Free Iss ue 27
April - May 2015
The Battle Grounds
Ramadan:
Of Iraq And Syria
First Time
Voters
A month of Blessing
Ramadan Survival Guide
15
Ways To Kick Bad Habits
What is Dementia?
Active Change Foundation’s Monthly Magazine
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Dear Readers, This month’s edition of NewGen magazine is a bit of a mixed bag. With so much going on in and outside the borough, we thought we’d talk about a few issues that our readers and members would find appealing. With Ramadan on the horizon, many of our readers will be preparing for the month of fasting. We have included a brief overview of what Ramadan entails, a few tips to kick bad habits and a ‘survival guide’ to help you during this holy month. The violence in Syria and Iraq has escalated, with additional lives being lost. We look on page 5 at how Syria and Iraq are used as battlegrounds for extremists and where they have gone astray. The general elections are now a thing of the past but we invite you to read the experience of a young person who recently voted for the first time, to provide an understanding of how young people see the democratic process. With the conclusion of Steven Gerrard’s career, our local football guru wanted to praise the ‘Legend of Liverpool’. The cover picture was taken during a training of our cricket team. Talk to the Outreach Team if you want to join in. And finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Muslim community a Ramadan Kareem from all staff at the Active Change Foundation. Don’t forget to follow us on social media, and to share with us your thoughts and comments! Fatima
An electronic copy of this magazine can be found on our website.
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Chief Excecutive Hanif Qadir: hanif@activechangefoundation.org
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Chief Editor Fatima Lahnait: fatima@activechangefoundation.org
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Deputy Editor: Alice Roder
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Writers: : Abu Tasneem, Maxwell Adjei, Safraz Ali, Shafiul Islam, AbdulGhaffar Mahdi, Hanif Qadir, Zarka Qadir
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Head of Communication and Media Shafiul Islam: shaf@activechangefoundation.org
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Pictures: Outreach Team /Shafiul Islam
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Printed by: FOZ Designs Ltd, hello@fozdesigns.com
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Cover Picture: Aqeel Hussain
The New Gen Magazine is printed in Great Britain for the Active Change Foundation, by FOZ Designs Ltd. All rights of translation and reproduction reserved. All articles and images in this magazine are under the exclusive copyright of the Active Change Foundation.
CONTENTS 5. 11. 16. 20. NewGen 3
The Battle Grounds Of Iraq And Syria Ladies Initiative – Women Coffee Morning
First Time Voters:
Exercise Your Right To Vote
Business of the Month
6.
Ramadan: A Month Of Blessing
9.
15 Ways To Kick Bad Habits
12.
Events at ACF
14.
Ramadan Survival Guide
18.
Health and WellBeing: What is
19.
On The Ball
21.
Youth of the Month
Dementia?
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22.
Coffee Break, plus solutions last month
April-May 2015
SHARING. BECAUSE COMMUNITY MATTERS
IFTAR Ramadan 2015
The Active Change Foundation invites you to celebrate a Ramadan Iftar (traditional breaking of fast). FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2015 START AT 8.30PM WITH A TALK
The event is free and open to all!
MUBARAK Venue:
Active Change Foundation Centre 453 Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, E10 7EA Contact on 0208 279 1258 www. activechangefoundation.org https://www.facebook.com/activechangefoundation1 Twitter: Active_Change_F Charity Reg No: 1125970 NewGen 4
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April-May 2015
The battle grounds of Iraq and Syria
By Hanif Qadir
right path and are waging war to establish the law of Allah. Their deceit is based on falsehood and ignorance.
The daily death toll in both these countries is rising to unprecedented levels and sadly the innocent civilians are the main victims. The earth is turning red with their blood being spilt across the region of Sham (Syria) and Iraq. The valleys and fields are riddled with death raining down upon the inhabitants. This is not a battle to establish the law of Allah (swt). This is not a battle being waged by the West like most people would like to believe. This is not the ‘crusaders’ waging a holy war against Muslims. This is a war being waged by gangs of ignorant, selfish and very extreme individuals claiming to be Mujahideen, fighting a holy war in the name of Islam, waving the black flag bearing the Shahada, the Muslim declaration of faith. These individuals are more correctly known as Takfiri Khawarijites, who do not act in accordance to the Sunnah of our beloved prophet Mohammad (pbuh). In fact, they act in their own interests which totally undermine the true message and meaning of Islam. We have been warned about such groups from since the time of our Prophet (pbuh). Clear warnings have been given to us many, many times, and we have also been warned how they will continue to rise from amongst the Muslims. We have been instructed to act against them, we have been commanded literally to strive against them and prevent them from growing stronger.
