ISSUE 8

Issue 08

October 2012

Prophet Zakariya (AS) Aerosol Arabic Muslim Rage - Comedy Tour Muhammed Asad

Malala Yousafzai Youth Mental Health Mughal India

Stained glass panel by artish Huda

Awad

www.hudaawad.com

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

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

Guest Editorial Shahbaz Mirza

Asalamu Alaykum!

“Never underestimate what you can achieve, and never underestimate the people who can help you achieve your dreams”. For every article in this magazine, every participant, every jigsaw piece of the image of success has been achieved by an individual encompassed by pillars of support.

The best of people are those who can positively make a difference to other people’s lives. Every article in this magazine tells the story of an individual, supported by the people who surround them, who have made a positive difference to their externality.

It goes without say that the Fifteen21 team is an instrument of inspiration, led by a group of people who came together, to share one dream; the dream to positively influence the Muslims in

Follow me @supershazy

Britain. This then cascades on and on to not only inspire people but to drive them to introduce positive change. When we have change we have progress, when we have progress we have change.

We live in a world now, where the power resides in our own hands to abolish any stigma, any misconception, any falsification and any cruelty which occurs.

The challenge now lies with us.

surroundings, what your eyes see, what your ears hear and what your heart and mind absorbs. This is a fact of life. Acting upon what you pick up on is the test which Allah (swt) gives us.

Fifteen21 acts as a catalyst for people to accept this challenge and broadcast their success across the UK through a magazine, to display the talents and efforts of those who have gone to extraordinary lengths to positively change people’s lives.

My name is irrelevant but my message is not.

My job, working in Assurance for PricewaterhouseCoopers, my international sporting achievements, my inspiration to creating the most talked about talent production in the UK, Nasheed Factor, all came from the ability to understand and reflect on what I see and acting upon it, to positively engage the people who encompass me.

The criteria which makes you achieve what you want to achieve is your

My brothers and sisters read this magazine and become inspired.

Contents 6-7 8 9 10-13 14-15 16 17 18-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28 29 30-31 32-33 34 35 36-37

Prophet Zakariya (AS) One Hundred Less One: As-Salam Muslim Youth Helpline Muslim Heritage: Muhammad Asad Hand in Hand for Syria Help! I’m a Teenager! Respect, Love & Trust Child Line Young Minds: What is Mental Illness?

Top Tips for Staying Emotionally Healthy Deed of the Month: Precious Sacrifice Healthy Living: The Story Teller October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Dua for Good Health Hadith Trees4Life Fifteen21 The Road to Syria Aid Convoy A Day in the Life of...Prophet Muhammed (saw)

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Nominate a Role Model!

In The Next Issue...

The Dream of a Young Girl: Malala Yousafzai Muslim Role-Models Abid Hussain Muslim Role-Models Huda Awad Mughal India: Art, Culture and Empire Muslim Role-Models Mohammed Ali Food for the Soul: The Lost Watch File Not Found Exhibition Muslim Rage Comedy Tour Sobi’s Beauty Tips...

Masjids Around The World Book Review Muslim Youth Helpline Poetry Recipes National Events Child Line

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Prophet Zakariya (AS), Yahya (AS), Maryam (RA) and Isa (Jesus, AS) all lived at the same time, and they endured similar struggles from their communities. Prophet Zakariya (AS) was the father of Yahya (AS), and brother to Hannah who was the mother of Maryam (RA); mother to Prophet Isa (AS).

Prophet Zakariya (AS) was one of the descendants of Prophet Sulayman (AS).

The name of his wife was al-Yashbi’, she belonged to the family of Prophet Harun (AS). Prophet Zakariya (AS) was the guardian of Maryam (RA), the mother of Prophet Isa (AS). He worked as a carpenter and earned his livelihood.

During one of his visits to the temple, he went to check on Maryam (RA), who was living in a secluded room of the temple.

He was surprised to find fresh fruit in her room. During the winter she would have summer fruits in her room, and during the summer, she would have winter fruits in her room. Besides him, no one had entry to her room. When he inquired, she told him that the fruit was from Allah (SWT). She found it every morning. But why was he so surprised, she asked him. Did he not know that Allah (SWT) provides without measure for whom He wills?

“So her Lord accepted her with good acceptance and caused her to grow in a good manner and put her in the care of Zakariyah was not a rich man, but he was Zechariah. Every time Zechariah entered always ready to help those in need. His upon her in the prayer chamber, he found one disappointment in life was that he with her provision. He said, “O Mary, from had no children, for his wife was barren. where is this [coming] to you?” She said, This worried him, the people needed a strong leader, for if they were left on their “It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account.” own, they would move away from Allah’s (Qur’an 3:37) teachings and change the Holy Laws to suit themselves.

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Prophets of Islam:

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

SWT subhanahu wa taala Glorious is He and He is Exalted

He said, “My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white, and never have I been in my supplication to You, my Lord, unhappy. And indeed, I fear the successors after me, and my wife has been barren, so give me from Yourself an heir.

Who will inherit me and inherit from the family of Jacob. And make him, my Lord, pleasing [to You].”

(Qur’an 19: 4-6)

Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, “Be,” and he was.

(Qur’an 3:59)

“

“

Maryam (AS) had opened his eyes to a new possibility. Could he not ask Allah (SWT) to bless him with a child in his old age? Even if his wife was past childbearing age, nothing was impossible.

But why was he so surprised, she asked him.

Did he not know that Allah (SWT) provides without measure for whom He wills?

Maryam (RA) had her child under very difficult circumstances, having a baby without a father, she was afraid people would accuse her of wrongdoing. When Allah (SWT) in His endless mercy removed she returned with baby Isa (AS), people the defect of his wife’s barrenness so that gossiped and speculated who the father she would become a mother. She gave birth was, and accused Prophet Zakariya (AS). He to Yahya (AS). Prophet Zakariya (AS) was was chased by his pursuers and took shelter ninety-two years old, when he became a inside the trunk of a tree. The Israelites father for the first time. Prophet Zakariya sawed the tree apart, the axe hitting (AS) continued preaching the religion of Prophet Zakariya’s head first, he was hacked Allah (SWT) even in old age. Six months in half. He died a martyr’s death, and did after the birth of his son Yahya (AS), not even sound a single cry as his body was Maryam (RA) gave birth to Isa (AS). cut into two pieces.

Prophet Zakariya (AS) in the Tree

Fozia Parveen

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One Hundred Less One: As-Salam: the Flawless, source of Peace and Perfection Allah (swt) is As-Salam; the flawless, the source of peace and perfection.

This is attributed only to the One who is free from all defects. Allah’s (swt) essence is therefore flawless as it escapes imperfections, that is to say, Allah’s (swt) Actions, Allah’s (swt) Will and Order are untarnished by evil.

we may conceive the term peace as a response to conflict. Adding to all other attributes of Allah (swt), the attribute As-Salam encompasses the wholeness of peace and perfection, the essence that is flawless by His very nature.

that in times of hardship it is only Allah (swt) who can deliver us from unrest and be the ultimate source of peace.

Similar to all other attributes of Allah (swt), humankind share’s in the attribute of As-Salam by striving to keep one’s heart free from hatred, envy, jealousy, deceit; all the things that hurt the Allah (swt) says in the Holy Quran: heart. The implication here is to really recognise the internal forces that drive us Allah is He, than whom; there is no either towards Allah (swt) or away from other god, the Sovereign, the Holy One, Him. To be close to As-Salam we must the Source of Peace (and Perfection), rebuke any evil inclinations present in the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver the heart and strive for a peaceful heart, of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the so that we can Insha’Allah be amongst Irresistible, the Supreme, Glory to Allah One of the many benefits of memorizing those on the Day of Judgement, who (High is He), above the partners the ninety-nine names of Allah (swt) come to Allah (swt) with a pure heart. they attribute to Him. is coming to the realisation that Allah (Qur’an 59: 23) (swt) is the only source of peace and perfection and that no one is worthy of Shanaz Ali The attribute As-Salam transcends the worship except Allah (swt). More simply, general understanding of peace in upon acknowledging the attributes of relation to humankind, for example As-Salam a believer can feel reassured

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Muslim Heritage

Muhammad Asad

I once read an autobiography called Road to Mecca, a beautifully intricate portrait of the Middle East, its people, culture and one man’s journey to Islam. Its author was Muhammad Asad, a man who in his lifetime, was a writer, traveller and explorer, he was a renowned Muslim scholar, a friend to King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia, and had drafted the constitution of Pakistan. He was Pakistan’s first UN ambassador.

Let me tell you the story of this extraordinary man, let’s start at the beginning.

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Over a hundred years ago on 2nd July 1900 in Lemberg, Habsburg Austria-Hungary, Leopold Weiss was born to a rabbi family. At the age of fourteen he ran away from home, to join the army under a false name but his parents managed to save him from the horrors of war.

Leopold’s grandfather, an orthodox rabbi, had wanted his father to follow the family’s rabbinical tradition, but he chose to be a barrister. For Leopold, however, he made sure that by the age of 13, he both read and spoke Hebrew with great fluency, and was familiar with Aramaic. The young boy studied the Old Testament in the original; the text and commentaries of the Talmud and became immersed in the

intricacies of Biblical exegesis, called ‘Targum’.

After completing school, Leopold went to Vienna to study psychoanalysis.

