Letter From the Editor

Islamic Unity… a religious duty and cultural imperative

Every loyal and sincere Muslim aspires to see narrow-minded thoughts of certain people or the day when the Islamic unity is a reality on schools, and the emergence of blocs and par- the ground. It is a sublime goal which many ties that work to divide the Ummah and turn consider as the only guarantee for coexistence it into belligerent factions and parties. Add to between the Muslis and the only way for the this the classification of ideological orienta- prosperity of their countries. We should all tions, which pose the greatest threat to social share the conviction that Islamic unity is the peace. inevitable and indispensable option. These things are against the Shari’ah teach- We should all make efforts and work to- ings, rules and purposes. A Muslim should not gether to achieve Islamic unity based on our be bigoted and have fanatic opinions about a common human values transcending division certain group or school of thought. A Mus- and fighting. Our efforts should focus on the lim should not discriminate against his fellow one and only Ummah described in the Noble brother, nor kill him, or call him a kafir or even Qur’an and this should be our supreme objec- exclude him. A Muslim should focus on har- tive. mony and unity. Islamic unity is a religious must as clearly We should overlook unintentional mistakes expressed in the Noble Qur’an and hadith. The and oversights and not shame, misguide, and Noble Qur’an says, “And hold fast, all of you exclude a fellow Muslim. We should dispel together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur’an), misconceptions using strong arguments and and be not divided among yourselves.” (Surat respect the opinions of scholars. We should not Al-Imran, Verse: 103). “The believers are noth- exaggerate jurisprudence differences in public ing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So because such differences should be discussed make reconciliation between your brothers.” by and among scholars only. (Surat Al-Hujurat, Verse: 10); “…and do not It is sad that our societies have not com- dispute (with one another) lest you lose cour- plied with the teachings of the Noble Qur’an age and your strength depart, and be patient. and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace Surely, Allah is with those who are the patient be upon him) although the Prophet urged us ones.” (Surat Al-Anfal, Verse: 46). The second to do so and warned us against not following verse above calls for meeting the requirements these two sources. He also warned us against for unity while the third one rejects dispute hatred when he said, “Beware of hatred for and division because they disunite Muslims. it is the shearer; it does not shear hair but it The Islamic teachings call for strengthening shears religion.” Islamic bonds of brotherhood and not engag- In line with its responsibility toward the ing in any actions that cause hatred and deepen Ummah, the Muslim World League strives to the differences. Unity is where the interest and unite all Muslims and bridge the differences benefit of Muslims lie. between scholars and emphasize the scholars’ Needless to say that Muslim communities role in bringing together all Muslims. have been suffering from hardships includ- May Allah Almighty bless the MWL efforts ing conflicts, disputes, fanaticism, religious and forums aiming to enhance Islamic unity as intolerance, narrow-mindedness regarding well as political and economic solidarity! And the comprehensiveness of Islam in addition to for Allah that is not hard.

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Final.indd 1 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Al-Issa: “Extremists are responsible for their violations” 4

MWL Secretary General receives 10 Egypt’s Coptic Bishop Morcos in Riyadh

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Final.indd 2 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM MWL Secretary General Meets Head of Lebanon’s Druze Community 8

The Manifesto of Language and Identity 41

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Final.indd 3 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa addresses the opening ceremony

Al-Issa: “Extremists are responsible for their violations”

Abu Dhabi During the opening of the forum of rein- rights organizations. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa forcing peace in Abu Dhabi, the Secretary made clear that the Islamic values that pro- General of Muslim World League (MWL), tected all legitimate rights and freedoms of Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim others were not a grant or gift from human, Al-Issa stressed that difference and diver- but a mercy from Allah to all communities sity are of human beings’ nature. The con- for the purpose of spreading peace, pros- ference called “Hilf Al-Fudul; Chance to perity and stability. These Islamic values Enhance Global Peace” was attended by came as one bloc not divided and they are 800 representatives of religions and human well-fortified against any penetration.

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Final.indd 4 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, Dr. Al-Issa and Sheikh Bin Bia during the forum

Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa added that Islam estab- Virtuous. The Prophet also said about this al- lished moral and ethical pillars foremost liance: “If I were invited to this alliance in among them the preservation of the right Islam, I would attend.” of the other even enemies and warriors’ be- Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa mentioned three seri- cause Islam’s criterion is justice and human ous mistakes some people commit when try- dignity. Allah says: “And if ye give your ing to understand some historical facts. First, word, do justice thereunto, even though it be those who commit absurd practices and acts (against) a kinsman.” Allah also says: ...and of hatred and terrorism are only responsible let not hatred of any people seduce you that for their acts and violations. All religions are ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer full of followers who commit violations and to your duty.” These are rules and principles practices of hatred, while their religions are of Islamic religion that cannot be touched or innocent of these violations and practices. violated under any pretext. Prophet Muham- Second, all international intellectuals did not mad (peace be upon him) praised Hilf Al- notice that Islamic religion safeguard the le- Fudul that was a seventh-century alliance gitimate rights and freedoms of people with- created by various Makkans, on top of them out exception, to the extent that scholars and the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, to estab- jurists of Islam confirmed that Allah upholds lish fair commercial dealing. Because of Mu- the just state and neglects the unjust one re- hammad’s role in its formation, the alliance gardless of religion. Consequently, the cri- plays a significant role in Islamic ethics. Be- terion and principle of justice are applied to cause Fudul commonly means “virtuous” the all. Third mistake is that opinions are circu- alliance is often translated as League of the lated from time to time about the position of

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Final.indd 5 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed mediated by Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa and Sheikh Bin Bia

Islam with respect to other religions. Those Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa said: “The Islamic Con- who believe that Islam came to uproot other stitution granted them an exceptional privi- religions are very wrong. Those wrong intel- lege in its jurisprudence. Islam also named lectuals also provide examples that Islam the followers of those two heavenly religions spread with sword and they also cite some the people of the Book together with protect- historical facts or the misinterpretations of ing the rights of other religions. In addition, the texts that are not complete. Prophet Mu- Islam put spot light on all religious minori- hammad’s life is full of examples of mercy ties. This occurred when Prophet Muham- and justice to all people. Allah says: “And mad, peace be upon him, traveled to Madinah if thy Lord willed, all who are in the earth fleeing the persecution of the disbelievers of would have believed together. Wouldst thou Quraish tribe. In Madinah, the Prophet es- (Muhammad) compel men until they are be- tablished the rules of comprehensive citizen- lievers?” the speech is directed to the Islamic ship and gave minorities all their rights to nation. live in peace. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa made clear Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa rejected what is cir- that some historical events that took place culated by some writers about Islam. They between Islam and other religions were the say that Islam denied the right of existence result of purely political disputes that have of some heavenly religions to live in peace. no relations with the existence of other. This Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa pointed out that Islam un- is an irrefutable historical fact. Some intel- derstands the existence of all religions as an lectuals misunderstand these historical facts inevitable universal law and difference and because of their lack of knowledge of the diversity are of the nature of human beings. truth from their authenticated sources Regarding Judaism and Christianity, Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa stressed that the Is-

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Final.indd 6 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Side of the forum attendance

lamic religion is the religion of mercy and those who show mercy.” tolerance. Allah says: “We sent thee (Proph- Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa stressed that Islam’s et Muhammad) not save as a mercy for all preserving for the rights of minorities is a people.” The Prophet also said: “I was sent cornerstone of its justice and high values. to perfect good character.” Allah revealed Madinah’s Document that has recently been Islam to give followers of other religions discussed in Marrakech Conference was the all their rights not to deprive them of their best example. Every jurist in Islam knows rights. Islam also urged its followers to par- that any scene that goes beyond that natural don even the aggressor. Allah says: “The context is justified by the law of war for ev- guerdon of an ill-deed is an ill the like there- eryone at that time. Allah says in the Holy of. But whosoever pardoneth and amendeth Qur’an: “Among the People of the Scrip- his wage is the affair of Allah. Lo! He loveth ture there is he who, if thou trust him with a not wrong-doers.” The Prophet, peace be weight of treasure, will return it to thee. And upon him, pardoned the pagans of Quraish among them there is he who, if thou trust him who inflicted upon him and his companions with a piece of gold, will not return it to thee the severest forms of harm and persecution unless thou keep standing over him. That is after he defeated them in the conquest of because they say: We have no duty to the Makkah. The Prophet mentioned the story of Gentiles. They speak a lie concerning Allah Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) when he knowingly.” Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa concluded pardoned his brothers who did harm to him. his speech by stressing the impossibility of The Prophet recited this Qur’anic verse: “He the emergence of an alliance of world peace said: Have no fear this day! May Allah for- until internal peace is achieved with the hu- give you, and He is the Most Merciful of man self, individuals and societies.

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Final.indd 7 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM MWL Secretary General Meets Head of Lebanon’s Druze Community Makkah-MWL derstand the importance of communication to reach enlightened dialogue against the clash of Secretary General of the Muslim World cultures. League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin The delegation also included Sheikh Abdulkarim Al-Issa has recently received a Ghandy Makarem, the Community’s Judge, delegation of the Druze Unitarian Community Sheikh Sami Abul-Mona, President of the in Lebanon, led by Sheikh Ghassan Al-Halaby. Druze Council’s Cultural Committee and During the meeting held at the MWL head- Secretary General of Irfan Unitarian Estab- quarters in Makkah, both sides discussed sev- lishment, Sheikh Samy Abdekhaleq, Member eral topics related to unifying Islamic efforts to of the Druze Council’s Endowment, Sheikh confront conflicts and strife. Khaldoun Al-Hasneya, Secretary General of They asserted that Islamic unity serves the Sheikh Akl of the Community, Sheikh Halim interests of all parties, consolidates values of Al-Debissy, Member of Irfan Unitarian Estab- tolerance and cooperation and enhances rela- lishment, Sheikh Nedal Gammaz, Member of tions with the other. Irfan Unitarian Establishment and Sheikh Ye- They also stressed the need to inspire high- hia Abdelkhaleq from the Faculty of Unitarian er values from joint Islamic guidance and un- Sciences.

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Final.indd 8 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM H.E. the SG Sheik Dr. Al-Issa received the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait

Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa receives Coordinator of Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group The Secretary General of the Muslim World League Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Ab- dulkarim Al-Issa received in his office in Riyadh His Excellency the Coordinator of Strategic Vision Group between Russia and the Islamic World, Ambassador Dr. Veniamin Popov and his accompanying delegation in the presence of the Deputy Ambassador and Advisor of the Russian Embassy to the King- dom of Saudi Arabia Mr. Igor Boschin. During the meeting, a number of issues of common interest were discussed.

H.E. the SG Sheik Dr. Al-Issa received the US Ambassador

HE the SG Sheikh Dr. Muham- mad Abdulkarim Al-Issa re- ceived the US Ambassador for Religious Freedoms, Mr. Sam Brownback. They discussed a number of issues, especially that of some Muslim minorities suffering from discrimination, deprivation, abuse and perse- cution in some countries.

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Final.indd 9 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM MWL Secretary General receives Egypt’s Coptic Bishop Morcos in Riyadh

Riyadh-MWL Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa received in his Riyadh office Bish- op Morcos, the General Bishop of Shobra of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church. During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of issues of common interest. The meeting was attended by members of the Egyptian Embassy to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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Final.indd 10 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM His Excellency the Secre- tary General of the Muslim World League Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulka- rim Al-Issa with Adama Dieng, the UN Secretary- General’s Special Advisor exploring issues of mutual interests during a recent meeting. H.E. the SG Sheik Dr. Al-Issa received the President of RSOR

His Excellency the Secre- tary General of the Mus- lim World League Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Ab- dulkarim Al-Issa receives the President of Rohingya Solidarity Organization Mr. Salimullah Hussein Abdurrahman.

H.E. Dr. Al-Issa received the Advisor for Religious Affairs of the Republic of France His Excellency the Secretary General of the Muslim World League Sheikh Dr. Muham- mad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa has received here the Advisor for Religious Affairs of the Repub- lic of France Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, in the presence of French Ambassador to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Francois Gouy- ette . During the meeting, a num- ber of issues of common interests were discussed.

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Final.indd 11 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa during the opening of the Center

Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa inaugurates emergency center affiliated to IORWD

Jeddah-MWL

The Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa has inaugurated the emergency center affiliated to the International Organization for Relief, Welfare and Development (IORWD) at its headquarters in Jeddah. The center is responsible for providing the latest devel- opments and reports issued by the specialized agencies including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations International Strategy for Di- saster Reduction (UNISDR) and the sources of agencies operating in the emergency sector.

