“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 5 : Volume 4. May / June 1998
IUS News Asalaamu-Alaikum Brothers and Sisters, Inshallah the IUS will launch its Muharram Campaign soon, its main aims being to publicise and introduce the IUS to as many more people as possible. The new ‘glossy’ IUS wall-planner for Sep ‘98 - Aug ‘99 is out, together with the new IUS pen. Brothers and sisters who renew their membership will automatically receive one of each, so if you haven’t renewed your membership do so soon. The IUS was in attendance at the Careers Fare held at Hyderi Islamic Centre, Streatham, on Friday 3/4/98. The programme was attended by a large number of people, and there was a speech by Dr Syed Zafar Naqvi, the IUS Chairman, on the IUS and its development. He also had a speech on Medicine. Preparations are already under way for IUS Conference ‘98. The Brunei Gallery, where last years’ conference was held, has been booked for Saturday 19 September 1998. There will be more details about the conference in our next issue inshallah. The IUS website (www.ius.org.uk) has been running quite smoothly in the last month, please visit regularly as it is updated with new content almost every few days. IUS Sports, participated in the Al-Nur football tournament on Sun 19th April, for a full report please turn to p11, in summary we played better than in our first tournament and with a small but vociferous band of supporters made a spirited go of it. The video tape of the Tabatabai programme has been in great demand and another production run is being setup. Tapes have been distributed all over the world including Australia, Czech Republic, North America. Finally, we would like to ask you to pray to Allah (swt) for the success of all brothers and sisters who are sitting exams this summer. May Allah ta’la help them succeed and come out with flying colours!
Contents in this issue of IUSN: IUS News
1
Muharram and Martyrdom
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Editorial / Pearls of Wisdom
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Muharram and Martydom (continued)
8
Academi
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Hijab - Islamic Modest Dress
9
God and His Attributes
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Sports
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God and His attributes (continued)
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IUS Iran Trip
11
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What’s On Guide & Dates to Remember
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Editorial
IUS Newsletter
Editorial As we approach the examination period, it may be of interest to consider the nature of an individual’s intelligence. Since intelligence does not consist of an isolated and sharply differentiated class of cognitive process, it has been a matter of debate as to whether it is an inborn native capacity or can be distinguished from knowledge acquired through one’s education and upbringing. Intelligence is defined as a person’s ability to learn and remember information, to recognise concepts and apply the information to their own behaviour. Often an extensive knowledge base and rapid learning are positively correlated with intelligence, especially in Western societies as intelligence is proved through academic success. The early psychological theories of intelligence assumed that intelligence is a personal characteristic that can be measured by intelligence tests. The aim of determining a factor of intelligence was to see whether groups of people have a common basic ability and to investigate why some people are relatively intelligent to others in specific tasks, e.g. verbal reasoning.
However, using a statistical concept such as IQ tests to quantify intelligence which is fundamentally a psychological concept is both restrictive and inaccurate, and modern views on this subject now take into account a multitude of other factors such a motivation, adaptation and environmental demands. Islam has laid a lot of importance on nurturing Man’s intellect, as Imam Ali (A.S) says: ‘The most self-sustaining wealth is intellect.’ Numerous hadith also support the acquisition of knowledge, but my favourite is; ‘Knowledge is the most precious of treasures, and the most beautiful. It is easy to carry, tremendously useful, beautiful in its completeness, and delightful in its uniqueness.’ On behalf of the IUS, I would like to wish all brothers and sisters maximal success in the forthcoming exams, and hope inshallah that you will be able to attend the next IUS conference to be held in September for both students and professionals. Sr. Uzma Mohamedali, Editor.
