BMHCNEWSLETTER AUGUST 2014 / ISSUE 9 Reg. Charity No. 1110104
BMHC COMMUNITY The Erasmus Programme Eid Festival 2014 Friends of BMHC Iftar Ramadan 2014 – Sheikh Abu
Bakr As-Shatri Radio Ramadan 2014 Radio Ramadan Volunteers Dinner & Award Ceremony Welcoming Ramadan Event BMHC Fundraising Dinner Thaddabur ul Qura’n Conference Free Business Support and Business Planning Workshops Weekly Youth Club Health and Fitness Activities Heritage Matrimonial Made in Europe Living below The Line Barbeque 10 days Itikaf with Sheikh Mohammed Akram Nadwi 5 Year Community Radio Licence Award Flynas Competition THE CUPPING CLINIC
THE MARQUEE Saturday 9th August was a rather bizarre day at the BMHC. The mood should have been a lot spritely, almost celebratory, but we were all exhausted. Everything leading up to this point, our entire schedule, every ounce of personal energy and resource
BMHC ACADEMY
had been poured into a seemingly endless black-hole of uncertainty. The weeks
SultanS of Science
leading up to the opening had been plagued with a myriad of problems and logistical
issues that had exacerbated an already tight schedule that lesser men would have
text Appeal Islamic Geometric Patterns: Conference and Workshop International Conference of Global Islamic Studies 2014 Beacon Institute Rashid Course GCSE COURSES AND EXAM RESULTS
BMHC DEVELOPMENT BMHC Strategy The Marquee
BMHC ENTERPRISE The Al-Razi Coffee & Gift Shop Venue for hire– Shafaz
shied away from. But there was no room for anyone to hide. ‘The Marquee’ simply HAD to be ready on time, at whatever cost. This wedding was going to happen! While management and building staff took a well-earned weekend off, (their work was done having worked 20 hour shifts for the past few days), catering staff, waiters, event managers, the odd prying staff member and the families of the bride & groom could be seen milling around, slowly seeing the marquee come to life, one bit at a time.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 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
Bi-Monthly events
Al-Huda Urdu & English Tafseer Classes 07866 313 010 / alhudamanchester@gmail.com
Heritage Matrimonial Service 26th April 2014. Register for free at www.heritagematrimonials.co.uk
GCSE RE (Islamic Studies) One academic year course. administrator@bmhc.org.uk GCSE Arabic Language Two year course. administrator@bmhc.org.uk Thai Boxing Class for Men & Boys Qualified instructors. Children £2/session, Adults £3/session.
Movie Screening: A Separation May 2014 Free Business planning and self-employment workshops with Blue Orchid. August and September 2014
ANNUAL events Islam and Science Conference 2014 August 2014
SUBJECT TO MOON SIGHTINGS
Girls and Boys Study Circle & Youth Club 0161 881 8062 / administrator@bmhc.org.uk
Eid Al Adha 3rd October 2014 (Subject to moon sighting)
Muslim Scouts for Boys and Girls Every Sunday
ONE OFF EVENTS
Archery Club Every Saturday (Start date TBC)
Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class
Boys Only Study Thai Boxing Class Circle/Youth Club
Sun Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class
Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class
Al-Huda: Urdu Tafseer Class
Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class Jumm'a
Sat
Weekly Events
European Academy of Quranic Studies (EAQS) 0793 991 9872 / events@eaqs.org / www.eaqs.org
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Fri
Girls Only Study Circle/ Youth Club
EAQS: Tajweed
GCSE: Arabic
GCSE: Islamic Studies
EAQS: Tajweed
Thur Al-Huda: Urdu Tafseer Class
Wed Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class
Tues Al-Huda: Urdu Tafseer Class
Mon 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 21:30
1st National New Muslim Initiative Conference 18th October 201410am - 4pm administrator@bmhc.org.uk
BMHC COMMUNITY
Ramadan 2014 at the BMHC For the Holy month of Ramadan, the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) made arrangements for Taraweeh (Ramadan evening prayer) and a crèche was available every Friday and Saturday Iftars (fast-breaking meals) were held every Saturday and every day during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Up to 700 people packed the Centre every evening to attend the taraweeh prayers. The prayers and Qur’an recitation were inspiringly led by Sheikh Hamadur Rahman Fahim from Manchester, Sheikh Mohammed Salata from Egypt and on two occasions by an esteemed and world renowned Qur’an reciter. On the 19th and 24th of September we had the great pleasure and honour of hosting Sheikh Abu Bakr AshShatri from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who led the full taraweeh prayers on both evenings. Together they
On the day of Eid, families attended the two Eid prayers
enabled us to have the pleasure of listening to their
en mass. We estimate that at least 3,000 people attended
individual and unique styles of recitation, which was a
the two Eid prayers. This year the Eid prayers were held in
most beautiful and fulfilling experience for all those who
the main building and also in the new marquee.
attended.
