Islam today August 2016 issue 38

issue 38 vol. 4 August 2016

islam today

 On the Wings of Unity  Reaching the top, between tears and joy  Spirituality in the Seminaries

islam today

August 2016

1

2

islam today

August 2016

Contents

islam today issue 38 vol. 4 August 2016

islam today magazine is a monthly magazine published by the London based Islamic Centre of England. It focuses on the activities of the communities affiliated to the Centre, reflecting a culture of openness and respect towards other religious communities both Islamic and non.

The magazine is available in paper and digital format.

Editorial team

Page

4

On the Wings of Unity

8

From the Islamic Centre's desk

10

Young British Muslims Answer the Call for Help

Interview with Dr Mohammad Ali Shomali

Roundup of Events - July 2016

Blood donation in the Islamic Centre of England

Managing Director

M. Saeed Bahmanpour

Chief Editor

Amir De Martino

Managing Editor

Anousheh Mireskandari

Layout and Design

Innovative Graphics

12

Reaching the top, between tears and joy

by Maryam Haneef

14

ART

16

Hawza in a Nutshell - Lessons on Akhlaq

by Moriam Grillo

Contact us Information

info@islam-today.net

Letters to the Editor

letters@islam-today.net

Article Submissions

submit@islam-today.net

by Ezra Hashme

www.islam-today.co.uk Follow us: islamtodaymag

18

Spirituality in the Seminaries

20

‘Turn the other cheek'

@islamtodaymaguk

Publisher The Islamic Centre of England 140 Maida Vale London W9 1QB Tel: +44 20 7604 5500 ISSN 22051-2503

Disclaimer: All information in this magazine is verified to the best of the authors’ and the publisher’s ability.

However, islam today shall not be liable or responsible for loss or damage arising from any users’ reliance on information obtained from the magazine.

by Revd Frank Julian Gelli

22

Summer & insect bites

24

Children Corner

26

What & Where

by Laleh Lohrasbi

by Ghazaleh Kamrani

Listing of events

islam today

August 2016

3

Report

On the Wings of Unity Following the recent visit of Hujjatul-Islam Dr Mohammad Ali Shomali to Sophia University in Italy, islam today asked him about the background, programmes and outcomes of this visit and how Shi’a Muslims and Focolare Christians have been developing mutual understanding and cooperation

W

to Italy, Canada, Indonesia, Lebanon, Poland, the Philippines, USA and many other places. Here I just refer to our visits to Loppiano in general and Sophia University Institute in particular.

Our first visit to Loppiano was in 1999, on the eve of the new millennium. In May 2010, I took a group of PhD students from the Dept. of Religions of the Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute in Qom to Italy to I can see some of the visit some Pontifical universities and qualities in some of the some Catholic institutions and organisations.

A highlight of that trip practices of the Focolare was visiting Loppiano.

Movement that should An interesting development took place be present in the in May 2013 when my wife and I took a believers, especially the group of 10 female students from the (a) helpers of Imam Mahdi . Jami’at al-Zahra, made up of peoples from different nationalities, from Qom For example, they act as to Italy. Most of our programmes were members of the same arranged by the Focolare Movement.

hat we learn from the Qur’an is that whenever there is darkness there will also be light, wherever there is difficulty there will be ease too.

We are currently living in a world with many tensions, conflicts and wars, but thanks be to God, in the same world we have lots of people who are deeply committed to love, peace and charity, especially from among the believers in God.

"

There are people who tirelessly work for unity and peace. For quite a few years we have come to know such groups of people among both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

We have had long-standing relations with some Christian movements and groups and despite our theological differences we have realised how many commonalities we have, not only in our understanding of God family as if brought up and humanity, but in understanding the We had programmes and meetings in by the same parents. priorities for the religious work of today.

Rome, in Rocca di Pappa, in Castel These are people who believe there is Gandolfo and also Loppiano, a small urgency to work for the sake of unity. village near Florence where the movement has a citadel It is almost twenty years since we have established a known as a 'Mariapolis'. This is a place individuals attend relationship with the Focolare Movement during which we for their own religious development. There are also families had many meetings and constructive discussions. This living there in a spiritual atmosphere of mutual cooperation connection started initially in the UK but soon it expanded and unity.

4

islam today

August 2016

On the last night of our trip we met the inhabitants of the town in a gathering held at the local auditorium and had a discussion centred on the concept of love. I personally experienced a great sense of unity as if our hearts where open to each other. I understand that the same was felt by many among those present.

In recent years the Focolare Movement have also established ‘Sophia University’ in Loppiano which offers post-graduate studies.

After this meeting another turning point was the invitation of members of the Centre for Interreligious Dialogue of Focolare Movement: Roberto Catalano and then co-responsible Christina Lee, together with Paul Lemarie, a member of the centre as well as a member of the Focolar from Loppiano and finally Stefania Tanesini. They visited us in Qom in April 2014 for one week where they were introduced to cultural, religious and spiritual aspects of the life of Shi’a Muslims.

That visit led to another trip in 2015 by about half a dozen sisters from Qom to Loppiano, to observe in more detailed

some aspects of Focolare spirituality. The group travelled from Qom and Dearborn and was supposed to stay for four weeks. My wife and I also joined them from London and were supposed to stay with the group for a few days and then return. However due to the loss of my wife’s passport at the airport, our stay was extended unexpectedly which turned out to be most useful. On Friday 20th Feb 2015, our Focolare friends organised a programme at ‘Sophia University’ where we met staff and students. I was asked to say a few words and I decided to talk about ‘wisdom’ which in Greek is ‘sophia’ from which the university takes its name.

I explained the Islamic point of view on wisdom and how it is a universal value, as anything truly wise belongs to the whole of humanity. In my talk I also mentioned the founder of the Focolare Movement Chiara Lubich (1920-2008) and my opinion about her wisdom and her practical spirituality through which she was able, not only to bring spirituality to

islam today

August 2016

5

the ordinary people but to build concrete realities based on it. This is an expression of wisdom, because wisdom is to bring abstract ideas into reality.

In the same meeting, Professor Piero Coda, president of Sophia University, invited me to teach in a forthcoming course on interreligious dialogue. The course would - for the first time - feature lecturers from different religious backgrounds. He also invited me for a similar engagement in the Philippines.

Therefore I suggested further meetings every so often to allow us to have detailed conversations on common interests and hopefully by recording and documenting our understanding we may be able to see if there is further grounds to continue or not. But we have to be able to say we have done our best.

Piero welcomed the idea and based on that we fixed the date for the first meeting to take place after the month of Ramadan. This was going to be a new and deeper initiative built upon our previous experiences. We agreed to call this new initiative ‘Wings of Unity’.

In April 2016, I visited Sophia University and delivered four lectures of one hour each on interreligious dialogue from an Islamic prospective. At the end, in a meeting with Piero Coda, I emphasised the necessity of a closer relationship to achieve a better understanding of what true commitment to unity requires from us. I said that the issue of unity and in particular how to unite believers has preoccupied my mind for many years. I said that I believe that if we do our best, God would certainly guide us and teach us what to do next, but in order to make sure that we have done our best we need to share our resources and exchange our ideas; otherwise we would not be able to say that we have gone through every possible avenue for better understanding. I said to him if I talk and discuss only with my own people using only my own resources I cannot say I have done my best and the same applies to him. I referred to what God says in the Qur’an: “As for those who strive in Us, We shall surely guide them in Our ways, and God is indeed with the virtuous”.