Killing of innocent women and children, openly executing people and causing harm upon the earth by being brutal is not from the Sunnah of Rasoolallah (s.a.w). In fact, it is the opposite and their actions are destroying the very fundamentals of Islam from within. Across the globe, the image of Islam is being tarnished severely because of the actions of a few. A Muslim who fears Allah wholeheartedly and follows Islam properly, in accordance to the Sunnah, will not support the actions of such groups like ISIS or Boko Haram. But those who have little knowledge, are simple minded and emotional will follow these groups blindly. Look at how many young men and women have flocked to join them, leaving their families, parents, mothers and even wives behind, without support or without even telling them. Without a doubt the ongoing situation in Syria is painful. But, the response by ISIS in Iraq and Syria is wrong and unacceptable. We have written about these groups several times and we will continue to write about them to warn you all the time about them and their lies. Our advice to you is to stop supporting them and think for a while. Read up on what the actual rulings are regarding such acts. What does the Quran tell us? What did our prophet (pbuh) do in such times and how did the Sahabah (the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) conduct themselves in times of war, etc. The answers are there. We just need to find them.
Sadly they use very emotional messages, and they use our very pure faith against us by claiming they are upon the
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April-May 2015
RAMADAN A MONTH OF BLESSING
By Abu Tasneem
This year has been full of very sad news with an upsurge of refugees fleeing countries torn by political instability, war and economic migrants fleeing regions affected by climate change. Immigration, unemployment, low wages, rising living costs, violence and extremism are other sources of anxiety. In the midst of all these trials of the Dunia (world), Ramadan is coming with its blessings and promises. Many amongst us fast as a habit but, do we really know the wisdom behind the abstinence of food and drink from dawn to
Quraysh viewed Prophet Muhammed and his followers as a threat to their commercial influence and regarded his call to abandon their idols as an insult and a sacrilege against their core beliefs and against their social system. Therefore, they tormented Muslims individually and collectively, hoping that they would abandon their faith. They eventually ostracized Muslims by boycotting them totally from the 7th year of the prophethood. All the clans of Mekkah gathered to take an oath not to have any business dealings with Muslims nor any sort of social relations, or even verbal contacts until Muhammed would be handed over and killed. Muslims reacted by moving to a valley on the outskirts of Mekkah. During that time of extreme suffering and starvation, Allah’s messenger kept visiting the Ka’bah calling the Mekkans to single out Allah in the worship. The boycott lasted 3 years. Then, undeterred by these trials, the believers continued their mission and Islam spread rapidly throughout the Arabic Peninsula. However, the notables of Quraysh kept plotting to curtail the expansion of Islam to the point where they vainly attempted to assassinate Prophet Muhammed.
sunset and the history of this holy month? HISTORY The annual fast of the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam and was prescribed during the second year after the migration (al hijrah) to the city of Medinah in 623 CE. Fourteen centuries ago, Mekkah was a centre of pilgrimage. Its residents belonged to the Quraysh tribe. They used to host the idol worshipers coming from all parts the Arabic Peninsula to visit the Ka’bah which used to shelter more than 360 idols. The prophet of Islam, Muhammed peace and blessings be upon him was informed of his prophethood in the year 610 C.E when he was 40 years old. Then, he preached in the city of Mekkah and its surroundings for a period of 13 years calling people to single out Allah in the worship, and to abandon the idols and evil social practices. At that time, pilgrims used to perform various types of worship towards the idols such as bowing, prostrating, sacrificing animals and used to believe in omen, amulets, soothsayers, fortune tellers and would bury their daughters alive. Men and women together would also turn around the Ka’bah naked as part of the rituals of their pilgrimage.
