Islam21c

Children are like empty cups that need filling We often focus heavily on harmful ideologies, whether liberalism, LGBTQ, or others — but that is not always where our greatest efforts are needed. If our children grow up feeling loved, valued, listened to, and emotionally secure, they are far less likely to seek belonging elsewhere. See them as empty cups needing love, affection, guidance, and attention poured into them before outside influences fill the gap. Watch the full video: 🎥 https://youtu.be/OCfPSkFBYos

Looking for something meaningful to do as a family this summer? Family Break 2026 returns with this year's theme: The Greatest — Reflections on Āyat al-Kursī. Spend quality time in an uplifting environment of learning, reflection, and recreation alongside hundreds of other Muslim families. 🎉 Save 20% for a limited time 🎁 Use code Islam21c10 for an EXTRA 10% off 💳 Flexible three-month payment plans available 🎥 More about Family Break: https://youtu.be/aq7xBbzLl1Y Book your space now before it's too late. https://family-break.com

Why does practising Islam feel so complicated today? In this new Islam21c podcast, Shaykh Dr Hatem al-Haj joins us for a deep and timely conversation on modern Muslim life — from politics, fatwas, maqāṣid and minority fiqh, to marriage, family breakdown, spirituality, and why so many Muslims feel that their faith has become dry or distant. This isn’t just a discussion about “modern issues”. It’s about how to remain grounded in revelation while navigating a world that constantly pulls the heart, family, and community in different directions. Watch here: https://youtu.be/4YEPuFvJ4Qo

Love is not lost overnight. It can sometimes fade through busy schedules, neglected relationships, wounded hearts, and forgetting the purpose that brought us together in the first place. This upcoming evening will explore how faith can help restore love, strengthen relationships, and bring mercy back into our lives. Book now: https://charitydinner.co.uk

Pushing away intrusive thoughts makes them worse? It's normal to have intrusive thoughts, what we should do is avoid the things that set them off or make them worse, be that scrolling on social media, Reddit, Googling symptoms, etc. We should instead accept that the compulsive thoughts are there in the background, while simultaneously moving on with life. This will change how we deal with such experiences. Full video: 🎥 https://youtu.be/VP1qNaKeIKw

This life is anything but a fairytale This life is not all "love and peace" as some may want us to believe; rather, there will always be conflicts, wars, battles, and each and every one is there to test us. Once we understand the above, everything else in this world should then also be understood according to that concept. Watch the full video: 🎥 https://youtu.be/UN7Ax-H7mU8

Do we worship our bodies? In this clip from our recent podcast episode with Shaykh Abu Eesa Niamatullah, an interesting point is raised about how younger generations have become intensely focused on health and fitness — perhaps even to the point of obsession. As priorities and lifestyles shift across generations, we need to ensure we remain relevant and connected to those younger than us, especially in a time when so many outside influences can shape their thinking and behaviour. Watch the full video: 🎥 https://youtu.be/qiswHaCmlBE

The political awakening we are seeing in our community is real. That should be welcomed. We have shown that we can mobilise. We have shown that we can protest. We have shown that we can vote. But awakening alone is not maturity. Mawlana Tahir Talati argues that the real question now is whether we can build. Because voting creates moments, but relationships create influence. And if our political engagement begins and ends at the ballot box, we will remain visible without ever becoming truly influential. https://www.islam21c.com/politics/awakening-to-influence/

Men and women were separated from their fitrah — and each other. Here’s how we fix it. This OnGuard episode with Sheikh Shaqur Rehman goes deep into how Muslim families were weakened, why motherhood and wifehood were devalued, how men lost real Islamic leadership, and what it takes to rebuild the home as the foundation of the Ummah. This is not just a “gender roles” discussion. It’s about civilisation, family, tarbiyah, haya, and the future of our children. Watch here: https://youtu.be/mh6jCxdAebo

Love is an action, not a feeling We're in a world where the meaning of love has been lost. The Prophet ﷺ embodied love in the way we need to emulate: saying it often to those we care about, giving gifts, speaking with encouragement, and showing love through action rather than passivity. Watch the full video: 🎥https://youtu.be/OCfPSkFBYos

This is why fathers carry more than we realise, and why honouring them is among the greatest paths to Allah. https://www.islam21c.com/islamic-thought/fathers-are-forgotten-gate-to-paradise/

Are we really there for our kids? This is a profound point: we have to build an environment of connection prior to correction, especially when it comes to our children. In fact, we may even find that many of their mistakes are better off put to one side, while we focus on those that actually matter. Watch the full video: 🎥 https://youtu.be/OCfPSkFBYos

Day 4 of our special 10-part Dhul Hijjah series — daily reminders for the greatest days of the year. Three days. A lifetime of lessons. Discover what the university of Hajj was always trying to teach you. https://www.islam21c.com/seasonal-reminders/hajj/lessons-from-the-university-of-hajj/

This is a ruling on the cutting of hair and nails for the families of the one offering Qurbani/Udhiyah. https://www.islam21c.com/fatwa/cutting-hair-and-nails-qurbani/

What happens when you know Islam is true… but still feel empty inside? In this powerful episode of OnGuard, Hamza Tzortzis speaks to Imran Hussein about anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression, nihilism, and the search for meaning. Imran shares his own journey through darkness, the moment life seemed to lose its meaning, and how turning back to Allah transformed everything. But that wasn't the end... This is an important conversation for anyone who has ever felt lost, anxious, spiritually numb, or overwhelmed — and for anyone trying to support someone who is. Watch here: https://youtu.be/VP1qNaKeIKw And search for 'OnGuard' on any of the online podcast platforms to listen.

We are very pleased to share the details of an upcoming book launch by one of our long-time contributors, Zimarina Sarwar. Her latest work, “Journey of the Soul, Heading Home”, explores the human soul, its purpose, and its journey through this life and beyond. Suitable for children aged 10+, the book reflects on what it truly means to be human, how we nourish the soul Allah has entrusted to us, and how we prepare for the eternal life to come. The event will include live storytelling, a book reading, Q&A, and a book signing. Registration is not required, and families are welcome. ⏰ Saturday 23 May 2026, 11:30-15:00 📍 Lakeside Suite, Fairlop Waters Country Park, Forest Road, Ilford, IG6 3HN

Day 3 of our special 10-part Dhul Hijjah series — daily reminders for the greatest days of the year. The days of Dhul Hijjah are not only for the pilgrims of Makkah! They are sacred opportunities for every believer to pause, refocus, and draw closer to Allah through dhikr, prayer, patience, charity, and sacrifice. What we prioritise in these blessed days can shape the rest of our year. Absorb the full insights from Ustadh Faizaan Mahmood on Islam21c. https://www.islam21c.com/seasonal-reminders/dhul-hijjah/live-by-the-pilgrims-code/

In this article, Ustadh Faizaan Mahmood talks about how we, as non-pilgrims, can make the most of the best days of the year. https://www.islam21c.com/seasonal-reminders/dhul-hijjah/live-by-the-pilgrims-code/