(29:69).

Our first ‘Wings of Unity’ meeting took place in Loppiano from 8th-10th July. A group of Focolare professors, staff and students from different parts of Italy also attended but there were more attendees from Sophia University and the Loppiano community.. From the Shi’a side there were five of us, from the UK, the USA and Italy. Piero Coda opened the meeting on the morning of the 8th July talking about the ‘Unity of God and in God’. He explained some of the mystical writings and experiences of Chiara Lubich. He referred in particular to the love for God the Father and love for one’s neighbours.

In the afternoon session I talked about the Unity of God and how in Islam tawhid (unity of God) shapes and forms every aspect of Islamic thought. I explained how over the years I have been thinking about the issue of unity to the extent that one could write a book on it and each chapter of this book can discuss one aspect of this unity. I started mentioning some titles for chapters of that book e.g. metaphysics and how in the ‘Transcendent Philosophy’ of Mulla Sadra we have

6

islam today

August 2016

a kind of monotheistic understanding of existence. I talked about ‘Illuminationist Philosophy’ of Sheikh Shahab al-Din Suhrawardi in his Hikmat ul-ishraq and his philosophical system, based on the concept of light. I talked about the Unity of God as the basis for morality in the Qur’an, as suggested by Allamah Tabatabai. This was followed by further discussions.

The next day started with a comment from one of the professors from Sophia University. He remarked that as a PhD professor he had been teaching interfaith dialogue for a number of years, but this new initiative was the first time that he felt the presence of so much unity. He said he always tried to understand the other or look at the other in a way that he himself wants to be seen but this gathering went further, as if there was no ‘other’.

On the second day, Roberto Catalano gave a talk titled ‘Humanity as one family in Chiara’. He explained how the Focolare Movement got involved in interreligious dialogue.

Initially Chiara had thought that the Focolare spirituality was only for Catholics and then for the wider Christians but after some events she got the inspiration that this should be open to everybody. He mentioned how the movement got to know Warith Deen Mohammed, imam of the Nation of Islam and how she also visited Malik el-Shabazz (Malcolm X) Mosque in Harlem - New York. He further described her travel to India and her interaction with the Hindus showing a video of the trip.

In the afternoon I talked about my understanding of the plan of God for human guidance and the relationship between different prophets and religions.

On the morning of the third day two professors from Focolare spoke about Unity as Lifestyle according to the Christian Focolare perspective. I also presented our perspective about Unity as a lifestyle using some of the analogies or parables that we have in Islam such as the community being like one body or one building. I explained how I can see some of the qualities in some of the practices of the Focolare Movement that should be present in the believers, especially the helpers of Imam Mahdi(a). For example, they act as members of the same family as if brought up by the same parents. My presentation was followed by further discussions after which some suggestions were made about our next steps.

Professor Piero Coda suggested we define the mission statement of the ‘Wings of Unity’ initiative therefore it was decided that there would be two co-directors, Prof. Piero Coda and I, coupled with a council made up of four Focolare members and four Shi’a Muslim members. God-willing, Wings of Unity will continue its discussions, joint courses and joint publications. There will be courses on theology and spirituality of unity for both Muslim and Christian youth, Imams, priests, monks and activists. A book will also be produced on unity, faith, identity etc. based on the questions which will be raised by the youths in the courses next summer.

In brief, I can say that this meeting and exchange in Loppiano was very special and a memorable experience.

Everyone was deeply moved by this experience of unity and expressed a desire in its continuation. We thank God for this great gift of friendship and unity and request Him to help us to move forward.

islam islamtoday today August August2016 2016

77

From

the Islamic Centre's desk Roundup of Events - July 2016

Holy month of Ramadan Report

T

he first week of July this year was marked by the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and the Eid ul Fitr Celebration. On 29th Ramadan the Islamic Centre of England provided a number of services for the community from educational classes to religious programmes and of course iftars every night. This year the Centre gave out an average of 700 dinners per normal

The Eid Sermon

I

n the Eid sermon Hujjatul-Islam Dr Shomali prayed to God to accept the acts of worship and fasting that the believers had undertaken during the holy month with the hope of keeping all alive to be able to benefit from another Ramadan next year. HujjatulIslam Shomali underscored the importance of preserving the learnings acquired during Ramadan and to make use and preserve them for the coming months until the next Ramadan.

In his second sermon Dr Shomali spoke about the

8

islam today

August 2016

nights which doubled to 1500 during the special nights of prayers and supplications of Laylatul Qadr. The centre also held its annual Qur’an Recitation and memorisation competition over two days with participants from different communities. On the day of Eid on 7th July a 2500 strong congregation converged on the Islamic Centre for the special Eid prayer conducted by the director of the Islamic Centre Hujjatul-Islam Dr Mohammad Ali Shomali.

necessity of continuous learning and education as Islam places no limitations on learning. He warned that ignorance and naivety can be a dangerous and damaging combination for the Muslims, as ignorant people can easily be manipulated by clever individuals with deceitful intentions. Hujjatul-Islam Shomali stressed the need to invest in education, “spending in encouraging, especially the youth to be learning about their faith and morality from pure and reliable sources”.

He referred to great well-known scholars as our point of reference and not unknown individuals who newly come to issue fatwas and misguide people. Dr Shomali

encouraged everyone to take advantage the new Hawza in London which offers Islamic educational classes for every age, by enrolling for the coming educational year starting in September. He stressed that the classes are not only for those who wish to become religious scholars but for everyone.

Hujjatul-Islam Shomali also spoke about the blessing of being part of a community and of the necessity to feel part of a place by attending regularly, wherever this place may be. Someone who belongs to a place or is a regular

attendee at a particular place stands a much better chance of getting help when and if in need than someone who nobody knows.

Lastly Hujjatul-Islam Shomali spoke about charity and the importance of giving; stating that charity in Islam is something that never ends. Even if we have very little it is still good to give something in charity, as charity brings blessings upon the giver as well as purification of the heart. Hujjatul-Islam Shomali concluded by giving special thanks to all the staff and volunteers who helped every day during the holy month of Ramadan.ď Ź

Summer Outings for Madrasa Students

T

he Education Institute of the Islamic Centre of England organised two end of year outings for the students of its Qur’an and Arabic language weekend madrasa.

The first group (11 years and over) were taken to Thorpe Park Resort on 16th of July 2016. A group of 40 students (boys and girls) accompanied by 8 teachers took part in this trip. The students were divided into six groups for easy supervision. Of the 40 students 12 were given free entrance tickets to Thorpe Park Resort as a reward for their constant presence in all classes and programmes organised by the Education Institute during the year.

complementary entrance tickets to Legoland for their consistency in attending the madrasa throughout the year.

All other expenditure for transport and entrance fees was met by the individual participants who also brought their own lunch packs.

