Razi Corp In-House Style Guide_v.2.0

In-House Style Guide 2.0
Mocha II

Last amended 1.--.11

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Contents

1. Getting Started

1.1 Fonts
1.2 Transliteration Key
1.3 Honorifics
1.4 Qur’anic verse brackets

2. Transliteration Issues for Arabic Words

2.1 Places and People
2.2 Words with the Definite L®m
2.3 Words with T®√ Marbƒ>a
2.4 Arabic words that are Always Capitalized
2.5 Arabic words—Between Italics & Roman
2.6 Arabic Words That Are Not Transliterated
2.7 An Important Note about Italics in Citations and Glossary Entries

3. Dialogue and Quotation Rules

3.1 Beginning and Ending Quotations

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3.2 Double Quotes with Quotes
3.3 Punctuations of Quoted Material

4. Quoting the Qur’an

4.1 Punctuation Inside and Outside of Qur’anic Quotes
4.2 Translations of the Qur’an

5. Lists and Numbers

5.1 Lists
5.2 Numbers

6. Dates and Time

6.1 Dates
6.2 Time

7. Dashes and Hyphens

7.1 Em Dash
7.2 En Dash
7.3 Hyphenation of Numbers
7.4 Hyphenation of Compound Words

8. Documentation

8.1 End notes
8.2 Ibid
8.3 ¤ad¬th Sources
8.4 Punctuation of Arabic Titles
8.5 Citation Rules
8.6 Photo Credits and Figures

9. Front and Back Matter

9.1 Placement of Front Matter

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9.2 Placement of Back matter
9.3 Bibliography
9.4 Glossary

10. Language Issues

10.1 Gender Issues, or “He, she, it, or they?”
10.2 How to Recast he / she Sentences
10.3 That vs. Which
10.4 That vs. Who
10.5 Avoiding Modifier Errors
10.6 Parallelism
10.7 Punctuation in a Nutshell

11. Style Issues

11.1Avoid Redundancy
11.2 Avoid Overuse of Words
11.3 Use Positives Instead of Negatives
11.4 Avoid Unnecessary Auxiliaries/Conditionals
11.5 Avoid Tautologies
11.7 Use Verbs to Name their Important Actions
11.8 Open your Sentences with Familiar Units of Information
11.9 Avoid Long Introductory Phrases and Clauses
11.10 Avoid Long Abstract Subjects
11.11 Avoid Interrupting the Subject-verb Connection
11.12 Push New, Complex Units of Information to the End of the Sentence
11.13 Begin Sentences Constituting a Passage with Consistent Topic/Subjects
11.14 Cut Meaningless and Repeated Words and Obvious Implications
11.15 Put the Meaning of Phrases into One or Two Words
11.16 Prefer Affirmative Sentences to Negative Ones
11.17 Don’t Tack More than One Subordinate Clause onto Another
11.18 Extend a Sentence with Resumptive, summative, and Free Modifiers
11.19 Extend a Sentence with Coordinate Structures after Verb

Misc: referencing images, figures

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1. Getting Started

This in-house style guide is a quick reference for all Razi Group authors writing for the
Mocha II project. For issues not found in this style guide, please consult The Chicago
Manual of Style 15th ED. American spelling is the spelling usage of choice, and the
preferred dictionary for determining the meanings or suitability of words is Merriam-
Websters Collegiate Dictionary 11th ED.

1.1 Fonts

For subtitles and chapter titles use the Avenir font, and for all text matter use the Sabon diacritic
font. For numbers, use the Sabondiex font.

1.2 Transliteration Key

Use the following key when transliterating Arabic words:

‫ا‬/ /‫ ى‬¥ ‫—ظ‬
‫ب‬b ‫ع‬¢
‫ت‬t ‫ غ‬gh
‫ ث‬th ‫ف‬f
‫ج‬j ‫ق‬q
‫^ح‬ ‫ك‬k
‫ خ‬kh ‫ل‬l
‫د‬d ‫م‬m
‫ ذ‬dh ‫ن‬n
‫ر‬r
‫ز‬z h
‫س‬s ‫ و‬w/‰
‫ ش‬sh ‫ ي‬y/Ï
‫|ص‬ ‫ة‬a
‫\ض‬ ‫√ء‬
‫أ‬a
‫~ط‬
‫إ‬i

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1.3 Honorifics

Honorifics are the compact calligraphic prayers and salutations that go after the name of a
Prophet or angel. All honorifics are found in the Zakariya font. In most instances an honorific will
be placed immediately after the name of the Prophet or angel; sometimes this will not be possible
because of the way in which a sentence is cast. For possessive phrases the honorific can go at the
end. For example:

“The Prophet’s Mercy to Animals s”

1.4 Qur’anic Verse Brackets

When citing from a translation of the Qur’an, use the verse brackets [ ] just as you would
quotation marks. These brackets are found in the AGA Arabesque font.

