Author: hrabbani

Visiting Istanbul in 3 Days

/ hrabbani / 1 Comment

“You cannot know what love is unless you are in love with Istanbul”

(Sultan Abdul Hamid Han)

By Hassan Rabbani

21st Jan, 2025

A Picture of Sultan Abdul Hamid Han Hazretleri at the Restaurant of His Great-Great-Granddaughter

Istanbul is one of the great beauties of the world, both spiritually and aesthetically. For us Muslims, Istanbul served as the capital of our faith for many centuries. It has been the birthplace of millions of scholars and spiritual giants. In Istanbul, one can witness the manifestation of the beauty of our faith: the mosques, the schools, and the great architectural monuments. For us, it represents what Ihsan truly is.

Continue reading →

Book Your Own Umrah!

/ hrabbani / 3 Comments

In recent years, with Saudi Arabia opening up tourist visas for Westerners, there has been a significant increase in the faithful visiting the two holy cities. Many are now booking their own flights, arranging their own accommodations, and experiencing the blessings of this spiritual journey on their own terms. It’s incredible to see how affordable it has become, you can now find flights from European cities to Jeddah for as little as £60. In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience of performing Umrah on a budget, with the hope of inspiring you to go on this spiritual journey yourself.

My eldest holding the Ka’bah during our Umrah in 2022
Continue reading →

A Tribute to Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf

/ hrabbani / Leave a comment
with the First Minister of Scotland at the Interfaith Reception in Edinburgh Castle (June 2023)

It’s been a sombre day for many people in Scotland today. Rumours started circulating about the resignation of the First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, and the news was confirmed today as he stood in Bute House sharing the news of his resignation. It was emotional listening to him standing and speaking about leaving the top job. The emotions weren’t as high as when Imran Khan was robbed of his premiership in the Pakistani elections, but one questions what exactly happened behind closed doors. Why did the First Minister abruptly tear up the Bute House Agreement, whereas a year ago, he was so fervent in keeping it? At the election debates last year, Kate Forbes had opposed the deal, stating it had a negative impact on communities. Many sources are now stating the First Minister felt he needed to unite the SNP family, and this is why he decided to terminate the agreement.

Continue reading →

How Khabib Nurmagomedov Inspired My Friend to Accept Islam

/ hrabbani / Leave a comment

Some Muslim personalities have made a positive impact in sports while confidently speaking about their faith. Muhammad Ali was an impressive personality. However, we have many examples in our modern times. Mohamed Salah of Liverpool captured the hearts of football fans, and we have heard the chant “Mo Sa-la-la-la-lah, Mo Sa-la-la-la-lah, if he’s good enough for you, he’s good enough for me, if he scores another few, then I’ll be Muslim too.”

Continue reading →

“Give Me Permission to Have Sex?”: A Hadith on Temptations

/ hrabbani / 1 Comment
a young man in a traditional society dealing with his Nafs
Ever since immersing myself in the world of counselling and therapy, I’ve begun to view the life of the Prophet ﷺ and the hadiths from a unique perspective. I often reflect on the various roles the Holy Prophet ﷺ assumed. He was not only a teacher and legislator but also a friend, confidant, therapist, counsellor, and much more. The Prophet ﷺ was the go-to person for all concerns, anxieties, and questions. The hadith concerning Zina, which I refer to as the “Zina incident,” is especially intriguing because it highlights many key aspects of the Prophet’s ﷺ da’wah. Narrated by Imam Ahmad from Abu Umama al-Bahili1, a young man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said to him,
Continue reading →

3 Stories of How Children Inspire Scholars: Lessons from Imam Jazuli, Malik ibn Dinar, and Abu Hanifa

/ hrabbani / Leave a comment
Children have often inspired scholars and Sufis with their innocent tongues. At times, Allah allows His wisdom to manifest through the words of the young and innocent, providing scholars with profound reflections. Many scholars have transformed their lives due to such experiences, finding a deeper connection with Allah.
Continue reading →

Allamah Ghulam Rasul Sa’idi (1937-2016): A scholar par excellence

/ hrabbani / Leave a comment
Allamah Ghulam Rasul Sa’idi

On the 4th of February 2016, a day still vivid in my memory, I checked my WhatsApp messages and was shocked to learn that Allamah Saʿīdī had passed away. My hands trembled, tears filled my eyes as I absorbed the news. The person whose books I had directly benefited from, along with thousands of other scholars, was no more. I had never met Allamah Saʿīdī, nor had I heard any of his talks. My only connection with him was through his writings. I faintly remember a radio interview in 2004 during my internship at the Bobbersmill Community Centre (Nottingham), where Allamah Saʿīdī discussed Fiqh issues with Imam Safiullah on Radio Dawn. It was only later, upon reading his books, that I truly understood who Allamah Saʿīdī was.

Continue reading →

Thomas Keith (Ibrahim Agha) – The Scottish Governor of Medina

/ hrabbani / 3 Comments
 
 
 
Sutcliff’s ‘Blood & Sand’ explores the life of the scotsman Thomas Keith (Ibrahim Agha) who was captured in Egypt. He converts to Islam, taking a lead role in Muhammad Ali Pasha’s army (Ottoman Governor and de facto Ruler of Egypt) and in 1814 is appointed the Governor of Medina. Sutcliff, meticulously writes the story of Thomas. She thanks Michael Stardorth for giving her the story of Thomas and helping her shape this story. I couldn’t find anything about Michael Stardorth or how he came across the life of Ibrahim Agha.
 

Continue reading →