Issue 3

Issue 03

May 2012

99 Names of Allah (swt) Grooming Part 2 Muslim Explorer Ibn Battuta

Deaf Awareness Week Duas, Poems, Quizzes, Reviews & Inspiring Role Models

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 Christian 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 Reader Asalamu Alaykum!

This month we continue to explore grooming by talking with two organizations; one working in the We hope you are all enjoying the safeguarding of young people lovely weather this week whilst it from sexual predators and the lasts! We have another jam-packed second, CROP who support the issue this month, from a NEW parents of sexually exploited regular feature on the 99 Beautiful children. We have also included Names of Allah (swt) to four here a series of Myths and Facts trailblazing siblings to inspire us about child sexual exploitation, all. There is poetry, book reviews, for example is this a crime led by hadith and the travels of the Muslim Asian men who are targeting white explorer Ibn Battuta. girls? Is it just children in care who are affected? Can boys be raped Have you registered this year or exploited? Are Muslim girls also for Deaf Run to raise funds for being exploited? Find out on page Deaf Umrah? Find out how you 20. can get fit whilst raising funds for this noble cause on page 48. The The Young Muslims Advisory annual Deaf Awareness Week Group (YMAG) are conducting a took place this month. There are national survey: ‘Understanding 70,000 people who use British Sign Young People: their attitudes and Language as their first language in experiences of Policing’ to explore the UK today; 25,000 of whom are the relationship between young children. Research by the National people (14-25 year olds) and the Deaf Children’s Society has police. Do you wish to share your found that the majority of young views about policing? Discover how people struggle communicating on page 38. with people who have a hearing impairment and have launched the The Cambridge Muslim College Look, Smile, Chat campaign. In supports the development of this issue of Fifteen21 we examine training and Islamic scholarship what young people can do to to help meet the many challenges help deaf and hearing teenagers facing Britain today. The college communicate better from page 44. currently offers a one-year

Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies & Leadership which is taught by leading scholars and practitioners, from the University of Cambridge and the British Muslim community. You can learn more on page 42.

Have you ever wanted to work with other young people of a different faith on a project and be mentored and trained at the same time? The Three Faiths Forum are currently taking applications for their InterFaith Leadership program. To sign up please go to page 40.

Thankyou for all your feedback, we do read every email. We are working on a new layout for Issue 4, to make the magazine easier to read online. There will be a fashion section after Eid inshAllah and if you wanted to share any of those recipes you’d like included please email me on editor@fifteen21.com!

Finally I would like to thank the whole team who work really hard each month between children, work and studies to ensure a new issue of Fifteen21 every last Friday of the month. Please keep us all in your duas.

Contents 6 One Hundred Less One

28-29 Dua’s Supplications to say before sleeping

7 The Path of Knowledge

30 Aunty’s Column

8 Prophet Nuh (as)

31 Competitions

9 Deed of the Month – Bar Backbiting

32 Book Review

10 Profile: Saimah Yasmin - Psychologist 11 Hadith 12-13 Is Your Patience a Virtue?

14-15 The Need - Sisters Food Bank

33 Poetry 34-35 Profile Irfan Rashid 36-37 Healthy Living: What sparks my imagination & motivation

16-17 Profile: Imran Rashid - Graphic Designer

38-39 YMAG National Survey

18-19 FOSIS National Student Qur’an Campaign

40-41 3FF’s Undergraduate ParliaMentors

20-21 Grooming Is all what it seems?

42-43 Cambridge Muslim College

22-23 CROP’s work with Parents of Sexually

44-45 Deaf Awareness Week 2012

Exploited Children 24-25 Myths and facts about child sexual exploitation 26-27 Profile Aisha Yasmin - Interior Design Student

46-47 Teens in the dark about deafness 48-49 Deaf Run 2012 50 National Events 51 Muslim Youth Helpline

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www.signature.org.uk

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One Hundred Less One The 99 beautiful names of Allah (swt) are known in Arabic as the Al Asmaul Husna. Each name refers to a unique attribute of Allah (swt) and the reward of memorising the 99 Names of Allah (swt) are many. Stated in a Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (ra):

The act of dhikr or remembrance of Allah draws one closer to Allah (swt).

Indeed one of the greatest gifts given to us is the 99 beautiful names of Allah (swt) because it allows us to know Allah (swt) more intimately.

The process of memorizing and internalizing the meaning of each name The prophet (saw) said that “Allah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one and then reflecting on them will draw us - no one memorises them except that he closer to Allah (swt), the more you learn enters Paradise, and He (Allah) is [an] odd about Allah (swt) through his beautiful names the more you will know him. [number] and He loves odd [numbers].

(Sahih al-Bukhari: 6410).

Allah (swt) is not in need of us to glorify Allah (swt) Himself makes mention of His Him with his beautiful names, rather, the names are a means for us to attain 99 beautiful names in the Holy Quran tranquillity in our own hearts. time and time again and asks us to call on Him by those beautiful names: “Yes, verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find tranquility” “He is Allah (God), the Creator, the Originator, The Fashioner, to Him belong (Quran 13: 28) the most beautiful names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, do declare His Reflecting on Imam Al-Ghazali’s thoughts on the 99 beautiful names of Allah (swt), praises and Glory. And He is the he explains that the perfection and Exalted in Might, The Wise.

(Quran 59:24) happiness of man consists in conforming to the perfections of God Most High and “The most beautiful names belong to Allah in adorning himself with the meanings of (God): so call on Him by them;” His attributes and names insofar as this is (Quran 7:180) conceivable for man.

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In relation to this, it is important to note that learning only the literal meaning of each name is not the same as acknowledging and appreciating each name. Therefore, it is also important to understand the root meanings and associated meanings of each of the names, so that we can call upon the names with accuracy and not fall short of attaining the gift of memorizing the 99 beautiful names of Allah (swt).

We hope insh’Allah over the forthcoming issues of Fifteen21 to endeavour to unveil the secret beauty and meaning of each of the 99 beautiful names of Allah (swt) through correct interpretation. So that we can all memorise each name and their meanings and can call upon Allah (swt) in supplication and most of all reflect upon His attributes.

We shall also explore some of the dangers of delving too deep into the nature of Allah’s being with reference to the works of Imam Al- Ghazali; and establish some of the correct manners of calling upon the names.

Shanaz Ali, Manchester

The Path of Knowledge

In the name of Allah, the most beneficent, the most merciful Dear Reader, I would like to reassert my previous observation on the compatibility of the intellect and faith. Islam is the only religion that maintains a perfect balance between the two and encourages the pursuit of knowledge to perfect the worship of Allah.

In the present article I will be focussing on the text of the Quran in regards to the importance of gaining knowledge in Islam. The Quran is the Holy Scripture of Muslims and the literal word of Allah (swt). It was revealed approximately 1400 years ago to the Prophet Muhammed (saw) through the angel Jibrail (as) over a period of 23 years. The Quran is not a scientific text, but a miracle and a form of remembrance. The more knowledge that is acquired and learnt results in a higher understanding of the Quran. The search for knowledge also benefits humankind by enabling a true appreciation of the glory of our Creator, and causes a person to feel humbled and submit.

Therefore a person gains taqwa (righteousness and fear), which ensures success for them in the Hearafter.

“Are those who have knowledge and those who have no knowledge alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful.”

(Quran 39:9).

This obligation to seek knowledge has inspired many Muslims over the years to study the Quran and Islam in detail, and also to explore and learn about the world.

One such person was the explorer Ibn Battuta, born in Tangiers, Morocco, 1304 CE – 1368/69 CE. Ibn Battuta was a member of an illustrious family whose members were Qadi’s (judges) and he also studied as a judge. After his studies he decided to go on hajj (pilgrimage) at the age of twenty two.

His travel to Hajj inspired him and he dedicated his life to journeying. He decided to travel to all the Muslim ruled countries of his time and did so. He set a condition for himself that he would not travel the same road twice. His long journey over approximately 30 years encompassed many countries including Syria, Palestine, Mombasa (in East Africa), China, India and Byzantium. Over this period of time he was entertained by various The Quran on numerous occasions orders rulers and dignitaries. After his travels he returned humankind to attain knowledge in order to become to Fez, Morocco at the court of the Sultan Abu closer to Allah (swt). The following are a few ‘Inan where his travels were recorded by Ibn Juzay examples where this occurs: (1321 CE-1357 CE). This record is known as the famous Travels (Rihala) and is a rich account of the “And say: My Lord increase me in knowledge.” people, cultures and traditions of the countries he (Quran 20:114) encountered and his own personal experiences. He travelled approximately 75, 000 miles; a record “It is only those who have knowledge among his which is unlikely to have been broken before the servants that fear Allah” invention of steam engines.

(Quran 35:28) Sofairah Aziz, Leeds

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Prophet Nuh (Noah) (as) was chosen by Allah (swt) to bring the people of his time back to Islam as they had started to worship idols. Time had passed since earlier Prophets and when their ancestors were good Muslims. The people lied, cheated and disobeyed Allah (swt).

followers of Islam. This was to guarantee the survival of all animals and creatures.

Prophet Nuh (as) tried again to bring people to Islam and warn them about the flood but they did not listen and laughed at him. As Allah (swt) instructed, Prophet Nuh (as) continued to build the Prophet Nuh (as) was a humble and ark. When the ark was ready, he went gentle man. He was pious, kind, truthful onboard with all the believers and a and patient. He invited people to come pair of each species. The flood came back to Islam and believe in the oneness and destroyed everyone and everything of Allah (swt) but many did not listen and except those who had believed the called him a mad man.

Prophet (as) and believed in Allah (swt) and were on the ark.

