Islamic Focus Issue 106

P9 Book Reviews

1 1 1 0 0 9

P8 Toys for Kids

222 3 - 11 10

P7 Tools

I S SN

P4 War Experts

9 7 7 2 2 2 3

P3 Beating Porn

P10 Hajj Snapshots Bukhara Publications/Tel: 078 672 7797/Fax: 086 651 2125 Email: islamicfocus@gmail.com/Korsten/Port Elizabeth

For 8 days in November 2012, the Zionist army once again carried out indiscriminate air and missile attacks on the tiny Palestinian enclave of Gaza.

THE COST At the end of this recent reign of terror, 160 Palestinians were dead including 42 children, 11 women and 18 elderly. 1,222 Palestinians were injured including 431 children, 207 women and 88 elderly. 57,67% of the total casualties were children, women and children. Children made up 26% of those killed and 35% of the injured. Reports say that Palestinian fighters killed only numbered around 40.

CYBERWAR One of the more remarkable aspects of the recent Zionist aggression was the fact that Anonymous, a group of

Islamic Focus

Issue 106

Igniting the Spirit of Islam Oct 2012

hackers, came out in support of Palestinians and took down over 650 Israeli sites, wiped databases and leaked email addresses and passwords. Targets taken down included the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs database and Bank of Jerusalem database, which were deleted.

The Israeli government had also been hit with more than 44 million cyberattacks.

Another Pakistani hacking group also took down multiple big Israeli sites and defaced all Microsoft related Israeli domains including Bing, MSN, Skype, Live and others.

ARAB SUPPORT Unlike in previous Gaza conflicts, the Arab world was slightly more pro-Palestine with Tunisia’s Foreign Minister and Egypt’s Prime Minister visiting Gaza while the attacks were ongoing.

SOCIAL MEDIA This time round social media displayed world-wide support for Palestine, with prominent non Muslims even speaking out against Israel. Not much of this made it into mainstream media though.

Hamas’ armed wing also gave insight into its operations via its Twitter account.

VICTORY At the end of 8 days, Hamas and Gaza were clear victors, with rockets managing to reach Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. In 1967, 3 Arab armies and volunteers numbering 500,000 were defeated in 6 days by 260,000 Jewish soldiers. In 2012, the Jewish machine of war could not break the ragtag Hamas army in 8 days and sued for a truce. The tide of fortune is changing.

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WORLD NEWS

MAURITANIA - President Mohamed Ould Abdelaziz returned home for the first time since being wounded by one of his soldiers last month.He had been in France for treatment. (BBC, 24 Nov 2012) BANGLADESH - 100 workers died in a Bangladesh clothing factory fire. (BBC, 27 Nov 2012) MALDIVES - Government cancelled the $500m (ÂŁ312m) contract of an Indian firm to manage the Male airport. (BBC, 28 Nov 2012) HUNGARY - A leading nationalist MP said officials of Jewish origin should be listed because they might be a national security risk. (BBC, 27 Nov 2012)

ing from several Arab nations, together with Turkey, Pakistan, Cyprus, Iran and Israel as well. The synchrotron, which acts like a giant microscope, will be used by researchers to study everything from viruses to new drugs to novel materials. Synchrotrons have become an indispensable tool for modern science with 60 in use around the world, almost all of them in developed countries, and this will be the first in the Middle East. (BBC, 26 Nov 2012) UK - A 16-year-old girl Muslim girl become the first person to speak from the House of Commons dispatch box in the British parliament while wearing a hijab. She was speaking as the Youth Parliament held its annual session in the lower house's hamber, where Britain's MPs gather. (IINA, 25 Nov 2012)

FRANCE - France confirmed it intends to vote for Palestinian non-member status at the United Nations. Israel and the US oppose the move. (BBC, 27

FRANCE - A prayer area for gay Muslims has been opened in a Buddhist prayer hall in Paris. (BBC, 30

Nov 2012)

Nov 2012)

PALESTINE - The UN nuclear agency (IAEA) acknowledged that one of its computer servers was hacked by an anti-Israeli group called Parastoo.

