No one will be allowed to move from their position on the Day of Judgement until they have been asked how they spent their life, how they used their knowledge, how they earned and spent their money and in what pursuits they used their health Related in Tirmidhi
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photo: aisha zaza
by
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marciano J e h a n a r a k h o n at © 2013
health
Contents
69
70
Noteworthy
28
41
On the cover: Sporting females Woroud Sawalha among others show us that achievements are only possible with determination
75
Bulletin: The short and sweet version of the news
31
Becoming fit: Get over your fears of exercising, Islam asks you to be strong in faith and health
Foods of the Prophet (SAW) There’s probably a few Sunnah’s you didn’t know about
77
Focus on the niqab bans, the misconceptions, the history and what people have to say
Reader recipe Mushroom soup and a quick dessert to keep you going (we know it’s good, but we advise moderation)
religion Muslim achievements showcase the people changing perceptions around the world
48
81
Fashionable faith: Designer Nzinga Knight creates modest and elegant evening wear for both Muslims and non-Muslims
82
life
54 58
Consumer habits are hard to break in a capitalist society. Learn how to break the buy, buy, buy bug
Cats and dogs and their different roles and importance
62
Judgement: Being quick to judge often happens without us even realising, these friendly reminders will have you looking at people in a different way
Common salaah mistakes Remind yourself of the proper way you should be praying
Lessons from Surah Yusuf This chapter in the Qur’aan has a lot to teach Muslims about life
84 86
Be patient As Muslims we hear this a lot, but we forget that the English dictionary definition is different from the Arabic
Entertainment in Islam: BIG NEWS: It’s not haraam to have fun, but there are some reasons why people think it is
trend
92
Wudthu-able make-up is the latest invention in the cosmetics industry
94
Staying classy with black and gold for any evening event
100
Summer brights and florals will keep you fresh this season and we’ve got the best
106
Maxi dresses are the easiest and trendiest ways to have you dressing halaal
109 111
Scarf rack: The most essential scarves to keep in your wardrobe
Hijab tutorial: Try something new with your everyday hijab
113
Suit your face shape: If you complain that hijab doesn’t suit your face, you’re probably not putting it on right, we’ll teach you how
120 6
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University made: A look into Yusra Owais’s experience of interacting in a nonIslamic environment
letter from
the editor
The other jihad
& Peace and blessings be upon you,
If we’re being perfectly blunt, Muslims have been through a lot of trouble in the media over that last decade. We’ve been misunderstood, misrepresented and misjudged. But it’s not all the media’s fault nor is it the fault of all the people who trust the media. The fault lies with every individual. Yes, I said it, we’re all a little to blame. Either we’re the ones giving them something to talk about, or we’re the ones not changing what they’re talking about. It’s a complex topic to deal with to say the least, but we should all start engaging with it instead of ignoring it. We need to become aware of our social positions and responsibilities within society. Having said that, hold on before you start running off to change the world. Let’s just start with changing ourselves. We can constantly improve. Often we forget that our flaws are even flaws. So this month I encourage you to think twice about your actions. Try being patient with that annoying person that sits next to you in lectures (Page 84), and try to not judge them either (Page 62). Stop wasting too much time with the small materialistic things in this dunya (Page 54) and start focusing on the bigger picture. It’s not easy, I know, but that’s your personal jihad, the war within yourself to fight those lazy habits of following a greedy and vain society. Fight for your inner and outer peace. The only way we’re ever going to change this world, is if we start being peaceful ourselves.
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contributors Editor Creative Director Deputy Editor
Jehan Ara Khonat Robert Cilliers Kim Smit
Managing Editor
Brian Garman
Features Editor
Chevawn Blum
Senior Copy Editor
Zaheera Mulla
Senior Features Writer Politics Writer
An Ghela Alex Bernatzky
Features Writer
Yusra Owais
Fashion Director
Amirah Kolia
Fashion Editor Fashion Assistant
Atiya Desai Dale Scogings
Senior Designer
Aimee de la Harpe
Senior Designer
Nicola Poulos
Beauty Editor Food Editor Religion Editor
Atiyah Mulla Ayesha Osman Umm Amin
Health Editor
Palesa Mashigo
Health Writer
Sabah Chaudhry
Photo Editor Editorial Intern Sales Manager Account Manager
Kirsten Makin Gorata Chengatai Avish Maharaj Riaz Khonat
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@AfreenMagSA a d SaWalhmix Worou religion and sports proving
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Only 4% of women consider themselves beautiful. *
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Love comes full circle
tell it like it is
Send your thoughts to myopinion@afreen.com or tweet us @AfreenMagSA
Addicted to TV Hi, my name is Zuhaira and I’m one of those series junkies. I know all the dates and times that new shows air in the US and my computer is prepped during the day for all the serious downloading it has to tolerate. As a Muslim, I do feel guilty for spending so much time absorbed in what is happening in the screen in front of me. (I follow 11 TV series just so you have an idea of my ‘addiction’) I really enjoyed the article titled “How a Muslim can avoid Breaking Bad.” For days, my timeline on twitter was filled with tweets on everyone’s reactions to the series finale. It was so unconventional reading an article about a TV series because we are always told “TV is Haraam.” This article however put such an interesting spin on why the outcome of Breaking Bad and its essence was damaging. The message in the article was strong and served as a reminder that even though we enjoy watching TV series, we should be cautious of not imitating what we see. 5 stars, really! Thanks, Afreen. You continue to make my day. You’ve got a fan in me ;)
Sad about Islamophobia
Alhamdulillah for the present
Salaam! Jazak’Allah for being so consistent with your brilliant articles. One that particularly struck me was the one titled “Islamophobic bias against Muslim gym in France”. The behaviour of the French mayor in this respect is appalling. This is pure Islamophobia. What is even
Wow. Just wow. Your articles continue to impress me. I loved “Yes, this is about marriage.” I relate completely to the view echoed in this article. Too often, we are reminded by our elders of looming obstacles such as “Once you’re 25, you’re passed your sell-by date.” Or “You’re 26. When I was your age, I already had 2 children. It’s such a pity you value your career SO much.” I am of the opinion that I can be defined by things other than being a mother or a wife. Sure, I want that in the future or when Allah grants me this blessing and responsibility. Because this isn’t happening for me right now, I’ll focus my energy on all the good things happening to me right now. Alhumdulilah, I have a good job and I’m gaining valuable experience in my respective career. We all don’t know what’s next, but we do know what’s happening and going well right now. Alhumdulilah for the present. Allah knows best.
more disturbing is that the gym was accepting clients of all races and beliefs. The owners were not forcing any kind of clothing restrictions on their clients. That really is a sad state of affairs: a clear violation against Muslims who form almost 5 million of the French population. It disgusts me as a fellow Muslim woman. It also proved a point: we as South African Muslims take the freedom (to express ourselves in dressing) for granted. We are certainly privileged to be living in a society that allows us to practise our religion openly and freely. My duaa is that one day our current state of practising in peace spreads to all other parts of the world, inshaAllah. Ameen.
Nafisah, 25
Mahdiya, 26
Zuhaira, 21
LoriStalteri:
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@Amita_Rav:
@Zaheera_Mulla:
Just subscribed to @AfreenMagSA! SO excited about all the freebies :D yay!
Re-reading old issues of @AfreenMagSA, it’s cool that the advice can still be useful, too bad the fashion doesn’t stay relevant too
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@AfreenMagSA I made the #raspberry #smoothie from the June Issue :) #perfect #sundaymorning
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Duncan Udawatta photography Making beautiful memories last J e h a n a r a k h o n at Š 2013
duncanudawatta.com.au • 0412 532 048
we recommend
PIN
Hashtag Hijab: an online platform for hijabi fashionistas, or anyone interested in seeing hijabi women do great things in their ‘Oops forgot to be oppressed’ board.
FOLLOW @Altmuslimah: They’ll take you to their website where they provide interesting insight on current issues. @rezaaslan: He’s basically a writer and he’s always posting thought-provoking stuff, and we all need a bit of provoked thought.
FOLLOW hrhijabtutorial: Everyday you either have time or you don’t to make up a fancy hijab. We find that half the time we’re just too lazy to find cool styles, follow them and you’ll never be short of ideas.
LIKE The Muslim Show: A little comic relief and a little bit of life lessons that have you checking yourself. You’ll be happy to see this pop up on your newsfeed. Muslim Vines: Vines are the latest and greatest thing, so you can be sure that someone’s made an Islamic version. These hilarious inside jokes will keep you laughing and happy to be a Muslim and they’re only a few seconds long. Talk Islam: They’re basically a group of guys in Australia that make videos that benefit Muslims, whether it’s insight to Islamic knowledge or explaining to non-Muslims, they’re doing fantastic things to teach us both.
WATCH ‘Who gets Allah’s mercy’ by Nouman Ali Khan: This video might possibly change your life. It did for us a little bit. You’ll fall in love (in a halaal way) with Nouman Ali Khan’s humour and clarity of thoughts. We pretty much recommend any and all of his videos, but if you only have time for one, start here. ‘If I should have a daughter’ by Sarah Kay: You might not be into performance poetry, or maybe you’ve never heard of it before, but this piece is definitely worth the watch regardless and the inevitable re-watch. AFREEN
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this is not a chocolate
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J e h a n a r a k h o n at © 2013
Sheilas & Abayas with a touch of French Designed by Judith Duriez
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www.arabesque-hc.com NOV’13
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Arabesque
featured blogger Check out Ascia’s blog at hybridheadpiece.com Follow her on Instagram at ascia_akf
Ascia Akf Kuwait On her page, Ascia describes herself as a “happily married Kuwaiti/American hybrid” and a “turban tying blogger/designer”. While this is all true, there’s a lot more to her story. Ascia started as any average style blogger, recording her daily outfits, but there’s something about this girl that has the world captured. It’s probably partly due to her incredibly photogenic face and confidence in front of the camera, but also largely due to her incredible ability to rock a turban in 50 different ways (an estimate) and also her kick-ass style that is totally original without being revealing. Just from being herself and having a blog she’s become a famous icon on the cover of magazines such as Athnain and Hijabster as well as desiging for companies like Halston Heritage.
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noteworthy
Malala Yousafzai is a 14-year old, Pakistani school pupil and education activist from the town of Mingora. In early 2009, Yousafzai wrote a blog under a pseudonym for the BBC detailing her life under Taliban rule, their attempts to take control of the valley, and her views on promoting education for girls. The following summer, a New York Times documentary was filmed about her life. Yousafzai has risen in prominence, giving interviews in print and on television, and she was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize by Desmond Tutu.
world news
bulletin For more information check out www.afreenmagsa.com/notes/bulletin/
Student gets 40 years for terror campaign against Muslims
The Surreal Power Of War
Pavlo Lapshyn hunted down a Muslim to murder before he bombed three Midlands mosques to trigger a race war By Vikram Dodd A white supremacist who hoped to “ethnically cleanse” Muslims has been told he will serve at least 40 years imprisonment for a terror campaign in which he hunted down a Muslim to murder before he bombed three Midlands mosques aiming to kill and maim worshippers. Pavlo Lapshyn, 25, came to Britain in April from Ukraine after winning a prize to further his studies. Instead he tried to trigger a race war, fuelled by extremist material on his computer – including a video game called “ethnic cleansing” which celebrated racist violence. Within a day of arriving and starting a work placement in Birmingham, Lapshyn who was a PhD student, was viewing an extremist rightwing Russian website used by those imprisoned for racist crimes. A day later he photographed himself with a Buffalo River hunting knife in his bedroom and three days later took it onto the streets, “intent on finding a Muslim to murder”, Mr Justice Sweeney said as he sentenced Lapshyn. His victim was Mohammed Saleem, 82, walking home from a mosque with the aid of a walking stick in Small Heath, Birmingham, just after 10pm. Lapshyn approached the man from behind, and plunged the blade in so deep it reached the front of Saleem's body. Saleem collapsed, with one wound 18 cm deep. Lapshyn confessed after his arrest that he was a violent racist and had parts for three more bomb attacks. Photos and video recovered after his arrest revealed him experimenting with bombs in the Ukrainian countryside before he came to Britain. He had also researched where he could get materials in Birmingham to make improvised explosive devices.
