The Value of Human Life to Allah Almighty

Without question, life in all its forms holds an esteemed status in Islam. Human life, being among the most sacred of Allah’s creations, must be cherished, respected, and protected. To this end, we share the following message from His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Khalili, Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman.

A Discovery Journey to Faith

““A DISCOVERY JOURNEY TO FAITH” is a thoughtful work that bridges the gap between faith and skepticism by delving into complex themes such as belief, denial, and doubt, focusing on Islamic theology, philosophy, and Qur’anic discourse. The book sheds new light on problems such as the rationality of faith, the compatibility of science and religion, and how dubious yet interested minds might delve into the profound levels of metaphysical reality. The book invites believers, non-believers, and skeptics alike to expand their knowledge of faith by embracing theological, philosophical, and scientific ideas.” By: Hafidh Saif AL-Rawahy

 

Please click on the image to read the book. 

Additionally, you may find it helpful to watch the following video, in which the author presents his book.

The Spiritual Benefit

“Spiritual benefit, which is the ultimate goal of fasting, is it gets you to the best level of spirituality throughout the year, because when your body is not occupied in the worldly affairs and the worldly lusts like eating, drinking and sexual intercourse, then your mind is so focused only on one thing, which is spirituality. So, I think the highest peak of spirituality a Muslim gets is during the month of Ramadan.” By: Hatim Al Abdissalaam

The Relationship Between Hajj and the Hereafter

Here is a Friday Khutbah delivered by Sheikh Hatim Aal Abdissalam. It is about the relationship between Hajj and the Hereafter. This Khutbah is so beneficial for those who have been chosen by Allah to take the amazing Journey of Hajj, and are preparing themselves for this journey.

Hajj is one of the Pillars of Islam and performing it is prescribed on us once in a lifetime.

The Journey of Hajj is not like any other journey. It is a journey that reminds us of the Hereafter, and believing in the Hereafter is one of the Pillars of Faith.

Ibadi Hadith and the Reliability of its Transmitters

Despite being a school that began its formalization process in the second half of the first century AH, the Ibāḍī school remains under-appreciated and often misunderstood by mainstream Islamic scholarship. A limited understanding of its early sources, foundational figures, and guiding principles has led both Muslim and non-Muslim researchers to unevidenced conclusions and has denied Ibāḍī scholars a voice in detailing the history of their own school.

In order to offer a corrective perspective, Terron and Roxanna from the Real Talk Podcast are very pleased to have the opportunity to talk to Shaykh Al-Muatasim Said Al-Maawali of Sultan Qaboos University, who is currently completing his PhD on Ibāḍī ḥadīth literature at the University of Birmingham. His previous work includes an extended comparative study of Ibāḍī and Ḥanafī jurisprudence, a seminal article that takes a multidisciplinary approach to examining the distinction between the Ibāḍīs and the Khawārij, and a seven-volume series on Ibāḍī Jurisprudence called al-Mu‘tamad. The first volume, "The Reliable Jurisprudence of Prayer," he has translated into English himself. In his PhD work, he is seeking to carry out a codicological and jurisprudential study of the rarely studied manuscripts of the Ibāḍī ḥadīth collection Musnad ar-Rabīᶜ b. Ḥabīb, addressing key questions regarding its early provenance, the historical existence of its compiler, and the reliability of its transmitters and the ittiṣāl between them. The project will then focus on a case study of one of the collection’s unique narrations and its current application in the growing Islamic banking industry in the Sultanate of Oman.

 

The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan

Here is the first episode of Seeking Guidance with Sheikh Dr. Kahlan Al Kharusi, the Assistant Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman. 

On this episode, he discusses the importance of Ramadan and its significance in Islam. The discussion centers around whether fasting enhances a human being's ability to reach the level of spirituality and guidance in addition to piety. Sheikh Dr. Kahlan explains that fasting is a human necessity for reaching righteousness and fighting the ego, and it has been commanded to nations before the Nation of Islam.

