Islamic Focus Issue 103

P9 Ibn Qasim

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P9 Diamonds

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P7 The Teacup

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P4 Late Nights

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P3 Soft Heart

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Issue 103

Igniting the Spirit of Islam Jul 2012 ‘one of the world’s most persecuted minorities.’

Amnesty describes the Muslims of Burma (called Rohingya) as the world’s most persecuted people. Recent attacks on Muslims there is the latest in a long history of oppression by the Buddhists.

RELIGION Muslim Byat Wi was killed

by King Mon in 1050 CE because he was a Muslim.

The two sons of Byat Wi's brother Byat Ta were children executed because they refused to obey the forced labour order of the king, because of their religious beliefs.

King Bayintnaung (15501589) prohibited Muslims from Islamically slaughtering goats and chickens. He forced them to listen to Buddhist sermons and disallowed Eidul Adha sacrifice.

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King Alaungpaya (1752– 1760) prohibited Muslims from Islamic slaughter as well.

King Bodawpaya (1782– 1819) arrested four famous Muslim Ulama and killed them after they refused to eat pork.

MERCILESS Muslim settlements have existed in Burma since the arrival of Arabs in the 8th century. Following the Burmese conquest of Muslim Arakan in 1785, Burmese rulers executed and deported thousands of Muslims. In 1942, 5,000 Muslims were killed by Rakhine nationalists and Karenni.

The military, which has ruled Burma for 50 years, heavily persecuted Muslims.

Burmese Muslims are described as ‘among the world’s least wanted’ and

They have been stripped of Burmese citizenship since 1982. They are not allowed to travel without official permission, are banned from owning land and can't have more than two children.

They are also subjected to various forms of extortion and taxation; land confiscation; forced eviction and house destruction; and financial restrictions on marriage. Muslims continue to be used as forced, slave labourers on roads and at military camps.

Thousands of Burmese Muslims are refugees in Bangladesh and Thailand where they are also unwelcome.

Yet another corner of the world where Muslims are suffering.

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WORLD NEWS

USA - Center for Constitutional Rights and American Civil Liberties Union are giving legal assistance to plaintiffs suing the US government over drone killings in Yemen. ‘There is something terribly wrong when a 16-year-old American boy can be killed by his own government without any accountability or explanation,’ said a lawyer at the Center for Constitutional Rights. (BBC, 18 July) SYRIA - Troops clashed with freedom fighters in Damascus and Aleppo, as they try to retake areas.

In Aleppo and Homs, there were revolts and attempted breakouts by prisoners. (BBC, 24 July) PALESTINE - Jewish war veteran became the second Israeli to die after setting himself on fire in protest against Jewish establishment inequality. (BBC,

22 July) EGYPT - Politician sentenced to a year in prison for violating public decency after police found him fondling a woman in a car in public. (BBC, 24 July) EGYPT - 'Maria' is the name of the first Egyptian TV channel to exclusively feature women who wear full Islamic veil. (BBC, 23 July) PALESTINE - Jewish officials created the first university in a Jewish settlement in occupied West Bank. The settlements are illegal under international law. More than 1,000 Israeli academics signed a petition against the university. (BBC, 17 July) GERMANY - Lawmakers to pass a cross-party motion to protect religious circumcision, after a regional court ruled it amounted to bodily harm. The main political parties, together with Jewish and Muslim groups, criticised the ruling. (BBC, 19 July) TATARSTAN - Former deputy Mufti shot dead and Mufti of Tatarstan wounded in attacks in the Russian -occupied Muslim republic of Tatarstan. Tatarstan, occupied by Russia, has a large Muslim population.

Both leaders were known for siding with Russia against Muslim freedom fighters. (BBC, 19 July) BULGARIA - Jewish tourist bus blown up by a US suicide bomber. 7 died, 34 injured. (BBC, 19 July) AUSTRALIA - Former Guantanamo Bay detainee Islamic Focus

David Hicks can profit from his memoir telling the story of his illegal incarceration there after Australian prosecutors dropped a case to seize the income. He spent five years at the facility. (BBC, 24 July) INDIA - Fierce fighting between indigenous tribespeople and Muslim settlers in Assam state killed 21.