2. Transliteration Issues for Arabic Words

2.1 Places and People

All cities, countries, and places should be spelled according to the Standard English spelling. For
example, it should be Khorasan instead of Khuras¥n, Iraq instead of ¢Ir¥q, Basra instead of Ba|ra,
and so on. The old spelling of the two sacred sanctuaries will be preserved: it is Mecca instead of
Makkah and Medina instead of Madinah. In the spelling of proper Arabic names, the following
guidelines should be observed:

a. Arabic declension rules should be disregarded except for compound names with “Ab‰”
and “Ibn” when together. It is Ibn AbÏ Shayba instead of Ibn Ab‰ Shayba, and ¢AlÏ b. AbÏ
>¥lib.

b. When the word Ibn comes after a name it should be shortened to b., such as: ¢AlÏ b. AbÏ
>¥lib, M¥lik b. Anas, etc.

When translating Razi-specific materials (e.g., forewords by Dar Zayed or other scholars) spell the
author’s name as it is spelled legally (i.e., on their official documents, passports, etc.):

—Dr. Ali Gomma (not Dr. ¢AlÏ al-Jumu¢a)

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2.2 Words with the Definite L®m

A word with the definite l¥m (al-) should be written in lower case followed by a hyphen unless the
word is the first word of a sentence. The “al-” is used even for words that contain the “sun
letters”; hence, it is al-Shams instead of ash-Shams, and al-Najm instead of an-Najm, etc.

2.3 Words with T®√ Marbƒ>a

Words with t¥√ marb‰~a are written without the ending “h” that is commonly found in other
systems. It is Sunna instead of Sunnah, al-F¥ti^a instead of al-F¥ti^ah, etc. The only exceptions to
this rule are the words ¥yah (in the singular) and the word ßal¥h.

2.4 Arabic words that are Always Capitalized

Transliterated Arabic words will always be lowercase (except at the beginning of sentences);
however, the following Arabic words are always be capitalized:

ßal¥h
Islam
Iman
I^s¥n
¤ajj
ßawm/ßiy¥m
Zakat
Eid
Ka¢ba
Rama\¥n
Shah¥da
Shariah
Sunna
Qurôn
InjÏl
Zab‰r

2.5 Arabic Words—Between Italics & Roman

Most Arabic words will be italicized; when in doubt italicize all Arabic words except the
following:

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Qurôn
^adÏth
Iman
Islam
I^s¥n
Shah¥da
ßal¥h
ßawm
Zakat
¤ajj
qudsÏ

2.6 Arabic Words that are Not Transliterated

Certain Arabic words (with a few exceptions) will not be transliterated, namely Arabic words that
have found a place in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. Examples include Shariah, jihad, imam, etc.

The word “Sheikh” will be spelled as “Shaykh.”

2.7 An Important Note about Italics in Citations and Glossary
Entries

An Arabic word that is normally italicized is set in roman type (“reverse italics”) if it occurs
within a quoted title or an italicized phrase.

Incorrect:

“The Messenger of Allah s said: ‘Hijra will not cease until repentance ceases,
and repentance will not cease until the sun rises from the west.”

Correct:

“The Messenger of Allah s said: ‘Hijra will not cease until repentance ceases,
and repentance will not cease until the sun rises from the west.”

Conversely, if an Arabic word is normally in roman type (see 2.5) and inside of an italicized
sentence, it will remain in italics. This same rule applies in a glossary entry, for example:

i^r¥m: The state of ritual sanctity during ¤ajj symbolized by wearing simple,
seamless garments. See ¤ajj.

Two important notes:

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• If a phrase is set in italics and it contains an honorific, such as “s,” the honorific must
remain in roman type.

