Oct - Dec 2008 by Ali Joudi

Voice of Unity www.voiceofunity.com Volume 13 ● Issue 4 Oct - Dec 2008 Editor Ali Joudi Editorial Team Fatima Abbas Zahra al-Alawi Hassan Joudi Ali al-Mawlawi Ahsan Ali Mir Musa Naqvi Leila Taheri Aziza al-Yassin Miqdaad Versi Zahra Zahidi Graphic Design rizviGrafiks Contributors Zahra al-Hilli Mohsen Khairaldin-Garcia Rebecca Masterton Rabab Rizvi

Voice of Unity is published four times a year by the Islamic Unity Society (IUS) based in the UK.

Editorial Writing this in the last few days of the holy month of Ramadhan, it is a good time to reflect on the past and make commitments to change for the better in the future. It is this direction that the Voice of Unity hopes to take in the coming months and years. Many will know of the magazine‟s history since its inception in 1998 as a humble newsletter and have observed its gradual development till recent times. This has been only due to the efforts and hard work ploughed into it by its numerous volunteers over the years. Our thanks to previous Editor Jaffar Al -Rikabi who sowed the seeds of progress over the past year but due to many circumstances, including a lack of volunteers, managed to produce only one issue during the last academic year. He requested me to ask for your forgiveness. The magazine is now rejuvenated with a new volunteer Editorial team, its own logo and a fresh clean layout. The use of different sections continues in our aim to cover a spectrum of interests. Our vision is that of a dynamic, modern and professional publication that will cater

Web: Email:

www.ius.org.uk info@ius.org.uk

Our feature article (page 6) considers recent controversies involving Shia Muslims. Photos of the barbaric crimes committed by the Taliban against Shia Muslims in North Pakistan have not featured in the mainstream media but have been widely circulated on the internet. It is our Islamic duty to stand up for the rights of our fellow Muslims. It was George Orwell who said: “Speaking the Truth in times of universal deceit is a revolutionary act.” To end, I‟d like to emphasise that the VOU extremely welcomes letters to the Editor, constructive feedback and general ideas. If you have a suggestion for an article or would like to write something yourself then please contact us. As for the magazine website; its in the works and we hope to launch it with the next issue in early January 2009 as part of our exciting plans for expansion.

Ali Joudi

Established in 1995, the IUS is a national organisation run by volunteers. It aims to promote social and cultural cohesion based on Islamic principles through empowerment of the youth. Islamic Unity Society Unit 203 6 Wilmslow Road Manchester M14 5TP

for the needs of Shia Muslim youth across the UK. We hope this new array of features justifies our transition from a free to a priced magazine. IUS members will still receive the VOU free to their doorstep as part of their membership.

Subscribe Individuals can receive copies of this magazine by subscribing as members of the Islamic Unity Society (IUS) which also offers many other services. Annual rates are; Young students - £5, University students - £10, Professionals - £15. The IUS membership form can be downloaded from www.ius.org.uk. Institutions and youth groups can make bulk orders at a discounted price. Please contact us on editor@voiceofunity.com or via the IUS postal address.

We welcome our readers’ ideas, comments, suggestions and contributions. If you would like to write for the VOU or send a Letter to the Editor, contact us at: editor@voiceofunity.com

Contents 40 IUS NEWS & EVENTS The recent activities of the Islamic Unity Society

60 FEATURE: CURRENT AFFAIRS Standing Up Against Injustice Ahsan Ali Mir considers two recent controversies involving Shia Muslims and their coverage in the media. In this feature, he discusses the importance of being politically and socially aware as well as the role of activism in fighting for the rights of people.

10 STUDENT: 10 Tips for Muslim Freshers

Religion

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Culture

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Reviews

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12 RELIGION: The Path of True Love 14 SOCIAL: The Khoja community of Stanmore 16 CULTURE & HISTORY: A Bastion of Knowledge 18 SCIENCE: Nicotine, Cannabis and the Brain 20 COMMENTS Our moral obligation to be polite The dynamics of Muslim student societies

21 PROFILES The Muslim News Awards 2008 Muslim Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sport Foundation

22 REVIEWS The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World Muqtada Al-Sadr and the Fall of Iraq House of Saddam AIM Conference 2008

IUS News & Events

IUS News & Events The Voice of Unity (VOU) is the magazine of the Islamic Unity Society (IUS). This section reviews the recent events of the IUS. London study circle on Practical Spirituality This eight week short course ran on Saturday afternoons throughout February and March 2008. The 3 hour sessions were led by Sheikh Ayyoub Rashid and held at the Islamic Centre of England in Maida Value, London. The first half of the session consisted of a lecture on the philosophy of prayer and in the second half the group formed circles and discussed extracts from the sayings of Imam Ali (as) on various topics related to the talk. On average attendance was 30 people and overall feedback was very positive. The format of the study circle was seen as innovative and the content very beneficial.

Great Manchester Run IUS successfully took part in the Bupa Great Manchester Run on Sunday 18th May raising money for The Lady Fatemah Trust.

The aim was to encourage Muslim youth to take part in regular physical exercise, encourage the involvement of Muslim youth in large regional public events and to use the run as an opportunity to fundraise; over 15 brothers and sisters took part.

In April 2008, IUS Manchester held a five week course taught by Maulana Ghulam Hussain Adeel at the Manchester Islamic Institute. Students were given a copy of “God: Existence and Attributes” by Mohammed Ali Shomali for further reading; course materials were handed out weekly. The course focused on the concept of i‟tiqaad, tawhid according to the Quran and Sunnah, arguments for the existence of Allah (swt), concept of shirk and His Names and Attributes. 4 ● Voice of Unity ● Oct - Dec 2008

On the 22nd of June the IUS hosted The Lady Fatema (AS) Festival and Conference commemorating the birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatema (as) at Jamia Tul Muntazir in Manchester. A brilliant talk by renowned speaker Sheikh Arif and beautiful nasheed recitation by Mulla Ali Fadhil was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Hijab stalls, sweet stalls and the delicious three tier cake were immensely popular; however it was the beautiful Islamic artwork displayed by Qalam Arts that had everyone captivated.

Fatemeyya Majalis in Manchester In early June, North West Majalis in association with IUS presented the Fatemeyya Majalis for three nights at Dar Al Islam in Manchester. Prominent speaker Seyed Mahdi Al-Qazwini from the USA spoke on the Martyrdom of Hazrat Fatima Al Zahra (AS).

Manchester study circle on the concept of tawhid

Lady Fatema (as) Festival and Conference

The English programme appealed to a wide audience and attracted an average of 120 brothers and sisters.

Islamic artwork displayed at the Festival

Recruitment campaign The IUS launched its first ever recruitment campaign for volunteers in July 2008 asking enthusiastic members to get in touch by the end of the month. Positions were available for Regional Event Committees (London and Manchester), Regional Football League committees (London, Manchester and Yorkshire) as well as for the national Voice of Unity (VOU) Magazine committee. Twenty six people applied and most consequently joined the various committees helping the IUS to bolster its resources nationwide and bringing in fresh new ideas.

Seyed Mahdi Al-Qazwini www.voiceofunity.com

IUS News & Events London study circle on the concept of tawhid This study circle ran over three consecutive Saturdays, 11am – 5pm, during August 2008. Held at the Islamic Centre of England the sessions focused on the topic of tawhid and were led by Syed Taqi Razvi. The sessions consisted of two lectures: before and after congregational prayers and concluded with an interactive discussion in the afternoon. The Syed‟s preparation was evident in terms of the quality and quantity of slides used and the attendance of 22 students appreciated his efforts. The students were presented with certificates and full print outs of the slides in the final week.