60,000 people fled to relief camps. There have been tensions between indigenous groups and Muslim Bengali migrants to Assam for years. (BBC, 24 July) BURMA - Rohingya Muslims are fleeing to Bangladesh following state-aided killing by Buddhists of 78 Muslims in Rakhine province. Government forces continue to persecute Muslims according to Human Rights Watch. Security forces killed and raped Muslims and arrested hundreds. Rohingya Muslims have been oppressed over 30 years by Burmese authorities who say they are not citizens. Bangladesh also says they are not welcome. There are 400,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. (BBC, 22 July) AFGHANISTAN - Bomb planted by Taliban destroyed 22 Nato fuel tankers carrying supplies to coalition forces. (BBC, 18 July) NIGERIA - 35 killed in flooding in Plateau state after heavy rainfall caused a dam to overflow near the city of Jos. (BBC, 24 July) AFGHANISTAN - Afghanistan became the first country whose surface minerals have been mapped from the air. This was done by the US Geological Survey while Afghanistan is under US occupation.

The country has vast reserves of oil, gas, copper, cobalt, gold and lithium which USA is eager to exploit. (BBC, 18 July) EGYPT - 16 wounded in Coptic-Muslim clashes after a Muslim man died in an earlier clash. (BBC, 1 Aug) US - It's become the norm for US presidential hopefuls to make a stop in Israel to win support from Jewish voters in the US, and Mitt Romney is no exception. He agreed with Jews that Jerusalem is Israel's capital, and during his 36 hours in Israel he did not make the 30-minute trip to the West Bank or seek a meeting with the Palestinian President. He also placed a prayer note like Jews in the Western Wall in Jerusalem. (AP, 30 July)

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1. Reciting Quran. Mu’alla Bin Ziyad said that a man said to Hasan Basari, ‘O Abu Saeed, I want to complain to you about my hardheartedness.’ He advised him to remedy it with remembrance of Allah.

Wuhaib Bin Ward said that the Quran is that remembrance which most easily softens hearts for one who reflects on it.

‘Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Quran), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft-repeated.

The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allah… (Quran 39:23) 2. Kindness to orphans and needy. A person complained to the Prophet about the hardness of his heart. The Prophet said to him: ‘If you want your heart to soften, (affectionately) rub the orphan’s head (with your hand) and feed the needy.’

3. Remember death a lot. A woman came to Aisha and complained about hard heartedness. Aisha told her, ‘Remember death much. Your heart will become tender and you will be able to fulfill your needs.’

The Prophet said, ‘Remember much the destroyer of pleasures (i.e. death).’

Wherever there is diversity, there has to be differences. It's unfair to expect others to be copies of ourselves with no differences. The Prophet had to combat hostility while remaining positive. One of the methods he utilized was to overcome the status barrier.

Overcoming the Status Barrier Islam stresses equality, and teaches that preference is only based on good qualities in the heart. We must deal justly and equally with all people and in all situations.

The Prophet taught that a smile is charity, even to strangers, and always used a person's favorite name to address him. He sat anywhere in a gathering not in the center and refused that people stand up for him.

Someone pulled his cloak forcefully to get his attention, but he didn't respond with equal force; he merely ordered him firmly to let go.

He respected even the youngest or poorest: He was offered water, and he drank from it. On his right side there was a boy and on his left side were some old men. He asked the boy ‘Do you mind if I offer the water to them?’ The boy said ‘O Allah's Prophet ! By Allah! I will not give up my right to drink for anyone (because I am sitting on the right side). The Prophet handed the water to the boy. (Bukhari) The situation is a bit of a dilemma, who should get the water, as a status symbol, a young boy or old men? The Prophet solved the problem through equality regardless of age or status.

Good communication begins with respecting others by treating them politely and equally.

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SOCIAL / SUNNAH

Having a hard heart is not a good quality in a Muslim. A person with a soft heart is more inclined towards good deeds. Here are some ways to develop a soft heart:

SOCIAL / SUNNAH

‘And (We) made your sleep (a means for) rest, And made the night as clothing.’ (Quran, AnNaba: 9-10) Early to bed and early to rise are habits taught by the Prophet .

