“And united their hearts; had you spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allah united them, surely He is Mighty, Wise” (8:63) Issue 6 : Volume 3. July / August 1998
IUS News Asalaamu-Alaikum Brothers and Sisters, ¶
Alhamdullilah, the IUS staged its very own Muharram Day on Sunday 24/5/98 at Dar AlHikma. The programme was attended by fifty brothers and sisters, and there were speeches by Br Sayyed Hassan Bokhari and Br Farhan Zaidi on the tragedy of Karbala and its implications for us today.
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Alhamdolillah, the IUS Muharram Campaign was a success as many brothers and sisters joined the already 450 strong IUS membership. The campaign involved many volunteers spread around over 10 Mosques during the month of Muharram. The IUS would like to sincerely thank all brothers and sisters who helped in the campaign, may Allah (SWT) accept their efforts and reward them with His mercy Inshallah.
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Preparations for IUS Conference ‘98 are running smoothly, please turn to p11 for more details.
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We are gradually receiving more and more written contributions from members towards this newsletter. Please keep sending in your articles and poems plus any suggestions or ideas to improve this newsletter.
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The IUS Newsletter Committee is planning to expand the newsletter to 16 pages from the next issue (Sep-Oct) Inshallah. This will coincide with the first Issue of Volume 4. The issue will contain more details about our second conference as well as a full report on the IUS Iran trip which is due to go ahead in August Inshallah.
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IUS Australia ! it’s official, IUS Australia is a registered charity, based in Melbourne, on the country’s east coast, they have initiated their activities. For further information, about this new development and the contact details for the committee over there, please see the IUS website. Inshallah you’ll be hearing much more news about the IUS in other countries. Contents in this issue of IUSN:
IUS News
1
Imam Ali and his Shia in Quran and Hadith (continued)
7
Editorial / Pearls of Wisdom
2
Shaitan - A Closer Look
8
Accountancy
3
Brain Teasers
9
Status of Women in Islam
4
Prologue to the Iran Trip
10
Status of Women in Islam (continued)
5
IUS Conference 98
11
Imam Ali and his Shia in Quran and Hadith
6
What’s On Guide & Dates to Remember
12
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IUS Newsletter
Editorial
Editorial Isn't it curious how we sense positive or negative vibes from people that we've only just met? Why do 'First Impressions' count so much? Impression Formation is how we form judgements about the personalities of other people by selecting some important traits about them and then going beyond this information to infer additional traits, usually for which there is no valid evidence borne out from their behaviour. Extensive judgements tend to be made of others by not carefully and consciously weighing evidence using a variety of observations about the person, e.g. physical features, nationality and clothing. The way we form impressions are also influenced by information from another person, most likely a close friend. For example if we are told that somebody has a particularly favourable characteristic such as 'warm', (which implies likeability) then we tend to attribute them with equally favourable characteristics such as 'generous', 'popular, and 'humorous.' This is called the 'Halo Effect.' Conversely, an overall negative impression leads to the creation of a 'Negative Halo Effect.' Too often in Western society where Hijab appears to culminate oppression, militancy and injustice, Muslim women in particular are unfairly attributed the 'Negative Halo Effect.'
The main source for this is the media, which penetrates deep into people's minds, which in turn determines how they interpret what and who they 'see', what they remember and what ultimately is inferred. The Qur'an teaches us that men and women are equal, that individuals should not be judged according to gender, beauty or wealth, but on their taqwa (piety.) However, in this age of 'assimilation' we are prepared to forgo our Islamic principles and replace them with what society currently dictates, even if it is outside the framework of the Sharia. (Islamic Law.) Although the majority of judgements and responses to a negative impression are unconscious, such stereotypical notions (in the case of Women and Islam) can be erased through the education of society by example, and encouraging the investigation of Islam by questioning. The Reformer of Humanity, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the image of piety and spirituality. His conduct was a practical example for others. Today Muslims all over the world are enamoured by his charismatic nature, for he was the ultimate example of an Islamic model and the greatest instructive stimulant to mankind. Sr. Uzma Mohamedali, Editor
Pearls of Wisdom “Knowledge enables its possessor to distinguish what is forbidden from what is not; lights the way to Heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our companion in solitude, our companion, when bereft of friends; it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is our ornament in the company of friends; it serves as an armour against the enemies.
