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 13(373) 1st-15th January 2020 [email protected] Tel: 020Website: 7724 3033 Healing UK’s divisions beyond Brexit www.abrar.org.uk The results of the recent UK elections have from UK. The rising influence of the Scottish Email: been a shocking episode to many despite the National Party (SNP) which has increased its Abrarhouse anticipation of a tory win. The landslide share to 48 seats will give it a mandate to hold @hotmail.com achievement by Boris Johnson was, however, a referendum to split from the UK. This will be Website not predicted except the day before the elec- another headache to Mr Johnson who fought www.abraronline.net tion. Now the Tories have it their own way, the hard to leave the EU. Charity no. 293802 Brexit will be confirmed by the end of January. The Muslims are also “fearful” for their future In a sense this will be a relief to a country that according to the Muslim Council of Britain has been divided over the issue for the past (MCB). In a statement after the results of the three years. The Tories themselves have expe- election were announced Harun Khan, Secre- rienced difficult time with internal divisions tary General of the Muslim Council of Britain We stand for: and changes of prime ministers. The situation said: “Mr Johnson commands a majority, but was deadlocked as the parliament rejected the there is a palpable sense of fear amongst Mus- • Inter-faith and inter- deals reached first by the former prime minis- lim communities around the country. We en- civilisational dialogue ter, Theresa May and later by Mr Johnson. As tered the election campaign period with long the crisis dragged on, the people felt political standing concerns about bigotry in our politics • Respect for the human fatigue that they just wanted the whole thing and our governing party. Now we worry that race and rights to come to an abrupt end. Mr Johnson called Islamophobia is “oven-ready” for government. for the elections and the results have given him Mr Johnson has been entrusted with huge • Cooperation for the a much stronger position to see through his power, and we pray it is exercised responsibly good of people Brexit plan. for all Britons.” Mr Johnson had a history of • Moderation This may seem a fairy tale for the Tories who unhelpful remarks. In his Daily Telegraph col- were severely fragmented. Some of their most umn (August 2018), he compared Muslim • Modernity senior figures were expelled by Johnson when women wearing the Niqab with 'letterboxes' they rebelled against him. But is it really a fairy leading to Islamophobia 'spike'. Together with • High standards of tale? Is is going to be a smooth sailing for the his controversial policy on immigration, there spirituality governing party? Several impediments are like- are great resentments among members of the ly to hinder Mr Johnson’s plans. First is the minorities especially the Muslims. There is fear position of the European Union and the price that after leaving the EU, UK will tilt more to- tag they want to impose on UK for leaving. This wards the United States and that some of Don- In this issue is not going to be easy as the EU wants to deter ald Trump’s policies may be replicated here. other members from following the UK steps. The somber feelings were felt in many quar- Secondly; the prospect of a hard Brexit with no ters, not least among those who had cam- Local Events 2 deal is a worrying possibility to many even with paigned for the Labour Party and its leader; the Conservative Party. Thirdly the wounds Jeremy Corbyn. They had a life time chance to Muslim Affairs 3 within the Party have been so deep that heal- see some of their socialist policies implement- ing them may not be possible without major ed in government but their hopes have been Muslims love Jesus too 4 administrative changes. Many are worried that dashed. It is now hoped that reason and wis- the present structures within the Party and the dom will prevail and that the Conservatives act

Islamic summit government encourage dictatorship and 5 In Malaysia the emergence of personality cults. Mr Johnson has already exhibited signs of this when he decided to freeze the Par- Hijab adopted by Nike liament for five weeks in order to see his in new swim costumes 6 Brexit plan through without parliamen- tary objections.. Fourthly, the promises Which one are you? 8 given by the Conservatives are wide ranging and require more borrowing. The state’s debt could rise to two £2 trillion. Finally the divisions within the UK as a result of leaving Europe are like- ly to reflect themselves in more de- mands either for devolution or total split Page 2 Local Events

What makes a good Christian yourself in God. Love lives in us through not overbearing or miserable. Mary, 32. us. You have made us, our hearts are rest- Here one of the prominent attributes is On Tuesday 17th December a seminar less. Love must be at the centre of inter- the appreciation of parents and avoiding was held by the Open Discussion and faith. A missionary in the East said that their displeasure. The second of Jesus’s the Gulf Cultural Club to mark the Sufis are Methodists of the East. All good- attributes is inviting people to worship Christmas period. It was titled: What ness in us rests in the intimate relation God. People are busy with their lives. makes a good Christian" and chaired by with God. Life of Jesus is a life of seeking The real salvation is in the hands of Shabbir Razvi. Four speakers addressed holiness, loving as God loves. Methodists God. “Verily Allah is my Lord and your the seminar; three Christians