Islamic Focus Issue 77

P3 Wars P4 Rain Recipe P7 Peace P9 Butter Chicken P10 Husbands P12 Al Azhar Bukhara Publications/Tel: 078 672 7797/Fax: 086 651 2125 Email: islamicfocus@gmail.com/Korsten/Port Elizabeth

While we empathize with the suffering of the people of Haiti, and while we do not pass judgement on others, nevertheless as Muslims we take the opportunity offered by the disaster to take stock of our lives.

DESTRUCTION The Quraan (42:30) sums up the reasons for our suffering: Whatever misfortune happens to you, it is because of the things your hands have earned, and for many of them He (Allah) grants forgiveness.

Many nations of the past were destroyed in hurricanes, by drowning and being swallowed up by the earth. When a catastrophe came to any people and wiped them out, then most probably the others must have seen it as a natural disaster, not attributing it to Allah’s power, and contin-

Islamic Focus

Issue 77

Igniting the Spirit of Islam

ued their lives of disobedience until they were next.

CHANGE The disaster of Haiti should not just be another calamity for us to read about. We should look beyond and do some soul searching; what are we doing wrong that could call down the anger of Allah upon us?

The Quraan tells us that the reason we are made to undergo suffering is so that we may realize the folly of our ways and turn away from evil and sin. (Quraan 30:41) Yet other verses say that Allah sent trials and adversity to the people of the past so that they may be humble.

(Quraan 6:41) The Quraan says: What concern has Allah for your punishment if you are thankful

Feb 2010

(for His mercies) and believe (in Him)? (Quraan 4:147) If we sincerely try to please Allah and shun a lifestyle that displeases Him, we have a better chance of enjoying a good life. If calamities still come, we will be able to face them with patience and fortitude.

PRESCRIPTION Hazrat Aeysha mentioned the cause of earthquakes is when adultery, drinking wine, singing, dancing and the use of various types of musical instruments become common and fashionable among people. (Fataawa Raheemiyah, 3:207) Drought and famine will become frequent when Muslims, among other things, start hating the Ulama.

Let us try to mend our ways before time runs out, and we are laid, helpless in our graves.

...

WORLD NEWS

UAE - Dubai opened the world's tallest building, Burj Dubai. At more than 800m, it smashed the previous world record held by Taiwan's 508m Taipei 101.

forces fighting the Taliban with 520 troop deaths up from 295 for 2008. (BBC, Jan 13)

(BBC, Jan 4)

UAE - A Dubai man who racked up traffic fines of R727,000 for 400 offences has been caught by police. The man, who eluded officers for two years, also had his vehicle seized. (BBC, Feb 15)

TURKEY - Turkey said it will recall its ambassador after Israeli an minister summoned the ambassador to rebuke him over a TV series. He ensured the ambassador was seated on a lower chair and removed the Turkish flag from the table. (BBC, Jan 13) AFGHANISTAN - Protesters clash with foreign troops after Nato troops burned a copy of the Quraan in Helmand. (BBC, Jan 13) USA - A Muslim Bangladeshi taxi driver in New York City drove 80km to track down the person who R150,000 in cash in the back of his cab. He refused a reward. (BBC, Jan 13) UK - Muslim and Sikh groups are challenging a UK ruling which bans amateur boxers from the ring if they have a beard. (BBC, Jan 13) HOLLAND - An inquiry into Holland’s support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq says it was not justified by UN resolutions. (BBC, Jan 12) SAUDI ARABIA - Saudi troops regained control of a village occupied by Yemeni Shia rebels since November. 82 Saudi soldiers killed in the war with Shia rebels. (BBC, Jan 13) IRAN - 7 members of the Bahai faith are on trial on charges of spying for foreigners and cooperating with Israel. The religion has a large temple in northern Israel. (BBC, Jan 12) PALESTINE - Israel’s plans for the a barrier along its border with Egypt have been approved by Egypt, who is also building an underground barrier along its border with Gaza to shut off Palestinians. The International Court of Justice in The Hague has said another Jewish barrier in and around the West Bank was illegal and should be removed. (BBC, Jan 11) AFGHANISTAN - The number of civilians killed in 2009 was higher than in any year since 2001. Civilian casualties rose by 14% in 2009 compared with 2008. 2,400 civilians were killed. 3,000 more died in Pakistan with total violence-related deaths, including military operations in the war on ‘terror’, being 12,500. 2009 was also the deadliest year for foreign

