I have recently discovered how much my own self-care is related to how I understand my relationship with my Lord. Particularly, how I feel a certain sense of anxiety at times as to whether or not I am fulfilling my potential. This worry takes a toll on my physical and spiritual health. My discontent with … Continue reading Can You Be Loved?
Divine Illustrations: A Reflection on Allegories in the Qur’an
Comparisons, allegories, and examples from the world around us are used in the Qur’an by God to not only illustrate a point, but evoke emotion. These examples enrich the lessons, by associating a concept (like resurrection) to the world around us (like plant life after rainfall); and through them higher meanings become more familiar and … Continue reading Divine Illustrations: A Reflection on Allegories in the Qur’an
Mind: The Interpreter
Imam al-Ghazali once said, "The tongue is the counselor, the mind the interpreter and the heart is what is affected." Ghazali's words present a succinct way of conceptualizing our relationship with the world around us. We are surrounded by various stimuli (including events, people, statements... etc) that, due to our interpretation of them, causes … Continue reading Mind: The Interpreter
…and tie your camel
One day a man approached the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and asked whether having trust in God meant that a believer should not tie their camel (to prevent the camel from running away). The Prophet, peace be upon him, said in reply, "Trust in God and tie your camel." Of the many lessons … Continue reading …and tie your camel
In Every Design There is A Sign
As the seasons change it is a cause for reflection, like in the "alternation of Night and Day", these are "indeed signs for those of pure understanding" (Al-Imran; 3:190). Like in the very "creation of the heavens and the earth" and "the sailing of ships upon the sea", and "the rain which Allah sends down from … Continue reading In Every Design There is A Sign
Ibrahim J. Long 