I’m
NOT
A
PRINCESS I’M A
QUEE
EN photogropahed NUR AKMA BIN ANUAR
NEWSLETTER HERSTORY #ISSUE 2 INTRODUCTION
7 Our head editor-in-
EDITOR’S LETTER
chief talks about feminism
10
BEHIND THE COVER Get to know what’s behind the cover
12
MASTHEAD
14
CONTRIBUTORS
18
CLAPBACK Feminism Kuliah-hopping Reviews on our first newsletter
INFOCUS
22 Our head editor talks
ISLAM VS FEMINISM
about feminism
26 GADIS
TAKES ON FEMINISM
Gadis is back with her take on feminism
TRAVEL THE SHAM LEFT
29 Let us take you to the off-beaten tracks of Jordan
MAQOL
perspective 34 Islamic On feminism
NEWSLETTER HERSTORY #ISSUE 2 CORRESPONDENCE VISIT BY THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT A coverage on the visit our honorable guests
37
INDARS
41 featured Sheikh;
Sheikh Dr. Yusry Rushdy
44 46
BOOKS
Wives of the prophet ISIS
TOP 10
Most Influential women figures
52 54
LET’S TALK ABOUT WOMEN Quotes by prominent figures on Women
PROFILES
Amazing Atti’qah Nurul Izzah Khamsani
66 FEMINISM An opinion penned By Abdillah Amirnordin
70 Stereotypical misconception regarding feminism
74
By Ashraf Anwar Religious view on Feminism By Muhammad Bin Abdul Majid
NEWSLETTER HERSTORY #ISSUE 2 78
WOMEN
LIYANA MUSFIRAH
The super mum reminds us that women are indeed empowering.
82
FATHIN ARTINI
Sejenak bersama pelarian syria
KULIAH-HOPPING
86 ICONS 95ATII’QAH SUHAIMI
Presentation by senior AlAzhar Undergraduates
Get to know the amazing individual dear to our hearts.
editor’s letter
DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN. THANK YOU
E
Photographs by MUSTAFA ROSLAN
veryone kept on asking me what I was going to write for my editor’s letter for this issue. Am I going to post a rough and head-on approach as I always do? Or something else. When the Research Unit had our discussion on feminism a while ago, I had an intention to open PERKEMAS to the various diverse complexities of the issue. Feminism is not an easy subject. Most social problems aren’t. The research team seperated into four diffrent prespectives of feninism; the feminist, the male femininst, the radical feminist and the anti-feminist. It was fun putting on these roles for ten minutes or so. To see the audiences’ shocked faces as they heard Kayisah’s - in that case, Sasha Fierce - belt out that all men are vacuum cleaners. An overly dramatic collective gasp. And it was also highly refreshing to see students from the various religious disciplines discuss and debate about such issues. Quoting plenty from the Quran and the Prophetic texts to understand and give solutions for the modern women to lead their everyday lives. I have plenty of views on feminism. And I believe it is one of the more important social issues in our society. Especially in the global Muslim community. But I decided not to write anything about feminism. Instead, I am going to make a magazine out of it. But first and foremost let me sing the war songs of feminism, from Beyoncé of course.
“Who run the world? Girls! Some of them men think they freak this like we do. But no they don’t. Make your check come at they neck, Disrespect us no they won’t.”
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o make things even better, I started followed a Korean drama titled Descendants of the Sun. Definitely one of the best dramas I’ve ever seen. I recommend it to everyone. Sure, it has plenty of sappy romantic scenes – isn’t that what Korean dramas are for - but it definitely has something different to offer. The female protagonist Kang Mo-Yeon, a highly respected doctor falls in love with a Special Forces soldier, Yoo Si-jin. The first few episodes unraveled how doctor Kang rebuffs the sexual advances of the hospital chairman and was suddenly randomly ‘assigned’ to lead a medical team in a war torn country. She didn’t cry or felt sorry for herself. Instead, she held her head up high and marched on with the assignment. And boy was she good at it. Her voice commands the doctors and nurses of her team, as well as the soldiers in the area. She’s the HBIC. And she made sure everyone knows about it too. Oh, and she falls in love. Women are far different now than they were mere decades ago. Gone are the days where a single order from the father disallows their daughter from going to school. The modern woman doesn’t allow herself to fit into society’s patriarchal and narrow views.
editor’s letter
The ladies of Research after the first discussion. She’s a self-made warrior. Her aims are high and she knows she would have to work hard to achieve it, but that doesn’t bother her. She strives for everything she believes in and yet she doesn’t shy away from the obstacles to attain it. And somehow still have time to fall in love. Just like Kang Mo-Yeon. To understand feminism in a short span of a few pages is ridiculous. You can’t understand feminism just by reading a few measly pieces. Something as complex as the topic needs long winded articles and multi dimensional perspectives that give the reader a wider view on what feminism is really about. So for this issue, the Research team had gathered articles from across the boarders. From multiple layered pieces on feminism, to interviews of incredible women in society. Our aim is not to give you a single stand on this issue, but to open the doors to this issue. This issue wasn’t an easy feat, especially, if you’re juggling daily eight hours of school and making a monthly magazine. But Alhamdulillah we did it. And we hope you like it. efore I end this brief message. Again I would like to quote Beyoncé.
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“Okay ladies now let’s get in formation.”
- MUSTAFA ROSLAN
behind the cover
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hen you think cover girl, you’d think beauty. Whether a close up, half-body or fullbody shot, hours of effort is put behind the making of a typical magazine cover. From makeup, to lighting, to further digital alteration. All just to meet the unspoken standards of beauty. The final product will defer entirely from what the cover girl looks like sans makeup and edits, but because it has become a norm, it has been subconsciously ingrained in our minds, that this, is beauty. Whether we realise it or not, deep down, we have a desire to look that certain way to the extent that we, splurge on various products to achieve said look. Despite it not being a necessity, the beauty industry is one of the highest earning industries today, judging from the amount of new products popping up ever so often. Now when you think niqab or hijab, you’d think of oppression and underdevelopment. The same factors that brainwashed you into spending so much, indirectly brought you into thinking that the niqab and hijab are no longer relevant in this age. Well, allow me to tell you otherwise. A niqabi or a hijabi does not surrender herself to the pressure to look good. She tries her best to dress in accordance to Allah’s commands. She dresses to please the Almighty, not any other being, not even herself. In contrast, the “modern” and “liberal” woman does whatever it takes to fit into the scope of what is deemed as beautiful in the eyes of a human being. Religion aside, just think about all the time, effort and money saved on makeup and unnecessary beauty products. If she is one who only dresses in black, she does not need to stress about the colour coordination of her outfits. Practical, no? In addition, when she covers herself, it di-
verts the attention away from her physical qualities to her true self, which is her personality, character and intelligence. Therefore, she will be judged based on who she is, not how she looks like. Isn’t that what everyone secretly wishes for? Also, somehow or rather, covering oneself totally is sort of like putting on an invisible cloak. Take a look at our cover again. What do you see? Just a black figure am I right? You don’t know who it is, but you can tell it is a person. Now try imagining that figure is you, and when you walk around the streets looking like that. When people look at you, they see you, but at the same time, they don’t. Doesn’t that give you a little confidence boost? Strangers cannot identify you, and your physical flaws and insecurities will be kept between you and yourself. Doesn’t it makes you feel safer, to be away from the eyes and imagination of perverted men? You decide what others get to see. And in this case, they’ll see nothing but black.
So what has all this got to do with this newsletter issue? In a way, I am standing up for feminism by rejecting the stereotypical beauty standards set for women, or people in general. Rejecting the silent pressure to look and dress a certain way.
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eauty is not just superficial. I hope more people truly believe that. I hope, more people feel less insecure about their height, weight and skin tone. I hope they do not envy others’ physical qualities, wishing they are more like them, not realising that these things don’t last, and they’ll never look different from what Allah created them to be, no matter how hard they try. I hope they realise that they are beautiful regardless. That you, are beautiful. -MASAYU UBAIDAH MOKHTAR
PERKEMAS
NEWSLETTER MUSTAFA ROSLAN Editor in Chief
Creative Editor
Leading Editor NUR AKMA BIN ANUAR MASAYU UBAIDAH BINTE MOKHTAR, SITI MARAHAINA BINTE AMRAN Creative Advisor MUHAMMAD ASHRAF BIN ANWAR
Art Editor MUSTAFA ROSLAN, MASAYU UBAIDAH BINTE MOKHTAR,SITI MARAHAINA BINTE AMRAN Photo Editor MUSTAFA ROSLAN, MUHD FAIZUDDIN BIN FAUZAN Head Editor SITI MARAHAINA BINTE AMRAN Assistant Editor MASAYU UBAIDAH BINTE MOKHTAR,
MUHAMMAD AFIQ BIN ANWAR, KAIYISAH NAJLAA BINTE KAMALUDIN, NABILAH BINTE MOHAMMAD
JUMLI, NUR AKMA BIN ANUAR, NUR RASHIDAH SABANI, MUHAMMAD FAIZUDDIN BIN FAUZAN Contributors MUHD AFIQ BIN ANWAR, MASAYU UBAIDAH BINTE MOKHTAR, SITI MARAHAINA BINTE AMRAN, NUR AKMA BIN ANUAR Cover Art MASAYU UBAIDAH BINTE MOKHTAR Clapback SITI MARAHAINA BINTE AMRAN Books TAHIRAH BINTE SYED SULTAN, MUH D AFIQ BIN ANWAR TOP 10 NABILAH BINTE MOHAMMAD JUMLI InDars MUHAMMAD AFIQ BIN ANWAR Infocus TAHIRAH BINTE SYED SULTAN Gadis KAYISAH NAJLAA BINTE KAMALUDDIN Exco Representatives MUHAMMAD ASHRAF BIN ANWAR, SALI ATIKAH BINTE ABDULLAH SANI
Contributors MUSTAFA ROSLAN, KAIYISAH NAJLAA BINTE KAMALUDIN, TAHIRAH BINTE SYED SULTAN, NABILAH BINTE MOHAMAD JUMLI, SITI MARAHAINA BINTE AMRAN, MUHAMMAD AFIQ BIN ANWAR, MASAYU UBAIDAH BINTE MOKHTAR, AHMAD SHAZLY BIN MOHAMAD ARIFF, NUR AKMA BIN ANUAR, NURUL IMAN BINTE ABDUL RASHID, FATHIN ARTINI BINTE MOHD SAID, SITI NURUL ‘AMIRA BINTE SA’DON, MUHD ASHRAF BIN ANWAR, ABDILLAH BIN AMIRNORDIN, MUHAMMAD SUFI BIN ROSLAN, AUFA M SIDQEE, A’TII QAH BINTE SUHAIMI, MUHAMMAD ABDUL MAJID, AHMAD SYAAKIR BIN NOR RAZAK, IMRON RUSHDIE BIN TUKIMAN, MUHAMMAD ‘ALAWI BIN AHMAD SHAMSUDDIN
contributors Nurul iman binte abdul rashid
Sometimes you never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory For her, its about making each second count. An imperfect perfectionist who likes to observe details and portray it in the best vivid way possible with the hopes that her experience will touch hearts.
Abdul hafiz bin latiff جيب أن ننظر إىل مبدأ »املرأة حبسية البيت« بأنه و قد خترج من،مبدأ غري صحيح يف اإلسالم املدرسة النبوية عاملات و شاعرات و ﳎاهدات الشيخ عبد اهلل بن بيه-
“The phrase ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’ is often overlooked especially in our current times. To write is to express, educate and in most situations, it is a good weapon for justice.”
Aufa m sidqee
contributors Fathin artini binte mohd said
“
Aku kecewa. Zaman berubah namun kadangkala aku masih diberi layanan berbeza. Hanya sebab aku wanita. Padahal terciptanya kami dari rusuk kiri lelaki utk didampingi dan dilindungi bukan disisih tepi.
�
Siti marahaina binte amran The road to God is long. .And it is not vital that you reach the end. As long as you die whilst on the road, you have reached
contributors
“ MADA MADA
DANE
Nur akma bin anuar
"When her innocent dreams wielded daggers, Her innocence pays the price of being endangered." Siti nurul ‘Amira binte sa’don
”
contributors A CHAIvinist who enjoys discovering life, one step at a time. While at it, she needs her dose of Eminem to get her going. Kaiyisah najlaa binte kamaludin Syair ini berbicara tentang 'mereka' yang hina sebelum agama datang,mulia setelah agama dipegang,tapi ada segelintir yang melampau setelah sedap ditatang. Pembiacara harus bijak menyesuaikan kata untuk si pendengar. Maka syair ini mengandungi perumpamaan yang samar dan halus,juga bahasa yang langka didengar,demi menjaga kesopanan dan harga.
