IMAM'S CORNER (BLOGS & EVENTS)

May 2024

Click the link below to view the slides for the Hajj Seminar

Hajj seminar .pdf

March 2022

Recommended Reading List for Fard 'Ayn by Imam Azfar Uddin

In Islamic law, fard ayn knowledge refers to legal obligations that must be known and performed by each individual Muslim who is sane and post-pubescent.  Topics include Qur’an, Islamic Law (Fiqh), Beliefs (Aqidah), purification of the heart, Hadith, History, psychology and autobiographies of key figures in Islam. 

General Books on Islam

Submission, Faith and Beauty:  The Religion of Islam by Hamza Yusuf

Being Muslim by Asad Tarsin

The Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and The Path of Salvation, by Faraz Rabbani

Darul Qasim has an online course on the Islamic Essentials

https://darulqasim.org/course_category/islamic-essentials-online/?course-keywords&course-id&department&level&core-or-elective

How to Enjoy the salah Presentation 

If you want all four parts of this presentation,let me know 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xlp_eavaqGo

Islamic Belief

The Creed of Imam al-Tahawi, translated by Hamza Yusuf

Islamic Law

Ascent to Felicity: A Manual on Islamic Creed and Hanafi Jurisprudence by Faraz Khan

Reliance of the Traveller: A Classic Manual of Islamic Sacred Law by Nuh Ha Mim Keller

Life of the Prophet

1) In the footsteps of the Prophet by Tariq Ramadan

2) Noble Life of the Prophet (3 Vols.) by ‘Ali Salaabee

You’re more than welcome to join our interactive Sirah class with my community online.  Let me know and I can add you to the Whatsapp group. 

The Qur'an 

1. The Qur'an: A new translation by Abdel Haleem
   
2. Etiquette with the Qur'an, by Musa Furber

3) The History of the Qur‘anic Text: From Revelation to Compilation: A Comparative Study with the Old and New Testaments Paperback by Muhammad Mustafa al-Azami 

Tajwid 

Illustrated Tajweed New Edition Combined Volume 1 and 2 by Dr. Ayman Rushdi Swaid 

I’ve heard good reviews of the website below for learning Qur’an online. 

https://tanzeel.org

Hadith
The content of Character: Ethical sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, translated by Hamza Yusuf

The Forty Hadiths of Imam al-Nawawi Yahya Ibn Sharaf Al-Nawawi 

Islamic Spirituality

1) Purification of the Heart, translated by Hamza Yusuf

2) The Book of Assistance by Imam ‘Abdallah Ibn Alawi al-Haddad

3) Lives of Man by Imam ‘Abdallah Ibn Alawi al-Haddad (translated by Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi)

4) The Beginning of Guidance (Bidayat al-Hidaya) by Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (translated by Mashhad Al-Allaf) Revised and Edited by Abdur-Rahman Ibn Yusuf  

5) Inner dimensions of Islamic Worship by Abu Hamid al-Ghazali

Parenting in Islam

Imam Azfar speaks on Prophetic Parenting from 33:08

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=723633738595364

History

The Travels of Ibn Battuta by Ibn Battuta

Lost Islamic History: Reclaiming Muslim Civilization from the Past. By Ust. Firas al-Khatib

Autobiographies

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X 

Sayyid Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi: Life and Works by Shaykh Mohammad Akram Nadwi

Arabic

Imam Azfar has heard good reviews about the Fawakih Arabic online course.

Ramadan Journal.pdf - April 2021

Alhumdulliah Imam Azfar went to the Lake County Jail today and spoke with the Muslim inmates 1-1 on how to seek the blessings of Ramadan.

He went over the virtues of Ramadan, listened to their concerns, answered their questions and provided everyone with a Ramadan journal along with helping them make S.M.A.R.T goals for this blessed month. A prayer timetable along with a handout of du'as for relief and protection were also given.

How to be an engaging online teacher.pdf - November 2020

On November 17th, Imam Azfar presented a seminar to the teachers of DarusSalam Seminary on how to be an engaging online teacher.