Islamic Focus

SAUDI ARABIA - Campaigners urged women there to begin a 2-week boycott of lingerie shops with male staff. A female professor organised the boycott. Islamic scholars back the campaign for salesmen to be replaced with saleswomen. (BBC, Feb 13) INDIA - A film featuring Shah Rukh Khan opened amid tight security. 1,800 people were arrested at Hindu protests against the film after Khan angered Hindu fundamentalist party, Shiv Sena, by saying he regretted that no Pakistani cricketers had been picked for the Indian Premier League. (BBC, Feb 12) AFGHANISTAN - US forces faced resistance around the Taliban base of Marjah in a major offensive. A US airstrike in Kandahar killed five civilians after two US missiles struck a house in Marjah killing 12 civilians, half of them children. (BBC, Feb 16) AFGHANISTAN - Afghanistan beat Ireland in winning the cricket Twenty20 to earn the right to play at the ICC World Twenty20. They join other Muslim nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh in cricket's top ranks. (BBC, Feb 13) YEMEN - Shia Rebels opened fire on Yemen forces hours after a ceasefire was declared. Rebels handed over one captured Saudi soldier as part of a ceasefire agreement. The rebels held Saudi territory for several months, killing 130 Saudi soldiers and taking five captive. (BBC, Feb 12) SOMALIA - Thousands fled Mogadishu after fierce fighting between Islamist group al-Shabab and government forces. (BBC, Feb 12) SUDAN - Sudan says it is ready for normalisation of relations with neighbouring Chad. Sudan and Chad have accused each other of sponsoring the other's rebel movements. (BBC, Feb 10) PAKISTAN - Top diplomats from India and Pakistan are to meet in India to resume talks between the two countries. (BBC, Feb 12)

... 2

The impression of Muslims as terrorists couldn’t be further from the truth. In South Africa, Muslims have been at the forefront of the struggle against oppression and have always stood for justice. Here are some samples:

In 2009 years, wars have cost up to 708 million lives. The Christian civilization has accounted for up to 236 million of these deaths.

In sixth place, bettered only by the Indic civilization, is the Islamic civilization which accounted for around 31 million deaths.

From 1667 Muslims were brought to the Cape as political prisoners from Indonesia for having fought Dutch colonialism. They included Sheikh Yusuf, and the Rajah of Tambore and Tuan Guru who were imprisoned on Robben Island.

Sheikh Matura is buried there. Muslims held in captivity in the Cape fought against slavery actively and passively by establishing secret networks which met at night to make zikr, perform Salaah and provide Islamic education.

Christians have initiated 51% of these conflicts while Muslims account for 25%. Despite being involved in a large percentage of wars, Muslims account for only 6% of fatalities while Christians caused 30% of deaths.

When it comes to genocide, Christians account for 14 of the 30 world genocides resulting in 33 million deaths of the world total of 50 million or 65%, while Muslims account for 7.8% of deaths.

The Christian world accounts for 166 of the 321 major acts of violence in the last 2008 years. Muslims have only contributed to one sixth of the amount of deaths caused by Christians in this time.

The study shows that the US has caused over 1 million deaths in 6 years in the current Iraq war while Saddam Hussein is estimated to have killed a quarter of that number in over two decades.

Download the book Body Count by Naveed Sheikh free from our website

In the 1890’s ‘passenger Indians’ from India in Natal took part in the Passive Resistance campaigns of 1907 and 1913 against the British calling for rights. Among them were Muslims including Moulana Ahmed Cachalia, Moosa Easkjee and Nagdee Chacha. In the Cape, Abdullah Abdurrahmaan was instrumental in founding the African People’s Organisation fighting racism. In the 1940’s and 1950’s Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Moulana Ismail Cachalia, Ismail Meer and Moulana Ismail Saloojee supported the ANC’s civil disobedience campaigns. Muslim women also joined and were imprisoned.

With the banning of the ANC, Muslims were imprisoned, exiled or killed. Ahmed Kathrada was jailed with Nelson Mandela. Suleiman Saloojee, Dr Ebrahim Haffejee, Ahmed Timol and Imam Abdullah Haroon were killed in detention by the Apartheid police.

Since democracy, Muslims have held cabinet posts in government as Ministers and MP’s.

