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Muslims
Have Their Mother
Teresa Too!
Review of:
“Believing as
Ourselves”
United Colours of
’Haj!
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Mohammed Babelli
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Sarah
Wonders
Q.
Sarah is a nine-year-
old girl with an in- What is Zamzam water?
quisitive mind. She I heard it has healing properties, is
has a lot of ques- that really true?
tions about Islaam.
She attempts to
sort out the myth
from the stereotype In 1983, the Journal of the New England Water
from the truth. Works Association published a paper stating
When in doubt, she
asks. A. Dear Sarah,
Zamzam is a well in Makkah
that “A total of 34 elements have been found
with calcium, magnesium, sodium, and
chloride in the highest concentrations.
Photo by
Pebbles Ahmad Kamal Mat Zain
[A’hmad Kamaal Mat Zain]
aremalzz@gmail.com
http://www.pasirmas.net
Supplicators
Photo by
Mohammed Babelli
[Mu’hammad Baabally]
Mohammed Babelli is an
engineer by profession;
art lover by choice.
He started photography
at an early age covering
summer camping vaca-
tions.
In All Languages
A ’Haaj
Photos by
Ahmad Konash*
[A’hmad Konash]
One of
Righteous Deeds:
© http://www.flickr.com/photos/66128034@N00/89090844/
as a “charity lover.” bare stone. They will be able to do nothing
with anything they have earned. And Allaah
The verses below explain why the deeds does not guide those who reject faith.
of believers are by no means similar to Those who spend their substance, seeking
alms-giving. “They perform (their) vows, to please Allaah and to strengthen their
and they fear a Day whose evil flies far and souls, are like a garden, high and fertile:
wide. And they feed, for the love of Allaah, heavy rain falls on it, and makes it yield a
the indigent, the orphan, and the captive, double harvest, and if it does not receive
(Saying) ”We feed you for the sake of heavy rain, light moisture suffices it. Allaah
Allaah alone: no reward do we desire from sees well whatever you do.” [Chapter of
you, nor thanks. We only fear a day of Alba’qarah: 264-265]
distressful wrath from our Lord.” [Chapter
of Alinsaan: 7-10]. Hence, the result of each deed always
rests with Allaah. Each task should be
If any acts ostensibly complying with done solely to please Him. A devoted
the definition of “righteous deeds” are believer who perform righteous deeds
not intended to seek the good pleasure all throughout his life, carries out the
of Allaah, they cease to be “righteous regular prayers and makes the pilgrimage
deeds.” This is simply because they are to Makkah will surely attain the gardens
done to please other people. of heaven and will be rewarded most
generously by Allaah in the hereafter.
This is, in terms of the ’Qura~n,
“associating partners with Allaah”, which
is a great sin. In the following verse, Allaah *The author, under the pen-name Harun
explains how an act of worship done to Yahya, has written more than 200 books
attain not the approval of Allaah, but other which are published in 37 languages all
people loses its value and becomes an over the world. Harun Yahya’s books
ordinary act. “Woe to the worshippers, appeal to all people, Muslims and non-
who are neglectful of their prayers; who Muslims alike, regardless of their age,
only want to make a show of piety.” race and nationality, as they centre
[Chapter of Almaa‘oon: 4-6] around one goal: to open the readers’
mind by presenting the signs of God’s
Similarly, spending, which is a righteous
eternal existence to them.
deed in the presence of Allaah, becomes
an ordinary act if done to demonstrate
one’s generosity in order to impress
Harun Yahya Website:
people. So does the pilgrimage to Makkah. www.harunyahya.com
GradEdges
By
Ahmad Konash
konash@i-mag.org "rounded"
. Idea
Imitate + Combine !
I don’t know if anyone of you have
ever seen really old black & white
photos, where all the edges around
the object are faded to black, or
darker.
. Tools
© http://www.anniewarren.com.au
I tried to combine that effect, with the
effect of a “graduated neutral density
filter” which is an optical filter used to Now if we have the
bring an overly bright part of a scene same effect of this filter,
into the dynamic range of film or sen- all around, wouldn’t
sor (like the photo on the left). that look nice? I think
I tried to combine both effects in one so. But you’ll have to . A camera (S.L.R. or semi S.L.R.)
thing, this tip is totally experimental, prove me wrong to say . A toilet paper centre cylinder
and I would really appreciate if you no. So, come on, let’s . A cutter
out there show me some samples if do it. . And some black paint
it works :)
© http://www.burnblue.com/blog
. Steps 1. . Example
Again everyone, this is totally
experimental. I guess I am trying © Photographs by Ahmad Konash for i-mag.org
to re-invent something here. Let’s
hope we end up making something
sensible :)
2.
1- Get your toilet cylinder.
2- Cut the top of it, approximately
half of it. And make sure the edges of
the cut side is a bit rough.
3- Colour the top side of it in black.
4- Hold the piece that you made
against your lens, and make sure you
have a protective filter before you do
that. 3.
5- The cylinder will act like a light
tunnel, zoom in and out. Focus on
different objects until you find the
right catch, shoot it, and send it to
us :)
“Believing as Ourselves”
J. Lynn Jones
Reviewed by: Ibrahim Babelli [Ibraheem Baabally]
babelli@i-mag.org
© Amana Publications
time. did not leave the men’s prayer hall,
and how this very action resulted in
Not only that, but Oum ‘Umar was the women reversing direction and
a full member of the M.S.A. and she renouncing Islaam.
voted in each board election, and
United
Colours
of ’Haj!