His father wanted him to get a PhD. Leopold wanted to try his hand at journalism, and so one summer day in 1920, he boarded the train for Prague. He soon moved to Berlin, but there was no journalistic job for this total novice. His lucky break came when the famous director, F.W. Murnau, gave him a job for two months as his assistant. He then wrote a film with a friend. He finally broke into the world of journalism with a job at United Telegraph press agency as a telephonist, to relay the agency’s news stories. After he made a first-class scoop by snatching an interview with Madame Gorky, he was promoted to journalist.

Happy and vaguely alienated, in the spring of 1922, Leopold received a letter from Uncle Dorian, inviting

him to stay with him in Jerusalem; this changed the course of the following 70 years of his life.

and, returned to the Middle East. The book did not sell well as it was antiZionist.

But neither Dorian nor Jerusalem could stop Leopold from his wanderings.

He became a correspondent for Frankfurter Zeitung and travelled all over the Middle East, but always came back to Jerusalem. A moment at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, made Leopold aware of how near his God and his Jewish faith were to these people.

Leopold wanted to learn Arabic and gain a fuller picture of Islam, so his first stop was Cairo to spend some time with Shaykh Mustafa Maraghi. He then continued to travel, through the Middle East and found himself new wonders, like Iran and Afghanistan to explore.

Islam had been revealing itself to Leopold in bits and pieces, but it was on a winter day in Afghanistan that a At the end of 1923; Leopold went man, fixing an iron shoe to his horse, back to Vienna and reconciled with his told him, ‘But thou art a Muslim, only father. He had established himself as thou dost not know it thyself, why don’t a writer on Arab and Middle Eastern you say now and here, there is no affairs, and Frankfurter Zeitung was god but God and Muhammad is His now willing to reward him properly Prophet, and become a Muslim, in fact, and wanted him to return to the as you already are in your heart’, said Middle East, as soon as he had finished the horseshoe-smith. ‘I will go with you the book he was writing. tomorrow to Kabul, and take you to the amin, and he will receive you, with In spring of 1924, he finished the open arms as one of us’, he asserted. book, Unromantisches Morgenland, Continued on page 12

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But Leopold travelled on, and in early 1926, he was homeward bound and crossing the Polish frontier he arrived straight in Frankfurt. His next engagement was to deliver a series of lectures at the Academy of Geopolitics in Berlin. He also married Elsa, a widow, whom he had met in Berlin during his previous visit. She had a nine-year old son.

Asad (front center) with staff of the department of Islamic Reconstruction, West Punjab (Pakistan), 1948-49

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Alongside his travels, he became one of the most renowned Middle East correspondents in the Germanspeaking countries, writing for the prestigious Swiss Neue ZĂźrcher Zeitung among other newspapers.

Asad then settled in Saudi Arabia with Elsa for several years, with missions in between, to Egypt and Cyrenaica (Libya) in support of the Sanusi mujahidin who had been fighting a His editor wanted him to write another desperate guerrilla battle against book, but Leopold felt that he was the Italians. For Asad, however, the being driven towards Islam, and Arabian years were a home coming therefore felt compelled to return to of the heart and he became a close the Muslim world. He sought out a confidant, and personal friend to King Muslim friend of his, an Indian who Ibn Saud. was at that time head of the small Muslim community in Berlin, and told At the age of 32 Asad’s wife Elsa him that he wanted to embrace Islam. died, and he later married an Arab Elsa followed a few weeks later. woman, had a son, and acquired a Leopold had become Asad, something library full of books on early Islamic which was strongly disapproved by history. his father and sister. It would take his father almost ten years to come In 1932 the fields and villages of to understand and appreciate the India replaced the vast desert of reasons for his conversion to Islam.

Arabia. He had planned to move

on, to Eastern Turkestan, China and Indonesia, but the poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal, persuaded him to remain in India to help elucidate the intellectual premises of the future Islamic state of Pakistan. However, Asad was imprisoned for the length of WW II, as he was an Austrian citizen, and was seen by the British as an enemy.

After his release, Asad took part in drafting the constitution of the Islamic republic, later going to New York as Pakistan’s first UN ambassador.

However; in 1952, when the ministry refused to give Asad permission to marry Pola Hamida, an American convert to Islam, he resigned saying his private life was more important to him and started to write the story of his wanderings and discovery of Islam. The story, The Road to Mecca (1954), covers the period before he left Arabia for India.

Asad devoted the second half of his life to writing and publishing. He

became one of the most significant Islamic authors of his time, writing books and numerous essays on the Islamic worldview, its law and philosophy. Encouraged by Pola Hamida, supported morally and materially by the secretary general of the Muslim World League, the late Shaykh Muhammad Sarur as-Sabban and the Shaya family of Kuwait, he embarked on translating the Qur’an into English. The first volume of Asad’s English translation, from Al-Baqarah to Al-Tawbah, The Message of the Qur’an appeared in 1964. Asad’s translation is by far the most elegant and lucid of the English translations.

Asad’s last book, This Law of Ours and other Essays, was published in 1987, but towards the end of his life, Asad grew disillusioned by the state of the Islamic world, by its voluntary intellectual isolation and the intolerance of extremists. He judged that ‘this wonderful religion’ did not deserve its followers. However, he

still remained intellectually active until the last days of his life, as well as continuing his love for travel and migration, spending a record 19 years in Tangier, Morocco, before moving finally to Mijas in the Andalusian province of Spain.

The man who was born Leopold Weiss on 2nd July 1900 to a Jewish family, died a Muslim on 20th February 1992, as Muhammad Asad, a man who today is a landmark for a tolerant and contemporary interpretation of the beautiful religion of Islam. He was buried in the Muslim cemetery in Granada, Andalusia.

Shabina Bi-Baroo

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Hand in Hand

for Syria As we pass the 18 month anniversary of the Daraa protests, an event which sparked the Syrian uprising and the call for liberation, the situation in the country gets more and more desperate. Day by day I see images more graphic and distressing than the day before.

The victims get younger, the injuries get more unbearable and the death count gets bigger and bigger. I remember when the image of a young child with his face deformed by the Syrian regime shocked the world. Now, unborn children are systematically targeted as pregnant women are mutilated by soldiers who have lost any remnants of humanity.

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The Syrian crisis is first and foremost a human crisis, one in which people have been massacred, houses destroyed and children starved by their own government. Whether you agree with the revolution or believe in an armed resistance is irrelevant to the need of those who have suffered as a result of this conflict. Do not let the world’s silence deter you from helping Syrian people. I have personally seen the impact your donations have made in helping ease the suffering of the Syrian people.

How to Help On the 28th October, Hand in Hand for Syria (Charity No.

(Charity No. 1147322) are offering you a more tangible and direct way to donate.

After the success of the last aid convoy (where we delivered 6 ambulances and 10 vehicles INSIDE Syria), we have decided to hold a national appeal to send our second convoy out, and we need your help to fill it up!

As part of the convoy, we hope to send humanitarian aid, medical aid and vehicles through Turkey and into Syria and we want you to donate what goes there.

There are two ways to do so: Monetary Donations: This can be done either through: - Our website

www.handinhandforsyria.org.uk

(Just make sure you write in the reference it’s for the peace envoy) - Our Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/packagesofhope

Money you give will either be used to buy ambulances or vehicles to deliver goods donated to the people, or will be used to buy aid and other items needed by the people in Syria Item donations: We also encourage donors to buy and give items which we can take with us as part of the envoy. The charities have set up a number of drop-off points for your items across the country, details of which can be found below (or on our website). The items we hope to take are:

Drop Off Points Items we can accept - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Medicines* and medical equipment Sleeping bags Winter blankets and duvets Tents Baby milk powder Baby food (unopened) Nappies Nappy rash cream e.g. Sudocrem Baby wipes Cotton wool Female hygiene products Dressings, bandages, plasters Blood pressure monitors Sterile gloves

Items we cannot accept - Expired or recycled medication - Household goods - Clothing and shoes - Toys and books (*We will accept donations of new medicines that have at least six months expiry date left on them, please contact us to discuss details)

London 5 Stile Hall Parade London W4 3AG Abed - 07830127120

Stroud Louise- 07766236364 St Andrews Munzer - 07966191791

254 Kilburn High Road London NW6 2BX Tel -Iman - 07808001408

Norwich Siobhan- 07916858856 Bradford Dr Assem 0773 1500754 (daytime) Abdul Rahman 0795 0752034 (after 5pm)

East London - East Ham (Kids World) 24 High St North East Ham London E6 2HJ

Leeds Dr Ahmad 07877 591250 Halifax Dr Imad 07854 971513

Mon-Sat 9am-6pm & Sun 10.30-5pm.

There’s free car park and a warehouse so large donations aren’t an issue inshaAllah!

Hull Dr Khaled 01482 650832

East London- Dartford Dr Obeda - 07566666685 - text and await response

Sheffield Dr Maher 07414 913237

Birmingham Obadah - 07976141077 Marwan - 07929884402

Leicester Mr Tarazi 07990743785 Nottingham Hand In Hand For Syria (storage depot) 20 Lenton Lane Nottingham NG7 2NR

Wolverhampton Abdul Wahab - 07771767282 Bristol Ousama - 07803605047

Talha Ghannam

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Help! I’m a Teenager!

Respect, Love & Trust

A friend of mine has been through a lot, she’s pressured into doing things that she doesn’t want to do. She’s confided in me, I told her “Tell Your Mum & Dad,” but she refuses. So my question to you is “Why don’t we trust our parents?”

