VOLUME 1
ISSUE 3
BMHC Newsletter O 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)
July 2012 Inside This Issue Our History, Our Responsibility Ramadan: On a Scale of 0-4 Forthcoming Event: A Journey through Muslim Lands: Andalus (Spain) A report on Journey through Muslim Lands: Sham Quran Alive Exhibition Regular Events at BMHC Friends of BMHC
BMHC Photo Journal BMHC Facilities
NOT TO BE MISSED:
JOURNEY THROUGH MUSLIM LANDS III: Andalus: The Jewel of Europe.
With Dr M S Madden Sunday, 9th September 2012, 2.00pm – 6.00pm A fun-filled family event for all ages and a chance to learn about the history and people of Andalus (present day Spain and Portugal) during the Islamic period.
Our History, Our Responsibility The understanding and appreciation of our shared heritage, and drawing lessons from history are pre-requisites for achieving a peaceful co-existence between people of different cultures and civilisations. This applies particularly to the Islamic and Western civilisations whose relations have remained affected by mutual suspicion and latent hostility, fed in large measure by the distortions of our shared history. For instance, Reginald Smith, in his book about Islam, concluded that nearly all those who have approached Islam did so only ‘to vilify and misrepresent it, writing from preconceived positions’. Montgomery Watt, for his part, concluded that it is clear that the influence of Islam on Western Christendom is greater than usually realised, but because Europe was reacting against Islam, it belittled Muslim influence and exaggerated its dependence on Greek and Roman heritage. The study of modern history reveals little contribution by Muslim effort in this area and is ad-hoc, fragmented and often unbalanced. This is in sharp contrast to the contribution of early Muslims. They were responsible for documenting the histories of the ancient world and that of their time. Their attitude to the objective documentation of history remained in line with the Quran, which uses historical accounts as lessons for the believers.
……..will you join us? In view of this reality, it is quite surprising to see and hear Muslims complaining about the negative way they are perceived or described, or their history darkened when they themselves contribute relatively little to change the situation. This challenge cannot be dealt with or corrected by individuals, it is of a scale that can only be addressed through institutional response. We believe that the BMHC is one such institution and we take this opportunity to extend an invitation to all scholars and historians to join us to shape and develop a strategic initiative to respond to this challenge. If you are interested please contact Dr Salah Aljazairi on heritage@bmhc.org.uk. Ramadhan on a scale of 0-4 (See Page 2 for details)
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BMHC NEWSLETTER
On a scale of 0-4: How ready are you for Ramadhan? There are four states in which we can be this Ramadhan. We can afford to be in one of three states, but should avoid being in the fourth. Allah (SWT) has specified clearly the purpose of His creation and what He expects of His servants, giving clear guidance in the Quran and other scriptures before it. Prophets and people of faith have related to such guidance and made great effort to gain the pleasure of Allah by doing what is right and avoiding any wrongs. As far as the month of Ramadhan is concerned, The Quran states very clearly the following: “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed on you as it has been prescribed on those before you, so that you may become pious”. (2:183). In the case of fasting, as is the case of many other rituals of worship, the ultimate objective is the attainment of piety. How should we then ensure that our fasting is conducted in a manner that goes beyond the mere experience of hunger and thirst, and go further to achieve the piety that has been set as an objective by Allah (swt)? This is where we go back to the four states mentioned earlier. Ibn Qudamah Almaqdesi in one of his great works ‘Menhaj Al-Qasideen’ describes the servant of Allah as being in one of three states defined by his relationship with his Lord: (a) the fearful, (b) the merchant, and (c) the free. The fearful servant recognizes that Allah has sent Messengers with guidance and asked that people should behave in a certain manner conducive to the well being of the individual, community and society. Those who follow the guidance are rewarded and those who transgress and cause harm knowingly on others can expect retribution in the Hereafter. To avoid such retributions, the fearful servant follows Allah’s guidance to his/her best ability, in order to literally ‘save his skin’. This is the basic, first state of the believing servant of Allah. The second state is that of the ‘merchant’ servant, who also recognizes Allah and His guidance, but in addition to doing what is necessary to avoid retribution, he or she also works at a higher level to gain maxim reward. The objective of being in this state is therefore to be in the highest position in Paradise. The transaction being that the greater the effort to do good and follow Allah’s guidance, the greater the reward. The third and ultimate state of the believer is to worship in a state of ‘freedom’, not just in a state of fear or expectant of reward. This can only be achieved, according to Ibn Qudamah, if we truly recognize that our worship of Allah: fasting, praying and doing good, is driven by the recognition that Allah ‘deserves’ to be worshipped for all that He has bestowed on us. Can we rise to the challenge this Ramadhan and renew our relationship with Allah, or are we going to opt unconsciously for the fourth state? That is being oblivious to the golden opportunity of the month of fasting: the month of mercy, forgiveness and salvation presents us.
