P4 Kabah P7 Don’t Judge P8 Golden Windows P9 Makkah Clock P10 Argentina
Bukhara Publications/Tel: 078 672 7797/Fax: 086 651 2125 Email: islamicfocus@gmail.com/Korsten/Port Elizabeth
Throughout the history of Islam, Muslims have produced some of their most sterling achievements in the month of Ramadan. Here is a brief glimpse into them: BADR: The greatest battle of Islam was fought and won on the 17th of Ramadan 3 AH when a group of ill-equipped Muslim soldiers defeated a larger, better equipped Quraish army. MAKKAH: The city of Makkah was conquered without a battle on 20th Ramadan 8 AH. This was one of the most important dates in Islamic history for after it, Islam was firmly entrenched in the Arabian Peninsula. SPAIN: By 92 AH Spain was under the tyrannical rule of King Roderic of the Visigoths. Roderic had forced his six million serfs and persecuted Jews to
Islamic Focus
Issue 81
Igniting the Spirit of Islam
seek the aid of the Muslims of North Africa. Musa ibn Nusair, the Umayyad governor of North Africa, responded by sending his general Tariq ibn Ziyad at the head of 12,000 Berber and Arab troops. In Ramadan of that year, they confronted wa combined Visigoth army of 90,000 Christians led by Roderic himself. After burning his boats, Tariq crushed the forces of disbelief. Not only was Roderic and his forces completely annihilated, but Tariq and Musa succeeded in liberating the whole of Spain, Sicily and the south of France. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of Spain where Muslims ruled for over 700 years. PALESTINE: In Ramadan 682 AH, Salahuddin Ayyubi, after battling the Crusaders for years, finally drove them out of Syria.
Aug 2010
MONGOLS: In the seventh century AH the Mongols of Genghis Khan swept across Asia destroying everything that lay in their path. In 617 AH Samarkand, Ray, and Hamdan were put to the sword causing more than 700,000 people to be killed or made captive. In 656 AH Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, continued this destruction. Even Baghdad, the leading city of the Muslim world, was sacked. Some estimate that as many as 1,800,000 Muslims were killed in this awesome carnage. With the whole Muslim and Christian world threatened, Saifuddin Qutuz from the Mamluks of Egypt, united the Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on 26th Ramadan 668 AH. They crushed the Mongol army and reversed this tidal wave of horror. What are you going to achieve this Ramadan? Adapted from the article by: Sheikh Abdullah Hakim Quick
...
WORLD NEWS
PAKISTAN - A plane with more than 150 people on board crashed north of Islamabad. (BBC, 28 July) PALESTINE - 300 Bedouins living in occupied Palestine’s Negev desert were made homeless after Jewish police razed their homes. (BBC, 27 July) UK - PM Cameron condemned the Jewish blockade of Gaza, describing the territory as a prison camp. He also criticised Israel for attacking a convoy transporting activists and aid to Gaza. (BBC, 27 July) SUDAN - A group of Muslim men were given 30 lashes after being convicted of wearing women's clothes and make-up. (BBC, 4 Aug) MALAYSIA - The state of Malacca is to allow young Muslims to get married despite criticism from women's groups. The state government and its Islamic Religious Council said the move is aimed at reducing the number of babies born outside wedlock and abandoned. (BBC, 4 Aug) LEBANON - Clashes between Lebanese and Israeli troops killed a Jewish officer. (BBC, 4 Aug) PAKISTAN - 1,600 killed in worst floods in 80 years. 650,000 homes and 10,000 cattle destroyed. 1,000 killed in China flooding as well. (BBC, 7 Aug) INDONESIA - The Ulema Council said its March directive on the direction of Makkah actually had people facing Africa and now say people should shift direction slightly to the north-west. (IOL, 23 July) SPAIN - 2 Spanish activists and a journalist arrested in a raid by Israel on a Gaza flotilla are filing charges against Israel's PM, accusing him of illegal detention, torture and deportation. (BBC, 23 July) AFGHANISTAN - 4 US soldiers killed in the south while 2 were captured by Taliban fighters in the east. Dozens of international soldiers killed in July. June saw more than 100 troops killed, the bloodiest month of the 9-year war. (BBC, 24 July) PALESTINE - 5 rockets fired at the Israeli tourist resort of Eilat from Sinai in Egypt. (BBC, 2 Aug) KASHMIR - 9 killed in clashes between Muslims and Indian paramilitary forces in Indian-occupied Kashmir. 50 Muslims killed in clashes in 2 months of an uprising. (BBC, 2 Aug) SAUDI - Saudi Arabia and UAE announced bans on some functions of the Blackberry mobile phone, claiming security concerns. (BBC, 1 Aug) MOROCCO - Government will close 1,256 Musjids for repairs, to avoid a repeat of the collapse of a minaret in Feb that killed 41. (BBC, 10 Aug)
Islamic Focus