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He placed bombs outside mosques in Walsall and Wolverhampton in June, before packing his final device with nails which was aimed at worshippers entering Friday lunchtime prayers at Tipton mosque. Three hundred people would have been in the path of the shrapnel that shot across the car park, leaving nails embedded in tree trunks. But the mosque had temporarily moved prayers back one hour. The prosecution had said Lapshyn's crimes were so severe he should receive a whole life tariff . But the judge said he was not sure Lapshyn murdered to “further a cause” but acted alone “motivated by your own extreme and appalling prejudices.” Counter terrorism police say there is no sign the PhD student acted under the control and direction of anyone else and that he was self-radicalised. With Saleem's family in court, Mr Justice Sweeney told Lapshyn, who listened impasssively: “You clearly hold extreme rightwing white supremacist views, and you were motivated to commit the offences by religious and racial hatred in the hope that you would ignite racial conflict and cause Muslims to leave the area where you were living. “Such views, hatreds and motivation are abhorrent to all right thinking people, and have no place whatsoever in our multi-faith and multicultural society.” In a statement, the Muslim Council of Britain said of Lapshyn: "There will be some who will view his activities as those of a lone wolf. “But in a summer that saw an unprecedented rise in attacks on mosques and Islamic institutions, it is important for all of us to challenge anti-Muslim hatred, just as we challenge those who wrongly use Islam to carry out acts of violence.”
In a short portrait series snapped in Bavaria, Germany, photographer Eric White offers a glimpse into the often secret, sometimes strange world of military training centres abroad. His works focus on one type of character in particular – the white men who dress as Afghan citizens in order to help educate soldiers on the culture shock of inhabiting a foreign country.
Syria says al-Qaida linked group's leader killed
Country's state-run TV claims the head of Jabhat al-Nusra, Abu Mohammad al-Golani, died in the coastal province of Latakia.
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US defends drone strikes as ‘necessary and just’ in face of UN criticism Brazil, China and Venezuela sharply critical of ‘illegal’ program but US says it has taken steps to introduce new guidelines.
Saudi activists cancel women ‘drive-in’ plan
A planned driving campaign has been cancelled after the government threatened legal action against the women involved.
Germany and Brazil seek UN privacy resolution
UN General Assembly resolution to highlight international anger at US data spying in other countries, diplomats say.
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focus Many countries and courts have taken action over the past decade to regulate, restrict or ban the use of Muslim veils and headscarves in public. Here is a look at the issue around the world, from the Islamic perspective and from the opinion of famous figures
Getty Images
niqab AFREEN
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A look through the years Many countries have used women to represent the type of society they are trying to create. Some ban the niqab to establish secularism or to ‘liberate’ women while others enforce them to combat western values
2010 Azerbaijan: Baku banned the wearing
2011 Belgium: Bans wearing
of hijabs, at schools in
hijab in public places
the Caucasus nation by
approved by King Albert II.
introducing a standard
Law-breakers will have to pay
school uniform that
a 137.5-euro fine. The law
prohibits traditional
passed the parliamentary
Islamic dress 2003 Germany: The federal constitutional court ruled that state governments could impose such restrictions on school teachers. Half of Germany's 16 state governments today outlaw the wearing of both headscarves and veils by teachers.
1930 Iran: Bans the headscarf
vote in April last year, but the
2006 Tunisia: Police are applying with
2010 Syria: The
renewed vigour
government banned
a decree dating
the veil
process of its approval was postponed due to the political crisis in the country
back to 1981 which prohibits women from wearing Islamic headscarves in public places
2011 Syria: President Bashar
2010 UK: The Burnley
Assad reversed a decision
College in Lancashire,
that bans teachers from
banned the Muslim
wearing the niqab
face-veil on campus
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20
10
20
06
20
05
20
04
20
03
20
79
19
70
19
30
19
24
19
1924 Turkey:
1979 Iran: Revolution
2004 France: The
2005 UK:
2011 France: The niqab was
Banned the
causes the hijab to
parliament voted
Birmingham
banned in public places
headscarf in
become compulsory
in favour of a new
Metropolitan
law to ban the
College banned
1970s Italy: Law has
wearing of Islamic
Muslim students
forbidden the covering
headscarves in
from wearing
of the face in public.
schools
niqabs
public offices
Governments have
2011 Germany: Hesse became the first German state to forbid all civil servants to wear Muslim headscarves or veils
repeatedly discussed extending the provision
2011 Canada: The
to impose special
government made it illegal
penalties on Muslim
for women to wear face-
face coverings, but such
covering garments at
laws are not enforced
citizenship ceremonies,
nationally
because the judge must be able to see each person's
“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils over their bosoms, and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands or fathers or husbands' fathers, or their sons or their husbands' sons, or their brothers or their brothers' sons or sisters' sons, or their women...” [An-Nur 24:31]
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face reciting their oath
noteworthy: focus
2012 Australia: Under proposed new law Muslim
2013 Nigeria: Lagos
women have to remove
authorities have banned
veils and show their faces to police on request in Canberra
the wearing of hijab in
2013 Spain: The Supreme
state schools
Court threw out the banning of veils and hijabs
2012 Netherlands: The Dutch government announced a ban on face coverings, which were planned to come into effect in 2013. However later in the year the plans were dropped
2013 Turkey: Is to lift
as unconstitutional
a ban on wearing the Muslim headscarf in
2013 France: The highly
public offices as it rolls
contentious debate over
back its secular founding
the Islamic headscarf is set
principles. Tayyip
to be reignited following
Erdogan, the Prime
an official report calling for
Minister
the ban on the veil to be extended to universities
2012 Canada: The Supreme Court issued a rare split decision on whether women could cover their faces on the witness stand; four judges said it depended on the circumstances, two said witnesses should never cover their face, and one said a Muslim witness
2013 Belgium: Brussels
2013 Canda: The provincial government of Frenchspeaking Quebec this year has proposed a law that would outlaw all religious regalia – including Muslim scarves and veils. The law will be introduced for debate later in the year 2013 UK: A Muslim woman
2013 UK: Birmingham
has rescinded a six-year-
Metropolitan College
old ban on the wearing
changed its rules in an
of hijab, allowing civil
unprecedented move. An
servants to don the
online petition against the
religious outfit
a judge ruled. Judge Peter
in 48 hours and forced the
2013 Azerbaijan: The
the government to draft
institution to drop the ban,
extension of a ban on
which had been in place for
the wearing of hijab to
eight years
universities
ban was signed by 9,000
can stand trial wearing a full-face veil but must remove it to give evidence, Murphy also called on a law making it illegal for witnesses to cover their faces in court
should never be ordered to remove her veil
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20
12
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Common arguments for banning ‘It is intimidating’
‘It is oppressive’
While the burqa may appear intimidating to some people, it is not worn with the intention of being threatening or frightening. People are often intimidated by what they have no knowledge of, and the burqa is a piece of clothing which should not warrant fearful reaction. Underneath the burqa is a person simply trying to practise their religion. It is interesting to note that other forms of dress and appearance are no longer considered intimidating, as they have become accepted by the wider community.
Muslim women who choose to wear the burqa do so out of their own free will, believing it is an act of worship and a form of liberation from the objectification of women in modern society. In fact, preventing Muslim women from practising their religion is what is truly oppressive. However, in some cases, women are forced into wearing the burqa without their consent, these problems are real and exist within many spheres of society and religions and social groups, they are not exclusive to Muslim women and burqas.
‘It is a security risk’
‘It is backwards’
Burqas are no more of a security risk than a motorcycle helmet, big fashion sunglasses, or a big beanie, and can be removed when identification is required for security reasons. Of course, the request for removal should be done by another woman and not in the presence of men (where possible).
The burqa is not part of a short-lived fashion trend. It is a religious garment and act of worship which is not subject to time and therefore, does not become outdated. In fact, the burqa is gaining much popularity in modern societies, especially amongst Western convert women.
For updates check out www.afreenmagsa.com/hijab/bantimeline/
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in Islam Understanding the veil
What constitutes modest clothing has changed over time. The veil itself predates Islam by many centuries. Today, it often reflects the belief that women are following God’s commandments of being modest, or simply wearing the type of traditional clothes they feel comfortable in A Complex History of the Veil The practice of hiding one’s face and largely living in seclusion appeared in classical Greece, in the Byzantine Christian world, in Persia, and in India among upper caste women. Muslims in their first century were relaxed about female dress. When the niece of Aishah Bint Abu Bakr (the Prophet’s wife), Aisha bint Talha was asked by her husband Musab to veil her face, she answered, “Since the Almighty hath put on me the stamp of beauty, it is my wish that the public should view the beauty and thereby recognize His grace unto them. On no account, therefore, will I veil myself.” As Islam reached other lands, regional practices, including the covering of
Beatriz Yuste, Charlotte Gowdy, and Salvatore Antonio serve up smart, sensitive comedy in Sean Dixon’s FRANCE or, The Niqab. The play strives to humanize the niqab and the women who wear it.
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women, were adopted by the early Muslims. Yet it was only in the second Islamic century that the veil became common, as a status symbol. For a woman to assume a protective veil and stay primarily within the house was a sign that her family had the means to enable her to do so. In the early stages of those Islamic countries with nomadic roots, women often were allowed to go unveiled, even in town. The Middle Ages The veil did not appear as a common rule to be followed until around the tenth century. In the Middle Ages numerous laws were developed which most often placed women at a greater disadvantage than in earlier times.
In some periods, such as under the Mamluks in Egypt, repeated decrees were issued, urging strictness in veiling and arguing against the right of women to take part in activities outside their home. The Nineteenth Century By the second half of the nineteenth century, intellectuals, reformers, and liberals began to denounce the idea of women’s protective clothing. This group was sensitive about the advances western nations had made, and wanted to push their countries toward a more western-style society. One way of achieving this, they felt, was to change the status of women. To them this meant abandoning traditional customs, including protective covering and the veil.
The Impact of Nationalism The changing roles of women in society were important ways to convince the overseas colonial rulers that their subject nations were ready to govern themselves. Women were encouraged to be symbols of the new state. Those who resisted these ideas of social progress
the types
noteworthy: FOcus
were mocked. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who began to build a secular nation-state in 1923, denounced the veil, calling it demeaning and a hindrance to civilized nation. But he did not outlaw it. Reza Shah Pahlevi did in Iran in the 1930s, issuing a proclamation banning the veil outright. For many women, this decree in its suddenness was not liberating but frightening. Male leaders of nationalist movements encouraged women to join them and appear more freely in public. Slowly some women did. At about the same time, educated women in Turkey began to leave the house unveiled, but still wearing hijab. Moroccan scholar Fatima Mernissi remembers the fight her mother had with her father about replacing her heavier traditional veil with “a tiny triangular black veil made of sheer silk chiffon. This drove Father crazy: ‘It is so transparent! You might as well go unveiled!’ But soon the small veil, became the fashion.” Women’s organizations also played an important role in transforming dress, although it should be stressed that for many women it was not the fact of wearing the veil that was the issue, but that the veil symbolized the relegation of women to a secluded world that did not allow them to participate in public affairs. Revival of Hijab As the century progressed, a revival of veiling and an introduction of more modest dress reasserted itself. Opposition to Islamic required clothing had never been truly universal. Even in Turkey where the state had pushed the idea of reform, new ideas and styles of dress did not reach women in the hinterland. In areas where Islam was resisted and believers felt threatened, like Indonesia and the Philippines, Muslim women began to dress more conservatively as a way to assert who they were. In response to Egypt’s loss to Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War, and the seeming failure of secularism, there also was a push to return to Islamic laws. Wearing hijab came to symbolize not the inferiority of the culture in comparison to western ways, but its uniqueness and superiority. The real surge toward donning hijab came with Iran’s revolution. Women were seen as key elements in achieving changes in public morality and private behaviour. Unveiled women were mocked, called unchaste “painted dolls,” and were punished if they appeared in public without proper covering. Today For women wishing to pursue professional and public social lives, wearing hijab allows freer movement outside the confines of the home. In leaving their homes, this upwardly mobile group is actually defining new roles for themselves, not defending traditional ones. In the same way, students who take up hijab are able to move into areas that were once closed to them, such as attending classes, discussion groups and religious activities. However, most European countries amongst other countries in the world, seem to be moving towards the banning of veils and hijab. This could deter some Muslim women from getting an education and participating in society. •
The word ‘hijab’ is Arabic for ‘veil’ and is used to describe the headscarves worn by Muslim women. The type most commonly worn covers the head and neck but leaves the face clear.
niqab A veil for the face that leaves the area around the eyes clear. However, it may be worn with a separate eye veil. It is worn with an accompanying headscarf.
burqa The burqa is the most concealing of all Islamic veils. It covers the entire face and body, leaving just a mesh screen to see through.
al-amira A two-piece veil. It consists of a close fitting cap, usually made from cotton or polyester, and an accompanying tube-like scarf.
shayla A long, rectangular scarf popular in the Gulf region. It is wrapped around the head and tucked or pinned in place at the shoulders.
khimar A long, cape-like veil that hangs down to just above the waist. It covers the hair, neck and shoulders completely, but leaves the face clear.
chador A full-body cloak. It is often accompanied by a smaller headscarf underneath.