“The people of Nuh rejected the messengers. When their brother Nuh The flood lasted for many days. Once said to them, “Do you not fear Allah? I the water retreated and the ark came to am an honest messenger for you. So, rest, Prophet Nuh (as), the believers and fear Allah and obey me. I do not claim the animals got off the ark and thanked from you any reward for it. My reward Allah (swt) for saving them. Over time is with none but with the Lord of the they spread over the earth and grew in worlds; so, fear Allah and obey me.” number.

(Qur’an, 26:105-110) The lesson to be taken from this is After preaching for 950 years and not that disobeying Allah (swt) leads to getting much success, Prophet Nuh (as) destruction. There is terrible punishment prayed to Allah (swt) and requested that for the disbelievers.

He give the people whatever punishment they deserved. Allah (swt) told Prophet “Then, they accused him of falsehood; Nuh (as) about a forthcoming flood as so We saved him and those with him punishment which would be a lesson in the Ark, and drowned those who for generations to come. He told him rejected Our signs. Certainly, to build an ark and put two of each they were a blind people.” living creature on board along with all (Qur’an, 7:64) Azizun Nessa, Manchester

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Shrine of Prophet Nuh (as), Kerak, Jordan

Prophets of Islam:

Prophet Nuh (as)

Deed of the month: Bar Backbiting “Guess what I just heard?”

choosing to be peaceful and harmonious.

For the victim, it is a horrible feeling to find out that people are casually doing We are surrounded by gossip; in a character assassination, without clearly newspapers, magazines and television.

Everybody seems to know everybody else’s knowing the truth or the circumstances about the situation. This can result in a world business. It has become a distinct part of our culture and, unfortunately, also a part of of distrust, depression and anger for the our nature. After all, how often do we get people involved. caught up in the latest gossip about friends, family, neighbours, celebrities or even enemies?

You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.”

Clearly, Allah (swt) knows gossip is tempting for us, but we need to have empathy for all of our brothers and sisters in humanity and choose not to destroy them with bad intentions of backbiting and gossip.

So, the next time you hear, ‘Guess what?’ be careful about your own intentions during the Sometimes, we try to find ways to make conversation and avoid getting trapped in ourselves feel better, in knowing that the excitement of juicy gossip or backbiting. others are actively worse off than we are.

If your intention, upon hearing gossip or If we know that someone else made bad backbiting, is to give advice or get help choices, it may make us feel less alone, for someone, who is suffering because their when we make our own mistakes. It also rights are violated, then may Allah (swt) helps us to forget or ignore our own help you to help them. If, however, your short comings in our life because we are intention is purely to be accepted into the focusing on other people. The reality exciting social circle of backbiters and is that it doesn’t make us happier or gossipers, who think they know all the secrets feel more perfect; it only brings more and covertly pass them on, don’t be swayed negativity in our lives.

Alhamdoulillah, Allah (swt) guides us to by them. After all, Allah (swt) knows more secrets than all of humanity could ever know, Not only does it affect our own lives in choose a better path. In Surat Al-Hujraat [49:12], the Quran says so be swayed by Allah instead (swt). So,

a negative way, but it also brings choose to bar backbiting and gossip in misery to the people who are the “O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, your life and, instead, welcome peace and subject of the backbiting and gossip. indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, positivity.

Each time we choose to backbite about someone, we are choosing to be neither backbite one another. Would one of Michelle Blum, Bradford you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? judgemental and destructive, over

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Profile Saimah Yasmin – Psychologist What do you do?

I am currently inbetween two roles; I work as an assistant psychologist and a researcher within a mental health setting. As an assistant psychologist I work closely within a youth mental health service assessing young people with severe mental health problems and carry out cognitive behavioural therapy with people with low level depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. As a researcher I work within a psychosis team, to understand duration of untreated psychosis and relapse rates.

What do you like about your job?

The biggest thing I like about my job is the diversity involved. Every day is a different day and you never know what young people can bring to the door. I enjoy the satisfaction of being able to assist young people with psychological disorders and see the improvements it can make to their lives and provide a more stable future for them.

Have you always been interested in how the mind works?

As a child, not particularly. I was only ever intrigued by optical illusions and I thought that’s what psychology was all about, until I studied it at A level and I realised there was a lot more to the human brain than

images that play tricks on your mind. Just to clarify – psychologists do not mind read either!

deen, but it is all about having faith in Allah (swt) and doing the best with what you have.

What has been your most rewarding experience so far?

It has to be delivering therapy – no one session is ever the same and it is always a pleasure to see young people overcome their difficulties and watch them develop as a person over a short period of time.

And your biggest achievement?

I have many desires and wishes on what I want to achieve long term, but right now my biggest achievement would be my education which I have excelled in and my job.

What are your hobbies?

In my spare time I enjoy travelling and Who do you admire? photography, I have a passion for capturing those It has to be my family; they are a constant source of moments in peoples lives that we usually don’t see. encouragement, support and assist me in everything When I travel I love hearing peoples stories and I do. In my line of work it is important to be able to the journeys they have been on, it truly fascinates come home and mentally unwind and I find that I me. This arbitrary number that we are approaching, can do that with my family.

7 billion people on this planet Earth, it’s a number impossible to imagine but every single person If you were granted one wish, what would it be? out there has a story to tell and I love capturing It may be clichéd to say this but to eradicate moments of peoples stories with my camera. injustice in this world; for us to live in a just society.

For justice to permeate every strand of our lives, How could I not mention my immense love for from government to peoples interactions with each shopping and the delight it brings me when I other, to be fair. Something which our Beloved purchase a new item, the adrenaline rush makes it Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) strived for and achieved worthwhile :) but which we have lost and it is sorely missed.

Our anger at what happens around the world to Where’s the best place that your job has taken innocent people stems from this injustice and the you? morality of justice which always asks us “why is this Into the hearts and minds of young people and happening?” getting a deep insight into the difficulties they face on a daily basis – things that we all take for What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle granted. that you have overcome?

I can’t actually think of one, but I have had many Any final thoughts? struggles with my work life, my private life and my ‘Keep calm and carry on!’

Whilst as Muslims we have a strong duty to fulfil our practical obligations, such as the five pillars of Islam, the way in which we behave towards others has a huge bearing on whether or not we are successful slaves of Allah (swt).

Hadith

But, what does this mean?

To be a successful slave of Allah (swt), one must apply all the rulings set out to us by Allah (swt) and his prophet, peace be upon him, and stay away from all the prohibitions at the same time. A successful Muslim, however, also takes great care in their interactions with other people, be they non-Muslims or Muslims.

Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) says in the Quran: “Do good to others, surely Allah loves those who do good to others” [ Quran 2:195] The key thing here is to understand that Allah (swt) does not say ‘be good to Muslims’ He (Glorified and Exalted is He) says “do good to others”. It is from this that we Muslims must remind ourselves that although we do not accept or agree with the way others choose to live their lives, dress or speak, it is irrelevant when it comes to how

we should behave when we are interacting with others. Any person, especially a Muslim, should show respect to others because this is the teachings of our beloved Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be bestowed upon him. We live in a society where more-often-than-not Islam is at the centre of discussion and mostly for negative reasons. Therefore, it’s important for us all to remember that non-Muslims are extra conscious of our behaviour and that the way that we are behaving directly influences their judgement of Islam. It is our duty to try our best in ensuring that we are portraying our perfect religion in the best way that we can.

I narrate this true story which happened in our city a couple of years ago. A non-Muslim lady that was working in a cafe nearby our central Masjid would often see Muslims in the cafe. This sparked her interest in Islam at a time when she never knew very much about the religion at all. As a result of this she began visiting the Masjid and attending weekly Islamic circles, and through the hidaya of Allah, she became a Muslim. But, this is not the reason I narrate this story to you, as we have heard many of a similar sort... Some time after she became Muslim this young sister became a part of our community and as she developed a close ring of friends, she let us in on something which made us all laugh, but

at the same time think, deeply. She told us that when she first became interested in learning about Islam, she would finish her shift as the Muslim sisters were leaving the Cafe and she would follow them around watching closely how they behaved and what they did. SubhanAllah.

After hearing this, I felt that it is important for a person to remember that wherever we are travelling we should remember that ‘when I do or say that thing or look at a person a certain way, the person looking at me will point a finger and say “look, that is Islam”.

Zaynab, Edinburgh

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...Or does it make you more impatient?

Well, we have been hearing all our lives that patience is a virtue!

Is it true though? And has it worked for YOU?

We may now live in a culture of; ‘I want and I want now!’ - but in all honestly this just makes us horrible people - and Allah (swt) created the Ummah of RasoolAllah (saw) as the best.

Allah (swt) asks us to exercise patience, perseverance and prayer.

Has patience become a virtue for you or made you even more impatient?

We live crazy lives where we want things instantaneously and if we have to wait more than a minute we get itchy feet!

As well as...

“O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.”

(Quran 3:200)

Everything in life needs patience - for its through patience we learn life’s greatest lessons and comprehend the deepest of wisdom’s.

Everyone has been tested during their lifetime from all the great Prophets to normal lay people - and you and I. Maybe you are being tested right now and you require patience?

Take comfort that your Creator has knowledge of ALL affairs and knows what is best for you.

I mean after all - wouldn’t you want the best and be saved from the rest? (The rest which is not good for you at all).

I know we are human and we slip; but we shouldn’t make this an excuse - a reason for us not to exercise patience.

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“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

Who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.”

(Quran 2:155-157)

“And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].”

(Quran 2:45) In another verse...

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”

(Quran 2:153) Also...

And what was said to our beloved Prophet?...

“And be patient, [O Muhammad], and your patience is not but through Allah.” (Quran 11:115) Yes these verses are very inspiring and have much to teach us but again we are human and something may happen that brings you down.

I mean you may be so patient and enduring your suffering with a smile, when along come the naysayers and burst your happy bubble.

