Letter From the Editor

Beyond the shocking crime in New Zealand

Dozens of innocent people were killed and ist catastrophes. It will also provoke violence wounded in a hate-filled terror attack target- and counter-violence, in light of the failure ing two mosques during Juma’ah prayer in to enact such legislation a nd allowing gen- New Zealand. The authorities, there, arrest- erations to cultivate their human and moral ed four people and disassembled explosive values. bombs in that attack, which seems it has been The Muslim World League has made it well-planned. its duty to address the Muslim minorities to This terrorist operation, which resulted in avoid the desire for revenge and incitement many deaths and injuries of innocent wor- based on emotional temper. It aims also to shipers, reflects an image of the most heinous prevent any offensive behaviors resulting in a hatred forms. This is as a result of adopting a negative impact on peaceful coexistence and hatred doctrine of others and the persistence positive national integration. This does not of religious and ethnic contempt. mean that legitimate rights are not claimed It was a terrible shock for the whole world, and reserving the cultural and the religious denounced and condemned by all. Although, specificities. As a legitimate right here in in there must be more to be done; and great ef- this criminal incident, is to bring the perpetra- forts should be pleaded to protect security tors to justice, to hold them accountable and and peace. to compensate the families of those killed and The civilized, peace-loving world must injured. stand with all strength and courage to con- Muslims in New Zealand, as other Muslim front such atrocities. The least of what should minorities, have to seek mutual understand- be done is enacting legislation criminalizing ing, coexistence and sharing of fundamental contempt for religious sanctities and orga- values to achieve comprehensive citizenship nizing freedoms. This legislation should also requirements at all legal, religious and moral prevent freedoms from slipping to thoughts levels. Regarding that, New Zealand Prime resulting such terrible incident. It is a dare Minister’s statement referred to the protec- and brutal crime challenges and disregards all tion of cultural and religious specificities of the meanings, the values and​​ innocent lives. Muslim immigrants.. Those who value and justify such actions There is no doubt that the Muslims need should be criminalized. Among those, there for safety and security in those countries that are members of parties and bodies; there are they immigrated to is more than elsewhere. also politicians and parliamentarians. This in That will make them seek for more mutual fact indicates that the problem is inherent and understanding, coexistence and sharing of requires considerable attention. fundamental values. This requires more un- Therefore, the Muslim World League has derstanding and cooperation, and overcoming repeatedly stressed that the escalating rheto- the bitterness, no matter how terrible these ric of racism and hatred leads to such terror- adventitious incidents.

PB lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 1 8

MWL launches its global 4 conference in Moscow Sha’ban 1440/ May 2019 1440/ May Sha’ban

Chairwoman of the Russian Council meets 15 Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa

2 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 3 Muslims urged to address religious misconceptions 8

‘10 percent’ of similarities enough for world peace, says MWL chief 26

2 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 3 MWL launches its global conference in Moscow

Moscow - MWL first of its kind in Russia, on the concepts of mercy and peace in religious values. The Muslim World League (MWL) The conference lasted three days and took launched its international conference, the place the Russian capital Moscow and the

4 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 5 MWL gathered at its conference an elite of religious, intellectual and political leaders representing 43 countries

Chechen capital of Grozny and was spon- government. sored by the Government of the Russian Participants attended the conference from Federation, with high representation from 43 countries, invited by the Muslim World the office of Russian President Vladimir Pu- League and in cooperation with the reli- tin. gious administration of the Chechen Repub- The highly representations were also on lic. These participants were senior thinkers, behalf of the Presidency of the Senate, the scholars, opinion leaders, intellectuals, poli- Duma Presidency, the Chechen Republic ticians, religious leaders and representatives Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of various parts of the Russian government. and the Ministry of National Affairs and The conference aims to achieve the mis- Northern Caucasus Affairs of the Russian sion of the Muslim World League, which

4 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 5 is to promote the values of coexistence and peace, and to emphasize the importance of human and national partnership. Russia has been chosen to hold such a conference, be- cause in recent years it represented a model of harmony and religious and ethnic coexis- tence. The conference included six main ses- sions, the first of which was “The Elements of Coexistence”. Its themes discuss the hu- manitarian aims of the Prophet’s mission, the Muslims and the community of compassion, human relations in multi-religious societ- ies, religious values and religious and ethnic conflicts. The title of the second session was “Mus- lims of Russia and the Society of Peace”, with its themes: the Islamic presence in Rus- sia, history and present, the future of reli- gious coexistence in Russia, and the efforts of the muftis and religious administrations to discussion by the Center for Arab-Russian establish peace and coexistence. Studies on the role of social and religious or- The third session was entitled “Terror- ganizations in spreading moderation, Saudi ism and Extremism”, and its theme was the Arabia’s efforts to combat terrorism, and relationship between religions and terror- the targeting of youth terrorist organizations ism, terrorism and the message of Islam, the through social media. phenomenon of violence in the name of re- The fifth session was held in the city of ligion. The fourth session included a panel Grozny under the title “Muslims and Civi-

A high-quality attendance at the two stations in Moscow and Grozny

6 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 7 Participants from various countries

lizational Communication”, with its themes: counter-violence. The sixth and final session humanitarian common and mutual interests, witnessed a speech by the President of the the foundations of religious and ethnic re- Chechen Republic, a speech by the Secretary lations in Russia, relations between Russia General of the Muslim World League and the and the Islamic world, Islamophobia and Grand Mufti of Chechnya.

The conference was officially sponsored by Russia through high-level government representation

6 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 7 Muslims urged to address religious misconceptions

Chechen President presents Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa to deliver Friday sermon

GROZNY:

The Islamic nation has endured the negative and dangerous impact of classification and exclusion, including takfir, said Seikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary- General of the Muslim World League (MWL), during the Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque in Grozny, Chechnya.

8 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 9 Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Grozny

In a first in the history of Russia, tarian and national circle.” the Muslim World League (MWL) The sermon delivered by the launched an international confer- MWL Secretary General was at- ence in Moscow on religious peace tended by the President of Chech- and coexistence. nya, Ramzan Kadyrov, senior The MWL conference promoted muftis and scholars, and a large values of coexistence and peace, gathering of worshipers. and emphasized the importance of Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa highlighted “working in the common humani- that “there are young men who, in

8 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 9 The presence of a group of scholars from different Islamic countries

their diversion, got caught up in the il- Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa pointed out that lusion of their superficial knowledge, monopolizing righteousness in the which is neither firm nor based on the place of discretion is a systematic error teachings of scholars and, thus, had and an intellectual danger that jeopar- the nerve to declare other believers as dizes the harmony and unity of the (Is- non-believers (takfir), fueling great se- lamic) nation. dition.” “The problem is not limited to the He added: “Every time one sedition narrative of this tragedy, which has dies, another rises, revealing its horns damaged the reputation of the Islamic in the name of Islam. It believes no one nation, but extends to every person is right except its prodigal followers. who was privileged with extensive Not only that, but it took upon itself to knowledge in Islamic sciences yet fight all others after having declared all did not fulfill his duty in combating the people on Earth as non-believers.” the wrongful ideology, especially in “And similar to those are the peo- dismantling its structure,” he contin- ple who monopolized righteousness ued. “This ideology was not based on in place of discretion and claimed that a military or political entity, as you people were denied access to the truth know, but on misguided concepts that except through them.” exploited the passion for religion in

10 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 11 Monopolizing righteousness an intellec- tual danger, says Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa

Dr. Al-Issa ad- dresses the Grand Mosque in Grozny

the youth that lack knowledge and mercy and tolerance, not difficulty wisdom.” and hardship. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa said: “We do not “Prophet Muhammad (peace be exaggerate when we say the amount upon him) had delivered the mes- of carelessness, sedition and misguid- sage, fulfilled his mandate, advised ance is proportionate to the amount of the (Islamic) nation, strived for God the scholars’ failure, and part of this as he ought to, invited (mankind) to failure is a lack of addressing the mis- the way of God with wisdom and fair conceptions and fabricated concepts preaching, did not assault anyone, about Islam.” and did not force anyone to follow his Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa stressed in his religion,” he said and quoted a verse sermon that good behavior and com- from the Qur’an: “There is no com- mon decency are instinctively well- pulsion in religion.”(Surat Al-Baqa- received by all people, and that con- rah, Verse 256) venience and tolerance with positive Russia was chosen as the site of the open-mindedness are in the core of summit because it has been a model our Islamic concepts, highlighting of religious and ethnic harmony in re- that Shariah’s purpose is to establish cent years, according to the MWL.

10 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 11 President of the Russian Duma meets Secretary-General

Chairman of the State Duma meets the Secretary General of Muslim World League

Moscow – MWL logue, Muslims support and activating civi- lized communication and cultural exchanges Chairman of the State Duma of the Fed- between the Islamic world and the Russian eral Assembly of the Russian Federation, Federation, as well as reviewing the impor- Viacheslav Volodin, held a meeting with tance of the role of religious leaders in pro- the Secretary General of the Muslim World moting positive integration among the dif- League, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Ab- ferent societies. dulkarim Al-Issa, at the State Duma head- Mr. Volodin noted and praised the role quarters in Moscow. of the Muslim World League, stressing that Both sides discussed issues of strength- MWL leads wide international efforts to pro- ening interreligious and inter-ethnic dia- mote global peace and harmony, saying “it is

12 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 13 Signing a cooperation agreement between the MWL and the Russian Cultural Support Fund

in the hands of a well-known religious lead- nizations in Russia and the countries of the ership that has a great global influence”. Muslim world in the noble cause of support- Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa also signed a coopera- ing Islamic culture, science and education, as tion agreement between the Muslim World well as charity and other social affairs. League and the Fund of Supporting Culture, The agreement stressed the importance Science and Education in the Russian Fed- of cooperation in rejecting the emergence eration, which based in Moscow, and repre- of ideas of extremism, intolerance hostility sented by its Director, Mr. Alexander Vladi- between religions, races and ideologies that mirovich Jedanov. leads to terrorism. It recognized the high im- This agreement emphasizes the mutual portance of cooperation between organiza- desire in embedding high morals, human- tions of a humanitarian nature, with the aim ity and moderation in the citizens of their of ensuring communication between dif- countries. It also stresses avoiding extrem- ferent people and cultures, and stressed the ism in religion, spreading tolerance, patrio- need to implement its provisions in order to tism, respect for law, peaceful dialogue and promote peace and security for our people. good neighborliness with other religions and The two sides agreed to exchange infor- cultures. It approved the facilitation of inter- mation on the activities of scientific centers, action between Muslims and Islamic orga- cultural forums, websites, the media and var-