Both trips started with a pick up from the Islamic Centre at 8am and ended with a drop off at 7pm at the same location. The trips were blessed with particularly good weather. They provided an opportunity for students and teachers to bond with each other and among themselves in a more relaxed and informal atmosphere.ď Ź

The second outing took place on Sunday 17th of July to Legoland. A total of 33 children under 11, divided into 9 groups and supervised by 11 teachers took part in this trip. Also from among this group 13 were awarded

islam today

August 2016

9

Community News

Yo u n g B ri t i s h M u sl i m s An swe r th e Ca l l fo r H e l p

I

used to call this a feeling of deja vu, but it’s far too frequent to be categorised as that. It feels as though every morning when I turn on my television I’m watching the aftermath of yet another heinous act of terror. This time as I watched, a ticker appeared appealing for emergency blood donations for the injured, and within a matter of hours the authorities released another statement announcing that sufficient blood had been collected. The oft quoted Quranic verse “…and whoever saves one life, it is as if he had saved the whole of mankind” came to mind.

One of the tragedies of the brutal attacks of late is the age of the perpetrators, seldom do we hear of men in their 40’s or 50’s carrying out the attacks, rather it’s normally young men in their 20’s or early 30’s hell bent on devastation and destroying life.

There is however another group of young men and women who are working day in day out tirelessly to collect blood - not spill it.

These are the volunteers of the Imam Hussain Blood Donation Campaign (IHBDC) - the UK’s first and largest national blood donation initiative in the Muslim community. It’s a powerful grassroots initiative run with youthful exuberance, determination and devotion to the most natural of human ideals - to help and save lives.

10

islam today

August 2016

IHBDC seeks to actualise the message of Imam Hussain's sacrifice, by saving the lives of those in need and uphold the concept of altruistic giving, a value of the beloved Ahlul Bayt(as). The campaign which simplifies the potential to save three adult lives or seven child lives from just one small donation has been spreading all over the world under the banner of Imam Hussain, with a vision for blood donation to become a common feature of every Muslim centre around the globe.

On Sunday 10th of July IHBDC celebrated 10 years of saving lives with a fully booked blood drive at the Islamic Centre of England where over 90 units were collected.

The campaign has been so successful that a formal partnership agreement is now in place between NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and IHBDC to work even more closely. Through the partnership we also look forward to encouraging more Islamic centres and mosques to open their doors to hosting blood drives.

To date almost 3,000 donations have been made, and now as the campaign moves from an annual one to all year round, it aims to collect 1,000 donations this year alone. There is a particular challenge amongst the Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups who make up 14% of the eligible donor population in England and North Wales, yet only three per cent of donors - the campaign is working to redress this.

In light of these senseless attacks on human life and all the attacks around the world, IUS & IHBDC would like to take this opportunity to call all people, and particularly those from the BAME groups to action, to step up and become a blood donor. There is no time better than the present to take the initiative, and to act to save a life.

For those familiar with the tragedy of Imam Hussain the flag bearer of the campaign, they will know that his cry of “hal min nasirin yansurna” (is there anyone to help me) was a timeless call to action for each one of us, that wherever you are, whatever you are - come to one another’s aid.

Donating blood is simple and straightforward; sometimes people feel pressure from society or family which can prevent them from following through. Equally sometimes people just aren't well informed enough. To find out more about donating visit www.blood.co.uk and www.who.int both of which are excellent resources packed with statistics, videos, moving real-life stories, and information about how to get involved.

Technology is also playing an increasing role in the blood donation journey, making it more rewarding than ever before. In some parts of the country donors are receiving notifications on their mobile phones when their blood has been dispatched to a recipient, and again once the transfusion is complete. NHSBT have even created the NHS Give Blood app to make it easier for donors to book appointments and access information.

To find out more about the incredible work being done by the Islamic Unity Society (IUS) and the volunteers of the Imam Hussain Blood Donation Campaign, and how to get involved visit www.ius.org.uk/giveblood. 

islam today

August 2016

11

Reaching the top, between

tears and joy

Fundraising for charity is not always fun and games. Maryam Haneef describes her emotional roller coaster while endeavouring to reach the top of Mt Ben Nevis

A

friend told me that climbing a mountain is like childbirth, excruciating pain throughout, but once it’s over you realise you can do it again!

The idea of climbing mountains occurred to me during my gap year when I saw an advert about volunteering in Tanzania and climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Later, a seasoned mountaineer advised me to climb the smaller peaks around Britain before attempting Mt Killi.

When I heard about climbing Ben Nevis as a fundraising venture for Ahlulbayt Foundation, I jumped at it. With so much terror in the world, it is now more important than ever to help the foundation spread the message of the Ahlulbayt(as), show the true face of Islam and continue their charitable work around the world.

And so, in a group of twelve Muslim sisters I embarked on a 12-hour coach ride to Scotland to climb Ben Nevis. Sleep deprived and anxious, we drove to the foot of the mountain.

With unfamiliar hiking gear and bulging rucksacks, we started on what looked like a beautiful walk in the countryside, with stately green hills and sheep grazing idly by.

Soon the path started to twist. Stones became larger and sharper and we were soon out of breath. It became clear that

12

islam today

August 2016

if I wanted to have any chance of reaching the top, it was better not to look up rather, focus on my feet and the feet of the person in front of me. My mental strength would have to surpass my physical strength. We had to push each other to push ourselves. Looking back at how far we had already come was an energy boost. Focusing on the feet of the person in front became a useful distraction, hypnotising our limbs into a constant rhythm of going up an endless flight of stairs.

During breaks we ate morsels of high-energy food and drank sips of water. The last thing you want is to have to go to the toilet where there isn’t one!

To keep focus, I sang all the songs and read all the supplications I knew and memorised every detail of our guide’s shoes! And so we quite literally followed our feet into a storm. Gentle raindrops became daggers stabbing our cheeks. The wind took our breath away. The storm continued relentlessly. Now, all I could see through half opened eyes looked more like a graveyard scene from a Harry Potter movie. Logic recommended I turn around. Why should I keep going? I felt like I had challenged myself enough. After all, what could I possibly see from the summit under these conditions? Then I thought of the people who donated

generously, prayed for me and were excited for me. I thought I had to do it for them. And so I went on, one step in front of the other.

I told myself: This step is for what I went through leaving Iran after 16 years. This step is for the troubles I had finding a 6th form. This step is for working hard for my A levels, another for the stress of applying to university, for getting into medical school, paying my tuition fees, for excellent exam results and for my family. I recapped all my life experiences and found something to motivate each new step.

Twice I thought erroneously that I had reached the summit, gaining new strength and getting emotional, thinking it was now all over, only to realise I still had more to go. I thought of Hajar and the hills of Safa and Marwa. Surely I could not have had it worse than she did. After all, there was no infant depending on me. We went on, one step at a time and then we were there! We had arrived at the summit at last, a tall platform with four man-made steps. The steps mocked me.

After five hours of climbing, now I had to climb four steps to declare myself a victor? I did it anyway, and there we were.

God made us work for this satisfaction and it was worth it.

SubhanAllah! We raised the flag of Imam Husayn(a) over the roof of Britain, took a few hasty pictures and began our way down.

Descending with weak legs, using a completely different group of muscles that now felt incredibly foreign, with fingers and toes soaked, freezing temperatures, a wind that still made it hard to breathe, rain that prevented us from seeing more than a few feet ahead, surrounded in a depressing scene of grey rocks, grey people and grey skies, it was difficult not to just sit down and cry!

We surrendered our weight to our walking poles and looked for new reasons to encourage ourselves. The first patch of dull vegetation was glorious to look at, then, as the fog lifted and we saw hills we hurried even more. When the wind stopped howling we hastened, hardly taking breaks. We eagerly looked forward and never looked back. At the base of the mountain we were met with applause from the Ben Nevis guiding team.