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At this stage, Muslims were ordered to leave Mekkah in order to find refuge in Medinah where they enjoyed a respite from their trials. It is only during the Medinan period that Islamic rulings related to social and judicial matters were prescribed. Also, it is in Medinah that Muslims were commanded to establish the five daily prayers at the prescribed time, to pay zakat (charity) and to fast the whole month of Ramadan. WHAT DOES THE FAST OF RAMADAN ENTAIL? The Islamic meaning of the annual fast is to abstain from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse starting from dawn till sunset during a period of 29 or 30 days. One must have the intention to observe the obligatory fast before the morning starts. In the early morning one would wake up to eat the morning meal called in Arabic suhur. It makes the fast easier and one gets rewarded for reviving a prophetic tradition. Then, one would perform the dawn prayer also called Fajr prayer. After that some people go back to sleep whilst others read Qur’an before preparing themselves to go to work. It is only at the time of sunset also called in Arabic “Maghrib” that people would hasten to break their fast either in the mosque or individually. The prophetic tradition also called Sunnah consists in eating dates in odd numbers and in drinking water
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before offering the Maghrib prayer. Then one would go home and have a proper meal with his/her family; this meal should not be too heavy as we are requested to perform the evening prayer called “Esha” which is the fifth prayer of the day. EXEMPTIONS As for the elderly and people who suffer long term medical conditions (either physical or mental) which prevent them from fasting, they just have to pay a fidyah, which consists of feeding a poor for each day of fast that was missed. Women, who are pregnant, or breast feeding, or on their period, or in post-natal bleeding are exempt from fasting; rather, they have to make up for each day of fast that they missed as soon as they can. Travelers and people who are temporarily ill have to make up the days that were missed as soon as they can. WISDOM OF THE MONTH OF RAMADAN During the year, Londoners are busy with work, studies and family commitments. We become like robots. Managing low wages and rising living costs whilst dealing with family upheavals in our modern society could sometimes lead to forget some of our daily prayers. Some of us would be so overpowered by the Dunia and its distractions that they might even end up forgetting the purpose of their lives and gradually lose their Muslim identity. In the midst of this constant struggle, the month of Ramadan is a reminder of our Islamic identity and it is the unique opportunity in the year to refresh our faith and purify our body and our soul. The month of Ramadan is also the time when we feel the pain of hunger which reminds us how privileged we are and how grateful we should be for what we have. We also appreciate that some of our Muslim brothers and sisters fled their homeland which is affected by wars or natural disasters. Other areas of the Muslim lands are occupied or under siege. The month of Ramadan is the time when we are going to donate our zakat (charity) and our sadaqah to charities which cater for the hardpressed Muslims all around the world and for those on our doorstep.
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THE VIRTUES OF RAMADAN It is also the time when we read or recite the whole Qur’an from cover to cover, either during the night prayers or during the day. This is the time when people try to book their holiday to perform Umrah (small pilgrimage) to purify themselves spiritually and also to meet Muslims from all around the world and enjoy the Islamic brotherhood. For others, booking holidays in Ramadan is the opportunity to spend this blessed month with the family or travelling to the Muslim lands. Taking the children to “iftar” halls and then to the night prayers is something unique which remains marked in their memory. Finally, the last ten days of Ramadan are the days of spiritual retreat called “I’tikaaf ”, during which, Muslim men/women can decide to stay inside the mosque, reciting Qur’an in day time and establishing the prayers at night. This is the most intense time for the believers who are looking out for the night of the Decree “Laylatul Qadr” in which, Allah said, that our worship equals 1000 months of worship. Rich and poor, black and white, Arabs and non Arabs, during “I’tikaaf ”, we all share our food at “iftar” time and at “suhur” times. Shoulder to shoulder, we establish the night prayers, behind the imam who recites the whole Qur’an off by heart whilst everyone is asleep.
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BRIEF HISTORY OF RAMADAN VICTORIES: •
Second Ramadan after Hijrah: Victory at the battle of Badr. Prophet Muhammed with 313 men, 2 horses and 70 camels defeated 1000 men with 100 horses and 700 camels.
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Eighth Ramadan after hijrah: The conquest of Makkah: More than 360 idols are removed from the Ka’bah without any bloodshed.
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92 A.H/711 CE: Tarek Bin Ziyad defeated King Roderick of Spain in Ramadhan. Muslims then ruled Al Andalus for 800 years.
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584 A.H/1187 CE: Salahuddin Al Ayubi liberated Syria, Jerusalem and other occupied lands during the month of Ramadan at the battle of Hattin.
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685 A.H/1260 CE: Saifuddin Qutz who united the Muslim army crushed the army of Genghis Khan at Ain Jalut in Palestine on the 26th of Ramadan.
This was the spirit of the month of Ramadhan which enabled our forefathers to overcome seemingly overwhelming challenges. We ask Allah that He bestows his mercy upon us and that He forgives our sins. “Oh Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If you do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers”. (Quran, Surah Al A’raf verse 23)
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15 Ways to Kick Bad Habits Few things are more demanding than eliminating bad habits, since they are part of our daily routines and personality. It takes days of patience and practice to break old habits. However, the good news is, Ramadan offers a perfect and natural environment for moral training. Interestingly, researches from “positive psychology” (scientific study of successful people) have repeatedly shown it takes 30 days to kick a bad habit and develop a new one. In addition to the physical discipline in the 30-day boot camp of Ramadan, the increased spiritual exercise and connection with Allah, can transform your habits for life. Try these proven techniques for a successful positive change in your habits: Acknowledge and identify your bad habits: First step is to admit you need to change. If you are in a state of denial, you won’t recognize that you have a bad habit to change.
