Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden usury

By Khandaker Nazneen Sultana

The literal meaning of interest is usury or Al-RIBA .In the Arabic language it means increase or excess. According to Islamic terminology any excess on the capital is Riba or interest.

Hazrat Shah Waliullah Dehlvi a great scholar and saint has given a very concise and precise definition of interest. He said: “Riba‘ is a loan with the condition that the borrower will return to the lender, more than and better than the quantity borrowed”.

The Night of Power: laylatul Qadr

By Khandaker Nazneen Sultana

The Night of Power or Laylat al-Qadr is an extremely important night for Muslims. This is a night of unique honor, dignity and glory, so much so that it is better than a thousand months. It is the most blessed night of the year. Laylat al-Qadr is the night that the first verse of Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. In Surah Al-Baqarah verses no.185 Allah says:
2:185. “Ramadan is the (month) in which it was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you, who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.”

Zakat (regular charity) is a beautiful loan to Allah

By Khandaker Nazneen Sultana

The fifth ritualistic duty that every believer owes to Allah is zakat, which means alms giving or charity. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "Every good, done for the rich or the poor, is charity." It is Muslims duty to assess and pay their Zakat during the month of Ramadan.

In the Qur'an, zakat is joined with prayer (salat), and this joining has led to a tradition in Islam that the two are equivalent in importance. The Quranic revelation demand that each person give up a certain amount of material wealth to support the poor, the indigent, the sick, and the suffering. This is the zakat.

Hajj in Islam

By Khandaker Nazneen Sultana

Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj was made obligatory in the 9th year of Hijra. The Holy Prophet sent off 300 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abubakr Siddique (RA) to Mecca so that they could perform Hajj. That was the year when it was banned for the Mushrikeen (those who associate partners with Allah) to enter Ka’ba.

The performance of Haj and Umrah, and these are the best of deeds that may be done. And what indicates their superiority are a number of Ahaadith, one of which is the saying of the Prophet (SAM). Performance of Umrah is an expiation of the sins committed between it and the previous Umrah, and the reward of the Haj which is accepted by Allah, the Most High, is nothing but Paradise.-- (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Fasting in Islam

"Keep fasting and you will remain healthy"

By Khandaker Nazneen Sultana



Keep Fasting



Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab - two full months before Ramadan - the Prophet Muhammad, (SAW), used to supplicate thus: "O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha’ban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health)."

Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): Allah’s Apostle (SAW) said, Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven. --(Bukhari)

Salat is the Mi`raaj of the Believer

By Khandaker Nazneen Sultana

The Prophet said: "The prayer is the Mi`raaj of the Believer." It gives every Muslim the chance to communicate with his Lord. During each prayer, the Muslim recites Soorah Al-Faatihah: This recitation is not a dull monologue by the Believer, but Allah promises that it is a conversation between Him and the worshipper.

 The Prophet (SAW) reported: 'The five set Prayers may be compared to a stream of fresh water, flowing in front of your house, into which you plunge five times each day. Do you think that would leave any dirt on your body?' When they replied: 'None at all!' The Prophet, on him be peace, said: 'Indeed the five Prayers remove sins, just as water removes dirt.' -- (Muslim).