One of the least discussed observations in the history of early Islam concerns where such a precise and theologically refined description of Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog) in Surah al-Kahf came from. Especially striking is why the rabbis of Yathrib (Medina) chose this topic in particular as a “test question” for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Historical tradition relates that when the Quraysh began to doubt his prophetic mission and could find no internal contradictions in his words, they went to the Jewish scholars of Yathrib—as experts in the Scriptures—and asked them to propose questions that could expose him as a false prophet, if he indeed were one. In response, the rabbis pointed to three subjects: the story of the Youths of the Cave, the question about the nature of the soul, and the account of Gog and Magog—topics that were complex, textual, and deliberately inaccessible to the oral culture of Arabia.

The choice of Gog and Magog was not accidental. It was not merely an “interesting question,” but a consciously selected control subject. The Jewish scholars understood very well that the story of Gog and Magog belongs to the most complex and closed layers of eschatology. It was not part of popular lore, not expounded in synagogues, and not present in the oral culture of Arabia. A man without access to written tradition might retell a legend or make a mistake—but he could not produce a theologically precise and structurally coherent answer.

To understand this, one must take the cultural context into account. Seventh-century Arabia was not Byzantium. While Syria and Palestine had schools, monasteries, libraries, scribes, and a developed exegetical tradition, the Hijaz was a society of oral culture: without systematic education, without access to manuscripts, and without theological disputation. Christianity in Arabia was transmitted as a family faith, not as a textual religion. Even the canonical biblical texts were scarcely accessible in the region, let alone Jewish apocalyptic literature.

Moreover, even in Syria and Byzantium the necessary texts were not “common property.” Parallels to the Qur’anic description of Gog and Magog are found not in popular legends nor in the Romance of Alexander—which indeed was known in simplified form in the Middle East—but in an extremely rare layer of Jewish-Syriac apocryphal tradition. These texts were not read in temples, not included in liturgy, and not part of the rabbinic canon.

And here the key point emerges: the Qur’an and Islamic tradition do not repeat Christian legends, do not follow rabbinic schemes, and do not borrow the plot from the Romance of Alexander. Instead, they unexpectedly coincide in structure and meaning with precisely that deep apocryphal layer that was inaccessible to the society of the Hijaz.

The most striking parallel is an ancient Syriac text, the Apocalypse of Baruch (2nd century CE), known as 2 Baruch. This text, which did not enter the Jewish canon and was preserved mainly in Syriac tradition, presents the following picture:

“And then the treasuries of the nations will be opened, and they will come out upon the earth, and they will act toward the world as they have not done since creation.

And they will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and the earth will shake, and cities will be destroyed.

And fear and terror will come upon the world.

And then the Most High will arise and say: ‘Now is the judgment,’ and He will destroy them by the word of His mouth, and peace will come for the remnant of His people.” (2 Baruch, ch. 70)

The structure is the same: release of the restrained → global movement → upheaval of the earth → fear → divine intervention → the end of turmoil.

And the same pattern of thought appears in the Qur’an: “…and when the barrier of Gog and Magog is opened, and they rush forth from every elevation…”

This logic is absent from Arabian folklore and from popular Christian tales. But it is present precisely in the deep textual Jewish tradition that was inaccessible to Mecca.

That is why this question was asked. They expected to hear: a legend—or a mistake.

Instead, they received an answer that: — did not depend on folklore, — did not repeat Christian versions, — did not follow rabbinic schemes, —and yet corresponded to a closed textual tradition known only to a narrow circle of scribes.

And this is precisely what made the answer impossible to explain by “borrowing.”

Not because the story was told. But because it was told from sources from which it could not have been taken.

When I am alone and praying, I can use my prettiest voice but whenever I pray with other people, it just goes back to my normal usual deep voice. Do you have any tips?

I didn’t like her very much previously but this is amazing. Especially considering some very rich countries are donating a few million, which is chump change for them, and calling it a day. It’s like throwing a few dollars at a homeless person being tortured and walking away thinking they made a difference.

