Fifteen 21 issue 16 by Fozia Parveen

Issue 16

Sep 2013

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mosque of Cordoba

The Other Doors

Forced Marriage Unit

Umayyad Spain

Tariq bin Ziyad

Finders Keepers!

Interfaith: Fasting

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.

ISSUE 4

Editor Fozia Parveen Designed by Hafizur Rahman Contact Fifteen21 fozia@fifteen21.com www.fifteen21.com facebook.com/fifteen21magazine All views are of the authors alone and not necessarily of those held by Fifteen21

Stained glass panel by artish Huda

www.hudaawad.com

Awad

As-salamu alaykum!

Mubaroque Shah, a graduate of Cambridge Muslim College provides I start this editorial with a quote from valuable insight into Umayyad Spain. Malcolm X; Spain might be a Christian country today but it was once ruled by Muslims for over “Education is the passport to the future, 800 years. This was the most important for tomorrow belongs to those who period for Spain as they advanced in prepare for it today.” agriculture, the arts, and literature. Be prepared to be amazed. The above quote emphasises what Also in this issue Carla Thomas from the Forced Marriage Unit describes a typical Fifteen21 is about. The team at Fifteen21 aspires to provide interesting, week working across the world to protect educational and inspiring articles for our young people from abuse. readers. The blessed month of Ramadan may be over but the good work by the In this issue I write about the historical writers of Fifteen21 continues all year Ketchaoua Mosque in Algeria which was round. converted to a church during French rule. I hope that by reading this magazine you will continue with the good habits you learnt during Ramadan inshaAllah. ‘Food for the soul’ and ‘deed of the month’ are perfect reading to reflect and re-focus.

We are excited to offer an interview with the Eminent Shaykh Faraz Rabbani on the importance of sacred knowledge and the challenge of youth in the 21st century.

Sarah Ikram covers the second part of the epic story of Prophet David & Goliath and Shabina Bi Baroo reminds us of amazing Muslim pioneers and thinkers who unfortunately have been forgotten over time.

What tasty treats can you make in our regular recipe section? This month enjoy carrot & coriander soup. If you are bored of reading the same books all the time, then read Samina Kausers’ Review of ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist”, a

Guest Editorial Zeeshan Arif book recently made into a film, starring British actor Riz Ahmed. Islam is not the only religion which commands fasting for its adherents. Learn more here about fasting in other religions too. Happy Reading!

Contents 6-8 7 10 11 12 13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22 23 24-25 26-27 28-31 32-34

Prophets of Islam: The Kingdom of Solomon Child Line 100 less One: Al Ghaffar Muslim Youth Helpline Help! I’m a Teenager! Success in Life Child Line Muslim Heritage: Tariq bin Ziyad Deed of the Month: Finders, Keepers! Healthy Living: The Key to Success Hadith: The Mu’min Dua Fifteen 21 Students’ guide to surviving university Work Experience: Getting the most out of it Umayyad Spain Fasting in the Abrahamic traditions

35 36-38 39 40 41 42-45 46-49 50-51 52 53 54-55 56-57 58-59 60-67 68-69 70 71

Child Line IQRA And Your Lord Is The Most Generous! Forced Marriage Unit Nominate a Role Model In the Next Issue Organisation Profile: Forced Marriage Unit Scholars Corner: Shaykh Faraz Rabbani Islamic Art: The Alhambra Food for the Soul: The Other Doors Muslim Youth Helpline Masjids Around the World Book Review: The Reluctant Fundamentalist Syria’s Chemical Story Poetry: Mosque of Cordoba Recipes: Carrot and Coriander Soup National Events Child Line

10 42

FORCED YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO CHOOSE…

If you or someone you know is being forced into a marriage, contact the FORCED MARRIAGE UNIT.

Call 020 7008 0151

Email fmu@fco.gov.uk

between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday

The Forced Marriage Unit oﬀers conﬁdential support and information

If you would like to know more about the work of the Forced Marriage Unit before you call us, log on to: www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage Conﬁdential advice is also available from a large network of support groups, including The Police, the National Domestic Violence Helpline, and womens’ refuges nationwide.

Prophets

of Islam

The Kingdom of Solomon Sarah Ikram

AS - alayhi salaam Upon him/her be peace SWT - subhanahu wa taala Glorious is He and He is Exalted SAW - sallallahu alayhi wa salaam - May God’s blessings and peace be with him 6

Allah (SWT) gave King Solomon (AS) a powerful kingdom and many abilities that humankind has never seen. He had the ability to communicate with birds, beasts and jinn. He also had the power to command the wind to blow in whichever direction he wanted. He used the wind for travel so that in one day he could travel the equivalent of two months of a normal journey.

other animals. While they were crossing a valley an ant crawling across Solomon’s (AS) path saw the army and said: O Ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not” (Qur’an 27:18). Solomon (AS) heard this and smiled and thanked Allah (SWT) that his ability to hear and understand the language of ants allowed him to save the lives of all the ants crossing his path.

“And to Solomon (We subjected) the wind, its morning was a month’s (journey), and its King Solomon (AS) is well known for building the Dome of The Rock in afternoon was a month’s. (Qur’an 21:81) Jerusalem to draw people to worship Allah (SWT) also taught Solomon (AS) how Allah (SWT). He travelled to Makkah to the Holy Mosque for Hajj and then to mine the earth and extract different metals including copper which he used for travelled to Yemen where he saw the people of San’a and was inspired by improving tools and weapons. their technology of water systems which channelled water to all the surrounding Solomon (AS) had such a love of animals cities. He decided he would bring this that all the animals in the kingdom were technology to his own city, but he knew well trained and cared for. One day his city didn’t have enough water springs Solomon (AS) marched to Askalon for battle with his army of men, jinn, birds and for this type of system. King Solomon (AS)

between the kingdoms. She sent gifts to King Solomon via her courtiers and asked her courtiers to use the visit to gain information of their military strength. Solomon (AS) welcomed Sheba’s envoys who were awestruck at how a well equipped army was also made of trained lions, tigers and birds. They also witnessed the King’s beautiful grand palace with floors made of sandalwood and gold. Solomon (AS) didn’t show any interest in the gifts and said he was in no need of money or bribery but was only interested in establishing Tawheed (The Oneness of In the name of Allah (SWT), the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; be you not Allah). He sent the envoys back with a exalted against me, but come to me as message that if Sheba didn’t accept to the Oneness of Allah (SWT) that he had Muslims.” (Ibn Kathir). no choice but to attack her city. Queen Sheba summoned her advisors to make sense of the temperament of the Sheba heard the news from her envoys letter. They felt that the letter sounded about the marvels they had witnessed in the kingdom of Solomon (AS). She like it was a challenge, hinting at war decided to visit Solomon (AS) in person and asking her to submit. Sheba felt and she travelled with her officials, it would be best to make friendship knew that the Hoopoe bird could detect water underground and locate areas for the new water system. He sent for the Hoopoe bird to report to him at once, but the bird did not come. Eventually when it came, the bird informed the King that it was delayed because it had discovered a people by the name of Sheba, ruled by the Queen Sheba, and both she and her people worship the sun. Solomon sent the Hoopoe back to the people of Sheba with a letter that read:

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them as punishment for their attempts to convince people that they had knowledge of the unseen and could foresee the future when only Allah (SWT) alone has true knowledge of the Unseen and the Future. King Solomon (SWT) passed away in a sitting position holding his Sheba arrived to a welcoming ceremony staff and overlooking the jinns at work. where to her astonishment she saw her An ant began nibbling at Solomon’s (AS) throne sitting in the Kingdom of Solomon staff until the staff broke and fell out (AS) before her arrival to the city! She was further invited to walk into the great of Solomon’s (AS) hand, only then did it hall which appeared like a pool of water. became obvious that King Solomon (AS) had passed into his next life. She moved her skirts to avoid it touching the floor thinking it would get wet but to And when We decreed for Solomon death, her astonishment it was in fact a glass nothing indicated to the jinn his death floor built over water, giving a person except a creature of the earth eating his the illusion of walking on water. The experience of her visit convinced her and staff. But when he fell, it became clear to the jinn that if they had known the she at once said: unseen, they would not have remained in humiliating punishment. [Qur’an 34: 14). “My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit [in Islam, together with Solomon] to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin SAW - sallAllahu alay-hi wa-sallam - May Allah (SWT) honor him and grant him [Worlds].” (Qur’an 27:44). peace. A lot of Solomon’s (AS) work was carried out by jinns, the work was enforced on advisors and courtiers. Before her arrival, Solomon (AS) asked the jinns to bring Sheba’s throne to him so they could surprise Sheba of the power King Solomon (AS) could command.

“

She decided to visit Solomon (AS) in person and she travelled with her officials, advisors and courtiers. Before her arrival, Solomon (AS) asked the jinn’s to bring Sheba’s throne to him so they could surprise Sheba of the power King Solomon (AS) could command.