TURKEY - An explosion hit an oil pipeline killing two. Kurdish separatist group, PKK, is suspected of the attack. (BBC, 10 Aug) JORDAN - The Islamic Action Front, the Muslim Brotherhood's political arm, will boycott upcoming parliamentary polls. In the 1990s Islamists held almost half of the parliamentary seats. (BBC, 10 Aug) LEBANON - Security officials kill leader of Sunni Islamist movement Fatah al-Islam. Fatah al-Islam fought a three-month battle with the Lebanese army in 2007 in which 400 were killed. (BBC, 14 Aug) PAKISTAN - 16 people, including 5 security personnel, killed in two attacks in Balochistan. Officials say Baluch rebels are responsible. (BBC, 14 Aug) SAUDI - For more than a century, Big Ben in London has been the centre of world time. But now it is being challenged by the world's tallest clock in Makkah, by which the world's 1.5 billion Muslims could soon be setting their watches. (Telegraph, 23 Aug) USA - Hundreds took part in rival protests over plans for a Musjid near the World Trade Centre attacks. Muslims plan to convert an old building into a 13-storey Islamic centre and Musjid. (BBC, 23 Aug) IRAN - First domestically built unmanned bomber, the Karrar, has a range of 1,000km. (BBC, 22 Aug) PALESTINE - UN report says Israeli military is increasingly restricting Palestinian access to farmland and fishing zones in Gaza. The army uses live fire to enforce restrictions leading to tens of thousands losing their livelihoods. (BBC, 19 Aug) EGYPT - A Van Gogh painting worth R350m was stolen from a Cairo museum. (BBC, 22 Aug) EGYPT - the Muslim Brotherhood launched its own Facebook-style social networking site called Ikhwanbook. (BBC, 24 Aug) FRANCE - 60 years ago Pont-Saint-Esprit was hit by hallucinations, which left 5 dead and many seriously ill. It was blamed on contaminated bread but a US journalist found a CIA document suggesting the CIA was experimenting on the people by dosing them with the LSD drug. (BBC, 23 Aug) USA - Many US soldiers who served in Iraq have been linked to violent killings and attempted killings since their return to USA. The number of soldiers failing drug tests rose 3000% in the first 3 years of the Iraq war. By 2007, more than 20,000 US troops in Afghanistan and Iraq were taking antidepressants and sleeping pills to cope with the stresses of combat. (BBC, 25 Aug)
... 2
On one occasion a Sahaabi was in Salaah when he was shot with an arrow in the chest. He pulled it out and continued in prayer. A second arrow hit him and he did the same. A third arrow was shot but now he could no longer stand and fell bleeding. Another Sahaabi rushed to his aid saying, ‘Why didn't you alert me from the first arrow?" The Sahaabi replied, ‘I was in the middle of a (beautiful) Surah and didn't wish to interrupt my recitation of it.’ Ask yourself: Why do I pray? We need to start praying out of love, out of longing to be with the one we love. Pray for the comfort that comes from being with the one you love. There are 3 reasons which make you love someone: 1. Either because that someone is beautiful. 2. Or because that someone deals kindly with you. 3. Or because that someone has done many favours for you. Allah is all of these and more. Doesn't He deserve to be the most worthy of our love over everything. Musa fainted when he only saw the mountain which saw Allah's beauty. Imagine if it was a direct sight! Allah is so Kind that when we sin against Him, we sin using the very gifts and He has given us, yet He continues to protect us, even while we're in the act! You will not find anyone more kind. As for Allah's favours upon us, close your eyes a while to appreciate just the gift of sight alone. Remember: The sweetness of this life lies in remembering Allah, the sweetness of the next life lies in seeing Him! The next time you go for prayer, go because you love Him, because you miss Him and long to be with Him. By M Hubbi
The Kabah is the first house built for the worship of God. It is in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It was initially constructed by Prophet Aadam . Prophet Abraham Ibrahim and his son Ismail later reconstructed it. ‘Verily, the first house (of worship) appointed for mankind was that in Bakka (Makkah), full of blessing, and guidance for all people.’ (Quraan, 3:96) According to the Bible Bakka is mentioned by Prophet David (Dawood) in Psalms: ‘Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well, the rain also filleth the pools.’ (Psalm 84:6) The well here is the famous well of Zam Zam, still present now, close to the Kabah after thousands of years. The Bible, in the Chapter of Genesis, describes the rebuilding that was done later when God ordained Abraham to erect a Shrine for worship when Abraham was ordered to go to the southern desert with his wife Hagera and infant son Ismail . The Old Testament describes this building as the Shrine of God at several places. The Quraan also mentions the rebuilding of the Kabah in the second chapter. Ultimately, it is the Muslims who are holding on to the way and original teachings of the Prophets of the past, as taught and expounded by Prophet Muhammad . This is true with regards to prayer, Qurbani (animal sacrifice) and many other aspects.
