Issue 14
April 2013
Astrolabes & Sacred Art Cannabis Psychosis David & Goliath Live Below the Line
Mariam Al-Astrolabiya Bahira The Monk Deaf Awareness Week Youth Parliament UK
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. 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’salaamu alaykum
Please let us know what you a huge difference. like reading and what you Welcome to the 14th Issue of want more of as we write for Did YOU participate in this Fifteen21! YOU! campaign? Please email us and let us know how it was Well apparently 1st May We would like to welcome for you. was the official start of two new writers who have summer but seriously does hopped onboard the Read about Mariam Alanyone actually remember Fifteen21 team. Astrolabiya in the Muslim spring? Heritage piece, Deaf Welcoming to the team Awareness 2013, Cannabis Nope, me neither! Bushra Hussain who brings Psychosis and all our regular you ‘Discover Islam - Convert features such as Deed of I’m Nadia Leona Yunis Stories’ and Sarah Ikram the Month, Living Wellbeing, from We Be Inspired and who is writing about Prophet Recipes plus more! Knowledge Seekers Club and David (AS) & Goliath in this is my second editorial for the ‘Prophets Stories’. Let’s I have lots of mini workshops Fifteen 21. give them a BIG Fifteen21 and a lecture ‘Who the salaam and please do have Heaven am I?’ coming up so The last one I wrote was July a read of their articles and please check out my website 2012! let us know what you think for more info and bookings. insha’Allah. Where does the time fly? Enjoy this issue of Fifteen21, Also in this issue read about share it with all your loved Fifteen21 is now in its the ‘Live Below the Line’ ones, leave us your feedback second year masha’Allah, campaign where participants and have a fabulous month. and each issue brings you will live on £1 a day for more inspirational and 5 days to change the way Wasalaam motivational articles. people in the UK think about extreme poverty - and make
Editorial Nadia Leona Yunis
Contents 6-7 8 9 10-11 12 13 14-17 18-19 20-23 24 25 26-27 28-29 30-33
Prophets of Islam: David and Goliath 100 Less One: Al Mussawir The Fashioner Muslim Youth Helpline Muslim Heritage: Mariam al-Astrolabiya Help! I’m a Teenager Child Line Young Minds: Cannabis Psychosis Deed of the Month Healthy Living Dua: When in Difficulty Fifteen21 Muslim Role-Models: Saddiqa Shan Live Below the Line Look, Smile. Chat. Its so simple!
34-35 36-37 38 39 40-41 42-43 44 45 46-47 48 49 50-51 52-53 54 55
A Day in the Life of… Prophet Muhammed (saw) Discover Islam - Aliyah Moussavi Nominate a Role Model! In the Next Issue Organisation Profile: Youth Parliament UK The Astrolabe & Sacred Art Food for the Soul Momo Awards Book Reviews: The Kite Runner Masjids Around the World Muslim Youth Helpline Poetry Recipes: Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream National Events Child Line
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After Prophet Moses (AS) passed away, people kept the Ark of the Covenant which was a box containing a few belongings of Prophet Moses (AS). They believed this box gave them special powers in battle and it gave them courage. When the Ark of the Covenant was lost the people refused to battle with their enemies and became a captured and scattered people.
as the future king. Samuel (AS) informed him that he was chosen by Allah (SWT) to be king. Saul was shocked and exclaimed that he knew nothing of kingship nor did he possess wealth. Allah (SWT) chooses certain responsibilities for you even though you may not feel strong or experienced enough.
Saul became king and set about During this hardship and confusion people preparing an army. He put his new army asked Prophet Samuel (AS) to appoint a to the test and travelled with them for king over them so that they could be united battle. He ordered that on reaching the and strong again. Samuel (AS) prayed to river they should not drink from the river. Allah (SWT) for guidance and Allah (SWT) But many of them drank to their hearts revealed that a farmer called Saul (Talut) content and were dismissed from the army. should be king over them and that Saul Saul believed that a small army that was will find his way to the people himself. loyal and obedient was better than a large army that was not prepared to take One day Saul (Talut) went in search of his orders. Saul continued on with a smaller lost donkeys and he reached the land of army of loyal soldiers. Prophet Samuel (AS). He decided to meet the Prophet and ask him about the lost Soon enough King Saul and his army came donkeys. As soon as Samuel (AS) set eyes face to face with the enemy led by a on Saul he immediately recognized Saul ruthless warrior called Goliath. Many of
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of Islam David and Goliath Prophets
Sarah Ikram
AS - alayhi salaam Upon him/her be peace SWT - subhanahu wa taala Glorious is He and He is Exalted
King Saul’s men ran away frightened and even fewer remained to fight. It was the custom of war in those days that the best soldiers from both sides should fight one-to-one in an attempt to settle the fight before a full scale battle. Goliath with his thundering voice challenged to fight the best man from King Saul’s army. There was silence from King Saul’s army. Saul offered his daughter’s hand in marriage to the man who volunteered to fight Goliath. A young man called David stepped forward. Saul said to him: “I admire your courage, but you are no match for that mighty warrior. Let the strong men come forward” (Ibn Kathir).
battle armour and felt it was heavy and restricted his movements. He took the armour off, filled his leather pouch with pebbles and began to walk towards Goliath.
So when he had crossed (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: “We have no power this day David was keen and tried to convince against Goliath and his hosts.” But those Saul of his courage, he explained that who knew with certainty that they were only recently he killed a lion and a bear to meet their Lord, said: “How often a by Allah’s Will (SWT). King Saul agreed small group overcame a mighty host and began to prepare David with by Allah’s leave?” And Allah is with the battle armour. David was not used to patient. [Qur’an 2: 246].
David said to Goliath: “Today you will see that it is not the sword that kills but the will and power of Allah!” (Ibn Kathir). He took a pebble, placed it in a sling and shot it at Goliath with great speed. Goliath was hit on the head with great impact and slumped to the ground dead before he could act. The rest of the opposing army became frightened. Saul’s army attacked the enemy and restored honour and power to the kingdom. David became a chief advisor to King Saul and was married to Saul’s daughter. Allah (SWT) also made David a Prophet and revealed to him the Book of Psalms. To be continued in Issue 15
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Al Mussawir the fashioner Allah (SWT) is Al-Khaliq the Creator, Al-Bari the Producer, and Al-Mussawir the Fashioner. It is Allah (SWT) who fashions everything into form with exact measure and shape. All of these names combined, point to Creation and the internal and external forms therein.
bend our knees, to run or the special characteristics in our lungs that enables us to breathe. Bestower of forms or colours denotes the completion of Creation. In light of this, part of human weakness is that we tend to admire our internal or external features with pride, forgetting that it is Allah (SWT) who bestows our forms.
come in the form of pride in ones own physical form and beauty. Allah (SWT) reveals Himself to mankind through his attribute Al-Mussawir; by showing His arrangement and balance in proportion in all His creations.
