Ilma Magazine June 2013 | Issue 1

Ilma magazine

June 2013 | Issue 1 www.thedawahproject.com

Live, Learn & Inspire

Contents

04

Editorial It is time for a change!

The Dawah Project charity was established in 2007 and now we are in 2013 with a new approach.

06

The Dawah Project Who are we?

08

Reflection The Mother of Islam: Balancing Family Life, Work and Faith.

11

Islam Channel Religious programmes on Islam Channel

13

Upcoming Events Join the Dawah Project at these events

It is time for a change In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Compassionate.

Editorial Human beings are always changing and by the Permission of Allah, The Almighty, changing for the better. The Dawah Project too is going through changes. Alhamdulillah, so many of our wonderful subscribers send us feedback commenting on the work we produce and give thought provoking advice on how we can improve it.

The Dawah Project charity was established in 2007 and now we are in 2013 with a new approach. We want to interact with our subscribers a great deal more. The newsletter has been transformed into a short magazine; fun, informative and certainly interactive. Ilma Magazine inspired by the word “Ilm”, which means ‘knowledge’ provides reflective writings on the various aspects of life for Muslims and non-Muslims.

Not only that, we have revamped The Dawah Project website!

Website Designer, Ruhel Amin from Imagine8 Media has been working on the website for the last 6 months and All Praise be to Allah, it is now live with a fresh new look. Go to

www.thedawahproject.com These continuous small changes result into achievements and with Allah’s Permission and Grace it is happening due to a hard working team at The Dawah Project and Islam Channel and you, the reader will see more positive changes to come insha’Allah.

Email us your thoughts on the Ilma Magazine: ‘Live, Learn & Inspire’ and the renewed website at newsletter@thedawahproject.com Jazakum Allahu Khair The Dawah Project Team

June 2013 / Issue 1

4

The Dawah Project Who are we?

Advances in technology have given people more ways to access an increasing amount of information. Islam being the most talked about religion in the current climate we had to reach the tech-savvy public providing Islamic Education that is sound, diverse and beneficial. The Dawah Project sponsors religious media utilising TV, Radio and Literature.

Since the launch of this ambitious project in April 2012 we have raised ÂŁ116,000.

Since 2007, The Dawah Project has been funding the Religious Programming on Islam Channel, which includes some of your favourite programmes such as The Final Legacy, IslamiQA, Live Hajj Coverage, Footsteps of Ibrahim series and many more. Islam Channel being broadcasted in English aims for its varied programming to appeal to both Muslims and

June 2013 / Issue 1

non-Muslims. Ultimately, conveying Islam to curious non-Muslims and to further educate Muslims. Many viewers have said that Islam Channel has reinvigorated their faith and drawn them much closer to Allah, The Most High. Whether it is Islamic History or the Islamic perspective on a moral issue the channel is covering it. Islam Channel is available in over 135 countries and is also available globally online at their website

www.islamchannel.tv The success of Islam Channel has been phenomenal and now we are aiming to have the same success with Radio. In countries where access to technology is expensive or illiteracy rates are high, radio continues to play an important role in sharing information. Radio broadcasts can provide real-time information, broadcasted 24 hours a day to provide the most recent updates to listeners. Stations have the ability to

6

reach across borders and become a source of information where reliable news is scarce. When access to the internet is blocked and phone lines are cut, people can still search the airwaves for trustworthy sources.

Even electricity is not a necessity for battery-operated and hand-cranked radios.

The Radio Campaign is global, targeting Africa and some parts of Asia.

In many parts of Africa, over 80% of people have regular access to a radio, making it a crucial source of information. Currently, 40.84% of the African population is Muslim.

Together with TV and Radio, we are also looking into establishing an International Dawah Centre to fulfill our obligatory duty of Dawah and to

June 2013 / Issue 1

promote better understanding of Islam and it’s teachings in the world community. The multifaceted International Dawah Centre will be open to all residents and visitors regardless of their faith and will enable us to interact with the wider Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike. Since the launch of this ambitious project in April 2012 we have raised over £116,000.

The Dawah Project moto is that ‘It is OUR Obligation as a Muslim and OUR Purpose as part of the Ummah to spread the message of OUR Deen.’ Support The Dawah Project today!

Call us on 0207 330 1744

7

Reflection The Mother of Islam: Balancing Family Life, Work and Faith “She believed in me when none else did, she embraced Islam when people disbelieved me; and she helped and comforted me when there was none to lend me a helping hand.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Sahih Al-Bukhari.

