How did Avicenna (Ibn Sina) ‘prove’ God exists?
“The full argument is a bit complicated, but here is a somewhat simplified version. Avicenna’s proof actually has nothing to do with design, he doesn’t need the idea that the universe is intelligently put together. Instead, he argues from the idea that the things we see around us are ‘contingent’ or merely ‘possible’.
These are pictures of Allepo, Syria before and after current events. Harrowing. Really puts life in perspective. What’s worse is imagining what has happened to all the people that once walked these streets. Then, try imagine it happening in the UK… …the shops, homes and malls all gone …uncomfortable right? I never could have imagined…
A sign of the maturation of a society is the development of its own literature, culture and art. This has been the case for every place Islam reached since its inception. The style and form of ‘our Islam’ varies immensely between China, North Africa, the Middle East etc; all adopting the customs of the local…
“Nostalgia is powerful. Instil good memories in your children of their religion, and they will forever look back at it and their faith with fondness. Just look at the Star Wars effect!” “People who have never seen beauty can’t give it” [Paraphrased, Sh. Idriss Watts] An awesome talk by Sh. Idriss yesterday, providing much food…
Extremism like ISIS has had many forms in history. The original incarnation began at the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when a man named Dhu Al-Khuwaysirah accused the Messenger of God of being unjust directly in His presence! This is the tradition of these people who feign religiosity whilst going against everything our religion teaches. They claim they know more than the one God sent to teach us!
It has become an unfortunate issue that there is so much debate every Ramadan around the citing of the moon. I have always felt it best to refrain from the debate, acknowledge the difference of opinion and follow your local community which you trust. I recently came across a post by one of my former teachers…
It is well known that no one knows for certain when Laylat Al-Qadr (the night of power) falls. The prophet ﷺ had once come to inform us about its precise timing, but when he saw two Muslims quarrelling, the knowledge was withheld from us. عَنْ عُبَادَةَ بْنِ الصَّامِتِ، قَالَ خَرَجَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم لِيُخْبِرَنَا بِلَيْلَةِ…
Imam Sha’rani writes: “Another example is the statement of Abu Hanifa and Malik that the Salawat upon the Prophet (alayhi salat wa salam) in the final Tashahud is a Sunnah (stressed recommendation), while al-Shafi’i and Ahmad (in one of his positions narrated from him) state that it is an obligation (Fard); so the first espouse…
It’s rare that hype meets expectations. Having read a dozen books on Fes and the Maghrib before coming, I knew I had set my expectations high and was bracing myself for disappointment. My experience in Egypt had taught me that today’s reality is far from the nostalgic past we read of before. The chaos of…
Just over a year ago, I made my first ever “impulse” buy; 2 return tickets to Fes. I remember thinking it would be a useful opportunity to reflect on life and decide what to do next. At the time, I had just been given approval for a Sabbatical from work as I needed some time out to begin what has become the Centre for Islam and Medicine. I had been reading books on the Little did I know how much the coming journey would have an impact on my life.
On the Path of Knowledge 