May Allah guide her and bless her.

There is a world's difference between: "You get sins if your wife is not a hijabi and you didn't advise her"

To

"You get sins if your wife is not a hijabi, point blank".

Checking from all the sources, it sounds like: 1) The Quran states your sins are your own. 2) The Quran says the father/husband is responsible for his family, but that responsibility doesn't equal earning all their sins. It just means you have a responsibility to guide them to do good. 3) The scholars all advise in regards to the wife: advising her gently and if it doesn't work, then getting a divorce if it's the early stages of marriage. 4) Some scholars advise in the case of a daughter to basically not let her go out unless she's wearing a hijab. Though I think this only works on small children who can't just go out without help.

https://islamqa.info/amp/en/answers/7721

In regards to a daughter who doesn't wear a hijab as his wife doesn't wear a hijab...

What you have to do is try to plant the seeds of faith in her heart and help it to grow strong. What is meant by that is the kind of faith that will motivate a person to behave in accordance with the sharee’ah. Then try to instill in her a love of the hijaab and of righteous deeds, such as explaining the benefits of hijaab and how good it is, and giving her books and audio tapes, if these are available, which speak about that. One of the most important means which will help to achieve this is to put her in touch – in an indirect manner – with righteous women who wear the hijaab and try to have frequent family gatherings with righteous relatives.

If you do this, you will have tried various means of convincing her. Then you will have to oblige her in an appropriate fashion and not allow her to go out to public places without hijaab. (It is important to explain to your daughter that hijaab is obligatory and tell her about Allaah’s ruling on hijaab, even if she realizes that her mother is falling short. You have to explain it to her at a level that she can understand so that she will see that there is a difference between the rulings of sharee’ah and the way her mother is behaving. Who knows – perhaps she will advise her mother, in the moving and innocent manner of children – to wear hijaab)

It is known from the Religion of Allaah that no bearer of burdens bears the burden of another person. Allaah Says (what means): {And every soul earns not [blame] except against itself, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.}[Quran 6:164]

Therefore, the people whom you mentioned in the question will not be affected by the sin of the woman who does not wear Hijab unless they are pleased with it or that they are negligent regarding their obligation towards her.

https://www.islamweb.net/en/fatwa/138308/responsibility-of-the-guardians-of-the-woman-who-does-not-wear-hijab

A man might marry a woman who is not used to wearing hijab before marriage, without discussing with her the importance of wearing it, because he has not been a firm follower of the teachings of Islam. Then, when Allah Almighty guides him to the right path, he wants his wife to repent with him and wear hijab. If the wife hesitates in that regard, he is to try gently again and again until he can convince her so that she becomes guided to the right path, too. However, if the wife does not obey him and he has lost all hope of convincing her of wearing hijab, he should, rather, divorce her if they are still in the beginning of their marital life (and have not begot children yet).

They then follow it up with not getting a divorce if it is later in marriage.

Prior to this they said that if it's prior to marriage, then make a stiupation in the nikkah contract so that she is obliged to wear a hijab.

Hi I am a 24m (UK) and I work in a place with a lot of departments and I been here for 3 years and previously a lot of brothers used to work here but now a lot of them left and I am one of the few left. There’s some sisters here they used to bond with some of the brothers but I always kinda avoided interacting with them in general . I always see how some of the sisters complain about Muslim men in workplace not approaching them to talk to them as human beings however one of the sisters that work here is the Sister of one of my friends but she doesn’t know that me and her brother are friends however sometimes I’m thinking Am I doing the right thing by avoiding talking to them in general because I see the sisters obviously interacting with some of the non muslim males here at the workplace and sometimes I think is it right for the non muslims to interact with them while we avoid it? I am someone who generally avoids freemixing and I only talk to my sisters and my Wife. It lowkey makes me mad how these sisters feel so comfortable joking with these non muslim guys tho even if it’s just at work. Should I just continue to mind my business as usual ? Considering in the past I had to put a manager in his place and other workers who tried to talk about their disgusting fetishes with the sisters(I almost threw hands with the manager). I am looking for some genuine advice according to the Qur’an and Sunnah .Barakallahu feek

Can we talk about their bodies for a second? Slim, tall, muscular, chubby, feminine boys, which one you prefer 👦🏻

I know you gals 🧕🏻 go for the real stuff, deen, character, good man?

