Fifteen 21 issue 23 by Fozia Parveen

Issue 23

Jan 2015

Racism - What if it is a Joke? Malcolm X - A Letter from Hajj The Impact of Racism - Us and Them #Not Silent - Anne Frank

Mhari Black our Youngest MP The Damascus Room Revenge Porn Zahid Mubarek: Murdered by a Racist

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 10

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

Stain-glass by artist Huda

Awad

www.hudaawad.com

Guest Editorial Nosheen Kauser

Dear readers Asalamu Alaykum! I’d like to begin by offering my apologies for the delay in publication. I hope you all feel the issue was worth the wait!

with lighter skin, astutely arguing for substance over skin colour. India’s skin whitening market alone is worth over £400 million and is growing annually at a rate of 18%. We certainly need a push to banish this ugly obsession

Needless to say, this issue features our regular contributions including Masjids around the World, Prophets Stories and Fozia our editor-in-chief, provides the concluding part to her three-part insight into the Pre-Raphaelites and the Orient. Now to the heady subject matter tackled in this issue. Race and race relations, a topic prevalent in all the echelons of British society, is discussed. My contribution has focused on the negative effect of racism on the social, political, and economic progress of young adults. Avantika Debnath provides a fascinating insight into South Asia’s ugly obsession

and enfranchisement of African Americans is given due recognition. A man famous for his use of language, it seems appropriate to publish a letter in his own words, extolling the virtues of togetherness and harmony. In the politically fraught atmosphere of today, his words still provide inspiration over half a century on. We also examine whether lessons have been learnt from the tragic murder of Zahid Mubarek on page 46. I leave you with the words of another inspirational leader.

and the self-loathing culture which it perpetuates. There are two features on influential figures in race history; Malcolm X and Anne Frank. The latter, a personal hero of mine, and a man willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the empowerment

‘No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin... people must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite’ (Nelson Mandela)

Contents 6-7 8 9 10 11 12-15 16-19 20-23 24-27 28-30 31 32-33 34-36 37 38-39

Prophets of Islam: The Story of Ayyub (Job) 100 Less One: Ar-Razzaq the Provider Muslim Youth Helpline Help I’m a Teenager! Islam and Racism ChildLine The Pre-Raphaelites and the Orient The Pre-Raphaelites Exhibited The Damascus Room Malcolm X’s Letter from Mecca Racism - What if it was a Joke? ChildLine #NotSilent Anne Frank Racism: Us and Them Orphans in Need My Sister Is A PhD From Germany

40 41 42 43 44-45 46-49 50-51 52-53 54-55 56 57 58-59 60-61 62-63 64

Dua for Studying Fifteen21 Poster Nominate a Role Model! In the Next Issue… Mhairi Black our Youngest MP My Son Was Murdered by a Racist Shoot Me Walter Scott Revenge Porn Food for the Soul: The Potato Garden Muslim Youth Helpline Masjids Around The World Poetry: Velvet Cheeks Recipes: Sicilian Pasta alla Norma National Events ChildLine

Ibn Ishaq said: Ayyub (AS) was a Roman and was from the progeny of Ibrahim (AS). This opinion is supported by the Glorious Qur’an whereby Allah (SWT) says “... and from his offspring Dawud and Suleman, Ayyub and Yusuf, Musa and Haroon...” (Qur’an Chapter 6 Verse 84).

no limb from his body was intact and healthy except his heart and tongue, with which he remembered Allah (SWT). He remained patient and believed in Allah’s (SWT) Mercy.

His illnesses continued for so long that even his friends and relatives deserted him. He was taken out of his town and thrown upon He is also one of those prophets who a trash dump. No-one except his wife felt received revelation from Allah (SWT), as the Qur’an says in Surah An-Nisa’: “Indeed any compassion for him, who maintained his rights upon her. She remembered We have sent Revelation to you as We her good time with him, and his kindness revealed to Nuh and the prophets after him, and We revealed to Ibrahim, Ismaeel, towards her. She came to him, and helped Ishaaq, Ya’qub and the Tribes, and to Eesa him to carry out everyday necessities that he could not do without her help. and Ayyub...” (Qur’an Chapter 4 Verse 163). She herself became destitute and started working to earn wages, so she could eat Exegetes and historians have said that and feed her husband (May Allah be Ayyub (AS) was a wealthy man who owned all kinds of wealth. He owned vast pleased with her). She maintained her patience alongside her husband in what lands and property. He also had many had afflicted them in their prime. children. However, all of them were taken away from him. He was even afflicted physically with different kinds of illnesses, such that

Mujahid said that Prophet Ayyub (AS) was the first to be afflicted with smallpox. There also are many opinions of how long

Prophets

of Islam

The Story of Ayyub (Job) 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 BIN - in Arabic ‘son of’ he suffered from his ill health but Allah (SWT) alone knows best what exactly happened to Ayyub (AS) and how long he suffered for. Some say he suffered for three years, others say seven years and some months. Yet other opinions state that Ayyub (AS) suffered for about eighteen years with poor health whilst the last opinion is that he suffered for seventy years.

People stopped employing Ayyub’s (AS) wife as they feared being infected by the same illnesses. When she found nobody was giving her work, she sold one of her plaits (strip of hair) in return for good food. But Ayyub (AS) refused to eat and showed his disapproval. The second day she sold her other plait in return for food, but Ayyub (AS) again refused to eat and swore he wouldn’t eat until she told him where she got the food from. So she removed her scarf from her head and when Ayyub (AS) saw her head shaved, he made this prayer: “Harm has inflicted me, and You are the Most Merciful” (Qur’an Chapter 21, Verse 83).

The cave of Prophet Ayyub, in Urfa, Turkey

Ayyub (AS) also had two brothers. They came to him one day but could not go near him because of his bad smell. One of them said to another: “Were Allah to know any good in Ayyub. He would have not put him into this trial.” When Ayyub (AS) heard this, he became angry, more angry than he had ever been before. He said: “O Allah! If you have known

that I never spent a night satiated if I had known someone hungry in that night, then prove me true.” A voice came from the Heavens confirming his truth. Then Ayyub (AS) said: “O Allah! If you have known that I never had two shirts while I knew of a place where people were without clothes, then prove me true.” So a voice came from the Heavens. Then Ayyub (AS) said: “O Allah! I seek help from Your Honour,” and then he fell in prostration, saying: “Oh Allah! By Your Honour, I will never lift my head till You release me from my suffering.” To be continued in the next issue...