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Here are some thoughts of famous figures with regard to banning the niqab “I think the authorities must not ban hijabs. Religions, including Islam, have a right to exist, and we should respect any person’s religious beliefs.” – Karim Masimov, Kazakh Prime Minister “Man in early times was almost naked, and as his intellect evolved he started wearing clothes. What I am today and what I’m wearing represents the highest level of thought and civilization that man has achieved, and is not regressive. It’s the removal of clothes again that is a regression back to the ancient times.” – Tawakkul Karman, 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner
In 2009 President Barack Obama said in a Cairo speech directed at a Muslim audience that Western nations should "avoid dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear" because it reflected innate hostility to Islam.
“Who gave the right to look at someone else’s face?” – George Galloway, British politician and broadcaster
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“If tomorrow we take off the veil, will the problems of which it is a symbol be solved? Will these women suddenly become equal and emancipated? The answer is no.” – Marjane Satrapi, Iranian novelist
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A new kind of frat-house Alpha Lambda Mu, also known as Alif Laam Meem, established at the University of Texas at Dallas, is believed to be America’s first Muslim fraternity By Eun Kyung Kim
T
he pledges who rushed Alpha Lambda Mu (Alif Laam Meem) this week probably experienced the same fun, hijinks and brotherhood found at nearly every other fraternity. But unlike traditional frat brothers, this group of young men were touching on Islamic traditions that occur their lives daily. A few differences between this group and their stereotypical Greek counterparts are striking. They do not drink. Their social activities often focus on community service and they donate their $100 initiation fee to charity. “We stay far from what many other social fraternities stereotyped as, including excessive drinking, malignant hazing, and womanizing,” said Ali Mahmoud, the organization’s president and founder. “We provide a comfortable space for young Muslim American men to be themselves.” Mahmoud, a 19-year-old junior majoring in biology and sociology, sees ALM similar to black and Jewish fraternities that used their organizations as a refuge where they could safely stand up for their beliefs amid like-minded individuals. “Muslims in America are in a similar position, and our fraternity is fulfilling those needs as well as many more,” he said. “We’re paving a new path for Muslims on campus to have an organic, wholesome college experience without having to compromise the values of their religion.” Four additional chapters are in the process of getting established at Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania, University of California, San Diego, and University of Central Florida. All of the potential pledges were Muslim, although the fraternity is open to anyone “interested in learning about our religion or who appreciates our lifestyle and values,” Mahmoud said. ALM’s goal is to provide an open and nonjudgmental environment of brotherhood. “We have people who pray five times a day, and others who struggle to pray that often,” he said. “Our biggest thing is sincerity.” Mahmoud said as someone who has mainly grown up in a post-September 11 nation, he has often felt defensive about being Muslim. “I’ve had to constantly debunk myths about my religion and tell people what Islam isn’t,” he said. “Giving young Muslim men a safe space in a fraternity where they can naturally develop who they are … without the fear of being judged or attacked is something that I’ve seen as an urgent need for college-aged Muslims all around the country.”
The idea of a Muslim fraternity sprung from a joke between Mahmoud and his childhood friend right before they started college. His friend wanted to join a traditional Greek fraternity which disappointed Mahmoud because of the hard-partying. But he was silenced when his friend pointed out the benefits a fraternity provides, like instant friendships and a lifelong network that can last far after graduation. The two joked about the need for an Islamic alternative, such as a Muslim fraternity. And that’s where it all started, with “determination, pure intentions, hard work, strong faith, brotherhood, and a tiny bit of luck,” says Mahmoud, Founder and President.
ALM members devote a significant portion of their meetings on community events. They even supported women’s rights at a “men’s rally” against domestic violence.
Photo: AliMMahmoud94 AFREEN
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Fly females By Sayed Jawad and Kristina Wong
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Photo: Ben Bloker
iloofar Rhmani is the first female pilot of Afghanistan in more than 30 years to be trained inside the country. She earned her flying wing after graduating from Undergraduate Pilot Training. The 21-year-old 2nd Lieutenant from Kabul graduated during a ceremony at Shindand Air Base in western Herat province of Afghanistan, along with other eight young Afghan pilots. The young Afghan pilots have been trained by U.S. Air Force instructors. They needed to complete 197 sorties consisting of 145.5 flying hours. The graduates trained on the Cessna 182 fixed-wing aircraft or the MD 530 rotary aircraft Lt. Rahmani quoted by Washington Times said, “First, it was my ambition, and second, I want to show that Afghanistan can have female pilots. It’s a job females can do also, it’s not a hard job that the men can just do. Both can do it.” She also added, “I wanted to fly with my brothers, shoulder to shoulder.” The young graduates will now move on to more advanced training, on Cessna 208s or Mi-17s, however Lt. Rhmani is aspiring to be a fixed-wing pilot. “It’s my honour to serve my country and being an example for other females behind me,” she told The Times. Lt. Rahmani loved the idea of becoming a pilot since she was a child and spent nearly a year with the coalition forces to learn English in order to qualify to take part in pilot training. Her story is making her a popular symbol of changing times. Rhmani’s story has received nearly 30,000 upvotes since being posted to Reddit. “That woman just overcame not only the pilot training, but massive cultural resistance to get where she is. Massive respect is due,” wrote user AttackTribble. Another user, an Afghan male who grew up outside the country, wrote, “I’m proud that she’s giving hope to all the little girls back home who have to better themselves under daily threats of violence. I hope this is the beginning of changing attitudes back home.” Still, Rhmani is hoping her success will pave the way for more women to pursue their dreams. “Now my goal is to help my country have a bright future and stand up for females. I helped break down the doors for them after me,” Rhmani said in a story published on the website of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command.
First female Muslim pilots Ayesha Farooq fought her mother to pursue her dream. She’s the first female to be in the military airforce in Pakistan.
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Hanadi Zakariya Al-Hindi flies the private fleet of the billionaire investor, Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Talal. Al-Hindi is the first Saudi woman to become a commercial airline pilot.
Lotfia El Nadi became the first Egyptian female to earn a pilot license in Egypt in 1933. Her respect, determination, and ambition gained her the status as a Women’s Equal Rights Advocate in the Middle East.
noteworthy
A hospital for hope All are welcome at Yangon’s Muslim Free Hospital, from political activists to impoverished families, creating a symbol of unity in a country riven by religious unrest
T
here is barely a space left unoccupied in the bustling medical centre. People wait for treatments that would be beyond their reach elsewhere in Myanmar’s desperately underfunded health system. The throngs of people — the hospital sees up to 500 outpatients a day — are a testament to the diversity of the Buddhist-majority country’s main city, with flashes of colour from Myanmar skirt-like longyis and Muslim headscarves. “I am a surgeon so my responsibility is to cure suffering patients,” Tin Myo Win said. “The policy of this hospital is not to discriminate. It does not matter whether people are rich or poor, or what religion they are,” he said. The doctor, a well-known former political prisoner who has for years been the personal physician for opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, said he had treated “many monks” during 21 years at the hospital.
The facility is a rare beacon of communal harmony in a country reeling from recent religious violence that has exposed deepening national fractures as it emerges from the shadows of military rule. Around 250 people have been killed and more than 140,000 left homeless in several outbreaks of violence since June 2012, mainly minority Muslims who have been the target of riots and a nationalistic campaign led by some radical monks. While the spread of religious unrest has stoked tension in the country, people visiting the hospital in a multicultural quarter of downtown Yangon said differences should be put aside. “I don’t think about it. I have done business with Muslims many times in the past. I have a good friendship with them,” said Tin Tin Khaing, a Buddhist, whose 57-year-old father travelled from the Irrawaddy Delta region to have a hernia operation.
By Kelly Macnamara
A long history of helping the poor The hospital started life as the result of a campaign by young local Muslims as a small dispensary in 1937, when Myanmar was called Burma and run as an outpost of British India under colonial rule. It now has departments specialising in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, eyes, and psychiatry. Treatments are free to those deemed too poor to contribute, while a small fee is charged to those able to pay. All services are desperately needed in a country where the previous junta neglected the health system as it focused on military spending. Some international aid agencies provide limited assistance in certain areas, and there are a scattering of clinics run by the Buddhist clergy and Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition party. But huge swathes of the impoverished population are effectively cut off from even the most basic medical help. According to World Health Organization data, total spending on healthcare in Myanmar was $27.9 per person in 2011. The government accounted for just $2.9 of that — the lowest contribution in the world. But this was actually an improvement from 2005, when the state spent just 50 US cents per capita.
A symbol of tolerance
Photo: afp
Tin Myo Win, the only Buddhist department head at the hospital, said the Muslim practice of donating 10 percent of their income to charitable causes was an important source of income for the hospital, as well as paid-for treatments and international donations. He said the hospital had long stood as a local symbol of tolerance and a refuge for those with nowhere else to go. In the past two years Myanmar authorities swept up hundreds of activists into the country’s notorious jails. Political prisoners have left jail in an extremely poor physical and mental state but were unable to afford treatment in state hospitals, which were also seen as hostile to the released campaigners, said Tin Myo Win.
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Fashioning Faith Nzinga Knight is a New York native fashion designer. She creates dynamic, glamorous, romantic and edgy luxury apparel designed to inspire woman and maintain a sartorial sense of mystery. She aims to create eveningwear that does not rely on sex appeal, rather she brings evening wear back to elegance which she feels is encompassed in coverage, not cleavage. By Courtney Brooks
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zinga Knight is a Muslim American evening wear designer. In 2008, she launched her own line, Nzinga Knight NY, They’re an innovative company that uses couture techniques to create a synergy between modesty and high fashion. Her debut collection draws upon elegant draping and fluid lines to create bold yet sophisticated clothing, and her use of bright, solid colours and silk fabrics reflect a cosmopolitan, modest flair. As a native of New York, Nzinga aims to create stylish clothing for women like herself – “Women with attitude, style and confidence.” In an interview with Hijabtrendz, Nzinga said that she aims to create evening wear that does not rely on sex appeal. “With most of evening wear being about sex appeal as opposed to elegance,” she said. “Women should be beautified, not exposed. So, I am about dignifying and beautifying women and giving them a beautiful option of modest highend evening wear. I’m very pro-women, and pro-femininity.” Nzinga studied fashion design and fine art at the prestigious Pratt Institute School of Design in New York City where she received a BFA in fashion design (class of 2005). She is also the recipient of Council of Fashion Designers of America Award a DCA Grant and was the winner of the 2008 Power UP Business Plan competition sponsored by Citigroup. Before launching her own line, Nzinga worked at Marc Jacobs, ThreeAsFour, Reva Mivasager and Jones NY. She has also been featured in the film, “Fashioning Faith”. Fashion designer Nzinga Knight is in a business that usually leaves little to the imagination. Her models hold their own as they stride alongside more skimpily dressed women on the runway. But in a city where cleavage and short hemlines hold sway, her modest designs have grabbed New York’s attention. “With most of evening wear being about sex appeal as opposed to elegance,” she said. “Women should be beautified, not exposed. So, I am about dignifying and beautifying women and giving them a beautiful option of modest high-end evening wear. I’m very pro-women, and pro-femininity.” “I want women to feel feminine and glamorous and beautiful,” she says. “And I want them to feel confident when they’re wearing the clothes. I want them to feel sensual and sexy, and, you know, all of those things. And I want them to feel comfortable.” »
“I try, you try, we try... Do your personal best and keep the faith” @nzingaknight on Instagram
Photos: STAN HONDA Knight fixes up one of her dresses for her show at Fashion Week 2012 in New York.
