Issue 11

Issue 11

January 2012

Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) SilkRoad Road to Damascus Amirah Foundation

Saint Valentine Eating Disorders Humble Friendship Zheng He

Stained glass panel by artish Huda

Awad

www.hudaawad.com

Fifteen21 inspires young Muslims to be proud of their British Muslim identity. The name Fifteen21 is derived from both the 15th century of the Islamic Hijri year and the 21st century of the Common era. Fifteen21 aims to reconcile both Muslim and British identity.

Designed by Hafizur Rahman All views are of the authors alone and not necessarily of those held by Fifteen21

Editorial Fozia Parveen Dear Readers, Asalamu Alaykum & Happy Chinese New Year!

Many of us drink tea, yet how many of you knew that tea was native to China?

I was amazed to find how developed Eastern civilization and philosophy was, ahead of their time, yet largely overshadowed by Roman civilization. Just some of the discoveries which we are indebted to the Chinese for during this period are chess, the compass, playing cards, iron making, paper block printing, silk, porcelain, tea and paper money.

(each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).’

(Qur’an 49: 13)

History is the story of who we are. Our identity, our moral conscience, our worldview, our aspirations and sense of place in the world today, are inspired through the histories of nations, people, events, inventions, religions, discoveries, and hero’s gone before. It is human nature to be curious about the ‘other’ and Ibn Khaldun (1332‘O mankind! We created you 1406) and Ibn Battuta from a single (pair) of a male (1304 – 1369) are two Muslim examples of social and a female, and made scientists from North Africa you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other who travelled extensively for this very purpose. When you (not that ye may despise

study others, you are really studying yourself; delving into the unknown, who knows what hidden gems you may uncover.

As always, we have a new issue bursting with inspiring stories, from Zheng He, a Chinese Muslim explorer, to Prophet Yusuf (PBUH), not to mention SilkRoad and Shaz Manir from the Amirah Foundation, who provide accommodation for homeless women and children. Eating Disorders affect 1.6 million people in the UK, learn more on page 18.

The Syrian conflict has been ongoing for almost 2 years with almost a million people unreachable in the middle of a very cold winter, find out how you can help here.

Contents 6-7 8 9 10-11 12 13 14-15 16-17 18-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28 29 30-33 34-35 36

Prophets of Islam: Prophet Yusuf (AS) One Hundred Less One: Al-Aziz Child Line Muslim Heritage: Zheng He Help! I’m a Teenager! Older Siblings Muslim Youth Helpline Protecting Children Are You a Parent or a Carer?

Young Minds: Eating Disorders Deed of the Month: Humble Friendship Healthy Living: Eating Disorders Hadith: Hayaa’: Part 2 Dua: When the Sun Rises Fifteen21 The Road to Damascus A Day in the Life of Prophet Muhammed (SAW) Relationships Outside Marriage

37 38 39 40-41 42-43 44-46 47 48-49 50-51 52-53 54 55 56-57 58-59 60 61

Valentine Who? Nominate a Role Model In the Next Issue Time For A Fresh Start?

Organisation Profile: Amirah Foundation Muslim Role-Models: Faraz Yousafzai (SilkRoad) Muslim Youth Helpline Islamic Art Food for the Soul Masjids Around The World: Shah Jahan Mosque Book Review Trees 4 Life Poetry Recipes: Raspberry Crumble National Events Child Line

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Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (AS) was the son of Prophet Ya’qub (Jacob) (AS). He had eleven brothers and was one of the youngest. He was a handsome and robust man with outstanding character and behaviour.

about his dream who realised the dream outlined his son’s destiny and greatness.

Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) brothers were jealous of him and hated him as they knew their father loved him dearly. Prophet Ya’qub (AS) knew this and told Prophet Yusuf (AS) not to tell his brothers about his dream.

His story is narrated in the Qur’an in Surah Yusuf (Qur’an, Chapter 12). One of the reasons narrated for its revelation was that the Jews had asked Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to tell them about Prophet Yusuf (AS) who was one of their prophets too.

However, Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) brothers were plotting to get rid of him. One day, when they went out to graze their animals they took Prophet Yusuf (AS) with them even though their father was reluctant for them to do so. Whilst they were out they threw him into a well and left him there.

Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) story involves human On returning home, they told their father weaknesses such as jealousy, hatred, pride, that Prophet Yusuf (AS) was attacked and deception, cruelty and terror, as well as killed by a wolf. Prophet Ya’qub (AS) did strengths such as taqwa (consciousness and not believe them but there was nothing he fear of Allah (SWT)), patience, loyalty, could do. He had to remain patient and bravery, nobility and compassion. wait to be reunited with his beloved son.

Prophet Yusuf (AS) once dreamt that eleven stars, the sun and the moon were prostrating before him. He told his father

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In the well, fearful thoughts entered Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) mind but he prayed to Allah (SWT), pleading for salvation and

Prophets of Islam:

Prophet Yusuf (AS) Azizun Nessa

his fear subsided. He was found by some merchants who were passing by. They took him with them to Egypt and sold him to some slave traders for a few silver coins. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was bought by the Chief Minister of Egypt, Aziz. He had shelter and was treated well. Prophet Yusuf (AS) thanked Allah (SWT), for not so long ago he was at the bottom of a well wondering if he would get out alive and then he was sold as a slave.

Prophet Yusuf (AS) was a handsome and attractive young man. Over time the Chief Minister’s wife, Zulaikha, grew very fond of him and one day she approached him and desired to be close to him. However, Prophet Yusuf (AS) knew that this was wrong and would be an evil deed and resisted her.

As he raced for the door she ripped his shirt from behind and her husband walked in.

case there should be a scandal and he told his wife to beg pardon from Prophet Yusuf (AS).

Despite this, people got wind of the incident and were talking maliciously about Zulaikha.

To prove her helplessness and temptation, she organised a banquet and invited most of the women in town. They had a great feast.

Zulaikha, gave each of them a sharp knife to peel the fruit and then she told Prophet Yusuf (AS) to enter. All were stunned by his handsomeness and without realising cut themselves. They realised what Zulaikha faced.

Nevertheless, Zulaikha convinced her husband that the only way to save her honour was to put Prophet Yusuf (AS) in prison. Even though Aziz knew he was innocent, he put Prophet Yusuf (AS) in prison.

Prison was another test for the Prophet and On seeing her husband she tried to blame during this time Allah (SWT) blessed him Prophet Yusuf (AS) of being indecent with with the extraordinary gift of interpreting her, though he claimed his innocence. As the dreams. shirt was torn from the back, Aziz knew that Prophet Yusuf (AS) was innocent and let him Find out what happened next in Issue 12! go. He told him not to mention the matter in

AS alayhi salaam Upon him/her be peace RA radhi allah anha May Allah (SWT) be pleased with her

SWT subhanahu wa taala Glorious is He and He is Exalted

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One Hundred Less One: Al-Aziz- The Eminent, the Mighty Allah (SWT) is Al-Aziz; The Eminent, the Mighty. To grasp the attribute of The Eminent, The Mighty, fully, we must consider first the three qualities that combine in this description; first, that He is very significant, second, the need for Him is profound and finally, to reach an understanding of Him is difficult. In relation to this, there are many things that exist which are one of a kind like the sun and the rain; yet they are not known as being ‘Eminent’ or ‘Mighty’, in light of the qualities that are present in Al-Aziz.

The irrisistable, the Supreme Glory to Allah (High is He) Above the partners They attribute to Him. (Qur’an 59: 23)

And like all attributes of Allah (SWT), humankind shares in this quality by striving to be both mighty and eminent in the sight of Allah (SWT), in humility and steadfastness. And the difficulty in attaining nearness to Al-Aziz really bespeaks the sacrifices one must make The attributes of Allah (SWT) mentioned in order to attain closeness to Allah here form our fundamental conception (SWT). That is, giving up the love of of Allah (SWT), and, although the the temporal things of this life in order attribute of Al-Aziz symbolise the to be with Him, the Eminent, the Mighty.

Mightiness of Allah (SWT), we can only reach Allah (SWT) as a created servant of His. And Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran:

Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran: Allah is He, than whom There is no other god, The Sovereign, the Holy One, The Source of Peace (and Perfection) The Guardian of Faith, The Preserver of Safety, The Exalted in Might,

Allah made it but a message Of hope for you, and an assurance To your hearts: (in any case) There is no hope Except from Allah, The Exalted, the Wise.

(Qur’an 3: 126)

Shanaz Ali

SWT – subhanahu wa taala Glorious is He and He is Exalted

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Through modern eyes Zheng He is viewed as an extraordinary figure, both in China and abroad but if Confucian scholars’ attempts to expunge the memory of the great admiral and his voyages from history had been successful, we would never have known that this great man existed.