12 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 13 Talks between the two sides ious means of communication, exchange of The Fund, according to the agreement, will scientific, intellectual and cultural publica- finance any activities or projects between the tions, magazines, pamphlets, video clips and Muslim World League and its affiliated orga- other media publications. nizations or recommended by it with the Is- The agreement authorizes the Muslim lamic institutions of Russia, in addition to the World League to provide information and role of the Fund as a non-profit intermediary recommendations on institutions that wish to in the implementation of charitable activi- cooperate with Muslims and Islamic institu- ties carried out by the Muslim World League tions in Russia, after sending an official letter with Islamic organizations and institutions in to the Fund. In addition to that, the fund will Russia. This agreement came in recognition also provide information to the management of the weight of the Muslim World League of the Muslim World League on individu- from its main headquarters in Makkah, the als, organizations and institutions working spiritual reference of the Muslim world. in Islamic affairs in the Russian Federation, The Secretary General of the Muslim which are of interest to MWL. World League arrived in the Russian capital The two sides agreed to submit invita- Moscow, which was the first stop in his North tions to visit each other for the purpose of Asia tour, where he met with an elite of gov- scientific, cultural and educational exchange. ernment, political and religious leaders.

14 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 15 A part of Dr. Al-Issa’s meeting with Mrs. Matvienko in the Russian Senate

Chairwoman of the Russian Council meets Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa

Moscow - MWL co-existence and harmony with different re- ligions and nationalities as one nation in one The Chairwoman of the Russian Federa- national unity. tion Council in the Russian Parliament, Val- The meeting also reviewed the positive entina Matviyenko, received the Secretary reinforcement of national integration in so- General of the Muslim World League Sheikh cieties, in general, and the characteristic of Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, at the Russian Federation, in particular, in such the headquarters of the Council in the Rus- a critical issue, in addition to the importance sian capital Moscow. of preserving the diversity of societies and The meeting discussed the role of the Is- employment as a growth force and a renais- lamic presence in Russian society and the sance of the national state. successful models of the Russian Muslims in The meeting stressed the need to confront

14 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 15 President of the Russian Senate received Dr. Al-Issa at the headquarters of the Council in Moscow and criminalize all hostile practices and to among its diverse religious spectrum, point- incite hatred and extremism, which are often ing out that this diversity of religion and eth- conducive to violence and terrorism. nicity is a requirement that “we must main- Matviyenko praised the conference or- tain and make it a force for growth.” ganized by the Muslim World League in She said, “We offer you all the capabili- the Russian Federation, which was entitled ties, services and assistance to promote the “Islam is the Message of Mercy and Peace”, concepts of national integration, we will stressing that it is a historic conference and make the utmost efforts to cooperate in or- the first of its kind among the international der to eliminate the ideas of extremism and conferences hosted by Russia. hatred that breed violence and terrorism. Our She said, speaking to Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa, Russian law criminalizes and punishes these “I am certain that you play an important hu- practices, and we always seek to confront manitarian role and a global spiritual refer- them”. ence worthy of appreciation from its Islamic The Chairwoman of the Russian Fed- position”. Confirming that the Islamic - reli eration Council noted that participants in gion is a prominent element in the formation the conference will see realistically in the of Russian culture, where Muslims have his- regions of the Russian Federation concepts torically contributed to the growth and rise of positive national integration between the of the Russian interior. components of Russian society despite the Matviyenko added that the Russian Fed- diversity of their religions and nationali- eration is witnessing a remarkable revival ties.

16 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 17 Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa lectures at Saint Petersburg State University

Saint Petersburg - MWL

The Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Mu- hammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, gave a lecture at Saint Petersburg State University in the presence of the Rector of the University Profes- sor Nikola Kropachev, members of the faculty, Head of Oriental Stud- ies Department, a number of academics, researchers and students.

16 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 17 Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa point- ed out, in the lecture, the importance of civilized com- munication between nations and people in all diversity of their kinds, in order to pro- mote rapprochement, under- standing and exchange. He added that, this means the removal of negative barri- ers and misconceptions that find their environment in the absence of dialogue or lack of seriousness or lack of rea- sons for its success. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa stressed that there are many humanitarian shared things. He said that civilizations de- A wide student participation witnessed by the lecture pend on values, justice and the right perspective for their manner, so it is natural that and closed civilization. He survival and strong. It also the touchable behavioral ef- explained that the true power depends on the efficiency of fect is missing”. is no longer depends on solid management and the skill of Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa added power only, but also the soft communication and respect “civilizations erode with power, which often repre- for the principles of com- time when they align with sents the decisive factor, mon law, which is the natural utilitarianism at the expense and happens off an open or law. He added “the adoption of values, and when they closed civilization. of justice, values and posi- challenge the principles of Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa talk- tive openness with the skill common humanitarian law. ed about the descriptions of of anticipation and commu- And that sovereignty or me- flexible and rigid civiliza- nication are foundations of dia and artistic dominance, if tions and reviewed many ex- leadership towards pioneer- not characterized by values, amples, one of which is the ing in civilization”. it works to falsify facts and Russian model. The open- He said “building the na- brainwashing”. ness of the Russian model tional character with an en- Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa ex- has led to considers the lightened vision is an essen- plained that the true power houses of worship as part of tial pillar in leading and in is no longer depends on solid the national cultural heritage resolving many problems of power only, but also the soft and then supported by the nations and countries. And power, which often repre- government. that the spiritual values are sents the decisive factor, and While some secular re- often applied in an informal resulted of open civilization gimes are drowning in the

18 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 19 tion and the characteris- tics of Islamic civilization, which understood the dif- ference and global diversity, and considered that some of it to be richness. He also explained in a talk with the faculty of Orientalism col- lege the concept of unity in diversity, the legal concept, and in the Islamic Sharia. To achieve the goal of the text, which is the legal objectives and the Sharia objectives. It should be mentioned that Saint Petersburg Univer- sity is the oldest in Russia. It was established in the early One of the students asked during the lecture 18th century by Caesar Peter the Great. Today, it hassev- separation of spirit and provided that all components en million reference books, matter, and the lack of ap- are treated fairly, including more than six thousand preciation for the religious minorities, are treated as a teachers, more than thirty side and even rejecting it out part of the national culture thousand students, more than from the concept of formal regardless of their religion twenty-four colleges and existence. It reached a mat- and ethnicity. three research centers, and ter that some religions are After the lecture, there gained a global leadership. recognized and some are ig- were an open dialogue be- The Rector of Saint Pe- nored. This duplication does tween the Secretary General tersburg is appointed on an not serve national harmony of the Muslim World League exceptional basis by the Rus- and complicate the integra- and the audience. Sheikh Dr. sian President. The univer- tion plans. Therefore, we see Al-Issa answered questions sity affiliated directly to the the informal and inefficient about civilized communi- Prime Minister, not to the performance of some inte- cation, and corrected some Ministry of Education. The gration ministries. concepts about Islam. In- top leaders and politicians The lecture addressed the cluding the call for Muslims in Russia’s modern history religious and national com- to unite their political views, have graduated from the uni- ponent and its civilizational their attitude towards others versity, including Russian participation. Sheikh Dr. and Islam view of Western leader Vladimir Lenin, cur- Al-Issa said that positive na- culture. rent President Vladimir Putin tional integration contributes The difference between and a large number of law- to the power of civilization, understanding and convic- makers and Nobel laureates.

18 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 19 Governor of Saint Petersburg receives Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa

Saint Petersburg - MWL

His Excellency, the Secretary General of the Muslim World League Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa has met Mr. Alexan- der Beglov, the Governor of Saint Petersburg, which is the Cultural capital of Russia.

20 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 21 The meeting of Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa with the Director of the University of St. Peters- burg and the deans of a number of colleges

During the meeting, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa ties. and Governor Beglov discussed issues of The Governor also praised the impor- common interests in many fields. They tance of the Muslim World League pres- also discussed areas of cooperation and ence in the Cultural capital of Russia, Saint means of enhancing the work to consoli- Petersburg, to activate more inter-related date the concepts of tolerance, coexistence meetings with common goals. and peace. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa thanked Governor Governor Beglov praised the lecture by Beglov for his hospitality, stressing that Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa at Saint Petersburg Uni- the experience of the Russian Federation versity and the important topics he talked in harmony between different religious and about in the lecture. He also praised the ethnic diversity of 192 national, is a lead- great efforts by the Muslim World League ing model that deserves praise and benefit saying: “We are aware of your great efforts from it globally. and work, and we praised your global role Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa also pointed out the in serving harmony and human peace”. importance of communication and dia- Governor Beglov also expressed his logue to support cooperation in all areas hope to intensify efforts of cooperation, aimed at promoting national integration and holding more conferences and activi- programs of various kinds, stressing that ties of the Muslim World League in Russia successful experiences should be an inspi- in coordination with the relevant authori- ration to all.

20 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 21 President of Tatarstan received the Secretary-General

President of the Republic of Tatarstan receives Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa

Kazan - MWL

The President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rus- tam Minnikhanov, has received the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa at the Kazan Kremlin in Kazan city, the capital of Ta- tarstan.