US Presidential Debate - October 2020

Thoughts on the Presidential debate last night

The issues that are facing this country are complex, but our religion does offer guidance in many of the topics that were debated last night.

1. - Fighting Covid-19

Islamic guidance: Actually know what the American families are going through. This will lead to empathy and possibly…LOVE.

“O A’isha, love the poor and let them come to you and Allah will draw you near to Himself.” [Sahih Bukhari]

3. - On migrant family separations at the border where over 500 migrant children can’t locate their parents

Islamic guidance: Return them!

One day the Prophet ﷺ noticed a bird was flapping its wings around his head.

He asked, "Which of you has taken its eggs?”

A man said, "I have."

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, "Return them! Have mercy on the bird!”

4. - Race in America

Islamic guidance: “America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem.” Malcolm X

The Prophet ﷺ sought to erase the racist attitude that existed by leading by example, putting people in positions of religious/political leadership, and through marriage and social/family interactions. He taught everyone to find their own individual value in their taqwa and not denigrating others based on their class/ tribe/race

5. -  Climate change

Islamic guidance: Reduce water waste.

The Prophet ﷺ rebuked Sa’d for using excess water while performing wudu.

Islamic guidance: Actually eat the food you buy

6. - Leadership

“The leader of a people is their servant.” (Hadith)

Muhammad ﷺ trained leaders who were called to service rather than to status.

Examples of his ﷺ servant leadership

BUILT a community in Madinah and Makkah

AWARE of the issues that were plaguing the Arab society because he spent time with the people

ACCEPTED and RECOGNIZED the unique gifts of others

TAUGHT how to have a productive day

UNDERSTOOD the lessons of the past, the realities of the present, and the likely consequences of the future

EFFECTIVE in building consensus within tribes

HEALED past tribal conflicts and was a true UNIFIER

LISTENED with his entire body and heart

GENUINELY cared

DID NOT want the position of leadership (unlike today where high school students are attempting to be presidents of numerous different clubs to pad their resume)

Sometimes the best leaders are the ones who have no interest in leading

He ﷺ taught servant leadership to his companions which in turn created an environment where certain companions only became leaders if

1) They had the knowledge on what it takes to be an effective leader

2) If they sincerely cared about a pressing issue which was affecting the society and required their leadership.

How Can We Help the Uighurs -  October 2020
 How can we help the Uighurs_.pdf

Du'a on the Day of Arafa - September 2020
https://muslimmatters.org/2020/07/30/help-i-cant-make-dua-for-more-than-30-seconds-on-the-day-of-arafah/?fbclid=IwAR3DCJdH5NA3yZsa0R-abL1d5gLuaHk9MNmwdqL2-1C137Z2h8lPOzoWaj8

Tribute to Abbu (Zia Uddin) -  August 2020
A note to the late father of Zia Uddin - Tribute to Abbu (Zia Uddin).pdf

Stamped from the Beginning - June 2020
A Presentation by Imam Azfar - Stamped from the beginning.pdf

Commit to Racial Equality - June 2020

Want to make a commitment for racial equality but don't know how?

Follow these steps

1. Educate YOURSELF about the history of racism in this country and notice the pattern. (Read "Stamped from the beginning" by Ibram X. Kendi, A people's history of the United States by" Howard Zinn" “How to Be an Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi, “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander,
   
   
2. Understand the sources of political power, how it’s exercised and what you can do to obtain political power for good.
   
   
3. Lend an emphatic ear to the oppressed and listen attentively to understand what has happened, and what their demands for justice are.
   
   
4. Once empowered with knowledge, move to action by:
   • Challenging racists words and actions from people you know. (There is a lot of internal racism going on that we know about our own communities. We know how our communities think. We can speak to them in a language they can understand.)
     
     
   • Donating money to civil rights organizations (NAACP, Southern Poverty Law, Believers Bailout, MuslimARC, MANA)
     
     
   • Teaching your circle of influence about Black Muslim leaders, the roots of racism in this country, and why it affects us.
     