Beijing to serve in the By 1402, Zhu Di had household of Zhu Di, the captured the Ming Prince of Yan. capital at Nanjing, defeated his nephew’s Ma He excelled at forces and had been fighting and military crowned as the Yongle tactics, studied the Emperor. Due to Ma works of Confucius He’s key role in the and Mencius, and coup, the new emperor soon became one of awarded him a mansion the prince’s closest in Nanjing as well as the confidants. honorific name “Zheng He.” In the 1390s, the Prince Zheng He was born of Yan launched a The Yongle Emperor in 1371 in Yunnan, series of attacks against made Zheng He and named “Ma He,” the resurgent Mongols commander in chief of indicative of his family’s and Ma He fought by the new treasure fleet, Hui Muslim origins, his side and when his which meant he was since Ma is the Chinese eldest brother named the emperor’s principal version of “Mohammad.” his son Zhu Yunwen as envoy with a mandate his successor before to collect tax and In 1381, the Ming army he died, Zhu Di lead establish ties with rulers killed Ma He’s father an army against his all around the Indian and captured the boy. nephew with Ma He as Ocean. Zheng He was Just 10 years old, he one of his commanding the head of a massive was sent to what is now officers. fleet of 317 ships, 10

Muslim Heritage

Zheng He

crewed by over 27,000 men that set out from Nanjing in the fall of 1405. At the age of 35, Zheng He had achieved the highest rank ever for a eunuch in Chinese history.

Although Zheng He was raised Muslim, he also venerated Mazu, the Celestial Consort and protector of the Empire as he and his crew believed that Mazu had saved them from a massive storm during their first voyage.

Grateful for her help, Zheng He was instrumental in the remodeling of a temple dedicated to her in Meizhou, the city of her birth.

voyages weighed heavily on the Chinese treasury.

The Yongle Emperor’s eldest son, Zhu Gaozhi, became the Hongxi Emperor, and ordered an end to all treasure fleet construction and repairs. A Confucianist, During his career as a he believed that the naval commander, Zheng voyages drained too much He negotiated trade pacts, money from the country. fought pirates, established He preferred to spend on regional governments, and fending off the Mongols and brought back treasures for feeding people in the Yongle Emperor in the famine-ravaged provinces form of jewels, medicines instead. However, when he and exotic animals, among died less than a year into other things. He and his crew his reign his son became the travelled and traded with Xuande Emperor. A happy the city-states of what are medium between his proud, now Indonesia, Malaysia, mercurial grandfather and Thailand and India, travelling his cautious, scholarly father, as far as the Arabian ports In 1424, the Yongle Emperor the Xuande Emperor decided of modern-day Yemen and passed away. Zheng He had to send Zheng He and the Saudi Arabia, and the depths made six voyages in his name treasure fleet out again. of Somalia and Kenya. and brought back countless treasures but the cost of these In 1432, the 61-year-old

Zheng He set out with his largest fleet ever for one final trip around the Indian Ocean. They sailed all the way to Malindi, on Kenya’s east coast, stopping at trading ports along the way.

On the return voyage, as the fleet sailed east from Kerala, southern India, Zheng He died. He was buried at sea, although legend says that the crew returned a braid of his hair and his shoes to Nanjing for burial.

Today, whether people view Zheng He as an emblem of Chinese diplomacy and soft power or as a symbol of the country’s aggressive overseas expansion, all will agree that the admiral and his fleet were for their time, one of the wonders of the world.

Shabina Bi-Baroo

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Help! I’m a Teenager!

Older Siblings

Young people are now known to be ‘progressively getting worse’ and what or who is contributing to this? Everybody! From the moment a child is born, they are extremely impressionable; the smiling old lady walking past, the drunken man sitting at the bus stop or the parents arguing at the dinner table.

My article, this month, refers to the impact of elder siblings actions on their younger brothers or sisters.

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Youngsters, they do what they see, they take their lessons from who they look up to, their ‘Role Model’, like an elder sibling. Oblivious to being role models to their younger siblings they act carelessly or speak without thinking not knowing what effect it might have on their younger siblings. A lot of the time it is thought that children don’t pick up on anything, they won’t be affected, when in actual fact they pick up on almost everything you say or do.

Education, religion and all the other important things, well they just go in one ear and out the other, but anything negative, demeaning or just generally inappropriate, these will stick like glue in their minds. It can never be stressed enough; the importance of ensuring that only the best of words and actions are

Khurram Azad

heard and seen by youngsters, because this is the only way for our younger generations to reach their full potential!

Like they say...’You walk into a blacksmith’s shop and you leave smelling of smoke... on the other hand if you walk into a perfume shop you leave smelling nice’. That’s what we need to be doing, providing the right company, the best company, to let them grow in a good environment!

After all, they are our future, they are our today and tomorrow, when we become today’s yesterday. So don’t be ignorant, and think more carefully about your younger brothers and sisters, and what is it that we are feeding them subconsciously.

Protecting Children I Thought I was the Only One

The Office of the Children’s Commissioner wanted to see what it could do to help protect young people from being sexually abused by groups of older men and neighbourhood street gangs.

groups of adults between August 2010 and October 2011 and there were 1,514 adults and young people known to be carrying out this abuse during the same period. The information we received also revealed that 16,500 children were at We used our legal powers to ask high risk of sexual exploitation. This is organisations across England, including the the equivalent of twenty medium-sized police, local authorities, health services and secondary schools. But we know the true charities for information about children figure is probably much higher because they knew who had been harmed and not all of the organisations we asked to abused by groups or gangs. provide information, did so.

In November, we published ‘I thought I was the only one. The only one in the world’, a report on the first 12 months of our two-year Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation by Gangs and Groups.

We found that 2,409 children and young people were victims of child sexual exploitation by street gangs and/or 14

As part of our work, we spoke to young people who had been abused by groups and gangs. Their stories were incredibly moving and difficult to listen to. Many were left with injuries and mental health problems which will stay with them for life.

Some started out as loving relationships or friendships and when the abuse began

they were too scared to tell people about it. They were often controlled by their abuser and lived in fear of intimidation.

Sometimes, the person carrying out the abuse threatened to hurt a member of their family, making it difficult for them to escape because they were worried about what might happen.

We were told about things that it is difficult to imagine one person doing to another.

Some of the children suffered in silence for years and the abuse happened anywhere; as they walked to the shops, played in the park, or headed home after school.

Most of the perpetrators of theses crimes are male and the victims are nearly always girls. We also found that the abusers and victims come from every community, this is not a problem that takes place in one particular faith or ethnic group.

One girl told us she was groomed from 13 years of age. She began to depend on her exploiters for the drugs and alcohol she became addicted to. Towards the end of seven years of abuse, she had to provide new victims for the exploiters.

Another girl was abused between the ages of four and nine by several family members. This was not noticed by any support agency or organisation. When she was 11, she was abused over three days by a group of ten 14 and 15 yearold boys. The violence only stopped when another girl saw what was happening and called the police.

going missing from home, contracting sexually transmitted diseases, having unexplained physical injuries, misusing drugs or alcohol, or getting involved in crime.

schools, parents and others working with children to get much better at spotting those who are being abused and those who are at risk of abuse, so they can stop it and provide the proper support to the young people.

The vast majority of adults believe child There are ‘warning signs’ which point sexual exploitation is abhorrent and young towards a young person being sexually people should not be treated in this way. exploited which we are asking people to be aware of so that they get better at We want the Government, the police, spotting and tackling abuse. These include

We are now working on the second year of the Inquiry. We are focusing on finding services which are good at identifying and supporting children and young people in these situations. The final Inquiry report will be published around this time next year.

If you or someone you know is affected by abuse or exploitation call ChildLine for advice and support 24 hours a day FREE on Tel: 0800 1111.

Sue Berelowitz Deputy Children’s Commissioner

www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk 15

What can I do as a parent or a carer?

As a parent or carer, it is important to discuss with children the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships to help highlight potential risks to them.

There are also a number of practical steps you can take to protect children such as: n

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Barnardo’s has launched its Cut them free campaign to reduce the number of children experiencing the horror of sexual exploitation in the UK. You can find out further information about sexual exploitation and show your support at: www.barnardos.org.uk/cutthemfree.

staying alert to changes in behaviour or any physical signs of abuse such as bruising being aware of new, unexplained gifts or possessions and carefully monitoring any episodes of staying out late or not returning home exercising caution around older friends your child may have, or relationships with other young people where there appears to be a power imbalance making sure you understand the risks associated with your child being online and putting measures in place to minimise these risks.

