BMHC Newsletter April 2014 / Issue 8

BMHCNEWSLETTER APRIL 2014 / ISSUE 8 Reg. Charity No. 1110104

BMHC COMMUNITY

 An Inspirational Evening with

His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool

 Evening with Rt Hon Nick

Clegg MP Deputy PM

 An audience with Omar Regan  Police and community

engagement event  Blue Orchid Self-employment & Business Planning Workshops  Art in Sacred Places Exhibition  Made in Europe - Living below the line campaign  Weekly Youth Club  Scouts  Health and Fitness Activities  Islam Beyond the Truth  Volunteers Get-together  Heritage Matrimonial  British Muslim Family History Writing Contest  Common Purpose Leadership Programme

BMHC ACADEMY

 New Year. New Campaign  Arabic Calligraphy Course

for beginners

 Islamic Heritage Course  Diabetes and Ramadan

International Forum  TAQĪ AL-DĪN: An Ottoman

Inventor, Engineer and Astronomer  Sultan of Science £2 text appeal  Political Masterclass  Islamic Geometric Patterns Conference & Workshop

BMHC DEVELOPMENT  BMHC Strategy  The Marquee

BMHC ENTERPRISE

 The Al-Razi Coffee & Gift Shop  Asian Wedding Exhibition  Venue for hire

Ebrahim Rasool is awarded ..... at the British Muslim Heritage Centre in February

An Inspirational Evening with His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool is a former Member of Parliament and Special Advisor to the State President of the Republic of South Africa, and winner of many international awards including the ‘Visionary Leadership and Public Good Award’ from the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists, and the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights.

COLLEGE ROAD, WHALLEY RANGE, MANCHESTER, M16 8BP 0161 881 8062  ADMINistrator@bmhc.org.uk  WWW.bmhc.org.uk

“Oh mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other...” - Quran 49:13

BMHC COMMUNITY

TIMETABLE & EVENTS

Weekly Events  Al-Huda Urdu & English Tafseer Classes 07866 313 010 / alhudamanchester@gmail.com  NHS Physical Activity Referral Service Referral through your GP only.

Walking club starting May 2014.  European Academy of Quranic Studies (EAQS) 0793 991 9872 / events@eaqs.org / www.eaqs.org  GCSE Islamic Studies One academic year course.

0773 830 1775 / administrator@bmhc.org.uk

 The Friday Project Third Friday of every month, 6:30pm – 8:30pm  Islamic Heritage Workshop Last Saturday of every month, 10:30pm – 4:30pm

ANNUAL events  Islamic Geometric Patterns: A Full-Day Conference and Workshop 3rd May 2014, at 10:00am –5:30pm  International Islamic Heritage Conference 2014 August 2014

 Girls and Boys Study Circle & Youth Club 0161 881 8062 / administrator@bmhc.org.uk

 Ramadan 28th June to 27th July 2014

Bi-Monthly events

 Eid al Fitr 29th July 2014

 Free Business planning and self-employment workshops with Blue Orchid.

May 2014

Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class

Monthly events

SUBJECT TO MOON SIGHTINGS

 Movie Screening: A Separation May 2014

Boys Only Study Thai Boxing Circle/Youth Club Class

Girls Only Study Circle/ Youth Club

Jumm'a

Sun

EAQS: Tajweed and Arabic

Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class

Al-Huda: Urdu Tafseer Class

Sat

 Thai Boxing Class for Men & Boys Qualified instructors. Children £2/session, Adults £3/session.

 Heritage Matrimonial Service 26th April 2014. Register for free at www.heritagematrimonials.co.uk

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Fri

Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class

Al-Huda: Urdu Tafseer Class

Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class

Thur

EAQS: Tajweed

NHS: Fitness Clinic

Wed Al-Huda: Urdu Tafseer Class

Tues EAQS: Tajweed

Mon

GCSE: Islamic Studies

09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00

 Ramadan and Eid Prayers

 Eid Al Adha 3rd October 2014

ONE OFF EVENTS  Scouting Taster Day 11th May 12:00pm – 3:00am  International Conference of Global Islamic Studies 2014 5th June, 8:00am – 9:30pm

BMHC COMMUNITY

An Inspirational Evening with His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) and those who attended this auspicious event on 27th January 2014 were honoured to host such a guest. Guests included leading national and international figures from politics, business and the community at large.

The evening provided a fantastic opportunity for the guests to hear and learn from His Excellency and gain valuable insights in to the life and legacy of the great late Nelson Mandela.