With knowledge the creatures of Allah rises to the heights of goodness and to noble position, associates with the sovereigns in this world and attains the perfection of happiness in the next.� The Holy Prophet (SAW).
Academic
By Sr. Samina Saleem Accountancy involves recording and reporting financial information about a business to allow users of the information to make an informed decision about the business. Accountancy is often seen as a highly mathematical and rather boring subject. However, these views could not be further from the truth. Being an accountant involves a lot more than basic arithmetic. In my first year as an accountancy student, I have already studied Statistics, I.T., Communication, Economics, Law and Accountancy modules. An understanding of accounting is required in many careers. Managers need to understand and have access to accounting in order to make informed decisions. People working in marketing and advertising need to be able to use accounting information to work out the profitability of a project. Careers in finance and real estate rely heavily on a knowledge of accounting. There are two main branches of accounting: financial and management accounting. Financial accounting information is mainly for external users e.g. shareholders and creditors, whereas management accounting is for internal users in the business such as managers.
IUS Newsletter
Three main financial statements are used in accounting to record the financial position of a business: the Cash Flow statement, the Profit and Loss Account and the Balance Sheet. These can be found in the annual reports of limited companies. In the UK the content and format of these statements is regulated by accounting standards set out by the relevant accounting bodies. Traditionally accountants have been responsible for producing financial information. Auditors are accountants who check financial statements to confirm that they represent a "true and fair view" of the position of the business. However even auditors are not expected to detect fraud, they simply highlight obvious errors and omissions in the financial statements. Recently there has been a trend towards employing p e o p l e specifically for the detection of fraud in companies. FBI agents are often employed as " f o r e n s i c accountants". The accountancy profession enjoys a high degree of morality amongst its members. A recent survey in the US revealed that accountants are thought to be one of the most honest groups of people, coming second only to the clergy.
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IUS Newsletter
Women in Islam
By Sr. Duha Al-Wakeel If one takes a look back over the centuries into the non Islamic history of perceptions of women, a few surprises certainly crop up. Women were viewed by many as non entities and inferior to their male counterparts. We certainly were not considered as humans. In the eyes of the ancient Greeks, women were an impure commodity to be sold and bought at the market place, whilst the Romans viewed women as a means of the devil for corrupting mankind, to which they believed the answer lay in torturing the women. In the year of the Islamic revelation 586 a conference was held in France to debate the issue of ‘whether a woman was to be regarded as a human or not’, concluding that a woman could be thought of as a human but her only purpose here was for man’s benefit. Further afield, the Arabs buried their daughters before they could bring any shame to the family name. Whilst in the sub continent the ancient Hindus felt that once a man died his wife had no further purpose in life thus she was burnt. This practice was only stopped as late as the mid nineteenth century. Islam looked upon all these types of practices as shameful ‘When the female infant, buried alive is questioned - For what crime was she killed’ Surat at Takweer aya’s 8-9. Despite differing attitudes towards women nowadays, it is without doubt that Islam is the only system that assured women rights, honour and dignity over a thousand years ago. Under the perfection of Islam women have enjoyed rights to employment, education, economic independence, inheritance, choice of marital partner and even the choice to keep ones maiden name.