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Ehsan Khan

Ar-Razzaq the Provider Allah (SWT) is Ar-Razzaq, the Provider. The one who creates both sustenance and the means for sustaining all living things. The root word of Ar-Razzaq connotes: to receive nourishments and necessities of life. Reflecting upon this, we find that sustaining is of two kinds: outward, which consist of nourishment and food, which is for the purpose of what is outward; namely our physical body. Inwardly, consisting of all the things that are known and revealed and this is directed towards our innermost parts of our self that are hidden from outside view; our hearts. And this is the higher of the two modes of sustenance, for its realisation and outcome is eternal life, whilst the outcome of external sustenance is bodily strength for a short period of time.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: There is no moving creature On earth but its sustenance Dependeth on Allah: He knoweth The time and place of its Deﬁnite abode and its Temporary deposit: All is in a clear Record. (Qur’an 11: 6) This ayah captures the essence of the attribute of Ar-Razzaq; by drawing our attention to every living thing on earth. Indeed Allah’s (SWT) presence is in every detail of every living thing and it’s maintenance in every sense is dependent on Him. As we learn and draw closer to Allah (SWT) through acknowledgement of His attribute, we are also compelled

to submit to Him: the Provider with all our affairs. It is inevitable that life will throw us off track and fill our hearts with doubt and anxiety and if we know our Lord, Ar-Razzaq, we will know that Allah (SWT) is both the Provider of sustenance, not just for our physical body but also our inner body, consisting of our hearts and souls. And so, as servants of Allah (SWT) we must strive to only depend on Him and should we be blessed with any goodness in our life in the form of money, a happy home, abundant food and drink we must hasten to thank Allah (SWT).

SWT – subhanahu wa taala - Glorious is He and He is Exalted 8

Shanaz Ali

Help! I’m a Teenager!

issue showed itself in the form of mass murder and mass enslavement, and, more subtly, in the form of discrimination.

for the men of knowledge” (Qur’an 30: 22)

Instead of considering race as something to fuel supremacy, this verse Islam’s arrival was really a encourages the reflective minds and hearts to think of turning point in the battle against discrimination. Islam the beauty and miracle of But racial pride has far “I am better than him, You was able to change people’s creation. created me from fire and worse consequences when beliefs and behaviour. A people act on it. Not only You created him from clay” does it create a personality few decades after the death How have all these races (Qur’an 38: 76) come out of one family? that lives a life of arrogance of the Prophet Muhammed and deceit, but also results in (SAW), leaders from all This was an infamous racist spheres of the Muslim How did people develop statement made by Shaytan, criminal acts against others or the Devil, in his arrogance in the form of discrimination, community, whether political, into nations and tribes, all speaking different scientific, or spiritual, were bullying, and even killing. and disobedience to Allah languages? from different tribes and (SWT). The story of Shaytan nations without regard for The issue of supremacy is and Adam (AS) is a clear their colour, or racial origin. This positive way of thinking demonstration of how an old one for humanity, about race creates not only dangerous racial superiority some people think they are awe of Allah (SWT) and can be. It led Shaytan to better because of their “And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and His ultimate power, but also disobey a clear order from gender, clan, colour, race, the earth and the diversity encourages respect and his Creator and established political position, age, and of your tongues and colours. compassion, to those who are his permanent place in the interestingly even religion. Hellfire. Throughout history, this ugly Indeed there are signs in this different to ourselves.

Islam and Racism

Dr Wael Hamza

The Pre-Raphaelites and the

Orient Turning now to the most controversial PreRaphaelite, The Royal Academy of Arts held an exhibition in 1973 aptly titled ‘Dante Gabriel Rossetti Painter and Poet’. His father Gabriele had been obsessed with Dante Alighieri, an Italian poet of the Middle Ages and composer of the Divine Comedy, allegorically representing the journey of the human soul towards God. In homage, Gabriele named his second child Dante. Living up to his namesake, Dante was a talented poet, both writing and translating poetry from Italian. He was interested in how translations could be incorporated into our own human experience. Much like Morris, Dante was also drawn to medieval romanticism and legend. One such influence on Dante was Edward 12

Dante Gabriel Rossetti

FitzGerald’s translation of The Rubaiyat. An anthology of poems, originally written in Persian and attributed to the eleventhcentury polymath Omar Khayyam of Nishapur. Khayyam is one of the great poets of both East and West amongst Jalaluddin Rumi and Hafiz Shirazi. Dante and Swinburne are usually credited with introducing this anthology to the PreRaphaelite circle and for its popularity in the Western world becoming quite the vogue. It has been argued that Fitzgerald’s translation is misleading and Khayyam’s poetry should be studied and read in the Persian vernacular. Omar Khayyam, a successor of Ibn Sina (Avicenna) similarly propagated Aristotelian rationalism and Neoplatonic metaphysics. After the Abbasid dynasty had been supplanted by the Seljuk’s, Khayyam fell out of favour

with the new emirs and has remained a contested figure in the East ever since. FitzGerald’s translation nevertheless provided a conscious stance against the religious and scientific canon in Victorian England through Khayyam’s scepticism; the industrial revolution, Darwin’s theory of evolution, and intolerant orthodoxy to name a few. Furthermore it provided an escape, upon a magical Persian rug, but rooted in reality. Returning to the exhibition in 1973, the Islamic literary influence is not adequately illustrated in Dante’s paintings despite being indebted to Dante and Swinburne for its dissemination to a Western audience. What can be said is that it left its mark on the eccentric Dante, enriching and shaping his worldview. He had essentially moved on from the Divine

Comedy, from the polemics of the hostile usurper, Muhammed the ‘false-cardinal’, who had betrayed his roots and caused a great schism, languishing in the eighth circle of the Inferno, body slit in two from groin to chin, tormented for his rebellion. Eastern literature, mythology, poetry and its art, for Dante, was not inferior to that of the West; it was on the same platform.

proliferate and non-symbolising symbols diverging from pictorial representations. Pushing the boundaries of their creative manifestations and experiences was one way the Pre-Raphaelites portrayed the East into the Western public sphere in a positive light.

In Astarte Syriaca Dante depicts Astarte, the ancient Middle Eastern Goddess of Love, later adopted as Aphrodite in Exploring more closely just two works Greek mythology and worshipped by of artistic genius from Dante’s wide the Romans as Venus. Moving through the array, in terms of new approaches to ages, Dante finally arrives at the original symbolism, I examine The Beloved and symbol of sexuality. The epitome of the Astarte Syriaca. The Pre-Raphaelites were the earliest collectors of Japanese femme-fatale, she adopts the classical ‘pudica’ pose. The Pre-Raphaelite objects. Although The Beloved depicts portrayal of women was criticised for a Biblical scene from the Song of its repetitiveness. However Elizabeth Solomon, the bride is dressed in a Prettejohn in ‘Rossetti and his Circle’, luxurious bottle-green Japanese robe, points out that it is this exact repetition whilst the young black child adorns an that is the brotherhood’s hallmark. anachronistic jewelled head ornament. Interestingly this is also the tradition in This representation could illustrate a Islamic art and more widely Eastern art; meshing of different times, spaces and to be mentored and trained by a Master, symbols to promote a deliberate fusion of Eastern and Western ideals of beauty. keeping an artistic tradition true to its roots through emulation using the same The point is that this is yet another techniques, tools and materials. artistic rupture against the fabric of Victorian rationalism; to experiment with support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Astarte Syriaca