“

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Al Ghaffar

Shanaz Ali

forgiveness. Further, the attribute of Al-Ghaffar is unique to other attributes Allah (SWT) is Al-Ghaffar, the One of Allah (SWT) in that Al-Ghaffar whom is full of forgiveness. The direct conceals the sins of the believer and meaning of the word Al-Ghaffar we can come to acknowledge this if derives from the nouns Ghufr and Ghufran, the meanings of which convey we reflect upon all the things about the human being that are hidden and the One who conceals that which is all the things that are apparent. Our ugly and disliked and reveals that behaviour and pleasant character are which is beautiful. And Allah (SWT) on display whilst our true thoughts and makes mention of His forgiving nature time and time again in the Holy Quran: inclinations are hidden. “And surely I am most Forgiving to Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran: the one who believes and does good deeds” (Qur’an 20:22) “If anyone does evil or wrongs his own The attribute of Al-Ghaffar points to soul but afterwards seeks forgiveness the nature of human beings, with all of Allah (SWT), he will find Allah (SWT) Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” our weaknesses and shortcomings; it (Qur’an 4: 110) is inevitable that human beings will sin. Thus calling on Al-Ghaffar for His pardon and mercy upon us is a Here Allah (SWT) reminds us that we means through which we can attain his will fall into the trap of Shaytan and

commit sin and although many sins are concealed from the outside world, the plots of sinners are fully known to Allah (SWT). And just as He knows the secrets of our hearts, He also knows the sincerity of the servant who calls upon Him for forgiveness. And it is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whoever covers (the sin of) a Muslim, Allah covers (his sins) on the Day of Judgement.” SAW - sallAllahu alay-hi wa-sallam - May Allah (SWT) honor him and grant him peace.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 SWT – subhanahu wa taala 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26Glorious 27is He28 and He is29 Exalted 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 10

Help! I’m a Teenager!

Khurram Azad

Success in Life

This world that we live in, who does it belong to? Governments? Kings and Queens? No. It belongs to YOU. It’s yours and mine just as much as it is anybody else’s. And if this world is ours then why can’t we become whatever we want to be in it?!

Push yourself, make yourself excel in life, and become whatever you want to be. The phrase ‘you can be whatever you want to be’ has lost all meaning and This article is about the struggles of becoming is just used to give false hope really. But it’s actually successful in life. Everybody will have a different true, this world is yours. Be whatever your heart view of what success is, for some it may be having desires. It’s your life, your world, your future. Don’t let £50 million in the bank and for others it may be just having a family and job security, but whatever it may anything or anybody hold you back. May Allah (SWT) be that people define as success, it will be difficult to bless us all with success and happiness. Ameen. reach that target. Or it may seem so. There’s always something holding a person back from achieving their SWT – subhanahu wa taala - Glorious is He and He is Exalted goal. It will range from different things but for most people there is always something. It could be laziness or fear of failure, or even not feeling mentally or physically able to. Life doesn’t ever have to be that way for anybody, whether you do excellent in school or you can’t even remember the last time you attended school. The success of your life is only measured by the effort you put into it. This might not sound interesting or you might not like getting talked to like this, but its true isn’t it?

Muslim Heritage Tariq bin Ziyad Islam recognises no distinction of caste or creed and this is why all capable people have occupied the highest positions in Islamic politics and many slave dynasties have ruled over Muslim subjects. One of those was Tariq bin Ziyad. He was born around the year 670 and belonged to the Ash-Shadaf tribe, ethnic Berbers who were natives of the Atlas region of North Africa. He was an expert in horsemanship, weapons, and martial arts and became a lieutenant in the army of Musa bin Nusair, the Muslim Viceroy of Africa. The Berber slave was destined to be the conqueror of Spain, the biggest Muslim territory in Europe. At this time, Africa was enjoying the blessings of toleration, justice and prosperity under the Muslims and neighbouring Spain was suffering under its Gothic ruler. A large 14

number of refugees from Spain both Christians and Jews who had suffered under the Gothic rule had taken refuge in Muslim Africa. One of them was Julian, the Governor of Ceuta, whose daughter, Florinda, had been dishonoured by Roderick, the Gothic King of Spain. They appealed to Musa to liberate their country from the tyrant’s grasp. In response to their plea and with the sanction of the Caliph, Musa had reconnaissance carried out on the southern coast of Spain. The report was favourable and in May 711, Tariq bin Zaid with 7,000 Muslims crossed the Straits in ships in small contingents. As his troops landed in Europe, Tariq concentrated them on a hill. He then set all their ships on fire. Once all the ships were burnt, he addressed his soldiers and said; “Brothers in Islam! We now have the enemy in front of us and the deep sea behind us. We cannot return to our homes, because we have burnt our boats. We shall now either defeat the enemy and win or die a coward’s death by drowning in the sea. Who will follow me?”

The conquest of Spain by Muslims opened a new era for the Peninsula. It brought about a social revolution in which the freedom of religion was fully recognised. The persecution of the Jews and Christians was replaced by tolerance. The captured Christian cities received favourable terms which were faithfully observed. Individual acts of violence by the Muslim soldiers were severely punished. No Therefore, the armies of Tariq met little properties or estates were confiscated. Instead, resistance and he divided his small army into four divisions and directed one of his lieutenants the Muslims introduced an intelligent system of towards Cordoba, the second towards Malaga, taxation, which soon brought prosperity to the Peninsula and made it a model country in the the third towards Granada and he took his West. The Christians and Jews had their own small division and marched upon Toledo, the courts and judges to settle their disputes. All Capital of Spain which succumbed to his will. communities had equal opportunities for entry His Master Musa bin Nusair came to join him into government positions. and together, in less than two years, they conquered the whole of Spain and went on to The place where Tariq’s army landed when they conquer Portugal a few years later. arrived in Europe was named Jabal Al-Tariq (The Rock of Tariq) by the Muslims. Over time There was no one who could stop Musa and the name evolved into present day Gibraltar. Tariq from conquering the rest of Europe. However; it was not meant to be, while planning Gibraltar is a reminder of our glorious past and of a heroic man who bought Islam to Europe. the conquest of Europe, they received summons from the Caliph to present themselves at Damascus. So they abandoned their plans and Shabina Bi-Baroo set sail for Damascus. Tariq died there in 720. Roderick’s army far outnumbered Tariq’s army of about 12,000. The armies met at the mouth of river Barbate and fought a decisive battle on July 9th 711. The Goths suffered terrible losses and King Roderick was drowned in the river. This remarkable victory by Tariq broke the morale of the Spaniards.

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‘When is enough, enough?’

SEPT

Students were asked to discuss this question, regarding the ethics of taking something when it’s not theirs. Well, we all know the answer to that question. Or do we?

Deed of the

So, I will pose the same kind of questions to you:

Finders, Keepers!

Most of us would happily accept it as a stroke of ‘luck’ and gladly pocket the extra funds or items. But, is this a form of greed? Do we have an entitlement mentality - justifying by saying, ‘Finders, keepers!’ or ‘Why not? It’s not my mistake.’ Well, these questions bring up an interesting dilemma. Should we be thinking that way?

Month

Michelle Blum

If you come across money lying on the ground, what would you do? What if you get extra change back in a shop, by mistake? What if you accidentally have two clothing items but only paid for one?

The Holy Qur’an says, “Children of Adam! Take your adornment at every time of Prayer; and eat and drink - without going to excesses. For Allah

money, but what about the loose change dropped on the road? Perhaps, when we see small change on the road, we should leave it, as we do not know if it Well, clearly mistakes made by shopkeepers in regards to change or not is meant to be Sadaqa (Sahih Bukhari paying for all the items in your basket is 3:42:612). However, if we do choose something, as a Muslim we are required to take the money, perhaps we should make good efforts to either find the to be truthful about. We are told, “... owner or give it to charity on the owner’s do not mix the truth with falsehood or behalf. Whatever we do, we should not, Remember, Allah (SWT) says, “Know welt conceal the truth while you know it” that the life of this world is merely sport (Qur’an 2: 42). In fact, it’s stated in Sahih under any circumstances, selfishly recite, ‘Finders, keepers’ and forget that selfless Bukhari 3:42:614, the Apostle (SAW) and diversion and adornment and an object of your boasting with one another, explained that even taking milk from an acts done for Allah (SWT) have greater benefit than acts done for ourselves. and a rivalry in the multiplication of riches animal without seeking permission from an owner is like breaking into a store of and children. Its likeness is that of rain; food. This shows the great importance of when it produces vegetation it delights the tillers. But then it withers and you see not taking things which are not rightfully it turn yellow, and then it crumbles away. yours. In the Hereafter there is (either) grievous SWT When it comes to finding money in chastisement (or) forgiveness from Allah subhanahu wa taala the street, the Prophet (SAW) said, and (His) good pleasure. The life of this Glorious is He and He is Exalted “Remember the description of its world is nothing but delusion” (Qur’an container and the string it is tied with, 57: 20). There is a stark reminder from SAW and make public announcement about it Allah (SWT) that we should live our sallAllahu alay-hi wa-sallam for one year. If the owner shows up, give lives remembering that this life is only May Allah (SWT) honor him it to him; otherwise, do whatever you like temporary and our greed for material and grant him peace with it” (Sahih Bukhari 3:42:611). This things will not benefit us. obviously makes sense for large sums of does not like those who go to excess” (Qur’an 7: 31). While this passage refers to eating and drinking, it clearly states that any sort of excess is not good. So if we take more than we need, and, on top of that, selfishly believe that we deserve to have it, then we walk on the damaging path of greed.

So, what do we do in those circumstances mentioned above?

