Staycation 2021 by British Muslim Magazine

BRITISH

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MUSLIM M A G A Z I N E

SPRING 2021 £3.99

VISIT DUBAI

TAM KHAN

Your perfect holiday

MMA fighter to Entrepreneur

Staycation In Britain

Europe in 2021

Enjoy a short break close to home

Travel ideas closer to home

ADAM (A.S) The First Prophet on Earth

ZULFI BUKHARI

Pakistan’s Regeneration Man BRITAIN’S BIGGEST SELLING MUSLIM LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ISSN 2056-3159

9 772056 315001

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MUSLIM M A G A Z I N E

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British Muslim Magazine is published by Syed PR & Publishing LTD Email: info@britishmuslim-magazine.com

British Muslim Magazine provides inspiration and advice for Muslims in Britain looking for unforgettable and luxurious travel experiences, Muslim history and heritage to food, fashion and style. Editor Shumaela Syed Senior Features Writer Tahira Khan

Editors Letter As life continues in the unyielding grip of lockdown, we are looking within the walls of our own homes for solace. The good news about coming out of lockdown has cheered us all up slightly but when will life resume? Interior trends for 2021 are unquestionable geared to giving joy when we need it the most; from houseplants to soothing greens and earthy shades that help us feel more connected to nature. With the promise of warmer weather on the horizon, you may be dreaming of sweeping beaches, coastal walks and seaside towns to cycle through, in which case we’ve got you covered via our Staycation features. Inside. And, of course, we take you on a journey abroad via our beautifully illustrated pages on hot European destinations to visit later this year. In this issue we had the pleasure to speak with some great inspiring personalities from all walks of life, flick to pages (p12-15) to find out why Zulfi Bukhari believes Pakistan is great again! We speak to role model for countless Muslim girls and professional world kick boxer Ruqsana Begum (p30-33) and find out how Islam has motivated her. Last but not least by any means, we catch up with ex MMA fighter Tam Khan (p44-46) on how he changed his direction from MMA fighter to entrepreneur! Find out what Dubai 2022 has to offer visitors (p16-18) and how Muslim women deserve pleasure too! (p66-67) This issue is packed with culture; travel, fashion and flavour for all our readers so go get yourself vaccinated before you begin your next BIG adventure!

Natasha Syed Editorial Director

Official Fashion Partner

Writers Tahira Khan, Marcus Macaulay, Natasha Syed, Huma Baig, Juber Ahmed, Rabi’ah M, Angela Youngman Design MarcusMacaulay.com Publisher Syed PR & Publishing LTD CEO & Commercial Director Natasha Syed Managing Director Muk Rajah Event’s Director Abbas Syed Digital Production Manager Dene Conway Digital Marketing Co’ordinator Cherie Ann Conway

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© Syed PR All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission of the publishers. The information found in British Muslim Magazine is published in good faith. However you are strongly advised to check prices, dates and opening times before making ﬁnal arrangements. The opinions expressed by contributors to British Muslim Magazine are not necessary those of the publisher.

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CONTENTS

M A G A Z I N E

07 NEWS Editors Choice

27 Spice It Up Aromatic Ideas

08 Staycation Ideas Around the UK

28 Athens City Guide

12 Zulfi Bukhari Regeneration Man

30 Ruqsana Begum Faith Can Move Mountains

16 Dubai Past, Present & Future

34 Rajab The Holy Month.

20 Local Europe Holidays Best Destinations

36 Adam (A.S.) The First Prophet

23 With love Spoil Your Mum

42 Self-Purification Spiritual Medicine

24 Istanbul An Ideal Itinerary

44 Tam Khan Entreprenuer

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Our beautifully illustrated page’s are devoted to family holiday’s, couples retreats, halal dining, history, heritage, cultural art, luxury shopping, spa’s and more… 44

47 Orange hues Seasonal Style

62 Dovestones Oldham Manchester

76 Books Reading Corner

48 Comfort Zone Beautiful Hijab’s

64 Marriage How to Find Solace

79 Food Receipes

51 Best Blushers Picture Perfect Look

66 Muslim Women Deserve Pleasure Too!

52 Art News TEN artists have won £500

68 Pennyhill Park Pamper Yourself

54 Staycations Enjoy a Short Break

70 Escape Rooms Reach for Your Wands

76 Cycle Paths North Yorkshire

72 Entrepreneurs Ready to Lift the Economy

61 Reduce Stress in Everyday Life

75 Save More Money Nine Ways

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Sesame Naan Bread Vegan Tahini and Cinnamon Cookies Hummus Iced tea with rose syrup

CONTRIBUTORS

Tahira Khan – Writer

Love to keep things real and I always like to add my unique twist. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it and as a Journalist, the detail always tells the story. Nothing is impossible, even the word itself spells I’m Possible. (If I get the time)

Huma Baig - Writer

“A bit of a gallivanter, a bit of a foodie, a bit of a cake addict... I write to give you a share of all three.” Quote I live by... “Do for this life as if you live forever, do for the afterlife as if you die tomorrow.” - Imam Ali (AS)

Cherie-Ann -Designer

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do, and live life with a smile on your face” Website design is a passion of mine. I love working with new clients and building them bespoke websites for their businesses. I owe a lot of my knowledge to my dad who has helped me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams as a web designer.

Rabi’ah M - Writer

An experienced journalist with a passion for photography, travelling, exploring new things, adventures, and history, Rabi’ah.M graduated from London with a background in journalism. She enjoys writing about an array of subjects: arts, fashion, lifestyle, culture, and entertainment. Defining herself as a chirpy, friendly and committed to her passion for continuously learning new things in life. She likes to think out of the box.

Juber Ahmed - Writer

Juber Ahmed is a travel writer and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences on his site muslimsgotravel.com Quote: “The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page” [Saint Augustine]

Angela Youngman - Journalist

BRITISH

Angela Youngman is a freelance journalist & member of the International Travel Writers Alliance. She specialises mainly in travel, tourism, food, culture, leisure, writing for national & international magazines and websites. Angela has written numerous books including walking guides, travel books and garden books.

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MUSLIM 6

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NEWS / INSPIRATION / REVIEWS / HISTORY TV Children’s animated show ‘Zayn and Zayna’s Little Farm’ teams up with boutique animation studio King Bee to take diversity and creativity to the next level. Zayn and Zayna’s Little Farm is a culturally rich pre-school TV animation featuring a British Muslim family. The show teaches children about diversity and sustainability in a fun way and provides diverse representations and visibility to minorities.

Image credit – Angela Langford

SHOPPING BLOOM & GLOW

Image Credit – Tao Heftiba

As the elements turn harsher and staying cosy indoors becomes the norm, treat your face to a bottle of Angela Langford’s radiance restoring face oil. British brand Angela Langford creates a high quality organic, vegan, mood boosting skincare product by hand in Pembrokeshire. The chia seed & sea buckthorn (£20.50/15ml) is perfect for sensitive skin. This oil will leave you feeling radiant, glowing and bright.

ART ISLAMIC ART The V&A contains about 20,000 objects from the Islamic world from the 7th to the 20th century, coming directly from Spain, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Afghanistan. Among other things, you will find wonderful mosaics in blue in the gallery. A beautiful handmade Persian rug “The Artificial Carpet”, which is the oldest rug in the world (1539) is also displayed there. It will impress you with its size and you can see it under the glass.

www.angelalangford.com

FASHION Image Credit – K Hokhar

TRAVEL

Image credit – Zayn and Zayna’s Little Farm

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Before the pandemic, halal travel was the fastest growing market in the global travel economy, with an estimated value of nearly $200 billion. The global Muslim population is young so its one of the first markets to start showing signs of recovery. Packed with culture, amazing halal food and hospitality, we recommend the beautiful Pakistan to visit later this year! A destination where you will create many memories!

Asos successfully promote their modest fashion edit range to the British Muslim market. They have everything you need if you’re choosing to be more covered. Long sleeves, floor-length hemlines and opaque fabrics, each piece can be work on its own. www.asos.com

Image credit - Asos

Staycation Ideas Around The UK

By Juber Ahmed

Contemplating a holiday in the UK? Fortunately, there’s great news for those of us wanting to stay closer to home. Read on to find out more about some of the best staycation locations around the UK. 8

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Lake District If you’re ready to discover some of the finest lakes in England, be sure to make your way to the Lake District region and National Park. Recorded as the largest National Park in England, the size of the entire area is 2362 square kilometres! With an abundance of mountains, lakes and tarns, Lake District will not fail to impress. What’s more, the National Park is home to Wastwater, which is the deepest lake in England (74 metres), and Windermere, which is the longest lake in England (10.5 miles). For those interested in exploring, you’ll be glad to know that woodland covers 12 percent of the Lake District National Park. For those looking for a more coastal setting, Lake District National Park boasts 26 miles of estuaries and coastline.

Tip: If you plan to visit, be sure to pack your walking gear as there are some fantastic hiking trails and routes. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Nidderdale Declared as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this unexplored area of the Yorkshire Dale provides visitors with landscapes that are waiting to be discovered. Filled with ravines, rolling hills, rivers and strange rock formations, this place acts as a great place to escape. Conveniently located near Harrogate, Leeds and York, visitors can use the break to admire the natural impressiveness. Visit Fountains Abbey – the largest monastic ruins in the country – or feed your curiosity and climb the scattered rocks in the National Trust site of Brimham Rocks. Legend has it that these rock formations have been shaped through weathering and erosion over a million years.

Tip: Be sure to visit Pateley Bridge where you’ll find The Oldest Sweet Shop in England! This place has been selling confectionary since 1827!

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Image credit: Connor Mollison

Edinburgh If you’re looking for an inclusive trip which covers historical sites, the hustle and bustle of a city, food that excites your taste buds as well as a coastal setting, look no further. A top destination for visitors from abroad and the UK, Edinburgh was voted the UK’s best destination for young people in the British Youth Travel Awards. Stretching for a mile, the Royal Mile of the Old Town is a perfect starting point for all those who are curious and want to explore. Beginning with the imposing Edinburgh Castle, navigate your way around the cobbled streets, medieval architecture, hidden courtyards and narrow alleyways. If you want to retreat from the Old Town for a while, you’ll be happy to learn that Edinburgh has 112 parks. We recommend Holyrood Park due to its expansive green lawn and trails, and convenient location near the Royal Mile.

Tip: For some promising views, head over to Calton Hill which guarantees eclectic views of the Old Town. This is probably the best spot if you’re looking for some impeccable views of the city’s skyline.

Cornwall We all know that Cornwall is every British holidaymaker’s ideal staycation destination. But, did you know that the area is so vast that it has the longest coastline of any county in the UK and is home to over 300 beaches? To top it off, you’ll find a mix of pebbled shores, secluded coves and white sandy bays. There’s a beach for everyone! The beaches are thoroughly enjoyed by many visitors due to its strategic location. As Cornwall is the most southwest county of Great Britain, it has relatively warm and sunny weather in comparison to other parts of the UK.

Tip: St Ives is a must visit. Be sure to visit Porthmeor Beach, Porthminister Beach or for a more secluded option, the Porthgwidden Beach. Image credit: Benjamin Elliott

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Regeneration Man Zulfi Bukhari By Natasha Syed

Zulfi Bukhari is a British Pakistani businessman and politician. He currently serves as Special Assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan in the capacity of a Minister of State in Cabinet. Here he tells us how he is realising Prime Minister Khan’s vision for a 21st-century Pakistan with an impressive strategy for encouraging Pakistanis from around the world to return to their country; by rebuilding infrastructure, generating employment and to make Pakistan a serious world-beating tourist destination.

Tell us about yourself and your beginnings into business and politics? I was born and raised in the UK in the 1980s and I stayed there until I was 13. Then my father, a successful entrepreneur, wanted me and my sister to have more of a connection with Pakistan because he felt that if we stayed in the UK for too long, we would lose a sense of our heritage and culture. So, from the age of 13-17 years, he moved me, my sisters and mother to Pakistan so we were here for another 3.5 years. After that I came back to the UK alone, finished my studies at Brunel University and from there I went on to taking over his business and managing, developing and structuring my own. My business consists of Martin Kemp Interior Design Company, a world leading interior company. I also had HPM Developments, one of the larger development companies in the UK; we have built big homes – such as Petra Ecclestone’s – to boutique hotels and luxury yachts. I have also owned the largest mixed martial art gyms in the world – Hooks gym, which I sold to Pure Gyms. That became Pure Gyms’ head office and flagship gym – it’s become a big chain of gyms now in the UK. I tried something new by producing a movie called Cake, which was a Pakistani/ British movie, one of the first to premiere in Leicester square. It did really well, won movie of the year. It was acclaimed by The Guardian and by the BBC. In the last 10 to 12 years, I started crossing paths with the current prime minster Imran Khan. It started off as a friendship, then I moved into helping him on a couple of international projects. I realised I was spending a lot of time with him and during that time my parents and family moved back to Pakistan, so I was alone in London. When Imran used to come to the UK, we used to spend a lot of time together and I started to travel with him internationally as well.