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Final.indd 12 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa listened in drawing up a plan for the during the inauguration to urgent response. Sheikh Dr. a detailed explanation from Al-Issa extended gratitude Secretary General of the IOR- and appreciation to all stren- WD Dr. Abdulaziz Ahmad uous efforts exerted in this Sarhan about the role and re- regard, pointing out that the sponsibilities of the center in IORWD carries out the ac- managing disasters and pro- tivities and tasks assigned in- viding the needs for all affect- cluding implementation of re- ed states. The center is aimed lief and developmental tasks at making IORWD a bench- worldwide in accordance mark for all humanitarian with professionally planned works and the first option of goals and programs. He also donors as well as implement- stressed that the IORWD has ing development programs taken major steps in serving and projects through observ- all the affected and needy all ing urgent situations together over the world and offering with evaluating the swiftness humanitarian assistance to of response in mitigating the the beneficiaries in a digni- effects of crises and disasters fied way regardless of their on the affected communities. ethnicity or religious affilia- Dr. Sarhan said that the tion and in accordance with center has subscribed in alert principles of Islam. observatories and created da- Allah the Almighty says tabase on emergency work for in Surat Al-Insan, Verse (8), each office, a matter which “And feed with food the facilitates the process of fol- needy wretch, the orphan and low-up and contact with bod- the prisoner, for love of Him,” ies that provide information The prisoner here is the fight- about crises and disasters. er who was taken as captive In addition, the center will and Islam obliges believers send a voluntary emergency to give food and assistance team to monitor and assess to him. This is the mercy of needs and support the office Islam.

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Final.indd 13 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Muslim World League’s relief campaign targets 40,000 African refugees

JEDDAH: beginning of the armed conflict in Central Africa and the displacement of its residents The Muslim World League (MWL), repre- to neighboring countries, including Chad. sented by International Organization for Re- MWL is the only international humani- lief, Welfare and Development (IORWD), tarian organization that is still providing aid has implemented an urgent relief campaign for Central Africans, with the big support of distributing food baskets to more than 40,000 relevant governmental and security bodies refugees from Central Africa who are resid- in Chad, while all other organizations have ing in the refugee camps on Chad’s borders. stopped their work on the borders for differ- MWL has been providing relief since the ent reasons.

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Final.indd 14 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM The Secretary General of the MWL, forts to reach this dangerous border area, lo- Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al- cated more than a thousand kilometers from Issa stressed the need to continue supporting Djamena, the capital of Chad. these vulnerable groups, consisted mostly of The team was also able to include 150 new women and children. The aid must cover all refugees, who escaped to a border school, in their basic needs, along with health require- MWL’s distribution plan, thanks to the MWL ments and clothes, he added. long experience in the field and in recogni- MWL has pledged to continue aiding the tion of the new refugees’ urgent need for re- displaced Central Africans, no matter how lief, after the long distances they had traveled dangerous the conditions get, as it strongly to reach the safe area. believes in the greatness of its humanitarian MWL said that it will not fail to imple- mission and the cause of the Islamic religion ment health, developmental and relief works that is tolerant toward all religions and races. in Africa in general, and in Chad in particular. MWL extended thanks and appreciation MWL also noted that it will start imple- for Abad Al-Sayer, Governor of Southern menting programs focusing on health on a Chad, for supporting the efforts of MWL’s periodic basis in most regions of Chad, where teams in the camps. it manages one of the best health centers in MWL said the urgent relief campaign the capital. targeted four camps on the borders between The aid will also cover establishing urban Chad and Central Africa, where 8,400 food centers, building mosques and digging wells, baskets were distributed. along with programs for orphans and urgent The MWL team has made strenuous ef- relief campaigns.

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Final.indd 15 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Yusuf Estes: Islamic dialogue increases awareness and knowledge about Islam

Dr. Osman Abu Zeid

The Muslim World League (MWL) Journal recently inter- viewed Sheikh Yusuf Estes while he was in Makkah attend- ing the MWL Supreme Council, of which he is a member.

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Final.indd 16 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Yusuf Estes was born a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in 1944 to a musically-talented Chris- tian family in Midwest America. He became suc- cessful in the music business, owning stores and appearing on TV shows, and he used his talents to promote faith in God and preach from the Bible. In 1991, his father introduced him to a Muslim from Egypt. Sheikh Yusuf immediately tried to convert him to Christianity, but instead the Muslim offered a true understanding about Islam and brought about a real awakening. Sheikh Yusuf learned that Islam is not just a blind faith and that there is only one version of the Noble Qur’an that has never changed for over 1,400 years. Sheikh Yusuf thought hard and prayed deeply in his heart for guidance. After prostrating and lay- ing his head on the ground, asking Almighty God to guide him, the guidance came and he accepted God’s will in complete peace. He entered Islam in July 1991. Since coming to Islam, he has helped thou- sands of new people entering Islam, even while answering many harsh attacks against Muslims, using only straight talk, simple humor and a lot of love. He brings the pure message of Islam in simple English terms and makes it fun and easy to understand, using references to the Noble Qur’an and teachings of Islam. Here follows Sheikh Yusuf’s interview with the MWL Journal: Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world today, yet is it misunderstood, how can we affect these misconceptions? This is a very good question, and because the question contains a statement I always like to clar- ify the statements mentioned because sometimes they’re not correct. Islam is not the fastest grow- ing group of people on earth today, Islam is the fastest growing religion... Yes, but it’s not the fast- est growing group. The fastest growing group is ‘molhideen’ or atheists because people are leaving other religions to come to Islam but more of those

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Final.indd 17 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM people are leaving their re- ligions to become atheists. And the attraction there is that there is no God whatso- ever. And if there’s no God, then they don’t have to wor- ry about morality, you don’t have to worry about it but I have to be a good person, that defines good in your eyes, this is good in my eyes something else is good… they start playing with words even worse now more than what they were doing before, because up to now we’ve been talking about words and the importance of them, amazing things that in images. But if you real- of it, now you have concepts they see how do you keep ize that this group today is that have been offered and looking at these things and becoming the biggest after these people are accepting saying that there’s the acci- Islam and one day will be concepts such as that every- dent here? So now I’m off even more than Islam, that’s thing in the universe came the topic a little bit because the thing we need to look about by accident, it is just of this digression but if you at. But now what are mis- a big accident. But you can- understand that the fastest conceptions regarding this? not logically take the uni- thing is growing from Bud- People aren’t going to Is- verse itself and say it could dhism, Hinduism, from the lam as opposed to believing come by accident because people of the Christians, in God. Actually atheism is we know what accidents Jews and from even Mus- what the problem is. People are. If the building is falling lims leaving Islam. This are leaving all religions to down, this is not something means a different question atheism, that’s the problem. beautiful, so if it’s by acci- needs to be asked. Let’s look at the real prob- dent, if it’s by an explosion What is the fastest grow- lem. Choosing to follow then how do you explain the ing group? Two groups are Mosses (peace be upon him) beauty of the universe itself growing too fast. Islam is if you know what he really when people sit at night and growing too fast, but also taught is not the worst thing look at the universe and are this group that used to be in the world, choosing to fol- so overwhelmed? How do very small, very tiny group low Issa or Jesus (peace be people when they’re in the 200 years ago - people who upon him) is not the worst laboratories looking at a mi- do not believe anything. thing in the world and fol- croscope and the beauty of There is always people who lowing Muhammad (peace what they’re seeing in front believe in God, in statues, upon him) is not the worst

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Final.indd 18 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM thing in the world. These all the debate between sheik so same exact debate. I always are very positive directions and so and pastor so and so; wanted to ask a question, so where people are going, but let’s all watch this debate when I went to that part of when you talk about some- and vote who we think is Louisiana, USA, where they body that says there is no the best one. I don’t want to had the debate, hurricane God, that means there are vote for either one of them Katrina had wiped it out. no morals, it doesn’t matter because you are dividing the When I was there with the what I do, it’s all by accident people even further apart aftermath, they call it relief anyway. This is a very dan- which is not our goal. work, I met some of the very gerous concept. So I think brothers who invited Ahmad that aligning ourselves with What about the method- Deedat over. They said yes those who are trying to keep ology which late Ahmad we invited him over, we people believing in God and Deedat used for debates? were on the board, we were being good people will be at Actually because they invit- the ones who brought him the end of the day a better ed me to take his place after over. call than just saying if you he passed away, I went there don’t believe in Allah and I watched it there. Their Did you meet Ahmad you don’t believe in Mu- entire operation is entirely Deedat? hammad, without them even beautiful; he had so many We didn’t meet, I was in knowing who Muhammad wonderful things, but some the same building with him is, then you’re going to go people knew he could de- where he was giving his to hell, I don’t think that’s bate and knew he had ability speeches. We didn’t get to the proper call to make. I to offset some of the attacks actually meet. But his son think it would be a lot better coming on Islam in those yes, I know his son Yousif. to align ourselves more with early days and that’s what To come back to this, when these; they call it interactive he did. I think he did an ex- I was there with those guys, dawah or interactive voices cellent job in some of what I asked them the question that we bring together mod- he did; however, whenever I always wanted to ask: erate and gave people the somebody would attack Before the debate did you chance to explain. And I him he’s, like a normal per- guys have any relation- like to mention something son, would attack back with ships with Christians? They that you didn’t ask me, what something better. Jimmy said “yes”. I said how was do you think about debates? Swaggart was not that well- it? They said, “very good”, But I want to put the ques- known in the world, he was we had a good relationship tion out there because it can well-known to some of the with them, that’s how we be very damaging. A debate Christians but became very got them all to come out especially with someone famous from his debate with to the debate. I said okay who is not well-versed in the Deedat. Also, the Christians my question is now what is subject is not really a debate felt he won the debate, and your relationship with your anymore. You have people I know this because when I community after the de- trying to show off what they was working in the prisons, bate? They said it’s always know; did you hear about they were circulating this been bad and we were never

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Final.indd 19 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM able to fix it. So there is your answer for de- bates; if it’s not done according to Islam, it won’t work. The Islamic debate is bringing two scholars who have opposing opinions on some things but they have evidence for what they’re saying and they are not there Islam is not the fast- to show off and not trying to attack each est growing group of other, they are not trying to say “I’m better than you are” or something like that. You people on earth to- don’t find that today. When people are on day, Islam is the fast- the Internet or social media, they are attack- ing each other. And you have this one from est growing religion Canada who’s going to debate and this one from Georgia and it doesn’t work. When I first came to Islam maybe three months or four months old in Islam, there was to be because we find the debates bring a lot of a dialogue or discussion between an Arab heat but not too much light”. So we want Christian preacher and a Muslim scholar light, we don’t need heat and we want to from Canada. I was the one on stage han- avoid these kinds of open debates. But if dling the camera work, because I volun- someone wants to ask questions, he is wel- teered my camera to come out and do that, come, if you want to tell me you want to I’m watching the people in the audience and make statement, well, I wanted to clarify I am watching what the speakers are doing something from the beginning, yes Islam and it turned into a debate not because that is the fastest growing religion but the fast- the Muslim scholar wanted that at all, no, est growing group is atheists. So let’s look he even said that in the beginning, this is to at what the reality is and go to the word be a discussion. Also, it was clear that the ‘mizan’ or balance. We need to keep stay- preacher wanted people to hate Islam; he ing balanced, let’s not go off one way or was from the same place, and both of them the other. were opposing few points on religion and Finally we have the Muslim World this man wanted to excite the people and League efforts in the world in the interfaith his own people and get donations because dialog and coexistence with others. What is I saw the pamphlet which says they needed your opinion on what the Secretary-General money to fight these Muslims. That’s not is doing in so many countries? a discussion, that’s somebody challenging. Well, first of all I don’t want to take any So what happened at the end of that was a credit for anything that is not due to me, but big division again, but I liked one thing a I have been associated with a number of Christian minister opened the program up, organizations over the years and the foun- he held the position of a moderator and it dation that I went to was the Islamic Foun- was about this minister, he said something dation of America, I went to the Washing- real clear and I use it today. He said “This ton DC in the 1990s to be part of that, and is not to be a debate, this is to be a dialogue while I was there I got to meet the people

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Final.indd 20 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM the example that came to my mind. When I was in the City of Mandera, Kenya, over 10 years ago helping to bring relief effort for dawah, there was no water anywhere and holes were drilled by the government. We Finally I got to meet and wanted to put the equipment there to bring the water up and while we were there we work closely with the wanted to give water to the people. But we Muslim World League. also had some little dates and cookies and so many of the children came up and the el- This is an honor to me ders were kind of shy to come up and put to have this chance their hands out, they would just stand in the back. But the children would come up and grab whatever they could and Sheikh Matar Sabry standing next to me had a box and from the World Assembly of Muslim Youth a child came and grabbed the whole box (WAMY) and finally got to meet and work away from him and ran away from him. I closely with some of the people from the said “Wow what’s this kid is doing, that’s Muslim World League. This is an honor to greedy man”. He said, “Watch and look at me to have this chance to vocalize and hear what he’s doing.’’ The boy took this box back from some of these great wonderful and went to all the seniors, the older people teachers. You can’t even begin to scratch in the back and to the children in the back the surface of this short talk, the wonderful and he wanted to pass them out, didn’t keep things like what currently we are doing or one for himself and I started crying and said what can we do or should we be doing. To ‘’ Oh I was wrong, I was assuming some- know the world situation of the human be- thing’’. And this is what we all do, we look ings is an amazing thing to start with. For at what you’re doing from our perspective. instance, if you go to Indonesia, they have Rasool Allah told us about this when he said a better understanding of what’s going on in it is like somebody who’s going down to the the United States than some people in the water in the morning and he is making ‘wa- United States have about Indonesia. In some doo’, and he’s washing himself, maybe he’s cases you will find some people in other going to pray; and he sees somebody else on countries know more about what’s happen- the other side of the river doing something ing in the United States than the people in similar and he’s saying to himself this guy the United States. So this awareness is a big is a good guy and washing himself to pray thing. To me the awareness of what Islam but the other guy actually is a thief and he’s is really about, but not by dialogue, every- washing himself from something he stole thing I’ve been doing now is but talking and and he’s thinking this man is the thief just talking and talking and answer this or that like me. So we have intensity to put our own question, which is nothing compared to that feelings and own thinking on a person with- actions. When you see a small boy going out out realizing that it’s not that person, I’m of his way to give something… I’ll give you looking at a reflection of myself.