Hyderi Cup & Sleepover

Summer Camp to Dublin This year the IUS summer camp went abroad to visit the Ahlul Bayt Islamic Centre in Dublin, Ireland. The stay was extended to four days and applicants could only sign up online. Dr Ali Saleh, the religious leader and director of the Islamic Centre, and other staff hosted a total of 54 brothers and sisters flying in from Manchester and London between Thursday 3rd July and Sunday 6th July. The whole group was accommodated very warmly and generously in the excellent facilities of the centre and their hospitality will not be forgotten. The speakers on the camp, Dr Ali Saleh and Br Wasim Ukra, helped explore the theme titled:

“Journey to One’s Self” through a series of lectures, Q&A sessions and interactive discussions. Many people appreciated the depth to which the content was explored. Recreational activities included a brothers’ football 5-aside tournament, visiting the amazing Chester Beatty library which boasted ancient Quranic manuscripts and an inter-faith session at a Dublin church. The highlight was the Saturday expedition through the area of outstanding natural beauty known as Glendalough. Much more can be said about the sleeping arrangements, the unique catering and the poetry recitations but space does not permit. Photos are available online and be

The 2nd Annual Hyderi Cup was organised by the IUS on the weekend of the 30th and 31st August in Manchester. Twelve teams comprising over 80 brothers from 6 different national backgrounds and 4 different cities proved an exotic combination of fun, faith and unity. The speaker for the sleepover Seyed Ali Abbas was a superb and refreshing personality whose propitious speech on spirituality, given the weekend before the month of Ramadhan struck the right chord. This night of organised chaos, within an Islamic framework, was able to cater for youth who are often marginalised and overlooked. Congratulations to the joint JaffriaJtM team who retained their status as champions.

Team photo of the Hyderi Cup winners www.voiceofunity.com

Brothers’ group photo near the Chester Beatty Library in the Dublin sunshine

Sisters’ group photo in the Ahlul Bayt Islamic Centre with the Dr Ali Saleh & his family

Oct - Dec 2008 ● Voice of Unity ●

FEATURE :: Current Affairs

Standing Up Against Injustice Ahsan Ali Mir considers two recent controversies involving Shia Muslims and their coverage in the media. In this feature, he discusses the importance of being politically and socially aware as well as the role of activism in fighting for the rights of people.

Two recent events which have marked their existence on the timeline and affect every individual in the Muslim Ummah are the recently aired documentary on the Quran and the killings of Shia Muslims in Parachinar, Northern Pakistan.

The Channel 4 documentary The documentary called the “The Qur‟an” was aired on channel 4 on 14th July, 2008 at 8pm and was written, directed and produced by Anthony Thomas. In its essence documentary was rigged with polemical arguments against Shia practices, based on which extremist movements justify their actions Presenting a constructive criticism of the work of Anthony Thomas, an axiom that stands out is the fact itself that documentary lacked Shia consultancy consequently leading to an unbalanced representation of the Islamic faith. Reportedly, 17 consultants were approached for advice in total with only one for the Shia school of thought. In a weekly feedback 6 ● Voice of Unity ● Oct - Dec 2008

programme called „The TV Show‟, Anthony declared, with the word „apparently‟ that the consultant was a lady residing in America which makes the prospect of research simply pointless. This would be because that there was no material proof put forward such as telephone link on the broadcasted feed back programme. The lack of competency in choosing the appropriate sample for research is yet another drawback. In principle, this would be similar to questioning one person on the topic of the war in Iraq and generalising it to be the view of an entire country or nation. Another vital point that stands out relating to the discussed topic is the practise of using intermediaries in prayer, the concept commonly referred to as Tawassul (intercession). During the documentary, Anthony stated this to be haram (forbidden) according to Quran in the small part of the documentary relating to Shias totally ignoring the fact that it is allowed by all four main Sunni schools of thoughts. As an eye opener, no protest in relation to this came from Sunni brothers. In one occasion Allah (swt) says: www.voiceofunity.com

Current Affairs :: FEATURE

“…and had they, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and asked forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger had (also) asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Oft-returning (to mercy), Merciful {Quran; 4:64}

Response of the Muslim community Due to constant complaints to Channel 4, a spot was obtained on the “The TV Show” – a feedback program which would have not been possible if none of us raised an objection. In that program when questioned about the specific flaws in the documentary, the respective answer contained no references or quotes pertaining to the documentary itself. This in other words, can be attributed to being unprepared for the situation. Due to lack of time slot, the agenda could not be carried forward and results were vague, if none.

Shia objection to the documentary was overwhelming and the response time impressive. Preceding the feedback programme, a meeting was held at the Al-Khoei Foundation regarding the documentary where Anthony was on a conference call and all the objections were put forward. This in itself was an optimistic approach to activism. In addition to these protests, the message was channelled across the country through electronic media to log complaints against the documentary. Social networking websites such as facebook proved to employable assets to raise relevant awareness. Critiques and blogs were posted on youtube and various other websites by Ziauddin Sardar, Riazat Butt and Antony Thomas himself. The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) wrote to the Chief Executive of Channel 4 stating that “the programme unfairly maligns Muslims following the Shia tradition” and was an “irresponsible portrayal which plays into the hands of those who wish to seek discord amongst Muslims.”

A youtube.com video produced answering the accusations against Shia Muslims put out by the Channel 4 documentary “The Qur’an.”

Now one may question the outcome of the movement. Unfortunately, no apology has been published regarding any of the material in the documentary or even regarding the antiShia bias which may lead to a sectarian rift in the present volatile environment.

Shia killings in North Pakistan

Antony Thomas; Presenter, Director and Producer of the Channel 4 documentary “The Qur’an.”

www.voiceofunity.com

The falsified statements of the kind made in the documentary are in the process of becoming the yard stick for actions against the Shias by extremist groups. The credibility and importance of the media as a very influential tool can be justified with a claim that when an external source such as this programme claims that the views of the Shia „have no substance in the Qur‟an; they are giving credit to the views of these extremists and aiding them in their mission to increase their followers. Same is the scenario involving the killings of numerous Shias in Northern Pakistan specifically in the areas of D.I. Khan and Kurram Agency by Taliban militants.  Oct - Dec 2008 ● Voice of Unity ●

FEATURE :: Current Affairs

Protests were held outside the Pakistani High Commission in London against the murderous actions of the Taliban taking place in Pakistan

The Taliban have pledged to kill every single Shia individual. Fatwas have been issued by leaders of the Taliban Pakistan and Lashker-e-Jhangvi organisations claiming that the killings and raping of Shia Women are lawful under Islamic law. For months the acts of kidnapping and consequently killing, mutilating and burning have been administered by Taliban and militants of Saada. Photographs of their barbaric activities have been viewed by the masses. Recently more than 40 Shias were martyred in a ferocious bomb blast. Unfortunately the opposition to these groups has been limited. The otherwise peaceful and scenic Kurram Agency has been gripped by violence since November last year after some militants took their positions on TalParachinar Road and started shooting passengers belonging to the opposite sect.

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The acts of kidnapping, killing, mutilating and burning have been administered by the Taliban for months.