SHOP 7 SUMMERSTRAND VILLAGE 041 583 4882 www.786cellular.co.za
Importers of new & used gearboxes, engines & motor spares Spares & accessories for all types of vehicles
112 DURBAN RD KORSTEN TEL: (041) 451-5908/453-4716 CELL: 082 51 222 36 IN CONJUNCTION WITH
NOKIA 5230 RIHANNA 30 MB Data PM x 24 200 SMS’s PM x 24 Includes 120 off-peak minutes per month
FREE ON EVERYDAY OFFOFF-PEAK 120 The only Muslim-owned Vodashop in the Eastern Cape
Islamic Focus
296 DURBAN RD (OPP TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT) TEL: (041) 453-0119 FAX: (041) 453-4134 For all Engine Requirements, Please Contact:
SOLLY & AADILL
3
COMPARITIVE / WORSHIP
Do you feel your Salaah (prayer) is not having the effect it is supposed to have on your life? It seems we’ve lost the ability to connect in Salaah that makes all the difference in its effect on us. The people of the past found serenity in Salaah:
WORSHIP / INSPIRATION
Here are some pointers on helping one’s Dua be accepted: 1. Raising the Hands. The Prophet said: ‘Your Lord, may He be blessed and exalted, is Kind and Most Generous, and He is too kind to let His slave, if he raises his hands to Him, bring them back empty.’ (Abu Dawood, 1488) ‘When you ask of Allah, ask of Him with the palms of your hands, not with the backs of them.’ (Abu Dawood, 1486) 2. Praise Allah. Whilst the Prophet was sitting, a man came in and prayed and said, ‘O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me.’ The Prophet said, ‘You have been too hasty, O worshipper. When you have prayed and are sitting, praise Allah as He deserves to be praised, and send blessings upon me, then call upon Him.’ (Tirmidhi, 3476) According to another version: ‘When one of you prays, let him start with praise of Allaah, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet , then let him ask whatever he likes after that.’ 3. Blessings on the Prophet . The Prophet said: ‘Every duaa is kept back until you send blessings upon the Prophet .’ (Tabaraani, 1:220) 4. Be Confident. ‘Call upon Allah being certain of a response, and remember that Allah will not answer a duaa that comes from a negligent and heedless heart.’ (Tirmidhi, 3479)
Available in Trays Housewives Welcome Businesses phone for trade enquiries & Free delivery
Our Eggs are EggEgg-cellent Islamic Focus
THE BUZZARD: If you put a buzzard in a pen 1.8 metres by 2.4 metres and it is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will remain a prisoner. The reason is a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 3 to 3.6 metres. Without space to run, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life. THE BAT: The bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then it takes off in a flash. THE BUMBLEBEE: A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself. PEOPLE: In many ways, we are like these three. We struggle with our problems and frustrations, not realising all we have to do is look up. That's the escape route and the solution to any problem: look up to the route of Islam and the way out will be found. It is remarkable that everything turns out well for a believer; and that applies only to a believer, If happiness comes to him he is thankful and it turns out well for him, and if misfortune befalls him, he displays patience and it turns out well for him. (Muslim) Adapted from Radio Islam article
154 RENSBURG STREET, WEST END, P.E. TEL. 041 481 2862, 481 7849 FAX. 041 482 0462
4
www.sunnipath.com
Q: I pay money to the Musjid for its maintenance and to help pay off its debts. Does that money count as zakat? A: The money that is paid to fulfill the needs of the Musjid does not count as zakat since it is not permissible to give zakat except on the eight groups of recipients mentioned in the Quraan: ‘Verily, charity is for the poor, those short of money, zakat workers, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, those purchasing their freedom, those in debt, the path of Allah and those fighting for Allah.’ Spending in the ‘path of Allah’ means jihad only. It does not mean every path to good. This is the position of the four schools of Sunni law, and the overwhelming majority of Islamic scholarship. Money paid for the Musjid’s maintenance and paying off its debts does not count as zakat; rather, it is praiseworthy charity. Q: Do I have to give zakat on unused gold? My parents bought me gold and kept it until I get married. A: Zakat does not have to be paid on permissible gold and silver jewelry, as opposed to forbidden or offensive (makruh) jewelry, because it is made to be used so it is similar to household objects. This is the case even if it goes unused for a period of time as long as it is not in-