Pearls of Wisdom Imam Jaffer As-Sadiq (A.S) said; The person who has a sincere intention is the one who has a sound heart, because a sound heart, free from thoughts about forbidden things comes from making your intention purely for God in all matters. ‘The day on which neither property will avail, nor sons, except him who comes to Allah with a heart free.’ (From evil.) (26:88-9) The Prophet (S.A.W) said, ‘The intention of the believer is better than his action’ and also ‘actions are by intentions, and every man will obtain what he had intended.’ The slave of God must therefore have sincere intention in every moment of action and stillness because then he will not be heedless. Those who
are heedless have been censored by God. ‘They are nothing but as cattle, nay, they are straying further from the path.’ (25:44) ‘These are the heedless ones’ (7:179) Intention appears from the heart, according to the purity of knowledge. It varies as belief varies, at different moments in its strength and weakness. The selfishness and passion of those with sincere intention is subjugated to the power of the glorification of God, and modesty before them. He is by his nature, his appetites and his own desires, in a state of discomfort, and yet people find ease at his hands.
Academic
IUS Newsletter
Computational Fluid Dynamics The Edge of Science By: Br. Mohsen Al- Rashed
of tunnels and bridges, the operation of the artificial parts in surgery, the enhancement of the performance of many sport equipment, etc. CFD is the domain of engineers and such people who work with CFD have studied some type of engineering at university especially aeronautics, mechanical and civil engineering.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology is applied in industry to facilitate scale-up, commissioning, design of experiments, developments of new processes and plant upgrade. CFD is a computationally intensive modelling technique. It solves the basic equations that describe the motion of fluids by the use of computers. CFD embraces a wide range of technologies such as: mathematics, computer science, engineering and physics, which are brought together to assist the process of modelling fluids flow. The main objective of using this technique is that it offers an attractive alternative for the expensive and not possible experiments. The first consideration of CFD as an engineering tool was in the 1970s. The early applications of CFD were in the nuclear and aerospace industries. The main problem faced CFD was the high cost of the computing facilities. This cost declined in the early 1980s which made CFD become attractive to chemical and oil companies. CFD was still available, however, to a narrow range of process engineers. Since then, CFD has been improved tremendously, technically and practically, where it becomes a handy tool for “ordinary� engineer. One sign of the great success of the CFD is the exponential growth of its use. Some common examples of the CFD use are; the design of aeroplanes and cars, the configuration
However, in my Ph.D. project, I have utilised the CFD in modelling reactive precipitation processes. Precipitated crystals are usually produced in industrial processes by a combination of gas and liquid phases. Precipitation often represents the formation of sparingly soluble products influenced by liquid phase chemical reaction. The industrial applications of precipitation, of solids produced by gas- liquid reactions, are various and embrace different fields such as fine chemicals, biotechnology and gas cleaning. Stirred vessels, which have been employed in this study, are widely used in the chemical industry to initiate reactions in order to obtain the desired products. Mixing process therefore, proved to be essential to perform a reliable precipitation process. Accurate measurements are difficult and sometimes impossible, therefore CFD technique is the way forward to improve the industrial operations and open new horizons for the engineers to push the boundaries of science.
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Muharram
IUS Newsletter
With the advent of the Islamic New Year Sister Duha Al-Wakeel writes about martyrdom - a vital concept in the understanding of the events of this month.
Secondly, the martyr must have been aware and conscious of what was taking place.
It’s Muharram once again, the Islamic centres are holding majalis and millions of Muslims worldwide are overwhelmed with grief. Automatically one thinks of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (A.S) over one thousand years ago. We have all heard of the gripping tragedy that struck Ahlul Bayt (A.S) that resulted in the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed (SAW)’s grandson; however, do we ever step back to think what martyrdom actually means? In this article I shall attempt to analyse the meaning of martyrdom (shahadat) in order to gain an insight into why Muslims are prepared to risk everything on this earth, including their lives, for the sake of Allah (SWT).
Hence we see that the Muslim must have been doing something for Allah (SWT) with a clear intention and must have been conscious of the risk involved. An example of this could range from a pilgrim killed whilst on Hajj to someone killed whilst fighting Jihad. Both persons have clear conscious intentions of seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT), and both have a certain degree of implied risk, and so they both satisfy the two part test referred to above. Imam Hussein (AS) (Sayyid ashuhadaa) master of all martyrs - consciously fought against the evil forces of Yazeed for the sake of preserving Islam, and is thus undoubtedly a martyr.
