The Islamic Themed Papers
Are people of different cultural and religious backgrounds learning to live together in harmony? By Saira Niazi All my life I have lived in Tooting, one of the most culturally diverse areas in London. Walking down the high street on a busy Saturday afternoon I pass an array of vastly different shops, ranging from African Caribbean food joints and specialist Indian and Pakistani grocery shops to Polish general stores. Tooting is home to a number of religious institutes, mosques and churches, a Temple, we’ve even got a Sikh Gurdwara; evidently we are a community grounded by faith. Every morning on my way to the high street I pass two trolley homes. Transparent plastic sheets and cardboard boxes are placed shoddily over a disused Sainsbury’s trolley to form a makeshift dwelling and bizarre refuge for the occupants within. Stuck on the wall behind these homes are newspaper cut-outs and colourful handmade posters with a wide range of different messages on peace and harmony. There are also a few religious notes including; ‘Jesus loves you’, ‘Eid Mubarak’ and ‘Merry Christmas’. Inside lives a Caribbean woman and her young daughter. They are our local peacemakers who have nothing but misunderstood advice to offer humanity. I was once lucky enough to speak to the older woman, her name was Mary. She told me she had an epiphany from God at 2am down at the Broadway. She had been asked to set up a stable by the edge of a dusty road, to give up her material life and devote her time to bringing everyone together in this individualist society; to spread the calm. Tooting has its fair share of what can only be described as flamboyant eccentrics each drifting through the town, day in day out. It has its own unique set of characters, the blond dread-locked man who never seems to budge from his spot on the bus bench, the rambling old alcoholic, and the quiet hobbling giant. I live in an incredibly vibrant town, a town in which I feel the locals are integrated. Never have I waited at 1
the bus stop and not had someone strike up a conversation with me, the eastern European guy new to town, known locals, the old people who always have something to say about the weather. In recent years, however, I have seen my community change drastically. Tensions have risen and given way to racist attacks and vandalism fuelling mutual distrust amongst all parties. A few weeks ago an old Muslim man was attacked by a group of local youths. His subsequent death has been the cause of much distress and has led local Imams to plea with Muslims against revenge attacks. Since 9/11 there have been evident changes in community life, from an increase in police to unrelenting whispers surrounding phoney arrests. In these troubling times, many are asking the question, is integration possible?
VOLUME I, ISSUE 1 NOVEMBER 11TH 2009
Also in this weeks Issue Young Muslims gather for Peacemaking conference in Caux, Switzerland–Halima Khanom reports on the Art of Reflection. See page 3
Discussions at the conference Alchemy Of Happiness Arts and Culture Islamic Architecture Islamic Perceptions Cage Prisoners I-soc Low Down
pg 2 pg 3 pg 4 pg 6 pg 7 pg 8
Reflection of the Day... The Messages above the Trolley Homes
I’m a Pakistani Muslim. Three year ago I started wearing the headscarf and I feel that it hasn’t changed things much for me. I still meet new people and make the most of all the opportunities that come my way. In the past I’ve worked in BBC World Service offices, I’ve started up a writers’ group, attended pottery classes, sign language classes, children's illustration workshops and world crisis lectures. I’ve worked in diverse primary schools and busy pharmacies. Fellow classmates and colleagues have been from all walks of life, coming from countries such as Vietnam, Bosnia, Colombia, Korea, the list is endless. (Continued on page 2)
This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meaness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whomever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. Jalal ad-Din Rumi,
They all have something in common; they each take pride in their heritage and accept people from other backgrounds. We get along very well as we’re always learning about each other’s cultures and ways of life, hence integration happens. Within these small classes and work places over time we bond and learn to get along in harmony. I think one of the problems is that people have trouble breaking out of their cultural group into the wider world, perhaps they don’t integrate as they feel that they won’t be able to relate to one another.