Comparing this with the so called modern world bears further evidence to the fact that Islam is not inherently discriminatory to women. As late as 1970 non Islamic women here were fighting to gain some sort of equality in pay with their male counterparts. Despite the Sex Discrimination Act 1976, there still remains an unequal workplace, in which women occupy lower paid jobs. Islam assures economic independence to women and therefore money she earns is hers to keep, this was not the case in this country until the Married Women’s Property Act 1888 - which reversed the norm that all property belonging to a married woman was her husband’s property. Islam recognises the value of knowledge thus we are told by the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) that ‘It is a duty on both men and women to seek knowledge’ yet in the UK it was not until the beginning of this century that women were allowed to enter the great bastions of male education: universities. Another interesting phenomena is that the largest group of reverts to Islam are women between the ages of sixteen and twenty four, and in the last twenty years twenty thousand women have chosen to embrace Islam and live their lives in total submission to Allah (SWT). One wonders why is this happening if Islam is such an oppressive and brutal system that the media has us believe? The majority of Muslim women reverts are not turning to Islam because they fall in love with a Muslim male, but rather because they find contentment at finding a way of life which allows them to live in harmony with their intellect and their instincts, satisfying both, contradicting neither.
(Continued on page 5)
IUS Newsletter
Women in Islam
Inferior, (Continued from page 4)
However sometimes the media have a wrong perception of women in Islam because of the way they view some Muslim males treating their women. Islam unfortunately is not implemented correctly by some humans sometimes leading to a violation of the Muslim woman’s rights under the name of Islam. In Islam a woman’s status is so respected that she is not bound to do any house work or breast feeding unless she does it willingly fee sabeel Allah (for the sake of Allah SWT), and she can ask for a salary for doing this. If her husband forces her to do anything unwillingly, then he has oppressed her. Islamically ‘forced marriages’ are haram, and women can work if they choose to, thus compelling the myth that woman should stay at home next to the stove. However this is provided that the work she does is not degrading to society’s morality and ethics, and she must be wearing the Islamic hijab, which helps work as a means of protection. This is of a lot more dignified nature than being used as a mere economic commodity as happens in the modern market.
physical and emotional differences between the two sexes and equity i.e fairness is preferred as opposed to exact equality which in reality becomes more discriminatory towards women. Women and men are different and thus as different creations they have different roles to carry out on earth, an analogy can be drawn to the to the differences between the sun and the moon, which are both complementary: ‘It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along in its own orbit’ Surat Yasin (36) aya 40 Islam is concerned with assuring the woman’s role as vital to ensuring society’s morals and ethics. Women in Islam have a unique ideological identity and a Muslim woman, unlike her non Muslim counterpart does not need to prove ‘anything a man can do, a woman can do better’ Islam judges all on the basis of their belief and piety ‘The most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you’ Surat Al Hujaraat (49) aya 13, Allah (SWT) also tells us in Surat an Nisa(4) aya 124 ‘If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female- and have faith, they will enter heaven and not the least injustice will be done to them’ thus showing that Islam regards belief and piety more importantly than gender.
Superior,
Great recognition is also given to the pains a woman must endure throughout her life, and we are told by our Prophet (SAW) ‘Paradise lies at the feet of mothers’. Our existence on this earth under Islam is within a unified and interrelated divine system. A system in which both men and women are complementary to one another and both enjoy equal status, therefore equality between men and women is an inherent and assured fact. Simultaneously though, rights and responsibilities are equal yet not identical to one another. Consideration is given to the
Islamic history is full of women who confronted falsehood and corruption and thus were examples of belief, spirituality and piety. From examples in the Holy Quran of Maryam (AS) and Aasiya (AS), to examples within Ahlul Bayt of Fatima (AS) and Zainab (AS) we have many role models to inspire us. Let us try and work towards fulfilling our lives in terms of piety and belief, and try to be examples to non Muslims that Islam is not about oppressing women!
or Equal ?
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IUS Newsletter
This article is a reply to a recent lecture which sought to equate the faith of the Ithna Ashari Shi’a with that of the Jews. The speaker stated the word Shi’a of Ali had no existence in hadith, no Sahaba had ever recounted such a hadith and as such the Shi’a had no basis to affiliate their sect with him.
