Abrar A bi-monthly newsletter published by the Abrar Islamic Foundation

45 CrawfordEdior: Place, DrLondon Saeed W!H Shehabi 4LP A bi-monthly newsletter Tel:Published 020 7724 by the 3033 45Fax: Crawford 020 7724 Place, 7219 LondonEmail: W1H 4LP Vol 16, No 23 (383) 1st-15th June 2020 [email protected] Tel: 020Website: 7724 3033 Online activism must build on experience www.abrar.org.uk It has been a great accomplishment by There is no need to travel any distance in order Email: to have been able to observer fasting in Rama- to enjoy the spiritual and intellectual meetings. abrarhouse dan that has just ended. While we extend our Speakers from other countries can easily partici- @hotmail.com greetings and blessings to Muslims on the ad- pate in lecturing and debate. There is little effort Website vent of Eid Al Fitr, we also applause the ability or cost to achieve these benefits. www.abraronline.net of mankind to adapt to the new life style dictat- Yet the human touch is invaluable. This is a new Charity no. 293802 ed by the unstoppable spread of Covid-19. This development that has yet to prove its ability to year’s Ramadan experience has been totally replace direct human interaction. But it has pro- alien to the human culture of recent times. No vided a respite for those who are motivated to- congregation on any level while people are held wards collective action. Even protests were held back by the lockdown. The severity of this pro- online. The International Jerusalem Day We stand for: cess has been so traumatic that many people do (Alquds Day) was marked online through vari- not like to venture out of it. The frightening ous means including the raising of the flag of • Inter-faith and inter- prospect of catching the disease has pushed Palestine. Debates were organized on the fate of civilisational dialogue UK’s trade unions to resist the lifting of the the holy city while some people in Palestine and lockdown restrictions, the re-opening of other countries ventured out to the streets to • Respect for the human schools, the use of public transport or resuming denounce the occupation and demand an end to race and rights their normal activities. The “New Norm” ap- Israeli atrocious policies. The electronic plat- pears to replace the “Old Norm” which is gradu- forms have provided alternative venues for reli- • Cooperation for the ally slipping back from the human memory. The gious and social activities. These must be uti- good of people unseen virus appears to be thousands of times its lized to the full as the lockdown continues. In size as it haunts everyone and hinders the at- light of the continued failure to contain the dis- • Moderation tempts to go back to the pre-lockdown culture of ease through medical means like vaccination • Modernity work or socializing. and medication, lockdown is likely to continue The of Ramadan this year has been at various levels. Gradual easing of restrictions • High standards of unique with Muslims having to perform their must not be allowed to help spread the disease spirituality religious duties behind closed doors, within the further. confinement of their homes. No mass prayers, Meanwhile lessons of fasting while in lockdown religious gatherings, family visits or engage- must not be missed. In addition to the health ment in any indoor exercises. For Muslims, es- benefits, fasting has encouraged many to give to pecially in UK, Ramadan has developed into a the poor. The relief organisations have been In this issue get-together time for all especially in the last active during the month mailing appeals to pro- hours of the day and after sunset. In the Middle spective donors. and Islamic centres Local Events 2 East, the hot weather has transformed the mode were also active to provide online platforms for of life with the people voluntarily locking down speakers on spiritual and Quranic studies. It was Muslim Affairs 3 during the day while releas- a unique but productive expe- ing themselves to operate rience that can be repeated in during night. This year has, the coming weeks and Jerusalem in modern 4 however changed all that. . The religious com- Islamic thought Muslims had to be content munity must be forthcoming with online activism. Lec- in embracing collective online Eid Al Fitr in lockdown 5 tures were delivered, prayers action to address issues per- were recited online, while taining to the world’s pan- Covid-19 and families remained segregated demic. The religious instruc- France’s ban at the times when they would tions for followers to observe 6 normally come together. The the lockdown and social dis- Eid functions have been tancing rules have been a re- Story: Japanese revert’s greatly curtailed as the reli- sponsible response to the account on Ramadan, Eid 8 gious leaders and the politi- threat. Religious institutions cians called for muted festivi- must continue their positive ties. But to some Muslims, approach to health, education the online activities have and social needs especially at been a welcome change. such hard times. Page 2 Local Events Jerusalem; the cradle of faiths through TV programmes. The aim is to sighting to determine the beginning or make links with the occupiers accepta- the end of the months of the Islamic The International Day of Qud was ble. We have to challenge this tendency. calendar. If we had one leader we marked at Abrar virtual meeting on We are confident that God’s support would not have differed almost every Thursday 21st May, chaired by Sheikh will always enable the believers to win year on this beginning and end of Ram- Hassan Al Taraiki. Sheikh Hussain Al the challenge. We must understand that adan. Leadership in is well- Ma’tooq, a Kuwaiti cleric started by there is a serious cultural invasion in defined. Mohammad had indoctrinated commenting on fasting especially as order to influence the perception of peo- Muslims to embrace their leadership Ramadan was drawing to a close. An ple towards Al Aqsa and Jeru- and taught them the verses that men- important condition for fasting to be salem. We have to respect