The Meaning of La Ilaha Illa Allah: An Annotated Translation of Imam al-Zarkashi’s Treatise on the Islamic Testimony of Faith
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Marriage and Gender Roles in Islam: Beyond Rights and Duties
Dr. Tesneem AlkiekIntroduction Over the past two centuries, Muslim societies confronted what often felt like insurmountable trials: from colonial domination and military defeat to political fragmentation and institutional decay. And yet, even as the Western world began to stagger under the recoil of the very ideologies it violently imposed, Muslim societies remained remarkably resilient in one vital domain: the family. Muslim homes buckled down to weather waves of religious and intellectual onslaught. Marriage was not merely a social arrangement but a space for cultivating moral values and sustaining quiet resistance. But the storm has now caught up with us too, straining one […]
Virtues of Surah al-Baqara: Healing and Protection in the Qur’an’s Longest Chapter
Sh. Suleiman HaniIntroduction One night, standing underneath the vast stretch of the starry sky, Usayd ibn Ḥuḍayr found himself reciting Surah al-Baqara. His horse, tied beside him, suddenly grew agitated. When Ibn Ḥuḍayr paused his recitation, the horse fell silent. He resumed his recitation, only for the horse to again become visibly distressed. He stopped, and again so did his horse’s agitation. For one final time he tried to continue his recitation, but to no avail—his horse was unsettled and worked up, and his son, Yahya, was too close for comfort. Ibn Ḥuḍayr, fearing that the horse might trample his son, bent down […]
Surah al-Fatiha’s Benefits and Virtues: The Greatest Surah in the Qur’an
Sh. Suleiman HaniSurah al-Fatiha is the greatest surah in the Qur’an, the foundation of Islam, the summary of truth, a healing for illnesses, a comfort for worries, a protection, and a fortress. Surah Al-Fatiha is an unrivaled divine revelation to the final nation, recited at least seventeen times a day by Muslims praying their five obligatory prayers, a consistent conversation with the Creator, and a prescription for the hearts of creation.
The Art of Gratitude: Qur'anic Themes on Shukr
Dr. Tamer DesoukyGratitude benefits us in so many more ways than we can imagine. Learn how to express shukr in your own life and reflect on how the Qur’an offers us truly comprehensive guidance in living our most satisfying lives.
The Meaning of Allah's Name Al-Jabbar: The Compeller and Mender of Broken Hearts
Sh. Mohammad ElshinawyShe sat there for days, paralyzed by shock, having witnessed her dreams get shattered forever—or so she thought. A short time later, al-Jabbār had mended her broken heart and recreated for her an even better dream in its place. Their tears streamed as they stared at the x-rays of his mangled bones. The physicians told them the accident would render him immobile for life. Not only did al-Jabbār fix the “unfixable,” but they were now preparing to watch him at the Paralympic finals. Many gave up trying. Others even stopped waiting. Palestine had been forgotten, but now victory is visible on the horizon. After a hundred years of carnage, […]
Who Are the Chosen Ones? The Qur’an’s Correction of the Bible on the Election of the Children of Israel
Dr. Louay FatoohiThis article will try to show that distinguishing between different Qur’anic terms clarifies the exact meaning of the chosenness of the Israelites and related concepts. The result is a simple, coherent, and compelling explanation that corrects the Jewish and Christian misunderstandings of the meaning of God’s choosing of the Israelites.
