Are we allowed to colour our hair in different shades? Omar Zia April 18, 2021 Faith There isn't such a simple answer to this question, but we do know for sure that the Prophet PBUH used to use a leaf-based dye (henna) to colour his beard when he started getting white hairs. It seems from the ... Read More...
How can I make the most of Ramadan while I am on my period? Omar Zia February 28, 2021 Faith The question is: what can you not do while on your period? The answer is: prayer and fasting, only. For everything else, the sky is the limit! So you can still recite Qur’an and you can still make du’a to your... Read More...
If I’m in a situation where something being discussed in class (in university) sounds like it is misrepresenting Islam, is it my responsibility to say anything? How do I confront my professor that I feel uncomfortable about it? Omar Zia January 17, 2021 Faith When a Muslim sees racism or abuse, they have an obligation to stop the oppression. The credo of Muslims includes standing up for all people who are oppressed – this includes Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-... Read More...
If you are a politician or wanting to become one, how do you play that role while sticking to Islamic values? Omar Zia January 3, 2021 Faith As humans, we often wear multiple ‘hats’ representing a plethora of identities. These identities may be based in culture, language, nationality, gender, athletics, place of employment, career and, of course, f... Read More...
When I first started wearing hijab, my parents were supportive and proud of my decision. Recently, however, they’ve started telling me to loosen it and let my hair show, saying how much better I look without it. How do I make my parents happy while also standing by my beliefs? Omar Zia November 15, 2020 Faith From an early age we are often taught to obey our parents and we develop a fear of disappointing them through disobedience. When a person becomes ‘of age’ the realization sets in that accountability is not to ... Read More...
How do I find the courage to ask my teacher to leave class to read Dhuhr during school in winter? Omar Zia November 8, 2020 Faith The Human Rights Commission of Ontario states, under its Policy on creed and the accommodation of religious observances, that “Under the Code, employers, unions, housing providers and service providers have a ... Read More...
How do you deal with abusive Muslim leaders who misuse their power in boards, masjids, workplaces, etc.? Anonymous October 25, 2020 Faith There’s an expression, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Meaning that when people are put into a position of responsibility there is a tendency to take an authoritative stance which may... Read More...
What is your advice to Muslims suffering from mental health issues? Does it mean we are bad Muslims? Omar Zia August 23, 2020 Faith Thank you for your question. We are living in a time where our global society is becoming more aware and more accepting of the fact that stress is a reality of life and maintaining our mental health and well-b... Read More...
How can I approach a friend who’s expressed that they’re losing faith? Anonymous August 28, 2019 Faith What's the best way to approach a close friend who's expressed that they're losing their faith? Should you let them be, or is there anything you can say or do to help them out? If a friend reaches out to yo... Read More...
Why is drinking haram? MY Voice May 4, 2018 Faith Why is drinking haram? Alcohol and prayer do not mix. Anyone who drinks alcohol cannot pray for a month, unless he or she repents. Liquor clouds the intellect. Khamr also describes how alcohol consumption make... Read More...