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Final.indd 21 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Muslim Unity: An Ordained Duty for Muslims

By Ahmed Kamal El-Din Izzeddin

“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became breth- ren; and ye were on the brink of the pitof Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided”.

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Final.indd 22 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM This verse of the Qur’an has been much but also possibly due to different spatial quoted by Muslims of all walks of life, and and temporal circumstances. The resultant all affiliations, every time, everywhere, yet different outlooks, however, should not be the precious goal remains unachieved, if not counted as real differences, since each ver- unachievable. The Muslim Umma, or na- sion can be traced back to the same origin tion, is still by large falling apart. through logical and other means of thinking. Unity is a multifaceted concept with vari- In fact, even where such logical nexus is ous connotations. But the most relevant in broken or mistaken, the process of reasoning our context here is bipartite: Unity can mean that leads to the mistaken conclusion would the unity of ranks, or organizational unity. It be rewarded for by God provided the rele- can also mean the unity of words, or view- vant individual has exerted his utmost hon- points. Full unity comprises both parts, so est mental efforts towards understanding the that a group would be organizationally unit- meaning of the word of God. Such reward ed, but also carrying ideas that are basically would be doubled where the ultimate result similar. of the reasoning comes to be correct. This is Verse 103 of Surat Al-Imran, quoted at because the correct reasoning involves two the beginning of this article, provides a focal elements: the first is represented by the hon- point for unity, namely, God the Almighty, est mental effort intended to understand the or Allah, in Arabic. Unity towards God en- meaning of the divine text. The second ele- tails subservience to God, with the intention ment is success in reaching a correct conclu- to obey God unquestioningly. This is indeed sion, which can then be beneficial to other different from obedience offered to any hu- people who might be searching for the truth. man or other mundane entity where adver- The importance of the aforesaid cannot tent, willing and total submission would be be overstated. Muslims should not expect to unthinkable. God is the creator of all beings, be exact copies of one another. Each Mus- and deserves worship by all. Other entities lim should endeavor to follow the righteous do not qualify for such a place, since they path, with good intentions and honest ef- are all created, not creators, among other forts, working hard for the attainment of a reasons. And by talking of “God” one re- truthful result, but regardless of how differ- fers to all that God has ordained, which is ent such result may turn out to be. It is the embodied in His book, the Qur’an, sent to purity of intention that counts, rather than mankind through his messenger, the Prophet the image or content of the resulting out- Muhammad, peace be upon him. These two come. Accordingly, Muslims with different sources include all the ethos and directives practices should not use that fact as a reason needed for a full understanding of man’s re- for any clashes. They of course can conduct lations with the universe and with God. dialogue in order to explore the processes For Muslims to achieve and maintain followed by every Muslim which was be- unity, they must revolve around the word hind her or his current practices. Such dia- of God, which includes His instructions and logue would enrich their understanding of guidance. People differ in their understand- one another, but also their comprehension ing of the text that resembles the word of of their own religion. Differences would God, due to different methods of thinking, therefore become a means of education and

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Final.indd 23 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM harmony rather than a cause for conflict and hatred. But alas, that is not always the case. In reality, Muslims have innumerable factors which would assist any efforts to- ward unification. For one thing, they are following the same basic tenets of the same religion, regardless of differences relating to peripheral issues that would by no means affect the major principles. Secondly, they constitute a significantly sizeable portion of the global population. A study conducted by Pew Research Center in 2015 reveals that global Muslim population in that year amounted to 1.8 billion (out of 7.3 billion to- tal world population). That makes up almost one quarter of global population. The num- ber as well as the percentage is expected to increase. Even the percent change in popula- tion size is enormous, according to the same study. Thanks to simple demographics, “Mus- lims will grow more than twice as fast as the overall world population between 2015 and 2060 and, in the second half of this century, will likely surpass Christians as the level of peoples, however, much effort is the world’s largest religious group. While yet to be exerted towards the establishment the world’s population is projected to grow of deeper contacts between different Mus- 32% in the coming decades, the number of lim peoples, of various cultures and ethnic Muslims is expected to increase by 70% – origins. As already hinted before, such di- from 1.8 billion in 2015 to nearly 3 billion in versity of affiliations should be a source of 2060. In 2015, Muslims made up 24.1% of enrichment and creativity for Muslims. It the global population. Forty-five years -lat also reflects the in-built tolerance of the Is- er, they are expected to make up more than lamic religion which sets no barriers what- three-in-ten of the world’s people (31.1%).” soever before embracing the faith which is There are a number of projects which based on any racial, cultural or other natural, reflect a measure of unity among Muslims born or acquired affiliation of the human be- and, most importantly, Muslim countries. ing. It should be admitted that nation state These include the Organization of Islam- boundary barriers played a considerable role ic Cooperation (OIC), the Muslim World in keeping Muslim peoples apart, despite all League (MWL), the Islamic Development existing facilities for the cross-border move- Bank (IDB), and – more recently -the Islam- ment of people. While Islam does not rec- ic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition. At ognize the maintenance of borders between

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Final.indd 24 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM worship God, but group worship is favored in Islam, such as the difference between of- fering the prayers individually and perform- ing the same in congregation. The difference for the purposes of reward is twenty seven degrees, as mentioned by the Prophet, peace be upon him. The incentive is intended to assure cooperation and unity, even when it comes to acts of worship. The current as- pects of cooperation among Muslims are quite meager, especially when compared with the huge human resources and even natural resources owned by Muslims and Muslim countries around the globe, includ- ing oil and other minerals, but also agricul- tural and animal resources.The OIC, as one example of a global structure intended to coordinate the efforts of Muslim countries and gear them towards unity, is expected to come out with innovative ideas that would tap on the said resources and bring the Umma closer to their supposed dreams in the path towards God the Almighty. How- ever limited in scope, the Hajj (or pilgrim- Muslim nations, exigencies of political and age to Makkah) experience speaks volumes historical realities determined controls on on how Muslims do have the potential of passage and residence of Muslims even in coming together. It represents a miniature of Muslim countries other than their home- Muslim unity, albeit within limited boundar- lands. Some aspects of regional coopera- ies and timeframe. A broader scale unity can tion, however, are serving the cause of the be achieved if Muslim leaders can manage would be unity, such as the Gulf Coopera- to reconcile with the popular ambitions of tion Council in the Middle East, but the jour- Muslim peoples, facilitate their cross-border ney remains a long way before attaining the movements, encourage inter-Muslim trade ultimate objective. and inter-Muslim marriages, and deepen the To conclude, unity is emphatically or- ties between Muslim countries in all other dained in the Qur’an and by the Prophet aspects. When the peoples are closer to one Muhammad, may peace be upon him, which another, all other political, bureaucratic, makes such a goal a sacrosanct purpose for diplomatic and administrative obstacles to Muslims. It is a duty that Muslims should unity can very easily be removed and the work for unity, cooperate and exchange not path opened to a unified global sphere for only goods and services but also greetings Muslims to enjoy. and love. An isolated individual can indeed Courtesy: Pew Research Center.

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Final.indd 25 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Spread of Islam: The Peace, Equality and Justice

Dr. Sumaiya Ahmed

Islam is a monotheistic religion. Besides ness and nearness to Allah. Prophet Muham- monotheism, it lays stress on social equality, mad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkah universal brotherhood and tolerance. It em- of a leading Quraish tribe in 570 C.E. He op- phasizes the importance of piety and devotion posed the superstitions and evil practices that rather than birth or color as a criterion for great- were prevalent in Arabia. He preached Islamic

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Final.indd 26 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM religion, the religion of the past Prophets. The international relations in times of peace and in basic teachings of Islam is, Allah is one and time of war. He ensured freedom of religion He has no form. He is all Powerful and Merci- and equal rights to all people (regardless of na- ful. All men are equal and there should be no tionality, skin color, gender and religion) difference amongst them. Everyone who is a follower of Islam has equal rights. Everyman Built a New United Society (Ummah): who believed in Allah and followed the path The Muslim Ummah had come into being of Islam, could not be classed as low. All Mus- soon after the emergence of Islam at Makkah lims are equal. Allah is the creator of all things, but its members were not allowed by the pa- He is the one; the Almighty. Allah is the infi- gans and vested interests to lead a peaceful and nite beauty. Allah loved those who are good. honorable life at Makkah and elsewhere. Mu- The greatest message of Islam is the unity of hammad (peace be upon him) was in search Allah and fraternity of all human beings. It has of a place where he and his followers could caused the fusion of races and abolished dis- live in peace and devise ways and means for tinctions of caste and color. It taught fraternity the spread of Islam. His visits to Al-Taif, Amir in its true sense. Prophet Muhammad (peace bin Sasa’ah and his approaches to the tribes be upon him) directed his attention towards the outside Makkah including the tribes in Yathrib establishment of a new society of equals. Rank reveal the fact that Muhammad (peace be upon in this new society was to be determined not him) was in search of a place where he could by aristocratic descent, but by the degree of practically implement the ideology of his mes- faith and piety. The most devout of the believ- sage, because vision (ideology) can only be re- ers are the most worthy in the sight of Allah. alized in space and time. It is to be noted that when Muhammad (peace be upon him) began Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to preach his mission, submission to it meant When Muhammad (peace be upon him) ap- to listen and obey Allah and His Messenger. peared in history, the world was characterized Islam was offered by Muhammad (peace be by social injustice and religious tyranny and upon him) to each individual and his tribe and oppression of the weak by the strong. These the latter surrendered his/its will to the will of widespread and deeply-rooted systems were Allah, Who in return, promised continuous abolished by Muhammad (peace be upon guidance to mankind through His Messenger. him). His law was one for all. Equality, jus- The individual covenant became a base for the tice, and love for everyone. He created a set establishment of the civil society at Makkah of international principles and systems previ- which was quite distinct and apart from the al- ously unknown to the Arabs and spread them ready existing society based on blood, locality far and wide. Similar principles and systems or linguistic affiliations. Once the moral and were also established in the Western world but psychological foundations of the new com- until many centuries later. For instance, he es- munity of Islam were laid down on the basis tablished a balanced economic system and a of such covenants, the next logical step in the consultative political system. He created clear development of the Ummah was the establish- laws and principles based on human rights and ment of organized authority

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Final.indd 27 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Established the Peaceful Society: It was a giant leap for humanity that estab- Al-Madinah consisted of various communi- lished the basis for treatment of non-Muslim ties, principally Muslim Arabs from Makkah minorities within the Muslim State, which (the Muhajireen or Emigrants), Muslim Ar- was far superior to the norms of the time. The abs from Yathrib (the Ansar or Supporters), Constitution of Al-Madinah guaranteed for all the Jews from Yathrib (Madinah), and other the parties of the covenant equality and free- people who were at that time still pagans. The dom of religion; emphasized the sanctity of Prophet (peace be upon him) set a precedent Al-Madinah, life, and individual possessions; and promulgated for its plural society the and prohibited crime. The Constitution of Al- “Constitution of Al-Madinah”, the first writ- Madinah stressed the importance of showing ten democratic constitution in the world, giv- belonging and patriotism to the society. All ing equal rights as well as equal responsibili- residents of Al-Madinah, according to the ar- ties to citizens, and establishing the principle ticles of its Constitution, should cooperate in of consultation with the people as a method of establishing justice, support one another in government. combating aggression, and help one another do “So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], righteous acts. The charter made it clear that you were lenient with them. And if you had this is a general duty shared by all, regardless been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they of creeds, races, or complexions. The charter would have disbanded from about you. So par- stipulated the following: don them and ask forgiveness for them and • They (those who sign the treaty) should consult them in the matter. And when you have support one another in combating the attacks decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah waged against any of them. loves those who rely [upon Him].” • They, together, should back up the op- ( Surat Al-Imran, verse 159) pressed. The Concept of Constitution certainly • They, together, should fight against any brought about a revolutionary change to Ara- enemy attacking Yathrib (Al-Madinah). bia by providing the people with a public legal The early Muslim Community that Prophet entity for seeking justice, in place of everyone Muhammad (peace be upon him) built blos- seeking it with the power of his own hand or, somed into a group of people who cooperated at best, that of his family. It brought an end for with people of other religious, with whom they all time to the chaos of tribalism and laid the lived in the same society of Al-Madinah, and basis for a wider institution, namely, a state. fought with against whoever tried to destabi- The Prophet set another precedent by inviting lize their community the Jews to join this new society as an inde- Mutual cooperation in worldly affairs en- pendent community within the Muslim state. compassed all citizens of Al-Madinah, who The Jews accepted, and the agreement known shared a common destiny neighborhood and as the Covenant of Al-Madinah (constitution sometimes kingship and extended to include of Al-Madinah) was signed in 622 C.E. where economic and commercial fields, thus promot- they became equal citizens of the new society ing tolerance, understanding, mutual respect, of Al- Madinah. and peaceful coexistence within their society.