and a are friends of all, enemies of none. There Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Muslim. The first speaker was Dr The- are three general rules: do no harm, do Way that is straight.” (Mary, 36). The odora Hawksley, from the Jesuit group good, and remain in love. Earn as much as third is that he served people. of Catholic priests. She said: Someone you can, save as much as you can, give as asked a Catholic Jesuit: What does it much as you can. Jesus was a vegetarian, The Arabic Language mean to be a good Jesuit? He said:It is animal rights activist Loving God: help us the love of Jesus. This sums up what it to love you, serve you On Thursday 19th December the weekly means to be a good Christian. Love Florence Okoye (UX Designer) said: I meeting of Abrar was dedicated to a means sharing of goods with people, spend my time thinking about complex debate on the Arabic Language. This is sharing of prayers, our lives, our happi- systems and how they work, relationship to mark the Un-designated Day of the ness and our sorrows. We believe God between humanity and technology. The Arabic Language on 18th December. shares with us what He has; human role of power is something I am interested Two speakers presented arguments relationships. We have to share our in. To be a good Christian is to help those about Arabic; its history, richness, role lives with God In catholic community people who have been excluded. There is in forming the identity and the challeng- we receive faith from communities no such thing as good Christian. Whatever es facing it in today’s world where tech- before us and pass it to future. Love fine words we use, none of us is good, nology has affected most world’s lan- also means likeness. Catholics are in- John the Baptist has interesting things: he guages. Sheikh Munir Al Turaihi spoke fluenced by Aristotle who was intro- wants people to be responsible and ac- about the role of the Arabic language in duced to the West by the Muslims. He countable. Repentance is not just saying the circle of Islamic jurisprudence. He says something on love and likeness. sorry, but abandoning the wrong things. said that Arabic has its own distinguish- They like the same things and love it Questioning aspect is stuck with me when ing features; It is rich and deep, it is the for others. Spouses become like each I attempted to talk about what makes a language of the holy Quran which set other as they age. Loving Jesus means good Christian. There is a lesson in that; the highest lingual standards and that it liking what Jesus loves. He spends time interrogation is only way to know the oth- is accommodating to human cultural and in prayers, prioritises God. He loved er. By questioning we can recognise our cognitive developments. The Islamic the poor, the weak and the sufferers. own limitations. We have to help and love conquests contributed to its richness as Jesus spent his time with these people, those who are poor. it interacted with other cultures. It is travelling on foot to the peasants. To be Sayed Hashim Al Moosavi, the Director ironic that most language experts are good Christians we have to love who of the Islamic Centre in England, said: non-Arabs. One of the greatest scholar Jesus loves. At the end of Mathews All religions are sourced with God. Re- of Arabic is Seebawayh, a Persian who gospel he speaks of separation of peo- gardless of whether you are Christian or laid down formidable structures for Ara- ple at the end of time. Jesus takes the Muslim, you refer to one source. To be bic, place of people who are sick, naked, good Christian is to follow Jesus Christ. Mrs Anfal Al Mousawi, a graduate in poor. Whatever you did to brothers and What makes a good Muslim is answered Arabic Language gave a general view of sisters you do it to me. by the Quran that says: "Certainly you the language, how it developed over the Dr. Reynaldo Leão Neto (Methodist have an excellent example in the person of centuries and the intermingling of the superintendent minister) said: A good the prophet of God". If you want to be a languages and their vocabularies. She Christian is one who loves. God loves good Muslim or Christian you have to also lamented the dwindling interest in us. God's love pushes us to love others. follow Mohammad or Jesus Christ. But the Arabic language among the new He is compassionate and generous. how can these people be models for us Arab and Muslim generations in the Jesus grew up to show the world his today while the life has totally West, expressing disenchantment and love. His message of love above all changed? The safest way is to pay full unease about the lingual illiteracy things led him to the cross. Celebrating attention to what they say, manners which among them. means trying to imitate are mentioned in the scriptures; Love is path to perfect freedom, holi- the Torah, the Bible and the ness of life. Instead of love hate was Quran. prevalent in the last elections. Love is Look at Moses, Jesus and Mo- mystical, mythical and contextual. We hammad as great examples. I want embrace others because God embraced to refer to some qualities as men- us first. God welcomed us first. Es- tioned in holy Quran: "(He) hath sence of religious life is to to loose made me kind to my mother, and Muslim affairs Page 3