tended as saved wealth. An example of jewelry which is not permissible is excessively large jewelry such that it is no longer considered an ornament, rather it becomes distasteful. So as long as this jewelry is not excessive you would not owe zakat on it because it was acquired for your use after marriage which is permissible. Q: If a person saw sunset on the last day of Ramadan in Makkah, then travels to another city, is it obligatory on him to give sadaqatul fitr (fitra) in Makkah, or can he give it in the city he traveled to? A: What is clear in the Shafi school is that it is obligatory for him to pay it in the city where it became obligatory on him, and it is not permissible for him to change it to another place. In the questioner’s case, it is obligatory for him to pay it in Makkah. However, there is a strong saying in our school that permits paying the fitra in any city the giver wants. According to this, it is permissible for him to pay it in the city to which he traveled. Q: Does one recite ta'awwudh (the saying: I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected Satan) during the month of Ramadan (e.g. before the Fatiha in the prayer or before reciting Quraan) given that the
devils are chained up during this month? A: Yes, one recites it in Ramadan because Imam Nawawi rahimahullah said in Minhaj: ‘And one says ta'awwudh in each rakah according to our School’. This is a general statement and no other statement from our Imams which specifies it as outside of Ramadan has reached us, so it remains general. In fact, if one intends saying it on behalf of all Muslims until the Last Day it becomes a prayer that is not limited to Ramadan or even to one's lifespan. Q: Is it permissible for a woman to dye her hair if her husband wants her to? Must she obey him? A: Yes, it is permissible for a woman to dye her hair with henna or something like it, whether her husband permits her or not. But if he requests this from her, it seems she must obey him, as long as it doesn’t harm her, because the husband has a purpose in asking her to beautify herself.
RAMADAAN 2010 SHAFI AMOUNTS
FITRA
R26
FIDYA
R13
PORT ELIZABETH EVENTS: 6 September. Mufti Abdool Kader Hoosen at Musjid Taqwa after Taraweeh | 1, 8 September. Ladies Programs. Various speakers. 3:15-4:00pm at Musjid Shaakireen, Malabar | Daily in Ramadaan. Tafseer by Moulana Moosa Leher. Musjid Qudama, Uitenhage | 10 September. Eidul Fitr (depending on sighting of moon) Get Mufti AK Hoosen’s full PE Program on our website as well as updates, details and more events
Islamic Focus
5
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
SHAFI Q & A
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
HANAFI Q & A From various Ulama
www.askimam.org | www.askmufti.co.za | www.councilofulama.co.za Q: My bank gives reward/ loyalty points every time I use my credit card. I can redeem these points for a wide range of products. I can also redeem these points against my credit card outstanding amount. Is it halaal to use these points? A. The use of a credit card is allowed in Islamic law, regardless of whether the card is issued by a banking institution or some other company, subject to the condition that a person does not involve himself in interest. As such, the reward/loyalty points (redeemable for cash, permissible gifts, mileage, etc.) given by such institutions is considered a gift and halaal for you to redeem and use. However, if any reward points are given by the bank as interest on the money you deposited with them, or involve the purchase of bank products which are haraam (prohibited) such as treasuries, mortgages, etc. then the reward points cannot be redeemed.