If you are concerned that a child is at risk of sexual exploitation, you may want to contact one of our specialist sexual exploitation projects for advice: www.barnardos.org.uk/ specialist_sexual_exploitation_projects.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 or contact your local police.

www.barnardos.org.uk Head Office Tanners Lane, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex IG6 1QG Tel: 020 8551 0011 Fax: 020 8551 8267 Barnardo’s Registered Charity Nos. 216250 and SC037605

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Are you a parent or a carer?

Help cut children and young people free from sexual exploitation

Sexual exploitation affects thousands of children and young people across the UK every year. As a parent or carer, you could have an important role to play in protecting children from exploitation, helping to cut them free from this horrific form of child abuse.

What are the signs?

Children and young people that are the victims of sexual exploitation often do not recognise that they are being exploited.

However, there are a number of telltale signs that a child may be being groomed for sexual exploitation. These include:

What is child sexual exploitation?

Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse, in which a young person is manipulated, or forced into taking part in a sexual act. This could be as part of a seemingly consensual relationship, or in return for attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol or somewhere to stay.

The young person may think that their abuser is their friend, or even a boyfriend or girlfriend. But they will put them into dangerous situations, forcing the young person to do things they don’t want to do. The abuser may physically or verbally threaten the young person or be violent towards them. They will control and manipulate them, and try to isolate them from friends and family.

Who does it affect?

This type of abuse could happen to any young person from any background. It happens to boys and young men as well as girls and young women.

The victims of abuse are not at fault.

Abusers are very clever in the way they manipulate and take advantage of the young people they abuse.

Q Q Q

How does it happen?

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Many young people Barnardo’s work with have been ‘groomed’ by an abusing adult who befriends the young person and makes them feel special by buying them gifts or giving them lots of attention. Young people may be targeted online or in person. Sexual exploitation can also occur between young people of a similar age.

In most cases, the abuser will have power of some kind over the young person. It may be that the abuser is older or more emotionally mature, physically stronger, or that they are in a position where they are able to control the young person.

There are some situations that can make young people more vulnerable to exploitation; by becoming distant from the people who would usually look after them. Young people who are having difficulties at home, regularly go missing or have experienced care may be particularly vulnerable.

Q Q Q Q Q

going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late regularly missing school or not taking part in education appearing with unexplained gifts or new possessions associating with other young people involved in exploitation having older boyfriends or girlfriends suffering from sexually transmitted infections mood swings or changes in emotional wellbeing drug and alcohol misuse displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour.

Young Minds: Eating Disorders

Eating disorders affect 1.6 million people in the UK. Food and eating play a very important part in our lives; in the foods we like, how much we need to eat, and when we like to eat. It’s not unusual to experiment with different eating habits, for example deciding to become a vegetarian. However, some eating patterns can be damaging.

Problems with food can begin when it is used to cope with those times when someone is bored, anxious, angry, lonely, ashamed or sad. Food becomes a problem when it is used to help people to 18

cope with painful situations or feelings, or to relieve stress perhaps without them even realising it.

Generally, when people talk about eating disorders, they think of Anorexia and Bulimia.

There is growing awareness that some people suffer a mix of eating disorder behaviours or may be affected by some symptoms of Anorexia or Bulimia but not others.

Everyone experiences their eating disorder in their own way. Whatever form it takes, an eating disorder can be beaten. Understanding an eating disorder, and having the information about where you can go to find out more,

is a good first step towards beating an eating disorder.

Anorexia Anorexia stems from low self esteem and an inability to cope safely with worries and problems. It involves restricting the amount of food taken in by skipping meals and cutting down the types and amounts of food, some people overexercise as well. A sufferer may believe that if they

lose weight their life would be happier, people will like them more, they will be more successful or even perhaps that they may be noticed less.

Bulimia Bulimia is also linked with low self esteem, emotional problems and stress; thinking constantly about calories, dieting and ways of getting rid of the food eaten. Bulimia is actually more common than Anorexia, but is more hidden because people usually remain an average or just over average body weight. Bulimia can go unnoticed for a long time, although sufferers may feel ill and very unhappy.

Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) BED is eating large amounts of food in a short period of time; focusing on eating one particular food, or selecting food randomly. The pattern of eating in a binge is very different from sitting down and having a meal. Sufferers may feel a lack of control during these binges, but unlike someone with Bulimia Nervosa, they do not try to get rid of the food. They may eat much more quickly than usual, eat until they are uncomfortably full, and eat large amounts of food when they are not hungry or eat alone. Sufferers do this for very similar reasons to those with Bulimia.

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) Eating disorder not otherwise specified is a diagnosis given to someone that experiences some of the symptoms associated with Anorexia or Bulimia, or a mixture of symptoms from both. This does not make their disorder any less serious. The underlying low self esteem and emotional distress are just as upsetting for these sufferers. Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is also included in this category.

disorders are a way of coping symptoms will apply to all with feelings that are making people. You may feel that you have a mixture of anorexia and bulimia, or alternate between them. Some people also find they are affected by an urge to harm themselves or abuse alcohol or drugs.

you unhappy or depressed.

It may be difficult to face up to and talk about feelings, like anger, sadness, guilt, loss or fear. An eating disorder is a sign that you need help in coping with life, and sorting Do I have an Eating Disorder? personal problems.

Boys, girls, men and women Conditions as complex as from all types of background eating disorders mean that and ethnic groups can suffer there are variations in the from eating disorders. Eating typical signs, and not all

Continued on page 20

Even if you don’t have these symptoms, if you are worried and upset by something, anything, it is important you find someone to talk to. Don’t bottle it all up.

Eating Disorders do not include food allergies, selective eating issues or disorders of the digestive system. However, a G.P should be the first point of call for these issues as well as for eating disorders.

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Symptoms of Anorexia Physical signs Severe weight loss Periods stopping (Amenorrhoea) Hormonal changes in men and boys Difficulty sleeping Dizziness Stomach pains Constipation Poor circulation & feeling cold Behavioural signs Wanting to be left alone Wearing big baggy clothes Excessive exercising Lying about eating meals Denying there is a problem Difficulty concentrating Wanting to have control

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Psychological signs Intense fear of gaining weight Depressed Feeling emotional Obsession with dieting Mood swings Distorted perception of body weight and size Thinking about food all the time Feeling guilty after eating Symptoms of Bulimia Physical signs Sore throat / swollen glands Stomach pains Mouth infections Irregular periods Dry or poor skin Difficulty sleeping Sensitive or damaged teeth

Behavioural signs Eating large quantities of food Being sick after eating Being secretive Abusing laxatives Psychological signs Feeling ashamed, depressed and guilty Feeling out of control Mood Swings Feeling guilty after eating Where to get Help It is usually very difficult for people with eating disorders to get better on their own. It is important that you find professional help and support as soon as possible. There are a variety of ways either you, or someone you care about, can gain support and treatment.

Help in your Area To find what help is available in your area look through Beat’s Help Finder www.b-eat.co.uk, Youth Access also has a directory of free counselling and advice for young people www.youthaccess.org.uk Your doctor may refer you to specialist professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, dieticians, nutritionists, and counsellors. It may not be possible to access this support without seeing a doctor. If you feel that you cannot talk to your usual doctor, you can usually see another doctor in the same practice or you can talk to someone else in the surgery, such as a nurse or health visitor.

You can contact NHS Direct for details about other doctors and how to move to another practice or speak to us at Beat.

Family and friends Family and friends can be of great support in helping people cope with this illness. Beat’s experience shows that support from friends and family can really help people to recover even when they are receiving professional help and advice.

Helpline 0845 634 1414, Monday - Friday 10:30am - 8:30pm and Saturday 1:00pm to 4:30pm. We speak to sufferers, carers, friends, family and professionals. You can email us on help@b-eat.co.uk if you would prefer.

Mary George www.b-eat.co.uk

Eating Disorders Awareness Week, 11 – 17 February 2013

Youthline (under 25) 0845 634 7650, Monday - Friday 4:30pm Help from Beat - 8:30pm and Saturday 1:00pm - 4:30pm.

The Beat Helpline is available for We can call young people back to save confidential support and information your phone bill. We are unable to return calls from outside the UK. You can send for anyone in the UK providing a nonus an email to fyp@b-eat.co.uk or text judgemental ‘listening ear’ to young people who are seeking help to overcome us on 07786 20 18 20 (Standard Text their eating disorder and for friends and Messaging Rates apply) or use our online relatives. We will not tell you what to do, 1-2-1 service. but it can help to talk things through and Live chat sessions are also available come up with ideas and options together. through the Beat website www.b-eat.co.uk

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Deed of the Month: Humble Friendship

Where, in the world, did they get that from? It certainly didn’t come from Islam!

Clearly, it is a misunderstanding of the principle meaning of Islam, which is peace.

How can we do Da’wah (preach Islam), if we intend to be so mean to those with whom we should be doing Da’wah? Do you really think that anyone would listen to what Muslims have to say if we are so pompous towards them?

