P4 Hajj Reward P8 Jews in Turkey P9 Satay P10 Martial Arts P12 The Horse
Bukhara Publications/Tel: 078 672 7797/Fax: 086 651 2125 Email: islamicfocus@gmail.com/Korsten/Port Elizabeth
Issue 83
Igniting the Spirit of Islam
Nov 2010
recorded especially in Uzbekistan. While even the non-Muslim world acknowledges the torture to which Muslims (termed Islamists) are being subjected by the US especially, largely ignored is the fact that Muslims who wish to live according to Islamic values are imprisoned, tortured and killed in other prisons run by governments claiming to be Muslim in Muslim lands. Here is a brief insight: EGYPT: By 1996 close to 20,000 Islamists were held in Egypt’s prisons. In 1996 alone 30 prisoners died from ill-treatment or torture. The Egyptian Organisation of Human Rights produced convincing evidence that whipping naked prisoners is carried out routinely. Food is infested with insects and distributed in dirty buckets. For more than two years, inmates of the Tora complex were deprived of
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visits from relatives. At state security offices in Cairo Islamists are regularly tortured with electricity. (The Independent) TUNISIA: Government carries out regular arrests of Islamists and torture during interrogation is common according to Amnesty International. Many are subjected to harsh prison conditions, including prolonged solitary confinement and illtreatment. Among the tactics used by police to make life difficult for released prisoners is intimidating prospective employers to discourage them from hiring. (Human Rights Watch) CENTRAL ASIA: Countries like Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan all have Islamists in their jails. Documented cases of extreme torture and death have been
SYRIA: Unarmed Islamist prisoners protesting torture were shot to death at Sednaya Prison in 2008. The Syrian government has a long history of brutality against Islamists: In 1982 the army carried out the Hama Massacre to crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood. 40,000 were killed and the city destroyed. This is the tip of the iceberg. Muslims wishing to live according to Islam are suffering in the jails of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Libya and nearly every Muslim country. Among the signs of the Last Day is that the man who remains steadfast on Islam will be like one who holds a burning coal in his hand, and there will be many police to back the tyrants.
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WORLD NEWS
SOMALIA - Two women publicly executed by Islamist group al-Shabab, after being sentenced to death for spying. (BBC, 28 Oct) INDONESIA - More than 400 dead and more than 300 missing after a tsunami hit. (BBC, 29 Oct) TURKEY - The president will mount a symbolic challenge to restrictions on wearing Islamic headscarves when he hosts the Republic Day reception. If hardline secularists attend, they will have to meet his wife, in effect recognizing her right to attend an official function in a headscarf; if they stay away, they will be snubbing the most important national commemoration of the year. (BBC, 29 Oct) UAE - The ruler of the UAE emirate of Ras alKhaimah Sheikh Saqr, who was in his early 90s, died. He ruled Ras al-Khaimah since the 1940s, making him one of the world's longest reigning monarchs. (BBC, 27 Oct) BAHRAIN - The trial of 25 Shias opened, on charges of plotting to overthrow the Sunni-led government. (BBC, 28 Oct) PALESTINE - Israeli police clashed with Arab demonstrators in Umm al-Fahm, where Israeli right-wing activists staged a protest march. The Jewish activists are followers of a far-right movement, Kach, which believes Arabs should be expelled from Israel. Israel's 1.3 million Arabs are descended from families who remained in Palestine after 1948. They face widely documented discrimination. (BBC, 27 Oct) UK - Journalist Lauren Booth, Tony Blair's sister-inlaw, converted to Islam and now wears a hijab and prays five times a day. (Guardian, 24 Oct)