The word Shi’a to quote Hameedullah Khan 1 “is derived from ‘Mushay-e-at, which means to follow and obey and Shiat Ali means specifically that party which, after the death of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) attached itself to Hazrat Ali...considering him the successor of the Prophet (PBUH) both in temporal and religious matters”. It is in praise of the Shi’a of Ali, that Allah (SWT) sent down the following revelation: “Those who believe and do righteous deeds are the best of the creatures. Their reward from their Lord shall be everlasting gardens, below
which flow rivers, they will abide there forever. Well pleased is God with them and they are well pleased with Him” (Quran 98:7)”. Jalaladin Suyuti, (849 - 911 AH) is one of the highest ranking Sunni scholars of all time. In his his commentary of this verse, he records through 3 asnad (chains) of narrators, that the Prophet (SAAWS) told his companions that the verse referred to Ali and his Shia: “I swear by the one who controls my life that this man (Ali) and his Shia shall secure deliverance on the day of ressurection”. The 3 Sahaba who narrated this hadith are (1) Ali (AS) himself (2) Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari (RA) (3) Abdullah ibne Abbas (RA). They are acknowledged by the majority school as truthful narrators of hadith. Had this been in a Shi’a book, our opponents would have deemed it a forgery, but it’s presence in their own books has perplexed the minds of many of their scholars. There are no hadith in which the Prophet (SAAWS) guaranteed paradise for a specific Sahaba and his followers, with the sole exception
Imam ali (A.S.)
of Ali (AS) and his Shi’a. Other Sunni scholars have also recorded this hadith from Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari in their commentaries of the above verse1b. Unable to refute the hadith the tendency has been to provide an alternative explanation. The highly respected Sunni scholar Al Muhaddith Shah Abdul Aziz Dehlavi in his discussion of hadith relating to Ali and his Shi’a writes: “The title Shia was first given to those Muhajireen and Ansar who gave Bayah to Ali (may Allah enlighten his face), they were his steadfast faithful followers during his (Ali’s) khilafat, they remained close to him, and they always fought his enemies, and kept on following Ali’s commands and prohibitions the true Shia are these who came in 37 Hijri” 2 (NB 37 Hijri -the year Hazrat Ali (AS) fought Muawiyah at Siffeen)
Although we believe that the title Shi’a goes back before this date, as this book is a ‘revered anti Shi’a masterpiece’, we will gladly accept this definition. Dehlavi states the first Shi’ a were the Muhajireen and Ansar, in other words they were the Prophet (SAAWS)’s Sahaba who sided with Ali (AS) against Mu’awaiyah. Now let us break down that definition in to point form. The Shi’a were those who: • • • •
Pledged their allegiance to Ali (AS) Remained close to him Followed his orders Fought his enemies
Alhumdollillah that is exactly the same definition of the Shi’a today. All the above attributes of the Shi’a then, are still inherent in the Shi’a today. As for the allegation that the Shi’a have gone astray because they have not taken the Sunnah from the Sahaba, we should stress that the Shi’a
IUS Newsletter
Imam Ali (a.s.)
are those who follow Ali (AS) and take the Sunnah from him in accordance with the dictates of the Prophet (SAAWS) who said to Ali (AS), “You are my brother and inheritor”, when the Companions asked what previous Prophet’s had left as inheritance, he replied “The Book of God and his Sunnah the teachings of that Prophet”3 . Ali (AS) inherited the Qur’an and Sunnah and his Shi’a have likewise taken their knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah from him. This is why we are Shi’a, not to be stubborn, not to cause fitnah, but because we see no other hadi (guide) which will lead us to the right path. When we see clear hadith guaranteeing salvation for Ali (AS)’s Shia on the Day of Judgement, there is no sense in us seeking alternative groups to affiliate ourselves with, particularly when Hadhrath Abu Bakr narrates from our Prophet (SAAWS) that “No one will be able to cross the