     
   • Look for ways to help in your own neighborhood (Cleaning up the damage left behind by looters)
     
     
   • Take the #SacredPledge and receive MuslimARC tools to #ResistRacism.
     https://pledge.muslimarc.org/?recruiter_id=83895
     
     
   • Calling city council members and demanding better oversight of the police department and demanding accountability so that the wrong doers do not perpetuate this cycle of abuse without consequence.
     
     
   • Pray. (There is no barrier between the supplication of the marginalized and God.)
     
     
   • Encourage the masjid leadership to hold a peaceful rally involving law enforcement and local governance.
     
     
   • Have local Imam and community leaders start the conversation on race in their virtual reminders.
     
     
   • Invite local Muslim African American leaders to understand what it means to be a Muslim African American in this country
     
     
   • Tip by Br. Habeeb Quadri "Watch movies that discuss issues of civil rights , institutional racism, and discrimination. Some movies that can help begin this thought process are: Hidden Figures, The Color Purple, Malcolm X, Amistad, Roots, Detroit, The Way they See us about the Central Park 5, Thirteen (on Netflix) , Selma, Harriet, Remember the Titans, and The Jackie Robinson Story: 42 .13th When They See Us
   • • Please note some of the content is graphic; as it tries to accurately portray the plight of African Americans during and after the era of slavery, as well as during and after the civil rights era. Parents, please be advised to check the content to determine if it is appropriate for your children and family."

Books on Black Muslim leaders

"Servants of Allah" by Sylvan A. Diouf, African Muslims in Antelbellum America by Allan D. Austin, Bilali Muhammad's meditations by Muhammed Al-ahari, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X"

Books on racism/police brutality for kids. Recommended reading list by Sr. Jessica Grose

Ages 0-3:
“The Snowy Day,” “A Letter to Amy,” “Hi, Cat!,” “Whistle for Willie” by Ezra Jack Keats

Ages 4-6:
“Hair Love,” by Matthew A. Cherry

Ages 5-8:
“Each Kindness,” by Jacqueline Woodson
“The Youngest Marcher,” by Cynthia Levinson

Ages 9-12:
“Resist: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice,” by Veronica Chambers.
“Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness,” written and illustrated by Anastasia Higginbotham

Ages 12+:
“All American Boys,” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
“Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Islam and Blackamericans by Dr. Sherman Jackson

Diversity - May 2020

The greatness of America is its diversity. Islam is a great advocate of diversity. “Oh mankind, indeed we have ….made you in different nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed the most honorable of you in the sight of God is the most righteous.”

The religious committee calls on our leaders and community members across the country to make a commitment for racial equality first by educating themselves about the history of racism in this country and noticing the pattern. The Prophet Muhammad (upon him be peace) said, “Beware the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and God.” If Allah listens to the oppressed, so must we. If we want to advocate effectively for those who have suffered injustice, the next step would be to lend an emphatic ear to the oppressed and listen attentively to understand what has happened, and what their demands for justice are. Once empowered with knowledge, we can move to action by challenging racists words and actions from people we know, donating money to civil rights organizations, teaching our children, friends and family members about the roots of racism in this country and why it affects us, raising awareness on social media and with our influence of friends, and calling our city council members and demanding better oversight of the police department.

Just as Islam is a great advocate of diversity, it is also a great advocate of justice. Islam demands accountability so that the wrong doers do not perpetuate this cycle of abuse without consequence

USATODAY Article by Imam Azfar - April 2020

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2020/04/30/ramadan-amid-coronavirus-we-pray-separately-and-sacrifice-together-column/3046801001/

18 Etiquettes of making dua -  April 2020

18 Etiquettes of Making Dua.pdf

Fiqh of Fasting - April 2020

For the full presentation by Imam Azfar regarding Fasting, click on the link below

Fiqh of Fasting.pptx

Fiqh & Virtues of Zakat - April 2020

Imam provided a presentation regarding the Virtues of Zakat and has shared the presentation slides here:

Virtues of Zakat seminar.pdf

He has also shared a paper regarding Zakat on 401k Plans and other Securities

Zakat 401k Plans.pdf

Mufti Hussain Kamani provided his presentation on the Fiqh of Zakat

Fiqh of Zakat.pdf

Jumuah Procedure & Funeral Body Washing- April 2020

Below are two files for common questions that have been asked to IFN  and the Imam:

1. What is the Jumuah Procedure? Click the link to download

Jumuah procedure.pdf

2. How is the washing of the body performed during this time? Click below on IFN's Statement during this time.

IFN religious committee statement -Washing the body of the deceased.pdf

Based on the new information provided in the previous meeting on April 5th by the COVID task force that the government estimates that there will be a peak over the next three weeks, I recommend that the body of the deceased who passed away from the virus go straight to the cemetery since there is a “genuine danger” or “reasonable doubt” regarding harming the health of those around the corpse according to infectious disease doctors. This includes not washing the body of the deceased at another funeral home. The obligation of ghusl and tayammum is lifted and it is not considered sinful.

My friend has a bipolar disorder and needs to take medication - Does she have to fast? - April 2020

I would I would advise your friend to speak with a practicing Muslim doctor. Along with the consultation of a practicing Muslim doctor, she should base her judgment on her own past experience. If she feels that there is a "reasonable chance" that fasting for so long will trigger manic episodes and depression, then she should absolutely not fast and make these missed fasts up when you are able, such as when the days are shorter during the winter. Her health will takes precedence. as Allah states that He does not burden one more than he or she can bear. Quran 2:286. If she can't even make them up in the winter, then she should pay for someone else to be fed. This is known as Fidyah. The present rate is $10 for each day that is missed (this should provide one person with two meals or two people with one meal. If someone misses all the fasts of Ramadan, they would need to pay $300. And Allah knows best.

Treating COVID-19, N95 Respiratory Masks & the Beard - April 2020

Many doctors who are now on the front lines treating COVID-19 (Coronavirus) patients in hospital settings have asked for clarification regarding the use of respiratory masks.

Specific masks, like the N95, significantly reduce the transmission of pathogens. In fact, these respiratory masks mitigate transmission until only a marginal chance remains. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these masks requires that they form a tight fit on one’s face, which is compromised by the presence of facial hair. This raises a question regarding a Muslim physician removing some or all of his facial hair to ensure that he can wear the equipment needed to protect himself and to continue treating patients who have this fatally contagious disease, especially in the absence of alternative equipment.

In the process of detection and identification of COVID-19, and the testing and treatment of patients of the disease, many health care works are exposed and at risk. If a doctor becomes infected, he must be quarantined and can no longer treat patients. Moreover, he may expose himself, his family, and the lives of others at large to this fatal disease.

Ordinary surgical masks are much less effective in comparison to other respiratory masks because they do not fully seal. There are only two types of masks that significantly reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens:

- The first is the N95.

- And the other is the PAPR.

Regarding the N95 respiratory mask, the following is the FDA’s description of it:

“An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. The 'N95' designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of illness or death.” -(1)

Then, there is the PAPR mask. The following is the NIH’s description:

“In general, PAPRs can be described as respirators that protect the user by filtering out contaminants in the air and use a battery-operated blower to provide the user with clean air through a tight-fitting respirator, a loose-fitting hood, or a helmet.” -(2)

A beard hinders the N95's effectiveness because it must form a tight seal against the face to block pathogens from entering the nose or mouth. On the contrary, the PAPR mask does not require this.

Considering that a PAPR mask can be used without removing facial hair, it might be assumed that a bearded doctor does not need to use the N95. However, after consulting with physicians who are currently in this situation, it was confirmed that there are some situations in which the only option is the N95. Some reasons for this are as follows:

(1) Hospitals have limited or no supplies of PAPR masks.

(2) If one is in an exposed environment for a long period of time daily, wearing PAPR masks all day for weeks and months to come may be very cumbersome.

If a health care worker has no other option, doing what is needed to effectively wear the respirators that they require is allowed. This includes removing facial hair, if that is required.