other people tioned the names of those leadership. accepted by God Almighty is the re- regardless of their religious or political Imam Hussain was among that leader- jection of oppression, injustice and persuasion. Media often attempts to pre- ship. The Quran contains many refer- tyranny in the world. He presented sent Islam as that of ISIS, we have to ences to the leadership urging follow- several Quranic verses that relate to change this and to show that our religion ers to refer to God’s designated lead- this. He said there are two ways in promotes peace and mercy among the ers. And remember that Abraham was life; the first is that of the prophets people of this planet. We have to sup- tried by his Lord with certain com- which promotes justice, combating port the Palestinians and encourage oth- mands which he fulfilled; He said: “I oppression and defending the op- ers to do so through communication will make thee an Imam to the na- pressed and the dispossessed. The with others. tions.” He pleaded: “And also (Imams) other way is that of tyrants and op- from my offspring!” He answered: pressors who seek to enslave man, Wilayah and the concept “But my promise is not within the deprive him of freedom and subject of Islamic leadership reach of evil-doers.” (Al Baqarah 124). attack him. To illustrate the two ways People must revert to their leadership. Sheikh Al Ma’tooq presented many On 16th May the weekly meeting of There are two kinds of reversion. After verses. Then he dealt with Palestine, Abrar was addressed by Ayatullah the killing of Othman, people flocked the land of propehts, the blessed land Sheikh Mohsin Al Araki who addressed to Imam Ali’s house urging him to according to the Quran. Glory to the life of Imam Ali. This was to mark stand up for the top job of government. (God) Who did take His Servant For a the martyrdom anniversary of the Imam The Quran presented several factors to Journey by night From the Sacred on 21st Ramadan. He deliberated on the determine leadership. The speaker re- Mosque To the Farthest Mosque, concept of Wilayah (religious authority) ferred to the two sermons of Fatima, Whose precincts We did Bless,—in in Islam. Wilayah, the speaker said< is Mohammad’s daughter who referred to order that We Might show him some one of the most central of the religious her father and predicted the devastating Of Our Signs : for He Is the One Who concepts among Muslims, not as a sec- consequences for abandoning his path heareth And seeth (all things) (Al tarian one but within the social frame- and ignoring his directions. The com- verse 1 of Al Israa chapter). This land work of the Islamic religious system. munity had been unfaithful to the cove- has been usurped as the world When discussing Imam Ali, several as- nant it had with Mohammad. The watched; its people (Muslims and pects of his life may be debated. The speaker delved into the meaning of Christians) displaced and its land an- first is the personal. He was the top Wilayah through historical, Quranic nexed. They were expelled by interna- model for humanity in veracious dimen- and logical sources arguing that the tional resolutions. In this holy month sions: his knowledge, sacrifice, elo- Prophet’s household were the perfect we have to reject injustice wherever it quence, his social service and serving representative of Mohammad’s leader- happens regardless of people’s politi- Islam. These compliment Imam Ali’s ship but were not followed by the com- cal or religious affiliation. We have to character. munity. He then referred to the present reject oppressors. We cannot co-habit The second is the social dimension of day situation to argue what he consid- with them. This is what we learnt from Ali’s character. I have found that one of ered disastrous consequences of aban- the school of martyrs and the life of our greatest crisis, past and present, is doning the upholding of wilayah as Imam Hussain who said: Don’t you the problem of leadership. We see that stipulated by the Holy Quran. No one see that the right path is not followed in Palestine, Arabian Peninsula and oth- of Mohammad’s companions had been and that the mischief and misguidance er places. Writers and thinkers often able to replicate Ali in his sincerity, is not rejected? Adding: I consider talked about this, but little has been dedication and achievement. Yet he death a source of happiness while liv- achieved so far. Due to the lack of uni- was abandoned as a statesman with the ing alongside the oppressors painful”. fied leadership we often differ on moon clearest vision in what Islam had been A believer must reject tyran- all about. Where is the real ny (taghut) and anyone who leadership in Muslim does not do that must exam- countries today? In Pales- ine his/her faith. Then there tine, Iraq, Arabian penin- must be practical steps to sula? He produced several confirm this commitment; by historic and religious ref- supporting those who reject erences to what Moham- tyranny and occupation. mad had expected the Those who cannot do this community to follow in must give financial assis- order to ensure the firm tance to those resisting tyr- establishment of Islam. To anny. During the month of him, Ali had always been Ramadan there were unfor- the perfect leader that tunately some steps to nor- should not have been malize the links with the abandoned by the first and occupiers of Palestine in subsequent generations of many ways, one of which Muslims. Muslim affairs Page 3