Is Pa V

s YOUR atience A Virtue?

Ever happened to you? Yes, it has happened to me - more than once!

So what to do to implement the verses above? have them imprinted and embedded on our souls and endure our ‘sufferings’ with patience?

Follow the following insha’Allah...

Action Points & Tips: 1. Re-read and study the verses above - really and truly reflect on what they are saying and look at your situation - where can you implement them and if you don’t what do you think would happen?

2. Ibaadah - perfect your worship. We are all students of knowledge, we will all fall and we will all need to pick ourselves up - remain humble and remind yourselves that Allah will be there to pick you up - if you mess up - return to Allah, do tauba and fix up.

3. Create a support network - not an entire block of sisters and brothers - although that would be a good practice and we should be there for each other - but your friends - even if it is just one friend - what is that friend like? If it’s a friend who has always been there for you and will always give you a good word then hold on to them and reciprocate it - if they are there for you then be there for them. Hold on tight to Allah’s true ones - they are rare, like diamonds, but you have to search for them and when you

find them hold on - as these friends will help you implement the patience verses and help you put them to practice.

4. Learn about Allah (swt) - His Names and His Attributes - what does Allah love? What does He hate? What does He want from us? How can we please Him? Yes, He is our Creator but He is also our best friend - because he who has no one has Allah and he who has Allah has everything.

Know that whatever Allah is doing for you is the best - have you been injured - don’t worry, it’s a purification...has your marriage come to an end don’t worry Allah has saved you from any evil... has your business dropped in sales, don’t worry try something different...

5. Know and recognize that this life is temporary and each moment is our only moment - the suffering we face now is much lighter than any suffering in the grave or hell-fire and may Allah (swt) save us from the torments of both - ameen!

6. Have you missed an all important chat with Allah? Well now’s your chance to catch up on it and fix your ways - He has given you this ‘timeout’ to reconnect with Him So? What YOU waiting for? Give Allah a call because He is waiting for YOUR call! :) Nadia Leona Yunis, Birmingham Email info part, dont forget

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The Need

– Sisters Food Bank

It was Ramadan 2011.

My phone begged for my attention, another text.

‘Rejected asylum seeker living with 4 sons has had her benefits cut. Struggling to pay the bills. Is there anyone that will help?’

I have three sons myself and I imagined struggling to find the money to feed them.

What a terrible situation.

As I packed a box full of food from my cupboard, I thought to myself, ‘This will help her this week, but what will she do next week?’

This is how the idea for the Sisters’ Food Bank was born.

The Team Sisters’ Food Bank is run by a small group of five sisters in Birmingham. We originate from different countries– Australia, Holland, Spain and Pakistan – but we are united in our commitment to helping those in need. We work as a team, seeking out our sisters who are in need of assistance, and co-ordinating the collection and distribution of Food Boxes.

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The Task We developed a standard Food Box, which has enough staple items in it to feed a mother and two small children for a week. We then put out the word and asked people to commit to buying one Food Box (which costs around £10) a month and bring it to our headquarters.

Sisters’ Food Bank was founded with the intention of pleasing Allah (swt) by striving to meet the needs of some of these people. We have chosen to focus our service on assisting women and children, often the most vulnerable members of society. In particular, we are striving to help women during times of crisis, be it financial or emotional, to show them that there are people who care. The types of women that we help may be in domestic violence refuges, recently divorced, failed asylum seekers, suffering from serious illness or struggling to pay the bills and keep a roof over their head. We strive to help them through this difficult period in their lives by delivering weekly Food Boxes, referral information, some inspirational reading, and a smile.

The Reward The Prophet (saw) told us: “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter…”

(Muslim) “The best deed in the sight of Allah is that which is done regularly.”

(Recorded in Al-Bukhari) “And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.”

(Qur’an 2:172) “And they give food, in spite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the Miskin (the poor), the orphan, and the captive” (Qur’an 76:8) In the age of debit card donations, this project is a chance to reap the rewards of charity in action.

As you do your own food shopping, and put aside a little for others more in need than you, it helps you to reflect on what you have, and on those less fortunate.

As you knock on the door of a sister in need and offer her your smile and a food box, it reminds you of the blessings of helping others.

If you would like to get involved or find out how to set up a Food Bank in your town or city please email us at: foodbank@sistersproject.co.uk Visit our website: www.sistersproject.co.uk/foodbank

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Profile Imran Rashid – Graphic Designer What do you do?

Currently I am the creative director of Studio360 Design and Innovation Consultants. I am a recent Masters (MA) graduate working at a design consultancy as a graphic and industrial designer. As a qualified graphic designer it allows me to break into areas such as marketing, advertising, illustration and so forth making the visuals we see daily eye catching and pleasing on the eye. To enhance my skill set I am also an industrial designer which involves designing everyday products we come across such as transport, interior, product and architectural design. Making the world a better place and enhancing our interaction with products.

What do you like about your job?

No two projects are the same and every day is a new day. This helps as for a designer inspiration and motivation is key.

There’s a new challenge everyday so it keeps you wanting to wake up and go to work. Meeting new people is great. As a designer you work on collabrative projects and meet all sorts of weird and wonderful people.

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What got you involved in design?

From an early age I’ve always wanted to design and make new things. My favourite subjects at school were design technology, electronics and art. Experimenting with Photoshop at the age of 13 drew me into the world of design.

Do you do any voluntary work?

It’s the best kind of work you really feel the blessings helping out with various charities and on community based projects. Giving back to the community is crucial. Islamic relief, Young Muslims UK and Birmingham Citizens is a great platform to achieve this.

Who do you admire?

Those who have the drive, commitment and eagerness to achieve their goal. A passion for education and wanting to leave behind a beneficial legacy to future generations worldwide.

If you were granted one wish what would it be?

Give the less fortunate people around the world the right to education and be what they want to be and do what they want to do.

What do you feel you have gained from being a designer?

Apart from gaining a vast amount of skills I have begun to appreciate the wonders of nature and the beauty of the world we live in. As designers the main source of inspiration is from nature which was designed by the best of Creators, Allah (swt).

What has been your biggest obstacle you have overcome?

The greatest challenge for any designer is getting your foot in the door of the design industry. Setting up my own design consultancy has allowed me to do so, building up my contacts and portfolio.

What are your hobbies?

Work hard play hard. Football, cricket, rock climbing, mountaineering, abseiling, anything challenging and extreme.

Where’s the best place your job has taken you?

Best thing about design is you’re not always stuck in a boring studio. You must go out, travel the world, learn about different cultures and countries, drawing inspiration, learning new design techniques and methods.

Any final thoughts?

Ask yourself are you a leader or a follower? Lead the way, become visionary thinkers.

Brainstorming is a key part of design

And your biggest achievement?

Designed and created a unique playing apparatus for children, for which I hold the patent.

“

“

Best thing about design is you’re not always stuck in a boring studio. You must go out, travel the world, learn about different cultures and countries

Concept generation gets you thinking

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FOSIS National Student Qur’an Campaign “These hearts rust just as iron rusts; and indeed they are polished through the recitation of the Qur’an.”(Irshad al-Qulub)

Muslim Students are knowledge seekers. They are the youth who symbolise our future Ummah, our hope, and our legacy. Yet, it is at university, when most Muslim students, striving to be the best in academics, often do not keep a regular relationship with the Qur’an.

It is especially the case for those who

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used to have a daily contact with it. Moreover, some Muslim students never before had the occasion to study the Qur’an, to learn how to recite it. This added to the fact that it is when at university, in our early twenties, that we almost finalise the shape of our personality, our vision of the world along with our

knowledge. This was the reason why the National Qur’an Campaign was initiated by FOSIS in early 2009. The idea was to promote the recitation and the memorisation of the Qur’an.

Furthermore, the campaign has gone on to encourage the study of Tafseer, Qur’anic teachings and science of Hadith.

Just recently we hosted the FOSIS Qur’an Camp for both brothers and sisters at the University of Cambridge, alongside the University of Cambridge Islamic Society and local community, namely Cambridge Masjid who were very generous in accommodating us. The three day camp featured several speakers with the highlights being Shaykh Abu Bakr Ash-Shatri (Saudi Arabia) and Mufti Ismail Menk (Zimbabwe), along with close to 200 attendees that came from as far as Scotland. The event was the first of its kind we have ever rolled out and already we have been asked to ensure this becomes an annual fixture on the FOSIS-ISoc calendar. The weekend course covered aspects of tafsir, tajweed, eloquence, memorisation and

revelation. The course was designed to maximise benefit for everyone from the hafidh of Qur’an (people who have memorised the Holy Qur’an) to those who cannot yet read Qur’anic Arabic.

The programme included lectures, workshops, circles, and activities. We were further blessed to have a new sister join the fold of Islam who took her Shahaadah on the Saturday evening of the Camp.

Zain Malik, Leicester

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Grooming

Here at BLAST we work with young people across Leeds and Bradford to try to help them keep safe. As a young person, we’re sure you have people banging on at you all of the time about things you should and shouldn’t be doing. We try not to bang on at BLAST as firstly you probably wouldn’t listen anyway and secondly, nagging bores us.

Is all what it seems?

feeling turns from fab to fear, have a think about how safe you really are.

No one ever thinks that someone they are about to start a relationship with wants to hurt them but the sad fact is some people do want to hurt others for lots of different reasons. Being young doesn’t mean you’re stupid or an easy target, but some people will think that you are.

Grooming happens when an adult Relationships seem to be one of the things (usually but can be another young that have always and continue to be a person sometimes) wants to get you to cause of much stress for teens and adults do something that they want – normally alike. How do we get it right? Where do sexual. Groomers can be men or women, we start? Relationship ups and downs are young or old, ugly or good looking and a normal part of every-day life but when are very clever. The sexual thing can do ups and downs become something more involve you and them, you or someone worrying that could maybe harm you? else, images of you or you watching other people.