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Muslims have a responsibility to promote peace and be righteous. The Qur’an tells us, ‘O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you might get to know one another. Surely the noblest of you in the sight of God is he who is the most righteous. God is All-Knowledgeable, All-Aware” ‘ (Qur’an 49: 13).

Though we are from different cultures and countries, we have to remember that we are all related; we are all, in a sense, family. In addition to this, the Qur’an explains that, “Allah does not forbid you to be kind and equitable to those who had neither fought against your faith nor driven you out of your homes. In fact God loves the equitable” (Qur’an 60: 8).

“

Do you really think that anyone would listen to what Muslims have to say if we are so pompous towards them?

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‘You are not allowed to be friends with non-Muslims. It is haram (sinful).’ That’s what my daughter was told by some of her Muslim friends at school. She was absolutely devastated by this news. She has good friends, who are non-Muslim. As a mother, I have always taught my children to be respectful to others and to take friends who are sensible and not doing the wrong things. I was appalled!

Obviously, Muslims are required to seek peace, not war.

night and prostrate themselves before Him. They believe in God and the Last Day, and enjoin good and forbid evil, Allah clearly warns Muslims, not to and hasten to vie with one another in befriend those that fight us on account good works. And these are among the of our religion or befriend people who righteous.” In fact, “it may be that Allah either throw us out of our homes or help will grant love (and friendship) between others to do so, nor should we befriend you and those whom ye (now) hold as those that make fun of our religion enemies: for Allah has power (over all (Qur’an 5: 57-58). This does not mean things); and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most that Muslims should lump all individuals Merciful” (Qur’an 60: 7). After reading into a stereotypical group and assume Qur’an, how can we, as Muslims, justify that the entire group, region, or country being exclusive, instead of inclusive is unworthy of their friendship. Not every towards others? non-Muslim individual makes a mockery of the Muslim religion, nor does every Being human, whether Muslim or not, non-Muslim individual want Muslims to be means that we are inherently imperfect turned out of their homes. (unless they were a Prophet, PBUT). So, it is not our place to judge anyone, but it is In fact, there are righteous individuals, our place to choose peace and Da’wah. who remain consistently on our side. The May Muslims choose to be humble, Qur’an tells us, in chapters 2:62, 3:199 seeking peace and friendship with our and 3:113, that “They are not all alike. non-Muslim brothers and sisters, Bismillah Among the people of the Book there is a (In the name of Allah). Ameen. party who stand by their covenant; they recite the Word of God in the hours of

Michelle Blum

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23

Healthy Living Eating Disorders

‘When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use,

However, how many of us are strong inside of ourselves to follow either mom’s advice When diet is right, medicine is of no need’ and thus lose complete credibility before The proverb above got me thinking about our friends? Some youngsters unfortunately how my mom would love to tell us about are not able to give into stresses of which foods were good for us and which peer pressure which surround them and were bad for us. At the time, as young kids, unfortunately can end up suffering from we don’t think of the benefits of mom’s eating disorders. Some may even suffer advice and then we grow up and finally from low self-esteem which can then lead start to pay attention in Home Economics to eating disorders. Peer pressure and class or even nutritional or biology courses low self-esteem are not the sole causes of and realise, “mom’s do sometimes know eating disorders of course, such as bulimia best!” or anorexia, these are just a couple of examples.

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Regrettably today’s society places emphasis on looking a certain way, dressing in a particular manner and then you have the un-educated “know-it-all’s” being overly curvaceous encouraging you to “embrace those curves” (and thus ignore the visceral fat gathering inside your intestines and around your organs) or follow the size zero fad where you end up looking weaker than one of Lowry’s matchstick men.

Healthy Living

Saira Nisa is the Founding Director of Living Wellbeing Ltd (www.livingwellbeingltd.com), providing Women’s Motivational Training Courses, Life and Business Coaching and is also a Trainer for a London based firm. Saira is also a member of the Institute of Entrepreneurs and Enterprise.

Originally from the West Midlands, born and raised in Birmingham, she now spends her time skilfully enjoying juggling family, friends, work and business between Birmingham and London.

The media doesn’t help either and I know of a daily newspaper which regularly sports an article concerning health and nutrition and this is how it goes;

Confused? You may well be. Whilst most people say that they don’t believe or go by everything they read, see or hear within the media, the reality is quite the opposite; they do. This is where many youngsters are One issue highlights the negative desperately trying to lose weight not by effects of alcohol and how the country has moderating and managing their eating become a binge-society. habits but by eating whatever they can Another issue, either the next day or a enjoy and then either inducing vomiting, few days later then highlights the benefits starving themselves or by jumping on the of wine treadmill and overdoing the exercise.

Another issue talks about the country having the highest rate of obesity.

Such actions confuse the mind and body.

Another then highlights the benefits of Such actions exhaust the mind and body. chocolate on a regular basis.

Such actions then take their toll on your

mood, your concentration and your health overall. Your body is entrusted to you, by Allah (SWT), a temporary residence for your ruh (soul) before it returns to Allah (SWT), and must be cherished and cared for. May you have the courage to say ‘no’ to peer pressure, and make the right choices for your mind and body. Ameen.

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Hadith Hayaa’ Part 2 Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad salla Allahu ‘alayhi wasallam (peace be upon him) said:

“Indeed Hayaa’ and Iman are companions. When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well” [Baihaqi]

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This month, as promised, we look at part two of hayaa’! You may remember this hadith from last month where we discussed the importance of hayaa’ in two areas; the way we speak and the way we dress. Today we’ll discuss having hayaa’ in our actions and in what our eyes follow.

improve ourselves. This happened to my friend and she responded by saying ‘outwardly I may be’.

As you can imagine they were confused…’what do you mean?’

She explained to them, ‘from what you see I probably am religious, I wear my hijab, I perform my prayer, I don’t have boyfriends but, I still make lots of mistakes. I Imagine this scenario, you’re sitting fall short of my duty to God and with some non-Muslim friends at you guys don’t know what’s in my school, work, university etc and heart.’ it’s time for salaat (prayer) so you excuse yourself but before you What does this have to do with leave one of your friends say to hayaa’? you ‘you’re quite religious aren’t you?’ Either you could say ‘yes’ or If we think of what this person you could say ‘no’, but the thing said we can see that they are is, most of us are roughly in the talking about two different types middle. We know we fall short of of righteousness; the one that our duty to Allah (SWT) and we people see and the one that only continue to work hard to try and Allah (SWT) sees.

So as we said last week, before we step we ask ‘will this action take me one step closer to Heaven or one step closer to Hell?’

Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) tells us: a long winded explanation. We are Muslims, and we know that Allah (SWT) “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze, is watching us and when we return to Him and protect their private parts. That is purer we will be asked about what we looked for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what at. they do. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their Often people find it very difficult to lower private parts…” their gaze in general. So if this applies to (Qur’an 24: 30-31) you, you don’t need to panic because next month insha’Allah I am talking about this topic and I’ll be providing some helpful tips to help us keep our gaze lowered so that Allah (SWT) the Most Merciful is pleased with us.

“

How many of us can’t live without TV?

“

To have deep hayaa’ in our hearts, means that when we do something it must have absolutely nothing to do with the people around us, but it is only between ourselves and our Lord. This helps us create a strong bond with Allah (SWT) and the stronger it becomes the more conscious we become of Him and the less we sin. The less we sin the more He will be pleased with us and the more He is pleased with us the more likely we are to enter His Jannah.

Now for Hayaa’ in what our eyes follow Just because everywhere around you people your age are watching movies How many of us can’t live without TV? It is with inappropriate scenes, or looking at not haraam (forbidden) to watch TV, but indecent pictures, or talking about the we can make it haraam by watching that ‘hottie’ that just walked past does not which is displeasing to Allah (SWT). mean that it is acceptable. It is not. It’s really that simple and it doesn’t need

Between now and then, think about hayaa’. How are you going to implement this beautiful characteristic in your heart and in your actions?

Zaynab Amatullah

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27

Dua When the Sun Rises

All praise be to Allah (SWT) who has forgiven us today and not destroyed us due to our sin.

Alhumdu lilaahi aqÄ lana yawmana hadha wa lam yuhlikna bi dhunubina

Hassan Rabbani

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The Road to Damascus

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Over 60,000 people killed and over a million people unreachable within the war-torn lands of Syria according to the United Nations at the beginning of 2013.

With the estimation of 500,000 Syrians living in various refugee camps under the harshest winter conditions they have seen in over 20 years, the uneasy thought of death by freezing cannot be overlooked.

provide international relief where it is needed the most. Under the patronage of Shaykh Muhammad Abu-l Huda al-Yaqoubi and a 100% donation policy it is able to provide ample opportunities for humanitarian assistance all over the world.

well-known governmental reprisal.