Islam adalah penggerak, pengubah, pengimbang dan peneutralisasi sesuatu perkara yang melampau dan menempatkannya di tempat Muhammad yang sesuai atau lebih baik.
“And though she be but little, she is fierce�
- William Shakespeare
A 19 year old bibliophilic perfectionist with an obsession with cats.
Tahirah binte syed sultan
sufi bin roslan
clapback
FROM OUR READERS
“Living in Singapore where the scope of diversity is rapidly widening, and the challenges Muslims face constantly differ from time to time, it is very crucial for Muslims, especially graduates from Islamic universities to be equipped with sufficient knowledge, and step up on their rational evidence to be able to answer the questions posted by non-believer, and to combat any misconceptions of Islam.”
“We live in an age where there is a confusion about the concept of feminism, and to me, modern feminism has deviate tremendously from the original concept of feminism. It has just become a platform to voice out opinions for personal gains.”
- MUHD ASHRAF BIN ANWAR
-AUFA SIDQEE
“Islam is a religion that acknowledges each gender and its biological differences, such that everyone is given the rights accordingly, to be able to optimize the potential to it’s fullest. “
“Yes, women should be given their rights, but to a certain extent. Islam is a religion of justice and equality, it is impossible that what Islam has set, mistreats any party.”
- MUHD FAIRUZEE BIN SALAHUDDIN
-MUHAMMAD ZUHAILI BIN YUSOF
- MUHAMMAD ASH SHIDDIQUE
“The only way to put a stop to the concept of differentiating women and men in which one sex is weaker than the other, is to educate. Education is the only solution.”
clapback “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” - NELSON MANDELA “An art, which has an aim to achieve the beauty, is called a philosophy or in the absolute sense it is named wisdom.” - AL-FARABI
FROM OUR FACULTY
“ When I see a man from the Adherents of Hadith, it is as if I have seen the Prophet – Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – alive.” - IMAM SYAFIE “He who practices Tasawwuf without learning Sacred Law corrupts his faith, while he who learns Sacred Law without practicing Tasawwuf corrupts himself. Only he who combines the two proves true.”
“IIf you read the Quran with your head, “The real daawah to you find repetition. Islam is the character If you read it with of a muslim.“ your heart, you find depth.” - IMAM MALIK
NOUMAN ALI KHAN
-TARIQ RAMADAN
clapback
FROM OUR FACULTY
“At the end of the “If it wasn't for day, Creed & the chain (Isnad), Philosophy everyone would basically have said teaches us the whatever they right way to wanted to say” think.” “Verily language “Sesuatu pendapat is the key to all Fiqh itu bagaikan knowledge.” -IDRIS RIFAIE0
-MUSTAFA ROSLAN
rumah, dan tiangnya adalah dalilnya.” -MUHAMMAD FAIRUZEE
“Membaca terjemahan Al-Quraan tidak menjadikan kamu seorang mufassir.” -MUHAMMAD IFAN
- NOORSYAHIDDIN
“Every knowledge interlinks with one another, and in the end we need to remember that everything we learn, we do not learn it except to preach (da’wah) it to others.” -ASHRAF ANWAR
“WOMEN ARCHITE SOCIE
HARRIET BEEC
ph
ARE THE ECTS OF ETY”
CHER STOWE
hotogropahed NUR AKMA BIN ANUAR
INFOCUS Islam Vs Feminism
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oday’s modern feminism is a corruption of what feminism should be. If feminism is not about freedom, what’s the point of it? Feminism is not about making the world equal anymore. It’s about women being powerful, women being acknowledged solely because they are women. And if that isn’t bad enough, Feminism is now synonymous with man hating. Studies show that only 18 percent of Americans consider themselves feminists. Really. Only. Because in truth, women are actually already satisfied with what they’ve got. Since modern women had been liberated from their traditional 1950s role of housewife, neither gender nor motherhood is now a barrier to career and success. Women can get to the top of any single job that they want to in the UK. Their earning power has soared, women are doing better than men in education and they are in control of decisions over whether to start a family. You’ve got woman fighter pilots. Women astronauts. Women miners. Women dentists. Women doctors. Women managing directors. What is it you haven’t got? In a sense, Islam may be considered a feminist religion. Why? Its because Islam condones acts of injustice towards
women, gave women the right of inheritance, gave them the right to own property, as well as allowed them to engage in their own hobbies and businesses. Western women, however, usually fail to recognize Islam as a feminist religion, and they restrict the term ‘feminism’ to the products of Western culture designed to change the status of women in society. But something we all have to understand is that the way Islam treats women and man equally is only to a certain extent. This word – equality – which many thinkers in both the east and the west advocate in various fields of life is a word which is based on deviation and a lack of understanding, especially when the speaker attributes this idea of equality to the Qur’an and to Islam. One of the things that people misunderstand is when they say that “Islam is the religion of equality”. What they should say is that Islam is the religion of justice. e should not say equality, because equality implies no differentiation between the two. Because of this unjust call for equality, they started to ask, ‘what is the difference between male and female?’
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INFOCUS So they made males and females the same, and then the communists said, ‘What difference is there between ruler and subject? No one has any authority over anyone else, not even fathers and sons; the father has no authority over his son,’ and so on. But if we say justice, which means giving each individual the rights which he or she is entitled to, this misunderstanding no longer applies, and the word used is correct. Hence it does not say in the Qur’an that Allah enjoins equality, rather it says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, Allah enjoins Al‑‘Adl (i.e. justice)” [al-Nahl 16:90] “and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice” [al-Nisa’ 4:58] Based on this, Islam is not the religion of equality, rather it is the religion of justice which means treating equally those who are equal and differentiating between those who are different. In a sense, Islam may be considered a feminist religion. Why? Its because Islam condones acts of injustice towards women, gave women the right of inheritance, gave them the right to own property, as well as allowed them to engage in their own hobbies and businesses.
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estern women, however, usually fail to recognize Islam as a feminist religion, and they restrict the term ‘feminism’ to the products of Western culture designed to change the status of women in society. But something we all have to understand is that the way Islam treats women and man equally is only to a certain extent. This word – equality – which many thinkers in both the east and the west advocate in various fields of life is a word which is based on deviation and a lack of understanding, especially when the speaker attributes this idea of equality to the Qur’an and to Islam. One of the things that people misunderstand is when they say that “Islam is the religion of equality”. What they should say is that Islam is the religion of justice.
We should not say equality, because equality implies no differentiation between the two. Because of this unjust call for equality, they started to ask, ‘what is the difference between male and female?’ So they made males and females the same, and then the communists said, ‘What difference is there between ruler and subject? No one has any authority over anyone else, not even fathers and sons; the father has no authority over his son,’ and so on. But if we say justice, which means giving each individual the rights which he or she is entitled to, this misunderstanding no longer applies, and the word used is correct. Hence it does not say in the Qur’an that Allah enjoins equality, rather it says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, Allah enjoins Al‑‘Adl (i.e. justice)” [al-Nahl 16:90] “and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice” [al-Nisa’ 4:58] Based on this, Islam is not the religion of equality, rather it is the religion of justice which means treating equally those who are equal and differentiating between those who are different. There are many aspects of religion that prove the differences between men and women, for example: The Qur’an commands women to wear clothes that are different from those worn by men, because of the differences in the ways each gender is tempted by the other. Testimony or bearing witness. The Qur’an states that the testimony of one man is equivalent to the testimony of two women.
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he ‘Feminist Revolution’ is said to be one of the many deceptive weapons used to attack the integrity of Muslim society. The plan is devised on the false cries/calls about equality of women with men, exploitation of rights of women and the mistreatment meted out to women. Women are now assuming the role of men in a family; they want to pursue professional careers; they ignore their responsibilities towards their homes/kids/husbands etc.; they are no more obedient to their husbands; they are the final authority to take a decision in family matters. So, does that mean that Islam does not allow women to work and pursue professional careers? From Islamic point of view, there is no harm if a married woman works. She is allowed to pursue professional careers, earn money and prosper. Example can be taken of
INFOCUS Sayyidatina Khadija (RA); she was a successful businesswoman. But, there has to be a check and balance in this matter. a) If a married woman, who is a mother too, goes for her professional career, she should first make sure that she fulfills her responsibilities towards her husband, her house and towards the upbringing of her children. But, if the price being paid for taking on these professional careers by a married woman is that she will have to leave-off her duties as a wife and as a mother, thereby leaving her home and kids at the mercy of others, then the matter is of serious concern. b) The career she opts for should be a meaningful one. Several women can be seen working in places just for the sake of pursuing their careers (they might not be requiring money as the financial needs of their families might have been taken care of by their husbands / fathers / brothers already), whereas on the other hand, several men are unable to find a suitable job for them and hence are finding it difficult to earn bread for their families. Imagine, if these ladies had not been working, it would have created extra vacancies that could have helped many men earn livelihood for their families. CONCLUSION Women are like men in some aspects and they differ from them in others. Most of the rulings of Islam apply to men and women equally. In cases where a distinction is made between the sexes, the Muslim regards that as a mercy from Allah and a sign of His knowledge of His creation, but the arrogant kaafir sees it as oppression and injustice, so he stubbornly insists on claiming that men and women are the same. - TAHIRAH SYED SULTAN
GADIS TAKES ON
feminism UNNECESSARY IMPRISONMENT
I
stumbled upon this saying while looking up real-life accounts made by women: Men are vacuum-cleaners, they suck the happiness and freedom every woman deserves to get. They limit the achievements a woman can accomplish, and they suck the ability of women to live life normally. In short, men suck. I must say, it struck a chord with me. Though I would not go to the extreme of claiming ‘men suck’, but I somehow could empathize with her. With her sufferings. With the mistreatments she received. For I am going to let these personal recounts do the talking: This first situation happened to Siti (not real name), a friend dear to me. Siti was happily prepping for school, having a positive outlook on the day that she is about to conquer, but pre-
venting that positivity, was the tremco driver. Seeing the tremco packed, Siti decided to sit infront with a friend, so when the driver entered, the front row became squeezed. Instead of following his daily routine-which is driving the girls to school, he decided to deviate his right hand and brush against Siti’s thighs. What was initially dismissed as a mere brushing against the thighs quickly evolved into a heavy swift action that trespassed the danger zone. Applause to Siti for reacting aggressively as this aggression proves how much damage has been done. Question, Why is it in order to satisfy a man’s desire, a woman has to sacrifice two of her most priced values? Her modesty and pride, involuntarily? Note that breach of modesty incurs the deepest dent a woman can ever withhold. It surpasses a woman’s psychological, emotional and even physical threshold and it results in a life-long trauma
GADIS
and phobia. It’s devastating to know that this unnecessary phobia and trauma is caused by what is perceived as a petty act of fulfilling desires from the one-sided view of man. He stole, she’s robbed. He rejoiced, she excruciatingly sobbed. Second situation happened to Nur (not real name), also a friend. Nur was waiting to hail a cab and the sky had just begun to enter dusk and had not darkened totally. What had darkened, apparently, was the twisted mindset of this bypasser. From the other side of the road, he began whistling. When the whistling persisted, Nur started walking away, that was when this bypasser shouted: “kem lis-sa’ah? (how much for an hour?)”
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irst and foremost, Nur was dressed very modestly, in full black. To think that the outdated conception of equating a woman dressed in full black to a prostitute has died down, apparently has not. This toxic mindset is still prevalent among some men and it needs to stop immediately. Clearly, a modest dressing does not paint
a modest picture in the minds of men, because this severity of a situation proves that a man cannot differentiate between an open-invitation kind of dressing to a do-not-even-try-me kind of dressing. In this kind of situation, who is to blame? The woman still? What I am trying to convey is, feminism advocates a principle that leaves no room for women to be degraded as such, feminism prides in a principle which highlights a woman’s actual worth. Stop viewing women as sex tools and the one-stop place to fulfill desires, exampled through cat-calling, which is the worst form of disgrace. Sane minds of men create a sane and safe enough environment for women. So please, men, islah your minds, for we do not deserve this rubbish of a treatment. - KAIYISAH NAJLAA BINTE KAMALUDIN
TRAVELS Photographs by SITI NURUL AMIRA BINTE SA’DON
THE SHAM LEFT E
nsuing the embarkation, the desire to have a waft of Sham’s zephyr grew stronger each day. The tranquillity and scent my senses had recorded tricked me into inhaling deep breaths of the atmosphere here, only to find myself lost and confounded of my whereabouts. I longed to be back in Sham! Jordan bears multiple meanings to its etymology. In Ancient Arabic it means: steep/slope. In fact, the other two (that I had visited) out of four of the countries that made up Sham share this same distinction. Well, now that all had been cut up like pizzas with peculiar borders, this land had taken up a new name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is known for its occupants that once
resided amongst the valleys and rivers as well as the desert and canyons. Remarkable it was to set my feet on that very steps that the Prophets of Allah, the Companions and the Sages had left thousands of years ago. It sent me shivers too, to witness every leftover ruin of the Perpetrators of Evil and Misdeed that paradoxically, became wonders of the world. Little did I know, the enchanting tales that unravelled with every monuments, tombs, ruins and museums were going to be more than just another tell-tale. Verily, in His creations are signs of His Greatness
DAY 2 Amman is unlike any other cosmopolitan
state’s capital. It breathes ancient ruins and modern architecture as though both are of the same significance. One example is the Roman Theatre that sits in the middle of the bustling city like an old man looking over his generation ensuring they would prosper like how he used to. Having a relish for museums, I found the Folklore Museum that is adjacent to it, amusing, with the display of traditional thobes belonging to women from different parts of Jordan. Quite a fashion show!