For medical reasons, the jurists considered that which is unlawful as allowable due to necessity. We are commanded to cover our nakedness and to avoid physical contact with the opposite gender. And these rulings are maintained except for in dire circumstances. And the scholars explicitly mentioned medical treatments as a case of necessity.

On this basis, in the absence of alternative equipment or in a condition of intolerable hardship using alternative equipment if removing facial hair must be done to wear the N95 so that health care professionals may treat COVID-19 patients in an attempt to save lives while also protecting their own life and that of their families, it is allowed in this specific situation.

Some N95 masks can be effectively worn despite the presence of some facial hair, namely hair on and around the chin and under the bottom lip. One should only remove that which is necessary to wear the respiratory mask properly.

May Allāh protect us! And may He bless and protect the doctors who are out there working hard to treat those who are sick and safeguarding the rest of us by helping stop the spread of this dangerous illness.

And Allāh knows best.

By Salman Khan
Email: Salmanalikhan494@gmail.com

(1) - U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks (Face Masks).” https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-and-surgical-masks-face-masks. March 22, 2020.

(2) - National Institutes of Health. “The Use and Effectiveness of Powered Air Purifying Respirators in Health Care: Workshop Summary.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK294223/. March 22, 2020.

Corona Help - Toilet Paper Delivery -
April 2020

Do you know anyone in need of free toilet paper? Imam Azfar and a volunteer are willing to deliver whiles supplies last. Click on the video link for more information

Corona Help.mp4

Friday Prayer - March 2020

Legally, the Friday prayer is an individual obligation on every sane, male adult who is not a traveler (musāfir) and is in sound health. It is therefore not an obligation upon women, children, the sick, the mentally insane or the very frail.

For everyone else, in the absence of a valid excuse, missing the Friday prayer is considered a significant transgression (fisq). Thus when calls are made for suspending the Friday prayer are made or restrictions are imposed on those who wish to fulfill their obligation to Allah, it is natural for any person of faith to be disturbed.

Legitimate fear of sickness is an excuse to miss the jumu'ah salah.

Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease researcher said “We would recommend that there not be large crowds.”

An infectious disease expert in the Lake County area also recommended that we avoid large crowds.

There are confirmed cases of people with the coronavirus in Lake County.

Since infectious disease experts and public health authorities advised against public gatherings because of the risk of spreading the virus, we made the difficult decision to suspend congregational acts of worship at our masjid.

Allah says, “Have taqwa of Allah as much as you are able” (64:16)

My respected brothers and sisters of IFN,

Right now taqwa is NOT to pray the jumuah salah at other masajid.

Right now taqwa is NOT to protest and pray outside the IFN masjid.

These types of actions are rooted in selfishness.

Today, taqwa is to pray the Dhuhr Salah at your home

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting - April 2020

Health benefits of intermittent fasting By: Azfar Uddin and Dr. Omar Jamil

While we should not use science to validate the prophetic biography, there is no harm in finding benefit when science elaborates the benefits of prophetic practices. Our mother A’isha (may Allah be pleased with her) described that the Prophet (upon him be peace) was keen on fasting Mondays and Thursdays, and from this narration is born the well-known sunnah of fasting on these particular days. Since 1997, scientists have been interested in understanding the health benefits of intermittent fasting. In the December 2019 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the premier journals in clinical medicine, an extensive review of the studies elucidating the health benefits of fasting was published. In summary, the review describes the following benefits

• There are two described regimens of intermittent fasting: daily intermittent fasting with a 16-18 hour fasting period and a 6-8 hour feeding period and 5:2 fasting, eating regularly 5 days a week, and fasting 2 days a week with consumption of <700 calories on fasting days. The former regimen is more similar to the fasting of Ramadān, while the latter is similar to the Sunnah method of fasting Monday and Thursday.
  
  

• The goal of intermittent fasting is achieving ketosis, when the body exhausts itself of glucose and begins converting fat into ketones. Ketones are a backup energy source used when the body does not have access to glucose. Additionally, it signals to the body that the body is in fasting mode and has numerous positive cellular effects.
  
  

• Fasting periods lead to cell signaling that increase antioxidant defenses,repair of energy producing components in the cells and decrease inflammation.
  