“Pray as You Have Seen Me Praying” A guide to authentic practices and common mistakes

“‘Pray as You Have Seen Me Praying’ this phrase, as you might know, is a statement from the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). It is an authentic and a correct narration of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

We’ll go through a brief overview of the Prayer and what should be said at the Prayer and the common mistakes as well.” By Sheikh Al-Muatasim Said Al-Maawali

True Faith

“Today, inshaAllah, we're going to talk about another diverse topic which is important to everyone, which is faith. In today's world, it has become very confusing to some on the aspects and elements of faith. While faith is an important pillar of our life, some tend to ignore it, some tend to be radical about it, some tend to be ignorant about faith as well.

And in many cases, we mix between the religion and faith. These are two different things and inshaAllah today, we're going to address this topic about faith.

The way I have designed the presentation is in terms of questions. These questions are very important that we need to ask ourselves on a daily basis, no matter what background we come from, what faith we come from; these questions are very important to us and we need to find answers to these questions. 

These questions are questions in related to faith, in belief, in our life that we have started and continuing in a particular path: we need to know are we on the right track or not? 

So, I want you to participate with me inshaAllah, and think about it, when I pose the questions, and see what would be the ideal answer in your mind. And then we're going to see what Allah (SWT) says in that particular aspect inshaAllah." By: Hatim Al Abdissalaam

What are these questions??

Watch the video please 😊

Wudu' (Ablution) by Shaikh Ahmed Al-Khalili

The following video illustrates the acts of wudu’, performed by Shaikh Ahmed Al-Khalili, the Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman.

It is takes only a few minutes, so don’t miss it!  

 

The Winning Investment

Here are three weekly sermons titled “The Winning Investment” delivered last year during the holy month of Ramadhan by Dr Wail Al Harrasi. Have a fruitful watching!

Episode (1)

Episode (2)

Episode (3)

Should One Fast if Infected by COVID-19 Virus?

People observing the fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan are expected to do so, unless if a person is vulnerable to any diseases, the country’s Assistant Grand Mufti has said.

Speaking exclusively to Times of Oman, on the context of fasting during the Holy Month, Sheikh Kahlan Al Kharusi, said, “If you are sick, fasting should be taken on the advice of medical practitioners.”

He also said: “There is no difference between the COVID-19 pandemic and any other illness. If a person is sick, and has received advice from his or her doctors, then we highly recommend them to not do so.”

He also dismissed the idea of people falling sick by fasting during the current situation. “If they don't fast, they are committing a sin,” he said.

He also said: “It has been proven that fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan has no negative effect on the body’s immunity. It does not decrease the immunity of people – it is actually the opposite. This regular fasting increases the immunity of individuals, provided they are healthy. There is no special ruling regarding this pandemic and its effect on fasting during Ramadan.”

Sheikh Kahlan also recommended that those who are unable to fast during Ramadan due to sickness, can fast later.

He also advised everyone to perform their prayers at home because of the pandemic. “It is highly recommended and it is a great opportunity for all Muslims now, to do their prayers with their family members,” he said.

Reference:

https://timesofoman.com/article/3014086/oman/dont-fast-if-infected-by-the-virus-omans-assistant-grand-mufti (with little edition as they misinterpret the Shaikh’s fatwa).

Pearls of Deeds: (EP13) Smiling

“Your smiling in the face of your brother is sadaqa (charity).”

Have a good time with this episode of “Pearls of Deeds Program” from Al Istiqama TV Channel [Frequency on Nilesat: 11957 MHz, horizontal].

Christianity as seen in the Quran; and Islam as seen in the Bible

"Christianity as seen in the Quran; and Islam as seen in the Bible" is an interesting talk which was delivered by Al-Muatasim Al-Ma'awali, on Friday 22/4/2016 at the lecture hall of Muscat Islamic Sciences Institute.  