The Quran Alive Exhibition BMHC extends an invitation to an exhibition at the British Muslim Heritage Centre, rooted in the magnificent tradition of Islam with the Arts, bringing forward new talent expressing the reality of being a Muslim in Europe today. Rooted in European cultural backgrounds, this contemporary art display will bring to life what is taught in the classrooms in terms of Art and RE. The exhibition is available for school and college visits from: Monday 24th September until Friday 23th November 2012..
This Ramadhan at BMHC:
The BMHC is pleased to provide the following facilities and services this Ramdhan: Tarweeh Prayers led by Shaikh Shalata and Shaikh M Assim. (Sisters are especially welcome) Community Iftar during the last ten days of Ramadhan. Crèche facilities Youth facility accompanying Traweeh.
for the parents
youth during
BMHC NEWSLETTER
PAGE 3
JTML: Sham held 10th June 2012 The second event of the 15 part, Journey Through the Muslim World, entitled Al-Sham was well attended by a large number of people, who enjoyed the presentations by Dr Abeer Moqbil and Dr Salah Al-Djazairi as well as the exhibitions, stalls, book sales, video displays, children playing area. Dr Salah opened the talk session with a brief history of the region, as well as the Muslim military encounter with the Byzantines and reaction of local population. Dr Abeer showed the Muslim impact on the local society, economy and culture and highlighted the vast transformation and improvements brought by Islam in the field of architecture and arts.
Regular Activities at the BMHC
Be our friend
The following is a list of the regular activities starting to take place at the BMHC:
Invitation to become a member of the Friends of BMHC Scheme.
Saturday Quran Study Group delivered by AlHuda International Friday evening study circle for girls aged 11-19. Whalley Range Community Forum Monthly
This is an opportunity for you to help achieve the vision for BMHC and be part of an inspiring and unique project which aims to enrich, bring together and benefit all members of the community.
meeting. New Horizons: Faith and Contemporary issues, every last Sunday of the month starting in Ramdhan.
BMHC facilities for hire The BMHC is a Grade II* listed building located in the heart of the dynamic city of Manchester and situated in eight acres of greenery. Among the facilities we can provide are the following: Large conference, meeting and banqueting hall capable of accommodating up to 200 persons. Two large meeting rooms capable of accommodating up to 100 each. Four meeting rooms capable of accommodating up to 40 each. A board room capable of accommodating 15 persons. A fully equipped kitchen and servery. On-site free car parking for up to 250 vehicles. 8 acres of green space capable of hosting many and varied outdoor events. For further information please contact the Sairah Zafar, Events Manager,
on
0161
sairah.zafar@bmhc.org.uk.
881
8062
or
by
Dr Abeer Moqbil
on
Through a monthly subscription, the scheme aims to: Raise the profile of BMHC Raise much needed revenue to run activities Offer exclusive benefits to members including: o Priority booking for BMHC events o Annual Friends Dinner o Exclusive preview of exhibitions, book launches and other similar events o Regular email newsletter of BMHC developments. Send us the following details and we will do the rest: Name: ……………………………………… Address: …………………………………… …………………………………. Tel: ……………...... Email: ………………..
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BMHC NEWSLETTER
Board of Trustees 07/07 Neil and Mark of MCC Libraries and Archives with Adnan
Zain Bhikha (3rd from L) with Trustees and Staff
Paris Muslim-Jewish Forum with BMHC Trustees
Outdoor activity at JTML event on 10/06
Presentations at JTML event 10/06
BMHC NEWSLETTER
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D U A F O R F A S T I N G “I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.”
