Islamic Focus Issue 120

P10 Shia Politics

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P10 Xenophobia

222 3 - 11 10

P9 Vasco Da Gama

I S SN

P8 Learn Arabic

9 7 7 2 2 2 3

P4 Simple Words

P12 The Wasp Bukhara Publications/Tel: 078 672 7797/Fax: 086 651 2125 Email: islamicfocus@gmail.com/Malabar/Port Elizabeth

The worldwide trend is to aim for increase in speed. Is this a good thing?

DEVIL SPEED “Calmness and patient deliberation is from Allah and haste is from Sa tan.” (Tirmizi) Our food is increasingly becoming instant and with that comes attendant health problems. A myriad of sicknesses find their root in the chemicals added into food to ensure faster production.

Communication is instant and with it the issues of a flood of hoaxes, unverified information and the like: "A person utters a word thoughtlessly (i.e., without thinking about its being good or not) and, as a result of this, he will fall down into the fire of Hell deeper than the distance between the east and the

Islamic Focus

Issue 120

Igniting the Spirit of Islam Apr 2015

west." (Bukhari) Marketing is designed to tempt us make impulse buys and part with our money with such speed that we spend it before actually having gained it. Shopping is now the draw card for holidays overseas and billions are being invested in advertising and shopping malls: “The most beloved places on Earth to Allah are its mosques, and the most despised places on Earth to Allah are its markets.” (Muslim) ANGELIC SPEED So the default is to take ones time, weigh the pros and cons and deliberate before doing things, except in situations where Islam encourages being quick. Among these are: Burial:

The hadith singles

out burial as an act which should be done as quickly as possible. “When anyone dies then do not hold him back, and hasten him to his grave.” (Tabrani) Paying Debts: “Delay in payment on the part of a rich man is injustice/ oppression.” (Bukhari) The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam emphatically ordered a Sahaabi to pay his debt he owed to a Jew which in today’s terms amounted to a small sum of around R80.

Good Deeds: When the impulse to do a good act strikes, act on it as quickly as possible. The Quran uses words like “hasten”, “race” and “flee” in encouraging good deeds.

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WORLD NEWS

YEMEN - A Shia rebel artillery strike killed 40 people at a refugee camp in northwest Yemen. A Saudi Arabian-led coalition has been targeting Shia Houthi rebels across the country in support of Yemen's president. Saudi naval forces have begun blockading Yemen ports to stop the movement of rebels and to prevent them bringing in arms. Rebel forces shelled the town of Daleh. There was also heavy fighting in Aden after rebels pushed into the city's northeastern suburbs. Shia power Iran is backing the rebels, adding to its support of other Shia groups causing unrest in Muslim lands. (BBC, 30 Mar) SYRIA - Syrian Sunni freedom fighting groups Ahrar al-Sham, Jund al-Aqsa and Nusra Front took control of Idlib, the second provincial centre to fall into liberation force’s hands, after Raqqa was seized by Islamic State. Syria's civil war, which began four years ago, has killed more than 200,000 Syrians and displaced 11 million as Shia Iran continues to support the brutal regime of Bashar Assad. (BBC, 28 Mar) IRAQ - Iranian-backed Shia militia in Iraq are leading the operation to recapture Tikrit from Islamic State fighters. US has given support to the Shias with air strikes. The operation to retake Tikrit had stalled. The city fell to Islamic State last June. (BBC, 26 Mar) KASHMIR - 15 killed in landslides following floods in Indian-occupied Kashmir. 200 families have been evacuated after torrential rain and a surge in the water level of the Jhelum river. (BBC, 31 Mar) BANGLADESH - A blogger has been killed in Dhaka for anti-Islamic writingd, a month after a prominent

atheist writer was killed in a similar attack. Two students at an Islamic seminary were arrested. (BBC, 30 Mar) INDONESIA - A new law banning the sale of alcohol in small shops has come into force in Indonesia.

