Iqra Issue 5

Issue 5: Febuary 24, 2010

IQRA

In this Issue: The new president‟s words of wisdom Monash must know locations Actions of our Ummah Actions of our Ummah – MUIS activities Reader‟s Blog Looking into the self Inspiring Words

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Thought is your freedom

MUIS Editor‟s Note: I can only hope that those reading this issue will enjoy its thoughtful content.

May 2010 be all that you wish it to be.

Thank you to; Ilani Janim, Thanaa Abouzeid, Tasnim Sammak, Nour Abouzeid and Jibriil Ibrahim.

Salam Alaykum Wa‟Rahmatullahi Wa‟Barakatuhu.

As the President of MUIS this year, I want to be the first to welcome everyone back to another year of learning and growing, of motivation and dedication, and hopefully getting those high distinctions, insha‟Allah. After three months of holidays, I‟m sure that everyone is ready and rearing to get to their lecture theatres, labs and tutorials, and get to work.

A brand new year marks a new committee. Over the coming semester, you will become familiar with an organisational committee made up of some of the most dedicated and focused individuals that I am privileged to know and look forward to working with. Nonetheless, our committee is only as strong as the community that we represent and serve. For MUIS to have a fruitful year requires the participation of all our fellow Muslim students on campus.

Our aim is to see MUIS mature over the course of this year into a stable, well run organisation that will be beneficial to you. We want to help Muslim students reach their goals while they are here at Monash, both spiritually and academically.

We can only achieve this if we band together and work towards becoming the best students on campus, and these two goals.

So how do we do this?

This year, we are going to help Muslim students to get involved and get together to socialise, network, make friendships and help one another towards this goal.

MUIS will be hosting a number of our regular events, such as BBQ‟s and Iftars during Ramadan, as well as new ideas, such as Brothers and Sisters sports tournaments. Perhaps our most ambitious project will be for Monash University to host (and win!) the Intervarsity Islamic quiz, and I‟m sure, with hard work and dedication, we can pull it off.

The sky is no longer a limit. How successful MUIS is this year is dependent on the imagination of everyone involved. Any help you give regarding MUIS will be beneficial on the Day of Judgement, so don‟t deprive yourself of this opportunity! Introduce yourself to MUIS committee members and get involved! The more help we get the stronger we become.

I pray that everyone has a good year this year and a promising future for MUIS ahead.

Wa‟Salam.

MUIS President: Jibriil Ibrahim

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Courtesy of: Ilani Jamin

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The Prophet (pbuh) said; ““Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”...

So we have returned to another year of study, essays, practical's and hard work. Books, journals and extensive library support can aid us on our journey through university, for those just beginning and for those continuing. And as we strive to keep our grades up and our social life intact we must not forget our faith. For it becomes a habit to stride away from ones own religious obligations without intending to, and for such a reason it fell into my attention the ways in which our own ummah has put their hard work in order to help and benefit its young and old. Such as „My Book Store‟, newly created for the ease of buying and receiving Islamic books at the mere click of a mouse. No this is not a promotion, however I do believe that this resource can aid us students in our struggle in increasing our knowledge in our religion. For though the study of medicine, politics and so fourth is in the eyes of Allah Ibadah (worship) it must be a priority for us to crave a wider knowing about our own religion. „My book store‟ provides you with the means to do this, stocking books that range from; Quran Tafsir, hadith, sciences, history, jurisprudence, Arabic books as well as audio books, kids toys and nasheed CDs all on Islam and much more, the only problem you will have is making a decision. With such a large variety this erases any excuse of showing no interest. So next time your online planning to check your Facebook stop by at mybookstore.org.au for as it promises you‟ll find “the best Islamic titles for less @ my fingertips”.

So, what‟s your excuse?

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MUSO – The Monash Islamic Society would not be what is today without its food– BBQs and Iftar’s, a small insight into the festivities of 2009.

And its always thought that the Muslims at Monash could not increase in population when coming together over good food. But as we see each year the number only gets bigger. What makes these gathering so much more outstanding is its purpose. Flocking together not just for the food but for the company of the brothers and sisters around campus. Like the sausages sizzling side by side, so were the brothers and sisters on this day, happily munching away and secretly grateful for the societies attempts at reeling in everyone to actively take part in the society. The question here is why not? What gives this BBQ flavor is the intention and the sincerity of uniting the Brothers and Sisters as we should be in Islam. If such an organization is able to do so, why should we not, those who much away on their food, attempt to bring on board this society our own ideas. For two minds is better than one, and the joy those who organize such an event feel upon seeing such a lovely number of Muslims together is worthwhile, an accomplishment that we undermine. Though small, the unity of this society mirrors the desired unity of the Ummah worldwide.