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UK - British film-maker Mike Leigh cancelled a visit to Israel in protest against plans to compel nonJewish citizens to swear loyalty to Israel as a Jewish state. He said Israel's government had gone 'from bad to worse'. (BBC, 18 Oct) USA - EA’s decision to allow players to pose as Taliban fighters in the new Medal of Honour video game, drew US criticism causing EA to change the name of the foes to the 'opposing force,' rather than Taliban (android-phone-fans.info, 12 Oct) SOMALIA - Al-Shabab ordered mobile phone companies to stop money transfer services, saying they are unIslamic and mobile phone banking could expose Somalia to Western interference. Hundreds of thousands of Somalis living abroad use hawala and mobile phone banking to send money to relatives in Somalia. This is one of the country's main sources of income, worth R8bn a year. (BBC, 18 Oct) INDONESIA - Haze from forest fires in Sumatra, forced schools in Singapore and Malaysia to close. The haze caused air pollution levels there to jump to their highest level in four years. (BBC, 21 Oct) CHECHNYA - Parliament in the Russian-occupied Muslim state of Chechnya came under attack by Islamist freedom fighters. (BBC, 19 Oct) AFGHANISTAN - Muslim prisoners are abused at a secret US jail in the main US military base, according to a report from US policy think tank, Open Society Foundations. (BBC, 15 Oct) SAUDI - US officials intend to sell $60bn (R480bn) of arms to Saudi in one of the most lucrative single arms deal in US history that could support 75,000 US jobs. (BBC, 20 Oct)
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Faith: The most basic and essential attribute of a Muslim marriage is the common faith that binds the couple. The frame of reference shared by the couple eases communication and sharing of values which is not possible in an interfaith marriage. Forgiving: When the Prophet asked his Companions, ‘Do you wish that Allah should forgive you?' they said, ‘Of course O Prophet of Allah.’ He responded, ‘Then forgive each other.’ One of the main components of a happy marriage is that spouses are able to forgive, that they do not hold grudges or act judgmental towards each other. Forbearance: Sabr (patience) is the most useful tool to have in managing a healthy lifestyle. Being patient puts us in a proactive frame of mind it brings us closer to Allah through reliance. We develop an inner mechanism that empowers us to handle life's difficult moments. Flexible: Many couples unnecessarily make themselves miserable because they are unwilling to bend a little. Faithful: It is commanded by Allah that we be faithful to our spouses. Adultery is a capital crime in Islam that is punishable by death. There are various forms of unfaithful behavior. The most common form is maintaining friendship with the opposite sex. Once a sense of betrayal sets in, repairing that relationship is difficult.
Hedley Churchward, the British man who converted to Islam, was the first to record an account of his Hajj in English. Here is how the Hajj of one hundred years ago from South Africa differed from today’s air-conditioned airplane flight: In 1910, Churchward left South Africa. He had to travel via Bombay, where he spent weeks in negotiations until he found an elderly pilgrim ship, the SS Islamic, and this vessel chugged slowly across the Indian Ocean, visiting the Arabian Gulf before wending its way up the Red Sea. Halting at small ports to deliver sacks of mail, there was little to do except watch the dolphins, eat curry, and pray on deck with the Indian pilgrims. In Jeddah, he contacted the local representative (wakil) of Sharifa Zain Wali, a rich businesswoman of Makkah who ran a large organisation of pilgrim guides. She had family connections in Cape Town. The Wakil took Churchward to his house, and explained how to don his Ihram clothing before letting him settle down for the night. He telegraphed most of his money through to Makkah. The road beyond Jeddah was little more than a camel track, but the Wakil led the small party on with donkeys. En route Ottoman police chased off a band of robbers who attacked pilgrims. In the oven-like heat they made several stops at roadside coffee-houses. After two days Churchward entered Makkah. The next day he was awoken before dawn by the strange lilting sound of Ottoman bugles, and after prayers and a breakfast of melons he entered the Kabah. The first stage of a five-month journey had finally come to an end.