Gaza’s Rise: Inspiring the Muslim Ummah’s Collective Consciousness and Religiosity | Blog
Dr. Osman UmarjiIt has been over three months since the genocide began in Gaza. Muslims around the world have tuned into the most significant global event in decades and perhaps in their lifetimes; never before in history has a genocide been broadcast for the world to watch in horror, in real-time. Globally, Muslims have been on a roller coaster of emotions, witnessing both the painful destruction of Gaza and the beautiful resilience of its people. In an attempt to shed light on the thoughts, emotions, and faith-based responses of Muslims around the globe, we at Yaqeen surveyed 1800+ English-speaking Muslims.[1] Changes in […]
The Meaning of Allah's Name Al-Jabbar: The Compeller and Mender of Broken Hearts
Sh. Mohammad ElshinawyShe sat there for days, paralyzed by shock, having witnessed her dreams get shattered forever—or so she thought. A short time later, al-Jabbār had mended her broken heart and recreated for her an even better dream in its place. Their tears streamed as they stared at the x-rays of his mangled bones. The physicians told them the accident would render him immobile for life. Not only did al-Jabbār fix the “unfixable,” but they were now preparing to watch him at the Paralympic finals. Many gave up trying. Others even stopped waiting. Palestine had been forgotten, but now victory is visible on the horizon. After a hundred years of carnage, […]
We Should Have Done More: A Tribute to Imam Jamil Al-Amin | Blog
Dr. Altaf HusainWhen I reflect on what I have been able to accomplish in service to the community by the Grace of Allah, the goals “completed” never occupy my heart or mind as deeply as those left unfinished, especially the places where I know I should have exerted more effort. One such glaring example is our beloved Imam Jamil Al-Amin, Allah have mercy on him. He returned to Allah the Exalted, on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025. He is now free from the shackles of this world, but spent nearly 25 years unjustly incarcerated. While the system imprisoned his body, it never touched […]
Rooted in tradition, designed for tomorrow: The vision behind Yaqeen’s new look
Yaqeen InstituteThe ummah has evolved since the inception of Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research. What began as a dream, nurtured in a room of thinkers, has become a compass for millions. Yaqeen is now a staple of Ramadan, a trusted resource for questions, and a guiding force for a generation seeking clarity. In the early days, our mission was clear and urgent: to counter the tide of Islamophobia and equip Muslims with the tools to affirm their faith in a post-9/11 world. We stood as a shield against the doubts cast by external forces. Now the ummah’s needs have grown, and […]
Just How Much Does Gaza Matter to American Muslim Voters? | Blog
Dr. Youssef ChouhoudFor over a year, American Muslims have witnessed scenes of carnage broadcast from Gaza on a near-daily basis. At the same time, they have observed scenes of incredible patience and steadfastness from the Palestinians. Bearing witness to such faith-based resilience, while enduring persistent mental anguish at the inability to stop the violence which caused it, cannot help but force a realignment of priorities. In turn, this has led to observed increases in American Muslim religiosity,[1] as well as momentous changes in political attitudes and preferences.[2] This current moment is not the first time that American Muslims have shifted their policy focus. Although foreign […]
Gaza’s Rise: Inspiring the Muslim Ummah’s Collective Consciousness and Religiosity | Blog
Dr. Osman UmarjiIt has been over three months since the genocide began in Gaza. Muslims around the world have tuned into the most significant global event in decades and perhaps in their lifetimes; never before in history has a genocide been broadcast for the world to watch in horror, in real-time. Globally, Muslims have been on a roller coaster of emotions, witnessing both the painful destruction of Gaza and the beautiful resilience of its people. In an attempt to shed light on the thoughts, emotions, and faith-based responses of Muslims around the globe, we at Yaqeen surveyed 1800+ English-speaking Muslims.[1] Changes in […]
The Meaning of Allah's Name Al-Jabbar: The Compeller and Mender of Broken Hearts
Sh. Mohammad ElshinawyShe sat there for days, paralyzed by shock, having witnessed her dreams get shattered forever—or so she thought. A short time later, al-Jabbār had mended her broken heart and recreated for her an even better dream in its place. Their tears streamed as they stared at the x-rays of his mangled bones. The physicians told them the accident would render him immobile for life. Not only did al-Jabbār fix the “unfixable,” but they were now preparing to watch him at the Paralympic finals. Many gave up trying. Others even stopped waiting. Palestine had been forgotten, but now victory is visible on the horizon. After a hundred years of carnage, […]
We Should Have Done More: A Tribute to Imam Jamil Al-Amin | Blog
Dr. Altaf HusainWhen I reflect on what I have been able to accomplish in service to the community by the Grace of Allah, the goals “completed” never occupy my heart or mind as deeply as those left unfinished, especially the places where I know I should have exerted more effort. One such glaring example is our beloved Imam Jamil Al-Amin, Allah have mercy on him. He returned to Allah the Exalted, on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025. He is now free from the shackles of this world, but spent nearly 25 years unjustly incarcerated. While the system imprisoned his body, it never touched […]
Rooted in tradition, designed for tomorrow: The vision behind Yaqeen’s new look
Yaqeen InstituteThe ummah has evolved since the inception of Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research. What began as a dream, nurtured in a room of thinkers, has become a compass for millions. Yaqeen is now a staple of Ramadan, a trusted resource for questions, and a guiding force for a generation seeking clarity. In the early days, our mission was clear and urgent: to counter the tide of Islamophobia and equip Muslims with the tools to affirm their faith in a post-9/11 world. We stood as a shield against the doubts cast by external forces. Now the ummah’s needs have grown, and […]
Just How Much Does Gaza Matter to American Muslim Voters? | Blog
Dr. Youssef ChouhoudFor over a year, American Muslims have witnessed scenes of carnage broadcast from Gaza on a near-daily basis. At the same time, they have observed scenes of incredible patience and steadfastness from the Palestinians. Bearing witness to such faith-based resilience, while enduring persistent mental anguish at the inability to stop the violence which caused it, cannot help but force a realignment of priorities. In turn, this has led to observed increases in American Muslim religiosity,[1] as well as momentous changes in political attitudes and preferences.[2] This current moment is not the first time that American Muslims have shifted their policy focus. Although foreign […]
Being Black and Muslim in America: A Study on Identity and Well-Being
Dr. Osman Umarji
This research study is an empirical investigation into the identity and well-being of Black Muslims in America.