I come from a political family, as well, my uncle is an MP here in Pakistan and has been re-elected 3-4 times, my cousin now is an MP and my father was a federal minister before, so when the elections came in 2018 the Prime Minister was contesting from Islamabad, but his election campaign wasn’t doing so well, and he asked me to take over and run his election campaign from the capital which was against the current prime minster Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. So, I took over the campaign and won the election by 50,000 votes.

I have also owned the largest mixed martial art gyms in the world – Hooks gym, which I sold to Pure Gyms.

When we won, the Prime Minister said he wanted me to be part of his cabinet and I was thrilled and accepted the role. I started off with the Ministry of Overseas Pakistani and Human Resource Development. The Prime Minister was Head of Tourism but since his workload increased, he gave me tourism as well. We’ve changed the scope of what overseas Pakistanis are – before it was our labour force going abroad. We’ve opened up a dialogue on what it means to be Pakistani. The Pakistani diaspora numbers 10 million worldwide and the goal is to bring them back. Perhaps they were inclined to forget their Pakistani roots because Pakistan was linked to terrorism, corruption; it had the worst leaders. Yet now is a time where everyone is very proud of their Prime Minster and wants to be Pakistani again.

How are you helping industry to recover? At the movement we are working on relief, we’ve given certain relief packages to the tourism sector, waving certain fees for our tour operators, trying to bring them into medium to small enterprises.

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The Prime Minister has eased construction and waved fees until the end of December 2020 to help build employment. We have now created SOP’s for when tourism does open. We’ve done the first draft, which is very good, and we are going to finalise them hopefully. It’s the first time we have made a five-year action plan and policy for tourism. We have also created a brand, which we were going to launch last April but we were hit with Covid-19, so we are hoping to launch it soon.

Why are you keen to help Pakistanis overseas and fellow Pakistanis in general? Well, I’m an overseas Pakistani myself so I know how it feels; I’ve been in the private sector all of my life and just helping out and being able to see the joy on people’s faces when we’ve managed to resolve land disputes is such a thrill. The biggest motivation has been the Prime Minister himself, he’s full of energy and positivity, and he’s one of the sincerest people I’ve ever met so it makes my life easier.

Pakistan is one of the coolest, the most exotic and adventurous places on earth right now.

When tourism re-opens, what areas should people visit? Lahore has a lot of culture, history and mysticism; Islamabad is stunning and is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. An hour from Islamabad you are in Nathia Gali towards the north. This beautiful landscape is filled with mountains, 10,000ft up. Six of the 10 highest peaks in the world are in Pakistan. You have a 280km coastal line from Baluchistan to Karachi. You have unbelievable deserts in Multan and South Punjab – there is so much diversity in Pakistan. There are so many different mountain ranges from red dirt clay to complete green tropical plantation above 10,000 feet. Switzerland at best is 4,000 meters above sea level, that’s not even the first basecamp on K2! I had Princess Patrice and the former PM of Spain come over to Pakistan on a Skiing holiday as we have opened up skiing here in Pakistan – I made them do Heli-skiing here and they said it was the best snow they had ever seen in their life, they were shocked.

How can the British youth get involved in Pakistan? We have had some great influencers, journalists and bloggers who have written some amazing features on Pakistan: writers from the FT, Conde Nast, Bloomberg promoting why Pakistan is the ideal holiday. We’ve had great acclaims from Conde Nast and the British Backpackers’ Association, which voted Pakistan as a

number one destination, as well. As I’m still working on this policy and the brand, we’re making sure there is a digital portal which you can log on to when booking your trip to Pakistan, where you can book everything from A to B from the digital portal, how you get here, the weather, where you stay, certification for the places you’re staying at, all these things which never done before. So, creating this tourism policy, which gets approved by the cabinet, is a big deal. Pakistan also falls into the Muslim friendly holiday. We are part of the D-8, which includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Iran, Turkey, Bangladesh and Egypt. For the first time ever, we will be hosting the 2021 event. There is a huge shift in the Muslim youth, a lot of them don’t want to go to Dubai, to bars and clubs, they want to experience a peaceful, adventurous, exotic holiday. Thanks to islamophobia, Muslims have experienced a backlash from certain places. Within our first 10 months in power, we opened up Kartarpur to visitors for religious travel, regardless of things being hostile with India. We have revamped churches, Hindu temples and all their religious artefacts. I’m creating a Buddha trail, which starts from Swat and comes down to Punjab and then goes towards Azad Kashmir. This will follow all the Buddhist relics and their stupas; we have the largest Sleeping Buddha in the world in Pakistan, and so we will be showcasing that. We also have the Sufi tourism with all our religious saints. We are putting a big emphasis on religious tourism and I really feel there is a market for the young as people like to connect. Regardless of faith, the youth are searching and hungry for spirituality. Pakistan has the best of all faiths.

Why should British Muslim magazine readers visit Pakistan? If you want to see real natural beauty in one of the most hospitable atmospheres they have to come and connect with Pakistan. They will get such a different impression. The Pakistani youth will be surprised and so proud of their heritage. Completely different to what has been depicted to them for past decade. Pakistan is one of the coolest, the most exotic and adventurous places on earth right now. To give you an example, I feel safer for my sisters and family to be walking around Islamabad and Lahore then I would for them to be walking in Central London at night. For example, you can walk in safety at 10-11pm at night and everyone from young adults to families are all enjoying themselves. The Prime Minister always says it’s the overseas Pakistanis who are our country’s biggest asset. Your readers give $22bn remittances per year to Pakistan and many don’t even come to see the value of Pakistan. So, for the first time we want to go from having a brain drain to a brain gain in this country. I’m proud I’m an example of that; someone who has given up his businesses and joined the Cabinet over here. Pakistan has been criticised for a lot in the past. Pakistan is now leading on several fronts around the world and it’s time we Pakistanis were proud of our country again.

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Dubai:

Image credit: Steve Douglas

A City That Lives in The Past, Present & Future By Juber Ahmed After a difficult 2020 for many, this year brings the possibility of travelling to yet another great country for that long-awaited dose of sunshine. Book your tickets and pack your bags as Dubai will be opened this summer! A landscape of incredible beaches, opulent hotels and skyscrapers looking over the city, the ultramodern city of Dubai located on the Persian Gulf is best explored via its efficient and reliable public transport system. There’s something about Dubai. Some say that it’s a city that has it all; pristine beaches, world famous hotels, luxury

shopping centres, beautiful mosques and the most succulent cuisine. But that’s not all. If visitors want to immerse themselves into the culture of this progressive emirate, it’s worthwhile looking into the history of the city. For centuries, Dubai has been home to pearl divers living in a barren desert. The great geographer, Abu Abdullah Al Bakri made the first mention of Dubai in his book back in 1095. Back then, livelihood of many consisted of fishing, pearl diving and the trading of gold and spices, all in an open vast desert environment. Fast forwarding to the present day,

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Image credit: Iulia Laslea

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Image credit: Iulia Laslea

Dubai has been successful in preserving its past through the world-famous souks (markets) which still sell fish, pearls, gold and spices. Head over to Bastakia, a historic neighbourhood in Dubai or the Old Souk for some shopping to get a glimpse of the action. Whilst there may have been a pause in travelling to this

timeless city, things are about to change. With direct flights from the UK and the government removing UAE from its quarantine list, this thriving city is set to be in the spotlight once again! Book your next journey with Southall Travel today! www.southalltravel.co.uk

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Advertisement Feature

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All about Southall Travel Southall Travel was established in 1984 – over 1,25 million clients travelled with us in 2019. We are open 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and are positioned to source the best deals on flights, hotels and package www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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Local Europe Holidays - Europe’s Best Destinations

Words Juber Ahmed

It’s true what they say; Europe has it all! Whether you’re looking for a weekend break, a romantic getaway, a beach or family holiday, an adventurous trip or even a historic voyage, Europe will not disappoint.

Athens, Greece This historical capital of Europe has been noted in history as the birthplace of democracy. What’s more, Athens is fantastic in revealing the coexistence of different eras. From the Acropolis dating back to the fifth century BC, to the 17th century Fethiye Mosque Museum, Athens abounds with iconic sites from different time periods. After exhausting the walk around the Acropolis, some visitors are left wanting more. Well, there’s good news! In and around Athens, there are sites such as the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeology Museum and Hadrian’s Library. Once you’ve had enough of the city, take a drive along the coast to visit some of Athen’s most remarkable beaches. We recommend Althea beach, Legrena beach, and Ramnountas beach.

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Dubrovnik, Croatia The city of Dubrovnik is by far one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the world with its Old Town mostly untouched since the 13th century. Though it may be one of the most fascinating cities of Croatia, it seems that Dubrovnik is still very much under-appreciated. As well as containing enchanting medieval history, the city edge consists of coastal settings with breath-taking views across the Adriatic. Be sure to take your time here and be open to getting lost through the intertwined alleys and streets filled with shops, cafes and restaurants.

Rome, Italy Rome is a city that will definitely whet your appetite for travel. Although a few hours away by air, landing in Italy’s capital will transport you back in time. Prominently known as the Eternal City, the Romans believed that this city would forever remain standing and I couldn’t agree more! Today, due to its supreme history, Rome is the third most visited site in Europe. Contemporary art and cuisine brings in a blend of culture and history, which adds a glamorous touch to the city. It goes without saying that sites such as The Colosseum and Vatican City are both must-visits. The Colosseum stands majestically with its imposing construction in an effort to show off its 2000 years’ worth of history. Take a ten-minute drive and you’ll find yourself in Vatican City, the world’s smallest city-state and the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Madrid, Spain This bustling metropolitan city does a great job in enthralling visitors and locals alike. With never ending places to explore in and out of the city, it’s easy to spend a week here and have each and every day filled with activities. Begin by meandering through Plaza Mayor, the completest open squares in Madrid. Next, make your way to the El Retiro Park to unwind and catch a break from the hustle and bustle of the main square. After enjoying a picnic, rent a paddleboat on the manmade lake next to the Alfonso XII monument. Visitors will be fascinated to learn that Madrid is also steeped in Islamic History. For those eager to find out more, take a walk through the Old Moorish Quarter to experience what life was like when Muslims once inhabited the city. Also, don’t forget to visit the National Archaeological Museum and the San Isidro Museum to learn about the overview and establishment of Islam in Spain in the 9th century.

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With love

Spoil your mum everyday, with our selection of thoughtful gifts 1. Olverum bath oil (125ml), www.olverum.com - £35 2. Personalised Qur’an gift set with prayer mat, rose gold www.ibadahlondon.com - £39.99 3. The House of Oud – Breath of the infinite Eau de Parfum - £190 4. Envie Roses – Pink Roses www.envierosesprestige.com - £89 5. Salam Gorgeous – www.mubaraklondon.com - £35 6. Bottega Veneta medium BV fold cross body bag www.harrods.com - £1,710 7. Amara earrings www.reddotjewels.com - £35 8. Oud Ispahan, www.dior.com - £200

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Image credit: Abdullah Oguk

An Ideal Itinerary for Istanbul Words: Juber Ahmed

Istanbul: the only city in the world that spans two continents. This cosmopolitan city allows you to experience a taste of history, mixed with the opulent flavours of the contemporary. With something to see at the turn of every corner, the city will leave you lost for words. From magnificent mosques, to cruises along the Bosphorus and tempting cuisine that will leave you satisfied, the memories you make here will last a lifetime. Begin your quest by visiting the cities most popular Mosque – the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Built between the years 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, it is also known as the Blue Mosque due to the blue tiles that adorn the walls of the interior of the Mosque. Once inside, you can admire the splendid Ottoman architecture, which includes stained glass windows and decorative tiling. Take your time and experience the peace and tranquillity, whilst watching worshippers pray and chant verses from the Qur’an and Islamic poetry.