Photo by
Lina Malaika
[Leenah Malaikah]
United
Masses
Photos by
Mohammed Babelli*
[Mu’hammad Baabilly]
Of All Races
Photo by
Lina Malaika
[Leenah Malaikah]
© http://www.sxc.hu/photo/778226
When You Look
Hooded girls are the ones really helping the We are the ones that are free and pure
What do you see when you look at me choice Muslim cause We’re free of STD’s that have no cure
Do you see someone limited, or someone They think that the hood makes me look The role that we play definitely deserves
free caged applause So when people ask you how you feel about
That my husband or dad are totally tha hood
All some people can do is just look and outraged I will be recognized because I am smart and Just sum it up by saying “baby its all good ;) “
stare bright
Simply because they can’t see my hair All they can do is look at me in fear And because some people are inspired by
* Suzy Fouad was born and raised in the
And in my eye there is a tear my sight
U.S.A. to Egyptian parents whose number
Others think I am controlled and
one priority was nurturing a strong religious
uneducated Not because I have been stared at or made The smart ones are attracted by my
foundation in her. She came to realize that
They think that I am limited and un-liberated fun of tranquillity
there would always be a weakness in this
But because people are ignoring the one up In the back of their mind they wish they
foundation without the hijab.
They are so thankful that they are not me above were me
Because they would like to remain “free”
Despite being a hard decision socially, it was
On the day of judgment they will be the fools We have the strength to do what we think
an easy one spiritually, so she finally started
Well free isn’t exactly the word I would’ve Because they were too ashamed to play by is right
wearing the hijab at fourteen years old after
used their own rules Even if it means putting up a life long fight
much deliberation.
Describing women who are cheated on and
abused Maybe the guys won’t think I am a cutie You see we are not controlled by a mini skirt
In an effort to sort through the emotions that
But at least I am filled with more inner and tight shirt
occur when making such a commitment, she
They think that I do not have opinions or beauty We are given only respect, and never
turned to poetry writing. She has since gotten
voice treated like dirt
married and become an elementary school
They think that being hooded isn’t my See I have declined from being a guy’s toy
teacher.
The History
and Islaamic Purification
of 'Haj
’Haj (pilgrimage) being a significant Unlike any other religion, Islaam is the To maintain organization for the
Dania Al-deen [Daaniah Addeen] entity of the foundation of Islaam, it is only religion that managed to maintain circumambulation of the Ka‘abah,
daldeen@gmail.com important to understand its history in its purity; hence it preserved its Prophet Abraham (P.B.U.H.) placed a
order to reflect on its value today. everlasting religious virtues. stone on the eastern side of it marking
The pre-Islaamic history of pilgrimage is the starting point.
Pilgrimage was established during the one of the many examples that illustrate
time of Prophet Abraham (P.B.U.H.). how Islaam preserved itself from the It is interesting to note that Prophet
Allaah says in the ’Qura~n: “And time of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) until Mu’hammad (P.B.U.H.) explained
remember when We showed Abraham today. originally this stone was an illuminated
the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: This is one of the miraculous white colour brought down from
Associate not anything [in worshipping] characteristics of this beautiful religion of paradise but became a dull black colour
with Me and purify My House for those truthfulness. metaphorically representing the sins of
who circumambulate it [i.e. perform mankind. Hence, it is now referred to as
’tawaaf] and those who stand up for The Ka‘abah is of eminence to Islaam the Black Stone.
prayer and those who bow down and and ’haj due to it being the first building
make prostration [in prayer].” [Chapter dedicated to the sole worship of Allaah. On an annual basis, prophet Abraham
of Al’haj: 26]. (P.B.U.H.) would perform ’haj in Makkah.
It was ordained by Allaah for prophet This practice was continued by his son
Just as Islaam revived many important Abraham (P.B.U.H.) and his son, Ishmael Ishmael (P.B.U.H.) and followers until
rituals and concepts, pilgrimage’s role (P.B.U.H.) to build it. this day.
was re-established to its correct context
during the time of prophet Mu’hammad Allaah says in the ’Qura~n: “Lo! The During Prophet Abraham’s time,
(P.B.U.H.). first house (of worship) founded for the people progressively developed
mankind was that at Bakkah; a blessing and embraced Bid‘ah, which in turn
Prior to the purification of ’haj by Islaam, and guidance for all people”. [Chapter influenced pilgrimage to slowly drift
© lqta.com, Toptmy its purpose and practice was led astray. of A~l ‘Imraan :96]. Prophet Abraham away from its true essence.
(P.B.U.H.) was the first of mankind to
initiate and practice ’haj.
By Eman M. Shurbaji
[Eemaan Shurbajy]
eshurbaji@runner.csub.edu
Are We Really A Minority ?