Exile became the door of opportunity. For the next 21 months, he continued to speak out against his government, penned many Islamic rulings concerning warfare and pushed hard with humanitarian disaster aid to help the Syrian people.

Shaykh al-Yaqoubi is a world renowned scholar from the heart of Syria, Damascus, who has helped this organisation connect with those suffering due to the continual bombardment, killing and destruction of a beautiful country and its people.

SKT Welfare organisation is made up of volunteers from around the UK. The main body resides in the north; Dewsbury, its hub. Many will be shocked to find that the majority of the volunteers come from a working professional background and give up their spare time to support the millions suffering from this war.

It has been 22 months since the uprising against the Syrian government began. It has seen endless massacres, destruction of heritage sites and bombardment of homes, which has caused thousands to flee His links and support with the Syrian in search of safety. revolution runs deep and from the very beginning; in May 2011, he was dismissed However, in the New Year cheer, Sacred as the Friday speaker from Jami’ alKnowledge Trust Welfare, a UK charity, Hasan masjid for speaking out against the took to the roads to deliver much needed oppressive regime. aid, equipment and ambulances to the Syrian nation.

Notwithstanding the Syrian government backlash, Shaykh Muhammad spoke out SKT Welfare was established in Dewsbury a second time and was then advised to in 2008 to aid UK-based initiatives and leave the country in fear of the

A team of 40 voyaged through France, Italy, Greece, the Swiss Alps and Bulgaria clocking up 3,000 miles before finally reaching the Turkish border for the handover.

The 23rd of December 2012 ‘Road to Damascus’ convoy was led by Mr Asif Hussain, an IT consultant from Dewsbury

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31

and Dr Ismail Ray, a GP from Blackburn. milk it was imperative to see the project The convoy took eight challenging days to through to the end and to make sure it all reach its destination. reached its intended destination.’

said Dr Ismail.

Sleeping, or the lack of it, was an important issue which was overcome Mr Hussains’ aim was to ‘provide essential The journey was not without mishap as he through patience and the knowledge that aid such as baby milk formula, medicines, explains, ‘Perhaps the earliest sign of this an 18-hour ferry journey from Ancona, blankets and vehicles’ to the remotest was our ambulance breaking down shortly an Italian port to Greece would ease the areas of Syria. after leaving Dewsbury in Northern burden of fatigue.

England!’

Accompanying this relief convoy was a haulage truck packed full of hospital Having fixed the apparent problem equipment, such as X-ray machines, the convoy continued. However, ‘the incubators and dialysis machines. Ten ambulance eventually packed up ambulances were also sent, which will be completely in Switzerland and the used to transport severely injured people problem could not be fixed due to it to hospital to obtain the critical help they being Christmas. We had to leave the need to survive their life-threatening ambulance in a service station just outside injuries.

Zurich and jump in our support vehicle.’

Many would see such a journey as hazardous, uncomfortable and seek an easy route as Dr Ray did but having worked for weeks prior to the departure he understood that because the ‘volunteers raising money, collecting medicines, medical equipment and baby formula

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As they travelled through picturesque countries, the varying climate gave food for thought for many of the group members. ‘The hardship we were expecting to face on the journey would be nothing compared to the harsh conditions faced by the victims of the Syrian conflict,’

The last leg of the journey, through Bulgaria onto Turkey, brought a mischievous fog which had Dr Ismail, navigator, hoping for some respite.

‘Teamwork was essential; keeping all 18-20 vehicles together was a challenge.

Having CB radios fitted to all the vehicles aided us, as well as having a convoy formation consisting of ambulances at the front, sprinter vans in the middle, and a support vehicle at the back to ensure everyone was together.’

But, as a group they all realised that this was the end of their journey but the beginning of the aids journey. Miss Ali said, ‘Our hearts were reassured with the knowledge that the ambulances will help thousands of people, God willing, and that our gruelling drive would not be in vain.’

This newly formed family and many more unspoken volunteers now continue the work; mid-January bought three major fundraising events which were held in Birmingham, Bradford and London raising £1.5 million, SubhanAllah!!!

SKT Welfare also has a number of projects in the pipeline, such as ‘The Foodstuff Project’ which will send flour and rice to the Syrian people via the next convoy.

Once in Turkey, the convoy had a gracious welcome from the Yardimel team, who helped publicise, escort and support the handover to the Syrians.

‘Seeing the convoy cross the border was an emotional moment,’ says Haleema Ali, a PGCE student at Birmingham City University, ‘having our ‘home’ for the last few days drive into the horror was unexplainable.’

youthful innocence.

The making of a new family through the service of those in need becomes the making of success; as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘To save one person is to save humanity.’

A key factor for the youngest member of the group, Miss Haleema, was bonding; ‘we didn’t know each other prior to traveling, but the way we all came together to achieve the same goal was the making of a family,’ she gleamed with

Hazma Farooq

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33

A Day in the Life of…

Prophet Muhammed (saw)

Good Things Come to Those Who saw something special in them. They took a chance on them and took the Are Late responsibility to raise them. Eventually, Have you ever wondered what Aristotle these same orphans became pioneers in numerous fields, led the world to (Greek philosopher & polymath, new heights, and made their marks on 384 BCE – 322 BCE), Edgar Allan history.

Poe (American author & poet, 1809 – 1849), and Steve Jobs (American But there was one orphan in history who entrepreneur & co-founder of Apple, outshone the rest. An orphan who was 1955 – 2011) all have in common? unmatched by all of the creations in the Believe it or not, these three guys, as well as many other well-known figures, universe. This was the orphan of Aminah (May Allah shower peace and blessings were orphans in childhood. Some lost their father before they were born and upon him). some even lost their mothers at a very Around the year 570CE, Aminah bint early age.

Wahb gave birth to a child in Arabia.

In spite of being orphans, the legacies Her husband, ‘Abdullah had suffered from fever while returning from a and achievements of these people journey and subsequently passed away tell us that someone, somewhere 34

while his wife was still pregnant. When she delivered the baby, she sent a message to her father-in-law, ‘Abd al-Muttalib, that she had given birth to a boy. He took the baby to the Ka‘bah and praised Allah (SWT) for this great blessing. This grandson of ‘Abd alMuttalib was named Muhammad (May Allah shower peace and blessings upon him).

The custom of the Arabs was to send their sons to be nursed and raised by the Bedouin (desert-dwelling nomadic) people for a few years. The Quraish saw the fresh, unpolluted air and the pure Arabic language of the desert as essential for the proper upbringing and well-being of their sons, much like the Ancient Spartans, who took great

“

the tribe of Banu Sa‘d, had a famous reputation for nursing and rearing children.

They came to Makkah every year looking for new-borns to nurse.

‘I was riding a very frail she-donkey that was holding back the rest of the group and came lagging behind the rest. Also, I had an old she-camel that didn’t yield even a single drop of milk to feed my husband and me, nor did I have a drop of milk to breastfeed my own new-born child with. None of us

“

pride in the way they nurtured their children compared to other nations.

One of these Bedouin people, the tribe of Banu Sa‘d, had a famous reputation for nursing and rearing children. They came to Makkah every year looking for new-borns to nurse. In this particular year, one of the women of Banu Sa‘d, Halimah (may Allah be pleased with her) came along with the rest of her clan. She narrates her story:

Mufti Niaz Hannan

could sleep at night due to hunger.’

She further narrates, ‘There wasn’t a single woman to whom the Prophet was not offered. We refused him because he was an orphan. We all wanted some reward from the child’s father. After all, what could this baby’s single mother afford to pay us?’ Little did these women know that the baby they were refusing will be the one holding the keys to Paradise in the Hereafter.

She continues, ‘When all options ran out for me except him, I took him and brought him to my camel. All of a sudden, I felt an abundance of milk in my chest, and both he and his fosterbrother (my own son) drank to their fill.

My husband came over to the

she-camel and it was overflowing with milk. She milked so much that we both drank to our fill.’

This is just the beginning of the story of the orphan who made Halimah bint Abi Dhu’aib become Halimah al-Sa‘diyyah, ‘the fortunate one’ (may Allah be pleased with her).

‘Didn’t He find you an orphan (Oh Prophet), and give you shelter? He found you unaware (of the Shariah), so He guided you; He found you in need, so He made you need-free. Therefore, do not oppress the orphan; do not scold the beggar; and talk about the bounties of your Lord.’ (Surah adDuhaa 93: 6-11).

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35

Relationships Outside Marriage We live in a society where boyfriend and girlfriend relationships are the norm amongst the Muslim youth today, whether you’re in the playground or at work; not having a boyfriend or girlfriend is perceived as not being cool. So as a result these relationships are openly visible at the cinema, restaurants, and the local shisha lounges.