Registered Charity No: 1110104
DATE RAMADAN DAY JULY
DUA WHEN BREAKING “O’ Allah ! I have fasted for You.n I You I believe, and with your provision, I break my fast.” FAST
FAJR SUHOOR ENDS
SUNRISE DUHR ASR
MAGHRIB ISHA
ISHA
FAST ENDS
BEGINS JAMA'AT
FRI
3.10
5.05
1.25 6.46
9.29
10.47 11.00
2
SAT
1.25
6.46
11.00
5.08
1.25
6.45
10.46
11.00
4
MON
5.10
1.25
6.44
10.46
11.00
5
TUE
5.11
1.25
6.43
10.44
11.00
6
WED
5.13
1.25
6.43
10.42
11.00
7
THU
5.14
1.25
6.42
10.41
11.00
5.16
1.25
6.41
10.39
10.45
5.17
1.25
6.40
10.37
10.45
5.19
1.25
6.39
10.36
10.45
5.21
1.25
6.38
10.34
10.45
5.22
1.25
6.37
10.32
10.45
5.24
1.25
6.36
10.31
10.45
5.25
1.25
6.35
10.29
10.45
5.27
1.25
6.33
10.27
10.30
5.29
1.25
6.32
10.25
10.30
5.31
1.25
6.31
10.23
10.30
5.32
1.25
6.30
10.21
10.30
5.34
1.25
6.29
10.19
10.30
5.36
1.25
6.27
10.17
10.30
5.37
1.24
6.26
10.16
10.30
5.39
1.24
6.25
10.13
10.15
5.40
1.26
6.24
10.11
10.15
5.42
1.24
6.22
10.09
10.15
5.44
1.23
6.21
10.07
10.15
5.46
1.23
6.19
10.05
10.15
5.48
1.23
6.18
10.03
10.15
5.49
1.23
6.16
10.01
10.15
5.51
1.23
6.15
9.59
10.15
5.53
1.23
6.13
9.28 9.27 9.25 9.24 9.22 9.21 9.19 9.17 9.16 9.14 9.12 9.11 9.09 9.07 9.05 9.03 9.01 8.59 8.57 8.56 8.53 8.52 8.50 8.48 8.46 8.44 8.42 8.39 8.37
10.47
SUN
3.12 3.13 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.19 3.21 3.22 3.24 3.26 3.27 3.29 3.30 3.32 3.34 3.36 3.37 3.39 3.41 3.42 3.44 3.45 3.47 3.49 3.51 3.53 3.54 3.55 3.58
5.07
3
9.57
10.15
20
1
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 AUG 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
8
FRI
9
SAT
10
SUN
11
MON
12
TUE
13
WED
14
THU
15
FRI
16
SAT
17
SUN
18
MON
19
TUE
20
WED
21
THU
22
FRI
23
SAT
24
SUN
25
MON
26
TUE
27
WED
28
THU
29
FRI
30
SAT
PLEASE VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE OR FOLLOW US ON
www.bmhc.org.uk +44 (0) 161 881 8062
BRITISH MUSLIM HERITAGE CENTRE COLLEGE ROAD, WHALLEY RANGE MANCHESTER M16 8BP
GENEROUSLY Manchester Muslim Preparatory School KD Grammar School for Boys
Manchester Islamic High School for Girls
Plumbworks (Mcr)
Mazhar Ullah Tel: 07973 552 307 Registered GAS & PLUMBING I n s t a l l e r
You can now make a dona on to BMHC by text / SMS. Just type BMHC11, leave a space, followed by any amount you wish to donate and send to 70070 e.g. to Donate £10, just type BMHC11 £10 or BMHC11 10 (£ sign is op onal) and send to 70070.
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BMHC NEWSLETTER
BMHC Strategy Our Offer
Our Vision for BMHC
Our Mission
A welcoming environment A learning environment
A centre of excellence, celebrating the rich and diverse Muslim heritage, inspiring all communities to embrace diversity and be instrumental in shaping a cohesive society
Developing pioneering initiatives that promote the rich and diverse Muslim heritage and making it accessible to all
Outreach
Partnership
Centre of Expertise Our aspiration is of a Centre “celebrating Islam's rich and diverse heritage, inspiring all communities to 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 all and work in partnership for the common good.
3.
In focusing on Muslim heritage we mean: Muslim history, people and contribution to human civilisation.
How you can help the BMHC The BMHC will only achieve these aspirations with your help through the following: We invite to become a member of the Friends of BMHC Scheme. (See details on page 3). You can donate to the ongoing work directly to the BMHC bank account: Royal Bank of Scotland Manchester Withington Branch 467 Wilmslow Road Withington Manchester M20 9AP.
A/C No.:10088053 Sort Code: 16-34-27 IBAN: GB85RBOS Swift: RBOSGB2L
BMHC Publications: Arabia: Cradle of Civilsation By Dr S Al-Djazairi Turkey: History, Culture and Civilisation By Dr S Al-Djazairi