In the Muslim world, one of the most debated cultural topics is whether music and entertainment are halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden) in Islam. Like many issues in religion, the answer isn’t simple—and it depends on interpretation, culture, and context. Why the Debate? The Qur’an does not explicitly forbid music. However, some scholars refer to certain hadiths (sayings of the…
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Mecca (also spelled Makkah) is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Located in modern-day Saudi Arabia, it is the spiritual heart of Islam and the direction Muslims face when they pray, known as the Qibla. Mecca Before Islam Long before Islam, Mecca was a major religious and trade center in the Arabian Peninsula. At…
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The first mosque in Islam is the Quba Mosque, located in what is now the city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. When and Why Was It Built? In the year 622 CE, when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina—a journey known as the Hijra—he stopped in a small village just outside of Medina called Quba. During his short stay…
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The oud (pronounced “ood”) is one of the oldest stringed instruments in the world and a central piece of traditional Arabic music. Its name comes from the Arabic word al-ʿūd, meaning “wood.” The instrument has a pear-shaped body, a short neck without frets, and typically 11 strings grouped in pairs. Origins and History The oud dates back thousands of years,…
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Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was a wealthy and respected businesswoman in Mecca. She was known for her intelligence, independence, and integrity. She hired Muhammad to manage some of her trade caravans and was so impressed by his honesty and character that she proposed marriage to him. At the time of their marriage, Khadijah was about 40 years old and Muhammad was…
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Islam is one of the world’s major religions, followed by over a billion people around the globe. Its beginnings can be traced back to the 7th century in a region of the world known today as the Middle East. If you’re unfamiliar with Islam, this article offers a clear and simple overview of how it all started. Where Did Islam…
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