EID FESTIVAL The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) was
The family friendly event featured an exciting
delighted to once again host a family and community
array of activities such as a family tent with
event on a huge scale. The rich and diverse community
workshops, activities and henna, stalls,
of Manchester was reflected in the people who attended
a fantastic family funfair, and halal food
in their thousands over the weekend. The event brought
stations where people experienced a variety
communities together regardless of faith, race and
of food. The highlight of Sunday was the
11AM TO 6PM SATURDAY 2ND AUGUST & SUNDAY 3RD AUGUST
Fun For All The Family
ALL ARE WELCOME - JOIN
COLLEGE ROAD, WHALLEY
• BBQ • VARIETY Of fOOD • DAWAH STALL • ICE CREAM, SWEETS, CAKES • JEWELLERY • CLOTHING • ISLAMIC ART • MANY MORE STALLS • fAIRGROUND RIDES • fUN AND GAMES • CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES • fACE PAINTING • HENNA PAINTING • BOUNCING CASTLES • THAI BOxING • NASHEEDS • fACILITIES fOR PRAYER • TOUR Of THE BMHC
THE WHOLE COMMUNITY
AT THE BMHC!
FOR FURTHER DETAILS, CALL 0161 881 8062, OR EMAIL ADMINISTRATO R@BMHC.ORG.UK 8BP WWW.BMHC.ORG.
RANGE, MANCHESTER, M16
background. The festival was held over two days on
inaugural BMHC Eid Festival games where
Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2014, where we
families took part in a baton relay race, egg and spoon
hosted over 4,000 people.
race, sack race and tug of war.
UK REGISTERED CHARITY
NO. 1110104
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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 organised a free taster session for parents and children to find out more about the Scouts on Sunday 11th May 2014 from 12:00pm – 3:00pm. The taster day showcased a whole host of activities for parents and children to enjoy and experience. The day also presented an opportunity for parents to get involved and register as a volunteer for the Scouts group. Around 150 children and parents attended the taster day. There was a lot of
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interest from all who attended.
BMHC COMMUNITY
The ERASMUS Programme at the BMHC The ERASMUS Programme (European Community
This year we have 13 students from various Turkish
Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) is
universities, including Fatih University, Gediz University
a European Union (EU) programme established in 1987.
and Konya Mevlana University. The students are here for
Students who join the ERASMUS Programme study or
three months from June to September 2014. So far the
do an internship for a period of at least 3 months of an
students have had great experience under the supervision
academic year in another European country.
of Professor Salim Ayduz who is the senior researcher at the Heritage Department of BMHC. The students
The ERASMUS Programme guarantees that the period
are receiving many academic and cultural experiences
spent abroad is recognised by their university when
through the various events, activities, conferences and
they go back. As with previous years, the British Muslim
seminars which regularly take place at the BMHC. We
Heritage Centre (BMHC) is hosting students on the
have also designed special workshops and training for
ERASMUS programme.
the students. BMHC will host new Erasmus students for 2015 as well.
Award winning Living Below the Line campaign effort by Team BMHC The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) staff and volunteers joined over 20,000 people around the world in living on ÂŁ1.00 a day for 5 days. Live Below the Line is an initiative of the Global Poverty Project. Live Below the Line is an innovative campaign which challenges thousands of individuals across the world to live on ÂŁ1.00 a day for 5 days, to deepen understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living in poverty, and to raise vital funds for crucial anti-poverty initiatives. Team BMHC and hundreds of others who participated in Live Below The Line campaign this year attended a special BBQ at Willowbrook Farm in Oxfordshire. Team BMHC won an award for raising the most money as an organisation and one of the members of the team won an award for raising the most money as an individual.
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BMHC COMMUNITY
The Cupping Clinic
Welcoming Ramadan
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Indeed the best of remedies
The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) in
you have is cupping (Hijama)”
association with Islamic Relief UK organised a special Welcoming Ramadan event on 17th June 2014. The
In partnership with The Cupping Clinic (Blackburn) we
attendees discussed ways of gaining reward during
are proud to introduce an ancient treatment method
Ramadan other than praying and fasting. Other ideas
that is part of Muslim heritage and also from the
that were discussed were how we, as a community
sunnah (teachings of the Prophet pbuh).
can gain additional reward during this blessed month. The discussions were led by Shaykh Reda Bedier and
Over centuries, cupping, also known as hijama in Arabic has been a means of treatment and preventing acute and long-term health conditions. It is a simple, safe and painless procedure of applying cups to specific meridian points on the body to help release toxins Cupping is also considered to be the fastest way to detoxify. It increases blood circulation, boosts the immune system, regulates the hormones and helps the body find its own natural balance. With its unique success rate, cupping is gaining rapid popularity as an alternative treatment for thousands of people including celebrities and sports personalities. Separate clinics are held for men and women regularly at the BMHC by fully qualified and fully insured medical practitioners. The next cupping clinic will be held at the BMHC on: Men: Sunday 14th September 9:00am – 11:30am Ladies: Friday 19th September 10:30am – 3:00pm For more information or to book and appointment please call: Men booking line: 07870 555 522 Women booking line: 07561 313 460
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Shaykh Abdul Bari Yahya.