Pakistan court's death sentence American Development Bank pledged “The fastest and most peaceful way out to Musharraf sparks fury $1 billion to communities hosting refu- of the current crisis, and avoiding the gees in Latin America, while the World unknown or chaos or civil strife, is to go The Pakistan government said it was Bank announced it was expanding fund- back to the people by holding an early seeking to disbar the leader of a three- ing for projects supporting refugees by election after legislating a fair electoral judge panel which 10% to $2.2 billion. law,” Sistani said. ruled that the corpse States pledged 50,000 new resettlement Parliament failed on Wednesday to pass of ex-military ruler and other legal pathways for refugees to a new electoral law, a key demand of Pervez Musharraf remain in host countries, he said. protesters, which would make elections should hang for The administration of US President fairer after votes in recent years have three days if the Donald Trump said in September that it been marred by allegations of fraud. general dies before planned to allow only 18,000 refugees to “We hope that the formation of a new his execution. resettle in the United States in the 2020 government is not delayed for long,” The special court fiscal year, the lowest number in the Sistani said in a speech read out by a sentenced Mushar- history of the modern refugee program. representative at a Friday sermon in the raf, 76, to death on Shi’ite holy city of Kerbala. Tuesday after finding him guilty of high ICC to investigate war crimes Deadlock in parliament also held up the treason for subverting the constitution in in Palestinian Territories selection of an interim prime minister, 2007. He took power in a 1999 coup. causing lawmakers to miss the constitu- The court directed law enforcers to ap- The International Criminal Court’s tional deadline to name a replacement prehend Musharraf, currently receiving chief prosecutor said on Friday she will for Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, medical treatment in Dubai, to ensure the launch a full investigation into alleged who resigned last month but has re- death sentence is carried out. war crimes in the Palestinian Territories, mained in office in a caretaker capacity. But if found dead beforehand, “his which could include charges against corpse (should) be dragged to D-Chowk, Israelis or Palestinians. “I am satisfied Banksy's 'Scar of Bethlehem' Islamabad, Pakistan, and be hanged for that ... war crimes have been or are be- nativity unveiled in West Bank three days”, it said. The chowk, or ing committed in the West Bank, includ- square, is just outside parliament. ing East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip,” British street artist Banksy has brought a The bizarre announcement came after the Fatou Bensouda said in a statement. sombre Christmas spirit to a hotel he government said it had found “gaps and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- founded in the West Bank town of Beth- weaknesses” in the original sentence, yahu said the ICC has no jurisdiction to lehem, with a nativity scene evoking the apparently taking sides in a split between investigate in the Palestinian Territories. Palestinian-Israeli conflict. the military and the judiciary, and the “The court has no jurisdiction in this Dubbed “Scar of Bethlehem”, the dis- general’s lawyers said Musharraf case. The ICC only has jurisdiction over play (pictured here) features a miniature planned to appeal. petitions submitted by sovereign states. Jesus, Mary and Joseph under a rendi- Legal experts termed the instructions But there has never been a Palestinian tion of Israel’s concrete West Bank bar- unconstitutional, even if symbolic. state,” Netanyahu said in a statement. rier punctured by bullet holes, the larg- Bensouda said the preliminary examina- est of which resembles a star over the States pledge more than $3 bil- tion into war crimes, opened in 2015, manger. lion for refugees: UN had rendered enough information to It is located in The Walled Off Hotel, meet all criteria for an investigation. which abuts the real barrier, and which States have The ICC prosecutor said she had filed a the secretive Banksy opened in 2017. pledged more than request with judges for a jurisdictional “Christmas (is) known (for) the Star of $3 billion to sup- ruling, because of the contested legal Bethlehem, that led people to the birth- port refugees and and factual status of the Palestine territo- place of Jesus,” said hotel manager about 50,000 reset- ries. The ICC has the authority to hear Wisam Salsa. “You see there is a scar, a tlement places, the cases of war crimes, genocide and hole on the wall that marks the wall and United Nations crimes against humanity committed on the life in Bethlehem how it is today.” Refugee Agency the territory of the 123 countries that Israel says the barrier that cuts through (UNHCR) said. have signed up to it. Israel has not joined the West Bank is a bulwark against Pal- UN High Commis- the court but the Palestinian Authority - estinian suicide bombers. Palestinians sioner for Refu- a limited self-rule body has done so. see it as a symbol of oppression in Israe- gees Filippo Gran- li-occupied land they want for a state. di said that the Ayatullah Sistani says early Arnaud Lucien, a tourist from France, Global Forum on Refugees had broad- election only way out of crisis saw hope in the art. “It’s a scene, a bibli- ened responsibility-sharing for 25.9 mil- cal scene which is turned political,” he Iraq’s top Shi’ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah lion refugees who have fled war and per- said. “And the message is very interest- Ali al-Sistani, said that an early election secution, mainly exiled in poor neighbor- ing because the message of peace is was the only way out of the current un- ing countries. done for Palestinians and Israelis, and I rest gripping the country and a new gov- Grandi told a final news conference that think it’s a very nice piece of art.” ernment should be formed soon. the $3 billion was in addition to the More than 450 people, mostly unarmed World Bank and other pledges. He said demonstrators but also some members of the private sector pledged $250 million, the security forces, have been killed but all the figures were preliminary. since a wave of popular unrest began on Germany, which has taken in hundreds Oct. 1. Protesters, most of them young, of thousands of Syrian refugees, pledged are demanding an overhaul of a political some 1.7 billion euros, the High Com- system they see as profoundly corrupt missioner said. He added that the Inter- and keeping most Iraqis in poverty. Page 4 Great personalities