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Final.indd 28 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM “Except for those who take refuge with of human behavior, thought, emotions and a people between yourselves and whom is a morals according to the revealed truth. Thus, treaty or those who come to you, their hearts revelation is revolution and revolution is rev- strained at [the prospect of] fighting you or elation. The revelation, in the first stage, trans- fighting their own people. And if Allah had forms the Prophet- revolutionary and after- willed, He could have given them power over wards, this revealed truth morally and socially you, and they would have fought you. So if resurrects the corrupt and dead society, like the they remove themselves from you and do not rain which brings life to a barren land. fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has The outcome of this principle of unity of not made for you a cause [for fighting] against man is the peace, equality, and justice of man- them.” (Surat Al-Nisa, verse 90) kind which has abundant proofs in the Qur’an and Islamic tradition. This is the main explana- Equality and Justice: tion for Islamic universalism and internation- The Prophet and his followers, as dedicated alism which helped its spread men, sacrificed everything for the cause of truth and social equality: their lives, hearts Concluding Remarks: and homes, wealth and possessions, families In the area conquered by the Arabs or Muslims and tribes, comforts and personal advantages. armies the conquered people did not find Mus- They migrated to places of safety and secu- lim rule too oppressive. Islamic codes of law rity from where they ceaselessly waged wars and administration were far less rigid and far- against the old orders to transform them into reaching than the Roman. Islam was a simple new orders of justice and equality, a paradise faith which many peoples could understand of truth, love and brotherhood on earth. In the and appreciate easily. So, in the course of time, words of the Qur’an, many Byzantine and Persian Christians turned “Indeed, Allah has purchased from the be- to Islam. The fact that the appearance of Is- lievers their lives and their properties [in ex- lam was followed by a new burst of activities change] for that they will have Paradise. They and an unexpected success of mass conversion fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are instead of collapse shows that Islam was the killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him answer to great political, social, moral cultural in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’an. etc., needs. A vacuum of many aspects was felt And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? by the followers of old religions, which was So rejoice in your transaction which you have filled only with Islam, a gap which other reli- contracted. And it is that which is the great at- gious and political and cultural system did not tainment.” (Surat Al-Tawbah, Verse 111) and could not fill. It is unanimously accepted Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by impartial scholars that in the rise of Islam revolutionary combines two roles: the role of and its spread there was a blinding example of a Prophet, who is divinely inspired and guided revolutionary change which was facilitated by by the divine truth, and the role of a revolu- the corruption of both religious and political tionary who brings radical changes in the old systems of the regions into which Islam pen- social order and transform modes and patterns etrated and grew.

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Final.indd 29 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM From the ‘City of Saints’ Fez to ‘Priest’s Town’ Preston – A lone Muslim grave in Edwardian Britain

By IsmaeelNakhuda

It was while clearing out brambles in the ear- ly 1970s on the edge of the Muslim section of Preston’s Victorian cemetery when volunteers from the city’s mosques stumbled on an old headstone with inscriptions in both Arabic and corresponding English. The discovery of the grave dating from 1906 baffled local Muslims—how did a Mus- lim come to be buried in Lancashire at the turn of the century. Ornately carved, the headstone is clearly Islamic in design with inscriptions in Arabic and English. “Oh he who is deceased and whose mention will be forever,” reads Arabic. “Here definitely rests Ahmad bin Ibrahim Al-Marakashi whose soul departed to its Creator on Wednesday 28 Dhul-Qa’ada 1324.” (Dhul-Qa’ada being the eleventh Islamic lunar month and 1324 being the Islamic year). The English inscription be- low the Arabic reads: “Here repose the mortal remains of Ahmad Bin Ibrahim of Marakash Morocco, who died January 24th, 1906, aged 60 years.” For the Muslims of Preston, the grave be- came an enigma. No one knew who Ahmad was, or what he was doing in Preston and how he came to be buried in what was then a small mill town in the North West of England, a puz- zle that caught my imagination at an early age. As a young boy, I remember visiting the grave on Eid in the mid-1980s with my dad and other family members. I also recall the animated con-

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Final.indd 30 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM versations about Ahmad, his headstone and tive. Following a performance at Grimsby’s why he was buried with his feet (contrary Tivoli Theatre in November 1906, the ven- to Muslim custom) pointing west. (In sub- ue’s managing director writes in The Era, a sequent years, the headstone was moved to weekly showbiz newspaper, “The astonish- a southeastern position in line with the sur- ing gyrations of the Ahmad Ibrahim Troupe rounding Muslim graves.) of Moroccan acrobats have greatly delight- Was Ahmad a businessman, a traveler ed the Tivoli audiences. The feature of the passing through, or even a pious Muslim performance is the rapidity with which one scholar visiting Edwardian Britain spreading feat follows another, and the members of the teachings of piety as has been the habit of troupe are equally expert in tumbling and saintly Muslims and Sufis throughout the Is- pyramid work.” lamic world for centuries? These were ques- Likewise, the Hull Daily Mail writes in tions I recall my dad, a history enthusiast, a September 1903 edition, “For all-around asking. The Muslim community in Preston excellence, the programme presented at the had no idea; the bulk of Preston’s Muslim ‘Alhambra’ this week stands out well. All community today have origins in the Indian the scenery has to be cleared to the extreme Subcontinent, all of them tracing their roots edge of the stage when the Ahmad Ibrahim to Commonwealth people who began migrat- Troupe of Bedouin Arabs appear. They are ing to Preston in the 1950s during Britain’s ten in number, and it would take much to post-World War boom to meet labor short- excel them as human pyramid builders. As ages in the mother country. The communi- quick as lightning are their movements, and ty was new to Preston and finding answers no slips or false moves are perceptible. One proved difficult. of the men displays strength by holding eight In the quest for clues, I visited Lancashire men—estimated at half a ton—on his shoul- Record Office on Bow Lane, but with little ders, and others are expert rifle spinners and time or patience hardly found anything when gun tumblers.” in 2016—over a hundred and ten years after The archives show that the group trav- Ahmad’s death—visited my father’s grave elled the length and breadth of the British and thought of searching Aahmad’s name in Isles, from Brighton to Edinburgh, and even the online British Newspaper Archive. In a as far as Dublin with prestigious venues as matter of minutes, the website came up with The Palace Theatre in London and local ones hundreds of newspaper articles, reviews and such as the Blackpool Alhambra setting the adverts from approximately 1895 to 1919 scene for performances. that, while dampening how I perhaps visu- Following his death in 1906, the group alized Ahmad bin Ibrahim to be, solved the continued under the leadership of Ahmad’s mystery. nephew, Milud Bin Hajj Ibrahim who pub- The results showed a plethora of articles, lished a notice of death in The Era on 10 reviews, and advertisements about the “Ah- March 1906, “Many mistakes have occurred mad Ibrahim Troupe,” a group of Moroccan of late, I take this opportunity to notify all acrobats that one advert describes as “the whom it may concern that my uncle, the late greatest bounding marvels of the age.” Ali Ahmad, afterward known as Ahmad Ibra- The reviews are overwhelmingly posi- him, died in Preston, England on the 24th of

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Final.indd 31 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Jan., 1906, and was buried according to Mo- them due to ill health? hammedan rites.” The grave register also shows that In this way, it became apparent that Ah- Charles’ wife, Mary Ann Hutchinson, sub- mad bin Ibrahim was the head of a group of sequently purchased three more plots in the Moroccan acrobats who toured the British vicinity of Ahmad’s grave on 25 and 28 Sep- Isles for at least 25 years at the turn of the tember 1910 (numbers 304, 309 and 310). 20th century, and definitely not a business- When Charles passed away on 11 June 1914 man, or a passing traveler, something subse- aged 59, he was buried in front of Ahmad quently corroborated by his death certificate and when Mary Ann died aged 54 a few that gives his occupation as “professional months later on 28 December she was laid acrobat.” to rest next to Charles. The fourth grave that The outcome was a bit of an anti-climax was purchased next to Ahmad remained un- and feeling reluctantly smug that I had at occupied. least solved the puzzle, I posted my findings What is even more interesting is a bap- on Twitter. I only had one regret, I wish my tism record that shows that Charles and dad were alive, as we would have had a right Mary Ann had their son, Arthur, christened good old conversation about this along with at the All Saints Church on Elizabeth Street, a chuckle. Preston, on 9 January 1895. At the time, the A local Asian newspaper, the Asian Im- Hutchinsons were living at 107 North Road age, noticed the Tweet and featured Ahmad’s and Charles gave his occupation as a molder. grave in a wider story about early Muslim This tells us that the family was probably graves in Lancashire. It was then that Julie Anglicans in 1895. Knifton, a clerk at Preston Cemetery and Puzzled by this additional information, I a keen history buff like me, contacted me. was left wondering what was Ahmad’s rela- Having read the article, Julie had stumbled tionship with the Hutchinsons? If this was on my Tweets and sent me details she had a simple landlord-tenant relationship and if found in the cemetery’s grave register. the Hutchinsons were Anglicans, then why According to the register, at the time of would they go to such lengths to be buried his burial, Ahmad’s final resting place was in the vicinity of the only visible Muslim the last grave in the furthest corner of the grave in the non-conformist section of Pres- pauper section of the non-conformist part of ton Cemetery? the cemetery (grave number 305). Plots were Perhaps the Hutchinson were early Mus- dug in an east west direction and this proba- lim converts? We know there was a small bly explains why Ahmad’s feet pointed west. white British Muslim community centered The records also show that the plot was pur- around the Liverpool Muslim Institute and chased by iron moulder Charles Hutchinson led by ‘Sheikh’ Abdullah William Quilliam of 72 North Road, Preston, on 25 January who converted to Islam in 1887 after a visit 1906. This was a day after Ahmad’s death to Morocco. Could the Hutchinsons and Ah- whose death certificate interestingly men- mad have been a part of this community after tions that he died at the same address. Could all Quilliam did have ties to Preston? He was it be the case that he had been lodging with registered living on Christian Road in 1910 Charles and his family or had moved in with and also married at Preston Registry Office

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Final.indd 32 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM that same year. The dates, age and door number provided My Tweets about Ahmad also caught by Quilliam are at odds with what is record- the attention of Yahya Birt, an academic at ed on Ahmad’s gravestone and death certifi- Leeds University. While researching a differ- cate. It could be that these details may have ent matter, Yahya had stumbled on Ahmad’s gotten lost to Quilliam in his rush to publish obituary that was published in the 31 January his weekly newspaper. Perhaps Ahmad’s age 1906 edition of “The Crescent,” a weekly was 74 and he wrote 60 for work purposes. newspaper that Quilliam edited about Islam The funeral was quickly arranged as per in Britain. Muslim tradition and the Hutchinsons played In his obituary, Quilliam writes, “Bro. a prominent role in formalizing paperwork Ahmad Ibrahim died at 74, North Road, and the purchase of the grave. That an imam Preston, on Thursday morning last (1st from Liverpool was called to conduct the fu- Dhul-Hijjah, 1323). Our deceased brother neral at such short notice lends credence to was 74 years of age, and had led a very ac- the view that the Hutchinsons were associ- tive life. He was a native of Fez, Morocco, ated with the Liverpool Muslim Institute and but had been travelling in Europe for many were most likely Muslim converts. years with a company of very clever Arab The obituary also provides interesting acrobats and tumblers. He was a fervent and details about Ahmad’s religiosity and that sincere Muslim, and always when in Liv- he was a native of the ‘City of Saints’ Fez, erpool attended at the mosque for prayers. a place located on the trans-Saharan trade He had no children, but leaves a wife (a route and known throughout the Muslim convert to Islam) to mourn his death. The world for its piety and famous Al-Qarawiy- funeral obsequies of our deceased brother yin Madrasah founded in 859 CE by Fatima were duly performed according to Muslim Al-Fihri. Perhaps Ahmad mentioned being usage and ceremonies on Friday afternoon from Marrakesh for stage purposes, as it last at Preston, Bro. Syed Mahmoud, of the would have been better known in Europe. Liverpool Mosque, officiating as Imam, he Quilliam’s obituary also mentions that Ah- having, under the Sheikh’s instructions, spe- mad was married. Could the fourth and un- cially journeyed from Liverpool to Preston, occupied grave be intended for his British a distance of 50 miles, in order to conduct wife whose name we do not know? the service. H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Quilliam There is one thing, however, that is for Bey was, unfortunately, unable to be pres- sure; no one at Ahmad’s funeral on that cold ent at the interment, as he had to fulfill an- January winter’s day in 1906 would have other prior engagement, but he sent a letter dreamt that the place where he was being of fraternal sympathy to the widow. Bro. buried, the edge of the non-conformist sec- Abdul-Kerim-as-Housan was, however, tion of Preston Cemetery, would one day be- present at the grave side, having journeyed come the middle of what is now the burgeon- from Middlesbrough to Preston, a distance ing Muslim section of Preston Cemetery. of 150 miles, especially to pay this last trib- ute of respect to the deceased. May Allah Ismaeel Nakhuda is a freelance jour- rest the soul of our departed brother in Eter- nalist. He can be contacted on inakhuda@ nal Peace. Amin!” gmail.com.

