Executive Summary The world today faces unprecedented challenges, including the risk of major power conflicts, nuclear threats, climate change, and a surge in global conflicts. In this volatile environment, the United States has the potential to lead as a global peacemaker by prioritizing diplomacy, development, and integrated security-sector engagement. This …
Article Summary The concept of the “Living Qur’an” emphasizes the dynamic and interactive relationship between the Qur’an and its readers. This article explores how the Qur’an, as a living Book from a living God, continues to guide living human beings, highlighting the importance of human engagement with the text. Key …
The Muslim world is a much more complex and diverse part of the globe than the uniformity often implied by the term. This diversity spans across various dimensions, including culture, ethnicity, language, and political systems. From the bustling metropolises of Istanbul and Jakarta to the serene landscapes of Morocco and …
A common question posed to Muslims particularly by Christian missionaries, is: “How do you know for sure that you will end up in Heaven?” In Christianity, the belief that Jesus died for the sins of humanity provides assurance of salvation for believers. This article seeks to address such questions by …
Introduction God, faith, and reason In my journey to discover the meaning of life, I came to believe, through reason, in a unique, super-intelligent, timeless, unconditioned, unrestricted, good, merciful, and loving continuous Creator of all that exists. I call Him God. If reason can conclude all of this, then why …
Good manners, as defined in the Qur’an and by the Prophet, are applied ethics. They are qualitatively different from other ethical systems because the Qur’an and the Prophet consider them acts of worship. When the social need for ethics extends beyond regulating individual behavior to organizing institutional and governmental sectors, …
From reading and studying the Quran, I have always felt that Islam was using a similar approach for slavery as it did for alcohol—an approach that ideally would have led to an end of that institution. Let us consider the following points: Handling Prisoners of War: The way to handle …
The town of Mecca According to Arabian traditions, and later confirmed by the Qur’an, the town of Mecca was established by the Patriarch Abraham and his son Ishmael. The location is not very far from the west coast of the Red Sea in a rocky valley with few agricultural resources. …
The question of making sense of one’s existence is deeply intertwined with the concept of consciousness. Consciousness involves not only awareness of the external world through our senses but also self-awareness and introspection. This self-awareness allows us to ponder our existence, purpose, and identity. Most people live their lives using …
Islam, as it has developed up to this point, is often seen as a highly ritualistic and legalistic institution. Many Muslims frequently seek guidance from religious scholars on what is permissible or forbidden, fostering a culture that discourages the enjoyment of this life. This belief system suggests that true pleasure …
