Towards a better humanity

  Freedom of speech and its limits: comparing human rights law and Islamic law We are often told that modern society has, “freedom of speech.” Freedom of speech is a human right under article 19 of the human rights act and international law as formulated by the UN.   Some countries have freedom of speech as part of constitutional law. Freedom of speech, free speech and freedom of expression are often used interchangeably. The term covers activities that involve seeking, imparting knowledge or finding out knowledge regardless of the method used. When we hear that we have freedom of speech we understand that we can say whatever we want.   Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)—Article 19 states that "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."[1] This was ...

 So Christmas has finished now, and the New Year has already begun. For this reason, it might be a bit late to talk about Christmas and greeting people at this time of year. However, since I came across this video and some non Muslims were perhaps offended by it I thought to comment on this. The speaker here says he is asked if it is permissible to greet Christians with “Happy Christmas,” or not. I myself had asked this question to Shayukh previously. They told me there is nothing wrong in greeting and congratulating people who happen to be friends or relatives to keep up the good relationship. Others say it is forbidden to greet people at Christmas because it is not an Islamic celebration and we are not supposed to celebrate the important days of other religions. However, whichever perspective this speaker decided to take, he only had to calmly and politely give his perspective. In this case it was enough to say “No, it is not permissible.”  If he wanted to explain, he only h...

 A beautiful person: according to Islam Currently, throughout the world, beauty has most often been understood as a physical attribute. Beauty is most often held to be something that pleases us to look at aesthetically. People regard artwork, sunsets, scenery and even some people as beautiful because they are pleasing to look at. Some of the things – or people – that are considered beautiful may not be held to be beautiful by everyone. Therefore, oftentimes beauty is subjective. However, there are things and even people who may be considered objectively beautiful and regarded by most as such. It is now fashionable to think that beauty can be created by adding make up.  However, things cannot be added that were not there in the first place. Make-up may at times accentuate beauty, or it may cover it or over do it.   Sometimes too much makeup actually hides a persons true beauty and can make them look like a clown. Physical appearance is important because it may be the ...

 Is the vaccine halal or haram and should it be taken? There are some fears relating to taking the vaccine that it may contain haram substances, such as pork or non halal gelatine.  Non halal gelatine refers to gelatine made from an animal not slaughtered in the Islamic way, or from pigs. Not only Muslims raise religious issues concerning the vaccines.  In fact there are many Christians who refuse to take the vaccine on religious grounds, saying it contains parts of fetal matter. Jewish people also have issues with the vaccine and gave been refusing it on religious grounds. https://www.google.com/url? sa=t ? sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.cga.ct.gov/2020/PHdata/Tmy/2020HB-05044-R000219-Green,%2520Michael,%2520Rabbi-TMY.PDF&ved=2ahUKEwjY7dLIx4H1AhUiA2MBHfKIAxIQFnoECBkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1sQARmscF7on1GbjguJeJU However, it seems that it is only the Muslim scholars and teachers who are trying to cite permissibility of the vaccine despite concerns about...

  What do Muslims say about Jesus? Today is the day many Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus peace be upon him. Although we are taught in school that this was a mistake and it is not the actual day if his birth, it has become so widely recognised as the actual day that it is still celebrated as such. Jesus is a great Prophet of Islam, and there are five Prophets said to be greatest because they went through the most difficulties and achieved the most. These five Prophets peace be upon them are Nuh, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and of course Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Muslims hold Jesus to be a Prophet like other prophets and was a human being and a man. Some Christians believe Jesus to be the literal son of God or even God himself. The Quran refutes this saying that how could he have a son when he has not taken a wife? Muslims are forbidden from calling a Prophet of anyone the son of God as it is considered blaspheme and as if making partners to God. In the beginning it seems...

   According to statists.com 33 of adults experience lonliness worldwide. According well-beinglifeworks.com isolation is also a global issue and not only something affecting people in Canada. Lonliness refers to the feeling of being alone or separated from others, whereas isolation refers to lack of social contacts and not having people to contact with regularly. Although older adults often tend to suffer from lonliness and isolation, which can impact their health and longevity a BBC poll claims that it is 18-24 year olds who tend to be lonliest In the US a quarter of adults over 60 live alone and 43 per cent were feeling lonely before the covid epidemic. Loneliness is a problem that can lead to mental disorders and distress as well anxiety, depression, low self esteem, problems sleeping and increased feelings of stress. It can also lead to problems of the brain and brain shrinkage and can effect longevity.  Lonely people may not live as long as people with strong social ...

Recently I began to remember my grandparents and how my grandmother used to excuse herself that she needed to “make a call,” every so often.  I then learned from my mother that this was her way of excusing herself to use the bathroom. There were other terms used to excuse herself due to female issues, such as “I have a visitor.” The reason for this way of speaking was manners and etiquette.  I used to hear people quoting the saying, “manners maketh man,” and remember such things in comparison to now. Indeed, saying of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him states that, “I have not been sent except to perfect good manners,” Manners are the way a person behaves towards the people around them and looks out for their comfort and wellbeing. Well mannered people usually put other peoples well being before their own. I hope they do not become extinct any time soon. It has never been considered polite to make mention of body parts, bodily issues or references to the lavatory or what i...