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Since then the road has been closed to all kinds of transport, which has resulted in a serious shortage of essential items and life-saving drugs in the hospitals. So far hundreds of people have been killed in clashes between rival tribes. Despite repeated calls for peace, there has been no let up in the violence. This issue calls for urgent action to prevent this massacre. 8 ● Voice of Unity ● Oct - Dec 2008

Like many other events concerning Shias the media coverage was absent or limited. With all the facts known, a protest was organised in London on 4 th and another on 12th July 2008 opposite the Pakistan High Commission. The attendance projected strong waves of sentiment and support for Shias residing in that region but this is not all that can be done. This calls for the need of activism by lobbying the British government and non governmental human rights organisation to take action against these tribes, let alone the Pakistani government. A goal should be set to attract the attention of the media towards issues of this kind so that populations can be reached and educated.

'A government may remain with disbelief, but will not remain with oppression.' Imam 'Alī (AS) Our responsibilities with the media The above mentioned situation should be a shock to human conscience. The role that the media plays in this contemporary world can not be ignored under any circumstance. As a healthy individual of society it is our moral and human responsibility to coordinate action against such occurrences. Media in its any form, electronic or print is an important means of moulding minds and mentalities, but does this lead it to be being universally true? The answer lies in the article www.voiceofunity.com

Current Affairs :: FEATURE The Dummy’s Guide to Media Jihad You’ve just read a terribly biased article, or watched a ridiculously unfair TV programme. What do you do? You can press your case to the newspaper editor, TV broadcasters, Ofcom and the Press Complaints Commission (PCC). You can send emails, which are quick and convenient, or write a letter, which is more effective and allows explanation of more complex issues. Tips on letter and email writing:  Be quick. Respond while the issue is still fresh. Ideally, try to send your email within 24 hours of publication of the article or airing of the TV programme.  Be clear. If you cannot summarise your message in one or two sentences, it's not clear enough.  Be concise. Most publications will not print a letter to the editor longer than 250 words  Be focused. While the piece may contain numerous instances of bias, its better to critique one or two properly than to inadequately cover five.  Know the goal. Ask for a correction or apology to be printed in the next issue of the newspaper, or request a reply from the editor.  Stick to the facts. Keep your comments clean and respectful. Hostile or emotional language is counter-productive.  Say who you are. Include full contact info so they can verify you are the author. Most newspapers will not accept anonymous letters.  Follow up. When possible, follow up with a phone call to the comments editor to ask if your letter will be published. If they don’t remember your letter, offer to read it over the phone. Raising awareness about an article or programme is also important. Talk about the issue with friends and family, discuss it online, use a facebook group, make a YouTube video or phone in to TV/Radio chat shows. If you feel very strongly about an issue, you can even contact your Member of Parliament (MP) through www.TheyWorkForYou.com. Adapted from MPACUK.org www.voiceofunity.com

itself. If on one hand the media continues to harm the sentiments of one faction but then on the other it makes itself available for retaliation. Regulation of the media is only possible through constructive campaigning in the court of disagreement. The media presents itself as a beacon to promote views of arguments and counter-arguments alike. But this can only be practised and benefits can only be reaped if every individual actively participates. Part truth can be more harmful to a society than a lie. This statement fits perfectly with the profile of the documentary. The thought of creating a documentary under the label of „informative‟ is absurd on its own accord especially when the responsibility of causing a rift in a community is absent. So what can the common individual do? The reply is again simple. Rather than adopting a profile of isolationism one should be keener to participate in the issues affecting society. Being aware of the local MP and maintaining healthy connections with them can prove to be a valuable effort. Similarly, conversing about issues of these kinds with neighbours or acquaintances will promote positive activism. The advancement in media has unblocked the channels to communication perceived to be non-existent, for example, social networking websites such as facebook. These can be a prominent source for organising meetings on a short notice or delivering a message to the masses rapidly. The mentioned can be immensely valuable in the event of organising protests and requesting complaints against an issue.

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Being patrons of the Ahlul Bayt (as) it is our duty to keenly participate in the issues affecting society.

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Ofcom is the regulator of the media in the UK. Complaints can be registered with Ofcom relating to any material aired on television with which a viewer disagrees. In a case of disagreement one can e-mail, call or write to Ofcom. Face to face meetings or group meetings should be used in dire circumstances and can lead to a well-organised campaign. All these guidelines are readily available in various books and websites. Disagreement is not a crime, its human nature. Being patrons of the Prophet (SAW) and the Ahlul Bayt (AS) it is our duty to act accordingly. Muslims in general are suffering from negative media portrayal and there is a way to fight back. A small contribution from every individual in the Ummah can fill the vacuum. May Allah (swt) grant you courage to participate and make a difference.  Oct - Dec 2008 ● Voice of Unity ●

Student

At a time when Muslim students may struggle to adapt to a new lifestyle and routine, Zahra Al-Alawi gives her top ten tips for starting university and how to prepare for the inevitable challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

10 Tips for Muslim Freshers 1– Mark your limits Entering a new environment and meeting new people, it is only natural that a member of the opposite gender will extend their hand forward during introduction for a pleasant hand shake. Many students fall into the trap of accepting handshakes from the opposite gender which generally leads to a kind gestured hug. It is important to make your stand from the start politely explain the impermissibility of shaking hands with the opposite gender. As a new student it is important to let others know where your limits lie within Islamic laws which will make it easier to maintain your religious beliefs throughout the years. In the long run this would protect your modesty and religiosity both inwardly and outwardly.

2– Choose the right friends As we always hear there are two groups of friends, one group who will generally have a good influence on you and one who will have a negative influence. 10 ● Voice of Unity ● Oct - Dec 2008

Avoid a group of friends which may steer you away from Islam or your academic commitments. Before joining a crowd, make sure you are well aware of their habits, attitudes, beliefs, content of speech, their place of socialising as well as many other characteristics. The circle of friends which are around you will have a subconscious effect on you.

“The happiest person is one who associates with the most noble of the people.” (Holy Prophet [pbuh]) 3– Prayer times and location Each campus usually has a prayer room accessible to students. As soon as you arrive at university find the location of the prayer room on campus and keep a timetable of prayer times. If you are living in student accommodation make sure you find out the qibla (prayer direction) in your room on the first day of arriving and ensure your praying space is clean and tahir (pure). www.voiceofunity.com

Student 4– Join the societies At fresher‟s fair make sure you join or get involved in the Ahlul Bayt and Islamic societies at university. As the years pass, there is a huge demand for new students to get involved and join these societies to allow them to expand. Many benefits come out of being involved in such societies as they help a student maintain their Islamic identity throughout the years at university as well as helping others. It can also be considered a form of da’wah (inviting people to Islam). If there isn‟t already an Islamic society at your university then you can take steps to establish one (Refer to absoc.co.uk and fosis.org.uk)

5– Be cautious Starting at a new university will mean eating and purchasing food from a new menu. New students need to be cautious of the ingredients that go into their food and whether or not it is halal (permissible), take it upon yourself to check. If you are sharing a flat with room mates be cautious to check the hygiene of the cutlery you use. If you live in a flat with non-Muslim students it is likely they will use the same dishes for meat products so make sure any dish you use is clean and dry before you use the same dish. It is always worth negotiating having a hob that is kept for vegetarian cooking only.