Muslims love Jesus, too Jesus in the Quran Six things you didn’t know about Jesus in Islam Then God will say, “O Jesus son of Mary! Remember My Blessing upon Christmas, as everyone knows, com- when she withdrew from her family to an thee, and upon thy mother, when I memorates the birth of Jesus and is a eastern place. And she veiled herself from strengthened thee with the Holy Spirit, major religious celebration for Chris- them. Then We [God] sent unto her Our that you mightest speak to people in the tians around the world. Spirit [the angel Gabriel], and it assumed cradle and in maturity; and when I But what many people don't know is that for her the likeness of a perfect man. She taught thee the Book, the Wisdom, the Jesus is an important figure in Islam, said, "I seek refuge from thee in the Com- Torah, and the Gospel;” and how thou too, even though most Muslims don't passionate [i.e., God], if you are rever- wouldst create out of clay the shape of celebrate Christmas (though ent!" He said, "I am but a messenger of a bird, by My Leave; and how though some, especially some American Mus- thy Lord, to bestow upon thee a pure wouldst breathe into it, and it would lims, do). boy." become a bird, by My Leave; and thou In honor of the holiday, here are six She said, "How shall I have a boy when wouldst heal the blind and the leper, by things you may not know about the role no man has touched me, nor have I been My Leave; and thou wouldst bring of Jesus — and his mother, Mary — in unchaste?" He said, "Thus shall it be. Thy forth the dead, by My Leave; and how I Islam: Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me.’" And [it is restrained the Children of Israel from Jesus, Mary, and the angel Gabriel are thus] that We might make him a sign unto thee, when thou didst bring the clear all in the Quran (as are Adam, Noah, mankind, and a mercy from Us. And it is proofs, and those disbelieved among Abraham, Moses, and a bunch of other a matter decreed. them said, “This is naught but manifest Bible characters). So she conceived him and withdrew with sorcery.” And when I inspired the apos- Muslims believe that Jesus (called "Isa" him to a place far off. And the pangs of tles to believe in Me and in My mes- in Arabic) was a prophet of God, was childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date senger, they said, “We believe. Bear born to a virgin (Mary), and will return palm. She said, "Would that I had died witness that we are submitters.” (5:110- to Earth before the Day of Judgment to before this and was a thing forgotten, 111) restore justice and to defeat al-Masih ad- utterly forgotten!" So he called out to her When the apostles said, “O Jesus son of Dajjal ("the false messiah"), also known from below her, "Grieve not! Thy Lord Mary! Is thy Lord able to send down to as the Antichrist. All of which may has placed a rivulet beneath thee. And us from Heaven a table spread with sound pretty familiar to many Chris- shake toward thyself the trunk of the date food?” [Jesus son of Mary] said, tians. palm; fresh, ripe dates shall fall upon “Reverence God, if you are believers.” Mary (called "Maryam" in Arabic) has thee. So eat and drink and cool thine eye. They said, “We desire to eat from it, so an entire chapter in the Quran named for And if thou seest any human being, say, that our hearts may be at peace, and we her — the only chapter in the Quran ‘Verily I have vowed a fast unto the Com- may know that thou hast spoken truth- named for a female figure. In fact, Mary passionate, so I shall not speak this day to fully unto us, and we may be among is the only woman to be mentioned by any man.’" the witnesses thereto.” Jesus son of name in the entire Quran: As noted in Then she came with him [the infant Jesus] Mary said, “O God, our Lord! Send the Study Quran, "other female figures unto her people, carrying him. They said, down unto us a table from Heaven are identified only by their relation to "O Mary! Thou hast brought an amazing spread with food, to be a feast for us — others, such as the wife of Adam and the thing! O sister of Aaron! Thy father was for the first of us and the last of us — mother of Moses, or by their title, such not an evil man, nor was thy mother un- and a sign from Thee, and provide for as the Queen of Sheba." Mary is men- chaste." Then she pointed to him [Jesus]. us, for Thou art the best of providers.” tioned more times in the Quran than in They said, "How shall we speak to one God said, “I shall indeed send it down the entire New Testament. who is yet a child in the cradle?" unto you. But whoever among you dis- Just as with all the other prophets, in- He [Jesus] said, "Truly I am a servant of believes thereafter, I shall surely punish cluding Mohammed, Muslims recite, God. He has given me the Book and made him with a punishment wherewith I "Peace be upon him" every time they