Parastoo asked for a petition calling for an IAEA investigation into Israel's undeclared nuclear weapons programme. The IAEA is investigating Iran's nuclear programme but not Israel's. (BBC, 28 Nov 2012)

PALESTINE - UN General Assembly voted 138-9 to recognise Palestine as a non-member observer state - a move opposed by Israel, US, Canada and some tiny island states. (BBC, 30 Nov 2012)

JORDAN - A highly sophisticated scientific installation is being built in Jordan with support from countries that are usually openly hostile to each other.

The plan is for a multi-million-pound synchrotron particle accelerator, known as Sesame. It has back-

PALESTINE - US criticised Israel's decision to authorise the construction of 3,000 more housing units in illegally occupied East Jerusalem and West Bank. 500,000 Jews live in 100 illegal settlements built since the occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (BBC, 30 Nov 2012)

DARUL ULOOM ABU BAKR ANNUAL JALSA SUN 9 DEC 2012 10AM. LUNCH AFTER ZUHR

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The strength of Muslims was always in their Imaan (faith). The more Imaan we had the more modesty we had in our societies.

‘Indeed modesty and faith are companions.

When one of them is lifted, the other leaves as well.’ (Bayhaqi) The most effective way we can tackle this onslaught on our souls is by building our faith: Repent to Allah. Do not give up hope and remember that it’s not impossible to quit.

Lower the gaze. There is no temptation greater for men than women. It is not permitted for a man to look at any strange woman.

Socialising. No casual chatting or friendships with strange women.

Three M’s. Get rid of the three M’s – Music, Movies and Masturbation.

Trash filthy celebrities. Block immoral content on your browser.

By now you have closed most of the outlets for immorality and you’ll notice the difference in your life. Your strength and mind power will improve dramatically.

By Faraz Omar

Voluntary prayers in the house are more virtuous than in the Masjid because of the following: 1. Secret. Praying voluntary prayers in the house is staying away from showing-off and causing people to be impressed. It is also a way to conceal actions from people. This is a principle in optional acts of worship that they should be done in secret; 2. Serenity. Praying voluntary prayers in the house is a cause for complete serenity and sincerity; 3. Mercy. Praying voluntary prayers in the house establishes the remembrance of Allah and prayer therein; this causes the descent of mercy upon the residents of the house, and this causes the devil to stay far way. Bani Israeel were commanded to make their houses places of praying Salaah when they were suffering under Pharaoh; 4. Graveyard. The Prophet said: ‘Perform some of your prayers in your homes, and do not turn them into graveyards (i.e. a place where prayer is not performed.’ (Bukhari) The Prophet is reported to have performed optional prayers at home.

5. Extra Reward. The Prophet said: ‘The voluntary prayer of a man where people do not see him is worth twenty-five times more than in a place where people would see him.’ (alJaami as-Sagheer)

By Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan

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SOCIAL / SUNNAH

When the Sahaba captured Jerusalem the Romans resorted to displaying their women semi nude on the pathways of the Muslim soldiers.

The Sahaba were powerhouses of faith. They lowered their gaze and none of them fell for the sleazy ploy. ‘Every religion has a distinct characteristic, and the distinct characteristic of Islam is modesty.’ (Bayhaqi)

HISTORY / SOCIAL

Ever wondered which countries are the experts at war? It just happens to be the two countries that make themselves out to be the biggest proponents of peace:

Things we can do to achieve peace and harmony within the family:

United States of America Since independence in 1774, the US has been at war for 214 years and at peace for only 21.

Some of the wars have been against France (1798-1800), Spain (1898), Korea (1950-3), Vuetnam (1960-1975), Grenada (1983), Afghanistan (2001). Currently the US is involved in several conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen and Philippines.

2. Be positive role models by following the example of Prophet in every aspect of our lives.

Britain Britain has invaded all but 22 countries in its history. Other countries could write similar books but they would be much shorter. No one can match them although the Americans had a later start and have been working hard on it in the 20th century.