22 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 23 Leaders in the city meet the delegation of the MWL

The President of Tatarstan welcomed zation - the religious administration of the Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa’s visit to the Republic of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan, repre- Tatarstan, and praised the international ef- sented by the Grand Mufti of Tatarstan, Ka- forts of the Muslim World League in spread- mil Samee Allah Iskandar. ing the true concepts of Islam and clarifying This agreement builds on the visions, its tolerant principles, which call for harmo- orientations and efforts of the Muslim World ny, peace and tolerance. He also commended League as a global organization concerned the current positive efforts of the Muslim with clarifying the truth of Islam and its tol- World League in the Russian Federation, erant principles. In addition to building cul- which gained an exceptional governmental tural bridges between different religious and attention at the highest levels. ethnic diversity around the world. With the The meeting also discussed a number aim of promoting harmony among all basing of issues of mutual interest, concerning the on the principle of faith in Allah’s will in di- presence of the Muslim World League in the versity, variety and multiplicity. In addition Republic of Tatarstan. to the role of the religious administration of Following the meeting, President the Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan, Minikhanov witnessed the signing of a co- as a religious institution educating Muslims operation agreement between the Muslim there of the provisions of their religion and World League, represented by its Secretary the dissemination of the culture of Islam General, and the Central Religious Organi- and promote the spirit of tolerance and unity

22 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 23 Dr. Al-Issa signed an agreement with the religious administration of the Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan in the presence and care of President Minikhanov among Muslims and others in their one na- goals based on convergence of visions and tional state (Russian Federation). ideas towards moderate religious and intel- The agreement included the exchange of lectual issues aimed at promoting the values experiences and the achievement of common of love, openness and harmony among all.

Side of the meeting

24 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 25 movements and deviant trends. It included also cooperation and coordination in teach- ing, memorizing and publishing Qur’an, and organizing competitions for memorizing and reciting Qur’an and Sunnah. The two parties agreed to implement joint activities, in which subjects, obliga- tions of each party and appointment dates of shall be agreed upon. It will include con- ferences, seminars, lectures, programs, and panel discussions aimed at discussing issues of mutual interest. As well as agreeing to ex- change invitations and visits to participate in the activities organized by each party. The agreement included the preparation of studies and researches regarding to areas of joint work between the two parties with translating and publishing. It also included exchanging of information, experience and The agreement also included cooperation publications, organizing meetings with aca- and coordination in the defining Islam and its demics, thinkers and researchers from other principles, spreading moderation and mild- cultures and cooperation to correct the image ness, combating extremism and Islamopho- of Islam and to highlight its universal human bia and stating how Islam oppose extremist values.

Leaders in the city meet the delegation of the MWL

24 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 25 ‘10 percent’ of similarities enough for world peace, says MWL chief

Kazan - MWL

Tatarstan: People need to cooperate on the 10 percent of things they have in common to achieve world peace, the Saudi Press Agency quoted the head of the Muslim World League (MWL). Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, was giving a lecture in the southwestern Russia city of Kazan. He said cultural communication was important and so were conver- sations about religious and national diversity, especially in countries where there were different faiths and ethnicities.

26 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 27 “Humankind has no other ter for Islamic studies, which and counter extremist ideolo- option to achieve harmony seeks to promote Islamic cul- gies falsely attributed to Is- and peace but to fully un- ture and train scholars. The lam, as well as other forms derstand the inevitability of center also has 13,000 manu- of extremism, especially the differences and diversity, scripts, 5,000 of which are in concepts of the extreme right and then cooperate through Arabic. in Western countries. similarities, of which 10 per- Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa said “The MWL also aims cent is enough — we believe the MWL endeavored to pro- to extend bridges of com- — to achieve world peace mote the true version of Islam munication and dialogue to inside countries and between them.” He was at Kazan Federal University, in the Republic of Tatarstan, and his audience included faculty members and students. The university employs 11,000 people, 4,000 of whom are academics. It has 47,000 students and one- third of them are from Mus- lim countries. The university has a cen-

26 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 27 followers of other religions and cultures, to Issa and Russia’s Parliament Speaker Vy- partner with them and provide initiatives that acheslav Volodin. serve common goals, in addition to extending Dr. Sheikh Al-Issa signed a cooperation bridges of support to everyone, regardless of agreement between the MWL and Moscow’s religion, race or color. Even though Muslims Fund for Islamic Culture, Science and Edu- are proud of their religious affiliation, they cation. The agreement focused on tackling know that this does not conflict with their na- extremism and promoting tolerance. tional identity. It also addressed the interaction between “In fact, Muslims know that this national Muslims and Islamic organizations in Russia affiliation, which seeks good for all, is a key and Muslim-majority countries. element for achieving harmony between their religious and national identities and that ex- tremist ideas contradict these just concepts.” Last week, he and the grand mufti of Ta- tarstan signed an agreement to cooperate in the dissemination of moderate Islam and its principles of tolerance and coexistence. Last month, Moscow and the Muslim World League moved to develop closer ties, following a meeting between Dr. Sheikh Al-

28 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 29 MWL Secretary General cooperation on anti-terror campaign with EU coordinator

Delegation of the European Union during the meeting

RIYADH - MWL tolerance, coexistence and peace in troubled regions affected by religious The Secretary-General of the Mus- violence. lim World League (MWL), Sheikh Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa has personal Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim experience in the field, having -car Al-Issa, held talks with the EU’s ried out many missions to combat counter-terrorism coordinator, Gilles extremist ideology personally since de Kerchove, in Riyadh. becoming MWL Secretary-General The two sides discussed coop- in 2016. eration mechanisms to identify and The Muslim World League itself, tackle the phenomenon of extremism meanwhile, is responsible for hav- both in the EU and the Arab world, ing developed multiple programs and de Kerchove praised the efforts aimed at tackling religious extrem- of the MWL to spread its message of ism across the globe.

28 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 29 Muslim World League condemns the shootings on two mosques in New Zealand

Makkah - MWL

The Muslim World League expressed its to Daesh and Al-Qaeda’s bloody practices. deepest condolences and strong condemna- The Muslim World League always stresses tion of the terrorist operation that left scores the importance of addressing extremism and dead and wounded dozens in two mosques enacting replace with that prevent all forms in New Zealand. This terrorist attack clearly of incitement and hatred, including methods reflected one of the most horrendous images of religious and ethnic contempt. of hatred and malice in a world that is in a The statement warned that such terrorist dire need to uniting around values of love, acts stir similar practices in the light of the harmony and peace. lack of legislations and negligence in the ed- The statement issued by the Secretary ucation of generations away from values of General of the Muslim World League and humanity and morals, stressing that freedoms Chairman of the Board of Directors of the should be framed with legislative and ethical World Organization of Muslim Scholars standards that prevent committing such acts Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al- that violate all values of tolerance and peace. Issa reiterated that this barbaric act is added The Secretary General of the Muslim

30 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 31 World League reiterated his confidence in the ing down all the necessary safeguards with New Zealand government to bring those in- the aim of preventing the repetition of these volved in this crime to justice as terrorists and terrorist acts. He also asked Allah’s forgive- prosecute any terrorist organization they fol- ness for victims and wished speedy recovery low. He also stressed the importance of lay- for the injured.

Al-Issa receives Ambassador of New Zealand

Riyadh - MWL confirmed that the shootings of the two mosques would not af- The Secretary General of the fect the national cohesion in New Muslim World League Sheikh Zealand. He also highlighted the Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim statement issued by the Muslim Al-Issa received the Ambas- World League and welcomed sador of New Zealand to Saudi MWL’s visiting delegation to Arabia, Mr. James Monroe, who New Zealand.

30 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 31 The world condemns New Zealand mosque attacks

By Qais Bajaeifir

On Friday, 15th March a white supremacist terrorist opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 50 people, including a three-year-old child, and seriously injuring scores of the faithful – a massacre that he broadcast live on Facebook. Regardless of the motives behind this senseless and atrocious violence, be it hatred of non-white immigrants or Islamophobia, the cold-blooded terrorist attack has been condemned by global religious, civil and politi- cal organizations as well as leaders.

32 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 33 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King dolences to the victims’ families, describing Salman bin Abdulaziz described the terrorist the attacks as “barbaric acts of a right-wing attack as a horrific massacre, reiterating the terrorist.” International Community’s responsibility to He said, “Intolerance on the basis of ide- counter hatred and terrorism, which all reli- ology and racism have emerged as a major gions reject and which are against the values threat to global peace and security in our of coexistence and tolerance. world today,” noting that hatred and intoler- The Muslim World League Secretary ance against Islam have hit alarming rates General Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Ab- with growing frequency over the past few dulkarim Al-Issa expressed his deep grief years. He thanked the Government of New and condolences for the sad loss of innocent Zealand for embracing the Muslim commu- people. In a statement, he said, “Terrorist at- nity. tacks against people of faith are one of the The New York-based World Council of most inhumane and evil forms of incite- Religious Leaders, condemned in the stron- ment and hatred. The barbarity, hatred and gest possible terms the senseless and horrific ill-will of this extremist terrorist act parallels attacks and needless killing of innocent peo- the violent acts of Al-Qaeda and Daesh.” He ple who were performing peacefully their re- called upon governments and religious or- ligious practices. ganizations all over the world to join forces The council issued a statement describing in the face of the scourge extremism and Is- the attack as “a crime against people of faith lamophobia. and people of decency and tolerance every- Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa traveled specifically to where in the world.” The statement stressed New Zealand to express his sincerest sympa- that places of worship are a red line that thy in person to the Muslim community and should not be crossed because people of all stand by the families of the victims in this faiths should be able to practice their faith in dark hour. a completely safe environment. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation The New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda (OIC) Secretary General Dr. Yousef A. Al- Arden said there is no place in New Zealand Othaimeen conveyed also his heartfelt con- society for anyone who holds such extremist

32 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 33 ideology. She pointed out, “Many of those Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah directly affected by this shooting may be and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa of Palestine per- migrants to New Zealand, they may even formed the absentee funeral prayer for the be refugees here. They have chosen to make victims of New Zealand attacks. Also, the New Zealand their home. It is their home. adhan (call to prayer) rang out across New They are us. The person who has perpetrated Zealand on Friday afternoon. All people in this violence against us is not. They have no New Zealand observed two minutes of si- place in New Zealand.” lence while the adhan played. The whole The United Nations Security Council nation fell silent as when 26 victims of the held on the same day of the twin attacks a Christchurch terrorist attack were buried, in- moment of silence for the victims while the cluding a three-year-old child. Eiffel Tower went dark in tribute to victims On this day, Non-Muslim New Zealand gunned down in Christchurch. women donned headscarves to show support Australian cartoonist Pat Campbell drew and solidarity for the Muslim community a beautiful illustration as a tribute to the vic- while some women posted selfies of them- tims of New Zealand attacks. His artwork selves wearing headscarves on Twitter with showcased a New Zealand’s silver fern, a the hashtags #HeadscarfForHarmony and specie of a tree native to New Zealand, with #ScarvesForSolidarity. The newspapers in the silhouettes of 50 Muslims praying. The Christchurch ran the Arabic greeting ‘salam’ number represented the death toll. or ‘peace’ on their front pages and explained On March, 22th, the Grand Mosque of the rituals surrounding praying and funerals.