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“Is there such a thing as a job for life?” This September has been the month of inspiration and inspiring for the young and for I share this answer with you today; No. the old and that also includes me… the child inside of me and the adult. I was a little gentler when I answered him though; I spent an afternoon at Small Heath Secondary School where I was invited to take part in a Host a Visitor event. This was where “No son, I’m sorry, there isn’t and there are a the first year students got the chance to grill, few reasons for this; well question someone in the world of work 1. You may decide to switch jobs, industries about their career choices. and skill-set. I couldn’t have prepared myself for the surge 2. There is this “thing” out there you may have heard of called the Recession. Banks are of questions coming my way, some prepared no longer lending as much. The value of many and some thought up on the spot. items is either too low to be worth anything or too high to be purchased by the majority. My aim was to educate and inspire the 3. Many businesses are unable to stay open youngsters about my thought process behind my career choices and experiences during my during this time because there is no longer demand for their products or services because career. I came out learning a lot myself and they are too expensive or people no longer about myself. Some of the questions asked I had never asked myself and others I knew the have money coming in as they have lost answer to but never thought I’d have to share their jobs. They have lost their jobs because businesses are not making money and hence them with the younger generation. not able to stay open or have to reduce their One question I will not forget is one a young workforce. It’s a bit of a vicious circle here. I felt guilty at the end of the talk about giving boy posed to me;

Healthy Living The Key to Success

Saira Nisa

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 skillfully enjoying juggling family, friends, work and business between Birmingham and London.

what seemed to be a negative answer to many hopefuls but I was reminded that this is the truth of the present economy and that students needed to know the truth in order to prepare them for what may be either a boom or gloom economy out there. Two questions I pose to you; If there is no such thing as a job for life then, a) What will you do to ensure that you have a successful career? b) How will you go about it? Preparation is the key for whatever it is you want to pursue in life. Remember, even before we start anything we read Bismillahirahma-ni-raheem (In the name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful), before we commence salah we perform wudu (ablution) and before we fast we pray taraweeh and make an intention. All this is preparation for the action to have any strength or hold merit.

as well as action in order for it to come to fruition. Just because there is a recession at the moment, it does not mean that this will be the case when it is time for many of you to decide whether to apply for jobs or to set up your own enterprises. In the meanwhile though, what will you do to ensure that if the market is in boom state, you will be established to get a good piece of the market share and if the market is in a gloom state that you can still stay afloat (in either employment or business) because you, your expertise, your products or services are in high demand? Preparation is the keyâ&#x20AC;Ś To your Success!

Saira

Likewise preparing for a career or business requires planning, thought, good intention

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Hadith The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said;

“Strange is the affair of the mu’min (the believer). Verily, all his affairs are good for him. If something pleasing befalls him he thanks (Allah) and it becomes better for him. And if something harmful befalls him he is patient (sabr) and it becomes better for him. And this is only for the mu’min.” [Muslim]

This hadith shows us an example of ‘emaan’ – to believe in the divine decree, and that the good and bad are both from Allah (SWT). As we go through life, it is never plain sailing, inevitably there are ups and downs, and we will either find ourselves in a situation where we are facing hardship and are being tested, or we will find ourselves in a good situation where everything is going well and smoothly. The key in dealing with both these situations is sabr and shukr. The Hadith above is an excellent reminder of our beautiful Deen. When something is going well, we thank Allah (shukr) and Allah (SWT) blesses us for praising Him. Conversely, when some kind of hardship befalls us – if we are patient and exercise sabr, we will be rewarded for enduring the hardship with patience. Therefore, no matter which of the two situations of life you find yourself in - there is always goodness in it and a chance to reap rewards and blessings from the most Merciful.

Ibn Al-Jowzee said; “If this dunya was not a station of tests it would not be filled with sicknesses and filth. If life were not about hardship, then the prophets and the pious would have lived the most comfortable of lives. Nay, Adam suffered test after test until he left the dunya. Nuh cried for 300 years. Ibrahim was thrown into a pit of fire and later told to slaughter his son. Ya’qub cried until he became blind. Musa challenged Fir’own and was tested by his people. Eesa had no provision except the morsels his disciples provided him with. And Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam met poverty with patience as his uncle, one of

“

any type of difficulty or hardship we face today, we must bear in mind that firstly, it is from Allah (SWT) and a matter of His divine decree

the most beloved relatives to him, was slain and mutilated and his people disbelieved in him ... and the list of prophets and the pious goes on and on.”

“

SWT subhanahu wa taala Glorious is He and He is Exalted SAW sallAllahu alay-hi wa-sallam May Allah (SWT) honor him and grant him peace

This is a perfect example of the lessons we can take from the Prophets lives. They were undoubtedly the most beloved to Allah (SWT) – yet Allah (SWT) gave them trial after trial. These trials were in every aspect of a human’s life – from wealth, to health, from family, to society and so forth. Meaning that any type of difficulty or hardship we face today, we must bear in mind that firstly, it is from Allah (SWT) and

a matter of His divine decree, and secondly – there will have been a Prophet or a nation that went through a similar (& often harder) trial than the one we face. The key is to have sabr and remain thankful (shukr) towards Allah (SWT). As mentioned before, everything that happens to us was meant to happen to us, through Allah’s (SWT) Grace and it is an article of our faith that we believe in Qadr (destiny). We cannot expect to say we believe and declare our faith, without being tested – when the most beloved to Allah (SWT) were tested more than us. They, however, came away with the pleasure of Allah (SWT) by remaining patient in the tough times and remaining thankful to Allah (SWT) always. Insha’Allah this serves as a reminder for us as well, that as Muslims we are always in a win-win situation and whether your affairs are good or bad, there are blessings and a chance for Allah’s (SWT) Mercy at every opportunity. Aini Ghafoor

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Dua. Rumaysa Malik

Allahu akbar kabeeran wal hamdulillahi katheeran wa subhaanallahi bukratan wa a seelaa Allah is the Greatest, very great. Praise be to Allah, again and again.

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So you’re moving away from home for the first time? Going to college or university? It can be an exciting and equally daunting time. In order to make this easier Fifteen21 is bringing to you a three part series, containing advice on how to survive moving away. Insha’Allah this will help you tackle and eradicate any stress that may be associated with beginning this new chapter of your life.

Students’ guide to surviving university Away from family and friends Three part series Samina Kauser

valuable insight about the ideal accommodation as well as the course itself. This can be done easily if you contact the university; some universities have a buddy/mentor system to make the transition a lot easier. Different things to take into account when picking a place to live for the year are:

• How conveniently located is it i.e. What to look for when looking for how far is it from the city centre or grocery shops, eating out places and ideal accommodation from campus. • Safety, what happens when Before moving out it’s really you are in trouble? How far is important to take some time and consideration seeing the new home security located from the actual accommodation? How long does it you’re going to be living in for take for someone from security to the next year or so. To help you get to you? with this it may be useful to try • What does your accommodation to get into contact with students already at the chosen university and rent actually cover? Does it have accommodation. This will allow you contents insurance? Will there be to hear useful advice from someone any unexpected bills? The more who has experienced university life secure a property, the cheaper your contents insurance will be. Check and would be able to give you a

with a few insurance companies what their minimum security requirements are before you start looking for accommodation or a house. • Transport, are you near a bus stop or train station? Would it be easy to get home at any time of day? • Price, accommodation that has all of the above nearby (usually an inner city house/flat) will obviously be a lot more expensive than flats that are more out of the way. Think about what is important to you - some more rural universities will have accommodation options that are in more off the beaten track locations but that will offer a LOT more for your money. • What kind of person are you? How good of a flat mate are you? Do you have it in you to share a toilet and shower with 8 people? Will you need to get an ensuite? Can you afford to not make these sacrifices? • Know what your accommodation offers and make use of it! e.g. 24 hour FREE gym, why would you not make use of this!?

Before settling on any property, go back in the evening for a second look at the exterior. How safe does it feel? Is the area well lit, would you feel safe walking home at night?

Once you’ve chosen the accommodation it’s very useful to keep good relations with the receptionist or landlord (you’ll get your deliveries much quicker, your queries answered if they like you more, your bathroom light fixed faster if you keep them smiling). Be generally kind towards all those you live around that you regularly bump into, its very important to keep good links, as sometimes you may find yourself in need and they will hopefully help you, i.e.

when you’re moving in/or out people help you lift things into and out of your flat. Only take what you really need in terms of clothing and kitchenware. Make a list of needs and wants. Space is limited in student accommodation. So learning to live with essentials is another aspect that you’ll learn about yourself and learn to adjust towards. There’s no doubt that this experience will be character building, as it will test how you cope and accommodate others around yourself. Moving out will be an amazing experience and you’ll learn so much about yourself and other people who you’ll be exposed to from all walks of life. This process is part of a learning curve to allow you to become a lot more independent and responsible; especially with regards to the financial side of things. Part 2 - I will dwell more onto the budgeting side of living out and surviving university in general.

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Work Experience: Getting the most out of it So you have managed to secure yourself some work experience in your chosen speciality or work place. But it’s only a couple of days. How can you maximise this experience into the ultimate learning experience?

of the task. It is essential that you make a few preparations before starting work experience in order to get the most out of it. As a medical student these tried and tested techniques have allowed me to make the most of any placement I have been on.