My mum says to me, things going wrong, is as natural as breathing, but what is not natural is not telling your parents; in the end it will still be them, who come to clean the mess, so why not tell them earlier when there’s less cleaning to do. Your parents will appreciate the fact that you told them.

From personal experience, telling your parents the problem early is better in the long run, yes you’re still in trouble though....!

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Believe me parents ‘know everything’, or if they don’t know yet, it’s only a matter of time before they do.

Hastening to tell your parents your problems, whatever they may be, will pay off. I needed to tell my mum (always tell your mum first, then get her to tell your dad!) that I had been smoking for a while and she hadn’t found out yet, it took a lot but I told her. She sat with me and hugged me, which made me melt, her anger was somewhere lost between the hugging and the fact that she was proud of me to have gotten the courage to tell me.

For me my parents are indeed a blessing from Allah (swt), the status of parents in the Qur’an is very high.

As youngsters we forget this, and recognise parents as people who are

there to cook, produce clean ironed clothes, and of course the all important bank-status! If we treat parents with lots of love and respect they are far more open to your needs. My mum says this when we fight, that Allah (swt) had chosen her to be my mum and me her son, she doesn’t understand why, but she will try her best to honour that relationship, with much patience and understanding as she can, so it’s our responsibility too to honour that relationship with respect, love and above all trust. Everything happens for a reason, we don’t know the reasons, but we are born with intellect and should be able to make important decisions, regarding our parents which will benefit us in this life and the next, inshAllah.

Khurram Azad

Young Minds: What is Mental Illness?

When experiencing a ‘mental illness’ (also called a mental health problem), an individual has significant changes in their feelings, thinking and behaviour. These changes affect how a person copes with their normal life and usually causes upset and distress for the person concerned and sometimes, friends and family who care about them. Although people often don’t like to talk about it; anxiety, depression and panic disorders have been found to be the most common mental health problems in the UK today. Everybody can experience bad days and often feel ‘blue’, but depression means that your mood is consistently low, along 18

with other negative feelings such as hopelessness, a lack of motivation and exhaustion.

If an individual doesn’t start feeling better after a few weeks, then specialist help might be needed, especially when it interferes with sleep, appetite and their ability to cope with daily activities.

Having to deal with everyday problems such as relationship difficulties, completing your homework, going to work or looking after a child can become increasingly difficult to cope with and may make you feel as though everything is getting on top of you. Many people therefore feel as though everything is getting

on top of them, experience a sense of isolation, and feel as though their problems are not worth mentioning. However big or small the problem is, you should always seek help and remember you are not alone.

it is for your GCSE’s, A-Levels or university can be stressful as there is a lot at stake and can easily lead to anxiety especially if there are a lot of other things going on at the same time.

Anxiety refers to the frequent, powerful worries that are unrealistic or exaggerated about aspects of daily life.

Anxiety is also associated with distressing physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, palpitations and sweaty palms. Experiencing distressing physical symptoms can arise from everyday things such as fear of failing an exam.

Taking an exam and waiting for your exam results, whether

Whilst anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems, psychosis is a less common mental health problem but can be more serious. Psychosis is an umbrella term to describe several types of mental illness such as Schizophrenia or Bipolar Affective Disorder that are all associated with some loss of contact with reality.

People who have a diagnosis of psychosis experience a

range of unusual experiences such as seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there, known as hallucinations.

Common examples of hallucinations are hearing voices when no-one is around or seeing people or animals that others can’t see. Another type of experience is holding strong beliefs that most other people wouldn’t agree with; typical examples are thinking that you are someone famous or paranoid ideas that other people may be conspiring to hurt you in some way.

We know from research that many people experience low level hallucinations or hold eccentric or unusual beliefs

but do not have psychosis or Schizophrenia, so it is very important to not selfdiagnose! However, if you are experiencing anything like this, that you find worrying, it is always better to speak to your GP or other health professional to get some advice. These low level psychotic-like symptoms can be experienced after common life events such as bereavement or even after missing sleep for an extended period. In cases where these types of symptoms are severe and disabling, getting specialist treatment and support as soon as possible is extremely important.

The Statistics: • If you are worried that you may be experiencing a mental illness, then you are not alone.

Mental health problems can affect any person from any walk of life at any given time.

According to the national statistics, 1 in 4 people are affected by any mental health problem in the UK and these often develop in teenagers and can develop as early as the age of 7.

• Mixed anxiety & depression is the most common mental disorder in Britain, with almost 9% of people meeting criteria for this diagnosis if they spoke to a mental health professional.

(The Office for National Statistics Psychiatric Morbidity report, 2001).

• About half of people with common mental health problems recover to a great extent after 18 months, but poorer people, the longterm sick, and unemployed people are more likely to be still affected than the general population. (Better or Worse: A Longitudinal Study Of The Mental Health Of Adults In Great Britain, National Statistics, 2003).

• Although less common than anxiety and depression, psychosis occurs in about 2 in every 100 people. Many

Continued on page 20

people also don’t know that individuals who have a psychotic breakdown can recover; some only ever experience one period of illness. • Rates of mental health problems among children increase as they reach adolescence. Disorders affect 10.4% of boys aged 5-10, rising to 12.8% of boys aged 11-15, and 5.9% of girls aged 5-10, rising to 9.65% of girls aged 11-15. (Mental Disorder More Common In Boys, National Statistics Online, 2004).

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Causes

there are problems within your neighbourhood. The There is no single cause for pressures within your working the development of mental environment and difficulties health problems. Mental health in holding down a job can disorders may be as a result of add pressure on your mental genetics, physical impairment well-being and therefore or due to ones lifestyle, and may lead to mental health past experiences. The most problems. Alternatively, being common factors associated in unemployed is also associated the onset of any mental health with higher risks of mental disorder are highlighted below. ill-health.

Social/Environmental factors Life events and social circumstances may play a role in the onset of a mental health disorder. The physical environment of where you live can be very stressful particularly when

where you may have experienced neglect, abuse, been exposed to violence or have been overprotected could make you vulnerable to developing a mental health problem. Our social networks provide support to help us cope with difficulties and this can protect us. Lack of social support and isolation, may therefore make it increasingly difficult to cope with every day Family/friends and social life. Other social problems networks such as poverty and poor housing have also been found A good early experience as an to be associated with mental infant and baby is extremely health problems. important for the development of our brain and psychological well-being. In contrast, coming from a difficult background

Psychological factors

years after the trauma happened.

Finally

Your personality and attitude to life can make you more resilient to developing mental health problems or be a risk factor for developing emotional problems. Holding a negative opinion about yourself (low self-esteem) and lacking in confidence can make you vulnerable to mental illness; whereas feeling positive about your life and relationships and having good coping skills can protect you in times of stress. We also know that trauma especially at a young age (i.e. abusive experiences) increase the risk of developing a mental disorder later in life, even

As we can see there is no Genetics single factor that explains the cause of a mental health Having a close relative with a disorder. For many people, diagnosis of mental illness can it is a combination of factors increase the risk of developing that make them vulnerable a mental illness. Researchers and then a series of events have found some illnesses are that would eventually trigger a linked to abnormalities in many mental illness. This means that genes. However, this is not a we can all protect our mental straightforward link; a person well-being and build up our with certain genes may be resilience against developing more susceptible to a mental mental health problems. illness but it is important to Things like getting support remember that this doesn’t from friends when we are mean they will definitely under pressure and learning develop the illness. This will techniques to cope with daily depend on whether other risk problems and hassles will all factors such as environmental go some way to keeping us stress are also present. psychologically

healthy. Looking after physical health; getting some sleep and eating healthily will also go some way to preventing the onset of mental health problems. Finally, getting help early, when problems are first noticeable is also important as this can often prevent mental disorders becoming more serious.

Dr Amanda Skeate Consultant Psychiatrist Saimah Yasmin Clinical Studies Officer

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Top Tips for Staying Emotionally Healthy

Believe in yourself

There is the old saying ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ and sometimes you can feel better just talking to somebody about a problem. It may be that you are just having a bad day or it could be an ongoing mental health problem that you need support with, but the important thing is to not try and cope with everything on your own.

to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week.

Don’t panic - this isn’t as bad as it sounds! The key word here is moderate.

Eating well is also an important part of looking after yourself mentally. There is increasing evidence of a link between what we eat and how we feel. This is called the ‘food – mood’ connection. How we feel influences what we choose to eat or drink, and a healthy diet can protect our mental health.

Low self-esteem can be the root cause of some mental health problems and can cause a vicious circle. You feel bad about yourself, so you get depressed, which makes you feel even worse about yourself, so you get more depressed Take Time Out and it can be difficult to break that cycle. Positive thinking and boosting self- How many times have you been told to esteem will improve emotional wellbeing. ‘chill out,’ ‘chillax’ or ‘stop stressing’?

Christopher Leaman These are everyday phrases but taking Young Minds Ask for help time to relax is really important to www.youngminds.org.uk maintain positive mental health.

Most of us feel overwhelmed or like we can’t cope with things at least once in Look after yourself our lives, and most people feel like that a lot more frequently. It is at times like Everyone knows that exercise is good for that, that you need to be able to talk to your body, but did you know that it’s someone and don’t be afraid to ask for important for your mental health, too? help.