A new study has found that at various times the British have invaded almost 90 per cent of the countries around the globe. The analysis of the histories of the almost 200 countries in the world found only 22 which have never experienced an invasion by the British. Among this select group of nations never attacked by Britain are far-off destinations such as Guatemala, Tajikistan and the Marshall Islands, as well some slightly closer to home, such as Luxembourg.

Generations of Americans and British have served in wars giving these countries the dubious title of biggest war mongers in history.

1. Pray to Allah together daily.

3. Develop love, manners and respect for each other by hugging, speaking in low tones, saying please and thank you, and showing compassion and concern for each other.

4. Clearly assign specific tasks and responsibilities for all family members, so each one can actively participate and learn to willingly help each other (be involved).

5. Communicate with each other regularly.

Have family discussions. Encourage everyone to share his or her feelings, thoughts, and opinions. Don't just talk, listen.

6. Consult each other regularly.

7. Establish a library of Islamic books, magazines, cd’s to read and listen to together.

8. Visit the local mosque or Islamic center together for prayer, classes, talks, Eid celebrations and other activities.

9. Relax, unwind and reduce stress together.

Play board games. Walk. Play outdoor games.

Visit a park, playground or museum or go on a picnic together. The key word is ‘together’. Do things ‘together’, as a family, whether it's praying to Allah or just relaxing!

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From various Ulama

www.shafiifiqh.com Q: What is the ruling on money which the owner does not have possession of to benefit from; does one need to pay zakah on it?

A: Perhaps what is being asked about is mal al-dimar or wealth that its owner is incapable to benefit from due to it not being in his possession. In Minhaj, Imam Nawawi mentioned it, ‘…and in the usurped, lost, and disputed, according to the relied -upon opinion (zakah is obligatory), and it is not obligatory to pay it until returned…’ (Kanz al-Raghibin 1:436-37) If the zakatable wealth in the question is from what has been mentioned by Imam Nawawi here, then there is zakah with the mentioned detail.

Imam Shafi also has a view in regards to mal al-dimar, that zakah is not obligatory as there is no benefit from it for the owner when it is not in his possession and he is prevented from transacting with it. It is most prudent that one takes the first view; it is the view on which the fatwa is given according to the Shafis. And it is permissible to follow either ruling.

Q: Can I pay zakah to my stepmother (father’s second wife)?

A: One may give zakah to his stepmother so long as she meets the requirements that make one eligible to receive zakah. (Hashiyah Qalyubi/ Umayrah 2:195; Mughni alMuhtaj 3:106) Q: Can my wife pay zakatul fitr while I am also paying since she can afIslamic Focus

ford and is willing to pay?

A: If a woman pays her own zakat al-fitr, while her husband is capable to pay it, then it suffices. (Rawdat alTalibin 2:155-56) Q: In the waiting period, does the ex-husband have to pay his divorced wife’s zakat al-fitr?

A: During the waiting period of a revocable divorce, he must pay it. If irrevocable and she is pregnant, then he must pay it. If irrevocable and she is not pregnant, then he does not have to pay it. (Rawdat al-Talibin 2:295) Q: Is it permissible to profit from zakat? For example, a person is a wakeel (representative) and is given zakat for disbursement but rather than distributing immediately, he invests the money and receives a gain on the money and distributes the original money at a deferred date.

A: When the conditions for paying zakah are fulfilled, and the one who must pay it delays, this has two repercussions: 1) it is a sin and 2) one is liable for it.

1) One is sinning as he is delaying an obligation past its time. This is oppressing the recipients by withholding from them what is their right.

2) One is liable for the owed zakah; it is obligatory to pay it. If any or all of it is destroyed or lost, then it is a debt that one is held liable for. Accordingly, if one dies in this state, the obligation

of the zakah/debt remains.

In fact, it is obligatory that it be paid out of the wealth left behind, similar to other debts.

Both of these repercussions apply to a wakeel appointed to distribute zakah. If monies, etc., are given to a wakeel to distribute, and qualifying recipients are found, then it is obligatory that those monies are paid immediately, without delay.