What would a Muslim youth have in common with a Korean lady? You’d be surprised. Sometimes you’ll find you can relate to the most unlikely people. Maybe it’s something else, maybe people fear rejection or they stick to their own as they share the same beliefs and ideals as each other. I’ve been volunteering at a refugee centre for a long time now, and I find that people from the same countries stick together. This could be down to similar negative experiences and their high level of understanding of one another. Segregation in different areas around London is evident, go down to Peckham on a weekday night and you’ll see mostly African and Caribbean people around, or go to Southall and most of the population will be Asian. Read the newspapers and you’ll undoubtedly come across something very right wing and racist, something along the lines of ‘these bloody eastern Europeans are taking over the country’ or some more negative propaganda on Islam, something really scathing. The British National Party is said to be getting stronger, the number of people in support of them is on the rise, perhaps due to fear evoked through newspaper articles like these. Although there is segregation I would like to believe it is getting better- after all we’re all human. We all share the basics; flesh, blood, a unique mind. I think the only thing that is missing is empathy. If people 2
are to live together in harmony they’ll need to understand one another. Since coming to Goldsmiths over a year ago, I have found myself spending most of my time with other Muslims. Why? Perhaps because we are all treading the same path, we’re all searching for the same thing. Islam is a religion that transcends the boundaries of race, and age, gender and ethnicity. Muslims are all connected in a deep way, they live their lives based on the universal Islamic principles. Those following the real Islam are never separated, or divided, they hold no feelings of enmity in their hearts. You can see it when they pass each other on the streets with smiles on their faces, when they offer greetings of peace.
change in him, like that which transmutes base metals into gold, is not easily discovered, nor to be found in the house of every old woman. It is to explain that alchemy and its methods of operation that the author has undertaken this work, which he has entitled, The Alchemy of Happiness. Now the treasuries of God, in which this alchemy is to be sought, are the hearts of the prophets, and he, who seeks it elsewhere will be disappointed and bankrupt on the day of judgment, when he hears the words, "We have lifted the veil from off thee, and thy sight today is keen."
God has sent on earth a hundred and twenty-four thousand prophets to teach men the prescription of this alchemy, and how to purify their hearts from baser qualities in the crucible of abstinence. I think the solution is to extend this This alchemy may be briefly described good will to everyone, it should be as turning away from the world to God, adopted by both Muslims and non Mus- and its constituents are four: 1. The lims, then and only then will integration knowledge of self, 2. The knowledge of be possible and desirable. We will all God, 3. The knowledge of this world as need to reach out to one another unit really is, 4. The knowledge of the next afraid of receiving nothing in return. world as it really is. We need to let go of all this fear and anger and distrust and unite. After all The Knowledge of Self we are the children of the earth. The Alchemy of Happiness
Al-Ghazali
Introduction
Knowledge of self is the key to the knowledge of God, according to the saying: "He who knows himself knows God," and, as it is written in the Koran, "We will show them Our signs in the world and in themselves, that the truth may be manifest to them." Now nothing is nearer to thee than thyself, and if thou knowest not thyself how canst thou know anything else? If thou sayest "I know myself," meaning thy outward shape, body, face, limbs, and so forth, such knowledge can never be a key to the knowledge of God. Nor, if thy knowledge as to that which is within only extends so far, that when thou art hungry thou eatest, and when thou art angry thou attackest someone, wilt thou progress any further in this path, for the beasts are thy partners in this? But real self-knowledge consists in knowing the following things: What art thou in thyself, and from whence hast thou come? Whither art thou going, and for what purpose hast thou come to tarry here awhile, and in what does thy real happiness and misery consist?
KNOW, O beloved, that man was not created in jest or at random, but marvellously made and for some great end. Although he is not from everlasting, yet he lives for ever; and though his body is mean and earthly, yet his spirit is lofty and divine. When in the crucible of abstinence he is purged from carnal passions he attains to the highest, and in place of being a slave to lust and anger becomes endued with angelic qualities. Attaining that state, he finds his heaven in the contemplation of Eternal Beauty, You can purchase a copy of ‘The Aland no longer in fleshly delights. The chemy of Happiness’ at Play.com spiritual alchemy which operates this
The Fisherman One day a fisherman was lying on a beautiful beach, with his fishing pole propped up in the sand and his solitary line cast out into the sparkling blue surf. He was enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun and the prospect of catching a fish.
and let all your employees catch fish for you!" Once again the fisherman asked, "And then what will my reward be?" The businessman was red with rage and shouted at the fisherman, "Don't you understand that you can become so rich that you will never have to work for your living again! You can spend all the rest of your days sitting on this beach, looking at the sunset. You won't have a care in the world!"