• When italicizing Arabic (or other) words that occur at the beginning or end of a quotation,
or are situated next to other punctuation marks, make sure that the quotation marks or
punctuation marks are not inadvertently italicized. For example:
“The Messenger of Allah s said: ‘Hijra will not cease until repentance ceases, and
repentance will not cease until the sun rises from the west.”

should be:
“The Messenger of Allah s said: ‘Hijra will not cease until repentance ceases, and
repentance will not cease until the sun rises from the west.”

3. Dialogue and Quotation Rules

3.1 Beginning and Ending Quotations

If dialogue or a quote is preceded by any text, put a colon after the introductory text (not a
comma). Example:

The Prophet s said: “Purity is half of faith.” [not: The Prophet s said, “Purity
is half of faith.”]
If dialogue is followed by any text, put a comma before the closing quotations marks:
“Purity is half of faith,” said the Prophet s.
This rule applies whether the concluding text comes at the end of a dialogue, breaks it in the
middle, or surrounds it: “Purity is half of faith,” said the Prophet s. [On its own it would end in
a period]

3.2 Double Quotes within Quotes

Double quotes (American usage) are to be used for all quotes: “Purity is half of faith.”
Use single quotes for quotes within quotes: ¢Umar b. al-Kha~~¥b g said: “The Prophet s said:
‘Actions are according to intentions.’”
If there is a quote within a quote within a quote, go from double to single, to double (but this is
best avoided if possible): He said: “¢Umar b. al-Kha~~¥b g said: ‘The Prophet s said: “Actions
are but by their intentions.’””

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3.3 Punctuation of Quoted Material

Place punctuation inside of the quotes and not outside:
“Actions are according to their intentions.”

Question marks and exclamation marks go outside the quotation if they apply to the entire
sentence, and inside if they apply to the just the quoted part. Example:

Perhaps it would be better to just “live and let live”?
I have a problem with the attitude of “what’s in it for me?” [notice that this sentence does not end
in a period]
Quotes should not be used to set off titles
Incorrect: In the book “The Meaning of Man,” . . .
Correct: In the book The Meaning of Man, . . .

4. Quoting the Qur’an

4.1 Verse Brackets

When quoting from the Qur’an, use the verse brackets as you would quotation marks and italicize
the text:

God says: This is the book in which there is no doubt (2:2).

4.2 Punctuation Inside and Outside of Qur’anic Quotes

As seen above, the ¥yah symbol takes the place of the period and the quotation mark (although
quotes within verses are not treated as quotes within quotes). Only the question mark and
exclamation mark should be used inside of the ¥yah brackets. If the verse occurs in a sentence—as
is the case usually—the sentence’s punctuation goes after the verse’s reference. If the verse includes
a quote, include the quotation marks and punctuation as normal:

God said: Say: “He is God, the One.” (112:1)

4.3 Translations of the Qur’an

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There is no preferred translation of the Qur’an that must be used in Razi material. When
using translations of the Qur’an, make sure that the overall feel is consistent with the rest
of the text. Useful translations are: Pickthall, Saheeh International, and Thomas Cleary.

5. Lists and Numbers

5.1 Lists

All items in a vertical list will begin with a capital letter—whether the item is a complete sentence
or not. Punctuation in a vertical list will only be given to complete sentences (i.e., sentences that
could stand on their own if they were not a part of the list).
Avoid writing a list where some items are full sentences and others not. If a list starts with a verb,
all subsequent items in the list must also be verbs. See Parallelism.

5.2 Numbers

Spell out whole numbers one through one hundred as well as round numbers and any number
beginning a sentence. Example: “There are five obligatory prayers throughout the day,” “He was
born five hundred years ago,” “That stereo is one hundred dollars,” “The narration mentions
Allah’s ninety-nine names.”
Always use numbers with percentages: “45 percent”.
In numerals of one thousand or more, commas are used between groups of three digits (except for
page numbers): 1,234, p. 1234.
All ordinals are spelled out: “The fourth item on the list is . . .”

6. Dates and Time

6.1 Dates

If the Gregorian and Hijra dates are both given, then the Hijra date goes first, followed the
Gregorian date, and separated with a slash: 140o / 1989.
For Hijra dates alone, write the date followed by AH in small caps and without a period. For
Gregorian dates before 1750, CE will be used after the year and with no period. If the date is after
1750, we omit the CE

6.2 Time

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Time is expressing in the following ways:
4:23 a.m. and 4:11 p.m.
He was born at midnight, August 21–22.
In March 2003, she turned seventy.
Fulan b. Fulan al-Fulani (d. 1728 CE).