If you’re in a relationship new or old, there are some things you can do to keep yourself safe. One thing to remember is if things don’t feel right, they’re probably not. Listen to your body. It will give you what we call Early Warning Signs. Do your palms feel sweaty? Is your heart beating faster? Are you getting shivers? Do you have butterflies? All of these things can happen if you’re really excited but if you’re feeling uneasy as well, as then this could be your body’s way of telling you Firstly groomers target young people and you’re in danger. Being with someone we try to gain your trust. They might give you really like can be a fab feeling but if that gifts, be nice to you or compliment you.

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could pretend to be your boyfriend or girlfriend or even your best friend. They Secondly, they try to become your friend. might try to have a sexual relationship with you or take you to places where you This involves making you feel special and like only they understand you. They might would have fewer clothes on like swimming say things like “Only I understand you,” or or the gym. Sometimes they could give even “Only you understand me.” You might you drugs or alcohol or take you to adult be given gifts, be worried if it’s a mobile places like bars. They could even show you sexual images (pornography). Groomers phone, this just means they can keep in at this point may give you confusing touch with you whenever they want and messages. They will be nice one minute then control you. They’ll probably want to spend lots of time with you and though and nasty the next. this might feel nice, always ask yourself: “What does this person want from me?”

They’ll probably listen to you and keep your secrets but be careful they could use these things against you at a later date.

They might offer to protect you if you’re in danger and could even touch you then pretend like it was an accident.

Next when you’re friends, the relationship could change again to what is called a loving relationship. Here the groomer

Lastly they will get you to do what it is they want. They might do this by threatening you, begging or making you feel ashamed. They might bribe you or threaten to tell secrets that you told them before. They could hurt you physically or sexually or force you into doing stuff that you don’t want to. Sometimes they will use drugs or alcohol to get you so smashed that you don’t know what’s going on.

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Remember if you think any of these things are happening to you, there are people who can help. Even if you’re not sure – get in touch and talk it through with someone.

At BLAST, we know it’s hard to talk face to face sometimes, so you can talk to us on Facebook or you can text or email us. We work with lots of young people every year who are going through the things mentioned in this article and we will listen without judging you.

On Facebook search for “Blastboys Mesmac”.

Add us as a friend. We’ll never contact you until you contact us. We’re online for a chat every Wednesday and Thursday between 6pm and 8pm. You can message us any time.

Or you can ring or text: Phil 07921372896 or Cheryl 07407761569

and we can put you in touch with organisations outside of Yorkshire too.

Strategies to keep safe 1) If an older adult wants to be your friend suddenly, always ask yourself why does this adult want to be friends with a young person?

2) Never give your personal details out to people you don’t know.

3) Make sure your privacy settings on social networking sites are set to high and that you know EVERY SINGLE ONE of your friends.

4) Think before posting or sending an image of yourself anywhere!

5) Always make sure you have enough money to get home safely.

6) If you meet someone you don’t really know, make sure it’s in a public place or even better, bring a friend.

7) Make sure you memorise contact details of safe people who could help you if you were in trouble, always have credit on your phone.

8) Always speak to your friends or trusted adult if you’re worried about something.

9) If you feel you can’t say no, are you really in a safe situation?

10) If something feels wrong, it probably is – listen to yourself!

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Work of CROP

CROP’s work with Parents of Sexually Exploited Children “Twenty-five years on since she met him her life involved physical and mental torture, abuse, violence, sense of guilt and drugs.” (Parent) The last few weeks of reporting about the Rochdale case has lead to intense media coverage. This is the case where nine men were found guilty of grooming girls for sex.

Myth Busting One assumption is that the children and young people who are being groomed for sex come from chaotic homes where the parents neglect or even abuse their children. In fact any child from any background can be groomed. Parents from caring and loving homes come to CROP desperate to find ways to stop the abuse and get the authorities to take action to help them protect their children.

The abuse leads to massive disruption and violence in the home with breakdown in family relations, immense stress and loss of sleep and good health, and this in turn can lead to loss of jobs and income.

Another assumption is that most children come from care, yet statistics show that

only around 20 per cent of children who are abused live in care, the remaining 80 per cent still live at home with their families. This is the time that young people end up in care because the disruption and violence they bring to their family causes the parents to place their child in care because they can no longer cope.

Thirdly, there is the myth that this is a crime led by Asian men of Pakistani heritage, and that they are targeting white girls.

Most children are groomed online and the majority of these offenders are lone white men. However men of Pakistani heritage are over represented, in that the percentage of Asian men being prosecuted is higher than the percentage of Asian community living in the UK. Also it is not just white girls that are targeted but also girls from Asian families. Out of the 100 families we currently support, 5 are from Asian backgrounds.

“We tried locking her in, but she would climb out the window. We took her away to stay with a relative in another country.

After 9 months away, she came back home and was with these men again”. (Parent)

CROP, the Coalition for the Removal of Pimping, was set up and is led by parents whose children have been lured into a world where they are being controlled, sold and sexually exploited by individuals and organised criminal gangs. CROP is unique; no other national organisation supports the parents; most organisations work with the abused young person, not recognising that parents also need support, information and advice and that their involvement improves the chances of prosecuting the offenders and helping the child to recover.

“The police would find our daughter dumped by these men all over the place and in various towns. She was once left on the hard shoulder of a motorway. She had been drugged and passed around a group of men. She had absolutely no concept of who she was.” (Parent) Impact on Family Life Parents contact CROP at their wits end, feeling desperate, isolated and blamed by those around them for what is going on for events that are beyond their control.

• The affected child can be violent, out of control, in trouble with the police, truanting, and often goes missing from home for hours, days and several weeks or even months.

• Huge strain can be put on marriages / partnerships: some perpetrators tell the child to say she is being sexually interfered with by her father or mother’s partner, leading to time-consuming investigations away from the perpetrator, creating mistrust and recriminations and marriage breakdown in some instances.

• There can be great difficulty in providing a ‘normal’ home for other children, who become extremely affected by what is going on, and are sometimes even groomed and targeted as well.

• The consequences to both the child and the family are long term; the terrible • The perpetrators are highly manipulative, tragedy is that many children never fully and they set out to maximise their control recover and often end up in abusive over the child by isolating them from relationships as adults. those who love and protect them, i.e. from their friends and family, and from their “Mum, he’s brainwashed me, so that parents or main carers in particular. The I cannot leave him ever. I am like his consequence is the breakdown in relations possession.” (Parent) between parent and child.

Warning Signs

What we do to help

Many of these signs are normal teenage rebellion, but put together, they indicate that exploitation may be occurring.

• CROP offers confidential and non judgemental support

• We inform parents about child sexual • Mood changes – becoming secretive and exploitation so they can better understand withdrawn or argumentative, violent and the pressures on their child aggressive to parents and siblings too • New style of dress/hairstyle/make-up • New possessions not bought by the family – mobile phones, jewellery, clothes • Mobile phone – constantly texting and rushing out at all hours when called • Telling lies and evading questions asking her where she is going • Picked up in cars by men not known to the family

• We advise on which authorities to notify and provide advocacy support with those agencies where this is needed • Most of our support is by phone but we can provide some parents with face-toface support from a local befriending volunteer who we train and supervise to ensure their intervention is helpful • We enable parents to meet other affected parents by inviting parents to our bi-annual national parent network days

• We equip parents to talk about • Going missing – for hours, overnight, and their experiences at training seminars, days at a time conferences and talking to the press in order to help raise awareness • Truanting from school • Excessive drink and drug use • Turning to crime, including thieving from her family “For a long time, I couldn’t understand why my daughter kept going back. But then I understood. It was the drugs. They started her off on weed, then ecstasy, then crack cocaine. That was her journey in 0 – 12 months.” (Parent)

A Parent’s Story The true cost of sexual exploitation can “Before my daughter was exploited, our NOT be under-estimated. Destruction to family was a very normal, functioning, our family life and the impact on our health loving family that laughed, cried, joked, and well-being has been truly unbelievable.” played and worked very well together. Then (Parent) my daughter began to slip away from me.

Gill Gibbons, CEO She was going missing from anywhere 18 May 2012 between a day and up to three weeks CROP: www.cropuk.org.uk at a time. Her moods, her attitudes, the Tel: 0113 240 3040 respect that she would always show me just disappeared. She was persistently lying about her whereabouts or who she was in Work of CROP touch with. She would often come home CROP, the Coalition for the Removal with new gifts, clothes, mobile phones. She of Pimping, was set up and is led by got really heavy into drinking and smoking parents whose children have been and taking other substances, as well as lured into a world where they are persistently truanting from school. Also being controlled, sold and sexually my daughter had been assaulting me. I’ve exploited by individuals and organised had people come to my house demanding criminal gangs. CROP is unique; no money that my daughter supposedly owed other national organisation supports them for the damage that she’s caused to the parents; most organisations work their properties for drugs that she’s buying with the abused young person, not from them. On regular occasions I’ve had recognising that parents also need my money stolen from me and items going support, information and advice and missing from the house to be sold for her that their involvement improves the to get money to buy drugs. My house chances of prosecuting the offenders keys have been stolen. I’ve had to change and helping the child to recover locks. On a number of occasions I’ve been burgled.

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MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION

MYTH 1: SHE ASKED FOR IT REALITY: A child’s capacity to consent or her willingness to be involved in sexual activities is irrelevant where exploitation is involved. Children and young people may not understand the exploitation and may not recognise that what they are experiencing is abuse. They may be afraid to seek help and an assumption that she might have asked for it makes it difficult for children and young people to disclose the abuse they are suffering.