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MARRIAGE / HISTORY
Part one of simple tips to create a happy marriage:
SUNNAH / INSPIRATION
The following deeds, while not absolving one of the obligation of Hajj, nevertheless bring the reward of a Hajj:
1. Umrah in Ramadaan. The Prophet said: ‘An Umrah in Ramadaan equals the reward of Hajj with me.’ (Muslim) 2. Wudhu at home. ‘One who purifies himself (makes Wudhu) and leaves his home to attend the Fardh prayer in congregation receives the reward of a Haji in the state of Ihram.’ (Abu Dawood) 3. Ishraaq Prayer. ‘Whoever offers his Fajr prayer in congregation, then remains seated in the Zikr (remembrance) of Allah until (approximately 15 minutes after) sunrise, after which he offers two Rakaats of (Ishraaq) Salaah, will receive the reward of one complete Hajj and one complete Umrah.’ (Tirmidhi) 4. Looking at parents. ‘Those pious children who look at their parents with the gaze of mercy, Allah will write for them the reward of an accepted Hajj for every gaze.’ (Mishkaat) 5. Going to the Musjid for knowledge. ‘Whoever goes to the Musjid for the purpose of learning or teaching knowledge, receives the reward of a Haji whose Hajj was perfect.’ (Tabrani) 6. Serving parents. A man could not afford to participate in Jihad. The Prophet told him to serve his mother properly. He would then be like a Haji, one doing Umrah and one participating in Jihad. (Targhib) Adapted from article in Islam, the Way of Life
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Pedicure. ‘When a person performs Wudhu (ablution) correctly then says his Fardh (obligatory) prayer, Allah forgives him all his sins committed that day by his feet in going towards evil…’ (Hadith) Exfoliate. ‘Verily a Muslim, when he performs Wudhu excellently then offers five times Salaah, his sins are shed off (his body) just as these leaves fall off (this tree in autumn).’ Beautiful Eyelashes. ‘Apply kuhl (surma/ antimony) regularly as it clears the sight, makes the lashes grow and is the best of things beautifying the eyes.’ General Hygiene. Cleanliness is half of faith. (Hadith) Hydrotherapy. ‘The jewellery of a Believer will cover the places where the water of Wudhu reaches.’ Exercise. The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam would go swimming. ‘A strong person is not he who wins in a wrestling match, but he who controls his anger.’ Good Health. ‘Make it a practice to fast; you will always enjoy good health.’ (Tabraani) From: www.eislam.co.za
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From various Ulama
www.sunnipath.com | www.shafiifiqh.com | www.muftisays.com Q: Can a woman pray salaah without covering her feet or without wearing socks? A: The woman’s Awrah (part that needs to be covered) is all of her body besides her face and hands till the wrists. (Sharh al-Muhadhdhab 2:121) The Shafis of Khurasan relate an opinion from Imam Shafi that the inner portions of her feet are not Awrah. Imam Muzani opined that her feet are not Awrah. However, a woman’s feet are Awrah in and out of prayer according to the relied upon view of the Madhhab. It is necessary that she cover them. Sheikh Ahmad alSaqqaf mentioned in his book Mukhtasar al-Fawaid al-Makkiyyah the permissibility of acting upon the opinions of some of the scholars, like Muzani, etc. Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Answer by: Sidi Yaqub Abdul-Rahman
Q: If a person uses an anal or vaginal suppository, is ghusl (bath) wajib (necessary)? A: An obligatory ghusl is necessitated when one of the following occurs: 1. Death, 2. Menstruation, 3. Bleeding after childbirth (nifas), 4. Child birth according to the reliedupon view, 5. A state of major ritual impurity. This occurs when a male private part penetrates a female part or by ejaculation. Nothing besides these will necessitate an obligatory ghusl. (Minhaj al-Talibin, 78) Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Answer by: Sidi Yaqub Abdul-Rahman
Q: Is the slaughtered animal of a person who testi-
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fies Tawheed and the Prophethood of Muhammad but does not pray, Halaal? A: When one abandons the obligatory prayer and rejects its obligatory nature, then he is a disbeliever. A Muslim who abandons the prayer, but still believes it is obligatory, is corrupt (fasiq). (Bughyat al-Mustarshidin 115) Though there is a difference of opinion on whether one who abandons prayer while believing it to be obligatory is a disbeliever, Imam Nawawi asserts that him being a believer is the relied-upon opinion. (Rawdat al-Talibin 2:146) Therefore, what is slaughtered by one who abandons the prayer while believing it is obligatory is lawful as he is a fasiq. And a fasiq’s testimony is accepted regarding if the meat has been properly slaughtered or not. (Rawdat alTalibin 3:270) Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Answer by: Sidi Yaqub Abdul-Rahman
Q: Is it Sunnah to wipe the head once or thrice in Wudhu (Abdaas)? A: It is sunnah to wipe the head thrice in ablution. (Fath al-Wahhab 1:14; Tuhfat alMuhtaj 1:230-31). Some Shafi Ulama considered wiping three times as obligatory. (al-Talkhis al-Habir 1:147) Among the proofs for wiping the head thrice is the Hadith of Uthman radhiallahu anhu: ‘The Prophet performed ablution, and wiped his head thrice.’ (Abu Dawud and Bazzar) Answer by: Sidi Yaqub Abdul-Rahman