towards sin. (Fataawa Shaami, Vol 4, Pg 268) ‘Help one another in righteousness and piety, but help not one another in sin and animosity.’ (Surah Maaidah, 2) Therefore, it is highly advisable to either request management not to assign you any such tasks which are contrary to Islam or to seek alternative employment elsewhere. If they refuse to assign you such tasks, you may continue to work at the company while in the process of finding another job if you have no other means of income. Tawbah (repentance) and istighfaar must be made. ‘Whoever fears Allah - Allah will create for him a way of deliverance. And will provide him sustenance from a place he had never expected; and whoever relies on Allah then Allah is Sufficient for him; indeed Allah will accomplish His command; indeed Allah has set a proper measure for all things. (Surah Talaaq, 2,3)
Checked by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Q: A few of the Musjids in Toronto have Jumuah before Zuhr timings, as we are observing Daylight Saving Times, e.g. Sep 8: Sunrise: 06:49 am, Sunset: 07:41 pm, Zuhr salaah time starts: 01:18 pm. The Musjids observing early Jumuah are conducting it at 12:30 pm. The scholars who allowed early Salaah said they don't find any specific timing mentioned for Jumuah prayer so we can do this as it is lunch time and more people can attend. Secondly, they said the
Q: I work for a nonMuslim printing company as a DTP Operator/ Graphic Designer. The nature of the work I do is adverts, competitions and promotions for alcohol, movies and music. Not all of my jobs include these items but at least 2-4 times a week I will have a job like this. Is my salary halaal? A: It will be makrooh tahreem (close to haraam) for you to work for this company due to directly assisting
Islamic Focus
Checked by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
early timings of Jumuah was also observed by the Sahaaba. A: The claim of the scholars that there has been no specific timing mentioned for Jumuah is incorrect. The books of jurisprudence that discuss Jumuah also discuss the timing of Jumuah. The majority of the Imams of the different schools of thought, (Hanafi Maliki and Shafi) are of the view that the time of Jumuah only commences after Zawaal (i.e. when the time of Zawaal commences). It is only the Hanbali that state that Jumuah Salah could be performed before Zawaal. To keep clear of any difference of opinion and as a matter of precaution, the Jumuah Salah must be performed after Zawaal. Muslims living in the affected area should seek special dispensation from their places of work etc. that will enable them to perform the Jumuah Salah at the correct time. As a suggestion, the talk could be given before Zawaal and immediately after Zawaal the first Athan could be given, the Sunnah Rakaats performed, and thereafter the second Athan, a short Khutba and Salah could be made. Answer by: Mufti Shafiq Jakhura
RAMADAAN 2010 HANAFI AMOUNTS
FITRA & FIDYA
R13 6
www.islamiclandmarks.com - Islamic
Landmarks. Pictures of historical places www.iic.org.za - Islamic Information
Centre, Stanger www.alqalam.org.uk - Al Qalam Islamic
advice on financial dealings
THOUGHTS / INTERNET
Enrich your web experience. Not all content on all sites Islamic-compliant. Consult Ulama.
I was shocked, confused, bewildered As I entered Heaven's door, Not by the beauty of it all, Nor the lights or its decor. But it was the folks in Heaven Who made me sputter and gasp: The thieves, the liars, the sinners, The alcoholics, the drug users and the trash.
www.halaal.co.uk/main.php - Online
Muslim Food Guide, UK www.gmwa.org.uk - Gloucester Muslim
Welfare Association, UK www.worldhalalforum.org - World Halal
Forum www.hkkgschool.com - Khadijatul Kubra
Girls School, Birmingham, UK www.nelsonmuslims.co.uk/nmc_ - Nel-
There stood the kid from seventh grade Who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor Who never said anything nice. Mr Q, who I always thought Was rotting away in Hell, Was sitting pretty on cloud nine, Looking incredibly well.
