Hamza Yusuf's Blog, page 5

A Sermon from The Mercy to All the Worlds O community of ...

A Sermon from The Mercy to All the Worlds O community of Muslims, roll up your sleeves, for the matter is momentous. Prepare for an imminent journey. Garner provision now as the journey is long. Lighten your loads, for before you is an ascent most steep! Only those traveling lightly shall bear its climb. O [...]

When Children Suffer

When Children Suffer Hamza Yusuf I would like to write a follow up to a question someone wrote in response to a quote I posted on Facebook a few days ago. The question was regarding how God could allow the rape of a seven-year-old girl. First of all, I would request that people not be [...]

The Prayer of the Oppressed (al-Du’a al-Nasiri)

As promised at the end of my blog, “On Libya,” here is the text of the Du’a al-Nasiri along with my English translation of the Arabic poem: The Du’a al-Nasiri with English Translation Transliteration of the Du’a al-Nasiri with English Translation About the Translation and Recording of the Du’a al-Nasiri About The Prayer of the [...]

Where are the “No Smoking” signs in Medina? Since they are no longer in our hearts, at least put them on the walls.

Note to readers: I want to thank everyone who wrote recently and inquired about my health. I had a terrible fall a few weeks ago and had a mild concussion from it. I appreciate the wisdom of wearing a turban more. I am better, and the headaches have subsided – thanks be to Allah. Unfortunately, [...]

Don’t Let Wikipedia Become Wickedmedia

Islam is rooted in the idea that knowledge is the most potent force on earth. The more one knows, the closer one gets to the One who knows all. The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, loved knowledge, and it is the only prayer the Qur’an commands him to supplicate: “Say: O [...]

If You Don’t Like the Mawlid, Watch Out!

The birthday of the Prophet, God’s peace and blessings be upon him, is a great blessing for our community and, indeed, for all believers. So if we know the day, it should renew our joy manifold times. The Mawlid (his birthday) has traditionally been a time to reflect on – and be grateful for – [...]

Critical Eyes in a Critical Time

  "All of the strife in this world is due to three people: a newscaster, a news seeker, and a news listener." This is quoted by Imam al-Ghazali, may God have mercy on his soul and sanctify his secret, in his book Tibr al-Masbuk, which is only partially his work. He quotes this statement from [...]

On Libya

I want to share some quick thoughts and recollections inspired by the current turmoil taking place in Libya, which pains me deeply. Ghaddafi reminds me of Shakespeare's tyrant, Richard III: conniving, mutant, dark, and absolutely cruel, with no concern for his family, friends, or companions, let alone the people he rules over. He kills to [...]

The Importance of Being Ambiguous Or the Sin Tax of Ignoring Syntax

Posted from Medina Munawara, the City of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. "If a profligate comes to you with news, make sure you understand it (tabayyanu) and make sure you know it indeed happened (tathabbatu), or else you will attack people out of ignorance and end up in great remorse" (Qur'an 49:6).1 [...]

The Prayer of the Oppressed (al-Du'a al-Nasiri)

As promised at the end of my blog, "On Libya," here is the text of the Du'a al-Nasiri along with my English translation of the Arabic poem: The Du'a al-Nasiri with English Translation Transliteration of the Du'a al-Nasiri with English Translation About the Translation and Recording of the Du'a al-Nasiri About The Prayer of the [...]