What is beauty?

Source: huffingtonpost.com

By: William C. Chittick

Anyone with the vaguest knowledge of Islamic culture knows that it has produced extraordinary works of art and architecture — Persian miniatures, the Taj Mahal, the Alhambra. Few are aware, however, that this rich artistic heritage is firmly rooted in a worldview that highlights love and beauty.

The link between love and beauty is clear. We love what we find beautiful. Beauty attracts, ugliness repels. Nor are beauty and ugliness simply physical characteristics. We all know people who are outwardly attractive but personally repellent, and vice versa.

Beauty makes a massive appearance in love poetry like that of Ibn al-Farid, Rumi, Yunus Emre, and countless others. Their verses stir up wonder and delight by evoking the beautiful characteristics of the beloved.

What’s wrong with racism?

By: Oyon Ajmain

The Ummah and humanity nowadays is so diverse that almost every other friend an individual has is of a different race to himself. Me personally, I have a mix of friends who are black, white, asian, arab etc and sometimes when I hang out with them they make harmless jokes which borderline racism.

Lying and Importance of Investigation in Islam

Source: maestrouzy.com

By: Hajira Khan

Lying in Islam is a major sin, it’s considered one of the most evil characteristics of a person, and there are severe punishments prescribed by Allah and His Prophet (s) for those who lie,  depending on the grievousness of the lies uttered.

6 toxic behaviors: how to find them and fix them

By: Kathy Caprino

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

In my line of work, I hear from hundreds of people a month, and connect with professionals in a more public, open way than ever before. Through this experience, I’ve seen scores of toxic behaviors that push people away (including me). And I’ve witnessed the damage these behaviors cause to relationships, professional success, and to the well-being of both the individual behaving negatively, and to everyone around him or her.

Let’s be real – we’ve all acted in toxic, damaging ways at one time or another (none of us are immune to it), but many people are more evolved, balanced, and aware, and it happens only rarely in their lives.

Whether your toxic behavior is a common occurrence, or once in a blue moon, it’s critical for your happiness and success that you are able to recognize when you’re behaving badly, and shift it when it emerges.