7. Dashes and Hyphens

7.1 Em Dash

Use the em dash (—) to mark off a descriptive element or digression: “Even William—a wealthy
investor who lived the high life—was affected by the economic crisis.”
Sometimes the em dash can act much like parenthesis. A text enclosed by em dashes is more
integral to the sentence than text enclosed by parenthesis: “In this retirement—at Patmos amid the
howling ocean of Popery that surrounds us—a letter from England has reached me at last.”
The effects of the em dash are not always cut and dried, so it is important to see if commas,
parenthesis, or em dashes look best for a particular text.
The em dash should be used to set off the source of a quotation:

“Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.”—Popular
Mechanics, 1949
“This style guide is extremely lucid!”—Fulan b. Fulan
Note: make sure that the em dash always lies directly against the word it adjoins.
Incorrect: “Even William — a wealthy investor who lived the high life — was affected by the
economic crisis.”
Correct: “Even William—a wealthy investor who lived the high life—was affected by the
economic crisis.”
Note: text that is enclosed within an em dash may contain any punctuation mark other than a
period, although parenthesis should be avoided:
Correct: “Still, my car—and what a beat up old car it is!—gets better mileage than yours.
Incorrect: “Still, this car—out of the many I own (this one is a Toyota)—is my favorite.”
Do not use a single dash and a pair of dashes in the same sentence:

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“He had a determined goal—to bring together all the parties in the dispute—
students, faculty, and administrators—and get them talking.”

7.2 En Dash

The en dash is used for linking elements such as ranges of dates, times, and page numbers:
1988–2008
pp.112–114
Do not use a hyphen in place of the en dash or leave spaces around it.

7.3 Hyphenation of Numbers

Use a hyphen when spelling out any two-word number (from twenty-one to ninety-nine)

7.4 Hyphenation of Compound Words

When the root word is capitalized: “post-Reformation,” “pre-Columbian”
When certain prefixes are used (e.g., all, self, ex): “self-esteem,” “All-Hearing,” “ex-employee”
When using the “non” prefix: “non-Muslim”
When unclear if a compound word is hyphenated or not refer to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.
If there is a fraction that includes a two-word number only hyphenate the two-word number; do
not add another hyphen.
Incorrect: one-twenty-fifth
Correct: one twenty-fifth

8. Documentation

8.1 End notes

If there are notes at the end of the book, they should be called endnote and not footnotes. See
back matter.

8.2 Ibid

Ibid should be in roman, followed by a period:

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Ibid., 258–59.

8.3 ¤ad¬th Sources

When sourcing a ^adÏth mentioned in a student book, mention the name of the collector followed
by a comma and the name of the collection in italics:

Imam al-Bukh¥rÏ, ßa^Ï^ al-Bukh¥rÏ.

In non-student texts (teachers’ manuals, internal researches, etc.) document ^adÏth starting with
the collector, the name of the collection, the volume and section number, followed by the ^adÏth
number:

1. Imam al-Bukh¥rÏ, ßa^Ï^ al-Bukh¥rÏ, 4:54 §3455.

For multiple collections in one note, document each one in the same manner, separating each by a
semicolon followed by “and” for the final entry:

1. Imam al-Bukh¥rÏ, ßa^Ï^ al-Bukh¥rÏ, 4:54 §3455; Imam Muslim, ßa^Ï^ Muslim,
3:789 §8923; Imam A^mad b. ¤anbal, al-Musnad, 2:289 §445; and al-
DaylamÏ, Musnad al-firdaws, 1:23 §339.

8.4 Punctuation of Arabic Titles

When an Arabic title is included in a text or note, capitalize only the words that would be
capitalized in normal prose—the first word of the title and subtitle and all proper nouns.
If mentioning the translation of the title and the translation is not published, write the
translation in roman and sentence style (as it would be in normal prose). A published
translation, however, is italicized and capitalized headline style:

In ¤abÏb A^mad Mashh‰r al-¤add¥d’s Mift¥^ al-janna (The Key to the
Garden), published by Starlatch Press, . . .

In the M¥likÏ super commentary Bulgha al-s¥lik (The sufficiency of the
seeker), . . .

8.5 Citation Rules

For all rules related to citations, see The Chicago Manual of Style 15th ed, or visit the
book’s official website for a quick reference.