Alcohol can still be sold in supermarkets, hotels and food outlets, but 70,000 local stores will no longer be allowed to stock it. The government says the restrictions are necessary to protect young people in the Muslim-majority country. Two Islamic parties proposed going even further by outlawing alcohol altogether. (BBC, 16 Apr) YEMEN - Fighters from al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) have seized an airport in southern Yemen. AQAP has exploited the chaos gripping the country, overrunning Mukalla earlier this month. A Saudi-led coalition has been bombing Shia Houthi rebels, who have been advancing across the country. The Houthis swept into the capital Sanaa, forcing the President to flee abroad. AQAP fighters have also taken control of a sea port and an oil terminal in southern Yemen. (BBC, 16 Apr) IRAN - Iran suspended flights for pilgrims to Saudi Arabia after an alleged sexual assault of two Iranian boys. This deepens tensions between the two countries. They are currently at odds over the conflict in Yemen, where a coalition led by Sunni Saudi Arabia is carrying out air strikes on Shia Houthi rebels, who are receiving military assistance from Iran. Hundreds of people protested outside the Saudi embassy in Tehran and demanded that Iran "end Umrah". (BBC, 13 Apr)

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She was one of the greatest Faqeehah (woman-scholar of Islamic Jurisprudence) of her time. She was renowned for her grounded knowledge of Hanafi Jurisprudence and was the daughter of the great scholar and jurist, Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Abu Ahmad Ala' al -Din al-Samarqandi, whose book ‘Tuhfat al Fuqaha’ is well-known by the scholars. Not only did she learn Fiqh from her father, but she memorised his book ‘Tuhfat al Fuqaha’.

Being a jurist in itself is no small matter; one needs to be well-acquainted with the Qur’aanic verses, ahaadeeth of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and the principles of the Madhab they wish to base their ruling on. Further they need to have knowledge of the circumstances and needs of the contemporary world. Her knowledge was such that it exceeded her husbands, who would consult her for her opinions, especially when he erred in passing a fatwaa.

She married Alaa’ al Din Abu Bakr ibn Mas’ud al-Kasaani, who was a highly distinguished scholar. Before her marriage, Fatimah used to issue fatwas along with her father, and the fatwas would be written in her handwriting and that of her father. After she married, the fatwas would appear in her handwriting and that of her father and her husband. Her husband would make mistakes, and she would correct them.

Here are some of the blessings for a Muslim in the difficulties he or she faces in life: Sins Any Muslim who experiences any hardship, discomfort, worry, sorrow, grief, or distress, even a thorn prick, Allah Ta’ala will make it an atonement for his sins. (Bukhari) Do not curse fever, for it removes the sins of mankind in the manner in which a furnace removes rust from iron. (Muslim) Paradise Allah Ta’ala says: When I afflict my servant with regard to his two beloved possessions, and he then exercises patience, I will grant him Paradise in exchange for them. (A person’s eyes are meant here). (Bukhari) Continued Good If a Muslim is afflicted with a bodily affliction (illness, etc), it is said to the angel (who records his good deeds): continue recording the good deeds he used to do is his state of good health. If Allah grants him recovery, He will cleanse him. If Allah grants him death, He will forgive him and have mercy on him.” (Sharhus Sunnah) Magnificent Reward When the afflicted ones are rewarded on the Day of Judgment, the healthy ones will wish that their skins were cut with scissors in the world (so that they may also attain the same rewards). (Tirmidhi)

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HISTORY/HADITH

Fatimah bint Muhammad ibn Ahmad

SUNNAH / HISTORY

Abdullah al-Qaffāl al-Marwazī was the unparalleled scholar of his era in knowledge. He began his study of jurisprudence at the age of 40 after this incident: Al-Shāshī designed a lock and key weighing 0.5g. People were impressed due to which he gained fame. The news reached Abū Bakr alQaffāl, so he prepared a lock and key the weight of 0.125g. Although people were impressed, he did not gain fame as did the former.

