During summer, you may want to dedicate some time to Arabic language studies. Learning Arabic can be fun and easy, with the assistance of these self-paced courses. These complete systems (books and/or tapes) take you through the essentials of pronunciation, grammar, reading, and writing the Arabic language - both classical and Modern Standard Arabic.

Explore other options: Arabic Intensive Summer Programs and Online Learning

Why learn Arabic?

Gamma Gamma Chi is the first Muslim sorority in the United States. University Greek life may seem to be the polar opposite of an Islamic lifestyle. But to the founders of Gamma Gamma Chi, the organization is a return to the original purposes of sorority life: sisterhood and service to the community.

Heading to college next fall? Check these other university resources for Muslim students.

Islam teaches one to have high respect for one's mother; the Prophet Muhammad once said that "paradise is at her feet." In Islam, every day should be Mother's Day!

Food and gas prices increasing... School exams approaching... Violence and war throughout the world... You may be feeling a bit more stressed than usual. Muslims have a place to turn to help relieve their worries.

• Need help? Call upon Allah through du'a, personal supplication.
• Facing a big decision? Make salaat-l-istikhara, the prayer for guidance.
• Feeling frustrated? Remember that Allah tries and tests us, and calls upon us to bear our burdens with patient perseverance and prayer.
• Need more resources? Learn about managing stress at About.com.

Islam has given detailed regulations for our economic life, which is balanced and fair. Muslims are to recognize that wealth, earnings, and material goods are the property of God, and we are merely His trustees.

More: Islamic Business Books

Latest News: Islamic Loans Turn Profit for Banks in USA (USA Today)

Islamic law is based upon four main sources:

• the Qu'ran itself
• the Sunnah or practices of the Prophet Muhammad
• Ijma' or the consensus of Muslim scholars
• Qiyas or new case law decided upon by Shari'ah judges.

Aside from being the title of a controversial new film by Geert Wilder, the word fitna is a religiously significant term in Islam, with many depths of meaning. Why did Wilder use this word as the title for his film? What does fitna mean?

Share: Have you seen the film "Fitna"?

More: Islamic glossary terms

Time Magazine and other news agencies are reporting that negotiations are underway between Saudi Arabia and the Vatican, about the possibility of opening the first Christian church in the Kingdom.

To date, Islam is the only religion permitted to be worshipped publicly in Saudi Arabia. Some argue that freedom of religion should prevail, and that Muslims should reciprocate the freedom of religion enjoyed in non-Muslim countries. Others hold that Saudi Arabia is the center of Islamic history and culture, and therefore Islam should have special status in the Kingdom.

Learn more about the issue and the latest developments. Discuss the issue with others in the Islam Forum. And don't forget to vote in the poll (to the right)!

This Thursday marks the Islamic date of 12 Rabia' Awal 1429 H. -- the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. While not universally recognized as a holiday, some Muslims mark the occasion with increased remembrance of the life of the Prophet.

More:

• Biographies of the Prophet Muhammad
• 2008 Islamic Holidays

Muslims view marriage as the foundation of society and family life. In a practical aspect, Islamic marriage is thus structured through legally-enforceable rights and duties of both parties. In an atmosphere of love and respect, these rights and duties provide a framework for the balance of family life and the fulfillment of both partners.

More:

Interfaith Marriage in Islam

Wedding Customs of the Muslim World