  

• Intermittent fasting has demonstrated better results than calorie restriction alone, and in head to head comparisons, people utilizing intermittent fasting have an increase in insulin sensitivity (to prevent diabetes) and reduction in waist circumference.
  
  

• Intermittent fasting regimens reduce obesity, insulin resistance (i.e. diabetes),high cholesterol, hypertension and inflammation.
  
  

• In both human and animal studies intermittent fasting regimens have demonstrated a positive impact on memory and cognitive performance.
  
  

• Multiple animal trials and limited human trials have shown a positive impact of intermittent fasting regimens on decreasing tumor growth in cancer patients.
  
  

• There is limited evidence that intermittent fasting regimens benefits patients with autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
  

It is important to know that the science is always evolving, and the known benefits of intermittent fasting are dynamic. However, we know for certain that fasting Mondays and Thursdays and following the sunnah of the Prophet (upon him be peace) will have benefit for us in the afterlife. If there is benefit in the dunya as well, that can only be a good thing.

de Cabo, R., & Mattson, M. P. (2019). Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Health, Aging, and Disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(26), 2541-2551.

Islamic Guidelines on Plagues & Viruses - March 2020

Valentine's Day Love - February 2020

In 2019, Americans spent approximately 20.7 billion U.S. dollars on Valentine’s day

If we’re spending all that on “love", then why is major depression on the rise among Americans from all age groups, especially teens and young adults?

God says, “Surely those who believe and perform righteous deeds, for them shall the Compassionate ordain love” (Qur’an 19:96)

God is al-Wadud

He is not only the one who loves you, but He will show you that He loves you.

How will he show that He loves you?

By granting you everlasting joy.

The philosophy of love in Islam is twofold

1. Do good to others
2. Have faith in God.

If you do these two, He will give you His love.

The philosophy of love in Islam is giving unconditionally.

The philosophy of love in Islam is UNCONDITIONAL affection and mercy between the spouses (Qur’an 30:21)

“The hand that gives is better than the hand that receives.” (Muhammad ﷺ)

If we want to soften our hearts and achieve lasting happiness, Muhammad ﷺ advised us to perform two actions.

1. Feed the poor
2. Rub the head of an orphan.

It's not strange that both of these actions refer to giving unconditionally which is the philosophy of love in Islam.

Superbowl Halftime Thoughts - February 2020

I've noticed that the start of the Super Bowl usually occurs around Maghreb in Chicago. It will take imān and determination to ensure that one prays Maghreb on time. InshAllah this Concise Advice video will help us accomplish that in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to9LbJCD0_w

As far as watching the halftime show, find a healthy alternative. (The timing for the Isha salah at many masajid in Chicago occurs around the halftime show, 8:00pm.)

There are some who are stating that the Superbowl halftime show was about empowering women and not objectifying them.

At uoregon.edu, a research study by Emily Albertson, Belynda Murray, and Lily Martin-Chamberlain concludes that, “The damage the music video industry has caused is irreparable, and it has caused an innumerable number of problems with self-esteem issues among women.”

If the message that girls are getting from the music industry (including the halftime show) is that they are primarily valued for their sexuality and their sex appeal, that can be damaging to girls’ self-esteem. The singers' intention may have been to "empower women", but the "pole dancing, crotch grabbing and tongue waving” was a clear sexual exploitation of women.

Professor Hall, who teaches a class on sexuality education at BYU, fears that adolescents will confuse the lyrics of popular music with social norms.

“If Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are talking about sexual activity, and I’m 14, that just increases this misperception that I have that all kids are sexually active"

Hall said. "It’s this idea that if you’re listening to music that is saturated with sexual messages, you tend to believe that everyone’s doing it. That in itself becomes a powerful perspective.”

The Oregon study does point out, “There should be a distinction between embracing one’s own sexuality and giving up their rights to the men that seek them as sexual objects.”

Is it clear to everyone viewing the halftime show which one is happening?Can a young male seeing a woman in revealing clothing repeatedly spreading her legs before the camera determine whether she is empowered or objectified? Is she embracing her sexuality in a healthy way or is she entertaining men even if that may not be her intention?