BMHC COMMUNITY
Heritage Matrimonial Service – Marriage Introduction Event Are you looking to get married, or do you know
The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) has
someone who would like 2014 to be the year that they
developed its marriage introduction service that will
find their soul mate and life partner?
provide an opportunity for aspiring couples to meet in an Islamic environment. With the help of our excellent volunteers, our last event was held on 26th April 2014 and the next event is planned for 13th September 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. All information on clients is carefully monitored and there will be an opportunity to speak directly to a member of the Heritage Matrimonials team on the phone. Register for free at Heritage Matrimonials today at www.heritagematrimonials.co.uk
BMHC FUNDRAISING DINNER On 20th August 2014 the British Muslim Heritage Centre
Over 900 people attended the fundraising dinner which
(BMHC) held a fundraising Iftar (fast breaking dinner)
was held at the Sheridan Suite in Manchester. After the
to raise much needed funds for the BMHC’s proposed
dinner Sheikh Abu Bakr Ash-Shatri led the full tarawee
flagship projects which are the Sultans of Science
prayers at the BMHC.
interactive exhibition and for the community radio project. This was a joint event with Human Appeal International. Our special guest for the evening was the world renowned and esteemed Qur’an reciter Sheikh Abu Bakr Ash-Shtari from Saudia Arabia.
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BMHC COMMUNITY
5 Year Community Radio Licence Awarded to the BMHC Ofcom officially announced the award of a Community
Cllr Angeliki Stogia of Whalley Range where the BMHC is
Radio Licence, in Manchester, as one of seven in the
based, spoke on behalf of the ward and her colleagues,
whole of the North West.
saying ‘…Community radio has a vital role to play in Manchester, no more so than in the heart of our diverse
The application by British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC)
city. That’s why I’m as proud as I am pleased as a
for our Heritage Community Radio project stood out as
Whalley Range resident and Councillor, that our very
a clear winner, in being able to provide a station that
own BMHC has won the North West Community Radio
will reflect the needs and interests of its audience. The
Licence. A victory by Manchester, for Manchester and led
Centre provided demonstrable experience of excellent
by Whalley Range. Well done everyone.’
community engagement during their Radio Hajj and the Radio Ramadan project this year.
It is anticipated that ‘Heritage Community Radio’ will be launched in 2015, with support from the local community
With strong local support, the BMHC Community Radio Licence has been granted for 5 years from the date of the launch. It will be a 24 hour station, reaching out to thousands of listeners. In response to the fantastic news, the Chairman Mr Nasar Mahmood thanked everyone involved in the application; volunteers, staff, and well-wishers. ‘…it’s going to be an amazing project, serving the needs of the community, and aiming to build on the already excellent and diverse range of projects at the BMHC. We will really use this opportunity to be different, to be innovative, and to tackle issues that matter to the local community. This project will no doubt strengthen community cohesion; creating greater awareness, understanding and collaboration amongst the vibrant mosaic of communities that make up Greater Manchester.’
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as well as partner organisations.
BMHC COMMUNITY
Radio Ramadan Volunteers Dinner & Award Ceremony Radio Ramadan 2014 was a community project which brought together a section of young people to do something new and fresh. Radio Ramadan created a vibrant and unique environment for over 50, mainly local volunteers and provided youngsters with a platform to discuss their concerns and express their views towards progression within the community freely. The British Muslim Heritage Centre hosted a special dinner and awards ceremony on 8th August 2014 for all the volunteers and their families to celebrate their achievements. Those involved in the Radio Ramadan project were awarded prizes for various aspects of running the radio station for a month.
@1 BMHC
87.7FM
BritishMuslim HeritageCentre
LISTeN LIVe NOW BROADCASTING LIVE FROM 28TH JUNE - IN MANCHESTER 29TH JULY 2014
REGISTERED CHARITY NO.
RECEPTION: 0161 881 8062 STUDIO: 0161 881 8059 (LIVE) TEXT: 07968 619 040 EMAIL: RADIO@BMHC.ORG.UK
1110104 COLLEGE ROAD,
WHALLEY RANGE, MANCHESTE
R, M16 8BP WWW.BMHC
.ORG.UK
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BMHC COMMUNITY
10 Days Itikaf With Sheikh Mohammed Akram Nadwi The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) had
I took 10 days out to sit in a mosque, or was buried 6ft
the great honour and pleasure of hosting Sheikh
under until the end of the world, it makes no difference
Mohammed Akram Nadwi to lead Itikaf (period of
in this superficial, temporary, changing and imperfect
retreat) at the BMHC during the last ten days of
world. All that matters is Him. My Sustainer, my Protector,
Ramadan 2014. We had up to 100 people (men and
my Guide and my Love. After a tafseer (translation
women) who attended the Itikaf. The Itikaf programme
and commentary of the Qur’an) session about Prophet
included an early morning class with the Sheikh for
Ibrahim (Abraham) by our esteemed Sheikh Akram Nadwi,
those participating in the Itikaf progamme and classes
I sat on a prayer mat and visualised the day that the entire
during the day which were also open to the public
universe will disintegrate into nothingness. Every atom
and broadcast live on Radio Ramadan and through
and photon shattered, from the buildings we inhabit to
webcast. The following is a blog written by one of the
the cells in our bodies, from the oceans to the mountains,
participants of the Itikaf.