MYTH 2: SHE KEEPS GOING BACK TO HIM/THEM, SO IT CAN’T BE THAT BAD REALITY: Control and manipulation similar to those experienced by victims of domestic violence are experienced by victims of sexual exploitation. Fear, severe trauma following abuse, lack of self-esteem and misplaced loyalties towards the perpetrator(s) whom they believe to be their ‘friend(s)’ or ‘boyfriend(s)’ stand in the way of seeking help or breaking free from the control of the perpetrator(s). Sexually exploited children can often be crying out for help even when they appear to be disengaging.

to remember that the specific support needs of all families around the exploitation of their child are not dissimilar, even though some may have additional support needs.

MYTH 4: BOYS CANNOT BE RAPED OR EXPLOITED REALITY: Boys and young men can be sexually exploited and their exploitation is often overlooked and underestimated. Evidence also shows that sexually exploited boys are more likely to be criminalised for their behaviour. It is also important to recognise that boys find it more difficult to disclose abuse. There is growing knowledge of working with sexually exploited boys and young men, and more can be learnt from the National Working Group’s Boys and Young men forum: www.nationalworkinggroup. co.uk

MYTH 5: S/HE IS JUST EXPLORING HER/HIS SEXUALITY REALITY: Sometimes behaviours that indicate sexual grooming or risk of sexual exploitation are interpreted as sexual experimentation or as sexually harmful behaviour.

This is particularly so with children who are subjected to sexual exploitation by perpetrators of the same sex. It is vital not to lose sight of the control of the perpetrator over the children and the process through which perpetrators MYTH 3: SEXUALLY EXPLOITED CHILDREN MAINLY COME FROM BROKEN OR OTHERWISE DYSFUNCTIONAL target and groom children.

FAMILIES MYTH 6: THESE ARE SEXUALLY ACTIVE YOUNG REALITY: All children from all kinds of families and backgrounds are equally vulnerable, by virtue of their age. PEOPLE...

Children from families where there may be problems could REALITY: The age of consent in England and Wales is 16 be additionally vulnerable as perpetrators tend to identify and sex with a child under the age of consent is an offence.

Legislation and guidance clearly state that all children a child’s vulnerabilities early on and exploit them to their under the age of 18 must be safeguarded from sexual advantage. Assuming the child’s family background as the route cause of her abuse puts the focus of intervention in the exploitation. Sexual relationships among young people can be exploitative in nature even though the age gap between wrong place and disempowers family members who often them is negligible. Labelling children as sexually active struggle to protect their child from exploitation. It is vital stigmatises them and prevents them from seeking support.

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MYTH 7: THE ADULTS THEY HANG AROUND WITH ARE THEIR FRIENDS OR BOYFRIENDS REALITY: Focus should remain on the exploitation, not on the perceptions of young people. Young people might perceive the perpetrators to be their ‘friends’ or ‘boyfriends’ who are genuinely interested in them and/or in forming a relationship with them. Professionals appear to be oblivious to the exploitative nature of the relationships that these children are drawn into. Children are often assumed to be ‘making a choice’ and hence are responsible for their own ‘risky sexual behaviour’. They are perceived to be involved in a consensual relationship that is ageappropriate, especially where there isn’t much of an age gap between the child and the exploiter.

MYTH 8: CHILDREN IN CARE ARE MORE AT RISK OF BEING SEXUALLY EXPLOITED REALITY: Available statistics do not support this strongly.

Both children from care and those living in the family home are equally at risk. Work of CROP also shows that being in care is more often an effect of exploitation than a cause. The groomer might encourage the child to go into care with a view to sever her/his relationship with her/his family. Once in care it becomes far easier for perpetrators to maintain their grip and control on children. The effects of grooming and exploitation also undermine parents’ capacity to safeguard their child forcing them to seek local authority care and protection for their children. On other occasions children might be placed in care or in secure accommodation on grounds of welfare.

MYTH 9: SHE IS 16 NOW. THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO REALITY: The age of consent in England and Wales is 16.

Sexually exploited children over the age of 16 are often

perceived as capable of consenting to sex and hence do not meet the thresholds for child protection. The Children Acts 1989 and 2004 as well as the government guidance clearly state that all children under the age of 18 should be safeguarded. Consent is defined in section 74 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 as an agreement by choice where the person concerned has the freedom and capacity to make that choice. In almost all cases involving grooming the child’s capacity is undermined by virtue of imbalance of power between her and her perpetrator, the control exercised and the manipulation or use of force.

MYTH 10: SEXUALLY EXPLOITED CHILDREN ARE VISIBLE ON THE STREETS, IN SAUNAS OR MASSAGE PARLOURS REALITY: Some young women are exploited in this way.

But evidence from the work of specialist agencies working to safeguard children shows that sexual exploitation of children takes place often in privately owned premises and vehicles as a means to avoid identification of such abuse.

MYTH 11: TRAFFICKING VICTIMS IN THE UK ARE TRAFFICKED MAINLY FROM AFRICA, ASIA OR EASTERN EUROPE REALITY: Victims can be trafficked from any part of the world. It is not necessary for victims to be moved or transported across borders to be trafficked. Children are trafficked from within or across cities in the UK. This process is commonly referred to as ‘internal trafficking’. (For more see Trafficking in our midst at www.cropuk.org.uk.)

MYTH 12: IT’S JUST NORMAL TEENAGE BEHAVIOUR REALITY: Both parents and professionals find it difficult to identify the early signs of sexual grooming and exploitation. Many of the indicators may at first glance appear to be normal teenage behaviour. However,

dispensing these indicators as such without appropriate assessments puts the child at risk of significant harm.

Organisations such as Barnardo’s and CROP as well the 2009 national guidance provide a useful list of indicators that help identify children at risk of child sexual exploitation.

MYTH 13: THE MAIN PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP WHICH HAS BROKEN DOWN REALITY: Effects of CSE such as changes in a child’s behaviour, attitude and relationships put a strain on the parent-child relationship. For example, truanting, going missing, use of substances and aggression often lead to confrontation between the parent and the exploited child.

Such strained relationships are seen to be at the core of the problem. However, it is the grooming process that leads to the breakdown of those relationships.

Work of CROP CROP, the Coalition for the Removal of Pimping, was set up and is led by parents whose children have been lured into a world where they are being controlled, sold and sexually exploited by individuals and organised criminal gangs. CROP is unique; no other national organisation supports the parents; most organisations work with the abused young person, not recognising that parents also need support, information and advice and that their involvement improves the chances of prosecuting the offenders and helping the child to recover

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Profile Aisha Yasmin – Interior Design Student designs for many such as the Vitra furniture factory in Germany, the mind zone for the Millennium dome in London, the BMW showroom and of course the London Aquatic centre for the 2012 Olympics. She has excelled in everything she has put her mind to What do you do?

I am currently a student at Birmingham City University creating such breath-taking designs for futuristic studying Interior Product Design. I am in my final year architecture, a strong powerful leading lady in architecture and a role model for many such as of a three year course. myself.

How are you?

I am good just feeling a little stressed as I am currently revising for my exams.

What is the best thing that has happened to you during your years at university?

Just a few months ago during my second module in the third year the class worked on a live project working alongside a manufacturer of P.E.T (Polyethylene terephthalate). The project consisted of producing a sample of designs of innovative bottles or containers for food. We were split into groups of three, my design consultancy named Pure Design won second place in the food category with a cash prize and the opportunity to see our design manufactured.

Who do you admire?

There are a number of people I admire worldwide but if I had to pick one I would definitely say Zarah Hadid a renowned architect. Born in Baghdad studied in Lebanon, USA and the UK. Creating

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What is your favorite place in the world?

It would definitely be New York hands down! The most inspiring and magical place ever. I spent 10 days in the big Apple. It is the City of opportunities as they say and I totally agree especially with designing and fashion!

If you were granted one wish what would it be?

To set up my own design consultancy in the heart of New York. I love it so much and think there is so much potential in the city of my dreams, it has absolutely everything to inspire me with designs.

Do you have a favorite film or TV show?

I would have to say my favorite film has to be Confessions of a Shopaholic; it’s really quirky and girly, a perfect chick flick. My favorite TV show is Grand Designs, the diverse projects that take place is amazing to watch. The amount of planning and time it takes for them to create their dream home with new materials and technologies including sustainable sources interests me.

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It is hard work but you have to stick to it and you will see results. I have always stuck to the subject I enjoy and that certainly helps.

When not working as a young designer what do you do?

Studying as a product designer is very much hands on and involves long hours in the work shop. I also work part time to help with university costs so I’m dividing my time but when I am free I love to shop, I’m also a book worm and I enjoy cooking. I find it very therapeutic after a deadline!

Sum up your feelings for the next 12 months in 5 words?

Stressed…..Nervous…….Tiring……..Excitement…….

Relief What do you put your success down to?

I think a lot of determination and strong will has got me to where I am now. It is hard work but you have to stick to it and you will see results. I have always stuck to the subject I enjoy and that certainly helps.

Where would you spend your perfect day?

My perfect day would consist of a big shopping spree in London through Camden market followed by a shop through Oxford Street, coming home and baking followed by a nice bedtime read. Not worrying about any projects outstanding, nothing extravagant just a relaxing day.

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“

Dua’s Supplications to say before sleeping (Cup your palms together, blow gently into them and then recite)

Surah Al-Ikhlas

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Qul Huwallaahu ‘Ahad. Allaahus-Samad.

Lam yalid wa lam yoolad. Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ‘ahad.

With the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful . Say: He is Allah (the) One. The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He begets not nor was He begotten, and none is equal to Him.

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Surat al-Falak

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Qul ‘a’oothu birabbil-falaq. Min sharri maa khalaq. Wa min sharri ghaasiqin ‘ithaa waqab. Wa min sharrin-naffaathaati fil’uqad. Wa min sharri haasidin ‘ithaa hasad.

