The 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal should appropriately be commemorated by Muslims, even if doing so is not a religious obligation. It marks the birth date (mawlid) of the greatest of mankind, elevated by Allah (swt) as the Seal of the Prophets. He is Muhammad (saw), whose birth and entire life were truly extraordinary, making him the most exceptional human being not only in this world but also in the Hereafter.

On 14 August 2026, Jason Arday, Cambridge's youngest-ever Black professor was found dead at his London home. He had resigned on 5th August, after accusations of plagiarising parts of his PhD thesis, and other accusations about inconsistencies in statements about his career and achievements.

This verse was revealed in response to the kuffar (disbelievers) and the Jews who objected to—and mocked—the use of the spider and the fly as examples. They questioned how Allah (swt) could cite such lowly creatures as parables. Their objection stemmed from obstinacy and arrogance; for no two rational people would disagree on the wondrous nature of Allah’s creation, 

I’ve noticed an ongoing thread in today’s (mostly English-speaking) discourse and it’s the idea that one can be Muslim and be gay so long as one controls their desires. The idea being that one cannot be blamed for being born gay (as that is outside of their control). However, one can be accounted for their deeds and their decision to act upon their desires.