Like other attributes of Allah (SWT), the attribute Al Mussawir is a reminder to us about detachment; detachment from self glorification, which can
SWT – subhanahu wa taala Glorious is He and He is Exalted
Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Quran: He it is who has created for you all that is on earth, and has applied His design to the heavens and fashioned them into seven heavens; and He alone has full knowledge of everything. (Qur’an 2: 29) The word sawwarah implies giving definite form or colour so as to make a thing suited to a given object like the mechanisms that enable us to
Mankind can share in the attribute AlMussawir by striving to acknowledge the presence of Al-Musawwir in every existing thing, around us and within us. That is to say: upon reflection one comes to the conclusion and realisation that it is Allah (SWT) who fashioned me and when I bruise myself and my body heals, it is not by coincidence.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 Shanaz Ali
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Muslim Heritage Mariam al-Astrolabiya Muslim women in science have become leaders in their fields, receiving awards, earning patents and making contributions that further humankind’s knowledge of the world, and yet often we see through these women as if they do not exist.
So read on to discover Mariam’s contribution to your life.
One such woman was Mariam “Al-Astrolabiya” Al-Ijliya (944 – 967)
Mariam lived in the tenth century in Aleppo, Syria and in her own lifetime became a famous scientist who designed and constructed astrolabes.
When me and the editor of Fifteen21, Fozia Parveen decided that the Muslim Heritage article for this issue should be about Mariam Al-Ijliya, I began to do my research but unfortunately it hasn’t been easy as there is no information about Mariam’s life apart from the bare facts which I have managed to find. So a decision had to be made, I either write the article using the scarce details I had or abandon the article. As you are reading this article, you know the 10
decision I came to; I decided to write the article because I felt that there may not be vast amounts of information on Mariam but her story should still be told.
Mariam’s father was an apprentice to a famous astrolabe maker in Baghdad known as an Isterlabi and she in turn became his student.
What are Astrolabes? I hear you ask. Well astrolabes were global positioning instruments that determined the position of the sun and planets, so they were used in the fields of astronomy, astrology and horoscopes. They were also used to tell time and for navigation by finding locations by latitude and longitude. Muslims used them to find the Qibla, determine prayer times, and confirm the
beginning of each month, for example Ramadan. Essentially, an astrolabe is an old fashioned smart phone with a GPS built in.
Shabina Bi-Baroo
Her hand-crafted Astrolabe designs were so intricate and innovative that she was employed by the ruler of the city, Sayf Al Dawla, one of the powerful Hamdanid rulers in northern Syria who guarded the frontier with the Byzantine Empire in the tenth century. She will always be remembered in history for her genius designs. Mariam died at the young age of 23 but in her short life she made a contribution to civilisation that most people don’t make in lifetimes twice as long. Yet we know very little about this amazing and humble woman so the moral of the story is; we should strive to achieve the best we can in this lifetime in the hope that we might just make a contribution to the betterment of our communities. Even if centuries from now little is known about our lives, our names will echo with the same admiration as Mariam “Al-Astrolabiya� Al-Ijliya.
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Help! I’m a Teenager!
Khurram Azad
Time Together with the Family
(believe me in Scotland there’s no shortage of them!), museums, fairs etc. We have been to the north of Scotland, Paris, Barcelona and many other places. No matter where we went the most important factor was that we went together, being with my Mum, Dad and siblings has been a great blessing indeed. It’s sad that this is something that many Muslim families don’t do. I am sure there are many scenic places to visit where we live and with a bit of imagination (and of course a picnic!) a lot of good times can be had.
My parents have done what most parents do, teach ABC, help us with homework, teach us Islam, driving lessons etc. But what I find is that very few of my friends have had the experience of ‘family time’ quite Being out and about is not only good for family as much as me. So this article is about ways to spend relations it’s also good for our health. You can explore time with the family. the beautiful Creation of Allah (SWT). Indeed we are in awe of all that He has created. My Mum tells me the first holiday we went on as a family was to Scarborough (wow my parents really More recently it has come to my attention that certain went all out then!!). I don’t remember much as I was travel companies are offering ‘halaal’ holidays 3 at the time and my sister was 1. Our next family abroad, where the hotel and surrounding area is very trip was to... yes you guessed it, Pakistan, again I secluded and our mothers and sisters have the chance remember very little other than once I was back I to enjoy the weather, the pool and enjoy the beach. needed to be hospitalised due to diarrhoea! I will give my parents due in that they have always tried to give us different experiences by visiting different places. My family often have days out where we visit a country park, go to see a Castle
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Young Minds: Cannabis Psychosis Two million people in the UK smoke cannabis. Half of all 16 to 29 year olds have tried it at least once. In spite of government warnings about health risks, many people see it as a harmless substance that helps you to relax and ‘chill’ – a drug that, unlike alcohol and cigarettes, might even be good for your physical and mental health. On the other hand, recent research has suggested that it can be a major cause of psychotic illnesses in those who are genetically vulnerable. What is cannabis?
• Herbal cannabis – made up of the dried flowering tops and variable amounts of dried leaves - known as grass, marijuana, spliff, weed etc.
Most commonly, the resin or the dried leaves are mixed with tobacco and smoked as a ‘spliff’ or ‘joint’. The smoke Skunk refers to a range of stronger is inhaled strongly and held in the lungs types of cannabis, grown for their higher for a number of seconds. It can also concentration of active substances. The be smoked in a pipe, a water pipe, or name refers to the pungent smell they collected in a container before inhaling give off while growing. They can be it - a ‘bucket’. It can be brewed as tea or grown either under grow-lights or in cooked in cakes. a greenhouse, often using hydroponic (growing in nutrient rich liquids rather than soil) techniques. There are hundreds of other varieties of cannabis with exotic names such as AK-47 or Destroyer.
Cannabis sativa and cannabis indica are members of the nettle family that have Street cannabis can come in a wide grown wild throughout the world for variety of strengths, so it is often not centuries. The plant is used as: possible to judge exactly what is being used in any one particular session. • The resin – a brown/black lump, known as bhang, ganja, hashish, resin etc 14
How is it used?