DAY 3 To the North, the Battlefield of Yarmouk stretched mightily amongst the green steppe that makes one wonder if it indeed
TRAVELS had absorbed the strength of the Companions who had victoriously fought the Byzantine Army. Near the viewing plaza, a sword-like monument stood tall in its purpose to instil the remembrance of the great Commander Khalid ibn Al-Walid.
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et me tell you an anecdote about this great leader. Being a gifted war commander, he did not yearn anything as much as martyrdom. One could only imagine how intense that yearning was for a man who led the other Companions to victory or matyrdom. However so, he never saw the Angel of Death on the multiple battlefields but breathed his last on his bed. How could the Sword of Allah fall to the ground? SubhanAllah. In this part of Jordan, many gardens from the gardens of Heaven await. The ones that I had visited were that of Sayyidina Muadh ibn Jabal (“The most knowledgeable of my ummah in matters of Halal and haram”), Shurahbil ibn Hasanah , Amir ibn Waqas, Abu ‘Ubaidah Amir ibn Al-Jarrah and Dirar ibn Al-Azwar. Umm Qays and Jerash were swirling pathways of columns, arches, chambers and amphitheatres. In a fleeting moment I thought I was somewhere in Rome in its heyday, seeing merchants lining up their goods, soldiers in their dress-like armor and red-brush headgears, religious men scruyying out of temples with scripts in their hands and of course all the other peasants. How did it end up being in Middle
East? Well, in the conquest for power, Roman leaders such as Seleucid Antiochus conquered this land and made it his city. Not much different as to how we were colonised by the British Colony. Of course good pictures are bound to come out of places like these two. Sum it up with praising Him for the beautiful view of the sunset and you are good to go!
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Day 4:
ajr! It was what we were after. We were on the roads at 4am in the morning, zooming our way like the ferrari in the racing track to catch the Fajr prayer at the Mosque of the Seven Sleepers.
We managed to meet the Imam who held the keys to the cave and followed him as he led us inside the Cave of the Seven Sleepers. Retreating themselves inside this small cave to guard their precious possession, their conviction, from being snatched by the Byzantine King, the Seven Sleepers truly earned the admiration of youths throughout the ages. (18:10) By now, we were on our way Southwards reaching the Middle part of Jordan. Our next destination: the Dead Sea. Many stories have been heard about this lowest elevation on land; one of which is the story of a nation being capsized in this hypersaline lake due to their
“lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you?” (7:80). The people of Lut PBUH were indeed the pioneers of what is now not uncommon anymore, what is now a celebrated form of love, what is now coined the third sexual orientation, ‘Homosexuality’. How do we fail to see that love in all its ‘pureness’ was the reason for an earthquake that swallows up the City of Sodom and Gomorrah by spewing its raw lava and brimestone all over its occupants before engulfing them into its pit?? We ascended to an elevated ridge, Mount Nebo, after being at the lowest elevation in the world. A location 817 metres above sea level, it was the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land (according to the Hebrew Bible). Apanoramic view of the Holy Land appears at sight on the summit of this mountain. Equating it to be a part of Sweden in Jordan would be a mouthful of exaggeration, but Karak really blew me away!
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ne of the provinces that is situated high on the mountains, it naturally became the favourite spot during winter especially for a stopover on the highway or a climb to the Karak Castle, just to enjoy the thick snow. Snow-fights, bulding snowmen, making snow-angels, snow-balls, snow-shots and anything ‘snow’ were the must-dos!
TRAVELS Photographs by SITI NURUL AMIRA BINTE SA’DON
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hose ‘snow’ must-dos however, could not surpass the ultimate MUST-DO if you are in Karak. Visiting the three tombs of the prominent Campanions who became matyrs in their quest to uphold the flag of Islam during the Battle of Mu’tah, is the highlight for anyone who came to Mu’tah, a city in the Karak province.
mans had waged a war with the Muslims. Although they were outnumbered they fought ferociously until Khalid ibn AlWalid saw to the retreatment of the Muslim armies through an ingenious decoy.
“ ب َعلَى َ ص ٍ ِيب َز ْي ٌد فَ َج ْعفَ ُر بْنُ أَبِي طَال ِ ُإِنْ أ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ َ َّ س َ يب َج ْعف ٌر ف َع ْب ُد للاِ بْنُ َر َو َ ص ِ فإِنْ أ، س ِ احة َعلى النا ِ “ النَّا
Conquering Al-Batra’ was our goal! A route so spectacular you’d forget that it is just another abandoned city of the Nabateans. escribed as the indestructible and intelligent (or should I say wily) nation that started off as nomads who hid from the eyes of dominating majority and their rulers, they ultimately managed to control the market of their host land. Like parasites who eventually took over the body of their host, the Nabateans flourished as their host went on a downfall. The façade of Al-Khanza or The Treasury is the proof of the evolvement of them nomads into a highly-cultivated nation. Another tomb to the likes of the Pyramids, built to tell the future world how great a civilisation they once were. Those remnants became a reminder to the future world that no matter how high you ascend, you will never reach His throne. After the long hike up the Al-Batra’, our
The tombs belonged to Sayyidina Zaid ibn Harithah, the only Companion whose name is inscripted in the Quran, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib or known as Ja’far At-Tayyar (The One of Two Wings), in reference to the Prophet PBUH having a vision of him in Paradise with two wings, and Abdullah ibn Rawahah the companion who calmed himself from fearing death with this beautiful poem: ت ُ ت قَد ُ َيَا ن ِ صلِي ِ َه َذا ِح َما ُم ال َمو...فس إِ َّل تَقتُلِي تَ ُموتِي َ َ َّ َ ان تَفعلي فعلهما هديت...ت ِ ت فقد أعطي ِ وما تَ َمني Before leaving Mu’tah we dropped by the battlefield of Mu’tah, the battle that led to the Battle of Yarmouk. By slaying the Prophet’s messenger to the Roman King Heraclius, the Ghassanid chief Syurahbil ibn Amru Al-Ghassani officially sent the message that the Ro-
Day 5
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naked eyes finally got to feast on the splendid panorama of the array of canyons at the highest peak of Jordan’s canyon.
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pon our descend, we had to rush our way to Wadi Rum to catch yet another sunset, this time on the endless desert horizon. There was this intense serenity so captivating, my inner self felt as if it was going to explode from the composure and became a single body to the nightfall. As ironic as it seems however, this had been the truth that the Arab poets had manifested in their Syiir. They translated this intensity of a feeling into sublime poetry. I wished I could do the same though, but all I could do was glue my eyes to the vast canvas of the night sky with twinkling stars that were lightyears away from us. We spent the night at the campsite there; in a humble Bedouin tent. After a hearty meal of Kabsah, we took out the lihaf from our tent, wrapped ourselves in front of the crackling campfire and enjoyed the night breeze while entertaining ourselves with rounds of quizzes about the stars in the Quran, pointing out constellations and spotting shooting stars in the most surreal setting. As the night set deeper, we were flabbergasted as there seemed to be a huge stadium light piercing through the darkness from our backs. We turned and to our amazement, the
TRAVELS
moon was making the most epic appearance! It was shining in its fullness from the light that it had reflected from the sun.
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DAY 6
wanted so badly to catch the two Fajrs hence I started peeking outside my tent every now and then from 4.30 am, but sadly though I did not spot it anywhere. Henceforth, I was determined to cherish the last sunrise in Jordan. Dawn was breaking as we sat on the nearest rocky hill but I was anxious as I could not detect the sun from where we were. Therein, it dawned on me that the granite rock formations had deterred my vision from having the slightest glimpse of the two Fajrs this morning and it had happened again. I got a little panicked and started climbing down that hill and wandered further, following the traces of sunlight that were beginning to get brighter. Finally, I stood in front of what I believed was the best spot to witness the sunrise. I aped up as swiftly as I could as the jutted stepping rocks were far apart from one another. I quietly said my thanks for the rock-climbing lessons I had back when I was in school. Once I could go no higher, I settled down and rested my back on the smooth surface of the rosy rock. No words could describe the awe I felt at that moment. The sun steadily stretched its rays, beaming at the open space in front of me. The sight of the alpenglow lighting-up the countless rosy mountains and green hills, the specks of white dried shrubs and green rubbery ones, was a stupor that set me into a reflecting mode. “Glory is to Allah, and praise is to Allah, and there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest” A tinge of sadness strummed on my heart strings as the realization of having to leave for Egypt sank in. I climbed down with some difficulty but survived unscathed though. Capturing the last moments with the pair of lenses that were my eyes, my steps were moony, listless and silly. Aqaba, the sea port where Sayyidina Umar
entered Syam, became our last destination on the list. We rode the cycling boats around the shores and soaked in the blueness of the sky with the refreshing breeze after which we went into the fort that was left by the Mamluks and also looked around the Aqaba Archaeological Museum.