me a prophet. He has made me blessed have not punished any other in all the refer to Jesus. wheresoever I may be, and has enjoined worlds.” (5:112-115) The name "Jesus, son of Mary" written upon me prayer and almsgiving so long as in Arabic calligraphy, followed by I live, and [has made me] dutiful toward And when God said, “O Jesus son of ,Muslims my mother. And He has not made me Mary! Didst thou say unto mankindبالل الدويك ".peace be upon him" believe that Jesus performed miracles: domineering, wretched. Peace be upon “Take me and my mother as gods apart The Quran discusses several of Jesus's me the day I was born, the day I die, and from God?” [Jesus son of Mary] said, miracles, including giving sight to the the day I am raised alive!" “Glory be to Thee! It is not for me to blind, healing lepers, raising the dead, That is Jesus son of Mary— a statement utter that to which I have no right. Had and breathing life into clay birds. of the truth, which they doubt. I said it, Thou wouldst surely have The story of Jesus's So although Mus- known it. Thou knowest what is in my birth as told in the lims do not be- self and I know not what is in Thy Self. Quran is also the lieve that Jesus is Truly it is Thou Who knowest best the story of his first the son of God — things unseen. I said naught to them miracle, when he a critically im- save that which Thou commanded me: spoke as an infant portant distinction “Worship God, my Lord and your in the cradle and between Muslim Lord.” And I was a witness over them, declared himself to and Christian so long as I remained among them. be a prophet of views of him — And Thou art Witness over all things. God. Here's the Muslims do revere If Thou punisheth them they are indeed story: Jesus as an im- Thy servants, but if Thou forgiveth And remember portant prophet. them, then indeed Thou art the Mighty, Mary in the Book, Merry Christmas! the Wise.” (5:116-118) Open Forum Page 5

Malaysia defends Muslim summit shunned by Saudi, slammed by OIC

Joseph Sipalan, Rozanna Latiff Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan together faced was a lack of implemen- struck a similar tone. tation. KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Hosting a “We will have the opportunity to talk “If we still haven’t made any progress summit of Muslim leaders, Malaysia’s freely about our issues, from Islamopho- regarding the Palestinian cause, if we Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad be- bia to terrorism, divisions, internal fights still can’t stop the exploitation of our moaned the state of Islam and defended ravaging our region, and sectarian and resources, if we still can’t say “stop” to the meeting that has been shunned by Sau- ethnic conflicts,” Erdogan told the sum- the fragmentation of the Muslim world di Arabia and criticized for undermining mit. over sectarianism, that’s why.” the bigger Organisation of Islamic Coop- The OIC had said it was against the in- Some analysts also suspected that Sau- eration. terests of the Islamic community to con- di Arabia’s reluctance to attend Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mo- vene meetings outside the Saudi-based stemmed from fear of being diplomati- hamad delivers his keynote address during organization, which has for decades act- cally isolated by regional rivals Iran, Kuala Lumpur Summit in Kuala Lumpur, ed as the collective voice of the Muslim Qatar and Turkey, all of whom are at- Malaysia, December 19, 2019. REU- world. tending the summit. TERS/Lim Huey Teng Both Mahathir and Erdogan have been Worried about taking sides, Pakistan’s Divisions in the Muslim world were self- frustrated by the OIC’s past record of Prime Minister Imran Khan opted to evident as only about 20 countries sent hand-wringing and failure to take firm stay away from the Kuala Lumpur sum- leaders, or delegations to the Kuala Lum- action in support of Muslim causes. mit. “Pakistan wants to become part of pur summit, though all 57 members of the Without mentioning the OIC by name, the solution and not part of the prob- OIC had been invited. Erdogan said the biggest problem that lem,” Information Minister Firdous The Saudi king’s refusal to attend, and the platforms bringing the Islamic world Ashiq Awan said in Islamabad. late withdrawal of Pakistan from the event had left the hosts scrambling to soothe sensitive relations. Islamic propagation Secretary General In welcoming remarks, Mahathir said the condoles demise of Italian Shia Muslim leader Kuala Lumpur Summit was meant to un- derstand why Islam, the Muslims and their Secretary-General of (AS), has made exten- countries were “in a state of crisis, help- Tehran-based Ahl-ul-Bayt sive efforts and activi- less and unworthy of this great religion”. World Assembly ex- ties to bring together It was unclear to what extent the leaders pressed condolences on followers of Islam, would discuss major geo-political crises the death of Luigi de Mar- commemorating reli- afflicting the Muslim world, ranging from tino, the spiritual leader of gious occasions by con- the age-old disputes in the Middle East the Italian Shia communi- vening numerous con- and Kashmir, to the conflicts in Syria and ty. ferences, as well as Yemen, through to the plight of Rohingya In a message of condo- promoting the great Muslims in Myanmar and the alleged per- lences, Ayatollah Reza teachings of true Islam secution of Uighur Muslims in China’s Ramazani noted that Luigi and Prophet Moham- Xinjiang region. de Martino was the reli- mad (PBUH) Infallible Mahathir said the summit, which will end gious leader of the Islamic Household in Italy. on Saturday, should