My Learnings

For over a thousand years, Islamic civilization developed a political system very different from what many imagine today. Contrary to modern assumptions, Islam never required a religious state or a theocracy. In fact, for most of Islamic history, religion and state power were separate, and this allowed Islam to flourish across continents and cultures. This understanding is especially important today for Muslims living in non-Islamic countries. Many wonder: “Can I fully practice Islam here?” “Does Islam require a special type of government?” “Do Muslims need a religious state to live according to their faith?” The answer—historically, spiritually, and academically—is no. Islam has never depended on the state. Islam depends on values, ethics, and community, not political structures. Let’s explore how this unfolded. ⭐ 1. The Prophet’s (Peace be upon him) Model Was Unique—and Not a Template for All Times The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) combined spiritual and political leadership b...

Every time there is a tragedy somewhere in the world, I feel a tightness in my chest. Not just because of the pain of innocent lives lost — but because, as a Muslim, I know what comes next. Fingers. Questions. Suspicion. Explanations. Suddenly, I am expected to prove that I belong to the category of “good Muslims,” not the “bad” ones. It’s a strange burden to live with — to constantly reassure the world that your faith is peaceful, your heart is humane, your loyalties are clear. But why does this burden exist at all? 🕌 The Labels Were Never Ours — They Were Created for Us Mahmood Mamdani, in his book Good Muslim, Bad Muslim , says something powerful: these labels did not come from within the Muslim community. They were created by political forces outside us. They were created to divide the world into: Muslims who support certain political agendas (the “good”) and Muslims who challenge or resist those agendas (the “bad”) It has nothing to do with religion. Nothing to do with our daily ...

Every child is born curious, ready to explore the whole world. Their education should open doors for them, not close them early. Right now, when a child is sent to a formal religious school at a very young age, it's like putting them in a room with only one window. They only get to see one view of the world. They miss out on learning about so many other things. This is a problem because: It limits their choices. A child doesn't know what they want to be yet. How can they decide their whole life's path at age 10 or 11 usually when they are admitted to a madarsa or any religious school? It isolates them. They don't learn the same things as other children in their country. This can make it hard for them to connect with others or get a good job later. It doesn't let them think for themselves. They are taught what to think before they learn how to think for themselves. A Better Way: The "Doctor" Example Think about how a child becomes a doctor. No one forces a ...

In my previous post, we established a crucial metaphor: our financial system is the circulatory system of the societal body. Its health determines whether every part of our community—from the small business on your street to the farmer in the countryside—thrives or withers.   But today, this system is suffering from a severe case of arteriosclerosis. Critical pathways are clogged. The lifeblood of capital is not reaching the capillaries where it's needed most. Instead, it's being recirculated in the major vessels, enriching the heart while the extremities grow weak.   So, what are the specific blockages? And more importantly, what is the cure?   The Diagnosis: Three Critical Blockages in Our Financial Arteries   The problem isn't just that the system is "unfair." It's that its fundamental design creates predictable, systemic failures.   1. The Collateral Clot: "To Get Money, You Must Already Have It." This is the most common and debilitating blockage...

Imagine the human body. It has a heart that pumps blood, arteries that carry oxygen to every organ, and veins that bring blood back for renewal. When this system works, every part of the body — the brain, muscles, skin — thrives. Now imagine if blood stopped reaching one arm, or if the heart only pumped to the head and not the legs. That arm or leg would weaken, maybe even die. The body might still be “alive,” but it wouldn’t be healthy . That’s exactly how our financial system works — or, more accurately, how it should work. 🩸 Money = Blood, Banks = Arteries, Investments = Oxygen In a healthy economy: Money is like blood — it needs to circulate to every part of society. Banks, markets, and investors are like arteries — they carry money (oxygen) to businesses, workers, and communities. Savings, loans, and investments are like the nutrients that keep society alive and growing. When this circulation is balanced, every part of society — rich or poor, urban or rural — get...