Held every year it is only hoped that those who gather on this day for the lovely atmosphere and food come on board and possibly then, there will be more BBQs to look forward to.

So keep an eye out for the 2010 MUSO BBQ, which is sure to be all you expect it to be.

It must not be overlooked that one of the other main events organized by Muso, that outstands even those from outside Monash, at the amount of people it gathers and the hype it establishes, is the Iftars during the Holy month of Ramadan.

The number; huge, the food; tasty, and the atmosphere; holy. Every year without fail, mashallah, the red carpet is laid out on the coming of this blessed month.

What makes these gatherings unique is the unity we share while taking on this obligation, as well as the opportunity we know we have in returning to Allah (Swt) by “seeing not what displeases Him, speaking no evil, hearing no evil, doing no evil, and looking to Allah with fear and hope”.

Such disciplines we don't realize bring us together.

How? In the manner that we act, in the attitude that we express and most importantly in in the practice that we encourage one another to implement.

As we gather united in an act of worship, so is every other Muslim Fasting around the world. As the earth slowly rotates the act of worship remains continuous, as one country prepares to break fast, another awakes to begin theirs.

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Indeed such a beautiful miracle that all humans on the face of earth undertake for the sake of Allah (swt). Every individual being in the center of their own place returning to the Creator. A beautiful act of unity that the Monash Iftars help to generate the universal feeling of unity.

So much so that the Islamic society encouraged the reciting of the Quran and finishing it, that a competition was held in which those would record the amount of times they finished the Quran during the month of Ramadan on a record sheet posted in the Musalaâ€&#x;s. Likewise, a number of the sisters would gather to recite the Quran together during this time. Such small practices yet so beautiful.

I look forward to the coming of Ramadan this year and Inshallah it is more rewarding than the last.

Lastly and most successfully MUIS held a bake sale as a fundraising event, as many know any fundraising event is hard to organize, expectations are high and the overall success is draining, but definitely all worth it.

We all recall images of the disaster caused by the Bali earthquake last year. Thousands of people were dislocated and in need to start a new life from scratch having nothing left with them. The brothers and sisters in MUIS last year felt that they needed to do something to try in any way possible to improve the humanitarian crisis. The idea of a bake stall fundraiser came up and when it was put into action it turned out majestic.

Around fifteen brothers and sisters dedicated their time and effort to make the bake stall a success.

They were moving around, collecting homemade foods from other Muslims, pricing the food, putting up the banner, bringing people over to buy some cake. The spirit of cooperation between the MUIS members was elevating and full of hope.

At the end most of the cake and muffin was sold and the profit made was alhamdulilah great.

Around 150 people came along and bought something or donated or asked questions and raised a discussion. The bake stall was lively and everyone left feeling that this kind of compassion needs to be brought out more often.

And Inshallah it will.

Courtesy of Tasnim Sammak

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“Two Brothers are likened to a pair of hands, one of which washes the other” - Al-Ghazzali For al-Ghazzali, the duties of friendship and brotherhood in association with people include that friendship be for the sake of true love of God Most High. He describes enmity for the sake of God Most High and the degrees of anger against the opponents of God Most High. He also discusses the rights and conditions of association and friendship and the rights of Muslims, neighbors, relatives, mothers and fathers, children and captives in war.

Translated by Muhtar Holland, he does a wonderful job at covering the main aspects represented by alGhazzali. Structured in chapter‟s, a total of eight chapters present the topics discussed and is easily comprehended. He discusses: 1. Material assistance, 2. Personal aid, 3. Holding One‟s tongue, 4. Speaking Out, 5. Forgiveness, 6. Prayer, 7. Loyalty & Sincerity and 8. Informality. Seemingly simple and universal topic's, Ghazzali‟a ability in making you feel the need to review and reassert your friendship properly is instant .

For as he explains; brotherhood is only truly complete when friends are „comrades in a single enterprise‟.

Hence, the topic I will cover briefly is „Material assistance‟, as in our community the essence of love and true friendship is slowly fading, where one will befriend those whom he/she can benefit from, destroying the true meaning of brotherhood. This type of „friendship‟ which can hardly be called brotherhood is of the lowest degree, and which Ghazzali explains can also be “seen as unacceptable to truly religious and God fearing people”.

The Second Degree, is to place your brother on the same footing as yourself, that is to give to your brother what you would like for yourself. Al-Hasan Said, “There was once a man who would split his waist band between himself & his brother”. The beauty in such a friendship is evident, but what is more so is to give more to your brother.