In the instance that one delays, he is sinning and also liable for the money. (alMu’tamad fi al-Fiqh al-Shafi, 2:126-27) Q: Is it permissible for a widow to go to the hospital to see her dead husband before they bury him or does the iddah (waiting) period start immediately?

A: It is not permissible for a woman to leave her house to attend her husband’s funeral.

(Tuhfat al-Habib 4:52) Imam Nawawi related from Imam Malik that it is disliked for a woman to follow a funeral procession besides when it is of her late son, father, or husband. (Sharh alMuhadhdhab 5:169) ‘It is permissible for her to leave for her husband’s funeral …’ (Hashiyat al-Sawi ala alSharh al-Saghir 1:566) The opinion in the Maliki School is given for a woman who is facing a great tragedy through losing a loved one.

Shafis do not permit a woman in her waiting period after her husband’s passing to attend his funeral. And there is an opinion in the Maliki School permitting it.

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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: What is the ruling on vaginal discharge? Does wudhu have to be renewed?

A: The amount of discharge is different for each woman.

Some women have a little discharge now and then.

Others have discharge every day. The normal colors of vaginal discharge are clear or milky. It depends on what time of the month a female’s body is going through. Most women will experience both clear and milky colored vaginal discharge in a given month.

a red-colored sleeping bag or red sheet to spread on the floor and sleep on?

3. Is a man allowed to wear a red topi or cap? 4.

Is a man allowed to wear red socks? 5. Is a man allowed to wear red shoes or sandals? Can a man wear a qkurta which has red stripes on it?

A: There is a difference of opinion among the Hanafi scholars with regards to the ruling of men wearing a red garment. The preferred view is that it is Makrooh Tanzeehi (slightly disliked).

The ruling of vaginal discharge is that it is pure and does not invalidate Wudhu.

Hence, you are not obliged to renew Wudhu or wash yourself after discharge in order to perform Salah. However this ruling is applicable as long as the discharge is clear or white (normal color). If it is mixed with blood or discharge due to arousal the Wudhu will be invalidated.

Hence, if you experience yellow vaginal discharge, you must make Wudhu and cleanse yourself before performing Salah.

1. It is reported that the Prophet wore a red garment from Yemen. Many Ulama are of the opinion that the garments were not completely red, rather consisted of red stripes. Other Ulama are of the opinion that the garments of were completely red. Mullaa Ali al-Qari Rahimahullah mentions that if we do accept that the garments were completely red, then one of the following three interpretations will apply: a) The permissibility of wearing red was specific to the Prophet . b) The Prophet wore red before it became disliked. c) The Prophet wore red to teach that its wearing is not prohibited, rather it is better to wear another color. 2. Wearing red is Makrooh Tanzeehi (slightly disliked) in clothing. One does not clothe oneself with a sleeping bag, rather covers oneself while sleeping.

Hence, a red sleeping bag and red bed sheet are permissible without any dislike.

3. According to the Fuqaha, a topi or cap is not consid-

Note: After taking Ghusl from intercourse, if the female feels that her husband’s semen is mixed with her vaginal discharge she must renew her Wudhu and cleanse the affected area before performing Salah.

Checked by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q: 1. In some hadeeth it is mentioned about the Prophet wearing red, what does that exactly mean? 2. Can a man use Islamic Focus

ered to be an item of clothing. Hence, wearing a red topi is permissible without any dislike. 4. According to the Fuqaha, socks are not considered to be items of clothing. Hence, wearing red socks is permissible without any dislike. If one fears being criticized due to ignorance for wearing red socks, it is advisable to avoid wearing such socks. 5. According to the Fuqaha, shoes and sandals are not articles of clothing. Hence, wearing red sandals or shoes is permissible without any dislike. Furthermore, wearing a Kurta with red stripes is permissible without any dislike. A kurta having red embroidery is also permissible without any dislike.

Checked by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q: Is Forex trading permissible in Islam?