Upon exiting the Blue Mosque, you will find Hagia Sophia facing you with all its might and glory. Standing majestically with dominating minarets and red walls, the building can be traced back almost 1,500 years. Functioning as a Church (and Cathedral) from its inception, it was transformed into a Mosque in 1453. In 1934, however, it was converted into a museum and remains so to this day. Its complete history reveals itself once you are inside, as there is a transfusion of religious symbols and relics. Being inside the museum will allow you to picture what it was like as a Mosque as well as a church, as remnants from both the church and Mosque remain standing. Despite this longenduring marvel having survived many earthquakes in the past, it’s size, architecture and historical atmosphere makes it a remarkable place to visit. Further on from the Hagia Sophia, head towards the Topkapi Palace Museum. Built in the 15th century atop a small peninsula hill, visitors get breath-taking views of the

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Golden Horn, Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus. Acting as the political centre of the Ottoman Empire, it soon became the largest palace in the world. However, in 1924, the Palace was converted into a Museum. Visitors can see beautiful courtyards, exhibition halls, ruins and columns, as well as and many other relics. Visit the Palace kitchen where you’ll find Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Visit the Sacred Trust section in which you will be taken through an exhibition to see historical religious relics belonging to

Begin your quest by visiting the cities most popular Mosque – the Sultan Ahmet Mosque.

the Prophets; these include the staff of Moses, the cooking bowl of Prophet Abraham, the mantle of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH - as well as strands of his hair, as well as much more. The most fascinating thing about the sacred trust section is that it adequately culminates in a room dedicated to 24-hour Qur’anic recitation. All of this is in an effort to provide the utmost respect to the holy relics, and to preserve their sanctity. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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For some retail therapy, head over to the Grand Bazaar – a place which will tempt every bargain hunter. The Grand Bazaar was opened in 1461. An intersection for history and cultures, it almost acts as a global crossroads. Being one of the largest covered markets in the world, it has over 3,000 shops and 64 covered market streets. The Grand Bazaar also contains a mosque, restaurants, banks, post offices and hammams. A historical and cultural attraction, which hosts over half-a-million visitors a day, the Grand Bazaar, unlike other places, contributes towards the overall experience of being in Istanbul. Not only does it serve as a commercial experience, but also provides a leisurely activity. With over 3,000 Mosques, historical landmarks, relics from various civilisations and a cuisine that is sure to satisfy, Istanbul is a never-ending adventure. What’s great, is that it is also an inexpensive city and has one of the best metro systems in the world, making it safe and easy to get around.

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Athens City Guide

Athens; the birthplace of democracy and a dream destination for adventurous visitors! If you’re planning on visiting this ancient city, be sure to be well prepared. By Juber Ahmed 28

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Getting in Getting to Athens from the UK is simple. There are flights from most UK airports to Athens Airport, taking approximately four hours and costing as little as £40 return. The airport is around 30km from the city centre and has excellent transport links.

Visa

British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Athens.

Getting Around

From Athens Airport, take the bus X95 (€5.50 - €6) or the metro (€8 - €10). This will take you directly to the Syntagma Square which is the central point of Athens. The bus takes 1hr 15 mins whilst the metro takes around an hour. From there, you can either walk, take public transport or a taxi to your accommodation. In Athens, the taxi app most commonly used is called ‘Beat Ride’. If you’re there for three days or less, consider buying a 3-day-metropass at the airport for €20 giving you unlimited access to all public transportation in Athens for 72 hours.

What to see, do and eat Begin by making your way to the historical site of the Acropolis. Take your time and meander through the spacious complex and don’t forget to take some pictures once you get to the highest point as the views are simply breath taking. Other sites include, the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. For some shopping and food, head over to Monastiraki where you can sample great dishes such as Mousakka, fresh fish and the reputable giros. If you’re curious to learn more about Islamic history, head over to Benaki Museum of Islamic Art. Finally, to end your trip, be sure to visit the coast. Places such as Sounion and Vari will allow you to catch a break away from the city and enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

Currency

The currency used in Athens is the Euro. Money can easily be exchanged in the UK or upon arrival. Cash machines are also widely available.

Weather The best times to visit Athens are between March and May and September to November as the temperature is pleasant. The months between June and August can be very hot.

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Faith can move mountains and Ruqsana Begum is living proof of this. By Natasha Syed Faith can move mountains – and Ruqsana Begum is living proof of this. Fighting as Warrior Princess, this quietly spoken woman entered the world of kickboxing when it was virtually unthinkable for a Muslim girl to participate in such a sport. As a result she has become a role model for countless Muslim girls, becoming captain of the UK Muay Thai kickboxing team, a gold European Championship meld and a professional World Kickboxing Association world title. “I had always been fascinated by martial arts. My uncle used to watch Bruce Lee films and I sat in a corner of the living room watching them with him. I fell in love with kickboxing when I attended an after school martial arts club at my school. It was the only session held there and I decided to join a gym to learn more. I got a part time job in a chemist to pay for the sessions. I would wake up extra early on Sundays to do the chores, and then politely ask my Mum to go out to the gym. My parents thought it was aerobics or running. They didn’t know it was kickboxing and I kept it a secret,” Ruqsana explained. “Kickboxing gave me an outlet to express myself,

discipline and focus. By learning new skills though Thai boxing, it helped me be a better student and daughter.” Keeping it secret did pose problems. Ruqsana was frequently bruised during training. Leggings and trousers helped hide some bruises, but ones to her face were much harder to hide even when wearing a hoodie. “You could find ways around it. Luckily my sister would help me out, especially at times when I was really exhausted,” she admits. After successfully graduating with a degree in architecture from the University of Westminster, her parents arranged her marriage to someone from a similar background. “It was a disaster. I felt it was something I had to do to live up expectations. I was working a demanding job in an architectural practice, then expected to do all these ‘’female duties’’ when I went home. I had no outlets, no kickboxing and it became too much for me. I became really depressed and had panic attacks. After fainting, my GP said I should go to my parents to recuperate. I was totally exhausted, in bed for months and on antidepressants. My parents noticed that my husband’s family never came to see me, instead filed for divorce.”

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Other ventures have included designing a sports hijab, which is still available, and writing a book ‘Born Fighter, ‘ which came out last June.

This proved to be a turning point in Ruqsana’s life. When she had gained some strength, she decided that her priority had to be getting her health back and that she wanted to go and train again. She took her parents to the gym and showed them around. “They were not disapproving and saw it as beneficial. I went from strength to strength, taking part in championships and winning.” In 2010 she became the British Atomweight 48-50 kg Muay Thai kickboxing champion. One year later she was the European champion – a success that was against all the odds since she was now battling a new illness: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome). “I wanted to give 110%, but was physically unable to do so. I just kept going, then realised that I was doing more harm to myself and that I needed to follow the advice to

cut down on training and think more strategically. A week before the European fight, ME had kicked in and we didn’t know if the fight would go ahead. I was so poorly. The medics passed me and then in the changing room I couldn’t complete the warm up. My trainer was not comfortable with the situation, but trusted me. He said he would throw in the towel if he saw me struggling. The fight went the distance and I won.” Quite apart from the challenges presented by her health problems, Ruqsana has also had to cope with the inevitable cultural and value conflicts involved in being a Muslim woman within the kickboxing world. When she began kickboxing over 15 years ago it was almost unthinkable that a Muslim woman would participate in such a sport. “I am devout Muslim and dress modern now, but then I wanted to be respectful to my parents. As a kickboxer, I had to dress according to the required code of conduct,

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and wear the clothes I was given in competitions. It was a constant battle between my sport and my values, how I dressed and behaved. Now I am much more relaxed about it. I have discovered that faith is much bigger than prayer, it is how you treat others, your values, your identity rather than a system.” Her faith and her belief in herself gave her the strength to continue “I was holding my own in matches with less help than other people were getting, so I knew that with more training I could be even better. I believed in myself. I went to the World Championships and got a bronze medal. The next time I went I came back with a gold. I just need to help myself and believe in myself. I knew God would give me the help I needed. Once I had that belief, I was indestructible.” Soon after winning the World Championship, Ruqsana was invited to be the face of the global Adidas Free to Create campaign. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Other ventures have included designing a sports hijab, which is still available, and writing a book ‘Born Fighter, ‘ which came out last June. She also teaches kickboxing which has proved very popular with Muslim girls, but unfortunately due to Covid is currently experiencing reduced numbers. “My success has definitely encouraged other Muslim girls. More Muslim girls are attending the gym to take my classes and demand is much wider. I get girls from all backgrounds with a love of sport, including a woman journalist and doctors.” But that’s not all – Ruqsana is now aiming for success in mainstream boxing. It is proving a challenge, as the position, balance, style and skills are all different. “I have had some amazing experiences. I met Tyson Fury at a camp and he gave me the same respect as he would to one of his peers. I have been signed by trainer David Hays. My first bout in 2017 was a draw, but I lost a fight with the same opponent in 2018. Now I am boxing full time and talking to promoters to schedule fights for the coming year. I believe I can do better and I can do it. I train twice a day for an hour and a half, six times a week. This includes shadow boxing, skipping sparring, strength and conditioning, general fitness. I spar with men and women. My aim? To be a world champion.” She added, “Faith can move mountains. When you dig deep and find your inner strength, it is a collaboration of mind, body, spirit. I can do it. Inshallah.”

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The Benefits of Rajab – the holy month. By Natasha Syed

‘Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve (Lunar) months in the register of Allah (from) the day he created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them…’ (The Noble Qur’an, 9.36) This year, the sacred month of Rajab began on the 12th February 2021 at Maghrib time. Allah has chosen Rajab above other months to be sacred so of course we must pa special attention to this period and ensure we are acquainted with its virtues. Fighting has been forbidden during this sacred month. The purpose of the sacred months was to allow pilgrims to travel safely to and from the holy lands. Our deeds weigh heavier on the scales during these four months. Allah swt commands us; ‘Do not wrong yourselves during them’ (The Noble Qur’an 9,36) because it is graver to commit a sin during a sacred month. Equally, it becomes more rewardable to perform a good deed! ‘Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha’ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah’. (Suyuti) Did you know the marriage of the noble parents of prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was in Rajab and Aminah,

the noble mother of the prophet (pbuh) became pregnant with the best of creations. The Miraculous night journey & ascension (Al-isra’ wal Mi’raj), took place on the 27th night of Rajab, according to the dominant opinion. The gift of the five daily prayers and the last two ayat’s of Surat Baqrah were received during this month. Rajab is also known as the month of Tawbah (Repentance) and the month of Istighfar (seeking forgiveness). Rabbi-ghfir lee warhamnee wa tub ‘alayya Oh Allah forgive me, Have mercy upon me And accept my repentance! Another way of seeking forgiveness is by giving charity. ‘’Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire’’ – Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) Allahumma Baarik lanaa fii Rajabin wa sha’baana wa balighnaa Ramadan! O Allah bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and enable us to reach Ramadan!

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Adam (A.S.):

The first Prophet on Earth In the name of ALLAH (S.W.T.), the most beneficent and the most merciful 36

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The first Prophet of Islam: There were around 124,000 prophets that were sent to mankind with a universal message of monotheism (worshipping of only single creator GOD). The first Prophet sent on the Earth was Adam (A.S.), as described in the Quran and the other GOD’s scriptures before the Quran like the Gospel, and the Torah. After Adam, ALLAH created Eve from the left ribs of Adam while Adam was asleep, and made Eve accompany Adam. Adam was the first prophet of Islam and the whole mankind was sprung from the Adam & Eve on this Earth.

Creation of Adam (A.S.):

“Call to mind, when your Lord announced to the angels: I am about to place a vicegerent in the earth. They said: Will You place there someone, who creates disorder and bloodshed, while we glorify You with your praise and extol your holiness? Allah admonished them: I know that which you know not.” -Al Quran (ch2, v30) ALLAH created Adam directly from the clay and blew the soul through the nostrils inside the Adam. ALLAH commanded all the angels to prostrate before the Adam, but the Shaytan (Satan), the cursed one refused to prostrate before Adam and started to argue with ALLAH (S.W.T.). Also call to mind, when We told the angels, ‘Bow down before Adam,’ they all bowed. But not Iblis, who refused and was arrogant, he was disobedient. -Al Quran (ch2, v34) The cursed Satan replied to ALLAH (S.W.T.), “Adam is made from the clay and I am made from the fire, thus I am more superior to Adam” It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We bade the angels bow down to Adam, and they bowed down; not so Iblis; He refused to be of those who bow down. God said: “What prevented thee from bowing down when I commanded thee?” He said: “I am better than he: Thou didst create me from fire and him from clay. God said: “Get thee down from this: it is not for thee to be arrogant here: get out, for thou art of the meanest (of creatures).” -Al Quran (ch7, v 11-13) After listening to such arguments from the Shaytan (Satan), ALLAH threw out Satan from the heaven and took all the positions from the Shaytan (Satan), which Follow us on

He said: “Because thou hast thrown me out of the way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on thy straight way: Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left: Nor wilt thou find, in most of them, gratitude (for thy mercies).” (God) said: “Get out from this, disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow thee – Hell will I fill with you all.” -Al Quran (ch7, v 16-18) According to the Quran and Hadith, the name of Shaytan (Satan) before his disobedience to ALLAH (S.W.T.) was Azazil, and after he disobeyed ALLAH, he was given the name of Iblees. ALLAH (S.W.T.) taught Adam the names of various things and provided treasures of wisdom to him. ALLAH provided intellect to Adam for learning, observing and distinguishing between right and wrong.