Allah (SWT) tells us in the Holy Qur’an, surat Al Imran in verse 169: ‘Think not of those who are slain in God’s way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord.’ Thus we are informed that martyrs live on, but obviously in a far more meaningful and deeper sense than that of the earthly life that they have led. Martyrs gain the Almighty’s pleasure and so are guaranteed eternal life in the akhira. (Hereafter.) Subhannahu wa ta’alla goes on to inform us that martyrs ‘glory in the grace and the bounty from God.’1 Undoubtedly therefore, the status of a martyr is one that we must epitomise, for its reward is a place in paradise. Having thus seen the virtues of martyrs, one asks whether anyone can become a Martyr? Well, the answer theoretically is yes; though to become a martyr there are a few vital factors that must be present. According to Shaheed Mutahhari, martyrdom involves a twopart test. Firstly, there is a need for the person to have a specific Islamic goal and s/he must be killed whilst attempting to carry out this goal, i.e. be killed whilst doing something for Allah (SWT), thus s/he will have been ‘slain in God’s way’
Moving on, death is inevitable: every mortal shall meet their Creator. Islam prepares us for this with certain burying requirements that must be observed. Notably, they are the washing (ghusl) and wrapping of the corpse in white (takfeen). Amazingly though, a martyr is an exception to these rules. The (ruh) of a martyr has attained such an elevated degree of purity that it is no longer necessary to prepare the corpse as according to the above requirements. This purity of the (ruh) is reflected on to the body, clothes and blood of the martyr, which are now considered (taahir) very clean and pure as a result of this ultimate sacrifice.
(Continued on page 5)
Muharram
IUS Newsletter
(Continued from page 4)
A martyr has successfully passed through the test of life and has made the correct decisions; therefore s/he will escape any questioning in the grave (al barzakh). Naturally one then asks, if a martyr is valued so highly and is guaranteed eternal life, why do we grieve for them? Why are there so many majalis being held in remembrance for Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions if they ‘glory in the grace and the bounty from God’? This does not mean we should always be sad, it is just a reminder as to why sadness helps strengthen our imaan. (Faith.) Having understood the virtues of martyrdom, we apprehend why Muslims are prepared to grieve and make this decisive sacrifice for Imam Hussein (A.S). But a few questions remain unanswered. Namely, if we were there in Karbalaa with Imam Hussein (AS) would we have been prepared to forego our earthly lives for the sake of Islam, as were his companions? Are we ready and willing to be ‘slain in God’s way’ today? Inshallah the answer to the above will be in the affirmative, I ask Allah (SWT) to further our imaan (faith) and help us so that we may join the other martyrs including Imam Hussein (AS) in the akhira (hereafter.) Sources used: Holy Qur’an ‘A Martyr discusses Martyrdom.’ By Murtaza Mutahhari. __________________________________ 1 verse 171 surat Al Imran (chapter3)
Adalat
(continued from previous )
This is the requirement of all Muslims, but the Ummah will only be able to understand justice if they are attaining guidance from the Imam who is the complete embodiment of justice, he is just and calls others to behave likewise. Disraeli had put it beautifully when he once commented “Justice is truth in action”, Imam Ali (as) epitomises this phrase, for the Prophet (saws) said “Ali is with the truth and the truth is with Ali” and “My hand and Ali’s hand are equal in dispensing justice”. It is a shame that the Muslim Ummah preferred the rulership of Khalifas’ to that of Adil Imams, but that is the history of our past let us look to the appearance of Imam Mahdi (as) who will rid the world of injustice and those responsible for it as the Prophet (saws) said “In the end time, my Ummah will undergo very hard affliction like never before, so that man can not find any way out. Then Allah will send a person from my progeny, that is my AhlulBayt, who will fill the earth with justice as it was filled with injustice. The inhabitants of the earth and the inhabitants of the heaven love him. The sky will bring down its water everywhere and the earth will bring all what it can offer and will become green all over”. ( al-Sawa'iq alMuhriqah, by Ibn Hajar al-Haythami, Ch. 11, section 1, p250). Lord Hewart was correct when he once commented “Justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly seen to be done”. Let us pray that we inshallah live to see the return of Imam Madhi (as) when justice will permeate throughout the world and penentrate the hearts of all people. By Sayyid Hassan Askari Bokhari