He told his friend, “Al-Shāshī prepared a lock weighing which became the talk of the town, while I prepared a more marvelous one yet no one even mentioned me!” His companion said, “Fame is acquired through knowledge, not by making locks!” He was so moved by these words that he began his pursuit for knowledge.

Imām Abū Hanīfah rahimahullah said: One day I passed by al-Sha’bī. He called me and asked, “Whom do you frequent?” I said, “I frequent the marketplace”. He said, “I was not referring to your frequenting the marketplace; I was asking about the scholars whom you frequent.” I told him, “I hardly go to them.”

He said, “Do not be negligent. You must pursue knowledge and seek the companionship of scholars because I see within you diligence and competence.” I was so moved by his words that I stopped frequenting the marketplace and began my journey for knowledge.

Never underestimate the impact of words of encouragement towards good.

Islam teaches that skin colour is no barrier.

Here’s a sampling of Sahaba of African/black origin: Abu Bakrah radhiallahu anhu: Former slave.

His sons grew to be very influential and wealthy in Basrah Saalim radhiallahu anhu: Freed slave of Abu Hudhaifah radhiallahu anhu, and an expert Qari who used to often lead the Sahabah in Salaah. He held the standard in the Battle of Yamamah and was martyred there Shuqran radhiallahu anhu: Abyssinian slave potentially purchased and freed by Nabi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Served Nabi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and played a role in his burial Muhja radhiallahu anhu: Muhajir who was the first Muslim martyred in the Battle of Badr.

Yassar al Aswad radhiallahu anhu: Used to clean the Masjid of Nabi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam who praised him as one whom Allah would use to defend the people of the earth.

Ayman al Habshi radhiallahu anhu: Son of Umm Ayman and half brother of Usama bin Zaid radhiallahu anhum. Martyred in the Battle of Hunain Anjashah radhiallahu anhu: Camel driver for Nabi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam who had a very sweet voice Asim al Habashi radhiallahu anhu: Servant who was named personally by Nabi sallallahu alaihi wa sallam.

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From various Ulama

www.shafiifiqh.com Q: Is it permitted Islamically to perform cosmetic surgery to correct a birth defect? If not, will the surgeon be equally culpable in the eyes of Shariah?

A: The Shar'i position on cosmetic surgery depends upon the motivation for undergoing such surgery. When the patients decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is motivated by reasons which are recognized as valid by the Shariah, surgery will be regarded as permissible. If the motive for undergoing cosmetic surgery is one that is in itself disallowed by the Shariah, the surgery would be deemed unlawful.

1. Cosmetic surgery performed in order to correct unusual physical and functional deformities. Deformities of this kind are usually such that they cause pain and discomfort, either physical or psychological, to the patient.

Cosmetic surgery done for the purpose of enhancing physical beauty through altering features of the face or body that are perceived to be unattractive, will be unlawful.

Q: What is the shafi ruling on using synthetic alcohol in food products like ice cream, biscuits etc?

A: The fact that alcohol is synthetically produced is of no consequence in determining whether or not it is khamr (unlawful alcohol).

That fact is to be determined simply through the presence or absence of the quality of iskar (bringing about intoxication).

Scholars have ruled that the presence of khamr in medicinal compounds is overlooked when two conditions have been met: a need for the medicine, and obliteration to the point of untraceability of the khamr.

2. Cosmetic surgery performed upon a normal face or body. This would include surgery performed for the purpose of altering apparent or conventional unattractiveness.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery

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is lawful and permissible when it is done for the sake of correcting abnormal or unusual deformities.

Alcohol was used in medicine, not as a primary ingredient intended to intoxicate, but as a solvent intended to bind ingredients into a single

substance. The same is true for its use in composite foods today.

It is true that most composite foods are not necessities.