This was the woman whom Allah (The Bestower of Honour) selected to accompany the Prophet (peace be upon him) in his struggle to carry on the message of “Tawheed” (doctrine of Oneness of God) at its most vulnerable stages.

In this June Issue reflecting on the theme of women in early Islamic History; we pay tribute to Khadijah bin Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with her). She was the first wife of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and his closest confidant, supporter and the first person to embrace Islam. She is regarded as one of the most inspiring women of 7th century Arabia by Muslims and non Muslims.

Khadijah bin Khuwaylid (may Allah be please with her) is the epitome of a Muslim woman balancing family life, work and faith.

Khadijah, whose name means “the pure woman”, married Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) whose name is defined by his character “the honest and trustworthy” one. Indeed a match made in heaven! Khadijah was moved by the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) beautiful manners ans characteristics. The character report done by Khadijah’s servant Maysarah from a business trip to Syria, he noticed a “cloud in the sky” that was following the Prophet (peace be upon him) “wherever he went and stops when he stops” (Bhukari). Khadijah was intrigued as she had prior knowledge before about a Prophet who was Khadijah, whose name means “the pure woman”, married expected to arise Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) whose name is at that time in Makkah. She learned defined by his character “the honest and trustworthy” one. that from her cousin Waraqa, who was Khadijah was a successful business woman a prominent Christian scholar. Khadijah became amongst the Quraysh tribe and having been marpreoccupied by the issue of our beloved Prophet ried twice with children this did not stop her from Muhammad (peace be upon him); she observed expanding her business empire that she inherited his personality and beliefs, and came to the confrom her father. The most respected lady in the viction that this is the man she wanted to marry. pre-Islamic Makkan society known for her beauty, It is remarkable to know that she did not distress decency and wisdom was not looking again for her over the fact that the Prophet (peace be upon him) “naseeb” (one’s share in life). Our beloved Prophcame from a lower socio-economic background in et Muhammad (peace be upon him) came from a comparison to her luxurious life. She had faith in poor background; a shepherd and a trader workthis marriage believing that it would complete each ing for Khadijah. Little did they know that they were other. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was 25 destined to be together and share a journey filled years old at that time and Khadijah (may Allah be with love, respect and Islam. Khadijah had a sharp pleased with her) was 40 years old; not to mention intuition enabling her to see through people and the age gap is still a current taboo! It is only with events. More significantly it was unusual to know Khadijah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) had that she never worshiped idols during the time of children being blessed with four daughters Zayignorance. nab, Ruqayya, Umm Kulthum and Fatima (may

June 2013 / Issue 1

8

11

Tips for a Blissful Marriage

1. Enter the Marriage with the Right Intention and Renew this Often 2. Remember that Your Spouse is also Your Brother or Sister in Islam 3. Do Not Hold Unrealistic Expectations

Allah be pleased with all of them). The peaceful union lasted for 25 years.

Their marriage grew stronger due to an incident that changed their lives forever. When it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Mount Jabal al-Nour that he is a Messenger sent from Allah, The Most Great. He was stunned by what he was hearing from Angel Jibril. He described the experience being painful and coming close to death. This terrifying experience made him confide to Khadijah, “Cover me! Cover me!” (Bhukari). The Prophet (peace be upon him) feared he was going mad or being possessed. Khadijah put all his fears to rest: “Do not worry,” she said, “for

by Him who has dominion over Khadijah’s soul, I hope that you are the Prophet of this nation. Allah would never humiliate you, for you are good to your relatives, you are true to your word, you help those who are in need, you support the weak, you feed the guest and you answer the call of those who are in distress.” (Great Women of Islam by Mahmood Ahmad Ghadanfar). Those words of Khadijah were a source of great comfort to him as she sincerely admired and loved his character and believed that Allah, The Watchful One, also agreed with her judgment. She accepted his message of the first revelation and embraced Islam.

After his Prophethood began, and the opposition of his people became oppressive, Khadijah was always there to support her husband sacrificing all of her wealth for the cause of Islam. When they were banished to the hills outside of Makkah, she went there with him, and the three years of hardship and deprivation eventually led to her death. Khadijah died in the year of 619 CE, entitled as the ‘Year of Sorrow’ by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is after Khadijah’s death that Allah,

June 2013 / Issue 1

4. Emphasize the Best in Your Spouse

5. Be Your Partners Best Friend 6. Spend Quality Time Together

7. Express Feelings Often 8. Admit to Mistakes and ask for Forgiveness

9. Never Bring up Mistakes of the Past

10. Surprise Each Other at Times 11. Make Each Other Laugh

The Merciful, introduced the 5 daily prayers for Muslims to perform in order to seek peace, protection and guidance from their Lord.