In conclusion, the Pre-Raphaelites had a keen interest in other nationalities, and creative art forms. The East featured very prominently in their personal journeys, whether spiritual, political or literary. This engagement produced some of their best but also most provocative works. Whether it was Hunt posing in eastern dress for the Uffizi, Morris setting up the ‘Arts and Crafts Movement’ to bring dignity back into skilled work, or Dante Rossetti’s pursuit of sexuality, their lives were full of integrity, joy, and beauty, nourished by this special connection with the East. The architect, Owen Jones, had introduced Western artists to Islamic decorative themes through his seminal work on the Alhambra Palace, and thus provided an alternative artistic language to enjoy and study; through its aesthetic and metaphysical qualities. Victorian England was a time in which Eastern objects had become fashionable, and were collected and exhibited. It was also a time in which independence movements were forming in the East, for their emancipation from colonial 14

powers. The Pre-Raphaelites were both the East’s collectors and defenders in the end. They pushed the boundaries of Victorian society for a culturally richer and fairer future. Although this threepart article could not give a complete history, or do justice, I hope that it has at least provided some food for thought, and encouragement for further study into this fascinating area of the lives of some of our most celebrated artists, of the Victorian era and beyond.

Fozia Parveen

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Victorian England was a time in which Eastern objects had become fashionable, and were collected and exhibited. It was also a time in which independence movements were forming in the East

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The Beloved support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

The

Pre-Raphaelites

Exhibited

The seven young friends who formed the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848 changed the face of British art forever. Led by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais and William Holman Hunt, they rebelled against conservatism in Victorian painting. Instead, they admired the simplicity and clarity of medieval Italian art before Raphael (1483-1520), giving them their name the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pre-Raphaelitesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Birmingham Museums Trust holds the most important collection of Pre-Raphaelite art anywhere in the world, numbering over 3000 paintings, drawings, prints, and examples of decorative art and design. The Pre-Raphaelite galleries bring together highlights from this extraordinary collection to tell the story of the Brotherhood, their associates and followers, and their revolutionary contribution to British art. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery - Opening Times: Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10.30am - 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm Entry: FREE entrance.

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The

Damascus

Room

box so in the past we have concentrated on displays of Middle Eastern costume that could be mounted on mannequins. This display gave us the opportunity to design and develop a structure that will allow us to do more flexible displays in future, highlighting different parts First, Phil Collett and Keith Hartnell of the V&A’s extensive Middle Eastern from the Museum’s Print Unit installed the graphics. The watercolour sketch we collections. Since we did not want to drill into the stone floor or mirrored ceiling of have used as a contextual image for the case, a self-supporting structure was the display is a drawing in the V&A’s collection by James William Wild, made designed and fabricated, and installed last Friday by contractors from the in 1847 of the interior of the house company Benchworks. then occupied by the British consul in Damascus. The image hopefully provides a lure to the display as well as disguising On Monday we were ready to install the large-scale objects, starting with the the rather uninteresting backs of the cupboard doors that sit on the other side remaining panels from the Damascus Room. This required all the skill and of the graphic. ingenuity of the Museum’s Technicians. Here are Roger Murray and Nikki Breen The next stage of the process was to helped by Phil Evans, all from V&A build a new display structure on to which the objects in the display could be Technical Services. Andy Monks was mounted. This display case is just a glass also involved in making mounts for these The Damascus Room display was ready just in time to coincide with yesterday’s conference, Culture in Crisis. We thought you might like to see how we put the display together!

objects but I didn’t manage to catch him on camera! A bright and early start (8 am!) the next morning. My colleague Behnaz Atighi Moghaddam and I installed the last few objects, pretty tired but still with smiles on our faces! The final touches to the display included the all-important task of cleaning the glass! We were finished just in time for the Museum to open at 10 am. Please come down and have a look. Our Damascus Room is waiting to receive you!

Mariam Rosser-Owen Curator, The Arab World Victoria & Albert Museum

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Malcolm X’s

Letter

from Mecca circuits around the Ka’ba, led by a young Mutawaf named Muhammad, I drank water from the well of the Zam Zam. I ran seven times back and forth between the hills of Mt. Al-Safa “Never have I witnessed such sincere and Al Marwah. I have prayed in hospitality and overwhelming spirit of the ancient city of Mina, and I have prayed on Mt. Arafat.” true brotherhood as is practiced by people of all colours and races here “There were tens of thousands of in this ancient Holy Land, the home of Abraham, Muhammad and all the pilgrims, from all over the world. They other Prophets of the Holy Scriptures. were of all colours, from blue-eyed For the past week, I have been blondes to black-skinned Africans. But utterly speechless and spellbound by we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and the graciousness I see displayed all around me by people of all colours.” brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never “I have been blessed to visit the Holy could exist between the white and City of Mecca, I have made my seven non-white.” When he was in Makkah, Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz wrote a letter to his loyal assistants in Harlem from his heart:

“America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white - but the white attitude was removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true brotherhood practiced by all colours together, irrespective of their colour.”

“During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from the same glass, and slept on the same rug - while praying to the same God - with fellow Muslims, whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the whitest of white. And in the words and in the deeds of the white Muslims, I felt the same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana.”

“We were truly all the same (brothers) - because their belief in one God had removed the white from their minds, the white from their behaviour, and the white from their attitude.” “I could see from this, that perhaps if white Americans could accept the Oneness of God, then perhaps, too, they could accept in reality the Oneness of Man - and cease to measure, and hinder, and harm others in terms of their ‘differences’ in colour.”

“You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much of my thought-patterns previously held, and to toss aside some of my previous conclusions. This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions, I have always been a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience and new knowledge unfolds it. I have always kept an open mind, which is necessary to the flexibility that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for truth.”

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“With racism plaguing America like an incurable cancer, the so-called ‘Christian’ white American heart should be more receptive to a proven solution to such a destructive problem. Perhaps it could be in time to save America from imminent disaster - the same destruction brought upon Germany by racism that eventually destroyed the Germans themselves.” “Each hour here in the Holy Land enables me to have greater spiritual insights into what is happening in America between black and white. The American Negro never can be blamed for his racial animosities - he is only reacting to four hundred years of the conscious racism of the American whites. But as racism leads America up the suicide path, I do believe, from the experiences that I have had with them, that the whites of the younger generation, in the colleges and universities, will see the handwriting on the walls and many of them will turn to the spiritual path of truth - the only way left for America to ward off the disaster that racism inevitably must lead to.”

“Never have I been so highly honoured. Never have I been made to feel more humble and unworthy. Who would believe the blessings that have been heaped upon an American Negro? A few nights ago, a man who would be called in America a white man, a United Nations diplomat, an ambassador, a companion of kings, gave me his hotel suite, his bed. Never would I have even thought of dreaming that I would ever be a recipient of such honours - honours that in America would be bestowed upon a King - not a Negro.” “All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the Worlds. Sincerely, Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz

“

“Each hour here in the Holy Land enables me to have greater spiritual insights into what is happening in America between black and white. The American Negro never can be blamed for his racial animosities - he is only reacting to four hundred years of the conscious racism of the American whites.