Muslims in the West Are More Prevalent Than You Think
The term “minority” is thought-provoking Muslim women are easily seen Yet this is also true of the men. Muslims; the star swimmer on the
and complex. What exactly is a throughout the Bakersfield area. It has Approximately 10% of the Muslim women’s swim team, a Muslim girl from
minority? Do numbers or percentages become all too common to see women male population frequently attends Turkey!
contribute to a minority status? wearing head scarves while shopping the mosque. A local Imaam recently
Or are minorities simply those at a or driving around. Muslim women are commented that only 25% of Muslim You cannot tell if a person is a Muslim
disadvantage in a society? also seen in high school and college men attend Friday prayers. Attending simply by looking at them. You cannot
campuses, studying and hard at work. Friday prayers is an obligation upon all tell by their name, occupation, or socio-
Women in the West today are viewed Muslim men! economic status. With the movement
as minorities. This is not due to sheer At the local university, California State of Muslims across towns, cities, and
numbers, for women constitute more University, Bakersfield, Muslim students When attending classes at the local countries; with the rise in the number of
than half the population. Women are have been quoted as numbering over university, I have seen so many Muslims converts, one cannot make conclusions
viewed as a minority simply because 200 individuals out of a total student enrolled in those classes. Many of the simply by “looking at someone.”
they have been at a disadvantage population of about 6,000 students. foreign exchange students come from
historically. They have faced much There is an active Muslim Students’ Muslim countries. And yet many a time, I have met people
turmoil in the West with respect to Association, though usually no more who have Muslim ancestry. I have
attaining rights and privileges, and are at than ten people show up to weekly I have met Muslims from literally every stumbled across people of Iranian or
the forefront of challenging sexual and meetings. corner of the globe -I must constantly Turkish ancestry-a likely indication of
gender discrimination. remind myself that the people of the Muslim decent-who are now Christians.
On Fridays, the number of Muslim men Muslim Oummah vary in their features I have met people with names such
Muslims, too, are a minority in the West. (and women) who show up for Friday and skin tones. The young, fair Russian as “Aishah” and “Bilaal” who are not
In the U. S. we number at an estimated prayer is miniscule; usually no more than lady in one of my communications Muslims, yet trace their lineage to Africa
2% of the population. Yet such numbers five or six men are evident. classes-- who was quite vocal and and the Caribbean.
require careful consideration. outspoken in class - I came to discover,
At the local mosque, the women’s area was a Muslim. Of course, there are also the children
Bakersfield, California is a city that rarely reaches full capacity. This is true born to a parent or parents who are
provides a good case study example. even on Fridays and during Rama’daan. The most popular math tutor in the Muslim, yet know little about their
The city boasts diversity and is growing For Ramad’aan If’taars, only a handful tutoring centre, is also a Muslim. The religion. They don’t even know what
immensely. As one of the fastest of women are seen in the mosque. And chair of the Business and Accounting Islaam is. Generation after generation,
growing cities in the nation, it attracts it always the same women one sees at department, is a Muslim man; the very people can lose light of who they are
people from across the country and the the masjid. best math students are those of Indian and where they come from. People can
world. This of course, includes Muslims. background, and are coincidently also lose their faith.
The very meaning of the word “minority” *Eman Shurbaji is a junior student at
is subtle and calls for attention. Though California State University,Bakersfield.
Muslims may be minorities numerically, Her interests include biology,
our values transcends times and communications, and Islaam. She is
peoples. Our values -values such as active in the local Muslim community.
honesty, loyalty, and integrity -are prized
among the majority of all peoples.
On the occasion of this past ’Haj Saudi Arabia, on a job assignment. and realized the great achievement of mistreat women; and the more I tried to
season, I could not help but recall my Prophet Mu’hammad (P.B.U.H.), the last read the ’Qura~n and understand (not
own ’Haj experience, including my path Within weeks I felt a sudden urge to messenger of Allaah, and how noble, just read), the more I found out who we,
towards Islaam. go to Makkah for ‘Umrah, then ’Haj, charismatic, and truthful he must have the Muslims, really are.
then ‘Umrah again, and again. And the been; and the intrinsic ever-lasting
I have come a long way, and after intensity of that first moment I laid my powerful and appealing call of the After ‘Haj, I started attending the
having explored the many dark and eyes on the Ka‘abah has not faded revealed ’Qura~n, to Islaam. Friday prayer, whereas in the past
evil sides of temptation, greed, and away since. my reasoning was clouded by self-
ignorance, remaining absurdly blind and My ’Haj experience helped me realize demeaning superstition, that led me to
insensitive to the consequences of my There is something so special, peaceful, it is never too late to get back on believe in the propaganda and falsehood
actions; I finally came to realize I was and magnetic about the Ka‘abah with track, and I am now trying to become that such Imaams preached hatred,
wasting my life and hurting others, and I people of all walks of life circling it and a better person using the ’Qura~n as violence, and ignorance.
lost all respect for myself. praying around it; people from the my guide, after having also realized
farthest reaches of the earth, a rainbow in retrospection, how much Islaam is Instead I was blessed to find myself
It is then, at a time the devil could have of people of all colour, race, culture, distorted in the eyes of many other listening and learning from some of the
rightfully claimed to have taken control, tongue, gender, and riches, showing people, sometimes Muslim people as most noble, pure, and truthful people
having addicted myself to a lifestyle that humility, asking for forgiveness from the well: alive. They came prepared, exposed
knew no bounds and no taboos, after only One that forgives, and praying in facts, kept things in balance, explained
having adorned my actions before my unison, fearing the day we shall account Some people incorrectly think Islaam what Jihaad was really about, and
own eyes and masked their true nature; for our actions. invites people to killing other innocent demonstrated how the teachings of the
it was then, and I cannot explain how or people, or that Islaam encourages Holy ’Qura~n are directly relevant to this
why, that an invisible hand pulled me out I could not help but ask, why are they poverty, or that Islaam encourages 21st century and to everyday life.
from the deepest and lowest reaches here, who told them to come here, what ignorance instead of developing
humanly possible, and brought me to is it that made them embrace Islaam; science, or that it gives men the right to Enemies of Islaam, who were at a time
* Kais graduated from Ecole Polytechnique (France) and Princeton University (U.S.A.), and later travelled the
world working for the oil industry (Italy, France, Libya, Angola, Texas, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia,
Qatar).
