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Islam and Isa AS (Jesus): A Bridge of Respect, Charity, and Unity

In Islam, Isa AS (Jesus) is honoured as one of the greatest prophets of Allah, a servant and messenger sent to guide humanity. His life and mission exemplify the universal message of Islam: worship Allah alone and live with compassion and service to others.
As Muslims, we follow the commandments of Allah and the Sunnah of His final prophet, Muhammad (PBUH). While Isa AS is deeply respected, Islam teaches that he was a human prophet, not divine. This belief unites Muslims under the core principle of Tawheed—the oneness of Allah.

Isa AS in the Qur’an
The Qur’an honours Isa AS as a noble prophet, born miraculously to Maryam (Mary) by the will of Allah. His birth, life, and miracles were signs of Allah’s power and mercy, not evidence of divinity.
Allah says:
إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُ ۥۤ أَلۡقَٮٰهَآ إِلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ وَرُوحٌ۬ مِّنۡهُ
“The Messiah, Isa, son of Maryam, was only a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Maryam and a soul [created at a command] from Him.”
— Surah An-Nisa (4:171)
By Allah’s permission, Isa AS performed miracles to affirm his prophethood, such as healing the sick and reviving the dead. However, these acts were clear signs of Allah’s greatness, not Isa AS’s own power.

Worship Allah Alone
As with all prophets, Isa AS conveyed the message of Tawheed—the worship of Allah alone. The Qur’an records Isa AS as saying:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبُّكُمۡ فَٱعۡبُدُوهُ ۗ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطٌ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٌ
“Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is the straight path.”
— Surah Maryam (19:36)
As Muslims, we follow the teachings of Allah and the final guidance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), striving to establish prayer, give charity, and serve humanity in obedience to Allah.

The Importance of Charity and Service
In the spirit of following Allah’s commandments, Islam emphasises charity as a way to purify our wealth and help the less fortunate. Acts of kindness and giving in the way of Allah strengthen our bond with Him.
Allah commands:
وَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُواْ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱرۡكَعُواْ مَعَ ٱلرَّٲكِعِينَ
“And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said:
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 604
Following this example, we encourage all Muslims to support the masjid, donate to the needy, and participate in community initiatives.

A Call to Action: Worship and Community at the Masjid
The masjid is a place where we connect with Allah and fulfil our duties to the community. By attending prayers, supporting the masjid, and engaging in charitable activities, we follow the path laid out by Allah and His final messenger, Muhammad (PBUH).
At Masjid Abu Bakr, we welcome you to join us in:
• Strengthening your relationship with Allah through regular worship.
• Supporting community welfare by contributing to charity.
• Educating the next generation about Islam through classes and activities.
Let us honour the teachings of all prophets, especially Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), by living a life of devotion, service, and charity.
May Allah accept our efforts and guide us all to the straight path.

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Month of Muharram

Based on the Islamic culture and traditions, certain days of the year are considered more sacred as compared to others. One of them is the 10thMuharram, or commonly known as “The Day of Ashura.” The virtues of Muharram according to the Quran and Sunnah are as follows:

Virtue 1: Ashura Falls in the Month of Muharram

Not only due to its historical references but also because it comes in one of the four holy months in Islam, the day of Ashura is considered one of the holiest days in Islam. Following the command of the All-Mighty, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states in one of his Hadith, “The year is twelve months of which four are sacred, the three consecutive months of Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumadah and Sha’ban.” (Sahih Al Bukhari)

Though good deeds carry greater rewards in the month of Muharram, sins are considered far worse. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlighted the significance of fasting in Muharram by stating,

“The best of fasting after Ramadan is fasting in Allah (SWT)’s month of Muharram.”