Surah al-Nas

With the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of the daybreak, from the evil of what He has created, and from the evil of the darkening (night) as it comes with its darkness, and from the evil of those who practice witchcraft when they blow in the knots, and from the evil of the envier when he envies.

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Qul ‘a’oothu birabbin-naas. Malikin-naas.

‘Ilaahin-naas. Min sharril-waswaasil-khannaas. Allathee yuwaswisu fee sudoorin-naas. Minal-jinnati wannaas.

With the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of mankind, the King of mankind , the God of mankind , from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws , who whispers in the breasts of mankind, of jinn’s and men .

(Then pass your hands over as much of your body as you can reach, beginning with the head and the face, then the entire front of your body. Do this three times.)

Reference: Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 9/62, and Muslim 4/ 1723.

Farzanah Ahqir, Glasgow

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Aunty’s Column

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Assalamualaikum and welcome to Aunty’s advice column where no problem is too big or too delicate for me to tackle! But first, I’ll tell you a little bit about me. I work as a senior social worker in a busy hospital setting specialising with elderly people and stroke sufferers. I find this both challenging and rewarding and thoroughly enjoy the multi dimensional aspect of a hospital environment. I have done this for a number of years yet no case is the same, and each new patient brings up new and exciting and yes, sometimes challenging decisions. Aswell as my job, I am also a mother to three very different children who have all individually taught me new things about the world and about myself. I have always been an empathetic person and tend to listen to both sides of a story and always give the benefit of the doubt before making up my mind about a situation. I have a strong social conscience and for the last 5 years have taken part in a sleep out to raise money for a local homeless shelter, which aswell as educating me about the plight of the homeless in my city has made all my family and friends dread the end of the year when I come round collecting sponsorship.

A few years ago finding I had abit more time as one of my children flew the nest I became a volunteer counsellor. This reinforced my passion for providing an ear to those in need. In my spare time I enjoy reading, holidays with friends, spending time with my family and continuing my investigation into finding the hottest chillies to eat! So enough about me, from now on I’m here to lend an ear and hopefully some practical advice on anything from marriage to health problems, school to family and parents to pesky younger siblings!

I look forward to reading all of your letters, to contact me you can email aunty@fifteen21.com

To win one of 5 copies of “Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325-1354” by James Rumford

how many miles did Ibn Battuta travel over a 30 year period?

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To be in with a chance of winning For Whom the Troubadour Sings: Collected Poetry and Songs

by Dawud Wharnsby-Ali

email us one short Dua you have learnt in the last week?

2

Competitions For one of 5 copies of “Sign Language Companion: A Handbook of British Signs” by Cath Smith

name 3 types of modern technology used by deaf people to aid communication?

All answers to be emailed to competitions@fifteen21.com

by Friday 20th June 2012

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Book Review 32

Three Thousand Miles for a Wish: the true story of a young woman’s quest to find happiness By Safiyah Hussain Just what the title suggests this is a short autobiography of a woman’s pilgrimage to Mecca; in order to find happiness despite how she feels; that Allah has abandoned her.

These destructive thoughts and feelings of heartache caused by none other than Zameer, a man that she ostentatiously describes when she first set her eyes on him, as a meteorite shooting into the cool Atlantic Ocean. A man who had skilfully captured her heart and blows into it promises of everlasting love and laughs. At times her overwhelming sorrow towards Zameer and her unsatisfying mundane job, at a solicitor’s firm, portrays her fallibility and spoilt child persona. This ego is constantly faced with people who are in much worse positions and adds to the realisation of her foolishness until she once again reverts back to her old stubborn self; for a brief period of time.

Her naivety is further established when Hussain pleads for eternal happiness for herself and her family. However the irony in her wish is portrayed later on, when her farther absent-mindedly tells her that paradise is the only place she will receive everlasting happiness and therefore she should strive towards that.

What I found really fascinating was when Hussain plays with the idea of the inner-spiritual ambience

she found praying towards the Ka’bah and the constant flashes of the surrounding chaotic struggle to get a chance to touch the Kisbah, the holy black cloth that covers the Ka’bah, or to even kiss it; if they dared. Hussain describes one craze driven mother and her baby, tied to her back, who had lunged towards the crushing crowd to touch the Ka’bah returning with the expression that encapsulated mystical euphoria that she longed to experience.

Away from the holy monuments, Hussain establishes a striking juxtaposition between the spiritually unifying atmosphere around masjid Al-Haram and the nearby pretentious shopping centre. The prominent divide between the rich and the poor is painstakingly obvious in the shopping centre which consists of tourists and affluent Arabian women; who Hussain wittingly describes as equivalent to UK’s footballer’s wives. Compared to the unifying manner of prayer and how every prince or pauper are indistinguishable standing shoulder to shoulder and prostrating towards Allah. The idea that prostration is the most humbling act and the most difficult as it destroys all arrogance and pride, establishes prostration as a physical symbol of pure devotion.

This book is about Hussain’s journey of a life time, journey of redemption and rediscovery of Islam and love towards Allah where she describes the experience as petrol to an almost burnt out match.

However this re-ignition follows doubts of being

forgiven as she questions running back to God, the one who she had rebelled against out of feelings of betrayal and hurt. Her guilty conscious personifies the stars as silent witnesses to the death of her dreams, broken promises of love and the rise of her rebellion.

The anticipation, the constant flashbacks of her old life, naive questions, the idea of hope and the rich descriptive language are just another few strands of themes that run through this book and could well allow Husain’s work to be next on the shelf to modern and classical literature novels of the likes of Charles Dickens and Khaled Husseini. I highly recommend.

And to leave you with a powerful quote: Prayer is the most potent weapon of a believer; it can change fate while no action of ours ever can.

Samina Kauser, Bradford

poetry

He Answers in His Own Time.

Stand as if each Prayer is your last, Be certain Allah will forgive your past.

Stand and prostrate to the Lord above For He is the Only One, To pardon and guide.

Feel His Trust. Feel His love.

For He is the One to make you abide, against the calamities that surround your lives.

Stand as if each Prayer is your last, Time goes by fast, so make your Prayer steadfast.

Repent and beg for forgiveness, Seek guidance and ask for goodness.

Close your eyes and think about the One who has the power to give.

Dream what YOU want to dream.

Dream what YOU want to dream.

Dream what YOU want to dream.

Pray to the Lord of the Worlds, Heavens and the Universe.

Never give up, He Answers in His own time.

Bushra Hussain, York

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Profile Irfan Rashid

What do you do?

I am a youth worker with Young Muslims working with a wide range of young people in inner city Birmingham. I run activities to enrich the lives of young people who come from deprived backgrounds to inspire them in achieving. Many of the workshops, activities, days out and camps are based around an Islamic ethos to incorporate principles of Islam into their lives and to live with a sense of morality. We try to embed a sense of ownership and leadership qualities amongst young people so they can aspire in whatever aspect of career path they decide to choose. It helps young people build confidence in public speaking, be articulate and understand aspects of society in which they live. We place great emphasis on integration and social responsibilities amongst the young people. When I am not working with young people I am trying to save lives in a hospital as a doctor, currently working in trauma and orthopaedics.

What do you like about Birmingham?

Home is where the family is and wherever I am in the world Birmingham will always be home, so many fond memories and a wonderful place to grow up.

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Who do you admire?

There are many great people I admire and draw inspiration from, foremost being Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) whose life was an amazing inspiration, especially in how he dealt with adversity in his life and how he educated and trained young people.

Where are your favourite places in the UK/world that youth work has taken you?

My home city of Birmingham has a rich heritage of youth work, but I have seen many great examples around the country including London, Manchester, Leicester, Glasgow & Bradford.

What item/instrument could you not do without?

I never thought I would say this but my mobile phone is something which without I would have great difficulty in carrying out my youth work and life as a doctor.

Do you have a favourite film or TV show?

I would have to say medical comedies still make me laugh, Scrubs and House. I enjoy my comedies and love live stand-up, the old are still the best such as Faulty Towers, Only Fools and Horses and Blackadder.

What are your hobbies?

What do you put your success down to?

I love the great outdoors and will do anything to Firstly God and my religion is vital in my life and escape the city and get out and enjoy what nature something which always inspires me and without it I has to offer. Since childhood I have always loved don’t think I could ever say I was a success. My family and endured camping in the great British countryside. and parents are a wonderful rock whom I rely on.

To camp in Britain one must enjoy and love rain Lastly I would say Young Muslims the youth group and the problems it can cause, which is always a which I myself would attend and now that I have challenge but you learn to love it. Many nights and grown up (not sure if I have) I am now giving back to. days trekking the mountains and countryside allows me to think clearly and I always draw inspiration.

What’s your favourite time of year?

I love rock climbing and whenever I get the chance Winter, nothing beats a cold crisp early morning to I will always find a bit of wall to climb and hang walk in, but nothing like a warm summer sun beaming from. Adventure sports would sum up what I like to down on you. In fact I cannot really complain about do, whether it’s camping in the jungles of Borneo or any season. skiing in the French Alps or relaxing on a beach in Indonesia I am always up for an adventure. When I Any final thoughts? can I will bury my head in a good book.

Anyone even contemplating the idea of working with young people and youth work I would highly Sum up your feelings for the next 12 recommend it and not to hesitate and get involved. It months in 5 words. has been immensely rewarding and you will inspire Challenging, Exciting, Surprises, Busy & Humour young people and instill good values and skills to cope with life. You draw on your experiences of life Where do you go on holiday? and can pass these onto young people with a positive I have travelled much of Europe and have ventured effect. It will be tough physically and emotionally into the Middle East, South-East Asia and Southern at times but the positives and rewards far outweigh Asia. I plan on exploring America this year. A mixture anything negative. of sunny beach holidays, ski holidays, rock climbing holidays, adventure holidays and some to see family living in distant lands.