For good mental health, you should aim

22

Deed of the Month: Precious Sacrifice What is precious to you? For Prophet Ibrahim (as), it was his son.

Understandably, our family and friends are often very precious to us. The thing is, Ibrahim (as) was willing, without question, to sacrifice, that which was most precious to him, for the sake of Allah (swt). How many of us would have the courage to sacrifice for Allah (swt) to that extent? Not many of us would, but as a way to remember this act of extreme sacrifice, Muslims do Udhiya (blood sacrifice) of an animal. This usually is done for Allah (swt) after the completion of the Eid-ul-Adha prayers, with the intention to divide it into three equal parts; one for the home, one for relatives and friends, and one

24

for the poor or needy. This act of doing a blood sacrifice is not Fard (obligatory) for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that all Muslims can’t still sacrifice for Allah (swt).

Qurbani is used to refer to blood sacrifice, it is an Urdu/Persian word that comes from the Arabic word Qurban, which means doing a sacrificial act for Allah’s pleasure.

Being a Muslim means that we must struggle, within ourselves or our environment, to commit deeds or sacrificial acts, which will please Allah (swt). ‘Do you think you should enter Paradise unless God establishes who among you have struggled hard and who are patient? (Qur’an 3: 142)

When we are impatient and unwilling to sacrifice, we weaken our Deen (way of life). Allah (swt) Many people use the word Qurbani tells us that, when it comes to the in place of the word Udhiya. While misguided, ‘If We had ordered

them to sacrifice their lives or to leave their homes, very few of them would have done it: but if they had done what they were (actually) told, it would have been best for them, and would have gone farthest to strengthen their (faith)’ (Qur’an 4: 66). Clearly, it is in our best interest to sacrifice for Allah (swt).

sacrificing time, Bismillah (in the name of Allah), to spend with the elderly or with young people, who would benefit from time spent with a good role model or a kind heart, would surely please Allah (swt).

By sacrificing time for Allah (swt), in which we would usually do other things, we gain patience So, if we aren’t doing Udhiya, what and resolve. When we make that can we sacrifice? You know those sacrifice for Allah (swt) we gain hours we spend hanging out with perseverance and determination. friends or just doing our own thing? When we make our sacrifice Alhamdulillah, time is a very easy against all odds, we gain fortitude. thing to sacrifice, for Allah (swt), Alhamdulillah, sacrificing for Allah yet it is often kept, preciously, for (swt) is a benefit to us! ourselves. Spending time doing prayers, studying, or reading about In Qur’an (6: 162), it states, ‘Say, Islam is a sacrifice of our time. Even Oh Mohammad (saw), ‘Verily, my

Salat (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).’ ‘Remember, Islam is a gift from Allah to humanity’ (Qur’an 5: 3), ‘Therefore to thy Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice.’ (Qur’an 108: 2).

Michelle Blum

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25

Healthy Living The Story Teller

Miss Regular Editor set the theme for this issue a few months ago; Hajj or Sacrifice however neither were giving me any clues on what specifically to share with you.

You would think a theme would help more especially to narrow things down, not for me, my brain works differently!

So I had to stop and take a step back To be honest, whenever I am given a to look at the bigger picture, my bigger particular theme to write about, this thing picture. called “writer’s block” sets in.

Who am I, who do I see myself as?

I trawled through my previous articles, What am I and what do I tell the world newspapers and books looking for the light about myself or what would I like the to shine up at me but the lights were out or world to know about me? the fuse-box was blown!

What is my aim in life and how do I connect this to the task set?

26

Can you see a theme here? Not the topic set; always back to what resonates within me, what flows through my veins, The Trainer, The Coach, The-One-Who-WritesOff-Topic-Telling-Her-Own-Story.

This is exactly what you have permission to do with your lives.

This is me telling you my story, about how I came to writing my piece for you. I have to admit, it came as a late submission past its deadline, but some things happen after we want them to but even then they come

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

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

at the right time; at a time when you are prepared for them to come into your life, be it that flash car, the coveted job or even inspiration and guidance. After all, you can think, save up and prepare all your life for that life changing journey but Hajj only comes when it is your calling and your calling will only come when through perseverance, your intentions and your actions you prove your worth for the life changing journey.

Even the Unlettered One (SAW) meditated and believed in Allah (swt) all his life yet he was forty years old when inspiration was sent to him. It never came late; it came when Allah (swt) deemed him ready.

Before that, he continued to remember his Lord.

NB: This article may not be used as an excuse for submitting your homework late, I refuse to answer to any of your teachers – there is a lesson in this article for those who wish to learn it.

To Your Success!

May Allah (swt) accept the Hajj of all the Pilgrims and grant the rest of us the same blessing insha-Allah. Ameen.

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October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Whatever your age, size or shape it’s important to take care of your breasts.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, so it’s important to look after your breasts by being breast aware.

Being breast aware is part of caring for your body. It means getting to know how your breasts look and feel so you know what is normal for you. You can then feel more confident about noticing any unusual changes. Most changes won’t turn out to be breast cancer, but if it is breast cancer, the sooner it is diagnosed the more effective treatment may be.

Even though it’s uncommon, men can also get breast cancer so they need to be breast aware too.

We also know that black and south Asian women, older women, women in socially disadvantaged areas and 28

women with learning disabilities are less likely to be breast aware, and tend to wait longer before seeing a doctor about a change or to attend screening when asked.

Breast cancer cells

Some newspapers often have stories about different things increasing the risk of getting breast cancer, however, they are often just trying to grab attention with a shocking headline and the risk itself, if proved at all, is very small.

None of these things will give you breast cancer:

• • • • •

using a deodorant wearing an underwired bra injuring your breast using a mobile phone having your nipple pierced.

If you have any questions or worries about breast cancer, talk to someone. It could be a person in your family, your teacher, school nurse or local doctor.

You can also call Breast Cancer Care’s Helpline free on 0808 800 6000 (text relay 18001) or email our ‘Ask the Nurse’ service via our website at www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-m8s

This website also has loads of information about breasts, bras and what’s normal.

Sophie Softley Pierce Breast Cancer Care

Dua for Good Health Say three times;

Allaahumma ‘aafinee fee badanee, Allaahumma ‘aafinee fee sam’ee, Allaahumma ‘aafinee fee basaree, laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa ‘Anta (Recite three times).

O Allah, make me healthy in my body. O Allah, preserve for me my hearing. O Allah, preserve for me my sight.

There is none worthy of worship but You. (Recite three times).

Rumaysa Malik

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Hadith Ibn Umar (Radhiallahu ‘Anhum) said: Allâh’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam) took me by my shoulder and said:

“Be in this Life as if you were a Stranger or a Traveller on a Path” (Bukhari)

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When this happened Ibn Umar radhi Allahu ‘anhu (may Allah be pleased with him) was just a young boy and as we are young people, this Hadith of our beloved Prophet may the blessings of Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala (glorified and exalted is He) be upon him is a direct advice for us. So, what does the Prophet (peace be upon him) mean by this? Well, as Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) got older and would teach the Muslims of his time he would explain this hadith as follows, he would say to them:

reach the morning then do not expect to reach the evening. Take from your health before your sickness, and from your life before your death.”

“If you reach the evening, then do not expect to reach the morning, and if you

So, why is time management so important? If we are to be successful Muslims; reaching

What this is essentially telling us is that we need to take advantage of the moments that we have and not waste them. Why? Well as Muslims we know that we are travellers, in this life, since this life is just a means to our afterlife. A time, where we will all be given a just reckoning with regards to what we did in this life.

our full potential in our spirituality and being successful people in society today, mastering our time is very important.

tells us that Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala (glorified and exalted is He) will ask about 5 things on the day of Judgement, one of those things is: “...About their youth and how they spent it...”

So we need to remind ourselves of this question from time to time and ask ourselves... what will we say to Allah (glorified and exalted is He) when He asks us this question on the day of Judgement and therefore, how are we As a student in primary, high school or spending our time? Are we using it in even university, what normally happens a way that is pleasing or displeasing to during exam time? Mass procrastination Allah (glorified and exalted is He)? right? This is actually a lot more dangerous than we think. Not just at We need to make sure that our time exam times but always. is spent learning about our religion, in a way that brings us closer to God. Our Prophet Muhammad salla Allahu We need to use our time to recite and ‘alayhi wasallam (peace be upon him) understand the Holy Qur’an and if we

cannot memorise, at least read from it and take lessons from the things that Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala is telling us. What we can’t do is waste our time on useless things like playing games, on social networking sites, backbiting or going to places which are haraam (forbidden).

It’s important to remember, that more than anything else, if we want to do something purely for the sake of Allah (swt), we just ask Him to make it easier for us and He (glorified and exalted is He) will.

Join us in next month’s issue where I will be giving you ten top tips to make sure you are not wasting your time!

Zaynab Berrada

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Trees4Life Campaign is a global initiative to plant trees and preserve the world’s forests.

It aims to raise awareness of the ecological and environmental problems facing the planet, especially in some of the most vulnerable populations of the less developed world.

Campaign

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Many Muslims are unaware that looking after the environment is their social and Islamic responsibility. This is something that Islam promoted over 1400 yrs ago. Allah (swt) has made humans custodians of the Earth. It is part of our faith to be concerned about our environment and to learn about how we can help our world in a positive way. Prophet Muhammad (saw) is the role model for humanity. He had the Islamic environmental philosophy; simple living, moderation, and respect and concern for all Creation. We want to follow in his footsteps insha’Allah.