son Muslim Community, Lancashire, UK http://blog.iloveallaah.com/ - I Love
Allah Blog www.muslimcouncil.org/en/ - Muslim
Council of Montreal, Canada www.lma.org.za/wordpress/index.php
- Lenasia Muslim Association http://lankamuslim.com/ - Sri Lanka
Muslim news www.madinah.co.za - Al Madinah Educa-
tion. Short courses www.globalprayer2010.com - World-
wide Muslim Dua on Day of Arafaat www.ikhwanbook.com - Alternative to
Facebook launched by Muslim Brotherhood
Support Sensible Surfing
I nudged Jibreel, ‘What's the deal? I would love to hear your take. How'd all these sinners get up here? There must be some mistake. ‘And why is everyone so quiet, So somber - give me a clue.’ ‘Hush, child,’ he said, ‘they're all in shock. No one thought they'd be seeing you.’ JUDGE NOT! Remember: Just going to Musjid doesn't make you a Muslim any more than standing in your garage makes you a car. Every saint has a PAST, Every sinner has a FUTURE!
“The People's Bread”!
82 DURBAN ROAD, KORSTEN TEL/FAX: (041) 453 2990
St. Bede Street West End Shopping Centre West End Port Elizabeth
Islamic Focus
Tel: 041 481 9123 Fax: 041 482 2236 Email: desaisbakery@yahoo.com
Place your platter order from as little as R35: Sandwiches, Bunny Chows, Rooties, Samoosas, Pies, Curry Bunny, Chicken Bites
7
SOCIAL / INSPIRATION
The base for combating the evil around us is the home. Part five of tips on building a strong home:
10. Creating opportunities for meetings to discuss family matters. ‘… and who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation…’ [Quraan 42:38]. This is a time when family members can sit together to talk about issues within and without the family that affect them. This is a sign of strong interaction within the family. The man is the primary decision maker, but giving room to others to contribute, especially when children get older, is good training for them to learn to bear responsibility, as well as giving everyone the confidence of knowing that his or her opinion is valued. Examples of this are discussions concerning going on trips to visit relatives, or for holidays; organizing weddings; moving home; and charitable projects such as finding out about the poor in one's neighbourhood so the family can offer help. Families can also discuss problems faced by themselves or by relatives, and talk about how to solve them. There is another important kind of family meeting, which is holding frank discussions between parents and children. Some of the problems of adolescence can only by solved by one-on-one conversations between parents and children, where a parent talks, calmly and quietly, with their child about the problems of youth, the Islamic rulings and helps him/her solve the problems they may face at this age. The parent may open the discussion with words such as ‘When I was your age…’ Lack of such frank discussions will force children to talk to bad companions, which leads to so many other evils. Sheikh Salih al Munajjid
Islamic Focus
The little girl lived in a small, simple house on a hill and as she grew she would play in the garden and look over the garden fence and across the valley to a wonderful house on the hill. This house had golden windows, so golden that the little girl would dream of how magic it would be to live in a house with golden windows instead of an ordinary house like hers. Although she loved her family, she yearned to live in such a golden house and dreamed all day about how wonderful and exciting it must feel to live there. When she got bigger, she asked her mother is she could go for a bike ride outside the gate. The little girl rode across the valley until she got to the gate of the golden house across on the other hill. As she dismounted, she focused on the house itself and was so disappointed as she realised all the windows were plain and dirty, reflecting nothing other than the sad neglect of the house that stood empty. She turned, heart broken as she remounted her bike. As she glanced up she saw a sight to amaze her. There across the valley was a little house and its windows glistened golden as the sun shone on her little home. She realised that she had been living in her golden house and all the love and care she found there was what made her home the 'golden house'. Everything she dreamed was right there in front of her nose! We imagine things to be rosier for others, little realizing that we can find happiness by appreciating what we actually have. We seek pleasure outside the laws of Islam, little knowing that true contentment lies in following the rules laid out by Allah.
8
His father was a Sheikh in the Qadiri sufi order. He was a Banu Ifran Berber and a descendant of Prophet Muhammad . He memorized the Quraan as a child and was trained in horsemanship, theology and linguistics. In 1825 he went on Hajj and met Imam Shamil, the Chechen Mujahid leader. He also traveled to Damascus and Baghdad. The French invaded Algeria in 1830. By 1832 Abdul Qadir began a Jihad against them. He used guerrilla warfare effectively and until 1842 scored many victories. On one occasion he released his French captives because he had insufficient food to feed them. He was defeated after Berber mountain tribes refused to join the Arabs against the French. Abdul Qadir surrendered in 1847 after the French brutally suppressed Muslims and practiced a scorched-earth policy. He and his family were exiled to France until 1852. He then went to Bursa and Damascus. He devoted himself to theology and philosophy and wrote a book on the Arab horse. In 1860 when the Druze attacked Christians in Syria, Abdul Qadir saved many Christians in his house. For this the French and Abraham Lincoln honoured him. In 1865 he was invited to Paris by Napoleon III and was greeted with respect. His green and white standard became the flag of independent Algeria. The town of Elkader, USA was named after him. One of his sons, Saeed ran the government of Syria when the Ottomans evacuated in 1918.