SHOP 7 SUMMERSTRAND VILLAGE 041 583 4882 www.786cellular.co.za

BLACKBERRY 8520 CURVE Unlimited email and on-device browsing Includes Blackberry internet bundle Includes 120 off-peak minutes per month

R149 pm x 24

Follow us on: Twitter http://twitter.com/IslamicFocus Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/ Islamic-Focus/121276488849

The only Muslim-owned Vodashop in the Eastern Cape

Islamic Focus

3

HISTORY / JUSTICE

The world focus is on portraying Muslims as blood-thirsty terrorists. Yet, a study by Naveed Sheikh in 2009, found some startling evidence to the contrary. Here are some of the interesting findings:

CURRENT ISSUES / INSPIRATION

With Port Elizabeth desperately in need of rain, here are some tips to attract that rain: 1. Repentance Prophet Hood told his people: ‘And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord, then turn to Him in repentance; He will cause the sky to rain abundance on you and will add strength to your strength. And do not turn away, guilty! (Qur’aan 11:52) Likewise, Prophet Nooh advised his people: ‘And I have said: Seek the pardon of your Lord. Indeed, He is Most Forgiving. He will let loose the sky for you with plenty rain, And will help you with wealth and sons, and will make for you gardens and will make for you rivers.

(Qur’aan 71:10-12) 2. Stay away from sin Allah Ta’ala tells us: ‘And if the people of the township had believed and kept away from evil (had Taqwa), We would have definitely opened up for them blessings from the sky and the earth… (Qur’aan 71:96) 3. Pay Zakaat The Hadith mentions that when a community does not pay Zakaat then rain is withheld from them.

4. Don’t Defraud When a community defrauds others in business then famine afflicts that people.

And it is He (Allah) who sends down the saving rain after they have despaired, and spreads out His Mercy. He is the Protecting Friend, the Praiseworthy. (Qur’aan 42:28)

A bald man was once explaining to his daughter the importance of putting everything into its proper perspective. She was not getting what he meant so he said: ‘Look. If I have a single strand of hair on my head it’s too little. But that single strand in a bowl of soup you’ve made is too much.’

Life is made up of various disappointments and heartaches. These need to be put into perspective if we don’t want to be snowed under and feel overwhelmed.

When we are going through a bad patch, the Hadith encourages us to look at those who are worse off. The little money we have now seems a lot when compared to someone who has none. The Hadith tells us not to look at those who are better off for then we will feel despondent.

Likewise, whatever hardship we might be undergoing is nothing when we compare it to Paradise. A moment of Paradise will make all the suffering of this world seem insignificant.

On the other hand, a moment in Hell will make all the good times of this world pale into nothing.

When we feel swamped under by our life of sin and there seems to be no relief in sight, then we need to reflect on Qur’aan which exhorts us to remember that Allah’s Mercy is limitless and no amount of sin is ever too much to be wiped out totally by His Forgiveness.

Put life’s tests into the proper perspective and things will seem much smoother.

Reach over 5,000 readers a month by advertising with Islamic Focus:

Available in Trays Housewives Welcome Businesses phone for trade enquiries & Free delivery

Our Eggs are EggEgg-cellent Islamic Focus

Website: R250-R500 a month (over 4,000 visitors per month) Newsletter: R90-R270 an issue (distributed free in PE/Uitenhage) Enewsletter: R20 for a full colour ad per issue (200+ subscribers x 4 issues monthly) Advertising revenue helps our Islamic activities floursih

ISLAMIC FOCUS Igniting the Spirit of Islam

4

www.sunnipath.com

Q: For 6 years, someone prayed in a direction based on his best estimate of the qibla. Then he bought a compass and found he was off by 30 degrees. Can certainty of qibla direction be established with a compass?

Must this person repeat the 6 years of prayer?

A: 1. If one's most recent estimate indicates that one prayed towards the wrong direction, one's previous prayers remain valid. 2. If one discovers with certainty that one was off the precise direction (such that if far from the Ka’ba, one would not be considered aimed at it), then one's previous prayers are invalid. What is meant by certainty is: by witnessing the Ka’ba, having someone upright inform of his witnessing the Ka’ba, or witnessing a direction to which it is established the Prophet prayed. (Bughyat al-Mustarshidin, 39) Thus, relying on a compass does not seem to entail certainty, so the questioner's previous prayers would be valid. 3.

Point 2 is according to the relied-upon position of the Shafi school, while another strong position is that if one discovers with certainty one was off the precise direction but remained within the general direction, then one's previous prayers remain valid. This is the case with the questioner, who was only off by 30 degrees. Even had he discovered with certainty he was off the precise direction, his prayers are valid.