I thought I was climbing to teach the mountain about me, as a symbol of what I have achieved so far but the mountain taught me! I saw the glory of God in his soft and beautiful creation as well as his rigorous and terrifying majesty. I learnt the extent of the strength of my spirit to keep me going.

Whether you end up in a storm, reach the summit or not, you are bound to push yourself beyond what you know and come back a stronger person mentally and physically but incredibly sore from head to toe! I understand my friend’s analogy better now. I would climb Ben Nevis again and laugh at myself every time I felt to turn back. Mount Kilimanjaro is still my dream. But there is no rush. It isn’t going anywhere! ď Ź The full text is available on : www.islam-today.co.uk

Maryam Haneef is a member of ABSoc and a medical student.

islam today

August 2016

13

Art Art meets Interfaith It's been a very busy summer for me, with Islamic geometric designs taking centre stage in my work. I'm currently working with the Luton Council of Faiths, a charity and voluntary organisation committed to creating shared spaces where cultural barriers dissolve. When an artist and an interfaith organisation come together, interesting things are bound to happen. In this case, the result will be a ‘Peace Mural’, a walled display of over four thousand ceramic tiles individually made and painted by members of the local community.

The aim of this project is to encourage community cohesion. To enable people of all ages and all walks of life to come together and create a piece of art which reflects the entire community. As lead artist, I am facilitating the design and build as well as offering workshops that will help to integrate the learning which underpins the finished piece of art.

During a series of timed sessions local children learned

“With the Peace Mural we are creating a piece of work with an integrated approach to faith, spirituality, science, history, creativity and art." - Ryad Khodabocus How would you describe what you do?

There are two strands to the work I do. One is building relationships through various ways from sitting over a cuppa to playing sports together such as Archery for which I run regular sessions. I engage in other forms of community development work; getting communities to take ownership of the wider community and become skilled in interfaith activities themselves. Luton Council of Faiths meets six times a year to discuss, as faith leaders

14

islam today

August 2016

how to draw simple geometric patterns using a compass.

They drew a star and cross form - the basis of the mural design - from a series of circles. They also learnt how clay forges a greater understanding of history and how people lived before us and how this sacred substance, from which we are formed, originates.

We also enjoyed exploring and memorising the thirteen digit chemical formulation of it. This came as a great surprise to teachers who initially felt the use of mere compasses surpassed their ability.

The Project's manager is Ryad Khodabocus. As Community Relations Development Officer for LCoF, Ryad is passionate about building bridges across the wider community. In this issue he gives us a peek into his day to day role. It’s a reflection of how a little positive action can go a long way.

and community representatives, how we can improve the life of the hown. This sometimes means having difficult conversations. We also do advocacy for different local faith communities.

Tell us a little about the Peace Mural and why you think it's important?

The mural is another way, through art, to get people together. It seems we have very little encouragement and investment especially in minority ethnic communities and somehow arts is also not necessarily looked upon as a very important subject in schools over even by parents. want to show what unity means and is holistic by

combining subjects such as art, history and maths in our workshop sessions. It's a great way of getting people of different faiths together. I guess the theme ‘Breath of The Compassionate’ speaks to everyone in humanity whichever colour, creed, and religion you are.

Even today in the secular world we talk about compassion. Daniel Goleman, a famous writer on Emotional Intelligence explains what compassion is: “To stop and pay attention!” This is something very difficult today as we have hectic lives and are always on the go.

Breath is universal - if we cannot breathe there is no life.

Why Luton? Why this church?

The food is fresh and authentic and reflects the plurality of the town. After Brexit we hear a lot about hate crimes and incidents across the country, but in Luton as far as we know we have not heard much and that perhaps the uniqueness of shaping a plural town over years through lots of community interaction despite the relative poverty the town suffers.

Over the years we have had the dream of having a ‘Peace Garden’ in the area and the new Vicar of the All Saints Church also shared this vision. He has transformed a derelict piece of land into this small but beautiful garden.

It's situated in an area where many people do not have garden or much outside space so this will become a shared space the whole community can enjoy. The artwork will enhance the experience.

Why have you chosen Art as a central theme?

Because art has the ability to build bridges between cultures and communities, because it communicates without words and connects with something deep within us all. Perhaps … it’s out of love of beauty and curiosity to know and understand. Engaging in the making of art offers a sense of tranquillity and peace.

Leaving

something as a legacy to look back on, over the years, is also very important.

You also have an annual ‘Peace Walk’ tell us about it?

Years ago there was no such appetite for people to visit or know about places of worship, hence in those early days some wise people felt a peace walk could be one of the ways for people to interact with each other and get to know the unknown and suspicious.

So the Town is invited to take part and it will be a fourhour day starting in Luton Town Centre to Walk all the way to Bury Park stopping at the Sikh Temple first then move to Luton Central Mosque in Bury Park and end at All Saints Church in Bury Park. The mural will be unveiled at the final stage of our ‘annual Peace Walk’.

2016 marks the 20th anniversary of ‘the moral’.

What does this signify?

20th Anniversary I guess is 20 years of ongoing work to be able to achieve what we have been able to achieve - an ongoing committed organisation focussed locally and building and nurturing relationships in a pluralistic society. We are getting bigger and this year for the first time we are working with 12 schools, a number which is big for a small charity such as ours. On top of that we get to meet the local communities to get them involved too.

What do you hope will be the lasting legacy?

Like every year, new friendships being made and communities feeling less isolated. People learn various creative ways of coming together; a sense of pride at what has been achieved. For pupils of primary schools especially, it encourages a sense of belonging and community. The Peace Mural will be unveiled in September. For further details visit grassrootsluton.com

Moriam Grillo is an international artist.

She holds Bachelor degrees in Photography & Film and Ceramics, her current projects include a commission for the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham.

islam today

August 2016

15

Life & Community

Hawza in a Nutshell

Lessons on Akhlaq

by Ezra Hashme

"

A classmate in school was very big, strong and good-looking. He lacked confidence because he was raised in a troubled home, which affected him socially and in his schoolwork. Everyone bullied him, even the children in the lower years.

Our Ummah can be compared to this boy. We’ve lost our confidence because we live in a divided and troubled home. If we look at the situation around the world, the poorest countries are Muslim; the whole of the Middle East cannot compete with the Spanish economy.

When we look at the most corrupt countries the Muslim ones top the list, the most dangerous countries are also Muslim and the list goes on. Think about it, spiritually we’re inept, morally we are bankrupt and financially we’re on the two extremes. But I hear a lot of people say Islam is the fastest growing religion. What good is the quantity when we lack quality? A few centuries ago it was a different story, we did have our differences but it wasn’t as bad and we’ve never been so weak. So what happened? Of course we can put a plaster on out amputated limb and go with the easy answer, by pointing fingers, blaming so and

so. Although it is true to a certain extent but the old saying still holds - when you point with one finger three fingers are pointing back. If they are to blame, we should be blamed three times as much. It’s not a good idea to play the blaming game, what we should do is get to the bottom of it and pick ourselves up.

So, how can we as a small community in the west uplift a billion plus brothers and sisters? The answer is to build a strong community in the west, be a beacon of hope. How can we build a strong community when we have disagreements on the smallest issues?

We start with our family. What if the family doesn’t share our ideas?