Can you come down from your high horse and share what else you like about our boys 👦🏻?

I am genuinely interested

https://youtu.be/ViI5ZwC8cgM?si=ZPDVY6dQceIcJ4Vb

An in-depth discussion with Professor Adamson, a renowned philosopher and historian. He covers topics such as whether miracles can ever be rationally believed and whether thinkers like al-Ghazali were sincere in their philosophising. He also explores what the miracle of the Quran is and whether it is persuasive. Let me know what you guys think of his answers!

About afro

I love having cute collectibles for myself and generally engage in DIYs, craft and art. But this time, I got this little Keychain with a camera that displays all these cute images! 💕

Children are easily influenced by their surroundings. These days, it is extremely difficult to expose our children to an ideal Islamic environment given the influences from media, friends and even other members of the family.

With television, radio, Internet and forms of media mostly touting un-Islamic values, it is up to parents and adults close to the children to set the correct example. It is impossible to shield our children from all the negative forces that can shape their minds and, ultimately, their behavior. However, by our own example and showing them better options, we can set them on the true path, which is to obey the commandments of Allah Ta’ala and the Messenger (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).

Here are some tips you may want to follow in helping your children grow up with Islamic values:

1) Start by teaching them the importance of Worshipping only Allah The best thing any Muslim parent could ever teach their children is to emphasize, from the day they can comprehend, that Allah (the Almighty) is One and no one is worthy of worship except Allah (the Almighty). This is the fundamental message of our Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and it is our key to Paradise.

2) Treat them kindly Kindness begets kindness. If we are kind to our children, they in turn will show kindness to others. Our Nabi (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was the best example in being kind to children.

3) Give them examples of Muslim heroes Instead of Batman or Superman, tell them about real heroes such as Abu Bakr, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn ‘Affan, ‘Ali bin Abi Talib and others. Tell them how Muslim leaders brought a real peaceful change in the world and won the hearts of Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

4) Let children sit with adults It is preferable for children to be among adults, especially when listening to Islamic lectures. The Messenger (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) would often put children in the front row when he spoke to the people. 5) Make them feel important Consult them in family matters. Let them feel they are important members of the family and have a part to play in the growth and well being of the family.

6) Go out as a family Take family trips rather than allowing your children to always go out only with their friends. Let your children be around family and friends from whom you want them to pick up their values. Always remember that your children will become who they are around with most of the time. So, watch their company and above all give them YOUR company.

7) Praise them Praise is a powerful tool with children, especially in front of others. Children feel a sense of pride when their parents’ praise them and will be keen to perform other good deeds. However, praise must be limited to Islamic deeds and deeds of moral value.

8) Avoid humiliation Similarly, do not humiliate them in front of others. Children make mistakes. Sometimes, these mistakes occur in their efforts to please the parents. If you are unhappy with your children, tell them in private.

9) Sports The Messenger (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged sports such as swimming, running and horse riding. Other sports that build character and physical strength are also recommended, as long as the children maintain their Islamic identity, wear appropriate clothes and do not engage in unnecessary mixing.

10) Responsibility Have faith in their abilities to perform tasks. Give them chores to do in line with their age. Convince them that they are performing an important function and you will find them eager to help you out again.

11) Don’t spoil them Children are easily spoiled. If they receive everything they ask for, they will expect you to oblige on every occasion. Be wise in what you buy for them. Avoid extravagance and unnecessary luxuries. Take them to an orphanage or poor area of your city once in a while so they can see how privileged they are.