Syria's warring parties agree to free movement or meeting with any- community and UN agencies to help Geneva talks - U.N. envoy body,” Khan said in a handwritten note manage and end this crisis, and recover submitted to the Supreme Court on better. New technologies, from 5G and Opposing sides in Thursday. big data to cloud computing and artifi- the Syrian civil war The 84-year-old is said to have helped cial intelligence, are powerful tools to have agreed to re- supply designs, hardware and materials tackle the world’s most pressing chal- convene in Geneva to make enriched uranium for atomic lenges, including the pandemic. for negotiations on bombs to Iran, Libya and North Korea. Leaving no one behind means leaving the constitution, Global nuclear watchdog the Interna- no one offline. United Nations tional Atomic Energy Agency had said World Telecommunication and Infor- Special Envoy Geir Khan was an important part of the nu- mation Society Day reminds us that Pedersen said on clear black market and had help from international cooperation on digital Tuesday, saying people in many different countries. technology is essential to help defeat that it could pro- In a televised statement in 2004 after COVID-19 and achieve the 2030 Agen- vide the arena for meeting then president Musharraf, who da for Sustainable Development. bridging “deep, deep mistrust”. was also the chief of Pakistan’s power- After nine years of conflict in Syria, ful Army, Khan stressed he acted inde- Abbas declares end to Pedersen referred to “relative calm” in pendently and the government had not agreements with Israel, US the last rebel-held enclave of Idlib as an authorised his activities. opportunity for building confidence. He Western diplomats have long doubted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the United States and Russia, who whether he could have acted alone. declared Wednesday an end to the support opposing sides, to start talks and Talking to the Guardian newspaper in agreements and understandings signed back the peace process. 2008, Khan said the confession “was with Israel and the United States and “As soon as the pandemic situation al- handed into my hand”. turned over responsibility over the oc- lows, they have agreed to come to Gene- Khan filed a petition last year saying cupied territories back to Israel. va and they have agreed on an agenda for that, despite earlier court orders allow- "The Palestine Liberation Organization the next meeting,” Pedersen told report- ing him freedom of movement under and the State of Palestine are absolved, ers, referring to the government and op- agreed terms, he was still kept under as of today, of all the agreements and position. restraint and in fear of “physical harm”. understandings with the American and He did not give a date for the constitu- On Thursday, he sent a note to the judg- Israeli governments and of all the obli- tional committee, which struggled to es hearing his case saying he was to gations based on these understandings make headway last year, and said that a appear before them the day before, but and agreements, including the security virtual meeting would not be possible. agents of the Strategic Plans Division ones," President Abbas announced at an “We need this to start somewhere,” he (SPD) did not take him to the courtroom emergency meet- said. “The Constitutional Committee despite bringing him into the court ing for the Pales- could be that arena where confidence building. . tinian leadership starts to build.” held in Ramallah UN Chief: Int’l cooperation es- to discuss Israeli Architect of Pakistan's nuclear sential for defeating COVID-19 plans to annex programme: I am imrisoned parts of the occu- United Nations Secretary-General Anto- pied Palestinian Abdul Qadeer nio Guterres says that international co- land as declared Khan, who made operation on digital technology is essen- in the new Israeli international head- tial to help defeat COVID-19. government's lines in 2004 after Guterres made the remarks in a message coalition agree- publicly confess- - a copy of which was sent to the United ment. ing his role in Nations Information Center (UNIC) in "The Israeli occupation authority, as of global nuclear Tehran- released on Sunday on the occa- today, has to shoulder all responsibili- proliferation, has sion of World Telecommunication and ties and obligations in front of the inter- petitioned Paki- Information Society Day, May 17. national community as an occupying stan’s top court to The full text of his message reads: power over the territory of the occupied say he is being Information technology can be a beacon state of Palestine, with all its conse- “kept prisoner” by of hope, allowing billions of people quences and repercussions based on government agencies and not allowed to around the world to connect. international law and international hu- plead his case for freedom of movement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these manitarian law, particularly the Fourth Khan, widely described as the architect connections – with loved ones, with Geneva Convention of 1949, which of the nuclear weapons programme in schools and colleges, with workplaces, holds the occupying power responsible Pakistan, which tested its first atomic with healthcare for the protection of the civilian popula- bomb in 1998 to rival that of neighbour- professionals and tion under occupation and their proper- ing , was sacked from his official essential supplies– ty, criminalizes collective punishment, position after his confession, but granted are more important bans theft of resources, appropriation clemency by then President Pervez than ever. and annexation of land, bans forced Musharraf. The International transfer of the population of the occu- He has since lived a heavily guarded and Telecommunication pied territory and bans transfer of the mostly secluded life in an upscale Islam- Union continues to population of the occupying state (the abad neighbourhood. Authorities say he work with the infor- colonialists) to the land it occupies, is under guard for security reasons. mation and commu- which all are grave violations and war “I had been kept as a prisoner having no nication technology crimes," he said. Page 4 Great personalities