address the world’s Shia community following Ammar Luigi de Marti- perceptions of Islam, the rise of Islam- Prophet Mohammad no, a pioneer of the ophobia, the decline of the Islamic civili- (PBUH) Infallible House- Shia school in Italy, zation and reforms in governance needed hold. was died at the age of by Muslim nations. Meanwhile, the head of the European 81 last Friday. “We are not discriminating or isolating Union Shia scholars in a separate mes- He converted to Shia religion in 1982 anyone,” he said in his welcome speech, sage urged the Italian Shia community to and played an influential role in the watched on by leaders including Turkish continue with the path of the deceased formation of Italian Shia community President Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian Presi- Italian religious leader and to fulfill their by establishing the first Shia center dent Hassan Rouhani and Qatari Emir divine mission to introduce true Islam called the Islamic Association of Ahl Sheikh Tamim bin Hamid Al-Thani. heralding rationality, spirituality and jus- al-Bayt (AS) in Naples. “We are attempting to start small and if tice and promote teachings of Islam and Martino played an important role in these ideas, proposals and solutions are Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Infallible promoting Shia doctrines and getting acceptable and proved workable, then we Household. Italians acquainted with the Islamic hope to take it up to the larger platform for The late Ammar de Martino, also a mem- teachings, with the publication of the consideration.” ber of the World Assembly of Ahlul-Bayt magazine Puro Islam. Page 6 Women issues Muslim woman wins payout after claims she was forced to strip and remove hijab for prison photo Jail institutes new policies for people wearing headscarves after Aida Shyef Al-Kadi’s lawsuit The settlement includes new policies that allow people to wear head cover- ings while in custody as long as the covering is pulled back “to reveal the hairline while still covering the ears”. Sheriff’s deputies also will receive training for processing and accommo- dating inmates with religious require- ments. The county also agreed to destroy all copies of the booking photo. Ramsey County amended its jail poli- cies in 2014 to provide jail-approved hijabs to people who require head cov- erings. Alex Woodward, 18 December Judge Tunheim observed that the evi- Al-Kadi said her treatment “was one of A Muslim woman has been awarded dence “supports Al-Kadi’s allegations the most humiliating and harmful expe- $120,000 (£91,400) after she was al- that she was singled out, given less free- riences of my life ... I knew that I did legedly made to undress and remove dom, and subject to more vigilance” not want any other Muslim woman to her hijab to take a booking photo at a based on her religion. experience what I did”. prison. In 2013, Aida Shyef Al-Kadi turned Nike's New Swim Collection Includes A Hijab herself in after a warrant was issued for her arrest over a missed court hear- Muslim athletes have long been over- are reluctant to swim or scuba dive be- ing, following a traffic ticket she re- looked in the athletic-wear industry, as cause of their modesty preferences and ceived while driving her daughter to adequate performance gear that is light- they find it difficult finding the right hospital. weight, breathable, and comfortable modest solution," Nouf Alosaimi, Saudi Born and raised in Ohio, Ms Al- isn't always accessible. In 2017, Nike Arabia's first technical diver told Nike. Kadi had moved to Minnesota so her introduced the Pro Hijab—a soft, fast- "I believe this suit will cater to many daughter could receive specialised absorbing garment made for competi- women who wish to perform water medical care, according to the Star tive sports. Two years later, Nike is sports without any reservations, as it Tribune. expanding on the Pro Hijab by releasing truly serves the purpose of modesty But once in custody at Ramsey County a full collection of modest performance- with a loose fit. Now I can invite more jail, she said in a lawsuit that she was wear for Muslim athletes. girls into diving and swimming and they told to remove her hijab and abaya in Nike was inspired to launch The Victo- can enjoy the sport without concerns." front of mail jailers. She objected and ry Collection after recognizing the lack The Nike Victory Swim Collection will was moved to a holding cell, where she removed her hijab in front of a of performance gear options for water- officially launch on February 1 online at male officer, she alleged. sport athletes "who don’t want to nike.com and at select retailers globally, Ms Al-Kadi agreed to remove her head choose between modesty and movement including Nike's New York and Santa covering for a booking photo after she with comfort and confidence." After Monica locations, Nike London and was told that it would not be released listening to the feedback of athletes like Nike Dubai. to the public, but she later found it on a Emirati figure skater Zah- third-party website that charges users ra Lari, the design team to remove mugshots from the site, her came up with a head-to- lawsuit claimed. toe swim set that "brings Officers gave her a sheet to use in performance innovation to place of a head covering and was told modest swimwear." to change into a jail uniform in front of The Nike Victory Swim two female officers. Hijab is designed with a She also was punished with nearly 24 fitted headband and hours in solitary confinement as pun- breathable mesh to ensure ishment for complaining to jail staff, it comfort and security for is said. high-energy sports. Nike US District Judge John Tunheim noted built in a bra in the Nike that “the key question in this case is Victory Swim Tunic Top whether Al-Kadi’s ‘noncompliance’ for extra support and the consisted of anything more than a re- quest for a religious accommodation”. straight-leg silhouette of With support from the Council on the Nike Victory Swim American-Islamic Relations, Ms Al- Leggings comes in a light- Kadi filed a lawsuit against the county weight fabric that's also in US District Court alleging viola- cling-free so it won't af- tions against her constitutional rights fect speed. and religious discrimination. "Most of the girls I meet Off the Shelf Page 7