6– Aim to seek knowledge University is known to be a time of fun. Many students enter university aiming to have the most enjoyable time of their lives. Islam emphasises the importance of seeking knowledge. Our aim should be to seek knowledge and to expand our understanding; only then will success be attainable.

The last-minute consequences of not being organised

7– Be organised Being well organised is an important trait of a Muslim. Soon you will come to realise the work piling on. A good way to achieve success is to be well organised. Many students pick up the habit of missing lectures and being unorganised. This is a problem which new students should recognise and avoid.

8– Finances Many students start spending huge amounts of money on entering university. Islam teaches us not to spend our money foolishly. As well as this many new students are unaware of the khums which is required on their loan. As a new student you may be taking out a loan or grant, make sure you read the Islamic laws regarding this issue to ensure you know what Islamic laws and conditions apply.

9– No-go areas You will begin to notice that the environment at university differs from that at college and high school. Each university has at least one bar if not more. These areas we call the “no go areas”. Many students think that if they are not participating in the drinking and the haram (forbidden), then it is acceptable to go to these locations for social reasons. However in Islam it is forbidden to sit around a gathering where alcohol is being served.

10– Eat healthily

Seek knowledge; even in the corridors of your campus library

www.voiceofunity.com

Islamic narrations tell us not to eat too much or too little and to eat healthily. The advantages of this to a student are evident, as the saying goes, a healthy body is a healthy mind. For students who move away from home and are living independently for the first time, it is probably easier for them to live on junk food as this is less time consuming. Healthy eating is a vital part of the process of achieving the best results and maintaining a steady focus at university.  Oct - Dec 2008 ● Voice of Unity ●

Religion

The Path of True Love In the modern age, where society lacks a real sense of spirituality, love has become a very different thing from what Islam intended. In our constant journey to draw closer to Allah (swt), Leila Taheri asks Aynal Hub? Where‟s the love? Love. Beneath the lines and curves of this four letter word, lays a history of wars fought, tears wept, and promises broken. But when you sweep away the rhetoric, when you wash through the cheap superficiality the word has recently acquired, what are you left with? What is love?

nent reality that he carries within himself. No amount of evolution, change, or modernisation can destroy this divine image which is his origin or the state of separation and hence wretchedness in which he finds himself due to this partition from his spiritual seed.

Surely We created man of the best stature, Then We reduced him to the lowest of the low. {Quran; 95:4-5}

The goal of man is therefore to rediscover his origin, to find out who he is, where he came from, and where he is going. And with the faint recollection of who we used to be, the status we used to hold, we stumble along life looking for love, looking for beauty, searching and yearning for the ultimate truth. The truth we hold to be Allah, for we believe nothing will stop the turmoil inside the heart, nothing will grant the everlasting peace we all crave and desire in one form or the other, apart from Him. All else we seek, is but a reflection of this ultimate reality.

Man was created in ahsan taqwīm (the best stature) but then fell into the earthly condition of separation, a condition which the Quran calls asfal sāfilīn (the lowest of the low). And inasmuch as the situation described in this Quranic verse pertains to the innermost nature of man it is a perma-

As we His creatures have fallen from grace, it is only by divine mercy (al-rahmah) in the form of revelations to man that we are able to traverse the rocky roads of existence. Religion provides framework and guidance which will lead to the desired happy ending for this world and the hereafter.

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www.voiceofunity.com

Religion The saving grace of revelation alone makes possible this journey of the soul from the outward to the inward, from the periphery to the centre, from the form to the meaning, the journey which is none other than the mystical quest itself. And because of the intimate relation which the soul possesses with the One, this journey is at once both a penetration to the centre of the soul and a migration to the ends of the cosmos. In both places, which are in reality but a single point, resides the Divine Presence. That mighty root of our faith (Usul al-Din) - tawhid- is the essential unity of the necessary being. For the arif or mystic however, tawhid means that the ultimate reality is only God, and everything other than God is mere appearance, not reality. It means that other than God there is nothing, and any other stages cannot be said to be free of polytheism (shirk). The attainment of such however, is not through the function of reason and reflection, but rather it is the work of the heart, and is attained through struggle, purification and discipline of the self (nafs). It is based on experience and discovery, with emphasis on the personal relationship between man and his Lord, a bond that should be strengthened through acts which please Him.

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The goal of man is therefore to rediscover his origin, to find out who he is, where he came from, and where he is going.

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As long as man has his eyes on his own self, his imagined beauty and perfection, he will be veiled from the absolute beauty and pure perfection. The first condition for travelling to Allah is to leave this earthly house. So, every traveller (salik), who travels with the steps of selfishness and selfconceit, and is wrapped in the veils of egotism, his journey would not be to Allah, but rather to his self: It is a great fault for a man to remain aloof, setting oneself above all the creation. Learn thy lesson from the pupil of the eye, that sees everyone but not itself. (Khwajah 'Abd Allah al-'Ansari) The soul is often likened to a mirror. Through the years it has been tainted with our accumulating sins. Our goal should be to polish this mirror, so that it reflects the Divine in order that we may come to know Him. Spirituality in this modern age is in many shapes and forms, be it as Sufi schools, Buddhism, and the like. While they all no doubt have their benefits, it is easy to be fooled into thinking that spirituality comes in magic potion form. Modern society does not ease this deception, with its fast this and instant that. But excellent things come to those with patience. www.voiceofunity.com

Annihilation of the self, absolute love, and drowning in the glory of the Magnificent, comes with discipline, knowledge, experience, questioning, reflection and pondering. Reading the Quran, putting its words into actions, practicing salat (prayer) sincerely, staying up at night, waking up in the early hours of the morning, whispering to the Almighty, doing everything fisabillah (for the sake of God) - these are the keys to spiritual progression. And when that progression is achieved, when the veils are removed, the pleasure reached is immeasurable. The mystics tell us heaven and hell are realities we create for ourselves right here on earth, through our actions and deeds. So let us build a relationship of love for Allah. Let it consume us, take us over, blind us to all that is not Him. Let us attain a heaven in our hearts. 

{88{ There is no god but He; everything is perishing except His Face {Quran; 28:88}

References: Light Within Me: Shaheed Murtada Mutahhari, Allamah Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai, Ayatullah Ruhullah Khomeini Studies in Comparative Religion; The First English Journal on Traditional Studies: http://www.studiesincomparativereligion.com Adabus Salat; The Disciplines of the Prayer: Imam Khomeini Oct - Dec 2008 ● Voice of Unity ●

Social

The Khoja community of Stanmore Carrying on with our series of articles which, in the last issue considered the British Pakistani community, this piece explores the intricacies of the Khoja community. The aim is to create a debate about our communities out of which we hope will arise ideas for progress, reform and improvement.