(Malcolm X)

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“ 27

Racism What if it was a Joke?

Racism is treating someone unfairly simply because they belong to a different race or culture. It is illegal to treat people differently because of their race and no one has the right to make you feel bad or abuse you. What is racism? Racism is when someone is treated differently or unfairly just because of their race or culture.

â&#x20AC;˘ personal attacks of any kind, including violence Why some people are racist Someone who is a racist can feel threatened by anyone who is from a different race or culture.

Our views and beliefs develop as we grow up. If a child or young person grows up within a racist famPeople can also experience preju- ily, or has friends who are racist, dice because of their religion or na- they may believe that racism is normal and acceptable. tionality. It is illegal to treat people differently or unfairly because of their race and nobody has the right to make you feel bad or abuse you. Racism takes many different forms which can include: â&#x20AC;˘ written or verbal threats or insults â&#x20AC;˘ damage to property, including

graffiti

Prejudice of any kind is often based on ignorance and fear of things that are different. Being bullied because of your race If you experience racism of any kind it can make you feel lonely and sad. It might seem easier to avoid situations where the racist abuse might happen, like not going to school, or staying at home all the

time. This won’t help it go away - and it can even make you feel worse. If you are worried about racism or are being bullied because of your race, you can Some things that you can do to help stop talk to us about the problem at any time. the racist bullying are: You can also call us if one of your friends is • Accept that it’s not your fault - you may suffering from racial abuse. feel less confident if you’re having a hard time, but the thing you have to remember is Who can be affected by racism? that you are not the one to have caused the Unfortunately, racism can exist in all races problem. and cultures. If someone is abused or treated unfairly just because of their race, back• Tell someone what’s happening to you ground or culture, this is racism – no matter maybe a friend or someone at school like a where they are from. teacher. Alternatively you can always call us to talk about what’s happening. You can also be affected by racism which isn’t directed at you. For example, if you • Keep some evidence of what’s happenhear someone discriminating against someing - like a diary of events, for example. one else’s culture, you might still find it ofThis might be useful to show others that you fensive even if you’re not from that culture. need help. What is racial discrimination? • Try and keep yourself safe - For examRacial discrimination means someone has ple you could walk home with someone you been treated unfairly because of their know rather than on your own. race. It can mean not having the same opportunities, respect or support as other • Never give up! You might not be able to people because of your ethnicity. It can tackle racism by yourself. Seek out support also mean people from certain ethnic backand accept help where you can. grounds are blocked from achieving their

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goals in life. Discrimination is illegal. Sometimes racial discrimination can happen if there are rules that only affect one racial or religious group. For example, if Jewish boys are not allowed to wear a yarmulke or if a Sikh person is not allowed to wear a turban, this is racial discrimination. However, teachers may ask someone not to wear religious clothing if it is a reasonable request – for example, if the clothes could be dangerous to wear during PE.

racist, using racial stereotypes can subtly change the way you behave with someone from a different race. What if it’s a joke? Even if it’s not meant to be offensive, a racist joke can be hurtful to someone and their culture. It could also be offensive to people they know and care about. A racist joke is still racist and going along with it gives people the impression that racism is okay.

Sometimes people make impressions of people from other cultures or tell jokes Sometimes people discriminate against oth- about different races. If people around er people without meaning to – this is still you are doing this, it’s important to think about whether you want to be a part of it. wrong. If someone doesn’t show that they are upRacial stereotypes set at the time, making racist jokes towards Stereotypes are used to describe the be- them could still have a negative impact. Imhaviour of a certain group of people – like agine if you heard jokes about your race, people from the same race, religion or culture or background all the time. Making type of job. Stereotypes are often wrong racist jokes is a form of abuse and eventubecause they assume that everyone from a ally it will have an impact on how people certain group acts in the same way. feel about themselves and their culture. Racial stereotypes often bring out racist attitudes. Even if it wasn’t your intention to be

Childline

0800 1111 (free call) www.childline.org.uk

#NotSilent with a one minute campaign called #notsi- your own writing. While you read, either alone, in a group, in your classroom, home, lent. work place or public place, we ask you to film yourself and upload it onto a video Instead of a one minute’s silence to comsharing platform of your choice (Youtube, memorate the end of Anne Frank’s short Vimeo, Flickr etc) ensuring the video is life, we invite you to read out loud a one available to view publicly. minute passage from Anne’s inspirational writing at any time on or after Tuesday At a time when many victims of the Nazis 28th April. We have a selection of pasSTEP TWO: Send us the link to your video, were powerless, this young girl refused to sages suitable for a one minute reading to by posting it on to the Anne Frank Trust’s be silenced. Anne documented her every choose from, you can choose one yourself, Facebook (Anne Frank Trust UK) or Twitter thought and feeling while in hiding for two or you can read something you have writ- (@annefranktrust) pages, using the hash long years, until she was captured and sent ten about your own life and hopes. You can tag #notsilent. Alternatively, you can eto her death from starvation and disease start or end your reading by explaining mail your video via we transfer to at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in the why you want to do it. siama@annefrank.org.uk spring of 1945. STEP THREE: We also ask you to share So what exactly is #notsilent? How you can get involved your one minute clip throughout your social media to encourage others to join in. This year the Anne Frank Trust and Penguin STEP ONE: Select an extract suitable for Thank you for participating and honouring Random House (UK publishers of The Diary a one minute reading. This can either be an Anne Frank’s memory in this way. We will of A Young Girl) have joined together to extract from Anne’s diary, you can down- together be #notsilent. mark the 70th anniversary of Anne’s death load our selection here, or you can choose Anne Frank is author to one of the most widely read teenage diaries in the world. Her story represents the millions of lives lost in what is regarded as one of the darkest periods of history, and inspires us all to make a better world for the present and coming generations.