More than half of its psychologically active chemical ingredients are absorbed into the blood when smoked. These compounds tend to build up in fatty tissues throughout the body, so it takes a long time to be excreted in the urine. This is why cannabis can be detected in urine up to 56 days after it has last been used. What is its legal status in the UK? Cannabis was re-classified in January 2009 and is now a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971. The maximum penalties are: • For possession: 5 years prison sentence or an unlimited fine, or both • For dealing/supplying: 14 year prison sentence or an unlimited fine, or both.
Young people in possession of cannabis
How does it work and what is the chemical make-up of cannabis?
A young person found to be in possession of cannabis will be: • There are about 400 chemical compounds in an average cannabis • Arrested plant. The four main compounds are • Taken to a police station called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol • Given a reprimand, final warning or (delta-9-THC), cannabidiol, delta-8charge depending on the offence. tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol. Apart from cannabidiol (CBD), After one reprimand, a further offence these compounds are psychoactive, will lead to a final warning or charge. the strongest one being delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol. The stronger After a final warning: varieties of the plant contain little cannabidiol (CBD), whilst the delta-9-THC • The young person must be referred to content is a lot higher. a Youth Offending Team to arrange a • When cannabis is smoked, its rehabilitation programme. compounds rapidly enter the • A further offence will lead to a criminal bloodstream and are transported charge. directly to the brain and other parts of the body. The feeling of being ‘stoned’ or ‘high’ is caused mainly by the delta-9THC binding to cannabinoid receptors in
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the brain. A receptor is a site on a brain cell where certain substances can stick or ‘bind’ for a while. If this happens, it has an effect on the cell and the nerve impulses it produces. Curiously, there are also cannabis-like substances produced naturally by the brain itself – these are called endocannabinoids. • Most of these receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception. Cannabis compounds can also affect the eyes, the ears, the skin and the stomach. What are its effects? • A ‘high’ - a sense of relaxation, happiness, sleepiness, colours appear more intense, music sounds better. • Around 1 in 10 cannabis users have unpleasant experiences, including confusion, hallucinations, anxiety and paranoia. The same person may have either pleasant or unpleasant effects depending on their mood and circumstances. These feelings are usually only temporary – although as the drug 16
can stay in the system for some weeks, the effect can be more long-lasting than users realise. Long-term use can have a depressant effect, reducing motivation.
• Depression
A study following 1600 Australian school-children, aged 14 to 15 for seven years, found that while children who use Mental health problems cannabis regularly have a significantly higher risk of depression, the opposite There is growing evidence that people was not the case - children who already with serious mental illness, including suffered from depression were not more depression and psychosis, are more likely likely than anyone else to use cannabis. to use cannabis or have used it for long However, adolescents who used cannabis periods of time in the past. Regular use daily were five times more likely to of the drug has appeared to double the develop depression and anxiety in later risk of developing a psychotic episode life. or long-term schizophrenia. However, does cannabis cause depression and • Schizophrenia schizophrenia or do people with these disorders use it as a medication? Three major studies followed large numbers of people over several years, Over the past few years, research has and showed that those people who use strongly suggested that there is a clear cannabis have a higher than average link between early cannabis use and risk of developing schizophrenia. If you later mental health problems in those with start smoking it before the age of 15, a genetic vulnerability and that there is a you are 4 times more likely to develop particular issue with the use of cannabis a psychotic disorder by the time you by adolescents. are 26. They found no evidence of selfmedication. It seemed that, the more cannabis someone used, the more likely
they were to develop symptoms. Why should teenagers be particularly vulnerable to the use of cannabis? No one knows for certain, but it may be something to do with brain development. The brain is still developing in the teenage years – up to the age of around 20, in fact. A massive process of ‘neural pruning’ is going on. This is rather like streamlining a tangled jumble of circuits so they can work more effectively. Any experience, or substance, that affects this process has the potential to produce long-term psychological effects. Recent research in Europe and in the UK has suggested that people who have a family background of mental illness and so probably have a genetic vulnerability anyway are more likely to develop schizophrenia if they use cannabis as well. Reducing Cannabis Use The Home Office recently published a guide on how to cut down and stop cannabis use. It suggests a range of
things you can do to successfully stop using, including: • drawing up a list of reasons for wanting to change • planning how you will change • thinking about coping with withdrawal symptoms • having a back-up plan. • joining a support group, for instance the on-line Marijuana Anonymous UK • talking to your GP or practice nurse. Where can I get more help and information? • Talk to Frank is an excellent website. You can order free information leaflets for different age groups, read real life stories of other people’s experience with drugs and get reliable factual information. Helpline: 0800 77 66 00 FREE . Use the search facility to get the contact details of organisations offering practical help and support in your area.
Royal College of Psychiatrists
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“Da’wah? How can I? I’m not an Aalim or Sheikh, I’m just a normal person!” - Sadly, this seems to be a common response amongst many Muslims on the obligation of Da’wah. April
Deed of the
Month Choose Guidance over Silence: Do Da’wah Michelle Blum
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Through studying Islam, using reliable resources and always referring to the Qur’an directly for guidance, all Muslims can provide Da’wah to our fellow brothers and sisters. If you are in the least bit of doubt, the Prophet (SAW) said, To clarify, Da’wah means a ‘call’ or ‘invitation’; “Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it which usually refers to invitation of non-Muslims were a single sentence . . .” (Sahih Bukhari, Book to Islam, as well as guiding Muslims to the true 4, Vol.56, Hadith 667). Our beloved Prophet understanding and practice of Islam. It is a (SAW) clearly told us that we have an obligation compulsory deed that every Muslim must partake to do Da’wah, even if we have knowledge of a in. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Holy Quran, “Invite single sentence from his teachings. This is a huge to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good responsibility, of which we should have no excuse instruction, and argue with them in a way that is for avoiding. best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing Unfortunately, some people also believe that of who is [rightly] guided” (Holy Qur’an 16: 125). they are not good enough Muslims to do Da’wah. Think again! The best way to improve ourselves Some people might interpret this passage as as Muslims, is to study Islam and provide clearly saying that only an Aalim or Sheikh good instruction to the people around us. It is can invite people to Islam because it specifies, impossible to promote Islam to others if we do not “wisdom and good instruction,” but I disagree. believe in practising it ourselves. So, “Let there Yes, I do agree that an Aalim or Sheikh may have arise out of you a group of people inviting to more Islamic knowledge than most ‘everyday’ all that is good, enjoining al-ma`roof (i.e. Islamic Muslims, but that does not mean an everyday Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to Muslim doesn’t have wisdom or a capability to do) and forbidding al-Munkar (polytheism and provide good instruction about Islam. disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are successful” (Qur’an 3: 104). By
actively engaging in Da’wah, we embrace Islam and, as a result, become closer to Allah (SAW), Alhamdulillah! On the other hand, we must also remember, “There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing” (Qur’an 2: 256). We can never convert
people by force. It will only come naturally, Therefore, be inspirational towards those when they can clearly see the right path to that do not truly understand Islam. Make Allah (SAW), on their own. efforts to remove misinformation and disinformation about Islam and Muslims So, can the ‘everyday’ Muslim do Da’wah? from the minds of those who have become Allah tells us, “And who is better in speech misguided. We have a moral and spiritual than he who (says: ‘My Lord is Allah obligation to guide each other towards (believes in His Oneness),’ and then stands Allah (SWT); patiently, respectfully and straight (acts upon His Order), and invites consistently. Do Da’wah; after all, one (people) to Allah (Islamic Monotheism), and simple ayah may guide someone on the does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one right path, inshaAllah. Allah (SWT) knows of the Muslims’” (Qur’an 41: 33). best.