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Final.indd 33 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Blessed Fruits of the Noble Qur’an

By Dr. Fatima Taneem Ruknuddeen

The Noble Qur’an is the word of Allah, the most repeated food mentioned as blessings Most Glorified the Most High, revealed to of Almighty Allah for humans in both the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) worlds. Fruits providing wholesome nour- more than 1400 years ago. It is a source of ishment as well as refreshing satisfaction guidance and blessings for humankind. In have been a common natural staple food it Allah has mentioned innumerable boun- of humans since the earliest of times and ties, which He has created for His crea- are considered as heavenly gifts in many tions. Among these, fruits are perhaps the cultures of the world.

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Final.indd 34 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Verses about fruits in the Noble Qur’an The Noble Qur’an has in several different verses emphasized the blessings of fruits for people in this world as well as referred to plentiful fruits being especially bestowed on the people of Jannah (Paradise) as tasty delights. These fruits in Jannah will resem- ble the earthy fruits but will be far superior and more perfect than them. A few selected Qur’anic verses mentioning the fruits in this world as well as those in the Jannah are cited below: • ‘And give glad tidings to those who be- lieve and do righteous deed, that for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise). Every time they will be provided QUR’ANIC VERSES MENTIONING with a fruit therefrom, they will say “this is DIFFERENT FRUITS what we were provided with before” and they The Noble Qur’an mentions a few different will be given things in resemblance (i.e. in fruits by name in several of its verses. These same form but different in taste)’. (Surat Al- are Dates, Grapes, Olives, Pomegranates, Baqarah, Verse: 25) Figs and Bananas. These fruits have been • ‘…And sent down water (rain) from highlighted in many Surahs although the the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as banana has been referenced indirectly only a provision for you…’ (Surat Al-Baqarah, once. The fig too has also been mentioned Verse: 22) only once. Below are cited a few Qur’anic • ‘See you not that Allah sends down wa- verses mentioning these fruits: ter (rain) from the sky and We produce there- • ‘…And out of the date palm and its with fruits of varying colors…’ (Surat Fatir, spathe come forth clusters of dates hanging Verse: 27) low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives • ‘And the earth He has put for the crea- and pomegranates; each similar (in kind) tures; Therein are fruits…’ yet different (in variety and taste). Look at (Surat AL-Rahman, Verses: 10 and 11) their fruits when they begin to bear, and the • ‘This is Paradise which you have been ripeness thereof. Verily! In these things there made to inherit because of your deeds which are signs for people who believe.’ (Surat Al- you used to do (in the life of this world). An’am, Verse: 99) Therein for you will be fruits in plenty, of • ‘And it is He Who produces gardens which you will eat (as you desire).’ (Surat trellised and untrellised and date palms, and AL-Zukhruf, Verses: 72 and 73) crops of different shape and taste (their fruits • ‘Verily, the Muttaqeen (the pious) shall and their seeds) and olives, and pomegran- be amidst shades and springs. And fruits, ates, similar (in kind) and different (in taste). such as they desire.’ (Surat Al-Mursalaat, Eat of their fruit when they ripen, but pay Verses: 41 and 42) the due thereof (its Zakat) on the day of its

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Final.indd 35 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM not those of waste by extrav- agance.’ (Surat Al-An’am, Verse: 141) • ‘And in the earth are neighboring tracts, and gar- dens of vines and green crops (fields etc.), and date palms, growing out two or three from a single stem root or otherwise (one stem root for every palm), watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excel- lent than others to eat. Verily, in these things, there are Ayat (proof, evidences, lessons, signs) for the people who un- derstand.’ (Surat AL-Ra’d, Verse: 4) • ‘With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date palms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit. Verily! In this is indeed an evident proof and a mani- fest sign for people who give thought.’ (Surat AL-Nahl, Verse: 11) • ‘Among Talh (banana trees) with fruits piled one above another.’ (Surat Al-Waqiah, Verse: 29) • ‘By the Fig and the Ol- ive.’ (Surat AL-Teen, Verse: 1) Thus, these six fruits are deemed ‘Blessed’ by their mention in the Noble Qur’an and Muslims throughout harvest, and waste not by ex- travagance. Verily, He likes the various ages and across

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Final.indd 36 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM compared to the fresh dates. Being the fruit of the des- ert, dates are mentioned ex- tensively in both the Noble Qur’an and hadith. It is men- tioned more than a dozen times in the Noble Qur’an with its tree, the date palm being the most repeated fruit- bearing plant in the Noble Qur’an. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘A household that has dates does several lands have included ‘And shake the trunk of the not feel hunger.’(Narrated by them in their diet as much as date palm towards you, it Muslim). possible. Also, various had- will let fall fresh ripe dates iths mention the virtues and upon you.’ (Surat Maryam, Health Benefits of Dates benefits of these fruits. Verse: 25) • Dates are a rich source Apart from their nutritive Dates are the staple fruits of proteins and dietary fiber. value, these fruits are com- of the Middle Eastern coun- • They contain natural monly prescribed under Ho- tries although they have been sugars - glucose, sucrose and meopathic and Unani Tibb cultivated in many other fructose. Medical Systems. Moreover, countries including India, • They are rich in potas- various scientific medical Pakistan, US and Australia. sium, iron and contain sig- studies have also proven their They are one of the sweet- nificant amount of minerals. benefits. Their importance is est ancient fruits which are • Dates are rich in Vitamin described below: available in many different A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, local varieties. Dried dates Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5 and DATES are more popular globally as Vitamin C. • They are great energy boosters due to their soluble sugars. • They are used in the treatment of anemia and con- stipation. • They help to regulate the nervous system and also im- prove the digestive system. • They are considered as super-food for strengthening bones and fighting off pain- ful and debilitating diseases

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Final.indd 37 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM like osteoporosis. erals such as sodium, potassium, copper, iron and manganese. GRAPES • They are rich in vitamins and anti-oxi- ‘Then We brought forth for you therewith dants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. gardens of date palms and grapes, wherein • They are used to treat asthma, bronchitis is much fruit for you, and whereof fruit you and coughing. eat.’ (Surat Al-Mu’minoon, Verse: 19) • They are used as a laxative food to over- Grapes are one of the most popular suc- come constipation. culent fruits known to humans which have • They are considered a natural medicine been cultivated in a wide geographical area for liver, kidney and digestive system dis- since earliest of times. Countless varieties of eases. it are made available in different shades of • They are useful for counteracting physi- red, green and purple. Grapes are mentioned cal and mental fatigue. more than 10 times in the Noble Qur’an. • They are used in the treatment of stom- ach ulcers, gastritis and joint inflammatory Health benefits of grapes disorders. • Grapes are one of the best natural sources OLIVES for glucose and sucrose constituting 20-25% ‘And a tree (olive) that springs forth from of its content. Mount Sinai that grows oil, and (it is) relish • They contain significant amount of min- for eaters.’ (Surat Al-Mu’minoon, Verse: 20)

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Final.indd 38 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Olives are ancient fruits cultivated in dif- • They contain Vitamins A, B2, B3 and C. ferent regions although native to the Medi- • They have high level of antioxidants terranean region. This fruit is mentioned at called Flavonoids which are known to fight least half a dozen times in the Noble Qur’an against various cancer radicals. wherein in one Surah Allah the Almighty has • They are used in the treatment of diar- taken an oath by it and the fig which has in- rhea, earache, bad vision, fever and indiges- creased its significance considerably. tion. • They have anti-bacterial and anti-viral Health benefits of Olives properties which help to reduce the effects of • Olives and olive oil have high medical val- oral plaque and protect against various oral ue. disorders. • Olives contain significant amounts of plant-derived antioxidants, minerals, phyto- FIGS sterol and vitamins. ‘By the Fig and the Olive.’ (Surat AL-Teen, • They contain Mono-Unsaturated Fatty Verse: 1) Acids (MUFA). Figs are one of the earliest cultivations • They are a great source of Vitamin E and of humans. Though native to Egypt and the also rich in copper and iron. • Olives help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and also defend against bacterial infections. • Olives prevent bone loss and osteoporo- sis. • Olives are linked to preventing heart dis- eases.

POMEGRANATES ‘In them (both) will be fruits, and date palms and pomegranates.’ (Surat AL-Rahman, Mediterranean regions, figs are naturalized in Verse: 68) several parts of the world which have mild Pomegranate tree is native to South West and semi-arid climate. Asia but is cultivated widely in tropical and Although they are mentioned only once sub-tropical areas. It is also an ancient de- in the Noble Qur’an, they are considered of licious fruit which is considered sacred in utmost significance as Allah the Almighty many cultures of the world. It has been spe- takes an oath by it and the olive in Surat At- cifically mentioned thrice in different verses Teen. Figs are sweet and juicy exotic fruits. of the Noble Qur’an. Health Benefits of Figs Health benefits of pomegranates • Fig is a highly nutritious fruit containing •Pomegranates are rich in potassium and 60% of sugar with several inorganic salts, cit- many minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, ric acid, and an enzyme ficin. iron and sodium. • It has a high concentration of soluble di-

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Final.indd 39 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM for the people of Paradise.

Health Benefits of Bananas • Banana is one of the most widely con- sumed fruits having a high nutritional con- tent. • It contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 and C along with considerable amounts of po- tassium, mag- nesium and iron. • It has significant amount of soluble dietary fiber and facili- tates smooth bow- el movement and also relieves constipation. • It contains polyphenolic an- ti-oxidant, which stimulates proper function- etary fiber, which helps to promote healthy ing of the kidneys. and regular bowel function and prevents con- • Bananas are effective in the treatment of stipation. fever, digestive system disorders and cramps. • Dried figs are an excellent source of • They are also used to treat anemia and minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. allergies. • Figs are given as cure for piles and gout. Hence, it is concluded that these ‘blessed • They are effectively used in the treat- fruits’ mentioned in several verses of the No- ment of small kidney and bladder stones. ble Qur’an are highly beneficial for our phys- ical and spiritual well-being. These should be BANANAS included in our daily diet regularly as much ‘Among Talh (banana trees) with fruits piled as possible in order to derive the divine bless- one above another.’ ings along with the medicinal benefits of (Surat Al-Waqi’ah, Verse: 29) them. The six fruits which are mentioned in Bananas are extensively cultivated glob- the Noble Qur’an are truly a delight for the ally in many tropical and sub-tropical regions Muslims who thank Allah, the Most Glori- of the world with many different varieties fied the Most High, for providing such treats available. It is mentioned only once (indirect in this world which will also be enjoyed more reference) in the Noble Qur’an as a blessing greatly and eternally in Paradise.

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Final.indd 40 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM The Manifesto of Language and Identity

Prof. Mahmoud Dhaouadi

My more than two decades exploration of the 2- The THD cannot exist without at least the impact of French use on Arabic in North Af- spoken language. So, language is the Mother rican societies (The Maghreb) has led me to of all CS. This means that language is the first make the following remarks which might be determinant of human identity and as such, it fit to constitute a Manifesto on language and is the marking symbol of humanity in the iden- identity: tity of both men and women. Thus, it could be 1- The epistemological view of my long said with some modification to Descartes say- linguistic research findings stresses that what ing: “I think, therefore, I am” to become in my distinguishes humans from the other beings new conceptualization of language: “I use lan- on this planet is what I call the Third Hu- guage, therefore, I am a human”. man Dimension/THD or Cultural Symbols/ 3- Languages are also the compelling de- CS: spoken and written language, thought, re- terminants of individual and collective identi- ligion, knowledge/science, cultural values, and ties in various human societies over the long norms. human history.