34 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 35 Terrorism has no religion

Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi

The way in which New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern dealt with the terrorist attack in which Muslims were killed by a racist Aus- tralian national demonstrated an admirable sense of responsibility by a world leader. The mosque shootings killed 50 people and injured a similar number of worshippers, some of them in critical condition, while they were praying in two mosques in the city of Christchurch in New Zealand.

34 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 35 After the cowardly terror- it. “He sought many things also that of her and the entire ist attack, Ardern appeared from his act of terror but one people of New Zealand. Ard- on television and addressed was notoriety, that is why ern cited the Prophet (peace the New Zealand people, you will never hear me men- be upon him) as saying that saying that a terrorist act tion his name,” she said of “the believers, in their mutu- had been perpetrated in their the gunman. “He is a terror- al kindness, compassion and country, which had not been ist. He is a criminal. He is an sympathy, are just like one used to such acts. While con- extremist. But he will, when body.” “When any part of the demning this terrorist act, her I speak, be nameless,” she body suffers, the whole body government pledged to pro- said while urging everyone feels pain,” she said quoting tect mosques and change the else to follow suit. the Saying of the Prophet laws that allowed anyone to The prime minister not (peace be upon him). Simi- carry arms, as a precaution- only condemned the hor- larly, she emphasized that ary measure to prevent any rific attack, but also visited “New Zealand mourns with similar incident in future. the families of the victims you. We are one.” She promptly labeled the in their homes to offer them In a sign of tolerance, she worst peacetime mass killing condolences and share with had Parliament begin its ses- in New Zealand as terrorism, them the grief of all New Zea- sion, after the massacre, with and set about reassuring a landers. During these visits the recitation of a few verses nation that had been largely she appeared to be most af- from the Holy Qur’an. This unscathed by violence and fected by the horrific act, em- signified a mark of sympathy fear. Ardern said the terror- braced the bereaved family and solidarity with Muslims ist streamed a live video of members of the victims and in general and the families the massacre and released reassured them that the trag- of the victims in particular. a statement before posting edy was not theirs only but In an explicit manifestation

36 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 37 the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to honor the New Zealand prime min- ister, while some others have called for her to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. An incident occurred in Australia after the Christ- church terror attack. After blaming Muslim immigrants for the deadly shooting by of sympathy and compas- sick mind, came from Aus- a white supremacist at the sion, the Muslim population tralia to perpetrate his crime two New Zealand mosques, of Christchurch was joined, in this peaceful country that an Australian senator had an in their Friday prayers in the had not known such crimes. egg cracked over his head by next week succeeding the at- The prime minister, in her a teenager. Fraser Anning, tack, by thousands of other solidarity with the Muslim an independent lawmaker, New Zealanders, including community gave assurances said that the real cause of the men and women, who stood and promised to take all nec- bloodshed in New Zealand behind the rows of worship- essary measures to ensure a mosques was the immigra- ers. They listened as the call safe environment for Mus- tion program, which allowed to prayer rang out across lims to carry out their reli- Muslims to migrate to New Hagley Park, opposite Al gious duties and promised Zealand in the first place. He Noor Mosque, which was to reform gun laws to make was speaking to reporters in one of the worst scenes of the access to dangerous weapons Melbourne when the cam- attack, and across the country difficult. The world recog- era caught a teenager stand- on national television and ra- nized her lofty position and ing behind him and cracking dio broadcasts. Many wom- tolerant and sympathetic ap- a raw egg on his head. The en, including Prime Minister proach toward the Muslim lawmaker punched the teen- Ardern donned headscarves community in New Zealand, ager and a scuffle broke out in solidarity with the Muslim something that has not hap- and Anning’s security guards community. pened anywhere else in the caught the boy in a choke- The imam at the Al Noor world. hold while calling for the po- Mosque delivered an im- Some people on social me- lice. This teenager may face portant speech in which he dia praised the actions of this trial in court for his reaction praised the position of the leader and the solidarity of to the racist comments of the government and the people her people with the victims. lawmaker. of New Zealand with regard All of this had an electrify- Dr. Ali Al-Ghamdi is a for- to the painful incident and ing impact in mitigating the mer Saudi diplomat who spe- asserted that the terrorist, gravity of the vicious crime. cializes in Southeast Asian who was driven by racism There have also been de- affairs. He can be reached and hatred that inhabited his mands from some corners for at [email protected]

36 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 37 King Salman (middle) in a group photo with winners of KFIP for 1440H(2019)

King Salman honors winners of King Faisal Prize

Saeed Al-Khotani – Riyadh

The Custodian of the Two Holy King was received by Prince Khalid Al- Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Faisal, the Advisor to Custodian of the Saud, honored winners of King Faisal Two Holy Mosques, Governor of Mak- Prize (KFP) for the year 1440H (2019). kah Region, and Chairman of Board of He presented them with their prizes Trustees of both King Faisal Founda- in a grand celebration that took place tion (KFF) and KFP, Prince Turki Al at Prince Sultan Grand Hall in Al- Faisal, Chairman Board of Trustees of Faisaliah Hotel here on Sunday night King Faisal Center for Islamic Studies Rajab 17th, 1440H (March 24, 2019). at KKF, and other KFF and KFP board On the arrival at celebration venue, the members.

38 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 39 In addition to KFF and KFP board mem- ies, Studies on the Objectives of Islamic bers, a large high ranking audience attended Law, was withheld because submitted works the celebration. It included princes, senior for the prize did not meet the criteria for win- government and private sector officials, dig- ning it, said Dr. Al Subayyel. nitaries, academics, scientists, intellectuals, and journalist. The 7 prize winners The celebration was inaugurated by a The prizes in the four categories went this recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed year 1440H (2019) to seven winners, one or- by a short warm welcome address by Prince ganization, and six individuals as follows: Khalid Al Faisal in which he highly lauded Firstly, King Faisal Prize in Service to King Salman, and requested the audience to Islam category went to one winner, the Su- warmly welcome him in appreciation of his dan based International University of Africa generous patronizing of the event. (IUA). The university was granted the prize Then, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Subayyel, the in recognition of its diverse contributions in Secretary General of KFP announced the serving Islam and Arabic language, especial- names of the winners and the justifications ly in Africa. of granting them their prizes. After, a docu- These contributions include teaching mentary film on the history of the 41-year- Islam and Arabic language to thousands of old prize was played, followed by presenta- students in different parts of the world, in tions of video clips in which glimpses were particular in the countries of sub-Saharan offered on the lives of the winners and their Africa, and converting the scripts of African professional advancements. languages into the Arabic alphabet. Finally, each of the winners delivered his Also, they include serving community by prize acceptance statement, after which, he establishing projects like the Institute for the received his prize from King Salman. All the Studies of Disasters Prevention and Refu- winners expressed in their statements, their gees Handling, and founding the largest Is- high gratitude and thanks for being honored lamic library in African languages. by the King and KFP with the prestigious On behalf of the university, its rector, prize. Professor Kamal Mohammed Obeid Babakr, King Salman (middle) in a group photo received its prize from King Salman. Profes- with winners of KFP for 1440H (2019). On sor Babakr said in his prize acceptance state- his right are Professors Babakr, Hegazi, Ol- ment that IUA has graduated over 35 thou- sen, and Teitelbaum. And on his lift are Pro- sand students, since its foundation, many of fessors Wudghiri,Fréchet, Bard, and Dr. Al whom are holding senior positions in their Subayyel, the Secretary General of KFP. home countries. King Faisal Prize has five prize catego- The university was established in Khar- ries. They are: Service to Islam, Islamic toum, capital of Sudan, in 1966 with the aim Studies, Arabic language and Literature, Sci- of promoting Islam and its noble teaching, ence, and Medicine. This year, the prize was Arabic language, and preserving Arabic and only given in four of these five categories: Islamic heritage in Africa. Service to Islam, Arabic language, science, Began with one college, the Faculty of and medicine. The prize for Islamic Stud- Sharia and Islamic Studies, the University

38 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 39 King Salman presents Professor Babakr IUA prize has expanded to 22 colleges at present, be- member at College of Literature and Human coming the largest Islamic higher education Sciences, University of Mohammed V, in institution in sub-Saharan Africa region, and Rabat, Capital of Morocco. He was granted one of the largest Islamic universities in the the prize in recognition of his originality and world, with its out of Sudan 15 colleges lo- creativity in many of his works, his efforts to cated in Africa, China and Turkey. face the calls to substitute Arabic language Currently, the University accommodates with local dialects and foreign languages, around 15 thousand students from all over and his educational contributions in linguis- the world, providing them with accommoda- tics at academic institutions since the emer- tion, and allocating 50% of its seats to Af- gence of modern Arabic linguistic studies. ricans, 25% to Asians and Europeans, and Wudghiri was born in 1944 in Fez, Mo- 25% to Sudanese. rocco. He received his master and doctorate Secondly, King Faisal Prize in Arabic in linguistics. He taught linguistics at both language and literature category, on the topic University of Mohammed bin Abdullah in of Arabic language and Contemporary Chal- Fez, and Mohammed VI in Rabat, Morocco. lenges, went jointly to two winners, Profes- He was appointed a rector of the Islamic sor Abdul’aali Mohammed Wudghiri, a Mo- University of Niger affiliate of the Organi- roccan national, and Professor Mahmoud zation of Islamic Cooperation, and currently Fahmy Hegazi, an Egyptian national. he is a member of the University board of Professor Wudghiri is currently faculty trustees. Also, he is the Secretary General of

40 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 41 King Salman presents Professor Allen Joseph Bard prize