The Highest degree does just that, in which you prefer your brother over yourself, your willingness to take what is yours and give it entirely to your brother. This degree Al-Ghazzali explains is that of Siddiq, loyal, truthful and honest and thus is the final stage for those united in spiritual love.

To be a Siddiq, is to be like Abu Bakr (r.a) was to Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) who as tradition relates, when the Prophet (pbuh) slept on the knee of Abu Bakr (r.a) in a cave during the time of Hijra, he did not disrupt him nor awake him even though he got bitten and was in severe pain. His tears fell from his eyes softly as to not even stir the Prophet (pbuh). Hence, it was not the words and feeling of Abu Bakr (r.a) to the Prophet (pbuh) that remained in Islamic History but his actions, which all should take as an example.

And God knows best.

Hence the truth in brotherhood entails participation in good & bad fortune, partnership in the past, present & future and the abandonments of passiveness and selfishness.

Conclusively the Prophet (pbuh) said; “Each time two people are in company together, the dearer to God is he who is kinder to his companion” Not status, position, wealth or identity matter in preserving a friendship and acting in good will. Though only a chapter from Al-Ghazzali book he powerfully brings forward the truth of brotherhood that we sometimes take for granted.

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It is suggested to our brothers and sisters whether beginners, illustrious workers, or responsible leaders, that they should have a daily period put aside for self-evaluation and examination. We should realize that all of us are going to be accountable for our deeds on the Day of Judgment. It is therefore wise that we continuously assess ourselves in this world and make amends before that final judgment by Allah.

The prophet said: „Everyone starts his day and is a vendor of his soul, either freeing it or bringing about its ruin.‟ (Muslim). „Umar ibn al-Khattab, in one of his famous sayings said “Judge yourselves before you are judged, evaluate yourselves before you are evaluated and be ready for the greatest investigation (the Day of Judgment)” 1. Did I offer my five daily Salat on time?

Guard strictly your Salat or Prayer, especially the middle prayer; and stand before Allah submissively (alBaqarah 2.238).

The Prayer most loved by Allah is Prayer performed on time (Muslim).

2. Am I satisfied with the quality of my Salat?

If a man performs two units of prayer without the distraction of any worldly thoughts, all his previous sins will be forgiven (Bukhari) When you stand for Prayer perform your Prayer as if were your last (Ahmad).

3. How many verses of the Qur‟an did I memories?

Indeed the one who memorizes nothing of the Qur‟an is similar to a deserted house (Timidhi) 4. What steps did I take to bring my family closer to Islam?

O you who believe! Save yourself and your family from a fire whose fuel is men and stones (66:6).

5. How many Salat did I offer in congregation?

A prayer with congregation is twenty-seven times superior to one performed individually. (Bukhari) 6. What part of the Qur‟an did I read with understanding?

Do they not seek to understand the Qur‟an, or are their hearts locked up by them?

(47:24) 7. What did I do to fulfill my duty as a da‟iyah (caller to Islam)?

Encourage one another in truth, and encourage one another in patience(al-Asr 103) Who is better in speech than one who calls to God, acts righteously and says: I am of those who surrender [unto Him]. (al Fusilat 41:33] 8. Have I treated my parents with love and respect and have I given due consideration to all their needs?

Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you are to be kind to Parents whether on or both of them attain old age during your lifetime, say no to them a word of contempt nor repel them but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness lower to them the wing of humility and say: My Lord: bestow on them your mercy even as they cherished me in childhood (17:23-24) 9. Did I safeguard my tongue from useless speech?

The faith of a man cannot be straight unless his heart becomes straight and his heart cannot be straight unless his tongue becomes straight.

10. Did I commend others for the good things they may have done? Kind works and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants and He is Most Forbearing (2:263)

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11. Did I take an interest in my health (diet, exercises, etc)?

Health, for one who fears Allah is better than wealth (Hadith) 12 Have I been just in all my dealings?

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to Allah even against yourself, or your kith and kin and whether they be rich or poor, for Allah can best protect both.” (al-Nisa 4:135) 13. Did I backbite or slander anyone?

None of you should tell me anything about anyone, for I like to meet [anyone] of you with a clean heart.

(Abu Dawud).

14. What acts of sadaqah did I perform?

There are 360 joints in the body and for each joint you must give a sadaqah (thanks or charity). (Bukhari) 15. Was I safeguard my eyes from the evil influences of Shaitan?