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Final.indd 41 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM 4- The impact of languages in determin- ing the identities of peoples and societies can be shown in countries where there are two languages or more. English and French are the two official languages in Canada. Like- wise, Flemish and French are Belgium’s of- ficial languages. Arabic and Kurdish are the dominant languages in Iraq. Finally, Arabic and Berber are the two main languages in Morocco and Algeria. It is widely observed that the maternal used local languages in these bilingual societies do determine peo- ples’ identities. The majority of the French speaking Québécois/Quebeckers define their identity in terms of their own language. The same thing is also true of Kurdish Iraqis. This should explain as well the call of both Que- beckers and Kurdish Iraqis for political sepa- ration from the bigger societies: Canada and Iraq. tional languages (Arabic and Berber) is 5- Languages are not the only factors widely observed in these four countries. For which determine the identities of individu- instance, Arabic remains excluded from use als, groups, and societies. Religion, color, in many various sectors after more than a ethnic origin do also determine individual half century of independence from French and collective identities. However, common colonialism. Consequently, Arabic is looked languages play a crucial role in the creation at with inferior outlook in the mainstream of a collective identity in a society where in- of those societies. This situation is bound dividuals and groups belong to different reli- to lead to manifestations of a confused and gions, colors and ethnic origins. troubled Arab identity among many citizens 6- The important link between languages of the Maghreb. The Tunisian society has re- and identities as outlined in the above exam- cently witnessed an example of this after its ples shows that this link is valid in the case 2011 revolution. A small group of Tunisian of native/local languages and not of foreign francophone intellectuals has questioned the ones. That is, peoples most often link their credibility of the Tunisian people’s belonging identities with their native/local languages to the Arab Muslim identity. as the wide and long presence of French in North Africa indicates. Fluent French speak- The clauses of normal relationship with ing Algerians, Tunisians, Moroccans and one’s language Mauritanians hardly identify themselves Peoples can have normal relationships with with the French identity. Nonetheless, the their own languages if they fully satisfy the negative impact of French on the relation following clauses: citizens of the Maghreb have with their na- • They speak only their own languages

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Final.indd 42 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM 2- Lack of normal relationship with the language/smissing the fulfillment of one or more of the four clauses (A, B, C, D). That is, the more citizens and societies miss a greater number of the four clauses the more their relationship with their own language/s becomes abnormal. Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia are a case in point. They hardly fulfill the four clauses with Arabic, their national language.

The ABC of intimacy with languages The Sociology of Knowledge helps to un- derstand the intimate relationships which tie people with languages if they only use them in speaking and writing (A+B) in all indi- vidual and collective affairs in their societies from early infancy and if they master good knowledge of their languages (C). As such, among themselves in their societies. the intimate relationship with languages is the • They write only in their own languages outcome of the intense usage/interaction pro- in their own personal as well as in their social cess of the languages. This state of usages of and institutional activities in their societies. languages creates and develops strong psy- • They must have a full command of chological relationships among the citizens knowledge of the meaning of words and the and their societies toward the languages. In grammatical and spelling rules of their own sociological terms, this intense language us- languages. age leads to primary relationships with lan- • They must have strong intimate rela- guages. That is, tender relationships with tionships with their own languages: they language fully dozed with emotions, con- must have a positive psychological attitude sciousness, and compassion in favor of lan- which defends, praises, feels proud and uses guages. This is the result of natural/normal only their own languages as individuals and (A+B+C+D) socio-linguistic socializations in their social interactions with their citizens since early childhood. It is credible to express and institutions in their own societies. all these issues in two semi-mathematical These four linguistic clauses can visibly equations: 1-full engagement of fulfilling all and easily make equations that describe with (A+B+C+D) = normal /natural relationships transparency the state relationship that people with languages. 2- Partial engagement or might have with their own languages. Two no-engagement at all for the (A+B+C+D) = equations express well that state relationship: great or medium or very weak abnormal rela- 1-Normal relationship with the language/s tionship with the languages. This should be a = the full satisfaction of the four clauses: sound guide that maps up today the status of A+B+C+D. Arabic in Arab societies.

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Final.indd 43 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM The Question of Languages and Translation in Islamic Culture

Jawzi Belkacem Lardjane

Every year on the 30th of September since 1953, the International Day of Trans- lation has been celebrated on the initiative of the International Federation of Translators, and this day was recognized by the United Nations in 2017 for the contribution of translation and translators in connecting societies and facilitat- ing communication. But a few people know, including translators, that this day was chosen because it was the death anniversary of a Christian priest named St. Jerome (27 March 347 – 30 September 420) who made the first complete and official translation of the Bible from Hebrew to Latin at the request of the Church, and that earned him the honorific title of the Chief of ranslators.T

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Final.indd 44 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM A few days before this year’s celebration, thinker and orientalist Jacque Berque who the French minister of education Jean- introduced the idea of “New Andalusias” Michel Blanquer introduced a project for and considered Arabic the most beautiful teaching Arabic in public education from and a model language compared to other primary to secondary stage, and he said to languages. the media: “The Arabic language is impor- The present situation makes us question tant, and it is not less important than Chi- the status of Arabic language in the post- nese and Russian. France is struggling to modern world, particularly in a time when give it its suitable position and to teach it globalization and its ideology, as we know for its children in public schools starting it today, are susceptible to change includ- from the primary stage. It is a very great ing the concept of translation, which is one language, and it must be learned.” of its pillars. Arabic is the chief tongue or This statement received mixed reviews communicative tool of Islamic culture, and from both skeptics and supporters. Some should therefore be revived to serve a new think it aims to integrate Muslims in French vision for globalization that is beneficial culture and to fight fundamentalism, while for Islamic culture and for humanity. A lan- others think it is a mere struggle for surviv- guage is always associated with its identity al as many social scientists speculate that and culture, and it is a means of cultural sur- French is one of the endangered languages, vival and transmission from generation to hence looking for new alternatives. generation. The question of languages and However, these stances are not new. Ac- translation in Islamic culture needs careful cording to “History of Islam in France: Be- revisionism because of the peculiarities of tween Past and Present” by Salah Al-Oud, Arabic language and the universality of Is- there have been several French ministers lam. who supported teaching Arabic in French schools including a former minister who Translation and Islamic Globalization: proposed making Arabic an official lan- The modern conception of translation guage. started with the translation movement dur- These stances are similar to those of ing the Abbasid Caliphate, which contrib- the Norman King Roger II of Sicily who, uted positively and negatively to Islamic despite being Christian and at a time of civilization, on the one hand by fostering Muslim relapse in southern Europe, made the Islamic scientific revolution, and on the Arabic the official language of his court other hand by causing polemics and divi- and tried to spread Arabic and Arab sci- sions because of innovations and supersti- ences throughout Europe with the help of tions that entered the Islamic religion. Muslim scientists and scholars such as Al- That period was also known as the peri- Sharif Muhammad Al-Idrisi, who is con- od of documentation and writing, in which sidered the founder of modern geography Islamic sacred sciences were recorded. It and cartography. Perhaps it is the actions was also the start of the modern globaliza- of the Sicilian king that inspired the French tion because Muslims launched a global

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Final.indd 45 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM civilization that was not divided by geo- translation, he shed tears, prostrated, and graphical and cultural boundaries. Thus, converted to Islam (see in Arabic: “A Study translation had a positive effect in bring- of Some Translations of the Meanings of ing a lot of people to Islam, and it became the Holy Qur’an in Sindhi Language” by necessary to translate some meanings of the Dr. Abdul Qayyum bin Abdul Ghafur Al- Holy Qur’an into other languages. Sindhi) The first translators of the meanings of During the Abbasid Caliphate, every the Holy Qur’an were the companions, may translator was awarded gold in the same Allah be pleased with them, during the first weight of each translated book. Some his- and second migration to Abyssinia. It has torians, however, think that if the meanings been reported that the companion Salman of the Holy Qur’an and the Six Books of Al-Farsi, may Allah be pleased with him, Compilation had been translated into Latin used to translate the verses of the Holy and other languages, that would have a dif- Qur’an to Persian when preaching his peo- ferent impact in changing the wheel of his- ple about Islam. During the Umayyad Ca- tory and the relation between the east and liphate, the ruler of Al-Mansourah in then the west because early Latin translations Sindh Province, Abdullah bin Omar bin after some centuries in Europe were distor- Abdulaziz Al-Hibari ordered to translate tive and spoiling the image of Islam. the Holy Qur’an to Sindhi language at the Many scholars regard learning languages request of a Hindu local prince who was for Dawah as an obligation, and this can be interested in Islam, and upon reading the confirmed by many historical events such

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Final.indd 46 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM as the great Hongwu Emperor of China and and languages. But when translation was founder of the Ming Dynasty, who com- fostered in Europe, it paved the way for posed in Mandarin Chinese an eloquent and the study of language as a science and for assertive eulogy about Prophet Muhammad the foundation of linguistics after they had (peace be upon him). He must have been found out through translation of oriental lit- taught about Prophet Muhammad(peace be erature that linguistics has already existed upon him) by his translators and Muslim as a science in the non-Western world. scholars and advisers who knew more than Linguistics or the science of language one language. has less or more fixed principles but trans- Muslims were the prime example of a lation of a single text can differ from one prosperous and magnificent culture that translator to another while preserving the is not the fact today. Muslim countries general idea. Translation can be considered are very short on reading, publication and a scientific discipline if it deals with trans- translation. The translations of the mean- lating scientific or technical texts because ings of the Holy Qur’an came late and a few in this case it works for a precise objective. in quantity and quality compared with the But for humanities, social and religious translation of books of missionary Chris- texts, translation might differ in method tians such as the Bible that has been com- and purpose as it is not a translation of sci- pletely translated to more than 3000 living entific data and precise terms. The - objec languages while the meanings of the Holy tive of translation is to transfer ideas and Qur’an were completely translated only to values from one language to another in an 65 languages. Early translations were in approachable style to that of the original English, Turkish, and Urdu and often for author and also to preserve scientific integ- unsuitable agendas, for example, despite rity and the intended message of the author. that the Ottoman Empire had two official Unknowing the responsibilities and ethics languages Osmanli Turkish written in Ara- of translation caused negative consequenc- bic script, and the Arabic language as a po- es and concepts still being used without litical and religious language, the Turkish knowing their roots and their evolution. translation did not occur under its time but Translation consists of translating lan- after its downfall by the secular agents, and guage and translating ideas, thus it requires the early translations of the Holy Qur’an deep understanding, which differs from a into English were made and spread by the reader to another and the way of transfer- Qadiani sect. ring or translating is better achieved when the translator is instilled with the natural The Concept of Islamic Translation culture and identity of his community and Translation had not become an indepen- also knows how to work like a physicist dent academic discipline at western univer- who is asked to explain something in math sities until the second half of the twentieth or vice-versa. century. It was a sub-domain of linguistics True illiteracy is not the ignorance of

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Final.indd 47 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM reading and writing, but it is to know only lated and taught in English, students and your language and being unable to explain researchers should notice that Arabic lin- your beliefs and values to others. Most guistics predated modern linguistics of de learners of foreign languages become lan- Saussure and Chomsky, and this will lead guage consumerists and are not productive to reforming the perspective from which and servants of their original language. languages are observed and studied. These are some of the general obstacles If every teacher of foreign languages, a faced in the revival of Islamic translation in graduate or a lecturer in translation trans- addition to more specific obstacles related lates only one book in his entire life, the to the characteristics of Arabic language Arab and Muslim countries should forerun and Islamic culture. other countries in translation such as Ger- Learning foreign languages has become many, France, and Japan. The highest rate separate from the culture of the learner and of translation in the Arab world reached the prospective translator. One of the prag- an average of 50 translated books annually matic objectives of learning languages is while one single university can employs translation because all speakers of foreign more than fifty lecturers in languages and languages attest that they use mental trans- translation. According to the last report of lating skills as their logical understanding UNESCO’s Index Translationum, the afore- continues to work in their first language. mentioned developed countries are ranked Thereof, if Arabic linguistics such as the on top of the translation list with each hav- Neo-Khalilian Theory was to be trans- ing translated more than 200,000 books in

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Final.indd 48 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM the 20th and 21st century. Egypt is ranked of his people, that he might make clear to the first country in the Arab world but the them” (Surat Ibrahim, Verse:4). 48th in the globe with approximately 5,419 It is a duty for us to exploit the available translations. It is not peculiar that the UK opportunities and capacities to revive Ara- and the US are not found on top of the list bic language and to contribute to the call because they share the same international of Islam. When the Arab world started re- language that is much more translated to ceding, other non-Arab peoples came and other languages. carried the torch of Islam and made Arabic Moreover, if every professional in lan- their first or second language and the Arabic guages and translation conducts a “transla- alphabet was used in their mother tongues. tion workshop” with his students and col- It did not affect negatively the Arabic lan- leagues, all of the Islamic heritage should guage and most of linguists like Al-Fara- soon be totally translated, and many is- hidi and Sibawayh were non-Arabs. This sues in western thought would be resolved happened due to their deep concern with by conveying what Islam provides as in- the language of the Holy Qur’an which Al- sights, alternatives, and solutions. Islamic lah promised to elevate people who honor it thought is a rich heritage that has not been and to fail people who dishonor it. discovered yet. For example, if the works of Sheikh Ibn Taymiya and his discipline Sheikh Ibn Al-Qayyim were completely translated, Ibn Taymiya would not have been hijacked and considered a symbol for religious extremism and violence, and the contributions of Ibn Al-Qayyim to spiritu- ality and psychology would not have been neglected. The Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk used his acquaintance of Ibn Al- Qayyim wisdom in his novel“My Name Is Red”, which particularly earned him the Nobel Prize in literature. Translation motivates others to learn Arabic language and to open their minds to Islamic culture because language pluralism is a divine principle in creation that cannot be neglected. Conveying Arabic by impos- ing it or by forbidding other languages goes against Islamic teachings and principles as Allah said in the Holy Qur’an: “We have sent no Messenger save with the tongue

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Final.indd 49 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM The New Atheism will not withstand the religio-philosphical defense

The New Dissenters actions and the atrocities of ISIS (Da’ish) paved the way for accepting the proposals of the The intellectual Mu- New Atheists. hammad Assayid in a - The New Atheism is philosophically and scientifically dialogue with the MWL inconsistent and the belief in Allah gains new grounds Journal every day. Translated by Dr. Mu- - The impact of western thoughts in the Islamic Orient hamad Salim delays for decades or for some years at the best, so the imitators of such thoughts keep adopting, holding and celebrating the corpse of the New Atheism.