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Following on from the last issue where you caught a glimpse of a workshop carried out at a Muslim girl’s school, I’d like to share with you one of the activities the young ladies took part in. The next page provides you with a worksheet. This is the “Current – New Transformed You” Worksheet. Gents, this is for you as well.
hobbies? Are you sporty? Do you engage in volunteer work? You are to complete two of these sheets. One which tells us about you currently and the second one which then looks at your future self. For your future-self worksheet, the information you will add is
It has been divided into sections relating to Profile: Your future bio different aspects of You! Here I explain the Super Power: the skills, strengths, talent different sections and what to do for each of you would like to acquire / learn them; Characteristics: What type of person you would like to become Green Circle: this is where you place Lifestyle: How you would want your your photograph (if you are okay with future lifestyle to be images) otherwise you can use words. Profile: Write a bit of a short bio about However, for your future-self worksheet, you yourself. A Mini-CV so to speak will still complete it in the present tense so Super Power: Here is where you write it sounds as if this is you currently and helps about your skills, your strengths and talents motivate your mind to believe it is true of Characteristics: What type of a person yourself now. This helps the mind and heart are you? What are your qualities? What is to become associated to your ambitions and your personality type? sub-consciously work to bringing about the Lifestyle: What are your current changes you would like in your life. Make
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Healthy Living Moving to Make Tomorrow Your Today 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 skilfully enjoying juggling family, friends, work and business between Birmingham and London.
your worksheets colourful if you wish, colours are known to motivate and affect moods positively. Add colourful images if you wish, many people are able to relate to pictures too. Use your imagination and use art to illustrate your future-self worksheet.
incorporate art, activities and discussion to help you become motivated and give you a starting place to focus on your future visions and ambitions. Materials are provided but bring your own colour pens and pencils as well – the more tools, the merrier! All you have to do is to write to us and tell us in no more than 200 words how your class or school would benefit from this workshop. Email letters@fifteen21.com For schools in London, the following date is available; Wednesday 29th May 2013
Don’t just rely on your heart and mind to do all the work, you have to have the will to do so too and remember from earlier articles, you have to make the first move before anything else falls into place. Now for the ladies: I am offering the chance for your school or class to win a free 3 hour Vision to Mission workshop where we will
Please ensure you have the agreement of your school and teachers before entering. Your school will have to agree to pay for travel expenses. The workshop and materials itself will be of no cost. To Your Success
Saira
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Dua. When In Difficulty
Hassan Rabbani
“O Allah, I hope for Your mercy, do not leave me for even the duration of an eye blink and correct my total condition. Besides You there is none worthy of worship.” Allahuma rahmataka arjū falā takilnī ilā nafsī darfata ainin wa asli sha’nī kullahū lā ilāha illā anta
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Stories of the Prophets (pbut) Book Reviews & Poetry Inspiring Role Models Muslim Heritage ...and much more!
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Muslim Role-Models Saddiqa Shan r e y la p ll a b t o fo e u g a e L r Premie
Thankyou for agreeing to be an avenue for an Asian girl to interviewed for Fifteen21 youth be exploring. However I was magazine, how are you? fortunate enough to have very supportive parents and family, Hi, I’m very well thank you they made it possible for me to continue my participation, and You play football at Premier recognised my potential from a Club level, which club do you young age. play for? This was really highlighted by I currently play for Solihull the efforts they made to take Ladies FC, and we play in me to various different trials the West Midlands Women’s and training sessions at clubs, Regional Premiership division juggling their own working lives and home lives around my As an Asian and a female in passion for football. sport, have you encountered any barriers and how did you Who is your favourite player, overcome them? past and present, and why? From my younger years I encountered many barriers and of course there was a lot of stigma and prejudice attached to girls playing football. A lot of people frowned upon it, as it wasn’t necessarily considered a girly thing to do, let alone
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Such a difficult choice to make but I would be inclined to say David Beckham, having played for my all-time favourite club, Manchester United. I feel he has a huge footballing talent and this is evident in his worldwide recognition.
That as well as the fact that he serves as a great ambassador for football, with his array of academies and coaching centres, affording youngsters the opportunity to participate and really get involved in the game. He is such a great professional, a role model and a footballing talent that I have always looked up to.
supported. As well as the prejudices associated with Asian girls playing football. Financial difficulties also made it all that bit harder in being able to take up the offer. An opportunity missed, that at the time just wasn’t meant to be.
at the time it would have to be my all-time favourite player mentioned above, David Beckham. An allrounder, with a great attitude to the world of sport and participation. His success in the footballing industry was key and what drove me to pursue my passion for the What is the best thing about living game. in Birmingham? Any advice for young people What do you study at university? The attractions and shopping who are interested in playing centres are definitely the best things professionally? I am currently studying Sports about living in Birmingham. There Therapy at Coventry University is always so much happening, and If you have a passion for something, so much to do, you could never find make sure you live it out. Take the You won a scholarship to study in yourself bored on a day off. stage, and take all opportunities America, an amazing opportunity, handed to you, you have to work why did you not take it up? MashAllah you are a great role hard for your success. If you want model to our readers, but who the best, you have to be the best, In 2008 I was offered a scholarship was your role-model when you and don’t ever give up! with a company called First Point were growing up? USA. However, I was unable to take up the offer. This was due to Thank you very much, I feel very a number of reasons, firstly the humbled by that statement. In terms logistics of being out in America of role models growing up, there as a young Asian girl on my own wasn’t much in the way of a fellow wasn’t really an idea that was Asian making the breakthrough, so support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine
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The shop before the challenge was a tiring experience, as we rushed around the aisles of ASDA trying to locate the cheapest food available. It was difficult swapping the food I wanted for food I would need for five days of survival. I felt miserable at the prospect of a week comprising of bland carbohydrates and pulses for protein. Of course, for some, that would be a luxury!