all will be gone. Only His Majesty will remain. Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) dua (prayer) came to mind from the
Itikaf at the BMHC was a healing for my heart,
Quran in Surah Al An’am, verse 79; “For me, I have set
replenishment for my soul, rejuvenation for my mind, and
my face firmly and truly towards Him who created the
ultimately, the most precious realisation that exists in
heavens and the earth…”
this universe. A realisation that I pray will burn within me once the mysterious Ramadan energy and spirituality has
Allah (swt) is the only reality, and the extent to which
subsided, and the light from which I hope to see once
we turn to Him holds the key to the state of our hearts,
my soul has departed from this world. Our existences
minds and affairs. We must shut our eyes to creation
were stripped down to the absolute bare minimum in this
and open our minds to the Creator, turn our hearts away
dunya (world), we had minimal food, bedding, luxury, and
from this world and turn them towards He who owns it.
contact with people. The clutter of our lives was placed
We control nothing, if He willed me to stop breathing
aside in order to focus on the Absolute. The decorations
while writing this, I would die, and if He willed me to live
of work and education and society were left at the door,
forever I would. So we must turn to Him fully and wholly,
and it was just souls, our exhausted, disorientated and
submit with every modicum of our existence, and then
lost souls gathered in His house at the BMHC. We walked
have blind trust and faith that He, the Most Kind and
towards Him, and as promised, He ran towards us.
Compassionate, will take us into His care, and walk with us on the path back to Him. I realised something far
I realised that I have my priorities all wrong. Rather than
more precious than all the gold in the world, something
looking at the problem in front of me, I need to look to
Prophet Ibrahim understood when he summarised the
the One who can solve it. Rather than busying myself
true definition of success in those words. As in a Maori
with the world around me, if I busy myself with He who
proverb; “Turn your face towards the light and all the
created it, all else will all fall into place. And above this,
shadows will fall behind you.” I have the Ultimate light
I will be content. I will have what the entire human race
source. I have the Light of the
is desperately searching and fighting for. Sakinah (heart
heavens and the earth. Light
at peace).Contentment.Tranquility. Incredibly, after ten
upon Light. If I turn myself
days without family, friends, work and social media,
towards Allah swt, all the
television and everything else that we convince ourselves
shadows of this world will fall
we need, I remained very much alive, in fact, even more
behind me.
so. I may have been missed by some, but in my absence,
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the earth had not stopped turning, organisations had
May His light illuminate all of
not stopped running, humans had not stopped living.
our souls and our steps.
Even with positions of authority, soon enough I would
By Hiba Noor Khan
be replaced, and everything would continue almost as if
(Student, University of
I had never existed, as is the way of the world. Whether
Oxford)
BMHC ACADEMY
FLynas Family History The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) in conjunction with www.flynas.com offered 5 lucky winners a free 10 day return-trip from Manchester to
2nd International Conference on Islam and Science: Past, Present and Future of Food and Medicine
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in the month of May 2014. Each travel with a companion.
sponsored by Shipleys Tax Advisers www.shipleystax.com
The main aim of the competition was to help the
In Partnership with The Blueshift Project®
winner received a pair of tickets to enable them to
BMHC build a picture of the Muslim community in the UK today. To enter the competition participants had
The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) and
to submit a creative piece of work – a presentation
The Blueshift Project® are pleased to announce the
detailing Genealogy or Family history, covering at
organisation of the second international conference
least 2 generations.
on Islam and Science: Past, Present and Future of Food and Medicine.
We received some fantastic creative pieces of work from all over Britain. 5 winning entries presented
This conference is the second of many scholarly
fascinating narratives of family histories in Britain
events to be organised by BMHC, which aims to offer
with examples of extraordinary contributions made to
a better appreciation of Islamic culture and civilisation
British society.
and the Muslim contribution to modern science and civilisation, aspects which are poorly appreciated or
Winners of the ‘British Muslim Family History Writing
totally misunderstood today.
Contest’ competition and supporters of BMHC went to perform Umrah between 21st to 30th May 2014.
The aim of the conference is the promotion of the Islamic scholars’ achievements throughout history. The conference is open to scholars, students and people interested in civilisations. It is also open to those involved in the teaching profession who are interested in scholarship in general and Islamic thought in particular. The conference subjects open wide and diverse discussion and should be accessible to most elements of the general public. The conference will take place on the 18th - 19th October 2014. Following the conference, all papers will be published in the www.islamandscience.
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BMHC ACADEMY
2014 Global Islamic Studies International Conference In partnership with the National University of Malaysia and the University of Salford, the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) organised the International Conference of Global Islamic Studies 2014 (ICGIS 14) on 5th June 2014. The ICGIS 14 was a premier conference for presentations of new and advanced thoughts in global Islamic Studies. The objective of the conference was to establish Islamic knowledge in the eyes of the global community. The conference brought together researchers, academicians, Masters and PhD students, and practitioners in the domain of interest from around the world. After the conference all participants attended a special dinner and a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony at the BMHC. The Memorandum of Understanding detailed an agreed strategy between the two organisations to work together to disseminate knowledge and information about Islam and Muslims to the wider world and was signed by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Nasran (Dean of Faculty of Islamic Studies, National University of Malaysia) and Mr Adnan Saif (Chief Executive of the BMHC).