A: The issue of online Forex trading was discussed in the Jameeatul Muftieen (a board comprising of 12 Muftis of South Africa). After analysing the details provided, Forex trading was ruled impermissible, as many of its aspects did not conform to the laws of Shariah.

Checked by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q: Can my step daughter travel with me and her mother for hajj?

A: The stepdaughter is Mahram to you. Therefore, it is permissible for the stepdaughter to accompany her mother and you for Hajj.

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Scholars Association www.marifetdernegi.org/ingilizce/ -

Sheikh Mahmud Effendi www.marifah.net - Biographies, articles,

etc of world ulama

Imagine I gifted you with a box full of tools and every material you’d need, and then asked you to build a house, not for me, for yourself.

How many people would fall in love with the hammer and forget about building the house?

How many would use the tools instead to destroy themselves?

It would only be a crazy person who would admire the tools and forget using them to build the house. Only a crazy person would take the saw and harm himself.

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Islamic News Agency http://mueenuddeen.co.za/ - Moulana

God gave us this world, which is nothing but a box full of tools. Our ability to love is a tool.

Our heart is a tool. Our life experiences are a tool. Our relationships, our money, our bodies, our minds, the sky, the sun, the stars, are all part of that tool box.

And He has asked us to build a house for the Hereafter. Not for Him. For ourselves. But most of us are so in love with the tools, we’ve forgotten their purpose. And in that neglect, have forgotten our own.

Abdul Haq Makda www.hadhrat.com - Dr Tanveer Ahmed

Khan www.hibamagazine.com www.hadithoftheday.com - Apps, activi-

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Support Sensible Surfing

Do not lose sight of the true reality of our lives in this world: live in this world while working for a good place in the next world. Look after your tools by all means but do not forget they are there for a purpose.

‘The world has been created for you (to use wisely) while you have been created for the Hereafter.’

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INTERNET / INSPIRATION

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

SOCIAL / HISTORY

Tips when buying toys for kids:

Medieval

1. DISCUSS: Always consult with spouse and children; this will help us to purchase wisely and not impulsively. If we teach our children to discuss and pray before making any decision, they will always do this when they grow up.

2. TOYS 4 KIDS: The toys are meant for your children and not for you. Don’t buy toys that caught the fancy of the child in you. Mum and Dad you have had your turn!

3. DON’T BUY LOVE: Every parent needs to earn the love of their children and not buy it.

Don’t buy their love by buying expensive toys.

If you walk that road you will be on a rollercoaster of no return.

4. DON’T COMPETE: Don’t buy to impress cousins, friends and neighbours. Don’t get into a toy buying competition with the Joneses.

5. AVOID CREDIT: Buy what you can afford.

Don’t buy things you don’t need with money you don’t have to impress people you don’t like. Remember, if you buy on credit, you will have to deal with the stress of paying it off.

6. ORGANISE: Don’t allow your children to mess your whole house by letting toys lie everywhere. Teach them to pack away.

7. BE WISE: Think, research and compare before you buy. Don’t buy toys that will harm their Hereafter for a little fun in the world. Let not today’s joy be tomorrows sorrow. Think and be wise before you buy!

Hajj caravans from Cairo/ Damascus were like small towns on the move. Caravans included Bedouin guides, water carriers, notables, the Kiswa, treasury, orchestra and merchants.

The Portuguese attacked and sank Hajj

ships in the 15th century and later levied a special tax on pilgrims.

In 1865 there was a severe outbreak of

cholera during the Hajj. 15,000 passed away. In another major cholera outbreak in 1893-4, over 30,000 of 200,000 Hujaaj passed away, and corpses had to be thrown into the sea.

Due to the worldwide economic depression,

Hajj numbers fell: Only 40,000 Hujaaj in 1931 and 20,500 in 1934.

The Abbasid Khalif al Mahdi distributed 30

million silver dirhams, 500,000 gold dinars and 150,000 garments during his Hajj.

Khalif Harun ar Rashid distributed 1.5 mil-

lion gold Dinars during his Hajj.