If you weren’t doing youth work, what would you be doing?

I would be bored and wondering how my life can be meaningful and fulfilling, but youth work fills that void and I cannot think of doing anything else.

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Healthy Living

What Sparks my Imagination & Motivation Over the last few issues, I’ve spent time providing suggestions and tools on motivation and wellbeing; this time, I thought I’d do the same thing with a little twist. I decided that I would share a few things which spark my imagination and my motivation.

It is possible to be motivated by absolutely anything, all you have to be is someone who is open to learning and I don’t mean in a classroom setting, I mean at every moment in your life, be open to learning, see the lessons being conveyed

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to us through all mediums in this world and that too means books and wait for it…..films!

will just remain and will wait for me to turn the page, it will remain where

I’m a self-professed geek, really I am, I was known for being one at school and today I’m proud of it. I enjoy burying my head in a good book because it’s where I experience a world where my imagination can run wild in all the colours of the colour spectrum in all the shades of the world (books without pictures spark the imagination). It’s where I can be comforted by a really good story regardless of how I feel and know that the book won’t judge me, the book

whatever I read or watch must be in some way informative, thought provoking or just fun.

I put it down when I take a break without uttering a sigh and will be right there when I’m back to pick it up.

It doesn’t cry when I break

its spine (ok, granted, this one would be worth crying and screaming about if I did it to a human being or animal and for the record, I won’t!) but it remains my non-judgmental friend in any weather on any day.

Kindly note, I am NOT a kindle person, I even print out eBooks before I read them, it’s much more fun.

As for sci-fi and supernatural fantasy (the non-horrific kind), I love it.

It’s another chance to bury my mind into a realm full of enchantment and superpowers.

I enjoy things which help my mind to grow. I enjoy

the books and films which make me laugh as too often, everyone is far too serious in this world. Either way, whatever I read or watch must be in some way informative, thought provoking or just fun. Put it this way, if I haven’t learned anything new or life changing about myself or life in general from it, if it hasn’t triggered off a range of ideas in my mind, if it hasn’t wreaked havoc with the sinews of my heart or it has not cheered me up, it’s not good enough!

I’d like to share with you a few books and films I find inspirational and perhaps you may see them in the same light;

The Lion King:

The Jungle Book

The Silmarillion (by J.R.R. Tolkien)

• Hakuna Matata! The problem free philosophy.

(Sing it out – it works!)

The Bare Necessities (and why not?!): singing it a few times around the house whilst cleaning the place really does help you to” forget about your worries and your strife”, especially when you get caught doing so.

Forget the underlying message in this, there isn’t one per se; being a book without any pictures and having the longest sentences in the universe using the longest words and a whole new language it seems, this book tests your patience.

If you can get through this book within a month – CONGRATULATIONS – you have some sheer strength of perseverance and if you can get through this book, you can get through anything, trust me!

• Pumbaa: “You gotta put your behind in your past” I agree, sit on it until you’ve squashed it into the seat so it can never rear its ugly head again…if your past has an ugly facet to it that is.

• Timon: “When the world turns its back on you, you turn your back on the world” • Zazu turns a negative (Scar) into a positive by telling King Mufasa “he’d make a very handsome throw-rug!” (Humour me please) • Scar: “I’m surrounded by idiots!” (yes people, sometimes I am and I have to remind myself, its them and not me)

Up (Pixar animation) Well where to start; this entire film was inspirational and motivating and I cried like a girl (little baby girl that is) right the way through. It was sweet in every way; childhood dreams come true, some perhaps too late but the protagonists made the most of their situation every time.

If you haven’t watched this, I highly recommend it… with a box of tissues!

Go have some new adventures!

The Alchemist (by Paulo Coelho) It is all about following your dreams, learning from your mistakes, having your trust betrayed, learning and remembering it for next time, imparting knowledge on others, facing your fears, feeling like you’ve failed but knowing this time how to do it, and how to do it avoiding all the earlier mistakes so this time, you achieve it.

Just read it if you haven’t already. It made me laugh, think, feel and cry.

A Thousand Splendid Suns (by Khaled Hosseini)

If you have any favourite books or films from which you gather some sort of inspiration or motivation, feel free to share them and let us know.

NB: Please do NOT use this article as a means to get your parents to allow you to watch movies at all hours of the day or even watch all types of movies, even I have rules for movie types; if you can’t watch it with your parents or your children, then you shouldn’t be watching it at all!

If you think you’ve got it hard because you failed at something the first time around, read this story and you’ll understand the suffering plight of many women far away from us never giving up. Women who should always be at the forefront of our minds to help us remember how fortunate we are and that we should do more to help them.

Saira Nisa

Saira Nisa is the Founding Director of Living Wellbeing Ltd, runs Living Wellbeing (www.livingwellbeing.co.uk) and is also a Trainer for a London based firm. 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.

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G A YM OUP R G Y VISOR D A S USLIM M G N YOU

National Survey: Young People and Their attitudes and experiences of policing.

The Young Muslims Advisory Group (YMAG) is conducting a national survey: ‘Understanding Young People: their attitudes and experiences of Policing’ to explore the relationship between young people and the police.

The need for such a survey has arisen from the increasing number of cases which have focused on how the police have handled young people in events such as the student protests, the riots, and other situations. These cases have received considerable media attention highlighting the need for further research and particularly giving a voice to young people to communicate their views.

What is the purpose of this survey?

CALLING YOUNG PEOPLE! Are you a young person aged 14 - 25 years?

Do you wish to share your opinions about the police?

You can do that here by completing the survey below and have the chance to win an

Apple iPad*!

Click the following link to begin the survey: http://www.smart-survey.co.uk/v.asp?i=49600unitw

Submit your completed** survey by Sunday 27th May 2012 Calling Youth Groups/Organisations We need your support!

We would like this survey to represent the views of as many young people across England. Therefore, your generous help with disseminating the survey will be crucial to its success.

You can help by: - Circulating this email across your youth networks and young people.

- Posting the details on your noticeboards.

- Sharing the survey link on your social media and web pages.

- If you have a computer suite, you can help by encouraing young people to complete the survey during a session.

Your support is valued and we will gratefully acknowledge your contribution in our final report.

YMAG believe that social issues are better addressed through effective engagement between young people and decision makers. Improved communication will enable young people to influence decisions by offering a diverse range of solutions from their own experiences.

This is a solutions-focused survey, which aims to gain an insight into young people’s experiences with the police in order to identify the key issues present. It also seeks to provide a space for young people to propose their own solutions, for how policing can be improved.

The purpose of this survey is to help shape the future of policing through a report on youth-police engagement with recommendations on how this can be improved. This report will be given to ACPO with the hope that it will be shared with the 43 police forces across England and Wales.

To capture both sides of the experience, YMAG is conducting an independent and complementary police survey to gauge how the police view their role and engagement with young people. We hope that by combining the data from the two surveys we will be able to better understand and analyse the issues and solutions in their respective contexts, and arrive at positive solutions for engagement between young people and the police.

Thank you in advance and we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

YMAG * The winner will be selected in June 2012 and notified by email. **Your completed survey is important to us and will remain anonymous.

Your data will only be handled by YMAG and none will be shared with any third parties (this includes ACPO).

Who are YMAG? YMAG is an independent, social enterprise, which aims to act as a bridge between young people and policy makers. We seek to provide a platform through which young people can channel their views on issues that matter to them and hope to increase dialogue and engagement between them and decision makers.

Contact us: info@ymag.org.uk Website: www.ymag.org.uk

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Applications are now open for 3FF’s Undergraduate ParliaMentors 2012-13 “It gave me great faith in the ability of young people to build a better future” – Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP. Winner of a UN Award for Intercultural Innovation, Undergraduate ParliaMentors equips aspiring leaders with the skills, experiences & networks they need to advance their careers. On this year-long programme, which runs alongside undergraduates’ academic study, groups of students of different faiths and beliefs work together on social action and community empowerment projects and are mentored

by MPs and Peers. Participants on the programme also receive training and attend events that widen their professional and social networks. On graduating from the programme they join a vibrant network of alumni who continue to be offered guidance and opportunities.

Previous projects run by programme participants include running workshops in schools on citizenship, identity and story-telling, supporting asylum seekers, the homeless and the elderly and creating a photography exhibition on human trafficking, which was shown at University College London (UCL), Stop the Traffk’s global Summit and at the House of Commons.

Through the mentoring process participants gain a unique insight into politics. They meet with their mentors three to four times and regularly have the

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opportunity to attend constituency offices, political events and parliamentary committees and debates.

In 2010, Anna Connell Smith was mentored by the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith on the programme. She believes she benefited a lot from the experience and says, “He gave us the opportunity to ask him any questions and was also really keen to know how he could help us”.

Nadia, who participated in the programme this year was very enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with students whose beliefs were different from her own, she says, “Mixing with such an array of

different, wonderful people has broken down many prejudices that I had that I didn’t even know existed.�

The programme will start again in September 2012 and will run until June 2013. The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 12 June 2012.

3FF welcomes applications from students who identify with a particular faith or belief (religious or not) and aspire to be political or community leaders.

Applications are particularly encouraged from students studying in London, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Nottingham; however applications from other cities will also be considered.

To apply visit www.3ff.org.uk/mentoring.

For more information email mentoring@3ff.org.uk or call 0207 485 1350.

Becca Massey-Chase Mentoring Projects Officer | 3FF

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Cambridge Muslim College The Cambridge Muslim College supports the development of training and Islamic scholarship to help meet the many challenges facing Britain today. The college is dedicated to maintaining academic excellence and pushing the boundaries of Islamic learning in the West. Drawing on resources and expertise in Cambridge and beyond, the college’s mission is to help translate the many existing strengths of British Muslims into stronger, more dynamic institutions and communities.