To essentially get the most out of work experience it’s very important that you are ENTHUSIASTIC. Being enthusiastic will inspire workers on the placement that you are shadowing, to make sure you get the most out of your placement. It adds interest to their day, especially when they see someone as fresh and confident as yourself, bringing back memories on possibly what they themselves were like at your stage. Your enthusiasm rekindles Work experience is something that their passion that drove them to working looks good on your CV or application in the career they have chosen. This will for university or job, as it’s your way of allow people to want to help you with expressing an interest in a particular field. But too many times the experience is your career and applications in the future; expressed as a list of places and things you therefore this is essential for networking. saw, entirely defeating the whole purpose So being passionate and interested doesn’t Work experience is a chance to experience a working environment where you may want to possibly pursue a future in, or get a taster of a certain area that you have not been exposed to before. For many university applications, work experience is an essential part of the process. Sometimes it can be a very useful tool to gauge how suited you would be for a certain career.

Samina Kauser

just have short term benefits but also long around. term too. The notepad will help you with regards to writing notes on different things that you If you act like a spare part you’ll be see, or words that you can look up later treated like one. Try to get involved as and read into; even if it doesn’t make much as you can. There will be many situations where you won’t be able to do any sense to you at the time. It’s really important that when you do look up much, due to technicalities or you’re not what you have seen, make sure it’s done adequately trained to, but if you show that you’re willing to get your hands dirty, as soon as possible so it remains fresh in your head and you’re able to connect the your seniors will make the effort to find words with the experience. you opportunities where you can help out. It’s very important that you don’t do Have objectives before you start the anything that you are not competent to placement, what do you want to get out do or you don’t feel comfortable doing. of it? Write them down and keep looking However, the majority of the time it’s important to get out of your comfort zone. over them to see if you are achieving them. It will remind you and keep you on Do something different. track. Prepare for work experience and make sure you get a notepad and a couple of Be reflective, that’s what the notepad can pens that work, therefore wear something be used for, to write down the different that has pockets, or carry a small shoulder things you saw but most importantly how it made you feel, what patterns did you bag where you can carry essentials

see, is this an environment where you can see yourself working in? What skills did you see coming into play? If you saw examples of teamwork was it good or bad and most importantly WHY was it good or bad? Also remember to thank the people that you worked with, whilst you’re on placement and before you finish. A little please and thank you can make a world of difference. If only you knew.

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Important Memories of Islamic Heritage

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The conquest of the Iberian Peninsula began with an invasion by an army that mainly consisted of Berbers and were led by the eponymous Muslim general, Tariq ibn Ziyad, lending his name to JabalTariq, current day Gibraltar. Their initial raids became territorial gains successfully conquered and retained. The Visigoth’s Spanish kingdom splintered into clientkingdoms of the Umayyads. Over the following decade, most of the Iberian Peninsula was further occupied and brought under Muslim sovereignty.

cultures of memory” as musical heritage intertwines European and Muslim interest in Al-Andalus. These have been seen more positively as helping to define the role of cultural imagination in constructing narratives of a pluralistic community, producing collective memories that facilitate envisioning a better life in the Mediterranean.

Al-Andalus became famous for its ornamental & opulent lifestyle, even embodied in its agricultural practices. Andalusian botanical treatises have been associated with famous styles of In the 10th century Al-Andalus became Arabic poetry, Nawriyyat (floral poetry) the seat of power for the resurgent & Rawdiyyat (garden poetry) poetic Umayyad Caliphate based in Cordoba, styles more dedicated to reflecting but at the outset of the invasion it was literary themes rather than botanical merely the westernmost fringe territory of the then deposed Umayyad Caliphate realities; strictly philological problems of unavoidable polysemy (using the same of Damascus. In 720, the Caliph even popular name for different species) and considered abandoning the territory. synonymy (the same species receiving Today, memories of Al-Andalus resonate different names) remain problematic issues for gardeners and horticultural largely within the Middle East as the researchers of Islamic Spain’s splendid ‘lost paradise’ of Islamic civilization verdure history. under the Umayyad dynasty. Some historians describe the “sonic connection to 30

The Mosque–Cathedral of Cordoba, also called the Mezquita and the Great Mosque of Córdoba, is today a Catholic Christian cathedral in Andalusia where it was formerly an ancient Roman temple, then converted into a Visigothic church before penultimately becoming a famous medieval Islamic mosque.

verses of the Quran, a testament to a shared history even after 300 years of Christian rule in Toledo.

Muhammad Iqbal, who is considered the national poet of Pakistan, visited the Great Mosque-Cathedral in 1931–32. The deep emotional responses that the Mosque evoked in him found expression in the immortal poem called The Mosque The Cathedral is regarded as one of of Cordoba. Iqbal saw it as a cultural the most accomplished monuments of Renaissance and Moorish architecture and landmark of Islam and described it in the following words: is rooted within a tradition of pluralism that was shaped by religious tolerance. The Muslims of Granada, the Banu Nasr, produced the Alhambra in a state of cultural isolation, as a monument to the pure power and pleasure of Islamic ornamentation in Al-Andalus. Peter the Cruel, whose rule was based in Seville employed the same Muslim tradesmen to build Alcazar, the skilled tradesmen who would have designed his Moorish enemies’ palatial buildings. In 1360 Samuel Halevi Abulafia had built for his community a synagogue in this extravagant Nasrid style which was decorated partially with

“Sacred for lovers of art, you are the glory of faith, You have made Andalusia pure as a holy land!”

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Mubaroque Shah

Fasting in the Abrahamic traditions:

Judaism, Christianity and Islam O Believers, fasting has been made mandatory for you as it was made mandatory for the people before you, so that you may have fear of Allah. (Quran 2:183) The Holy Quran clarifies to Muslims that not only their community, but the community of believers before them, had Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) been obliged to fast. Even today, Christian Tisha Bav (9th of Av) and Jewish traditions of fasting stress the In addition to fasting, there are some inner spiritual meaning of this discipline. additional restrictions which are observed on major fast days: Judaism: Over the course of a Jewish year, there are a number of fast days. These are classified as ‘major’ fasts or as ‘minor’ fasts. ‘Major’ fast days are observed from one sunset to the next, a period of about 25 hours. 32

• Leather shoes, or shoes containing leather, are not worn. • ‘Anointing’ is avoided - cosmetics, etc. are avoided. • No legal conjugal relations are permitted. Similar to Islamic fasting, it is customary

to have a meal just before commencing a major fast and those who are seriously ill or have a genuine medical condition are often excused from fasting, even on major fast days. Judaism shares Islamic values on life, and considers safeguarding a person’s life to be more important than observing a day of fasting. With the exception of Yom Kippur, which is commanded in the Torah, all fast days are observances which are commanded by the rabbis. On ‘minor’ fast days, the fast lasts from sunrise to nightfall, the same period of time as Muslims are commanded to fast.

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Fast of the First Born 17th of Tammuz Fast of Gedaliah 10th of Tevet Fast of Esther Synagogue Services on Minor Fast Days

Most Common Lengths for Fasting • 9 hours fast • 1 day fast, 24 hours fasting. • 3 day fast. • 7 day fast. • 10 day fast. • 40 day fast

The Most Common Fasting Styles in Christianity • Fasting with only water, or juice to drink Fasting is a practice in several Christian denominations. Some denominations do during the period of fasting not practice it, considering it an external • The Daniel Fast (fasting with only fruit to observance, but many individual believers eat) is often done as ‘no meats, no sweets’. choose to observe fasts at various times at • Fasting with only rice to eat is an ancient, their own behest. Christian practice dating back thousands of years. Christian fasts can consist of complete abstinence from food and drink, as in our Islam: Islamic tradition, or it can also be eating very little or abstinence from particular Islam has much in common with the foods. Christian and Jewish traditions of fasting. These spiritual aims in Islam have been

strengthened by the Prophetic model of excellence, the most beautiful Sunnah and noble Qur’anic injunctions, the priceless words of Allah (SWT). The Inner Dimensions of Fasting By Imam al-Ghazali (may Allah be pleased with him)

Christianity:

Imam Al-Ghazzali may Allah SWT) be pleased with him, explained the deeper levels of fasting in Islam beyond its length of time and conditions similar to Judaism & Christianity. The true nature of fasting is not easily explainable in words but is best revealed in its implementation.

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Ordinary fasting is staying away from food, drink and conjugal relations but the special fast in Islam is keeping free from sin. Imam Al-Ghazzali, may Allah (SWT) be pleased with him, narrates that the most excellent fast in Islam is achieved by the Prophets, the true Awliya’ and the sincere lovers of Allah (SWT). Their fast means their hearts are fasting from worldly affairs and are in total disregard of everything except their Rabb. Every Muslim can make their fasts special and can hope to be gifted the third, most precious type of fast like the most pious slaves of Allah (SWT). It is bound up with the significance of His noble Messenger’s (on him be peace and blessings) words:

Allah have mercy on him), that he once passed by a group of people who were laughing merrily. He said: ‘God, Great and Glorious is He, has made the month of Ramadan a racecourse, on which His creatures compete in His worship. Some have come in first and won, while others have lagged behind and lost. It is absolutely amazing to find anybody laughing and playing about on the day when success attends the victors and failure the wasters. By God, if the veil were lifted off, the doer of good would surely be preoccupied with his good works and the evildoer with his evil deeds.’