As such the element of need cannot be invoked. However, alcohol, specifically ethanol, as a solvent has a very widespread presence, not only in composite foods but in many other substances with which people commonly come into contact: dyes, paints, inks etc. The factor of need of such substances is thus replaced by the element of common affliction. Both these factors create exception from the rule.

The second condition of untraceability is satisfactorily met in that the alcohol content tends to be a very small fraction of a percentage.

In light of the above we are persuaded that the consumption of foods in which ethanol has been used as solvent, and remains in microscopic quantities, is permissible.

Should the solvent happen to be any alcohol other than ethanol, it is permissible without having to resort to the rule of exception.

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

SHAFI Q & A

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

HANAFI Q & A From various Ulama

www.askimam.org | www.askmufti.co.za | www.daruliftaa.net Q: Is there any concrete evidence which states that Prophet Yusuf (alaihis salam) married Zulekha?

A: According to some commentators, when Qitfīr (Potiphar), the husband of Zulaikhā passed away, the king of Egypt arranged her marriage with Yūsuf (‘alayhis salām). Furthermore, according to other narrations, they were blessed with two sons, named Afrā’thīm (or Afrā’īm) and Manshā.

However, although there are certain historical evidences that prove to show that Yūsuf (‘alayhis salām) married Zulaikhā, we are unable to ascertain or deny such information.

Nevertheless, it is best not to delve in such issues as it does not relate to our fundamental beliefs as Muslims, nor to any obligation of Shar‘īah. It is best to focus on matters which will benefit us in this world and in the hereafter.

And Allah Ta‘āla Knows Best Q: Can we read the English translation of the Quran and which does not have any Arabic Quranic verses during our menstrual cycles? And can we do zikr of memorized surah during menstrual cycle?

A: In essence, an only English translation of the Quran in which there is no Arabic is not permissible to publish.

Furthermore, there is conIslamic Focus

sensus of all the Fuqaha (jurists) on this.

The following points should be taken into consideration.

It is not permissible to recite the Quran in the state of Janabah (impurity), regardless of whether the state of uncleanliness be due to sexual defilement, or menstrual/ post partum bleeding.

The child should not take up the name of the parents who have adopted him. His lineage should be separate and not joined with the parents.

He should keep the name of his biological father if the biological father is known.

If a woman has memorized the Quran, and there is fear of her forgetting the Quran, due to not being able to recite during the menstrual period, then she has two options: a) She may use a cloth to hold the Quran and recite in her mind without moving her lips. b) She may listen to someone reciting the Quran, or she may listen to a CD recording of the Quran.

Q: 1. Can I sell my plot to a bank?

2. I deal in importing kitchens. Can I sell kitchens to a banker if somehow I get to know that buyer is a banker? What if I don't know that buyer is a banker?

A: 1. It is permissible to sell a plot of land to the bank.

2. It is permissible to sell goods to a banker.

Q: Is it permissible to adopt a child in Islam? Do the rules of hijab apply when one has adopted a child? Also, is inheritance and other issues the same as with a biological child?

Strict observance of hijab should be done when the child reaches the age of puberty. The hijab is between the mother and the child if it is a boy and between the father and child if it is a girl.

The method to avoid this is to adopt the child in infancy and the mother breastfeeds the child. In doing so, they will become the foster parents and hijab will not be necessary. Nevertheless, breastfeeding will still not make him a real son and his lineage will still be separate.

The adopted child will not inherit from the adoptive parents. The adoptive parents are allowed to bequeath onethird of their wealth to the adopted child in their will if they wish to do so.

The child may be adopted from any ethnicity group.

When the child is old enough to understand, he should be informed with wisdom about the reality of the issue. Special care should be taken in ensuring that the foster parents do not cause any emotional harm to the adopted child when addressing such sensitive matters.

A: It is permissible to adopt a child according to Shari’ah.