Siama Khan

The Anne Frank Trust UK www.annefrank.org.uk

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Racism

Us and Them

The issue of race, or more accurately racist behaviour, never seems to be far from the limelight. Be it an A-list actor making a gaffe with the term ‘coloured’, or camera footage emerging of racially abusive language on trains, tabloids report widely on racism. However, these sensationalist cases which cause a twitter storm one day and are forgotten the very next, are not representative of the wider attention, or lack thereof, afforded to the ramifications of racism. Recently, there has been an emerging recognition that mass media and journalistic coverage of immigration has focused on blanket generalisations and been largely negative, resulting in the demonization of migrant communities and increasing hostility towards immigrants and ethnic minorities in general. This has spurned

repercussions as a result of experiencing racism, for children and young adults alike, including an impact on mental wellbeing, lack of educational progress, as well as dwindling opportunities for social and economic mobility. Virulent and However, the discussion has largely exposed racism from peers and others focused on adults and how career progression and social mobility is inhibited in the community negatively impacts the mental wellbeing of a young adult. by institutional racism. Conversely, the University of Melbourne researchers effect of racism on young people has undertook an international review of attracted little consideration. Unlike in published studies and found that children America, where young males, who have and young people, following incidents of disproportionately been the victims racism, experience poor mental health, of institutionalised police racism, have inevitably become the focal point for the depression and anxiety. Consequently, a young person subjected to any form ‘black lives matter’ protests, in the UK, of racism is more likely to develop a the effect of racism on young adults has negative self-image and low self-esteem, received scant attention. hindering their potential. Moreover, it has There are a multitude of negative been stated that black and minority ethnic anti-racism charities to highlight the negative repercussions of racist behaviour and push for a renewed effort in combating it.

children are more likely to experience bullying than their white counterparts, further debilitating educational prowess and the development of vital social skills. The negative effects of racism do not stop at personal wellbeing. The general socio-economic opportunities afforded to young adults, as they progress through higher education and onto employment, are hindered by institutionalised racism. Admittedly, not as overt, it is by no means a relic of the past. For instance, in education, efforts have undoubtedly been made to ensure higher institutions are more inclusive, yet studies reveal that the admissions policies and practices of prestigious universities still unfairly disadvantage applicants from certain ethnic minority backgrounds. Figures

obtained by the Guardian newspaper under the Freedom of Information Act, revealed that after A-level grades were taken into account, white applicants to some of the most competitive courses are up to twice as likely to get a place as others, with 25.7% of white applicants receiving an offer to attend Oxford university, compared with 17.2% of students from ethnic minorities. The prestigious Russell Group institutions

do not fare much better. A study by race equality think tank Runnymede Trust found that 52 per cent of applications made by white British students resulted in offers, compared to only 39.6 per cent for Pakistani students and a mere 35.7% for those from a Black African background. The report made recommendations that the university admissions process be overhauled to reduce the current bias in the system, including a ruling that applicants should be identified by a

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only by far right groups such as the EDL, but democratically elected members of government also. The UKIP leader Nigel Farage recently declared Muslims were a ‘fifth column’ in British society. Rhetoric of this sort, which questions the very loyalty of British Muslims, further alienates young Institutional bias prevalent in prestigious people and leaves them susceptible to universities has a longer term impact outside influence. The majority of those on the opportunities afforded to ethnic minority graduates. The prestige of Russell leaving Britain to fight for ISIS in Syria are young Muslim men and women. Though, Group and Oxbridge universities is such their actions cannot be excused, it must that graduates from these institutions go be noted that the alienation and isolation on to earn more than their peers from of mainstream Islam from British society, other universities, on average around 24% more per hour. They are also more has led these young impressionable teens likely to be in high-skilled jobs. Therefore, to seek an alternative world, no matter it is not just overt racism which can impact how brutal, where their views matter and negatively on a young adult’s wellbeing, they feel a sense of belonging. Moreover, an ‘us and them’ mentality has prevented but a degree of institutionalised ethnic successful integration and young people bias in education prevents a young from all walks of life suffer as a result. person from competing with the best in the marketplace and moving up the social Certainly, the effects of racism on young ladder. people are far and wide and more needs to be done in order to achieve a Racism affects us all, however at this more harmonious, cohesive society. Rather present moment, the Muslim community than implementing further controls to seem to be particularly maligned by it. reduce discrimination, UKIP, a party set Hysteria around Muslims is fuelled not number rather than their names to help reduce discrimination. However, the implementation of such changes has not been forthcoming and more recent studies still show the same worrying trend.

to achieve a substantial number of seats at the upcoming general election, have toyed with the idea of abolishing the antidiscrimination acts. This highlights how one can never get in a state of complacency with regard to race relations. A push is needed to tackle racism in all areas of life, as the negative ramifications for young people, the future of this country, means that failure to do so will result in a less promising and a rather bleak future.

Nosheen Kauser

My Sister Is A PhD From Germany And Nobody Wants To Marry Her. The Reason For Her Rejection Will Make You Sick In The Stomach Who am I? I’m fairer of the two siblings. I have no shame in saying that. Yes that’s my identity, at least at home and in our society. I often try to imagine if I, being the ‘white’ one, feel so disgusted with this mentality, how would she feel? My sister, who is a shade darker than me in complexion, who is much more educated than I can ever imagine myself to be? So this is what happened recently, yet again, that has forced me to write about the Indian society constantly feeding on the fairness fetish. This thinking is abnormal, proof of undying backwardness in the society, and there is no hope or scope for change if this is what happens even in the twenty first century. There was a familiar excitement in the

house. There were all those sweets and snacks again. Dhara was wrapped in the same maroon sari once again. Maroon makes her look vibrant, that’s what they said, my family that is. Finally, the awaited guests arrived, half a dozen of them. Mom and masi (aunty) rallied towards the living room while granny was busy in the kitchen preparing some of her specialties. When I advanced towards the arena, munching on a samosa, my mother called out, “What on earth do you think you are doing by going in there?” “I just want to peep in and check out the groom-to-be,” I said. “You could do that when your turn comes,

and that will only happen after Dhara is ‘done with’, so better hide yourself in some inconspicuous corner of the house.” I haven’t been able to discover whether it was my fault or hers. I am a little more fair-skinned than Dhara, my elder sister, or maybe she was a little duskier than me. Every time the ladkewaley (potential groom’s family) came to see her, I would be hidden in some corner of the house, or preferably driven out of the house. Despite all the sweets, snacks, granny’s specialties and the mystic maroon sari, Dhara was “rejected” for the fifth time this year. Uncle was hoping to get his daughter married by the time she turned 28, but chances were very slim.

Dhara held a degree in Carnatic music, and was a PhD from Germany. But nothing compensated for the tint she was born with. The prospects who rejected her nowhere equalled her accomplishment, and they still thought they had the right to gaze at her top to bottom and excuse themselves just to finally reject her. I am pretty sure this is not a unique scene performed solely in my family. The ageold taboo of dark skin is as fresh as it was centuries ago. The Sunday newspapers are still replete with “fair-skinned bride wanted” slogans. Matrimonial sites have added a new dimension to it by allowing bride-seekers to projecting their imagination into almost comical paragraphs: ‘M.Tech from reputed institution, well-settled in U.S.A seeks educated, homely, ace in household chores, peach-complexioned bride. Wheatish complexion kindly excuse’. And why blame the men when we ourselves feed their appetite? After all, we started the trend.

Do we not immerse ourselves in Googling, ‘How to get fair complexion naturally?’. Do we not torture our skin with every whitening product introduced in the market? Do we not buy our foundation a shade lighter than our own skin tone? Apparently, India alone serves as the largest market for skin-whitening products — India’s collective expenditure on fairness products sums to an average of over $400 million a year.

