and Religious Education: While prioritizing their academic studies, Muslims should also make time for religious education and spiritual growth. This can include attending Islamic classes, reading the Quran and Hadith, and participating in religious gatherings and community events.

Overall, Muslims should strive to integrate their faith into all aspects of their lives, including their education. By maintaining a strong commitment to academic excellence, ethical conduct, and Islamic values, Muslim students can contribute positively to their school communities and society at large.