Prominence of Jerusalem in modern Islamic political thought Quds day, as a unique occasion for Mus- have been under pressure by the United Israeli government has risen to further lims around the globe, is the last Friday States and others." invade Arab lands… and has ignited the of Ramadan month, an initiative by The day of awakening of Muslims flame of war for several times… it is Imam Khomeini, the founder of Islamic Imam Khomeini told in a speech to Mus- imperative for governments of Islamic Republic of Iran. lims around the world oppressed by the countries, Arab governments in particu- Quds city, the first Qibla of Muslims, eastern and western powers that they must lar, to rely on God and mobilize all their was occupied by the Israelis in 1948 and understand their Islamic power and not be forces to help those who are fighting in taken from its real owners – Palestini- afraid of those powers. He told them to frontlines… in order to liberate Pales- ans. This conspiracy was confronted by trust in God and get the hands of criminals tine and revitalize the dignity and glory Palestinians from its first stage ex- off their countries and make liberation of of Islam." pressed indignation and the Muslim Quds and Palestine a priority. He went on to elaborate: "Leave the World rejected this criminal act along The day of defending dignity of Muslims differences and hypocrisy… do not be with the freedom-loving people around "Defending reputation and lands of Mus- afraid of the chaffy power of supports the world. In this regard, Iranian people lims and all Muslim belongings is a neces- of Zionism and Israel… Governments if made the cause of liberation of Palestine sity and we must prepare for defending oil-rich Islamic countries must use their the highest priority among their ideals Muslims; especially in these circumstanc- oil as a weapon against Israel and colo- after the Islamic Revolution victory. es that the real children of Islamic Pales- nialists. Iranians demonstrate every year on tine and Lebanon, namely Hezbollah and They must stop selling oil to the gov- Quds day. revolutionist Muslims in the occupied ernments who help Israel." In Ramadan of 1979, Imam Khomeini lands are shouting out for help by sacrific- A preface to formation of party of the introduced the Quds day to the world ing themselves, we must stand against oppressed and said in a speech: "I call on all Mus- Israel and other aggressors," Imam Kho- Imam Khomeini said that the Quds day lims and Muslim governments to unite meini has said. is an Islamic day for a public mobiliza- in order to get the hands of this occupier The day of Muslim unity tion in the Muslim world; he hoped that (Israel) and it supporters off Palestine The founder of Islamic Republic said in this can be a preface to formation a "the and call on all Muslims around the another occasion: "Now that the occupier Oppressed Party" in the world. world to name the last Friday of Rama- dan month as the 'Quds day' and declare the international solidarity of Muslims in supporting legal rights of (Palestinian) Muslims." Here are some important parts of his speeches about the Quds day. The day of Islamic Government "Quds day is not only the day of Pales- tine; it is the day of Islamic government. It is the day in which the banner of Is- lamic Republic must be raised in all countries. It is the day in which we must give the superpowers to understand that they cannot advance in Islamic coun- MCB’s message commends affiliates tries. I recognize Quds day as the day of Islam and the Holy Prophet (PBUH). It The response of Muslim communities UK have truly shown what Ramadan is is the day in which we must prepare all not just to a Ramadan in lockdown, but about: giving back to others. We have are might and bring Muslims out of the to the whole pandemic, has been truly seen donations pour in for so many isolation they have been put into so that inspiring. I am constantly in awe of Brit- good causes, the generosity of Muslims they can stand against foreigners with all ish Muslims. From our resolve and resil- clearly on display. their strength." ience to our ingenuity and drive to help The #SupportOurMosques campaign The day of revival of Islam others. run by the MCB and LaunchGood to Imam Khomeini said in a speech about This Ramadan, with the doors of the facilitate mosques receiving donations Quds day that it is the day "we should masajid closed, we have seen community online has managed to raise over warn all superpowers that they must get members work hard to take their services £300,000 for over 135 mosques, com- back to their position… it is the day we online, from khutbahs and dua recitation munity centres and prayer facilities in must revive Islam and Islamic rules in to Qur’an classes and activities for chil- the UK, helping to ensure they will still Muslim countries… the day we should dren. Alhamdulillah, we have all been be able to be there for us when it is safe warn all superpowers that Islam is no able to partake and enjoy the month with for their doors to open. longer under your dominion and it will our communities and our Imams from I would like to commend all our affili- never happen by your devil agents. Quds home. We have also seen masajid ates for their tireless community efforts, day is the day of revival of Islam." come up with new ways of help- particularly during such The day of disavowal by the oppressed ing people and providing food. turbulent and testing times. around the world Many have used their space to set May you all enjoy and cele- Imam Khomeini also said that Quds day up food banks to help those in the brate the day with loved is a day in which "the oppressed stand local area who are struggling as a ones, and may it be filled against the arrogant… the day the op- result of the pandemic, and others with peace and blessings. pressed around the world should prepare have been able to deliver to . against the arrogant and defeat them. It the houses of their congregants. Harun Khan is the day of the fight of nations who Muslim communities across the Secretary General Open Forum Page 5