do when he enters the Musjid while the athaan is being called out? Should he sit and wait, or should he start praying Tahiyyatul Musjid, or should he wait standing until the athaan has finished and then pray? A: There are two acts that a person is required to do: 1. reply to the words of Athan, and 2. offer two rakaats of / Tahiyyatul Musjid. All scholars agree that when Athaan is being called it is sunnah to reply to the words except in a few cases. When a person enters the Musjid it is recommended to perform two rakaatsof Tahiyyatul Musjid before sitting down. One fulfils this duty by offering any prayer be it fard or nafl, with the exception of one rakaat or janazah (funeral) prayer. (Mughni al-Muhtaj 1:456) There is a difference of opinion when one enters the Musjid and stands for a longer period than what two rakaats can be performed in: Shihab al-Din al-Ramli is of the opinion the virtue of this nafl is missed, while On the other hand, Ibn Hajar alHaytami opined that the virtue of Tahiyyatul Musjid is not missed even if one stands for a longer period. (Tuhfah al-Muhtaj with Hawashi 2:257) Taking Ibn Hajar’s view, if one enters the Musjid while Athaan is being called, he should not sit down if he intends to offer Tahiyyatul Musjid. He should wait standing while replying to the words of Athaan, then perform Tahiyyatul Musjid if time allows. Answer by: Sheikh Yaqub Yusuf
Q: What should a person
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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.councilofulama.co.za Q: Is a female allowed to shape her eyebrows to beautify herself for her husband? A: No. It is not permissible. Ibn Masood said: ‘May Allah curse those who tattoo, have (their bodies) tattooed, those who have their eyebrows plucked and those who create gaps between their teeth. They are changing what Allah has created. Why should I not curse those whom the Prophet has cursed whilst it has been recorded in the Quraan?’ (Bukhari, Hadith 5943) Scholars mention that shaping the eyebrows are prohibited due to this Hadith and the reason is ‘Taghyeeru Khalqillah’ (changing that which Allah created as normal). Therefore, if a woman’s eyebrows are normal, it will not be permissible for her to shape, trim, or pluck it. If a woman’s eyebrows are abnormally large or bushy or she has a unibrow, it will be permissible for her to remove or shape that portion so that her eyebrows look normal. Checked by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Q: My mom runs a baking business. She received a request from Hindu ladies to prepare stuff for Diwali. Is this permissible? A: It is permissible to sell food to non-Muslims, be they Hindu, Christians, Jews, etc. and regardless of the occasion for which they are buying that food. Answer by: Mufti Siraj Desai
Q: Can Muslims accept old age pension from the government and is it permis-
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sible to accept child grants given to unemployed parents for their children, by government? A: It is permissible for Muslims to accept old age pension and child grants given to them by the government. Answer by: Mufti Shafiq Jakhura
Q: My wife exchanged old bank notes (paper money) for new notes where she paid slightly higher for the new notes. Is this permissible? A: Exchanging old notes with new notes of a particular country must be in equal amount. Receiving any extra amount will be considered as Riba (interest). Checked by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Q: Is it possible to become a bone marrow donor for people who have cancer? A: Having researched the matter, we learnt that there are alternatives to bone marrow donation from donors. There are new medical techniques available that use either the very same patient's marrow or his blood to assist in the production of new marrow. With this new procedure, there seems to be no need to use the marrow of another person. Therefore, it will not be permissible to donate one's bone marrow to another patient. However, if it is not possible or it will cause harm to the individual if he uses his own blood or marrow and a reliable, experienced doctor advises that another person's blood be used for the same procedure, then it will be permissible to use the donated blood for
the procedure. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyah, 18:328; Fataawa Raheemiyah, 10:175) Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Answer by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Q: Is it permissible for women to have a breast lift done? A: No. It is not permissible unless there is a genuine medical reason for this. Checked by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Q: How are Iddat (waiting period) dates calculated? Based on the lunar or solar calender? A: If the husband passed away on the first of the lunar month, the Iddat dates will be calculated based on the lunar calender. If he passed away during the month, the Iddat will be 130 days. Answer by: Mufti Shafiq Jakhura
Q: Can a man marry his cousin’s daughter? A: It is permissible for him to marry her. Cousins and cousin’s children have not been mentioned in the Quraan as unlawful for marriage. Answer bBy: Mufti Asif Umar
Q: Is cuttlefish Halaal? A: Cuttlefish are marine animals belonging to the class Cephalopoda (which also includes octopuses). Despite their common name, cuttlefish are not fish but molluscs. It is not permissible to eat cuttlefish, since it is a sea animal. Cuttlefish are not considered fish nor are they in the shape or form of a fish (fish family). (Hidaayah) Answer by: Mathabah.org
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The old man shuffled into the restaurant leaning on his cane. His tattered jacket, patched trousers, worn out shoes and warm personality made him stand out from the usual breakfast crowd. A young waiter named Aadil ran over and said, ‘Here, sir. Let me give you a hand with that chair.’ Aadil pulled the chair away from the table. Steadying him with one arm, he helped him get comfortably seated. Then he scooted the table up close to him, and leaned his cane against the table. In a soft voice the old man said, ‘Thank you, lad.’ ‘You're welcome, sir,’ he replied. ‘My name is Aadil. I'll be back in a moment. If you need anything just wave!’