His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool, emphasised the importance of building trust between and within communities. He shared with us his perspective on the characteristic of the Beloved Prophet (pbuh), as AlAmeen (the trustworthy). He gave practical examples from his experiences in South Africa and throughout the world, on how best to build that trust and exemplify the values of Islam in each and everything we do, and in sharing our Islamic heritage and culture with the world. The evening also provided an opportunity for guests to learn more about the BMHC and some of our proposed future initiatives, in particular the ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition.

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BMHC COMMUNITY

Weekly Youth Club A weekly get together to relax, have some fun, and aspire to do more and aim higher. The British Muslim Heritage Centre has dedicated two permanent rooms for youth activities with a wide range of facilities such as pool tables, table tennis, and computer game stations.  Girls 11 -18 years old

Every Friday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

 Boys 11 - 18 years old

Every Sunday, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

 Boys Thai Boxing Classes 5+ years old

Every Sunday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Health and Fitness Activities  Weekly NHS Physical Activities Referral Service

Every Tuesday - 2:00pm - 3:30 pm

 Weekly Walking Club in partnership with the NHS

starting from May 2014

Scouting Taster Day Would you like to join the Scouts?

The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) and a group of dedicated volunteers have started the process of setting up a Scouts group at the Centre. Once set up, the Scouts group will offer regular structured learning and development for children through activities and even offer qualifications for volunteers involved in running the group.

The BMHC has organised a free taster session for parents and children to find out more about the Scouts. The taster day will have a whole host of activities for parents and children to enjoy and experience. There will also be an opportunity for parents to get involved and register as a volunteer for the Scouts group.

The free Scouting taster day will be held at the BMHC

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on Sunday 11th May 2014 12:00pm – 3:00pm.

BMHC COMMUNITY

Made in Europe – Living below the line campaign From 7th– 11th May 2014, the British Muslim Heritage

Live Below the Line is an innovative campaign which

Centre (BMHC) staff will join over 20,000 people around

challenges thousands of individuals across the world to

the world in living on £1 a day for 5 days to get a feel

live on £1 a day for 5 days, to deepen understanding of

of how over 1.4 billion people around the world live in

the challenges faced by individuals living in poverty, and

extreme poverty every day.

to raise vital funds for crucial anti-poverty initiatives.

Across the world, thousands of people will join the

Live Below the Line is an initiative of the Global Poverty

movement to tackle extreme poverty. This year Live

Project, an education and campaigning organisation

Below the Line is running in the UK, the USA and Canada

whose mission is to increase the number and

simultaneously.

effectiveness of people taking action against extreme poverty.

If you want to join this year’s Live Below the Line challenge and want more information, please visit www.livebelowtheline.com.

Islam Beyond the Truth By Sheikh Shabir Ally The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) organised a public lecture titled ‘Islam Beyond the Truth’ which was delivered by the renowned international debater Sheikh Shabir Ally from Canada on 7th March 2014.

Sheikh Shabir Ally is the President of the Islamic

An evening with Sheikh Sha bir Ally

Islam Beyond The Truth BritishMuslim HeritageCentre

Friday 7th March 2014, 6.3 0-8.30pm Our Beliefs • Our Responsib ilities • Our World Refr eshments and food will be

available

Information and Dawah Centre International in Toronto, Canada. He is a Muslim activist and speaker on Islam and Muslims. He is also a debater engaging in debates around the world.

FREE! PLEASE REGISTER TO CONFIRM YOUR FREE PLACE

A packed audience listened attentively to a refreshing and illuminating talk by Sheikh Shabir Ally on what it means to be a Muslim and the responsibility of the Muslim Community. The talk was followed by a very lively

Sheikh Shabir Ally - An Inspir

ational Canadian Speaker Shabir Ally is the presiden t of the Islamic Information & Dawah Centre International in Toronto , Canada. He is a Muslim activist and speaker on and Muslims. He takes a Islam keen interest in engagin g in debates around the world.

Shabir Ally was born in Guyana and moved to Canada in 1978. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Laurentian Universi ty in Sudbury, Ontario, with a specialization in Biblical Literature, an M.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Quranic Exegesis and PhD in Quranic Exegesis at the University of Toronto. He teaches Arabic at the University of Toronto.

Question and Answer session.

REGISTERED CHARITY NO.