British Muslims: Coronavirus has changed Eid-ul-Fitr The following article was written before there will be no celebrations and gather- Additionally, for some Muslims, this Eid. But it accurately predicted that there ings for Muslims during Eid this year. Eid is the great equaliser as both rich would be not mass prayers, celebrations Furthermore, as the pandemic brings an and poor can focus on true spirituality of festivities. Families and friends have economic collapse, and the world’s fi- and less on materialism. been kept apart as precautions against the nancial markets crash, saving money has This is because for the first time in his- spread of Covid-19. Nonetheless the spirit become an objective for the majority of tory, both the rich and the poor in the of the holy month has made people more the population. Therefore, many Mus- Muslim world will be celebrating Eid resilient and accepting of the fact that lims are spending cautiously on Eid as under similar circumstances. Rich fam- there will be new realities until the pan- the future remains uncertain. It has been ilies have known to spend Eid in opu- demic has been totally contained. The reported by chancellor Rushi Sunak that lence and it is well reported that Eid lockdown has taught us many lessons but “a significant recession” is soon to come boosts luxury retail, with people spend- also enabled us to continue our life and and Muslims are preparing for this by ing thousands of pounds on dresses enjoy it within the limits imposed on the not overspending this Eid. alone. human race. There is general acceptance Rosheel Shahid, a medical student from “As a Muslim man, Eid means so much of this reality and the hope is that it will Manchester noted: “The lockdown has to me and many others who have come not last for long. Hope must replace pessi- not impacted Eid as much as people and gone in this world; for the rich and mism and despair. think and we can still have celebrations, the poor, this pandemic is a realisation As the world enters the fourth month of but they will be smaller. People should that life is so short, we should use this the deadly coronavirus pandemic, the realise there are positives; for example, I opportunity to focus on our personal Muslim community prepares for their am glad to save money and not over- goals of spirituality rather than materi- most cherished celebration of the year. spend this year by going to unnecessari- alism and superficiality,” said Elias, Eid-ul-Fitr, for the first time for millions ly expensive restaurants.” from New York City. of Muslims, will be celebrated under lock- Shahid further explained: “I used to However, for many Muslims, the doom down in their homes. spend hundreds of pounds on luxurious and gloom of the pandemic has stolen Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and Pakistani attire from the best designer the usual excitement of Eid this year. is a celebration for fasting and completing outlets in Manchester, but this year I Amna Ahmed, a lawyer from Manches- religious duties for the entirety of the won’t be doing that.” ter, stated: "I would be lying if I said month. It's a communal month for Mus- Although the negative impacts of the that Eid will be fun this year; there will lims, where communities strengthen ties, pandemic might be real, for most of hu- be no getting dolled up, no salon ap- collectively engage in prayers, and mark manity very few experiences can feel pointments and definitely no parties. the three-day holiday with glorious festive like “living through history.” As the Usually, my friends and I would cele- celebrations. coronavirus sweeps the globe, the world brate on Rusholme in Manchester, The novel virus has already led to Mus- order is being reshaped in front of our which is a famous road for locals due to lims practicing the holy month of Rama- very eyes which is a time to cherish for its vibrancy and desi atmosphere. dan under strict guidelines to limit the many Muslims. "We live in the Western world, we spread of the virus. Therefore, Eid under Lazo, an architect from Manchester, don’t always get holidays to celebrate lockdown could be both a challenge and a said: "Many people are so upset about Eid which is difficult in itself, however positive experience for Muslims around Eid this year, but for me this is a surreal the gloom of the pandemic has taken the world. once in a lifetime experience that will the positivity of Eid away from us.” We spoke to British Muslims about their soon surpass. I’ve been blogging my For the most part it is clear that the feelings and hopes for Eid this year, and experience under lockdown and every coronavirus pandemic will bring about for some, Eid feels like it has been day is different. "I have not seen the a surreal, life-changing experience on “cancelled.” inside of a mosque for two months, Eid-ul-Fitr for all Muslims this year “It feels as if Eid has been cancelled, and which is a strange but a surreal feeling. I and it is evident that Eid this year will I won’t be able to see my family and will definitely never forget this and will not be celebrated in its usual dazzling friends, but I have decided that I will still remember this for life.” spirit. dress up and Facetime everyone," said Zaina Naim, a lawyer from Birmingham. "There are both positives and negatives; we can’t engage in celebrations such as ‘chaand raat’ and we definitely won’t be putting on henna and bangles on Lady pool road, which is very famous area in Birmingham for Eid festivities." Naim further explained: "I used to cele- brate extravagantly for Eid, however I forgot that Eid is essentially all about being grateful for the simple things in life. This pandemic has changed my perspec- tive on living life; I appreciate simplicity more.” Festivities are fundamental to the human experience of celebrating Eid, which con- sist of special food being prepared and friends and family being invited for joyful gatherings. However, social distancing measures and cautionary lockdown measures mean that Page 6 Women issues Coronavirus exposed the real reasons behind France's 'burqa ban' by Rokhaya Diallo, 15 May 2020 worn by some Muslim women were not a coverings with the French way of life Amid the coronavirus pandemic, France "religious problem" but a problem and everything to do with the state's is faced with a paradox: It has just made of "liberty and women's dignity" reluctance to include