Kais truly embraced Islam only late 2002, partly following a self-assessment and a private search for the truth, and
partly waking to an inner clock (probably much like what ‘born-again Christians’ experience). Today he still enjoys
reading the ’Qura~n with a critical mind, using his academic background to challenge its contents and grow his
faith.
Pilgrimage is one of the oldest liturgies who submits and surrenders himself/
that humans perform with the aim to herself to the will of Allaah Almighty and
achieve salvation. worships Allaah Almighty alone. It is not
restricted to the followers of Prophet
In Islaam, pilgrimage is known as Mu’hamad (P.B.U.H.) .
’Haj, and it follows on the footsteps of
Prophet Abraham (P.B.U.H.) (Ibraheem Origination and Degradation of ’Haj
in Arabic), which he proclaimed Allaah Almighty inspired Prophet
according to the revelation from Allaah Abraham (P.B.U.H.) with the revelation
Almighty. to preach for worshipping one God,
hence the Taw’heed.
Conceptual and linguistic meanings of
’Haj Together with his son, Prophet Ishmael
Islaamic creed known as ‘Aqeedah is (P.B.U.H.) (Isma‘eel in Arabic), he laid
based on a fundamental belief called down the foundations of Ka’bah and
Taw’heed which is the equivalent term erected thereafter the First House of
for monotheism. Taw’heed literally Worship of Allaah Almighty on Earth.
means: there’s no one to worship but
Allaah Almighty. Arabs are the descendants of Prophet
Ishmael (P.B.U.H.) whereas Jews are the
In Arabic, the word Allaah is the term descendants of Prophet Isaac (P.B.U.H.)
that describes The Creator of this (Is’haa’q in Arabic), who was Prophet
universe; it proclaims the oneness of Isma‘eel’s half-brother. However, as
:
God who deserves to be worshipped the centuries passed, people began to
alone forget the commands and reverted back
to idolatry.
Furthermore, it is a well-known term
among both Arabs of other religions, Several centuries later, degradation was
such as Jews and Christians; and not introduced for the first time by some
only among Muslims. Arab merchant named ‘Amr ibn Lu’hay.
When he travelled outside Arabia to
Enlighten Prophet Abraham (P.B.U.H.) and all
Prophets/Messengers of Allaah Almighty
Syria for his work, he found people
worshipping statues, same as the time
Your Spirit to mankind came with this universal
message based on the fundamental
before Prophet Abraham (P.B.U.H.)
received the revelation from Allaah
constitution; the Oneness of the Creator. Almighty. When he returned back to
Thus, the term “Islaam” means literally Makkah, he brought back with him idols
submission to Allaah Almighty. and placed them in the sacred place of
By Hicham Maged [’Hishaam Majid] Consistently, the term “Muslim” is Ka’bah for worship.
hicham@i-mag.org linguistically used to describe the one
© Khalid Ali
owes to Allaah, those who can afford the paramount importance. Commencing the offering rides on this auspicious day.
expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision ’Haj must be initiated with the declaration of
and residence);” (Chapter of A~l ‘Imraan: 97) Niyyah (private intention) of performing the All pilgrims must pelt the largest Jamrah
’Haj. (stone edifice), which symbolizes the
’Haj certainly is a journey of a life-time; it devil, seven times. This stoning is a ritual
The men are now known as a ’Haj, and
takes Muslims on a pilgrimage to Makkah Traditionally, ’Gusl, Niyyah and changing commemorating Abraham’s fight against the
woman are known as ’Haajah, which are the
(in Saudi Arabia) where barren deserts and to I’hraam attire take place at the Mi’qaat devil and it is symbolic of getting rid of bad
Arabic word for a male pilgrim and a female
red mountain ranges form part of the historic (an assigned place for officially declaring thoughts, or evil deeds.
pilgrim, respectively.
birthplace of Islaam. pilgrimage status).
Male pilgrims either have their heads
These are the steps every pilgrim must
Given as the fifth pillar of Islaam, the The pilgrim, however, is at liberty in declaring completely shaved or shorten the hair,
make to perform the ’Haj. It confirms their
Pilgrimage (’Haj) to Makkah formally begins the ‘’Haj any time and anywhere prior to whereas women trim their hair only.
commitment towards Allaah Almighty and
on the eighth day of Th>oo Al’hijjah (a lunar arriving at the Mee’qaat.
willingness to abandon material goods, for
calendar month) and lasts for five days. It Next, pilgrims go to Maakah where
the sake of His service.
is required for every Muslim to perform it at Day One: 8th of Thoo Al’hijjah they perform ’Tawaaf Al-ifaa’dah by
least once in his/her lifetime given that they Pilgrims travel to Mina where they camp circumambulating the Ka’bah seven times,
Fast Facts
have the ability to do so. and prepare for the next day by praying and pray two rak‘aahs and perform Sa‘y. The
• The World Factbook 2006 estimates that
supplicating. pilgrimage status can no be annulled, and
1.3 billion people are Muslims
To Begin the ’Haj men are allowed to don normal cloths. At the
• According to the Ministry of ’Haj More than
To perform ’Haj, pilgrims enter a state of Day Two: 9th of Thoo Al’hijjah conclusion of Sa‘y, pilgrims return to Mina.