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The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, "And what do you think I'm doing right now?"
About that time, a businessman came walking down the beach, trying to relieve some of the stress of his workday. He noticed the fisherman sitting on the beach and decided to find out why this fisherman was fishing instead of working harder to make a living for himself and his family. "You aren't going to catch many fish that way," said the businessman to the fisherman. "You should be working rather than lying on the beach!" The fisherman looked up at the businessman, smiled and replied, "And what will my reward be?" "Well, you can get bigger nets and catch more fish!" was the businessman's answer. "And then what will my reward be?" asked the fisherman, still smiling. The businessman replied, "You will make money and you'll be able to buy a boat, which will then result in larger catches of fish!" "And then what will my reward be?" asked the fisherman again. The businessman was beginning to get a little irritated with the fisherman's questions. "You can buy a bigger boat, and hire some people to work for you!" he said. "And then what will my reward be?" repeated the fisherman. The businessman was getting angry. "Don't you understand? You can build up a fleet of fishing boats, sail all over the world, 3
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My thinking had been opened wide in Mecca. I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I'm a human being first and foremost, and as such I'm for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole. Malcolm X But it wasn't sudden, you know, because if you had listened to my songs and if you actually followed my path, I was always searching. Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) I believe in the religion of Islam. I believe in Allah and peace. Muhammad Ali The sayings of Muhammad are a treasure of wisdom not only for Muslims but for all of mankind. Mahatma Gandhi I saw Islam as the correct way to live, and I chose to try to live that way. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The Beauty of Islamic Architecture By Safia Abdullah My local mosque is striking, not only in its beauty but presence. Situated on Kingsland Road, Sülemaniye Mosque is a building that depicts the growing Turkish Muslim community. The Mosque’s ceramic tiles of deep blue’s and glistening jades are of Ottoman influence.
It was only in writing this piece that I looked at the Islamic architecture as an expression of art, and not always one that centred specifically on religion, but craftsmanship. Islamic art has encompassed many areas from calligraphy to ceramics, but architecture has always been in a league of its own. These artistic structures can be seen in the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and the holy Mosque in Mecca.
Islamic architecture was transformed into man architecture, but developed it into something specifically Islamic. This something both religious and cultural. can be seen in the minarets, which reThe first artistic attempt of the Umayyad semble Roman corner towers. The many mosaics that cover the walls are dynasty is depicted in the Dome of the Rock, in Jerusalem. Built in 691 AD, this outstandingly precise, depicting palhas to be one of the holiest places in Is- aces and luscious landscapes. However for the Umayyads, the Mosque was not lam. Quoted in the Quranic verse of only a worship place, but evidence of Surah 17 Al-Isra’, the dome houses the their Islamic conquest. rock in which the Prophet Mohamed (pbuh)* ascended into heaven. The Umayyad architects created this building Western Islamic architecture took its to commemorate that event and create a own form, particularly in Spain. The Umayyad dynasty had taken control of shrine. Andalusia or Al-Andalusia, as it was called by the Arabs. This conquest had influenced the architecture to become both secular and religious.
The Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount
This is shown in the palace fort of Alhambra, Granada. Its intricate stone carvings mirror Arab influences, and the alcazaba (walled-fortification) that resembles many Christian buildings.
The mixture of the fruitful mosaics and the late Ottoman ceramic exterior does not depict a single living being, unlike ecclesiastical structures in Jerusalem, like the church of Holy Sepulchre. The Dome of the Rock became the template for Islamic architecture. It reflected the culThe Alcazaba of Alhambra Palace tures surrounding it, as well as the religious conventions. It’s the clever fluidity of the space, the interior that compliments the exterior; it’s as if the Arabs had never left. The courtyard spaces and receptions are tourist hotspots, similar to those found in Moroccan buildings.