8.6 Photo Credits and Figures

9. Front and Back Matter

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9.1 Placement of Front Matter

The front matter for all Mocha II books will be in the following order:

a. blank page (recto)
b. basmala page
c. list of contributors
d. half title page
e. copyright page
f. full title page
g. blank page (recto)
h. acknowledgments page
i. about Zayed House for Islamic Culture—about Sheikh Zayed
j. A Message from the Chairman of the Board
k. blank page (recto)
l. about the author page
m. transliteration key
n. formulaic phrases
o. blank page (recto)
p. contents
q. blank page (recto)
r. foreword

s. preface

9.2 Placement of Back Matter

a. notes
b. appendix (if used)
c. glossary
d. bibliography
e. photo credits

9.3 Bibliography

For all rules related to the bibliography, see The Chicago Manual of Style 15th ed, or visit
the book’s official website for a quick reference.

9.4 Glossary

The glossary is called “Glossary of terms” and takes the following layout:

far\: That which is obligatory according to Islamic Law.

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10. Language Issues

10.1 Gender

When possible, include both genders in descriptive sentences, but only if it is sparingly (not more
than once in a sentence):

“When the believer performs ablution, he or she is prepared to offer prayer.”

“The believer is commanded to respect his or her parents.”

Do not use “they” to refer to he or she. “They” is a plural, and although acceptable in everyday
speech, it should not be used in writing. When possible, recast the sentence.

10.2 How to Recast he / she Sentences

A simple solution is to use “they” and change the singular form to plural. If we use the example
above: “When the believer performs ablution, he or she is prepared to offer prayer,” we can
change it to: “When the believers perform ablution, they are prepared to offer prayer.” This,
however, should be avoided if the sentence sounds contrived.

Another possible solution—although easily overused—is change “he” or “she” to the indefinite
pronoun “one”

In some instances, an author may use “you” in order to avoid the third person. This is
appropriate when addressing the reader directly.

Instead of: The reader should familiarize his or herself with these terms.

Change to: Familiarize yourself with these terms.

Avoiding pronouns while keeping the active voice:

Instead of: A Doctor may ask his patients for more details, but his main objective must remain
that of attending to their needs.

Change to: A Doctor may ask patients for more details, but he must not lose sight of the main
objective of attending to their needs.

10.3 That vs. which

Use that with the dependent clause (e.g., “Spiders that live underground do not spin webs.”) The
subject of the sentence is spiders—but not all spiders. The dependent clause “. . . that live
underground. . .” applies to only some species of spider, and hence is acting to further identify the
subject.

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Use which when the clause is simply providing additional information about a subject that is
already fully identified (e.g., “Spiders, which have eight legs, are not classified as insects.)

In short, if you can omit the information after the subject, use which; if you can not then use that.

10.4 That vs. Who

Use who when referring to human beings and use that when referring to everything else.

10.5 Avoiding Modifier Errors

Dangling modifier: “Just two years after law school, Jane’s career took off.” Presumably it was
Jane who finished law school, but she makes no appearance in the sentence. Grammatically, this
sentence says that Jane’s career finished law school. To correct this, recast the sentence: “Two
years after Jane completed her law school, her career took off.”

Misplaced modifier: “We put out an appeal for more volunteers to help with the Eid program at
last weeks meeting.” Presumably what took place at last weeks meeting was an appeal for help
with the Eid program, but the positioning of the modifier makes it sound as if the Eid program
itself was held at the meeting. To correct this, recast the sentence and move the modifying phrase:
“At last week’s meeting, we put out an appeal for more volunteers to help with the Eid program.”

Squinting modifier: “The coach said on Thursday we’d have to work harder.” Was this said on
Thursday or would the hard work begin on Thursday. To correct this, recast the sentence: “On
Thursday, the coach said we’d have to work harder.

10.6 Parallelism

To maintain consistency in writing, avoid faulty parallelism: do not go from the active voice to the
passive, from the second person to the third, from the present to the past, and from a series of
adjectives to a noun.

Examples with corrections:

Incorrect: “He had always preferred talking to listening, and to give rather than to take
direction.”

Problem: talking and listening are gerunds, while to give and to take are infinitives

Correct: “He had always preferred talking to listening, and giving over taking direction.”

Incorrect: “His jobs were the management of the PR department and to attend trade shows.”