1. 2. 3. 4. NewGen 9
Pick a habit for 30 days: Prioritize your bad habits and focus on one for 30 days. Take a 30-day trial to re-condition your habits. If you are committed to changing at least one habit every month, you will see remarkable results. Strategize: Look at all the things that
might prevent you from breaking your habit and try and find a way around them, for example if you want to get up for Fajr, then look at the things that will prevent you from waking up, switching off your alarm clock and going back to sleep, for that you can put your clock away from you so that you will have to get out of bed to turn it off. Remember, to repent if you commit sins.
Intention and plan to change: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” A healthy process of change in character requires a gradual pace, which entails planning. Develop concrete milestones to measure your progress.
5. 6.
Replace a bad habit with a good one: Completely eliminating a habit is more
challenging than replacing it with a more productive habit. Moreover, it’s crucial to replace the lost natural needs, such as the need to socialize and to be entertained with something healthy. For instance, it’s easier to replace or balance your addiction to TV with a physical workout or reading, than to suddenly remove the TV from your life.
Change your environment: Resist
the negative peer pressure by finding a better company of friends. Collective action to change is very powerful.
7.
Exercise (physical and spiritual): A habit of regular physical
8.
Think of yourself as a changed, different, new person: This simple
9.
Reward
exercise is obviously important for lasting weight loss. But you may not realize that exercise helps in eliminating a number of bad habits. For example, among smokers who become competitive runners, for example, over 80% give up smoking. Moreover, exercising your will power (struggle to fight temptations) for 30 days helps you kick all kinds of bad habits and form new good ones. Willpower is like a muscle; the more you exercise it, the more you strengthen it.
psychological shift in your thinking about your own image can do wonders. Tell yourself, “I can’t continue this ill-behaviour. I am better than that. I am stronger. I am wiser.”
success: The most fundamental law in all of psychology is the “law of effect.” It simply states that actions followed by rewards are strengthened and likely to recur. Unfortunately, studies show that people rarely use this technique when trying to change personal habits. Setting up formal or informal rewards for success greatly increases your chances of transforming bad habits into good ones, and is far more effective than punishing yourself for bad habits or setbacks.
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10. 11. 12.
Tell someone about your effort to change if it helps: he or she may
keep you on track.
Resolve to continue on and follow up: giving up bad habits or
learning good habits requires regular maintenance and determination. It is a long, ongoing process. It’s more difficult than the first few steps of change. (“How many times have I dieted, for example, only to gain the weight back?”)
Develop
a
relapse
strategy:
How do you ensure not to return to your bad habit you are trying to change? Some people donate money to a good cause every time they return to sinning or a bad habit. This reminds them of the ‘cost’ of going back to old bad habits. Others try physically demanding acts to deter them from reverting to old ways.
A few extra tips
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Start with small easy goals and then target the more difficult ones. If the goals are too big, try and break them down and do a part every month.
Try to continue all these things after Ramadan
These tips can also be used to inculcate good habits.
Courtesy of www.islaaminfo.co.za
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April-May 2015
Ladies Initiative Women’s Coffee Morning By Zarka Qadir Our topic for this month was ‘Healthy Eating’. We discussed whether we think we eat healthy or if there’s anything we can change to live a healthier lifestyle. As women are the backbone of the family, it is mostly them who get to decide what the family will be consuming especially the children. Instead of our usual ’tea and biscuits’, we had fruit salad and healthy snacks like nuts. We all knew someone who has suffered from a chronic illness such as Cancer and Heart Disease. My father had cancer and passed away not too long ago which has made me want to change my lifestyle and why this topic is so dear to me. This led us to exchange information about foods that are known to reduce the risks of such diseases. Here are some examples: • • • • • •
Replacing sugar with raw honey Garlic - Improves cholesterol levels and reduces high blood pressure Broccoli - Reduces the risk of Cancer, Heart Disease, Obesity and Diabetes / Celery - An Anti-oxidant known as a disease fighting superstar Blueberries - Rich in Vitamin C, Anti-oxidant Coconut Water – Contains Electrolytes, replenishes dehydration and high in Potassium Nuts – e.g. Almonds, Cashews and Hazelnuts are packed with Protein and Fibre / Almond milk - No Cholesterol or Saturated Fat
What is it about? Our Women Coffee Morning is a free event that takes place, once a month, at the ACF Youth Centre. It is a great opportunity to meet new women and get to know each other in a friendly and safe environment. While drinking coffee and eating some biscuits, we discuss and exchange information on important topics. We give women a voice to speak about what is on their mind (open discussion). Next month’s topic will be health and illnesses. It will be held on 26 March.