Moroccan Linguistic Union which he was a Parallel to his university studies, he ex- founding member. In recognition of his sci- celled in learning Dutch at Al-Alsun (lan- entific contributions, he was awarded the guages) School of the ministry of higher Moroccan Book Award three times in the education, to become later the first Egyptian years 1977, 1989, and 2014. to teach Dutch in Egyptian public schools. Professor Hegazi is currently a faculty Afterwards, he was sent on a scholarship to member at Arabic Language and Literature University of Munich, Germany for doctor- Department at Cairo University in Cairo. He ate in linguistics was granted the prize in recognition of his ef- Hegazi was appointed as president of forts to defend Arabic language, pioneering the Egyptian University in Almatye, Ka- in its linguistics studies and analysis of con- zakhstan, and served as professor and head temporary challenges facing it, and spread- of Linguistics at Arabic Language and Lit- ing Arabic language through original works, erature Department and Director of Arabic and establishing institutes and academies for Language Center at Cairo University. Also, teaching it. he headed Arabic language centers at Lion, Hegazi was born in Mansora, Egypt, in Budapest and Amsterdam universities. 1940. He obtained his license and master Thirdly, King Faisal Prize in Medicine degrees from the Department of Arabic lan- Category, on the topic of Bone Biology and guage and Literature, Cairo University and Osteoporosis, also went jointly to two win- appointed as a lecturer at the Department. ners, Professor Bjorn Reino Olsen, and Pro-

40 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 41 dromes has led to the identi- fication of mutations govern- ing pyrophosphate transport (ANK) and vascular endo- thelial growth factor recep- tor 2. This finding has led to unraveling of complex de- velopmental and disease mechanisms at the intersec- tion between skeletal and vascular biology, as well as highlighting the role of vas- King Salman presents Professor Jean M.J. Fréchet prize cular endothelial growth fac- tor in the differentiation that fessor Steven L. Teitelbaum, In 1971, he went to the mesenchymal stem cells to both are American nationals. United States to work with steoblasts and bone marrow Professor Bjorn Reino Professor Darwin Prockop, adipocytes Olsen is a faculty member and one year later he joined Olsen has published over at Harvard University. He the Department of Biochem- 400 papers and has worked was granted the prize in rec- istry, at Rutgers Medical as editor-in-chief of Matrix ognition of his outstanding School, now UMDNJ-Rob- Biology, and founder and contributions to the field of ert Wood Johnson Medical editor-in-chief of BioMed bone biology, his key genetic School, where he was pro- Central’s Journal of Nega- discoveries which have en- moted to the rank of profes- tive Results in Biomedi- hanced the understanding of sor in 1976. cine. Also, he has held lead- bone development, and the In 1985 Olsen appointed ership positions in several basis of inherited skeletal the Hersey professor of anat- professional organizations, disorders, including osteo- omy and cellular biology at including the International porosis syndromes. Harvard Medical School; Society for Matrix Biology. now Hersey professor of cell Professor Steven L. Teit- Professor Bjorn Reino Ol- biology. Since 1996 he be- elbaum is a faculty member sen came senior member of the of Washington University in Olsen was born in Skien, staff at the Forsyth Institute Saint Louis. He was granted Norway, in 1940. He re- and professor of develop- the prize for his contribution ceived his medical and doc- mental biology at Harvard in the area of bone biology torate from University of School of Dental Medicine which underpinned advanc- Oslo in 1967, where he be- (HSDM), where he was dean es in the understanding and came a faculty member at for research between 2005- management of bone dis- the Anatomical institute and 2017. eases particularly osteopo- conducted molecular studies The work of Olsen on rosis, his pioneering scien- on the structure of collagen. the genetics of vascular syn- tific work in elucidating the

42 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 43 function and regulation of the bone resorbing cell, the osteoclast.

Professor Steven L. Teitel- baum Born in New York City in 1938, Teitelbaum obtained BA from Columbia College in New York and MD from Washington University at St. Louis where he rose through academic ranks to become Wilma and Roswell Messing Professor of Pathology, Im- munology and Medicine. Teitelbaum scientific King Salman presents Professor Steven L. Teitelbaum prize studies included confirming the hematopoietic lineage of to two winners, Professor York, U.S, on December 18, the osteoclast and the mech- Allen Joseph Bard and Pro- 1933. He received his B.Sc. anisms by which the cell fessor Jean M.J. Fréchet, in Chemistry from City Col- re-sorbs bone, which con- both are American nationals. lege of New York, and M.A. tributed to development of Professor Allen Joseph and Ph.D. in Chemistry also anti-osteoporosis drugs and Bard is a faculty mem- from Harvard University, understanding the impor- ber at Texas University. respectively. He joined the tance of clinically arresting He was granted the prize in University of Texas as an osteoclast function as op- recognition of his ground- instructor in 1958 and rose posed to formation. breaking development of through the academic ranks He has published over electro-generated chem.,- to Professor of Chemistry in 340 papers and has become luminescence methods, cur- 1967. a member of the editorial rently employed as bio-an- He has held many en- boards of several journals, alytical tools, realization of dowed positions including including Cell Metabolism scanning electro-chemical the Sherman Mills Fair- and Experimental Medicine. microscopy-enabling single child Scholar at California He held leadership positions molecule-detection in liq- Institute of Technology, in several professional or- uids, and lifelong impact on Woodward Visiting Profes- ganizations, including the the larger scientific commu- sor at Harvard University. American Society for Bone nity. Also, he has held leader- and Mineral Research. ship positions in several Fourthly, King Faisal Professor Allen Joseph professional organizations, Prize in Science Category, in Bard including the National chemistry, also went jointly Bard was born in New Academy of Sciences and

42 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 43 King Salman presents Professor Bjorn Reino Olsen prize

American Association for the Advance- Ph.D. in Chemistry from Syracuse Univer- ment of Science. sity, USA. Bard was the Hackerman-Welch Regents Then, he joined the University of Ottawa Chair in Chemistry, since 1985, and the Di- in Canada from 1973 to 1987 where he be- rector of the Center for Electrochemistry came Professor of Chemistry in 1982. When at the University of Texas, since 2006, and he joined the University of California at published over 1000 papers, 8 books, and got Berkeley in 1996, he held several academic more than 29 patents. positions, including Scientific Director of And, Professor Jean M.J. Fréchet is fac- the Molecular Foundry of Lawrence Berke- ulty member at King Abdullah University of ley National Laboratory, and in 2011 he was Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi named Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Arabia. He was granted the prize in recog- Chemical Engineering. nition of his pioneering work and seminal Since 2010, Frechet joined KAUST contributions in the areas of convergent syn- where he is a faculty member and Senior thesis of dendrimers and their applications, Vice President for Research, Innovation, & chemically amplified photoresists and organ- Economic Development. He has published ic photovoltaics. over 880 papers and holds over 100 patents.

Professor Jean M.J. Fréchet 41 years of contribution Frechet was born in Burgundy, France, King Faisal Prize (KFP) continued its in 1944. He obtained a B.Sc., in Chemical contribution for the past 41 years, since it Engineering from Institut de Chimie et Phy- was granted for the first time in 1979 after sique Industrielles, Lyon, France, MS, and it was established in 1977 by King Faisal

44 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 45 Foundation (KFF), offering every year, its tribution to honor distinguished and promi- prizes without interruption, to distinguished nent scholars, scientists and organizations in scholars and scientists, and organizations, its five categories until the number of win- from all over the world. ners reached in to 265 in 2019 belong to 43 The prize has been set up to achieve the nationalities. following objectives: The selection of the winners for KFIP is • Ingraining Islamic values and ideals made by a high profile selection committee in the society and highlighting them to the composed of prominent scholars and scien- world. tists who are authorities in the prize topics of • Serving Islam and Muslims cultur- the year to which nominations sought. ally, intellectually and practically. As granting the prize has been always • Benefiting Muslims in their pres- based on merit alone, it was not surprising ent and future, and inspiring them to develop that many of KFIP laureates went on to re- and participate in all aspects of civilization. ceive other prestigious prizes. • Contributing to the development of Of these laureates 18 received Nobel mankind and enriching human knowledge. Prizes, 13 received Gairdner Foundation International Awards, 11 received Ameri- KFF, a philanthropic organization, was can National Medals of Science, 9 received founded in 1976 in Riyadh, the Capital of Lasker Basic Medical Research Award, 8 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by the sons and received British Royal Medals, and 5 re- daughters of the late King Faisal bin Abdul ceived Fields Medals in Mathematics. Aziz Al Saud (the 3rd Saudi King), as a trib- In a survey by the Muslim World League ute to their beloved father who was a strong Journal to find out the ranking of top KFP advocate and a prominent leader for Islamic country winners since the foundation of the solidarity. prize 41 years ago, revealed the following: The big portfolio of investment owned • In the category of Service to Islam, by KFF has made it able to retain its financial Saudi Arabia came first, Egypt came second, autonomy and maintain its ability to support and Malaysia came third. all its activities. Since its establishment up • In the category of Islamic Studies, till 2015, KFF has spent over SR 1.9 billion Egypt and Saudi Arabia came both first, Iraq on these activities including the KFP, key came second, and Jordan, Sudan, Morocco, programs, philanthropic projects, education- Syria-, Turkey, came all third. al scholarships and cultural events. • In the category of Arabic Language King Faisal Prize was granted for the and Literature, Egypt came first, Morocco first time in 1979 in three categories: Serving came second, and Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syr- Islam, Islamic studies and Arabic language ia, came all third. and literature. Two additional categories • In the category of Medicine, USA came were introduced in 1981: Medicine and sci- first, Britain came second, and Canada came ence. third. The first medicine prize was awarded • At last in the category of Science, USA in 1982 and in science two years later in came first, Britain came second, and Germa- 1984. Since then the prize continued its con- ny came third.