14 ● Voice of Unity ● Oct - Dec 2008

Giving directions to the local Islamic Centre where I grew up, that is the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Community (KSIMC) of London in Stanmore, is something I‟ve never had to share with anyone. You either know where it is, because you‟re a member and have always attended its services, or it‟s a place where you‟re probably not very welcome. Either way, directions are unnecessary. The walk I made to KSIMC is a walk I made often during my pious attachment to the mosque as an adolescent. Looking back, it is the metaphor of this journey which resonates in my mind as a true reflection of the aspirations of the Khoja community for its youth. The Khoja community originates in India and used to pertain to the Isma‟ili denomination. Following conversion to the Twelver Shia sect, they faced persecution and many migrated to East Africa and settled predominantly in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda during the late nineteenth century. Here they setup businesses, often with the tacit support of the British colonial powers and flourished as a community. Due to several factors the Khoja later migrated across the world, with large communities settling in North America and Western Europe. Today, the global Khoja community is united under the auspices of the World Federation of KSI Muslim Communities, with the KSIMC of London in Stanmore considered its central establishment. www.voiceofunity.com

Social Stanmore is a large community by all standards with Muharram commemorations easily attracting over 2,000 worshippers. It is an insular community and its programmes are ethnically monolithic with the community‟s youth having little awareness of the cultural differences which characterises ritual practices. Young people are brought up to be very conscious of their Khoja identity, and diversity is generally frowned on, with the community only accepting Khojas as full-voting members of the Islamic Centre‟s activities. Most young people have little idea of how to merge their Islamic values with the reality of life in British society. Unlike many other institutions, the Khojas have successfully recognised, albeit nominally, the need for youth services. In particular, the provision of religious education in the English medium is highly organised and well established. The Centre boasts two Islamic Schools, the Saturday Workshop and the Sunday Madressa (religious school) , with fully established syllabi in significant subjects. Both institutions are well attended, but during the most needy years of adolescence their approaches appear less significant, with young people aged 12, leaving without any effective religious education during the transitional teenage years. Indeed, age groups up to 16, which might be classified as the most „dangerous‟ are entirely uncatered for, with some young people often losing their faith quickly thereafter.

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The provision of religious education in the English medium is highly organised and well established

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Despite the strong provisions of religious education, it would be difficult to define young Khojas between the ages of 12 and 18 years as religious per se. Generally, Khojas are well versed in religious rules and precepts, but a smaller proportion will implement them. Volunteer Youth Workers (external to the community, but involved with its youth) estimate that 70% of 16 year olds boys have tried an illegal substance, over 50% of the surveyed young people regularly listen to music and less than 40% of 16 years olds pray regularly. Relationships between the sexes is commonplace from the age of 14 years, and these interactions are now unashamedly public with young people less concerned about traditional values such as “reputation” and “decency”. In speaking with young people, they often question the precepts of religion as well as the purpose of its rituals, and occasionally feel they do not reflect modernity. The rigid, judicial and monotonous approach to educating religion amongst the Khojas, which is largely devoid of spiritual learning, appears to have led some young people further from Islam. Nevertheless, there is unfaltering public respect for religion amongst young people, as it clearly visible in programmes. www.voiceofunity.com

Whilst educational facilities are one of the community‟s strong points, the community has a narrow perspective on the suitability of professions for its youth. The arts and nonvocational courses are condemned, with many young people subject to immense family pressure to pursue the sciences.

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The Khoja community offers its young an insular and closed view of the world, which limits their development as Muslims and citizens of this country

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Creative career progression is seen as wrong, with the focus on attaining maximum economic benefit at the expense of personal fulfilment. As a result the community has few, if any, artists, writers or linguists (beyond cultural and religious languages). Moreover, political activism is discouraged, voluntary and charity work external to the community seen as disloyal and student travel or career breaks unrecognised as having any true value. Most recently, this has led to the community‟s failure to develop holistically and meet the challenges of life in British society. Many young people have fragmented personalities and suffer low confidence and self-esteem. Strong discipline at the expense of character development has resulted in low moral values in comparison with other ethnic groups. Few young Khojas have any real life experiences before university (when they are allowed to live outside the precinct of a Khoja mosque!). Despite the relative wealth of the Khoja community, its youth appear to be some of the most disenchanted in the Muslim community. It is a surprise that this normally wellorganised institution still provides few youth services beyond some basic sporting activities. Moreover, the size and internal politics of the community make it difficult to bring change and real development to innovatively tackle the root causes of social crisis amongst young Khojas. Much like my own journey to Stanmore during my adolescence, the Khoja community offers its young an insular and closed view of the world, which limits their development as Muslims and citizens of this country. The constant pressure to conform stagnates creative thinking and frustrates the aspirations of young people. In maintaining their conservative stance, the elders of the community are failing their young, without adequately preparing them for the challenge of living as integrated and practising Muslims in British society.  Written anonymously by a young Khoja active in various Muslim and youth organisations. Oct - Dec 2008 ● Voice of Unity ●

Culture and History

A Bastion of Knowledge The culture of reading is deeply ingrained in our society. Hassan Joudi charts the development of paper, books and libraries throughout the centuries and considers the potential impact of new e-reader technology. The book is an integral part of modern society and reading the necessary activity which complements it. From textbooks and encyclopaedias in schools to novel-reading commuters on the tube during rush hour, reading books has always been part and parcel of our culture. But this may be about to change with electronics giant Sony‟s recent launch of its PRS-500 e-book reader in the UK on 3rd September 2008. An e-book reader is a portable device used to display electronic versions of books, or e -books, and Sony‟s new model will join a dozen others already retailing in the High Street which prompts the question: Is this the end of the printed book as we know it? It‟s very easy to forget that not long ago books were far from the common widespread item they are today. The book has come a long way since the clay tablets and papyrus scrolls of the ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations. Ever since humans realised the potential of the written word it has allowed us to store knowledge and consequently allow its non-oral communication to others. Through their interest in intellectual life, the Greeks were the first to note down their thoughts, discoveries and inventions onto scrolls and collect them into what we today call libraries. The Romans carried on this practice and libraries, mainly the private collections of wealthy aristocrats, became a symbol of status and the bed rock of the Roman Empire‟s rich culture. Still the library remained the domain of the learned: teachers, scientists and scholars. Reading had yet to become a thing for the masses, and how could it? Aside from the lucky sons of aristocrats, education was not available to everyone, and the majority of peasants were illiterate. As a result the ability to read and write was a rare skill, and being a scribe was a respected profession. 16 ● Voice of Unity ● Oct - Dec 2008

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Culture and History With the demise of the Roman Empire, many literary collections were lost, and it was only thanks to the Christian monks during the medieval period that many of the great works of Aristotle and classical intellectuals survived. Monasteries became a haven for the written word and libraries became a very sacred institution.

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The masses turned literaturehungry and borrowing or buying books became commonplace.

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Another route of survival for these classical literary collections was their translation by the Arab empires. From 700 AD onwards Islam and its initial Qur‟anic revelation of “Iqra” {96:1{ or “Read” had inspired a Golden Age of civilization. Paper as we know it today - not papyrus scrolls or leather parchment - was key to this as Arab scholars made it their standard material. Paper mills were built in Baghdad, Damascus and Cairo to manufacture paper, but the Arabs themselves had only come across paper from traders returning from China.

As technology developed further through the work of great European scientists like Newton, Galileo and James Watt, the momentum of the industrial revolution turned Gutenberg‟s invention in the 15th century into the massive steam-powered printing presses of the 19th century. These machines could churn out more than a thousand sheets of paper per hour, a tad faster than a monk scribe copying an ancient manuscript with ink and quill, making the modern newspaper possible and revolutionising the culture of reading. Now with millions of books in circulation around the world, and primary school education available to the working classes, books were no longer the preserve of academics in the reading rooms of stuffy university libraries and the way was paved for the culture of mass-reading. In Britain the 1850 Public Libraries Act allowed local councils to use tax-money to build libraries for the first time. Spearheaded by Joseph Brotherton, MP for Salford, Manchester Central Library was Britain‟s first public library, opening its doors in 1852 to a public where the majority were now literate, rather than the other way round.