A Heart Soothing Recitation of Surat Yasin by Hazza Al Bulushi

After having a hard fruitful day at Sultan Qaboos University, I find it a great idea to spend these few minutes with a relaxing recitation by Hazza Al Balushi from Surat Yasin.

Hazza (masha Allah!) has a special heart soothing voice. Just listen to him and tell me if I'm wrong!

Trust: A Story from the Ibadhi Literature

This story was narrated by Abu Sufyan about Abu Al-Hurr Ali ibn Al-Hussain, one of the Ibadhi scholars and has participated with Abu Hamza.

It was reported from Essa ibn 'Ulqama that he said:

Abu Al-Hurr was wealthy (a rich man), and his yield comes to him from Basrah to Makkah as gold in one knock. So he divides it into two halves. Then he distributes one half between poor Muslims, and one quarter for his expenditure, and one quarter he keeps it ready for those Muslims who pass by him and their help.

A Muslim young man kept company with him, and he was his attendant and the one who looks after his needs. His yield came to him once and he gave the half to the poor Muslims. Then he was in need of its price, that is, the second half. So he called the young man and commanded him to sell it (i.e. the second half).

The young man was slow in coming. Then he said to him: "What detained you?" He replied: "The piece got lost." Abu Al-Hurr said: "Indeed, Allah recompenses everything that is doomed to destruction." And he didn't ask him about anything.

One day, he went out to the mosque. Abu Al-Hurr went out to the mosque one day, and lo, the piece was placed between the hands of an artisan; and he recognized it.

So Abu Al-Hurr said to the artisan: "From where did it come to you?" He replied: "People from Banu Makhzum. They gave it to me to fashion it, for them into ornaments."  The artisan passed by him again. He said to him: "I asked the people and they said that the young man, who is serving you, sold it to them.

So, Abu Al-Hurr sought confirmation of the news from the Makhzumis. And Abu Al-Hurr used to have a gathering, where he sits for remembrance on Mondays and Thursdays. Thus he commanded the young man to call an assembly of Muslim sheikhs to attend his gathering; and he did.

Abu Al-Hurr said to sheikhs: "Let most of your speech be about honoring Trust because some of your companions were tried." And they did.

And when it came to Abu Al-Hurr's turn, he honored it as Allah willed; and the youth was sitting, immersed in sweat.

The people went out and no one remained in the house except Abu Al-Hurr. The youth said: "By Allah, I am ruined! I betrayed you about the piece."

Abu l-Hurr said: "Allah is the Greatest. That's what I wanted. By Allah, it is for you and I have no need of it. And seek forgiveness of Allah."

And he was with Abu Al-Hurr at his best state of being.

Translated by: Bint Ibadh

I strongly encourage you to listen to the story from Dr. Nasser Al-Sabi

The 4 Minutes Famous Speech of His Majesty!

One of the extremely happiest moments in the Omani history, is when His Majesty addressed us, "the people of Oman" through this Video Message!

Although it was on Wednesday, 5^th of November 2014 but its echo is still in our heart and mind.

Here is the new from the Times of Oman:

Addressing the people of Oman on national television, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said wished the citizens of the Sultanate on the occasion of the 44th National Day.

He said, "the national day has come at the time when I am outside my beloved country for reasons you know about. The results have been positive. I have to follow up a medical programme during the upcoming period."

He expressed his happiness and thanked the people of Oman for their wishes and prayers.

He prayed for the people of Oman.

Following is the full text of the speech:

"In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

"Peace be upon the Almighty's Messenger, Prophet Mohammed, and upon his family, companions and those who pursue the righteous path of faith until the Day of Judgment.

"Dear Citizens:

"It is our pleasure to greet you while our dear homeland is, on these blessed days, about to celebrate the 44th Anniversary of its Triumphant Renaissance which is progressing in accordance with the firm foundations and pillars that we have laid down, right from the first day of the blessed march. We offer thanks and praise to the Almighty Allah for the guidance and virtues with which He has endowed us so that we could take this march forward for the building of a modern, well-founded state, advancing in full determination towards a bright future that is promising of progress and prosperity.