Then we concentrate on ourselves and lead by example.

Once I realised that I don’t have the power to control anything in the outside world, I looked within myself and tried to change what I could control. That is why I came to the Hawza to reinvent myself and follow the blue print Ahlul Bayt(a) set out for us.

Today we live in a rapidly changing world. A world in what was new yesterday is old today and what is new today will be obsolete tomorrow. As soon as you buy the latest iPhone, the

So, how can we as a small community in the west uplift a billion plus brothers and sisters? The answer is to build a strong community in the west, be a beacon of hope.

16

islam today

August 2016

next day Samsung comes out with a better phone. What was seen undesirable yesterday is encouraged today and what was positive yesterday is negative today. We live in a confused society where contradictions are a way of life. We consistently trust the liars and question what is true”.

Above was the response from one of my fellow Hawza students when I asked, why did he join the Hawza? This hadith depicts his words beautifully: “The Muslim Umma is like one body. If the eye is in pain then the whole body is in pain and if the head is in pain then the whole body is in pain.”

I understand and share the brothers’ opinion that we should all reinvent ourselves and follow Ahlul Bayt(a), not to be divisive but to work together and to build a platform for Imam Mahdi(a). In a nutshell if we cannot fix the problems in the world, then let’s not be part of the problem.

We agreed of our inability to change the world, our community or our sphere of influence without changing ourselves first. It’s great that we are in the Hawza but where do we start? What is the foundation?

We came to the conclusion that akhlaq (character refinement) is the best place to start because it’s the uniform and arsenal of a mo’min (beliver). We also agreed that no matter what the message is, the person delivering the message has questionable character hardly anyone would pay attention. So let’s introduce some terminologies learnt in our akhlaq classes at the Hawza.

Khalq meaning creation or external features such as eye colour, height, weight etc. Kholq on the other hand is inner trait that cannot be seen with basar (vision) but with baseera (insight). When a child looks at the hot coal, naturally he is drawn to it, that is basar (vision) but if he was burnt before or was prior warned he would not go near it, that is baseera (insight).

Hal is a quality which changes and malaka is a fixed/permanent quality.

Example; person X is brave and witnesses a female being attacked, person X would not hesitate in stepping in. Person Y is not brave and will come up with a few excuses of why they keep out. The first is called malaka because it’s a fixed quality, if the second person is trained and encouraged to be brave they would be but only once or a few times, this is

called hal because he changes back to his old habits. There are two types of malaka, innate and acquired. If we are naturally brave, truthful, humble etc… then we are in no need of lessons in akhlaq because we already have these attributes.

For the majority of us we are in great need and if we work hard to acquire these characteristics, then it will become part of our fabric, from hal to malaka. Ghandi said: “…be the change you want to see in the world”.

The questions arise, how many traits of characters are there? How long would each take? Do I have the time to focus on each one?

Sheikh Shomali believes there might be 50 or more traits and if we focus on all of these individually we would need the life span of Noah(a). He said there are the 50 odd traits that are on the surface but they all have a solid core and foundation. If we get these fundamental traits of characters right, the rest will fall into place. To make it easier all these fundamental traits overlap and complement each other.

...we should all reinvent ourselves and follow Ahlul Bayt(a), not to be divisive but to work together and to build a platform for Imam Mahdi(a).

There are 10 fundamentals and inshaAllah we can learn about them in the next issue. Sheikh compared the core fundamental traits of character to the roots and the external one as the fruits. We have to take care of the roots to benefit from the fruits.

islam today

August 2016

17

Faith

Spirituality in the Seminaries The acquisition of esoteric and spiritual knowledge by a young Islamic seminarian is not an easy thing and will require both self-purification and an attentive teacher. This article explains how spirituality is transmitted within the context of Islamic seminaries

I

n response to a request by directors of the Seminary Schools, in Iran, to receive money for building and purchasing numerous properties for the seminary cause, the late Imam Khomeini said: ‘...my stance – and I have uttered it repeatedly on previous occasions – is that I am against these extravagances; these are harmful to the seminaries. The criterion is Islam and education, which are in opposition to such excesses...’ Elsewhere he has categorically declared that however much money and buildings increase in this regard, studies and spirituality decline proportionally. After paying a visit to one of Qum’s leading seminary schools, a current marja’ (religious authority) said that ‘mujtahids’ will not arise from these marble staircases’.

Spirituality may be defined, in layman’s terms, as the theoretical and practical nurturing of one’s noble ethical traits. This is a rational must, whoever and wherever one is.

Compromising on this is tantamount to compromising on one’s self. For seminarians, the path to acquiring such spirituality is, one can but expect, different to how nonseminarians proceed. The theological seminaries bear an incredibly rich, solid and dynamic tradition of almost 13 centuries, where students learn around ten subjects in great detail under the auspices of extraordinarily gifted, industrious and pious mentors who have acquired from mentors of their preceding generations a great degree of

18

islam today

August 2016

foresight and insight in their respective fields. All these subjects are centred on the objective of understanding God’s word and incorporating it personally as well as, ultimately, socially and globally.

On the theoretical side to spirituality, with each subject the student learns, doctrinal and ethical truths are elaborated for them in the most delicate of guises, talking to the heart in a particular language. When the student is studying morphology and is told that the root to all words is the gerund, the scaffolding to monotheism (tawhid) is being explained where the basis to all creation is God; and that there cannot be segregation between gerund and conjugation, they are in unity with one another. One emanates from another. All conjugations are the gerund, in dimension. When grammarians speak of words being classified into nouns, verbs and particles, the gnostic mentor with insight describes for the student that his/her path to God is that of wayfaring from being a noun (seeing oneself as wholly independent and limitless) to a verb (appreciating one’s limited nature, having a beginning and end) and reaching one’s objective in being a particle (acknowledging that one is nothingness, having nothing of one’s own and being wholly dependent on another) within the overall order of existence. The first clause of the first book of the first subject taught in the seminaries reads ‘the first step in knowledge is having gnosis of the all-Invincible One, and the last step is entrusting all affairs to Him’. Spirituality can’t be

acquired in a day, week or month. It takes time. This applies even more so with the seminarian route.

This method is applicable to all the sciences of the seminaries i.e. in addition to paying utmost importance to the prima facie meanings and superficial dimensions of jurisprudence, exegesis and the like, the inner layers are just as, if not more, important. One cannot and should not confine one’s studies to either aspect; doing so is tantamount to one’s spiritual downfall according to Quranic dictates. The message and truth of the Qur’an is eternal, multi-dimensional and infinite. Confinement is meaningless. Believing in some parts or dimensions of the Book whilst hiding/distancing oneself from other parts and dimensions, leads but to disgrace, in this world and the Hereafter.

After ten years of covering the basic seminary sciences which ends with the labyrinthine hundred and fifty-year old text, in relation to the principles of jurisprudence, the student has access to enter the theoretical texts in gnosticism. The route has taken an important diversion.