ALLAH (S.W.T.) told the angels that He is going to create a Human to which the angels replied, “Will you create a man who will shed the blood and cause corruption on land?” ALLAH (S.W.T.) replied to the angels, “Indeed, I know that which you don’t know”

Shaytan (Satan) once used to have. After being thrown out from the heaven, Shaytan (Satan) asked some amount of time until the day of judgement to take revenge from the Adam by deceiving him from the right path and worship from ALLAH.

“He taught Adam all the names of things and He showed them to the angels and asked: Tell me the names of these if you truly think you can?” -Al Quran (ch2, v31) “They said, ‘May You be glorified! We have knowledge only of what you have taught us. You alone are the AllKnowing, the All-Wise.” -Al Quran (ch2, v32) “Then he asked Adam to tell them the names and he did. God said: Did I not tell you that I know what is hidden in the heaven and the earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you conceal?” -Al Quran (ch2, v33) Adam was made superior to the angels and the Jinns and it has been stated at various places inside the Quran.

Creation of Eve: After Prophet Adam, Eve was created by ALLAH (S.W.T.) to accompany Adam. According to the Quran and various narrations, Eve was created from the left ribs of Adam, after Adam fell asleep when Shaytan (Satan) was thrown out of the heavens. When Adam woke up, he found Eve besides him. ALLAH created Eve for Adam to accompany him, remove his loneliness and satisfying his desires of producing offspring. ALLAH commanded Adam and Eve to enter the paradise and live happily together but warned them to go before a tree and eat fruit from it. “We said to Adam, live with your wife in this garden. Both of you eat freely there as you will, but, do not go near this tree, or you will both become wrongdoers” -Al Quran (ch2, v35)

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Day after day, Shaytan (Satan) was tempting Adam to eat from the forbidden tree. Shaytan (Satan) used to whisper to Adam about the tree. Shaytan (Satan) tried to convince Adam by telling him about the benefits of eating fruit from the tree and gaining immortality forever. Apart from that, Shaytan (Satan) tried various tricks to tempt then and eventually one day, both Adam and Eve fell into the deception of the Shaytan (Satan) and ate fruit from the forbidden tree. “But, Shaytan (Satan) made them slip, and removed them from the state they were in. We decreed: Go forth, some of you are enemies of others, and there is for you in the earth a place of abode and provisions for a time.” -Al Quran (ch2, v36) Later, both Adam and Eve realised that they had broken their covenant with ALLAH (S.W.T.) and became a victim of Shaytan’s (Satan’s) trap.

of the first couple with the second couple in a cross, Cain with Labuda, and Abel with Iqlima. Adam then told ALLAH’s command to his children. Cain was displeased with the partner chosen for him as Abel’s twin sister was not as beautiful as his own and thus in hatred and jealousy, Cain (Qabil) murdered his brother Abel (Habil) and buried him. This was the first murder on the Earth.

Death of Adam: Throughout his life, Adam taught his children and grandchildren about the commandments of ALLAH (S.W.T.), the coming of various prophets and the universal message of Monotheism (the existence of the single creator worthy of being worshipped). Adam lived on the earth for approximately one thousand years and when death approached him, he was buried by the company of angles.

The exit of Adam and Eve from the Paradise and their entry on the planet Earth: After realising their mistake, both Adam and Eve apologised and repented to ALLAH (S.W.T.) for their sin. According to various authentic Hadith, Adam wept for 60 years for his sin and Eve wept for 70 years. ALLAH (S.W.T.) accepted their repentance, but deprived them of the comforts of paradise and sent both of them to the Earth, after telling them about the hardships and struggles on the planet. “Thereafter Adam learnt certain prayers from his Lord and began to repent in the words that were taught to him. So He turned towards him with mercy; surely He is oft-returning with compassion towards His creatures and is Ever Merciful.” -Al Quran (ch2, v37) We decreed, ‘‘Go forth, all of you, but remember that if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoso follows My guidance, on them shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve.’’ -Al Quran (ch2, v38)

Moral from Adam’s story: Pride and arrogance are very harmful to mankind and thus mankind should always live with modesty. Due to arrogance, Shaytan (Satan) was expelled from heaven and the blessing of ALLAH. It was due to arrogance that Cain (Qabil) murdered his brother Abel (Habil). Thus, an arrogant person does not deserve any respect from ALLAH (S.W.T.).

When both Adam and Eve were sent to the earth, both of them were separated from each other. Adam descended at a place called ‘Dahna’ between Mecca and Taif while, Eve was sent to India and both of them met after 40 years of searching at Jabal Rahmah of Arafat, near Mecca. The Adam and Eve were again reunited and their offspring flourished on the Earth.

“It shall be said: Enter the gates of hell to abide therein; so evil is the abode of the proud.” –Al Quran (ch39, v72)

Children of Adam:

It is narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud that the Messenger of Allah observed: “None shall enter the Fire (of Hell) who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of Iman and none shall enter Paradise who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride.” Thus, one should stay away from the pride and arrogance and always walk on the path of modesty by following the commandments of ALLAH (S.W.T.)

Adam was gifted with the children. First, the twins named Cain (Qabil) along with sister Iqlima was born and later Abel (Habil) along with Labuda was born. Abel was a very intelligent and wise person and feared ALLAH the most, but Cain (Qabil) on the other hand was arrogant and disobedient. ALLAH commanded Adam to marry the children

According to various authentic Hadith, Adam wept for 60 years for his sin and Eve wept for 70 years.

“Thus does Allah set a seal over the heart of every proud, haughty one.” –Al Quran (ch 40, v35)

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The Importance of Self-Purification Ibn Daud, an IT Management Consultant by profession, talks to Natasha Syed, Editorial Director, about his journey to self-publishing ‘A Handbook of Spiritual Medicine’ and how it may benefit those yearning to address common illnesses of the heart such as anger, envy, extravagance and negative feelings, in the current modern, time-constrained and hi-tech era.

Tell me about your new book? This spiritual guide to the self is a handbook of ‘selfpurification’ or tazkiyah. It illustrates the maladies of the human spiritual condition, recognising the struggles and insecurities we all succumb to from time to time, and prescribes the remedies for common illnesses of the heart such as anger, boasting, envy, extravagance, fear of poverty, love of the world, negative feelings, vanity, and many more.

Why is spiritual well-being so important? Just as we seek the best medical treatment to avoid illnesses and improve our physical health and wellbeing, whether that be paracetamol to treat a mere headache or something more substantial like chemotherapy to treat cancer, our souls can also suffer from spiritual illnesses. However, our spiritual health is fundamentally different, and in some respects more important. Why is this?

“The science of the states of the heart (‘ilm ahwāl al-qalb) is an individual obligation, not just a collective one.” (Imām Al-Ghazālī ) In other words, it is a responsibility for every adult Muslim (fard‘ayn), according to capacity, and not a responsibility left to specially qualified individuals within the community (fard al-kifāyah).

How can ‘A Handbook of Spiritual Medicine’ improve our spiritual well-being? My journey has been about making the traditional science of ‘self-purification’ or tazkiyah accessible. By presenting this science in a contemporary format using modern management techniques, I am hoping that symptoms can be recognised more easily and remedies applied in a practical way across 26 diseases of the heart. The book’s tabular design and colourful traffic light approach should make it easier to reference for a new generation that is evermore time-constrained. I’ve also included the real and potential negative impact that social media has on our spiritual growth, and compared

this with practical ways that its influence can be harnessed for our benefit.

How did this idea come about? It was back in my university days when I stumbled across ‘Purification of the Heart’ by Hamza Yusuf Hanson. Reading about and personally experiencing emotions back then such as boasting, love of the world, mockery and vanity shook my conscience, gripping me with a directive to seek a solution to the illnesses of my own heart. Roughly around the same time, I lived with a medic whose particular habit was to reference the ‘Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine’ with zeal. It is the memory of the practicality of his small reference manual coupled with my long-term preoccupation with the concept of ‘self-purification’ which brought me to the idea of compiling a spiritual guide to the self.

“But it had to be something accessible, easy to pick up during our busy lives in this modern, hightech era. It needed to address the struggles and insecurities we all face and offer the antidotes to those ailments, using evidence from the Qurān and authentic ahādīth (Prophetic sayings).” Do you provide references to the symptoms and remedies? I’ve worked alongside qualified scholars to include and validate 1000+ Qur’ānic verses and authentic ahādīth, inspiring mindfulness of the Almighty Cherisher and His Beloved Prophet , as well as drawing on the 11th and 12th Century works of the ‘Proof of Islam’ and wondrous sage, Imām Abū Hāmid Al-Ghazālī .

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Tell me about yourself I am married with four children, and an IT Management Consultant by profession. My work takes me around the UK. The ideas for the book were borne almost 20 years ago, yet it was only 3 years ago when I began my journey in earnest, stealing time during evenings when working away from home, and weekends in and around work and family commitments. Recent events however have allowed me to dedicate more time, and after a long and challenging selfpublishing journey, with the help of some very special people (the editing team), including my dear wife and children, and with the duas of my dear mother and the inspiration of my late father, I managed to complete the book during the blessed month of Ramadan this year, al-Hamdu lillāh.

What ‘self-publishing’ advice would you give? Not being a scholar or a professional writer, the journey of self-publishing was an enlightening one and I’m indebted to the kind people who guided me along the way. Here some hints and tips for anyone interesting in treading this path:

SELF-PUBLISHING HINTS & TIPS Purify and check your intention along the way My wife and mother have helped me to stay true to my original intention, which is to benefit myself as well as others in sha’ Allah

There’s good in everything I was knocked back by a publisher in my early days, however the journey of self-publishing has meant that I have had to work very closely alongside some very blessed people, and this has profoundly enriched me

Stick to what you know best Reach out for help because you’ll need a team of good people working alongside you doing what they do best (e.g. editing, designing, referencing, marketing), and taking the advice and guidance of our respected elders, scholars and other ‘subject matter experts’

Don’t hold back on quality I’ve put a lot of effort into this because I want to reach or attract folks that perhaps wouldn’t normally pick up a book or even contemplate reading this kind of material Be consistent by taking small steps on a regular basis Stealing an hour at every opportunity meant that I was in some small way contributing to the betterment of myself and perhaps others, which further fuelled my passion to continue

“A beautifully structured and well-presented work, highlighting one of the most important aspects of Islamic teachings.” (Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam Al-Kawthari, Director of the Institute of Islamic Jurisprudence, Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK)

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MMA FIGHTER TO ENTREPRENUER

Tam Khan

...and that’s what we did – we would go to help the community...

By Natasha Syed

Dubai based champion fighter Tam Khan talks about life after MMA and how his new health app My Celeb PT has helped maintain thousands of users’ physical and mental fitness during the pandemic I was born and raised in Essex, which wasn’t very multicultural at the time. Over the years, the area changed and became more diverse and there were more Jamaican and Zimbabwe-speaking people. Essex is a very white predominantly English Anglo-Saxon community of people, where we have a few mosques and there are halal butchers and halal shops. You would see women wearing shalwar kameez and saris, you would also see men wearing traditional English clothes; I really enjoyed growing up there. I never had a problem with race and I avoided trouble but if there was a problem on the local council estate, people would say, “call Tam or his brother and go and fix this situation.” And that’s what we did – we would go to help the community. It helped that I knew everyone and everyone know my parents and my family: it was a very close-knit community. So that was the kind of upbringing that I had and I miss it; everyone knew each other’s name.

I never had a problem with race and I avoided trouble but if there was a problem...

So how did it all begin? So my dad was a doctor and my mum stayed at home to bring up the family. They always emphasised the importance of education; they said “look do what you like, but please study”. I was a bit of a Jack the Lad and sporty and If I saw a guy drive a nice car or wearing a nice chain or the latest sneakers, I wanted to be like that. While I was studying business management, I was a fine amateur and taking part in competitions. It was just as MMA was becoming big in the UK. I’d fight on shows which were in school halls. I always tried to keep my studying going and was working part-time as well in a selection of jobs, from sales to retail management. In fact I even worked at Carphone Warehouse and became an area manager because my sales were so good!