Unhealthy. ‘Staying up late is tiring and burdensome.’ (Daarimi) Staying up late and resisting sleep when the body needs it desperately results in health problems, psychological problems, bad temper and loss of enthusiasm Sunnah. Aisha said when she heard Urwah talking after Esha: ‘What is this talk after dark? I have never seen the Prophet sleeping before this prayer or talking after it. He was either praying and gaining (reward) or sleeping and saved (from evil).’ (Abdur Razzaaq) Ibn Masud said: ‘The Prophet used to dispraise and warn against staying up after Esha.’ (Ahmad) Warning. The Prophet said: ‘Beware of staying up after people’s movements settle’ and in another narration: ‘Beware of staying up after the night has settled, because you do not know what spreads out on the earth from the creatures of Allah.’ (Haakim)

Types of intercession on the Day of Qiyamah: 1. Major intercession: The Prophet will prostrate before Allah, then he will be given permission to raise his head and intercede on behalf of the believers.

2. Intercession for the people of Paradise: The Prophet will intercede on behalf of the people of Paradise that they may be allowed to enter therein.

3. Intercession for disobedient Muslims: The Prophet will intercede on behalf of Muslims who committed sins of disobedience that they may not be placed in Hell.

4. Intercession for Muslims in Hell: The Prophet will intercede on behalf of those Muslims who have entered Hell because of their sins, that they may be removed from it.

5. Intercession of children: Children who died while below the age of reason will intercede on behalf of their believing parents.

6. Intercession for his uncle: The Prophet will intercede on behalf of his uncle Abu Talib, that his punishment in Hell may be lightened.

Exceptions. The Prophet did stay up late on occasion to fulfill needs or accomplish tasks for the benefit of the Muslims.

7. Intercession of some believers for others: Some of the believers will intercede on behalf of their believing brothers.

‘Staying up late is for one of 3 categories of people: travelers, those praying night prayers, or those on their wedding night.’ (Abu Yalaa).

One can stay up late with the wife, the guest, for learning or for doing good.

8. Intercession for increasing reward: The Prophet will intercede on behalf of some people of Paradise, that they may have their reward increased and their status elevated.

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From various Ulama

www.shafiifiqh.com Q: What is the ruling on shaking hands with one another after Salah?

A: The following fatwa was given by the Mufti of Egypt, scholar of the Shafi Mathab, Shaykh Ali Jumu’ah: ‘In and of itself, shaking hands is unanimously considered a recommended act. Imam Nawawi stated, ‘It is Sunnah upon meeting one another.’

Scholars of various schools recommend shaking hands between men. As for handshaking after prayer, none of the scholars have deemed it impermissible. According to their opinions it is a recommended act, and a praiseworthy innovation. Imam Nawawi decisively ruled upon handshakes with his statement: 'If you shake hands with someone you did not greet before prayer it is a praiseworthy innovation, if you greeted them before Salah then it is a neutrally permissible innovation.' AlHaskafi said, ‘Al-Timirtashi, in accordance with Al-Durr, Al Kanz, Al Wiqayah, AlNiqayah, Al-Mujma, AlMultaqi, and other works, ruled that shaking hands is permissible in all circumstances, even after afternoon prayer. Other scholars say that handshaking after prayer is praiseworthy in all circumstances. (Taken from: ‘Responding from the Tradition: One Hundred Contemporary Fatwas by the Grand Mufti of Egypt’ pages 265267) Q: Can Ramadan be established with astronomical calculations?

A: The majority of scholars, generation after generation, Islamic Focus

maintained that Ramadan is established by completing Shaban or sighting the crescent. ‘Verily, we are an unlettered nation we do not write and do not calculate the month.’ This hadith is evidence against those who argue for calculations. In Sharh al-Muhadhdhab 6:270, Imam Nawawi mentioned that whoever supports using calculations, his opinion is rejected because of this hadith.

Q: An Islamic Center holds two separate juma prayers (at different times) because the community has gotten so large they cannot accommodate all of them in one prayer. Is it permissible for the Imam to conduct both juma prayers, i.e. is it permissible for him to give another khutba and lead another prayer even though he has already given a khutba and lead a prayer earlier)?

A: In Tuhfah 2:443 it is stated that the Friday prayer is valid when lead by one performing an optional prayer so long as he is not counted from amongst one of the forty. One who is a traveler or only performing it as an optional performance, for example, may deliver the lecture and lead the prayer.

Q: What is the rule on buying and wearing the trademark of a false deity like Nike seeing the name was derived from the false Greek goddess of victory?

