All posts by Joe Bradford
A Decade in Review, an Emotional One
Thinking back over the past 10 years, I find my mind racing to recall all the things meaningful to me during this time. Some of it is just a blank in my mind, some extremely vivid. Rather than a chronology of the various events and happenings of the last 10 years I’ve decided to review my emotions this decade.
Boys Don’t Cry
Lots of times we as men as told “crying isn’t manly.” It is a stereotype taught to us as men from the time we are small. Not through words necessarily, but many times by the way we are allowed to express our emotions & how emotional interactions are modeled for us. Crying is a natural […]
Does Islamic Law take a Position on Slave Reparations?
Welcome Development, Cautious Celebration Princeton theological seminary recently announced that it would be awarding 27 million dollars in scholarships as reparation for its involvement in the history of slavery, although it – as an institution – was not involved in the slave trade itself. The PTSEM was founded in 1812. While it did not own […]
Fathers: A Door of Paradise
“One who resembles his father has done no wrong…” Its said that Ru’ba b. Ajjaj once saw the generosity of ‘Adi b. Hatim, and so he recited this line: بأبه اقتدى عدي في الكرم *** ومن يشابه أبه فما ظلم “It was his father that Adi followed in generosity *** and one who resembles his […]
Video: Is Life Insurance Halal?
Joe answers the question “Is Life Insurance Halal?” discussing: What is an insurable interest, how insurance companies are structured, and how they invest the insurance pool (i.e. the money that you pay for the policy).
Video: Can I claim a tax deduction for paying my zakat?
Lots of people ask me year after year, “I’ve paid my Zakat, is it wrong for me to claim a tax deduction? Am I benefiting from my charity by taking a tax deduction?” In this video I answer the question “Can I claim a tax deduction for paying my zakat?” 1- How tax liabilities and […]
Video: Can a Muslim convert inherit from their non-Muslim relative?
In this video I discuss three issues: 1- Can Muslims inherit from non-Muslims? Here I go over the classical opinions on the topic. 2- The difference between a testamentary gift and inheritance. The former being allowed in all cases. 3- The principle of the appropriate preservation of wealth that may go to waste. Addendum […]
Video: Qunut al-Nawazil – Group Supplication During Difficult Times
Qunut al-Nawazil or Group Supplication During Difficult Times is a special dua made when there is a special need for prayers and solidarity. This short video discusses how it is done and why.
Debt vs. Partnership vs. Revenue Sharing: Which One is Best for My Business?
The mantra of Islamic Finance has been “Islamic Finance prefers partnership over debt.” Hammering this idea into the minds of the masses has resulted in many people using less than optimal structures for their business needs. At times its better to finance through debt, at times through partnership, and at times through revenue sharing. In […]
Do Less; Earn More – A Non-Profit Example
Ever Wonder Why You Do So Much But Achieve So Little? Working with a non-profit client this morning, we reviewed their giving policy and services. Because previously the org tried to do *everything* for everyone, they essentially limited the funding they could secure. Why? Because it was that much harder to define exactly what they […]