Trees4Life Campaign has successfully completed its first campaign, Project Indonesia to re-plant 2,000 trees in five hectares of land in West Java, Indonesia.

We actually surpassed this target by one additional hectare! We have now launched our second campaign; Project Bangladesh to plant 2,000 fruit trees in an eco-park.

The Prophet (saw) said, ‘If an individual has an opportunity to plant a tree, even if he knows the Day of Judgement is imminent, let him plant the tree’. (Bukhari) To make a donation visit

www.trees4lifecampaign.com

We have just launched our first Photography Competition in 2012, inviting avid environmentalists and photographers to send us a picture of a tree! One winner will be selected by our judges and win some fantastic prizes, including a Top Cat: the We believe that planting a tree is the first Movie, DVD. Closing date: 5pm small step in being a green Muslim. It is one on Weds 31st October. of the simplest acts anyone can do to help support the environment.

Naweeda Ahmad The Prophet (saw) said ‘Muslims will always Trees4Life earn the reward of charity for planting a tree’. (Bukhari & Muslim)

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Stories of the Prophets (pbut) Book Reviews & Poetry Inspiring Role Models Muslim Heritage

A Day in the Life of…

Prophet Muhammed (saw)

In the last issue, we looked at the religious situation of Arabia pre-Islam, and it would be a good idea for us, to also look at the social conditions during this time period.

hope of avoiding the shame that would befall the father. We know this from the ayah Allah (swt) revealed in Surah AlNahl:

“When news is brought to one of Arabia was a patriarchal society; not them, of (the birth of) a female only did men dominate women, but (child), his face darkens, and he is the latter were considered to have no filled with inward grief! With shame status at all. They were not perceived does he hide himself from his people, to have intellect, as individuals who had because of the bad news he has had! their own worth, separate from bearing Ah! What an evil (choice) children and serving men. Instead, they decide on.” they were seen only as objects created (Qur’an 16: 58-59) for the entertainment and pleasure of men. In fact, they were deemed so Women were encouraged to sell worthless that female infanticide was themselves, and it was common for a widespread and popular practice. husbands to support and actively When a woman bore a female child, instruct women to approach other men the infant was often buried alive, in the who were not their husbands. Men 36

would have up to thirty wives and concubines. It is fair to say that society at this time was almost entirely morally bankrupt in its social practices.

There were however many good individuals, Christian and otherwise, and many of them believed in and worshipped One God. During this time, there were many tribes but Quraysh, was one of the most powerful, and without doubt the most popular. Abdul Muttalib was a chieftain of this tribe.

Handsome and very wealthy, he was well respected and did not forget to thank Allah (swt) for his good fortune.

However there was one thing he wanted very much, more than anything else. His unhappiness was in having only one son, despite having more than

“

“

He told his children to all take an arrow and make their mark on it. After gathering all the arrows together, and calling somebody trustworthy to cast the lot, it was Abdullah’s arrow that was cast.

one wife. He prayed and prayed to Allah (swt) that he would have not just another son, but another nine sons. He vowed to the Almighty Allah (swt) that if He were to bless him with ten sons he would, when they had all reached manhood, sacrifice one of them for Allah (swt) at the Ka’bah.

gathering all the arrows together, and calling somebody trustworthy to cast the lot, it was Abdullah’s arrow that was cast. Abdul Muttalib knew what this meant, and was prepared to carry out this painful act. However, the mother and sisters of Abdullah, and the chief of the Makhzum tribe appealed to him, to not hurt his son. Perhaps he could Allah (swt) granted Abdul Muttalib’s sacrifice something else in Abdullah’s prayer, and eventually the years place? He went to a woman in Yathrib passed and it was time for his promise (Madinah), who had a reputation for to be carried out. He loved all of his being knowledgeable, in order to sons very much, although his favourite seek some counsel on the situation. This was Abdullah. But being a man of his lady advised, ‘Return to your city and word, it never occurred to him to break put Abdullah and ten camels side by his vow. side and cast lots between them. If the arrow falls against Abdullah, add more He told his children to all take an camels and cast lots again, until your arrow and make their mark on it. After Lord accepts them and the arrow falls

against them. Then sacrifice the camels and let your son live.’

Abdul Muttalib did exactly that until he had one hundred camels lined up, which is when the arrow finally fell against the animals, rather than his son. To be sure, he did this multiple times and when he was finally satisfied that this was what Allah (swt) wanted from him, the camels were sacrificed.

You might have realised that this story is very crucial to us as Muslims, because if Allah (swt) had willed it to be otherwise, that day, Abdullah could have been sacrificed rather than one day becoming the father of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Iimaan Ismail

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Nominate a Role Model!

Over the past 8 issues Fifteen21 has showcased many inspirational role-models from the Muslim community in the UK. From youth activists like Neelam Rose, to Humza Yousaf, a trail-blazing young politician in Glasgow to Aisha Yasmin, a young aspiring designer from Birmingham hoping to make it big in the Big Apple!

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

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

ins t s) a d r h o W 0w 5 • 1 x ma (

We look forward to receiving your nominations!

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Out on Friday 30th November 2012!

The attack on Malala Yousafzai by the Taliban has left millions around the world outraged. Thousands of people have rallied through the streets of Pakistan, to condemn the attack on Malala Yousafzai. Despite the patriarchical and male chauvinist thinking of the Taliban regime, it is positive to see that not all of Pakistan endorses such a discriminatory viewpoint on education.

Malala Yousafzai, a strong young woman with a voice, had a dream to grant girls in Pakistan the basic right of education. She was known for her educational achievement and women’s rights activism from a young age and was a prominent member of her village.

The village however, was dictated to by the Taliban regime who denied girls an education. Malala, returning from school, was shot by a member of the Taliban on the premise that her strive for girls education was ‘promoting secularism’.

Their ideology on education is radical and extreme, which does not even reflect Islamic teachings. How can granting

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The Right to Education for Girls

The Dream of a Young Girl:

Malala Yousafzai

girls the right to education promote secularism?

The right to education is an entitlement to all regardless of race, religion, gender and age. Education is incumbent on all human beings so that we can flourish into people with knowledge of the dunya. This duty has particularly been given to us by Allah swt, in order for us to study the Qur’an and Sunnah and act upon it. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said ‘Atta libul ilm faridhatol kuli muslim’ (narrated by Ibn Maja in al-Sunan, 1:81 §224) which means acquisition of knowledge is mandatory upon all Muslims, men and women without discrimination.

The ability to read and write intellectually is not only a possession of the minority, but everyone should have some recourse to elementary education.

It provides one with a sustainable future, giving them social, political and economic advancement in society. Just as the late former Prime Minister Benazir

Bhutto asserted ‘Knowledge of the world is knowledge of God’s Creation’.

Education is power, however, needless to say; this right is being fundamentally flawed in some parts of the world. A basic entitlement which many take for granted is being denied to those who need education as a means of survival.

Many like Malala Yousafzai are striving for girls’ education and want to use it effectively to better their lives.

Particularly in the poor rural areas of Pakistan, girls are not given the opportunity to go to schools and colleges because of the tuition fees or because education is not deemed important.

Sadly, gender discrimination still exists and reform needs to be brought at grassroots level.

Gender discrimination is a result of radical ideologies where some do not wish for men and women to be equal.

Malala Yousafzai is an inspiration to all, and her activism indicates the plight of girls’ education in areas where it is condemned. InshAllah her dreams and aspirations for girls education are fulfilled, Ameen.

Shaista Ali

The hindrance on education is not Islam, but culture, as the Qur’an and Sunnah teach us to seek knowledge about Islam and worldly affairs; and this right is incumbent on both men and women.

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Muslim Role-Models Abid Hussain Arts Council How are you?

That’s an easy one; it has to be the people I work with. I get to work with I’m feeling inspired and full of new ideas some of the most creative people in the after returning to the Arts Council after a country and there is nothing more exciting six month sabbatical which has given me a than watching a new artistic idea, develop completely new perspective on the arts in from concept to execution, and knowing England! you’ve played a part in helping to bring it You’ve been with the Arts Council for 11 to life. years, what do they do?

Where are your favourite places in the Arts Council England is the national UK/world that art has taken you? development agency for the arts in I’ve been fortunate that my work has England. We provide funding for allowed me to work across North America, individual artists and arts organisations Europe and Africa as well as all over across a range of art forms including the UK. In 2010, I had the opportunity theatre, music, dance, visual arts, digital to travel to South Africa to work with the media and literature.

National Arts Festival where we delivered What is the best thing about your job? a series of performances, seminars and workshops as part of our Arts and Islam 42

programme. The highlight was meeting some amazing artists who had been part of the struggle against Apartheid, and hearing their stories was an inspiration and an example, of how art can be used as a tool for social change.

Are there any specific challenges associated with engaging faith groups in the arts?