“Modesty and faith are companions. If one is removed, so is the other” (Hadith).

"Sin causes uneasiness in the heart" (Hadith)

A person of haya, regardless of their faith, will be disturbed to watch the halftime show, especially with their family members.

Lastly, an ESPN article revealed that the Super Bowl remains a target for human trafficking.

Since women are being objectified during the halftime show in front of thousands of viewers, does that lead to a culture of engaging in paid sex activities?

Remembering Kobe - January 2020

Is the praying of Salah with a Kufi Part of Islam or Part of Culture - January 2020

“Covering one's head during salah is a sunnah and one should act upon it to the best possible extent, however, it is not a mandatory condition for the validity of salah therefore, the obligation is discharged without it, though devoid of the blessings of sunnah. We should try our best to make our salah as close to the sunnah as possible. Even a slight carelessness may deprive us from the barakah and reward which every sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, may bring to his true follower. Therefore, we should not take this matter lightly.” - Mufti Taqi Usmani

“Wearing a hat (Qalansuwa in Arabic) is the Sunnah of our blessed Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), Sahaba (Allah be pleased with them all) and the great scholars and pious predecessors of this Ummah.

There are many evidences which support this. Just to mention a few:

• Abdullah Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) used to wear a white hat (Recorded by Tabrani).
  
  
• Hasan al-Basri (Allah be pleased with him) says: The people (Sahaba-Allah be pleased with them all) used to perform Sajdah (prostration) upon their turbans and hats (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1/151)
  
  
• Rukanah (Allah be pleased with him) says, I heard the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) say: The difference between us and the polytheists is, wearing the turban over the hat (Sunan Abu Dawud, 4075 & Sunan Tirmizi, 3919).
  
  
• In the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah, the wearing of a hat is reported from Ali ibn al-Husain, Abdullah ibn Zubair, Dahhak and Abu Musa (Allah be pleased with them all).
  
  
• It is clear from the above that wearing a hat is a Sunnah. It has been the practise of the Ummah throughout history, and has become one of the symbols of Islam.
  
  
• The great Hanafi jurist, Mullah Ali al-Qari (Allah have mercy on him) states that the wearing of the hat has become one of the salient symbols of Islam. (Mirqat al-Masabih, vol.8 pg.246).

Due to the above, the scholars mention that even though, not wearing a hat can not be classed as unlawful (haram), as it is a Sunnah, but due to the fact that it has become one of the signs of Islam, it is generally undesirable to keep the head exposed. One should try to keep the head covered whenever reasonably possible.

And Allah knows best

Muhammad ibn Adam
Darul Iftaa
Leicester, UK

"Praying bareheaded is makruh (disliked).” (From Al-Qawl Al-mubin fi akhta' Al-musallin by Mashhur Hussain on page # 58 of the 2nd edition):

“It is not established at all that the Messenger (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ever prayed outside the pilgrimage with bare head, without a turban/cap. Whoever thinks he did so then he should bring the proof. If he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) had done so, it would have been recorded. The narration attributed to Ibn 'Abbaas that the Prophet (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) would sometimes remove his cap and place it as a sutrah in front of him is weak (da’eef)."

Shaikh Albani (May Allaah's mercy be on him) goes on to explain the mistake of some brothers in Egypt who brought the proof of the permissibility to pray without covering the head by analogizing with how the head is uncovered for someone in ihraam during the pilgrimage.

This is wrong since not covering the head during the pilgrimage is from the law (Sharee'ah) of Allaah. If their analogy was right then they should make it compulsory to pray without any head covering at all since it is obligatory to do so during the pilgrimage and to follow all the other restrictions of Ihraam in regular life! [Tamaam-ul-Minnah fee ta'leeq 'alaa fiqh-us- Sunnah by 'Allaamah Albaani]

Sahih Al-Bukhari Volume 2 pg #863It is mentioned that Anas Bin Malik (RadhiAllaahu Anhu) used to wear a kufi (cap).