Q: Are the following haircut allowed: the fade-

Islamic Focus

where the hair is cut short on the top and shorter on the bottom and blended together. The temp fadesame as the fade, only the shorter part is lower down on the head, and considerably less noticeable that it almost looks like the hair is the same all around but achieves a nice blending look?

A: It is offensive to shave part of the hair of the head and to leave other parts unshaved. Shaving refers to the complete removal of hair using a razor or something similar. Merely shortening the hair at certain locations and not shortening it at other locations does not fall under this definition and is neither offensive nor unlawful in itself. It may become unlawful for other reasons. E.g. if one is styling one's hair in a certain manner to imitate someone not fit to be imitated, such as film and music stars known for their immoral conduct, the haircut would become impermissible because of this external factor. If one is styling one's hair in a particular manner merely because one likes the way it looks, then there is nothing wrong with it. (Tuhfat alMuhtaj; al-Fatawa alFiqhiyya al-Kubra) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Q: Zayd gives Amr R1,000 to safeguard while he goes on a journey, and Amr opens up a bank account in which he deposits the money. The bank account has no other money in it apart from the money that Zayd gave to Amr to safeguard. Is it

obligatory on Amr to pay zakat on the money after he has had it under his care for a year? If so, when does the zakat year begin?

A: Not only is it not obligatory on the trustee, i.e. Amr to pay zakat on the money that he has been entrusted with, it is not even permissible for him to do so, because the money is neither his property, nor is he a legal guardian over it. He is merely someone who is keeping a trust. The only case when the trustee may pay zakat on the money is when the depositor, i.e.

Zayd explicitly commissions him to do so.

Q: Is it possible to intend a qadha (make up) of a missed fard (obligatory) prayer behind an Imam praying a current one?

E.g. during Ramadan can one make up fardh prayers behind an Imam praying taraweeh?

A: Yes, this is permissible.

However, it is not recommended to do so for two reasons: 1. It is recommended to offer makeup prayers in the order in which they were missed. You could still do this by praying Fajr behind the Imam, then Zuhr, then Asr, etc. For anything other than Fajr you would simply rise and pray the remaining rakaats. One should be careful not to annoy or distract other people in the congregation with one's actions. 2.

It is not sunnah to offer a missed prayer behind an Imam who is praying a current prayer.

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: If a mother and daughter die in an accident together, how will their estates be worked out?

A: If they died together and it is not known who died first, then they will not inherit from one another. Their respective heirs will inherit from them.

Answer by: Moulana Nazeem Moosagie

Q: What is the ruling of using biogas (which is extracted from impure substances) for cooking?

A: It will be permissible to use biogas for cooking purposes. The gas is only being used as an implement to cook, not as an ingredient in the food itself. The smoke which emanates will not effect the food whatsoever. (Al Ashbaah Wannadhaair pg 85) Checked by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q: Can one do fishing as a sport or for leisure?

A: It is not permissible to do fishing just to pass time and to have fun when one does not have a valid Islamic purpose such as to keep the fish for consumption etc.

Therefore, recreational fishing and sport fishing in which one catches fish merely to release them again is not permissible. Releasing the

fish due to it being undersized according to the law of the country is a different issue. To persistently spend a lot of time on fishing is not permissible as it causes heedlessness because of which the person is distracted from praiseworthy as well as compulsory acts. The Prophet said: ‘Whoever pursues the game (i.e. hunted animal, fish etc.) becomes heedless.’ (Tirmidhi) In short, to fish with a valid Islamic purpose, such as to keep the fish for eating, is permissible.

To incessantly and persistently spend a lot of time on fishing is not permissible. To fish just for the sake of fishing without the intention of keeping the fish is also not permissible.

Checked by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q: Is this an authentic Hadith: ‘Whoever approaches a fortune teller and asks him anything, his salaah will not be accepted for forty nights’?

A: The hadith mentioned is authentic and is found in Al Saheeh Al Muslim 2:233.

Checked by Mufti Ebrahim Desai

Q: Can a Muslim woman propose to a Muslim man

possibly suitable for marriage? If so, how should she go about it?

A: A Muslim woman proposing for a prospective Muslim boy who is a suitable marriage partner is commendable and an act of great courage. The Qur’aan mentions the incident of Prophet Shuayb requesting Musa to marry his daughter.