So we concluded that we can all replace certain foods with healthier options to improve our health especially as obesity and diseases are on the increase and are becoming common factors in society today. We can improve the quality of life we have and also for the future of the young generation. Our next Coffee Morning will be held on Thursday 11TH June 2015. The topic will be ’Healthy eating during Ramadan’. Most of us, me included probably resort to easy to cook or quick solutions to making food to start and break our fasts with. So this will be a good opportunity for you to come along and talk about how we can stay healthy during this blessed month.
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Ramadan Survival Guide By Shafiul Islam Don’t hold your breath The Prophet (pbuh) said”...The smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s sight than the smell of musk.” [Bukhari]
It’s that time of the year again! Personally, I have always looked forward to Ramadan, however, with Ramadan taking place during the long days of the summer, it is not without its challenges. The extra-long days of the summer will make it exceptionally taxing for the millions of Muslims who will be fasting for the month, with parts of Europe fasting for up to 18 hours. This survival guide gives some quick (and somewhat obvious) tips on how to survive this Ramadan, as well as remind everyone that as long as you have a positive mind, you can overcome all obstacles. Not taking part in Ramadan? If you are not taking part in Ramadan due to differing faith, you may have friends or colleagues who will be fasting. If you are curious and you want to find out more, most Muslims are more than happy to talk about their faith and it is also a healthy way to discuss differing beliefs. Try it for a day! Bye Bye bad habits In fasting, by refraining from the natural human urges to satisfy one’s appetite, Muslims are exercising their ability of self-restraint, so that they can then apply it to their everyday life to bring about self-improvement. You should use this time to say bye bye to bad habits such as drinking fizzy drinks, eating junk food, smoking, swearing, and laziness. Every year, on the first day of January, a lot of us make “new year’s resolutions” to help us become a better version of ourselves, and sometimes fail drastically. Use Ramadan to create a better version of yourselves, you have the perfect platform to start – Its natural to hope to better ourselves in one way or another.
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Whilst hungry, the acids in your stomach, as well as a dry mouth can create a particular odour from your mouths. Please note that this hadith does not licence you to be careless with your oral hygiene. I’m sure you all have friends and colleagues of other faiths who will not be observing the month of Ramadan, spare a little thought for them. During the night time, brush your teeth as often as you can, and also utilise dental floss, mouth wash and miswaak (a teeth cleaning twig made from the Salvadora persica tree), a traditional alternative to the modern toothbrush. Stay Hydrated During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are obviously unable to eat or drink during the daylight hours. The lack of fluids can cause the loss of essential electrolytes and cause tiredness as well as headaches. At sunset, the feast begins, so those who fast make the most of it while they can. You should avoid energy drinks, cola, or even fruit squash and opt for water instead. The European Food Safety Authority recommends that women should drink about 1.6 litres of fluid and men should drink about 2.0 litres of fluid per day. That’s about eight 200ml glasses for a woman and 10 200ml glasses for a man. You may find this difficult to stick to during Ramadan, but if you spread this out, should be easily achievable. Don’t forget to take a bottle with you when attending the mosque for your Taraweeh (evening) prayers. Take regular sips, even if you are not necessarily feeling thirsty, as your body will need it for the following day!
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Eyes bigger than your stomach Whilst fasting, I recommend you avoid going to the supermarkets within the 3 hours leading up to iftaar time. You might have a shopping list that reads- “sugar, milk, flour, rice”. Your shopping basket, however, ends up with items such as cakes, chocolates, donuts, fizzy drinks, ice cream, custard etc. You think you can devour the world, but by Iftaar time, you will probably have no space left and end up wasting. I have been guilty of this and now only shop either early in the morning or at a 24 hour supermarket after Taraweeh prayers.