The city of Elkader, Iowa, USA is named after Muslim Algerian leader Sheikh Abdul Qadir who led the resistance to the French occupation in the 1800’s. When the community was planned in 1846, the founders: Timothy Davis, John Thompson, and Chester Sage (none Muslim) decided to name it for the young Algerian who was leading his people in resisting the French colonial takeover. The population is around 1,500.
The world’s biggest clock in Makkah, with a diametre of more than 40 metres, can be seen from a distance of eight kilometres, and is part of the 400-metre clock tower. The clock will be six times bigger than London’s Big Ben. It sits atop the Makkah Clock Royal Tower complex, the world’s second tallest building, which has over 500 shopping and food outlets, luxury apartments, and the 1,005-room Fairmont Hotel. There are a total of 76 elevators. The complex overlooks the Kabah. The tower housing the clock is being built in a unique Islamic architectural style, while the clock has four faces, one in each direction. The Name of Allah will be inscribed on the four clock faces. The clock will display Makkah Time, a challenge to the 100 years of Greenwich Mean Time centred on the Big Ben in London. The world’s 1,5 billion Muslims could now use Makkah Time to start the official new day.
Publishers of the Islamic Focus Distributed free in PE/Uitenhage 11 Morat Street, Korsten Port Elizabeth
Tel: 078 672 7797 Fax: 086 651 2125 Email: islamicfocus@gmail.com www.islamicfocus.co.za
Islamic Focus
9
BIOGRAPHY / MUSLIM INFLUENCE
Name: Abdul Qadir. Born: 1808 Mascara, Algeria. Died: 1883 Damascus, Syria. Abdul Qadir was an Algerian Islamic scholar, Sufi and political and military leader who led a Jihad against the French in the 19th century.
HISTORY / FUTURE
Muslims in Argentina are around 700,000 who make up 1,5% of the total population. Due to the fact that Muslims ruled Spain and Portugal for 700 years, Muslims of Moorish and African descent explored the Americas with Spanish and Portuguese explorers. The first Muslim migrants came from Arab countries in 1870 while the 20th century saw an influx of Arab migrants, mostly from Syria and Lebanon. It There are about 3.5 million Argentineans of Arab descent. A quarter are Muslim. Many Arab descendents shifted away from Arabic and now speak Spanish.
The appearance of Prophet Esa (Jesus) is among the major signs of the last day of this world. Here are some events surrounding him: The Muslims will be besieged by Dajjal on
There are several Musjids in the country. The King Fahd Islamic Cultural Centre has the largest Musjid in South America as well as a library, two schools and a park. The Islamic Organization of Latin America is active in Islamic projects. Carlos Menem, former President of Argentina, was reportedly born in a Muslim Syrian immigrant family. Muslims have played for the national soccer team.
Food Additives is a small, simple to use program for PC’s which allows you to search a data base of E-numbers. The program allows you to search by E-number or additive name. It gives the name of the additive, its number, group, whether it is of animal or non-animal origin and a brief description of it. Another program called Food Figures has similar information but has a better look and allows for printing of the information. Get both in a small zip file from our Downloads section at www.islamicfocus.co.za.