The advisable method is the girl may request an elder member of her family to communicate with an elder from the boy's family to discreetly convey the message.

The boy's family, if interested, may respond positively.

Answer by: Darul Ihsan

Q: Is it permissible to enter a competition by sending an sms charged at R2 for example?

A: When one enters a competition by sms, then part of the cost of the sms goes to the company offering the competition and prize.

Hence, when you send in your entry, you are actually paying money towards the prize. This is on th same level as gambling and usury, so Haraam.

Answer by: Mufti Siraj Desai

Get the weekly Juma Roster for Port Elizabeth emailed or sent to you via SMS. You will be sent the Khateebs for about 9 venues (these will increase as more Musjids come on board, insha Allah) by Monday of that week. Cost: R130/year (R2.50/week).

Get past articles emailed or sent to you on CD. Cost: Email- Free.

CD- R20 with up to 50 articles as per request.

Banking Details: Acc Name: M Badsha Acc No: 9077411586 | ABSA SMS deposit details to 078 672 7797 or email to islamicfocus@gmail.com or fax: 086 651 2125

Islamic Focus

6

www.igotitcovered.org - Hijab site www.islaminpreston.blogspot.com -

Islam in Preston, UK www.annoor.wordpress.com - An Noor.

Teachings of Moulana Hakim Akhtar www.tootingislamiccentre.org - Tooting

Islamic Center, UK www.aic.wa.edu.au - Australian Islamic

College www.alafasy.com/?lang=en - Sheikh

Mishary Alafasy www.wijblijvenhier.nl - Holland Muslims

site (Use Google to translate) www.mosques.co.uk - UK Mosques Di-

rectory www.habibihalaqas.org - Habibi Halqas.

Online lectures, etc for ladies http://rain.org.za/ - Reasearch and In-

formation Network. Alternate news www.muslimasoasis.com - Muslim La-

dies blog www.ehk.co.za - Edris Khamissa. Educa-

tionist www.batoulapps.com - Islamic Apps for

iPhone and Mac www.alazharinstitute.co.za - Al Azhar

Primary Institute, Port Elizabeth www.souk.org.za - Al Ansaar Souk www.nakhlistan.org.za - Nakhlistan

Feeding scheme

Support Sensible Surfing

The Hadith mentions that true wealth is tranquility of the heart. Here are some ways to achieve peace, tranquility and contentment: Remember Allah The Qur’aan states: ‘Indeed, with the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.’ (13:28) Nighttime ‘Have they not seen how We have appointed the night that they may rest therein…’ (Qur’aan 27:86) We learn from the Hadith that we should not engage in futile activities after Esha Salaah. We should use the time to be with our families and rest.

A study shows that youth who go to bed late, wasting the night away in activities like clubbing, dating, etc. are more prone to depression and thus have less tranquility in their lives than those who sleep early.

Stay at Home ‘And Allah has made for you in your houses a place of comfort…’ (Qur’aan 16:80) The house is designed as a place where we can rest and enjoy peace.

The Prophet advised: ‘The safety of a man at times of fitnah (turmoil) is in his staying home.’ A house filled with things pleasing to Allah will relax our minds and hearts.h Get Married A marriage based on the Qur’aan and Sunnah will be a source of tranquility: ‘And of His signs is this: He created for you spouses from yourselves that you may enjoy peace with her…’ (Qur’aan 30:21) Adultery, on the other hand, destroys one’s peace of mind.

“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

PIES, SAMOOSAS & MORE 7

SOCIAL / INTERNET

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

SOCIAL / REVIEW

The the and one

base for combating the evil around us is home. Likewise, the base for distressing relaxing should be the home. Here is part of tips on building a strong home:

Athan Basic 3.3 software for the PC allows you

1. A place to remember Allah. The likeness of a house in which Allah is remembered and the house in which Allah is not remembered is that of the living and the dead, respectively.

[Hadith]

Daily Salaah times for 6 million cities, towns

to hear Athan daily at every prayer time.

Features and villages worldwide Various calculation methods to cater for the

different Mathabs and methods of Salaah calculation

Our homes must be made into places where Allah is remembered in different ways: by reading books on Islam, discussing Islamic issues, with Salaah, etc.