A: If a company’s name being found with such origins

necessitates that Muslims completely avoid it, then others would need to be added to the list. Those who have applied the above reasoning should do so consistently.

For example, Delphi is a major automotive group; would it be permissible for Muslims to work for them or to use products they help produce?

Would getting one’s car serviced at Midas be prohibited?

Using an Olympus camera?

Vulcan steel? Using an ASUS computer? Mac operating systems, used in MacBooks, iPads, etc., are based on the Darwin POSIX. Along with the name Darwin being that of a disbeliever, the mascot for Darwin is Hexley the Platypus (drawn in the image of a devil); would using an Apple device also be prohibited? These names are just brands, used for marketing a product or company. Muslims do not endorse the etymological origin of such products; ASUS for example is just another computer. According to us, using Nike and other similar products is not committing kufr, shirk, or haram.

All answers from: Shafiifiqh.com Fatwa Dept

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

SHAFI Q & A

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

s be

HANAFI Q & A From various Ulama

www.askimam.org | www.askmufti.co.za | www.daruliftaa.net Q: Regarding money one earns, doesn’t it have to be in your possession for a year before it is zakaatable?

A: In principle, Zakat becomes compulsory on a zakatable asset that is equal or more than the nisaab, once it has remained in one’s possession for over a lunar year.

However, this is for a person who did not possess a nisaab prior to acquisition of this zakatable asset. If one’s nett savings were equal to the value of nisaab at the beginning of the lunar year, and thereafter he acquired another zakatable asset, then the value of this newly acquired zakatable asset will be added on to his savings. He will not have to wait for a year to pass on this newly acquired asset in order for it to be considered for his zakat calculations. At the end of the current year, if he still possesses the nett savings equal to value of nisaab, then he will simply give out 2.5% of his nett savings as a zakat for this year, regardless of the fact that the acquired asset was in his possession for less than a year.

Answer by: Mufti Faisal bin Abdul Hameed

Q: Can the Quran be physically held to recite surahs in Taraweeh?

A: In principle, it is not permissible for one who has not memorized the Qur’an to look into the Qur’an and recite any portion of the Quran in Salaah. If one who has not memorized the Quran looks into the Qur’an and recites any portion of the Quran in Salaah, the Salaah is invalid.

If the Quran is physically Islamic Focus

held during Salaah, that will constitute Amal e Katheer which renders one’s Salaah invalid.

Q: Can a female perform Itikaaf?

A: It is permissible for a woman to perform Itikaaf provided that it is performed within the confines of her home. The jurists mentioned that a woman should perform itikaaf in the Masjid of her home, which refers to a place which has been designated for Salaah within the home.

Answer by: Moulana Ismail Desai

Q: Does spraying from aerosols (air freshner, deodorants, etc) break your fast if the actual vapour goes down the throat?

A: In principle, if any substance that has a body is passed down one’s throat then it will break one’s fast.

However, if such a substance goes down unintentionally, then it will not break the fast. Aerosol sprays have a defined body due to the vapours contained therein. If one is not cautious while applying these sprays and it goes down the throat, it will break one’s fast. However, if someone else is spraying and the vapours go down your throat, while you did not intend to inhale it, then your fast will not break. One should exercise caution in using any substance that may jeopardize one’s fast.

Answer by: Mufti Faisal bin Abdul Hameed

Q: If in a Masjid there are two Juma Prayers and the same Imam leads both the prayers is it ok and permissible to pray that prayer?

A: According to the Hanafi Mathab, in order for a congregation to be valid, the nature of Imam's salah must correspond with that of the muqtadī (follower) in all its aspects. The second Juma salah of an Imam who has already performed his Juma Salah once before, is in fact a Nafl Salah. The people following him in this second Juma congregation are fulfilling their obligatory (fardh) salah. Since the salah of a follower completing his fardh behind an Imam performing Nafl is not valid, this second Juma therefore will not be valid.

Answer by: Mufti Faisal bin Abdul Hameed

Q: What can interest earned from the bank be used for? Can it be used for the poor (non Muslim and Muslim), Islamic benefits, paying taxes to the government or helping poor family members?

