Maria Imtiyaz

   Allah says, “And it is not for a believing man or believing woman to have any choice in their affairs when Allah and His Messenger decided a matter; and whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, indeed he has strayed a manifest straying.” Al-Ahzab. So, for a believing woman too her sole source of guidance is Quran and Sunnah.    Modesty “Haya” is one of the most significant factors of a woman’s personality. The word “Haya” is derived from the word “Al-Haya” which means life as if the person who has no Haya (modesty) is like a dead person. It is only Haya which keeps us ethically and spiritually alive. What is Haya? The idea of Haya has been almost exclusively attached to woman’s dress; however it is actually a bigger issue. It is one of the most important factors that keep a person away from committing a sinful act. There are two aspects of Haya; “Natural Haya and Acquired Haya”. The latter is attached as a result of knowing and realizing...

Abu Hurayrah (RdA) said, “It was asked to Messenger of Allah (PBUH); which of the woman is best? He said “The one who makes (her husband) happy when he looks at her, obeys him when he tells her to do something, and does not disobey him with regard to herself or her wealth in a way he dislikes.” Al-Nasaai. The hadith proves the importance of a husband in the life of a wife. However, Islam also tells us the importance and rights of the wife in the life of a husband. Marriage is not just a physical or emotional necessity, but, in fact, a sign from Creator towards a broader objective. It is a relationship of mutual rights and obligations based on divine guidance; a legal contract between a man and a woman. Islam, unlike other religions is a strong advocate of marriage and there is no place for celibacy like the Roman Catholic priests & nuns. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “There is no celibacy in Islam.” He said, “Marriage is my tradition; whosoever keeps away t...

Allah says, “O you who believe fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become righteous’’ (Al Baqarah). The purpose of Ramzan (fasting) is to develop the quality of ‘taqwa’ inwardly and outwardly by abstaining from sinful deeds and training ourselves to control our thoughts and desires. The word ‘taqwa’ comes from the root meaning ‘to guard’ and it is variously translated as mindfulness, righteousness and God fearing piety. Fasting acts as a shield which protects us from sin and ultimately from the punishment of Allah in the hereafter Ramzan is a tremendous gift from Allah in so many ways. The message of Ramzan is that we are not just body but we are body and soul. During Ramzan we deprive the body to uplift the soul. Its message is that we should remember that we are each and every time under the eyes of Allah. Ramzan teaches us a way of life which leads us closer to our Creator. It teaches us how to follow the ord...