Problem: the first element is a noun, the second an infinitive

Correct: “His jobs were to manage the PR department and to attend trade shows.”

Incorrect: “Courses are offered in Spring, Summer, and in Fall.”

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Problem: when the same preposition applies to a series of elements (as above), it may be repeated
for each or used just once—but it must be consistent. It should not be used for some and not
others.
Correct: “Courses are offered in Spring, in Summer, and in Fall.” OR “Courses are offered in
Spring, Summer, and Fall.”

10.7 Punctuation in a Nutshell

Use the serial comma: “He’s visited France, Spain, and Germany.” (Not: “. . .France, Spain and
Germany.”)
Use a single space between sentences.
Use smart quotes always ( “ …” ) not ( "…" ).
Avoid excessive use of the semi colon.

10.8 Word Choice

Choose vocabulary that is suitable and easily understandable to those who speak English as a
second language. Avoid region-specific jargon and eschew verbose, complex English words. When
selecting words use a tenth grade-level vocabulary.

11. Style Issues—Or How to Prune Your Prose Like a
Bonsai

11.1 Avoid Redundancy

Do not relay the same information in a different way: “In our customer survey, nearly everyone
said they preferred the iPhone over the Nokia N900. Of the respondents, 97 percent of said that
the iPhone was better.”
The second sentence does not add much to the discussion and should be omitted.

11.2 Use Positives Instead of Negatives

Make definite assertions. Use the word not as a denial or in antithesis, never as a means of
evasion.

Incorrect: He was not very often on time.
Correct: He was often late.

Incorrect: She didn’t think studying Latin was a good use of her time.

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Correct: She thought the study of Latin a waste of time.

Incorrect: not honest, not important, did not remember
Correct: dishonest, trifling, forgot

11.3 Avoid Unnecessary Auxiliaries / Conditionals

Do not sound irresolute:

Incorrect: Applicants can make a good impression by being punctual.
Correct: Applicants will make a good impression if they are punctual.

Incorrect: Imam M¥lik may be considered one of the most influential jurists.
Correct: Imam M¥lik was one of the most influential jurists.

11.4 Avoid Tautologies

Be careful of using two words that mean the same thing: “Islamic Shariah” “interest is ^ar¥m and
forbidden,” “free gift,” “new innovation,” and “authentic Sunna.”
11.5 Make Main Characters Subjects
In your writing, make sure your main characters are subjects of verbs and that the verbs express
specific actions. Consider these two examples:

a. A few weeks ago, as a prayer was taking place on the part of Zayd, the Imam’s omission
of a prayer-unit occurred, causing him confusion.

b. A few weeks ago, as Zayd was praying, the Imam omitted a prayer-unit, confusing him.

11.6 Make Important Actions Verbs
In example a the actions are expressed in abstract nouns and not verbs. But in example b there is
a clear distinction between the sentence’s actions and its verbs. In example a the sentence is wordy
and indirect because the two characters, Zayd and the Imam, are not subjects, and their actions—
prayer, omission, and confusion—are not verbs.
11.7 Avoid the Overuse of Nominalization
Nouns derived from verbs or adjectives, like nouns ending in –tion, -ment, -ence, etc., make
writing more dense and difficult to digest.
This:
“Zayd was the object of our striking”

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Should be recast as:
“We hit Zayd.”
And this:
“The issue was the topic of our discussion”
Should be recast as:
“We discussed the issue”

Exception:
Nominalizations should be used to avoid the common “the fact that” phrase:
“The fact that acknowledged my suggestion surprised me.”
“His acknowledgement of my suggestion surprised me.”
Or:
“He surprised me when he acknowledged my suggestion.”

11.8 Open Sentences with Information that Readers are Familiar with and End Sentences with
Information that they are Not Familiar with

Help readers get a sense of flow by starting with the familiar and ending with the unfamiliar:
Excessive movement in the prayer and laughter, among other things, invalidate the prayer.
The prayer is invalidated by excessive movement and laughter, among other things.
11.9 Avoid Long Introductory Phrases and Clauses
When crafting sentences get to the subject of the main clause quickly, and get to the verb and
object quickly, too.
Since Islam is a life-long journey that requires dedication and sincerity, and because the challenges
of life are many, with some affecting our physical life and with others affecting our spiritual life,
new-Muslims should adopt a moderate path of learning and associate with beneficial company.

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