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What kind of support did you get from your friends and family when entering the MMA world? I sometimes wouldn’t tell my family that I was competing in a fight. My mom would say, “look just be careful”. She’d think it was practice. I wouldn’t tell her it was an actual fight because she would panic. She would say, “do it for self-defence, self-confidence and to be strong but there is no need to fight”, and my dad hated it. I would just tell him “yeah, I’m just going to go train”. I’d just come back the next day if I had a bruise on my face and I’d say, ”yeah it was just training.” But then they started finding out because the local community would talk; they would see a poster of me or someone would say to them, “your son’s fighting this weekend”. Mum would be like, “Oh is he?”

What was your next move after MMA fighting? So I obviously reached a very high level in MMA and after that I went to Dubai on holiday and I just fell in love with the place; it was multicultural, the weather was obviously amazing, the lifestyle was easy, people were walking around in flip-flops and shorts. I had a fight coming up so naturally I needed to train for it and when I tried to find a gym to train in, I couldn’t find one. Dubai in the early 2000s was seen as this magical and I couldn’t find one gym, which taught MMA, so I thought, that’s strange for a new place, which is supposed to be booming. So I decided to set something up for MMA in Dubai. As I told a friend at the time, “my mind’s made up and I’m packing my bags.” And I’ve never looked back.

What motivated you to do it by yourself? I was at that age, in my early 20’s and I thought, I’m not married like many 20 year olds were back then, my mum was pressuring me at that point as well. I thought I’m lucky I haven’t got their responsibilities yet. At the beginning it was hard but once the name got around and a few articles appeared in the media, word began to spread. The business side of my life took me away from

MMA, it just got so busy with a setting up facilities and other projects. I still crave my MMA life, but to train to that potential is very hard full-time.

What is My Celeb PT app and how are you involved in it? When the pandemic hit, gyms closed and it made sense to get involved in an app, which I felt, would help all of those stuck at home and who wanted to work out. Currently the app has 3021 paid subscribers paying £24.99 per month. We want to help change peoples lives. We’ve become a face and motivation for people. We would ask you to fill out a profile, upload before pictures, do your measurements, your weight; log your food, nutrition and workouts you’ve been given. We’ve tried to cover the full 360. We also have a 24hr interactive motivation support service. We are not about contracts or cancellation fees; we just want to see people healthy. The programmes change monthly to suit individuals as well. My Celeb PT is a virtual personal trainer app that gives you the opportunity to work out with your favourite celebrities as your own personal trainer! I wanted users, especially women to get away from the pressure to achieve unrealistic goals of weight loss in order to look good on social media. Anyone can sign up to Celeb PT via the links through our website, once you enter your details you receive log in details. I feel very strongly about this and it is especially true of the Asian Muslim community. Exercise should be about getting fit or maintaining fitness levels as well as making you feel good by getting those endorphins running!

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Orange hues

Add a little seasonal style to your interiors with pops of orange and bright glimmers of gold 1. The Cost Home: Orange & Cinnamon Scented Gold Dipped Pillar Candle, www.st-eval.com - £15.50 2. Wrought Iron Four Piece Fireside Set, www.coxandcox.co.uk -£125.00 3. 24cm Round Cast Iron Cocotte Cinnamon Cocottes, www.staub-online.com - £259 4. Arctic Shine Blanket, www.wayfair.co.uk - £39.99

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COMFORT ZONE Words – Natasha Syed

A rise in temperature shouldn’t mean a dip in style. This season’s beautiful hijab’s and fashionable abaya’s will give you the comfort your looking for – we’ve put together a selection of our favourites to suit every figure and every budget.

Gi ng er Ro ot Mo dal Hi jab £16 www.aabcollection.com

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Dr op Ca pe Bla ck £34.99 muslimboutiques.com

Be aut ifu l Ha nd Wo rk Ne ck Patch Ab aya With Po cke ts £18, www.Eastess ence.com

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Art News TEN artists have won £500 each in a Lucky Dip draw as part of a radical new bursary scheme.

Vincent Warrican

The winners were picked out of a hat by the Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Sue Blatchford’s as part of a new programme to help support Southampton artists through the pandemic. The Lucky Dip bursary scheme - run by charity ‘a space’ arts - asked artists to answer just four questions in order to apply for the scheme, as a way of removing barriers to funding applications, which can often be timeconsuming and laborious. Now the 10 winners will each receive £500 to make a new artwork to be exhibited later this year at ‘a space’ arts’ flagship venue, God’s House Tower.

Kwame Bakoji

The winners are: Issa Loyaan Farrah-Kelly Svetlana Ochkovskaya Amy-Jo Lyons Alex Sutherland Claudia Friend Joanna Rose Tidey Vincent Warrican Maryam Zahra Kazimi Kwame Bakoji-Hume Gullu Kandrou Some of the themes artists proposed include: making full-body costumes out of recycled bean bags, designing cloth inspired by shipping containers and African symbols, and a set of ceramics inspired by the local area. Programme officer Mia Delve said: “We had more than 70 applicants to the scheme which shows how much local artists value the idea. The winners were chosen at random in order to give everyone a fair chance and the ideas proposed are all completely different. It looks like we’ll have a brilliant exhibition later in the year. Stay tuned!”

Svetlana Ochkovs

Maryam Zahra Kazim Follow us on

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Gullu Kandrou

ART & ACTION Making Change in Victorian Britain Extended until 23 May 2021

Explore the exhibition online at wattsgallery.org.uk Thomas Kennington, The Pinch of Poverty, oil on canvas, 1891. Coram in the care of the Foundling Museum, London.

A&A - Watts Gallery.indd 1

20/01/2021 15:49

Autumn Staycations

It might be colder outside but it’s still a great time to enjoy a short, reviving staycation. By Angela Youngman

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There is some fantastic scenery to explore by foot or by cycle providing plenty of active holiday options. Wrap up warm and stroll along wide sandy beaches or discover the beauties of autumnal colours in woodlands and forests. Take a deep breath and try surfboarding or a quick sea dip – it’s incredibly invigorating but certainly healthy! Even in the depth of winter, the sight of skeletal tree form, crashing waves along the coast or simply rambling through the countryside is very relaxing. Steel grey seas frame long sandy beaches in Suffolk, while inland, pretty villages with thatched cottages decorated in characteristic highly ornamental plasterwork prove attractive sights no matter the weather. Admire the avocets, bitterns and marsh harriers at RSBP Minsmere or catch a glimpse of stags and other wildlife within the grounds www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

of Ickworth. This is the county, which inspired landscape artist John Constable to create some of his most memorable paintings such as Flatford Mill. Even small towns like Clare, Lavenham and Long Melford contain an array of medieval buildings, some of which will be very familiar to fans of the Harry Potter films. As night falls, enjoy staying in some highly unusual accommodation. How about trying the fairytale House in the Clouds at Thorpness, a little village surrounded by heathland and forest, the three storey luxurious Windmill near Lavenham (for adults only) or the coastal Martello tower at Bawdsey. For Tolkien fans, the hobbit hole at West Stow is irresistible. Nestled into the side of a grassy mound, surrounded by woodland is Pod Hollow definitely reminiscent of a hobbit home in the Shire. Just up the road

is West Stow Country Park with its recreated Anglo-Saxon village, the setting for Band of Hope, a Lord of the Rings fan film as well as Ring Quest guided tours. Discover the Saxon roots of the Tolkein stories with bookable activities provided by Arnor Heritage Projects. These include learning to fire arrows like a ranger, a Middle Earth tour, talking part in a riddle battle and handling opportunities. Bourton on the Water is one of the most picturesque of all Cotswolds villages, possessing a timeless quality with its rippling stream running through the centre of the village and thatched cottages in classic Cotswold stone. Explore the shops full of local crafts and produce, and take some invigorating walks through the adjacent countryside. Only a few minutes walk from the centre of the village is Little Gem Cottage complete with wood burner, the perfect accommodation for a village break. Anyone wanting a more remote countryside option, farm stays can be ideal. Winchcombe Farm is a picture postcard working farm near the village of Tysoe, and edging the seventeenth century battlefield landmark of Edgehill. Don’t be misled by the name, the farm’s Chicken Shed Lodge is definitely pure luxury as it comes complete with underfloor heating, a huge wraparound deck and a three storey geodesic dome where you can curl up in bed while watching the stars. There’s even a telescope if you want closer views. Since this is an area with few nearby large towns, the stars can be seen clearly, and experiencing the countryside on a moonlit night is something not to be missed. Another great area for walking and outdoor activities is the Chilterns Hills. A range of chalk hills stretching across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, it is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Take a ramble along part of the ancient Ridgeway trail – a route used by travellers for over 5,000 years. One of the most stunning sections starts at the world heritage site of Avebury, with its historic stone circles dating back thousands of years, before passing Iron Age hillforts, chalk figures and ancient

burial mounds and eventually ending with panoramic views at Ivinghoe Beacon. Head slightly further southwards to discover the source of the Thames by following the Thames Path national trail, which is way, marked from the edge of the Chiltern Hills through Wallingford, Marlow, Pangbourne and Henley on Thames. Ashridge Forest is a National Trust site particularly beautiful in the autumn when the forest canopy turns brilliant reds, golds and

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browns. Fans of the long running Midsomer Murders TV series should check out villages like Little Missenden, Chesham and The Lee although you might find places you recognise throughout the Chilterns as filming takes place across the area. For anyone preferring an island break, the Isle of Wight is only a short hop by ferry from Portsmouth. Try staying

With over 500 miles of footpaths to explore, as well as cycling, surfing, kayaking, sailing..... in the larch clad Treehouse, divided by elegant decking into into a living and sleeping deck. Accessible from a hidden woodland path, there are lots of unusual features including spyholes and a secret sleeping area. A unique UNESCO biosphere reserve both on land and sea, the area is full of stunning natural beauty where people and nature live in harmony. With over 500 miles of footpaths to explore, as well as cycling, surfing, kayaking, sailing and winding rivers calm enough to try stand up paddle boarding, enjoying fresh air and exercise is no problem. This an island which encourages visitors to slow down, relax and enjoy themselves. There are little villages and small market towns to discover, as well as amazing places like Queen Victoria’s favourite home at Osborne House where the royal children learned to garden. Another amazing place to stay with quality and comfort is Haven Hall. To really get away from everything, the Isles of Scilly are worth considering. Just 28 miles off the rugged Cornish coast, these are islands which offer wild landscapes, hidden coves and lots of long sandy beaches possessing one of the mildest climates in the UK. Most of the islands www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

are uninhabited, with most people living on St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes. Island hopping by boat takes only a few minutes. It’s great for wildlife safaris – depending on the time of year, there may be passing dolphins, puffins, cormorants, razorbills, seals and countless seabirds. At night, the Scilly Isles enjoy some of the clearest skies in the UK, so take a telescope or head for the community Observatory on St Martin’s to discover the constellations, see the moon landscapes and even planets like the great gas giants of Saturn and Jupiter. At night, try the Secret Supper Club at Tanglewood Table on St Mary’s. Set in the old sorting room of the island’s Post Office, the original Post Office sorting table becomes a small restaurant dining area. Other attractions include the stunning botanical paradise known as Tresco Abbey Gardens, sunrise strolls, beachcombing and even snorkelling with seals off St Martin’s. Stay at working farms such as Lunnon, which specialises in growing flowers or hotels like Tregarthen perfectly situated on the waters edge. The islands are accessible by passenger ferry from Penzance, or by air from Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End, with a wide range of accommodation available. www.arnor.org.uk www.uniquecotswoldcottages.co.uk (re Little Gem Cottage) www.visitisleofscilly.com www.visitchildterns.co.uk www.havenhallhotel.com www.hostunusual.com/categories/host-unusual /chicken-shed-lodge www.hostunusual.com/categories/host-unusual /the-windmill-suffolk www.hostunusual.com/categories/host-unusual /into-the-woods-treehouse-and-the-hideaway