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Final.indd 50 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM adopted atheism for reasons in the world? related to their local environ- The existence of the athe- ment or for being influenced ists of the Islamic Orient by the thoughts disseminated cannot be isolated from two in this open world. global trends: the trend of Through this objective (New Atheists) led by the dialogue, the Phenomenon Four Horsemen of Apoca- of Atheism is discussed in lypse who are: Richard terms of reasons and dimen- Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, sions together with analyz- Sam Harris and late Chris- ing the existent approaches topher Hitchens whose mil- and its consequences and lions copies of their books how to benefit from the mod- have been distributed and ern philosophy and thought translated into many lan- to refute the claims of athe- guages including Arabic. ism, especially what is called Those atheists are supported the New Atheism. by big financial institutions • We came across some and all of them are Islamo- useful interpositions of yours phobes and enemies of Islam that dealt with this phenom- besides being atheists. enon in recent years, do you The other trend is a global attribute such a phenomenon one known as Islamophobia, to local reasons or global supported by international ones? institutions of high capabili- The phenomenon ap- ties in anti-Islamic propaga- peared in the Islamic Orient tion helped by experts and in the recent years together academicians to undermine with other phenomena such Islam from within. Internet as Identity Policies, Nation- has also facilitated the pub- al and Ethnic Populism, the licity of anti-Islamic propa- Dialogue: “MWL Journal” New Dissenters, the narcis- gations. The spread of Atheism sus of Facebook and Insta- All this started effective Phenomenon is one of the gram and fashionista. (Dis- from the third millennium. intellectual shifts that ap- cussion can be made about The actions of the New Dis- peared recently, manifested the influence of this phenom- senters such as the master in what is called the New enon on millions of youth planners of 9/11 and the Atheism trend. What attracts and adolescents, in our Is- atrocities of ISIS (Da’ish) attention is that many youth lamic World, whose parents have helped in preparing who are brought up in soci- know nothing about them.) the public opinion to accept eties that believe in Mono- • Then, you consider the the discourse of antipathy to theism of Allah have been phenomenon as an echo of Islam and to accept the pro- influenced by this trend and intellectual trends happening posals of the New Atheists

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Final.indd 51 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM which call for atheism and encourage hatred Atheism in the world is the British biolo- of Islam at the same time. gist Richard Dawkins. Millions copies of his books were distributed, translated into Ara- bic and available online. I read a statement of him some years ago in which he hopes to disseminate his views in the Islamic Orient. Islam is very repugnant to him. With reference to the philosophical de- fense of the New Atheism, the Christian phi- losophers known as Apologists have evoked the arguments of Imam Al-Ghazali in “The Kalam Science” and incorporated them in the discoveries of the cosmology, especially the Big Bang Theory and formed an argu- ment called “The New Kalam Cosmological Argument”. There is a big advance in religious (Islam- ic) philosophical argument, which refutes the New Atheism that witnessed a remark- able drawback in the West. Briefly, the New Atheism is philosophi- cally and scientifically inconsistent and the belief in Allah gains new grounds every day. However, the cheated people do not know. • Did the renowned British physicist Ste- phen Hawking leave an effect in support- These anti-Islamic trends have found their ing atheist thought especially by his famous way to the Islamic World through intellectu- stance towards the issue of creation of the al preparation (or by exhausting and weaken- universe? ing the enemy first before destroying it at the The British professor of physics Stephen end, i.e. what is known militarily as ‘soften- Hawking who died last year has specialized ing the target’). Such intellectual preparation writings on the physic of cosmoses. How- was made by some writers in the eighties and ever, Hawking had become public intellec- the nineties of the past century to prepare the tual for years who wrote on many public scene for the two counteroffensives of the issues. Of such issues, I recall his position New Atheists and the Islamophobes. in which he declared the end of philosophy • Marx, Nietzsche and others have au- and his skeptic attitude toward Artificial In- thority and influence in promoting atheism telligence. In his first book on the inception in the past century. Who are the most salient of the Big Bang Theory, Stephen Hawking advocates for the New Atheism in the third was a believer in Allah on the method of Ein- millennium? stein which is known as Deist. However, like The most famous advocate for the New other geniuses, Hawking was influenced and

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Final.indd 52 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM pressurized by Atheism Mafia in the scien- with you that the New Atheism phenomenon tific milieu and drew back in the last years is fading away in the West and you said that of his life to mark time to a position between those affected by it in the Muslim World belief, atheism and agnosticism. He put the keep adopting and holding the corpse of the laws of physics in the position of God. He New Atheism, what do you mean by that? went for a big scientific/philosophical con- Exactly, the New Atheism is drawing tradiction when he failed to answer the ques- back in the West. It boomed out in the first tion about the reason and existence of laws decade of the third millennium. However, of physics that are immaterial, eternal and such a phenomenon met a serious and deep existent out of time and place from the very confrontation from two sides: The first con- beginning. frontation was from mathematicians and • There are writings after the death of physicists (astronomy plus particle physics Hawking stating that he drew back from and quantum mechanics), biology, particu- some of his articles particularly his atheist larly particle biology, especially DNA Mo- attitudes? According to an article written by lecular and cell biology, neurology, psychol- Philip Goff and published in the Guardian, ogy especially that is related to the studies of titled “Did the dying Stephen Hawking re- human consciousness. ally mean to strengthen the case for God?” The second active confrontation in refut- This article deals with the last research ing the arguments and articles of the New conducted by Hawking in cooperation with Atheism is represented in the research con- Physicist Thomas Hertog as a co-writer. ducted on analytical philosophy. This ap- It was published recently after Hawking’s proach has developed successful philosophi- death. cal solutions approved by the mainstream In his last article, Hawking drew back recognized logic and argument philosophers from important articles written in his book to address all problems caused by atheists “The Grand Design” where he reported the and agnostics beginning from the existence following: of Allah the Almighty, the issue of Darwin 1) The number of universes is not infi- Evolution Theories, the issue of existence nite, but rather limited. of evil in the world, algebra issues, the free- 2) The laws of physics are one and the dom of will, the logical potential proof of same for all possible universes. miracles and supernatural powers and other The two points mentioned above refute similar issues. the arguments put forth by those who believe This strong philosophical defense showed in the idea of multiverse (which does not the weakness and contradiction of the New qualify to be a theory according to Steven Atheists’ arguments to an extent that made Weinberg, the Nobel Laureate in Physics) in the Western popular media to announce the answering the believers in the fine- tuning of end of the New Atheism on the headlines of the universe so that it can be good for life, their articles and on the cover of their maga- which in its turn leads to supporting the sci- zines. entific argument of case or issue of believing The problem is that we in the Orient rep- in Allah. resent the echo, which repeats the articles, • You mentioned in a previous dialogue subjects and phenomenon of the West as

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Final.indd 53 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM they are; however, there is one difference: New Atheism found echo in the Islamic Ori- the echo of Western thoughts appears late in ent and the low-cultured regions (National- the Islamic Orient, it rather takes decades or ism, Nazism and Fascism Populism, Ba’ath some years to get there at the best. Thus, the Party, Nasserist Party, the Lebanese Phalan- imitators still hold, adopt and celebrate the ges Party, Marxism, the Chinese and Soviet corpse of the New Atheism and they are yet Communism, the communist and socialist to know its death in its source. parties in the Arab and Islamic World- Exis- • In your discretion, what are the conclu- tentialism, etc.) sions that can be reached as a result of your • However, there is the Western public in- analysis of this phenomenon, especially fluence in form of lifestyle (such as fashion, that there is a clear scientific approach in music, social and individual hobbies and in- the Atheism discourse with the Westerners, terests, all this is included in popular culture, while the atheism discourse in our Islamic which does not represent faith risk, but rather world seems as if it is no more than reac- focuses on the level of conduct that changes tions? Is this due to our surface influence by like transient fashions.) the fancies of Western Civilization and not • We must not get confused as to beliefs by its constituents? and lifestyles, although lifestyles may imply • In my opinion, the first of these results concealed but feeble ideas. Such confusion is that the New Atheism is a phenomenon makes us fight windmills and fills us up with appeared by the third millennium (follow- paranoia and conspiracies theories. ing the events of 9/11/2001) and it is related • The overflow of social media and glo- to the terror of the New Dissenters led by balization accelerates the blind imitation Dawkins, Harris, Dennett and Hitchens, then processes and increases its spread. Ian Hersey Ali and Ibn Warraq joined them. • There are many possible literatures and • Like all ideologies of the West, the sciences to refute the New Atheism such

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Final.indd 54 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM as quantum physics, physics of particles, sponse in challenging the phenomenon of the reviews on biology of evolution, Genome New Atheism. We have to stand up to it with Project, DNA studies, psychology of atheism certainty and confidence for the sake of our studies, consciousness studies, the studies of religion or to shrink away, dread and get into combination of social and criminal violence, the cages of aspects of modernism indict- postmodernism philosophy and analytical ment and give in. philosophy. There are also many recent sci- • Based on your answer, it is understood entific evolutions that refute any argument that in order to confront the New Atheism, put forth by the New Atheism, a matter that we have to consult directly the origins and led to the decline of the New Atheism itself sources of New Atheism and to rely on sci- in the second decade of the third millennium entific theories of physics and other sciences. in the West. Is it not the best method to triumph over and • There is confusion about understanding outdo the horizon of modernism and enlight- some cultural phenomena that are mistaken- enment articles? ly considered by some people as being phe- There are important developments in nomenon of Devil and atheism worshipping analytical philosophy, regardless of the de- while they are really not, (such as Halloween velopments in the research of Apologetics and other phenomena like the literary genre, and Postmodernism Philosophy and the de- which is known as the stories of vampire velopments in the field of pure sciences such genre, while it is certainly a Christian liter- as cosmic physics, quantum physics, fine ary artistic genre.) particles, developments in biological math- • Part of the attraction to the fashion of ematics, information theories, developments the New Atheism is due to psychic reaction in consciousness studies and scientific devel- among the ideal youth toward the phenom- opments in political philosophy. enon of New Dissenters and the defamations All these developments (which are un- phenomenon related to some experiences of known and not existent in the Arab and Is- applying the political Islam statements. lamic World, are unknown even to many • The New Atheism can be considered as a specialists in such fields) have formed an chance and not as an ordeal to renew the un- arsenal or a stock of thoughts and subtle ar- derstanding of Islam and to reflect on the criti- guments to confront the trends of atheism, cal thought, which is one of the renewal tools scientism, and fundamental secularism (one used to renew belief in Allah again and again. of many versions of secularism). Allah the Almighty said:” O ye who be- However, this stock of thoughts and ar- lieve! Believe in Allah And His Messenger guments, as I mentioned, is not present in and the scripture which He hath sent to His the reality of Arab and Islamic societies, the Messenger and the scripture which He sent matter that made an empty arena of defense, to those before (him); any who denieth Al- except for a weak emotional discourse to lah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers confront these phenomena. and the Day of Judgment, hath gone far, far By following up, I found that this intel- astray.” (Surat Annisa, Verse: 136) lectual stock and subtle argument has made deep shakings in three articles on enlighten- At the end it is a matter of the kind of re- ment and modernism:

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Final.indd 55 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM 1. Secularism (see Review of Secular- philosophy with the thought of Heidegger ism by Yorgan Hibermas in a book about and Derrida and their agreement in criticiz- post-secularism titled “A Secular Age” by ing metaphysic rationalism and appearance Charles Tailor ) as well as the writings of and the writings of François Leotard, espe- Luke Burry, John Gray, Richard Rorty, Cor- cially his report “On a Post-modern Condi- nel West and Talal Asad. tion”. 2. Rationalism (see reviews of philoso- 3. Scientism and the methodological phers of postmodernism of what they name naturalism (criticism of scientism and meth- as the Metaphysics of Enlightenment of odological naturalism in the writings of ar- Mind, the book “Existentialism and Time” gument philosophers, analytical philosophy by Martin Heidegger, the book “Criticism of and philosophy of science like Philip John- Dialectic Mind” by Jan Paul Sartre, Michael son, Alvin Plantinga and Bradley Minton Foucault in most of his works, especially the who came in next phase to the writings of article titled “What is Enlightenment”, the Karl Popper and Wittgenstein. Unfortunate- book of Nietzsche about: Genealogy of Mor- ly, many Arab and Islamic intellectuals who als, the writings of Jacques Derrida, espe- are interested in critical thinking, argument cially his book on Grammatology, the writ- and analytical philosophy stopped at the ings of Rorty about the relation of Pragmatic phase of Popper and Wittgenstein and did