When Mansa Musa, king of Mali, made Hajj

in 1324, his procession included 60,000 men, 12,000 slaves who all carried 1,8kg gold bars, heralds dressed in silks who bore gold staffs. Also in the train were 80 camels, which carried between 50 and 300 pounds of gold dust each. He gave away the gold to the poor he met along his route.

Abdullah ibn Umar performed 65 Hajj.

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These are some of the books I’ve been reading lately on Muslims and Islam:

He went to pursue Islamic studies at Al Azhar University in Cairo but returned in 1956 during the Suex Crisis. He served as a teacher at the PE Muslim Movement Madresa and continued his studies getting a BA and B Education degrees through Unisa. He taught at South End High School in 1965 and then Arcadia High where he became the principal in 1982. He was promoted to Inspector of Schools in 1988 until retirement in 1993.

South End Museum, Celebrating the History of the Cape Malay Heritage in NMB. A wonderful glimpse into the history and culture of Muslims in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage.

Rich details of the Muslim cemeteries, Musjids and culture. It covers, in brief, most aspects of the lives of the early Muslims in the city and brings to light many interesting facts.

In 1973 he became the first Imam of Musjid Taqwa where he moulded the community through lectures and regular Islamic classes.

He introduced an organized system of Islamic education which included Quraan, Fiqh, Islamic History, History, Aqaaid and Akhlaaq. He used innovative teaching methods to make lessons interesting. He compiled a book called Ad Da’waatul Mustajaabaat (The Accepted Duas). Sheikh Jamiel strove to keep the Muslim communities of Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage united. He was instrumental in educating and encouraging future Imams in PE like Sheikh Shamiel and Imam Jalaluddeen. He passed away in 1994.

Al Asil, The Pure-bred Arabian by Moulana Yusuf Bemath. A lavishly illustrated book on the Arabian horse detailing its history and hadith connected with it. An interesting chapter on the author’s travels around the world to the different Arabian stud farms. A book that celebrates the link Muslims had with the Arab horse and an encouragement to revive that link.

Muslim Portraits, The Anti-Apartheid Struggle by Goolam Vahed. A compilation of biographical insights into the lives of around 100 Muslims who played a role in fighting Apartheid in South Africa. A must-read for all those wanting to see Muslims’ contribution to South Africa. The book is not a full biography of each person but has brief snapshots of their lives relating to the anti-Apartheid struggle.

Saudi Aramco World Nov/Dec 2012. This free bi-monthly magazine has well-researched articles into Muslim culture and history around the world. This edition features the story of Syrian immigrants to USA in the early 20th century and the mark they made in New York.

Available free in book, cd form and online.

Publishers of the Islamic Focus Distributed free in PE/Uitenhage 11 Morat Street, Korsten Port Elizabeth

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BIOGRAPHY / LITERATURE

Sheikh Jamiel Jardien (1932-1994) was a major influence on the Islamic progress on Muslims in Port Elizabeth. He was the son of Haji Hanief and Jawayer Jardien and was orphaned at age 13. His mother was the daughter of Imam Awalie, the third Ima m of Rudolph Street Musjid in Port Elizabeth. He completed the Hifz (memorization) of the Quraan at age 16 at the PE Moslem Cockney League School in South End. His teachers were Imam Armien Connolly, Imam Abdur Rahman Johaardien and Haji Faatih Agherdien.

HISTORY / CURRENT

The history of Islam in Italy dates back to the 9th century, when Sicily and some regions in Peninsular Italy were brought under Muslim rule. There was Muslim presence in Italy from 827 till 1300. Thereafter, until the 1970s Islam was almost entirely absent in Italy.

In the 1970s, the first Somali immigrants began to arrive. In recent years, there has been migration from Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia.