The original invention of paper is credited to the early Chinese, a fact that featured in the Beijing 2008 Olympic opening ceremony in August. But paper‟s potential was never fully realised. Down the centuries as Chinese dynasties came and went, it was utilised for everything except books: wrapping gifts, tea bags, toilet paper and even the world‟s first paper money.

The masses turned literature-hungry and soon borrowing or buying books became commonplace. In 250 AD, 29 public libraries existed in Rome, most of which were attached to public bath houses for the citizens of Rome to enjoy. In 1900 the whole of Britain boasted 295 public libraries. Today in the 21st century London alone has 359 libraries.

But in the 15th century developments in Europe changed everything. The Renaissance, Europe‟s cultural rebirth, brought the continent out from the Dark Ages, and with it books flourished too. Along with the use of continuous sheets of paper, the age of the mass-produced book was sparked by the invention of the metal movable type printer by the German Johannes Gutenberg in 1450 AD.

That physical feeling of turning over the page of your favourite novel just isn’t replaceable.

How will future generations indulge in the culture of reading?

www.voiceofunity.com

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It is these literature-hungry Britons that Sony hopes will purchase their new e-reader. The advantages the new technology brings us are many, the e-ink display is much easier on the eye than ordinary computer screens, being able to store 160 books saves metres of shelf space and extra features like built-in USB-storage are a plus. However the traditional paperback is not one to be pushed over easily. Few people want to carry a clunky £199 device around with them, buying books as gifts or passing them on to friends is popular and that physical feeling of turning over the page of your favourite novel just isn‟t replaceable. So will the e-reader to the book be like the MP3 player to the CD? The In-car SatNav to the A-Z Map? Well if it ever does, it‟s unlikely to happen soon. Paper, that ancient Chinese invention, is a difficult technology to match. It‟s so versatile, simple and inexpensive that even today people still want print-outs of their destination from Google Maps or prefer a hardcopy of a long article from the internet. The great bastion of knowledge that is the book has certainly not had its day.  Oct - Dec 2008 ● Voice of Unity ●

Science

Nicotine, Cannabis and the Brain The susceptibility of our brains to dangerous substances is one of the reasons behind Islamic rulings on self-harm. Fatima Abbas reports on the miracle of our complex brains and how it is influenced by commonly used drugs. Your brain is remarkable; the truth for all of Allah‟s (swt) creations. Within the kilogram of brain tissue you carry billions of neurons, all forming a complex web. Each one of these neurons has junctions constantly buzzing with activity, with neurotransmitters (chemical messenger molecules) being released from one cell to the next.

This receptor is also triggered by nicotine, the active ingredient of tobacco. Smoking a cigarette containing nicotine leads to absorption of nicotine through the linings of the lungs, increasing the levels of nicotine in the blood stream and hence reaching the brain, causing the receptors to be stimulated and increasing activity of certain areas of the brain.

Receptors on the surface of these cells initiate complex chemical chain reactions that inevitably lead to the myriad of responses you control: from the blink of an eye to solving a quadratic equation.

This substance use has long-term consequences too. The higher the levels of stimulation there are present in the body, the more receptors are produced in the brain: this is the brain‟s elegant way to fine tune its measurement of these molecules. Nicotinic stimulation also alters other organs; heart rate increases as does blood pressure, dopamine release is increased, causing the desirable pleasure effects of smoking.

A hive of interaction and feedback, the brain is a finely tuned and masterful work of technology achieving feats no modern day computer can claim to, whilst also remaining organic in a flux of change and growth. Each memory, each new skill, each dream and each bump resulting in hundreds of connections being made or broken between neurons. This highly complex organ constantly monitors and responds to its biochemical surroundings, in the pursuit of status quo. Of the neurotransmitters found in the brain, you will be surprised to find that many may already be recognisable to you. Acetylcholine receptors are present on the surfaces of nerve cells. Binding of this „wonder chemical‟ causes a chain reaction leading to the nerve cell „firing‟, sending a wave of chemical messengers out to its partnered cells.

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The millions of people dying from Tobacco are a testament to the fact that you can’t say something is safe until you understand how it works.

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Further misuse creates a state of tolerance. The brain resets its natural levels of other chemicals to compensate for this increased stimulation, such as a chemical called GABA, thus reducing the effects of concentrations of these substances. The typical symptoms smokers encounter once they give up their habits are clear examples of this. Irritable moods caused by the decrease in dopamine. As well this, insomnia, fidgety behaviour and restlessness are all caused by the decreased receptor stimulation and the slow response to reset to the natural levels of other molecules. Smoking Cannabis also alters the natural balance of the brain; increasing levels of molecules called cannabiniods found naturally in the nervous system, much like nicotinic receptors and Acetylcholine.

Diagram illustrating how the active ingredient of tobacco (nicotine) triggers receptors on the surface of nerve cells in the brain.

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Cannabis leaves contain the active ingredient THC. This molecule is naturally present in cannabis plants, used as a method of defence against foraging animals. The molecule increases stimulation of certain bodily functions causing them to be deterred in future. However, records of medicinal and recreational use of this drug have existed since the middle ages; it was known as a treatment for epilepsy. www.voiceofunity.com

Science

Structure of Nictoine (above left) and structure of THC; the active ingredient of cannabis (above right)

Naturally occurring Cannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the brain, indicating they have many functions and roles in the function of the brain. Found in vital areas: cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebellum brain stem and amygdala. Looking through this list you‟ll find the functions of all these areas control important functions. The cerebellum, for example, is vital for the coordination of sensory information and movement control. The hippocampus controls the formation of short-term memories and communicates with other areas of the brain to translate these into long-term memories. Altering levels of Cannabinoids alters the formation of long-term and short-term memories. Hence causing the weakening of memory in abusers. As with most drugs that act on the brain, new theories and research on Cannabinoid function and behaviour is in constant development.

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It is dangerous to avoid confronting the negative effects of Cannabis and other recreational drugs and to develop the social apathy and state of denial over their effects that we saw with Tobacco 50 years ago. The millions of people addicted to and dying from long-term smoking of Tobacco are a testament to the truth that you can‟t say something is safe until you understand how it works. Allah (swt) has made such things haram (forbidden) to us for our own protection. Our understanding of the workings of our own bodies and the world around us is limited, and His guidance is proving to be best for us as Science continues to show. 

And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loves those who do good. {Quran; 2:195}

Help the VOU grow! We are looking to add new sections to the magazine so please e-mail us and get involved: 

Letters to the Editor Any general or specific comments you may have about the magazine or its articles.

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Ask an Alim Religious questions that you‟d like to see answered by an Alim (scholar).

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Poetry We‟d love to publish people‟s literary master pieces. Just pass them along.