Modern Pathways to Doubt in Islam
Dr. Youssef Chouhoud
Acknowledgments This project benefited tremendously from the time and contributions of many, first and foremost our skilled research team. We are sincerely grateful to Hena Zuberi and Tasneem Siddiqui, who together conducted and synthesized the bulk of our in-depth interviews. On the back end, we were fortunate to have Aamna Asif providing indispensable and timely research support from the earliest stages of data gathering to the final draft. There were also numerous outside reviewers whose insights and critiques made the ultimate product that much stronger, including Nancy Khalil, Jeffrey Guhin, Besheer Mohamed, and, especially, Zaid Adhami (who was exceedingly generous […]
A Punishment or a Mercy? What We Can Learn from COVID-19
Dr. Osman Umarji
Introduction “Is the coronavirus a punishment from Allah?” “Is Allah angry at us?” “Is the coronavirus a blessing, test, or punishment?” These theological questions are in the hearts and minds of many Muslims since the coronavirus spread worldwide, infecting over two million and taking the life of over 100,000 people thus far.[1] Answering these questions requires a discussion of core theological concepts, including a thorough understanding of the concept of punishment. In this paper, we seek to answer these questions, describe what American Muslims actually report believing about the topic, and provide practical solutions to the questions. The concept of punishment Punishment […]
Closer in Quarantine: A Study of Successful Marriage in Social Isolation
Menahal Begawala
Introduction We are living in unprecedented times with stressors that span social isolation to job uncertainty and everything in between. During this time, there may be added pressure on marriages. Issues that may have been previously dormant within marriages can rise to the surface. While difficult, if approached correctly, the current situation can present an opportunity to make a positive shift that is likely overdue. All relationships require intentional and active effort to thrive. If a marriage has been neglected, the consequences will hit harder now than at times when we could have escaped or distracted ourselves from the painful experience of […]
Can Childhood Experiences Predict Religiosity and Doubt in Adults? An Empirical Analysis of Muslims
Dr. Osman Umarji
Introduction Apostasy and atheism have been on the rise in America in the past decade.[1] In a 2019 survey, more than one in four Americans (26%) identified as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular,” up from 17% in 2009.[2] American Muslims are no exception to this statistic, as 24% of those raised Muslim report no longer identifying with Islam in adulthood, predominantly moving towards atheism or no religion.[3] While these numbers are staggering, they do not include the large number of Americans struggling with religious doubt.[4] While many people have questions related to religious teachings at some point in their lives, these questions are often resolved, allowing […]
Being Black and Muslim in America: A Study on Identity and Well-Being
Dr. Osman Umarji
This research study is an empirical investigation into the identity and well-being of Black Muslims in America.
