Iblis (satan) refused to participate in the ceremonial prostration towards Adam (PBUH), and was thus cursed by Allah (SWT), banished from the comfortable abode of Jannah. Humiliated and dejected, Iblis hatched a plan of revenge against Adam (PBUH) and Hawwa, luring them to the forbidden tree. After repeated waswasa (evil whisper), it worked. Our parents …

The children gather around, waiting for the story to unravel. A story about a man running away – an escape plan – he is being hunted down – but there is a resolve – a new place – a peaceful place – called Madinah. Their Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was accompanied by …

Hijrah, in general, is an emotional plight. We know the historical pieces of Hijrah that drove the small group of believing Muslims away from persecution and into safety, only to be faced with new challenges, such as attacks from various tribes that were sparked by the emigration.

Take it upon yourself to be an Ambassador of your religion to live and breathe as best as possible, the way Prophet Muhammad did, and to convey the message of our deen with kindness and compassion.

Traveling as a Muslim is not different as compared to traveling before becoming a Muslim, as long as certain guidelines are adhered to. Tourists, Muslim or not, are required to be respectful of their place of travels, to represent themselves and their own country in a positive light.

Seeing Islam is very much a balanced religion – one that encourages the middle path in all things – it is supposed to encompass leisure and entertainment to nurture peace and tranquility, while being vigilant and discipline.