44 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 45 Muslims in Rwanda on the cusp of entering a new era AFTAB HUSAIN KOLA

Islam arrived in Rwanda in the beginning of the 20th cen- tury, brought by traders braving the seasonal monsoon winds south from the Arabian Peninsula. Today, Rwanda’s Muslims have more or less integrated with the majority non-Muslim community and attempting to reap the shares of development, writes AFTAB HUSAIN KOLA

46 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 47 One of Africa’s most densely populated gion. Today, in what is still a predominantly country, land-locked Rwanda has a popula- Catholic country, Islam is the fastest growing tion of 11.6 million of whom approximately religion. Majority of Rwanda’s Muslims live 10% are Muslim. The big news is that the packed together in the Biryogo neighborhood local people in Rwanda are getting attract- of Kigali. Kigali was in the global news in ed to Islam and which is why the growth of 2016 known as Kigali deal on curbing the people being converted to Islam is ever on emissions of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons). the rise. The main reason is attributed to Founded in 1907 by German administrator the role of Muslims who refused to partici- and explorer Richard Kandt, Kigali served as pate in the 1994 Rwandan genocide between a home for civil servants and Muslim traders. two non-Muslim groups, which resulted in Its multi-cultural status makes the city lively. the murders of more than 800,000 people in 100 days, and also helped the victims by New dawn for Muslims providing them succor in times of riots. So As a result, Rwanda’s Muslim community the long marginalized tiny minority is now now boasts so many converts that it had to hugged and justifiably so. embark on a crash campaign to build new mosques to accommodate all of the faith- Hutu-Tutsi clash ful. About 500 mosques are now scattered For Rwanda, 1994 proved to be the worst throughout Rwanda, doubling the number year in its history. The streets were spilled that existed a decade ago. More people, in- with blood everywhere as the power-hungry cluding a large chunk of women, are embark- military of the old Hutu-led regime perpetrat- ing on Hajj than before. ed a campaign of genocide against the Tutsi Villagers wearing caps and scarves minority in Rwanda, which ended only when equipped with copies of Noble Qur’an in the Tutsi-dominated Rwandese Patriotic Front their hands for a weekly discourse on Islamic (RPF) came to power. Both Hutu and Tutsi is now a familiar sight in Muslim-dominated are non-Muslim communities in Rwanda. In villages. There are qiraat (Noble Qur’an rec- this conflict, the Muslims played a very posi- itation) competitions held to encourage stu- tive role of seeking peace and helping restore dents to become Huffaz (memorizers of the order. For the victims of this violence any Qur’an). It may be recalled that a 9-year old Muslim neighborhood was the safest place. Rwandan Muslim boy, Abdallah Cyusa, was This attitude of the Muslims won them large among the World’s top 40 competitors, and support from Tutsi community and to some the only child, during the Ramadan Qur’an extent from Hutu people. After this noble recitation contest held in Dubai some years gesture, the Muslims were looked upon with ago. New schools and madrasas have sprung respect. This episode marked a watershed in up. the history of Rwanda as Muslims were wel- The Zaidi ibn Sabiti Qur’anic school in comed, recognized and respected. During the Kigali’s Bilyogo district where more than 40 Rwandan genocide between the Hutus and girls and boys aged between five and 17 — the Tutsis in 1994, Islam was not the princi- selected for their knowledge of the Qur’an pal target. A Hutu could kill a Tutsi or a Tutsi — study for free. The main platform for the could kill a Hutu without knowing his reli- Muslims is the Rwanda Muslim Community

46 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 47 (RMC) based in Kigali as it serves as a cen- by other religions, and, since the coming to ter for Rwanda Muslims. Since the inception power of President Paul Kagame, himself a of the Rwanda Muslims Community in 1964, Protestant, almost 10 years ago, also finds the organization until now is the apex body some representation in the administration, representing the Muslims in Rwanda. Since though more needs to be done on this front. then, the history of Muslims in Rwanda clas- The government has listed Eid Al Fitr and sifies itself in two periods namely the pre- Eid Al Adha as official holidays. liberation and post liberation periods. The Rwanda Muslims Community fo- Rwanda history and political power cuses on building unity among believers and Rwanda government website writes, “For Rwandans in general, curb and fight extrem- centuries, Rwanda existed as a centralized ist ideologies, building sustainable develop- monarchy under a succession of Tutsi kings ment projects to benefit the Believers and from one clan, who ruled through cattle streamline cooperation and collaboration chiefs, land chiefs and military chiefs. The with stakeholders and partners. king was supreme but the rest of the popu- Rwandan Muslims, themselves tolerant lation, Bahutu, Batutsi and Batwa, lived in of other religious beliefs, are well perceived symbiotic harmony. In 1899, Rwanda be-

48 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 49 came a German colony and, in 1919, the sys- sizable chunk of Persians and Arabs had made tem of indirect rule continued with Rwanda their home in coastal settlements, provid- as a mandate territory of the League of Na- ing the East African terminus of trading net- tions, under Belgium. After Kigali fell to works along the Indian Ocean littoral. It was RPA (RPF’s armed wing) on 4 July 1994, not just trade that the locals were interested RPF formed a Government of National Uni- but welcomed the Arabs on having cultural ty headed by President Pasteur Bizimungu, exchanges. So, places like Zanzibar was full bringing parties that did not participate in the of Omani Arabs. Much later, some Omani genocide together. In 2000, Parliament voted traders landed in Rwanda around 1908 AD. out President Pasteur Bizimungu and RPF It is also believed that prior to this some Mus- appointed then Vice-President and Minister lims first arrived in 1894 or 1896. Dealing of Defense, Major General Paul Kagame as in clothes, needles, threads, razor blades and the President of the Republic to lead the co- other household items the locals needed in alition government. In 2003, President Paul their daily life, these Omanis set up trading Kagame was elected with landslide majority centers in places like Rwamagana in Rwan- to serve a term of seven years. During those da’s eastern district, Byumba in northern re- seven years, the country made unprecedented gion and Astrida in – currently Huye – and socio-economic and political progress and decided to settle and marry local Rwandan consolidated peace, stability as well as social wives generating a new community. Since cohesion among Rwandans. In 2010, Presi- there were no Muslim women, these trad- dent Paul Kagame was re-elected to serve a ers married local women — very often Tutsi second term and on a platform of rapid devel- women. opment for the transformation of the lives of In different pockets of Rwanda, especially all Rwandans.” in Huye, the extant buildings of these Omani Agriculture is the backbone and key com- traders bear testimony of their bygone days. ponent of Rwanda’s fast-growing economy Now that they have integrated fully into the while tourism is the largest source of foreign Rwanda community. Besides Omani Arabs, exchange earnings in Rwanda. The country there were others who came from neighbor- has also put in place a National Industrial ing countries — Uganda, Tanzania, the Dem- Policy which aims at diversifying the econo- ocratic Republic of the Congo, etc. my by increasing the share of industry to the In 1913, the first mosque was built in country’s GDP, increase exports to 1.5 bil- Rwanda. Masjid Al Fat’h is the most popu- lion US$ by 2020 and increase the number lar, largest and one among the oldest mosque of off-farm jobs. Rwanda President Kagame of Rwanda, located in suburban area of is getting the Muslim support in building the Nyamirambo (commonly known as Nyami- country. jos) about 7 kilometers southwest of Kigali city center. Also called the ‘Green Mosque’ How Islam came to Rwanda because of its green and white minarets, the Carried by the sail, Islam first entered East Masjid Al Fat’h was constructed in 1930s Africa when monsoon winds powered Arab when Arab traders had some say in the area. dhows across the Indian ocean to East Af- Very soon, it became an important center for rica’s Swahili coast. By the 10th century, a learning Islamic teachings and Noble Qur’an.

48 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 49 In the very beginning, the Muslims also enjoyed close relationships with the au- thorities who ruled Rwanda as well as the Rwandan monar- chy of that time

The mosque also houses an Islamic Research –in welding, driving, small retail businesses, Center on a small scale. Along with Gaddafi mechanics, hair dressing, tailoring, and art, a mosque and other mosques, this mosque also legacy that stands to this day. And today, the proved to be a safe haven for the non-Muslim situation is changing for the better. Islam’s victims of 1994 Rwanda genocide. attaching great stress to family values was The Gaddafi mosque, also home to an Is- endorsed by the non-Muslims. And Muslims’ lamic Centre, is always filled with Muslims dealings in businesses were also greatly ad- during prayer hours. The late Libyan leader mired. These aspects coupled with an over- Col. Muammar Gaddafi was a popular figure all good behavior won some converts. And here and roads, mosques and bakeries were there was a slight increase in the population named after him. of Muslims in Rwanda. Though Christianity is the majority re- In the very beginning, the Muslims also ligion in Rwanda, there are certain quarters enjoyed close relationships with the authori- which are home to a good number of Mus- ties who ruled Rwanda as well as the Rwan- lims. Nyamirambo, the oldest part of Kigali, dan monarchy of that time. Thus, Muslims is the Muslim Quarter. It is said that when from a low key, marginalized community the Belgian colonial administration took a suddenly started to be perceived as impor- decision to divide city dwellers according to tant. They eventually began to marry into the race in 1935, the area known as “the plateau Rwandan elite, even into the family of the of Kigali” was reserved for the Belgians, monarchy. This social position did not last while Arabs and other Asians were allotted for a long time. the area below the mosque in town. It is reported that after World War I when For a very long time Muslims were in administrative control of Rwanda was taken the abyss of educational backwardness and away from the Germans and handed over to bereft of any economic support from the the Belgians, Muslims were started to being government, and lived in fear all the time, marginalized yet again, just like that of the regarding themselves as second-rate citizens. Tutsis. As a result, it was alleged that the Is- A Muslim face in public office, in police and lamic community had to bear the brunt the military service, or in local government were Belgian rule who were against the Muslims. a rarity. Confronting all odds, and with a Around 1925 when Muslim traders were try- solid faith they devised means to survive, ac- ing to come up in business which the authori- quiring as much informal skills as they could ties did not like, Muslims faced undue hard-