I think the biggest challenge is dealing with misconceptions that the arts sector and faith communities have about each other, particularly in relation to freedom of speech and fears of censorship. I have a foot in both camps and use that experience and understanding to take on the role of a cultural broker that can help artists and arts organisations to work with

faith communities and vice versa.

number of years and have always been passionate about raising the aspirations You must meet many amazing people, and attainment levels of young people, is there any artist who particularly particularly those growing up in inner city stands out? communities. Initiatives such as Mosaic provide a much needed opportunity for That’s an impossible question for me to answer. I’ve been blessed to have worked young people to engage with role models with some amazing artists over the years from their communities, who work across and each inspires you in a different way. a broad spectrum of careers. There is nothing more empowering than meeting What is Artistic Jihad, and how do someone you have mentored in the past, people make submissions? approach you on the street and thank you Artistic Jihad was established by the team for taking time out to support them. I’d at FOSIS to discover the next generation encourage anyone who hasn’t mentored to give it a try. of Muslim artists. It has provided a platform for Muslim artists to showcase Islamic art history is fascinating, are their talent and network with other artists. there any plans for any exhibitions or Muslims students are eligible to submit seminars in the near future in the UK? their work via the Artistic Jihad website This is an excellent question, too often www.artisticjihad.com people find out about exhibitions, The school mentoring scheme, Mosaic, performances and seminars after the has really taken off nationwide, event. I’d encourage readers to sign up to have you always been interested in mailing lists of local museums, art galleries mentoring in addition to promoting art? and performing arts centres to ensure they hear about events of interest before they I’ve been involved in a local primary happen. Twitter and Facebook are also school as a school governor for a great avenues to stay connected.

What further aspirations do you have?

I started writing a collection of short stories a few years ago, it’s an unfinished collection of work that I would like to complete one day.

Any advice for aspiring artists or art historians?

Study your craft, invest in professional development, be gracious in accepting peer feedback and develop an understanding of the business and administrative side of your arts practice, you’ll need it if you want to be a full time artist!

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Muslim Role-Models Huda Awad Glass Artist

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Thank you for taking time out, are Do you use any symbolism in your there any galleries or exhibitions we work? What inspires you? could view your amazing work in Islamic Art employs symbols which the UK at the moment? relate to the philosophy based on It is a pleasure, thanks for having me. mystical awareness and knowledge of Unfortunately you have missed my the creation, a reference to the divine most recent exhibition in Notting Hill unity. So some of the symbols I put in Gate, London, at the Vessel Gallery, my panels are flowers as a symbol for where this beautiful glass gallery the Garden of Eden, the arch as the commissioned 12 artists for a special entrance to the heavens plus all the exhibition entitled Living with Glass. complex geometric shapes and their reference to cosmology.

Did it take a long time to train in architectural glass, and did you I enjoy looking at the sea and study in the UK, or abroad? hearing the seagulls. I am inspired by the colors and patterns in nature.

My first degree was in Fine Another source of reflection is Arabic Art Painting in Cheltenham, philosophy, and poetry, particularly Gloucestershire. The classical that of Al Rumi, Nizar Gabbani and training in drawing and painting and Tumadir Alkhansa. understanding color, tone and texture has prepared me for the demanding Do you work from home, or is your disciplines of Architectural Stained studio away from home, it must get Glass. I enjoyed the glass course so very messy! much that I went back many years The nature of glass work requires later to study for a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree. much care, and many health and The real learning materializes later safety considerations. I have a on with practice, experience and studio in the marina. It is small but patience. well designed and equipped, apart from a kiln, which makes it functional.

It is where I do my thinking, designing, testing and making, while listening to music, burning incense and feeling on top of the world. The studio can look a little bit crowded at times, but it is organized chaos.

I have seen spectacular Islamic glass objects in Moscow, Madrid, New York, Madina and London. When I started my glass course, a visiting lecturer stated that the Arabs do not have a tradition in stained glass! I then researched and proved that the Arabs excelled in glass Have you encountered any barriers as a making and decoration including fusing Muslim woman working in the creative glass mosaics, lusters, gilding, relief arts? deco, cameo cutting and marvered trails Sadly yes, I cannot be sure if being centuries before it came to Europe. Small rejected or ignored is due to being Muslim, circular alabaster windows were found a woman or any other factor, but it has in Yemen dating back to the 3rd century. been a struggle trying to penetrate this Glass houses were an active industry in mysterious art world! The contemporary Egypt and Syria. The place which stood Islamic Art competition is by nominations out the most, even though it had no glass only. was Alhambra in Granada. Splendid Even the galleries in the Arab world seem Islamic Art on walls, tiles, borders, windows and all surfaces. The scented breeze to be more interested in conceptual or which came from the gardens is still with political art, I am sure they are valid me years later. It was then that I set out styles, but it is not what I do. The way to make a body of work based on the forward is to smile, learn new techniques exploration of contemporary techniques, and produce stunning work knowing that whilst retaining traditional Islamic designs God is not going to waste my sincere and patterns. All the panels are kiln efforts. fused and embrace the three main styles You have visited some amazing places of Islamic art; geometry, arabesque around the world, is there one that and calligraphy. This resulted in a solo particularly stands out for you, in terms exhibition by the name Alhambra in of splendor in glass art?

Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cochrane gallery, supported

by the University of Arts London and The Swash fund. It was an educational exhibition accompanied by workshops and demonstrations in several schools.

MashAllah you are a great role model to our readers, but who was your role-model when you were growing up?

I am humbled. I greatly admired, and still do, the wives and daughters of the Prophet (peace be upon him) for their courage, intelligence, generosity and endurance amongst many of their noble attributions and contributions to society and culture.

Hudaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work can be found at www.hudaawad.com

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e x h i b i t i o n Mughal India: Art, Culture and Empire Highlights of the exhibition include: • Akbar ordering the slaughter to cease in This autumn the British Library will 1578 – A folio from an imperial manuscript on explore one of the most powerful the history of Emperor Akbar (r.1556-1605) attributed to the artist Miskina, circa 1595. One and splendid of all the world’s great dynasties with Mughal India: Art, Culture of the greatest rulers of the Indian subcontinent, and Empire, from 9 November 2012 to an intellectual skilled in statecraft, Akbar was 2 April 2013. The ‘Great Mogul’ seated an advocate of understanding and inclusiveness of all religious faiths. This scene pictures Akbar on a jewel-encrusted throne is one of in contemplation during an organised hunt; in the most enduring images of India. But a moment of divine or mystical intervention, he apart from this almost mythical ruler, asks for the animals to be set free.

• Squirrels in a plane tree - An iconic the Mughal dynasty produced a great masterpiece painted by Abu’l Hasan, circa number of rulers of outstanding ability 1605-08, a pre-eminent artist of the imperial in statecraft and culture, whether in court. Recognised by Emperors Akbar and empire-building or as patrons of art Jahangir for his exceptional painterly skills, he and architecture. This exhibition will be was granted the titles Nadir al-‘Asr (‘Wonder the first to document the entire historical of the Age’) and Nadir al-Zaman (‘Wonder of the Time’). This dynamic scene captures the period, from the 16th to the 19th century, through more than 200 exquisite naturalistic movement of squirrels fleeing from the huntsman attempting to climb the tree. manuscripts and the finest paintings • Prince Aurangzeb reports to Emperor Shah drawn almost exclusively from the British Jahan in durbar – A historically important Library’s extensive heritage collection. illustration featuring the Emperor Shah Jahan www.bl.uk/mughalindia (r. 1627-58), famed for commissioning the Taj Mahal, enthroned inside his palace fortress

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at Lahore in 1649. In this durbar or official assembly at court, he receives his son Prince Aurangzeb, who stands on the left with his hand raised in salute. Less than 10 years after this encounter, Aurangzeb would take advantage of Shah Jahan’s fragile health and imprison him in the Agra Fort, launching the War of Succession against his brothers, and declare himself as emperor in 1659. The painting dates to 165055, the final years of Shah Jahan’s reign.

• Portrait of Prince Dara Shikoh – A newly identified portrait of Dara Shikoh (1615-59), the favourite son and heir-apparent of Emperor Shah Jahan (r.1627-58) attributed to the artist Murar, circa 1631-32. This portrait features in the only surviving album compiled by Dara Shikoh, a passionate connoisseur of the arts and scholar of religion. The album was personally dedicated by Dara Shikoh to his beloved wife Nadira Banu Begum in 1641-42; they were married in 1633.

• Portrait of Divan I Khas in the Delhi Palace - From 1803, the Mughal Emperor could only exercise his authority within the confines of the Red Fort. The Divan I Khas would become the centre of the Mughal court and hold the official durbars.

Mughal India: Art, Culture and Empire will run from Friday 9 November 2012 to Tuesday 2 April 2013.

Mughals - Portrait of Prince Dara Shikoh

Mughals - Timur enthroned with his descendants from Babur to Jahangir

Price: £9 / £7 and £5 concessions / Free for under 18’s Exhibition opening hours Monday 10.00 – 18.00, Tuesday 10.00 – 20.00 Wednesday – Friday 10.00 – 18.00, Saturday 10.00 – 17.00 Sunday and English public holidays 11.00 – 17.00 All galleries are accessible by wheelchair. Information can be requested from Visitor Services staff on: 020 7412 7332

Mughals - Prince Aurangzeb reports to Emperor Shah Jahan in durbar

Mughals - Akbar ordering the slaughter to cease in 1578

Mughals - Divan-i Khas in the Delhi Palace

Evie Jeffreys British Library

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47

Muslim Role-Models Mohammed Ali

Aerosol Arabic

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Congratulations on winning the through graffiti art, makes a connection Diversity award from the South Bank with the viewer, like nothing else.

Show, where do you get your inspiration How did you become involved in street from? art?