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So Ali (AS) will be the leader of the bright face people, the bright face people will follow him ie. they will be his Shi’a and it is this group which will attain Paradise. The Prophet (SAAWS) said in a well known hadith that Muslims would be divided in to 73 sects of which only one would attain paradise, we hope that this article has been able to shed light on which group that is. by Sayyid Hassan Askari Bokhari _________________________________ 1 Schools of Islamic Jurisprudence, by Hameedullah Khan p121 1b Sawaiq al Muhriqa, by Ibn Hajr, Chapter 1 al Manaqib, by al Khwarazmi, p 66 Faraid al Simtayn, by al Hamawini, Vol 1 p 13 Yannabi al Mawadda, by Shaykh Sulayman al Qundoozi al Hanafi Kifayat al Talib, by al Ganji, p 118 Fusul al Muhimma, by Ibn al Sabbagh, p 105 2 Taufa Ithna Ashari, (Gift to the Twelvers) (Farsi edition p 18, publishers Sohail Academy, Lahore, Pakistan). 3 Riyadh al Nadira, by Mohibbudin al Tabari, Vol 3 p 123 Izalatul Khifa (Urdu translation), by Al Muhadith Shah Waliyullah Dehlavi, Vol 1 p 444
4 Al Sawaiqh al Muhriqa, by Ahmad Ibn Hajar al Makki, page 126 (An Anti Shi’a Book)
Sirat (Path) leading to Heaven on the Day of Judgement unless he gets the stamp of Ali” 4. How can we turn to others, when Allah (SWT) says in His Glorious Book: “On the Day when some faces will be bright and some faces will be black, And as for those whose faces will have turned black, it will be said ‘What did you disbelieve after believing, taste the chatisement for your disbelief’. And as for those whose faces are white, they shall be in the Mercy of God, they shall abide therein forever” It is clear from this verse that the successful Party on the Day of Judgement will be those whose faces are bright. Now apply this verse to the following hadith, again found in two recognised Sunni works: “Three things have been revealed to me about Ali, that he is the Sayyid al Muslimeen (Chief of Muslims), Imam-ulMutaqeen (Imam of the Pious), and (wa kayd ul Ghurrul Muhajj’ileen) Leader of the bright face people on Yaum al Qiyamah” 5
5 Al Mustadrak, by Imam Hakim, p 137 & 138 Riyadh al Nadiray Mohibbudin al Tabari, Vol 2, p 122
ISLAMIC COLLEGE FOR ADVANCED STUDIES Study in an Islamic Environment Commencing for this academic year (98/99), the College will be offering a programme to students after completing their GCSE exams. The programme attempts to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their academic strengths in an environment, which will not require them to compromise their religious principles. To fulfil these objectives, the College is offering a range of subjects at A Level and a BA in Islamic Studies. On completing the courses at the Islamic College, the students will see that they have prospered both academically and morally. Students will have strong educational as well as high moral and ethical foundations, which will, God willing, never be weakened. 133, High Road Willesden, London, NW10 2SW Tel: 0181 451 9993 Fax: 0181 451 9994
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IUS Newsletter
Shaitan
The Shaitan - A Closer Look By Br. M. Hilli. The Shaitan, or the devil in English, is a character that has been present with us since the creation of mankind by Allah (SWT). The true nature, history and actions of this character has amazed many non-Islamic scholars around the world. For Muslims however, the clear indications given by the Holy Quran and the noble Ahlul Bait (AS) have provided a definate picture. One, however, may ask about the importance of Shaitan and the relevance of understanding his methods. The answer to this question lies partly in understanding the fact that the Shaitan is our number one enemy in this life, and just like any war, we must know our enemy’s aims, and strategies. The Holy Quran describes numerous battles encountered by the Shaitan with our holy prophets. In the Quran, the world ‘Shaitan’ or ‘evildoer’ is used to refer to ‘Iblis’, one of the most worshippers of Allah of the Jin. Due to this characteristic, Iblis was at the highest ranking of the angels. Our philosophers have long indicated however that Allah (SWT) knew the nature of Iblis before, but wanted to reveal his story of disobedience as a true lesson for all mankind. This defiance was in show when Allah (SWT) ordered his angels to bow to Prophet Adam (AS). The only entity to disobey was Iblis, who was then asked by the Almighty for the reason: “He (Iblis) said: I am better than he: thou hast created me of fire, while him thou dist created of dust.” (7:12) Consequently, the Shaitan, due to this ignorance and pride, was deprived of Allah’s mercy and blessings. From that day, with Allah (SWT)’s permission, the Shaitan set out his plan to be man’s number one enemy in this world. This important event, which signalled the start of a conflict between man and the Shaitan, has been described four times in the holy Quran. This shows the true significance of the event and the early indications of the threat and danger of the Shaitan. This story of disobedience, as described in the Quran, is followed by the story of the first act of revenge by the Shaitan. Allah (SWT) had ordered Prophet Adam (AS) and his wife Ha’waa (Eve) to live in paradise and to eat from it plenteous food,