TO REGISTER, CALL 0161 881 8062, OR EMAIL ADMINISTRATOR @BMHC.ORG.UK WHALL

1110104  COLLEGE ROAD,

EY RANGE, MANCHESTER,

M16 8BP  WWW.BMHC.O

RG.UK

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BMHC COMMUNITY

An audience with Omar Regan

Police and Community Engagement

The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) was

The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) hosted

delighted to host Comedian Omar Regan from the

a Police and Community Engagement Event on 18th

USA, together with special guests Rashid Khan from

February 2014. The event provided an environment

the hit TV series ‘Make Bradford British’ and spoken

where Police and members of the local Community

word artist Elmi Ali on 18th February 2014.

got together to discuss problems and solutions in regards to crime in the local Community.

This was a free event organised especially for the half-

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term break for families and young people to enjoy.

Feedback from engagement events such as these

Over 250 people made up of mostly families enjoyed

is a way of making sure services by the Police meet

a great night of comedy, poetry and food. The whole

community needs and allow the Police to make sure

night was recorded by British Muslim TV (BMTV) and

that resources are targeted to areas with the most

it will form part of a chat show with Lauren Booth

need and helps to dispel fears that some members of

called ‘Talking Booth’ on the TV channel.

the Community may have about crime.

BMHC COMMUNITY

Heritage Matrimonial Service Marriage Introduction Event Are you looking to get married, or do you know someone

 All information on clients is carefully monitored and

who would like 2014 to be the year that they find their

there will be an opportunity to speak directly to a

soul mate and life partner?

member of the Heritage Matrimonials team on

the phone.

The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) has developed its marriage introduction service that will

Register for free at Heritage Matrimonials today:

provide an opportunity for aspiring couples to meet in an

www.heritagematrimonials.co.uk

Islamic environment.

With the help of our excellent volunteers, our first event was held on 15th February 2014 and the next event is planned for 26th April 2014.

It will be an opportunity to invite suitable candidates of your choice, for a chaperoned meeting in the magnificent buildings at the BMHC, on selected and advertised dates.  We will ensure you are well looked after at the

events and any queries will be handled sensitively

and discreetly.

Art in Sacred Places Exhibition Artist Nicola Dale’s artwork ‘Between’ which is a

A publication, containing a conversation between

sculpture in two parts was exhibited at the British Muslim

the artist and the curator, thought-provoking articles

Heritage Centre (BMHC) from 30th January 2014 to 31st

by the Mosque’s Imam, a Cathedral Canon and an

March 2014. The sculpture was formally exhibited at

Academic from the University of Salford, and poetry from

Manchester Cathedral and at Didsbury Islamic Centre

internationally recognised contributors accompanies and

from 3rd October 2013 until 27th November 2013.

informs the exhibition.

The two life-sized archways, which are meticulously hand-decorated with abstract shapes, were derived from doubled ‘negative spaces’ within photographs taken during a walk between the Manchester Cathedral and Didsbury Islamic Centre. The concept sprang from knowledge the artist gained whilst attending study group sessions organised by these two venues. Forming a unique visual language especially for the two groups; Christians and Muslims, the arches are powerful symbols which mark out a passage-way without barriers and a reminder of the link between the two communities.

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BMHC COMMUNITY

Blue Orchid Selfemployment and Business Support Workshops

British Muslim Family History Writing Competition

As part of the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC)

Fancy a free 10 day trip to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia?

partnership with Blue Orchid, the Centre provided another round of free workshops and training programmes on business planning support for those

The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) in

considering self-employment and starting their own

conjunction with www.flynas.com is offering 5 lucky

business. The programmes have been very successful

winners a free, 10 day return-trip from Manchester to

and well attended. The BMHC is planning to organise

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in the month of May 2014. Each

further programmes and workshops with Blue Orchid

winner will receive a pair of tickets to enable you to

starting from May 2014.

travel with a companion.

To enter the competition, you will have to submit a creative piece of work – a presentation telling us about your Genealogy or Family history, covering at least 2 generations.

So how your parents/grandparents arrived in this country, maybe something interesting they have done, maybe they were pioneers in a particular field?

Perhaps you are a ‘normal’ family of straight-forward people just getting on with life but have an interesting background you would like to share with the world?

We want you to help us build a picture of the Muslim community in the UK today, so give us an outline, or a good spread of your family. Maybe a family tree might impress the judges if done in a creative manner!

The work should be between 2,000 and 3,000 words long and MUST be submitted by 5:00pm on 21st April 2014. (To make things a little easier for youngsters, we’ve created a separate category for 12-16 year

Volunteer’s Get-together

olds.)

