Semerkand İngilizce Dergi Sayı: 19 - Temmuz 2023

The June issue of the Semerkand English Magazine invites readers to reflect on the essential roots every family should reconnect with, in the feature article, "The Ideals of the Ideal Family." The author Siraceddin Önlüer tackles a wide spectrum of issues. These range from managing our life expectations and choosing the path of moderation, to accepting our finite existence in this world and not yielding to the selfish desires of comfort and pleasure. Instead, he advocates turning to the worship of Allah as a family unit.

 

He also draws attention to the example of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) throughout the article, highlighting his devotion to Allah, his balanced approach to worldly life and the afterlife - an approach he likens to that of a traveler. He also underscores his gentle demeanor, his affectionate approach to his family and children, and his unparalleled benevolence.

 

He then frames these arguments within the broader context of happiness not being contingent of wealth and pleasure, stating that a wide heart makes for a wide home, and not a wide budget as the contemporary understanding of the pursuit of happiness suggests. He also touches on the effects of discord at our homes on children and how the aggressive qualities of the nafs are at the root of the problem. Lastly, he finalizes his words with a reminder from the Qur’an stating that the best model for us is, indeed, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).

 

Our lead author Muhammed Mübarek Elhüseyni providesprofound insight into the virtue of moderation in Islam with his article titled, "Avoiding Extremes: A Path of Moderation.” He initially describes the stark contrast between the two extremes known as excessiveness and laxity, and goes on to bring the concept of moderation into sharp focus as the remedy for both situations as he outlines the essential principles of avoiding immoderation on the basis of the aqaid of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaah. After explaining the significance of moderation as a key attribute of Muslims, he concludes with the prayer that we may be rightly guided as are the scholars and awliya who embody this esteemed, measured practice in the Sunnah.

 

Semerkand English Magazine July 2023 issue also features articles such as "The Path to Paradise” by Ali Kaya, "The Shallow Straits of the Mocking Mind” by Ali Yurtgezen, "Nafs Al-Lawwamah” by Cihat Ceylan, "Remembrance, Contemplation, and Supplication” by Sıtkı Çoban, "The Good Deeds of the People of Jannah” by Abdülkadir Alioğlu, and "A March Towards Civilization” by Ali Yurtgezen as well as a calendar section marking the important dates and historical events to have occured within the coming lunar month.