A: In principal, one should return the interest money accrued from one’s bank account to it’s owner. However, if that is not possible, then the interest money accrued from the bank should be expended on the poor and needy (who are the valid recipients of Zakaat whether they are Muslim or nonMuslim) without the intention of receiving any reward since such money is tainted. Interest money can also be given to one’s poor relatives who are entitled to receive Zakaat, Islamic institutions and other charitable organizations. Interest money cannot be used for one’s personal expenses.

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Answer by: Moulana Ismail Desai

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lal Ali Ansari

A couple spotted an exceptional teacup they asked to examine. As the owner handed it to them, the teacup spoke: ‘I have not always been a teacup. There was a time when I was a lump of clay. My master pounded and patted me. I cried out, ‘Don’t do that!’ But he said, ‘Not yet.’ Then I was placed on a potter’s wheel and I was spinning round.’ I screamed.

But my master said, ‘Not yet.’ ‘He poked and reshaped me. Then he put me in a hot oven!’

He said ‘Not yet.’ ‘When I thought I wouldn’t be able to bear it he placed me on a shelf, and I began to cool. But after I had cooled he painted me. The fumes were horrible!’ Again he said, ‘Not yet.’ ‘Then he put me in another oven twice as hot! I was convinced I would not survive. Then the door opened, and he took me out and placed me on the shelf, where I cooled. An hour later my master held up a mirror and said, ‘Look at yourself.’ I did, and I couldn’t believe what I saw for I had never before seen anything so beautiful.

He said: ‘I know it hurt to be pounded but had I left you alone, you’d have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to be spun, but had I stopped you would have crumbled. I know you found the oven hot, but had I not put you in you would have cracked. I know how disagreeable were the fumes, but without paint you wouldn’t have color. And I know the conditions in the second oven were worse, but without it you would have been frail and not survived long. Now you are a finished product.’

Allah knows exactly why He puts us through different tests in life. If we bear them patiently, we will become better people.

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INTERNET / INSPIRATION

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

HUMOUR / SUNNAH

Hardships for a believer are tests that promise great rewards:

1. Multiplication of Rewards ‘The amount of reward is in accordance with the amount of suffering. When Allah loves some people, He tries them (with affliction).

He who then is content (with Allah's decree) has achieved the acceptance (of Allah), and he who is dissatisfied (with Allah's decree) will attain the anger (of Allah).’ (Tirmidhi) 2. Wiping out Sins ‘A Muslim is not afflicted by hardship, sickness, sadness, worry, harm, or depression, even if pricked by a thorn, but Allah expiates his sins because of that.’ (Bukhari) 3. Sickness Salmaan visited a sick man and he said to him: ‘Expect good because Allah makes a believer’s sickness an expiation (for his sins) and a period of rest. However, when a disbeliever falls sick, he is like a camel whose owner ties it then lets it loose: it does not understand why it was tied nor why it was freed.’ (Bukhari) 4. Free Good Deeds ‘No (believing) person gets sick, but (his deeds) will be recorded for him in accordance with what he used to do when he was well.’ (Bukhari) ‘Each days deeds are sealed with it. Thus, when a believer gets sick, the angels say, ‘Our lord! Your servant such and such, You have restrained him (from doing good this day).’ And the lord replies, ‘Seal his day in accordance with his (usual) deeds, until he is cured or dies.’ (Ahmad)

One night Khalif Haroon Ar-Rashid was restless and said to his vizier: ‘I can’t sleep and don’t know what to do.’ His servant Masroor laughed, and the Khalif asked: ‘What are you laughing for?’ Masroor replied: ‘I did this unintentionally. Last night I saw people around a man who was making them laugh. His name is Ibnul Maghazali.’ Haroon said: ‘Bring him to me.’ Masroor found Ibnul Maghazali and said: ‘The Khalif wants you, but on condition that if he presents you with a gift, a ¼ belongs to you, and the rest to me.’ Ibnul Maghaazali replied: ‘No, ½ will be mine and ½ yours.’ Masroor wouldn’t agree. Ibnul Maghazali said: ‘I’ll keep ⅓ and you can have the remainder.’ They agreed to this.

Haroon said to Ibnul Maghazali: ‘If you make me laugh I’ll give you 500 dinars (gold coins), but if you fail I’ll give you 3 blows with this sock.’ Ibnul Maghazali began to joke and play tricks but Haroon did not even smile. Haroon said: ‘Now you deserve the blows.’ He took the sock in which was 4 stones, and struck Ibnul Maghazali once. The latter yelled in pain.