When I first signed up for Live Below the Line, a challenge to live on ÂŁ1 per day for food and drink for 5 days, I had no idea how much I could learn in this short amount of time.
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many worldwide. We are unable to even comprehend the hardships those in abject poverty face; some people I spoke to did not understand how anybody would find themselves living on this amount per day, as though they chose this life for themselves. This is a fate decided by where they are born and who their parents are, and yet it shapes their entire life. So many children grow up without the nutrition necessary for their brains and bodies to develop adequately. We have all been fortunate enough to benefit from this random allocation to a life, and so surely it is our duty to help those living in worse conditions.
As I struggled to cope with the substandard quality, I found myself eating not very much at all for day 1, and becoming incredibly lethargic as a result. Hunger made me cranky and worsened my concentration. I was unable to follow conversation at my friend’s birthday party, and had to miss As I put ice in my glass of water, people out on cake. would remark that surely a poor person wouldn’t have access to a freezer. Well, For the rest of the week, I minimised probably not, however, they would social activities because it was hard probably not be living in a good room being the only one not eating. When at university, or cooking their meals with I did see my friends, the conversations the facilities I have either. I experienced about why I was doing this made me the sensation of hunger, a tiny element reflect upon the injustices faced by so of what life in poverty is like. But their
hunger is relentless, and it shapes their life as a result.
we think. We can all make one change to how we shop, and benefit so many as a result. Whether it is buying ethically The sparse food budget has to be grown food, or making sure we never compensated for somehow, so food ends buy more than we need to eat, each of up taking a lot longer to prepare, or these changes has benefits that extend transform into something edible. This far beyond the act itself. My hunger is no secret, the ready meals we buy itself may not have been the most cost extortionate amounts of money significant thing, but if my experience compared to the raw ingredients has allowed me to reach out to 50 themselves. My appetite has reduced people, who are inspired to do their bit, considerably over this week, and it has then change will follow. made me realise that there is no need to eat to excess. We eat to the point of So, for each person reading this, share discomfort, whilst the poor struggle with the message with your friends. the constant ache of hunger. The official Live Below The Line week is I have always thought that there were 29 April – 3 May but you can do the so many things wrong with the world, challenge for any five days up until the that it would be impossible for me to do end of June. To find out more and sign anything to change them. As consumers up go to of food, we have a lot more control than www.madeineurope.org.uk/livebelowtheline
Sidra Hussain
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Are there any deaf students in your school? Have you ever chatted with them? Do they wear hearing aids or use sign language to communicate? There are 45,000 deaf children in the UK. The majority go to mainstream schools, where very often they are the only deaf person in their class.
it’s so simple!
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Being deaf Someone who is ‘deaf’ might not be able to hear anything or they might be able to hear less than other people. If you think about how it might feel to be unable to hear very well, you can see why clear communication is really important.
Some deaf people communicate using Compared to hearing teenagers, deaf sign language, while others read lips and young people are more likely to suffer speak, and some use a combination of from isolation, bullying and poor selfsigning and speaking. Whichever way esteem. In addition, academic attainment people communicate, nobody likes to miss levels for deaf children are lower than out on a joke or chat. they should be: although deafness is not a learning disability, 62% of deaf Try this! children are currently failing to get 5 GCSEs grades A*-C (including English Only 30% of words can be understood and Maths), compared to 31% of from reading lips with no sound or other children without special educational help. Without using your voice, mouth needs. these words and see if your friends can The National Deaf Children’s Society guess what you’re saying: (NDCS) is the leading charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for • Pat deaf children and young people. Here • Mat the NDCS shares some useful information • Bat and tips. See how hard it is to guess?
At School Schools are noisy places, with lots of chatter, scraping chairs and people running around. This can make it even more difficult for deaf young people to hear what’s being said, which can make them feel left out.
chat, including by text or writing things down - Check the person you’re chatting with knows what you are talking about
lesson plans and posters have also been created to help teachers engage teenagers and encourage discussions about deafness.
A lot of people think that chatting with a deaf young person will be difficult and they won’t understand them. But it’s really easy to chat to a teenager with a hearing loss once you know how. Help is at hand
For more information and to watch the NDCS has loads of tips to help you chat films, check out Look, Smile, Chat with deaf young people. There are short To improve understanding about deafness www.buzz.org.uk/looksmilechat, online films with simple tips to help you among teenagers, NDCS runs a campaign and share the link with your friends. You communicate more easily, as well as called Look, Smile, Chat, aimed at helping can ask your teachers to get involved too posters and information for your teachers. teenagers to understand what it’s like to by teaching the tips and playing the films be a young person who can’t hear well, in class. When chatting to teenagers who have and how to make communicating easy for hearing loss everyone. National Deaf Awareness Week The campaign features short films that 7th – 13th May – Get involved! - Turn to face them help teenagers understand what it might - Talk normally, don’t speak too slowly or be like to miss out on conversations or Kirsty Whitelock shout jokes, and gives practical tips to overcome National Deaf Children’s Society - Remember there are lots of ways to common communication issues. Dedicated www.ndcs.org.uk
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Make sure I know what you are talking about
What do you know about deafness?
Simple steps can make a big difference to deaf teenagers. F ind more tips at
www.buzz.org.uk/looksmilechat
T here are lots of ways to chat... e Onlin
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Have a go!
What do you know about deafness?
Simple steps can make a big difference to deaf teenagers. F ind more tips at
www.buzz.org.uk/looksmilechat
t y tex and b
Write it down
A Day in the Life of… Prophet Muhammed (saw) - A Man in a Monastery Meets a Man on a Mission After an exhilarating trip to Rome recently and attending the weekly General Audience of Pope Francis I in the Vatican (who, by the way, greeted us in front of 70,000 attendees and many more worldwide!), I found myself reflecting on some of the earliest, not-so-recent encounters between Muslims and Christians. Actually, it would probably be more correct to say that the first meeting with a Christian took place before our Blessed Prophet Muhammad (May Allah shower peace and blessings upon him) even began his mission of calling people to Islam.