It’s only the beginning but what a beginning this is! And what can make you perceive what the beginning is? Maybe this remark from his Eminence, Ayatollah Hasanzadeh-Amoli – one of the leading urafa (gnostics) today – will help; he has written in one of his marginal notes to one of Mulla Sadra’s works: “In reality, if it were not for the learning and teaching of the likes of Tamhid al-Qawa’id, Shawahid al-Rububiyyah, Khaje Tusi’s commentary of Isharat, Fusus al-Hikam and its commentaries especially Allamah Qaysari’s, Asfar, Misbah al-Uns, Shifa’ and Futuhat al-Makkiyah, the understanding of secrets that are concealed in traditions – which are the inner dimensions of the verses of the Qur’an – will not be feasible. In all truth, these aforementioned noble books must be deemed as esoteric interpretations for elevating one’s understanding of the Muhammadan message.”

the works of the likes of sheikh Bahai (d.1621), ibn Fahd alHilli (d.1437) and Sayyed Ibn Tawus (d.1266). The critical point during all this time is that one undergoes this ethicalmystical protocol under the supervision of a mentor. Here, it is the mentor who teaches one how the Prophet would have behaved in x, y or z scenario and one wants to simulate the Prophet through the words of such a mentor.

Students would follow them, dine with them, learn from them, sleep at their home, observe how they speak with friends and foes and, in short, see how they behave with humans (and even animals and plants and the surrounding environment in general). This model – which has its roots traced back to the time of the Prophet – is based on the life of the eminent gnostic Mulla Husayn-Quli Hamedani (d.1894). The latter’s students would sleep outside the mentor’s house. Once you find a proper manifestation of Prophetic attributes, how can one keep oneself away? It is narrated that a man was wandering helplessly in total bewilderment amongst the masses in a bazaar in Iraq. A passer-by asked the people ‘who is this fool, who is haphazardly walking and shifting from left to right in total disorder and confusion?’

He was told: “Just ignore him, he has just come out of one of Mulla Husayn-Quli Hamedani’s lectures on ethics” That is the effect a true mentor can have. Total intoxication!

Spirituality may be defined, in layman’s terms, as the theoretical and practical nurturing of one’s noble ethical traits. This is a rational must, whoever and wherever one is.

One may ask as to ‘isn’t all this idealistic’ and ‘do such things exist today in Iran or Iraq’ or elsewhere? Yes, of course such people and paths still exist as they have always done but as a result of the times, the lack of gravity disclosed by students, the often shameless behaviour manifested by students, the serious deficiency in knowledge and depth, such paths have been kept away from the public eye and rightly so. However, their fruits do eventually become unveiled into society, sooner or later either during the mentor’s life or, as is often the case, after the mentor’s demise. 

Whilst all this is necessary, by no means may one suffice with it. Enter the practical side to spirituality. This stage also ought to start from the beginning and simultaneous to one’s basic studies. Here, one starts studying a list of practical ethical and spiritual books and treatises in order of ascending difficulty over the first ten years. These include

islam today

August 2016

19

Interfaith

Frank Gelli speaks about a famous but difficult Christian precept

P

hilip Benizi (1233-1285) was a memorable person, for at least two good reasons. First, when Pope Clement IV died and the Cardinals proposed Philip as a candidate, out of a sense of unworthiness he retired to the mountains and stayed there in hiding until another man was chosen.

Second, while seeking to pacify some quarrelling young men, one of them struck him on the face. Philip, a big and brawny man, could easily have returned the blow but he did not.

Instead, he meekly turned the other cheek. The violent attacker was so moved by Philip’s humility that he threw himself at his feet and begged his forgiveness and prayers. After his death, the Church made Benizi a Saint. His feast day falls on August 23rd.

‘Turn the other cheek’ is one of the most famous precepts of Christianity. It is also one of the hardest to obey because it seems to contradict the ingrained sense or drive most people have to defend themselves by hitting back when struck. Yet, this hard saying goes back to Jesus’s words in St

20

islam today

August 2016

Matthew’s Gospel (5:39): ‘…if one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also’.

Therefore, like all of Christ’s pronouncements, it has a special authority for Christians. For that reason, it is imperative that its meaning and import should be properly understood.

First, to whom was it originally addressed? To which audience? St Matthew reports that Jesus was not speaking to the crowds but to his own closed circle of disciples. Many Gospel scholars have argued from this that Jesus was not laying down ‘turn the other cheek’ as a strict command but essentially as a counsel or advice. Not as a rule of conduct for all people at large but only for select, committed followers. That is why the Catholic Church, for example, considers it applicable primarily to monks and nuns, religious people who should follow a particularly perfect and holy way of life. Note that Philip Benizi himself was a member of the Servite Order, a community of monks.

Second, to what kind of situation was it meant to apply? To personal insult or

to grievous bodily harm? Again, commentators say that hitting someone on the cheek is more likely to partake of the former than of the latter.

Being slapped on the face makes the victim’s blood boil. It is an affront to somebody’s dignity and honour and the natural human response is to grow angry and to strike back in retaliation.

Still, it is not the same as being stabbed or shot. It seems that Jesus was asking those who desire to become his perfect followers to learn to control their anger, to be non-violent and to act in a saintly, selfless way. Other great moral and spiritual teachers, like Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, have tried to instil similar ideas into their disciples.

It follows that if Jesus’s words pertain to personal insult, they cannot apply to professions like soldiers or policemen, whose job is, defend the innocent citizens and uphold the common good.

It cannot have been Christ’s intention to protect criminals, murderers and unjust aggressors and so to make life easier for violent men. Besides, even a very humble monk, if he saw a helpless person set upon by bandits or

muggers, would certainly have no religious obligation to turn over the victim’s cheek so that the assailants may strike him twice!

Third, Christians revere Jesus’ own personal life as a supreme model and paradigm of sanctity and selflessness.

They are awed by meditating how at the foot of the Cross he asked God to forgive his own persecutors and torturers. Still, St Augustine once drew attention to a certain passage in St John’s Gospel (18:23). After being

healings and supernatural events. It says in another Gospel that Jesus, had he commanded it, could have summoned twelve legions of angels to defend him. The brutality of the man who had struck him was therefore no mere personal insult but an attack on God’s own envoy. Jesus’s response additionally shows that turning the other cheek does not mean becoming some sort of inert human doormat, to be trampled upon at some wicked men’s leisure. Rather, it is still compatible with asking for justice, if

Lastly, the man whom St Philip Benizi forgave changed his life. He became religious and a saint. God’s grace had touched him, through Philip’s action of turning the other cheek. Not all violent people can be counted on to react in that way, though. Yet the paradox is that Christ commands that even the unjust must be loved. But how so? Not by letting them get away with their injustice but, as St Augustine taught, with a somewhat ‘benign severity’…

‘…if one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also’; Jesus Christ’s pronouncements St. Matthew’s Gospel (5:39)

arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, prior to the Passion, Jesus had been taken bound before Caiaphas, the Jewish High Priest, to be questioned.

One of the Caiaphas’s guards, not liking the way the prisoner answered, struck Jesus with his hand. ‘Is that how you answer the High Priest?’ he said.

The Messiah replied in lapidary manner: ‘If I have done wrong, bear witness to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?’

Why then did the Lord not turn the other cheek? Did he violate his own precepts, St Augustine asked? To properly understand this episode, it must be recalled that Jesus was no ordinary prisoner. He was the Messiah, the eagerly awaited Deliverer of his people, prophesied in the Scriptures and whose credentials had been attested by many public miracles,

there is a good cause for it.

I am told of an interesting story relating to Imam Ali. During a battle an enemy he had subdued spat contemptuously in Ali’s face. The Imam did not immediately react but turned his face away and paused, waiting for his anger to subside, then he inflicted condign punishment on the offender. It appears that here too the prime factor was justice, not personal revenge.