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course to understand Quran in Arabic http://www.alminbar.com/- Khutba re-

sources http://www.doamuslims.org/ - Docu-

menting oppression against Muslims http://rabetah.org/ - Rabetah Al-Ulama

Al-Islamiyyah (Institute of Islamic Scholars). Official website of the Ulama of Batley, UK. Established under patronage of Moulana Yusuf Motala http://www.passionislam.com/

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A wise old gentleman retired and purchased a modest home near a junior high school. He spent the first few weeks of his retirement in peace and contentment.

Then a new school year began. The very next afternoon three young boys came down his street, beating merrily on every trash can they encountered. The crashing percussion continued day after day, until finally the wise old man decided it was time to take some action.

The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the young percussionists. Stopping them, he said, "You kids are a lot of fun. In fact, I use to do the same thing when I was your age. Will you do me a favor? I'll give you each a dollar if you'll promise to come around every day and do your thing." The kids were elated.

After a few days, the old-timer greeted the kids again. "This recession's really putting a big dent in my income," he told them. "From now on, I'll only be able to pay you 50 cents."

The noisemakers were obviously displeased, but they did accept his offer and continued their afternoon ruckus. A few days later, the wily retiree approached them again. "Look," he said, "I haven't received my Social Security check yet, so I'm not going to be able to give you more than 25 cents. Will that be okay?"

"A lousy quarter?" the drum leader exclaimed.

"If you think we're going to waste our time, beating these cans around for a quarter, you're nuts! No way, mister. We quit!" And the old man enjoyed peace and serenity for the rest of his days.

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INTERNET / SUNNAH

Enrich your web experience. Not all content on all sites Islamic-compliant. Consult Ulama

SUNNAH/HADITH

Umar radiallahu anhu said: "Learn Arabic for it is part of your Religion..."

The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, "Love the Arabs for three reasons: Because I am an Arab, the Quran is in Arabic, the language of the people of Paradise is Arabic.” (Shuabul Iman) "Whoever has the ability to speak correct Arabic should not speak another language because it creates hypocrisy.” (Iqtidaus Siratil Mustaqem, p. 205) "I take an oath in that Being in whose Hand is my life, Allah revealed to every Messenger in Arabic, after which he (the Messenger) used to convey the message to the nation in their language.” (Majmuaz Zawaaid, p. 52) Umar radhiallahu anhu was once making Tawaaf of the Ka’bah when he heard two men speaking in a language other than Arabic behind him. He turned to them and said, "Find some way to learn Arabic.” (Musannaf 5:496) Imam Shaafi rahimahullah said: ‘The language which Allah favoured was the Arabic language as He revealed his Noble Book in (Arabic) and He made this the language of the seal of the prophets Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. And that is why we say that it is befitting for everyone who has the ability to learn Arabic – that they learn it, as it is the best language.’ (Iqtidaus Siratil Mustaqem 1:521) Ibn Taymiyyah rahimahullah said: “The Arabic language is the symbol of Islam and its people.” (Ibid 1:519)

Methods of teaching from the Sunnah Part 2: 4. Interactive The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam used dialogue and questioning in order to capture the attention of the listeners ad to stimulate their minds. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam asked: “Tell me, if there was a river at one of your doors, and you were to bath therein five times daily, would any dirt remain on him?’ The Sahaba replied: “No dirt would remain on him.” The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said: “That is like the five Salahs.

Allah Ta’ala wipes away sins through them.” (Bukhari) 5. Visual Aids At times the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam used to explain a concept by drawing on the ground or the sand. Jabir radhiallahu anhu said: “We were sitting with the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam when he drew a line on the ground in front of him with his hand like this and said: “This is the Path of Allah.” He then drew two lines to the right and two lines to the left, and said: “These are the paths of Satan.” He then placed his hand on the centre line and recited this verse: ‘This is My straight path. Follow it, then, and do not follow other paths which would deviate you from the path of Allah…’” (Ahmed) 3. Considering Individual Students The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was watchful of the individual differences of the students whom he addressed. He addressed each person according to the level of his understanding and in a manner appropriate to his status.