Inspiration really comes from my faith Ever since the 80’s, like most kid’s at that as a Muslim. What I see as a basic duty time, I’ve been involved with street art. for me to make a difference in society; It was the language of the youth at that to contribute to enriching society with time. The Spray can was something that something that is positive and dealing with transformed my life. It kept me out of the negative social problems that exist. trouble and brought art into my life, in a Each and every one of us should be using very ‘real’ way. Nobody ever imagined whatever skill we have, to transform our so many decades onwards, street art social condition. I have children; I want a would still be so strong, and travel to better society for them to grow up into. nearly every corner of the globe. I’ve What do you do? tried my best to shake it off, but it’s not possible!

I’m a graffiti artist, and my tool is the spray can. This is the language of the Fusing graffiti style with Islamic art is a youth today. Watch kids eyes light style you are renowned for, how did this up when you mention graffiti, so I’m unique combination come about? harnessing this, and using it to connect and For the past 25 years of my life, I’ve engage them in a unique way. I like to been involved with street art. It was only explore their issues, identify the problems over the past 12 years that I started that exist and deal with them head on. to dabble in something that blew me Road Safety is a massive problem in this away. Fusing Islamic script, and patterns country. You can have all the advertising with graffiti art was something that was campaigns you want, but tackling it

never done before, I’d certainly not seen it in the graffiti magazines that I would trawl through. So when I began bringing elements of my faith as a Muslim and combining that with graffiti art, instantly I could feel the power of it. It was something that moulded together so perfectly. Graffiti art was always based around the word, the word of man, expressing the artists own identity, or name. Islamic Art was also based around the word, but the word of God. It was almost the selfish versus the selfless.

Over the past 5 years or so, I have seen how Islamic-style graffiti has taken off in different parts of the world. It’s really exciting to see how something that was almost non-existent, has developed into a small movement of its own.

Did you need specialist training, and where did you study street art?

Street art back then, really was art ‘for the people’. You couldn’t study it at an academy. The city was the school, and the streets were the canvas. Your teachers were kids around the block that were Continued on page 50 49

known to have mastered the spray can.

Even the tool we used, the spray can, was an unconventional artist’s tool. Aerosol paint was used for spraying cars, not for creating art. It was exciting, we were creating our own genre, in the face of all those who criticized street art, saying it was not real art. So we had to just pick up the skills ourselves.

I’ve seen how art can deal with problems in ways that nothing else can ever achieve.

Surely as a community we should embrace the arts more than anyone. We have a rich artistic heritage across the Muslim lands, it boggles the mind how many Muslim societies do not value the arts as much as they should.

But there are many who are recognizing the power of the arts, slowly but surely I What’s something challenging about the think they are opening up. I still wait for the work you do? day that the community fundraises for more Staying fresh. I am not happy unless the work than just a mosque or an Islamic school, but I do, is bursting outside of its boundaries. I arts centres and galleries. I launched an am constantly battling with myself. People arts centre called The Hubb in the city of will say that’s fresh, and to me it’s not Birmingham, which has a growing following. fresh enough. I’m obsessed with creating However it’s not just interest that is needed, something unique and powerful, wanting to it’s easy to appreciate art and enjoy it, view create waves, not puddles. it in the gallery, or the theatre or wherever else. But when will our community step Do you feel there is a lack of Muslims in up to the plate, and begin funding such art, and have you always felt supported things? Nurturing the rising talent, building by the Muslim community in the UK? foundations, empowering not just this Muslims do not fully appreciate the power of generation, but many generations to come; art today. Art has the power to transform the there’s a lot of work to be done. world. In the times we live in, it’s crucial that Are there any galleries currently exhibiting we explore alternative ways of engaging with social problems. Over the past decade your work in the UK, and public lectures of yours, people could attend?

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I deliver public lectures frequently around the country and beyond. If any of your readers are interested in attending, I’ll be delivering a TedX talk taking place at the Vatican early next year! Other than that, I’m invited to speak at schools, colleges, universities and galleries by invitation, so best to just keep a look out, or arrange something and make it happen!

especially the youth. I try to bring back these ideas to the forefront, through my work.

not what I’m about.

What’s something concrete and tangible you’ve learned in the last three months?

What is the best thing about your job?

I’ve learnt always be hungry for About ten years ago, I worked in the something, and push for it. Even if you’ve games industry designing computer games, achieved what you wanted, keep pushing, something I wanted to do since I was a kid, because you could be hungry again soon.

I mean its every kids dream, right? But I MashAllah you are a great role model became disillusioned with using my skills to our readers, but who was your roleThe field of youth media is just as a designer to turn kids into zombies model, when you were growing up? exploding right now. Where do you see in front of their screens. Is this what God it heading? had given me the ability for? So today, I The only role model I had when I was It’s fresh, I see youth having the potential never had to give up being an artist. Yes, young, was THE Mohammed Ali. He was probably the most famous Muslim in the to really be the agents of that change I left the commercial games sector, but that we all seek and that could be coming began creating art with a better purpose. world, and yet was respected so highly. through the media. That combined with That’s what I love about doing what I do. Any advice for aspiring artists? social networking tools, can really move I still am able to express myself through We should be involved with innovating, mountains. creativity, but with a social purpose. not imitating. It’s easy to see something Are there particular messages or ideas Where are your favorite places in the and replicate it, do a ‘Muslim version’ of you hope to communicate through your world that art has taken you? something. I say we should be redefining art? the boundaries, creating our own genres New York was pretty cool, painting a of art forms. Let’s be affiliated with Virtuous principles that Islam speaks mural in the city where the towers went of; be it knowledge, freedom, justice or down, I felt I was able to take the art that innovation and push those boundaries, and step outside of the box. patience, I feel are sadly fading away I do right into the heart of it, where such from modern society. We see these words work was needed. Building bridges is what almost disappearing from our vocabulary, excites me, preaching to the converted is support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

51

Food for the Soul The Lost Watch There once was a farmer who discovered that he had lost his watch in the barn. It was no ordinary watch because it had sentimental value for him. After searching high and low among the hay for a long while, he gave up and enlisted the help of a group of children playing outside the barn.

He promised them that the person who found it would be rewarded.

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Hearing this, the children hurried inside the barn, went through and around the entire stack of hay but still could not find the watch. Just when the farmer was about to give up looking for his watch, a little boy went up to him and asked to be given another chance.

The farmer looked at him and thought, “Why not? After all, this kid looks sincere enough.”

So the farmer sent the little boy back in the barn. After a while the little boy came out with the watch in his hand! The farmer was both happy and surprised and so he asked the boy how he succeeded where the rest had failed.

The boy replied, “I did nothing but sit on the ground and listen. In the silence, I heard the ticking of the watch and just

looked for it in that direction.”

Moral: In stillness we can do things, which are otherwise impossible. Allow a few minutes of silence to your mind every day, just for a few moments listen to the world around you. Feel your breath coming in and going out. Find happiness now, in this moment, instead of waiting for it. Listen to your thoughts.

See the details of your surroundings. Be at peace with being still.

Nusayba Malik

e g a R Muslim r u o T Comedy

This Eid ul-Adha, from October 27th – 30th, world renowned comedian and “America’s Funniest Muslim” Azhar Usman joins the Cambridge Mosque Project for our first ever fundraising comedy tour!

Azhar Usman is known and sought out the world over for his laugh-out-loud pointed observations and dazzling comedic genius. We are honoured that he has graciously offered his time and talent in our very own comedy tour in support of the first purpose-built mosque in Cambridge.

Join us in London, Birmingham, Bradford and Cambridge for an unforgettable evening of family-friendly Eid fun!

Tickets are limited so book online now at www.cambridgemosqueismoving.org.uk LONDON Sponsored by SOAS Spiritual Dialogue Society, The Radical Middle Way & Fifteen21 Youth Magazine!

Saturday 27th, October, 2012 BIRMINGHAM Sponsored by The Cave.

Sunday 28th, October, 2012 BRADFORD Sponsored by Bradford Muslim Women’s Council.

Monday 29th, October, 2012 CAMBRIDGE Sponsored by Fifteen21 Youth Magazine.

Tuesday 30th, October, 2012

54

Sobiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beauty Tipsâ&#x20AC;Ś Salam ladies & gentlemen! I would like to welcome you to the first column on health & beauty produced for Fifteen21 by myself, Sobi!

So guys and gals, we all have bad skin days and problem areas, that we will be addressing, but with so much information out there, where does one begin? Starting with skin, it is true what they say, you are what you eat! Here are some natural foods that can do wonders.

Avocados are not just for eating! A good source of biotin and moisture, avocados help to prevent dry skin and brittle hair and nails.

When applied topically (on skin), they can hydrate parched skin.

Green Tea is high on the list of skin friendly drinks, thanks to its storehouse of polyphenols. Four cups a day is ideal, but you can start with one a day if you prefer.

Salmon contains a type of carotenoid (called astaxanthin) that helps the skins elasticity.

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Tomatoes rich in lycopene are great antioxidants, and a high carotenoid fruit that help to prevent sunburn and slow down cellular damage when combined with olive oil and used daily - in food!

Eggs are a source of protein, that helps to repair cells to recover from damage, and can aid dry skin too.

Pomegranate, when applied topically (on skin) can aid skin to create more collagen, whilst also healing skin.

Walnuts are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which add shine to hair and make the skin smoother and younger looking.

Beans: various types of beans/ pulses contain amino acids that contain protein and help to repair cells and produce collagen in skin. They are great nutrition for the skin and body.