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After he’d finished a hearty meal of pancakes, sausages, and hot tea, Aadil brought him his receipt. He helped him up from his chair, handed him his cane and walked with him to the front door. Holding the door open for him, he said, ‘Come back again, Sir!’ ‘You are very kind,’ the old man said softly. When Aadil went to clean his table, he found under his plate a business card and a note scribbled on a napkin. Under the napkin was R1,000. The note read: Dear Aadil, your kind gestures will earn you much reward along life’s road.'
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The man Aadil had waited on was the owner of the restaurant where he worked. This was the first time any of his employees had ever seen him in person. We are constantly tested in life to see how we deal with others. None other than Allah watches our conduct and we will definitely see the fruit of our actions.
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THOUGHTS / INTERNET
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SOCIAL / HISTORY
By any standard of measure, the conduct of Prophet Muhammad was of the highest and best in human history. A poor woman used to clean the Musjid and remove any dirt from it. The Prophet missed her for a few days. On enquiring about the reason for her absence, he was informed that she had died. He said: ‘Why have you not told me. I would have attended her funeral and prayed for her’. He then went to the graveyard and offered the funeral prayer for her. Needless to say, this was a poor woman with few relatives. Had she had any relative of a reasonably good position in society, she would not have needed to work as a cleaner. We do not even know her name. She must have been someone who would not be missed when absent. Yet the Prophet missed her when a couple of days passed and he did not see her in the Musjid. Her poverty and lack of status did not prevent him from enquiring after her. He was unhappy to learn of her death so late that he could not attend her funeral and lead the prayer. He then took the trouble of visiting her grave and praying for her. He could have prayed for her soul where he was at the time, i.e. in the Musjid, and his prayer would have been certainly answered. He, however, wanted to show us a higher level of social responsibility. This example should encourage us as the followers of the Prophet to show concern and respect for all.
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While Muslims are portrayed as being antiJewish, this is not the case. When Europe and the Christian world was constantly harassing and persecuting the Jews, it was Muslim lands which offered them refuge and a place to practice Judaism in peace. Obviously, the Jewish atrocities in Palestine has raised outrage in the Muslim world but this is due to the injustice being perpetrated by Jews there. Jews thrived in significant numbers in Muslim lands until fairly recently and enjoyed a status in countries like Muslim Spain which they never enjoyed in Christian Europe. Here is one glimpse into the Muslim treatment of Jews: A team was dispatched from the US State Department in 1877 to assess the treatment of Jews in the Ottoman Caliphate (Turkey). Their findings that Jews were very well treated and not persecuted were described in the New York Times of 23 August 1877: ‘The US Minister says that justice to the Turk compels him to admit that the Jews have been better treated by the Ottomans than by many of the Western powers and that the impression prevails that they are better treated in the Empire than the Christians. They are recognized as independent religious community with the privileges of their own ecclesiastical rule, their chief Rabbi, Chacham Bashi, possessing, in consequence of his functions, great influence.’ The total number of Jews in the Ottoman Empire was around 500,000 at that time. The Prophet said: ‘He who hurts a dhimmi (non Muslim citizen in a Muslim state) hurts me, and he who hurts me annoys Allah.’ (Tabarani)