BEACON INSTITUTE RASHID Course The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) in partnership with the BEACON institute supported by Gift of Knowledge (GOK) will be launching the Rashid Course in Manchester on 16th and 17th November 2014. The course is designed for those wishing to develop their fundamental understanding of religion, gain practical knowledge to practice and to disseminate to others. Interested individuals will go through a structured course on a part-time basis, without affecting any full time education or employment commitment. There are two primary objectives of the course, which are: ď Ž Learn your religion - To equip all participants with fundamental knowledge of religion. ď Ž Teach your religion - To enable interested individuals to teach the fundamentals
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of religion.
For more information or to register for the course please visit www.beaconinstitute.co.uk or call 0203 743 9350.
BMHC ACADEMY
SOS – Sultans of Science Text MESSAGE Fundraising Appeal As part of our fundraising effort for the proposed Sultans
To donate £2, simply text “BMHC11 2” TO 70070.
of Science exhibition, the British Muslim Heritage Centre has launched a £2 Text Appeal. This new way to donate,
It is also possible to donate other amounts via
will allow donations to be made quickly and easily.
text message if you wish to do so. To donate, type BMHC11, leave a space, enter the amount you
This project is about bringing hidden knowledge and
wish to donate (in pounds), then send to 70070. So
authentic history to the forefront of British Society, and
for example, if you wished to donate £10, just text
helping to develop a more understanding, caring, open,
“BMHC11 10” to 70070.
and connected Community, in the UK and indeed the world. The project aims to: Help dispel the myths, breakdown cultural and religious
We thank you for your continued support. Without your kind help, the BMHC could not function.
barriers, and do a service to the community at large.
Promote community cohesion and create a fairer and
SULTANS of SCIENCE
more loving society.
Inspire generations by exemplifying the contributions
of the Muslim community over centuries of
forgotten history.
ExplorE thE GoldEn AGE
of SciEncE And tEchnol
oGy
Leave a lasting legacy, and be rewarded in this life
and the next.
What better endowment, and legacy, than one that helps sustain an organisation, and increase knowledge of Islam’s contribution to a society, where Islam is seen in such a negative light. It is indeed a collaborative opportunity that provides a win-win situation for all involved. BMhc collEGE roAd, WhAll Ey rAnGE, MAnchEStEr, 0161 881 8062 AdMini M16 8Bp StrAtor@BMhc.orG.u k WWW.BMhc.orG.uk
Blue Orchid Business Start-up and Business Planning Workshops As part of the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC)
We have organised 2 free workshops and free follow up
partnership with Blue Orchid, the Centre has organised
personal 1-2-1 support. The next cohort of workshops
another round of free workshops and training
will be held on:
programmes on business start-up and business planning support for those considering self-employment and
Thursday 21st Aug 2014 - 9:45am-4:00pm
starting their own business.
Thursday 25th Sept 2014 - 9:45am-4:00pm
Previous programmes have been very successful and well
To book your free places please contact
attended. So far 6 individuals have successfully started
administrator@bmhc.org.uk or call 0161 881 8062.
their businesses from attending these free workshops at the BMHC.
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BMHC ACADEMY
Islamic Geometric Patterns Conference and Workshop The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) organised
There were a number of positive comments left
a full day conference and workshops on Islamic
for this session, in particular, a vast amount of
Geometric Patterns in Art and Architecture which was
students wrote that it was ‘a great workshop,
held on Saturday 3rd May. The event was presented
it was clear, concise and supportive’. Most
by an experienced team of expert international
students also commented that this session was
speakers: Eric Broug (UK), Huseyin Sen and Mesut
a great contribution to their learning, as he had
Balik (Netherlands) and Hasret Brown (Birmingham).
successfully managed to get the students to
ISLAM GEOME PATTE Register For
£25
A full day Conference and Geometric Patterns in Islami cA
Saturday, 3rd May
Conference Eric Broug - ‘An introduction Speak to Islam
Workshops: 1. Hasret Brown - ‘A Practic to Creating Islamic Geomet r
2. Huseyin Sen & Mesut Balik - ‘M. History and Techniqu
Registration includ Lunch Refreshments Admission to the confe and both workshops
expand their learning and apply their own creativity The event was devised into four sessions throughout the
through detailed and interactive teaching. REGISTERED CHARITY NO.
day to enable students to learn at a steady and structured pace.The first session was presented by Huseyin Sen and
The third session was commenced after lunch
Mesut Balik who delivered a workshop on the historical
and continued by Eric Broug. During this session Eric
and methodological development of Escher’s art. In this
delivered a lecture and presentation designed to give
session, they gave students the opportunity to interact
students a visual tour of the masterpieces of geometric
and participate in the construction of some Escher like
designs in Islamic art and architecture. The feedback for
drawings using specific techniques and methodology.