All images: Welcome to Yorkshire

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North York moors cycle path Vast open spaces and beautiful countryside make North Yorkshire one of the prettiest of all English counties. By Angela Youngman Less well known is the fact that it is a fantastic cycling destination, perfect for both novices and experienced cyclists. It has been described as one of the best-kept secrets in UK cycling. There are even countless cycle friendly cafes, B&B’s and even a hotel devoted to the needs of cyclists whether seeking a leisurely touring holiday or a long distance endurance run. New this year is the spectacular 200-mile North York Moors cycling route covering the length and breadth of the national park from mountains to moorlands, beaches and coastal paths to forests and pretty market towns. As part of the Cycle England project created by Welcome to Yorkshire, the route developed in conjunction with the North York Moors National Park and local cycling guide Mike Hawtin is already attracting a lot of attention. Gone Mountain Biking’s Mike Hawtin says, “It has been designed as a figure of eight combining an east and west loop. Much of the route is on rural paths and quiet roads through the countryside. The aim is to provide flexibility so that people can choose their route length, stay longer in some places or take longer cycling periods. This is an undulating route – there are hills, but it is worth it when you reach the top and see the view in front of you.” A typical route might start in Pickering, an ancient market town complete with medieval castle and a heritage steam railway (best known for its Harry Potter links as its Goathland station was where the Hogwarts Express delivered students en route to Hogwarts). Cycling eastwards leads through beautiful tree lined tracks within Dalby Forest, down deep valleys and through country estates en route to the magnificent coastline. A short detour into Scarborough brings you into a traditional coastal resort with a unique hotel dedicated to walkers and cyclists! The Bike and Boot Hotel, Scarborough is definitely different to any other type www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

of hotel. Extremely relaxing, the accommodation ranges from standard rooms to suites. There are facilities for bike maintenance, safe storage as well as a surf and body board store for those who want to combine cycling with water sports. Electric bikes can be hired to explore the adjoining areas, and with one charge covering return journeys of around 100 miles it gives plenty of scope for travel. Come tea time, there are free hot drinks and cake on offer. While in Scarborough, take a stroll along the lovely sandy beaches, and watch the fishing fleet in the working harbour while in the pretty Northstead Manor gardens, you can relax on one of the oldest seaside miniature railways en route to the Sea Life Centre. Take the coastal Cinder Track trail past Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby, before heading inland using quiet country lanes to reach the stunning heather bedecked moorland. In the autumn, it turns golden in colour but in summer is a brilliant carpet of purple. The route takes you through Glaisdale and the idyllic villages of Egton, Lealholm and Danby before passing through the amazingly named Fryup Dale. Enjoy the challenge of more open moorland scenery in Gillamoor with undulating twisting routes around the valley leading into the market town of Helmsley with its medieval castle. The next section of the route involves passing through farmland, pretty villages complete with thatched cottages and historic houses before climbing high up Sutton Bank to reach open moorland again. Explore the birthplace of Captain Cook, responsible for the discovery of Australia and the iconic mountain known as Roseberry Topping rearing out of a landscape full of myths and legends. Heading downhill there are reminders of a past era when mining and furnaces served the ironstone industry appear in Rosedale, before the serene tree-lined route heads back to Pickering.

There are other cycle routes too within the area such as a Coast & Forest circular (32 miles), the Dalby Forest Loop (14.5 miles) and road routes combining the beauties of the historic Castle Howard (of Brideshead Revisited fame) and Nunnington Hall (23 miles) or Leavening Brown & Kirkham Gorge (19 miles). Such routes can easily be linked to the North York Moors Cycle Trail and provide a pleasant offshoot giving different views on the area.

Cyclists can stay overnight at different locations, using panniers on their bikes to carry luggage from one place to another.

When organising a cycling holiday Mike recommends, “don’t bite off more than you can do when on cycling holidays. Keep daily distances within easy reach and give yourself time to relax afterwards. The North York Moors route has been deliberately designed so that you can do it in small sections. Keep baggage to a minimum and wear comfortable layers of clothing. Saddle shorts or padded cycling shorts are more comfortable when you are cycling long distances. Take some snacks, water, maps and use GPS which scrolls down telling you where to go – but don’t forget the waterproofs!” Cyclists can stay overnight at different locations, using panniers on their bikes to carry luggage from one place to another. Alternatively, arrangements can be made with All The Ride to undertake baggage handline so that luggage is automatically moved from one place to another, leaving you to enjoy the cycling experience. All The Ride not only provides baggage handling but organises itineraries and can arrange accommodation as well as offering guided tours where required. If you haven’t got your own bike, you can still enjoy the cycling experience as there are numerous hire centres around

the region. While manual bikes are still the norm, electric bikes have begun to make an impact. Mike comments “The distance between recommended overnight stages is sufficient for one charge on an electric bike. If you have hired the bike, then a charger is provided for overnight charging. When I was testing out the Boot and Bike Hotel in Scarborough, we had some cyclists using electric bikes to ride between Scarborough and Whitby – they got there and back on one charge and still had a lot of charge left afterwards.” He does issue a word of warning. “You do need do some training if you are unused to electric bikes. You cannot simply zoom off at high speed because every time you brake, the motor cuts out and you can find yourself being thrown off the bike if you do it too quickly. You need to get used to the bike, and choosing your correct setting before attempting the turbo charge facility.” The other factor that has to be borne in mind is that under UK law, cyclists must be 14 or over in order to use an electric bike on the roads. So why not get out into the fresh air and try a cycling holiday exploring some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK. You might be exhausted by the end of the day, but there is the satisfaction of knowing that it’s healthy exhaustion!

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Five Ways to Reduce Stress in Everyday Life Words: Juber Ahmed

“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” Marcus Aurelius. Though these words might have been mentioned many centuries ago, they still ring true today for the vast majority of us. Stress is a phenomenon that is widely experienced by many around the world. However, it’s important to remember that something like stress can be managed if the correct methods are explored. Whatever you choose to do, it’s key to take some time out to unwind to avoid mental and physical issues.

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Here are five ways to manage stress: 1. Exercise – exercise improves one’s mood and

helps relax the mind and body. You can choose from brisk walks, swimming, jogging or any other sport of your choice. Aim to exercise for around 2 – 3 hours a week and choose multiple forms of exercise to keep it interesting.

2. Relax Your Mind & Body – stress

causes the muscles to become tense. Loosening them therefore becomes a necessity. You can do this by taking a hot bath, sleeping, reading, and meditating.

3. Eat Well – research shows that those who

wish to regulate their mood and stress levels, should maintain a well-balanced diet. Consider including foods such as fruits, lean protein, and whole grains. Be cautious about skipping meals as this can aggravate stress. Check with your doctor if you’re body lacks any vitamins and consider taking supplements.

4. Take Breaks – we all need these. Our world

is filled with fast-paced movements and decisions. Therefore, retreat and catch a break. You can take part in calming activities such as meditating, yoga, and praying or spending time outdoors.

5. Pursue a hobby – reading and writing are

some of the biggest stress relievers. But these aren’t the only options. Research shows that people who take time out to pursue a hobby suffer less from stress and depression. Participating in exciting activities can alleviate many forms of stress and help pass time.

DOVESTONES Weston edge of the peak district in Oldham, Manchester.

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Situated on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District National Park, Dove Stone Reservoir is a spectacular area popular with visitors and for family days out. A picturesque spot, the main reservoir has its own sailing club, a permanent orienteering course, an extensive network of footpaths and good links to areas of open access moorland. An easy access path makes it simple for the whole family (wheelchair and pushchair accessible see below for details) to take a stroll round the reservoir, stopping on the way at Chew Brook to explore the rocks and paddle in the stream. For the adventurous the site includes two more reservoirs to walk round, Greenfield and Yeoman Hey, from which you can explore Saddleworth moor and the crags above In the Chew Valley, there is a large concentration of Crags making it an ideal place to rock climb. Dovestones Edge, Quarries, the Ravenstones and the weirdly-sculpted Wimberry Rocks have over 500 recognised climbs, all waiting to be explored! Dove Stone is open all year round, with the public toilets open dawn till dusk. Situated on the A635 leading out of Greenfield towards Holmfirth, the site is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in partnership with Oldham Council, United Utilities and the Peak District National Park (who have a ranger station on site). Accessible by foot, bus, train and car. There are also two public car parks (pay and display). www.visitoldham.com www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

How to Find Solace in a Marriage Words: Juber Ahmed

It isn’t always about the lavish date nights, trips to expensive restaurants and luxury vacations. Rather it is more about the little things that bring us closer to our spouse, ultimately bringing solace to a marriage. It is clear that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH did this extremely well as his saga is replete with such incidents. From understanding how his wives felt, to engaging in romantic conversations with her first thing in the morning, he demonstrated through his actions how to find solace in a marriage. A great listener, the Prophet PBUH was extremely alert about the emotional states of his wife. He once said to his wife, Aisha RA, “I can discern well when you are pleased with me and when you are annoyed with me. So, she replied, “How do you discern it?” Thereupon he said, “When you are pleased with me you say; “No, by the Lord of Muhammad,” and when you are annoyed with me, you say:” No, by the Lord of Ibrahim.”” She then said to him, “Oh Allah’s Messenger, by Allah, I do in fact leave your name (when I am annoyed with you).” (Muslim) Instances such as this, allow us to get a ‘behind-thescenes’ view on the discourses the Prophet PBUH had with his wives. Husbands and wives should exert effort in understanding each other’s feelings to decipher when one is happy or sad. Not only will it help solve any differences, but it will also allow you to console one another when required. Physical contact also played a significant role in strengthening the marital bond for the Prophet PBUH.

He used to lay in his wife’s lap and had his wife wash and comb his hair. It was the minor, less noticed actions, which many take for granted, which made a positive difference in the marriage. He would kiss his wife often, and make an effort to eat and drink from the part of the utensil from which his wife had consumed. He used to lift morsels of food to her mouth and assisted in much of the housework. The companions used to ask his wife Aisha RA, “What did the Prophet PBUH do at home?”, to which she replied, “He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was time for the prayer, he would get up for prayer”. (Bukhari) He respected their families and never disclosed private affairs about his wives to others. He was keen on using perfume when meeting his wives and called them by beautiful names. Out of love for his wife Aisha RA, he used to call her ‘Humaira’ meaning little red one, which referred to her reddish complexion due to the sun. He made an effort to engage in lighthearted conversations, with the intention to entertain and amuse her. These are snippets from the saga of the Prophet PBUH. Snippets, which may not amount to much in words, but are far superior in meaning. Next time you think about doing something for your significant other, start with the small things and witness your relationship flourish.

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Muslim Women Deserve Pleasure Too!

Nearly 50% of British women are dissatisfied with their sex lives, research reveals. Dissatisfaction is likely to be higher amongst Asian Muslim women according to sex educators working in the UK. Despite Islam granting women the right to sexual fulfilment with their husbands, many Muslim women do not feel entitled to pleasurable sex like their male counterparts. It’s a taboo topic that must be addressed. “Large percentage of Muslim women from South Asian backgrounds are dissatisfied with their sex lives,” says Muslim sexologist Iffet Rafeeq. This is mainly due to three reasons according to Rafeeq; a lack of appropriate sex education, a lack of recognition for female sexuality, and the myth that ‘good women’ do not enjoy pleasurable sex. Transformational coach and sex therapist Rosalean Batool adds “I speak to SO many women who are dissatisfied with their sex life because they feel ashamed to ask their husbands for sex.” “In our desi culture, (female) sexuality is so sinful,” says intimacy coach Pallavi Barnwal. From a young age, Asian women are led to believe that intimacy is shameful and that they should not speak about sex, even with their husbands! As a Muslim sex educator, I frequently receive messages from Asian and Muslim women complaining of a lack of sexual enjoyment. Many find it difficult to climax or speak about their desires with their husbands. Female sexual dissatisfaction is a pandemic! Millions of women around the world report having an unsatisfactory sex life and men do not know what to do about it. This has led many women to feel that sex is not important due to their past experiences of unpleasurable sex. Research shows that sexual enjoyment is important for a woman’s mental and emotional well-being. The importance of having a healthy, enjoyable sex life cannot be overstated. Mutual sexual enjoyment is not only a key part for a happy marriage, it increases self-esteem. We need to empower Muslim women to educate themselves about sensuality and to feel confident speaking about it. I believe Muslim men can play a part in helping women experience sexual pleasure. We have led women to believe that sex is primarily for men. We need to create a pleasure positive culture that enables us to have open and honest conversations so that more women can have fulfilling sexual experiences. We should focus on pleasure and bringing seduction back into sex. One of the biggest limitations to pleasurable sex is that many men do not understand women’s sexual needs or how to bring a woman to climax. Additionally, many women are not informed or confident enough to tell their husbands what they need to do. This can lead to feelings of frustration and displeasure.