2.5 million pilgrims are expected at the ’Haj
holiness known as I’hraam by performing Pilgrims make their way to ‘Arafaat where
1428/2008
’Gusl (special bath) which signifies the state millions of Muslims spend the day glorifying Day Four: 11th of Thoo Al’hijjah
• ’Haj for 1428/2008 is expected to be
of purity for the mind, body and soul. They Allaah, repeat supplication, repent and ask Pilgrims return to the Jamaraat (plural of
around 18th - 23rd December.
then change into clothing that reflects this for forgiveness. Jamrah) area where they have to pelt the
state and to show that all are equal before each Jamrah seven times. Most now leave * Nadia Ali is a Freelance Writer with six years
Allaah. After sunset, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah Mina before sunset to go to hotels in Makkah experience of writing on various genres such as travel,
where they spend the night outdoors under for the last day of the ‘Haj. children’s topics, entertainment and lifestyle.
Women usually wear long gowns (either white the stars, continue their pious deed, and
or black) with ’Hijaab while men must wear prepare for the next day by collecting pebbles Day Five: 11th of Thoo Al’hijjah She is Internet-savvy and can generate concise, lively
clothes that are not tailored. Men wear a two- to stone the devil. After dawn they return to All that remains to do now is perform the and compelling articles. She is the author/co-author/
piece set of white towel/cloth that they wrap Mina. farewell ’Tawaaf, which is the final act of ’Haj editor of over 150 print and online articles with writing
around their upper and lower body. Now Day Three: 10th of Thoo Al’hijjah that precedes departure from Makkah. experience for magazines, e-books, online websites
both men and women are ready to formally Back in Mina it is the day of sacrifice, and and publications.
In the Footsteps of
Ibraheem:
By Aisha Stacey*
Sustaining the benefits of 'Haj
hmstacey@msn.com
Although there are more than 1.2 facing medical science today. on the footsteps of Ibraheem and his she ran back and forth between the
billion Muslims in the world today, total submission to Allaah, along with hills of Marwah and ’Safa in search of
only a very small percentage of us will It has been implicated in diseases the unquestioning trust (Tawakkul) travellers or wayfarers. But Hajar had
be blessed with the ability to perform and ailments ranging from coronary of Hajar, is a beacon of light and a total trust and Ibraheem’s behaviour
’Haj. heart disease and hypertension to source of guidance for us all. reflected only true submission.
headaches, insomnia and obesity. When Prophet Ibraheem, his wife
Once we have left the tranquil In a modern world where stress Hajar and newborn son Isma‘eel In modern psychological terms it
confines of Al’haram and resumed often leads people to seek the travelled to what is today Makkah, could be said that both Prophet
our busy and often stressful lives, advice of psychologists, can ’Qura~n it was a dead valley: There was no Ibraheem and Hajar had achieved self
the closeness we felt to Allaah and and Sunnah form the basis of a cultivation and no water; it was a actualisation.
the unity of Muslims that is palpable psychology that relies on more than desert.
during ’Haj may have unfortunately scientific precepts and empirical Prophet Ibraheem left his family there. Self actualisation refers to the
quickly become a warm but distant evidence? He left with them some water and development and fulfilment of one’s
memory. few dates and walked away. Hajar unique human potential. It is a
Islaam can form the basis of a truly followed him and asked three times if theory in the humanistic branch of
In lives that are beset by trials and comprehensive psychology; one he was going to leave them in such a psychology that emphasises the
tribulations we are apt to become that recognizes the Fi’trah [the desolate place. He didn’t answer. capacity for human growth and an
easily enmeshed in worldly concerns innate needs] of human nature and innate desire to satisfy a variety of
and stresses. presupposes that man is inherently Hajar then asked him: “Has Allaah needs.
good and searching for the tranquillity ordered you to do so?” When Hajar
In today’s chaotic world, sustaining that comes with true submission to heard that the answer was yes, she Abraham Maslow developed what
the benefits of ’Haj may seem almost Allaah. replied “then He will not forsake us”. he called a hierarchy of needs. At
unattainable, but sustainment is, in the base of the pyramid are the
fact, possible. So how do we keep the stress When the hassles and stresses of physiological needs – food, water,
and uncertainty of this Dunya from life threaten to engulf us it is befitting sleep.