Modern Pathways to Doubt in Islam
Dr. Youssef Chouhoud
Acknowledgments This project benefited tremendously from the time and contributions of many, first and foremost our skilled research team. We are sincerely grateful to Hena Zuberi and Tasneem Siddiqui, who together conducted and synthesized the bulk of our in-depth interviews. On the back end, we were fortunate to have Aamna Asif providing indispensable and timely research support from the earliest stages of data gathering to the final draft. There were also numerous outside reviewers whose insights and critiques made the ultimate product that much stronger, including Nancy Khalil, Jeffrey Guhin, Besheer Mohamed, and, especially, Zaid Adhami (who was exceedingly generous […]
A Punishment or a Mercy? What We Can Learn from COVID-19
Dr. Osman Umarji
Introduction “Is the coronavirus a punishment from Allah?” “Is Allah angry at us?” “Is the coronavirus a blessing, test, or punishment?” These theological questions are in the hearts and minds of many Muslims since the coronavirus spread worldwide, infecting over two million and taking the life of over 100,000 people thus far.[1] Answering these questions requires a discussion of core theological concepts, including a thorough understanding of the concept of punishment. In this paper, we seek to answer these questions, describe what American Muslims actually report believing about the topic, and provide practical solutions to the questions. The concept of punishment Punishment […]
Closer in Quarantine: A Study of Successful Marriage in Social Isolation
Menahal Begawala
Introduction We are living in unprecedented times with stressors that span social isolation to job uncertainty and everything in between. During this time, there may be added pressure on marriages. Issues that may have been previously dormant within marriages can rise to the surface. While difficult, if approached correctly, the current situation can present an opportunity to make a positive shift that is likely overdue. All relationships require intentional and active effort to thrive. If a marriage has been neglected, the consequences will hit harder now than at times when we could have escaped or distracted ourselves from the painful experience of […]
Can Childhood Experiences Predict Religiosity and Doubt in Adults? An Empirical Analysis of Muslims
Dr. Osman Umarji
Introduction Apostasy and atheism have been on the rise in America in the past decade.[1] In a 2019 survey, more than one in four Americans (26%) identified as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular,” up from 17% in 2009.[2] American Muslims are no exception to this statistic, as 24% of those raised Muslim report no longer identifying with Islam in adulthood, predominantly moving towards atheism or no religion.[3] While these numbers are staggering, they do not include the large number of Americans struggling with religious doubt.[4] While many people have questions related to religious teachings at some point in their lives, these questions are often resolved, allowing […]
Islamic Parenting Strategies: How to Help Children Feel Safe in their Attachment to God and Parents
Sarah Sultan
For part one of this parenting series, read: Building Resilience in Children: An Islamic Model of Parenting I. Case Study Before they got married, Mona and Ibrahim grew up in traditional households that valued high achievement and reverence for those in authority. They looked forward to building a similar household together, one centered on a cohesive family unit committed to Islam and characterized by continuous spiritual growth. Mona and Ibrahim had three children, but they found parenting much more difficult than they had anticipated. Growing up, they felt that when their parents asked them to do something they almost always did it without hesitation, whereas their children […]
Is it Cultural or Religious? The Role of Culture in Islam
Dr. Muhammad Khalifa
We’re anti-evil, anti-oppression, anti-lynching. You can’t be anti- those things unless you’re also anti- the oppressor and the lyncher. You can’t be anti-slavery and pro-slavemaster; you can’t be anti-crime and pro-criminal. In fact, Mr. Muhammad teaches that if the present generation of whites would study their own race in the light of true history, they would be anti-white themselves. -El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) Introduction As with many of Malcolm’s statements before he left the Nation of Islam, most Muslims would find a way to extract the benefit of his words minus the Islamically objectionable portions and mention of Mr. Muhammad. Many Black […]
Insights for Muslim American Youth Development: Culturally-Centered Youth Approaches in the Black American Community
Dr. Husain Lateef
Abstract Islamophobia by proxy and through lived experiences poses an internalization risk for Muslim American youth. Internalization of negative stereotypes about Islam and Muslims may have adverse effects on various developmental outcomes and adherence to Islamic practice. Before we can generate specific developmental models for Muslim American youth, a beneficial starting place is to consider the empowerment strategies developed by the Black American community to assist their youth overcome internalization of racial oppression. By reflecting on insights that may be relevant to Muslim youth, this paper describes the rise of culturally-centered approaches to youth development within the Black American community. The paper […]
Marriage and Gender Roles in Islam: Beyond Rights and Duties
Dr. Tesneem Alkiek
Introduction Over the past two centuries, Muslim societies confronted what often felt like insurmountable trials: from colonial domination and military defeat to political fragmentation and institutional decay. And yet, even as the Western world began to stagger under the recoil of the very ideologies it violently imposed, Muslim societies remained remarkably resilient in one vital domain: the family. Muslim homes buckled down to weather waves of religious and intellectual onslaught. Marriage was not merely a social arrangement but a space for cultivating moral values and sustaining quiet resistance. But the storm has now caught up with us too, straining one […]
Talking to Teens about Drugs and Alcohol: A Qur’anic Approach
Dr. Jibran Khokhar
Introduction Drug and alcohol use in adolescence is often a popular topic in media stories and pop culture but, due to the stigma associated with substance use amongst Muslims, does not get the same attention in the Muslim community. Furthermore, this topic remains understudied due to under-reporting, as well as a perceived immunity from this issue due to the Islamic prohibition of alcohol and drug use, but can be a source of religious doubts, especially in youth. This paper hopes to outline the importance of this topic in terms of the impacts of such use, provide a primer to parents […]