For more information about the competition please

Much of the activities, events and projects at the

visit our website: www.bmhc.org.uk

British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) are only possible because of hardworking and dedicated

You can hand your work in personally,

volunteers. The BMHC provides a vibrant and unique

send it via carrier or email it into us at

environment for volunteers from all walks of life to get

administrator@bmhc.org.uk.

involved. On 28th March 2014 the BMHC organised a special get-together for volunteers and staff to

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discuss and plan upcoming projects.

BMHC COMMUNITY

AN Evening with Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP Deputy Prime Minister In partnership with the Patchwork Foundation, the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) organised a meeting with the Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP Deputy Prime Minister on 7th February 2014.

The meeting represented a fantastic opportunity for the BMHC to provide a platform for the Muslim community to listen and engage in an open Question and Answer session with the Deputy Prime Minister on issues concerning the community. This unique event also provided a wonderful opportunity for networking for participants.

Over 400 people attended the event from across Greater Manchester and the North West. A whole host of questions were asked from members of the Muslim Community especially from women and youth groups.

The Chairman and Trustees of the BMHC welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister to the Centre and emphasised the importance of engagement between the political leaders and the Muslim Community.

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BMHC ACADEMY

New Year. New Campaign. Training Day On Tuesday 28th of January 2014, the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) held a campaign training day titled ‘New Year. New Campaign’.

The training day was designed for people and organisations to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge to run an effective and successful campaign and to provide an insight into unlocking their engagement potential.

Delegates from organisations all over the UK attended the training day and learnt from some of the biggest names in campaigning such as Sophie Stephens from Citizens UK and Jean McLean from Save the Children.

Attendees benefited from inspirational keynote speakers with extensive knowledge and experience. Speakers such as His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool, who spoke about building a campaign legacy from the experiences of Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid campaign, as well as other stimulating and motivating speakers who spoke of their involvement in campaigning: from freedom in the Arab Spring, and lobbying for women’s rights and social justice, to mobilising and community organising.

Expert-led workshops included ‘Lobbying on Women’s Rights’, ‘Introduction to Organising & Tools for Effective Campaigning’ and ‘Strengthening your Campaign Asks’. They also had the opportunity to network, share experiences, and learn from sector colleagues. The BMHC received excellent feedback from the attendees, their organisations, and from the community for organising the training day.

One example of the many positive comments we received was: “What a privilege to be part of such an inspirational day. The speakers and workshops provided the tools for effective campaigning, and His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool, provided a code for living. Nelson Mandela truly lives on. To have a panel of young accomplished women and a large proportion of mainly Islamic female delegates was very refreshing. And the MC hosted brilliantly with his array of clips and quotes.”

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BMHC ACADEMY

SOS – Sultans of Science £2 Text Fundraising Appeal As part of our fundraising effort for the proposed Sultans

 Leave a lasting legacy, and be rewarded in this life

of Science exhibition, the British Muslim Heritage Centre

and the next.

(BMHC) has launched a £2 Text Appeal. This new way to donate, will allow donations to be made quickly

What better endowment, and legacy, than one that

and easily.

helps sustain an organisation, and increase knowledge of Islam’s contribution to a society, where Islam is seen

This project is about bringing hidden knowledge and

in such a negative light. It is indeed a collaborative

authentic history to the forefront of British Society, and

opportunity that provides a win-win situation for all

helping to develop a more understanding, caring, open,

involved.

and connected Community, in the UK and indeed the world.

It is also possible to donate other amounts via text

 Help dispel the myths, breakdown cultural and

message if you wish to do so. To donate, type BMHC11,

religious barriers, and do a service to the community

at large.

 Promote community cohesion and create a fairer and

more loving society.

 Inspire generations by exemplifying the

contributions of the Muslim community

over centuries of forgotten history.

leave a space, enter the amount you wish to donate (in pounds), then send to 70070. So for example, if you wished to send £10, just text “BMHC11 10” to 70070.

We thank you for your continued support. Without your kind help, the BMHC could not function.

£2 TEXT APPEAL

0 “BMHC11 2” TO 7007 E! DONATE £2 BY TEXTING BIL MO CODE ON YOUR OR SIMPLY SCAN THIS QR

The International Conference of Global Islamic Studies 2014 In partnership with the National University of Malaysia

The coverage of the conference theme include, but is not

and the University of Salford, the British Muslim Heritage

restricted to:

Centre (BMHC) Presents: The International Conference of Global Islamic Studies 2014.