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In 1930 the Bassier family went for Hajj. Abdurahman contracted smallpox and spent a month fighting for his life. He started primary school in 1931 and completed Standard 6. At 14 he became a tailoring apprentice and a few years later started his own tailoring business. He began Islamic studies under Sheikh Ismail Edwards. Imam Bassier played rugby and represented Western Province Rugby Union in 1948. In 1949 he undertook his 2nd Hajj. In 1953 he married Mareldia, who bore him 5 children, including twins. In 1962 his father passed away and he was elected Imam. From 1962-1977 he ministered to Muslim patients at Brooklyn Chest Hospital. In 1964 he co-established the Boorhaanol Recreational Movement to improve the quality of life of the community through adult education, activities for youth and student bursaries. In 1966 they published the first Boorhaanol Newsletter. In 1970 they established one of the first Muslim preschools in the Cape. Imam served on the Muslim Judicial Council for 40 years, being elected Chairman 1979-1981. He was involved in the establishment of the first Musjid in Mitchells Plain. He also served on the Imaarah, the highest decisionmaking organ of the MJC. In 1978 he started missionary work at Robben Island and Pollsmoor prisons. By 1980 he established the Muslim Board for Prison Welfare and State Institutions. He served as chairman from 1982-2002. He set up the National Muslim Prison Board in 1988. In 1982 he established the Committee for the Preservation of the Tana Baru cemetery to prevent desecration of the graves of the pioneers of Islam in SA. Imam suffered a stroke in 2002 and passed away in 2004 at the age of 81.
Satay or sate is a dish consisting of diced or sliced chicken, goat, mutton, beef, fish or other meats. The more authentic version uses skewers from the midrib of the coconut leaf, although bamboo skewers are often used. These are grilled or barbecued over a wood or charcoal fire, then served with various spicy seasonings. Satay originated among the Muslims of Java, Indonesia most probably among street vendors. It is popular in other Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, and in Holland, due to Indonesia being a former Dutch colony. In Indonesia, satay can be obtained from a travelling satay vendor to an upper-class restaurant and is the national dish. In Malaysia, satay is found throughout the country. The Cape Malay sosatie from South Africa may have been influenced by satay. Satay become popular after the influx of Arab immigrants in the early 19th century. In Malaysia Satay is associated with Muslim Malays. In the Philippines one style, called Satti, is native to the Moro Muslim peoples of the south, and is similar to traditional Malay and Indonesian satay recipes. Satti has not expanded into Christian areas outside the region, apart from delis in the Muslim quarters of Manila. Satay has been associated with Singapore since the 1940s and Singapore Airlines serves it to its First and Raffles Class passengers as an appetizer. Turmeric is a compulsory ingredient giving the dish its characteristic yellow colour. Satay may be served with a spicy peanut sauce dip, or peanut gravy, slivers of onions and cucumbers, and rice cakes.
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BIOGRAPHY / MUSLIM INFLUENCE
Name: Abdurahman Bassier. Born: 1923, Port Elizabeth. Died: 2004, Cape Town. Imam Bassier was born when his father, Imam Abdul Bassier the Imam at Boorhaanol Musjid in Cape Town, and his Alawiyah Tariqah Jamaah traveled to recite all over the country. His pregnant wife, Gadija, went along.
HISTORY / FUTURE
The documented history of Islam in Ireland dates to the 1950s. The first Islamic Society was established in 1959. It was formed by students studying in Ireland. In 1976 the first Musjid and Islamic Centre was opened in a four story building. Among those who contributed to the project was King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. In 1992 Moosajee Bhamjee became the first Muslim member of the Irish Parliament. According to the 2006 census, there are 32,539 Muslims in Ireland or less than 1% of the population. Yet this is a 69% increase over the figures for the 2002 census. According to the 2001 census, there are 1,943 Muslims in Northern Ireland (ruled by the UK). Just over 55% of Muslims were either Asian or African nationals with 30.7% having Irish nationality. Muslim immigration in the end of the 90s was caused by the Irish economic boom and asylum seekers from diverse Muslim countries. In 2003, the Islamic Cultural Centre and Foras na Gaeilge joined forces to translate the Quraan into Irish for the first time. There are now a few Musjids and Islamic Centres in the country. In 2006 an umbrella organization, the Irish Council of Imams, was established. There are several student Islamic societies in universities across Ireland.