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t wasn’t planned- the route to Salt to visit the greatest gardens of the gardens of Heaven, the tomb of Prophet Syu’aib, Prophet Yusha and Prophet Ayyub PBUT. Initially we planned to go back to Amman before my flight but there was plenty of time so I implored to our tour guide if we could visit the tomb of Prophet Syu’aib PBUH. So we drove up to Salt and looked out for signs to its mosque. After passing the green hills with daisies that were occupied by families picnicking, we arrived at the tomb of the Prophet Syu’aib PBUH. The Imam read some prayers and subsequently, I reminisced on the story of Prophet Syu’aib with his people, Madyan. The Imam then told us to head to the tomb of the Prophet Yusha. After a series of turns and u-turns we decided to stop by in front of a communal mosque and ask for directions from the two sheikhs inside an exceptionally striking lime-green car. Our driver friend returned to the car grinning. We were happy, but the situation turned out hilarious as he told as that he was instead given a lecture on the prohibition of visiting graves and praying there. Along the way we asked a young lad and he directed us to the mosque. Yusha ibn Nun was referred to as Moses’ servant (18:60). He was the commander who brought the sons of Israel to Jerusalem. The Imam, a Palestinian, told us the story of Prophet Yusha and the battle against the Jababirah (the inhabitants of Jerusalem), a large giant-like people. “The fighting was furious and the sun was about to set. Yusha ibn Nun knew that he could not defeat these people except if the day was longer as when night comes, the Jababirah would be able to regroup. So Yusha pointed to the sun and said, “You are receiving orders and I am receiving orders from Allah, O Allah stop the sun!” Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, caused the
sun to stop for Yusha ibn Nun until he defeated the people of Jerusalem. If you have Allah on your side, don’t worry! It’s not a matter of numbers, or weapons, or artillery when Allah is on your side.” “The sun has never stopped for any man besides Yusha when he wanted to conquer Bayt al-Muqaddis.” We were told by the Imam that the tomb of Prophet Ayyub was also around the corner hence we set out to find the last tomb. This time the directions were clear so we arrived just in time to take in my last view of the sunset in Jordan. After the Maghrib Prayer we hurried to hear out another amazing story of the Prophet Ayyub and his wife Rahmah that was mentioned in the Quran. “Truly! We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance to Us “(38:44) Hardships after hardships he went through but he never failed to put his trust in the Almighty. All the stories, entrancing and inspiring were Allah Himself pacifying and mending this broken heart. Place your trust in Allah and not in what effort you put in. Verily He is the best Provider and Planner. It was a journey within a journey. May Allah grant His blessings upon every step of the wayfarers; you and me! - AMIRA BINTE SAADON
ﻤﻘﺎﻝ المرأة بين االضطهاد والتكريم ”اإلسالم كان ثورة تارخيية يف حقوق املرأة“ الشيخ عبد اهلل بن بيه
كالم ال يدرك فحواه إال من كان قارئا للتاريخ منصفا يف رأيه بعيدا كل البعد عن التحيز .والتعصب .فالتاريخ ينطق بذلك كان الرومان إبان العصور الوسطى ،يتفننون يف تعذيب النساء أشد التعذيب إىل حد أهنم ربطوا أرجلهن بعدد من اخليول مث تركوها وشأهنا تركض يف كل اجلهات لتتمزق !املرأة أشالء .وليس هذا بغريب حيث إن املرأة من خمتلف البقاع تُعامل معاملة سيئة اك مثاال آخر،وهو ما يشيع بني العرب من عاداهتم يف ولتكون على بينة مما قلت فـََه َ .اجلاهلية حيث عاملوا النساء يف أبشع صورة ميكن تصورها ،فذلك وأد البنات (وإِ َذا صور القرآن تصويرا دقيقا ينعت شدة بغضهم هلن فقال تعالىَ : ولقد ّ شر أَح ُدهم بِاألُنـثَى ظَ َّل وجهه مسودًّا وهو َك ِ يم يـَتـََو َارى ِم َن الْ َق ْوِم ِمن ُسو ِء َما ظ بُ ِّ َ َ ُ ْ ْ ٌ َ ْ ُ ُ ُ َْ َ َُ ِ ٍ شر بِ ِه أَيُ ْم ِس ُكهُ َعلَى ُهون أ َْم يَ ُد ُّسهُ فى التـُّر ِ اب)سورة النحل 58-59 ،ويقول َ بُ ِّ َ
اإلمام فخر الدين الرازي يف تفسريه الكبري ناقال كالم املفسرين” قال املفسرون :كان الرجل في الجاهلية إذا ظهر آثار الطلْق بامرأته توارى واختفى عن القوم إلى أن يعلم ما يولد له فإن كان ذكرا ابتهج به وإن كان أنثى حزن ولم يظهر للناس أياما .فيها أنه ماذا يصنع بها وهو قوله أيمسكه على هون أم يدسه في التراب” اه ـ !من هنا نتبني أ ّن األنثى يف زمان غابر ،تع ّذب وتقتل كأهنا الالشيء ب ما كان من العادات فجاء اإلسالم يكافح ويناضل حقوق املرأة ويرفع قدرها وجيُ ّ مكرمة عند اهلل و اخللق قاطبة كسائر السيئة عند العرب وغريهم جتاه املرأة ،ألهنا ّ اخللق وأهنا جديرة بأن تعامل معاملة حسنة ال كالبهيمة! فظهور اإلسالم إذن أول .نقطة يف حترير النساء من سلسلة أنواع العذاب وصى اإلسالم بتكرمي النساء منذ ألف سنة والنيب عليه الصالة والسالم كيف ال ،وقد ّ .أفضل َمثَل يف ذلك فقال( :استوصوا بالنساء خيرا) رواه مسلم وملا علم اإلسالم ما فعله العرب من شنيعة صنيعتهم مما ال يتفق مع االنسانية جعل قتل نفس واحدة كقتل الناس مجيعا من غري تفريق بني الذكر واألنثي فقال تعاىل( :من قتل نفسا بغري نفس أو فساد يف األرض فكأمنا قتل الناس مجيعا ومن أحياها فكأمنا ).أحيا الناس مجيعا
ﻤﻘﺎﻝ فما هذا الضجيج الذي كثريا ما نسمع الغربيني يدعون إىل حقوق املرأة وأهنا ال بد أن تكون على قدم التساوي-ال املساواة -مع الرجل وأن اإلسالم قد ظلمها وال يعطي حقها !يف اجملتمع و..و..و إىل ما ال هناية من كالم سطحي ال مستند له .فمن أين تتسرب هذه األوهام إىل أذهان مجع كبري من الناس حىت يتومهون شيئا ال حقيقة له؟ تسمى بنظرية الصراع -. conflict theoryولعل من أهم العوامل هلذا الفوضى ما تبنَّاها الغرب من فلسفة اجتماعيةوذلك بأن يكون الرجل واملرأة يف صراع دائم و رب املال والعمال كذلك وهكذا .وهي فلسفة يقوم بتأسيسها كارل ماركس مث تَ ّبن هذه الفلسفةَ املتأخرون ممن “يناضل” حقوق املرأة1*. !بـَْي َد أهنم يف حقيقة األمر يسريون وراء السراب ُيفقون وخييل إليهم املاء وليس بالشيء! فإهنم يف احلقيقة يقتفون وراء رغباهتم وأهوائهم .ققد قال تعاىل يف حمكم تنزيله (:ولو اتبع احلق أهواءَهم لفسدت السماوات واألرض ومن فيهن بل أتيناهم بذكرهم فهم عن ذكرهم معرضون) سورة املؤمنون 71 فما هو إذن رؤية اإلسالم عن عالقة الرجل واملرأة؟ إهنا عالقة التكامل بينهما ،جيرب بعضهم نقصان البعض ويتكامل فيما بينهما .وإهنا لسنة اهلل يف هذا الكون كما أن الليل والنهار يشكالن يوما واحدا لكل منهما خصائص فكذلك الرجل واملرأة .وفـَْه ُم سنة اهلل التكامل هذه ،ال ينفي حدوث الصراع أو إمكانية حدوثه ووقوعه وشتّان بني أن جنعله أصال للخلقة وبني أن جنعله حالة عارضة جيب أن .نسعى إلهنائها حىت تستقر األمور على الوضع األول الذي خلقه اهلل فاإلسالم ال مينع املرأة من حرية السياسة وحرية العمل وأن تتصدى ملباشرة اجملتمع وختدم وطنها يف شىت اجملاالت وأن هلا حقا يف إبداء رأيها وغري ذلك مما يتمتع به الرجل ضمن .حدود الشريعة وآداهبا اليت بد من التزامها بـيد أن هناك أولويات ال بد من قيامها من قِ ِ ُس لَبِنة لبناء اجملتمع أال وهي أن تقوم املرأة برعاية زوجها وتربية أوالدها وذلك ألن الفرد كلما استقام، أ تعترب هي اليت األمهات ل ب ّْ َ ّ استقام اجملتمع فاستقامة الفرد متوقف على الرتبية الصحيحة من قبل املرأة ألوالدها فإهنا بسجيتها وحنينها هلا تأثري فعال لبناء شخصية األفراد .وهبذا فإن اهلل قد وضع كل شيء .يف موضعه حبكمته فإذا ما حاول االنسان خالف ذلك ،انقلب إىل ضده :أخريا يسرين أن أختم كالمي بقول الشاعر حاكيا أمهية دور املرأة فقال
طيب األعر ِاق“ أعد ْد َتا *** َ ”األم مدرسة إذا َ أعد ْد َ ُ ت شعباً َ -عبد الحافظ بن لطيف
correspondence
VISIT BY THE MEMBERS of PARLIAMENT Photograph by NABILAH BINTE MOHAMMAD JUMLI
correspondence
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n Wednesday, 9 March 2016, the PERKEMAS members welcomed the prestigious leaders of Singapore to their humble clubhouse. After their recent visit to Qatar and Doha, Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Minister of State, Dr Maliki Osman, Parliament Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Amrin Amin along with the Ambassador of Singapore in Egypt, S. Premjith gathered together with the Singaporean students for an interactive dialogue session. “Do you miss the food in Singapore?” Dr Maliki Osman asked gleefully, breaking the silence among the students. DPM Teo began the session by stating how social media is now the norm in today’s society and how easily news can be falsely spread through it. He then brought up an example of how radical Islam is greatly influencing those online. He was then asked by one of the students on his opinion on the Islamic State and whether he thinks that Islam is to be blamed.
photographs by MULTIMEDIA UNIT & PERKEMAS ARCHIVES “The question is not about religion, rather it’s about how humane the movement is. For a moment just think…can these acts be justified by humanity? Definitely no! I know that Islam is a religion of compassion and peace and it has nothing to do with these radicals”, he answered. Mr Masagos Zulkifli joined in the
dialogue by stressing the significance of harmony, and the way of achieving it is for every race or religion to sacrifice something precious and meaningful to them. The muslims (majority of whom are malays) were given a number of exceptions. He gave an example on how the Malays sacrificed the azan (call to
correspondence prayer). Instead of it being called loudly through speakers, it is the only religious call that is allowed to be played on the radio. DPM Teo then moved on by emphasizing the importance of education, not based on textbooks but based on life skills. The skill of thinking systematically; how you think of issues and ehow you come up with solutions to counter these problems. “You can and should go study wherever you want, but remember, when you return to Singapore, it’s not about you anymore. It’s all about the Ummah (community). Islam has always been there. It is just waiting to be accepted and not forced”, said DPM Teo, wrapping up the informative dialogue session. - NABILAH BINTE MOHAMMAD JUMLI
InDars
Sunan tirmidzi, Sheikh Dr. Yusry Rushdy Jabbar Al-Husny
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f you are looking for a class in downtown Cairo, one that is located unusually from the Grand Al-Azhar mosque or its perimeters, on a day to day basis, you have found what you seek. Located at Jabbal El-Muqottom , a 30 minute ride away from the 7th district. Resides a special class within the dull mountains, knowledge obtainable from a remote destination. Its completely free and accessible for everyone and anyone to join, to learn and explore. Professor Yusry Rushdy, a well-known teacher amongst university students in Al-Azhar, for his achievements of being a professor as well as a doctor. He has achieved what most people dream of. A outstanding religious scholar as well as a great doctor. A healer in the art of Islamic spirituality and a healer through modern technology. As a Muslim, it is highly recommended for an individual to rise up in the middle of the night till late morning to submit to his God. This is exactly how Prof Yusry prefers to begin his daily class. The class starts of with Dzikr. Words of praises and glory
InDars
Photographs of Jabal Muqottom to Allah, extolling His Perfect Attributes of Power and Majesty, Beauty and Sublimeness, whether one utters them by tongue or says them silently in one’s hear. Dzikr is commonly used to calm oneself from anger and worldly desires. A sufi once said, to find inner peace a servant must Dzikr 1000 times everyday. What better way to start a day as a humble servant submitting, appreciating and peacefully remembering his god? After dzikr, the class began reciting the Qosidah and Burdah (poet of the mantle) the qosidah is an ode of praise for the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) composed by the eminent Sufi, Imam Al-Busiri. After reciting the Qosidah and Burdah, Prof. Yusry recites the Holy Quran in various techniques, for every technique a new meaning is then explain. For every different meaning a new understanding uncovered and explored unknown by some people. This is the beauty of the art of reciting the Quran in different qiroaats.
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nce the attendees have indulge themselves in the remembrance of god and found themselves in peace through Dzikr, Remembrance of the prophet (PBUH) through Qosidah and Burdah, Deep understanding of the verses of the Holy Quran through listening to various techniques of reading. Prof Yusry decides it is now ready for you to learn Sunan At-Tarmdizi. Sunan At-Tarmidzi is a book of Hadith, that consist of 3 types of hadith, hadith As-Sohih, hadith El-Hassan and hadith Ad-Doif. Imam At-Tarmidzi is famous for utilising both hadith El-Hassan and hadith Ad-Doif for his claims that there are some hadith As-Sohih that supports these other two types of hadith. Imam At-Tarmidzi believes the usage of ha-
dith Ad-Doif is applicable as long as the hadith does not intervene with the sharia and its meaning is good. Imam At-Tarmidzi believes with the usage of Hadith El-Hassan and Hadith Ad-doif, a great deal of problems of the generation would be solve with ease without over thinking its authenticity only its good meaning. Prof. Yusry believes if we as Muslims apply the Sunan At-Tarmidzi in our daily lives, without considering the authenticity of the Hadith such as Imam At-Tarmidzi only it’s context, a great deal of the problems we face would be clarified. After learning the sunan At-tarmidzi, the class continues its Dzikr and Qosidah Burdah, remembering God and the Prophet (PBUH) before and after learning. Prof Yusry would frequently share fascinating stories about the Prophet (PBUH), his pilgrimage to be a messenger of Islam, his hardship, his life, his companions and grieve at the sacrifices the Prophet (pbuh) has made for us. It is clear the main intention of the class Prof. Yusry has conducted daily is manly to acknowledge, commemorate and learn from the Prophet (pbuh) and God. Such love a humble servant has for his Prophet and God is fascinating. The class ends with a two rakaat Salat Ad-Duha, the reward of performing Duha prayers is equivalent to performing the Hajj and Umrah. - MUHD AFIQ BIN ANWAR
books
LET’S READ ABOUT ISIS
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f you are like me, an individual who is authentically interested to comprehend more about ISIS, this is the book that would giveyou the worldviewon what the Islamic State is. Not only does it provides you with the philosophy on the Islamic State, It also provides knowledge on caliph Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi and his pilgrimage to become a monarch of one of the most worrisome terrorist organization today. It also supplies concise oughly clarify what ISIS is seeking and why they are such a threat definitions of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, two of the most feared to the world. A highly recommended book for anyone who desires terrorist organizations, before the emergence of ISIS and their to comprehend the danger we all face from radical Islam. affiliations with the Islamic State. This is the first book to thor- MUHD AFIQ BIN ANWAR
The Wives of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w By Faridah Mas’ood Debas
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he Wives of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, is a wealth of captivating information about the honorable and distinguished wives of the Prophet s.a.w. Their lives are represented through vivid stories encompassing their lineage, history, and marriages to their triumphs, their lives were filled with honesty, sincerity, and devotion to Allah. Their lives exemplify an ideal for with Muslims may strive. Each wife is honored as an individual, with her life and love of the Prophet s.a.w directing her story. The author has compiled the statements of several scholars on this topic and added to this to her own impassioned arguments, with with she dispels criticism by orientalists of the Prophet’s practice of polygyny. From a historical perspective, his life, along with those of his wives, authenticates his mission. His practice of polygyny, when investigated, reveals a deep wisdom behind his marriages that supported his efforts of teaching and spreading Islam. - TAHIRAH SYED SULTAN
the top 10 WOMEN INFLUENTIAL
Photographed by MUHAMMAD FAIZUDDIN Al Qarawiyyin Mosque, Fes, Morocco.
