Qur'an: A Powerhouse of Miracles

 

As Muslims, we believe that the Holy Qur’an is the eternal word of Allah, revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as guidance for all of humanity. It is not merely a book of instruction; it is a living miracle, preserved in its original form, recited daily by millions, and continuing to inspire hearts across centuries and cultures. Its majesty does not only lie in the depth of its meaning but also in the beauty of its language, the power of its sound, and the richness of its symbolism. To approach the Holy Qur’an is to approach divine light; to recite it is to participate in a miracle that transcends time and place.

 

We are conscious of the power of the Holy Qur’an, especially in transforming hearts and overtaking them with faith and submission to the One True Creator – Allah. Many believers, born Muslims or reverts to Islam who are not native speakers of Arabic are accustomed to reading the Holy Qur’an aloud at a fast pace, eager to complete as much of it as possible. Yet, if the recitation were slowed down, even slightly, the listener would begin to notice the extraordinary oral and aural beauty of the words. The Holy Qur’an is not simply a text to be read quickly; it is a divine composition whose rhythm and cadence lift the soul and remind the believer of the majesty of the Creator.

Prayer in Islam

 

The Importance of the Middle Prayer & Of the Obligatory Prayers in General

 

Haafizuu ‘alas-Salawaati was-Salaatil-wustaa; wa quu-muu lillaahi qaanitiin. “Guard your prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah with devotion.” (Al-Baqara 2: 239)

 

This sacred verse is a fundamental reminder that a true believer must never neglect his Salat (prayer). He must observe his prayer with care, respect, constancy, and complete submission before Allah. When we look at the origin of the words and the deeper meaning of the term Haafizu, we find extraordinary depth. In Arabic, Haafizu comes from hifz or ha-fa-za, which means to guard, protect, preserve. But it is not limited to outward protection; it implies inner vigilance, a discipline that resists the forces that try to divert a believer from his duty.

 

In its profound sense, especially in this Qur’anic verse, Haafizu is a command from Allah, instructing believers to maintain constancy and faithfulness in observing prayer, and to struggle continuously against neglecting their Salat. Protecting prayer is like placing a spiritual umbrella over the whole life of a believer; it becomes a source of blessings and a defence against evil.

'Nasihah': Good Counsel in Islam

 

In the life of a Muslim, there is a very noble duty called “giving good advice.” In Arabic, this is called (giving) Nasihah. The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Ad-Deenu an-Nasihah” (Muslim), which means, religion is based upon sincere advice.

 

But this advice must come with gentleness, with respect, with wisdom, and above all without arrogance or judgement. Giving advice in Islam is not merely words that come out of the mouth; it is a responsibility that comes from the heart, with the intention of helping a brother or sister towards goodness, towards the straight path that Allah has shown.

The pursuit of Wisdom

Seeking Knowledge & Believing in the Signs of Allah

Life is very temporary; like waves that gently reach a shore or any coastline, before they quietly pull away and return to the vast ocean. The universe, designed in an extraordinary and marvellous way, reflects the greatness of Allah’s creation. 

When you study the stars – thousands of them, too many to count – and see them hanging in the sky; when you observe the world around you, even the fine veins in leaves, all these details point to the wisdom of Allah. Yet, despite all this beauty, this world is only a passage; a temporary stage before eternal life.

 

The Holy Qur’an speaks of belief in the unseen: “Those who believe in the unseen, who establish prayer and give from what We have provided for them.” (Al-Baqara 2: 4)

 

This belief is not blind faith; it is a truth confirmed by revelation and reflection. As human beings, we are always in a state of learning. This process never stops. As long as we are alive, we continue to learn. Day by day, people make new and fascinating discoveries in science and nature. What we understood yesterday, we understand even better today. Still, knowledge – no matter how vast – remains incomplete. Theories try to explain reality, but they can never replace absolute truth. Only Allah holds all knowledge, and He will reveal it when the time is right; there is a fixed moment for that.

 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Whoever sets out in search of knowledge is on the path of Allah until he returns.” (Tirmidhi)

Steps to overcome Addiction

  

Today, I address a matter that silently consumes lives, families, and societies – addiction. Whether it is tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or even excessive internet use, addiction is a form of slavery that chains the soul and weakens the body. It is a disease of desire, and its cure lies in faith, discipline, and sincere repentance.

About 20% of adults worldwide are addicted to tobacco, and millions more suffer from drug addiction. These habits destroy health, wealth, and spirituality. Islam offers powerful guidance to overcome them.

 

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 5 adults worldwide (about 20%) are still addicted to tobacco, despite global efforts to reduce smoking. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that millions are addicted to natural and synthetic drugs, with rising trends in synthetic opioids and stimulants.

 

These substances are not just harmful – they are deadly. Tobacco alone causes over 8 million deaths annually. Drugs lead to overdose, mental illness, broken families, and crime. Alcohol contributes to liver disease, violence, and loss of dignity. These are not just health issues; they are spiritual crises. Allah says in the Qur’an:

 

“Do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” (An-Nisa 4: 30)

 

“They ask you about wine and gambling [which is also very harmful – an addiction]. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’” (Al-Baqara 2: 220)