this session acknowledged and praised how ‘detailed,
The feedback we received from our attendees around
informative and interesting’ this lecture was. Students
this session was remarkable. According to the comments
felt that they had received a great deal of knowledge and
left by the participants, it was a thoroughly enjoyable
information about the characteristics of the excellence
session as it was ‘very interactive’ and enabled them to
of geometric design, and its contemporary and historical
‘work at different levels according to their ability’. Huseyin
relevance. One student said ‘I particularly enjoyed seeing
and Mesut managed to effectively engage the students
the modern applicants of design – and to get a better
and help them understand the art and concept of Islamic
overview of the subject than I had before was really
Geometric Patterns and therefore the students found this
useful’.
to be a very ‘informative and interesting introduction’. The final session was conducted by Hasret Brown, who
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The second session included another workshop
delivered another practical workshop. During Hasret’s
presented by Eric Broug. His workshop was designed to
session students were taught how to develop unique and
build on from the first activity, and provided an interactive
practical skills in constructing and re-creating a pattern by
exercise session where the students were taught how
the use of a traditional compass and ruler. She inspired
to draw other simple geometric patterns, and apply their
students to apply individual creativity to their designs
own individual creativity with the use of colour. Once
through the application of colour and then explored
again, the feedback from the participants was fantastic.
methods to tessellate the patterns to a larger scale.
TO REGISTER, CALL 016 OR EMAIL ADMINISTRA
1110104 COLLEGE ROAD,
WHALLEY RANGE, MAN
BMHC ACADEMY
MIC ETRIC ERNS
d Workshops on Art and Architecture
y 2014 BritishMuslim HeritageCentre
ker: mic Geometric Design’
cal Introduction ric Patterns’.
. C. Escher Style Art, ues’
des:
erence s
By the end of the session, the students had all
Overall, there was a large number of positive feedback left
individually created some fantastic geometric designs
by students on the interactive and informative deliverance
from the same pattern, which was all bought together
of the workshops. A number of students have said that
and tessellated on to a canvas to create a larger piece
they would attend this event again, commenting that
of wonderful Islamic art. The participants found this
it was well structured and enabled them to enjoy their
session highly ‘inspirational, creative and fun’. Most
learning experience. This event has been a tremendous
students were left in awe by her work as a professional
success and one which the BMHC wants to repeat again,
artist and found her paintings to be ‘very inspirational
as such, we will be planning to organise similar events in
because, in such a short period of time, Hasret has
the near future.
gained tremendous skill’ as a credible artist.
61 881 8062, ATOR@BMHC.ORG.UK
NCHESTER, M16 8BP WWW.BMHC
.ORG.UK
Tadabbur Al-Qur’an Conference 2014 The European Academy of Quranic Studies (EAQS) was launched in partnership with the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) in 2013 with a 2-day international seminar on Tadabbur Al-Quran. Tadabbur is the process of using intellect to ponder, analyse, contemplate, reflect, examine and understand the text of the Holy Quran. Since the launch last year, EAQS have been holding many short courses and regular classes at the BMHC on topics such as; reading and writing Arabic and tajweed (pronunciation of the Qur’an). On 21st and 22nd June 2014 EAQS held their second
Key Topics covered at the seminar: Tadabbur: The practice of the Sahabah
(Companions of the Prophet PBUH) and the early
scholars of Islam.
international seminar on Tadabbur Al-Quran. The theme
Personal life changing experiences from Tadabbur
of this year’s seminar was ‘Tadabbur Al Qur’an - Between
Traditional and Modern Methodology’. The seminar was
Training to practice Tadabbur Al-Quran.
delivered by a whole host of prominent speakers and intellectuals from the UK and abroad.
Al-Qur’an.
Mechanisms of Tadabbur Al-Quran for non-Arabic
speakers.
The use of Scientific Miracles in Tadabbur
Al-Quran.
EAQS seeks to promote a balanced and comprehensive understanding of the Qur’an and its relevance to contemporary issues by organising courses and seminars and by publishing educational materials for a wide variety of audiences including students, teachers and both Muslims and non-Muslims of the wider society. For more information about EAQS and its activities please visit www.eaqs.org.
15
BMHC ACADEMY
A Sultan and a Scientist: MIrzA Ulugh Beg Ulugh Beg (Turkish for ‘great prince’) whose full name was
The circular main building had a diameter of about 46 m and
Mirza Muhammad Taraghay b. Shahrukh b. Amir Timur was
was three stories high (approximately 30 m above ground
born on 22 March 1394 at Sultaniyya, (Today in Iran). He was
level). The north–south axis of the main building was occupied
the eldest son of Ruler Shahrukh (1405-1447) (son of Timur or
by a huge sextant with a radius of 40 m (called Fakhri sextant
Tamerlane (1370-1405) and was called Guragan, the Turkic
after that of Khujandi). In 1908, the archaeologist V. L. Vyatkin
equivalent of Timur’s title Amir-i Kabir.
uncovered the underground part of this sextant.