The total fulfilment that comes from overwhelming us and still retain the to take a moment to reflect on the
being close to Allaah and the great benefits of a ’Haj Mabroor (accepted Tawakkul of Hajar. She was alone in Level two of the pyramid moves on to
joy and sense of belonging that ’Haj)? the desert with a new born baby, few safety and security – shelter. The third
comes from being a part of the dates and a small amount of water. level takes into account social needs;
great pilgrimage are feelings that are One way is to reflect on the journey of belongingness and the need to be
sustainable. Prophet Ibraheem and his wife Hajar. Imagine the turmoil that must have affiliated with and accepted by others.
been going through her mind. We
Stress is the most common ailment ’Haj, often referred to as following know that she was desperate when According to Maslow only when the
© Muhammad Babeli
men with love towards them and absolutely everything about us, He When we find ourselves in
provide them with fruits so that knows what is good for us and what circumstances beyond our control,
they may give thanks.” Chapter of is bad. when despair and psychological
Ibraheem [14:37] “…it may be that you dislike a thing torment are overwhelming us, the
that is good for you and that you like only way out is to acknowledge that
At this time; at this most crucial a thing which is bad for you. Allah the circumstances are truly beyond
point in the life of his family Prophet knows but you do not know.” Chapter our control and in the hands of
Ibraheem inverted Maslow’s hierarchy of Alba’qarah [2:216] Our Creator and Sustainer: Allaah
of needs. Almighty.
To have complete and unwavering
The first thing he asked for was that faith in our Creator and know with That closeness we felt to Allaah during
his family be able to establish the full certainty that our purpose in the ’Haj is achievable even away from
’Salaah (prayer). His first desire was life is to worship Allaah is true self Al’haram. The change that can occur
that they feel connected to Allaah and actualisation. after an accepted ’Haj is definitely
take refuge in the tranquillity that is sustainable.
characterised by submission to Him. Psychology is able to give us a
glimpse into the truth about ourselves,
He then asked for the people to love as researchers, scientists and * Aisha Stacey is an Australian revert to Islam currently residing in Doha Qatar. She
them, he wanted to secure their social academics discover the full beauty works for the Fanar Islamic Cultural Centre as a writer/researcher and is studying for
needs so that they had a sense of and truth of what Allaah has created. a double degree in psychology and security studies.
belongingness.
I-MAG Others
Allaah Allah
Islaam Islam
Mu’hammad Mohamad Check our Arabic phonemes transcription
’Hijaab Hijab guide to learn how we transcribe Arabic
’Qura~n Qur'an sounds in to the English writing system:
Madeenah Madinah
Makkah Mecca
In Shaa- Allaah Insha'Allah www.i-mag.org/arabic.pdf
Oummah Ummah
’Hadeeth Hadith
Direct Aid In
Action
By Robert Jensen*
rjensen@uts.cc.utexas.edu
The most important words anyone said Before we head there, a note on the 2002 http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/ Fundamentalisms
to me in the weeks immediately after short-term crisis: I have been involved nss/2002/ and the 2006 update http:// One way to come to terms with these
September 11, 2001, came from my friend in U.S. organising against the so-called www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/nss/2006/, forces is to understand the United
James Koplin. “war on terror,” which has provided cover and review post-World War II U.S. history States as a society in the grip of four
for the attempts to expand and deepen http://www.zmag.org/CrisesCurEvts/ fundamentalisms. In ascending order of
While acknowledging the significance U.S. control over the strategically crucial interventions.htm. threat, I identify these fundamentalisms
of that day, he said, simply: “I was in a resources of Central Asia and the Middle as religious, national, economic, and
profound state of grief about the world East, part of a global strategy that the Read and review, but only if you don’t technological.
before 9/11, and nothing that happened Bush administration openly acknowledges mind waking up in the middle of the night
on that day has significantly changed what is aimed at unchallengeable U.S in a cold sweat of fear. But as scary as All share some similar characteristics,
the world looks like to me.” domination of the world. these paranoid, power-mad policymakers’ while each poses a particular threat to
delusions may be, Jim was talking about sustainable democracy and sustainable
Because Jim is a bit older and For U.S. planners, that “world” includes a feeling beyond that fear - a grief that is life on the planet. Each needs separate
considerably smarter than I, it took not only the land and seas - and, of much broader and goes much deeper. analysis and strategies for resistance.
me some time to catch up to him, but course, the resources beneath them - but
eventually I recognized his insight. space above as well. Opposing the war-of-the-moment - and Let’s start by defining fundamentalism.
going beyond that to challenge the whole The term has a specific meaning
He was warning me that even we lefties It is our world to arrange and dispose of imperial project - is important. But also in Protestant history (an early 20th
- trained to keep an eye on systems and as they see fit, in support of our “blessed important is the work of thinking through century movement to promote “The
structures of power rather than obsessing lifestyle.” Other nations can have a place the nature of the larger forces that leave us Fundamentals”), but I want to use it in
about individual politicians and single in that world as long as they are willing in this grief-stricken position. a more general fashion to describe any
events - were missing the point if we to assume the role that the United States intellectual/political/theological position
accepted the conventional wisdom that determines appropriate. The vision of U.S. We need to go beyond Bush. We should that asserts an absolute certainty in the
9/11 “changed everything,” as the saying policymakers is of a world very ordered, recognize the seriousness of the threat truth and/or righteousness of a belief
went then. by them. that this particular gang of thieves and system.
thugs poses and resist their policies,
He was right, and today I want to talk This description of U.S. policy is no but not mistake them for the core of the Such fundamentalism leads to an
about four fundamentalisms loose in the caricature. Anyone who doubts my problem. inclination to want to marginalise, or in
world and the long-term crisis to which summary can simply read the National some cases eliminate, alternative ways to
they point. Security Strategy document released in understand and organize the world
Medicinal Uses of
Honey
By Doha Babelli* [’Du’ha Baabally]
dbabelli@kfmc.med.sa
© http://www.sxc.hu/photo/526379
to use (cauterisation) branding with fire.” (about 38.5%) and glucose (about 31.0%).