He remembered the condition Masroor had imposed and said: ‘Pardon, O Khalif, listen to only 2 more words of mine. Masroor and I have an agreement. I agreed to let Masroor have two-thirds of the reward I might receive.

You’ve decided the reward is 3 blows, of which my share is 1, and Masroor's 2. I got mine, and now it’s his turn.’ Haroon laughed, called for Masroor and struck him once. Masroor groaned, and said: ‘I give him the remainder as a gift!’

The Khalif laughed and ordered them to be given 500 dinars each. (Al-Mustatraf Vol.1, p 473)

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On getting a letter of appeal for help from Muslim widows captured by Hindu pirates Hajjaj sent Muhammad Bin Qasim in 711 at the head of an army even though the Muslim state was busy with conquests in Spain and Africa. The army had 6,000 Syrian cavalry and detachments of soldiers from Iraq. At the borders of Sindh it was joined by an advance guard and six thousand camel riders and later reinforcements from the governor of Makran came by sea along with five catapults. Ibn Qasim captured Sindh and established Islamic law. Local non Muslims were treated tolerantly and formed part of the administration. After Hajjaj died, Muhammad Ibn Qasim was captured on the orders of the new Caliph, who was a political opponent of Hajjaj, and killed when he was 20 years old.

This teenage hero of Islam lies in an unknown grave. He had a son named Amr bin Muhammad who later became governor of Sindh.

Some of the biggest, most expensive and famous diamonds have a history linked to Muslims:

Darya-ye Noor Diamond: One of the Crown Jewels from Iran. It is pale pink, exceptionally rare in diamonds. It was part of a larger stone in the throne of Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan.

Koh-i-Noor Diamond: Originally the largest cut diamond in the world. Indian and Persian rulers fought over it and it was one of the most sought-after spoils of war. It was sent in 1849 to England and put on display.

Nizam Diamond: An old world diamond from India. It was a convex shape with irregular facets measuring 277 carats. It was owned by Nizams of Hyderabad in the 1830's. It was lost, stolen or re-cut.

Noor-ol-Ein Diamond: One of the largest pink diamonds in the world. It is set in a platinum tiara fashioned for Empress Farah for her wedding to the last Shah of Iran in 1957.

Shah Diamond: From India in 1450. In 1591 it was given to Shah Nizam. It was seized by Mughul Emperor Akbar. In 1738 Nadir Shah took it as a spoil of war to Persia. In 1829 the Shah of Iran gave it as a gift to the Russian Government. It is housed in the Kremlin.

Spoonmakers Diamond: In 1774 a French officer bought it from the daughter of the Maharajah of Madras. It was bought by Napoleon's mother. It was then purchased for Ali Pasha and was seized by the Ottoman State.

It is a centerpiece of the Topkapi Palace Museum collection in Istanbul, Turkey.

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BIOGRAPHY / MUSLIM INFLUENCE

Imaduddeen Muhammad bin Qasim bin Yusuf Sakifi. Born: 695 in Taif, Arabia. Died: 715. He was an Umayyad general who, at the age of 17, began the conquest of the Sindh and Punjab regions in India (now part of Pakistan) for the Umayyad Caliphate. He was born and raised in Taif and his conquest of Sindh and Punjab laid the foundations of Islamic rule in the Indian subcontinent. Umayyad governor Hajjaj Ibn Yusuf, Muhammad's paternal uncle, was instrumental in teaching him about warfare and governance. Muhammad married his cousin Zubaidah, Hajjaj's daughter, shortly before going to Sindh. Under Hajjaj's patronage, Muhammad was made governor of Persia, where he put down a rebellion.

HISTORY / SOCIAL

As much as 20% of the population may be Muslim. The first Muslims arrived in the Arakan coast in the 9th century, prior to the establishment of the first Burmese empire in 1055 CE. These early Muslim settlements and the propagation of Islam were documented by Arab, Persian, European and Chinese travelers of the 9th century. Muslims arrived in Burma as traders settlers, military personnel, prisoners of war and refugees Many early Muslims also held positions of status as royal adviser, royal administrators, port authorities, mayors.

