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Islamic Summer Conferences 2012

2012-05-07T13:54:11Z

With Ramadan falling during July and August this year, many major Islamic conferences in North America are being planned for earlier or later in the summer. Among them:

26-28 May 2012: ICNA-MAS Convention - Theme: Defending Religious Freedom - Understanding Shariah - Hartford, CT
29-30 June 2012: ISNA Diversity Forum - Theme: Strength Through Diversity - Dearborn, MI
31 August - 3 September 2012: ISNA Convention - Theme: One Nation Under God - Striving for the Common Good - Washington, DC

Do you know of others? Please post a comment below with details.

Islamic Summer Conferences 2012 originally appeared on About.com Islam on Monday, May 7th, 2012 at 13:54:11.

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Compilation of the Quran

2012-04-30T16:04:00Z

During the time of the Prophet Muhammad, the words of the Quran were revealed, committed to memory, and recorded in writing by scribes. The written texts were verified and cross-checked with those who had memorized the revelation. Within 20 years of the Prophet Muhammad's death, the written texts had been compiled into a single, authentic text with only verified copies in existence. All Qurans which are found in the world today are identical to these original documents, unchanged over more than 1400 years. Read more:

Compilation of the Quran originally appeared on About.com Islam on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 16:04:00.

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The Prophet Muhammad

2012-04-29T17:18:12Z

To understand Islam and Muslims, one must know the Prophet Muhammad. From humble beginnings in the deserts of Arabia, he became one of the most influential religious and political leaders of all time. His life example serves as an inspiration to all Muslims, encompassing both trials and successes.

The Prophet Muhammad originally appeared on About.com Islam on Sunday, April 29th, 2012 at 17:18:12.

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Ramadan and the 2012 Olympics

2012-04-18T19:39:00Z

The summer Olympic Games in London will take place during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan this year. The schedule affects not only the estimated 3,000 Muslim athletes, but also the vendors, spectators, and officials. During Ramadan, Muslims do not take any food or water during the daylight hours, but may eat and drink throughout the evening. Experts in sports medicine predict that any effect on performance will depend on the type of sport, the duration and time of day of the event, and sleeping/training schedules. Some Muslims may choose not to fast in order to be at their peak performance, and then make up the days of Ramadan with fasting days at a later time.

Compromise key to London 2012's Ramadan clash (BBC)
Ramadan and the 2012 Olympics (Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine)
Eating and Exercise During Ramadan (PDF brochure in English and French, from the International Association of Athletics Federations)
When Is Ramadan 2012?
All About Ramadan

Ramadan and the 2012 Olympics originally appeared on About.com Islam on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 at 19:39:00.

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The Quran

2012-03-30T13:03:29Z

To truly understand Islam, one must start and end with the Quran. The holy book of Islam has existed in its present form, unchanged, for over 1400 years. Muslims use the revelation as a guide, for inspiration, and to learn about the nature of God.

Learn all about the Quran

The Quran originally appeared on About.com Islam on Friday, March 30th, 2012 at 13:03:29.

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Make 70 Excuses

2012-03-28T16:05:38Z

Faith calls upon us to bring out the best in ourselves and in others. Treating other people with integrity and respect is a sign of a believer. It is not permissible for a Muslim to spread rumors, gossip, or engage in backbiting one another. On the contrary, one should be humble, non-judgmental, and recognize that only Allah sees and knows all things.

One of the great early Muslims, Hamdun al-Qassar, once said: "If a friend among your friends errs, make seventy excuses for him. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves." Making excuses for others is a way of stepping into their shoes, to try to see the situation from other possible angles and perspectives. One is less likely to gossip or spread rumors about someone, if one can try to see the possible reasons for their behavior.

So, let's try it. I challenge you to come up with 70 excuses for the following scenario:

A Muslim woman wearing hijab has just removed it in a public place.

No, c'mon... pick up your jaw and hold your tongue. Don't gossip about what a horrible Muslimah she is, or spread rumors about her reputation. Let's think of excuses... be creative and show your compassion. Share your attempts on the User Answer page - let's see if we can get to 70 or beyond!

Make 70 Excuses originally appeared on About.com Islam on Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 at 16:05:38.

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Disposing of a Quran

2012-03-27T14:01:09Z

With recent protests in Afghanistan over the burning of Qurans by U.S. forces, many have wondered about the proper way to dispose of religious texts. As Muslims believe the Quran to be the direct word of Allah, the written text is to be treated with respect. Muslim scholars agree on several methods of properly dispose of the Quran and other religious texts, and one of them is... burning. This must be done, however, with an intention of respect and reverence. Read more about the proper way to dispose of the Quran and other Islamic religious texts.

Disposing of a Quran originally appeared on About.com Islam on Tuesday, March 27th, 2012 at 14:01:09.

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Women's History Month

2012-03-14T18:37:48Z

March is Women's History Month in the United States and some other parts of the world. What better time to reflect on the women of Islamic history? Let's start with the female family members of the Prophet Muhammad, and the female Companions (members of the early Muslim community). These ancient women could inspire those of today with their bravery, intelligence, assertiveness, and leadership. Which women in Islamic history do you most admire? Comment below.

Women's History Month originally appeared on About.com Islam on Wednesday, March 14th, 2012 at 18:37:48.

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The Role of the Imam

2012-02-29T18:33:01Z

What does an imam do? The imam leads Islamic worship services, but may also take on a larger role in providing community support and spiritual advice... Read More

The Role of the Imam originally appeared on About.com Islam on Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 at 18:33:01.

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Favorite Quran Reciter?

2012-02-29T17:32:09Z

Join in the voting! Who is your favorite Quran reciter?

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, instructed his followers to "beautify the Quran with your voices" (Abu Dawud). Recitation of the Quran is a precise and melodious undertaking, and those who do it well preserve and share the beauty of the Quran with the world. Your nominations have been tallied, and the finalists for the About.com Islam Readers' Choice Award for Favorite Quran Reciter are listed below in alphabetical order by surname. Vote for your favorite, now through March 21st:

Sheikh Abdul-Basit Abdul-Samad (profile)
Sheikh Mishary Rashed Al-Afasy (profile)
Sheikh Saad Al-Ghamdi (profile coming soon)
Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim (profile coming soon)
Sheikh Abdul-Rahman As-Sudais (profile coming soon)

Vote now for your Favorite Quran Reciter!

Favorite Quran Reciter? originally appeared on About.com Islam on Wednesday, February 29th, 2012 at 17:32:09.

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