Edited by NABILAH BINTE MOHAMAD JUMLI
Khadijah Bintu Khuwaylid T
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he first Muslimah who played a distinctive role in propagating Islam. A successful merchant and an elite figure of Makkah, she was already known to the community even before her marriage with the Prophet PBUH.
the top 10 WOMEN INFLUENTIAL
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AISYAH BINTU ABI BAKR
EditedEdited by NABILAH BINTE MOHAMAD JUMLI JUMLI by NABILAH BINTE MOHAMAD
Known as the mother of Hadith, and also a center figure in Islamic politics. Sayyidatina Aisyah became one of the most influential Muslimah to the community after the death of her husband, Muhammad PBUH.
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Angelina Jolie
Not only is the blockbuster actress a UN High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador, she also advocates on behalf of refugees around the world and influences others to do so too
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Oprah Through television, radios, books and movies, Oprah speaks to women all over the world. Rising from poverty to become the first African-American billionaire, she influences both men and women all around.
the top 10 WOMEN INFLUENTIAL
Edited by NABILAH BINTE MOHAMAD JUMLI
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Nusaybah Bintu Ka’ab Al-Ansariyyah
As one of the earliest converts in Madeenah, Ummu Umarah was greatly remembered for her participation in the Battle of Uhud. While carrying a sword and shielding the Prophet PBUH, she fought fearlessly against the Makkans.
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Aung San Suu Kyi
The currently imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize recipient is the leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma. Rallying citizens and making public speeches in favour of establishing a democratic government, Suu Kyi fought courageously for human rights and democracy.
Sonia Gandhi
President of the Indian National Congress and leader of the United Progressive Alliance, Sonia Gandhi holds one of the highest position in government’s office in India.
the top 10 WOMEN INFLUENTIAL
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Edited by NABILAH BINTE MOHAMAD JUMLI
Emma Watson The 26 year old actress, model and activist, was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, advocating gender equality in her #HeForShe campaign and promoting education for girls. The Feminist Celebrity of 2014 is also listed #26 on the TIME 100 list of the world's most influential people.
8 Halimah Yacob no.
As the first woman, and the second Muslim to serve as the Speaker Parliament of Singapore, Halimah Yacob is greatly looked up to. The member of the country’s People Action Party (PAP) is currently the ninth Speaker of Parliament and the third consecutive Speaker belonging to a minority race.
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Malala Yousafzai
Being brought up in Pakistan, and advocating education and human rights, Malala Yousafzai is by date the youngest-ever Noble Prize laureate. Banned from education by the Taliban, it inspired her to blog until she was invited by BBC to detail her life under the Taliban occupation.
Timbal KARYA SUFI BIN ROSLAN
Bicara kodeks rapi berkromo leta, Dirajut celaka, diregas hina menjadi dogma, Ada diperanankan ratna dalam tonil dibelai manja, Bukan narwastu dalam sandiwara, cuma kemongelan untuk dipesta Detik ‘baca’ berdoro mengecut jiwa mengerut dahi, Putus sudah kekang pedati, diselubung kalamkari, Mengungkai kanun yang nati, mengolah birat yang ngeri, Tinta luhur dilegitimasi, padam sudah bintik yang mencemari, Fasa baru tercetak di akhbar bak antisiklon memberi segar, Injak tangga ke puncak laba,bukan setakat berlegar, Yang berkuluk, masa terkalai, sang bunga menjadi penyandar, Sarwa jenis harga sama besar, langit senyum lebar, tapi tu hanya sebentar Kini ingar permaisuri nak menakluk negara jadi dendangan telinga, Bonang diketuk, serunai ditiup, minta disembah rakyat jelata, Tak sangka pula, taman berbajakan kepundan yang bergelegak menunggu masa, Bak cingkambon diminta, tapi dulang dah bertindih merata, Bak hamba menyarung setelan armada, membawa artileri, menujah raja, Ini semua kerna taksir kitab, maka masih lena dari semboyan yang mencelikkan mata
LETS TALK ABOUT WOMEN INTERVIEWS THOUGHTS FEATURES IDEAS
AMAZING A’TII QAH by MUSTAFA ROSLAN ARTWORK AND EDITED by A’tii Qah Bte Suhaimi
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t was amazingly, amazingly warm in February, almost breaking a sweat as I walked to the clubhouse. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday - and during the summer holidays; everyday - I dedicate my time to Arabic calligraphy. I tore off my shoes at the front entrance. Out of breath, and a little relieved that I’ve arrived before my teacher, ustaz Idris Bin Rifae. A few other calligraphy students had already arrived, sitting cross-legged on the carpeted floor of the library, their calligraphy equipment on-hand as the sat in front of the round floor table. We greeted each other, breaking into exasperated sighs as we discussed about the unusual weather. More students soon arrived. And by then the teachers had already settled at their usual spots - a privilege only if you’re a teacher - on the large
desks, with their fancy calligraphy equipment spread across the table. I wrote a few Ottoman-Turkish words on the piece of smooth paper. A special paper used for Arabic calligraphy. My ink fading gradually as I glided the sharpened tip of the bamboo pen over the paper. It was pitch black only a few moments ago. A colour calligraphers use to intentionally disfigure something that’s meant to be beautiful. I sighed as I dip the tip into the ink again and trailed another curve above the previous letter.
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his form of Arabic calligraphy is called Rikaah. It took me almost two and a half years to bud from my very first dot, to where I was. For something that started out purely accidental, my dedication to the art form now was no question. Students sat quietly as they did their
work. Their right hand tied firmly with their pen while the left hand holds a single tissue. The room wasn’t as lively as it usually was. You can feel it in the air. Something was definitely a miss. In all my years in Egypt, I’ve prided myself as a master in noticing the signs. You just know in your gut that something was going to happen. It was almost at the end of the session, when the male teacher, ustaz Alawi said for the guys to not leave the library first. We remained to our original spots on the carpeted floor. The unofficial principal walked to the middle of the room. The class went silent. She hardly ever says anything during class. Usually she sat at the furthest in the room, away from everyone. Sometimes she walks across the library, her sharp eyes hawking over her students and teachers, making sure they are doing the hard work
needed and not playing around.
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tii’Qah began with a light chuckle and told everyone to relax. It will only be a short session. Her voice was deep and rusty. I assume from all the years of also being a talented Quran reciter. She took a deep breath. It was hard to tell if she was nervous or not. You can only tell from her eyes and nothing more. She started out with how she started out her amazing and legendary journey in the Arabic calligraphy. Initially curious after observing her fellow seniors write, to trying it out for the first time, and finally becoming a master herself. She’s thankful and humbled by her all experiences in calligraphy. s she spoke, her fingers moved swiftly in the air. Almost like she was writing on paper.
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“One mistake I did when I first stated out Arabic Calligraphy, was that I didn’t use a reference book. I didn’t like to use it, because I thought I was already good at what I was doing. And I didn’t think that I really need to refer after every word to the reference book. But I was wrong. I really needed it. Because you may feel that what you wrote initially was right, with all its pretty curves and shapes. But it’s actually wrong. And if you show it to your teacher, he will assume that you really didn’t practice correctly. And that isn’t right. Use your reference books. Don’t be like me. Always keep it beside you as you write.”
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he new students were amazed. I doubt anyone wouldn’t be. They haven’t stood in front of someone who is a master in their field. Atii’Qah
touched upon calligraphy as being more than an art form. It’s a holistic and spiritual school. From the sheer discipline needed to be on time for every class and not come later than the teacher, to mustering up every ounce of patience every single class, even after you’re ordered to write the same letter for the fiftieth time. Calligraphy teaches its students to be students without even teaching it. “In class, I don’t want to hear anyone complaining. When your teacher tells you to do something, you do it. When your teacher tells you to do this, instead of that. You do it. Never, ever question your teacher. Never. That is the adab of a student. And never jump from a teacher to another, even if you feel that the teacher isn’t right for you. Have patience. Sometimes we may feel that the teacher is not best for us, but the truth is, we really aren’t sure. Have patience. Because the teacher may be strict on you because he knows your potential. Have patience. And never ever talk bad about your teacher to another teacher. That is my advice to you.” The students nodded. Some of us embarrassed because we know we had done it before. She didn’t need a microphone to have her voice heard. Even in a large room with 60 students, her voice was as clear as day. “The reason I’m sharing with you this knowledge is because, I am leaving Cairo for good in a matter of two days. I know that I’ve been harsh on some of you. I’ve not given you the opportunity that you deserve. And for that I apologize. I especially would want to apologize to my fellow teachers, those who I’ve taught myself all these years. I want to apologize because I was not a good teacher then. I didn’t know how to teach as well then as I do now. I sometimes look back and I say to myself. How
I wish I could’ve taught you better. And for that I sincerely apologize, for any of my short comings.” I can only imagine what her feelings were at that moment. To see your own students grow from not knowing how to write a simple dot, to teaching others. The tiniest seed she had planted in them was growing steadily and strongly. And now they themselves are planting more seeds of their own on their students.
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he next day, we arrived at markaz waiting for the grand sheikh of Calligraphy, Sheikh Belaid Hamidi. The teacher for most of the calligraphy teachers in Singapore. He arrived wearing the traditional Moroccan robes with the iconic Fez. The new students were excited for the grand sheikh. They’ve heard wonderful stories about him from their teachers. Shiekh Belaid began by sharing his vast experience in Arabic calligraphy. The numerous prestigious awards he had received from highly esteemed calligraphers. He travelled numerous places, propagating this incredible art form. He was a man of unrivalled dedication, passion and excellence. And was ready to set forth anywhere in the world, if the world of Arabic calligraphy needed him to.
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e shared nostalgic photos of his many students. Most have become great calligraphers of their own. Some had started their own schools in their native countries. He recalled the kind memories he had of every single one of them. But he reserved his very precious memory to one of his best student, AtiiQah. The sheikh listed every single
detail of his best student. From her soldier-like discipline, to her shattering a number of calligraphy records. You can tell it was a bittersweet moment for him as well. A beloved student leaving her teacher. He called her to the limelight to a roaring applause. From the corner, a peak of glaring red appeared and made her way to the center of the room. The sheikh gave her en encouraging smile. “There is no need to be embarrass in front of your friends.” Atii’Qah showed everyone a shy
smile. It has probably been many years since any man –unrelated to her- had seen her without niqab. “I would like to call the first of AtiiQah’s student, Haziqah, to come up and receive your ijazat from your sheikh. Haziqah has completed the Riqaah style of writing and will receive her ijazah in Riqaah under the tutelage of AtiiQah. Please come up and take pictures with the ijazat and your sheikh.”
To find out more about our icon. Check o FACEBOOK: Atiiqah Suhaimi Instagram: Atiiqahsuhaimi
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slender girl stood from the audience and made her way to the center in between two great figures in calligraphy. AtiiQah suddenly whispered something to the sheikh and the sheikh proceeded with a gracious smile. “This is something the sheikh does to the student if they finish their ijazat.”
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tiiQah tiptoed above the girl, and gave a light peck on the side of her head. The student burst into uncontrollable tears of happiness. The sheikh looked proudly at his student with her own student. A full circle moment. “And now for the final and the grandest one. It is in my greatest honour that I would like to give a final ijazat to my one amazing and bright student Atii’Qah Suhaimi from Singapore. An ijazat under the style of Sulus, and Na-
sah. Completing a total of seven styles of Arabic calligraphy. From Riqaah, Dewaani, Deewani Jali, Taleeq, Magribi and now Nasah and Sulus. Becoming the first female Asian calligrapher with a total of seven calligraphy styles… and she’s still so young! I would like to award these Ijazat to one of my amazing student, Ustazah AtiiQah Suhaimi.” - MUSTAFA ROSLAN
IZZAH KAMSANI RELIGIOUS SCHOLAR
Upon completing her full-time Madrasah education in Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah, Ustazah Nurul ‘Izzah Bte Khamsani then pursued her Bachelor’s degree in AlAzhar University, Cairo, Egypt, in Islamic Theology majoring in Creed and Philosophy. She was an active member in The Singaporean Students’ Welfare Assembly in Cairo (PERKEMAS) and was later entrusted to become their female representative during her final year of studies .