“Abu Talib set forth for Syria and the Prophet (May Allah shower peace and blessings upon him) accompanied him in a caravan along with other elders of Quraish. When they reached the monk (Bahira), they came down from their rides. The caravan from Makkah slowly made They unfastened the saddles of their its way across the desert until it reached animals and this time, he (Bahira) came the edge of the city of Busra. Bahira, out to meet them, whereas before, they seated alone in his room, looked up from used to pass by him all the time, but he his books, and out across the desert. never came out and never paid attention Through the shimmering heat, he saw a to them. As they were unpacking their caravan approaching. Above it hovered saddles, he mingled among them until he a cloud. It seemed that the cloud was finally met and held the hand of Allah’s shielding someone from the sun. Bahira Messenger (May Allah shower peace and We know that the Prophet (May Allah watched as the caravan drew nearer and blessings upon him). He said, ‘This man shower peace and blessings upon him) stopped beneath a grove of trees. As soon is the leader of the creation. He is the spent much of his youth as a shepherd. as everyone was in the shade, the cloud Messenger of the Lord of the universe. Once, when he was around twelve years disappeared. Sayyiduna Abu Musa alAllah (SWT) has sent him as a mercy to the old, he accompanied his uncle Abu Talib Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) entire universe.’ on a business trip to Syria. On this journey, narrates: the Prophet (May Allah shower peace
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and blessings upon him) met a man called Bahira, also known as “Sergius the Monk”. Bahira was a Nestorian Christian priest who lived in a monastery in present-day Busra in southern Syria.
coming down the hill, there wasn’t a single “ Whiletreeyouorwere stone that failed to prostrate before him...
“
The elders of the Quraish asked him how he could say that and he answered, ‘While you were coming down the hill, there wasn’t a single tree or stone that failed to prostrate before him, and these two don’t prostrate to any human except for a true prophet. Indeed, I recognise him by the seal of prophethood on the upper bone of his shoulder, firm like an apple.’ Then he went away and prepared a meal for them. When he brought the food to them, the Prophet (May Allah shower peace and blessings upon him) had taken the camels to graze. Bahira said, ‘Call him.’ The Prophet (May Allah shower peace and blessings upon him) approached while a cloud was casting its shadow over him. When he came near the people, he found that they had taken places to sit under the shade of a tree. When he sat down, the tree bowed towards him and cast its shade over him. Bahira pointed out, ‘Look at the tree bowing to him,’…” (Narrated by al-
Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 3620). Then he asked the group, “Whose son is this boy?” The caravan members pointed to Abu Talib, saying, “He is his son.” Bahira said, “No, no, no, his father must be dead!” Abu Talib said, “You’re right, he’s actually my nephew.” Bahira advised that Muhammad (May Allah shower peace and blessings upon him) should be sent back home immediately. Abu Talib took the advice of this wise old monk and sent his nephew back to Makkah soon after. “You will certainly find that the closest of them in friendship with the believers (Muslims) are those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because there are priests and monks among them and they are not arrogant.” (Qur’an 5: 83) Mufti Niaz Hannan
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Discover Islam - Aliyah Moussavi Where are you from? Bradford Share some background information about your life?
getting the answers I was seeking I decided to revert with the help of my friend. It is the best thing I have ever done.
and felt as if I had seen the light because before everything to me was dark. I felt at last there was a meaning to life.
I truly believe Islam is the right religion Did you have support of friends and and I have finally opened my eyes to family? the truth. In hard times when I feel I have I was brought up in a family where my nobody to turn to I know Allah (SWT) will mother was a Christian and my father was I have not told my family yet as I’m afraid always be there. a Muslim. I have always been interested of what they might say or even do. I don’t in Islam. Me and my siblings were taught think my mother will cope well when I tell Since becoming Muslim what lifestyle about Christianity and always attended her as she’s always wanted me to have a changes have you made? church with our mother. Allah (SWT) knows church wedding. The time is not right for best why He wanted me to revert later on me to tell my family yet. I am happy and Since I have become Muslim I have been in life. love Islam but I am still learning about this eating halal food. I used to celebrate beautiful religion. When the time is right traditions such as Christmas with my I was curious and I just wanted to know Allah (SWT) will give me the courage to family. Giving that up has been hard why so many people were becoming tell my family. but I have now took to the Islamic Muslims. As I was growing up I didn’t celebrations like Eid which I love. I used to understand Christianity, I didn’t feel it drink alcohol and go clubbing; that was was the religion for me and as I got What was it like when you took your my idea of having fun but I don’t drink older I discovered so much more about Shahadah? anymore because I have found you can Islam. Reading stories about new Muslims still have a good time without alchohol. I inspired me to dig deeper and after When I took my shahadah I was so happy have realised since being a Muslim that 36
you should respect yourself and respect your body. I wear the hijab now and I love wearing it. No more tight clothes for me anymore because looking good is only for my future husband. I used to hang around with the wrong crowd that took me down the wrong path. I now have found new Muslim friends and the only path they are taking me along is the path to Jannah (Heaven) insha’Allah.
As a new Muslim, how do you find practising Islam? Everyday I am on the internet watching Islamic videos or I am reading books such as the Holy Qur’an or useful Islamic books. I download apps on my iPhone and these help as well and I like chatting with my Muslim friends so I ask them questions and sometimes we have
discussions on different things about Islam. Would you recommend other nonMuslims to read and look into Islam? Yes I would. It is a beautiful religion and it is also the Truth.
Interview by Bushra Hussain
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Nominate a Role Model! Over the past 14 issues Fifteen21 has showcased many inspirational role-models from the Muslim community in the UK. From youth activists like Neelam Rose, to Humza Yousaf, a trail-blazing young politician in Glasgow to Aisha Yasmin, a young aspiring designer from Birmingham hoping to make it big in the Big Apple! If you would like to nominate an inspiring role-model to be featured in a future issue of Fifteen21 please email us at letters@fifteen21.com with the following details;
e m a il N a l l m u E F e ls er / d b o m M u N le e o n n R o o h s r P e • p ct s a i t h n t o t ou b • C k n o w n ) a u yo s f i e ( r i p ins t s) a d r h o W 0w 5 • 1 x ma (
We look forward to receiving your nominations!
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Out on Friday 31st May 2013!
Organisation Profile Youth Parliament UK Thankyou for agreeing to be interviewed for Fifteen21 youth magazine, what does Youth Parliament UK do?
The Youth Parliament provides an opportunity for young people aged 12-18 to have a voice in our local and national democracy, with local elections, campaigns, referendums, a national manifesto and two annual sittings for the UK, one of which is held in the House of Commons.