Of al-Ahnaf ibn Qays (may Allah be pleased with him) it is reported that he was once told: ‘You are an aged elder; Fasting would enfeeble you.’ But Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) relates from Anas, (may Allah be pleased he replied: ‘By this I am making ready for a long journey, Obedience to God, with him) that God’s Messenger (on Glorified is He, is easier to endure than him be peace and blessings) said: ‘Five things break a man’s (special) fast: lying, His punishment.’ backbiting, gossiping, perjury (false testimony) and a lustful gaze.’ Mubarque Shah

It is related by Hasan al-Basri (may 34

Life has its ups and downs You can talk confidentially online or by phone whenever you need to. Whatever your worry, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better out than in.

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

IQRA And Your Lord Is The Most Generous! Nadia Leona Yunis

The very first word of the Qur’an is ‘READ’! It didn’t start with anything else - like ‘prayers’, ‘charity’ or even ‘family life’ - which is what we are all preoccupied with in our lives today - but it was READ! And who was it revealed to? Not a great scholar of his time, not a scientist, not a king or ruler of his land - but to an unlettered man - who went on to become the greatest man to ever have walked on our planet he was the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) the mercy to all of mankind, the Prophet of Islam.

any book and just read it, the words flowed on the paper and we could understand them. Where would you and I be today if we couldn’t read - lost? Looking for answers? Wasting our lives and searching for the purpose of our lives? Read! And Your Lord Is The Most Generous! {Surah Alaq 96: 3}

For truly Allah (SWT) is the Most Generous! He created us and knew what we would need to survive and how to fulfil our aim READ! It’s a powerful word! Just take a minute - (just one) and reflect on this word - and purpose in this world. deeply.... By reading men and women have Done? Ok. contributed to society, to the world and made many discoveries and scientific, What are you all doing right now? Reading medical, social and political advances. this post right? Who taught us to read and There is a purpose for everything, and how did we learn to read? Seems like a lifetime ago right? - Because it comes to us surely there was a purpose to ‘Read, and naturally. But, once upon a time we all went your Lord is the most Generous!’ through a process - to learn to Read - and Allah (SWT) blessed us with the ability once we mastered it - we became whole complete humans. We were able to pick up to read, so we can read His words; the

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Qur’an. Understand them and implement its words and His Beauty. We need to help the children around the world to read, and teachings in our lives. just before doing that, we need to help our own children in our own families; help But did you know that there are many, many people in this world who can’t read? them to read, to understand, to implement, Young children in developing countries who to appreciate and fulfil our duty at home. Then we need to get together, maybe all have never even seen a book? of us reading this and set up a national and international ‘Reading Foundation’ So we ask ourselves, are we actually where we travel up and down our countries fulfilling our obligations? If READ was the to help children read and travel to first word, and Allah (SWT) wanted us to developing countries and countries suffering become the best of people, to discover from wars, to help those children to read. hidden treasures, to make medical and scientific advances, that help humanity, Allah (SWT) is the most Generous and He then what are we doing in return to help has blessed us with this gift, the gift of humanity? Just because you and I went to reading. So let’s share this gift and give it school, this doesn’t mean everyone in this world has this opportunity. If people can’t to those less fortunate than ourselves. Islam read then how will they understand Allah’s is seen by some as barbaric, a terrorist religion, who oppresses its women and girls (SWT) words and do as He commands? and you know there are many who will use the name of Islam to oppress our women IQRA - And Your Lord Is The Most and children but we need to teach them Generous! too. Teach them the first words which were We need to re-read this word, understand taught to out Prophet (SAW) - Read! And it and take action. We need to help those maybe we can change their hearts, maybe they can’t read so don’t realise the Beauty who can’t read the Qur’an to read it, of Allah (SWT) and His religion. So it is our and help them understand Allah’s (SWT) support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

collective duty to help people to Read.

“

Ramadan has come to an end, after reading this post, what will one of your goals be for the next year?

The Month of Ramadan is the Month of the Qur’an, we read it, reflect upon its meaning, study it, and promise to implement There’s still hope! Let’s give a gift to someone this Ramadan, a gift for a lifetime, its teachings in our lives. the gift of reading the Qur’an. Just imagine... you pick up your copy of the Qur’an, open it, start to Read it and.... you IQRA - And Your Lord Is The Most can’t read no more... you just can’t.... you Generous.... try.... but the words are alien to you and meaningless and those tears role down your cheeks... but you can’t do nothing because the gift of reading that was blessed upon you has gone... taken back by the rightful Owner. Is this what we want? This is how children and people around the world feel, those who can’t read and guess what? We’ve been keeping this gift to ourselves and haven’t shared it with others, who just like you and me, want to open their copy of the Qur’an and read the words of Allah (SWT), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

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f the Forced MarriageIf you Unit would like to knowIf more about you the work ofwould the Forced Marriage Unit like to know more about th v.uk/forcedmarriage before you call us, log on to: www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage before you call us, log on to: w w w

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Nominate a Role Model! Over the past 16 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 e o len R o on h s r P e • t p c is h t on ta n) t C u • abo w u o o n y k es (i f r i p s n h at i 0 wo rd s ) W • 15 (m a x

We look forward to receiving your nominations!

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Out on Friday 25th October 2013

Monday

Organisation Profile Forced Marriage Unit A Week in the Life of... Carla Thomas

The Forced Marriage Unit is the Government’s one stop shop for forced marriage policy, outreach and casework, handling around 1500 cases of a suspected or actual forced marriage each year. We asked Carla Thomas, Joint Head of the Forced Marriage Unit, to write a diary of a typical week in the office:

with victims of forced marriage, and run her through how to spot the signs someone might be forced into marriage: strict parents who don’t allow them to socialise, frequent serious arguments with their parents, or a trip overseas with no planned return date.

I get into the office at about 9am and immediately take a helpline call from a young woman from Bradford. She’s worried about her friend Henna who has gone on holiday to Pakistan with her family and hasn’t returned. Henna’s 17 so will be starting her A-levels this year, but she’s already missed the start of term. The friend is still in contact with Henna through Facebook, so I ask her to pass on the phone number of the British High Commission in Islamabad. I then email my colleague Mariam in Islamabad to let her know Henna will Tuesday be calling. In the afternoon, I meet with a Finnish charity working on forced marriage and honour based violence. She wants to learn more about the Forced Marriage Unit’s training programme for professionals, with a view to doing something similar in Finland. I explain that we train police officers, social workers, teachers and other professionals likely to come into contact

On Tuesday I’m off to Leicester to speak at a community outreach event on forced marriage arranged by a local charity. On the train on the way there, I check my work emails and am relieved to hear that Henna has made contact with our team in Islamabad. The news isn’t good: Henna is trapped in a house with no idea where she is, and her family are trying to convince

her to marry her cousin. She’s tried to say she doesn’t want to go through with it, but her parents have told her she has to do it because of the shame she’ll bring on the family if she refuses. We offer to help Henna, but tell her we need to know where she is. The call gets cut off and we hope she’ll be able to call Mariam again. She’s using a cousin’s phone when she can, but she’s worried she will be found out. Once I arrive in Leicester I make my way to a local hall where the outreach event is taking place. I am speaking, along with the leaders of the charity organising it and staff at a local refuge. The focus is on the support that’s available for victims of forced marriage. I explain how we can help someone come back from overseas if they’re forced into marriage, and the refuge talk about how they provide safe accommodation for victims of forced marriage and abuse. It’s a really good event and I hope we’ve managed to reassure some of the audience that there is help available if they need it.

The early start means I’m at my desk by 8am, so I take the opportunity to call up Mariam in Islamabad and talk about our I have an early start on Wednesday as I have to do a breakfast radio interview ongoing cases. Working with teams all around the world means you don’t often with a local station in Newcastle. Luckily, our office building has a purpose built get to see your colleagues face to face, so it’s nice to at least talk by phone when radio room so I don’t have to travel all the way up to Newcastle! The interviewer you can. Mariam tells me that Henna has asks what the Government is doing about managed to find out where she is and forced marriage, and I tell him we’re luckily it’s only a couple of hours’ drive making it a criminal offence to force from the High Commission in Islamabad. Most of our cases tend to take place in someone into marriage. He asks if that areas of Kashmir which are over eight means we’ll call the police every time someone calls us. I tell him we won’t; just the hours’ drive away, and require us to give two weeks’ notice to the Pakistani same as now, it will be the victim’s choice Government to visit. Because of this it whether or not to get the police involved. normally takes about two weeks for us to plan a rescue, but as she’s so close the team in Islamabad can go and see Henna the next day. Wednesday

In the afternoon I take a number of calls on the helpline: a 19 year old student who’s worried about being forced into marriage after he’s told his dad he’s gay, a teacher from a school in Nottingham who has concerns about two girls in year nine who haven’t returned from a family trip to

