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Thirteen Ramadhans ago, I was in the midst of a spiritual transformation (from a nominal Muslim to a practising Muslim) whilst running a large Islamic discussion board. Before that, I was still practising but merely did it out of habit, mindlessly mimicking movements and routines that we were inculcated from a young age. As a […]

In everyday Somali speech, it’s fairly common for people to address a stranger (non-relative) as ‘brother’ or ‘sister’ (Huuno/Walaal(o)/(A)baayo/(A)boowe). It’s a traditional practice which is relatively ubiquitous and most likely the norm in many cultures, right? But you know what’s really interesting? In the Somali tradition, it’s extremely common for soon-to-wed/married Somali couples to continue […]

The liver is one of the most important laboratories in the body – an incredibly vital organ – that we often take for granted even though it performs key functions. Without it, the body would refuse to function. Everything that we put in our mouth – whether its garbage or otherwise – must go through […]

“…I was filled with love for her.”(Muslim) I stumbled on this hadith a few weeks back. It’s a hadith where the Prophet (SCW) was talking about his wife, Khadija. It triggered a stuck-thought that has been flaring up during my commutes to work. Many of us are familiar with their exemplary marriage but what type […]

“So verily with every difficulty, there is relief. Verily with every difficulty, there is relief.” (94:5-6) – “Fa inna ma’al ‘usri yusra, Inna ma’al ‘ussri yusra” 94:5-6) Upon first impression when reading these verses, you might wonder – as I did when I initially came across them – why this particular verse is repeated twice, […]