Instagram

I was in the middle of an intense pickleball match against Stan. At one point, the ball went out of the court, and while his partner went to retrieve it, we had a quick 30-second break. I decided to make some small talk and said, “Your bucket hat reminds me of Spain. When I was there, it felt like everyone was wearing one.” He replied, “Skin cancer runs in my family, and I’ve had skin cancer too, so I try to protect myself.” That conversation stayed with me. It’s amazing how quickly we can get caught up in competition. We see an opponent across the net, but we often forget that every opponent is also a person with a story we know nothing about. The next time a game gets intense, remember: you never know what someone is going through. Win with humility. Lose with dignity. And never forget that the person across the net is more important than the score.

Instagram

“It’s a little deeper than just basketball.” — Jaylen Brown That says a lot. Jaylen Brown being outspoken, Muslim, and unafraid to challenge injustice probably makes some powerful people uncomfortable. He doesn’t just smile for the cameras and protect the brand. He speaks on oppression, freedom, justice, and equality ….and that comes with consequences. Sports leagues love “activism” when it is safe and marketable. They get nervous when an athlete actually says something real. May Allah protect and guide those who stand for truth even when it’s uncomfortable.

Instagram

You think your life is hard? Imagine being forced to hide your Islam in your own home. Imagine praying in secret because your neighbors could report you. Imagine not even being able to fast Ramadan openly, because fasting itself could become evidence against you. Imagine being forced by the authorities to attend church, while your heart remained attached to Allah. Imagine being pressured to eat pork or drink wine just to prove you were no longer Muslim. Imagine your language being banned, your books disappearing, and your children forgetting the tongue of their grandparents. Imagine Muslim clothing being outlawed, your customs treated like crimes, and even your name being changed. Imagine giving your child two names, one public name for survival, and one Muslim name whispered only at home. Imagine seeking Islamic knowledge so secretly that even your books had to hide. (Some Moriscos preserved Islamic teachings through Aljamiado, Spanish written in Arabic letters, allowing Qur’anic meanings, duʿās, and religious teachings to be quietly passed from one generation to the next.) Imagine outwardly converting just to survive, yet still being distrusted because of your Muslim ancestry. Imagine being forced to leave the only homeland your family had ever known. Imagine walking toward the ships carrying only what you could hold. Then imagine the greatest heartbreak of all. Imagine your little brother or sister being kept behind while the rest of your family was forced into exile because the authorities considered them young enough to be raised away from Islam. Imagine the mothers crying. Imagine the fathers pleading. That was their child. That was their family. This suffering did not happen all at once. It unfolded across generations: from the fall of major Muslim cities Córdoba in 1236 Seville in 1248 Granada in 1492, to forced conversions, secret worship, and eventually the expulsion of the Moriscos between 1609 and 1614. When we can pray openly, atte

Instagram

One thing that stood out to me at the masjid in Madrid was seeing copies of the Qur’an available in multiple languages. It was a beautiful reminder that while the Qur’an was revealed in Arabic, its message is for all of humanity. Providing reliable translations helps people from different backgrounds begin to understand the meanings of Allah’s words and learn about Islam. May Allah reward every masjid and organization that helps make His Book accessible to people around the world.

Instagram

Imagine walking through a palace where every courtyard, garden, and hall was carefully designed to make you stand in awe of the ruler before you ever laid eyes on him. Historical accounts describe how ambassadors visiting Madinat al-Zahra were intentionally led through magnificent courtyards, halls, and gardens so that by the time they reached the caliph, they were already overwhelmed by his power and prestige. Today, only the ruins remain. I stood there staring at the ruins for several minutes while the rest of the group continued ahead. The tour guide asked, “What are you thinking?” I said, “Every leader, teacher, and speaker creates an atmosphere. Some leave people talking about them, their knowledge, charisma, humor, accomplishments, or influence. But the best leaders leave people talking about Someone greater than themselves. They become a means of guiding hearts back to Allah. They are intentional about not making themselves the center of attention, whether directly or indirectly.” He asked, “How do you distinguish between the two?” I said, “I may be wrong, but I feel that if, after listening to you, people’s love for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ has increased, that is a good sign. Their love and appreciation for you may naturally increase as well, but you were only the means, never the destination.” CALL PEOPLE TO ALLAH, NOT TO YOURSELF. Otherwise, you lose in this world and the next. ﴿كُلُّ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا فَانٍ وَيَبْقَىٰ وَجْهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ﴾

Instagram

Imagine having to climb 35 ramps just to give the adhān. This is La Giralda in Seville, Spain, originally the minaret of the Great Mosque of Seville. Before it was converted into the cathedral’s bell tower, the muezzin would ascend its 35 gently sloping ramps, wide enough to be climbed on horseback, to reach the top and call the adhān across the city. He must have needed good stamina… and a strong voice. 😃 More than 800 years later, those ramps still remain, preserving a remarkable piece of the Islamic history of al-Andalus.

Instagram

Alhamdulillah, I had the opportunity to pray ʿAṣr at the Granada Masjid. One thing that stood out was that the adhān is still given without a microphone, which brought back a special memory of @imamdeeb father giving a beautiful adhān here years ago without a 🎤. I also met one of the founders of the masjid, a German, who shared some of the challenges they faced in obtaining permission to build it. The project took years of effort before finally opening in 2003. It was a beautiful reminder that preserving faith and community often requires patience, sacrifice, and perseverance. Alhamdulillah, the masjid is not just a beautiful landmark. It continues to serve through daily prayers, educational classes, community gatherings, and weekly meals for those in need.

Instagram

😊 So proud of our students (and parents) this morning! Thirty years from now, they may not remember every detail of this summer, but they will remember praying Fajr on June 26th, working out at the beach at 5:00 AM with good company, listening to Sūrah al-Ḍuḥā as the duḥā unfolded before them, and how the rain held off until our session was over—just a light drizzle throughout, then a downpour right after. Alḥamdulillāh. Shoutout to Coach Chris and Coach Kanecia for leading the sessions! #TimeWellSpent ⏳

Instagram

Looking to experience Istanbul, Madinah, and Makkah in a deeply meaningful way? 🕌✈️ The official Islamic Foundation North Umrah 2026 trip details are finally here! Guided by Imam Azfar-Uddin, this comprehensive 11-day trip is designed to give you peace of mind while a high-quality travel team handles all your accommodations and logistics. 🗓️ Dates: November 18–29, 2026 💰 Pricing: From $3,195 / person 🏨 Includes: 5-Star accommodations, luxury train transfers, guided tours, and visa processing. 🔗 Head over to the Islamic Foundation North Umrah Trip Page or email [email protected] to lock in your spot! #UmrahTrip #DarElSalamTravel #IslamicTravel #MakkahClockTower #Kaaba

Instagram

Br. Chad shares why you should join Imam Azfar on this unforgettable journey to Türkiye, Madinah & Makkah. 📞 For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Sr. Maheen: (573) 823-9257 Limited spots available. Reserve yours today!

Instagram

The future is bright!

Instagram

IFN hosted Carmel Catholic High School students to explore the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity, as well as interfaith collaboration and justice. Students asked questions on Gaza, Islamic dress codes, Muslim athletes fasting, and the spiritual aspects of Islam, and enjoyed a walking tour and Wudu demonstration. At the end of the program, the Imam encouraged them to build friendships across different backgrounds to help foster difficult conversations without dehumanizing one another.