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“These clothes enable that sense of somebody actually looking at you in praise or in awe, as opposed to looking at you as, you know, a piece of meat because they’re seeing all your skin” – Nzinga Knight
Photo: Justyna Fijalska Model: Fior Mendez
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Knight’s parents, who are from Guyana and the Island of Trinidad in the Caribbean, converted to Islam after they moved to New York as young adults. She says her style comes out of her Caribbean roots and the “fresh and cosmopolitan” dress of New Yorkers. Her choice to dress modestly -- and design for women with the same values -- is not only about faith. “I value coverage. I’m informed about it from the point of view of Islam,” Knight says, “but I embrace it from my own values about what that actually does for a woman. It elevates her.” A “misconception” about Islamic fashion, she says, is that it is designed only for Muslims. She says her customers come from all faiths and nationalities, and that many of them are luminaries, which makes sense given her clothes’ price tags. Blouses and skirts start at $365 and gowns range from $1,200 to $3,500. New York socialites are common customers, Knight says. Her first collection is sold at high-end stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and she says she regularly receives inquires from women in Malaysia, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian countries. Acknowledging that the items are too expensive for most women, Knight hopes to create a more affordable line once she is more established throughout the Islamic world. Knight’s visionary designs are part of a growing trend. Muslim designer Barjis Chohan told Britain’s “The Guardian” that Islamic fashion represents a $96 billion global industry. A New York modeling agency for Muslim models, called Underwraps, held its first show in September. And Medni Kadyrova, the wife of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, owns her own fashion house that offers modern Islamic designs for Muslim women. •
J e h a n a r a k h o n at © 2013
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Mahnoor Samana is a 19-year old Spoken Word artist. She has been featured on a local Fox channel and Amy Poehler's YouTube channel for her poetry. Mahnoor has interned at an NPR sister station, KUHF and currently works as the web editor for her University newspaper. She is also an ambassador for the University of Houston. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @mahnoorsamana!
F
ighting
Consumer
Habits
R
emember when you were a young child and your parents bought you a new toy? You had the sudden urge to take it everywhere. You would show it off to your classmates and
rejoice at their admiring comments: “wow that’s so cool,” “I
want one.” Well now that we are adults we would like to believe
we left that show off little girl behind with all the “mine” tantrums and the hovering of toys. Sadly we come to realize that some of us still love showing off. It has surprisingly become more acceptable in our internetbased society to buy extensively and proudly display our new things. You would now find online videos of people who proudly post their “haul” videos with all their newly acquired items. By An Ghela
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With a new gadget or product being introduced every couple of months we find ourselves becoming slaves of everything shown to us as the new “must have”
Beware of what you spend The Qur’aan says: “Believers are merely those whose hearts feel wary whenever God is mentioned and whose faith increases when His verses are recited to them. On their Lord do they rely. Those who keep up prayer and spend some of what We have provided them with are truly believers” (Qur’aan 8:2-4). We have to bear in mind that all our provisions come from Allah and that He has entrusted us with this blessing, expecting that we would use it in what is best for us and not in something that would make us fall into sin. Our wealth should be spent in what guards us from vices such as arrogance, gluttony, distrust, greed, etc. Wealth is as much a blessing as it is a test; let us ace it by using it for the sake of our Creator.
Remember the inevitable end “No matter where you may be, death is going to reach you, even if you are in fortified towers” (Qur’aan 4:78). We know that rich and poor will all end up in the same grave and be judged only by their actions. The remembrance of death makes any possession as much beloved as it may be to us completely useless.
Things in this life are just mere creations and are prone to being damaged, but when your heart is with your Lord, the vanishing of worldly matters won’t take a toll on your peace of mind.
Striving for a Simple life “And strain not your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to various groups of them (polytheists), the splendor of the life in this world, that We may test them thereby” (Qur’aan 20:131). We are all aware of the way our beloved Prophet (SAW) and companions lived, they had only what they needed and lived a simple life as well as gave charity from the little they had. Most of us nowadays have more in our closets and houses than any town in the time of the Sahabas or even in Third World Countries of our times. So next time we are about to buy a new “something” let us ask ourselves if we already have something similar or the same that has not yet become obsolete. Let us question the whole purpose of our purchase. Striving to live a simple life would ultimately turn us into more humble and serene individuals. »
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Striving to live a simple life would ultimately turn us into more humble and serene individuals
It all starts from the very beginning of our lives
We are mere travellers
Parents feel the need to provide their children with everything they didn’t have. From education to nourishment to toys, they often believe the more the better. As aunts or close family members we can be guilty of the same. We should aim for the delay of gratification method; children should not have access to everything they want and they should be asked to wait or even be denied some things at times. It is essential that children are not raised in an environment where they are made to believe all their whims would be fulfilled immediately, opposite to that they should learn that things are obtained through hard labour and that the ultimate happiness lies in the improvement of the spiritual self. We should be more preoccupied in raising the next Imam instead of raising the next Donald Trump.
“My similitude and that of the life of this world is that of a traveler who took a rest at mid-day under a shade of a tree and then left it” (Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and al-Hakim). Imagine if you are going away for a week long retreat to a strange and remote place. You would wisely take only what is essential for you, knowing that anything more would only create a burden upon you. The same way we are only on this world for a little while and our primary purpose should be to do our best in order to go back safe and sound where we came from. Your real home is awaiting and you won’t be taking anything from this temporary shelter.
Avoid Wastefulness “Children of Adam, take your adornment at every place of prayer. Eat and drink, and do not waste. He does not love the wasteful” (Qur’aan 7:31). We can all be guilty of wasting at some point, but as a first step we should try to avoid having more than what we really need. The excess of things inevitably creates more and more waste. The second step would be donating and recycling items. Do you have extra food that you would not eat? Try sharing it with someone in need, you would be fulfilling your charitable duties and also creating ties with people. Are you one of the sisters that can open her own hijab store? Realistically speaking most of us have more hijabs than we could ever need so why not donate some of them to sisters in need. I’ve came across a great organization called Muslimahs Covered with Care (muslimahscoveredwithcare.org) that uses Islamic clothing donated by sisters to help newly reverts or sisters that cannot afford Islamic clothing. Let’s follow the example of Aisha (RA) and save ourselves from hellfire even with half a date.
Time is not Money “By (the Token of) Time, verily Man is in loss. Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy” (Qur’aan 103: 1-3). We indeed have limited time in our hands, and we have been given instructions on what to do with our time. Fortunately these instructions do not include spending hours at malls or internet shopping looking for what we need next. Most of the time the things we purchase serve as distractions from what we should really be doing. We need to start thinking that time is not money but a gift from Allah to pave our way towards our final resting place. After all, we can have all the things we would like in Jannah, no taxes and no malfunctions.
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Make sure it is Halaal I often see how devoutly Muslims check packages of foods to assure themselves there are no Haraam ingredients in it or anything that may raise a suspicion. However sometimes we fail to dig a little deeper and see how the conditions of the things we buy may contradict our values. What good is if a chicken or cow is certified Halaal but the conditions that such animal had to endure were horrifying? What if the products that we are blindly buying were made by children in factories that often have human rights violations written all over? We need to be more careful on what we are getting and at the end supporting. There are new initiatives nowadays where you can buy meat from animals that were raised in farms without cages or hormones and they are Halaal! We could be supporting our Muslim brothers and sisters who are starting their new businesses with the certainty that their products are Halaal in every single possible way. This way not only our money would go to the right cause but our Ummah would thrive.
More possessions = less peace of mind Have you ever seen those who are so wealthy they cannot go buy the newspaper without being surrounded by bodyguards? They would constantly be worried of losing it all or being robbed. They would always doubt if people who approach them are really there for them or for what they have. Who would want that life right? The fact is the more you have the less in peace you become. At the end of the day nothing would ever buy a good night sleep or a clean conscience. Let’s not look at what the rest have but be content with what we have.
I pray that our lives will be fulfilled through the remembrance of Allah (SWT) and that material things become just a provisions through which we could survive in this resting place and strive to our final end in shaa’ Allah
J e h a n a r a k h o n at Š 2013
life
Two tails “Those who are kind and considerate to Allah's creatures, Allah bestows His kindness and affection on them. Show kindness to the creatures on the earth so that Allah may be kind to you.” - Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi
Dogs in Islam Many Muslims have misunderstood Islam’s teachings regarding dogs, and this misunderstanding has led to the mistreatment of these animals. The Prophet said, “Purifying a container that a dog has licked (in order for human’s to use it) is done by washing it seven times, the first washing being with dirt.” However, according to some scholars, a dog’s fur is considered pure. Nonetheless, Muslims are discouraged from keeping dogs inside their homes, as the Prophet has been reported as saying that angels do not enter into a house that has a dog. However, just because one does not keep a dog inside the home and doesn’t drink after it, that does not give one the right to neglect it, mistreat it, or kill it. The usefulness of this creature of God is indisputable. No other animal can compete with it in its loyalty to its caregiver, its abilities as a guard, and its talent for hunting. In fact, the Qur’aan narrates in Surat Al-Kahf, or “The Cave,” the story of some pious youths who took refuge in a cave from the persecution and violence of the unbelievers. That these righteous people had a dog with them, and the fact that Allah mentions the dog and counts the dog among them, indicates that dogs are permitted to live among people. [And you would have thought them awake, whereas they were asleep. And We turned them on their right and on their left sides, and their dog stretching forth his two forelegs at the entrance (of the cave as a guard)] (Al-Kahf 18:18). So dogs may be used for guards as well as for hunting, as the Qur’aan also states: [They ask you about what is
The Prophet Muhammad taught mercy to all of God’s
lawful for them (as food); Say: Lawful unto you are (all)
creation. There are many reports of his love for cats resulting
things good and pure: and those beasts and birds of prey
in their historical acceptance among Muslims. Cats were
which you have trained as hounds, training and teaching
very common among the people during the time of the
them (to catch) in a manner as directed to you by Allah; so
Prophet, and he said, “They (cats) are not impure and they
eat what they catch for you, but pronounce the name of
intermingle with you.”1 The cat is such a clean animal that
Allah over it and fear Allah, for Allah is swift in reckoning]
according to authentic narrations one may make ablution
(Al-Ma’idah 5:4).
for Prayer with the same water that a cat drank from. Yet,
In two separate Hadiths narrated by Abu Hurayrah (the
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Cats in Islam
it is known that some people nowadays have opposed the
cat-loving Companion), the Prophet told his Companions of
traditions of the Prophet by taking up the evil practices
the virtue of saving the life of a dog by giving it water and
of torturing and poisoning cats. In Islam, punishment for
quenching its thirst: one referred to was a man who was
such acts is severe. Both Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported
blessed by Allah for giving water to a thirsty dog. The other
a Hadith regarding a woman who locked up a cat, refusing
was a prostitute, who filled her shoe with water and gave
to feed it and not releasing it so that it could feed itself. The
it to a dog that was lolling its tongue in thirst. For this deed
Prophet Muhammad said that her punishment on the Day of
she was granted the ultimate reward: eternal Paradise.
Judgment will be torture and Hell. •
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J e h a n a r a k h o n at © 2013
Protect animals against negligence, abuse, and exploitation. We’re South Africa’s largest and most effective animal welfare organisation. Get involved: Tel: (011) 907-3590 Fax: (011) 907-4013 e-mail: nspca@nspca.co.za
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Illustrations by: Hannah Habibi
A guide to judging It’s unfortunate that we, as Muslims, have become so judgmental of our brothers and sisters. Especially when this trait is the complete opposite of what fits the true Islamic personality. We’ll judge those who don’t dress or act ‘as modestly’ as us. We forget that we were given a gift from Allah (SWT), He gave us an opportunity to get closer to Him. When we’re looking at others, we’re only seeing what their outside appearance. But Allah (swt) can see what is on the outside and inside, the apparent and the hidden in them and in you. By Yusra Owais and Saad
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“If a friend among your friends errs, make seventy excuses for them. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves.” - Hamdun al-Qassar
B
efore we start to judge anyone, whether they are Muslim or not, we should look at ourselves. I’m sure we can all find plenty of things we need to work on in our hearts, minds and deen, starting with this tendency to judge others. Allah (SWT) says, “O you who have believed, when you went forth in the cause of Allah, investigate; and do not say to one who gives you [a greeting of] peace, “you are not a believer,” aspiring for the goods of worldly life; for with Allah are many acquisitions. You [yourselves] were like that before, then Allah conferred His favor upon you, so investigate. Indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted” [Suratul Nisaa: 94]. In this ayat Allah is addressing the believers who accepted Islam at the time of the Prophet (SAW) but did not declare their faith openly so they mixed with the people. Since one could not tell who was a Muslim or not, the way to recognize a believer was by the greetings of Salaam.