(Muslim)

Virtue 2: It Is the Day Allah (SWT) saved the People of Israel

According to Islamic history, the 10th of Muharram was the day when Allah (SWT) miraculously saved Prophet Musa (RA) and his followers from the army of the cruel Pharaoh. It is said that while escaping from the evil Pharaoh (Pheroin) and his army Prophet Musa (RA) and his followers came to a dead-end at the Red sea. With nowhere to go, Prophet Musa (RA) and his followers lost their hope and prayed to Allah (SWT) for help. That’s when on Allah’s (SWT) command, the moment Prophet Musa (RA) struck the sea with his Lathi (wooden sceptre), it miraculously split in half, creating a way for the Israelites to pass through.

Virtue 3: The Journey of Prophet Noah’s Ark Ended at Mount Judi

According to the narration by Imam Ahmad (May Allah have mercy on him), it was the 10th of Muharram when the journey of the ark of Prophet Noah (RA) came to an end on the side of Mount Judi. It’s said that Prophet Noah (RA), on the command of Allah (SWT), built an ark to carry his followers, his family, and pairs of all world animals to a safe location. Though the ark was caught in a dangerous storm, it safely reached its destination on the day of Ashura.

Virtue 4: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Used to Fast on 10th Muharram before Prophethood was Gifted to Him

Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) in his book Muwatta mentions that following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (RA) even in the period of Jahiliyyah (ignorance), the polytheists of Makkah would observe fast on 10th Muharram. Therefore, even before prophethood was gifted to him, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to fast on 10th of Muharram. In another narration, Imam Al Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) says, “Perhaps Quraysh used to fast on that day based on some past law, such as that of Prophet Ibrahim (RA).”

Continue reading “Month of Muharram” →
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Muharram: Islamic New Year

  1. What is Muḥarram?
    Muḥarram is the 1st month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It commences the new year.
  2. What is the meaning of Muḥarram?
    Muḥarram means “forbidden” or “sacred”. Violating its sanctity is forbidden due to the month being sacred. Conflicts are especially forbidden during this sacred period.
    Being a sacred month, blessings and rewards are excessive in this month.
  3. How is the month sacred?
    Almighty Allāh declared it as sacred in the Qur’ān. (9:36)
    It is dubbed as “Allāh’s month”. (Saḥīḥ Muslim)
    It contains a very blessed day, the 10th, ‘Āshurah day.
    Repentance is accepted this month. (Tirmidhī)
    It is the best month to fast in, after the month of Ramadān. (Saḥīḥ Muslim)
    Each day of fasting in Muḥarram equals 30 days of fasting in rewards. (Ṭabrānī, Targhīb)
  4. What is ‘Āshurah and why is it significant?
    ‘Āshurah is the 10th day of Muḥarram.
    This is the day, Almighty Allāh blessed the Prophet Mūsa (peace and blessings upon him) along with the Israelites, victory and freedom, from the tyranny of the Pharaoh.
  5. Fasting on ‘Āshūrah, what, why and how?
    Prophet Mūsa fasted on this day in appreciation to the Almighty for being saved.
    The Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessing upon him) fasted on this day and instructed his followers to fast. (Buhkhārī)
    It was a mandatory fast prior to the Ramadān fasting.
    It is mustaḥab (encouraged prophetic practice) to fast on this day.
    One should also fast either on the 9th or 11th along with the 10th if possible. (Abū Dāwūd)
  6. What are the rewards of fasting on ‘Āshūrah?
    Apart from the Muḥarram virtues listed above, the forgiveness of an entire year. (Saḥīḥ Muslim)
  7. What else can one do on ‘Āshūrah?
    Be more generous in spending upon family. This will result in Allāh’s blessings for a whole year. (Bayhaqī)
  8. What about the illustrious Imam Husayn (may Allāh be pleased with him) and the household of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) in Muḥarram?
    There is no link with the great personality and Muḥarram apart from the fact that his martyrdom happened to occur in Muḥarram.
    We cherish, respect and love Ḥusayn (may Allāh be pleased with him) and the family of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him). (Tirmidhī)
    We learn from their lives and teachings.
    We are saddened by the troubled happenings of the past, including the martyrdom of Ḥusayn (may Allāh be pleased with him) however we do not mourn, wail, curse or self inflict torture in memory of any such sad happenings. (Bukhārī)
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Charity: A Path to Jannah

  • in Islam, charity is one of the most important pillars of faith
  • it is a way to show our gratitude to Allah for His blessings, and to help those in need
  • one of the best ways to give charity is to contribute towards building a new mosque
Please donate generously towards masjid’s rebuild project by completing the donation form. You can make a one-off, monthly or yearly donation.