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HISTORY

Western history books have made out the 15th century Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama as a hero. But a study of his life shows him to be a cruel Islamophobe who carried out acts of merciless brutality: On reaching India in October 1502, Gama's fleet set about capturing any Arab vessel he came across in Indian waters, most notoriously the Miri, a pilgrim ship from Makkah, whose passengers he had massacred in open water. During his second voyage to Calicut, da Gama intercepted a ship of Muslim pilgrims at Madayi travelling from Calicut to Makkah. Described in detail by eyewitness Thomé Lopes and chronicler Gaspar Correia as one that is unequalled in cold-blooded cruelty, da Gama looted the ship with over 400 pilgrims on board including 50 women and kids, locked in the passengers and an ambassador from Egypt and burnt them to death. They offered their wealth but were not spared. Da Gama looked on through the porthole and saw the women bringing up their gold and jewels and holding up their babies to beg for mercy. It took four days for the ship to sink, killing all men, women, and children.

When da Gama arrived in Calicut in 1502, he hung 38 fishermen; cut off their heads, feet, and hands; and floated the dismembered corpses onto the shore.

In Muslim Mombasa in 1497 Da Gama forced some Muslims on board and tortured them with boiling oil.

In 1498 he indiscriminately fired at civilians on Muslim Mozambique Island.

First Afrikaans Book In 1856, a treatise on Islam in ArabicAfrikaans, Kitab Al-Qawl al-Matin Fi Bayan Umur al-Din [The Book of the Firm Declaration regarding the Explanation of the Matters of Religion], by Shaykh Ahmadul Ishmuniyu [Ahmad al-Ishmuni] was published by M C Schonegevel in Cape Town. Professor A van Selms of the University of Pretoria described “Al-Qawl al Matin as the oldest book in Afrikaans”. This, it is said, was the first Arabic Afrikaans publication.

The lithographed copy of this book [25 pages] was published in 1910. Afrikaans was written in the Arabic script [with Afrikaans sounds]. AI -Qawl al-Matin preceded the first printed Afrikaans book, in Roman script, Zamespraak Tuschen Klaas Waarzegger en Jan Twijfelaar,

by L H Meurant, which appeared almost six years later.

First Muslims in the Bay By 1799 the Cape Malay community had grown sufficiently for the government to send an entire regiment – known as the Malay Regiment – of soldiers to the Eastern Cape to help the colonial army fight against the Xhosas. In 1846, the Malay Corps arrived in the Port Elizabeth area to fight in what eventually became known as the ‘Battle of the Axe’. Once the fighting subsided, many of these soldiers chose to stay on in the area that became known as Uitenhage and Port Elizabeth (now Nelson Mandela Bay) and build lives for themselves when they heard that the Governor of Cape Town had not supported their families with food.

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CURRENT / HISTORY

Xenophobia is becoming an increasingly common feature in South Africa. Here are some tips on how to cope with it: 1. Acknowledge We need to first acknowledge that we may consciously or unconsciously be Muslim community and outside our community.

2. Watch our Words Guard against making sweeping statements that smack of arrogance and are demeaning to people of other ethnic origins. Attribute wrong to the person not his race or nationality.

3. Challenge Attitudes If someone is guilty of racist conduct in your presence, do not become a passive spectator.

You are bound to invite people to good and prevent them from evil.

4. Share in the Sorrow Have we visited a sick colleague or a neighbor of another ethnic group? “Allah will not show mercy to one who is not merciful to (fellow) men.” (Bukhari) 5. Guard against Exploitation Those in your employ must be treated with dignity and respect. Pay them enough so they are able to maintain themselves with dignity.

6. Smile It’s an act of charity. Don’t limit your cheerfulness to your own ethnic and cultural group.

Facial expression also indicate racial intolerance.