Remember your Makkan period Many of us, back in our “jaahiliyyah” days, had a time in our life where we might not have prayed, or wore hijaab/niqaab. Yet, we act snooty to a brother or a sister who is struggling with their faith, we look down upon them, forgetting that we were not born saints. Why do some of us treat others who may not wear hijaab with disdain, like we are better than them? Many of us had a point in our lives where we were embarrassed to say that we were Muslim, and we hid our faith, just as the Companions did in Mecca. Allah (SWT) is reminding us in this verse, that you were like that before and that He is Khabeer (All-Aware) of what we are thinking and that He is Khabeer (All-Aware) of what we are doing. If you treat your fellow Muslim differently because of their appearance, Allah knows. If you snicker behind their back, Allah knows. We were like that, until Allah “conferred His favour” upon us– the favour of guidance, of baseerah (insight), of learning, of love for the Qur’an, of taqwa–we were in that same situation. He is the One who favoured us, we did not will guidance for ourselves, so you cannot claim purity. Remember that.
We cannot base our actions on opinions or appearances Remind yourself of the prostitute who entered Jannah because of the small deed of giving water to the thirsty dog, and the story of the pious monk Barseesah who ended his life in prostration to Shaytan. Looks can be deceiving, so know that only Allah is All-Aware of what is in the chests of mankind, and we do not have the right to say who is a good Muslim or a bad one. The Prophet (SAW) said, “I have not been ordered (by Allah) to search
the hearts of the people or cut open their bellies” (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim). Taqwa is not in the length of your beard, or in the layers of cloth you wear. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Taqwa is here,” and he pointed to his chest. (Reported by Muslim) Remember that the best in the sight of Allah is the one who fears Allah and is conscious of Him.
We should not act without confirming and investigating Allah commands us to do “bayyan” (to verify, clarify, investigate) in this ayah–we must find out both sides of the story, and confirm it before we act. Think through the times where we held a negative opinion about someone based on a little of what we saw of them. Did we go further and confirm with them or were we quick in judging them?
Make seventy excuses for them Hamdun al-Qassar, one of the great early Muslims, said: “If a friend among your friends errs, make seventy excuses for them. If your hearts are unable to do this, then know that the shortcoming is in your own selves.” This is a very solid rule to live by when you see someone doing something wrong, because you won’t waste time worrying about them or trying to change them – one of the seventy excuses could be that maybe their Niyyah is not to do something wrong, or they do not know, or they will realize later and try to correct their mistake. If we think they do not know what they are doing is wrong we should try to tell them in a gentle way. »
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life
Allah is The Judge “Verily, your Lord knows better, who (among men) has gone astray from His Path, and He knows better those who are guided” (Surah Qalam:7). If we, ourselves, now implement this ayah into our lives, in shaa’Allah our community will be different. We are merely human beings who have little understanding of these matters, so we should focus on ourselves so that we are not judged harshly by Allah on that day, rather than spending our energy on judging others. The Prophet (SAW) said that all of the children of Adam make mistakes. Who are we to take them to account?
Judge yourself before judging others We need to constantly discipline our soul and be aware of our actions. We need to ask ourselves whether we put ourselves above other people when we approach them. The devil is working hard to put that pride in us, but that’s a disease of the heart.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “No one with the slightest particle of arrogance in his heart will enter paradise.” A man remarked, “But a man likes his clothes to be nice and his sandals good.” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Verily, Allah is beautiful and loves beauty. Arrogance is refusing to acknowledge what is right and considering others beneath one” (Mishkat al-Masabih). What a beautiful Hadith, to put things into perspective. By judging others you energize that pride and start assuming that you are more pious. To reaffirm your faith you need to ask yourself, ‘Am I living by the Sunnah? Do I follow the commands of Allah (SWT?)’ If not then how can you expect a return in the hereafter. At times we might be driven to point out other’s mistakes and elevate ourselves above others. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Should you become eager to mention another’s faults, recall your own” (Ar-Rafi). The bottom line is we don’t know who Allah (SWT) loves more.
Words from the Qur’aan: “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of any people make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” [Sûrah al-Mâ’idah: 8] “O you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest you harm people unwittingly, and afterwards become full of repentance for what you have done.” [Sûrah al-Hujurât: 5] “O you who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! Some suspicion is a sin.” [Sûrah al-Hujurât: 12] “Verily, your Lord knows better, who (among men) has gone astray from His Path, and He knows better those who are guided” [Sûrah Qalam: 7]
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Stand united We need to stand united as an Ummah, now more than ever. We may not always agree with each other but we need to focus on what we do agree on; that Allah is One and Muhammad is his Messenger. Anything after that is between us and Allah. Abu Bakr and Umar had different ways of ruling when they were Caliphs, and they never called each other Kaafir or quarrelled extensively over their small differences. This is because we can only work with the knowledge we have to the best of our abilities and understandings. If someone doesn’t agree with us, it’s okay; you’re never going to meet someone who agrees with you 100% on everything. Instead of judging others, why don’t we try to help each other. If we think someone can improve in one way or another, we can tell them gently without being condescending, show them that we care for our brothers and sisters in Islam. We can tell them we’re also trying to improve in that aspect so they don’t feel they’re being judged and it’ll show that we’re all in a path towards Allah together, and we should help each other to do so. Our Ummah should be one strong bond; holding us together, not turning us against each other. At the end of it all, understand that when someone tells you something for your own benefit, it is to help you. It is that simple, don’t assume that he or she is trying to put you down. If you do that I promise you will never change. This is something we are all working on to some degree everyday, the better we get the more impact we will see in our life.
Allah (SWT) knows best, O Turner of Hearts, make our hearts firm upon your deen, unite our hearts, beautify our hearts with taqwa and imaan and bless us with husn ath-thann (good thoughts) about our brothers and sisters. May Allah forgive us for any judgments we have made on others and help us to purify our hearts and minds. Ameen
Basketball player, Amal Mohammed Awad, from Qatar was part of an exhibition commissioned by the Qatar Museums Authority called “Hey’Ya: Arab women in sports”. The exhibition consisted of 80 women from 20 Arab countries.
Photo: bridgette lacombe
health The final messenger of God, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) mounted the pulpit, then wept and said, “Ask Allah (SWT) for forgiveness and health, for after being granted certainty, one is given nothing better than health.� Related in Tirmidhi
fit You want to be
Y
But wait a second, I am Muslim. Is it even okay to run, swim, lift those weights being who I am in this society? By Sabah Chaudhry
ou want to feel alive, youthful and experience that boost in energy all day long? Sure we all want to become those macho movie stars we see on TV or the slim chic magazine cover models we stare and sigh at as we wait in the doctor’s clinic? But is it possible to accomplish all this when there is no fitness program specially geared towards “us” to
match our needs and comply with our religious obligations. This misunderstanding has left many Muslims in a whirlpool of confusion that there is no place for exercise in the life of a Muslim. But in fact this is absolutely not true. Islam not only allows but encourages physical fitness and exercise. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) states, “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both” (Sahih Muslim). Shaykh Al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah explains that the Prophet (SAW) was talking about physical strength and having it allowed a Muslim to properly perform their prayers. A strong believer can strive harder for his or her deen, be a better worshipper, be successful at giving da’wah and spread Islam, by not being overcome by laziness. The strong recommendation of exercise in our deen coincides
Islam not only allows
perfectly with a new awareness that people need to return to the
but encourages
in a highly technologically advanced country, our fast paced
physical fitness and
replaced outdoor activities and sports with digital devices as
exercise. Our religion
in shape. Muslim women can find all women’s gyms or women’s
holds us to account
strong in gyms especially for men, they can find a way to go to
for managing our body
encountering those of the opposite gender.
gyms and focus on their physical health. Living in the 21st century lives have resulted in lazy and inactive lifestyles. Technology has forms of recreation and entertainment. So the need is high to get rooms to start up their workout routines. Though the fitnah is the gyms when there are less people or there is less chance of Just as doctors and dieticians highly stress and push us to take
health. The Prophet
care of our physical bodies by exercising, our religion also holds
(SAW) said in Sahih
said in Sahih Bukhari, “... And your body also has a right over
Bukhari, “... And your body also has a right over you.”
us to account for managing our body health. The Prophet (SAW) you.” Exercising and staying fit is one of the closest guarantees we have to maintaining a sound healthy body. Our bodies are a trust or “amaanah” from Allah (SWT). We will be called to account on the Day of Judgment by Allah (SWT) for how we took care of our bodies and nourished them, not allowing them to weaken and succumb to disease. •
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Woroud Sawalha (born 1991) is a Palestinian Olympic Athlete. She is one of two runners, along with Bahaa Al Farra, among the five athletes who represented Palestine in the 2012 Olympics.
10 mind-blowing benefits of exercise Exercise helps you lose weight and prevent obesity. This is critical, since being overweight or obese can put you at risk for a variety of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more.
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Protect yourself from heart disease and lower your blood pressure. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults. Exercise can actually change how your heart works, making it stronger, more efficient, and better able to function as you age.
Boost your brain power. Exercise improves your learning. Some experts believe that exercise can, in fact, keep our minds sharp because it improves circulation throughout the body and the brain, which boosts your attention and ability to concentrate.
Reduce stress. Stressful episodes cause hormones to be released into your bloodstream. Vigorous activity helps your body to be rid of these. Just 30 mins of such activity can blow off tension by increasing levels of “soothing” chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
Lift depression and boost your mood. Research suggests that burning off 350 calories three times a week through sustained, sweat-inducing activity can reduce symptoms of depression about as effectively as antidepressants.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> health
Sporting their stuff
There are many Muslim women in the sports industry making us proud. Here are a few that have fought odds and criticism to do what they love
Aliya Mustafina (born 1994)
Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir (born 1990)
is a Russian artistic gymnast who is the 2010 World individual all-around champion, the 2012 Olympic uneven bars champion, the 2013 World balance beam champion and the 2013 European Champion in the allaround and on the uneven bars.
is a female Muslim-American Collegiate basketball player for the University of Memphis. She had a very successful high school career scoring over 3000 points breaking both male and female scoring records in Massachusetts.
Salma Bi (born 1986) is an award winning cricket player who also runs a coaching organisation to promote the women’s game. She was the first British Asian and Muslim woman in history to play for Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
Boost your energy levels. Studies show that exercise increases feelings of energy and lessens feelings of fatigue. Exercise also teaches the body how to produce more energy, making it more efficient at burning fat.
Ward off diseases and strengthen your immune system. Increased blood and lymph flow makes it easier for cells to protect you from an infection, or track down and kill invading germs that have already succeeded in infecting your system.
Tahmina Kohistani (born 1989) is an Afghan runner at 100 metres. Kohistani was the only female Olympian from Afghanistan to compete at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
Build stronger bones and muscles - making a better you. Weightbearing activities, such as walking, make bones stronger. Strengthtraining activities, such as lifting light weights, make muscles strong.
Enhances your self-esteem and confidence. You obtain a positive feeling of accomplishment when you finish your work out. It may seem lame, but try and you’ll see.
Inspire yourself to be a healthier eater. You will start thinking of food as fuel for your engine. You will be more aware of how your body feels when you try to take out your troubles on unhealthy foods. Overall, exercise reminds you to take care of yourself.
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Eating, like any other act of a Muslim, is a matter of worship when performed according to the Islamic guidelines. The following are some of the many foods and habits that had been practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
sunnats
of food and eating By Abu Jennah
FOODS:
The Prophet (SAW) used to watch what he ate by only eating what was good for him.
FENUGREEK - HULBAH
VINEGAR
MELON - BATTIKH
CITRON - UTRAJJ
It is reported that Prophet
The Prophet (SAW) was
Prophet (SAW): “Whenever
The Prophet (SAW) is
Muhammad (SAW) once
reported to have once
you eat fruit, eat melon,
reported to have said,
said, “If my people knew
remarked that vinegar was
because it is the fruit of
“The citron is like a true
what there is in Fenugreek,
the seasoning of all the
Paradise and contains a
believer: good to taste and
they would have bought
prophets who came before
thousand blessings and
good to smell.”
and paid it weight in gold.”
him.
a thousand mercies. The eating of it cures every disease.“ AFREEN
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The Prophet (SAW) made a point of developing clean and healthy eating habits amongst his followers. He asked the companions to wash their hands before and after, to start and end eating with the praise of Allah, to eat using the right hand, and not to eat and drink excessively especially when there wasn’t a need.
eating: The Prophet (SAW) used to advise the sahabah (RA) on the principles of eating. Never criticize any food Food should not be criticized for any reason, despite personal disliking. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) never criticized any food that was offered to him. Sahih Bukhari narrates that “the Prophet (SAW) never criticized any food (he was invited to) but he used to eat it if he liked the food, and leave it if he disliked it.”