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Where is UKYP based and do you work nationally?
Parliament to take evidence and make recommendations to Government.
UKYP staff are based in London and around the regions, but members of the youth parliament live and work as volunteers in their local communities, with the help of local authorities.
What do youth parliament members do?
What campaigns are you currently running? We are still campaigning on the most popular topic – safe, accessible and affordable transport which topped the public poll two years in a row. But this year we are campaigning for a Curriculum for Life in education. What is the Curriculum for Life? This is a call to review the curriculum to include more life skills as a right – such as sex and relationship education, citizenship, culture, and money skills. As well as asking Head Teachers to make a pledge to teach these, we have set up a Youth Select Committee in
They have to first get elected – taking part in hustings and campaigning on local issues. Along with youth councils we estimate over a million votes are cast for representatives. When in office (one or two years) they meet with local decision makers who want to consult young people or hear their views before making decisions. They will also try and promote positive stories about young people to the media. Find out more on www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk Would you like to see the voting age lowered to 16? Yes – both UKYP and its host charity the British Youth Council have been campaigning for a lowering of the vote for many years, to give us a say, and to ensure politicians pay more attention to young people’s issues.
Are there any success stories you could share with our readers, on the impact that UKYP has had? We have had many local successes with discounted transport schemes and improvements to local services. What further aspirations does UKYP have? To introduce a national travel discount scheme for buses, improve the quality of education and careers advice, address the negative stereotypes in the media, establish a national youth awards and recognition scheme in the media, and build intercultural relations with other youth parliaments around the world. James Cathcart Chief Executive Youth Parliament UK British Youth Council www.byc.org.uk
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The Astrolabe & Sacred Art Astrolabes were originally invented by the Greeks in 150BC, often attributed to Hipparchus. The word astrolabe comes from the Greek word astrolabos meaning ‘star taker’. Astrolabes have many functions, but all of them use the relationship between time and the movement of stars, as seen from a particular latitude on Earth. They are used in astronomy, navigation and astrology. During the Islamic Golden Age they were further developed to also be able to determine prayer times, the direction of the Qibla, and the beginning and end of the Islamic calendar months. Its many uses include locating and predicting the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. The earliest dated astrolabe is held at the London School of Oriental and African Studies, It dates from the early
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10th century, roughly the same time that Mariam Al-Ijliya, the famous astrolabe maker was born in northern Syria. The first person credited with building the astrolabe in the Islamic world is reportedly the 8th century mathematician Muhammad al-Fazari. It was the most popular astronomical instrument until about 1650, when it was replaced by more specialized and accurate instruments. The astrolabe was the popular computer of the ancient world, and Al-Sufi described one thousand uses of the astrolabe in the 10th century. It was used in Ancient Greece, the Islamic world and the European Middle Ages, right through the Renaissance period. In fact astrolabes were first introduced to Europe through Muslim Spain.
Art
Isl mic
Apart from serving technical purposes astrolabes were often engraved with ornate patterns making them not only an instrument of mathematical brilliance but also a work of art. In one of the images
shown, the positions of the stars are shown by • Holding model of universe in your hand pointers, in the form of decorative leaves. Mariam Al-Ijliya The astrolabe has form, either in the flat, circular or quadrant form, or as the celestial spherical form. There is also a process involved in making the astrolabe in addition to its many functions. The idea behind the astrolabe is to have the heavens in the palm of your hand to help you navigate your life. It has aesthetics normally in calligraphy, leaves, figures and animals. There is also a tradition attached to making an astrolabe from the construction of the mater to the ornate designs of the rete. How does it work? • Stereographic projection: 3-D image of night sky on flat surface • Select a Star e.g. Betelgeuse • Measure altitude with the dial • Find the star on the Rete • Rotate the Rete until the star is in line with the dial • Read off measure from Mater scale to find time
Mariam was born in Aleppo, in North Syria. She was born in 944 and died at the young age of 23 in 967. Taught by her father, Mariam became famous for her intricate astrolabe designs, and was commissioned many times by the Hamdanid rulers of the time to produce astrolabes fit for rulers. We don’t know a huge amount about Mariam’s life today but her memory survives from a time when women were almost unheard of in the public sphere. Astrolabes can be found in most museum collections around the country. You should try and visit to find out more about this invaluable device which was improved by Muslim astronomers and inventors.
Fozia Parveen
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Nasruddin’s Friendly Neighbour
FOOD for the
SOUL
“The tongue is like a lion, if you let it loose, it will wound someone.” Ali ibn Talib (RA)
Ehsan Khan
One day, for one reason or another, Mullah Nasruddin goes around to Rabbi Moishe’s house and asks if he can borrow a pot for a day or two. His neighbor knowing Mullah Nasruddin, is reluctant, but eventually agrees as they’ve been close friends for many years. The very next day, Mullah Nasruddin returns two pots and explains to the overdelighted Rabbi Moishe that the first pot gave birth to the second pot. A week later, Mullah Nasruddin asks Rabbi Moishe if he can borrow two pots. Rabbi Moishe immediately agrees – for the obvious reason. But to Rabbi Moishe’s dismay, Mullah Nasruddin never returns the pots, so he
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asks Mullah Nasruddin if he can have his pots back, but Mullah Nasruddin explains that tragically both pots have died. Rabbi Moishe is incensed. “How can a pot die?” he demands. “You believed it when a pot gave birth,” said Mullah Nasruddin. “Why should you not believe that a pot dies?”
Nominations have been announced!!! Following the outstanding success of nominations received for the MOMO Awards, MOMO proudly presents the finalists shortlisted for the MOMO 2013 Awards. A spectacular selection of artists chosen by the public have gone forward to become the possible winners of the prestigious MOMO Awards 2013 . The MOMO Awards hosted by GNA Academy, is a new global prize that will reward and celebrate the outstanding achievements of Muslims in the Music and Media industry from the UK and across the Globe, proving to be a groundbreaking global innovation which will receive recognition worldwide. The MOMO’s will be an orchestra
of talent synchronised through Music and Media, celebrating achievements and successes at an exclusive awards ceremony
We would like the momentum and great interest to continue and the public to come forward and vote. All the finalists have been listed on the MOMO website. By simply clicking on the link below the public can decide the future of artists from 19 different categories. http://www.momoawards.co.uk/
MOMO will announce the winners at the spectacular awards ceremony which will take place in November 2013. The final ceremony will be an extravagant and esteemed event; which will prove to be the first podium to bring recognition to Muslim Music and Media Artists.