2. Spiritual training. The Prophet used to pray Salaah at night. When he prayed the Witr, he used to tell his wife: ‘Get up and pray Witr, O Aishah.’ [Bukhari]

Set your location and Athan plays automati-

cally Hijri-Gregorian date conversion Qibla direction help Athans from Makkah, Madina, Egypt and Al-

Aqsa Support

for several languages including

Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Italian, The Prophet made a dua of mercy for the man who gets up at night and prays and gets his wife up too. [Ahmad] Use innovative ways to introduce household members to the worship of Allah. E.g. Have a box in the house where everyone puts in money which will be given to the poor. This teaches the habit of charity.

Chinese, and Turkish Minutes adjustment to make prayer times

exactly according to your local Musjid Hijri date adjustment according to country

This is free software that transforms your PC into a tool for Islam. It works in the background while you continue your normal PC ac-

3. Invite the pious to your home. ‘My Lord, forgive me, and my parents and him who enters my home as a believer…’ [Qur’aan 71:28] Inviting the pious and scholars of Islam to one’s house, maybe for a meal, will bring Noor (light) to the home, and you and your family will benefit from their discussions on Islam.

Sheikh Salih al Munajjid

tivities. The program is 20 MB in size.

The program is developed by Islamic Finder.

Get your free download from our Software category

in

our

Downloads

section

at

www.islamicfocus.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

Stockist of “A” Grade Quality Used & New Japanese Engines & Gearboxes 296 DURBAN RD (OPP TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT) TEL: (041) 453-0119 FAX: (041) 453-4134 For all Engine Requirements, Please Contact:

SOLLY & AADILL

Islamic Focus

8

Suleiman was a poet and goldsmith and spoke 4 languages: Persian, Arabic, Serbian and Chagatay (old Turkish). He was born in Trabzon. From 7 he studied science, history, literature, theology and military tactics. At 17 he was made governor of Kaffa. He became Sultan when his father died. He led naval campaigns against the Portuguese till India. In 1564, he helped Aceh, Indonesia against the Portuguese. He appointed Khairuddin Barbarossa as naval commander who made the Ottoman navy the biggest, defeated the Spanish and captured parts of Italy. The law of the empire was Shariah (Islamic Law). Suleiman issued a legal code that lasted 300 years.

He helped protect Jews for centuries. He established schools for free education, with further education at Madrasahs (colleges) covering grammar, metaphysics, philosophy, astronomy and astrology. Higher Madrasahs provided university level education. Hundreds of artisan societies were set up. Suleiman sponsored buildings, restored the Dome of the Rock and renovated the Ka’aba. He had 2 wives and 8 sons. At his death the Ottoman Empire was the world's superpower. Suleiman controlled the major Muslim cities of Makkah Mukarramah, Madinah Munawwarah, Jerusalem, Damascus and Baghdad.

Butter chicken (or Murgh Makhani) is an Indian dish popular all over the world. The origins of butter chicken can be traced to Delhi during the period of the Muslim Mughal Empire. While the dish's general recipe is well known, the actual flavor can vary from restaurant to restaurant even within India. Butter chicken is usually served with naan, roti, parathas or steamed rice.

Some believe that chicken tikka masala, which is the unofficial national dish of Great Britain today, is derived from butter chiken. The story goes, an Englishman was served tandoori chicken in a Bangladeshi restaurant in the UK and complained there was no gravy. So the Indian chef made a tomato curry sauce and stuck the tandoori chicken in there. But the Mughal Murgh Makhani (butter chicken), also consists of tandoori chicken in a tomato curry sauce. So is chicken tikka masala simply a version of Murgh Makhani? Many believe that chicken tikka masala is one of many variations on the butter chicken dish known to the Mughal Emperors.

Chicken tikka masala is now served in restaurants around the globe. A survey in the UK claimed it is that country's most popular restaurant dish. One in seven curries sold in the UK is chicken tikka masala. Former UK Foreign Secretary Robin proclaimed it Britain's true national dish. Britain now exports chicken tikka masala to India and Bangladesh.

Whatever the true facts, butter chicken and its offshoot chicken tikka masala originated in the kitchens of the Muslim Mughals and Muslims in the UK.

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

Suleiman I (born 1494, died 1566) was Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566. He personally led armies to conquer Belgrade, Rhodes, the Balkans and Hungary up to Vienna. He captured the Middle East and North Africa up to Algeria, and the Ottoman fleet ruled the seas from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.

HISTORY / SOCIAL

Fifty percent of the population of Nigeria is Muslim. Islam came to northern Nigeria as early as the ninth century, and was well established in the Kanem-Bornu Empire during the reign of Humme Jilmi. It was adopted as the religion of the majority of the leading figures in the Bornu Empire during the reign of Mai (king) Idris Alooma in the 16th century.