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Final.indd 56 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM not go further to be acquainted with the developments that subsequently oc- curred. Added to this is the logical positivism and Evidentialism through the methods of phenomenology and critical studies. Briefly, the advocates of the New Athe- ism and even some advocates of naïve En- lightenment Rationalism as well as those of Secularism who did not get informed of post-secularism studies, all of them call for Modernism Horizon and Enlightenment not knowing that much water has flowed under the bridge. • Finally, how to develop the internal im- munity to hold off atheism? There is a theory of applicable dimension in the field of information and communica- tion. It is called Inoculation Theory. Doctor Muhammad Osman The theory protects individuals and so- Assayid: cieties against the effects of counter-prop- -Doctor of Philosophy in Jour- agation and psychological warfare. In a nalism, Missouri University, USA, nutshell, it exposes the targeted subjects, 1995 majoring in Sociology. who might be easily influenced by foreign -Worked as a professor of infor- thoughts and conduct, to the arguments and mation at four American universi- opponent’s claims in different doses that ties in the States of California and are gradually increasing (just like vaccina- Texas. Now working as a teaching tion campaigns against epidemic diseases) professor at Al Bahrain University. and to help them overcome and refute these -His research interests include thoughts until they get immunized and ca- philosophical schools, cognitive pable of overcoming the ordeal of these patterns, methodological studies in thoughts in the future. the field of humanitarian sciences Concerning infectious diseases, there and social sciences in general, and are families that overprotect their children philosophical schools and para- and keep them in sterilized germ-free envi- digms in the field of information ronments, a matter that weakens their self- and communication in particular. immunity and make them vulnerable to any -Knowledgeable and prolific foreign germ howsoever weak it is. professor in pure sciences such I am afraid that this is the case of families as biology, chemistry and physics that exaggerate in isolating their children and holds a bachelor degree from and place them in health quarantine envi- Khartoum University. ronments.

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Final.indd 57 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Book Review

The Muslim Yearbook, an ambitious project

Muhammad Nasir Jawed

The Muslim Yearbook was first published in 1996 under the title “Year Book of the Muslim World”. A handy encyclopedia, it was the first of its kind in the world, drawing huge interest in the world market. The man behind the project is Muhammad Nasir Jawed, a senior journalist. Speaking to the Muslim World League (MWL) Journal, Mr. Jawed described the current state of the media as “a potential strate- gic ground where everything is at stake – one’s culture, faith, history, economy, and even identity.” Muslim institutions, he believes, can-

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Final.indd 58 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM not risk ignoring the media. Instead, the The Muslim Yearbook is not only an media should be a top priority for Muslim attractive concept, but is beautifully pre- institutions and governments. sented, and the wide range of information The Muslim Yearbook project did not it contains make it a collector’s delight. come about instantly, but remained dor- It has an extended shelf value and is re- mant for more than two decades for a va- liably sourced, giving it an edge on the riety of reasons, but principally because overwhelming range of random and ques- of the lack of substantial financial back- tionable sources on the internet. ing, the absence of any infrastructure The yearbook may not be a solution to worthy of the name, and the lack of out- all the problems, but it has the potential side support. to be part of the process that makes or The yearbook’s importance lies in the breaks an opinion. Moreover, it intends to fact that it is an annual document with a evolve into a research institution, a global high referential value for the media and think tank, and a major platform gather- the academic world. Muslim institutions ing world intellectuals. All this matters provide next to no such data and informa- and impacts on the life of a human being. tion on a large scale or sustained level. Mr. Jawed believes the reason there This explains, according to Mr. Jawed, is no such effort on global level is due to why Muslims go unnoticed and unrepre- the “gloomy picture” in the international sented. In this age of information, Mus- media.“There is no plan worthy of the lims have to make their presence felt in name in place, and no basic work at any a substantial manner, else they will go level,” he says.“We have held many con- down in history as “a condemned com- ferences and meetings on the need for a munity, a marginalized nation and a for- media outlet, but too often they produce gotten civilization”. poorly conceived conclusions, and as a The yearbook is a mine of informa- result the ideas discussed in the seminars tion, full of data, statistics, reports, spe- fail to take off.” cial features and prominent top stories. Its The Muslim Yearbook is a humble step approximately 900 are divided into eight with great purposes. It is an ambitious, a parts: 1. General Information; 2. World far-reaching project with considerable Affairs; 3. Economy; 4. Science & Tech- hidden potential to effect changes if sup- nology; 5. Society; 6. Religion; 7. Histo- ported in the right way. Understanding ry; and 8. Sports. It also contains special this project depends on how much one sections on specific areas like Palestine or understands the whole landscape of the Interfaith Dialogue. world media and academia.

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Final.indd 59 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Baghdad (The City of Peace): Recalling the Lost Glory

Mohammad Dawood Sofi

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Final.indd 60 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM The city of Baghdad, known as Dar Al- though the roots of Baghdad date back to an- Salam (the City of Peace) represents the glo- cient Babylon, however, its fame as a center rious past of the Muslims. The remarkable for commerce and scholarship began in the contributions of Caliphs Harun Al-Rasheed 8th century CE. During that period a num- and Mamoon Al-Rasheed the rich libraries ber of small villages were present in that area of this great city, which were the largest in and one of those small villages was known the world; the giant philosophers such as Al- by the name Baghdad and this name in the Kindi, Al-Razi, Al-Farabi; the great Islamic later period became the name of this glorious scholar of all time, Imam Abu Hanifa and city. For the next five centuries, the city be- the Bayt Al-Hikmah made Baghdad in the came the global center of education and cul- medieval period one of the greatest cities of ture. The grandeur and splendor of this city knowledge and learning. There is a very deep can be memorialized from the classical tale, connection between Baghdad and the spread 1001 Arabian Nights. These stories and tales and strength of Islamic civilization during are actually a reflection of Baghdad’s strik- the medieval period and its grandeur and ing beauty and the height of its glory during striking transformations was considered to the reign of Harun Al-Rasheed. The words of be ideal. However, unfortunately, what befell Sayyed Husayn Nasr about the importance of the City of Peace following the Mongol inva- Baghdad and its place in the history recapture sion in 1258 was painful to all those who had our vision about our lost glory. He emphasiz- witnessed its glory and grandeur. The suffer- es that Baghdad has the honor where “Islam ings and the memories of pain even after the became heir to the intellectual heritage of all passing of more than seven hundred years the major civilizations before it save that of are still fresh. Zahir Al-Din Ibn Al-Kazaruni the Far East, and it became a haven within (1214–9128), a historian, mathematician, which various intellectual traditions found a and jurist, experienced both glory of Bagh- new lease upon life.” dad and the onslaught of the Mongols. His The major role in making Baghdad as the works on history and literature highlight the center of wisdom, knowledge, and learning beauty of this cosmopolitan city, its culture, was because of the presence of a renowned and learning. These works also reconnect the institution Bayt Al-Hikmah (House of Wis- Muslims to the great memories of the Islam- dom). It was a famous literary place for the ic civilization developed in Baghdad by the scholars to meet together and discuss ideas Abbasid caliphs. Despite devastation, even and opinions. As Caliph Mamoon himself in the current times, Baghdad represents the was a learned scholar, therefore, he used history, identity, and consciousness of the to supervise and actively participate in the Muslims. scholarly discourses and discussions about Named as Dar Al-Salam or Abode of various subjects. In addition to this, it was Peace, Baghdad was established 1300 years also a famous research institute where dif- ago by the first Abbasid caliph. It was found- ferent books and manuscripts from very far- ed, according to Ali A. Allawi, “specifically off places like China, India, and Greece were to be the capital of a universal empire, smack brought in and then discussed, and debated. in the middle of trade routes that converged At Bayt Al-Hikmah, translators, scien- on it from all points of the azimuth.” Al- tists, men of letters, writers, authors, and

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Final.indd 61 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM others used to meet every day for a wide city of Baghdad, in fact, establishes that variety of highly productive exercises that this place was the main link of transmission included translation, reading, writing, scrib- between Graeco-Alexandrian knowledge ing, discourse, dialogue and discussion. A and the present day West. For instance, number of manuscripts and books written in Hippocrates, known in Arabic as Buqrat, different languages and covering a number is still a household name frequently used of scientific topics and philosophical- con in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu cultures. It is cepts and ideas were translated at Bayt Al- Baghdad where Muslims built the first hos- Hikmah. As a matter of fact, many of the pital and this place also has the honor to Western classics reached the West through establish the Office of the Chief Justice for the translation work done during the eighth the first time in the history. Thus, under the and ninth centuries at Bayt Al-Hikmah. Abbasid rule, Baghdad came to be globally Different languages were spoken, read and known as the city of museums, hospitals, written there that included, among others, libraries, and mosques. In the history this Arabic (as the lingua franca), Farsi, He- period of the Muslim glory is known as the brew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin. Moreover, “Golden Age” of Islamic civilization. This occasionally, Sanskrit was also used in or- period showcased the unprecedented con- der to translate the old Indian manuscripts tributions of the Muslims in both the sci- about astronomy and mathematics. This all ences and humanities: medicine, physics, shows that Bayt Al-Hikmah was home to a mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, litera- number of famous scholars who were mas- ture, philosophy, and much more. While ters in their respective fields. Europe was in Dark Ages, Baghdad, on the The immense literary work done in the other hand, was representing a picture of a

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Final.indd 62 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM vibrant and productive civilization. That is became host to numerous wars, latest be- the main reason why it was known as the ing the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. The world’s richest and most intellectual city of modern Baghdad showed the signs of eco- the time. nomic prosperity in the 20th century how- However, unfortunately, the City slowly ever the frequent wars not only led the city began to lose its glory and relevance and as to political uncertainty but also prevented it a result a beautiful and a vibrant civilization to regain to a certain degree the past glory. finally ended with the invasion of Mongols The Gulf War of 1990-1991 and 2003 Iraq in 1258, ending the great era of Abbasids. war followed by a long and intense phase The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers is said to of violence vandalized much of the city’s have ran red with the blood of thousands cultural heritage. of scholars (a reported 100,000 of Bagh- One can find the echo of Baghdad’s civi- dad’s million residents were massacred). lization, as well as its destruction, through- Many of the libraries and other priceless out the literature of the Muslim world, historical treasures were looted and forever recounting the events that led to the emer- ruined by the Mongols. The destruction of gence of Baghdad as the city of culture and Baghdad by Mongols was a loss not just for learning or the intellectual city; showing Muslims, but for the entire world. Baghdad the nature of the urbanization of Baghdad never regained its height of scholarship and and the major steps taken by the Caliphs dynamism after the Mongol attacks and necessary for intellectual, technological, because of this the world lost an important and social development; and highlighting intellectual and cultural center. the various causes that led to destruction of Following the Mongol invasion, the city both Baghdad and the Muslim glory.

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Final.indd 63 24/04/1440 AH 12:03 PM Visitors flock at Janadriyah Festival

Riyadh (UNA-OIC) “Woman in Vision 2030” during which Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Large number of people flocked to the Development Dr. Tamader Al-Rammah venue of the 33rd Saudi National Fes- will present a working paper on “Efforts tival for Heritage and Culture (Janadri- of the Labor Ministry in qualifying and yah 33) when the heritage village was empowering woman.” The seminar will open for the public. also deal with topics such as “Saudi Elaborate arrangements have been woman and international agreements;” made for the smooth flow of traffic and “Woman and labor market: Opportuni- there are shuttle bus services to and fro ties and training fields;” and “Efforts between Riyadh city and Janadriyah, of Saudi Aramco in qualifying and located in the northern outskirts of the empowering woman.” Shoura Council capital city. The Ministry of National member Dr. Fauziyah Abalkhail will be Guard is organizing the festival whose the moderator. theme is “Faithfulness and loyalty.” On the opening day, King Salman and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques other dignitaries watched the grand an- King Salman opened the festival in a nual camel race and performances of colorful ceremony on Thursday eve- folklore artists. At the end of the race, ning. He also opened the pavilions of the monarch gave away prizes to the Indonesia, the guest of honor country, first five winners of the competition. as well as that of Tabuk and Al-Jouf re- They are Mudakar Al-Qurashi, Jaber gions on the opening day. Al-Mori, Safar Al-Shareef, Samir Al- The theme of the second seminar is Mori and Khaled Al-Qurashi.

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