Ulugh Beg was governor of Turkestan and Transoxiana from
Salah al-Din Musa b. Mahmud Qadizade al-Rumi (1337-1430),
1409 until 1447. After Shahrukh’s death in 1447, Ulugh Beg,
was chief instructor in Ulugh Beg’s madrasa, and probably
the only surviving son, became the ruler. However, Ulugh Beg
responsible for introducing the teaching of astronomy and
had trouble with neighbouring amirs and his own son Mirza
mathematics. Ghiyath al-Din Jamshid al-Kashi (d. 1429), who
Abd al-Latif openly rebelled against him, defeated him in battle,
came from Kashan in ca. 1420, soon became a leading figure
and had him killed (27 October 1449) near Samarqand. Ulugh
at the observatory, inventing several instruments most notably
Beg was buried in Samarkand in the Gur-i Amir.
a planetary equatorium. Ghiyath al-Din Jamshid Kashi was in charge of observations at the Samarqand Observatory until his death, after which he was succeeded by Qadizade al-Rumi. The
Ulugh Beg As an Intellectual and Scientist
observational program was completed by Ali Qushji (d. 1474).
Ulugh Beg is better known for his interest in intellectual
Observations made under the direction of Ulugh Beg include
activities than for statecraft. A childhood visit to the ruins of
the measurement of the obliquity of the ecliptic as 23° 30’ 17’’
the Maragha Observatory of Nasir al-Din al-Tusi (d. 1274) may
and that of the latitude of Samarqand as 39° 37’ 33’’ N. Most
have stimulated his interest in mathematics and astronomy,
of the planetary eccentricities and epicyclic radii were newly
particularly construction of an observatory. In 1417-8, he
determined, and the longitudes and latitudes of the more
founded madrasas in Bukhara and Samarkand, both supported
than 1,000 stars in Ptolemy’s star catalogue were verified and
by large wakfs. Unusually, these madrasas taught primarily
corrected.
mathematics and astronomy. Ulugh Beg personally invited scholars to his capital Samarqand, collecting a group of sixty or seventy scholars engaged in the design of instruments and
Ulugh Beg’s Works
the discussion of astronomical and mathematical problems. Zij-i Ulugh Beg (Zij-i of Ulugh Beg) (Persian) is also called: Zij-i In 1420, Ulugh Beg set up outside Samarqand, the most
Jadid-i Sultani / Gurgani (New Zij of Sultan / Guragan). Ulugh
advanced astronomical observatory of its time and the second
Beg’s main work is an astronomical handbook with tables.
biggest in history. Although it operated for little more than 30
In the preface, Ulugh Beg praised his team explaining that
years and was finally destroyed in the 16th century, it made the
he compiled the zij with the collaboration of colleagues such
most extensive observations of planets and fixed stars of any
as Qadizade al-Rumi, Ghiyath al-Din Jamshid Kashi, and Ali
Islamic observatory.
Qushji who made the observations as well as computing the tables. It comprises the preface plus four chapters dealing with chronology, trigonometry and spherical astronomy, planetary positions, and astrology. It mentions of movements of the Sun, the Moon, and the planets, of parallax and eclipses, of visibility of the crescent, table of geographical coordinates of 240 points, table of ecliptical coordinates of 1018 fixed stars, astrological tables.
16
BMHC ACADEMY
GCSE RESULTS The significance of Ulugh Beg’s Zij lies in the new observations
After successfully passing the application process
and computations underlying the tables most of which were
and inspections by the Joint Council for Qualifications
calculated to a greater precision than before. New types of
(JCQ), the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC)
tables were added that simplified the calculation of planetary
successfully gained accreditation from the
positions. Ulugh Beg’s star catalogue for the year 1437
examination board Edexcel to become an examination
represents the only large-scale observations of star coordinates
centre for GCSEs.
made in Islamic territory in the medieval period. The BMHC delivered an accelerated Religious Studies Ulugh Beg’s Zij became the standard star tables and continued
GCSE Islamic Studies course in 2013/2014 academic
to be widely used in both the Islamic and Western world until
year. The course was delivered by an experienced
the 19th century. It was soon translated into Arabic by Yahya
and qualified teacher.
ibn Ali al-Rifai and into Turkish by the Ottoman astronomer Abd al-Raḥman ibn Uthman in Cairo. Persian, Arabic, and Hebrew
In May and June 2014 altogether 52 students sat
scholars reworked it. Commentaries to the Zij were written by
their GCSE Islamic Studies examinations here at the
Qushji, Miram Chelebi, Birjandi, and many others. Abbas Wasim
BMHC. We are pleased and proud to announce that
Efendi (1689-1760) made a Turkish commentary on Ulugh Beg’s
all of our students who sat their examinations passed.
ZiFj and presented the completed work to the Ottoman Sultan
All of our students did exceptionally well, with over
Mahmud I (r. 1730–1754). The worked examples in the book are
71% of the students attaining the top grades of A* or
all based on Abbas Wasim Effendi’s own calculations for the
A and over 98% receiving A* - C.
longitude and latitude of Istanbul. He also explains Ulugh Beg’s method for finding the sine of 1°, which was based upon the work of Jamshid al-Kashi. Hundreds of manuscript copies of the Persian original of Ulugh Beg’s Zij exist in libraries all over the world. In 17th century England, various parts of the Zij were published in edition and/or translation.