What does Islam say about having boyfriends and girlfriends?

In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) states that good men and women are those who marry, and do not have fornicating relationships (Qur’an 4:25 and 5:5).

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have stated that ‘whenever two strangers of the opposite gender are alone with each Having a girlfriend or boyfriend seems other, Shaitan becomes the third one to be the must-have accessory and between them.’ (At-Tirmidhi) some individuals change them more often than their mobile handsets. We Why this social change in the last 20 do not have to walk far from our homes years? to see this within our local communities.

Weddings are much more lavish, meaning the cost to marry has risen enormously. Expectations set by parents for prospective suitors for their sons or daughters are huge; a certain education, wealth, career, status and even look are sought, with religiosity increasingly considered last. Getting to know someone as a potential husband or wife is fully encouraged, to add, forced marriages are completely against the principles of Islam.

Many Muslim youth say that ‘this is a serious relationship, I will marry her or him one day and I just want to get to know them before I marry them’, We know that all youth are exposed however individuals need to remember to deliberately sexualised imagery, that Allah (SWT) is the best of Planners whether they be watching TV, reading and He has already decreed for each newspapers, magazines, listening to the of us, who, or if, we will marry. If you radio, or passing by billboards on the give into your desires you will be at the street or the sides of buses or taxis to hands of this world. sell the next fad.

Rezaul Islam

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Valentine Who? The celebrations of St. Valentine’s Day are steeped in legend and mystery; indeed the motives behind the day’s creation and even St. Valentine himself have been shrouded in controversy and doubt.

that married men made poor soldiers and consequently decreed that all marriages of younger citizens would be outlawed. Bishop Valentine, however, maintained that marriage was part of God’s plan and purpose for the world. He continued to The first official Saint conduct marriages in secret Valentine’s Day was declared between young people, on 14th of February by Pope sometimes as young as Galasius in 496, in memory twelve, in the name of love. of a 3rd century martyred His success gained him priest in Rome. unwelcome notoriety, which became Bishop Valentine’s It is believed that the young downfall. He was jailed and priest rose to distinction after ultimately beheaded, but not betraying Emperor Claudius before he fell in love with the in 270 AD by conducting jailer’s daughter. It is thought illegitimate wedding that on the evening of his ceremonies in the capital. execution the bishop passed Emperor Claudius claimed her a note which read ‘from

your Valentine’. This story has blossomed into the defining tradition of Valentine’s Day. A reciprocal day on 14th of March known as White Day has emerged in recent times whereby men are supposed to thank those who remembered them on Valentine’s Day with white chocolate or marshmallows, hence white day. In Korea there is an additional Black Day, held the following month on the 14th of April, for less fortunate men who did not receive gifts on Valentine’s Day to gather together to eat Jajangmyun, Chinese style black noodles topped with a black sauce.

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37

Nominate a Role Model!

Over the past 11 issues Fifteen21 has showcased many inspirational role-models from the Muslim community in the UK. From youth activists like Neelam Rose, to Humza Yousaf, a trail-blazing young politician in Glasgow to Aisha Yasmin, a young aspiring designer from Birmingham hoping to make it big in the Big Apple!

If you would like to nominate an inspiring role-model to be featured in a future issue of Fifteen21 please email us at letters@fifteen21.com with the following details;

e m a il N a l l m u E F e ls er / d b o m M u N le e o n n R o o h s r P e • p ct s a i t h n t o t ou b • C k n o w n ) a u yo s f i e ( r i p

ins t s) a d r h o W 0w 5 • 1 x ma (

We look forward to receiving your nominations!

38

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Out on Friday 22nd February 2012!

Time For A Fresh Start?

As we say goodbye to 2012 and look forward to a ‘New Year’, let’s ask ourselves, ‘Have I completed the goals I set for this year?’, ‘What are some of the things I achieved?’, ‘What are some areas I could improve in?’, ‘What could I do better?’, ‘If I could be, do and have anything – what would that be?’

It takes about 60 days for us to get used to this new habit or living without that bad habit and about 90 days for that habit to become part of us, as in, we become used to it – it’s like second nature now.

Every day is a fresh new day for us. Why? Because we are alive and awake and Allah (SWT) has given us a new opportunity to excel in all that we do AND make the most of our time here in duniya – on Earth.

But to get to this 60 day stage, or 3 So don’t wait til the 1st of January months, we have to work hard on our every year, to make a fresh start or to new habit or getting rid of an old one. set a new resolution or goal. Work on The beginning of the New Year is it every day, starting right NOW! when we all start making “New Years Are you willing to work hard?

Resolutions’, but many of us fail to Everyday spend at least 15 minutes to complete them.

No one has ever succeeded in reflect on your day. I know, I know; 15 anything that they did except through minutes away from Facebook? That’s By mid January most people will have hard work! like crazy right? But on the Day of quit on their resolutions and gone Judgement when our Book is opened back to their old ways.

Never be fooled by anyone who in front of us we don’t want it to be said they just clicked their fingers full of Facebook and YouTube; we Did you know that it takes up to 30 and became successful because it just want it to be full of our good deeds days to set a new habit and to get rid doesn’t happen like that!

Insha’Allah; deeds that will lead us to of an old, bad habit? the gardens of Heaven and not the

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“

“

They will find all that they did, placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice

fire of Hell. May Allah (SWT) save us all from the fire of Hell – Ameen!

we won’t ever succeed and even if we do then it’ll be temporary.

“And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, “Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great, but takes account thereof!” They will find all that they did, placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.” {Qur’an 18: 49}

Here’s some quick Action Points: 1. How will I improve in my studies?

2. How will I improve in my Salaah and Qur’an recitation?

3. Who can help me in my studies to improve and who can help me in my ibaadah to improve?

Always remember dua, because Set goals for both your deen and dua is very powerful and is a strong your duniya. This means that you have connection with Allah (SWT). Ask goals for school, college, university, Allah (SWT) to help you and send you work, as well as those for your salaah people to help you and He will!

– prayer, and reading Qur’an.

Are YOU ready to make a ‘Fresh We can’t have one without the other; Start?’ we won’t ever be happy like that and

Nadia Leona Yunis

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41

The recent horrific murders of two homeless men in Birmingham have demonstrated the dangers homeless people face every day.

How do people become homeless?

Organisation Profile Amirah Foundation What does Amirah Foundation do?

Amirah Foundation work with vulnerable and homeless women.

We offer permanent housing and life changing support services to offer stability and empower women to take control of their lives, to lift themselves out of poverty and break the cycle of abuse.

We also work to relieve poverty and hardship; this is in the form of food banks.

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Are there any success stories you could share with our readers?

Alhamdulillah we have many stories and each day we see the difference that our work makes in keeping People become homeless for many people safe and giving them a fresh reasons, relationship breakdown is perspective of life without fear. Our the most common. Currently there very first client was a young mother are over 25,000 rough sleepers on of two. When we came across her the streets. As austerity measures she had been abandoned by her take effect more people are finding husband, was living in London and themselves homeless. Hundreds of had not eaten for two weeks as she women every day are turned away was giving all the food she had to from refuges due to lack of space her children. She had no family and funding, so any woman who is here and was in a very bad situation a victim of domestic violence will emotionally. We offered her the attempt to escape, but when they are opportunity to move to Birmingham turned away from refuges they have and she accepted. Alhamdulillah no help or support and therefore we were able to get brothers to either become rough sleepers with drive to London and bring her and their children, or stay in the violent her children here. In the meantime and abusive environment. Each week we got a house for her, organised two women in this country are killed furniture and set up a home for her. by a violent partner or ex partner.

Once she was settled we started the This is one of the reasons why we support services. And when I think of set up Amirah Foundation; a woman this sister I feel so much love and am should not have to endure this for the so proud of her MashaAllah, she has sake of ÂŁ1200. really turned her life around, she is

so happy now and she has been a great support to other sisters.

Muslim women often live in isolation, especially those women who come to the UK on spousal visaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. These women speak little English and have little social support networks. When turned away from refuges which they often are, as they have no access to public funds they find it extremely difficult. Refuges are also vulnerable to pimps and drug dealers who prey on the vulnerability of these women.

Recently we had a young 17 year old who was referred to us from social services. She had been victim to sexual abuse and incestuous rape.

The family all turned against her and put a lot of pressure on her to drop the charges. As the charges dropped, social services no longer will support her financially. So this child had no support and no place to live or money to live on. Alhamdulillah we have been able to house her and enable her to live as any other young person, continue studying and focus

on her future whilst giving her the space and support to deal with the abuse she has had to face. This will take a long time and not just a few weeks or months. Imagine in this case if Amirah Foundation did not offer a haven to this young girl, and she had to return home, to further rape and abuse.