Play your part in creating history, bringing Muslim talent to the forefront. Join the thousands who have voted already. “MOMO is the Orchestra of Harmony bringing Muslim Talent alive”
This final stage of the awards once again calls out to the public to decide who they would like to see win the MOMO Awards.
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Esharat Qureshi MOMO Awards 45
Masjids Around The World
Schwetzingen Castle Mosque
Built:
1780
Location: Schwetzingen, Germany This is one of the most peculiar mosques I have ever come across. The mosque truly belongs to a fairy tale such as the Arabian Nights. The pink mosque combines Moorish and traditional Islamic architecture. This mosque is the only surviving example of an 18th century garden mosque in Europe. What is even more intriguing is that the mosque was never intended to be used as a place of worship. So why was it built and why is it still called a mosque?
architect Nicolas de Pigage as part of the palace complex. Why would a non-Muslim build a mosque over 200 years ago?
Even though this mosque was built by a non-Muslim, the attention to detail is impressive. There is a dome in the centre with a smaller onion dome on top and two elaborately decorated minarets either side. The outer walls and ceiling are decorated with verses from the Holy Qur’an. The interior of the dome is decorated in beautiful The mosque is situated within the maroon and yellow tiles. grounds of Schwetzingen Castle in Germany. The castle was the It is said that Charles Theodore summer residence of Karl Philip wanted to make the best and and Charles Theodore who most beautiful castle gardens. ruled over the area of Rhine. The garden also had ponds and The mosque was built by French fountains. Maybe the mosque 46
was just a Foley to beautify and add an element of intrigue to the gardens? Maybe the mosque reflects the religious tolerance of the ruler? I have been unable to find why a mosque was built but it is impressive none the less that someone took great care in constructing a mosque in Germany in the 18th century. The mosque has been well preserved and is part of Germany’s history. InshaAllah one day it will be used as a mosque. I am sure western tourists will be impressed with the Islamic architecture and it may prompt them to learn about Islam. The fact that this mosque is still standing is a sign that Germany is tolerant towards different religious traditions.
Zeeshan Arif
book
REVIEWS
The Kite Runner Adapted into a film this novel is about survival, redemption and hope in the context of Afghanistan in the 1970s. The main plot line contains many juxtapositions and complex emotions through the eyes of a rich Afghani child Amir, during the Soviet War that led to many Afghanis including Amir and his father Baba to flee the country. But it
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wasn’t this event that changed Amir’s entire existence. It was the winter of 1975, the day of the kite flying festival, and what Amir witnessed that day had haunted him for the past 26 years. Plagued by old sins committed when he was a child, Amir goes on a journey of redemption, in an attempt to be atoned for his transgressions.
Powerfully written by Khaled Hosseini, this book is no doubt an uncomfortable book to read at times, the graphic vocabulary shocking and disturbing at times. However, overall the book is an absolute work of superior Alongside the story the reader is given modern literature. Hosseini’s use of a taste of Afghani language, culture characterisations and literary techniques and hospitality as well as an insight into allowed the curious readers out of us to the political turmoil Afghanistan went deconstruct and work out the meaning through during the 70s. In this context behind the vocabulary used. The use of Amir used this opportunity to escape his imagery was absolutely stunning; every demons not knowing that he would be written word had a hidden meaning haunted his entire life, having to face his behind it which made this such an past once again many years later. intriguing read.
The story also primarily revolves around Amir’s relationship with his father, Baba, who is described as someone who once wrestled a black bear in Baluchistan with his bare hands. The distance between the father and son creates hatred and jealousy in Amir towards Hassan, Amir’s best friend and the son of a slave, Ali who works for Baba. Baba treats Hassan like Amir, his own son, but this jealousy is a contributing factor to what led to the event in winter 1975. Not a book I would normally read due to its emotive nature and the darkness of those emotions but nevertheless Amir’s alter ego, Hassan, was
portrayed equally as heart-warming and pure which deepened the wounds and suffering the reader endures reading this novel. This novel is not all doom and gloom as I describe it to be. The childhood memories and the details of Pashtun poetry and culture as well as the incident Amir has when he stays in the US maintain the balance of the novel. However Hosseini gives an insight into the shocking crimes against humanity that occur in a war ridden country and makes you question; will history stop repeating itself? Why do we humans not learn from our mistakes?
Samina Kauser
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Thoughts of a Deaf Child
poetry 50
My family knew that I was deaf When I was only three, and since then fifteen years ago Have never signed to me. I know when I’m around the house, I try and use my voice, It makes them feel more comfortable; For me, I have no choice. I try, communicate their way Uncomfortable for me. My parents wouldn’t learn sign Ashamed or apathy? I never cared about the sound of radios and bands; What hurts me most is, I never heard My parents’ signing hands.
Stephen J. Bellitz
Ode to a Deaf Child . . . One day I saw a little child as lovely as a flower, She danced and ran, she jumped and turned ... I watched her for an hour.
For in this world of silence the hearing rarely go, Because they lack the picture words it never can be so.
This causes me to wonder about the world of sound, This child of God was all the things I’d want my own to be, What is it that we’re missing where the silence is profound? Magnificient of heart and limb a curiosity. And then I knew the answer, it suddenly was there But when God made this little one he didn’t give her sound, To live and love together means people have to share. He left her in silent world where quiet is profound. Thus in the world of picture words where pretty symbols A deep abyss, a lonely world, away from all who hear, flow, To never know the voice of man in happiness or fear. The meanings of I LOVE YOU are there for all who know. And as I watched her hands make pictures in the air, A silent unknown rhythm that I could never share.
And so I guess the world of sound will stay a world apart, Until it learns the picture words, it cannot share the same heart.
Philip A. Bellefleur
National Deaf Awareness Week 7th – 13th May – Get involved! support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine
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Recipes Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Serves 8
Nusayba Malik
Need: • 500ml semi skimmed milk • 500ml double cream • 100g caster sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract • 3 drops green food colouring (optional) • 200g chocolate chips or chopped plain chocolate
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Method:
Prep time: 5 mins
1. In a large bowl, stir together the milk, cream, sugar, salt, vanilla extract and peppermint extract until the sugar has dissolved. Colour to your liking with the green food colouring. 2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After about 10 minutes into the freezing, add the chocolate chips. After the ice cream has thickened, about 30 minutes later, spoon into a container, and freeze for 2 hours.
Extra time: 2 hours 40 mins
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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
of D he Story
T
•
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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