 Islamic Economy, Finance and Banking  Islamic Law/Jurisprudence

The International Conference of Global Islamic Studies 2014 (ICGIS 14) is a premier conference for presentations of new and advanced thoughts in global Islamic studies instead of theoretical, experimental or applied researches.

The objective of this conference is to establish the Islamic knowledge in the eyes of the global community.

 Islamic Thought and Civilizations  Islamic Management  Islamic Educations  Islam and Globalization  Islam and Democracy

The conference will also discuss issues related to the

 General issues related to the Islamic Studies

field of Islamic knowledge in theory and practice. The

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conference will bring together researchers, academicians,

The Conference will take place at the University of Salford

Masters and PhD students, and practitioners in the

and at the BMHC on 5th June 2014.

domain of interest around the world.

For more information please visit our website: www.bmhc.org.uk

BMHC ACADEMY

TAQI AL-DIN: An Ottoman Inventor, Engineer & Astronomer Taqī al-Dīn ibn Ma’rūf was an important Ottoman scientist

Taqī al-Dīn Abū Bakr Muhammad ibn Ma’rūf al-Rāsid

who excelled in science in the second half of the 16th

(1526-1585), was born in Damascus. After receiving

century. From 1571, he settled in Istanbul, the capital of

his education in theology, he became interested in the

the Ottoman State and excelled in numerous scientific

rational sciences, which he studied with scholars in

fields such as mathematics, astronomy, engineering,

Damascus and Cairo, including his father Ma’rūf Efendi.

mechanics, and optics. He is the author of several texts

Later he worked as a teacher at various madāris(Schools)

of which manuscripts still survive and are the subject

and served as a qādī (judge) in Nablus (in Palestine),

of thorough studies. One of his books, The Sublime

Damascus, and Cairo. During his stay in Egypt and

Methods of Spiritual Machines, described the workings of

Damascus, he produced some important works in

a rudimentary steam engine and steam turbine, predating

the fields of astronomy and mathematics. In 1570, he

the more famous discovery of steam power by Giovanni

came to Istanbul, and a year later (1571–1572) was

Branca in 1629. Taqī al-Dīn is also known for the invention

appointed chief astronomer. Taqī al-Dīn maintained

of a ‘monobloc’ six cylinder pump, for his construction of

close relationships with important members of the

the Istanbul observatory, and for his astronomical activity

‘ulama’ (Religious Scholars) and statesmen, chief among

there for several glorious years until the observatory was

whom was Khojja Sa’d al-Dīn Efendi (d. 1599), and

closed.

was presented to Murād III (r. 1574–1595) by the great Ottoman Stateman Mehmed Pasha Sokolović (d. 1579).

Istanbul observatory Taqī al-Dīn informed Sultan Murād, who had an interest in astronomy and astrology that the Ulugh Bey Zīj contained certain observational errors, resulting in errors in calculations made on the basis of those tables. Taqī al-Dīn indicated that these errors could be corrected if new observations were made and proposed that an observatory be built in Istanbul for that purpose. Sultan Murād was very pleased to be the patron of the first observatory in Istanbul and asked that construction begin immediately. He also provided the financial assistance required for the project. In the meantime Taqī al-Dīn pursued his studies at the Galata Tower, which he continued in 1577 at the partially completed new observatory that he called Dār al-Rasad al-Jadīd (the New Observatory). This also housed a library, comprising mainly books on astronomy and mathematics.

The observatory, consisting of two separate buildings, one large and one small, was constructed at a location in the higher part of Tophane in Istanbul. Taqī al-Dīn had instruments used in the old Islamic observatories reproduced with great care. In addition, he invented some new instruments which were used for observational purposes for the first time. ...CONTINUED OVERLEAF

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BMHC ACADEMY

...CONTINUED The observatory had a staff of sixteen people, eight ‘observers’ (rāsid), four clerks, and four assistants. The observatory was designed to provide for the needs of the astronomers and included a dedicated library for astronomy and mathematics and certainly workshop for the design and the production of instruments. This institution was conceived as one of the largest observatories in the Islamic world and was completed in 1579. It was comparable to Tycho Brahe’s (1546-1601) Uranienborg observatory built in 1576. There is a striking similarity between the instruments of Tycho Brahe and those of Taqī al-Dīn. In his astronomical tables, called the Culmination of Thoughts in the Kingdom of Rotating Spheres, Taqī al-Dīn states that he started activities on astronomy in Istanbul with 15 assistants in 1573. The observatory continued to function until 22 January 1580, the date of its destruction. Religious arguments were put forward to justify this action, but it was really rooted in certain political conflicts.