It’s not that difficult to understand: You don’t really have to dip your daughter in haldi paste daily to brighten her skin up. She can be successful in whatever she wishes to do with the very skin she is born in. She can be a great scholar or a happy homemaker. All we need to do is broaden our frame of mind, not brighten a coat of skin.

This in turn displays how uncomfortable we are in our own skin, literally.

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Avantika Debnath

Dua.

Rumaysa Malik

allahumma infa’nii bimaa ‘allamtanii wa’allimnii yanfa’uunii Oh allah! Make useful for me what you have taught me and teach me knowledge that will be useful to me.

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Out on Friday 22nd May 2015!

Mhairi Bla ck the 20-Year-Old Student Who Just Unseated Labour’s Douglas Alexander

This time last year, few would have heard of Mhairi Black. On Thursday, the 20-year-old student made history - and headlines - by becoming Britain’s youngest MP since 1667, and unseating Douglas Alexander in the process.

“In fact, I’ve seen more of Douglas Alexander in the last month than I did in the last 10 years. He’s only seemed to have discovered his passion when he could lose his seat.”

Writing on her SNP page, Black vowed: “I The SNP candidate won her seat in Paisley will campaign against austerity cuts and and Renfrewshire South with 23,548 votes the draconian benefits sanctions which are leaving individuals, families and to the former Labour MP’s 17,864. communities in despair and relying on Black, who is currently studying politics at foodbanks to survive.” the University of Glasgow, told the Daily Express in a previous interview: “[People] “I also believe it is immoral to spend over see I am passionate about what I’m talking £100 billion on a new generation of nuclear weapons whilst another generation about. of children in this constituency have to “It’s the ideas they are responding to and endure poverty.” the fact they are being engaged with.” “We need real action to support those in “Many of them have never spoken to any need. We need real powers in Scotland to grow our economy and we need a real kind of candidate and the other parties had never tried to engage with me before voice who will put this constituency first and not their political career.” I started this.”

The self-confessed political “geek” was the first girl in her primary school to be selected for the football team, and grew up in a working class family in Paisley’s east end. Her foray into politics was inspired by the referendum campaign, which prompted her to leave her job in a local chip shop and dedicate her time to serving the community. Black has already said if elected she will still return to university to take her final exam on Scottish politics, before starting her first graduate job - as an MP. The student not only ousted the Labour foreign shadow secretary, but also claimed the title of “Baby of the House” from Pamela Nash, who was bestowed the title in 2010 at the age of 25. However Black didn’t quite bag the youngest ever MP title - that’s still held by Christopher Monck, who was 13 years and 148 days old when he was returned as Knight of the Shire for Devon in 1667.

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Lucy Sherriff

My Son was Murdered by a It’s 15 years since Zahid Mubarek was killed in his young offenders’ prison cell. His father talks for the first time about the pain that never goes away as a new film about the murder, We Are Monster, is released. On Sunday 19 March 2000 Mubarek Amin visited his son, Zahid, in Feltham young offenders’ institution. Zahid was 19 and in the final days of a 90-day sentence for stealing a packet of razor blades – it was his first criminal conviction. Mubarek asked his son how he was coping with life behind bars. Zahid assured him he had learned his lesson. He said he wanted to change his life around and he couldn’t wait to leave Feltham behind. He also mentioned that his cellmate, Robert Stewart, who had the letters RIP tattooed on his forehead, had been acting strangely: he would stare at Zahid for hours on end without saying

Racist

a word. It was a little unnerving. Zahid was due to be released on the Tuesday and his father would be collecting him. “I’m coming out at 8am,” Zahid told his father. “Make sure you’re not late.” They were the last words his father would hear his son speak. Two days later, only hours before he was to be freed, Zahid was bludgeoned to death by Stewart.

there have been reports and inquiries. Ten years ago, the killing inspired a stage play, Gladiator Games, and it is now the subject of a new British feature film, We Are Monster. This is the first time Mubarek has agreed to talk about his son. “I haven’t talked about it before because talking brings back so many memories,” he says. On the morning Zahid was due to be released, the door bell rang at 6am. Amin opened the door to a policeman who told him his son had been involved in an accident. He and his wife accompanied the police to Charing Cross hospital.

Mubarek Amin opens the door of his north-east London home and leads me into the living room. He has lived on this street in Walthamstow since he arrived from Pakistan in 1968 when he was eight. In the 15 years since Zahid’s murder,

They arrived before the ambulance carrying Zahid, who had first been taken to a hospital that was equipped to deal with head injuries. Amin assumed that his son had been involved in a minor incident

felt like I had lost a part of my own body with Stewart was at the trial. “He walked past us one time and he turned round – it was the worst day of my life.” and just sneered at me,” says Amin. “The Grief later turned to anger as the details whole family was just in disbelief.” of what happened emerged. Zahid had Stewart was convicted of murder and been attacked by Stewart with whom sentenced to life imprisonment. “He got he had shared a cell for six weeks. 18 years, which was a life sentence, so he According to the Commission for Racial is going to be out in three years,” Amin Equality (now the Equality and Human Rights Commission) report on the murder, says. How does that make him feel? There is a long pause. “It’s not good, is it?” one prisoner said of Stewart: “I called him Madman – other prisoners had names Zahid was in hospital for a week What would he say to him if he were to connected to nine machines that kept him for him like ‘Sicko’.” see his son’s killer? “I’m not really sure alive. The family were with him round what I would say to him. But I know I Stewart was a known racist who had the clock. “I was scared, I was falling would like to get my hands around his boasted that he would commit the first to pieces,” recalls Amin. “All I wanted neck.” murder of the millennium. “I am very was for him to get better – which didn’t angry,” Amin says. “Why was he allowed happen.” Zahid did not look like a typical Pakistani to share a cell with this guy, when it boy. His hair was brown not black, his skin was known he was a racist and troubleAfter seven days, the hospital told the was fair and his eyes were green. Those maker?” family they should consider turning off differences, inherited from his mother, the machines. Amin said the family would seemed innocent as a child but once he Stewart murdered Zahid by clubbing discuss it and sleep on it. They returned home only to receive a phone call. Zahid him several times about the head with a started school, they brought him unwanted wooden table leg. He was charged with attention. The other Pakistani boys would was dead. mock and bully him, and he often got murder. into fights. Amin thought that was the full The family rushed to hospital. “I was The only time Amin has been face-to-face extent of it, but the inquiry into Zahid’s bawling my eyes out,” Amin recalls. “It at Feltham but when the ambulance arrived and he saw Zahid lying on the trolley bed, he was confronted by his boy’s terrible injuries. “I looked at him, his head, and it was swollen, bruised, bashed,” he says. “He was unconscious. I said to the doctor, what chance does he have? The doctor said it was looking very bad.” Amin sat in the corner of a hospital waiting room and broke down.