What steps can we adopt to help the homeless?

Each church has a food bank in Birmingham and 95% of recipients are Muslim. We need to have more food banks in each mosque and pull together our efforts to help ALL who are in desperate need.

Shaz Manir www.amirahfoundation.org www.facebook.com/Amirahfoundation support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

43

Muslim Role-Models Faraz Yousafzai

oto by

Faraz Yousafz a

i in Malaysia

SilkRoad

med

arah Ah S y b to o h P h s A 44

Zia Ph

Sarah

Ahmed

Who are SilkRoad and what do you do?

SilkRoad is a collective of passionate musicians trying to make beautiful ‘rootsy’ music with real heart. With over 30,000 global fans, SilkRoad music is all about wood and skin; acoustic guitars, bass, tabla and drums. As the lead singer and songwriter, I write a lot of the lyrics and music and play lead guitar. Atallah Fitzgibbon plays rhythm guitar and has written some beautiful songs from his experiences travelling the globe. Zia Hashmi is our master Tabla player and percussionist who composes his own unique tabla pieces for every song bringing it to the front of our sound. Ash Sayyed is our bass player and writes some of the most melodic and funk filled bass lines you will ever

hear. Isa Noor is our 14 year old drummer who joins us for major concerts to gives us a real drive.

What was it like meeting Jermaine Jackson?!

Never have your first live performance in front of Who or what inspires you in a legend! Jermaine is a your music? sweet, softly spoken human being with a warm heart Musically, we all bring and beautiful family. I had different inspirations from the pleasure of driving him funk grooves to classical back to London after he had Indian rhythms, from Irish attended an event I had folk and Moorish Flamenco co-founded and hosted in to blues, rock and pop.

Birmingham in 2008 called Lyrically, our songs reflect the Muslim Writers Awards. He a very natural convergence gave me lots of advice and of all the influences in our talked to me straight. We took lives - First and foremost as his words very seriously and it human beings born and bred transformed us from a bunch in Britain who are fathers, of guys who played together sons, professionals, husbands, into what is now SilkRoad. students, seekers, dreamers and born again creative’s What is your success down with Afghani, Irish, Pakistani, to?

English, Jamaican and Egyptian heritage. It’s all in We don’t think we have there… succeeded yet. We feel like

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45

we are just getting started. All is from God. But what in us has taken us this far? Truly loving what we do; a deep and unshakeable self belief that will have us stand alone before we stand down; hard work, sacrifice of time, energy and resources and remembering that we NEED beautiful art, because it beautifies the world and humanizes us all; striving to be the very best at what we do by embracing praise and criticism all the same and Where’s the best place that never being too old or proud your work has taken you? to learn.

Do you have an album, and any upcoming tour dates in the UK? The album is almost ready and will be hitting iTunes later this year inshAllah! If you are on Facebook please check out our page: www.facebook.com/ silkroadmusic and keep up to date with what’s going down on the SilkRoad!

Full Band Photo by Sarah Ahmed

and world leaders as part of a Global Market Place of Creative Arts and finally our most recent concert in Three places come to mind; What further aspirations do the Milton Keynes outdoor Playing at London’s O2 you have?

Academy was a major step for amphitheatre of Campbell Park, where we performed us and proved to us that we To launch our album in the have what it takes to produce a unique set under a setting British Spring for millions of fresh sounding, passionate live sun with the Milton Keynes people all over the world to Orchestra. music that people really get. enjoy and to play live on BBC’s Being selected to perform in Later with Jools Holland!

Malaysia and Indonesia to students, global business heads 46

Any advice for the youth?

Some people are naturally gifted at some things… but the real gift from God is a firm heart that can stay the course, put in the hours, place its trust in its Maker, listen earnestly to true teachers and never stop no matter what, in the pursuit for goodness, excellence and beauty.

Introduction to Islamic Art “Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty”

Islamic art is often vibrant and distinctive.

the noblest forms of art • Calligraphy is a major art form • Writing has high status in Islam • Writing is a significant decoration for objects and buildings • Books are a major form of art • Geometry and patterns are important • People do not appear in specifically religious art

Unlike Christian art, Islamic art isn’t restricted to religious work, but includes all the artistic traditions in Muslim culture. Its strong visual appeal transcends time and space, as well as Meaning and Beauty differences in language and culture.

• Art is the mirror of a culture and its world view.

• The art of the Islamic world reflects its cultural values, and reveals the way Muslims view the spiritual realm and the universe.

There are, however, strong regional • For the Muslim, reality begins with and characteristics, and influences from other centres on Allah (SWT). cultures are also visible.

• Allah (SWT) is at the heart of worship and aspirations for Muslims, and is the focus of The Essentials of Islamic Art their lives.

• Includes all Muslim art, not just explicitly • So Islamic art focuses on the spiritual religious art representation of objects and beings, and not • Islamic art seeks to portray the meaning their physical qualities. and essence of things, rather than just their • The Muslim artist does not attempt to physical form replicate nature as it is, but tries to convey • Crafts and decorative arts are regarded as what it represents. having full art status • This lets the artist, and those who experience • Painting and sculpture are not thought of as the art, get closer to Allah (SWT).

This is because of common features in all Islamic art which give it a remarkable coherence, regardless of the country or the time in which it was created.

Art

Isl mic 48

• For Muslims, beauty has always been and will always be a quality of the Divine. There is a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that says: “Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty.”

A common feature of Islamic art is the covering of surfaces with geometric patterns.

This use of geometry is thought to reflect the language of the universe and help the believer to reflect on life and the greatness of Creation.

these are called arabesques. Stylised Arabic lettering is also common.

Islamic Arts and Crafts The integration of arts and crafts into everyday life was very much the norm in the traditional Islamic world. The idea is that as Islam is integral to every part of a Muslim’s life and makes it beautiful, so Islamic art should be used to make the things of everyday life beautiful.

The emphasis in Islamic art is on ornamentation rather than on art for art’s • Because circles have no end they are infinite sake.

- and so they remind Muslims that Allah (SWT) An example is the lajvardine bowl, from 13th is infinite. century Iran, decorated in gold and cobalt • Complex geometric designs create the blue (lajvard is Persian for cobalt). impression of un-ending repetition, and this also helps a person get an idea of the infinite In next months issue we look at ‘Architecture nature of Allah (SWT). of the Empire: The Ottomans, Safavids and • The repeating patterns also demonstrate Mughals’. that in the small you can find the infinite; a single element of the pattern implies the infinite total.

So how is Geometry seen to be Spiritual?

The use of patterns is part of the way that Islamic art represents nature and objects by their spiritual qualities, not their physical and material qualities. The repeated geometric patterns often make use of plant motifs, and

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49

Food for the Soul Nasruddin And The Judge One day, Joseph Yaqut passed by a restaurant. He was tired and hungry, for he had had nothing to eat all day. His nostrils caught the smell of the delicious food being cooked inside. He stopped and sniffed, smiled sadly, and began to walk away. But he did not get far. The owner of the restaurant, Rabbi Moishe, came storming out into the street. “Come here!” he bellowed. “I saw that! You took the smell of my food, and you’ll have to pay for it!”

Joseph Yaqut did not know what to do.

“I cannot pay!” he stammered. “I have no money!”

50

“No money!” shouted Rabbi Moishe. story, and Mullah Nasruddin agreed to “We’ll see about that! You’re coming come to the court and speak for him. with me to the judge!” Naturally, Joseph Yaqut was frightened.

“Hmm,” said the judge, when he had heard the story. “Well, this is an unusual case. Let me think. Come back tomorrow, and I’ll pronounce the sentence.”

What could Joseph Yaqut do? He knew whatever sum the judge demanded, payment would be impossible. All night long, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep for worry.

When dawn came he made his way to the judge’s court. As he passed by a mosque he spotted a familiar figure, Mullah Nasruddin. Suddenly, his heart lifted. For he knew that Mullah Nasruddin was a clever man, who was sure to be able to think of a way around the problem. He poured out his

Rabbi Moishe was already at the court, chatting with the judge. Joseph Yaqut saw that they were friends, and feared the judgment would go against him. He was right. The judge began heaping insults upon Joseph Yaqut as soon as he saw him, and ordered him to pay a very large sum of money. At once, Mullah Nasruddin stepped forward. “My lord,” he said to the judge. “This man is a good friend of mine. Allow me to pay in his place.”

Then Mullah Nasruddin took a small The Unshaven Man bag of coins from his belt and held it next to Rabbi Moishe’s ear. He shook the A man was walking along the street bag, so that the coins jingled. “Can you when he passed another man with a lot hear that?” asked Mullah Nasruddin. of stubble on his face standing outside a shop. The first man asked: “Of course,” replied Rabbi Moishe, impatiently.

“How often do you shave?”