There are about 1.5 million Muslims in Italy or 1.4% of the population. Muslims make up 34% of the 2,400,000 foreign residents living in Italy. Italian converts to Islam number around 10,000. Islam is not yet formally recognized by the state. Under the Muslims, agriculture in Sicily prospered and became export oriented. Arts and crafts flourished in the cities. Palermo, the Muslim capital of the island, had 300,000 inhabitants at that time, more than all the cities of Germany combined. At the beginning of the 11th century, Muslims made up half of the population of Sicily. From Sicily, the Muslims launched attacks on the mainland even attacking Rome. After the Normans conquered Italy, a small Muslim population remained until expelled by Frederick II. The Ottoman Turks carried out attacks on Italy in the 1500’s and conquered some areas.

The construction of mosques has been blocked in some cities. Italy does not have many prominent Muslim scholars. Many Muslims rely on foreign scholars. Some Italian Muslims belong to religious associations like the Islamic Cultural Center in Rome, which is situated in what is reputed to be the largest mosque in Europe: the Grand Mosque of Rome.

Some facts and figures from this year’s Hajj 2012: 1,752,932 Hajj pilgrims officially came from

abroad. 951,806 male and 801,126 female.

In total nearly 4 million people performed Hajj this year. They cam from 189 countries.

1 in 10 pilgrims(10%) is from Indonesia; 1

in 4 (25%) is from the Indian subcontinent.

On Hajj this year were Pakistani cricketer

Shaid Afridi and Nasheed artisit Maher Zain.

It is a well-established tradition in Egypt to

colorfully paint outsides of homes of returning Hujaaj as means of welcoming and honouring them.

A lady who gave birth to twins on Hajj

named them Safa and Marwa.

Among the 500 Muslim leaders and scholars

hosted by the Muslim World League for Hajj were members of government in Pakistan, Kosovo and Sudan.

King Abdullah hosted 1,200 Syrian refu-

gees.

More than 120,000 security officers were

deployed on Hajj duty. This included 45 helicopters operated by 360 pilots. 18,300 buses were also used to transport pilgrims.

This year alone, Saudi Arabia spent $293.3

million on development projects in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah alone.

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FINAL FOCUS

The Community Orientation Program (COP) is a non profit community organisation which deals with social issues in Port Elizabeth. It aims to primarily provide assistance to victims of domestic abuse with the focus being mainly on domestic related issues. It has been in existence for 10 years.

Projects Soup Kitchen Project Victim Support Centre Dealing with drug and domestic abuse Community Projects Citizens on Patrol Victim Support Program including counselling COP have also organised marches and assisted various organisations Some Achievements Assisting police with exposing illegal marriage syndicate and an illegal nursing college Training victims of domestic violence to become survivors Assisting with various neighbourhood watches in the Northern Areas Hosting Domestic Violence Workshops at schools Voluntary assistance, food items, clothing, blankets and donations are welcome.

CONTACT Corner 8 Eland and Sable Streets, Gelvandale, Port Elizabeth Cell: 074 498 5534 084 039 7376

Who does the Gold Belong to?

The Prophet once mentioned an incident of a person who purchased some land from another. The purchaser found an earthenware utensil filled with gold buried in the ground.

Hence he went to the seller and told him: ‘Take your gold, for I have purchased from you only the land and not the gold.’ The former owner replied: ‘Well! I have sold you the land together with whatever is in it.’

Hence both the buyer and seller presented their case to a third person in order to resolve their dispute. He asked them: ‘Do you have any children?’ One of them replied: ‘I have a son.’ The other replied: ‘I have a daughter.’

The one presiding over their case then said: ‘Get the boy married to the girl. Spend some of this wealth in seeing to their needs and give the rest in charity.’ (Saheeh Bukhari #3472) Lesson: The end result of having a big heart is always sweet. In this incident due to the big -heartedness of both parties, Allah Ta’ala blessed them in a wonderful manner and both benefited.

One of life’s secrets to success is to be generous and ready to help others. The western greed for amassing money has to a large extent overridden man’s humanity: people are killed in wars fought for rich resources, they are enslaved in sweat shops to mass produce goods, they are forced into sexual exploitation to feed money-hungry industries. Money should not become the overriding object of life to the exclusion of morality and humanity.

73 DURBAN ROAD KORSTEN PH. 041 451 3060 Islamic Focus

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

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