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IUS Newsletter
By: Br. Mohammed Al-Hilli
As centuries pass by, we remember and mourn the tragedy of Karbala; the story of the son of the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.) who lead an uprising to save Islam against evil and injustice, and was consequently martyred for the sake of Allah (swt). The person of Imam Hussein bin Ali (a.s.) is a symbol, a school and a distinctly unique, political and religious revolutionary movement in the history of Islam. His was a tremendous undertaking which still reverberates throughout the Muslim nation. He has been a propelling force throughout Islamic history, particularly in the sphere of jihad. Hussein’s example has remained vividly alive for generations and centuries. His uprising, movement and ideas still have a deep impact on the conscience and awareness of the ummah. The character of Imam Hussein (a.s.) is one that cannot be fully covered in any article. Here, we look at some of the aspects of his character and leadership. One of Imam Hussein’s deeply rich qualities was his relationship with Allah (swt). This is supported by the many supplications he recited during his noble life time, and by his remembrance of Allah at all times. His face would turn pale and he would tremble when he stood in the presence of the Almighty. On the day of Ashura, Imam Hussein raised his hands in prayer to Allah and exalted: “O Allah, it is You in whom I trust amid all grief. You are my hope amid all violence. You are my
Imam Hussein (A.S.)
refuge......the master of all grace, the possessor of all goodness and the ultimate resort of all desires.” Above all, we must remember that the uprising of the Imam against the kufr of Yazid was solely for Allah and to save His religion, Islam. This reflects the depth and strength of his relationship with the Almighty and his love for Him. Imam Hussein’s relationship with people is another of his many attributes. Without doubt, Imam Hussein was the perfect and exemplary leader during his time. This was greatly reflected by his humbleness with people and his support and care for the poor and the needy. An example reflecting his humble nature is when he accepted an invitation to have food with a number of poor men. He dismounted from his horse and said “Surely, Allah does not like the haughty.” He then joined the men in their food, and said “I have accepted your invitation, will you accept mine?” He took them to his house and served them. As for his social position, he was so matchless and unique that people would always dismount from their horses and camels on the way to Mecca to perform Hajj, as long as he would travel on foot. Even with this humbleness and care, many still would not recognise the Imam’s legitimate right, but the Imam still showed awareness and deep feeling of responsibility towards the people. Another of his many golden attributes was his forgiveness of the wrongdoers, especially as there were many at that time. At the heat of the
Imam Hussein (a.s.)
IUS Newsletter
battle of Karbala, Imam Hussein, his eyes full of tears, raises his hands to Allah (swt) and asks Him to forgive the enemy and the people who stood against him and Islam, even though they had cruelly prevented the Imam and his followers from obtaining one drop of water. I stress that this truly magnificent characteristic, together with the others, should be followed by all of us, who are confronted by people who cannot distinguish between Haqq (truth) and Batil (false). Historians and scholars have long praised the saying and the thought of Hazrat Imam Hussein (a.s.). He had a great intellectual capacity, polished by the devine message and set on the right track by Allah ta’la. An example is when he was asked by Nafi’bin Al-azraq, from the Khawarij, to describe Allah (swt). The Imam (a.s.) replied: “......Never recognised by the five senses. Never compare to man....He is one and can’t be partitioned. Known by His signs and described by his attributes.....” And who would forget the vivid and famous speeches by the Imam during the days leading to Ashura. These include the following words: “ Do you not see the truth is not followed and falsehood not discouraged?...I do not deem death other than felicity and life among the unjust other than suffering and boredom....It is better to die for truth, than to live under an oppressive ruler.” These words only prove Imam Hussein’s great determination and desire to win martyrdom, for the sake of Allah and Islam. Imam Hussein (a.s.) remains forever: a slogan for the revolutionaries, a lighthouse for the free and a source of struggle and liberation. Peace be on him on the day he was born and on the day he was martyred and on the day he is raised to life.
(A.S.)