Here are some essential tips that are practical and cover skincare and general care: Many people are concerned about their appearance and are always on the lookout for the best beauty tips.

They want to make sure their hair and makeup is always flawless, wherever they are.

tone with tinted moisturizer and add pink blush to the apples of your cheeks.

Apply light pink or nude lip gloss to your lips and you’re all set to go.

Keep Your Hair Moisturized and Healthy

Take Care of Your Skin One of the most important beauty tips No matter how much makeup you put everyone must know is to keep their hair on, your skin won’t look good if you moisturized and healthy. To achieve this, don’t take care of it properly. Make you should get your hair trimmed every sure you wash your face at night with two months and keep the heat styling cleanser, to remove the oil and dirt to a minimum. If your hair is feeling from your skin. Also moisturize your skin dry and damaged, consider deepafter you’ve washed it to keep it soft conditioning your hair once a week. and supple, and drink plenty of water Luckily, you don’t have to spend money through the day to keep skin hydrated. on an expensive deep conditioner if Don’t Overdo Your Makeup you have olive oil available. Warm up 1/4 cup of olive oil in the microwave Many people don’t realize that less is for 30 seconds and apply the treatment more, when it comes to wearing makeup. to your hair. Leave the olive oil in your Instead of piling on eye shadow and hair for 30 minutes and rinse it out with blush, keep it simple. Even out your skin shampoo. Tada!

FACTFILE

Did you know your skin is the largest living organ on your body? Hence you can feed the upper (Epidermis layer) moisture and nutrients through skincare products as well as influence its texture with the food you eat

Sobia Ali

Beauty Therapist

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Masjids Around The World The Sacred Mosque ‘Al-Masjid Al-Haram’ Makkah, Saudi Arabia

“Indeed, the first House (of worship) set up for the people is the one in Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for the entire universe.” (Sūrah Āl-Imrān 3: 96) Abū Dharr (may Allāh be pleased with him) says, “I asked, ‘Oh Messenger of Allāh, which masjid was established in the world first?’ He (may Allāh send peace and mercy upon him) replied, ‘Al-Masjid AlHarām.’ I asked, ‘Then which one?’

He replied, ‘Al-Masjid Al-Aqsā’ (in Palestine). I asked, ‘How many years was it between (the establishment) of both?’ He replied, ‘Forty years…’

(Muslim, Hadith 520).

Birmingham Central Mosque accommodates up to four thousand worshippers during the Jummah prayers on Friday. Regent’s Park Mosque in Central London can go beyond five thousand. Now, try to picture in your mind for a second a masjid that was so big, it could allow for up to four million worshippers.

Yep, you read that right, four million.

I’m talking a thousand times more

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than Birmingham Central Mosque.

Seems a bit far-fetched, maybe?

Actually, it already exists. It’s Al-Masjid Al-Harām in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the holiest Muslim site in the entire world.

Throughout the weekend, starting from Thursday, October 25, 2012, there will be some two to three million people coming together in Al-Masjid Al-Harām, or “The Sacred Mosque” to perform one of the five major pillars of worship in Islam: the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah.

Al-Masjid Al-Harām is the home of the Ka’bah, the most sacred structure on earth. It is this same Ka’bah towards which all Muslims pray, and around which pilgrims perform Tawāf (circumambulation) during Hajj and Umrah. The foundations for the Ka’bah were first laid down by our father, Prophet Ādam (peace be upon him) as ordained by Allāh (swt).

Over time, however, it was forgotten and was eventually demolished until it was found again and rebuilt by

Prophet Ibrāhīm and his son Prophet Ismāīl (peace be upon them). From that time until now, scholars and historians are of the opinion that it has been rebuilt anywhere between five and twelve times.

As for the masjid around the Ka’bah, it was first built in the seventh century and has seen numerous renovations and expansions over time. Starting from the initial construction of the perimeter wall during the Caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattāb and the laying of the roof

by Caliph Uthmān ibn Affān (may Allāh be pleased with them), the area of the Harām complex has increased from a mere 2000 square meters at the time of the Prophet (may Allāh send peace and mercy upon him) to a whopping 400,800 square meters (99 acres) in the present day. Throughout the history of Islam, under the Umayyad, Abbasid, Mamluk, Ottoman, and Saudi dynasties, the kings ordered the addition of higher walls, elaborate columns of various kinds, domes, arches, minarets and, not to mention, a second and third floor to the Sacred Mosque. At the present moment,

the masjid is undergoing an extensive expansion project commissioned by the Saudi government to be completed by 2020. Among the design plans are new systems of escalators, elevators, and footbridges. By the time the current renovations finish, the city of Makkah hopes to be able to accommodate ten million pilgrims.

There is much history and rich tradition in each and every corner of the entire city of Makkah, not only Al-Masjid Al-Harām. It is the birthplace of our Prophet (may Allāh send peace and mercy upon him), the birthplace of Islam and the city where Prophet Ibrāhīm (peace be upon him) built the House of Allāh (swt). We pray that Allāh (swt), through His Favour and Mercy grant us the ability to return again and again to worship Him in The Sacred Mosque.

Allāh has articulated this message and invitation to us very beautifully in the

frequent return for the people and a safe-haven,” (Surah al-Baqarah 2: 125).

May Allāh (swt) enable us to acquire His Pleasure in this world and His Jannah in the next. Ameen.

Mufti Niaz Hannan

Philadelphia, USA

Qur’ān: “And remember the time when we made The House (in Makkah) a place of 59

Book Review 60

of ageless creams and cosmetic surgery as a desperate attempt to mould this world into something it will never be. It all makes sense.

We as human beings are created for Paradise. That is our true home.

Reclaim Your Heart

by Yasmin Mogahed

This is one of, if not, THE genuinely most heart moving books I have read to date.

Everything makes sense, the idea that we as humans are not made for this life, our first and true home was Paradise, this is established by the fact that we strive for love, for whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect and permanent. A very example of this is the creation

your love and closeness towards him and allows your awareness, your tawakkul (reliance), in Allah (swt) to increase is such a way as Allah (swt) provides for him from sources he could never imagine, and if anyone puts their trust in Allah Mogahedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of literary technique (swt), sufficient is Allah (swt) for him to tie up all the loose ends allows (Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an 65: 1-2). Mogahed has a the overall final piece to appear as rare gift. a circle; going back to the original topic touched upon, giving a sense There are many analogies including, of catharsis after different themes the world being a mirage that puts are tackled. Mogahed describes things into perspective. The fact her book as a manual to deal with that this is a reasonably short book each theme including hardships, allows the reader, plenty of time freeing from the slave of perpetual to ponder and reflect different disappointments and pain. aspects of detaching oneself from the worldly objects, the beauty This book is to help protect our and the creation and bringing you most prized possession; our hearts; towards the creator; the source and and it does just that. Mogahed definition of beauty. emphasizes the majestic qualities of Allah (swt) that inevitably increases Samina Kouser

I Want Ka’bah I want to stand in the rows, dressed in white to unite,

I want to smell the air, the same air which the Prophet smelt,

I can only do this when the time is right,

poetry

The same air which we all breathe,

I want to prostrate and bow infront of the Glorious Ka’bah,

I want to see the Ummah before my eyes,

Dressed in black, with beautiful Calligraphy,

Standing and uniting together before the Lord,

I want to cry to see where Our Prophet was born,

Uniting as ONE UMMAH,

Where he spent his days teaching his Companions,

I want to taste the Purified water, Zam Zam, as it rises from the ground,

I want to do Dua where the Revelation came, Where the Prophet was told to Read,

The same ground it rose from for the Prophet Ismail (AS),

with the Qur’an in my Hands as I read the exact Verse,

I want to stand in the rows, read, recite, listen and see the Ummah before my eyes,

I want to kiss the black cloth which many hands have touched, Asking Allah to forgive my sins, I want to hear the Ummah recite before the Lord, Reciting together as ONE UMMAH, ONE BROTHERHOOD, ONE DEEN.

SubhanAllah a Magnificent picture in my mind, What would it REALLY be like?

Beyond Words!

InshAllah Allah will unite me with the Ummah infront of the Glorious Kab’ah InshAllah.

May the Blessings of Allah be upon the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and Prophet Ismail (AS), May Allah SWT call us soon, InshaAllah, AMEEN. Bushra Hussain

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Recipes Ariana Halima

Bruschetta

with Tomato and Basil (Serves: 6 slices)

Need: • 6 slices of crusty bread, thickly sliced • 1 clove garlic, peeled and cut in half • 4 vine-ripened tomatoes • 1 tablespoon olive oil • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • ½ cup basil leaves, torn into small pieces

Method:

Chop the tomatoes finely, placing in a bowl as you go. When you have finished chopping all the tomatoes, drain off the excess liquid.

with basil leaves. Serve immediately.

You can add all manner of things; roasted vegetables, pesto and olives to name a few.

Add the olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.

Toast or grill bread, place on serving plates and rub the top of each slice with the cut surface of the garlic.

Don’t overdo it with the garlic! Spoon tomato mixture onto bread and sprinkle

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National Events

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

Birmingham

Leicester

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

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

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

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

Bradford

York

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

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

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

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

… e u s s I e Next

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

In Th

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

ry

The Sto

•

Edinburgh Central Mosque

D

T: 0131 343 3802 E: edinburghmosque@hotmail.com

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

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

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

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