Now, she’s the Officer in Charge of Dakwah and Madrasah and the principal for weekend English Madrasah Jamiyah Ar-Rabitah (Wemjar) at Jamiyah Ar-Rabitah Mosque in Tiong Bahru, Singapore. She’s also part of the Executive Committee in The Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (PERGAS). Besides being active in giving talks, forums, seminars and other socio-religious activities, she has been participating in the National Al-Quran Recitation Competition since 2009 and has consistently been the 1st runner up.
a conversation with
ustazah izzah kamsani
interviewed by aufa m shiddique
AUFA: Thank you, Ustazah Izzah, for allowing us to showcase with what Allah & Rasulullāh have bestowed upon them. Our you in our newsletter.
USTAZAH IZZAH(UI): I would like to thank you and
PERKEMAS for this opportunity to share my humble opinion on the pertinent issue. AUFA: What is your take on Feminism? UI: If the ideas are in line with Islam, I would agree to it and if they are not, any Muslim should disagree with it. AUFA: In your opinion, do you think that Islam has played a role in empowering women and giving them their rights? UI: Of course. Through our learning journey in understanding our deen (1), we have seen how Rasulullāh (may Allah’s peace be upon Him) has uplifted women from the deepest trench and he has brought light and happiness to the lives of women, and men, too. AUFA: What do you think are the misconceptions on Women in general, and Women in Islam? UI: Women, in general, are viewed as weak and thrive on frivolous or what you call ‘petty’ thinking. Women are also emotional and cannot think far. On the other hand, Muslim women are deemed oppressed and cannot speak their own mind. Of course, there are women who have these negative traits, and men too, but the generalization is uncalled for. AUFA: Ustazah, who are your women role models and why? UI: The four esteemed women of Jannah, Sayyidāt nisā’ al-‘ālamiin (2). They are blessed and successful in both worlds. Success in Ākhirah (3) is the ultimate goal of every Muslimah. AUFA: In your own words, Ustazah, how would you personally empower your fellow sisters? UI: By sharing with my fellow sisters and enlightening them
realization and awareness of what Allah & Rasullāh have gifted us with, and their love for us, will elevate and liberate us from the shackles and limitations of this dunya. AUFA: You have made a name for yourself in our Muslim community, what do you think are the challenges being ‘in the spotlight’ as a woman and a religious figure? UI: I have still a long way to go. Please pray for me and all of the Asatizah here in Singapore. I realize that the community still need more Ustāzāt, or female Asatizah, to do da’wah prominently in public. I hope there will be more of you – the young aspiring ustāzāt - who are willing to do da’wah (4) in our community, especially in public speaking. There will be those who think that you are ‘too outstanding’ and you should not be so. Or that you should only speak to the women masses and not to men. For me, we need to address issues in general, or on specific issues pertaining to women in public so that people will be enlightened about Islam because we as ustāzāt, play a vital part, and our voice is the voice of Islam. There are no fitnah for ustāzāt to address the public as long as we observe our ādāb (5). AUFA: Last question: Men are better than Women’. What do you think of this statement? UI: Yes, I do agree in certain aspects, which are actually complementary to women, not in a degrading manner. Allah created men to be stronger, so that they can carry heavy things, so women can leave it to the men to carry those loads. Men need to give nafaqah (6) to the family while that responsibility is not burdened upon women. There’s no need to argue dismissively as Allah has created both male and female, in a different way, and we play different roles for us to complement each other and at the end of the day, our deeds are equal in the eyes of Allah.
feminism. By Abdillah Bin Aminordin
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HOW TO ANSWER?
uch controversial issue has been circulated for as long as the human race can remember. Humans, both male and female, continue keeping mother earth from boredom by raising such pertinent matter. It is somewhat easy to give an opinion rather than be on the receiving end.
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t’s seemed as though our chauvinist trait rose to its peak when dealing with such topic. I am more inclined to write about how we should react to the questions bombarded by the other party. Bear in mind that the below-mentioned statements are my personal alternatives reinforced with valid narrations, verses and quotes from authentic sources. To answer questions about such controversial issue, first we need to differentiate between a Muslim and a non-Muslim inquirer. This is vital in the process of answering according to one’s capabilities pertaining such matter. Let’s jump to the Q & A .
Question 1 :How do we know that a certain someone is a feminist and not just a trendsetter wannabee?
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n this generation, it is easy to disguise oneself behind social media and its affiliation. People always think that a feminist is someone that fights for women’s rights and to have an equal opportunity for all women in the world. If it comes to that outcome, then our Prophet Muhammad is more feminist than any other feminist because he fights for the rights of women! The main difference is that those socalled feminist only push for equality in things that they desire, jobs that they want, schools that they wish to enter and etc. Those are all driven by their desire and once they acquire those things . They won’t fight for other more pressing issues like poverty, civil wars and such. Once they do not receive things that they want, they will create havoc and throw all those derogatory terms they can get from the dictionary to men. If they are Muslims, they will change for the betterment of their future and their family because they themselves have to make the change not others.
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” Quran 13:11 This world is full of good people while having no shortage of those
deceitful
ones.
Be
careful.
Question 2 : What kind of approach should we take in order to bring a feminist back to the legitimate route?
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n the authority of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree (May Allah preserved him ) who said : I heard that the Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) say : “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand ; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue ; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith. “ [Narration of Imam Muslim]
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he above-mentioned narration clearly states the process of Da’wah or preaching. You may firstly want to acknowledge the fact that your friend is a feminist so try and bring her to some classes that might give her a chance to re-think the decisions that she made. Afterwards, try talking and I don’t mean the typical yada yada but try giving him/ her analogies that he/she can understand. Things that both you and your friend can relate to in this modern generation. But if all else fail, the ultimate weapon will be utilized. prayer. Prayer gives a great significance in a Muslim’s daily life. Pray for your friend, if you do not wish to see his/ her family in total chaos, pray for them. If you do not want to see your friend in plunder or lost, pray for them and May Allah guide them to the straight path.
Question 3: What if an asatizah (ustaz) were (was) to preach regarding the positive outcome of Feminism? Should I advise him/her? Or walk away?
This is one of the most crucial question that scholars need to take into account. If the shepherd is lost, where should the sheeps head to? Firstly, listen and understand what the asatizah have to say. Continue going to their classes, observe and remain vigilant. If the asatizah contradicts themselves in the other classes then it is good news. If they are still hard-headed and keep on justifying that women must be equal to men , then the next step will fall into place. Ask them personally about feminism and if they still don’t show any signs of backing down it is best for you to Tahzeer or be wary of them and pray for their guidance. After all, if he/she is a true Muslim scholar, he will know the consequences that could happen upon them if they were to be deviated. Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said : “I passed by some men on the night of Ascension whose lips were being sheared by scissors in the Hellfire. I said: O Gabriel, who are these people? Gabriel said: These are preachers from your nation who commanded people to be righteous and they forget it themselves while they recited the Book. Will they not reason?”
Question 4: I believed that rekindling the local society to the traditional Islamic ways is the ultimate solution to erase Feminism and its ideologies. What are your opinion on this? Defining ‘traditional Islamic ways’ differs from each individual. Doesn’t mean I’m implementing ‘Modern Islamic Ways’, I deviate far from the authentic truth and vice versa. Genuine reasons available on why Islam successfully propagated for more than 1400 years simply because the respective situations adapted to Islam in general while following attentively the correct narrations and sources. How sure are we that by utilizing the traditional Islamic practices may abolish the mindset of Feminism? By now we should already have discovered how Feminism commenced and how each
feminism.
era deals with it. How the era of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) raise the value and dignity of a woman so that society would respect woman as a human being no less. As an avid IT savvy individuals, people this generation should find ways on how to use the technologies at their disposal and preach to the congregants in their own ways as long as it does not contradict with Islamic Law and hopefully as time goes by, more and more people return to the safe path and not be affected by the negative vibes of the current generation.
Question 5 : How do we prevent ourselves from becoming a passive feminist? Nouman Ali Khan shared: “What if this world is not perfect? It’s not Jannah”
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e were told at a fragile age of 4 – 10 that this world is not perfect. The reason this world exist is due to the existence of both Heaven and Hell. Allah knows that humans will succumb to devious activities, forbidden food and drinks and He tests us for the sake of ourselves. Islam is a disciplined religion and that’s what makes Islam unique. As the saying goes: Narrated Abdullah bin Umar ()رضي هللا عنه: Allah’s Messenger ( )ﷺtook hold of my shoulder and said, “Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveller” So, what does these have to do with Feminism? Feminism begins with a simple gesture of not embracing what Allah has bestowed upon humans, as simple as that. Feminists are trying to create gender equality and push on making women’s status higher than men. Feminism is only the tip of the iceberg because chances are that the same feminist who fought for feminism will try to fight for another useless cause and it will continue till the end of time.
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o prevent from being a feminist is to keep an open mind. If the inquirer is a Muslim, he/she should remain having
good thoughts about how Allah wills things to be as they are and not to be a prejudice. He/she should keep good company, have a healthy circle of friends while not neglecting those who have gone astray. After tirelessly preaching about Islam to those feminist and they are still stubborn to the point where they would chastise their own religion if they are Muslims then it is best that you leave the job to Allah and pray for that specific Feminist.
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hese are just some questions that may or may not spark a fraction of enlightenment in the hearts (heart) of a true believer. The answers vary according to the Mad’u approached. Our duty is not to indoctrinate something we thought is the most accurate according to our understanding. If we were to do so, it doesn’t make us any different from the so called feminist trying to instill forcefully what she thought is true. What we need to keep in check is not to be too lenient and not administering a provocative approach. Let the people evaluate what’s wrong and right. Our job is just to serve them with general unbiased information for them to analyze, mull over, ponder and weigh thus resulting in a more social-conscious and well-mannered society revealing a superb generation. Let’s be honest to ourselves, do we really need to entertain such controversial matters? Or are there more grave and essential issues at hand? Such as the low percentage of Quranic literate children in Singapore, the amount of religious-conscious adults in the same country and etc. To my beloved country of Singapore - both Feminist and anti-Feminist - I urge that we focus on more pressing matters and don’t let this issue degrade ourselves as human beings. We are better than that. May Allah grant us His blessings and keep the Ummah under His Sovereignty. Allahumma Ameen. - ABDILLAH BIN AMINORDIN
Stereotypical Misconceptions on Islamic Feminism INTRODUCTION For decades, radical secular feminist movements have been a global phenomenon under the façade of liberating women from social discrimination and violence. Irrational thoughts provoking campaigns with subsequent half naked pictures of women shouting and chanting for the reinstitution of women’s rights did nothing to address stereotypical misconceptions of ‘Islamic feminism’. Regrettably, non-pundit Muslim individuals ‘who profess to know’, with their dogmatic oversimplification and generalisation of feminism (without prior knowledge on its history and context), inadvertently disregard any forms of feminism, overlooking numerous Muslim feminist initiatives that are rooted with sacred Quranic texts and hadiths. Scholastic comprehensive understanding on Islamic feminism from specialists and intellectuals are thus imperatively vital to address these unjustified stereotypical misconceptions on Islamic feminism, highlighting its distinctive differences in mandate and principles amongst other radical secular concept of feminism. ISLAMIC FEMINISM; ISLAMIST AND SECULAR FEMINIST
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s demonstrated at the Beijing Global Women’s Conference in 1995, the term
‘Islamic feminism’ is prevalently adopted amongst intellectuals and social activists. Although some still rejected the term, ‘Islamic feminism’ managed to proliferate the much-needed scholastic discussion on women’s rights and roles from Islamic narratives within its paradigm. Subsequently, such conferences also reflected the distinctive differences of perspectives and strategies amongst secular feminist activist and Islamist. Illustrations on its differences are thus crucially imperative to prevent the catego-
rization of secular feminist with Islamist. Beyond any shadow of doubt, there’s a profound distinctive differences between Islamist and secular feminist. Liberal and secular feminist activist ‘who profess to be Muslim’ explicitly redefine Islam on a cultural basis. Their concept of women’s equality and standards of education, political participation and career opportunities were inspired by western’s model of women’s integration. Hence to them, the imposition of veiling is a symbol of women’s backwardness and social disintegration;
standing and mandate from the Qur’an, seeking rights and justice within the framework of gender equality for women and men in the totality of their existence. Islamic feminism explicates the idea of gender equality as part and parcel of the Quranic notion of equality of all insan (human beings) and calls for the implementation of gender equality in the state, civil institutions, and everyday life.”
