Introduction

True scholars (ulama) occupy an exceptionally noble position in Islam. They are the heirs of the Prophets—not only inheriting the treasury of knowledge, but also carrying the heavy responsibility of calling people to Allah (dawah). Consequently, the actions and stances of true scholars will always emulate the footsteps of the prophets of the past, including in how they interact with rulers and those in authority.

On the other hand, history and contemporary reality also reveal a class of religious scholars who sacrifice their knowledge and religious principles for worldly interests, power, or popularity. This group is often termed scholars who inherit desires (ulama su’). Understanding the fundamental differences between these two is vital so that we do not mistakenly choose our role models.

Introduction

Absolutely, every human being requires a firm grip and a guide when navigating life in this world. Without a clear guide, one will be tossed around like a feather in a strong wind—directionless, confused, and unsure of their final destination. For a Muslim, the ultimate goal of this life is already very clear: to attain happiness in this world and salvation in the Hereafter, seeking the pleasure of Allah SWT.

To achieve this noble goal, Allah SWT does not leave mankind to wander in the dark. He obliges Muslims to make the Qur’an and Sunnah their primary guide. More than just a guidebook, both must penetrate to become the soul of life that drives our every breath and daily activities.

Introduction

A prolonged dry season often brings severe trials for many of our brothers and sisters. The scorching sun, dry and dusty air, dried-up fields, and dried-up household wells cut off clean water supplies. Household chores are disrupted, and the livelihood of many farmers is halted due to crop failure. It is in times like these that we realize how precious the blessing of water is—a blessing we often take for granted.

In the Qur’an, Allah SWT repeatedly emphasizes that water is the primary source of life:

وَجَعَلْنَا مِنَ الْمَاۤءِ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ حَيٍّۗ اَفَلَا يُؤْمِنُوْنَ

Meaning: "…and We made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?" (QS. Al-Anbiyā`: 30)

Allah also invites humanity to reflect on the blessing of clean, drinkable water:

اَفَرَءَيْتُمُ الْمَاۤءَ الَّذِيْ تَشْرَبُوْنَۗ ءَاَنْتُمْ اَنْزَلْتُمُوْهُ مِنَ الْمُزْنِ اَمْ نَحْنُ الْمُنْزِلُوْنَ لَوْ نَشَاۤءُ جَعَلْنٰهُ اُجَاجًا فَلَوْلَا تَشْكُرُوْنَ

Meaning: “Have you seen the water that you drink? Is it you who brought it down from the clouds, or is it We who bring it down? If We willed, We could make it salty (and bitter), so why are you not grateful?” (QS. Al-Wāqi’ah: 68-70)

One of the best ways to express gratitude for the abundance of water we enjoy is by sharing it with those in need through water charity.

Introduction

The colorful life of this world often distracts human beings. Amidst the busyness of hoarding wealth, pursuing careers, and fulfilling material desires, we often forget the fundamental essence of our existence on this earth. Allah SWT reminds us of the purpose of human creation in the Qur’an:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْاِنْسَ اِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوْنِ

Meaning: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” (QS. Adz-Dzariyat: 56)

The world we live in today is very different from Paradise—the original home of our ancestor, Adam ‘alaihissalam. Paradise is a place of eternal delight where all desires are permitted without any restriction. On the contrary, the world is designed as a temporary testing ground, filled with regulations, boundaries, and hard work.

In order for this dynamic worldly life to run harmoniously and to secure our safety in the Hereafter, Allah SWT sent down the Islamic Sharia. Islam is here not to cause hardship, but to honor humanity.

Introduction

Remembering Allah (dhikrullah) is one of the most noble, easy, yet spiritually powerful tongue-based acts of worship. Allah SWT commands His servants to remember Him abundantly, reminding us that through the remembrance of Allah, the human heart finds ultimate peace and tranquility.

Among the various dhikr taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW, there are three primary recitations recommended to be practiced 100 times daily. These dhikr possess immense power, offering grand-scale forgiveness of sins and the multiplication of good deeds.

Here are the three most powerful dhikr recitations along with their respective virtues:

Introduction

Islam is a religion that highly respects the intellect and knowledge. The ability to think is one of the greatest distinctions of human beings, separating them from other creations. Therefore, the Qur’an consistently encourages humanity to use their intellect to understand the signs of Allah’s greatness, ponder His creation, and extract wisdom from every event in life.

In the language of the Qur’an, those who use their minds well are referred to as Ulul Albab (people of understanding) or Ulin Nuha (people of intelligence). Conversely, those who refuse to think receive severe warnings and rebukes because they neglect this divine blessing. The Qur’an frequently admonishes them with the expression:

أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

Meaning: “Do you not use your intellect?”

Thus, it is not surprising that the very first revelation sent down to the Prophet Muhammad SAW was a command to maximize the potential of the intellect through reading, grounded in faith in the Creator:

اِقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِيْ خَلَقَ

Meaning: “Recite in the name of your Lord who created.” (QS. Al-‘Alaq: 1)

Introduction

In Islamic theology, we firmly believe that faith (Iman) is volatile—it increases (yaziid) and decreases (yanqush). It grows stronger with obedience and righteous deeds, and conversely, it weakens with disobedience, negligence, and sins.

The weakening of faith does not happen suddenly without symptoms. There are clear signs when a person’s spiritual condition is declining. Recognizing these signs of weak faith is vital for every Muslim as a means of daily self-reflection (muhasabah) so that we can immediately correct ourselves before our faith deteriorates further.

Here are 10 signs of weak faith that we must watch out for:

Introduction

Gratitude is one of the greatest fruits of piety. A pious believer realizes that all the blessings they experience—whether large or seemingly simple—flow purely from the generosity of Allah SWT, the Lord of all worlds.

From the moment we open our eyes in the morning, we are enveloped in an ocean of His blessings: the clean air we breathe for free, the heartbeat that continues without command, the eyes still able to behold the beauty of the world, and the tongue still granted the ability to mention His name. Yet, as humans, we often find it easier to remember a single small hardship than to ponder the thousands of blessings that have overflowed in our lives.

Introduction

One of the most dangerous and subtle spiritual diseases that infects human hearts is arrogance (kibr). Pride often slips into a person’s heart unnoticed, whether due to their vast knowledge, noble lineage, physical beauty, or material wealth. This quality is deeply detested by Allah SWT, as arrogance is, in essence, rejecting the truth and looking down upon other creations of Allah.

Introduction

Many people mistakenly believe that by sharing their wealth with others, their overall riches will decrease. This view is a significant error. In the eyes of faith, giving or spending in charity (sadaqah) is actually the best way to grow and purify one’s wealth. Charity not only provides essential social support for the receiver but also guarantees security and peace of mind for the giver.