Supplication before and after each meal Since eating, like any other act of a Muslim, is a matter of worship, it begins with the name of Allah. Muslims are to start their eating by making the following supplication: “O Allah! Bless the food You have bestowed upon us and protect us from the torment of hell. In the name of Allah we start” (An-Nasa’i). After completing the meal, praise and thank Allah for the blessing that He bestowed. Say the following supplication: “Praise be to Allah the One Who gave us the food and the drinks. Praise be to Him Who made us Muslims” ( Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud)
Eat Less One of the main principles of good health is a balanced diet. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) emphasized the habit of eating less as a method of preventing sickness and disease. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Nothing is worse than a person who fills his stomach. It should be enough for the son of Adam to have a few bites to satisfy his hunger. If he wishes more, it should
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be: One-third for his food, one-third for his liquids, and one-third for his breath” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)
Eating Slowly Eating slowly is recommended for health. Slow eating reduces the consumption of food, as it postpones much of the meal to a time when the absorption of nutrients begin to produce physiological signals of satiety. Slow eating helps in chewing the food well. This results in the exercise of the jaws and mixing of the saliva with food. Hence, efficient digestion takes place because the food particles are cut into smaller pieces, not requiring as much churning in the stomach or intestine.
Moderation “O children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer; eat and drink, but waste not by excess. For Allah loves not the wasters.” [ Al- Qur’aan, 7:31]
Sharing Prophet Muhammad (SAW) demonstrated to his followers the pleasures of sharing as opposed to overindulgence in the good things of life. The sharing of food with neighbours, relatives, friends, the needy, and the destitute is emphasized. Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) saying: “He is not a believer who eats to his fill but his neighbour goes without food” (Sahih Bukhari). Prophet Muhammad elaborated on the duty of the Muslim to suppress greed,
especially in eating. This appears in a very specific situation reported by Ibn Umar, in which the Prophet (SAW) prohibited anyone taking two dates together before asking permission from his companions (Sahih Bukhari).
Eating Together Eating with others bring about harmony and understanding among people. People are usually more relaxed when eating in company, this is one reason why families should always try to eat together, not to mention this is the Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet (SAW). Your mind is less absorbed in your daily activities and is free of worries. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) brought the attention of Muslims to the importance of eating together: “Eat together and not separately, for the blessing is associated with the company” (Ibn Majah).
Allah knows best. From all that has been mentioned, the importance of healthy eating, a balanced diet and hygiene can be understood in the light of the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Islam has stressed on the importance of these things right from the start unlike health authorities etc., which have just recently begun to stress its importance. This could be counted as just another gem that manifests the perfection of Islam
health
mushroom soup Ingredients
Method
Serves 4
Scrub your mushrooms clean. Slice half
400g mushrooms, half sliced and
of them, and chop the other half into little
half chopped into tiny pieces (this
pieces
part of the recipe is the most
Melt half the butter in a pan and sauté
arduous)
the sliced mushrooms until they’re nice
1 medium to large brown onion
and golden (take care you don’t burn them
(red onion won’t do) Half a cup of plain flour
together for a good 10 minutes
Melt the rest of the butter in the same with salt (not too much – no more than half
Salt & pepper to taste Pinch of chilli powder Handful of chopped parsley
quick sticks
Next, add half the chopped parsley
slotted spoon and put aside
1 litre of chicken stock (make using
1.5 cups of heavy/double cream
you desire into the pan and let everything simmer
pan and add the chopped onions. Sprinkle
like)
Let the soup simmer on a low gas and continue to stir until you get the thickness
or let them get too brown). Remove with a
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter water and two stock cubes, if you
Now, slowly add the chicken stock while continuing to stir so the sauce is thick
a teaspoon at most) and let them sweat. Next, add the chopped mushrooms and
Keeping the gas on low, add the double/heavy cream and stir in Add a pinch of black pepper, a pinch of red chilli power and the rest of the parsley Bring the soup to a simmer but make
cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly
sure it doesn’t boil – you don’t want the
until the onion is soft but not overcooked
cream to curdle!
Put the sliced mushrooms back in
Now taste for seasoning. If you’ve used
the pan and add the plain flour, stirring
two stock cubes, you probably won’t need
vigorously so it’s all mixed in properly
to add any more salt.
Even when we try to eat healthily, our sweet tooth can get the best of us. With this healthy dessert, you don’t have to feel guilty about snacking or enjoying something extra – plus it is easy to pack and transport! By the time you get to your lunch, the
Ingredients for 2 people
berries should be thawed and the dessert firm and enjoyable.
1 cup whole milk yogurt 2 tbs honey
HONEY - ASAL
½ cup mixed frozen berries
Allah (SWT) has said, “There comes forth, from within [the
(strawberries, blueberries,
bee], a beverage of many colours in which there is a healing
raspberries)
for you.” Mixed with warm water, and taken in several small
Optional: freshly chopped mint
doses, honey is considered the best remedy for diarrhoea. The Prophet (SAW)once said, “By HIM in whose hand is my
Method
soul, eat honey. For there is no house in which honey is
Spread yogurt evenly along the
kept for the angels will not ask for mercy. If a person eats
bottom of a small container
honey, a thousand remedies enter his stomach and a million
Spread the honey over the yogurt
diseases will come out. If a man dies and honey is found
Add frozen berries and chopped mint
within him, fire [burning of hell] will not touch his body.”
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religion The Prophet (SAW) said, “Allah the Most High says, ‘I am with my slave when he thinks of Me and I am with him when he mentions Me. For if he mentions Me to himself, I mention him to Myself; and if he mentions Me in a gathering, I mention him in a superior gathering. If he approaches Me by a hand’s length, I approach him by an arm’s length; and if he comes to Me walking, I hasten to him swiftly.’” Related in Al-Bukhari 8/172
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Cin Salaah
religion
ommon mistakes
Salaah is the most important pillar of Islam which will be questioned on the day of Resurrection. Many times we perform salaah as a practice or a part of habit only but tend to forget the basic essence of namaaz and make many mistakes during prayers. Delaying the salaah intentionally While being busy in worldly affairs we often delay the salaah from its preferred time. We think that we must attend to other matters first and praying is the last thing to do. The Qur’aan speaks strictly on guarding our salaah: “Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle salaah (i.e. Asr Prayers)” [2:238]. Here to safeguard the salaah means to perform it at its prescribed time and to be steadfast upon it. Narrated Ibn Umar (RA): Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “Whoever misses the Asr prayers (intentionally), then it is as if he lost his family and property” [Al-Bukhari].
Reciting Holy Qur’aan fast in the prayers
He (SAW) also said: “He who does not complete his rukoo and sujood, his prayer is void” [Abu Dawood].
Performing sujood improperly
A common mistake observed in prayers is to perform sujood by resting only the tip of head on floor. The Prophet (SAW) said: “I am commanded to prostrate on seven bones the forehead and the nose, the two hands [palms], the two knees, and the two feet” [Muslim].
Not performing prayers during illness or traveling The Prophet (SAW) always used to perform prayers even during His last days before death. He (SAW) never neglected it even during combats. Prayer is obligatory and must be performed in any condition. If a person cannot perform ablution due to his illness then he may perform tayammum (dry ablution). If he cannot stand in prayer, he may perform salaah while sitting or even laying down. Same is the case while traveling. The person can combine two salaah while traveling i.e. Zuhr prayer and Asr prayer. or Maghrib prayer and Isha prayer.
We must pause and take breaks while reciting Holy Quraan during salaah. We should not recite the Surah’s so fast that that the verse get intermingled. One of the Hadith emphasizes this issue: “The Prophet (SAW) used to pause after each verse of Surah al-Fatiha [Abu Dawood].
Crossing in front of a person who is performing salaah
Performing the salaah hastily
Eating food of bad smell before performing prayers
Salaah should be performed slowly and calmly. Rukoo or sujood must be performed without rush. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The worst thief is the one who steals from his own prayer.” People asked: ‘Messenger of Allah! How could one steal from his own prayer?’ He said: “By not completing its rukoo and sujood” [At-Tabarani].
Consuming foods that have bad smell like the garlic or onion etc. should not be taken before the salaah because the bad smell may irritate the angels and the praying people. The Prophet (SAW) said: “He who eats from the smelly plant [garlic or onion], let him come not near our mosque; the angels are bothered by that which bothers men” [Muslim].
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Were the one who crosses in front of a praying person to know the consequences of doing so, he would have waited for forty better than to cross in front of him” [Bukhari].
the postures
Qiyaam To stand
Rukoo To bow
Sujood To prostrate
Juloos To sit
Placing the right hand over
Placing the hands lightly
Palms, knees, toes,
Sitting up from sujood, with
the left on the chest while
on the knees with staright
forehead and nose must
the feet point to the right,
in the standing position.
arms and a slightly curved
be touching the ground.
hands on knees and looking
Looking at the point where
back. Looking at the feet.
The body must be pulled in
at the ground where the
together.
head rests in sujood.
the head rests in sujood.
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religion
5 lessons from Surah Al-Yusuf 1: SOMETHING MISERABLE IS BETTER THAN DISOBEYING ALLAH (SWT) Prophet Yusuf (AS) suffered a series of tests and trials, yet he remained obedient to Allah (SWT). When the wife of the King threatened to imprison Yusuf (AS) unless he would give in to her attempts at seduction. Yusuf (AS)’s response was, “My lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if you do not avert me from my plan, I might incline toward them and [thus] be of the ignorant” (Al Yusuf 12 : 33). Yusuf (AS) chose to live in the dark, dreary dungeon in a life of shackles over disobedience to Allah (SWT). Clearly, even if you encounter dismal surroundings and misery, Allah (SWT)’s pleasure is greater and longer lasting.
Do you make dua and wonder if your prayers will ever be answered? Do you feel like you are going through trials and tests again and again? There are numerous lessons in the Qur’aan that can serve as an inspiration to persist in the face of adversity.
2: DON’T BE JEALOUS Jealousy divides communities, breaks up families, and splits up friendships. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) said, “O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed Satan, to man, is a manifest enemy” (Surah Al Yusuf 12 : 5). They were brothers by blood, but Yusuf (AS)’s brothers would not have been pleased by his vision of Prophethood. Even those close to you – friends and family – might not be thrilled about blessings you have received or steps you take to live a life that is pleasing to Allah (SWT). As Muslims we should be sincerely happy when we see others being blessed by Allah. When we see people excelling in religion or gaining success we should say Masha’Allah or Tabarak Allah.
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By Umm Amin
4: PATIENCE IS BEAUTIFUL, SO BE PATIENT ALL THE TIME If we have patience in hardship, continuously counting our blessings, we will truly be victorious in both hardship and ease. Yusuf (AS) was patient while awaiting the fulfillment of his dream. He was patient when his brothers abandoned him in the well. He was patient when he was sold as a slave. He was patient when the king’s wife accused him of seduction. Yusuf (AS) continued to be patient when he was put in jail. Even when his fellow inmate was released and forgot about him, Yusuf (AS) continued to be patient. As the King of Egypt, Yusuf (AS) continued to be patient with his brothers’ slander. Regardless of the time, situation, place, or scenario, Yusuf (AS) remained patient, as we should be.
5: FORGIVE 3: NEVER GIVE UP HOPE IN ALLAH When Yusuf (AS)’s brothers came back to tell him that their brother was stolen, Yaqoob (AS) was sad about his loss of Yusuf (AS). He went blind over suppression of his grief, and complained only to Allah (SWT). Despite the intense grief he felt and the previous reports of Yusuf (AS) being consumed by a wolf, Yaqoob (AS) did not give up hope. He instructed his sons to continue to search for Yusuf (AS) and his brother saying, “O my sons, go and find out about Josepha and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people” (Al Yusuf 2:87). Imagine, Prophet Yaqoob (AS) had not seen his son since childhood, so many years had passed that Prophet Yusuf (AS) was now a king of Egypt. Despite the passing of all these years, Prophet Yaqoob (AS) still firmly held onto the hope that Allah would answer his prayers and reunite him with his son. Many of us have trouble being patient for a few hours or a couple of days, let alone years or decades! Alhamdulillah, Yaqoob (AS) never gave up, and Allah answered his dua, relieving him of the sorrow he felt.