Muslim Chinese martial arts have a long history, and many Muslims have participated at the highest level of Chinese martial arts. Chinese Hui Muslims started and adapted many styles such as Bajiquan, Piguaquan and Liuhe Quan. There were specific areas famous as centers of Muslim martial arts, such as Cang County in Hebei. Some styles in brief: Although Bajiquan (8 extreme fists) is not practiced exclusively by Hui Muslims, there are still many famous Hui practitioners of the style today. Zhaquan is widely practiced in China. Famous Muslim Hui exponents of this style include those from ancient times, like Zheng He, a Muslim admiral of the Ming Dynasty, as well as famous practitioners in modern times, like Zhang Wenguang, who was instrumental in creating the modern version of Changquan. Qishiquan (7 warriors) started among Muslims in Henan. Huihui Shiba Zhou (Hui elbow eighteen style) was so secret that it was considered lost until 1970 when researches found a teacher from a Hui Muslim family in Hebei who knew the style. Piguaquan (chopping and hanging fist) was founded by Wu Zhong, a Chinese Muslim from Meng Village, Cang County, Hebei. Muslim Chinese generals and troops wielded swords proficiently in combat. Chinese Muslim practioners where so adept at their martial arts, and their styles such as Pu Yi and Ba Ji Quan, where so renowned, that they formed the backbone of the bodyguards of Chinese Emperors and leaders until recent times. Xinyi Liuhe Quan is a martial art developed in Henan Province among Hui Muslims. It is considered one of the most powerful styles in Chinese Martial Arts. Xinyi Liuhe Quan, along with Cha Quan and Qi Shi Quan, were considered styles meant to protect Muslims in China. For more than 2 centuries the style was kept secret and transmitted only to a few Muslims. Hsing I is one of the elder systemized forms of Kung Fu. One of three main families of Hsing I was developed and practiced almost exclusively by the Chinese Muslim community.
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The Bismillah Trust was established over 25 years ago to aid in humanitarian services under the supervision of a team of professionals from Port Elizabeth. The team is made up of theologians, academics, accountants, IT specialists, attorneys, businessmen and other voluntary aid workers. Some Projects Feeding Schemes: 400 residents of Missionvale and surrounding areas are fed weekly. In Helenvale 24,000 people are fed per month from 8 soup kitchens. Weekly feeding of students at Masakhane School. In 1995 the Quest school, the only school for learners with autism in the Eastern Cape, was established. A hostel was established for students. More than needy 1,200 families received food parcels during Ramadhan. The parcels contained essential foods and was subsidized. Teenagers from the Reach For A Dream Foundation were taken on an outing to the Kwantu Private Game Reserve. Joint project with Al Fidaa Foundation to provide meals to the poor. Regular senior citizens outings including shopping money and meals. 2,000 seniors hosted in 2009. CONTACT 8th Floor, Kwantu Towers, Port Elizabeth PO Box 427, Port Elizabeth, 6001 Tel: 041 585 2205 Fax: 041 585 2250 Email: moosa@bismillahtrust.co.za www.bismillahtrust.co.za
There was a beautiful horse with many good qualities. But it wanted to be more perfect in every way. It especially wanted to have unparalleled beauty. One day the horse prayed, ‘O Lord, you have given me beauty and other good qualities. I am grateful to you. But how I wish you could make me more beautiful. I would be extremely grateful if you could make me more beautiful.’ The horse then said, ‘It seems to me that I am not well proportioned. My neck is too short. If you can make my neck a little longer, my upper body will be infinitely more beautiful. And if you can make my legs much longer and thinner, then I will look infinitely more beautiful in my lower body.’ Immediately the horse changed into a camel. The horse was so disheartened that it started to cry, ‘O Lord, I wanted to become more beautiful. In what way is this kind of outer form more beautiful?’ He was told, ‘This is exactly what you asked for. You have become a camel.’ The horse cried, ‘I do not want to become a camel. I wish to remain a horse. As a horse, everybody appreciated my good qualities. Nobody will appreciate me as a camel.’ Moral: Appreciate what you have been given. If you want to lead a life of greed, then at every moment you will want more and more. But you have no idea what the outcome will be, whether it will be better for you than what you have. Always pray to God to give you the most suitable things, and be happy with the lot He decides for you.
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