visible Muslims the wearing of masks compulsory in and declared "the burqa is not welcome into the French national identity. certain public spaces, but maintained the in France". As millions of French people now par- years-long ban on Muslim full-face Sarkozy's words ignited another major ticipate in public life with covered faces veils. This suggests, as the Washington public debate, with one side accusing the without any issue, it is indeed clear that Post recently noted, "if an observant president of weaponising feminism and the French state banned Muslim face Muslim woman wanted to get on the secular values to exclude Muslims from veils not to protect the values of the Paris Metro, she would be required to the French identity and the other empha- Republic, but to promote an assimila- remove her burqa and replace it with a sising the importance of protecting the tionist understanding of Frenchness that mask". nation's core liberal values. does not tolerate minority cultural ex- The French government made the use of While the few women in France who pressions. face masks in public mandatory on May wear full-face veils were never included The coronavirus pandemic exposed the 10 in an effort to safely ease the coun- in the "burqa" debate, several prominent French state's hypocrisy about several try's strict coronavirus lockdown. More public figures - mostly men - passionate- other forms of behaviour, too. than 50 other countries, from Germany ly argued that no one would willingly For example, back in 2019, following an to Uganda, had previously passed simi- choose to wear such a garment and that attack on the Paris police headquarters lar laws and provisions to stem the anyone wearing it was undoubtedly a by a Muslim employee, French Interior spread of the virus and get people back victim of male oppression. Failing to Minister Christophe Castaner delivered to work. realise the irony of denying women agen- a controversial list of potential signs of While in most countries the discussion cy over their own bodies and outfit choic- radicalisation to the French Parliament. about compulsory face masks focused es while trying to "save them" from gen- Alongside innocent cultural expressions, on the effectiveness of the measure, in dered oppression, these people eventually such as wearing a long beard, he sug- France, where not long ago the govern- convinced the country that all face cover- gested that a Muslim person's refusal to ment proudly stated that "the Republic ings should be banned to protect women's kiss someone to greet them, as many lives with its face uncovered", this deci- rights and French values. French people usually do, could be a sion raised questions about the way the As a result, in September 2010, the sign of radicalisation. Now, however, state defines French identity and values. French Senate voted in favour of a bill the state is actively encouraging citizens Face coverings started to be discussed in banning the concealment of the face in to refrain from kissing each other in an the context of French national identity public spaces. In March 2011, weeks attempt to stop the spread of the vi- for the first time more than a decade before the ban came into force, the gov- rus. There is, of course, no suggestion ago, during Nicolas Sarkozy's presiden- ernment issued a new circular about the that refusing to kiss someone can in- cy. scope of the ban and offered some cultur- fringe the requirements of life in society. In October 2008, the High Authority for al justifications for it. The COVID-19 pandemic, and the ex- the Fight against Discrimination and for "To conceal the face is to infringe the treme measures that were taken to fight Equality (HALDE), France's public minimum requirements of life in socie- it, showed that neither the wearing of watchdog group on discrimination, ty," the circular stated. "This also places face veils nor other forms of Muslim equated the wearing of a burqa to the the persons concerned in a situation of cultural and religious expressions, have "submission of women" in a ruling over exclusion and inferiority incompatible ever posed a threat to the French way of an administrative decision that denied a with the principles of freedom, equality life. It showed that the motivation be- woman wearing the garment access to and human dignity affirmed by the hind the "burqa ban" was not to protect the French-language classes that were French Republic." republican values but to prevent Mus- required for her to remain in France. As The circular, therefore, officially lims from being included in public life. it sided with the public authority that acknowledged a link between the way a The French state simply used cultural took the controversial decision, the person chooses to dress themselves in markers that are associated with "being watchdog said: "The burqa carries the public and that person's place in French French" in the national psyche to draw meaning of the submission of women society. To be recognised as a French the contours of an exclusionary national which goes beyond its religious scope person, the circular affirmed, one has to identity. and could be considered as undermining show her face in public, as a confirmation Now that COVID-19 demonstrated that republican values presiding over the of her commitment to the "common val- one can indeed participate in public life process of integration and organisation ues" and "shared destiny" of the country. and remain "French" without showing of these lessons." This is why the French government's her face or kissing acquaintances, the The ruling laid the foundations for the recent decision to make the wearing of nation could do well to rethink the way perception that this religious garment is face masks mandatory in public places it treats Muslims. not only fundamentally anti-feminist but raised questions. also foreign to French culture. It also The government's ignited a debate on "republican values" move to make face which quickly transformed into a debate masks compulsory on whether Islam is compatible with the while refusing to French Republic. reverse the ban on Just a few months after the publication Muslim face veils of HALDE's ruling, as the call for the reaffirmed the con- banning of all Muslim face coverings viction many al- became louder across the country, Presi- ready had that the dent Sarkozy himself joined in the de- so-called "burqa" bate. ban has nothing to In a State of the Nation address, the do with the incom- president claimed that face coverings patibility of face Off the Shelf Page 7