When Yusuf (AS) confronts his brothers later in life, it is a lesson of forgiveness. His brothers are enduring hard times in which they have poor harvest and are in need. On the other hand Yusuf (AS) has not only become the King of Egypt, but he has astutely saved provisions and prepared his community to survive the famine. Instead of rebuking them to endure starvation on account of his brother’s jealous plotting, Yusuf (AS) utters, “No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful” (Al Yusuf 12:92). Instead of being bitter and angry or taking vengeance, Yusuf (AS) was strong enough to choose forgiveness. With all his power as a leader, Yusuf (AS) preferred the sweetness of forgiveness.
J e h a n a r a k h o n at © 2013
People in need often ask where’s God, when they should be asking where are God’s people?
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religion
Lessons in
Patience By Abeer S
I
f I ask you to define patience, what answer will come to your mind? “To bear” and “to endure” is the dictionary’s definition prayer and spend from what We of patience. And perhaps this is the only form of patience that we have provided for them secretly are familiar with. However, this is not the Qur’aanic definition of and publicly and prevent evil with patience. The Qur’aan does not suggest that in order to observe good - those will have the good patience we must withstand any difficulty whilst holding our consequence of [this] home” (Ar-Rad 13:22). heads up high. This idea sees patience as utterly futile in In the Qur’aan, Allah also comforts places where no benefit can be derived from simply bearing us when it becomes hard to remain and enduring. The Qur’aanic understanding of patience is steadfast, when societal pressure reaches quite different and meaningful. boiling point, He says: “And be patient over As Muslims, it is part of our creed to believe that what they say and avoid them with gracious whatever happens – good or bad – has been decreed by avoidance” (Al-Muzzammil 73:10). What Allah, whether we understand the wisdom behind it or better comfort does a Muslim have than the not. And so, before anything else, patience in Islam is comfort of Allah and His promise of rewards a command of Allah that must be observed in face of that are to come? whatever befalls us, thus we can neither exhaust it The second type of patience is to observe nor lose it. patience with the trials and tests - limited to this For this reason, patience is not simply a moral life. Allah says: And We will surely test you with characteristic that burdens a faithful believer but something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth rather it is an act of worship that the believer and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the accepts whole heartedly and with joy – all the while praising Allah patient (Al-Baqarah 2:155). the most exalted. Patience is an obligation upon Muslims, and in Islam we’ve never been instructed to do something without receiving a description of how it is done. And thus, even if patience is difficult; it is not impossible.
Patience is of two types: 1. Patience in remaining firm upon our faith, continuing to perform acts of worship dutifully and refraining from haraam – in times of difficulty and ease. 2. Patience in face of hardships and tests. The first type of patience is perhaps what we face every day getting up in the cold to perform fajr or fasting in heat. “And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish
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And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive (to Allah); who are certain that they will meet their Lord and that they will return to Him. [Al-Qur’aan 2:45-46]
Patience has been given a great deal of importance in the Qur’aan and it has been highlighted again and again, thus indicating that it is a huge aspect in Islam. Ibn Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) says in his book (Addat Assabireen wa Dhakirat Ashakireen): “Faith is two halves; patience and gratitude”. Allah tests our faith, as He has tested the faith of many before us; and these tests are only so that He may reward us justly in the hereafter. Perhaps a little reminder is due at this point: patience is not simply bearing and remembering Allah during calamities. It is also remembering Allah and remaining persistent during times of ease. Allah (SWT) answered the call of Yunus (AS) when he was stuck in the stomach of the whale because Yunus remembered Allah during times of ease. However, Allah is the All Hearer and He will accept our supplication whether we are practising Muslims or not, but these verses in the Qur’aan are a reminder – and we should be wise enough to take heed of them.
J e h a n a r a k h o n at © 2013
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religion
FIQH OF
ENTER
TAINMENT By Ismail Kamdar Anything I said that is wrong is from my own self and from Shayaan. Everything I said which is correct is from Allah. I ask Allah to make this an addition to our scale of good deeds on the Last Day.
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L
ots of people live their lives for
unless you have proof that it is prohibited. This
entertainment. They work and earn
applies to forms of entertainment as well. Those
money, in most cases just to entertain
forms of entertainment which are clearly prohibited
themselves further. If they have a TV,
in the Qur’aan or in the Sunnah or by analogy are the
they are working harder to buy a bigger
prohibited forms, but everything else is permissible as
TV. If they have a phone, it needs to be
long as they fulfill basic criteria.
a smartphone. If they’ve got a car, it needs to have
There is a narration that some people say prohibits
accessories. It’s always getting more and enjoying life
all forms of entertainment except for three: archery,
more. There’s nothing really wrong with this, but it
horseback riding, and swimming. Therefore all of the
becomes a problem when you find yourself getting
recreational things of this world are void and a waste of
caught up in the dunya. You don’t want to be distracted from the purpose of life. Allah (SWT) created us to primarily worship and obey Him. If we are distracted for too many hours by making money and then using that money to have fun,
time except for those three things.
we have less time to worship Allah. Allah (SWT) speaks about this in the Qur’aan in Sūrat’l-Takāthur when He says, “The competition to gather the nice things in this world has distracted you until you visit the graves. Then only will you come to know the reality.” Allah (SWT) continues in the surah and says that these people who spend their entire lives
Many young Muslims seem to think that having fun isn’t allowed in Islam, but that’s not the case. You can have fun as long as it won’t lead to something Haraam
chasing after the dunya when they die “they will see the hellfire with their own eyes, and on that Day, Allah will ask them about the good things He gave them in this world and what they did with them.” It is very important for us that while we as humans want to have fun, we should not allow this to distract us from our purpose in life. We need to prioritize and realize that the purpose why Allah created us is to worship Him. This should always be a priority. The idea of just having fun and enjoying life and making money is not an Islamic understanding of the world. The Islamic understanding, however, is not the opposite
extreme. There are Muslims who go to the opposite extreme and say that we are here only to worship Allah (SWT) so there is no such thing as entertainment and there is no such thing as having fun, but this is a misunderstanding. The correct attitude of a Muslim is that Allah (SWT) created us upon the fitrah, with natural inclinations towards good or evil. There is nothing in this religion
Just because these few are mentioned in one hadith does not necessarily mean that other forms are all Haraam. There are many other narrations that the Prophet (SAW) and the sahabah entertained themselves in other ways not mentioned in this hadith. The Prophet (SAW) used to race with his wife on foot and used to watch people play with swords in the masjid. They used to play with watermelon seeds, and many other things. This hadith is not limiting what is Halaal. The word in the hadith is not Haraam. The word is “batil,” meaning that there is no reward in it. If there is no reward in something, it does not make it Haraam. It is still Halaal unless you have proof for it to be prohibited. The Prophet (SAW) is telling us that these forms of entertainment are rewarding. If you ride a horse, train with archery, or are swimming, you will be rewarded because they keep you physically fit and energized. It does not necessarily mean that others are prohibited. Allah (SWT) tells us in the Qur’aan, “Allah wants things to be easy for you.” Allah says, “There is nothing in this religion which is a burden.”
Conditions that make the Halaal Haraam From among the other principles which cover the issue of entertainment, there are certain things that if found in the aspect of entertainment, they become Haraam. These things include:
1. It should not lead you to Haraam Something might be Halaal in itself, but the minute elements of Haraam get involved, a person should stay away from it. For example, playing sports is Halaal, but if playing is going to make a person vulgar and abusive to his friends, then it is not permissible for such a person to play it even though it is permissible for others. The first thing is that it should not lead to what is Haraam.
2. It should not take up too much time If one is playing video games for ten hours a day or one is watching two or three movies a day, then this can become Haraam as you allow wasting time. To waste our time is not permissible in Islam. We should have entertainment in ways which refresh us without consuming all our time.
which is against our nature. Anything that is part of
3. It should not consume your resources
human nature is accommodated for in Islam, and so to
It is not permissible to spend all your money on
the human need for recreation is also accommodated.
entertainment. We are responsible for not only how we
We find that Islam allows people to enjoy themselves
earn money but also how we spend it, so again, we need
but in ways that are wholesome, pure and Halaal. If
to balance our lifestyle and not be from those whom
you look at one of the principles of fiqh when it comes
Allah (SWT) calls the musrifun, those who are wasteful
to things of this world is that everything is permissible
when it comes to spending their money.
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Full of Eastern Promise Aramis
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trends
Imaan Ali started her Hijablog because she was frustrated with the lack of style inspiration available for the newly veiled. The Hijablog quickly received great initial attention by international media, leading to interviews, radio show and talk show appearances, as well as a contribution to a Norwegian book project on the hijab. You can check out her blog at thehijablog.com or subscribe to her YouTube channel, TheHijablog, for scarf tutorials.
trends
Wash away your make-up fears Enthusiasts and beauty junkies around the world will be pleased to know about the availability of Halaal and wudhu-able makeup By Shea Rasol
Wudhu-able means: The chemical ingredients of the cosmetic product itself are all derived from Halaal ingredients. This provides a clean and doubtless product for all Muslim beauty junkies. The product is formulised to not be too concentrated, thus creating a thin breathable barrier Two brands have made history by discovering a way to cater to women who practise Islam and love using cosmetics. Turkish-born Farmasi Cosmetics (FCC) and Indonesian brand Wardah have got us Muslims sighing with relief when they publicly announced the Halaal quality of their products. Having their products made in a sharia-compliant manner, FCC has received two Halaal certificates from Turkey’s Ministry of Health Lab and Artibel, an international independent body. Pretty impressive, considering that other brands have none. Many women around the world have switched from questionable and high-end brands to affordable and trendy brands like Wardah and FCC, because at the end of the day, pleasing the Creator is what we aim for.
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between water and skin upon application. A more common term would be ‘non-waterproof makeup’.
www.maccosmetics.co.za
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Glowing
Dress: Sumerah Kali Scarf: Kashka Necklace: Accessorize Bracelet: Accessorize
Model: Kristen birch Styling: Jehan Ara Khonat Photos: Kirsten Makin
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Dress: Amirah Kolia Scarf: Cashmere Imports Necklace: Claire’s Earrings: Clicks
Pair an emphatic epaulette with a tight turban for a regal look
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Dress: Roccobenetti Scarf: Vela Bangles: Clicks
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Brighten black with a bedazzled bodice
Dress: YDE Scarf: Rashida Necklace: Zimark Bracelet: Claire’s Shoes: Foschini
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Dress: Amirah Kolia Scarf: Rashida Bracelet: Claire’s
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Bring a simple black dress to life with a golden waistcoat
Dress: Rashida Scarf: Rashida Ring: Turq
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Top: Cameroon Skirt: New Feeling Scarf: Vela Neckalace: Mr Price
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A midsummer
Day’s
dream Florals or brights; this season’s bold motifs accentuate summer spunk
Model: amina goga Styling: amirah kolia Photos: jehan ara khonat AFREEN
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This page: Sunglasses: Prada Dress: Forever 21 Scarf: Vela Bracelet: Samira Earrings: Stuttafords Opposite page: Sunglasses: Daniel Hechter Top: Cotton on Jeans: Mango Scarf: Fashion World Earrings: Stuttafords
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Brave the outside with brights
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Accentuate brights with a bold lip This page: Dress: Mr Price Jersey: Mr Price Scarf: Infinity Neckalace: India treasures Ring: Stuttafords Shoes: Woolworths Opposite page: Top: Ginger Blazer: MD New Collection Jeans: Mango Scarf: Rashida AFREEN
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maximise your
Dressing Halaal can be difficult, but when you can cover up and look this trendy, why not?