“Disrupt the generational narratives that teach us that our bodies are bad, sex is wrong and that pleasure is for men only,” says Angelica Lindsey-Ali, popularly known as The Village Auntie. The Village Auntie is right! We need to change the narrative! Sex is a gift from Allah that should be a mutually pleasurable experience that both the husband and wife enjoys on their own terms. Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke about the importance of foreplay, female desire, and women’s sexual satisfaction.

I frequently receive messages from Asian and Muslim women complaining of a lack of sexual enjoyment.

In early Islam, female sexuality was not a taboo like it is nowadays in many Muslim communities. During the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him), women were given the freedom to speak about sensuality and seek sexual pleasure in marriage. In fact we have a rich heritage of Arabic-Muslim erotic texts and sex manuals dating back to the ninth century! These erotic texts often emphasized the sexual needs of women and the importance of female romantic fulfilment, Prominent scholars such as Egyptian polymath Jalal al-din al-Suyuti wrote over 23 books on sex and intimacy in the 15th century alone! Who says Islam doesn’t care about women’s right to pleasure?! Masturbation, oral sex, and female orgasm were each discussed at length by Muslim scholars including Iranian historian Abu al-Faraj Al-Isfahani and the Sufi poet Ibn al-Arabi in the 10th and 13th century, respectively. Unfortunately, following European colonisation, many Muslims adopted a Victorian Christian understanding of sexual morality which devalued female sensuality and considered sex to be for procreation purposes only. Nowadays many Muslim scholars and Islamic speakers tend to shy away from speaking about intimacy and female pleasure. We hear endless sermons and lectures about the husband’s right to sexual fulfilment, but what about women?

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Image credit:Allef Vinicius

Why do we not hear about the hadiths informing men to sexually satisfy their wives? Why do we not hear about the female companions who spoke about desire and pleasure? Why do we not hear about the Muslim sex manuals such as The Perfumed Garden and Encyclopaedia of Pleasure which celebrated female sexuality? We need to take female pleasure seriously. We need to debunk the myth that good women do not enjoy sex and are not entitled to pleasure. We need men to play an active role in supporting women’s right to sexual pleasure. We need to have open and honest discussions about sex and pleasure. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

We need better sex education that prioritises female pleasure. We need to support religiously trained Muslim sex educators. We need to create women-only spaces to speak about sex and intimacy. We need to remember that women deserve sexual pleasure too! Habeeb Akande is a writer, sex educator, and public speaker. He is the author of A Taste of Honey: Sexuality and Erotology in Islam, and Kunyaza: The Secret to Female Pleasure.

Pamper yourself at Pennyhill Park Pennyhill Park, Bagshot, Surrey

So the end of lockdown is on the horizon and high on your wish list of things to do is to treat yourself to an unabashed few days of self-indulgence, a little luxury and escapism. Beautiful surroundings, a spa with a roll call of treatments and the absolute necessity of not having to cook are what is required. Look no further than Pennyhill Park, a quintessentially British luxury hotel set in 123 acres of Surrey countryside. The sprawling main house exudes 18th-century splendour with chandelier adorned-rooms, sumptuous floor-to-ceiling curtains and elegant furniture that is contemporary yet reflects the period. There are 124 rooms, with 26 in the main house. All offer a blend of contemporary and period touches including vintage furniture and glassware, heavilypatterned wallpapers and throws, and winged armchairs. You can work up an appetite by pulling on your walking boots and exploring the extensive grounds; head to the hotel’s tennis court, or its three-hole golf course, or you

can simply curl up fireside with a good book and your favourite tipple. Pennyhill’s spa, which is in a contemporary building opposite the main house, is impressive: with no less than 8 pools, both indoor and outdoor, it has hot tubs, herbal steam rooms, laconiums and jacuzzis along with experience showers, relaxation rooms and a plethora of treatments to choose from. Tailor your spa stay to achieve your desired results, whether it is to detox and unwind or invigorate and rejuvenate. After all that hard work, it’s time to try one of the two award-winning restaurants at Pennyhill Park. If it’s a gastronomical adventure you require, then the Michelin starred Latymer fine dining restaurant is where you can sample an exquisite tasting menu made up of either seven or five courses. Situated in one of the oldest parts of the hotel, the Latymer is luxurious yet intimate and is comprised of oak wood panelling, a beamed ceiling, and

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...a quintessentially British luxury hotel set in 123 acres of Surrey countryside...

chairs and banquettes covered in rich fabrics. Enjoy the freshest ingredients of the highest quality prepared by chef Matt Worswick. If it’s something a little less formal – and a little livelier – that you are after, then the no less decorated two AARosette Brasserie is a solid dining alternative. With a breakfast that touches all the bases, you can choose from an extensive buffet of fresh fruits, cold meats, smoked salmon and dishes such as sausages and poached eggs. Honey from the hotel’s hives are a given! For the latest booking information, visit exclusive. co.uk/pennyhill-park or call 01276 486 159 Location: On the A30 London Road between Ascot, Sunningdale and Wentworth, it’s close to junction three of the M3 motorway and 45 minutes from central London. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Reach for your wands and seek an ancient spell to defeat darkness, solve a murder mystery, seek out treasure in far flung lands, puzzle your way through Wonderland or try to defeat a mad scientist intent on destroying the world. This is the world of Escape rooms – one of the most challenging, demanding and entertaining leisure activities, which can be enjoyed live or at home. Escape rooms requires groups to work together to try and solve puzzles using a variety of skills ranging from code breaking and riddles to logic, navigating mazes, origami or finding keys. With time inexorably ticking away, the problem solving becomes even more frenetic – no one wants to lose to the clock! Over the past decade, escape rooms have steadily become a feature of almost every town and city across the UK. Some are operated by national chains like Escape Hunt, which others are very individualistic and local such as Deadlocked Escape Rooms in Reading, Da Vinci’s exploration in London, Beyond Breakout in Powys, History Mystery in Norwich. Most companies offer more than one game option at any one site. Themes and story lines are wide ranging – the most popular being haunted houses, crime scenes, space

ESCAPE ROOMS By Angela Youngman

stations, history, zombies, mad scientists, myths and magic. Some rooms involve well known characters such as Harry Potter and Dr Who. Live action games generally last one hour. The session starts with a short briefing about the plot and the characters, plus safety information explaining how to get out in an emergency. All live games are monitored via computer screens and players can request clues or leave at any time – but if you leave, you don’t get extra time! Mobile phones have to be left outside, as you are dependent solely on your own and your group’s skills to solve the puzzles. Since space within a live escape room is always limited, participant numbers tend to be no more than 6, making it a perfect socially distanced activity for small groups during the pandemic. The arrival of Covid and lockdown led to the development of numerous downloadable and online games. There are several different types of games available. Some games such as Escape Hunt’s Stolen require minimal online activity,

with most of the material being downloaded before the game starts while others like the School of Magic are mix of printable material and online puzzles. Alternatively, there are games which are purely online like Deadlock’s Cyphstress and Bewilderbox’s The B.R.U.C.E Project which can be played at any time; as well as games that involve an avatar or as in Escape Live’s Shakespeare Script with a live games master who is instructed by team members to undertake different tasks. This latter type of game requires teams to book in at set times. Games of this kind are ideal for larger groups of friends or families seeking to socialise online during lockdown or simply when it is too cold, wet and dark to go out! It can even be a way of connecting with family and friends in other countries. Limitations are very much down to technology, internet access and time zones. One of the advantages of such downloadable or online games is the fact that there is more flexibility as to numbers

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and time limits. Some preparation is needed as some games require material to be printed out before you start, and you may need scissors, pen and paper to help work out the clues. As long as you have computer access, you can usually use a variety of contact platforms such as Facebook messenger or Zoom to co-ordinate between different households. We tested out some of these games working across several households many miles apart, and found that while some lasted about an hour, others could take a long time. Deadlocked’s Cyphstress was so enthralling, and so challenging that we totally forgot that it could be done in two sections! If it hadn’t been for a panicked telephone call seeking assistance at ten o’clock at night, we would probably still have been going strong in the early hours of the morning as we were mistakenly convinced that a group of clues had to be translated into Greek before we could go any further! It is a brilliant game,which tests you to the utmost, but does have the potential to drive you absolutely crazy especially when navigating the labyrinth. With visual, audio and online clues involved together with a vast array of puzzles including anagrams, word and tactical challenges requiring you to search out information online

while playing the game, co-ordinating and working together as a team was essential. Escape Hunt has several downloadable games including The School of Magic, The Treasure of the Aztecs and Stolen. Parts of the game need to be printed off first as clues may involve cutting sections out, folding and twisting, maps comic strips, riddles, cipher wheels or puzzle grids. Facebook access is needed as solutions have to be inputted at regular intervals to allow you to progress through the game. It also allowed you to request extra clues when the group has run out of ideas. The only game which we found didn’t really work across several households online was Level Up which is based n a 1980’s computer game. It was very hard for more than one person at a time to be working on each section, leaving other members feeling left out. ClueQuest offers a series of linked episodic games, which need to be played in order or you lose the thread of the story. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

It is really detailed as up to 26 pages per episode need to be printed out relating to varying tasks even before you start the online game. A password links all the players together. Scientists are mysteriously disappearing without a trace and there are rumours of a strange network called AlphaBrain. Agent Crimson had discovered clues, but has since been captured. The challenge is to decode her clues, find out what Professor BlackSheep is up to and stop him. Each episode becomes ever more complex and challenging – driving us quietly crazy at times. There was lots of discussion required, and tasks ranged from solving visual clues, maps, cut out challenges, programming and deciphering the London Sheep Exchange. Co-decode’s Oldervik Online offers the choice of printing materials at home, having it posted to you or doing it purely online. Set in a Professor Dunstan universe, it is lively, entertaining involving hunting for jewels, and journeys by train and ship. Available in chapters, you need to start at the beginning otherwise it is hard to follow the storyline. The B.R.U.C.E Project from Bewilderbox is purely online, requiring players to be linked via Zoom, Skype or phone. The story line focuses on a scientist whose dimension hopping adventures have gone hideously wrong leaving him as a brain in a tank of fluid. Can you create a robot that can be controlled by the human mind? The goal is to complete the mission as fast as you can. With only one puzzle window open at a time, you do need to take screen shots and notes otherwise you are likely to forget important information. Over at Escape Live, the Shakespeare Script has attracted players from all over the world. Just before the opening performance at The Globe Theatre, the only copy of Shakespeare’s latest play has gone missing. Players have just 60 minutes to solve the mystery by giving instructions with a live Games master working in the Escape Room in Stratford upon Avon. It is best suited to a family group within the same house whereas Escape Live’s other online game Rogue Agent can be played across multiple locations. The only problem with Escape Games is that they can become addictive! Once you have played one game, most people want to try more whether online or in a live room at one of the many centres nationwide.

www.escapelive.co.uk/online-escape-rooms www.escapehunt.com www.deadlockedrooms.com www.co-decode.co.uk www.bewilderbox.co.uk www.cluequest.co.uk

MUSLIM ENTREPRENEURS SAY THEY ARE READY TO LIFT THE ECONOMY POST LOCKDOWN Five positive thinking entrepreneurs on how they plan to help lift the economy post the Covid-19 crisis. Shelina Permalloo

Owner and Executive Chef Lakaz Maman, MasterChef Winner Post lockdown vision:

Lockdown has been a challenging time for many but particularly for those in hospitality where often we were the first industry to be shut down and or rigid restrictions placed on our operations, conversely, eating out during the Covid pandemic has actually become one of the safest things to do with only 2% of transmission happening across the sector. We are used to operating with high food and hygiene standards so it wasn’t arduous introducing even more cleaning. We have had over 5500 customers through our doors with not 1 case of Covid amongst staff or customers. In order to keep our spirits lifted during lockdown we wanted to give back to the local community and we decided to prepare 1500 meals for NHS staff, key workers and homeless shelters, it gave us the opportunity to come together as a team and cook together again and lift our spirits as well as humbling us because the reminder was that no matter how bad our personal situations felt there is always someone who is worse off than you, and it was a message that I wanted to remind our team and myself of. As we are now presented with our second lockdown I have learned that having a positive approach and outcome is the only way to get through it, keeping organised and keeping to a routine as much as possible is the best coping mechanism. I have also learnt that if you need a large slice of double fudge cake with cream, then you are afforded that indulgence at any time during this period you can deal with the consequences another time!

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Ishfaq Farooq Director - Mylahore

Post lockdown vision:

Our business mission post lockdown was to continue to grow and serve delicious food all centred around our ‘British Asian story’. We continue our mission to become a national brand which told our British Asian story through food, design and the joy of eating together. We want to continue to inspire others and support our communities, We’re inspired to build on the pioneering migrant spirit of those that journeyed before us, and pass on something positive to those that come after us. We want to nurture our team and help them be the best they can and help spread the message of ‘Savouring the moment’ with loved ones. Mylahore will continue to evolve and strive to give our guest the ultimate British Asian kitchen experience.