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murder would suggest that by his teens, he had started to dabble in petty crime. The inquiry heard that he had a number of brushes with the law – possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, shoplifting and interfering with a motor vehicle in an attempt to remove audio equipment. Zahid kept his troubles – including alleged drug addiction – secret. “We found out later that when he got into trouble with the police he would give the address of a friend so the letters would not arrive at my house,” says Amin. “Or he would get up first thing in the morning and get the letters before us – when boys get into trouble, the last thing they want to do is tell their dad.”

do him good,” he says. “It would wake him up – I imagined prisons as places where you have classrooms with teachers showing you how to face up to the way you have behaved.”

Petrou surprised them by securing the funding and making the film. The family were invited to a screening. “I was in the cinema, but I didn’t watch most of the film,” Amin says.

Each weekend, Amin visited his son and when they talked, it sounded as if prison was doing its job. “He would say, ‘this is not the place I want to be,’” Amin says. “He told me, ‘I want to get out of here and sort my life out.’”

“It brought back too many memories, so I had my head turned away from the screen.”

Zahid talked about joining the army. When he mentioned that his cell-mate was behaving strangely, his father told him: “Just keep your head down and ignore him, you’ll be out of here soon.”

We Are Monster recreates the last days of Zahid Mubarek’s life. The film-makers On 17 January 2000, Zahid was sent approached the family about the idea. to Feltham after being found guilty of Amin says the family have often been stealing razors and interfering with a approached with ideas for dramas that motor vehicle. Rather than being angry, Amin was at first shocked but then rather came to nothing. There was no reason to believe this time would be different, relieved his son was going to prison. but writer Leeshon Alexander, who also “I thought he was hanging out with the wrong crowd and that the 90 days would plays Stewart, and director Antony 48

He’s not sorry that the film was made, because it is a way to ensure that the errors that led to Zahid’s death are recalled and it also helps bring attention to the Zahid Mubarek Trust, a charity set up by his family to campaign for reforms and challenge discrimination within the criminal justice system. “The film is good for the campaign,” Amin says, “but it’s not good for the family.” An official inquiry into the death of Zahid Mubarek was published in 2006 and it found 186 failings that led to his death. It also found there was a casual disregard towards racism at Feltham. Stewart had severe personality problems but he was never inspected by a doctor

at Feltham. He attacked Zahid with part of a table leg that he had broken away from furniture in their shared cell. The fact that this was not spotted by officers was part of a widespread problem of poor inspections and management of dangerous prisoners. The chief inspector of prisons claimed last year that a murder like that of Zahid could happen again because since his murder the drive for reform has been weakened or forgotten.

that one day I will see my son again. Inshallah.”

Sarfraz Manzoor

“The last 15 years have gone by slowly,” says Zahid’s father. “People say things get better over time, but for us it is like all this happened yesterday.” Zahid is not forgotten but Amin does not like to dwell on the past. Is he frightened that by thinking about the past the pain will overwhelm him? He nods. “It is a coping mechanism,” he says. “I don’t want to deal with it because it is so painful.” The only thing that helps to alleviate the loss and the pain is his faith. “I am a Muslim so I do think I will see him again in the next life,” he says. “It helps to believe

Zahid Mubarek as a child with his twin brothers

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In America, black people have always been targeted, stalked, terrorised, tortured, murdered. Sometimes what I need people to understand is that this is normal. What is not normal is how you’re finding out about it. Reading these words on your computer screen about such a thing is not normal.

tweeted, liked, or favourited. But the deaths will be. The shootings keep getting shot and reshot. And replayed. They get their own hashtags. But when you look at it, there is nothing actually happening. Nothing has changed. What is has always been.

If you ask most people, black or white, when the worst part of black history was, But our deaths are normal. The killing of Walter Scott is normal. The rules have been they’ll say “slavery”. And they’ll be wrong. in place, and they haven’t changed. What The worst, bloodiest time in black history was 1890 to 1920. After emancipation, are these rules? Don’t slouch, don’t relax, don’t exhale, don’t walk too tall, don’t walk after reconstruction. After the laws that said that black lives mattered. too close, don’t act too proud, be more humble, and if they ask you why you are And we were terrorised, we were lynched, wherever you are just smile and nod and we disappeared. explain. And smile. These have been the rules. Our bodies would float in the Mississippi so much that you could mistake us for the Shoot me. water flowing. The revolution will not be televised,

My younger brother will turn 18 and graduate high school next month. He will move away from home and attend college. What are the things people normally think about when this happens? For us, the normal thing to think of is death. My brother is 17 and all I can think of is his pending graduation and his murder. What is it like to take a sibling like mine for granted? What is it like to imagine him going away to college and being happy? Maybe he drinks? Meets a girl? Discovers his passion? Travels? I don’t think of these things. I think about how he must keep from being alone at dark near police. Isn’t that funny? I bet most white parents would tell their children to seek out a cop if ever caught alone unawares. Not us.

Shoot Me Dear brother, if you see a cop, do not run, that. For my father, for my mother I will do that. do not walk, do not. Do not. Do not. Just For my country. collapse. Play dead. Shoot me.

Play dead. Then I think of how much I wish I could guard my brother somehow. At all times, I’d be in front of him and when the cops come I’d bare my chest.

Linda Chavers

And I’d say shoot me. I’d shout at them to shoot me. I’d order them to shoot me. I’d beg them to shoot me. I’d plead with them to shoot me.

Walter Scott

And I’m willing to do that. For my brother I plan to do that. For my sister I plan to do

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Women who come from families that follow codes of honour are being deliberately targeted for financial gain.

The men who exploit family shame using revenge porn

In one case, a woman said she parted with more than £17,000 after her lover secretly filmed them having sex. A BBC Newsnight investigation has heard the stories of more than 100 women who have been the target of “revenge porn,” but is, in fact, often premeditated. In many cases, the images are hardly pornographic. “Soraya” (not her real name) was just 16 when a man she met on Facebook persuaded her to send naked pictures to him online. A sheltered British teenager of Pakistani origin, she had never had a boyfriend before. She was “terrified” when he threatened to send the photos to her family if she did not give him money. She handed over £500. “Sara” married a man in an Islamic

ceremony and planned to spend the rest of her life with him. He later created a website promoting her as an escort and sent it to high profile members of her local Muslim community. Both women come from families that strictly follow codes of honour and shame. “I was horrified and scared. I didn’t want my children or family to find out. I was also asked to sleep with two of his friends.” Images like these can be devastating, as Shereen Aziz-Williams from the honourbased violence campaign group, The Henna Foundation, explained: “The consequences are getting disowned, ostracised, being packed off back home to be married or, in the worst case scenario, getting killed.”

Sara told us she later discovered the man who exposed her has also done it to three other Bangladeshi women. Soraya heard her abuser also targeted other young women.

on vulnerable people because they do know the shame and dishonour they are perceived to bring is a method to control them. Not in all cases, but some. It’s not someone who’s jilted them, it’s an even more serious crime. They are targeted.”