Mount Dukhan in Jerusalem. It will be a severe siege resulting in great hunger and poverty for the Muslims. The Muslim leader will be Imam Mahdi. The night will be very dark and the Muslims will be making preparations for battle when a voice will proclaim that the person who will relieve the Muslims has come. Esa will descend from the heavens with his hands on the on shoulders of two angels. He will descend at the time of Fajr either near a white minaret on the eastern side of Damascus or in Jerusalem. At the time Imam Mahdi would have stepped forward to lead the Fajr. He will ask Esa to be Imam but he would decline. He will descend among the most pious Muslims at the time numbering 800 men and 400 women. The Muslim army will then face Dajjal and his army of 70,000 Jews. Dajjal will flee. Esa will pursue him and kill him at the Gate of Ludd (in occupied Palestine, used by the Jews as an airport). The Muslims will defeat Dajjal’s Jewish army and nothing will give the Jews refuge. The remaining Jews and Christians will believe in Esa . Esa will kill the pigs and break the cross. He will proceed for Hajj or Umrah and will give salaam at the grave of the Prophet and will hear a reply. Extracted from the work of Mufti Muhammad Rafi Uthmani Part Five in next issue
ke-out Sea Food Ta 068 Tel: 041 586 1 Islamic Focus
10
End 62 Spoke a Lie
-3
Missed a Fast
Paid Fitra
63
64
61
60
59
48 45
-2
+3
Broke a Fast
Missed a Fast
Read Quraan
Kept a Fast
+2
+1
-2
-1
Kept a Fast
+2
71
65
66
-1
-1
+1
58
57
56
55
49
50
51
-2
52
53
44
43
42
41
40
33
34
35
36
28
27
26
Read Quraan
46
+3 Broke a Fast
-2
Missed a Fast
Kept a Fast
31
32
30
29
+1 Read Quraan
+2
69
Missed Asr
Didn’t Fight
47
70
16
17
Missed a Fast
-2
13
1
2
Paid Zakaat
+2 54
+2
39
-1
37
38
Missed a Fast
-2
25
24
23
18
Read Esha
-1
19
20
+2
12
11
10
21
3
+1
22
9
8
Helped Mum
+2
Missed Fajr
Gave Charity
Start
67
Missed Zuhr
Read Tarawih
14
Missed a Fast
Helped Dad
Missed a Fast
15
68
+2
4
5
6
-1
7
Help Serve Islam Your donation will allow our activities to spread Islam: Islamic Focus newsletter Islamic websites Printing of Islamic literature in English
and Xhosa Audio CD’s Islamic PC Software/Activities
Donations can be made by calling 078 672 7797 or by direct deposit to: Acc Name: M Badsha Acc No. 9077411586 |Bank: ABSA Inform us of deposits by phone or SMS All activities supervised by Moulana Muhammad Badsha
Islamic Focus
11
FOR THE LITTLE ONES
To get started: Use one dice. One playing piece and 27 tokens for each player. You can use cut out paper or buttons for tokens. Each player takes turns to roll the dice and move their playing piece. The first player to reach the end gets two bonus tokens. The winner is the player who has the most tokens when all players have reached the end. If you land on a Minus block and you don’t have any tokens, ignore the block. Have Fun!
FINAL FOCUS
IMA Baytul-Nur or House of Light, is an NGO set up in 1998 in response to the substance abuse problem. They are now a professional counseling, training and developmental organization. Baytul-Nur is a project of the Islamic Medical Association, a member of SANHA. Vision To serve and preserve families by addressing social problems such as substance abuse, domestic violence, marital conflict, HIV & AIDS and child abuse. Some Activities Face to face and telephonic counselling and family therapy for domestic violence, substance abuse, marital conflict, pre and post marital preparations and trauma counselling. Support groups for family related issues and social problems. Training programmes for community development, life skills, home based care, HIV and AIDS and youth empowerment. Baytul-nur is a partner to the National Muslim AIDS Programme. Faith based services in HIV and AIDS. Training in drug and marriage education, and parenting. 24 hour telephonic counseling on 0860 786 911. Contact Tel: Tel: 031 209 7838 Fax: Fax: 031 208 2468 Email: Email: info@baytulnur.org Address: 22 Browns Grove, Sherwood, Durban www.baytulnur.org
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, ‘Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liz.’ As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, ‘Will I start to die right away?’ Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood. The best among people is the one who benefits people the most. (Hadith, Dara Qutni, Jamius Sagheer, 2:661) He who is engaged in fulfilling his brother’s need, Allah will fulfill his needs. (Abu Dawood) The Prophet asked someone: ‘Do you love Paradise?’ He replied: ‘Yes.” The Prophet said: ‘Like for your brother what you like for yourself.’ (Ahmad, 4:70)
73 DURBAN ROAD KORSTEN PH. 041 451 3060 Islamic Focus
12