In the end, theological reflection helps to explain Jesus’s words rationally but…is it quite enough? Maybe not.

Because the Gospel would not be the Gospel unless it provoked and challenged – maybe even infuriated – Christ’s would-be followers. And that is the way it should be.

Revd Frank Julian Gelli is an Anglican priest and cultural critic, working on religious dialogue. His last book ‘The Dark Side of England’. An exposé, is available on Amazon Kindle.

islam today

August 2016

21

Health

Summer &

Insect bites

I

magine desperately waiting for the beautiful warm summer days, relaxing in the garden and enjoying summer evenings with friends and family. You manage to get everything just right when all of a sudden these tiny annoying creatures remind you that you can’t have everything. Summer comes and among all the pleasure, it also brings painful and itching stings of insect bites.

The guilty insects are female mosquitoes looking for blood to develop their eggs. When the female mosquito’s sting inserts into the skin, its saliva passes through in order to prevent blood from clotting. Many of the proteins found in mosquito’s saliva may cause immune reactions (allergic reactions).

People show different reactions depending on the amounts of bites an individual receives during their life.

The allergic reactions tend to decrease

22

islam today

August 2016

in intensity and frequency after being bitten by mosquitoes over many years and that is why inflammation of the bitten point becomes less severe in adults in comparison to children.

Why some people are prone to mosquito bites more than others?

It is true that some people are more susceptible to mosquito bites. Much research has been undertaken to find the reason. In conclusion it can be said that mosquitoes are attracted to certain chemical compounds which are found on the surface of an individual’s skin. These chemicals trigger the mosquitoes’ sense of smell and persuade them to land. Some of these chemicals and compounds include high concentration of steroids and cholesterol, uric and lactic acid and carbon dioxide.

Whilst these compounds are found on all skin types,

they increase in some people: exercise produces excess lactic acid on the skin or some people produce more exhaling carbon dioxide (pregnant women exhale 21 percent more carbon dioxide than others). Heat is another magnet for mosquitoes. People with warmer skin attract more insects.

Some researchers believe that blood group type is an important factor. People with different blood types give out different markers on their skin. Those with O blood group suffer more from insect landings than others.

Symptoms An insect bite often causes a small lump, which is usually very itchy. A small hole (the actual bite) may also be visible. The lump may have an inflamed (red and swollen) area around it that is filled with fluid.

This is called a weal. The bump that results from a bite can appear

immediately or may take up to two days to appear. The higher the sensitivity of skin towards mosquito bites, the larger the area of itching.

Insect bites usually clear up within several hours.

house generate odours that are unpleasant to mosquitoes and will keep them away. These are all effective but taking other precautions may be helpful too:

Keeping away

house especially when in the garden at night. Mosquitoes hate citronella. Make sure you create a ring of lit citronella candles around wherever you are planning to be when you are outside.

Mosquito netting can be a good choice for places with different kinds of insects if you can keep the inside of the net isolated.

Rub pennyroyal oil, lemon eucalyptus oil or apple cider vinegar on your exposed skin to keep the mosquitoes away. You can also put five drops of the oil in 1 cup of water, then put the mixture in a plastic spray bottle and give yourself two or three good sprays before going outside.

Avoid wearing bright flashy coloured clothing, perfumes, hairsprays and other cosmetics. These all can attract mosquitoes. Dress in dull-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks - keeping your skin covered will deter mosquitoes and make it more difficult for them to bite you.

Trade insect repellents can be useful

the

mosquitoes

Having been around for 170 million years, almost 200 known species of these mosquitoes clearly aren't going to disappear any time soon. But we can minimise their impact.

To decrease the amount of mosquitoes around the house one should try to eliminate their supplies and favourite things and add odours that they do not like.

Standing water is the best breeding ground for the mosquitoes, so taking care of objects which may hold rain water such as clogged gutters, the crevices of plastic toys, garbage cans, uncover rain barrels and bird baths is very important. Also make sure to empty any buckets of water after using them.

Planting some greenery such as marigolds, catnip and rosemary in the garden or placing them around the

•Burning citronella candles around the

•

•

•

•

too when natural remedies are not available. These products act in the same way and have odours that keep the mosquitoes away. The NHS suggests repellents that contain diethyltoluamide (DEET) to be the most effective type.

Treatment We have all heard of some household remedies for treating bite spots such as rubbing a bar of soap or vinegar on the spot or applying nail polish, toothpaste, hair spray, honey, under arm deodorant, bleach or even tea, but the fact is that even if they seem to be helping to reduce the pain or itching, no scientific proof is available to back them up. All these items may increase the risk of developing an infection. The NHS suggests treating minor bites by: washing the bite with soap and water placing a cold compress (a flannel or cloth soaked in cold water) over the affected area to reduce swelling not scratching the bite taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if in pain or if the bite is swollen.

If after being bitten by an insect blisters (small pockets of fluid) have appeared it is recommended not to burst them as they may become infected.

Blisters do not often cause pain unless they rupture (burst), exposing the new skin underneath. Using an adhesive bandage (plaster) can protect the blistered areas.

If blisters become infected GPs may prescribe oral antibiotics.

• • • •

•

•

Have a mosquito free summer!

Dr Laleh Lohrasbi is a pharmacologist. She has worked as an editor for the medical section of “Hamshahri”, a daily newspaper in Tehran.

islam today

August 2016

23

Children Corner

D

ear Children, Assalam Alaikum,

I hope you are having a lovely summer holiday and enjoying your days along with your families and taking advantage of the hot weather.

Although summer is wonderful and you have more time for fun, remember not to stay under the sun for too long.

Like all other children in the world, the children in our story also are having fun by enjoying a few days out appreciating nature.

This year Anbar's family decided to set up a tent. They

24

islam today

August 2016

have found a great spot near the river. There they met another family, a young boy with his father. The two families are now talking, playing and having fun together.

Look at the images our illustrator Ghazaleh has drawn for you. Anbar is having tea while her younger brother, under the watchful eyes of his mother, is swimming in the river and their newly found friends are playing football. Interestingly the gentleman in the middle seems to have had enough football for the day!

Anbar's father is a keen photographer. Wherever they go he is taking photos. This time he is even more interested to capture these moments with his family, as this is their first family trip to the nature.

To make the images even more fun, Ghazaleh has left some differences in each image for you to have fun in finding them.

Now without looking at the answers in the image below, try to find five differences Ghazaleh has made in these two illustrations. ď Ź

Illustrator Ghazaleh Kamrani

islam today

August 2016

25

What & Where Through August

6 August

Commentary (Tafseer) of the Holy Qur'an

Pendle Hill Family Walk

Conducted by Shaykh M S Bahmanpour

A family walk up and down Pendle Hill, Lancashire (4 miles in total).

There will be a BBQ at the end of the walk!

Venue: Islamic Centre of England, 140 Maida Vale, London W9 1QBMore Time: Every Friday starting at 7.30 PM Tel: 0207 604 5500

advantage of the Centre’s expertise to enhance and develop their knowledge skills over a 5-day intensive programme.

The programme is delivered mostly by leading financiers and bankers from across the world as well as the Centre's academics.