We are now enrolling students for GCSE Islamic Studies and GCSE Arabic Language. The available courses are: GCSE Islamic Studies - Accelerated Religious
Risala fī istikhraj jayb daraja wahida b’’a mal mu’assasa ala qawa’id hisabiyya wa handasiyya aala tariqa Ghiyath al-Din al-Kashi (Treatise on Determining the Sine of 1° by operations based on Arithmetic and geometric rules by principles of the method of Ghiyāth al-Din al-Kashi). This contains descriptions of the determination of Sine 1° by the method of al-Kashi (Risala al-watar wa’l-jayb) and by the method of the author. Risāla-yi Ulugh Beg (Treatise of Ulugh Beg). Little is known about
Studies GCSE course conducted over 1 year.
GCSE Arabic - 2 Year GCSE Arabic course
consisting of four units based on the following
skills: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.
(For GCSE Arabic prior knowledge is a
pre-requisite).
Course Details:
other works of Ulugh Beg. A marginal note by him in the India Office
Courses are taught by qualified teachers
manuscript of Kashi’s Khaqani Zij presents a clever improvement
Classes: Tuesday 7pm - 8:30pm at the BMHC
of a spherical astronomical calculation. A Risala fi istikhraj jayb daraja wahida (Treatise on the extraction of the sine of 1°) has been
Minimum age: Year 9 students
attributed to Ulugh Beg because of a citation in Birjandi, although
Course Fees are £150 (£75 payable in September
most manuscripts of this work give Qadizade as the author.
Professor Salim Ayduz, Senior Researcher, BMHC
More info can be found at www.bmhc.org.uk.
and £75 in January).
17
BMHC DEVELOPMENT
THE MARQUEE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
systems sprung into life, the sound system awoke and
So what makes The Marquee different from other venues?
the waiting staff arrived, donning their crisp new uniforms,
The key reason behind the popularity of the venue
colour co-ordinated with the resplendent décor that
is the setting itself. Located amongst Grade 2* listed
was now adorning the ‘arena’. Wedding favours were
architecture, the overwhelming sense of opulence and
being meticulously arranged across the hall. And then
tranquillity lets you instantly know that you’re in an
it happened. That was the moment we knew that we’d
altogether different place. A place where class, manners,
done it…Alhamdulillah! (Praise is to God!).
decency and respect for the client is our guiding principle.
We thought it was going to be plain sailing from here
All our food is arranged in-house, housed within
on in, but how wrong we were. Within hours of the first
The stage lights were switched on, the climate control
images of The Marquee going online, utter pandemonium ensued… Suddenly, Manchester had a new events venue. A venue surrounded by stunning architecture, magnificent grounds, ample car-parking, brilliant catering all run in a
We do not use agency staff; we train and keep our
own staff.
We arrange all décor and lighting ourselves. We do not hire or borrow crockery and table settings.
halal setting. This is what people had been wanting for a
We always maintain an Islamic ethos and can
long time…and it was now a reality.
The clamour for bookings overwhelmed our office. Staff
You can see more on our Facebook pages or visit
members who’d previously been fielding a couple of
www.themarquee.org.uk for more information.
tentative enquiries a week we suddenly have to drop their own work to deal with the avalanche of enquiries that followed. People unable to get through to us by phone or email, were driving to the BMHC to sit outside our office until they had secured their booking.
18
our new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art kitchen.
accommodate segregation where needed.
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.
19
BMHC ENTERPRISE
VENUE FOR HIRE
The Al-Razi Coffee And Gift Shop
The BMHC is an 18th century Grade II listed building located in the heart of Manchester and situated within eight acres of attractive greenery. Among the facilities we can provide are the following: Large conference / meeting and banqueting hall
capable of accommodating up to 200 people.
Two large meeting rooms capable of
accommodating up to 100 people.
Four meeting rooms capable of accommodating
up to 40 people in each room.
A boardroom capable of accommodating
14 people.
A fully equipped kitchen and serving area. On-site free car parking for up to 250 vehicles. Green space capable of hosting a variety of
outdoor events. The British Muslim Heritage Centre is excited to
For further information please contact our
announce that the Al-Razi Coffee and Gift Shop is
Events Team on 0161 881 8062 or by email on
in the process of opening. The coffee shop takes
events@bmhc.org.uk.
its name from Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Zakariya Al-Razi (850-922 AD, approx. 236-309 AH) or Rhazes as he is known in Europe, an Iranian physician who is purported to be the first writer to make reference to coffee in his treatise on medicine. It will provide a comfortable and welcoming environment in which the Centre’s visitors can stop and take some time out to enjoy a hot drink and sweet treat whilst browsing the gifts and Islamic wares on offer. Starting small, the shop currently stocks books for adults and children, Islamic educational resources, HMC halal sweets, Palestinian fair-trade products and BMHC souvenir items, but the range of merchandise on offer will grow as the shop becomes more established. Please come and have a look around if you are passing by, the shop currently opens on Fridays after prayer and main event days. We look forward to
20
seeing you.