Charity is an act of giving to those in need, without expecting anything in return. It is a way to show our gratitude to Allah for His blessings, and to help those who are less fortunate than us. In Islam, charity is one of the most important pillars of faith. It is mentioned in the Quran many times, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) often encouraged his followers to give charity.

“Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and do not follow up their favor with reminders of their generosity or injury, their reward is with their Lord. There will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” 

(Quran 2:262)

There are many benefits to giving charity. It helps to purify our hearts, and to increase our love for Allah. It also helps to remove our sins, and to bring us closer to Paradise. In addition, charity can help to improve the lives of those in need, and to make the world a better place.

One of the best ways to give charity is to contribute towards building a new mosque. Mosques are places where Muslims can come together to worship Allah, to learn about Islam, and to build community. They are also important centers for social services, and they can provide a safe haven for those in need.

“And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands. And do good; surely Allah loves the doers of good.”

(Quran 2:195)
Continue reading “Charity: A Path to Jannah” →
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The Miraculous Ascension, Al-Isrāʾ and Al-Miʾrāj

Summary
The journey of Al-Isrāʾ and Al-Meʾrāj is perhaps the most amazing miraculous journey in human history. This was a journey wherein God, the Almighty, made His beloved prophet, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) travel in bodily [physical] form while awake, from Makkah, Saudi Arabia to Masjid Al-Aqṣāʾ in Palestine and thereafter ascend up to and beyond the seven heavens. Thereafter, he returned to Al-Aqṣāʾ and finally back to Makkah. Every aspect of this journey took place, in a fraction of the night. Subḥān Allāh(Glory be to God)!

Year of Travel

This journey took place approximately two years prior to the Prophet’s migration to Yathrib (Madīnah).

Sacred Cleansing Prior to the Journey

The Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was resting in the home of Umm Hānī. Angel Jibrīl with a group of other angels enter the home, take Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to the Kaʾabah, the grand mosque in Makkah. After a brief pause at the Ḥatīm, angles Jibrīl and Mikāʿīl escort Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to the well of Zam Zam. They lay him down, and conduct a spiritual washing of his heart with Zam Zam water.

Conveyance

Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) is introduced to his transportation and asked to ride the Burāq. This is an animal somewhat like a donkey or mule in size, white in colour, that travels at the speed of lightning. He ascends the conveyance and begins his journey towards Al-Aqṣāʾ, Palestine.

Stops During the Journey to Al-Aqṣāʾ

On route, Jibrīl asks Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) to make brief stops at Yathrib, Madyan, Mount Sinai and Bethlehem.

Some Spectacles

Prior to reaching Al-Aqṣāʾ, the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) is shown some of the divine punishments awaiting those who backbite, consume usury, abandon mandatory prayers, do not discharge zakāh, commit adultery, practice theft, betray trusts and preach without practice. He was also shown the splendid rewards for those who do good and spend generously in Godʾs path to please Him.

At Al-Aqṣāʾ, Palestine

Upon reaching Al-Aqṣāʾ in Palestine, the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) ties his conveyance. He then enters the prayer space of Al-Aqṣāʾ and performs two units of prayer. Thereafter, he sees a large crowd of people who welcome him. The adhān and iqāmah calls to prayer are made. As everyone lines up, angel Jibrīl takes the hand of Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) and brings him forward to lead the congregational prayer. After the prayer, the angel informs him that he has just led all the prophets and also some angels in the ritual prayer. Following this, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) engages in dialogue with the prophets then exits the Al-Aqṣāʾ compound. At this point, some vessels with milk, water, honey and wine are brought to the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him). Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) is applauded for making the choice to drink the milk.