“Well, that is your payment,” said “Twenty or thirty times a day,” Mullah Nasruddin. “My friend here, has answered the man with the stubble. smelled your food, and you have heard his money. The debt is paid.”

“What! You must be a freak!” exclaimed Nasruddin and the the first man. conqueror And, in the face of such argument, the case was settled and Joseph Yaqut went “No, I’m only a barber,” replied the man A certain conqueror said to Nasruddin: free. with the stubble.

Ehsan Khan

“Mulla, all the great rulers of the past had honorific titles with the name of God in them; there was, for instance, God-Gifted, and God-Accepted, and so on. How about such a name for me?”

“God Forbid,” said Nasruddin.

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51

Masjids Around The World Capacity: Shah Jahan Mosque

2400

Built:

1889

Location: London, England There are approximately over 3000 mosques in Britain today but do you know where the first purpose built mosque in Britain was built? The first purpose built mosque in Britain and in northern Europe was not in Liverpool but in Woking; a town 25 miles from London. It was built in 1889, a mere 114 years ago! Long before the first generation of Muslim immigrants from South East Asia came to the shores of Britain.

of the Government College. During his time in South East Asia, the Doctor published journals and established libraries and educational institutes.

His thirst for learning brought him back to England with the aim of establishing an Oriental Institute.

A large Victorian building in extensive grounds in Woking was brought in 1883 and the Oriental Institute was set up. The purpose of the Institute was to enable visiting The man that is credited for building dignitaries from India to stay and the first purpose built mosque is study in culturally sympathetic an orientalist named Dr Gottlieb surroundings. It also enabled Wihelm Leitner. Interestingly he Europeans being posted to India was born of Jewish parents and he to learn the language and culture. studied at a madrassah in Istanbul. A mosque was built for the Muslim He learnt to memorise large portions students of the institute in 1889. The of the Quran and could speak 8 project was financed by the Begum languages fluently by the age of 15. Shah Jahan, the Nawab Begum of He spent most of his working life in the princely state of Bhopal.

Lahore, now Pakistan, as the Principle 52

It is believed that the mosques design was inspired by drawings taken from Prisse d’Avennes’ book ‘L’Art Arabe’. The square building is adorned by an onion shaped dome, three arched doorways and four minarats. In front of the mosque there is a courtyard with a fountain originally used for ablution, but has now been redesigned as an ornamental piece. The mosque had the capacity to accommodate 60 worshippers.

Headley who campaigned hard for the establishment of a mosque in London; this would later become the Regent’s Park Mosque.

The Shah Jahan Mosque is still in use today and now has the status of a grade 2 listed building. Since 1995 the local community has renovated the mosque to its original elegance.

A number of buildings nearby the mosque have been brought to increase The mosque fell into disrepair after the capacity of the mosque to 2400.

Leitner’s death in 1889. However, the There are prayer facilities for brothers mosque was resurrected by the Indian and sisters. The mosque continues to lawyer Khwaja Kamuluddin in 1912. It serve the local community and provides was used for the 5 daily prayers and for educational classes for adults, children, Eid gatherings. Many Muslim dignitaries brothers and sisters. The mosque visited the mosque, such as Muhammed encourages visits by schools and groups Ali Jinnah in 1932. In addition, and offers guided tours. This mosque is Kamuluddin started writing the ‘Islamic a part of the Muslim heritage in Britain, Review.’ This innovative journal sought SubhanAllah. to promote the mosque and its activities.

The magazine was widely distributed free of charge and was also used to Zeeshan Arif explain Islam to the British people. As a result of the mosque and the magazine, there were several conversions to Islam. One notable convert was Lord support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

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Book Review 54 44

The Tipping Point

by Malcolm Gladwell

an idea, trend, or social behaviour crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire’. Gladwell uses case studies to look at different factors to establish how little things can make a big difference. The crux of this book is that only a small number of people are needed, to tip a social epidemic, whether that’s a fashion trend, creating a revolution, spread of a disease or the success of an advertising campaign.

Gladwell engages the reader and The Tipping Point is not just a book on a few occasions, provides the but it’s a concept that will allow you reader tasks to prove his theory. One to change the way you think about exercise I enjoyed in particular was the ability of a few people, to making a list of 40 close friends (not change pretty much the whole world. including your work colleagues) and A very simple way of explaining writing how you met each person this, is that it’s about having the right originally. This exercise is to prove ingredients at the right time. Malcolm the point that your circle of friends Gladwell describes the tipping is not a circle, but a web, where the point as ‘that magic moment when majority of your friends are linked to

a ‘common friend’. They are called connectors; they are social glues.

One would say this theory may have been true in another era and that it doesn’t apply to the information era that we are living in. I feel that Gladwell addresses this and in essence incorporates this idea to prove that even in this context you need the same ingredients as you would need to create a word-ofmouth epidemic. The Tipping Point is a fascinating book that will equip you into creating your own epidemic.

Samina Kauser

Prophet Yusuf (PBUH)

poetry

This is a poem about the great man Yusuf His story provides us with lessons that are useful A man who was stunningly beautiful You would not find one who said he wasn’t cute at all!

Lusted after by every woman in the land Such was his beauty, he entered & they cut their hand Oblivious to the fact the knife had cut through their skin As he entered it certainly wasn’t dim!

He’d lighten up the room with his stunning features This story is regularly told by our teachers & preachers Everyone can learn something from him, from the layman to leaders

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A life riddled with tests, trials, calamities, catastrophes, disasters & tribulations A journey which took him across many nations His story is a reminder for the patient Never to lose hope & lose patience Locked alone in a room with the most beautiful woman of his time How does one cope with such a lady in front of your eyes Just you & her no one else is there Anything could have happened, but it was Allah he feared.

You may be alone with a woman but Allah is always there He is the one we must fear The restraint Yusuf showed when alone with a woman Unfortunately the same cannot be said for some men Not only was he faced with a beautiful woman He faced many tests & trials we cannot fathom It is hard to imagine, comprehend, believe & perceive That one man alone could face all of this From Palestine to Egypt True stories with wonderful meanings From boy to man Follow the journey revealed in the Quran From being accused to being absolved As his situation was finally resolved From slavery to governance A story full with miracles This is a poem about the great man Yusuf His story provides us with lessons that are useful A man who was stunningly beautiful You would not find one who said he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cute at all!

Shabz

Spoken word poet and Lyricist

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Recipes Raspberry Crumble Serves: 4

Need: • 350g (12 oz) raspberries (fresh or frozen) • 1 teaspoon sugar • 150g (6 oz) self raising flour • 1 pinch baking powder • 75g (3 oz) caster sugar • 75g (3 oz) margarine or butter, chilled and cut into cubes

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Method 1. First preheat the oven to 190 C / Gas 6.

2. Place raspberries in an 18cm (7 in) baking dish and sprinkle over the teaspoon of sugar.

3. For the crumble topping: Sieve the flour and baking powder into a large bowl and add the caster sugar and margarine. Rub together until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

4. Spoon the crumble mixture over the raspberries, spreading it out to the sides of the baking dish so you can not see the raspberries anymore.

5. Carefully put the fruit crumble onto the top shelf of the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden.

6. Serve hot and enjoy!!

Tip â&#x20AC;&#x201C; best served with a scoop of ice-cream!

Nusayba Malik

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National Events

To add your local study circles, conferences, events or courses please email events@fifteen21.com

Birmingham

Leicester

The Zawiya Centre T: 0121 766 8364 W: www.thezawiya.com

Masjid An-Noor T: 0116 262 5440 W: www.idauk.org

Arabic, Tajweed, Youth activities & Study circles for both brothers and sisters, various dates

Monthly Youth Programme for boys, starts first Saturday of each month

Bradford

York

Islam Bradford Centre T: 01274 395521 E: info@islambradford.com

York Central Masjid T: 01904 413 123 E: contact@yorkmosque.org

Study Circles, for brothers and sisters (separate classes), various days & times

Brothers Qur’an Circle, every Friday, between Maghrib and Isha Salah Sisters Qur’an Circle, every Sunday, 11am to Dhuhr Salah

… e u s s I e Next

Cambridge Cambridge Masjid T: 01223-350134 E: cambridgemosque@gmail.com

In Th

Arabic, Study Circles, Qur’anic Studies for both Brothers & Sisters, varies days & times

ry of The Sto

•

Edinburgh Edinburgh Central Mosque T: 0131 343 3802 E: edinburghmosque@hotmail.com

Arabic, Tajweed, Youth activities & Study circles for both brothers and sisters, various dates

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Life has its ups and downs You can talk confidentially online or by phone whenever you need to.

Whatever your worry, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better out than in.

www.childline.org.uk ChildLine is a service provided by the NSPCC. Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717. 7244/11