Other ideas are also welcome. Contact us: editor@voiceofunity.com

Oct - Dec 2008 ● Voice of Unity ●

Comments

Our moral obligation to be polite FATIMA ABBAS Hajj: The blessed pilgrimage that strengthens our bond to Allah (swt). Millions of brothers and sisters in Islam, united by one faith and belief in the true message. Practicing equality of sexes, classes, races, and exhibiting consideration towards their brethren… until they have to get somewhere. The horror of stampedes in recent years taking the lives of innocent pilgrims is one that saddens me. These deaths are preventable if we had the calmness and consideration that our Prophet (pbuh) exemplified. This is an extreme example of the plague that affects our community. While listening to lectures we often find latecomers walking in and greeting their friends in the most audible tone, chattering while the rest of us

attempt to learn and the speaker struggles to talk over the noise of inconsiderate people talking. A crush of people taking food offered afterwards as if they had been starved for weeks. What happened to manners? Where is the orderly queuing, offering our portion to a fellow Muslim, and not shoving? Those of us at the front, pass some back! We‟ll receive the thanks of those behind us, shorten the queue, whilst the good deed helps secure our place in heaven with our Prophet (pbuh) and Imams (AS). Things need to change. It‟s our moral obligation to be polite. We as responsible, caring members of the community are, for example, obliged to offer our „hard-earned‟ tube seats to those of the public who are less able to stand. Firstly, because once we are in their shoes we‟ll expect the same. Secondly, the media and society of this country

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What happened to orderly queuing, offering our portion to a fellow Muslim and not shoving?

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is perpetuating a stereotype of Muslims as selfish members of society who contribute little to the country they have joined. Kindness in public, to strangers both Muslim and nonMuslim will destroy this lie. It is our duty to show people what Islam really is. Even the smallest of details is seen as a good deed in the eyes of Our Creator (swt). A smile as we go about your day touches the hearts of those we encounter, it is the greatest of charities and one we must learn to apply. No matter how tired or uncomfortable we may be, a smile and the kindness we show will make us the most valuable Da‟wah to Islam.

The dynamics of Muslim student societies ALI JOUDI & ZAHRA ZAHIDI The growth of Ahlul Bayt Societies (known as ABSocs) in various universities across the UK has been an interesting phenomenon to observe since the first one was established around 2003. They aimed to cater for Shia Muslim students who found themselves disillusioned with the traditional Islamic Societies (known as ISocs). In contrast ISocs have been around since 1962 and number over 120 compared to the 20 or so ABSocs dotted around the country. It is vital to say that where Muslims of different backgrounds and schools of thought can work together under the ISoc banner in an effective manner then that is the path to follow; at the end of the day we are all Muslims. 20 ● Voice of Unity ● Oct - Dec 2008

Such success stories can be seen at universities in Oxford, Liverpool and LSE amongst others. Where Shia Muslims have not felt welcome, unfairly maligned or uncatered for then the need for ABSocs was realised. From our personal experiences, this was particularly the case where ISoc committees held unfounded extreme and aggressive views and there was clear tension on campus. This often manifested itself in heckling at society events, taking down event posters of the other society or even simply refusing to communicate with the other. Our common Islam and shared values should be at the forefront of our akhlaq (manners) in our dealings between societies. We must always

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Our common Islam and shared values should be at the forefront of our dealings between societies.

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aspire to emulate the elegant and beautiful behaviour of our holy Prophet (pbuh) and the Ahlul Bayt (as) who dealt with Muslims and non-Muslims alike exquisitely. There is plenty of common ground between ABSocs and ISocs and efforts from both sides should exist to work together where ever possible. This not only maximises the use of resources available but will be more effective and benefit more people in the long run. Let high morals lead the way! You can find out more at: www.fosis.org.uk & www.absoc.co.uk www.voiceofunity.com

Profiles

The Muslim News Awards 2008 Muslim can be posh too as programme celebrates Muslim achievements in the UK Aziza al-Yassin The Eighth Muslim News Awards which took place in March this year looked to be a promising event right from the outset. With some 800 guests, a Park Lane location and a line -up of A-list speakers, the ceremony gave the British Muslim community much to be proud of. Hosted by Ahmed Versi, Editor of The Muslim News newspaper, the celebrations recognise Muslim achievement and excellence in sixteen main categories in a wide variety of fields. Award names are based on relevant Islamic role models with the Children‟s category entitled the Imam Hasan and Husayn‟s award for excellence, and that for enterprise, Ummul Mu‟minin Khadija‟s award.

Nominations made by the public are then short-listed by a distinguished panel of judges with the final winners only being announced on the day. Winners were presented with an Astrolabe; a historical instrument used by classical astronomers to seek out the stars, reflecting the spirit of the awards. This was followed by the entertainment for the night by Poetic Pilgrimage, a hip hop act consisting of two young sisters. A lavish threecourse meal was then served allowing guests to mingle with one another. Amongst those present were Guest of Honour, Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, the then London mayoral candidates, Boris Johnson and Brian Paddick, Shadow Foreign Secretary, William Hague and Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor and Deputy

Leader, Vincent Cable. The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown addressed the audience in a video message, as did boxing hero Amir Khan, who won the sports award. These Awards which have now become an important part of the Muslim community‟s calendar continue to recognise the, sometimes hidden, rolemodels in our society, paving the way to a future where the Muslim input is as influential as any other.

David Miliband presenting the Allama Iqbal Award for creativity in Islamic thought

Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation Imaan Wa Amal: Faith and Action through Sport Leila Taheri Two girls, face to face, knees bent slightly in anticipation. Intense stares, eyes slit, concentration, ready to pounce. A whistle blows, the ball is thrown, and the pair jump to the air, a frantic grasp- the game is on. The Muslim Women‟s Sport Foundation was set up in 2001 by the editor of The Muslim News, Ahmed Versi. Backed by the Islamic Federation of Muslim Sport (IFWS), the aim was to create a suitable environment to allow Muslim Women to train in basketball, futsal (indoor fooball) and badminton. The only non-Muslim country entrant in the International Women‟s Islamic Games held every 4 years, it is clear these girls don‟t just want an alternative slimming aid, they mean business. www.voiceofunity.com

Friendships and niceties are kept strictly off-court as for the next two hours a professional coach takes the players through warm ups, fitness sessions, ball practice and rounds off with a game. Efforts are currently underway to apply for government backed sports funds as lottery money is a strict no -no, whilst backing from Muslim businesses is painfully non-existent. Lack of support from a community not used to seeing its women play sport seriously is a continuing problem from both a financial and moral level as well as hindering growth at a grass roots stage. However, things are gradually improving as more and more women sign up and change their communities from the inside out.

What is strikingly clear is the passion these women have for sport. What they need now is support, be it by taking part, cheering them on in games, or parting with your cash. We are a community of critics yet we are capable of anything if we put our minds to it. We are a sleeping giant - and it‟s time to wake up and take action. www.mwsf.org.uk

Basketball group photo

Oct - Dec 2008 ● Voice of Unity ●

Reviews

The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World Leila Taheri BROADCAST ON CHANNEL 4 IN JULY 2008 RUNNING TIME: 6 X 10 MINS EPSIDOES

This intimate Channel 4 documentary follows six young people whose local places of worship are beautiful and historic mosques. It accompanies them as they depart to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage of a life time to perform the Hajj at the holy city of Mecca, the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The prowess and scope of the Muslim empire was reflected in the stunning architecture that sprung up from across the lands, from Spain to Iran, and from Turkey to Mali, they formed the loci of Muslim life - both spiritual and corporeal. The Seven Wonders of the Muslim World starts its journey at six of these locations and completes it at the mosque towards which all practising Muslims turn when they pray. Some of these mosques are expected on the list: the grand mosque in Mecca; the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem; the Alhambra in Granada, Spain; the Blue mosque in Istanbul; the Imam mosque in Esfahan, Iran; and the Badshahi mosque in Lahore, Pakistan. Yet one in particular stands out, and this is the great mosque of Djenne in Mali. Mali is the largest country is Saharan West Africa. Islam was brought to it peacefully in the 8 th century by nomadic traders, and now 95% of the population are Muslim. Rising up from the desert of Djenne is the tallest

mud-built mosque in the world. Its thick walls and many roof supports make it dark and simple inside. Yet every Friday, the economically impoverished people of this country fill its long dim walkways to pray, and collections take place for the poor who would otherwise not survive were it not for the spirit of alms. The documentary gives beautiful insight into the very different lives of these Muslims, but shows that despite personal differences, they all hold common principles and beliefs which supersede any private circumstances. Excerpts can be viewed on YouTube.