Persian Muslims arrived in northern Burma in 860. Many settlements in the southern region near present day Thailand were noted for Muslim populations, in which Muslims often outnumbered local Buddhists. Pathein was ruled by three Indian Muslim kings in the 13th century. Arab merchants also arrived, and there were Arab settlements in the present Meik archipelago. The current population of Burmese Muslims are the descendants of Arabs, Persians, Turks, Moors, Indians, Pakistanis, Pathans, Bengalis, Chinese Muslims and Malays who settled and intermarried with local Burmese groups. In 1044 Muslims dominated all the seaports in Burma and Thailand.

In seventeenth century, Muslims became powerful because of their wealth. They were even appointed as governors of Mergui, viceroys of Tenasserim and port governors. The last Mughal Emperor of Muslim India Bahadur Shah II and his family were exiled to Burma where he died in 1862. After the British took over Burma Muslims formed numerous organizations, active in social welfare and religious affairs. Oppression of Rohingya Muslims has been ongoing for over 30 years (see main article on page 1).

Tests are a Must We’re living in really challenging times; the whole world is in turmoil and people are facing tests of varying degrees in their lives at the moment. Allah has promised us that, just as the coming of rainfall is necessary to revive the land, He will send us challenges to strengthen and revive our faith: ‘Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tried?’ (Quran 29:2) A Burden you can Bear ‘Allah does not charge a soul except (with that within) its capacity.’ (Quran 2: 286) If you realise that Allah never tests you with anything more than you can cope with, you know from the start that no matter how big the challenge, you have the ability to handle it, somehow. Your only task then is to work out how. It may not be easy but in the end you know that if you face it, believing in this verse, you will come out stronger.

First Things ‘....When you ask for anything then ask Allah only, if you need help then seek it from Allah, and know that if all the people gathered and intended to harm you then they cannot do so except that which Allah has destined for you.’ (Ahmed) The first one you should turn to for help in any challenge that you face should be Allah, as He is the one who ultimately directs all matters.

After you have turned to Him there one can try different means to solve the challenge.

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FINAL FOCUS

The Student Relief Fund was established in 2006 by a few Muslims in South Africa. Its vision is empowerment through education.

The Fund has, since its inception, provided bursaries for needy students at universities, colleges, and at Darul Ulooms doing the Aalim/Aalima courses. Courses students are currently studying range from BSc in Chemical Engineering, Journalism, Nursing to BCom Law. Students have qualified in Islamic Studies, BCom Marketing, BCom Human Resource Management, Economic Sciences (MSc), BSc Engineering, Fire Fighting, Quantity Surveying (Hon), Teaching and Information Technology Accounting.

Currently 71 students have their fees paid by the Student Relief Fund, with 10 expected to complete their studies this year. Majority of the students are Muslim, although non Muslims are also accepted. Males and females can qualify for a bursary which does not have to be paid back. The bursaries are determined on a student’s progress.

The Fund relies on donations from the community and R1,765,766 was spent last year on tuition fees, books, food allowances, students’ medical aid and transport. The Ameer Fund is Moulana Nazir Jassat. In total, about 400 students have benefited from this Fund till now.

The Fund is a registered NPO and PBO. Contact PO Box 1122, Lenasia, 1820 Tel: 011 854 4411 Cell: 082 866 6783 Fax: 088 011 6068 Email: srf@lencom.co.za

A very poor man lived with his wife. One day, his wife, who had very long hair asked him to buy her a comb for her hair to grow well and to be well-groomed. The man felt very sorry and said no.

He explained that he did not even have enough money to fix the strap of his watch he had just broken. She did not insist on her request.

The man went to work and passed by a watch shop, sold his damaged watch at a low price and went to buy a comb for his wife.

He came home in the evening with the comb in his hand ready to give to his wife. He was surprised when he saw his wife with a very short hair cut.

She had sold her hair and was holding a new watch band. Tears flowed simultaneously from their eyes, not for the futility of their actions, but for the reciprocity of their love.

To love it may be nothing. To be loved is something but to love and to be loved by the one you love, that is everything. Never take love for granted.

The quality of mutual love between spouses makes even tough times of life easier to bear.

Spouses are the support pillars for each other.

When this support is strong, society as a whole benefits.

Note: This story is related for the moral lesson. It is not permissible for ladies to cut their hair in Islam.

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