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Hijab
IUS Newsletter
Hijab: The Islamic Modest Dress In this article, Sister Fatema Panju explains how Islamic modest dress is visible proof of a Muslim Hijab in the western world is difficult for all true woman’s commitment to the Islamic doctrine of believing women but the longer you wear the ‘Hijab’. hijab, the easier it becomes. Hijab has been ordered to protect women from the straying In the Qur’an, Surah Nur ayah 31, Allah (S.W.T.) glances of the men. Your beauty is for the people says: addressed in the Holy Qur’an (Surh Nur)only and not for everyone to look and admire. “And say to the believing women that they cast down their looks and guard their private parts and A precious pearl is kept in its own velvet lined do not display their ornaments except what box and not just left outside where it can be seen, appears thereof, and let them wear their head used and taken by anyone. The pearl’s beauty is coverings over their bosoms….” appreciated and that is the reason for it being put away and out of sight from those who do not It is apparent from the above ayah, that hijab is appreciate that beauty. Similarly, women in Islam wajib for all women. This hijab consists of have been told to cover themselves up and to only covering the whole body except the face and the display their beauty to those who will appreciate hands. This hijab must also fulfil three in the right way. It is not for any man to see for he conditions. Firstly, it must be loose, not tight or will see and use it without regret. figure hugging in any way. Secondly it must be opaque and not transparent or translucent and Bibi Zainab (A.S) is usually the inspiration for lastly it must not be attractive or draw attention. many sisters to wear hijab. Those who are hesitant of wearing hijab use this great lady as Hijab was started with Bibi Khadija, the wife of your icon and use the Quranic verses above to the Holy Prophet who was also the first lady to inspire to wear hijab. After all don’t we cry for embrace Islam. From then on, we have all heard this lady every Muharram when her hijab was how strictly the women in the family of the removed? Are we not hypocrites if we cry for her Prophet have followed hijab. An example of this, lost hijab but do not wear hijab ourselves? is when a blind man came to the house of the Prophet. Immediately, Bibi Fatima (A.S) went to Nowadays, it is very common to see women in put on her hijab. After the blind man had left, the hijab on the streets everywhere. From my own Prophet asked her why she had put on her hijab in personal experience I find that I get more than the front of the blind man, as he could not see her in average amount of respect from everyone. I have any case. She replied “ He cannot see me but I occasionally had to put up with a few comments can see him.” from ignorant people but if you are wearing hijab for Allah only, these comments do not affect you In Surah Nur, ayah 30, Allah (S.W.T) says: in any way. “Say to the believing men that they cast down their gaze and guard their private parts as it is purer for them. Verily God is all aware of that you all do.” Both verses above are clear in what they mean and the legislation they lay down regarding men and women’s duties regarding the use of the veil and the guarding of their private parts. Both are ordered to cast down their gaze and refrain from looking at what is not allowed for them to see.
I have had to explain numerous times to all different kinds of people the purpose of wearing hijab and the reaction is always the same – understanding of Islamic principles and their reasoning and also most importantly, admiration for you as a person who sticks to your principles. This leads to them becoming more tolerant and accepting the way you are, and therefore becomes easier for you to spread Islam to anyone, where ever you may be.
IUS Newsletter
IUS Sport
SPORTS REPORT up to the FA referees to maintain order and it was a task to which they were equal, enhancing the ‘professional’ atmosphere of the tournament (except on one occasion, when we were convinced we had scored a vital goal but there’s no point in dwelling on the past! ).