Adapted from Jamiatul Ulama South Africa

Shias are in the news on nearly every front where Muslims are under attack. From the Houthis in Yemen to the Alawis in Syria and the Twelvers in Iran: In 1258 the Mongol forces of Hulagu destroyed the seat of the Muslim Empire, Baghdad bringing down the Khilafah. Thousands were slaughtered and the Khalifah killed.

Shias were involved in a multi-faceted deceit with Islam’s enemies to bring down Muslims: 1. The Khalifah’s chief minister was a Shia ibn al-Alqami who conspired with the Mongols. AlAlqami wrote to the leader of the Mongols, Hulagu, inviting him to invade the land, promising his support and offering intelligence on the Khalifah's armies, their strengths and weaknesses, and the overall lay of the land.

2. Al-Alqami used his position to influence the Khalifah to reduce the size of the army thus ensuring that the Mongol invasion would meet little resistance.

3. Another Shia, Nasir-al-Din Tusi, became a minister in Hulagu's army.

4. Shias volunteered help to the Mongols in Mosul and other places along their march.

5. Hulagu, acknowledging the importance of Shia support, posted guard detachments of a hundred Mongol horsemen at the most sacred Shia shrines in Najef and Karbala.

6. For Nasir-al-Din Tusi, who had abetted the Mongols, Hulagu built a costly observatory.

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FINAL FOCUS

With sixty years’ experience in social welfare community service and due to the everincreasing rate of unemployment and poverty in KwaZulu-Natal, the Jamiatul Ulama KwaZulu-Natal has embarked on a mission to intensify our efforts to accomplish much more local welfare relief efforts amongst our fellow impoverished South Africans within our indigenous communities.

To help us achieve this, the Jamiat KZN launches its new initiative called PROJECT H.E.L.P., which will be an ongoing project undertaken at various schools, orphanages, old age homes, homeless shelters, etc.

The assistance rendered will in the form of:

Self-help schemes Feeding schemes Distribution of hampers Distribution of clothing Distribution of blankets, etc.

Banking Details for PROJECT H.E.L.P. Jamiatul Ulama KZN (Lillah Projects) FNB Umgeni Junction (200913) Account Number: 5089 1141 828 Reference: PROJECT HELP & Your Name Contact Tel: 031 306 7786 Fax: 086 552 4270 email: welfare@jamiat.org.za

LILLAH ONLY. NO ZAKAAT Donations to this project are Section 18A applicable and therefore tax deductible

This morning I saw a wasp on my patio, exhausted from relentlessly seeking plants. But tracing the same paths again and again, had left it trapped on the concrete. It snapped out of this trance and veered left discovering a dying potted plant. No doubt it was delighted with its discovery; even a single wilting flower felt lavish in comparison to the seemingly endless tiles on the ground. I knew it would be far happier at the back of the garden, where there are beautiful flowers.

I tried to encourage it off the sickly flower, intending to carry it to the lush greenery further back, but it would not cooperate. I wished I could communicate with it to tell it to trust me, because I could see much further. I was taking it to a better place. The wasp reminded me of myself; short-sighted, content to settle for what seemed like the safer option. Eventually, the wasp gave in and sat still on the leaf while I took it and set it down amongst its family, in what was a paradise compared to my patio. In the end, it was gently given more than its tiny mind could have ever imagined.

All because it trusted and let me carry it there.

We are told to place our trust in Allah Ta’ala but how many of us fully submit in certainty that He can see further than us and He knows better? He knows of all the gardens we may be seeking, in this life and the next. We are short-sighted; we can only see the flower we are currently on, and often cannot fathom the beauty He may be pushing us towards instead.

“And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.” (Quran 65:3)

73 DURBAN ROAD KORSTEN PH. 041 451 3060 Islamic Focus

ISSN 2223 - 1110 (Print) | ISSN 2223 - 1129 (Online)

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