(Albu’kaary: Volume 7, Book 71, Number The remaining carbohydrates include
584) maltose, sucrose, and other complex
carbohydrates.
“Use the two remedies, namely, honey and In addition, honey contains a wide array
’Qura~n.” (Ibn Maajah: Volume 3, Book 31, of vitamins, such as vitamin B6, thiamine,
Number 3443) niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid.
Essential minerals including calcium,
“A man came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and copper, iron, magnesium, manganese,
said: “My brother has some abdominal phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc
trouble.” The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said to him as well as several different amino acids
For more than three thousand years, honey with honey, and prescribed it for strep
“Let him drink honey.” The man came for have been identified in honey.
has been used to treat a variety of ailments throats, coughing, and to dry up phlegm.
the second time and the Prophet (P.B.U.H)
through topical and oral application.
said to him, ‘Let him drink honey.” He came Honey also contains several compounds
Muslims expanded the usage of honey in
for the third time and the Prophet (P.B.U.H) which function as antioxidants. Known
Assyrian relics, for examples, show that medicine, guided by the revelation in the
said, “Let him drink honey.” He returned antioxidant compounds in honey are
honey was used as a medicine, and similar ’Qura~n:
again and said, “I have done that ‘ The chrysin, pinobanksin, vitamin C, catalase,
medical usage was reported in ancient “And your Lord inspired the bee saying:
Prophet (P.B.U.H) then said, “Allaah has and pinocembrin. Unlike most other
Egyptian annals, which stated that honey “Take your habitations in the mountains
said the truth, but your brother’s abdomen sweeteners, honey contains small amounts
aids the healing process of wounds and and in the trees and in what they (men)
has told a lie. Let him drink honey.” So he of a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino
in treating abdominal and urinal ailments, erect. Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the
made him drink honey and he was cured.” acids, and antioxidants.
in addition to its use for ophthalmologic ways of your Lord made easy (for you).”
(Albu’kaary: Volume 7, Book 71, Number
application. There comes forth from their bellies, a
588) The specific composition of any batch
drink of varying colour wherein is healing
of honey will depend largely on the mix
Ancient Chinese medicine prescribed for mankind. Verily, in this is indeed a sign
The medical benefit of honey was of flowers consumed by the bees that
the usage of honey for treating smallpox for people who think.” (chapter of Anna’hl:
ascertained by science, which identified produced the honey.
patients. Honey was applied to affected 68-69)
many of the healing effects of honey.
skin to accelerate the healing of erupted
Honey has a density of about 1.5 kg/litre
pustules and help reducing scarring. And by the following Hadeeths (sayings) of
Composition of Honey (50% denser than water) or 12.5 pounds
the Prophet (P.B.U.H):
Honey is a mixture of sugars and per US gallon.
The ancient practice of medicine in India “Healing is in three things: A gulp of
other compounds. With respect to
included honey for treating cataracts. The honey, cupping, and branding with fire
carbohydrates, honey is mainly fructose Typical Honey Analysis:
famous Hippocrates used to treat wounds (cauterising).” But I forbid my followers
The importance of national dialogue, in I also wish to express admiration the ’hijaab. Referring to jurisprudential And if the need for rigour is such
the absence of which we lapse into a for Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni opinion is not a matter of asserting in literary criticism, then how much
conflict that depletes all energy, cannot [Faaroo’q Hunsny]. anyone’s monopoly over jurisprudence more so when it comes to religious
be overemphasised; hence calls for but a matter of rigour, the importance jurisprudence?
change, for reform of the constitution, I am aware of the efforts expended by of which, as a literary critic, I am well
for new parties to be established, for his ministry to restore Ancient Egyptian, aware. Hence I sought the opinion of a friend,
emergency laws to be annulled so all Coptic and Islaamic monuments, and to not a man of religion but better informed
political trends can participate in the safeguard antiquities from theft. In my field, without rigour, meaning on such issues than me, about the issue
democratic process without fear and knowledge of different approaches, of the ’hijaab. Islaamic juridical tradition,
without attempting either to retain power Like him, and like many from my theories and techniques of criticism, he said, asserts that “when a woman
for life. generation, I know little about opinions can be no more than amateur reaches the age of menstruation the
jurisprudential opinion on the issue of impressionism. only parts of her body that might be
Bridges
© www.bridges-foundation.org
Foundation:
Peace making through Education
Religion has always been taken as Making through Education”. that deal with many sensitive issues like
a ground to initiate wars throughout Bridges Team Jihaad, the Status of Women in Islaam,
the history of humanity, so why Allaah It is composed of several working groups Human Rights, and the Veil (Muslim
Almighty (God) created us in different that are linked dynamically to each other. women’s outfit). These presentations were
races? Those groups are subdivided into the presented to thousands of people in the
following: United States and Europe correcting many
Fadel Soliman [Faa’dil Sulaymaan], the misconceptions about these topics.