but not to approach a specific tree. But the Shaitan, pouncing at the first opportunity of revenge, made whisperings to Adam and his wife, assuring them that the tree would them power and prosperity: “ O Adam, shall I guide you to the tree of immortality and a kingdom which decays not? ” (20:120) When the prophet and his wife ate from the tree, Allah banished them from heaven to earth where they asked forgiveness for several years and were granted Allah’s mercy. Iblis, on the other hand, having achieved his first evil act, assembled an army of both Jin and humans. These Shaitans implement the desires of Iblis on every single human being through whisperings or mis- guidance. Imam Jaffer AsSadiq (AS) said: “ The Shaitans on a believer are greater than the number of flees and insects on a used piece of meat.” The desires of Iblis, implemented through his army, is very clear: to use every possible way in distracting humans from the remembrance of Allah and performing His required acts in this life. This can be achieved by several methods, some of which are mentioned in the Quran: “ The Shaitan only desires to cause anger and hatred to spring in your midst by means of intoxicants and games of chance, and to keep you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer.” (5:91) The general aims and entrances of the Shaitans are through life matters such as alcohol and money. Firstly we have the Jin Shaitans, who with their whisperings, encourage humans to perform munkar, and to concentrate all efforts on enjoying this life and forgetting about the hereafter. The Human Shaitans, on which our philosophers have placed special emphasis on, are said to play a vital role as well. However importantly, emphasis is placed on the issue that we have control over our own aims and actions, and so we must try to defend ourselves from the temptations and whisperings of the Shaitan. The methods are many, but here are some important actions to take. Firstly, we must mention and remember Allah (SWT) at all times and seek His protection from the Shaitan, as mentioned in the following ayeh: (Continued on page 9)
IUS Newsletter
Brain Teasers
Brain Teasers A woman lives in a skyscraper 36 floors high and served by several elevators, which stop at each floor going up and down. Each morning she leaves her apartment on one of the floors and goes to one of the elevators. Which ever she takes is three times more likely to be going up than down.
Draw the next figure in this series:
Why is this ?
Answers to both brain teasers are on
Advice from Imam Khomeini for character building of the Muslim Brothers and Sisters: 1 Offer the five daily prayers on time. 2 Observe fast on Monday and Thursdays as far as possible. 3 Reduce the period of SLEEP and busy yourself in the recitation of more Holy Qur'an. 4 Attach importance to your promises and agreements. 5 Help the needy. 6 Keep away from places where your character may be suspected. 7 Avoid pompous and sumptuous gatherings and do not arrange the same.
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(Continued from page 8)
recommended, as is donations to the needy and the poor. Our prophet (PBUH) has said that “Charitable donations breaks the Shaitan’s back, good acts stops his entrance, and istighfar breaks his head.” In addition to this, Imam Ali (AS) encourages us to increase our recitation of du’a and supplications, especially du’a kumail recited on Thursday nights. The du’a is a message with rich words that are enlightened with the glory and majesty of Allah (SWT), of his mercy and kindness, his retribution and punishment, and of a man’s desperate need for Him and thankfulness for His Being. If in the event of a believer falling into the trap of the Shaitan, the believer must remember to perform istighfar and tasbeeh, asking for the forgiveness and blessings of the Almighty Allah (SWT).