50 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 51 ships. It was further alleged that basic rights ally-based religious groups to Rwanda to dis- to proper education, ownership of land, and cuss further cooperation between religions jobs were denied to Muslims. Discrimina- and how best to promote reconciliation. The tion was to the extent that the Muslims were reconciliation efforts offered an opportunity even denied the right to move freely around for the Muslim community to come to live the country, requiring written permission to closer with non-Muslims in Rwanda. Once visit their families if they did not live nearby seen as second-class citizens, today Muslims or to have those family members visit them. and non-Muslims are together working as This situation continued for almost two de- partners in reconciliation initiatives. cades. Thereafter, a bond of bonhomie was It may be recalled that Saleh Habima- maintained with the Tutsi community which na served as the head mufti of Rwanda from saw Muslims as their well-wishers. It was 2001 to 2011, where he focused on the devel- mainly due to the fact both the communi- opment of the Islamic Community of Rwanda, ties were equally sidelined and discriminated particularly the education of Muslim youth, upon which brought them together So, they and the larger need for social reconciliation became friends. After the genocide in 1994, among all the people of Rwanda. In 2008, two Tutsis got closer than before with the Mus- United Religions Initiative-affiliated groups lims considering their help, attitude and con- presented Habimana with the Golden Rule cern for safety and when a new government Peace Medal Award for his work in promot- was formed by the Tutsis, the Muslim com- ing peace and development. Currently, Saleh munity has been lending full support to the Habimana is Rwandan Ambassador to Egypt. reconciliation process which is currently go- Sheikh Abdul Karim Gahutu was elected the ing on in Rwanda. new Grand Mufti of Rwanda for the next Launched by Protestant and evangelical five years after the term of Saleh Habimana. churches and Muslim communities in 2003, Sheikh Ibrahim Kayitare was appointed Mufti the Interfaith Commission for Rwanda (ICR) in place of the embattled Mufti Abdul Karim designed to promote unity and reconciliation Gahutu who was deposed before complet- and activities that foster it is one of the many ing his mandate. Kayitare was followed by initiatives that help restore confidence among Sheikh Salim Hitimana who was elected as Rwandans. Then led by Anglican Arch- Mufti of Rwanda in 2016. Sheikh Salim Hiti- bishop Emmanuel Kolini and the leader of mana attended the world Interreligious Sum- Rwanda’s Muslim community, Mufti Saleh mit held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Habimana (head mufti of Rwanda from 2001 this February. He said, “The interreligious to 2011) it supported aid programs that help summit held in Abu Dhabi is paramount for reconcile genocide survivors, prisoners, and us; we are sharing experiences and learning their families. It also used development to from our fellow religious leaders on how to promote reconciliation, such as a community tackle issues faced by those we lead in faith; water project jointly managed by a commit- we are as well joining efforts ensuring the tee involving an area’s major religious com- betterment of our people’s livelihoods and munities. The ICR has also hosted an inter- promote mutual respect among us hence liv- national event on “Interfaith Action for Peace ing in a war-free world.” For now, the future in Africa,” which brought many internation- of Rwandan Muslims looks bright.

50 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 51 Islamic Law regarding Dress

By Shah Abdul Hannan

Islamic law has provided humankind with appropriate instructions and guidelines regarding dress for men and women. Islam wants to achieve two things through appro- priate dress. Firstly, to cover the human body properly as it is not right to expose human body indecently. Secondly, for the purpose of beautification and adornment.

52 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 53 The Qur’an, the book of Allah, states in this regard, “O, children of Adam, we have sent down to you clothing in order to cover the shameful parts of your body and serve as protection and adornment and the best garment is the garment of piety” (Surat Al- Araf, Verse 26). There should be a balance between the appropriate covering of body and adorn- ment. If this balance is destroyed, this will be a deviation. It is like following the way of the devil. The Qur’an states in this regard, “O children of Adam, let not Satan seduce you in the same way as he caused your first parents to be driven out of the heaven and stripped them of their garments in order to expose their shameful parts before each other” (Surat Al-Araf, Verse 27). Islam has not permitted the use of the

52 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 53 same type of dress or garments by men and only to show his pride, Allah will not look women. Islam wants to maintain the distinc- to him on the day of Judgment (Narrated by tion between man and woman. It is not prop- Imam Bukhari in his book of tradition). Any er for men or women to imitate the other sex dress should be very clean as Islam has em- in respect of dress. Prophet (peace be upon phasized on cleanliness. The Prophet (peace him) of Islam said: be upon him) of Islam said, “Adopt cleanli- It is prohibited for men to dress like wom- en and it is prohibited for women to dress like men (Narrated in the books of tradition of Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Nasai, Ibn Islam wants to main- Majah, Ibn Hibban). The Prophet (peace be upon him) of Islam has also cursed such peo- tain the distinction ple (Narrated by Imam Bukhari in his book of between man and wom- tradition of the Prophet). Islam has prohibit- ed show and pomp in the matter of dress. The an. It is not proper Qur’an has stated, “Allah does not like any for men or women to proud person” (Surat Al-Hadeed, Verse 22). imitate the other sex The Prophet (peace be upon him) of Is- lam said, “Any person who will unnecessar- in respect of dress. ily lengthen his dress to touch the ground

54 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 55 ness because Islam is a religion which up- holds cleanliness.” (Narrated in Ibn Hibban, a book of tradition of the Prophet). The Prophet (peace be upon him) of Islam has permitted the use of gold ornaments and silk by women. He has not permitted the use of these for men. The reason probably is that these are more suitable for women than for men. Men and women should wear decent dress. It is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that men and women should cover their body properly. However, men are allowed to expose their body except for the portion between navel and knee for the need of work or otherwise. Women should cover their body very properly. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that, “It is not appropriate for a grown-up girl to expose any part of her body except the face and forehead (to any male who is not her husband or a close relation).” (Nar- rated by Abu Dawood in his book on tradi- tion). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that, “Women are not permitted to wear any thin garment through which their body can be seen.” (Narrated by Imam Muslim). Is- lam believes in the dignity of women and wants to protect them from lustful eyes of evil persons. Islam, therefore, prescribed that women should put on a flowing outer garment (gown) over normal dress while go- Islam, therefore, pre- ing out to do work or for other purposes. The Qur’an has stated, “O Prophet! Ask your scribed that women wives, daughter, and women of the believers should put on a flowing to put on a flowing outer garment (covering outer garment (gown) their bosom and head). This is better for rec- ognition of good women so that they will not over normal dress while be bothered.” (Surat Al-Ahzab, Verse 59). If going out to do work or humankind follows the principles of dress given by Islam, it will indeed ensure dignity for other purposes of women and men and also help establish a decent society.

54 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 55 FRANKINCENSE – THE FAMED SCENT OF ARABIA

By Dr. Fatima Taneem Ruknuddeen

The Arabian Peninsula has been famed for its fragrances since antiquity and has been alluring several civilizations with its indig- enous aromatic products like the Frankincense which has played an important part in the economic history of Arabia.

56 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 57 Frankincense was very popular and highly Arthritis, osteoarthritis, Crohn’s disease venerated by the ancient societies in Egypt, and cancers. It is also being touted as the Persia, Greece and Rome and resulted in ex- ‘King of Essential Oils’ and a vital part of tensive trade networks that spanned Africa, aromatherapy and is still traditionally used Asia and Europe. Although its demand has in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines. Thus, receded in recent centuries, it still is highly Frankincense is slowly regaining its promi- embedded into the Arabian culture and is nence like in the ancient times when it was an important ingredient of many perfumes considered priceless as gold. and cosmetics of modern times. Also, recent This article traces the origin, history and research studies have highlighted its impor- the ancient trade routes of this famed aro- tance and benefits in the treatment of many matic commodity of Arabia- Frankincense. illnesses and disorders such as Rheumatoid Frankincense is an ancient aromatic resin

56 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 57 which has been entrenched in the history to come from Southern Arabian Peninsula and culture of myriad of societies across the which have the ideal climatic conditions. world for more than 5000 years; being used Boswellia trees for a variety of medicinal, religious and so- Although more than 20 species of Bo- cial purposes. swellia trees are known to exist, only 5 are Frankincense is the dried resin obtained considered important to produce the frankin- from a species of trees of the genus Boswell- cense and these are outlined below :- ia in the family of Burseraceae. These trees • Boswellia carterii- It is mainly found in usually thrive for long periods in semi-dry the Arabian Peninsula in Somalia and So- regions of the world in precarious environ- maliland growing on limestone and volcanic ments like rocky eroding slopes and chalky rocks. This dried resin is commonly used for soil. They are native to Oman, Yemen, So- making the natural incense. It has a deep rich malia, Ethiopia and India. The Boswellia aroma. trees are rarely cultivated and usually grow • Boswellia sacra - It is grown in the Dho- wild in wadis and dry gravel beds. They far mountains of Southern Oman and in the grow up to 8 feet tall and have an outer scaly Al-Mahrah and Hadhramaut region of Ye- bark and an inner bark containing the trees’ men. The dried resin from this tree is consid- sap with the aromatic resins. The resin har- ered to be the finest frankincense like How- vested from different Boswellia trees varies jary, Silver belong to this subspecies. It has a from species to species and also within the pungent, woody, astringent aroma. same species depending on the local climatic • Boswellia fraraena - It grows in the conditions. The best Frankincense is claimed Northern Somalia on higher altitudes than

58 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 59 and size of ‘tears’. The ‘tear’ refers to the hardened streaks of resins. The different res- ins are known by their local names such as Hasiki, Nejdi, Howjary, Fusoos, etc.

HARVESTING As the Boswellia trees grow in remote hillsides and cliffs; the harvesting of frank- incense is a dangerous task and usually these grooves are known only to the traditional harvesters of frankincense who sometimes B.carterii. These trees are typically the have to walk for days along difficult foot source of Maydi Frankincense(Somali trails to reach these trees. The traditional Frankincense) and are used as incense, medi- harvesting techniques are still employed to cines and a popular chewing candy. It has a collect the frankincense and have remained citrus-lemony and earthy aroma. unchanged for thousands of years. • Boswellia serrata - It is widely distribut- Frankincense is usually harvested twice ed and grown in the dry, hilly parts of India. a year from the Boswellia trees during the It is known as the Indian frankincense and spring and early autumn season. The trees are is most commonly available as incense. It’s harvested like rubber by cutting the bark and aroma is more sweeter and delicate as com- letting the milky sap to seep out. Multiple pared to other frankincense. It has been used slashes on the tree truck at the same points at in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. regular intervals of 10 days are done to col- • Boswellia papyrifera - It is grown in lect the frankincense. The initial cuts on the Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is known as trunk opens the ‘pores’ of the trees and this Sudanese frankincense and its aroma is char- resin is usually discarded as it doesn’t yield acterized by a fresh lemon-pine scent. marketable frankincense. The subsequent The resins from the different Boswellia incisions on the same spots later allow the trees are available in various grades and de- resin to exude. The second scrapping yields pend on the time of harvesting, color of resin low quality frankincense. It is the third cut- ting that produces the ‘true’ frankincense and these are either scrapped off after they harden and form crystals on the tree trunk or these are also collected from the ground after the resin has fallen from the tree and dried natu- rally. The collected dried resin crystals are then stored in the shade, preferably in caves for at least a couple of months to dry them completely. These crystallized resin rocks are then sorted by hand and taken to the local markets for sale as frankincense. The dried resins resemble pebbles or ir-