Author Global Sufism Francesco Piraino is Marie Curie Fellow Boundaries, Structures, and Politics at KU Leuven and Acting Director of the Centre for Comparative Studies on Spir- Edited by Francesco Piraino building alliances with them against itualities and Civilisations at the Cini and Mark Sedgwick common enemies. This raises the diffi- Foundation. Sufism is a growing and global phe- cult question of whether Sufis are de- Mark Sedgwick is Professor of Arab and nomenon, far from the declining relic it fending Islam against extremism, sup- Islamic Studies at Aarhus University. was once thought to be. This book porting despotism against democracy, or Reviews brings together the work of fourteen perhaps doing both. ‘This volume shows Sufism’s amazing leading experts to explore systematical- viability and adaptability to new circum- ly the key themes of Sufism’s new stances and challenges. It provides a global presence, from Yemen to Sene- comprehensive and erudite analysis of gal via Chicago and Sweden. the vicissitudes of Sufism in various The contributors look at the global parts of the Muslim world and in the spread and stance of such major actors West.’ — Alexander Knysh, Professor as the Ba ‘Alawiyya, the ‘Afropolitan’ of Islamic Studies, University of Michi- Tijaniyya, and the Gülen Movement. gan, and author of Sufism: A New Histo- They map global Sufi culture, from ry of Islamic Mysticism Rumi to rap, and ask how global Su- ‘This rich volume provides a selection of fism accommodates different and con- chapters on contemporary Sufism in its tradictory gender practices. They exam- varied appearances in a global world. All ine the contested and shifting relation- chapters are thoroughly contextualised ship between the Islamic and the uni- and present orders, informal groups, versal: is Sufism the timeless and uni- individuals and ritual practices as well as versal essence of all religions, the key political dimensions and influences from to tolerance and co-existence between present-day spirituality.’ — Catharina Muslims and non-Muslims? Or is it the Raudvere, Professor of the History of purely Islamic heart of traditional and Religions, University of Copenhagen authentic practice and belief? Finally, the book turns to politics. Publisher: Hurst States and political actors in the West Hardback 299 pages £35.00 and in the Muslim world are using the Date of Publication: September 2019 mantle and language of Sufism to pro- ISBN: 9781787381346 mote their objectives, while Sufis are

for On Being, is a frequent commentator Radical Love on Islam. He has published numerous Teachings from the Islamic Mystical Tradition books, including Memories of Muham- mad. Omid Safi the Arabic and Persian traditions that "The most accessible, most beautifully This stunning collection showcases the produced him. wrought collection of Sufi love poetry I love poetry and mystical teachings at Omid Safi, professor of Islamic studies have ever read. Omid Safi has given the the heart of the Islamic tradition in at Duke University and a columnist world an invaluable gift."—Reza Aslan, accurate and poetic original transla- author of God: A Human History tions “Radical Love is a passionate distillation At a time when the association of Is- of the Islamic mystical tradition. Omid lam with violence dominates head- Safi has assembled a marvelous collec- lines, this beautiful collection offers us tion of texts, which will be admired by a chance to see a radically different anyone drawn to Sufism or the poetry of face of the Islamic tradition. It traces a love.”—Carl Ernst, University of North soaring, poetic, popular tradition that Carolina at Chapel Hill celebrates love for both humanity and "Omid Safi has given his deep and de- the Divine as the ultimate path leading vout attention to this work. Radical humanity back to God. Love is a beautiful collection."— Safi brings together for the first time Coleman Barks, author of The Essential the passages of the Qur’an sought by Rumi the Muslim sages, the mystical sayings "If 'one reads poetry with one’s nerves', of the Prophet, and the teachings of as Wallace Stevens suggests, you will the path of “Divine love.” Accurately find your nerves tingling as did mine and sensitively translated by leading when I read Omid Safi’s Radical Love, scholar of Islam Omid Safi, the writ- an unparalleled account of human/divine ings of Jalal al Din Rumi can now be engagement."—Bruce B. Lawrence, read alongside passages by Kharaqani, author of The Koran in English: A Biog- ‘Attar, Hafez of Shiraz, Abu Sa‘id e raphy Abi ’l Khayr, and other key Muslim Publisher: Yale University Press mystics. For the millions of readers Hardback 336 pages £14.99 whose lives have been touched by ISBN: 9780300248616 Rumi’s poetry, here is a chance to see Publication date: 26 Nov 2019 Page 8 Words of Faith