The college currently offers a one-year Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies & Leadership, the first batch of students for which graduated in July 2010. This course aims to provide an intensive introduction to a range of contemporary perspectives and disciplines which will complement the students’ existing Islamic education. It is taught by leading scholars and practitioners, from the University of Cambridge and the British Muslim community. The College also makes (to the best of its resources) arrangements for accommodation within central Cambridge.

Cambridge Muslim College is currently accepting applications for the Diploma in Contextual Islamic Studies & Leadership. We can arrange a time and date for you to visit when we have classes so that you can sit in on one of the classes to get a better understanding of what we are trying to achieve here at the College. We will also be available to help answer any questions that you may have. If you were interested in applying for 2012/13 academic year please get in touch with Dr Atif Imtiaz (Academic Director). Application deadline is in early June 2012.

Nafeesa Mistry Cambridge Muslim College is helping me to understand and address the realities of the situations that we in the British Muslim community face today. By being introduced to a wide variety of subjects, I am learning about modern society and the challenges that a person of faith can expect within such a society. The staff at Cambridge Muslim College are supportive and ready to help, thus enabling their students to feel at ease in the College. Studying is enjoyable due to the interactive nature of the lessons, the weekly seminars and the trips to various workshops and places of historical significance. It provides a harmonious atmosphere through collectively bringing together people from all over the country not only both in prayer and in lessons but also in extra-curricular activities. My time here has benefited me in knowledge and awareness and provided me with the relevant skills to hold me in good stead for the future.

Cambridge Muslim College www.cambridgemuslimcollege.org

Saiful Alam As I reached the last half of my final 窶連lim year course at Darul Uloom Dewsbury, I was still thinking on what I should do after I graduate. After reading up on what the Cambridge Muslim College (CMC) had to offer, and listening to some positive feedback I was receiving from previous CMC students, I finally decided that I should apply for the course. Also, being a resident of Cambridge and it being my home town, I thought that this perhaps was the best option. I can proudly, happily, genuinely say that it was probably the best decision I have ever made. Not only is CMC providing me with a platform to enhance my knowledge and better understand the diverse world around us, but also, the experience of being a student here is giving me self-confidence and the ability to work and relate to the British society that we live in within the framework of Islamic teachings. CMC is equipping me with the tools and skills that are required for a leader to serve and lead a Muslim community effectively.

Subjects that are taught at the Cambridge Muslim College range from world history to astronomy, art and architecture to British politics, religious pluralism and English literature. A mix of everything. Not only because it helps open up doorways to future career or education prospects, but also, it helps to serve as a reminder that as Muslims, we should strive to excel in all aspects of life.

Tel: 01223 355235

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The purpose of the annual Deaf Awareness Week in May is to promote the engagement and awareness of the hearing-impaired community into mainstream society to better understanding.

Deaf Awareness Week 2012 (May 7th – 13th)

Did you know there are over nine million deaf and hard of hearing people registered in the UK of which 70,000 use British Sign Language as their first language? 25,000 of whom are children (under 16). You never know when you will come into contact with someone who is hearing impaired and yet there is no GCSE in British Sign Language.

Here we explore this language, and how we can better communicate through the BSL alphabet.

British Sign Language is usually referred to in its abbreviated form of BSL. The same applies to the sign languages of other countries, for example, ASL for American Sign Language, AUSLAN for Australian Sign Language and LSF (Langu des Signes Francaise) for French Sign Language.

Throughout history sign language has been regarded as inferior and not recognised as a proper language at all, but as a system of mime and gestures. Although sign language has been around for over a hundred years, it was not until 1974 that it was acknowledged that sign language is a language in its own right and officially named ‘British Sign Language’. It was not until 2003 that British Sign Language was recognised as an official British language! BSL does not use many

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English words but, because it has its own grammatical rules – based on the visual use of the hands, facial expressions and space – it does not use the same word order.

In 1760 Thomas Braidwood opened the first school for the deaf in Edinburgh, employing a combined method of teaching. This used finger spelling, speech, reading and writing.

Only wealthy people could afford to send their children to his school. In the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries residential schools for the deaf were established in London, Exeter, Birmingham and Manchester, where they all used sign language for communication.

In 1880 a conference of educators of the deaf took place in Milan, Italy. The majority of the ‘educators of the deaf’ present voted in favour of banning sign language in schools for the deaf and using oral methods of communication instead. This was to apply to all schools for the deaf in Europe and the USA. Five Americans representing 6,000 deaf pupils in the USA were the only one’s who voted against it. No deaf people were present to give their views because deaf people had been banned from attending!

This conference had a huge impact on sign language as deaf teachers in deaf schools lost their jobs and were replaced by teachers who were trained to run their classrooms using only the oral method. Signing and gestures were strictly forbidden. Deaf children were not taught or allowed to use sign language for nearly 100 years and generations of

children were taught in a way that was unnatural and frustrating.

Teachers harshly punished children who signed or used gestures by tying their hands to their chairs or behind their backs. They also used caning of the hands.

British Standard Manual Alphabet

Needless to say this method of teaching denied deaf children any worthwhile education and many left school at 16 with a reading age of 8 years old. The fact that sign language survived is thanks to certain children who were either deaf or had deaf parents and used it when others weren’t watching.

The signs therefore developed in a natural way, and because they were from different parts of the country many regional variations of BSL developed and still exist today, just as accents and dialects in the hearing world.

As only a small minority of people have deaf parents, most deaf people grow up in a world where their family and friends are not deaf. Deaf clubs are sometimes the only places where they do not feel isolated and can participate fully in all activities.

These are places where deaf people can relax and catch up with news that is relevant to them and their friends. They run activities including tennis, badminton, drama clubs, football, cricket, tennis, theatre and even dance!

Modern technology allows the younger generation of deaf people to fax, text or email each other easily and arrange to meet. These technologies also include minicoms and text-phones, type-talk and videophones/webcams.

Fozia Parveen is a tutor of sign language currently living in Harrogate (North Yorkshire), and the founding director of Signs4Life. Fozia was recently nominated as Oxfam’s 100 most inspiring women of 2011 as part of their International Women’s Day centenary celebration. If you would like to view a video of the BSL alphabet being signed please visit www.signs4life.org.uk.

If you would like to support the campaign to introduce BSL as a GCSE please visit www.signature.org.uk/gcse and support us!

www.signature.org.uk

Teens in the dark about deafness

More than three quarters (77%) of young people have no idea how to talk to someone with hearing loss research from the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) has discovered, as the charity launches a campaign to help deaf and hearing teenagers communicate better.

The research also found that teenagers are wary about starting up a conversation with someone who’s deaf, with a quarter (27%) saying they probably wouldn’t, even though two thirds (64%) of teens say making new friends is important to them. NDCS has launched the Look, Smile, Chat campaign to reassure secondary school students that communicating with deaf teenagers can be easy if a few simple steps are followed.

Top misconceptions:

“When you’re a teenager, chatting and socialising with your friends is such a big part of your life. It shouldn’t be any different for teenagers who are deaf, but we know that all too often they are left out of conversations and end up feeling upset and frustrated. We need parents, teachers and young people to help us spread the word about the really simple things teenagers can do to make sure deaf young people are never left out.”

The Look, Smile, Chat campaign features short online films that help teenagers to understand what it might be like to miss out on conversations or jokes, and give practical tips to overcome common communication problems.

As part of the campaign, teachers across the UK will be equipped with lesson plans, posters and top tips to engage teenagers and encourage discussions about the issue.

- ‘Deaf’ means you can’t hear anything at all - You have to shout to talk to someone who’s deaf - Deaf people won’t be able to understand you Scott, 16, is moderately deaf and from Shropshire: - Deaf people only use sign language to communicate “I often feel left out of conversations. If I mis-hear a joke and ask what was said, people normally just Top tips say ‘I’ll tell you later’. This makes me feel excluded and stupid. It’s not hard to include deaf teenagers in - Face the person you’re talking to conversations but it makes a big difference to us if we - Talk normally are.”

- Make sure they know what you’re talking about (football, X-Factor, double-dip) - Use different ways to communicate – speaking, Parents and teenagers can get involved by gestures, writing, texting, whatever works Lucy Read, Head of Children and Youth Participation at NDCS, said: “It’s a common misconception for people to think that shouting will help someone with hearing loss to understand you. It’s actually really easy to communicate with someone who is deaf, if a few simple steps are followed.”

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visiting www.buzz.org.uk/looksmilechat and asking their local school to take part.

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difference to deaf teenagers.

Al-Isharah invites you to the Deaf Run 2012 event!

In celebration of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, Al-Isharah would like to invite you to come and run with us on Sunday 3rd June (bank holiday weekend of the Queen’s diamond jubilee), at Mile End Park, Tower Hamlets, London. Be part of a truly historic event that aims to unite all deaf and hard of hearing charities together in one fun run.

Event Information

Venue

Event Name: Deaf Run 2012 – ‘Raising funds for Deaf Umrah’

Mile End Park, Tower Hamlets, London

Date: 3rd June 2012 (Sunday)

Registration Time

Time: 10:30-5pm

• Men/Boys registration: 10:20am

Main Attraction

• Women/Girls registration: 11:40am

2 mile run inside Mile End park. Two separate runs- men & boys and women & girls

Run Time

Other attractions

• Men/Boys 10:45am-11:45am • Women/Girls 12pm-1pm

• fairground rides • stalls • art workshops (including graffiti) • skateboarding exhibition • women & children’s area

For further information

please visit www.alisharah.com Text Phone: 07949980761

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

* One H

*NEW

•

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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