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t its core, Islamic feminism inherently engages Islamic theology through divine Quranic texts, hadiths, sacred Islamic narratives and history. Hence, it can easily be distinguished from other secular concept of feminism as it draws on the Quranic concept of equality and totality of all human beings. Men and women are harmoniously created to compliment each other. Both equally, are eligible for punishments for their misdemeanours and are required to fulfil all religious obligations. Both subsequently treated equitably in every spiritual aspect of their lives. As stated in the Quran: “ Whoever does an atom’s weight of good, whether male or female, and is a believer, all shall enter into paradise” (40:40) ISLAM AND WOMEN
photograph by MUHD ASHRAF BIN ANWAR for them, the true paradigm of women’s liberation must be reflected and inspired by western civilisations and cultures.
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slamist activist on the other hand meticulously identified an ideal Islam as the one lived during the era of the prophet and his companions at Medina. Hence, what is needed today is an imposition of that very exact Islamic ideal from the pages of history, contextualizing it and adapting it to our current context of modernity. Some Is-
lamists additionally asserts that further interpretations on the matter of patriarchal are irrelevant, as the law is divine. Let us continue to examine the paradigm of Islamic feminism from an intellectual perspective. Dr Margot Badran, a graduate of al-Azhar University and Oxford University, defines Islamic feminism: “…a concise definition of Islamic feminism gleaned from the writings and work of Muslim protagonists as a feminist discourse and practice that derives its under-
Although some rhetorically argues that an Islamist activist is solely an exponent of Islamic narratives of the totality of women and men’s existence, some Muslim feminist broaden this narrative; by attempting to alleviate current prevailing social discrimination and violence against women through the ‘maxim’ of Islamic feminism. Consequently, Muslim activists also frequently promulgated popular prophetic traditions with various interpretations and contextualisation. Such narratives can be seen as stated: ‘The prophet (pbuh) said on his farewell pilgrimage, after praising and glorifying Allah and admonishing people: “ I strongly advise you to treat women well” ’ ‘The prophet (pbuh) advised his followers: “take care of your precious pearls (women) and be kind to you wives and be patient with them.” ‘Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “everything other than remembrance of Allah is considered wasteful except four: a man humouring his wife..” Muslim feminists also propagate popular Islamic narratives in their attempts to address dogmatic per-
spectives on women in the political sphere. An example of such narrative:
ing to women (as a member of a community) than all other social issues combined.
“ Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) valued his wives’ opinions and consulted them when making decisions. His wife Umm Salamah acted as his advisor during the negotiations over the treaty of Hudaybiyyah and he appreciated and follow her counsel.” Numerous Quranic texts subsequently substantiate such narratives, establishing that Islam over 1,400 years ago liberated and safeguarded women’s rights. An attestation to such rhetoric can also be found extensively in Islamic traditions and history. Despite the deeply rooted patriarchy of seventh century Arabia, Islam brought radical changes regarding women. The Quran prohibited women infanticides; provides them with explicit inheritance rights, independent property and the right to justify in courts. There are more passages in the Quran that addresses issues relat-
CONCLUSION
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vidently, the realities of ‘Islamic Feminism’ are in fact intricately unique. Islamic feminism is indeed a global phenomenon in which Muslim feminist throughout the world turn to the Quran and prophetic traditions contextualizing and adopting it to alleviate current prevailing social discrimination and violence against women. Realisation on the concept of feminism is thus imperatively crucial to address dogmatic overgeneralisation and simplification that inadvertently effectuate stereotypical misconception of Islamic feminism. While countless Muslim feminist advocates the true concept of feminism that
concurrently proliferated much-needed scholastic discourses on women within the Islamic paradigm, non-pundit Muslim individuals perverse blatant overgeneralisation of feminism, hinders countless noble initiatives of Islamic feminism. Such dogmatism is indeed an attestation of narcissism. As absolutism shouldn’t be confused with scepticism, Islamic feminism should never be confused with secular feminism. - MUHD ASHRAF BIN ANWAR
REINTERPRETING THE FEMINIST TEXTS BY MUHAMMAD BIN ABDUL MAJID PHOTOGRAPHS BY MUHAMMAD BIN ABDUL MAJID
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he narrative that women are weaker beings as compared to men and therefore always needs protection is one that I grew up listening to. I still do today. As a young Muslim man, this narrative baffles me because it is women who go through the pain and agony of childbirth. They are the ones who nurture and raise boys and churn them into men. How could they be weaker than men? I look towards my mother, sister and aunt and never would I describe them as weak. One is the backbone of my family, the other went through ridicule but silenced mouths through her actions and the last is the catalyst for her family moving out of poverty. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Muslims supports this narrative by citing a certain verse from the Quran and relying on its interpretations for clarity.
But the verse itself does not necessarily imply male superiority and many Muslim feminists have acknowledged that. However, the interpretations surely do. It portrays men as the ‘maintainers’ or the ‘protectors’ of women, implying a certain right. This is not surprising considering these interpretations were made and upheld by scholars and communities who were or are adherents of patriarchy. Attempts have been made to reinterpret the Quran according to current contextual realities but these interpretations have been largely discredited by the clergy for a perceived lack of adequate knowledge and authority. These attempts at illuminating current affairs through the Quran especially on issues of gender and women, no matter how academically equipped you are, will fall on deaf ears. The
photograph by MUHAMMAD BIN ABDUL MAJID
rhetoric that scholars of yore have done the interpretations and their accounts are somehow sacred will assault any intelligence.
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r Asma Barlas, author of “Believing Women” in Islam: Unreading Patriarchal Interpretations of the Qur’an, are amongst the few who are riding the increasingly vociferous waves that challenges the scholars’ authority. She says, “Well, we need to challenge the authority of the ulama (scholars), because nobody has the right to say that only he knows the meaning of the Quran and only he can define religious meaning.” “Particularly, surprisingly enough, the fact that I claim that it is the right for every Muslim to read and interpret the Quran for themselves. They immediately think it means a very elaborate process of exegesis that only philologists, linguists and scholars can undertake. One of my recurrent messages is that the Quran came also for the unlettered Bedouin in the desert; therefore, it cannot be preserved only for scholars and jurists.”
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n the outrage she received regarding her views, she says, “Some of the things I am saying are very Quranic and I do not see them as intrinsically controversial. But it is the very fact that in many Muslim communities the people that define religious knowledge are primarily men, and primarily but not exclusively conservative men. Therefore, it is disturbing for them to hear someone ( a women) who comes along and say the things I say.” Much like Barlas, Muslim feminists have been roaring about the contradictions between the message of the Quran and that of the scholars. They argue that Islam is not inherently patriarchal. But the societies in which Islam is dominant, are entrenched in patriarchy. For example, 7th century Arabia was patriarchal. Women were discriminated against to the extent they were seen as potential disgraces for the family. Live burial of infant girls were commonplace. With the coming of Islam, women
were gradually elevated within society. Women were humanized and given their rights. The social policies and changes Islam implemented were progressive and its attitude towards women was ahead of its time by centuries. But like all social upheavals, absolute change takes more than twenty – three years; the duration of Muhammad’s prophet hood. With the passing of the Prophet, Islam began expanding towards foreign lands and with the passage of time; different socio-economic structures began to seep through into Islam through adoption of cultures. These structures favored the subjugation of women and tend to dominate the public space with men, which inadvertently stunted the gradual progress towards the empowerment of women. Much of Islamic law and policies were constructed with these realities in consideration. So why do we still blindly follow these same exact laws and policies when the realities of the 21st century have vastly evolved?
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aybe in Singapore, Muslim women are amongst the most empowered. They practically run the show at every Muslim association. But what about in other parts of the world? Patriarchy is still very much alive and present in Muslim communities and many women are being denied opportunities. Maybe it’s time we revise our laws and policies and begin to question our scholars authority, not for the thrill of rebellion but to ensure the laws they derive do not cause injustice as per the context and realities of the 21st century. After all, Islam is a universal religion, capable of adapting to any reality. Resistance would only imply rigidity. - MUHAMMAD BIN ABDUL MAJID
USTAZAH liyana
MUSFIRAH ANWAR
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stazah Liyana
graduated from Alsagoff Arab School in 2008 before seeking her Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Banking and Finance from Al-Fath University, Damascus, Syria. When the Syrian war unfolded, she had to change her course to the American Open University in Cairo, Egypt, focussing in Islamic Studies. Now, she is a wonder woman juggling both her career as a trainer and an Executive in Product Development at the SaFIinah Institute in Singapore, whilst being a young mother of 2 children. She is passionate in issues pertaining to youths and women. interviewed by aufa aufa m sidque bin salleh oddin
AUFA: First and foremost, thank you, Ustazah Liyana, for being part of this initiative.
LIYANA MUSFIRAH (LM): Thank you for having me. It’s
always a pleasure to be part of women-related initiatives like this. A:What is your take on Feminism? LM: From what I understand, in feminism, there are two parts to it. First, is that men and women are equal. Second, equal treatment for both sexes. Referring to the first part, I personally disagree that women and men are equal in any way. I believe that men are granted with some form of strength and capabilities, and women, on the other hand are granted with different skills and capabilities as well. We are not equal, and we will never be. That is just how we are created. For me, there is no way that men are women are the same. We are created so differently to cater to various needs in life. Men and women are like jigsaw pieces – they are never similar, and without both, the puzzle will not be complete. In terms of being treated equally, that I have to agree. After all, we are both servants of Allah and He looks into our Taqwā (1) instead of our gender. So, if The Creator himself treats us equally, why cant we expect the same from the whole world? AUFA: Ustazah, in your opinion, do you think that Islam has played a role in empowering women and giving them their rights? LM:Yes, definitely. I think Islam has done so much when it comes to empowering women and giving them their rights. It is very clear, there are many Quranic verses and narrations from the Prophetic Texts which focuses on the rights of women and how
it is a sin if the men or the protectors fail to give their women the rights to which they deserve. Also, not to forget the narrations on how women should be treated – with utmost respect and kindness. I love to read stories of our Ummahātul Mu’mineen (2). I think they are the most empowering and inspiring figures the whole world needs to recognize. They are the gems of Islam that have lured many to fall in love with this beautiful religion. Islam has also raised their levels to the highest and has complimented them so much for others to be empowered by and be like them. AUFA: What do you think are the misconceptions on Women in general, and Women in Islam? LM: There are many misconceptions when it comes to women. In general, we are deemed weaker than men, we easily get jealous, we cant do manly sports, we are too dependent on men and the most popular - we are terrible drivers! For women in Islam, the misconceptions are more sensitive and serious. We are thought to be oppressed, especially in the issues of hijab and polygamy. We are thought to cover everything from head to toe in order to conceal and protect our beauty from the world. We also cant have our own voice and have to follow strictly to our husband’s commands and so much more. The thing is, we all know these are mostly untrue. AUFA: Who are your women role models and why? LM: Sayyidah Khadijah - I adore her and I pray that Allah will allow me to meet her in Jannah. She is a figure of strength, intelligence, love, respect and wisdom. She was a successful
career woman and a magnificent motherly figure of her household. There is just so much we can learn from her and I cannot believe there was a woman who owned all these positive traits and values in one. Every time I read about her, there is always something new to learn from and her inspiring story started from before she became a wife to our Prophet (PBUH) until her passing. Also Sayyidah Āsiyah, I mean come on, being married to the Pharoah yet stayed patient and true to Allah despite all the pain and suffering she had to go through and finally granted a house in Jannah! AUFA: In your own words, how would you empower your fellow sisters? LM: Love yourself. Know your worth and value. We are too busy being wives, mothers, sisters and daughters that most of the time, we forget to be us. We spend too much time and effort giving our 150% to others but we tend to neglect ourselves. We can’t expect our husbands to love us when we look in the mirror yet we don’t love what we are looking at. We can’t expect our children to respect us when we ourselves don’t respect ourselves. Our wishes, our goals, our dreams, they all matter too! But they wont matter, if we don’t make them matter. We need to start putting ourselves in the priority list together with our children, husbands and everything else. AUFA: You are a mother of 2 beautiful children, what do you think are the challenges of being a mother and a career woman?
LM: It is definitely not easy. My children depend so much on me
and my job needs my full attention and focus too. However, I am thankful Allah placed me in this situation. The challenges come in multiple forms that I can never imagine to come across with. For example, I don’t have time for myself. It is always spent on making sure both my kids are attended. But the more I don’t have time for myself, the more I would look for it. Having quality time for myself is basically the only thing that keeps me sane in this ‘fisher price and Lego life’ I am going through. Other challenges would include like being late for meetings and appointments because your toddler just had to spill orange juice on your new abaya, or your new-born suddenly decided to have a ‘Merlion effect’ on your freshly washed and ironed Hijab. Somehow, to me, I have become the best juggler and multi tasker there is! Jokes aside, it is all about priorities - knowing which, who or what comes first. But the challenges won’t break you, they just make you stronger. AUFA:“Men are better than Women”. What do you think of this statement? LM: I totally disagree. We are special in our own ways. Men are more skilled when it comes to leading a family, or playing rough sports. Women are much better when it comes to children, like giving birth, feeding, nurturing them and etc. It is a very strong statement that can cause so much anger and commotion to women! So if you ask me, I don’t and won’t agree to that statement at all.