7. He it is Who cre- The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell ated the heavens Which One Are You? and the earth in six protecting its liquid interior until it was put Days - and His Once upon a time a daughter complained to her in the boiling water. Then the inside of the Throne was over father that her life was miserable and that she egg became hard. the waters - that However, the ground coffee beans were He might try you, didn't know how she was going to make it. which of you is She was tired of fighting and struggling all the unique. After they were exposed to the boil- best in conduct. time. It seemed just as one problem was solved, ing water, they changed the water and creat- But if thou wert to another one soon followed. ed something new. say to them, "Ye shall indeed be Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He "Which one are you?" he asked his daughter. raised up after filled three pots with water and placed each on "When adversity knocks on your door, how death", the Unbe- a high fire. do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or lievers would be a coffee bean?" sure to say, "This is Once the three pots began to boil, he placed nothing but obvi- potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot and In life, things happen around us, things hap- ous sorcery!" ground coffee beans in the third pot. pen to us, but the only thing that truly mat- 8. If We delay the He then let them sit and boil, without saying a ters is what happens within us. penalty for them word to his daughter. The daughter, moaned Which one are you? When problems come for a definite term, (and they will) how will we react? Will they they are sure to and impatiently waited, wondering what he was say, "What keeps it doing. make us weak, hard hearted or will they back?" Ah! On the After twenty minutes he turned off the burners. cause us to change into something worth- day it (actually) He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed while? reaches them, Motivational Quote: "Happiness is not nothing will turn them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and it away from them, placed them in a bowl. He then ladled the cof- something you find, it's something you cre- and they will be fee out and placed it in a cup. ate." completely encir- Inspirational Quote: "Smile in pleasure, cled by that which Turning to her, he asked. "Daughter, what do they used to mock you see?" "Potatoes, eggs and coffee," she hast- smile in pain; Smile when trouble pours like at! ily replied. rain; Smile when someone hurts you, Smile 9. If We give man a "Look closer", he said, "and touch the pota- coz someone cares for you." taste of Mercy toes." She did and noted that they were soft. from Ourselves, He then asked her to take an egg and break it. and then withdraw it from him, behold! After pulling off the shell, she observed the he is in despair and hard-boiled egg. (falls into) blas- Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Its rich phemy. aroma brought a smile to her face. 10. But if We give "Father, what does this mean?" she asked. him a taste of (Our) favours after ad- He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs versity hath and coffee beans had each faced the same ad- touched him, he is versity-the boiling water. However, each one sure to say, "All evil has departed reacted differently. The potato went in strong, from me:" Behold! hard and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it he falls into exul- became soft and weak. tation and pride. (hud) Donkey Struggling in the Well www.abraronline. One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a top of the animal, he would shake it off and net well that the farmer had accidentally left take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was This is our website. uncovered. The animal cried piteously for amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge hours as the farmer tried to figure out what of the well and happily trotted off! Have visited it: It to do? Finally, he decided the animal was Life is going to shovel dirt on us, all kinds of will put you face- old, and the well needed to be covered up dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to to-face with an al- anyway, so it just wasn't worth it to retrieve shake it off and take a step up. Each of our ternative world, full the donkey. troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of of spirituality, mo- Farmer invited all his neighbors to come the deepest wells just by not stopping, never over and help him. They all grabbed a shov- giving up! Shake it off and take a step up. Nev- rality coupled with el and began to shovel dirt into the well. At er loose hope and place your complete confi- modern outlooks first, the donkey realized what was happen- dence and 100% trust in Almighty Allah and perspectives. ing and cried horribly. (SWT). A true Muslim never We want to hear Then, to everyone's amaze- gives up hope in the mercy your views on its ment he quieted down. of Allah (SWT), because it A few shovel loads later, is a sin as per the Teachings contents, layout the farmer finally looked of Islam. Also remember: and general quality. down the well. He was "Even the word astonished at what he saw. 'IMPOSSIBLE' says 'I M Join us in our Noon With each shovel of dirt POSSIBLE'." that hit his back, the don- Motivational Quote: "In this and Afternoon key was doing something world people will always prayers amazing. He would shake throw stones in the path of Everyday it off and take a step up. your Success, it depends on at 12.00 As the farmer's neighbors you? What you make from continued to shovel dirt on them - a wall or a bridge."