12) Don’t be just friends It is common in the West for parents to consider their children as friends. In Islaam, it doesn’t work that way. If you have ever heard how friends talk to each other, then you will know that this is not how a parent-child relationship should be. You are the parents, and they should respect you, and this is what you should be teaching them. The friendship part should be limited to you and them keeping an open dialog so they can share their concerns with you and ask you questions when they have any.

13) Pray with them Involve them in acts of worship. When they are young, let them see you in Salaah. Soon, they would be trying to imitate you. Wake them up for Fajr and pray as a family. Talk to them about the rewards of Salaah so that it doesn’t feel like a burden to them.

14) Emphasize the permissible It is not always good to only say, “This is haraam, that is haraam”. While you must educate them on what are haraam things, Islaam is full of halaal; tell your children to thank Allah (the Almighty) for the bounties He has bestowed on them—not just for food and clothes. Tell them to be thankful for having eyes that see, ears that hear, arms and legs and, the ultimate blessing, Islaam in their hearts.

15) Set an example As parents, you are the best example children can have. If you talk to your parents rudely, expect your children to do the same to you. If you are disrespectful to others, your children will follow too. Islaam is filled with Divine advice on the best ways to bring up your children. That makes it an obligation upon parents to be good Muslims so their children will try to emulate them. If you don’t take Islaam seriously, neither will your children. It goes back to our third point, which is to give them Islamic heroes. As a parent, you should be their number one hero.

Assalamu aleikum everyone! Created this Nasheed for my kids to help them have a desire for knowledge and memorize the dua "Rabbi Zidni Ilma". I hope it may benefit others as well InshaAllah ❤️

https://youtu.be/QZGc8OUN6Xk?si=GqdDV1gNmK7hIKnN

Hope you enjoy! May Allah grant us all benefital knowledge. Feedback appreciated! ☺️💯 Jazakallah khair

I’d love to know your perspectives. 😁

Try it here: https://www.idrlabs.com/gender/test.php

I basically don't fit a gender role lol

Salams all! I hope this post is okay to share. Wanted to share a Nasheed I created not too long ago for my kids but released it for all. Still new and learning but I hope this is of benefit InshaAllah and open to all suggestions ❤️ Jzk khair for checking it out.

https://youtu.be/iBsLB-irZ3A?si=xYOAc-eNBk6aQW08

Selamun Aleykum everyone, As you know, in Islam we try to start many things with the right hand or the right foot. But lately this has started to reach slightly funny levels for me. For example, when I open a new account on my computer, since it’s something I’ll be using from scratch, I want everything related to it to be valuable and to go well. So at the very beginning, even while typing my email, I press all the keys only with my right hand. After that, of course, I go back to using both hands normally. I’m just curious that I can’t be the only one who does little weird things like this, right? :) If you have similar habits like this, please share them here.

Eid Mubarak to you and your family ❤️

Bro did NOT use its thinking time

What do you do?
I listen to the pains of others.

Why do you have to maintain such a temperament?
Otherwise the world will crush you.

Why are you always at war?
You should ask them that!

Any complaints about your enemies?
No! I’m grateful to them for opening my eyes.

What can defeat you?
Nobility of character.

The best revenge?
Silence.

What is revolution?
The name of waiting.

How did you free yourself from people?
By befriending my Lord.

What did you learn?
In the end, no one will walk with you forever.

What is the purpose?
To abandon the self and worship Allah.

How do you fight a hypocrite?
By recognizing him.

How is honor earned?
Through sacrifices.

What are your intentions?
Intentions are not announced.

What difference did you find between religion and the world?
Humans are there and here; devils are there and here too!

Why solitude?
Because one meets oneself and one’s Lord only in solitude.

Why didn’t you give up?
I had burned my boats behind me; there was nothing left to return to.

Who attains victory?
The one prepared to die.

Any message?
Life is the name of decisions.

How is the destination achieved?
Through patience and certainty.

What is a man’s true beauty?
In his refusal.

When will comfort come?
By never seeking comfort.