“And if an interference of the Shaitan should cause you mischief, seek refuge in Allah, surely He is the Hearing, the knowing.” (41:36) Secondly, prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran is a strong weapon against the Shaitan. One of the well known characteristics of the Shaitan is whisperings and distractions during prayer and recitation of the Quran, and so one must take extra precaution and ask for the protection of Allah during every prayer and acts of worship. Thirdly is prevention from areas where the Shaitan would be strong and would be more influential. These situations include entering into arguments and non-beneficial discussions with others. Increasing our Iman and belief in Allah Ta’ala and our knowledge in Islam is also very
Put on simple dress. Do not indulge in talkativeness. Put in regular physical exercise. Study more. Help the people in learning craft. Learn the Arabic language and be alert in every field. You should not remember the good that you have done but do not forget your past mistakes. 15 Consider the poor materialistically but think of the pious and the saintly spiritually. 16 Keep yourself informed about the Muslim Ummah.
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IUS Newsletter
Iran Trip
IRAN ’98 - Prologue As the IUS embarks on it’s first trip to Iran this August, Dr.Syed Zafar Naqvi explores the origins and importance of the increasingly popular annual trips to this country.
I remember it well, my disgust as I emerged out of Heathrow, to be greeted by an advertising board upon which there was a woman who’s hair I could see. It was peculiar I must admit, for twenty years this hadn’t bothered me. Now as I left the airport with shaven head and new found facial hair, after spending just one month in Iran, it was as if I had landed on another planet. These feelings were just a minor reflection of the personal revolution that had occurred within. It was one of the few (if not only) times, I could sincerely say my life had been changed. The Islamic awakening and profound changes are too many to mention, but the regularity of my prayer after the trip is one thing I am not ashamed to state. The effects and repercussions of that initial trip of 1993 by Al-Asr have been far reaching in our youth. Suffice to say that no fewer than twelve past and present members of the IUS Senior committee have been through the hands of Maulana Sabzwary’s guidance, not to mention scores of our members. I may even be bold enough to suggest that the IUS as we know it may not have been possible without Maulana’s work. If you ask any of us who have had this privilege, we will tell you - our lives changed. We veered towards our Deen. Our feelings and experiences gave us the strength to work with our brothers and sisters to create and develop the IUS. The initial trip in 1993, as far as I know was the first of it’s kind. Over one hundred young brothers and sisters spent four weeks in the holy cities of Mashad and Qom, performing Ziarat, but also attending religious courses. In doing this Al-Asr achieved a very great thing, stimulating young minds with Islamic teachings set in the holy lands. They set an example which has since been emulated by other groups. As the IUS makes the final adjustments to it’s trip, it is worth noting that there are other groups which are also taking youngsters to Iran. This can only be a good thing. For, as many of our youth that can go to perform Ziarat, should go. It is imperative they see another way of life, another world. The IUS has always prided itself on it’s youthful outlook and the creativity that this entails. Repetition is something we are anxious to avoid. Thus, it is with great deliberation that we chose to organise
this trip. Our aims have been very clear and in conjunction with Maulana Sabzwary we have designed the trip with three main factors in mind. Firstly, expense, some of our members do not have family or family financial backing. They have commented that they would not be able to afford the six or seven hundred pounds required that a trip would entail. At a price of just £350, by the Grace of Allah, we have managed to secure nearly £350 subsidy per person travelling. Secondly, time, our members being older, some having jobs in the summer, could not commit more than three weeks abroad. Thus the trip is compressed into three weeks. Thirdly, our members wanted a highly intensive, educational course, with informed lecturers and more open discussions in English. The course has been designed with University students in mind and as such will try to take basic concepts to further levels of discussion and explore more complex philosophical issues. Inshallah, the group will have a most educational and enjoyable visit and I wish them a safe journey and rewarding Ziarat. Although there are now no places left on this trip and at present there are no further trips to Iran planned, members interested need not be disheartened. As stated there are now a number of groups taking youngsters to the holy cities, not least Al-Asr, who will be taking it’s group for the sixth year running. From my own fortunate experiences and the recollections of others, the visit is a trip of a lifetime and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The importance of these trips to our community and it’s future cannot be understated. The efforts of Maulana Sabzwary and others in giving our youth these opportunities should not be taken lightly and for this, I feel, we are in their debt. May they continue to do this priceless work for years to come. Al-Asr Scholastic Institute trip to Iran: July 23 - Aug 20 You can contact Maulana Sabzwary on: (0181) 572 8960 or (0385) 220 960
IUS Newsletter
What’s On...