Ascension

It is now the time for the Prophet of God, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) to ascend to the heavens and beyond. With a special ladder and on the burāq, in the company of angels, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) ascends. Crossing the seven skies, he is welcomed and greeted by various prophets in the heavens, as follows;

  • On the first sky, Prophet Ādam
  • On the second, Prophets ʿĪsā and Yaḥyā
  • On the third, Prophet Yūsuf
  • On the fourth, Prophet Idrīs
  • On the fifth, Prophet Hārūn
  • On the sixth, Prophet Mūsā
  • On the seventh, Prophet Ibrāhīm
  • Some reports indicate, an encounter with Prophets Dāwud and Sulayman
    (peace and blessings upon all of them)

From there, he is shown the Bayt Al-Ma’mūr, which is the ka’abah for the angels.

Further Elevation

After crossing the seven skies, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) witnesses the Sidrat Al-Muntahāʿ, which is the divine lote-tree station that separates the earthly creations and the heavenly creations.

Paradise and Hell

Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) is now shown the place of Ṣarīf Al-Aqlām where the heavenly Pen and Tablet that contain God’s decrees, for all his creation, exists. He is thereafter given an impressive tour of both Hell and Paradise.

In the Presence of the Almighty

Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) is now honoured with another special conveyance known as the Rafraf. Upon it, he traverses countless curtains of divine light for the grand meeting with the Creator. Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) falls into prostration and directly communicates with the Almighty, devoid of any intermediary being. The Prophet of Islam later described the honourable sight as a grand divine light. During the special meeting with God, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) is blessed with accepted supplications, honoured with gifts and divine bounties, including the exceptional gift of ṣalāh (ritual prayer). He is also honoured with the title, “Ḥabīb Allāh” meaning “God’s Beloved”.

The Descent

Following the grand meeting with God, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) encounters Prophet Mūsā (peace and blessings upon him). Upon his input, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) is blessed by God with reduction of the original 50 prayers to 5 daily prayers. God promises Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) that his followers who are punctual with the daily five will attain the rewards of 50. Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) thereafter returns to Makkah via Jerusalem riding the burāq at the speed of lightning.

Return to Makkah – Back Home

Upon return home to Makkah, in the morning, the Prophet of Islam, Muḥammad (peace and blessings upon him) announces some of the details of his miraculous journey. He is faced with denial, rejection and mockery. Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is interrogated and found to be accurate in every aspect of the interrogation. Disbelievers ascribe the situation to sorcery. Believers accept the the occurrence as a manifestation of God’s boundless power and might.

(References: Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Fatḥ Al-Bārī, Zurqānīy, Al-Khaṣaiṣ Al-Kubrā, Bayhaqī, Musnad Aḥmad, Musnad Al-Bazzār, Sīrat Al-Muṣṭafā Li-Al-Khāndalwī, A-Bidāyah Wa-Al-Nihāyah, Al-Shifā)

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Lessons from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Making the Most of Rabi’ al-Awwal

The Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal holds great significance for Muslims worldwide. Occurring after Muharram and Safar, Rabi’ al-Awwal marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the 12th day of the month. This year, the month of Rabi’ Al-Awwal begins on Saturday 16th September 2023, depending on the sighting of the moon.

While Rabi’ al-Awwal is an important month, there are no specific required acts of worship. Rather, it serves as an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the Prophet’s legacy. Muslims can focus on emulating his character and studying his life and teachings (Sunnah).

The advent of Islam through Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) revolutionised rights, freedoms, and oppressive societal structures. His impact laid the foundations of righteousness for all time.

The month also marks the passing of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Both his birth and death provide lessons in faith and perseverance for Muslims.

To make the most of this significant month, Muslims could:

  • Read and reflect on the Seerah, the life story and experiences of the Prophet (PBUH)
  • Study and implement the Sunnah, the traditions and teachings of the Prophet (PBUH)
  • Appreciate how Islam elevated humanity and social justice

Rabi’ al-Awwal is a time for renewing one’s faith by connecting with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and exemplifying his character through words and deeds.