phy, but it is mandatory reading for any Islam, Causality, and Freedom serious scholar of Islamic thought.' From the Medieval to the Modern Era Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl - Omar and Azmeralda Alfi Distinguished Professor In this volume, Ozgur Koca offers a thought. Notably, among the most en- of Law, University of California, Los comprehensive survey of Islamic ac- lightening contributions of this book is Angeles counts of causality and freedom from its discussion on contemporary dis- 'Ozgur Koca has produced a magisterial the medieval to the modern era, as well courses on religion and science in rela- work, the kind of volume one expects as contemporary relevance. His book is tion to Islamic theories of causality. from great scholars at the pinnacle of an invitation for Muslims and non- Certainly this book is of great interest their careers. The breadth and depth of Muslims to explore a rich, but largely to all students of religion and philoso- scholarship is remarkable, yet difficult forgotten, aspect of Islamic intellectual concepts are presented clearly enough history. Here, he examines how key that the book can be used as an introduc- Muslim thinkers, such as Ibn Sina, tory text to the field. Koca treats the piv- Ghazali, Ibn Rushd, Ibn Arabi, otal figures in Islamic philosophy and Suhrawardi, Jurjani, Mulla Sadra and theology with fairness and respect, Nursi, among others, conceptualized working to bring the strengths of each to freedom in the created order as an ex- the surface. His greatest achievement, tension of their perception of causality. however, is to offer an Islamic theory of Based on this examination, Koca identi- causation that is adequate both to the fies and explores some of the major demands of contemporary science and to currents in the debate on causality and the actuality of human free will.' freedom. He also discusses the possible Philip Clayton - Ingraham Professor, implications of Muslim perspectives on Claremont School of Theology causality for contemporary debates over Özgür Koca, Bayan Claremont Islamic religion and science. Graduate School. He is an assistant pro- 'This learned and perspicacious book is fessor of Islamic Studies and Philosophy one of the most important studies on at Bayan Claremont Islamic Graduate Islamic theology and philosophy to be School. His research focus is on Islamic published in the last decade. Focusing Philosophy-Theology, Sufism, and Sci- on some of the key medieval and mod- ence and Religion Discussion. ern Muslim scholars, the author analyz- Publisher: Cambridge Univ Press es occasionalist and participatory ac- Hardback 296 pages £75.00 counts of causality and freedom in ra- ISBN: 9781108496346 tionalist, orthodox, and Sufi Islamic Publishing date: June 2020 Islamic Civilization in Thirty Lives: The First 1,000 Years Religious thinkers, political leaders, a fascinating portrait of rich and diverse such as Ibn Fadlan, whose travels in lawmakers, writers, and philosophers Islamic societies. Alongside the famous Eurasia brought fascinating first-hand have shaped the 1,400-year-long devel- characters who colored this landscape— accounts of the Volga Vikings to the opment of the world's second-largest including Muhammad’s cousin ’Ali; the Abbasid Caliph; the eleventh-century religion. But who were these people? Crusader-era hero Saladin; and the poet Karima al-Marwaziyya, a woman What do we know of their lives and the Rumi—are less well-known figures, scholar of Prophetic traditions; and Abu ways in which they influenced their al-Qasim Ramisht, a twelfth-century societies? merchant millionaire. In Islamic Civilization in Thirty Lives, An illuminating read for anyone inter- the distinguished historian of Islam ested in learning more about this often- Chase F. Robinson draws on the long misunderstood civilization, this book tradition in Muslim scholarship of com- creates a vivid picture of life in all are- memorating in writing the biographies nas of the pre-modern Muslim world. of notable figures, but he weaves these Chase F. Robinson was Lecturer and ambitious lives together to create a rich Professor of Islamic History in the Fac- narrative of Islamic civilization, from ulty of Oriental Studies and Fellow of the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh Wolfson College at the University of century to the era of the world conquer- Oxford from 1993 until 2008, when he er Timur and the Ottoman Sultan was appointed Distinguished Professor Mehmed II in the fifteenth. of History and Provost of the Graduate Beginning in Islam’s heartland, Mecca, Center of the City University of New and ranging from North Africa and Ibe- York, where he now serves as Presi- ria in the west to Central and East Asia, dent. His extensive publications on Is- Robinson not only traces the rise and lamic history include Islamic Historiog- fall of Islamic states through the biog- raphy, Empire and Elites after the Mus- raphies of political and military leaders lim Conquest, and The New Cambridge who worked to secure peace or expand History of Islam, Volume 1. their power, but also discusses those Publisher: Univ of California Press who developed Islamic law, scientific Hardback 272 $29.95 thought, and literature. What emerges is ISBN: 9780520292987 Page 8 Words of Faith Ramadan, Eid in London: Japanese Revert's tale 6. He it is Who shapes you in the London has a large Muslim population and up, and have iftar together. wombs as He wherever you go, you will usually find Mus- Where I currently live in London, there