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You are cordially invited to the Islamic Unity Society's Annual conference including an AGM and a range of speeches delivered by eminent speakers, to be held on Saturday 19th September 1998, between 11am-6pm at the Brunei Gallery, SOAS, University of London. (Please note that the parking facilities at SOAS are limited and you are advised to use public transport.)
This year's running theme throughout the lectures is focussed on the individual's responsibility as a Muslim. During the course of the day you will be able to visit stalls ranging from bookshops to hijab to Islamic software plus professional careers advice. Lunch will provided and refreshments available through the day. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Organisation of Life Responsibilities towards Muslim Countries Infallibilty Characteristics of a follower of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) Golden Letter of Imam Reza (a.s.)
Dr. Safiyya Maulana Shomali Maulana Raza Hussain Shah Br. Shams Kanani Dr. Ali Hussaini
We look forward to seeing you there! A full brochure will be sent out in the next issue of IUSN, there is limited seating capacity, so please book your seat in advance (it’s free!). Full capacity audience is expected so call now to book.
Euston
EUSTON RD
MALLET ST Keppel St
SOAS
Inst. of Edu
Dillons
ULU
Torrington Pl
Thornaugh Senate House
Montague Pl
Woburn Pl
UCL
Euston Square on the Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan Lines.
Brunei Gallery Thornhaugh
This map is simplified, and shows the necessary streets and buildings to guide you to the Brunei Gallery.
Gordon St
Gower Pl
GOWER ST
Other stations in the vicinity are Euston on the Northern and Victoria Lines (and also mainline British Rail) and
Euston
Bedford Way
The nearest London Underground station is Russell Square on the Piccadilly Line.
Bernard St
Russell Square
Russell
What's On... ¶
The IUS Library is continually expanding and currently has a selection of the most popular Islamic books. The library also offers substantial savings if you wish to purchase books. For more information please contact Br Mohsen on (0171) 723 0247 The stock list will be fully available and up-to-date from 1st July onwards.
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IUS Football, as you may have read from the report on the Internet site, we are participating in a five-a-side indoor football and having challenge matches as well. Please contact Br. Kamal Haider for further details on : 0956 447 054. (Indoor footy on Tuesday’s 6pm-7pm)
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Tabatabai Video Tape, is now available for £10 inc. postage and packing. There are only a limited number of these tapes available, most of which were reserved at the end of the Tabatabai programme we hosted in the Brunei Gallery. If you haven’t placed an order yet please send the £10 cheque to the IUS address together with Name, Address and Memb No.
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IUS Conference, to be held on Sat 19th Sept 1998, 11am to 6pm. Please contact us at the details below to reserve your free ticket. Limited capacity so please book early
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Translation Service, the IUS has some opportunities for members to help Islamic publishers and centres with translation work, (translation and proof-reasding) if you are interested please contact the committee.
Dates to Remember Shahadat Eid Az Zahra Wiladat Wiladat Wiladat
Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) J Prophet & Imam As Sadiq (a.s) Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) Bibi Zainab (a.s.)
8th Rabi ul Awwal 9th Rabi ul Awwal 17th Rabi ul Awwal 11th Rabi Thani 5th Jamadi Awwal
Fri 3rd July Sat 4th July Sun 12th July Tue 4th Aug Sat 29th Aug
Islamic Unity Society Mail Address: 15 Fountain Road London SW17 0HG
Telephone:
0956 839 456 0958 777 486
Email M.Al-Rashed@ucl.ac.uk Hasan@ndirect.co.uk Internet: http://www.ius.org.uk