"We are delighted to express our congratulations to you all on this happy occasion, which, this year, it has been the Almighty's divine will that the anniversary coincides with the time when we are abroad-for the reasons you know. Praise be to the Almighty, for He has realized for us good results that require us to proceed with the medical program in the forthcoming period.

"We would like to express our profound delight and extreme thanks to you for the heartfelt prayers and sincere sentiments which you have demonstrated. We pray to the Almighty Allah to protect all the loyal citizens of Oman and guard you all under His divine care, as noble and as loyal as you have always been.

"We would also like to salute our courageous Armed Forces-with all its formations and in all gorges of the dear homeland-for their commendable national role which has always earned our full appreciation. We reaffirm our continuous will to provide the Armed Forces with all equipment to enable them to perform their sacred duty of defending the territories of the nation and safeguarding its achievements.

"We pray to Allah, the Almighty, to lend us His assistance and support us with success in all that serves the progress and prosperity of Oman!"

Reference:

http://www.timesofoman.com/News/42266/Article-VIDEO-His-Majesty-Sultan-Qaboos-bin-Said-addresses-the-nation

Surat Ibrahim [14:27-31] by Khalid Al Abdali

An influential recitation of four verses of Surat Abraham (Chapter 14), by Sheikh Khalid Al Abdali.

The Islamic Unity

This video contains Friday Sermon delivered by Dr. Kahlan ibn Nabhan Al Kharusi, the Assistant Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman. The sermon is about the Islamic Unity and was held on 10th of May 2013, at the International Islamic University Mosque in Malaysia.

The first part of the sermon was in English but the second part was in Arabic.

The Quran is Light

A few enlightening words about the Book of Allah, given by Sheikh Khalid ibn Mohammed Al-Abdali.

The Cover of White

Here are some spiritual words, "Ramadhanic thoughts" authored by Mariyam bint Hamdan Al-Dahmania, and entitled as "Dathar Al-Bayadh" or "the Cover of White".

The Cover of White

You've covered me with white that gives my soul amiability and peace.

O you, who are coming back with lamps of light, leave me.

Leave me in your spaces, swimming like orbits.

You have heavens, to which a souls ascends.

Our souls calmed down.

Our souls calmed down to subside all the noise around us.

And the chaos of our feelings remains confused how to live you?

How to live you? How can we gain all of your gifts?

How can it do so, O the Master of Good, and you, you are remaining as you are?!

Sometimes you show in a date, and excite, in a meeting, the souls, which will be crowned with mercies,

and included in forgiveness,

and prompted to the field of good deeds.

And they wish if they have a thousand souls.

They wish to take off their humanity limits,

So that they will not be exhausted with hours, and will not need snoozes, and therefore, will not lose any of your meanings.

And what did you hide for me in the night?

You remain far away like a star in the sky, illuminating, in my soul, a sparkle that charms me, and nails my feelings and excites them at the same time.

And you remain

And you remain nearby like heart palpitations, hearing the talk of my soul and you become the echo.

O you, The Luminous White, slow down.

Slow down because the thirst has cracked the soul's land, and you kept on watering it from the tears of longing.

You are like stars that whisper a secret in the soul, and the universe will become hearers, except who refuses.

You make me sometimes like the bird, when it warbles at dawn with the glorifications of branches, the recital of Quran, longing and yearning to the Creator of Universes.

I, O Ramadhan, you will not see me except at the doors of the ones I love.

My ribs melt from longing.

I, I, O Ramadhan, I would like that the hours of communication extend so that I continue in talking to you secretly,

knocking the door, knocking shyly, calling you "Would You have mercy on a heart that loves You O Allah".

I, no one possessed my heart except You and I'm certain about your gifts because You are the Most Merciful of all who show mercy.

You are the Most Merciful of all who show mercy.

By: Mariyam Al-Dahmania

Translated by Bint Ibadh.