former Imaam of the American University 1. Board of Trustees: Dr. Jamal Badawi,
at Washington DC, the former host of Dr. Murad Wilfried Hofmann, Abdul Wahid • International Institute for Training
“the Islaamic Show” in Channel 30 at Pedersen, Waleed K. Basyouni and Dr. Presenters (IITP): an institute that trains
the American TV, and the former host of Zaghlool Elnaggar. Muslims on how to present Islaam to
“let the ’Qur a~n speak” at the American non-Muslims appropriately, answer
radio, explains this diversity from the Holy 2. Director: Fadel Soliman is a member the questions raised, and handle the
’Qura~n which states: of the “Egyptian Academy of Scientific misconceptions they have about Islaam,
Research of the ’Qura~n and Sunnah”. He all with honesty and professionalism. The
“Oh, mankind! We created you from male is an expert presenter of Islaam, having training is acquired through a 15-hour
and female and made you into nations and lectured about Islaam in the U.S.A. and workshop after which each attendant
tribes that you may know each other.” other countries throughout the world. receives an attendance certificate.
Diversity, then, is a blessing that people 3. Presenters: Ahmed Saad, Rasha Yusuf, Our programs have had strong impact in
are abusing by attacking the home and Iman Taher, Mazyad Al-Khadledy (English), the past in different places, such as the
land of each other. Mohammed Gad-ALLAH (German), Department of Defence, the Department of
Khadijah Machadow (Portuguese), abd Correction, many universities, high schools
Goals and Objectives peace making process all over the world. Issa Chao (Chinese) and churches in USA, the book fair of
Bridges Foundation was established to Frankfurt during the Arab league, and
bridge people from different religious, Logo and Slogan Methodology many other events.
ethnic, and cultural backgrounds The logo clearly refers to the goals and Bridges Foundation has the following two
throughout inter-faith and inter-cultural objectives of the foundation. It consists divisions: Bridges Workshops
activities. of five persons joining hands; the black Bridges Foundation organises workshops
headed is an African, the blue is European, • Public Presenters for Peace (PPP): a - categorised under the IITP programme
We believe that educating each other the green is an Australian, the red is an group of certified presenters who are - which help you to give presentations with
about our differences is the best way American and the yellow is an Asian. specialised in presenting the true values of strong impact, increase your confidence
to interconnect people, increase their These are the colours of the Olympic rings. Islaam to non-Muslims, in all languages, in your own ability to make presentations,
tolerance towards each other and facilitate Furthermore it reflects our slogan: “Peace through several power point presentations and use your specific abilities to make
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vertical part.
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ISSUE’S GIFT
Imagine this: You are at work, in Directly and indirectly, our Prophet and modeled their lives on his. overhear strangers maligning the
the shops, on a bus. You overhear () is maligned everyday; at work, Imagine this: You are at work, in Prophet Mu’hammad (). What
strangers maligning someone you in the shops, as well as on the the shops, on a bus. You overhear do you do?
don’t know. What do you do? bus. He is maligned by the media, strangers maligning someone you
Nothing? by politicians, by strangers, by don’t know. What do you do? Directly and indirectly, our Prophet
family even; but how do we react Nothing? () is maligned everyday; at work,
Or this: You are at work, in the when he is the target of these in the shops, as well as on the
shops, on a bus. You overhear lies and distortions? Do we react Or this: You are at work, in the bus. He is maligned by the media,
strangers maligning someone you angrily or simply keep quiet? shops, on a bus. You overhear by politicians, by strangers, by
cherish; your mother, your father, strangers maligning someone you family even; but how do we react
your husband, your wife. What Sadly, we do both. We do so cherish; your mother, your father, when he is the target of these
do you do? Defend them? Set because he is a stranger to us. We your husband, your wife. What lies and distortions? Do we react
the record straight and demand claim to love him but our behaviour do you do? Defend them? Set angrily or simply keep quiet?
an apology, even at the risk of belies our words. We have little the record straight and demand
causing a scene? or no idea who he was, what he an apology, even at the risk of Sadly, we do both. We do so
Why is that? Because, we want stood for, what he taught, or how causing a scene? because he is a stranger to us. We
‘respect’? Because right or wrong, he reacted when the same things claim to love him but our behaviour
no-one talks that way about our happened to him, so how can our Why is that? Because, we want belies our words. We have little
family? Or is it because we know love be true? ‘respect’? Because right or wrong, or no idea who he was, what he
what was said is untrue; and the no-one talks that way about our stood for, what he taught, or how
truth about them is what causes The first Muslims were attracted family? Or is it because we know he reacted when the same things
us to love them and risk anything to Islaam because they were what was said is untrue; and the happened to him, so how can our
to defend them? attracted to the Prophet of Islaam truth about them is what causes love be true?
(). They grew up with him, they us to love them and risk anything
Or how about this: You are at knew everything about him, and to defend them? The first Muslims were attracted
work, in the shops, on a bus. You because they knew him, they
overhear strangers maligning the loved him, gave up everything for Or how about this: You are at to Islaam because they were
Prophet Mu’hammad (). What him, attracted to the Prophet of Islaam
do you do? work, in the shops, on a bus. You (). They grew up with him, they
In Cooperations with Aljumuah Magazine, this book is offered free for I-MAG readers.
3
( ) means: May Allaah exalt his
Download Your Free Copy of the “Know Thy Prophet”:
mention. Alternate translation is:
Peace be upon him
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