A gaze is a poisoned arrow from Satan. Whoever abstains from it in fear of God shall receive from Him an increase in faith, the sweetness of which he will feel in his heart. (Musnad of ibn Hanbal) 16. What have I read to improve my understanding of Islam?

(Al-Fatir 35:28) 17. Did I save a portion of my wealth?

Make not your hand be chained to your neck nor open it with a complete opening, lest you become blameworthy and destitute. (al-Isra 17:29) 18. Did I fulfill all my promises?

And fulfill your promise. Verily you will be answerable for your promises (al-Isra 17:34) 19. Did I make tawbah (seek Allah‟s forgiveness)?

Allah will continue to hold out His hand at night so that he who sinned during the day might repent, and to hold out His hand during the day so that he who sinned at night might repent till the sun should rise from the West.

(Muslim) 20. Did I implement what I read and said?

O you who believer! Why do you say that which you do not do? Grievously hateful is it in the sight of God that you should say what you do not do. (al-Saif 6x-243) 21. Did I reflect on my accountability to Allah on the Day of Judgment?

And fear the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned and none shall be dealt with unjustly (al-Baqarah 2:281) That day we seal your mouths and hand speak out and feet bear witness, to all that they did. (Ya-Sin 36:65) 22. Am I satisfied with the way I spent the day?

Wise is the one who continually assesses himself and performs good deeds for the life after death. Foolish is the one who follows his desires and entertains very high hopes from Allah. (Timidhi). „Umar ibn al-Khattab, in one of his famous sayings said “Judge yourselves before you are judged, evaluate yourselves before you are evaluated and be ready for the greatest investigation (the Day of Judgment)” “The World is three days: As for yesterday, it has vanished, along with all that was in it. As for tomorrow, you may never see it. As for today, it is yours, so work in it.” (Hassan al-Basri) Courtesy of Salwa Ahmed

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Fabric of Our History See my brothers and sisters die, see them fall from grace.

See them killed and tortured, because of nothing but their race.

See their land be snatched away, see the children cry for help.

Watch a living nightmare, turn into a living hell.

Maybe if we tried to fight, we might stand a chance.

If someone takes a step, we may be ready to take a stance.

With my fury building inside me, I can‟t help but move.

I attack the nearest soldier, so fast but yet so smooth.

He struggles underneath me when the shots begin to fly.

It‟s dangerous in those fields; you got to struggle to sur- My body writhes in agony as I slowly start to die. vive.

You‟ll notice my tears mix with my blood, as the life You got to protect your back, your brothers, your kids, seeps out of my soul. your wives.

I don‟t cry for the way I die, I cry for us as a whole.

It‟s like a screaming chaos; I‟m going crazy from the noise.

Because day in and day out, heaps of us die.

My heart is splintered with fear, trying to avoid their And all those that are left living, are left just to cry. dangerous toys.

That no matter how hard we try, we will never win.

No matter how strong we fight, they‟ll make us lower It‟s like guns are a good thing, like they‟re an essential our chin. part of life.

I cry for my family, my people and my race.

Everything they own is deadly, they laugh if we hold a I cry when I‟m dying because we won‟t ever have our knife. own place.

But we have nothing to protect us, but words and rocks and sand.

The pain leaves my body, and I know I near the end.

We struggle to get up again, can‟t find a helping hand.

I groan in submission, miserable because I couldn‟t mend.

You can‟t help but grimace at all this death.

This fabric of our history, so torn its hard to hold.

All those bodies lying around you, you‟d wish it was I want it to be strengthened, a pride that should be told. you instead.

You can‟t help all the tears that your eyes cry.

But now I‟ll leave that to our children, still alive and You can‟t help not ever getting to say goodbye. well.

You can‟t help the wounded on their death bed.

Maybe they can raise this living dream that somehow You can‟t take back everything that‟s been said. quickly fell.

It‟s a burden to be carried, but one that we all hold.

They say we‟re the terrorists, that we‟re taking their Our future will be better, our people much more bold. land.

When they‟re the ones terrorizing us, forcing on us com- My heart beats for the last, most painful time. mands.

And my sight blinds me from these peoples evil crime.

Raping our women, shooting our kids.

With my last breath I pray to my Lord.

Ridiculing our soldiers, making us do all they bid.

That justice will be served, for all the blood that‟s been I scream out in anger, because it‟s stronger than the poured. pain.

Courtesy of Thanaa I get up with all my strength, my fury more insistent Abouzeid than the rain.

It‟s not fair to be treated like dirt.

It‟s not right to waste away from all the hurt.

It‟s wrong to be afraid in your own home.

It‟s terrible that we all feel so alone.

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