Staying fit If you don’t usually exercise or train regularly, Ramadan is probably not the best time to start a rigorous training regime designed to drastically alter your body. However you should still try to exercise, even if it is for 20 minutes. Those who do normally visit the gym regularly shouldn’t feel that they can’t train during Ramadan. A good time to train is 2 hours before you break your fast. This way you can eat several times post workout to help recovery. You also maximize your feeding window since you don’t spend it training. You should feel stronger and more aggressive training fasted. If you don’t: you’re not eating enough food during the feed, or it’s psychological. “Predators in the wild only hunt when they are hungry”Ori Hefmekler, Fitness Expert Nutrition With the lack of food and fluid intake, it will become difficult to maintain the right balance of vitamins and minerals required for a healthy functioning body. Utilise the multi vitamins available in your pharmacy, as well as fish oils and Vitamins C and D. Take these along with your meal before sunrise for a little boost to your immune system. As for food, those fasting should include a combination of slow digesting complex carbohydrates, lean protein and high-fibre vegetables in their diet, especially during Suhoor (the early morning meal), so they can stay full for longer.
Sleep (or lack of) The days will be long and the short nights will have to accommodate Taraweeh prayers, and of course eating. So when is a fasting person expected to sleep? “Some people sleep through the day and stay awake at night, which is contrary to the principles of Ramadan. Because of the long fasting hours and the Taraweeh prayer, which starts every night after the Isha prayer, people must try to meet their total sleep requirement in two sessions,” advises Dr Amro Alastal of the Sleep Centre at the American Hospital Dubai.
These are all small tips to make things a little bearable if it gets too much. The truth is, most Muslims look forward to the challenge of Ramadan and welcome the difficulties of fasting as it is a declaration of their unbreakable faith. Do you have any quick tips for Ramadan? Anything on here you agree or disagree with? Let me know by tweeting @Active_Change_F using the hashtag #acframadansurvival.
He says the first session of sleep should take place after the Taraweeh prayer and last up to one hour prior to Suhoor (early morning meal before sunrise), after which there is no need to sleep for more than one hour after the morning prayer. In the afternoon, people must consider getting at least another hour of sleep.
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First Time Voters: Exercise Your Right To Vote
By Safraz Ali
First Past The Post is the current electoral system running in the UK. There are 650 seats in total to be contested and 326 are needed in order to form a majority government. However, there are also ‘safe’ seats that are historically held by one party. Take Walthamstow for example, I’ll be shocked if Stella Creasy fails to retain her seat as a Labour MP because history dictates that she will. Whilst speaking with friends, customers and just people in general, there seems to be a real apathetic mood in the streets of London. Politics isn’t as prevalent as it was in the 1960’s, in fact it has seen a vast decline and although the 2010 General Election saw turnout increase by 4%, the youth essentially played a minute role in the eventual outcome. This will be the first time I am eligible to vote in a General Election, as is the case for a whole new generation of voters who will only be ignored unless they exercise their rights as British citizens, which is to cast a vote. Whether or not you support a party entirely, feel as if your vote will be wasted and think it won’t make a difference… it’s important to go the polls on May 7th. Ignored. That’s what is currently going on in Politics at the moment. The youth are ignored purely because the parties could care less whether or not there demands are met. Parties want votes, it’s all they want and if you do not vote, they really won’t pay attention to your needs. There is no such thing as a voting boycott, it systematically will not change anything and even though I support much of Russell Brand’s rhetoric, it will not cause a revolution. Instead, the parties will only fixate and tailor their policies to suit those who bother turning out on election day. The tuition fees were trebled because the Conservative parties votes will not be affected, they know that they can do as they please on issues concerning students because students traditionally fail to turnout and will never sway an election.
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At the moment, the opinion polls indicate that the Conservatives and Labour are tied which means neither has enough seats to obtain a majority government. This means that both parties will look to the likes of Lib Dems, SNP and (god forbid) UKIP in order to take hold of the Commons. Does this sound familiar? It should do because this is what the Tory’s did in 2010, forming the first coalition since the Second World War. Coalitions however aren’t uncanny, the majority of European countries are governed by one. Ed Miliband seems to be the only man really fussed about the issue of tuition fees, pledging to decrease them to 6k (this really won’t change anything). He’s done this to appease students who are more inclined to vote on the left of the spectrum, as evident by Green Party plans to abolish fees altogether.