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easy decision, but Henna decided to leave with Mariam and the team. The scene at the house was very difficult, with family members crying and shouting, so it was a relief to be away. Once she was safe in the car back to the High Commission, Henna told Mariam that she had been badly beaten by her brother last night after telling him she wouldn’t go through with the marriage, and had been desperate to escape. We were relieved we’d got there before things got any worse as it seemed like Henna was in serious danger. Once back in Islamabad Mariam took Henna to Thursday our refuge. It’s a safe house run by a local As soon as I get into the office on Thursday charity, where we can be certain morning I get a call from Mariam about the rescue. They travelled with local police to the house where Henna was being held and found it without too much difficulty, and after a long discussion with the family were eventually allowed in to see Henna. Mariam spoke to Henna alone and explained that she could come with her now and find her a safe place to stay, but it would be difficult for them to come back again before the wedding as her family would now be on their guard. It wasn’t an Somalia, and a 23 year old woman who is being forced to sponsor the visa of her husband from India, after she was forced into marriage to him on a trip there a few months ago. I advise the teacher to speak to social services about the students, tell the student about charities and safe houses for LGBT young people, and advise the 23 year old on how to withdraw sponsorship for a visa. It’s a busy afternoon, but I’m pleased we’ve been able to help so many people!

our victims are safe and supported while they’re waiting to come home. Henna had to flee the house without her passport, so the team start making arrangements to print an emergency travel document to allow her to get home. Now the team in Islamabad have played their part, it’s my job to arrange a flight home and support for Henna in the UK. Friday At the end of a busy week, we spend some time catching up in the office having a team meeting. Through the week our team of seven have taken thirty calls to our public helpline, resolved four cases overseas and two in the UK, and done outreach events in Leicester, Birmingham and Glasgow. Henna’s flight is now booked for Monday, so I quickly call up a charity we work with to ensure she can be supported on her return to the UK. We agree that she will be met off the flight by a social worker and escorted out through a safe exit just in case any family members were waiting.

Once through security and immigration, she could meet a worker from the charity who would take her to safe accommodation in a refuge. Just before I leave, I post on twitter that we’re closing for the weekend, but help is available through our out of hour’s service. With that done, it’s the end of another busy week for the Forced Marriage Unit!

For more information and assistance: • Telephone: 020 7008 0151 • Email: fmu@fco.gov.uk • Email for outreach work: fmuoutreach@ fco.gov.uk • Facebook: www.facebook.com/ forcedmarriage • Twitter: @FMUnit

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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Scholars Corner

benefit or to deepen their knowledge or in order to serve and benefit in their communities and societies or whether that benefit is as scholars, they will be enable to complete the full curriculum and become dedicated Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem, The concern behind seekers guidance was teachers of Islam. Not everyone needs to become a scholar, so people trying to facilitate people to learn their religion in a manner that would can also study in a formal way to fulfil the many religious needs that exist in enable them to live their faith and the community. to turn to Allah at two levels, one in terms of giving people the general religious literacy that they need to act according to prophetic teachings and to live those teachings in the context that they are in. So effectively to give people essential knowledge (Fardh Ain). Secondly to provide a clear path for the seekers of knowledge, so that people who want to study in a formal systematic way whether for personal You set up Seekers Guidance in 2008, what where your aspirations for seekers guidance and have they been fulfilled?

So if someone wants to become a counsellor or a mentor or a chaplain, or they want to be an effective Islamic school teacher or they want to be a lawyer who has the requisite knowledge that enables them and empowers them to practise in their profession in accordance with Islamic teachings. The idea is crystallise this concept ‘Knowledge without barriers,’ to remove barriers between seekers and knowledge and between teachers and seekers. How do you remove barriers between students and learning? One way is to make everything what is taught completely free, so people are not prevented. Also to facilitate, so we have a number of students who have various disabilities but we are working step by step, to the point we teach blind and deaf Muslims. I wanted to ask you about your education? After doing my high school in Spain, I finished my last year in Canada and went to university. Within the first year of university I realised I wanted to go

abroad and study. However everyone advised me to finish my studies, so I graduated in commerce and economics. I spent 5 years doing my undergraduate degree and I also studied Islamic studies with the local scholars. I went to Syria and then Jordan and spent ten years between these two places. I also spent six months in Karachi. For our readers who want to travel and study is there a country that you can recommend?

begin by looking in your locality, if you can find teachers who will bring benefit to you or you can be serious and want to study the religion formally. You need to define your goals, and what you will do. In the UK most institutions facilitate this type of study, and for spiritual clarity one can go abroad for that. For instance one can go and take part in the Dowra which takes place in Tarim, Yemen and seek that clarity there. You can start by studying grammar locally, and if you feel you

The first thing when people ask regarding studying I always ask them what they want to do. Some people are not looking to study religion but to seek spiritual direction or spiritual benefit. If you are seeking spiritual benefit, you will not attain that by memorising grammar tables. So you should be clear on what you are seeking and if you do not know then ask someone who can clarify this for you. In my experience, most people go oversees to seek spiritual direction in their life and spiritual clarity. For that you don’t need to spend years oversees. First

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cannot balance it with your professional life then look at what is available online. After this you feel that you have the dedication to study oversees, then pursue that. You need to ask yourself what Islamic tradition appeals to you. If you are attracted to the Ba’alwai tradition then go to Yemen, not to a Madrassa in Lahore. It is very complicated to go overseas now; a lot of doors are closed. However there are places, Jordan is a possibility and so is Tarim. The way to begin though is to start locally and online. Connect with the teachers that you are studying with and consult with them.

students in the UK who study at local courses for example Path to Salvation, a micro madrassa which is excellent. But they also take the online courses which complement their studies. Overseas students also study these courses, because this helps contextualise their knowledge.

The person also should be reliable and qualified. Shaykh Yahya Rhodus was questioned on which scholar should we follow and he gave a beautiful answer. He said go to the book of Shamail, read carefully about the Prophet (peace be upon him), then go and see which scholars resemble the Prophet (peace be upon him) the most in conduct. This will be a good sign. What steps can scholars and mosques take to tackle the needs of the wider community?

The structure of our communities is very For anyone who is interested in ‘Seekers Do you feel there are dangers to Muslim limited and limiting. The way decisions are made, and how leaderships given. scholarship? Guidance’ how do they enrol onto the The Sunnah is to consult in every stage programme? There are many challenges. One of them of life; the Prophet (peace be upon him) consulted his spouses, his family and his It is very straightforward. Anyone can take is the sense of who is a scholar, what companions. The first revelation tells us the course. There are three terms a year. is scholarship, and who is an authority Step one is six courses, and there are two have been confused. Media has confused this as he took consultation in Sayyidah Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her). modules per term. You can complete it in everything; it is very easy to search Our communities should be structured so one year. There are certain expectations, for a video on YouTube or search for that they participate with everyone. but it is open enrolment. Each term has its a fatwa on Google. We need to know the characteristics of mainstream Islam. own enrolment. As one progresses there We need to know religious literacy. are clear expectations. We also have

Do you have a favourite place that you have visited?

Role Models?

Growing up I was madly in love with Personally I like big cities. I enjoy walking Imran Khan. I wanted to go to Oxford University, and several times I would go alone in a crowd. There is a relationship there just to see the place. This was sort between cities and civilisations and of a fickle thing. There were a few local religions. Sayyid Naqib al-Attas in scholars at Toronto particularly Shaykh his work Islam and Secularism has a Abdullah Hakim Quick, because during my fascinating discussion on the root word university days I was trying to understand of Din, and its relation to cities and who I was, and my identity. I would civilisations. I’d love to live in New York stalk the Shaykh whilst he was doing his or London, in the West. Even Toronto PhD at the University of Toronto. I would feels like a small city. Religiously, apart observe his character, grace and adab. from the sacred cities, there is no city of scholarship that I have seen like Damascus, He also dressed impeccably. My spiritual guide, Shaykh Nuh Keller and many other the level of scholarship and the impact on the general populous. My local grocer scholars. would complete the entire Quran in recitation; twice a month and he had studied advanced Fiqh, Tafsir and had been attending many lectures. Damascus is a truly blessed place. The Hadith scholars always advised to go to Damascus. We Ask Allah to restore safety and peace to these lands.

If you were granted one wish, what would it be? Prophet (peace be upon him) replied to this, ‘Oh Allah I ask good of everything,’ So every benefit that is lasting. I would ask that Allah facilitate for me the greatest benefit. Any advice for young people? The very comprehensive Hadith is sufficient for us, which is reported in Tirmidhi, Fear Allah where you may be, and follow a bad deed with a good deed, and deal with people through good character. This is the most comprehensive of counsels. The Ulemah said that you should reflect; read the 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi at least once a month. Almost all the Hadith are forms of counsel to the young Sahabah. Interview with

Transcriber

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Fozia Parveen

Hassan Rabbani

The Alhambra

great architectural sights of Europe. The peach-coloured brick walls snake round al-Sabika hill above the city of Granada, an irresistible lure that has fascinated architects, writers, mathematicians and artists for centuries.