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DRESS
Jane Norman, Summer print maxi dress: R500
Matthew Williamson, Printed maxi dress R670
New Look, Tribal print maxi dress: R355
MSGM, Multicolor floral lace maxi dress: R740
SCARF
Luisa Avia, Mustard scarf: R215
Acne, Alaska scarf: R300
Ori, Cashmere turquoise scarf: R230
Heidi Wynne, Isabelle cashmere wrap: R265
JACKET
Ebony, Faux-leather jacket: R192
Hedonia, Beau white cropped blazer R150
Aventura, Black sweater wrap: R422
Jean Shop, Selvedge denim shirt: R500
BAG
Chanel, 1970s red bag: R863
Chloe, Marcie bag: R580
Marc Jacobs, Marc coral handbag: R940
Miss Selfridge, Leather brown bag: R450
SHOES
Maiden Lane, Strap sandals: R360
Piperlime, Quick line sandals: R120
Dolce Vita, DV: R280
Sam Espadrill, Brown weave wedges: R580
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trends
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SugarJack
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the hijab rack The cute
trends
Some people say you can never have enough scarves, maybe that’s true, but we’ve got you covered with a few key hijabs to rock with your whole wardrobe
The essential
If you’re having a particularly elegant day, go for
Everyone needs a good plain black scarf they
an ombré scarf and you’ll instantly look classier.
can rely on. End of story.
Scarfands, Silk scarf: R160
Justice, Black scarf: R150
For those days when you want your scarf to do
Every girl needs a denim blue scarf – not made
the talking. This one will give you multiplepairing
out of denim, just in denim the colour. It’ll
options because of all the small but vibrant
go with your jeans, when you’re struggling to
touches of colour.
match your top.
Poetry, Jacky Scarf: R140
Seashell, Blue Reed scarf: R70
Double-sided scarves can be a bit daunting to tie,
You might not believe us, but this scarf goes with
but with the right style, they work great – they
everything. The dots are subtle enough to act
give you the option to show off one side, or the
casual when wearing with prints and can be a
other, or both. Who doesn’t love options?
nice touch to a colour blocking outfit.
Barneys, Erdem: R140
Poetry, Cerese Scarf: R180
The loud
Yes it’s sequined, but don’t run away so soon! This can totally look fabulous with the right outfit and attitude. Accessorize, Full Sequin: R200
If you’re trying to catch an eye, this twotone scarf is it. You’ll look exotic and edgey. England Retailers, Cashmere: R300
Don’t underestimate the power of a good animal print scarf. It’ll spruce up any look and colour. La Redoute, Leopard scarf: R170
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HIJAB
trends
TUTORIAL
First make sure that you have a cap, because a lot of pins need to go in it. Place the scarf over your head with one side shorter than the other. Then put two pins to keep the scarf in place as shown in the first picture. Take the shorter side of the scarf and flip it around, so that you’re working with the inner corner. Pin the scarf to your cap on either side to cover up your neck. Take the long piece and flip it around also to work with the inner corner. Use that edge to drape across your head the remaining fabric. Voilà!
Model:humaira razack Photos: Jehan Ara Khonat
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Get 20% off selected perfumes
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J e h a n a r a k h o n at © 2013
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Hijab styles for your face shape
We all seem to know what clothing works well for our body shapes, but so many Muslim woman don’t know how to style their hijabs to suit their face shapes.
By Ange Founder of MissHijabi
√
X Square faces
People with square faces should not
faced women as it turns their face into
wear a tight style pulled right back under
a heavy triangle. It seriously just pushes
their chin that leaves their square jaw
out a square jaw and loses all femininity
jutting out. It just makes your jawline
instantly. Instead frame your chin and
look even more masculine. The typical
the sides of your jawline with a nice scarf
Turkish style hijab that involves a
to give a more rounded/oval appearance
square scarf pinned tightly under the
and keep the forehead and cheekbone
chin and covers the sides of the top
area uncovered.
of your head looks horrible on square
√
X Round faces
Women with round faces should not
Egyptian/Spanish hijab styles that
wear undercaps/underscarves/bonnets
expose the neck, especially if you have
that are pulled down over their forehead
a double chin or chubby face in general
as it shortens a round face incredibly.
(no matter what your face shape). It
I have a round face and I always make
doesn’t flatter at all, it puts the focus
my hijab start at the very beginning
straight on any chunkiness you have in
of my hairline - it will make use of the
that area. These styles only really look
length you have. By doing this and by
good on people who have a slender
also framing the scarf close over the
neck. Short necked people in general
cheekbone area of your face, you can
should stay away from this particular
create the illusion of an oval shape.
style as well.
Round faces should also avoid the
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trends
√
X Heart shaped faces
Heart/Triangle shaped faces look
creating gentle folds around this area
great in looser hijab styles. A tightly
that fall down loosely around your
wrapped hijab, specifically focused on
jawline whilst covering the sides of
the top half of the head, only emphasis
your forehead to minimise the space
your larger forehead area, so try to
and create a more pleasing diamond
keep it draped in a loose effect by
shaped face.
√
X Long/rectangular faces
If you have a long/rectangular face do
also choosing hijabs with ruffles and
not opt for a style that clings tightly
volume/detailing at the sides of your
around your face as it only emphasises
head to further create an illusion of
your elongated head. Instead you can
width. Don’t add volume to the top of
try shortening the length by pulling
your head or expose your neck as this
your undercap down your forehead so
only extends the length of your face
it cuts at least a quarter of the length
and drags it down. And whatever you
off your face. Expose your cheekbones
do, don’t wear an Al-Amira pull on type
as far back as you can to create some
scarf. EVER.
much needed width to your face while
Oval faces
Oval faces (being the most symmetric of all face shapes) will 99.9% of the time suit all hijab styles and can work pretty much any scarf shape out there. So really, Dude what are you even doing here? Go away somewhere awesome and stare into a mirror at yourself whilst marveling at your own perfection.
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glossary
buyers guide
Adhaan The call for daily ritual prayers (salaah)
Accessorize 021 447 7718
Lovisa 0800 555 313
Ackermans 0860 900 100
Mango 011 783 7907
Amirah Kolia 011 782 7249
MarethColleen 083 565 5505
Carlton Hair International
Metropolis 021 827 7580
011 646 2420
Neutrogena 0860 410 032
Deen Religion
Clarins 011 809 6400
Nivea 0860 102 091
Du’aa Supplication
Clicks 0860 254 257
Picot & Moss 011 669 0500
Clinique 011 516 3000
Sass Diva 011 783 1554
Cotton On 021 552 0726
S Bacher & Co 011 372 6000
Coverderm 012 460 1220
Sissy Boy 021 506 4600
Crabtree & Evelyn 011883 6158
S Keren 021 418 0045
Diesel 011 783 0882
Stuttafords 011 879 1000
Halal Something that is permissible to use/consume
Elemis 021 442 7700
Sunglasses Hut 021 506 4600
Haram That which is unlawful in Islam
Environ 021 442 7700
The Lot 021 424 8812
Eucerin 0860 102 091
Topshop 011 685 7070
FHI 021 448 8847
Truworths 021 424 8812
Guess 021 883 8391
Tweezerman 083 468 3686
Kirsten Goss 011 447 2234
YDE 021 5102500
La Prairie 021 442 7700
Zara 011 302 1500
Jama’at A group or a congregation
L’Oréal Professionel 0861 113 911
Zoom 021 510 4707
Jihad A holy war (striving or fighting in the way of Allah)
Akhirah The Hereafter (World after death on earth) Alim A scholar (AS) ‘Alayhis-salaam’, meaning (God’s) peace be with him Dawah Inviting or calling people to worship Allah
DUNYA the temporal world and its earthly concerns and possessions as opposed to the eternal spiritual realm, or the Hereafter. fitnah the trials and temptations that face the believers Hadith A narration/tradition reported from the Prophet (SAW) and/or the Imams (AS)
Hijab The screening between non-mahram men and women, also referred to as a scarf worn by women Ibadah Devotion or worship Imam Leader in Arabic Imaan Full, deep belief or faith In shaa Allah Arabic for ‘With the will of Allah’
by the order of the Imam Jum’ah Friday (given special importance in Islam) Mahram A person with whom marriage is forbidden Makruh Something abominable Masjid/Mosque A place of Islamic worship Mu’min A believer, one who has Imaan Nabi A Prophet Najis Something that is impure Paak Something that is clean, not najis Qadha The duty that is required for a missed ritual activity, such as prayers or fasting Qiblah The direction of salaah (towards the Ka’bah) Qiyamat The day of resurrection after death Qur’aan The Holy Book revealed from Allah as a guidance to mankind Quraysh The tribe of Mecca to which the Prophet (SAW) belonged. All his descendants are also called Qurayshi Rasool Messenger (SAW) Stands for ‘Sallal-lahu ‘alayhi wa-alihi wa-sallam’ in Arabic, and means ‘Blessings and peace of God be with him and his household’. It is a prayer which is said after the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Sadaqah Charity given to the poor Salaah The obligatory prayers Shari’ah The rules and regulations of Islam, the divine Law. Shari’ah is the totality of of Allah’s Commandments relating to man’s activities Sunnat/Mustahab Recommendable, desirable. The acts whose neglect is not punished, but whose performance is rewarded Surah Any chapter of the 114 in the Holy Qur’an. It literally means a sign, or a revelation. Tafseer A term used for a commentary of any book, specifically the Holy Qur’an Tawbah Repentance Wajib Obligatory Wudhu Spiritual wash of the face and hands before salaah or touching the Qur’aan. Wudthu makes you paak Zakat An obligatory charity
By Hasnain Kassamali
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ZALORA Hijabista model search contest
Submit a photo of yourself in your most stylish hijabista look* 2 Grand Prize winners receive: • Title of ZALORA Malaysia’s Hijab Line Ambassador • Professional modeling photos • Professional hair and makeup for photoshoot • Exclusive first right to all paid appearances and photoshoots for ZALORA 1st Runner Up receives: • Cash voucher worth RM100 • Professional hair and makeup for photoshoots • Oppurtunity for paid appearances and photoshoots The shortlisted finalists will be judged based on the quality of the photographs submitted. Only six girls will be called in for a professional photoshoot. The pictures of the models will then be posted on ZALORA Malaysia’s Facebook page. The final selection will be judged based on overall performances and qualities by selected judges. *Eligibility Between ages 16 to 30 years of age Minimum height of 165cm Must be able to provide their own transportation to ZALORA Malaysia’s headquarters for photoshoot in Kuala Lumpur
Scarf design by Nancy Hoque
J e h a n a r a k h o n at Š 2013
How university made me
a better Muslim By Yusra Owais
I
had just returned from my studies in Cairo. From a “Muslim bubble,” spoiled by hearing the adhaan every day and used to being just another covered woman walking in the streets. I returned home to finish off my social work degree. On the first day of classes, I looked around the
room and groaned, “Oh great, I’m the only Muslim here.” I braved myself for the worst and prepared for comments about Muslims, immigrants and minorities. To make matters
We expect non-Muslims to accommodate to our needs and lifestyle, but when it comes to their needs and lifestyle, we brush it off. University taught me a Prophetic principle: hate the sin and not the sinner
worse, I was surrounded by people whose lifestyles I did not agree with and I was worried my faith would suffer tremendously.
inappropriate questions/comments from non-Muslims on a
Allah (SWT) had a different plan. As I got
regular basis. We can blame the media for this, but another
to know my classmates and my professors,
huge problem is that Muslims are not actively engaging with
and as my knowledge of social justice and
non-Muslims. I had an incredible opportunity to present Islam
social work grew, I realised how great this
the way we want it to be presented. I got over my annoyance
opportunity was for me. I had just come
at the questions and started many dialogues which led to me
from a year-long adventure where I had to
gaining the respect of my peers and professors. All of those
adapt and be open-minded to a different
ignorant questions are not asked to simply annoy us — people
language, customs and culture, so why not be
really do not have a clue!
open to learning in this new environment?
We expect non-Muslims to accommodate to our needs and
I remembered the statement of a scholar I
lifestyle, but when it comes to their needs and lifestyle, we
would always repeat to myself in Cairo: find
brush it off. University taught me a Prophetic principle: hate the
a benefit in every situation you find yourself.
sin and not the sinner. In our modern Islamic culture, we call
One of the biggest complaints of Muslims
out people for their sins and focus our attention on those with
is that non-Muslims do not understand
whom we don’t agree. The Prophet (SAW) and the Messengers
us – we are bombarded with weird and
before him did not act this way. Even though I disagreed with the lifestyle of many of my classmates, we all shared a common struggle: being accepted and respected by society. All people, despite their background or religion, have something to offer us. Look at this experience as a chance to grow as a Muslim – polish your character by dealing with difficult people, show your professors and classmates what it really means to be a Muslim, truly thank Allah (SWT) for blessing you with Islam and learn how to benefit from people you do not agree with. I learned how to be a better Muslim from people who do not even accept the religion.
May Allah (SWT) help us, guide us, protect us and increase us in wisdom
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