Young people can have a tangible impact on the election, 17 marginal seats (seats which can go to any party) in 2010 were made up of 20% 18-24 and this number will only increase. There’ll three million first time voters in the next election and it’s important that they all vote to
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April-May 2015
sway the issues of the day. According to polls, more than three quarters of 18-25years old intend to vote and if so, this is great news for democracy as a whole because traditionally, the turnout rates for this age group are weak in comparison to countries across Europe and worldwide. 76% of pensioners voted in 2010. Only 44% of 18-24 years old did and this is why Mr Cameron removed housing benefit for under 25s, threatened the unemployed to do community work and even scrapped EMA. For all of you who say he doesn’t care, you’re absolutely right! He doesn’t… only because you allow him too. If we all exercise our right to vote, we can change the face of politics in the UK entirely. It doesn’t matter which side of the spectrum you happen to lie on, politicians and parties are obsessed with statistics. If that 44% were to rise to 70% and beyond, you will soon realise that those in the positions of high power will be more sensitive to your needs. We are the future of British Politics. We are a new generation of voters who possess an unruly power to change the face of Politics as we know it. We can teardown the traditional Westminster model and change the agenda altogether. And most importantly, we can prove so many wrong by exercising a simple right, to vote. It’s a blessing in disguise. They love it when you don’t vote, when you don’t bother and when you yawn whenever you hear the words ‘general election’. Take a stand, and exercise your right to vote on May 7th.
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April-May 2015
What is Dementia? By Abdul-Ghaffar Mahdi
Eating
healthy,
avoiding
smoking,
and
leading an active lifestyle (physically, socially and mentally) by carrying out suitable tasks and activities.
There are a number of different types of Dementia and all types are very progressive. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged due to Alzheimer’s disease (about two-thirds of cases in the elderly) or series of strokes. Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities. This includes problems with:
• Support groups
• Charity organisations
• Judgement • Mental agility • Language • Understanding Therefore, a person with dementia will find difficult to perform every day activities and may find it harder to solve problems and think clearly. People should seek advice as soon as they feel that their memory is getting noticeably worse. The GP will listen to the concerns, assess the results and refer the affected person to further investigation. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, about 800,000 people in the UK have been affected by Dementia and it usually occurs in people over the age of 65. The number is increasing every day and it is estimated that by 2021 numbers will increase to over 1 million. However, there are ways to help reduce the risk of attaining dementia. These include monitoring your health. This can be done by:
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• Family friends
• Community peers
• Thinking speed
regularly
Support is available from many different parties such as:
• Religious groups
• Memory loss
Checking
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a legal framework to protect vulnerable people who cannot make their own decisions (e.g. sufferers of dementia). This is so that the affected do not feel alone and they are able to understand that there is help available.
cholesterol and blood pressure
Dementia affects the elderly terribly and leaves them vulnerable to harm. This issue can be faced to help prevent the number of affected from growing even more. There is help available for everyone who needs it and the more people that receive help, will result in others understanding that this condition does not have to consume every person in its path.
Sources: www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia-guide/pages/about-dementia.aspx
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April-May 2015
Steven Gerrard: Raw talent By Maxwell Adjei It wasn’t just a good goal that, a humdinger long range howitzer thwack. It was a goal dragged from the depths of exhaustion, a goal that was the product of the most extraordinary refusal to yield, a goal of genuine character.
The long goodbye is almost over. The Tony McCoy-like farewell tour is reaching its final destination. We saw Steven Gerrard play his last competitive game for Liverpool at Anfield. It was an emotional moment. There were sniffs and snuffles. Eyes watered...No wonder the public was overwhelmed by emotion. No wonder the ticket touts were rubbing their hands in glee. It was a moment to witness, a moment of history, a moment in which the guard changed forever. Gerrard was a raw player, one who dominated matches, who drove his side with a ruthless determination, who set standards on a daily basis that others could only dream of reaching. Even for those who of us who have no affection for Liverpool (ME), even those of us who relish the underdog, he was responsible for moments that transcended loyalty, which transcended his sport. Who did not find themselves leaping from the sofa when he scored that wonder goal to keep his side in the 2006 FA Cup final against West Ham?
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He was the same in Istanbul the previous May. By half-time in the Champions League final, more than a few Liverpool supporters had already left the stadium and started the long journey back to the centre of town in despair, had given up hope when their side was trailing 3-0 after the most wretched first half in the history of the competition. But Gerrard hadn’t. He drove his team-mates through that historic recovery with a determination that was frightening to watch (especially if you were a Milan player). Steven Gerrard is trying not to let his emotions get the better of him as the Liverpool captain and talisman prepares for his Anfield farewell in his final competitive appearance in front of the Kop as Crystal Palace visited Merseyside. The 34-yearold Gerrard, who has made 708 appearances in a glittering 17-year career with his hometown club, is moving to Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season. Good luck Steven Gerrard. You are a true legend, a man who lived his dream!