Astronomical instruments of the observatory The following observational instruments were among those used in the observatory to perform observations: 1 An armillary sphere; 2 A mural quadrant;

10 A sunaydi ruler, apparently a special type of

instrument of an auxiliary nature, the function of which

was explained by Alauddin al-Mansur.

Taqī al-Dīn invented new observational instruments that were added to the array of those already in use for observation in the Islamic world. Among the instruments invented by Taqī al-Dīn in the observatory were the following: The Sextant (mushabbaha bi-’l manātiq): used to measure the distances between the stars. Taqī al-Dīn’s mushabbaha bi’l manātiq and Tycho Brahe’s sextant should be considered among the great achievements of the 16th century astronomy. A mushabbaha bi-l manātiq is composed of three rulers. Two of them are attached as the rulers of triquetrum. An arc is attached to the end of one of the rulers. Taqī al-Dīn made this instrument to observe the radius of Venus that was mentioned in the tenth book of Ptolemy’s Almagest.

The Dhāt al-awtar: designates the spring and autumn equinoxes. Some astronomers set up a ring, which was not divided, parallel to the equator to designate this. Taqī al-Dīn invented his instrument in the new observatory.

3 An azimuthal quadrant;

The instrument was composed of a base in the form of a

4 A parallel ruler;

rectangle and four columns. The two columns were set

5 A ruler-quadrant or wooden

quadrant;

on the base so that a string was stretched between them. One of them was equal to the cosine of the

6 An instrument with two holes for

latitude of the country and the other

the measurement of apparent

to the sine. A hole was made on

diameters of heavenly bodies

each of these parts according to this

and eclipses;

proportion. A rope was hung from

7 An instrument with chords to

determine the equinoxes,

invented by Taqī al-Dīn to

replace the equinoxial armillary;

8 A mushabbaha bi’l-manātiq,

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9 A mechanical clock with a train of cogwheels;

another instrument of his

invention, the nature and

function of which is not

yet explained;

these holes with a plumb.

BMHC ACADEMY

The astronomical clock

observatory set to observe it ceaselessly day and night

Taqī al-Dīn used a mechanical clock, which he made

and the results of the observations were presented to

himself for his observations, and a wooden wall dial,

the sultan. Because of the new methods, Taqī al-Dīn

which he set up in the observatory. This clock was more

developed and equipment he invented, Taqī al-Dīn was

precise than those previously used and considered to

able to approach his observations in an innovative way

be one of the significant inventions in the field of applied

and produce new solutions to astronomical problems. He

astronomy in the 16th century. In Sidrat al-muntaha,

prepared trigonometric tables based on decimal fractions.

Taqī al-Dīn said: “we built a mechanical clock with a dial

He determined the ecliptic degree as 23° 28’ 40”, which

showing the hours, minutes and seconds and we divided

is very close to the current value of 23° 27’. He used

every minute into five seconds.” When we compare the

a new method in calculating solar parameters as well

instruments which Taqī al-Dīn used in his observatory

as determining the magnitude of the annual movement

with those used by Tycho Brahe, they are mostly similar,

of the sun’s apogee as 63 seconds. Considering that

but some of Taqī al-Dīn’s are larger and more precise.

today’s known value is 61 seconds, the result he obtained

For example, they both used a mural quadrant (libna) for

appears to have been more accurate than that of

the observation of the declinations of the sun and the

Copernicus (24 seconds) and Tycho Brahe (45 seconds).

stars. It is said that Taqī al-Dīn preferred a mural quadrant

The observatory was witness to a great deal of activity

instead of the sudus al-fakhrī and two rings used by

within a short period of time between 1577 and 1580.

the previous astronomers. Taqī al-Dīn’s quadrant was

Observations undertaken there were collected in a work

formed of two brass quadrants with a radius of six metres

titled Sidrat Muntahā’l-Afkār fī Malakūt al-Falak al-

each, placed on a wall and erected on the meridian. The

Dawwār. When compared with

same instrument used by Brahe was only two meters in

those of the contemporary Danish

diameter.

astronomer Tycho Brahe, Taqī al-Dīn’s observations are more

In his observational work, Taqī al-Dīn integrated the

precise. Furthermore, some of

Damascus and Samarkand traditions of astronomy.