Muqtada Al-Sadr and the Fall of Iraq Mohsen Khairaldin-Garcia

BY PATRICK COCKBURN (2008); FABER AND FABER; 289 PAGES; £16.99 ISBN: 978-0571239740

The American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the subsequent insurgency has resulted in a plethora of books attempting to analyse the situation. Sadly, to our detriment, they have too often focussed on the US side and the mistakes the superpower made. Patrick Cockburn has managed to write a simplistic yet detailed, and at times first-hand, account of the build up of the influential Mahdi army and its very much misunderstood leader, Muqtada Al-Sadr.

Mali’s tall mud-built mosque

22 ● Voice of Unity ● Oct - Dec 2008

This is not, as many may have thought, a biography of the aforementioned man. However, Cockburn‟s portrayal of events surrounding

Muqtada‟s own escape from an assassination attempt which killed his father, Mohammed-Sadiq Al-Sadr and two brothers, is perhaps the closest we have ever gotten to understanding this elusive cleric. Much to the disappointment of those in the western media who regard him as a „firebrand‟ preacher, we instead find a calculating and shrewd character, who escaped imprisonment by depicting himself to Saddam‟s regime as weak and unintelligent and who is ever more desperate to bring the millions of poor Shia masses who revere his movement under control. More importantly, Cockburn provides new insight on two key issues affecting the stability of the Iraqi nation today. Firstly, he traces the origins of the Mahdi army not to a postoccupation grouping of young angry Shia men but instead to Muqtada‟s late father‟s attempts‟ throughout the 1990s to provide a solution for the stricken Shia population, tired of years of repression under Saddam‟s regime. As long as the repression and poverty continues, Cockburn claims, the Mahdi army and Muqtada‟s position as his father‟s successor will continue to be a solution to the problems of many who have nowhere else to turn. Secondly, American fears that Sadr‟s militia can be added to the „growing‟ list of groups that form part of Iran‟s outreach are proved to be unfounded. This is in large part because of an insufficiently researched but everpresent intra-Shia divide. Sadr‟s movement‟s heavily nationalistic tones undoubtedly add to this. Cockburn has provided us with an invaluable resource with which to further our understanding of a country which will continue to dominate our media for years to come. Written with typical flair, it is highly recommended reading for anyone wishing to learn more of the intricacies of Shia Iraq. His text is a breath of fresh air in comparison to the many over-written publications since the fall of Saddam‟s regime which have failed to provide any decent coverage on this important topic. www.voiceofunity.com

Reviews

House of Saddam Hassan Joudi BROADCAST ON BBC TWO IN JUL/AUG 2008 RUNNING TIME: 4 X 60 MINS EPISODES

If you were to sit down and write a Shakespearian drama, what would you include? Violence, betrayal, tragedy, mystery, romance, humour; all are the essential elements of a good drama. Alex Holmes, director of the four part mini-series House of Saddam found all these elements not in any fictional story his imagination could conjure up, but in the real events surrounding ex-Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and his family. The series was neither a full drama, nor a plain documentary but rather a „Docu-Drama‟ telling a dramatised version of his life. It began from his crowning as President of Iraq in 1979 to his execution in 2006. Actors play the characters of family members and senior staff in this drama while sprinkles of „real life‟, like clips of Khomeini returning from exile to Iran or Paul Bremner announcing the death of Uday and Qusay, enhance the drama. These remind us of the seriousness of this story because it actually happened, and brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “you couldn‟t make it up.” But the series wasn‟t flawless. The overwhelming number of characters that appear and disappear with little explanation put the viewers less versed in Iraqi politics at a struggle in understanding the storyline completely. Furthermore through focussing on Saddam‟s family, little was shown of the Iraqi people. There were only glimpses such as Saddam briefly passing by a bloody hospital room or a short TV news clip showing Shia mourners identifying bones from mass graves. Perhaps through those glimpses Holmes was attempting to show viewers the underlying tale of suffering in the midst of Saddam's outof-touch daily life, however I felt that not enough background context was given for a western audience. www.voiceofunity.com

An improvement could have been achieved if the series was stretched over more than four episodes.

for the Muslims to awaken from apathy and to be mentally and physically prepared for a time of reformation.

However the series does an eloquent justice to ordinary Iraqis. In the last episode set in late-2003, a man from Tikrit is forced to carry a tape recording of Saddam‟s speech and told “You have no choice”. To this he smirks and replies, “The Iraqi motto”, neatly summarising 35 years of coercion within Iraqi society.

The speakers put much emphasis on inner, spiritual development, meaning that the arrival of the Mahdi (as) is a spiritual event, not just a political or social one. Rather than Muslims waiting passively for that time to come, they are active participants in bringing that time about: through attaining inner transformation as well as outer social change. As Shaykh Muhammad Ridha Tajri stated, global reformation cannot happen without inner reformation.

It is not easy viewing since the drama essentially humanises Saddam. It depicts him as showing emotions like sorrow, regret and compassion which admittedly we can‟t ignore was a part of him, but which conflicts with our image of him as a monstrous tyrant. In an interview Igal Naor, who played Saddam Hussein said: "A drama is the tension between what you have already in your mind, and what you see on screen. If this tension is not there, it isn’t interesting."

AIM Conference 2008: Awakening the Ummah Rebecca Masterton VENUE: ISLAMIC CENTRE OF ENGLAND (LONDON) 31ST AUGUST 2008; 11AM - 5PM.

The high attendance at the conference held for the commemoration of the birth of Imam Mahdi (as) showed that Muslims are keen to gain knowledge of what the occultation and arrival of the Imam (as) actually means for us in our daily lives. Both Shi'as and Sunnis attended, giving an encouraging sign of unity at a time when forces are attempting to fracture the Ummah for political gain. There were many calls

Warnings were also given about Muslims focusing too much on the external signs of the coming of the Mahdi (as), rather than turning their attention to their own inner state, although the audience was asked to learn as much as possible about all aspects of his coming. Alexander Hainy spoke about the necessity for putting Islam before culture, stressing that we cannot be fully prepared as a people if cultural traditions prevent us from becoming truly Islamic. In other words, practicing the Islam that was brought by the Holy Prophet (s) requires courage and insight and is not merely about social conformity. Shaykh Ahmed Haneef reminded people that injustice is not just to do with political events and wars; nor even the economic imbalance that results in so many living in poverty; we have to be careful of not doing injustice to ourselves, which means, as the Qur'an says, not wronging ourselves by doing wrong. An excellent event that considered the many aspects of the return of our Imam (as). Will the Ummah wake up?

Some of the speakers present at the AIM Conference 2008 Oct - Dec 2008 ● Voice of Unity ●