aren’t pleases. There is lims and halal restaurants. Even in the super- a huge number of Muslims. But yes, they un- no god but He, markets, they will have a section for Ramadan derstand fasting and it’s natural for them to the Exalted in selling Halal food, dates and etc. There are also have Muslims in London. It’s also compulsory Might, the Wise. numerous mosques where you can have iftar for children in primary and secondary schools 7. He it is Who has and pray and this is the time of year to learn about different religions, including sent down to when they are most active and busy. There is a Islam, and aspects such as Ramadan. They are thee the Book: In very good get-together social and spiritual feel- exposed to the many mosques, increased num- it are verses ing during Ramadan with many families and basic or funda- ber of Muslim activity at night, advertisements mental (of estab- friends having iftar together. Currently, Rama- in supermarkets and TV, in addition to having lished meaning); dan is closer to the UK summer so fasting neighbours, friends and coworkers who are they are the hours are long. Regards to the weather, this is Muslim. There are plenty of opportunities to foundation of the UK; you never know what you’re going to learn about it. the Book: others get - sunny one day and raining the next. For me, Ramadan is the special month to be are allegorical. The biggest challenge during Ramadan is the closer to Allah and Muslim brothers and sis- But those in lack of sleep and long fasting hours. You can ters. I drink a lot of water and consume less whose hearts is only eat and drink for around 6 hours, so it’s food during Ramadan and I try to keep my perversity fol- often quite challenging to break iftar, pray, eat body warm using hot bottle water since my low the part dinner, go to the mosque for tarawih, and then body gets cold whilst I’m fasting. thereof that is allegorical, sleep, as it’s only a couple of hours until you I try to read Quran, increase my prayers, duas seeking discord, need to get up for again. Many Muslims and dhikir and I also try to go to a mosque to and searching choose not to sleep at all, but this is really hard eat iftar and pray together with sisters here. for its hidden to sustain during the weekdays if you work or These things strengthen my Imaan. meanings, but no study full-time. Balancing spiritual and world- The UK is a Muslim minority country, so we one knows its ly necessities can be quite strenuous, particu- don’t have traditional dishes as British Mus- hidden meanings larly when I compare my time experiencing lims per se. But each family has own cultural except Allah. Ramadan in Japan. I try to work around the background and own sahur and iftar menu. And those who lack of sleep by taking a short nap if such as I’m a Muslim revert, so I always cook normal are firmly when I’m on the train, free at home, and so on. dinner for iftar and eat only fruit and oats for grounded in Fasting during the middle of the summer in the knowledge say: sahur. I recommend visitors to go to London "We believe in UK can last for about 19 hours, which is mosques or iftar events here to get to know the Book; the roughly from 2:30 to 21:30. This feels a lot Muslims here! InshaAllah. whole of it is like a marathon, with the final 3-4 hours being How do you celebrate Eid in London? from our Lord:" particularly challenging. A typical day will start early in the morning, and none will On the other hand, fasting during winter is getting ready and dressed for Eid, followed by grasp the Mes- extremely short and easy, which is about 6:00 a trip to the mosque for prayers with the fami- sage except men to 15:50. This just feels like skipping lunch ly. As there are so many people wanting to of understand- and having an earlier dinner in- pray at the mosque, most have to ing. stead. It’s also great as tarawih at hold three, four or sometimes five (House of Imran) the mosque is a lot earlier and it Eid prayers consecutively in order frees your evening for other Iba- so that everyone is able to pray dah too. their Eid prayers. Once prayers www.abraronline. There are many iftar events in are finished, there are usually lots net London. Most mosques will have of Eid greetings, and then time This is our website. at least dates and other fruits with spent leisurely in the mosque. Have visited it: It some snacks for iftar, but others There will often be food and mar- will put you face- will also provide whole meals. kets stalls at the mosque for peo- There is much going on in terms ple to eat and buy things if need- to-face with an al- of community activities, especial- ed. ternative world, full ly on the weekends, with extra Ramadan is not only my event of spirituality, mo- Islamic talks and halaqas through- anymore. I don’t have any prob- rality coupled with out Ramadan. lems in terms of fasting with my Given a large number of Muslims family now. Alhamdulillah. My modern outlooks here, there are a number of events mother also joined an iftar dinner and perspectives. for Muslims and also open non- at a mosque in Tokyo when I was We want to hear Muslims, with the mayor of Lon- there and because of this event, your views on its don Sadiq Khan holding a Rama- she allowed me to wear . I dan and Eid Festival celebration often went to my grandparents' contents, layout in Central London, many charities house with my mother and sister and general quality. providing iftar to homeless people and we had iftar together, alt- as well as Muslims, and public hough I was the only one who Join us in our Noon iftar events were non-Muslims fasted. So, I can say that Rama- can have iftar with Muslims and dan changed my family and im- and Afternoon experience what it’s like for us proved our relationships over the prayers and learn more about Islam. It’s years. Now, my family and I are Everyday also a really good opportunity for talking about celebrating Eid par- Muslim friends to meet-up, spend ties together as a family when I at 13.00 some time at the mosque, catch- move back to Japan. InshaAllah!