We reflect upon this aspect of history and it can be said that their love story is exemplary, real and the greatest. Khadijah was a source of immense love, strength, and comfort for the Prophet (peace be upon him) that even after her death he would send food and support to Khadijah’s friends and relatives out of love for her.

May Allah (The Guardian) bless and protect every marriage union in this life and the Hereafter, Ameen.

9

Reminder “A man dreams of a perfect wife whilst a woman dreams of a perfect husband yet they don’t realise that they’ve been created to complete one another.”

Mufti Ismail Menk

Supplication

“Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You.” (25:74) Wa ‘allaziina yaquluun rabbnaa hab lanaa min azwaajnaa wa zurreyaatnaa qurrah a yun wa ijalnaa li al muttaqiin ‘imaam(an)

Islam Channel’s Religious Programmes

IslamiQA

Recite

Simply Islam

Guest: Sheikh Hamad Abdul Muhsin at Tuwaijiree, specializing in Aqeedah and is a Professor at the prestigious Muhammad Ibn Saud University, Saudi Arabia.

Guest: Sheikh Abu Bakr Shatri is a world renowned Saudi based Imam and Quran reciter known for his soothing oratory.

New Short Series filmed in Qatar and the U.A.E with Sheikh Sajid Ahmad Umar on issues relating to Muslims in the West.

Guest: Sheikh Nasser ibn Abdul Rahman al Hammad is currently the Imam and Khateeb at Masjid ibn Majah in Riyadh.

Telecasts (BST):

Guest: Sheikh Abdur Raheem McCarthy is a world renowned Islamic lecturer, teacher of Arabic and Daee. He has also attended several international conferences and has TV shows on Peace TV, Tayba TV, and Sharjah TV.

Telecasts (BST): Fridays 7pm - 8pm

Sundays 5:15pm Repeats Tuesdays 6:00pm Wednesdays 2:20pm

Telecasts (BST): Mondays - Thursdays 11am - 12pm & 7 days a week 8pm - 9pm June 2013 / Issue 1

11

is looking for contestants for a brand new

Ramadhan Game Show

WIN! TWO all-inclusive tickets to Umrah!

Are you a savvy person with Islamic Knowledge? Are you over the age of 18 and from the UK? Then this is the show for you!

Battle it out against other contestants to win TWO all-inclusive tickets to Umrah!

For your chance to appear on the ‘5 PILLARS GAMESHOW’ send your name and contact details to

5pillars@islamchannel.tv

ENTRY DEADLINE IS FRIDAY 14TH JUNE 2013

Upcoming Events

Dawah Card Sponsors

Deaf Run 2013 event; Urban Muslim Women Show; Al-Risalah event

www.bigmoes.co.uk 020 8591 8127

www.hajjsafe.co.uk

www.luluchic.co.uk facebook.com/luluchicuniquehijabs

www.zaidiandco.co.uk 0208 767 2300

June 2013

13

Your Space

Get Involved

Support Us

Every month there is an opportunity for all talented writers out there to submit an article on a topic of their choice that includes Islam as a frame of reference.

Send us your article at

We are always looking for volunteers and interns to help us! Whether it is administration work; leafleting; call centre; working at events; we always need some help! Your assistance and hard work makes the work we do more efficient and so get involved and reap the rewards from Allah (The Most High). Age requirement for volunteers is 16 years and above. Send your CV and covering letter to

Online Donation www.thedawahproject.com

newsletter@thedawahproject.com with your name and contact number.

We will choose one subscribers’ article for each issue.

volunteer@thedawahproject.com

Call Us On 020 7330 1744 Text DAWA11 and the amount you would like to donate to 70070 (up to £10) Example: DAWA11 £10 Texts are free on all UK networks and 100% of your donation goes to The Dawah Project Send Cheque Payable to: The Dawah Project LTD , 14 Bonhill Street, London EC2A 4BX Follow Us twitter.com/TheDawahProject Like Us facebook.com/Dawah.Project

June 2013 / Issue 1

14