He introduced Islamic courts, established Musjids and set up a hostel in Makkah for pilgrims.

Islam came to Hausaland in the 14th century and spread to the major cities of the north by the 16th century, later moving into the countryside and towards the Middle Belt uplands.

Islam also came to the southwestern Yorubaspeaking areas during the time of Mansa Musa's Mali Empire in the 13th century. There is a history of Muslim empires in West Africa, including Nigeria, which adhered to Islamic law. The Muslims in Nigeria are mainly Sunnis following the Maliki school. Many northern states have adopted Sharia law.

In the early 1800s, Islamic scholar Usman dan Fodio launched a jihad against the Hausa Kingdoms of northern Nigeria. He was victorious, and established an Islamic empire with its capital at Sokoto. Local leaders with the help of Islamic experts provide widespread knowledge of the basic rules of Sharia law.

Many Nigerians go on Hajj. Ulama who studied Islam abroad have for centuries been religious and legal advisers of emirs, the nobility, and the wealthy trading families in the major cities. There have been Muslim presidents of Nigeria in the recent past with the present one being a Muslim as well.

The foundation phase of a successful marriage:

Starting Point: Piety The best example as a husband was the Prophet and the first quality we should emulate of his is his Taqwa. When the wife of the Prophet , Aisha , was asked about the his behavior with her she started to weep and said, ‘One night he stood up (intending to offer the night prayer) and said, ‘O Aisha, let me be alone so that I may worship my Lord.’ He stood up, purified himself and continued to pray and weep until the ground became wet.

Bilal came and made the Athan. When he saw the Prophet crying, he said, ‘O Messenger of Allah (why do) you cry, when Allah has forgiven your past and future sins?’ The Prophet replied, ‘(Then, for that) should I not be a thankful slave?’’ (Ibn Hibban) This is one example that demonstrates the intensity of our Prophet 's devotion to his Lord, his extreme piety and tremendous fear of Allah. Any man, who wishes to emulate him, should start by emulating his taqwa (piety).

It is taqwa which is the foundation for good manners and makes the fulfilling of the rights of others easy. If a man wants to be a good husband, he must fear Allah. If this fear influences his relationship with his wife, he fears what Allah may do to him if he harms her.

Someone asked, ‘O Hasan, I have a daughter.

To whom do you think I should marry her?’

Hasan said, ‘Marry her to (a man) who (fears Allah); for if he (truly fears Allah) and if he loves her he will honor her and (even) if he doesn't love her, he will never oppress or abuse her (because he fears Allah).’