Javed Khan

Entrepreneurial charity CEO - Barnardo’s Post lockdown vision:

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “Charities face a ‘perfect storm’ of growing demand for our services and reduced resource – which is set to intensify during the recession. “More children are likely to live in poverty, to enter the care system and to struggle with mental health problems – with BAME communities particularly at risk. “My focus is on continuing to support the vulnerable children and young people who need us most, in the face of a £50m loss of income. “However, our goal is not just to ‘recover’ from this crisis, but to work towards ‘resurgence’, generating innovation, creating children’s services that are fit for the future, and working creatively with partners in Government, business and the charity sector to improve the life chances of vulnerable children. “

Farzana Rahman

Founder - Desi Doll Company Post lockdown vision:

The speed and severity with which the CoVid19 Pandemic hit was something no one could’ve prepared for and for The DesiDoll Company the timing couldn’t have been more disruptive. It hit China, our main production centre, right at our busiest season; pre Ramadan. With no time to think, I had to refocus not only production deadlines and cashflow but also our supply chain. Retail and wholesale died overnight. Moving from a B2B to B2C business model (and an online one at that) in a matter of days was probably one of my greatest business challenges, but one that Alhamdullilah saved my business from devastation. Now looking forward focus will be on strengthening our online sales platforms, direct customer interaction and enhanced services ,boosted by a ever increased social media presence with the aim insha’Allah to be on an equal footing with our wholesale business, should god forbid, anything like this happen again. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

Kazi Abidur Rahman Owner of Sunnamusk

Post lockdown vision:

I think this pandemic has certainly changed our outlook on how we view businesses and customers. The pandemic has brought most businesses to a standstill which has taught us better how to work with our teams on a very personal level, to keep businesses afloat and to keep fighting through this battle with COVID19. At Sunnamusk we are certainly blessed to have team members on board, who were willing to put their life on the line to protect the business and ensure that we come out the other end successfully, which initially seemed like a dark tunnel. We worked tirelessly through days and nights to adapt our business for a more e-commerce friendly business, which kept us going and I think the vision stays the same. We will aim to be a more tech-friendly e-commerce business which has the advantage of operating even throughout a crisis like this. It is a challenge with a business that involves smelling fragrance but Alhamdulillah we were able to overcome some of this through many different strategies implemented for our brand new website which launched in November 2020.

In the year 2021-2022, Spice Village is all set to expand in the UK and other European countries.....

Suleman Raza

Founder - Spice Village Group Post lockdown vision:

Spice Village’s group vision post-lockdown is to continue leading the hospitality industry while creating intriguing food stories for our clients, crafting exceptional events at Iconic venues by adapting the latest trends. Our awardwinning team will continue offering healthiest British Pakistani cuisine to titillate the gastronomic senses of our customers at exceptional value while cost-effectively creating luxurious and unforgettable events through efficient planning and seamless event management services. Spice Village Group will continue to promote eco-friendly practises and zero waste policy and encourage other food businesses to source 100% of meat, poultry and vegetables from British farmers, growers, and suppliers to promote and contribute into the British Economy. We also want to continue supporting and give back to our local communities. We aim to be the market leader in the Asian catering industry and grow our business with the same integrity we used to craft our recipes. We are encouraging innovation, creativity and originality within our organisation to achieve our targets. In the year 2021-2022, Spice Village is all set to expand in the UK and other European countries with an international network of franchises.

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Here’ Here’s Nine Ways To Save More Money Words: Juber Ahmed

Everyone wants to save money. Here’s nine ways to get started. 1. Set Saving Goals – Without a goal, there’ll be no motive. So, set yourself a target and work towards it.

2. Cancel Subscriptions – Check your

subscriptions and you’ll most likely find unnecessary ones. Unsubscribe promptly!

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3. Search & sell! – Buried deep amongst the

clutter of unwanted clothing and items at home, is an opportunity to sell online and make some quick cash.

4. Eat in & Make Your Own Lunch

– You can easily spend £5-£10 on lunch. Instead, prepare your own and save in the long run. Also, avoid costly takeaways and restaurants by planning meals ahead, so that you can purchase ingredients and cook at home.

5. Buy a Reusable Water Bottle –

Constantly purchasing water bottles can ultimately be costly. Besides, think about the harm plastic has on the environment. So, Invest in a reliable metal or glass reusable bottle to save the environment and money.

6. Rent your property – Do you have a spare

room, an empty apartment or house? Why not rent it. Renting your property can be a means of a regular income and savings.

7. Cashback sites – If you regularly shop online then sign up to cashback sites such as Topcashback and Quidco and go about your online shopping via them. With every order you’ll acquire cashback and save money gradually. It’s straightforward and you’re simply saving on purchases you’d normally make.

8. Digital Banking - Today, the digital banking

industry has created apps such as Yolt, Monzo, Starling etc. Easily accessible via smartphone and with options to create money pots and to lock money away till a certain date, you’ll be saving money in no time.

9. Using coupons - This savvy tip comes in

handy to save money when purchasing online and instore. Look out for voucher codes online, in magazines and newspapers.

BOOKS | READING CORNER

The Library - A mix of positive, entrepreneurial and true story of Britain’s rising British Muslim star. Recommended Spring reads.

Hijab and Red Lipstick

By Yousra Imran Amazon, £6.55

The Chimp Paradox By Steve Peters

Ebury Digital - £10,65

Relentless: 12 Rounds to Success By Eddie Hearn

Women in Islam: What the Qur’an & Sunnah Say

Little Badman and the Time-travelling Teacher of Doom By Humza Arshad

Born Fighter

Amazon - £14.00

& Henry White

Penguin Roundhouse - £5.99 76

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By Abdur Raheem Kidwai Kube Publishing - £8.99

By Ruqsana Begum & Sarah

Shephard Simon & Schuster UK - £12.99

Books for the little ones…

Migo and Ali: Love for the Prophets - £13.95 By Zanib Mian Buy now from: anafiya.com

Spell It Like Samar - £9.99 By Shifa Safadi Buy now from: anafiya.com

Mian has carefully written stories of 17 prophets (peace be upon them all) in engaging child-friendly language. The quality of the delivery is synononmous to her other titles, and raises the bar yet again for Islamic childrens books. Presented in a large hardback with 164 full colour pages, the story follows the two loveable characters Migo the bear and a young boy named Ali. It has a unique storytelling style with each story concluding with a dialogue between the two. Ali will ask Migo questions that your child will already be thinking about. Packed with beautiful full-page illustrations and fun text, it is very easy to read, and children from ages 3 and up will be sure to enjoy the book. It has been approved by scholars including Sheikh Shady AlSuleiman who writes: “I read the book and found it very beneficial for Muslim children. It is easy to read and understand. May Allah reward those behind it with the greatest of rewards.”

An empowering story of persistence and believing in yourself! Samar has recently moved to America from Syria, and everything is new. Even the jump rope games at recess are unfamiliar. It doesn’t help that Jenna, the class bully, keeps making fun of Samar’s accent. Samar decides to enter the school spelling bee to prove once and for all that she’s smarter than everyone thinks! But learning the words turns out harder than she thought. Can Samar be persistent and compete in the school spelling bee? Ages 4+, 36 pages, softcover Written by Shifa Safadi

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The World’s Worst Parents Synopsis - £6.50 By David Walliams Buy now from: Amazon.co.uk Are you ready to meet the worst parents ever? Sure, some parents are embarrassing – but they’re NOTHING on this lot. These ten tales of the world’s most spectacularly silly mums and deliriously daft dads will leave you rocking with laughter. Pinch your nose for Peter Pong, the man with the stinkiest feet in the world… jump out of the way of Harriet Hurry, the fastest mum on two wheels… watch out for Monty Monopolize, the dad who takes all his kids’ toys… and oh no, it’s Supermum! Brandishing a toilet brush, a mop and a very bad homemade outf it…

LET IT GO - £5.99 LEARNING THE LESSON OF FORGIVENESS By (author) Na’ima B. Robert and Menk Mufti Buy now from: kubepublishing.com Take off your heavy bag of worries and learn to forgive, move on, and let go. ‘Life isn’t always easy Even when you’re small, You may feel angry, or hurt or sad, We’re only human, after all.’ We all have days when things seem to go from

PROPHET ADAM AND WICKED IBLIS ACTIVITY BOOK - £1.99 By Saadah Taib Buy now from: Kubepublishing.com Introducing the Muslim story of the first man, Prophet Adam, in an imaginative, fun-filled way. A charming activity book, bursting with joyful animals and colorful backgrounds, that introduces children to the Prophet Adam, and one particular story of his. Full of activities including crosswords, puzzles, mazes and colouring, this book is a wonderful way to teach children about the Prophet Adam, the wonders of Paradise where he once lived, and how Iblis got him to disobey Allah.

bad to worse. Follow one little boy whose frustrating day is making him angrier and angrier and see where it takes him.

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Sesame naan bread Make your own flatbread from scratch. The ideal accompaniment to any curry dish, this naan is kicked up a notch with the crunch of sesame seeds.

Ingredients • • • • • • • •

plain flour 500g caster sugar 1 rounded tbsp salt 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp milk 220ml-240ml vegetable oil 4 tbsp sesame seeds 8 tbsp, mixed black and white butter 2 tbsp for serving

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Method STEP 1 Sift the dry ingredients together. Mix the milk and oil. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid. Slowly mix together the dough by working from the centre and incorporating the flour from the edges of the well so that you have a smooth, soft dough. Knead well for 8-10 minutes, adding a little flour if the dough is too sticky. Put in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and leave in a warm place to rest for 30 minutes. STEP 2 Heat the grill and put a heavy baking sheet on the upper shelf of the oven. STEP 3 Divide the dough into 10 balls and thinly roll each to a large teardrop shape. Sprinkle over the sesame seeds and press into the dough with damp hands. Put the naans on the hot baking sheet and grill for just 1-2 minutes or until they are golden and have puffed up. Brush with butter and serve hot.

Vegan Tahini and Cinnamon Cookies By Shelina Permalloo

What you’ll need • • • • • • • •

100g maple syrup 100g tahini 150g almond flour (ground almonds will be fine) 1tsp baking powder 1/4tsp cinnamon powder Pinch of salt 1/2tsp vanilla powder or vanilla bean paste 80g sesame seeds *for topping

Pre heat oven to 180 Mix all the ingredients but reserve the sesame seeds until the end and pack these on top of the cookies. Cook for 7 - 9 mins. Be careful they don’t catch on the edges they will be soft when you take them out but it will harden as you give it time to cool. Makes around 10 cookies

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Hummus Ingredients • • • • • •

400g can chickpeas, drained 80ml extra virgin olive oil 1-2 fat garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 lemon, juiced then ½ zested 3 tbsp tahini Mixed crudités and toasted pitta bread, to serve (optional)

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Method STEP 1 Thoroughly rinse the chickpeas in a colander under cold running water. Tip into the large bowl of a food processor along with 60ml of the oil and blitz until almost smooth. Add the garlic, lemon and tahini along with 30ml water. Blitz again for about 5 mins, or until the hummus is smooth and silky. STEP 2 Add 20ml more water, a little at a time, if it looks too thick. Season and transfer to a bowl. Swirl the top of the hummus with the back of a dessert spoon and drizzle over the remaining oil. Serve with crunchy crudités and toasted pitta bread, if you like.

Iced tea with rose syrup For the past few years I have grown to love Iced tea and recently I was introduced to this yummy mix of rose syrup. There’s nothing more that says summer to me then Iced tea. This is a thirst quencher and will provide you with the perfect fuel for all those lazy summer afternoons ahead of us.

Rose Syrup Iced Tea for 1 2 rooibos tea bags 1 cup of boiling water 1 tbsp sugar 1/2 lemon 4 tbsp rose syrup 1 cup of iced water 1. Place tea bags into your cup. Pour boiling water over your tea bags and stir in sugar until dissolved. 2. Microwave you ½ lemon for about 30 seconds, to release the juices, then scope out the pips and squeeze the juice into the cup of tea. Allow the lemon to steep for 5 minutes. 3. Remove teabags and the ½ lemon, scraping out the flesh and adding it to the tea. You may choose to keep your tea pulp free, in which case just omit the last step. 4. Add rose syrup to the tea, stirring the combine, and then fill your cup with cold water. Chill before sipping.

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