58 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 59 regular gummy candy which are also called routes to the markets in Greek, Roman and ‘pearls of the desert’ and are available in Parthian Empires. various shapes, sizes and colors. They range As the demand for frankincense from in color from silvery-white to brown with Southern Arabia increased between 1000 the light and clear frankincense being con- BCE to 700 AD, the overland routes through sidered to be more superior in quality than Arabia also greatly improved especially af- the muddy, brown ones. Generally, the big- ter the domestication of camels around 900 ger and whiter the rock, the better quality it BCE. The camel caravans carried frankin- is assumed and more expensive it is. The cense from its production centers in South- chunks of frankincense are sold as incense ern Arabia (Qana and Ubar) to Gaza port on or processed into essential oils and sold. the Mediterranean Sea from where it was shipped to different parts of the world. Thus, HISTORY the Southern Arabian regions prospered, be- Since Millennia, frankincense has been coming an important overland trade link be- greatly prized and revered in the ancient civ- tween the ancient civilizations of the world ilized world; being steeped in the cultures of and their indigenous commodities along with many ancient societies including Egyptian, other luxury goods reaching their ports were Greek and Roman. The incense producing highly in demand in the societies in Egypt, regions of Northeast Africa and Southern Greece, Rome and Mesopotamia. Even the Arabia had developed extensive trade net- region along the routes which were involved works with overland caravan routes and sea in trading also flourished especially in the

60 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 61 Nabatean Empire. with prestige and tradition. The English The main kingdoms in Southern Arabia word ‘Frankincense’ is derived from the which prospered by the frankincense and Old French word ‘franc encens’ meaning spice trade where the Minian, Sabaean Hi- ‘superior quality incense’. Frankincense is myarite, Qataban and Hadhramaut king- also called ‘olibanum’. It’s Greek and Latin doms. The market for frankincense was so words ‘libanos’ and ‘libanus’ originate from great that myths and fables were promul- the Arabic word for frankincense which is gated by its traders to keep the rivals away ‘luban’ which originates from a root word and monopolize its trade. The Lihyanits and referring to the ‘milky whiteness’ of the gum Nabateans up in Northern Arabia also pros- resin. The Arabic scientific name for the pered because of this trade by monopolizing gum resin is ‘kundur’ and is derived from and taxing the camel caravans that passed the Greek pharmaceutical term ‘khondrous through their territories. libanou’ meaning ‘grain frankincense’. The Southern Arabian kingdoms became Frankincense’s popularity markedly di- so rich that it became known to the Greek and minished with the decline of Roman Empire Roman historians as Arabia Felix (Blessed and rise of Christianity banning the pagan or Happy Arabia) with Pliny, Strabo, Theo- rituals which had utilized it excessively. phrastus among others all using this term. Also, the cremations were replaced by buri- Pliny, the Roman historian, has vividly de- als in the 4th century onwards. The availabil- scribed the Frankincense trade network in ity of artificial, cheaper chemical substitutes the 1st century AD. Also the Ancient Greek of frankincense further stagnated its trade. navigation manual, Periplus of the Erythrean Though the Christians did use frankincense Sea reveals the export of frankincense from in a smaller scale, it didn’t warrant imports the ancient ports in Southern Arabia. Frank- from the Arabian Peninsula at a large scale. incense is also deemed sacred in the religious Thus, the use of frankincense became re- texts of the Jews and Christians who used it stricted mostly to the Arabian Peninsula only in their religious rituals. where it still continued to be an integral part The peak period of frankincense trade oc- of its culture and tradition. curred in the 1st and 2nd century AD, when Southern Arabia exported more than 3000 TRADE ROUTES tons annually to Greece and Rome. There are Since more than 5000 years, frankincense many archaeological and textual evidences has been traded in the Arabian Peninsula and supporting the use and trade of frankincense the Northeast Africa with markets in ancient from the early times with the earliest refer- Egypt, Syria, Greece, Persia, Rome and In- ence to its trade found in the Egyptian ar- dia through the ancient overland routes and chives of around 1500 BC, although many sea routes. researchers conclude that this trade had oc- Between 2000 and 1000 BC, complex curred much earlier. trade networks evolved to transport the much In the Middle Ages, Franks (people of in-demand frankincense along with other modern France and Germany) popular- aromatics, spices and other luxurious goods ized frankincense in Western Europe where from the cities and ports in Southern Arabia it became a symbol of luxury associated to Mediterranean ports such as Gaza and Al-

60 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 61 exandria from where it was further shipped to ury goods including gems, ebony, silk, spic- distant lands. Although overland routes were es and textiles would reach the ancient ports much in use, even maritime routes were uti- in Southern Arabia and from there the Arab lized to ship the precious frankincense from merchants would take all the precious items Southern Arabian ports up north to Greece along with their indigenous commodities up and Rome. The main ancient sea ports were north. The Frankincense Trail Route passed in Sumhuram in present day Oman and Qana through a series of pre-Islamic trading king- in present day Yemen from where it was load- doms of Southern Arabia- Mian, Hadhram- ed on larger ships bound for distant lands. aut, Sheba and Qataban; and then paralleled But, the two main trade routes by which the the Red Sea coast about 70 miles in land and frankincense and other precious cargo from passed through Makkah and Medina before Southern Arabia reached their destinations reaching Petra. From Petra, frankincense were the Frankincense Trail Routes (or the travelled in overland routes to Asia Minor, Incense Road) and the Maritime Silk Road. Palmyra, Damascus and the Parthian Em- pire. It also reached Gaza and Alexandria Frankincense Trail Route from Petra. The ancient connecting trade route be- The cities arising along the 2000-mile- tween the sources of frankincense in the Ara- long Frankincense Trail Route became pros- bian Peninsula and India to Mesopotamia perous and included Qana, Shabwah, Marib, and Europe is called the Frankincense Trail Najran, Madain Saleh and Petra. An impor- Route. The Indian ships laden with their lux- tant frankincense trade center of the ancient

62 lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l lSha’ban 1440/May 2019 l 63 times was the Shisr oasis and Ubar in the Julius Caesar to protect his merchant ships present day Dhofar region of Oman. This from piracy, increased number of ships be- outpost exported frankincense across Meso- gan to sail northwards. Thus, enabling the potamia, India and China from its ancient coveted frankincense to reach the Roman port of Sumhuram. Qana was another impor- Empire faster. tant port in present day Yemen whose wealth However, with the stagnation of the frank- and status directly depended on the frankin- incense trade due to its dampened demand, cense trade. At its height of prosperity, Qana its popularity decreased and the trade routes received shipments of up to 10,000 tons of were abandoned and over time the trading frankincense from nearby sources and stored cities also were engulfed under the sea of it fortified warehouses. For almost a millen- sand. nium, from 500 BC to 500 AD, it was in- Yet, the recent revived interests in the use volved in frankincense trade. of Frankincense as incense or essential oils The Frankincense Trail Route came to an and its promising applications in the physical end around 100 AD when it ceased to be prof- and mental well-being as well as treatment of itable resulting in the collapse of the many many illnesses is gradually taking the inimi- trading kingdoms who depended entirely on table odor of frankincense to larger audiences frankincense trade. across the world. Hence, frankincense’s fame The great empires of the 1st millennium of yesteryears is slowly making a comeback. BCE including Assyria, Persia, Greece and Rome, each tried to gain control of the Ara- bian spice trade, but were unsuccessful until the later part of 1st century BCE.

Maritime Silk Road Around the 1st century AD, trade devel- oped between India and Rome and the Greek kingdom in Egypt on what became the Mari- time Silk Road. Ships travelled from India and docked at the ports on Gulf of Aden and on Red Sea from where short caravans took the goods to Alexandria on the Medi- terranean Sea resulting in prosperity to these ports such as Aden, Al-Munza, Beren-like, at the expense of overland Frankincense Trail Route which came to end around this time. The Maritime Silk Route enabled the merchants to reach Alexandria much earlier than the overland Frankincense Trail Route and it did not cost as much as the inland taxes were avoided. With the fleet of Roman worships dispatched in Red Sea by emperor

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Osman Abu Zeid

When I reached the flight information (azan) although I did not need to, because desk at King Abdul Aziz International Air- the prayer call of the Prophet’s Mosque will port in Jeddah, I fumbled in my pocket for wake you up twice, one at the first azan and my cell phone for vain but could not find it. I the other at the second. must have forgotten it at home! Everything went fine at the seminar. I de- I was heading to Madinah to partake in livered the speech from memory, not rely- a university seminar. I saved the files on my ing on any notes. Perhaps my performance cell phone including the flight ticket infor- would not have been as good if I had read the mation, the presentation of my research and notes off the screen of my cell phone. the short speech I was going to deliver at I felt that not having a cell phone gave me the opening ceremony. I lost everything in a chance to dedicate more time to religious a second, including the cell phone number obligations and walking. of the university’s representative who was For the first time I discovered some stores waiting for me at the Madinah airport. adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque that worth What an unpleasant surprise! a visit. Having one’s cell phone all the time I thought that my trip failed and that I had can be addictive and can hold us from engag- to go back, but I got a grip on myself and ing in many activities. explained my situation to the airlines desk The so-called social networking has noth- officer. In a few minutes, I was on my way ing to do really with ‘social interaction’. Peo- to board the airplane. I heard the employee ple are spending a lot of time on cell phones joking with me, asking, “But can you travel talking with one another. Even families do without your cell phone?” not spend as much quality time together as When on board, I remembered the Ameri- they used to. Everyone is living in the vir- can term “Nomophobia”, short for No Mo- tual world as if they were escaping the true bile Phobia. world. Nomophobia is the fear of being out of Two days later, I realized after being dis- cell phone, or the anxiety relating to sudden connected from the social networking world loss of a cellular connection. that dependency on these devices makes us As soon as I arrived, I bought a watch al- lose our energy and vigor, and most impor- though I had not worn one for many years. I tantly concentration. I came to realize that arranged a wake-up call with the hotel recep- nomophobia made me sleep better. tionist to wake me up at the dawn prayer call Try to stay off your cell phones for hours.

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