The Holy Mosque in Mecca
The essential dome and minarets can be seen in many cities populated by Muslims. Historically, the Mosque had symbolised simplicity and the birth of a new religion. After the death of Prophet Mohamed (pbuh)* Islam spread throughout Arabia. The Umayyad dynasty was the second caliphate, after the death of the prophet. Originally from Mecca, the Umayyads had chosen Damascus as their capital, and extended Islam to Andalusia in Spain. It was under their administration that 4
The Great Mosque of Damascus
The influence of the Dome of the Rock is also seen in the Great Mosque of Damascus. Built in 706-715, the Mosque was initially the Roman temple of Jupiter. After the Islamic conquest of Syria, it was used as a worship place for both Muslims and Christians. Although under the Umayyad dynasty the building no longer served a dual religious purpose. The Umayyads were able to adopt Ro-
Alhambra Palace This palace has to be the Islamic jewel of Spain. The artistic approach of the Umayyad dynasty to architecture is one that depicts the tolerant nature of Islam. The way in which religion and culture had merged can be seen as a sign of respect and comfort for the surrounding communities.
The Art Of Reflection
Reflection has been an integral part of By Halima Khanom many religious and non-religious traditions. Reflection as a common pracSome may consider the fact that Mustice has been advocated by many tradilims are expected to pray five times a tions, such as Buddhism as a way of day to be onerous, particularly in the inner reconditioning by replacing 21st century when Muslims need to ne- negativity with the virtuous. Even gotiate praying, performing ablutions common activities such as meditation and wearing the correct dress in the age and yoga will incorporate reflection as of meetings, constant travel and deada tool to focus the mind to go beyond lines. It is, as many of my peers, Mus- daily stresses. For some, reflection lim and non Muslim would say, “a mis- requires being cut off from the daily sion,” however to say this you would be routine and a change of environment. ignoring the fulfilment and discipline prayer instils in our lives” could read This summer, I took part in the “how “Many of my peers, Muslim and nonto be a peacemaker” course at the IniMuslim, would describe this as “a mistiatives of Change. Cut off from the sion”, however, this ignores the discipline and sense of fulfilment that prayer previously defined necessities of television and surrounded by an atmosbrings to our lives.” phere of open discussion, reflection was inevitable.
Muslims praying in congregation
The primary reason why Muslims pray is to worship and to communicate with God; this may sound familiar to those who follow other monotheistic faiths such as Judaism and Christianity. However, it is easy to forget that prayer offers so much more. Prayer offers a time for reflection, contemplation and a time to just catch your breath from the lifestyle that we get caught up in. This allows the development of perspective on the struggles of daily life. That may mean thinking about those who are not as privileged as us. For example, those born into extreme poverty; those who do not have social security and are struggling in the US healthcare crisis and those who suffer as a result of the economic exploitation of many parts of Africa. It may mean reflecting on problems closer to home, such as financial struggles, terminal illness or discrimination. Either way, the perspective gained from this moment of contemplation allows us to look beyond trivial daily preoccupations such as: what’s for lunch? Shall I update my Facebook status now? Or what time will I get home today.” 5
It is important to understand the key issues young European Muslims face today. For example, some Muslim young women that I met during the conference, told me how in France, they have been barred from entering their lecture halls because they wear headscarves. Also, Muslims in the Netherlands facing discrimination due to politicians using Islamaphobia as a tool to foster electoral support.