Williams explained: “It could be a girl who usually wears a scarf, who’s not wearing one; or a girl showing her arms, or posing seductively fully clothed, that’s deemed inappropriate.”

This week, the new law to combat revenge porn came into force in England and Wales. It makes it a specific offence with a potential two year jail sentence.

“Soraya” ended up under police protection after a friend alerted them that she was at risk of forced marriage. Although she had paid money to stop her family finding out about the photos, she believes the rumours got out anyway.

But will it make any difference? Perhaps only if they are willing to report what has happened to the police and if the community addresses the codes of honour and shame that see their daughters blamed instead of treated as victims.

“You can lose so much for your family even finding out. It’s such a risk. I do strongly believe that the rumours did get Another South Asian woman said she was out. The threats were to take me back to being blackmailed by an Indian man with my father’s homeland, Pakistan, and get married off and stay there.” whom she had a relationship. He wants a British visa and has threatened to use intimate photos of her unless she marries Colette Paul, chief constable of the Bedfordshire Police stated “People pick him. support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Katie Razzall

FOOD for the

SOUL

The Potato Garden

The next morning, a dozen police officers showed up and dug up the entire garden without finding any guns. Confused, the An old man lived alone at his home. He wanted to spade his potato garden, but old man wrote another note to his son it was very hard work. His only son, who telling him what had happened, and would have helped him, was in prison. The asked him what to do next. His son’s reply was, “Go ahead and plant old man wrote a letter to his son. your potatoes, Dad, It’s the best I could do for you from here.” “Dear Son, I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my potato garden this year. I hate Moral of the Story: No matter where you are in the world, if you have decided to miss doing the garden, because your to do something from deep within your mother always loved planting time. I’m heart, you can do it! just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would “Strange are the matters of believers. For him there is good in all his affairs, dig the plot for me, if you weren’t in and this is so only for the believer. When prison. Your Father.” something pleasing happens to him, he is grateful (shukr), and that is good for him; Shortly, the old man received a reply and when something displeasing happens from his son, “For heaven’s sake, Dad, to him he is enduring patience (sabr) and don’t dig up the garden! That’s where I that is good for him.” (Sahih Muslim) buried the guns!” Ehsan Khan

Masjids Around The World Normally when you think of Egypt, you think of the pyramids and the sphinx. However, there are also other amazing structures to see which were built when Islam spread to Egypt. The oldest mosque in Egypt is an architectural masterpiece and should be included in your itinerary if you are visiting Cairo.

The Mosque of Ahmad ibn Tulun Location: Cairo, Egypt

new city which took nine years to construct. He used baked bricks for the construction of the mosque. This material was not the usual building material in Egypt at the time, but was the common building material in Samarra, the former capital of the Abbasid caliphate in Baghdad.

Mamluk Sultan Lajin in the thirteenthcentury. Today it is contained within a square shaped structure, and a small dome sits above the fountain. There are arched doorways in the centre of each wall and there are small windows around the base of the central dome for light.

The most striking feature of the mosque is the spiral minaret which resembles the The mosque is named after Ahmad Ibn minaret of the great Samarra mosque. The Tulun who built it between 870 and 879. original minaret was burnt down but was Ibn Tulun was born in Baghdad and reconstructed by Mamluk Sultan Lajin in was the son of a Turkish slave, but rose the thirteenth-century. A staircase spirals to power under the Abbasid caliph to become ruler of Egypt in 868. He founded The courtyard is separated from the outer around the cylindrical minaret. This unique the Tulunid dynasty which ruled over parts walls of the mosque by twenty metre wide minaret is the only one of its kind in Egypt. The minaret has a square base and three corridors on three sides of the mosque. of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, and modernThese corridors consist of several columns cylindrical storeys of ascending reduced day Lebanon and Jordan for over 30 widths. The minaret is adorned with a and arches which have been plastered years. and carved into eloquent forms and styles. small ribbed dome. Ibn Tulun founded a new city called alThe mosque was restored after it was Qataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i once he became ruler of Egypt. He There is a fountain in the centre of the left in ruins when the Abbasid caliph rebuilt the great mosque in the centre of the courtyard which was entirely rebuilt by The mosque is surrounded by high walls, each one elaborately decorated. The mosque has a large courtyard which covers an area of approximately 26,300 square metres.

Built:

879

Capacity: unknown

Zeeshan Arif

conquered the region in 906. The layout and materials used in the original building were re-used for the new reconstruction. The renovated mosque has horseshoe arches which resemble the former mosques of Spain. The mihrab frame is from the original mosque. It has a semicircular recess set inside another one and is flanked by two marble columns on each side. Above the mihrab is an Arabic inscription containing the shahada. In conclusion, the Ibn Tulun Mosque is one of the oldest and most remarkable mosques in Egypt. The mosque has many distinct features such as the spiralled minaret which resembles the great mosque of Samarra, and is a beautiful example of early Islamic architecture.

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poetry

VELVET CHEEKS

Neelam Rhuksar

To my mother: To my baby: My beautiful mother; you raised me amidst My sweet babe; your heart beats and the division and war You taught me dignity is in resonance is innocence Nine months; your soul equality, I love you Maa guarded from the resonance of ignorance Born You strived for justice but now you are gone to a world so divided by hatred and therefore But your velvet touch still remains strong aggravated Red is the colour of all blood Your life so undecided but to kiss your velvet Maybe this the world has misunderstood cheeks I long awaited You fought for fathers justice and for what is right Your emerald eyes ﬂuttering like the summer What inspires equality is that father was black butterﬂy They wonder with innocence as I clutch and you was white. you and I cry My heart searched for your father but his life was stolen His colour was the reason, my heart suffering and swollen His colour is in your velvet cheeks, he was unjustly taken But democracy doesn’t stop for justice, not even slightly shaken You shall blossom in this world, I love you and we shan’t hide Let’s live for your father for in you his colour never died

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Recipes Nusayba Malik

Sicilian Pasta alla Norma

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 1hr 20 mins

Ingredients: • 8oz pasta (or spaghetti) • 2 cups canned tomatoes, chopped • 1 garlic clove, lightly crushed • 6-7 leaves fresh basil • 2 cups diced egg-plant (aubergine is popular for this dish) • Extra virgin olive oil, as needed • ½ cup Parmesan grated, or Ricotta cheese • dry chilli flakes (optional), to taste

Method 1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the pasta, and cook until soft. 2. Meanwhile, heat a saucepan with 2 tbsp of oil and garlic. 3. When the garlic is golden remove it, reduce the heat and add the chopped tomatoes, a couple of basil leaves and some chilli flakes. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. 4. While the sauce and pasta are cooking, heat the oil in a deep sauce pan over medium heat. 5. Deep fry the eggplant cubes until golden. Drain the cubes on kitchen paper and add them into the tomato sauce. 6. When the pasta is ready, drain and mix with the tomato and eggplant sauce. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with fresh basil and ricotta or Parmesan on top. Enjoy!

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

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

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

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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

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

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• Exp

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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