the instruments that he had in

His first task at the observatory was to undertake the

his observatory were of superior

corrections of the Ulugh Bey Astronomical Tables. He

quality to Tycho Brahe’s.

also undertook various observations of eclipses of the sun and the moon. In September 1578, a comet appeared

Dr Salim Ayduz

in the skies of Istanbul for one month; the staff of the

Senior Researcher, BMHC

From Jeddah To The World!

www.flynas.com Contact our team to advertise in the next newsletter

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BMHC ACADEMY

Islamic Geometric Patterns: A Full-Day Conference and Workshop Traditionally Islamic decoration has made use of

Participants will then explore methods to tessellate

geometric patterns which have developed over the

the patterns to a larger scale.

centuries.

Many of these patterns may have originally derived from various earlier cultures such as Greek, Roman, Central Asian and Persian. Complex geometric patterns are what make Islamic designs unique which are still used in many modern day settings. Square and rectangle shapes especially, play significant roles in Islamic architecture.

The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) has organised a full-day conference and workshops on the topic of Islamic Geometric Patterns on 3rd May 2014, 10:00am – 5:00pm.

 Huseyin Sen and Mesut Balik - M. C. Escher Style

Art, History and Techniques.

In this interactive workshop participants will learn

about the historical development and methodology for

analyzing and Escher drawings, first created by the

Dutch artist M.C. Escher (d. 1972), who developed his

art after being inspired by the beautiful Islamic

geometric patterns at the Moorish Alhambra palace in

Granada, Spain.

Registration IS £25 AND Includes:  Lunch  Refreshments

Conference Speaker: Eric Broug - An Introduction to Islamic Geometric Design.

Workshop:  Hasret Brown - A Practical Introduction to

 Admission to the

conference and both

workshops

For more information please visit our website: www.bmhc.org.uk

Creating Islamic Geometric Patterns.

In this interactive workshop participants will learn how

To register:

to draw an Islamic geometric pattern and apply

Call 0161 881 8062 or e-mail administrator@bmhc.org.uk

their own individual creativity with the use of colour.

Diabetes and Ramadan International Forum The second International Diabetes and Ramadan (DAR) Conference in collaboration with Diabetes UK and the Gulf Group for the study of Diabetes (GGSD) was held at the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) on 4th March 2014.

One of the main aims of the conference was to reinforce

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This was the second conference to take place at the

the international networks and coordination that was

BMHC. As with the previous conference last year,

established in the first conference. The international DAR

this conference was also attended by hundreds of

committee also proposed to concerted action to promote

participants from all over the world.

and support diabetes and Ramadan education and research all around the world.

ISLAMIC GEOMETRIC PATTERNS A full day Conference and Workshops on Patterns in Islamic Art and Architecture

Register Geometric For

£25

Saturday, 3rd May 2014

BritishMuslim HeritageCentre

Conference Speaker: Eric Broug - ‘An introduction to Islamic Geometric Design’ Workshops: 1. Hasret Brown - ‘A Practical Introduction to Creating Islamic Geometric Patterns’.

2. Huseyin Sen & Mesut Balik - ‘M. C. Escher Style Art, History and Techniques’ Registration includes: Lunch Refreshments Admission to the conference and both workshops

TO REGISTER, CALL 0161 881 8062, OR EMAIL ADMINISTRATOR@BMHC.ORG.UK REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1110104  COLLEGE ROAD, WHALLEY RANGE, MANCHESTER, M16 8BP  WWW.BMHC.ORG.UK

BMHC ACADEMY

Arabic Calligraphy Course for beginners

Politics Masterclass The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) hosted an

The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) organised

iENGAGE event on 30th March 2014. The event was a

a course in Arabic Calligraphy for beginners which ran

Political Masterclass where the following topics were

from 16th February 2014 to the 9th March 2014. The

covered:

weekly course which was held on a Sunday afternoon for four weeks was delivered by Master Calligrapher Hamed Azeemi.

 The British Political system  The British Electoral system  History of Political parties

Participants used traditional calligraphy tools such as wooden qalems (pens) dipped in ink to create their own calligraphy.

The course provided an opportunity for participants to learn and

 History of UK Race & Equality Legislation iENGAGE is a not for profit organisation that works towards enhancing the active engagement of British Muslim communities in our national life, particularly in the fields of politics and the media by running seminars for Muslims on how to engage productively with the media and politics.

create their own calligraphy artwork in the historical Ottoman Calligraphy script.