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Pelarian Syria
Kaya harta, fakir tatasusila. Itulah sifat kita, manusia. Tapi bukan pada anak-anak pelarian Syria yang mana saya dan rakan-rakan ziarahi, di Irbid, Jordan pada 30 Januari 2016 sewaktu cuti semester yang lalu.
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etibanya di sekolah mereka yang disediakan khas oleh mahasiswa Malaysia di Jordan, kanak-kanak tersebut kelihatan sangat ceria menyambut kami. “ Assalamualaikum, apa khabar? “ tanya seorang dari mereka dalam bahasa Melayu. Kami diberi tahu bahawa mereka diajar beberapa matapelajaran, antaranya ialah Matematik, Sains, Bahasa Inggeris dan juga Bahasa Melayu. . Ketika lawatan muhibbah itu, yang menarik perhatian saya serta membuka mata hati yang lama terkunci ialah apabila saya dan rakan-rakan memperhatikan hampir kesemuanya tidak mahu menjamu makanan yang dibawa kami. Bukan atas sebab tidak enak, tetapi mereka ingin berkongsi bersama keluarga mereka yang berada di rumah. Hampir semua menjaga makanan dan minuman itu dengan sebaiknya kerana takut diambil orang. Bagai langit dan bumi, kami yang kaya dengan harta dan kemewahan ini sering lupa menerapkan sifat saling berkongsi tapi mereka yang serba kekurangan tidak pernah lokek untuk memberi. Ada juga yang menyuapkan makanan kepada kami, ada yang bertanya mengapa kami tak makan bersama. Ketika mereka sibuk melakukan aktiviti bersama kami, salah seorang daripada kanak-kanak Syria ini kelihatan bersungguh-sungguh membersihkan bilik air di sekolah itu, umurnya angga-
ran 10-12 tahun. Selepas membersihkan bilik air, beliau terus berinisiatif menyusun kasut-kasut kami tanpa sebarang arahan daripada mahasiswa Malaysia. Apa yang saya dapat lihat ialah, mereka sebenarnya lebih matang daripada orang dewasa kerana mereka lebih berinisiatif daripada anak muda yang bertenaga. Lebih bersifat memberi daripada orang yang berharta. “Mereka bukan sahaja perlukan pelajaran akan tetapi mereka juga sangat perlukan sokongan moral, motivasi dan aktiviti-aktiviti yang membina. Contohnya seperti hari ini. “Ujar salah seorang pengurus sekolah itu sekaligus pelajar Universiti Yarmouk daripada Malaysia. Selesai sudah aktiviti yang kami jalankan bersama mereka, dengan berat hati kami keluar dari sekolah itu lalu beberapa kanak-kanak perempuan ikut kami sambil berkata: “ Esok kami datang lagi ya “. Lawatan itu mengajar kami bahawa dengan berkongsi sedikit kemewahan yang kita ada, ia akan membahagiakan semua. Merekalah contoh dan juga motivasi untuk tetap meneruskan langkah, berbakti, bertukar senyuman walaupun mereka dalam kepayahan dalam menongkah pesatnya pancaroba kehidupan. - FATHIN ARTINI MOHD SAID
“DON’T BE AFRAID, WE’RE ENTERING OUR LAND.” PELESTINE. THE PERFECT ILLUSION.
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ur land. Those words were resonantly clear in my head, keeping me from being disheartened even before stepping into Baitul Maqdis. Our Land. I had a surreal feeling of being welcomed back home. Our Land. We’re under Allah’s care, as Palestine rightfully belongs to us.
With media being the main source of information on Palestine, I expected a run-down war zone. Yet, the opposite proved to be true. I stepped into the most breath-taking painting I’d ever seen in my life. As if trapped in a lucid dream, my knees buckled to my first prostration in Masjid Al-Kibli. ‘Nirvana’ paled in comparison to the serenity of that moment. Everything made sense. Why we have to fight for this land and protect its people. How this land is utterly precious. I was enveloped in an illusion. An illusion of unity, where all Muslims are brothers. An illusion of peace, where all of mankind are in the synchronicity of worship. This illusion was only the beginning. As I walked the streets of Ramallah, seeing the Palestinian flag waving proudly in the air made it expand. Soldiers making us feel protected and strong rather than intimidated. Our own army and government just like the times of the Four Caliphs. Somehow, my subconscious was trying hard to break through. I began to realise the image our enemies are trying to plant in our head. Showing us gory images of bombings via the media, then blocking our access to the annihilated areas. Instead, they divert our attention to the well-manned streets of Jerusalem. Somehow, my subconscious was trying hard to break through. I began to realise the image our enemies are trying to plant in our head. Showing us gory images of bombings via the media, then blocking our access to the annihilated areas. Instead, they divert
our attention to the well-manned streets of Jerusalem. It is as if they want to say “Look! We’re not oppressing Muslims. They have shops, live in proper homes, they could even pray in Masjidil Aqsa as they please. We do not stop them from waving the Palestinian flag, nor prevent them from having their own army and government.” They try really hard to keep us dreaming.
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hattered was my perfect illusion, revealing what lay underneath. The mental war they are waging, allowing us to be alive yet not living. Palestinians - with the exception of those born in Jerusalem – are barred from entering Al-Aqsa, forced to pay unreasonably high taxes, killed freely, and the list of atrocities goes on. Propagation in the media is barely a glimpse into the reality. Imagine a market with barely any shops open. Shopkeepers waiting with increasing disappointment as townsfolk have close to no spending power. Jobless men and uneducated children prowling the streets searching for a better life, to only find himself walking in a ghost town. Cameras monitoring every street. A Muazzin having to ask permission before each prayer to recite the Adthaan. A mental war worse than death itself. What’s even worse is the powerlessness that follows. The fact that I have everything anyone could wish for, yet nothing to save my own people. A heavy heart dragged my body down into my last prostration in Masjidil Aqsa. One day, InsyaAllah, Palestine will be truly ours again. One day, we will wake up to the roar of the Adthaan from all the 7 mosques in the Aqsa compound. One day, we’ll all return to set foot in this Holy Land again. - NURUL IMAN BINTE ABDUL RASHID
KULIAH HOPPING SENIOR AL-AZHAR UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES GIVE A TASTE OF WHAT THEY LEARNED. BY MUSTAFA ROSLAN PHOTOGRPAHED BY MULTIMEDIA UNIT. PERKEMAS ARCHIVES.
H “Kuliah-Hopping: The Undergraduates’ moment.” 18 March. The Research Unit orchestrated a successful and joyous event that celebrated the year four undergraduates of Al-Azhar University. Starting with the boys from the faculty of Islamic Jurisprudence – the Shariah Satria Boys– who touched on comparative jurisprudence among the different schools in Islam, and gave lively and uncomplicated explanations on the different methodologies used by various scholars on diverse matters. Using charming acting and a video spoof, the boys helped the audience understand how a particular rule is given in a wide variety of situations. “And lastly, we are the Shariah Satria Boys!” followed by the power rangers’ pose.
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staz Izaan Bin Mahat, spearheaded the Prophetic Sciences faculty, shining light on ilmu Takhreej or the analysis and investigation of a particular narration of the Prophet, to validate its authenticity and linking it to its narrators or original book (What a mouthful!). Ilmu Takhreej is an outmost importance in the field of prophetic sciences. After listing its many advantages in the field of Islamic sciences, the
students of the faculty conducted a short practical. Using numerous ancient books that are considered of substantial importance in the field, the senior students guided the audience using the scholarly methodologies to investigate and analyze different narrations of the prophet. “What is a God?” a question posted by the students of the faculty of Creed and Philosophy. One exhausting question after another, the students scrutinized, debated and argued the tough questions raised and revolving around our everyday lives. They did not shy away from controversial questions and they hammered these ideas using logic and evidentiary proofs. “Now we cannot thoroughly understand why we think, the way we think, without looking back at history. We will go back as far as to the ancient Eastern philosophy, back to the ancient Egyptians 5000 years ago, where the first evidence of philosophy existed…” “We have touched on the many texts and methodologies of our great scholars. We questioned about god, and dwelled on the realms of the Islamic jurisprudence and the prophetic sciences. Now let us return to our roots; the foundation of all this great knowledge, The Holy Quran,”
said ustaz Imron Rushdie Bin Tukiman, a student of the faculty of Quranic Sciences and Exegesis. “What Al-Azhar has taught us that analyzing the Quran is not a mere, simple task. It is a great effort that is arduous in all aspects. To separate the legitimate and suitable exegesis from the illegitimate and fabricated ones, to consider all angles and perspectives and finding a common ground. This is how much we care about our Quran.”
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he dynamic duo of the faculty of Propagation and Culture brought us back to the past. to investigate and understand the vast methodologies of the Prophet in the propagation of Islam, and the many obstacles he faced in his lifetime in the act of propagation against those who opposed his message. Ustaz Sufi Ridhwan and Ustaz Ashraf Anwar gave a compelling and strong case; touching numerously on Islamic culture and its evolution through history and the lessons learnt from their experiences, and ending with a detailed comparative review between the propagation culture of the Vatican and our Islamic form. “When you are talking about
the Shariah, that is propagation. When you are teaching hadith or tafseer, that is propagation. When you’re lecturing on the oneness of God, that is an act of propagation. All of us are under the goal, and that is to propagate and give light on Islam.”
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ave you ever had your mind blown so much, you just can’t help but scream? That’s what happened when you let Ustaz Noorsyahiddin Bin Norsha extend his arm and pull you in the world of Arabic language and literature, giving a glimpse into the miraculous dynamics behind the forms of some of the language’s simplest words, its incredible origins, and its far surpassing meanings. Did you know
that the sound the crow makes is called ghaak, which the word itself derives from the sound the crow makes? How as little as changing a particular shakl changes the word’s meaning entirely, and stressing on a particular word changes an entire sentence. The Arabic language is a language unlike any other in history. And the students of the faculty of Arabic Language and Literature are the landmarks for this language. By the end of the event, the year four undergraduates hit all the right notes and tones, like a talented virtuoso with a great sonata, creating beautiful music for the audience to hear. - MUSTAFA ROSLAN
icons THE FIRST ASIAN WOMAN WITH SEVEN SCRIPTS OF ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY
A’TII QAH SUHAIMI
BORN AT : Singapore, datuk nenek jawa... mak bapak
melayu. Tapi muke ku daripada nenek moyang yang tak tau macam mana entah diorang ada Chinese blood related. HER EARLIEST : First time try baca quran depan orang: primary one. First time tulis khat lepas tu kena capture dalam camera and gelabah sendiri: 2015 SHE IS EXCITED BY: hearing the word “calligraphy”, and also anyone reading (or trying their best) something in maqamat/taranum. FAVOURITE MEMORY: I don’t really have favourite memories or any preference. But I do have good memory recalling each and every moments. Or maybe all of those moments are my favourite? haha SHE SHARED: I like to share stuff that I really like (and I’ll start promoting it too) HER MIND: is full of calligraphy. SHE PLAYS: bowling. I play-ED online games before,but I quit. BEST PLACES: Istanbul, Mecca, Medina, (Tak pernah pergi Palestine, tapi mesti best kan?), and also in Mum’s and Dad’s hearts! BEST BURGER: McSpicy. (sorry ah tak boycott) SURPRISED BY: nothing. I love surprises, but I always figure out first before I get it. (Okay I just love to spoil planned surprise) EGYPT IS: Ummud Dunya? Chey.. Egypt is still in my
heart. Sob sob.
IF SHE CAN TRAVEL ANY WHERE RIGHT NOW: Istanbul PEOPLE SHOULD GO TO: everywhere in the world,
LEARN something new to improve themselves! When I think of empowering women I: would like them to control their emotions first. Yes. That’s FIRST! WISE WORDS FOR WOMEN: Quoted from Hidayah Rifaie >> “Okay… Moving onnnnnnnn!” She hopes: to migrate to Istanbul. PASSION IS: Without it, u die mentally. If she can return back time, she’ll: study betul2, then if got chance to meet Syekh Belaid earlier, also can! SHE BELIEVES: determination > talent THE FUTURE: innallaha la yughayyiru ma biqaumin hatta yughayyiru ma bi anfusihim SUNDAY MORNING: Cairo: Ok class at 8am! Lets get up andddddd wash up andddd letsgo! Singapore: Okey nothing to do, other than house chores… okey okey.. FIRST TIME I EVER: tried thosai and I don’t like. Haha AN EMPOWERED WOMAN: Finding passion in what you’re doing:
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