The Al-Noor ‘Sports Extravaganza’ took place on Sunday 19th April, at Monks Hill Leisure Centre in South Croyden. For the IUS football team, this meant a senior six- a side tournament involving nine other sides from Islamic institutions around London, all battling for the top prize. Running concurrently was a similar football tournament for the under-16s and a table tennis tournament. Inshallah IUS is looking to enter teams in these categories in the future. A World Cup style draw had taken place at Husseini Mission, Hounslow the week before and served to whet the appetite for events to come. Being allocated to group A we found ourselves in good company, having to compete with representatives from the Al-Noor institute, Iraqi Youth Club, Husseini and Imamia Imambarghas. Arriving at the venue on match-day it was clearly evident to all, the meticulous planning that had gone into organising such an occasion and credit must be given to those who did so; Inshallah, this may develop into a very popular annual event. On the football side, all the opposition fielded very strong teams and each match required a marathon effort from every man. As the tackles flew in, cool heads and intelligent passing were needed, on what were very tight pitches. It was
Qualifying from our group were the Imamia Mission and our old friends from Edgware Rd., the Iraqi youth club. However they both lost out in the semis to opponents from group B, who went on to contest the final; Islamic Brothers United and Hyderi Imambargha finishing first and second, respectively. Congratulations to them on a superb effort. All in all, for IUS a good learning experience for future successes, Inshallah, and a nice trip the wrong way around Croyden, on one of those big blue buses! Our booking of the University of London Union gym, as mentioned in the last issue is now on Tuesday evenings at 6-7 p.m. and will run for the foreseeable future. Get in touch if you want to be involved for this, or on Sunday evenings at Regent’s park, to start soon, Inshallah. Alternatively, if you have your own team and now fancy your chances against us, let us know and we’ll try and wipe those smiles off your faces, brothers !! Assalamo-alaikum, Kamal Haider (0956 447054).
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brain teaser
IUS Newsletter
A Special Announcement Have you ever thought about addressing an Islamic issue that personally intrigues you? Have you ever wondered why nobody as yet has attempted to investigate a certain topic? The IUS Newsletter Committee is offering YOU, its reader, to use the future IUS Newsletter publications as a forum for your expression. What fascinates you? Why not put pen to paper and share your thoughts with other, perhaps similar-minded students? Members whose article(s) are published will be offered a selection of titles to choose from the well-stocked IUS library which includes a range of both soft and hard back books of a variety of subject areas. Send all articles with your name address and phone number/ email to: The Editor IUSN 15 Fountain Road London SW17 OHG Ø
Please
note that
Ê 76 = 24 Correct this equation so that it makes sense by freely moving the given four digits but without introducing any additional mathematical symbols. Ë 6128 + 9091 If the two numbers total 9825, what do the two numbers below total? 8159 + 1912 Find the answers to both ‘teasers’ in our Website: http://www.ius.org.uk
What’s On...
IUS Newsletter
Sunday 2nd - Sunday 23rd August 1998 Holy Zia’rat in Mashad and Qum ♦ Visits to historical and important religious sites in Tehran and Shiraz ♦ Islamic Studies Course featuring Usul e Din, Fiqh, Ethics and Open Forums with A’alims and University Lecturers ♦
Applications open only to University students, age 17 and over. Places for 15 brothers and 15 sisters only. Price approx. £ 350 including flights, 3 weeks accommodation, food and travel within I.R.Iran. Tickets booked after 01/05/98
£350
Tickets for Professional full members
£400
Any cancellation before
01/06
Full Refund
Any cancellation between
01/06 - 01/07
£50 charge
Any cancellation between
01/07 - 21/07
£100 charge
Any cancellation after
21/07
EC decision
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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
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IUS Football, as you have read from the report inside, we are participating in a five-a-side tournament and having practice sessions as well. Please contact Br. Kamal Haider for further details on : 0956 447 054.
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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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The IUS is planning to stage its very own Muharram Day soon Inshallah. The programme will contain talks and a nauha. We will inform you of the details soon Inshallah.
Dates to Remember Ashura Shahadat Shahadat Arbaeen Wafat Shahadat Wafat
10th Muharram Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) 25th Muharram Imam Hasan (a.s) 7th Safar 20th Safar The Prophet (s.a.w.) 28th Safar Imam Riza (a.s.) 29th Safar Masooma-Qum4th Rabi- ul-Awwal
Thu 7th May Fri 22nd May Wed 3rd June Tue 16th June Wed 24th June Thu 25th June Mon 29th June
Islamic Unity Society Mail Address: 15 Fountain Road London SW17 0HG
Telephone:
0956 839 456 0958 777 486
Email ucecmha@ucl.ac.uk hasan@ndirect.co.uk
Facsimile:
(0181) 482 401 Internet: http://www.ius.org.uk