Najma Jahan

Set on the point of a ridge overlooking the city of Granada and the plains beyond, the Alhambra is the most stunning building in Spain, and probably in the whole of Europe. This may sound subjective, but it is not. Nearly 800 years after its conception by the Moors, much of the architecture remains pristine, somehow appearing delicate, grand and humble simultaneously. Its ramparts climb hundreds of vertiginous feet above the river below. Its halls echo with folklore; tales of passion, violence and piety were all played out within its walls. The Moors also set out to recreate paradise in their gardens, and it is difficult to argue that they did not succeed. Part fortress, part palace, part water garden, the Alhambra is a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates Andalusian history and is one of the

Nobody is quite sure when the first building took place on the Alhambra hill. They named the fort itself Al Qalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a alHamra, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the red fortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and it was used by routed Moorish troops in around 900. Ironically, however, it was never considered important by the Moors until it was almost too late. In 1212, the Moors were massacred in the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, just north of Jaen. This battle opened the door to the Christian Reconquest. Within a generation, the Moors had lost two-thirds of their land in Spain.

Art

Isl mic

Mohammed ibn Nasr bucked the trend. He took advantage of the disunity among the remaining Moorish rulers and built a power-base, taking control of city-states one at a time until he ruled

most of modern-day Andalucía. When the Christian Fernando III took Cordoba in 1236 ibn Nasr approached the king with a deal. In exchange for Granada’s independence, ibn Nasr agreed to assist the Christians in attacking Muslim Seville. By 1245, his sultanate would be whittled down to the bare bones, but the dynasty he founded, the Nasrids, would rule Granada for a further 250 years, the last outpost of Muslim power in Europe.

grain storehouses and palaces. All great things must come to an end, though. In 1492 Fernando and Isabel, Spain’s Catholic monarchs attacked and took the city from the last Nasrad sultan, Boabdil. According to legend, the former sultan looked back at the Alhambra one final time and, seeing the Christian cross flying, began to weep. This moment is popularly known as ‘The Moor’s Last Sigh’. His mother’s admonition was particularly scathing:

In 1238, ibn Nasr laid the foundations of the Do not weep like a woman for what you could Alhambra, starting work on a complex of towers, battlements, bathhouses and barracks not defend like a man! known as the Alcazaba. He incorporated the Moors – Muslims who came to Spain through old red fort into his design, rebuilding parts North Africa in the 8th century and settled and encircling the defences with a huge, impenetrable outside wall. The River Darro was diverted five miles and pumped uphill to provide water, an incredible engineering feat for the age. The Nasrids extended ibn Nasr’s buildings over the centuries. The palace complex was expanded into a self-enclosed town with a population of 40,000, containing schools,

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FOOD for the

SOUL

The Other Doors Our 4 year old son has some fairly serious health problems, so we are “frequent fliers” at the local children’s hospital. Two weeks ago, our son was there for several days having surgery.

As stressful as that was for us, my visits The Prophet (peace and blessings of to that hospital almost always leave me Allāh be upon him) used to seek refuge feeling grateful. Why? Because of “the in Allah (glorified and exalted be He) other doors.”

from laziness: “O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Ehsan Khan

As I walk the corridors of that hospital, I pass doors leading to many different departments. I pass the department where surgeons reconstruct children’s faces. I pass the department where specialists treat children who have been tragically burned. I pass the department where children with cancer spend their childhoods battling a disease that terrifies most adults. Every day, people walk through those doors. I keep walking.

child, unconscious amid a mass of tubes and machines. I see the family, staring blankly into space, grieving for what is to come. I keep walking. On the fourth floor, I pass the “catacombs” where parents with children in the intensive care unit watch their days and nights stretch into weeks and months, hoping against hope for good news. I keep walking. I walk to the preschool ward, to the one door I seek. Behind this door, our son is slowly recovering from surgery. And in a strange way, I am grateful for the “situation” that we live with. Because there are a hundred other doors in this place that are far worse. And we could just as easily be in one of those rooms.

As you pray for strength to open the doors you face, be sure to thank Allah Occasionally, I walk through a ward, past Ta’ala for the doors he has spared you. the room of a dying child. I look in at the

Masjids Around The World Ketchaoua Mosque

Built:

1612

Capacity: unknown

Location: Algiers, Algeria This is an amazing mosque which was converted into a cathedral for 124 years during French rule. Fortunately it was converted back into a mosque in 1962 and the wonderful architecture remained intact. The mosque is designated on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its cultural heritage.

The Ketchaoua mosque, also known as Djamaa Ketchaoua was built in the Ottoman era in the 17th century and located in Kasbah, the traditional quarter 54 60

of Algiers. The Kasbah is a unique kind of medina which is positioned in one of the finest coastal sites on the Mediterranean. The mosque was strategically built in the centre of the Kasbah which was an important trading post. The mosque overlooks the public square and is located near the National Library of Algeria. Although, the mosque is dwarfed by other buildings in the city, the mosque still maintains an imposing presence. The mosque was renovated and enlarged by Baba Hassan in 1794 who ruled Algeria from 1791-1798. The entrance to the mosque is very impressive. Twenty three steep steps lead to the main entrance which has three archways. The arches are Moorish in style and rest on marble columns. Above the arches the wall is beautifully decorated in Arabic artwork. Above the artwork, the semi-circular roof can be seen with two small archways

in the centre. To either side of the arches, imposing square shaped walls with small arched windows in the centre rise from the ground and support the minarats above. The two octagonal shaped minarats are not particularly tall but are exquisitely decorated in Byzantine and Moorish design. The symmetrical design of the entrance is typical of other mosques around the world. However, it is unusual that the mosque has been designed with a combination of Moorish and Byzantine architecture. To the rear of the mosque is a large dome which matches the colour and design of the domes on top of the minarats. The amazing Moorish designed roof rests on a series of arcades which are supported by white marble columns. Some of the columns are from the original mosque. The interior

of the mosque has many chambers with one of the chambers housing the tomb of San Geronimo. The mosque was converted into a cathedral after the French invasion in 1838. It was renamed as St. Philippe Cathedral. In 1940 a cross was placed on top of the building. It is unclear as to what other alterations were made during the mosques conversion into a cathedral. In 1962, the cathedral was converted back into a mosque once Algeria gained independence from France. The conversion was seen as an important symbol of a newly independent Algeria with Islam as its main religion.

The mosque was recently restored by the Heritage Department of Algeria with improvements being made to the minarets. The building is of significant religious and cultural importance. It highlights the cities rich and interesting past. It is a must see if you get the opportunity to visit the capital city of Algeria.

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Zeeshan Arif

book

REVIEWS

The Reluctant Fundamentalist By Mohsin Hamid

Due to the story being set in the context of the 9/11 attack, the novel wasn’t what I was expecting. I was expecting a Pakistani Muslim who lived and worked in America, being accused and discriminated by American society after the 9/11 attacks. This didn’t occur. This was possibly due to the privileged position the protagonist earned, whilst living in America, therefore he wasn’t subject to the harsh treatment. However his stature was one of the factors that

fuelled the guilt that he later feels working in an American country whilst his homeland is in turmoil. After the 9/11 attack the political situation in Pakistan was very hostile and America was thought to be behind this. Therefore when Changez is living a life of luxury and his family back in Lahore are enduring the backlash of the attacks, this increasingly leads Changez to feel like a traitor. Even before the attacks the novel was predominately associated with the emotional turmoil that Changez suffered from. So far he had successfully supressed this; it was only at a job interview that the observant recruiter Jim was able to suss this out. Changez seemed to be someone who tried to fit in, but the protagonist had a lot of difficulty actually admitting this. Instead he made a lot of statements establishing his class back home to justify why he belongs to an elite university of Princeton.

“

There are various themes in this book including nostalgia; which can act as both a remedy and a poison.

The title is a bit of a pun as at first glance it seems like its describing an Islamic fundamentalist who is reluctant to be just that. This is true for the character as he isn’t described as an ideal Muslim due to the author making clear references that the protagonist drinks alcohol, to begin with in a social then a non-social setting. Also Changez pursues a relationship with an American woman, Erica, who is found to be emotionally broken too. Which eventually leads to the spiralling down turn on the protagonist’s sense of belongingness and loyalty towards America.

damage it caused. No doubt an interesting read, the question is who is this American who listens to Changez in a café in Lahore and what is the purpose of his presence?

Samina Kauser

There are various themes in this book including nostalgia; which can act as both a remedy and a poison. Nostalgia as a remedy takes one to a happier place and makes one think of happier times. Nostalgia as poison is when America is so overwhelmed with grief of their lost loved ones that instead of targeting the people who caused the destruction they adopted a single minded approach of targeting countries, blind to the collateral

“

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Syria’s Chemical Story Death without blood is a horrific image. But on Wednesday 21st August 2013, over 2000 Syrian people were killed in the early hours by chemical bombs. Though the Syrian government has denied the accusation of the use of chemical weapons on its own people in Ghouta, Damascus, we witness today, the regime willing to hand over its stockpile. Syria has now written to the United Nations to join the Chemical Weapons Convention of 2003, which outlaws the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons and its precursors.

David Cameron, the Prime Minister and leader of The Conservative Party, fought hard to push the House to agree to take action on Syria.

where a variety of cereals, vegetables, and fruits have been grown for thousands of years. A densely populated area, the deadly attack found victims died from suffocation, muscle spasms and frothing at the mouth. Doctors Without Borders – a French nongovernmental organisation – working within Syria reported “large numbers of patients arriving with symptoms including convulsions, excessive saliva, pinpoint pupils, blurred vision and respiratory distress.”