Islamic Heritage Course The Islamic Heritage Course was launched at the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) on 25th January 2014. The course is being delivered by Historian Dr Stef Keris from Birmingham.

Dr Stef Keris is the author of the book ‘Europe’s Forgotten Ottoman Heritage’. He

Islamic Heritage BritishMuslim HeritageCentre

A series of courses presente d @ the British Muslim Heri tage Centre

is a polyglot (English, German, Greek, French, Spanish, Dutch and Arabic) with a Masters and a PhD in Political Science. Dr Keris is a lecturer and teacher for more than 25 years who has worked in many countries (NL, UAE, Saudi Arabia, GR, UK).

The course runs on the last Saturday of every month from 10:30am – 4:30pm and costs £25 to register. This price includes all course materials and refreshments.

Each month Dr Stef Keris covers a different area of the world and explainsthe

Eastern Europe

(Poland, CSR, Lithuania, Latvia , Estonia, Finland) A full day course covering the rise, fall, development and contributio n of Islam in the region

£25

29th of March 2014 10:30am - 4:30pm

ALL COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED

TO REGISTER

rise, fall, development, and contribution of Islam in that area. So far in the last TO REGISTER, CALL

0161 881 8062, OR EMAIL ADMINISTRATOR three months Greece, Cyprus & Turkey, the Balkans & Eastern Europe have been @BMHC.ORG.UK I am a UK tax payer and would like the BMHC to treat my donations as Gift Aid Eligible until notified otherwise covered.

REGISTERED CHARITY NO.

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1110104  COLLEGE ROAD,

WHALLEY RANGE, MANCHE

STER, M16 8BP  WWW.BM

HC.ORG.UK

BMHC DEVELOPMENT

BMHC Strategy Our Vision for BMHC

Our Vision for BMHC

Our Offer

A centre of excellence,

Developing pioneering

 A welcoming environment

celebrating the rich and diverse

initiatives that promote the

Muslim heritage, inspiring

rich and diverse Muslim

all communities to embrace

heritage and making it

diversity and be instrumental in

accessibale to all.

 A learning environment  Outreach  Partnership  Centre of expertise

shaping a cohesive society.

Our aspiration is of a Centre “celebrating Islam’s rich

The BMHC will only achieve these aspirations with your

and diverse heritage, inspiring all communities to

help through the following:

embrace diversity and be instrumental in the shaping of a cohesive society”. We remain committed to the following principles: 1 The BMHC will be a centre for all communities

Muslims and non-Muslims.

2 We will strive to provide a welcoming environment for

BMHC scheme.

 We are always looking for dedicated volunteers.  You can donate to the ongoing work directly to the

BMHC bank account: Royal Bank of Scotland, Withington Branch

all, and work in partnership for the common good.

3 In focusing on Muslim heritage we mean: Muslim

 We invite you to become a member of the Friends of

history and contribution to human civilisation.

friend OF BMHC

467 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 9AP

A/C No.:10088053

Sort Code: 16-34-27

IBAN: GB85RBOS

Swift: RBOSGB2L

Send us the following details and we’ll do the rest:

This is an opportunity for you to help contribute to the vision of BMHC, and be part of an inspiring and

Name:

unique project which aims to enrich, bring together,

________________________________________________

and benefit all members of the community. Through a monthly subscription of only £10 per month, the

Address:

scheme aims to:

________________________________________________

 Raise the profile of the BMHC

________________________________________________

 Raise much needed revenue to run activities  Offer exclusive benefits to members including:

- Priority booking for BMHC events

- Annual Friends Dinner

- Exclusive preview of exhibitions, book

launches and other similar events

________________________________________________ Tel: ________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________

- Regular email newsletter of developments.

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BMHC ENTERPRISE

THE MARQUEE AT THE BMHC The BMHC will be opening a brand new marquee in Summer 2014, catering for events of 600+ people, with the option of sectioning off for smaller events. The marquee will be provisioned to cater for events all year round.

This exciting new space aims to be the ideal location for:  Weddings  Conferences/Seminars  Charitable Events / Fundraising  Private Events  Exhibitons  Special Occasions Our event management team offer their bespoke services to assist the planning of your event, giving you the opportunity to personalise your event. For further information please contact our Events Team on 0161 881 8062 or by email on events@bmhc.org.uk.

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Marquee location as displayed above