Hijab ban demonstrations in France
Switzerland offered young European Muslims a chance to reflect on some difficult issues. For instance, Islamic fundamentalism and the role it plays in the identity of European Muslims or whether there is a role to be played or whether this is a misconception. Is one’s Islamic identity coveted more than one’s British identity? Well the simple answer to that is yes. How many people actually do identify with Islamic fundaView From Caux Palace, Switzerland mentalist actions throughout the world? I had always thought reflection was Or is it time to make a distinction bepart of my daily routine as I prayed tween the radical fundamentalists using five times a day, but I never really religion as a means to further personal took the time to just stop due to the goals and young Muslims drawing on hectic nature of life in London. It be- orthodox Islam to guide them religcame clear that a mountain range, nor iously, socially and morally without a prayer timetable were necessary for reference or thought to hijacked planes, reflection, but rather a clear mind and bombs and hostage situations. It can determination to alienate all other as- refer to projects aimed at young Muspects of life for a few minutes. lims trying to create networks across Europe, inter-faith dialogue and a better Reflection during our time in Switzer- understanding of Islam itself, particuland was designed to help the 50 Euro- larly to our Non Muslim neighbours. pean peacemakers from Islamic background think more clearly about physi- The next time I have the pleasure of cal, ideological and emotional attack getting a seat on the packed bus, I will on Islam worldwide. use even those 20 minutes to think about all that I don’t otherwise get to To move beyond what we already think about. Getting onto the number 25 know and understand to gain a more bus route the other day, I was able to wholesome outlook. I may not have agreed with government initiatives to forget about the extortionate bus fares, “Prevent Violent Extremism” however the health hazards associated with the I do understand the need to take into bendy bus, even the stressful scramble account all views, not in the name of to get on, and reflect. For more inforplurality but rather of understanding. mation visit, www.uk.iofc.org
Islamic Perceptions What is Islam?
The word means submis-
sion to Allah (God) , and
by Ijabo Ahmed
Did You Know…
All Muslims are not Ar-
abs. In fact, Arabs con-
Jihad? This a word that has given rise to many
the root meaning of the
stitute only 20% of
problems within the Mus-
which means peace.
donesia has the largest
wider society. It came to
thing that submits itself to
more than 120 million
historians during the
word comes from salaam ‘Muslim’ is anyone or anythe will of God.
Pillars of Faith These pillars are the
Muslims worldwide. InMuslim population of
There are Muslims in and from virtually every
country in the world.
jihad. Ethnic Uighur Muslims
hammad ( peace be
Islam has 1.5 billion follow-
messenger of Allah.
and Christianity it is
five daily prayers which
three Abrahamic relig-
are: Fajr, Duhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha.
Zakat- Paying charity
every year equivalent
to 2.5% of annual savings.
Saum- Fasting during the month of Ramadhan.
Hajj- Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a person’s lifetime.
derstood to mean ‘holy
- ul muqhadas’ and not
Shahadah- This is to
Salah- Performing the
12th centuries. It was un-
word for holy war is ‘harb
lim’s life.
upon him) is the last
Crusades of the 11th and
However, the Arabic
important part of a Mus-
of Allah and that Mu-
be known by European
Empires of the time.
and are therefore a very
proclaim the oneness
lim community and the
war’ fought by the Muslim
building blocks of Islam,
6
I-Coloumn
ers, along with Judaism considered one of the ions.
Muslims believe in all the Prophets of old from
Adam to Jesus. These prophets were Muslims
who submitted their wills to God.
‘Shirk’ which means associating partners with Allah is one of the major sins in Islam.
So, what exactly does
this word mean? The basic meaning of Jihad is to struggle and to strive, so every day is a struggle
against oneself. We are all experiencing this process of Jihad at some point,
whether it is struggle towards an examination or an interview for a job. It
first begins with the self, struggling against one’s
own evil inclinations. Jihad can also be a way of fighting injustice and oppression.
Prisoner of the month:
Haleema Hoque
His crime: "If the construction of a mosque where prayer can be performed to God or the digging of a well for the thirsty people to drink water or the supply of hungry people with food are the sins that make me a detainee, then I willingly accept my detention." --Fayiz al-Kandari
How Tipton Taliban inspired were always playing tricks on the Guantanamo Bay guard to be- guards and the interrogators. I had all the freedoms they didn’t, but I was a come a Muslim
Edward Chadwick (Sunday Mercury) A FORMER Guantanamo Bay guard has revealed how he turned from a beer -swilling American soldier into a devout Muslim after being inspired by the Midland men dubbed the Tipton Taliban. Terry Holdbrooks, who grew up in Arizona, says he renounced his life of heavy metal music and tattoos for Islam after seeing Shafiq Rasul, Asif Iqbal and Ruhal Ahmed deal with their twoyear incarceration at the Cuban terror camp.