ke-out Sea Food Ta 068 Tel: 041 586 1 Islamic Focus

10

F

D

T

S

H

A

Q

K

H

Y

E

B

R

H

M

E

S

G

O

O

L

K

K

M

G

T

Y

U

U

I

P

L

M

N

I

S

R

R

E

D

V

V

L

Y

S

A

D

B

U

R

N

M

O

L

P

G

H

H

U

R

I

O

L

P

E

H

G

F

K

N

H

H

D

Y

S

A

L

A

A

D

A

M M

B

D

A

R

E

T

E

Y

K

G

H

D

U

O

O

P

S

Y

U

F

U

N

I

O

H

O

E

H

U

J

D

S

G

Y

U

I

I

L

K

M

B

T

R

Y

H

U

K

F

D

E

B

E

M M W

Q

A

U

I

K

D

M

E

S

A

U

G

S

S

A

A

E

R

T

H

I

S

H

A

Q

J

U

A

M

O

R

B

P

P

D

E

S

T

E

S

H

U

A

I

B

S

H

U

B

S

H

N

B

A

I

R

K

I

P

O

L

H

E

R

T

Y

U

I

K

K

M

A

L

L

U

I

O

P

L

A

W

E

R

T

Y

R

W

E

N

M

B

L

Y

A

M

L

E

A

S

A

M

I

O

H

P

O

U

Y

Y

A

Q

S

A

L

I

O

N

H

N

S

U

N

N

U

Y

I

J

I

O

P

R

E

G

G

H

D

H

U

G

J

N

H

O

O

B

G

B

Q

E

E

R

M M

N

N

K

L

V

F

B

G

H

H

U

K

I

N

U

O

T

T

R

U

N

K

K

L

A

T

O

O

L

L

O

U

T

M

E

N

L

Y

U

R

I

R

F

O

Q

Y

G

D

T

Y

N

M

I

N

S

P

Q

T

O

C

A

L

O

P

G

H

M

A

U

S

M

Y

U

V

V

R

X

D

Z

Z

H

A

I

O

S

B

H

I

L

D

E

R

A

H

O

U

S

A

I

N

B

V

C

C

E

D

Y

L

M

A

N

S

U

L

H

X

C

B

H

G

H

H

J

L

P

U

Y

X

A

D

E

R

S

H

S

O

O

L

G

T

U

Y

U

S

U

F

Y

U

F

S

N

H

O

O

N

D

E

R

G

A

A

S

Y

A

S

Q

U

R

Y

U

I

K

M

I

G

F

F

N

Z

Z

C

V

E

R

A

T

Y

U

D

I

K

J

S

H

D

F

E

R

K

T

Y

U

I

O

K

L

M

N

D

Y

G

Q

U

M

U

H

A

U

M M

E

D

D

L

F

R

I

Y

T

R

U

I

N

J

L

U

H

K

H

G

W W

N

B

B

U

Y

Q

U

B

R

X

C

V

B

B

H

Y

I

I

K

J

O

L

P

I

L

U

T

R

Y

U

Z

Z

U

A

S

U

M

A

S

Y

M

O

P

U

J

J

K

G

T

R

Y

Y

U

I

H

K

M

N

F

D

E

R

T

Y

U

J

D

D

U

M M

N

N

B

H

J

T

R

E

E

T

U

I

K

N

H

S

S

S

F

C

FOR THE LITTLE ONES

A

Find these Prophets’ Names: 1. Sulaiman 2. Yusuf 3. Haroon 4. Musa 5. Yaqub 6. Salih 7. Eesa 8. Ebrahim 9. Yunus 10. Aadam 11. Nooh 12. Hud 13. Ishaq 14. Zulkifl 15. Shuaib 16. Idrees 17. Ayyub 18. Khidr 19. Ilyaas 20. Loot

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

FINAL FOCUS

Al Azhar Primary Institute is a Muslim school in Port Elizabeth. It has at its helm educators from Turkey. The school offers both Islamic and secular education under one roof. Qualified teachers including Ulama, see to the education of the children.

The school has a Musjid on the premises and salaah is offered by the students daily. This includes a complete Friday Juma program.

On Offer Grades R-8 Islamic subjects Sport including soccer, cricket, hockey, karate and table tennis Some Activities Qiraat Competition Winter Fair Participation in Math and Science Olympiads Leadership camps Participation in Science Expos Educational trips to places like Museums Live participation on Channel Islam International’s Midnight Express program Participation in inter-school sports competitions like the AMS Soccer Tournament.

Contact: 42 Rudolph Street, Malabar, Port Elizabeth P.O. Box 27212 Greenacres 6057 Port Elizabeth Tel: 041 457 1504 Fax: 0431 457 1573 Email: info@alazharinstitute.co.za www.alazharinstitute.co.za

Three friends visited New York. They stayed in a hotel. Their room ended up being on the 60th floor. The policy of the hotel was that at midnight the elevators were shut down. The next day, the friends rented a car and explored the city. They enjoyed themselves and arrived at the hotel past midnight. The elevators were shut down. There was no other way to get to their room but to take the stairs all the way to the 60th floor.

One friend said: ‘For the first 20 floors, I will tell jokes to keep us going. Then another could say wise stories for the next 20 floors.

Then, we will cover the final 20 floors with sad stories.’ So, he started with jokes. With laughs and joy, they reached the 20th floor. Another friend started saying stories full of wisdom.

They learned a lot while reaching the 40th floor. Now it was time for sad stories. So, the third friend started: ‘My first sad story is that I left the key for the room in the car.’

This story resembles our life cycle. For the first 20 years, we spend time in joking and enjoying whatever is out there. Then, at 20, we go into the work force, get married, have kids and this is the time when we use our wisdom.

Then, if we reach 40, we see the white hairs and begin to realise that life is coming to an end and I need to prepare for the Hereafter.

Sadly, many have left the keys behind.

It's better that we start life in the very beginning by remembering death rather than preparing for it at the end our life when very few of us have the energy to obey Allah completely and adequately. We will wish to do so but the body won’t cope.

73 DURBAN ROAD KORSTEN PH. 041 451 3060 Islamic Focus

12