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April-May 2015
Business Of The Month By Aqeel Hussain Having realised that there is a gap in the market for real AfroCaribbean food providing elegance and fine dining, Bolanle Lukman Balogun and his wife Dionne Jennifer Hamilton decided to open a breathtaking and unique restaurant, The A & J Restaurant. Unlike any other Afro- Caribbean restaurant, A&J caters real traditional African (specifically Nigerian) and West Indies/ Caribbean food, whilst providing a first class service and beautiful surroundings. As an experienced chef with over 30 years in the industry, Dionne provides one of the most palatable Jamaican recipes that the heart and the tummies of Caribbean food lovers have been yearning for over the years. This unique restaurant has been thriving and bringing people of diverse culture together. This is in line with one of the visions of ACF: to bring about community together. “We really appreciate what ACF stands for”, Bolanle tells us, adding “we love the events such as the street party which was held last year.” Bolanle hopes to expand the business and create A & J franchise opportunities, as well as to open one day an A & J drive through restaurant! So come on down and try it for yourself, you will understand why the A & J Restaurant has been recognised as our business of the month.
347 Lea Bridge Road, Walthamstow, E10 7LA Tel: 0208 558 3199 / www.ajrestaurant.co.uk NewGen 20
www.activechangefoundation.org
April-May 2015
ag
Sah n o u ba
Sa
Here at the Active Change Foundation we centre our work on the recognition of youth talent and potential. Each month, a member of our Youth Centre is chosen by ACF Outreach Team / member Abdul-Ghaffar Mahdi to recognise their outstanding contribution. This month we are happy to announce Sabauon Sahag as youth of the month! Sabauon is 17 years old. He is an enthusiastic member of ACF since he joined a couple of years ago. He moved to the UK from Afghanistan in 2006, and he had to learn English in a short period of time. It helped him tackle the normal school life style as well as take that extra step towards his studies. He currently studies AAT accounting at College of Haringey and Enfield. He hopes to succeed within that field, and he is planning to go to university next year to finish his studies in accountancy and finance. Sabauon has great ambitions and hopes of a good life and a bright future. He comes to the centre with his friends to socialise and relax. “To me, ACF is a place for fun and joy, where I can socialise and meet new people. I also go there for educational purposes. There are pool tables, table tennis tables, consoles and snacks, but that’s just to name a few. There is also an internet cafe where you can sit down,
do research and work on school projects.” Sabauon Sahag Sabauon makes the most out of the opportunities available at ACF. “Staff members at ACF are really friendly and helpful. They aren’t just there for the purpose of maintaining order in the centre. They change lives and help connect youth from different background. They talk to us, they play with us, and they are there if we ever may need them. They also help us with our homework. In return, I volunteer to set up outdoor activities such as trips and sport competitions”. Sabauon Sahag
In addition, Sabauon appreciates how important the workshops organised by the Outreach Team are for the young people’s understanding of current issues. “ACF gives us a great deal of knowledge about gangs and criminal activities to help us avoid falling into those traps. The talks held at the centre are very helpful and educational. They explain us events/issues that are going on at a national and international level, and that may affect us as individuals. So for all those reasons and much more, the Youth Centre is ‘the’ place to go!” Sabauon Sahag
Youth
of the Month NewGen 21
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April-May 2015
Solution fo r last issu e
COFFEE BREAK
Across
Down
6. Hue (6) 7. First man (4) 8. Story (4) 9. Kingdom in N Europe (6) 10. Farm bird (5) 12. Scapegoat (5) 15. Die from lack of food (6) 17. Swindle (4) 18. Small child (4) 19. Tank ship (6)
1. Edible tuber (6) 2. Acting part (4) 3. Rubbish (5) 4. Photographic device (6) 5. Ornamental fabric (4) 11. Fruit ice (6) 13. Posts (6) 14. End of life (5) 16. Tailless amphibian (4) 17. Vocalize melodically (4)
ALMOND BANANA BLUEBERRY BUTTER PECAN CHERRY CHOCOLATE
CINNAMON COOKIE DOUGH HAZELNUT LICORICE MAPLE WALNUT NEAPOLITAN
PEACH PISTACHIO PUMPKIN ROCKY ROAD STRAWBERRY VANILLA Puzzle: Ice Cream
sue Solution for last is
Puzzle: UK Murcury 3
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April-May 2015
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April-May 2015