Modernity has done a lot of damage to people’s understanding of Islam. The extreme misinterpretations of the religion today are just as much a product of modernity as the liberal misinterpretations. Both are a reaction to modernity. One such disastrous misinterpretation is an overemphasis on Fiqh at the expense of everything else. To begin, let…
Muslims often experience culture shock when they visit a different community for the first time to discover that their understanding of ikhtilat (free mixing) is not universal. The level of interaction between genders differs from culture to culture, and what is considered socially acceptable in Malaysia or Türkiye would be considered unacceptable in Saudi Arabia…
In part one of this journal, I documented some of the personal reasons why I needed to leave South Africa. I have made it clear that my decision is personal but there is a religious aspect to it. I am seeking a better environment for my family for the sake of Allah. Before diving into…
A common question I often here from young zealous brothers who are newly seeking knowledge is “What is the correct opinion regarding xyz issue?” Today, I want to discuss why this question is wrong, what led to us having this incorrect approach to Fiqh, the correct approach to Fiqh, and why this matters. I want…
There has been some talk recently about “updating” Fiqh to include exams as a valid excuse to delay fasting. This talk has come primarily from the modernist/liberal school of thought. Their argument is that Muslims are backward and too literal in their thinking and need to update Fiqh for the times. This argument is flawed…