Pick up Points: Bradford & Keighley Registration Fee: £15 - Adults, £10 - under 13 Contact info: www.intouchfoundation .co.uk/#!august-2016/tsvoh

Venue: Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE Time: 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM

7 August

10 ­16 August

Family Cultural Fayre

Camp Wilayah ­ Summer Holidays 2016!

A fun day for the whole family! The event annually attracts around over 12,000 visitors and 80 stall-holders. In addition, the event features live stage performances, exhibitions, five-a-side football tournament that attracts teams from across the region, 'Bumper Cars' and other funfair rides as well as many other fun activities provided in a culturally sensitive environment for the whole family.

AIM is offering a summer camp this August for 10 -15 year old Muslim boys and girls.

The camp aspires to provide fun activities in an Islamic environment that will leave imprints on young people’s lives for years to come. Look for the family discounts

Fee: £1,550 (discounts available).

More info: https://www.dur.ac.uk/

3 ­ 23 August Borders in Islamic Manuscripts – Illumination Workshop This course will explore traditional methods in designing and painting a border in Islamic illumination. At the end of the day, everyone will have a small finished work of their own.

Open to Adults & children (parental guidance 8 to 12 years).

Venue: 13 August: Milton Keynes Central Library, 12 August: Chesham Town Hall, 23 August: High Wycombe Central Library Time: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM Fee: Adults £10, Accompanying children £5 More info & booking: www.buckscounty museum.org/museum/events

Venue: Eastville Park, Fishponds Rd/Muller Road, Eastville, Bristol, BS5 6XA Time: 12.00 PM - 6.00 PM More info: http://www.bmcs.org.uk/pages/ IslamicCulturalFayre.php

Paintball for Men & Women

The Coinage of Islam and the History of Islamic Coins

Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission (AIM) is organising paintball sessions for men & women. Matches will be gender segregated.

Venue: Mayhem Paintball, Pryors Farm, Patch Park, Essex, RM41AA Time: 9AM-4PM More info: www.aimislam.com

8 ­ 12 August

26

islam today

August 2016

Yogis and Sufis: spices, gold and coffee A gallery talk by Hilary Lewis Ruttley, independent speaker and founding director of Calm Energy Yoga. Gallery talks last 45 minutes. Suitable for all levels of knowledge.

Venue: Room 53, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG Time: 1.15 PM - 2.00 PM Fee: Free, drop in.

The Big Dive

Venue: 4 August: High Wycombe Central Library, 5 August: Bucks County Museum Time: 6.00 PM - 7.00 PM Fee: £5

13 August

Fee: Free

4 & 5 August

Joe Cribb retired Curator of Asian Currencies, and Keeper of Coins and Medals at the British Museum will take you on a journey through Islamic Coins and the stories they tell about the time in which they were made.

More info: www.aimislam.com Registration: www.aimislam.com/camp

Durham Islamic Finance Summer School 2016 The Durham Islamic Finance Summer School allows participants to take

Embrace your inner fear and dive from a breath-taking height of 13,000 feet and dive with highly qualified instructors for both brothers and sisters. Funds raised will go towards needy orphans and impoverished children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Venue: Beccles Airfield, Suffolk, NR34 7XD Fee: £50 Fundraising Target: £375 More info: https://muslimhands.org.uk

Venue: BP Lecture Theatre, British Museum Time: 6.30 PM - 8.00 PM Fee: £15

Through 15 August Sledge Build THE KEY (Exhibition) It’s all about teamwork, building skills and speed to become the winning team for the Sledge Build Challenge. Once the hard work is over you get to test-drive your sledge and then enjoy an hour of snow park experience sledging, Funds raised go towards providing clean water for those who need it most.

Venue: Chill Factore, Trafford Quays, Leisure Village, Trafford Way, Manchester, M41 7JA Time: Starts at 11.30 AM Fee: £20 Fundraising target: £200 More Info: https://muslimhands.org.uk/events/

14 August The Haven Bungee Jump Take part in this exhilarating 400ft bungee jump and help raise vital funds for a children's eco-home in Tanzania which will house up to 10 orphans at the CEV. Venue: National Diving & Activity Centre, Tidenham, Gloucestershire, NP16 7LH Time: 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM Fee: £50 Fundraising Target: £300 More info: https://www.islamichelp.org.uk/ the-haven-bungee-jump/

15 August Telling Stories: Building a collection of Middle Eastern Art (Member's Lecture) The British Museum has been collecting works by Middle Eastern artists since the late 1980s, and is the first museum to be active in this area. Venetia Porter, Curator of Islamic and contemporary Middle East, will discuss the scope of this growing collection, and the ways that artists reflect upon their histories and literary traditions, or comment on the troubled politics of the region today.

A major East-West peace-building travelling art exhibition/installation showcasing the work of 40 premier and emerging Egyptian, Middle Eastern and Western contemporary visual artists, THE KEY focuses on a modern three-dimensional fibreglass portrayal of the ancient ‘Key of Life,’ the Ankh, the Egyptian hieroglyphic character that read ‘life’, seen as the oldest known symbol of pluralism, tolerance and harmony.

Venue: St. James’s Church Piccadilly, 197 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LL Time: 10.00 AM - 12.45 PM, 2.15 PM - 5.00 PM / Sundays: 1.00 PM - 3.00 PM Fee: Free More info: http://www.arabbritishcentre .org.uk/event/key-caravan-exhibition/

19 August

catastrophe caused and exacerbated by the military intervention in Yemen on 26 March 2015. A war that has so far resulted in over 10,000 civilian deaths and 30,000 injuries which are mostly due to airstrikes that included the use of internationally banned weapons and an additional 10,000 deaths among children under the age of 5 due to preventable diseases that could not be treated due to the blockade.

Venue: Pullman Hotel St Pancras, 100-110 Euston Rd, London NW1 2AJ Time: 9AM-5PM More info: www.shebarights.org or call +44 7575033909

27 August ­ 1 September The Big Drive This year the Big Drive will rediscover Andalucia to help raise funds for The Great Mosque of Granada. 6 days, 4 cities, 2605 km, 1 destination. Limited spaces.

Registration needed.

Venue: London/Paris/Barcelona/Granada Fee: £300 Fundraising Target: £2000 More info: www.muslimhands.org.uk/ events/2016/the-big-drive

Al Ghazali ­ The Alchemist of Happiness (Film)

1 September Exploring the life and impact of the greatest spiritual and legal philosopher in Islamic history, this film examines Ghazali’s existential crisis of faith that arose from his rejection of religious dogmatism, and reveals profound parallels with our own times. Combining drama with documentary, this film argues that Ghazali’s Islam is the antidote for today’s terror.

Venue: Bucks County Museum - Aylesbury, HP20 2QP Time: 6.00 PM - 8.00 PM Fee: £5

20­21 August First International Conference In Support of the Yemen People

Islamic Buildings Restoration Buildings from across Islamic civilisations express the countries and cultures of their origins but through them are woven basic Islamic principles and philosophy. Waleed

Arafa has built buildings in far flung place and uses this experience to convey the importance of restoration.

Venue: Bucks County Museum, Church Street - Aylesbury, HP20 2QP Time: 6.00 PM - 7.00 PM Fee: £5 Disclaimer: islam today does not necessarly endorse or recommend any of these events. Their contents and individuals or groups involved in them. We are not responsible for changes to times, fees or venues. Further information should be sought direclty from the organisers.

A detailed examination of the humanitarian

islam today

August 2016

27