Losing by 11 votes, PM Cameron was forced to back down on any military action and rethink his approach. Labour Human Rights Watch has said, “The type Leader, Ed Milliband, was at the forefront of rockets and launchers used in these Under pressure, Bashar al-Assad, the attacks strongly suggests that these are President, has found his ally, Russia, opposing such action. weapon systems known and documented send forward a draft plan to remove all to be only in the possession of, and used chemical weapons from Syria after the US Ghouta, an agricultural belt that runs on the south and east of Damascus, is known by Syrian government armed forces.” threatened strikes for crossing the ‘redThe contradictory combination of the to be an ancient place of inhabitation, line’.

58 54

denial and new willingness to sign the Chemical Weapons Treaty leaves many with unanswered questions.

Commissioner for Refugees said, “Syria has become the great tragedy of this century – a disgraceful humanitarian calamity with suffering and displacement unparalleled in recent history.” Now, with over 5 million people displaced, within and outside Syria, 1.7 million people living in refugee camps and over 110,000 killed many would agree that Syria is disappearing.

The never ending plight of the Syrian people saw, even during the month of Ramadan, thousands of children, women and men forced into starvation.

David Cameron said, “This is the refugee crisis of our time. A Syrian becomes a refugee every 15 seconds, that’s 240 fleeing during the hour of this statement alone.”

Their Ramadan was not one of choice; it was an involuntary consequence imposed by the merciless Syrian regime - which seeks to ‘cleanse’ the country from its Sunni inhabitants. António Guterres, the UN’s High

With the combination of the horrifying silent deaths, endless running of blood on the streets and a complete eradication of a beautiful land, the only question left to ask; is anyone willing to help the Syrian people?

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Hazma Farooq

55 59

Mosque of Cordoba The succession of day and night, is the architect of events. The succession of day and night, is the fountain-head of life and death. The succession of day and night, is a two-tone silken twine, With which the Divine Essence, prepares Its apparel of Attributes. The succession of day and night, is the reverberation of the symphony of Creation. Through its modulations, the Infinite demonstrates the parameters of possibilities. Now sitting in judgement on you, Now setting a value on me. The succession of day and night is the touchstone of the universe; But what if you are found wanting, What if I am found wanting. Death is your ultimate destiny, Death is my ultimate destiny. What else is the reality of your days and nights, Besides a surge in the river of time, sans day, sans night. Annihilation is the end of all beginnings; Annihilation is the end of all ends. Extinction, the fate of everything; Hidden or manifest, old or new.

Deeds of the godly radiate with Love, The essence of life, which death is forbidden to touch. Fast and free flows the tide of time, But Love itself is a tide that stems all tides.

poetry

Yet in this very scenario indelible is the stamp of permanence On the deeds of the good and godly.

In the chronicle of Love there are times other than the past, the present and the future; Times for which no names have yet been coined. Love is the breath of Gabriel. Love is the heart of Holy Prophet (PBUH). Love is the messenger of God. Love is the Word of God. Love is ecstasy lends luster to earthly forms. Love is the heady wine, Love is the grand goblet. Love is the commander of marching troops, Love is a wayfarer with many a way-side abode. Love is the plectrum that brings Music to the string of life. Love is the light of life, Love is the fire of life. To Love, you owe your being, O, Harem of Cordoba, To Love, that is eternal; Never waning, never fading.

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Just the media these pigments, bricks and stones; This harp, these words and sounds, just the media. The miracle of art springs from the lifeblood of the artist! A droplet of the lifeblood transforms a piece of dead rock into a living heart; An impressive sound, into a song of solicitude, A refrain of rapture or a melody of mirth. The aura you exude, illumines the heart. My plaint kindles the soul. You draw the hearts to the Presence Divine, I inspire them to bloom and blossom. No less exalted than the Exalted Throne, Is the throne of the heart, the human breast! Despite the limit of azure skies, Ordained for this handful of dust. Celestial beings, born of light, Do have the privilege of supplication, But unknown to them are the verve and warmth of prostration. An Indian infidel, perchance, am I; But look at my fervour, my ardour. ‘Blessings and peace upon the Prophet,’ sings my heart. ‘Blessings and peace upon the Prophet,’ echo my lips. My song is the song of aspiration. My lute is the serenade of longing. Every fibre of my being Resonates with the refrains of Allah hoo! Your beauty, your majesty, Personify the graces of the man of faith. You are beautiful and majestic. He too is beautiful and majestic.

Your foundations are lasting, Your columns countless, Like the profusion of palms In the plains of Syria. Your arches, your terraces, shimmer with the light that once flashed in the valley of Aiman Your soaring minaret, all aglow In the resplendence of Gabriel’s glory The Muslim is destined to last as his Azan holds the key to the mysteries of the perennial message of Abraham and Moses. His world knows no boundaries, His horizon, no frontiers. Tigris, Danube and Nile: Billows of his oceanic expanse. Fabulous, have been his times! Fascinating, the accounts of his achievements! He it was, who bade the final adieu To the outworn order. A cup-bearer is he, With the purest wine for the connoisseur; A cavalier in the path of Love with a sword of the finest steel. A combatant, with ‘La Ilah’ as his coat of mail. Under the shadow of flashing scimitars, ‘La Ilah’ is his protection. Your edifice unravels The mystery of the faithful; The fire of his fervent days, The bliss of his tender nights. Your grandeur calls to mind The loftiness of his station, The sweep of his vision, His rapture, his ardour, his pride, his humility.

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The might of the man of faith is the might of the Almighty: Dominant, creative, resourceful, consummate. He is terrestrial with celestial aspect; A being with the qualities of the Creator. His contented self has no demands on this world or the other. His desires are modest; his aims exalted; His manner charming; his ways winsome. Soft in social exposure, Tough in the line of pursuit. But whether in fray or in social gathering, Ever chaste at heart, ever clean in conduct. In the celestial order of the macrocosm, His immutable faith is the centre of the Divine Compass. All else: illusion, sorcery, fallacy. He is the journeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end for reason, He is the raison d â&#x20AC;&#x2122;etre of Love. An inspiration in the cosmic communion. O, Mecca of art lovers, You are the majesty of the true tenet. You have elevated Andalusia To the eminence of the holy Harem. Your equal in beauty, If any under the skies, Is the heart of the Muslim and no one else.

Ah, those men of truth, Those proud cavaliers of Arabia; Endowed with a sublime character, Imbued with candour and conviction. Their reign gave the world an unfamiliar concept; That the authority of the brave and spirited lay in modesty and simplicity, rather than pomp and regality. Their sagacity guided the East and the West. In the dark ages of Europe, It was the light of their vision that lit up the tracks. A tribute to their blood it is, That the Andalusians, even today, Are effable and warmâ&#x20AC;?hearted, Ingenuous and bright of countenance. Even today in this land, Eyes like those of gazelles are a common sight. And darts shooting out of those eyes, Even today, are on target. Its breeze, even today, Is laden with the fragrance of Yemen. Its music, even today, Carries strains of melodies from Hijaz. Stars look upon your precincts as a piece of heaven. But for centuries, alas! Your porticoes have not resonated With the call of the muezzin. What distant valley, what wayâ&#x20AC;?side abode is holding back That valiant caravan of rampant Love. Germany witnessed the upheaval of religious reforms That left no trace of the old perspective. support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Infallibility of the church sage began to ring false. Reason, once more, unfurled its sails. France too went through its revolution That changed the entire orientation of Western life. Followers of Rome, feeling antiquated worshipping the ancientry, Also rejuvenated themselves with the relish of novelty. The same storm is raging today In the soul of the Muslim. A Divine secret it is, Not for the lips to utter. Let us see what surfaces from the depths of the deep. Let us see what color, The blue sky changes into. Clouds in the yonder valley are drenched in roseate twilight. The parting sun has left behind mounds and mounds of rubies, the best from Badakhshan. Simple and doleful is the song of the peasant’s daughter: Tender feelings adrift in the tide of youth. O, the ever‐flowing waters of Guadalquivir. Someone on your banks is seeing a vision of some other period of time. Tomorrow is still in the curtain of intention, But its dawn is flashing before my mind’s eye.

Were I to lift the veil from the profile of my reflections, The West would be dazzled by its brilliance. Life without change is death. The tumult and turmoil of revolution, Keep the soul of a nation alive. Keen, as a sword in the hands of Destiny Is the nation that evaluates its actions at each step. Incomplete are all creations without the lifeblood of the creator. Soulless is the melody without the lifeblood of the maestro.

Muhammed Iqbal

(1877 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1938)

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Recipes Carrot and Coriander Soup Serves 4

Nusayba Malik

Need: • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 tsp ground coriander • 1 potato, chopped • 450g carrots, peeled and chopped • 1.2 litre vegetable stock • handful coriander (about ½ a supermarket packet)

Method:

Prep time: 15 mins

1. Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion, then fry for 5 mins until softened. Stir in the ground coriander and potato, then cook for 1 min. Add the carrots and stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and cook for 20 mins until the carrots are tender. 2. Tip into food processor with the coriander. Then blitz until smooth (you may need to do this in two batches). Return to pan, taste, add salt if necessary, then reheat to serve.

Total time: 25 Minutes

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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

uction

s 20 year

•

MADE

•

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

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

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Life has its ups and downs You can talk confidentially online or by phone whenever you need to. Whatever your worry, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better out than in.

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