The close friends from the Black Country town were tortured and interrogated at Camp X-Ray after being snatched by rebel Afghan forces and handed over to US troops. They were among the first men to be locked up without a trial at the notorious camp in 2002 and became known as the Tipton Taliban. They were finally released without charge after being denied answers and representation for their alleged crimes. Holdbrooks, who has now changed his name to Mustafa Abdullah, recounted watching the trio put aside their plight to laugh and joke during their nightmare behind bars. He said: “The Tipton Trio 7
What can you do for others still imprisoned:
slave to what the army wanted me to do.” Holdbrooks was just 19 when he -Make Dua/ Supplication was posted to the makeshift jail at a US -Donate to organisations like naval base on Cuba. Cage Prisoners Ltd -Write to the prisoners, one He claims to have been converted to of the cruel techniques used Islam at a midnight ceremony by a is isolation, visit the website mentor, who was not one of the three Tipton men. After leaving the army in for addressee and instructions 2004, he now claims to be a strict practising Muslim. His transformation will www.cageprisoners.com be revealed in full in a memoir called Traitor to be published next spring. Mr Hadith Rasul, now aged 32, and 28-year-olds Mr Iqbal and Mr Ahmed had travelled In the Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is narrated from Abu Huraira to Pakistan for Mr Iqbal’s wedding in September 2001 before their nightmare that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began. They crossed into Afghanistan said, “A Muslim is the brother of a the following month, intending to buy Muslim. He does not wrong him, forfood and medical supplies for villagers sake him or despise him.” Imam Nawas the prospect of another war in the troubled nation loomed. But as the dan- awi commented on this hadith in Sharh ger of their situation became apparent, Muslim (16/120) saying, “the scholars said “forsaking him is leaving him the men’s attempt to escape failed when they were caught in shelling. when he is in need and despising him They were treated as prisoners by the means, if he asks for help to remove an local militia and ended up being handed evil in his life, he must help him if he over to American special forces. After can and if he does not have a legitimate being flown to Camp X-Ray they were quizzed by FBI and MI5 officials up to excuse not to”. 200 times each. Claims were made that the three men had been filmed in the background of a video featuring a meeting of al Qaeda head Osama bin Laden and Mohamed Atta, the leader of the 9/11 hijackers shot in August 2000. Mr Rasul was, in fact, working in a branch of the electronics store Curry’s, and was enrolled at the University of Central England. March 2004 finally brought an end to the ordeal of Mr Rasul, Mr Iqbal and Mr Ahmed but they have since faced a long struggle to rebuild their lives.
Ibn Rajab said in Jami Al-Ulum Wal Hukum, (p. 333), “by this, a believer forsaking his brother, it means that the believer is commanded to help his brother as the Prophet (PBUH) said, “help your brother, whether he is the oppressed or the oppressor”. He was asked, “O Messenger of Allah, help the oppressed but how do I help the oppressor?” He said, “by preventing him from oppressing. This is how you help him”. Narrated by Anas.
What’s to come this year! Charity Week Annual Eid Dinner Discover Islam Day
An Islamic themed talk given by a fellow student. Be inspired! Increase your knowledge! Open to all females; Muslim and non-Muslim Mondays 2-3pm
An afternoon of presentations and discussions based on anything Islamic, from political issues, current affairs to book reviews. A great place to make new friends and there are free snacks to boot! Open to all females!
Taught in a very patient and encouraging manner. Starting from Surah Naziat; Juz Amma! 12-1 every Tuesdays.
Weekly sports session in the upper gym for sisters, a choice between football and basketball. For information on times and venues email us at sisters.goldisoc@gmail.com
A great opportunity to improve your recitation of the Quran
Stay active and make some new friends. For more info about brothers activities and classes email; gcisoc@hotmail.com/ info@goldisoc.co.uk
Contact details Saira Niazi saira.goldisoc@gmail.com (editor) Ijabo Ahmed ijabo88@hotmail.com –Islamic Perceptions Halima Khanom halimakhanom@hotmail.co.uk—Reflections from Switzerland Safia Abdullah safia90@hotmail.co.uk –The Beauty of Islamic Architecture Haleema Hoque ps702hh@gold.ac.uk –Cage Prisoners A special thanks to Aisha Phoenix for all her help and support. 8