Letter From the Editor

Misleading allegations refuted by reality

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exerts strenu- ration with Syrian Pilgrims’ Affairs Office. ous efforts to best serve pilgrims and ensure The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes their stay is safe and comfortable. It has be- annually millions of pilgrims, visitors and come the epitome of warmth and hospital- Umrah performers of different races, na- ity, which every Muslim holds dear to his tionalities and countries and treats every- heart. body equally and with the same level of Pilgrims, visitors and Umrah perform- care and attention. Never has the Kingdom ers have themselves testified to this fact banned any Muslim from visiting the Grand and experienced first-hand the remarkable Mosque and performing religious rituals on achievements, particularly the massive ex- the basis of political affiliation or sectarian pansion of the Two Holy Mosques and the orientation. However, it does not allow any- easy access to the holiest sites in addition one to exploit religion, holy seasons and the to other services helping them perform Hajj crowds of pilgrims in holy sites for political and Umrah rites with comfort and ease. or sectarian reasons. Pilgrims and Umrah performers from all The statement called on everyone to co- corners of the globe have many times ex- operate with pertinent local authorities and pressed to the Muslim World League their comply with the laws and regulations, which admiration and praise for the wide array of were set in the first place to serve pilgrims, services and facilities the Kingdom renders make their Hajj experience more comfort- to the guests of Allah. able and improve services rendered to them. Despite the above, some persons with Everyone should be fully aware of the lies pernicious and ulterior motives claim that and false claims spread and fabricated by the Kingdom banned Syrian pilgrims from performing Hajj this year. In a statement some persons with pernicious intentions. issued Thursday 14 Shawwal 1439 H (28 Allah says in Surat Al-Baqarah: For Hajj June 2018), the Muslim World League de- are the months well known. If anyone un- scribed these claims as sheer misleading dertakes that duty therein, let there be no allegations, pointing out that the Kingdom obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling will welcome over 18,000 Syrian pilgrims in the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be this Hajj season. This is probably the best sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision refutation to these allegations. (with you) for the journey, but the best of The Muslim World League noted the provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, O great efforts made by the Saudi govern- You that is wise) Surat Al-Baqarah, Verse ment, under the leadership of Custodian of 197 the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin All Muslims must not engage in any ac- Abdulaziz, to serve pilgrims, visitors and tion that might disrupt the performance of Umrah performers equally and without any Hajj, which must be kept out of political dif- form of discrimination. It also hailed the ferences and conflicts in order for pilgrims government for completing all necessary ar- to focus on the proper performance of its rangements for welcoming Syrian pilgrims rituals and make the best of their time while and meeting their medical needs in collabo- in the holy sites. l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 1 C O N T E N T S No.11 l

Muslim World League Secretary General The Muslim World League Journal 4 wins Galileo International Award 2018

Secretary-General Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018

H.E. Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa l

Supervisor General Media Affairs Dept. Adel bin Zamil Al-Harbi

Chief Editor Dr. Osman Abu Zeid The New Islamophobia in France Editor 28 Mohammad Zakir Hossain West not plotting against Islam: Layout and Graphic Designer Sheikh Muhammad Al-Issa...... 15 Khaled Awad Al-Muazzin Sheikh Dr. Basfar: We have Founded an Association of Dig- ital Qur’anic Recitation Platforms The Muslim World League Journal Interview by: Tawfiq Nasrallah...... 24 P.O. Box: 537 Muslim scientist develops an electronic portable Makkah, Saudi Arabia nose to detect porcine content in food and beverages Tel: 00966 (012) 5600919 Vol.46 E-mail: [email protected] l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l www.themwl.org2 C O N T E N T S Annual Subscription Rates Saudi Arabia Individual subscribers: SR. 36 Organizations: SR. 100

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Views expressed in The Muslim Islam’s journey into Latin America World League Journal do not neces- 44 sarily represent those of the Muslim World League. Articles published may, however, be reproduced with Qais Bajaeifir...... 34 acknowledgement. Global Press Idris Elnaw...... 37 Japan opening up for Halal tourism Aftab Husain Kola...... 54 Qira’at – The Preserved Legacies Of Qur’anic Recitation Dr. Mrs. Fatima Taneem...... 57

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 3 Galilio Award Ceremony of the Secretary General of the MWL

Muslim World League Secretary General wins Galileo International Award 2018

Florence - MWL common values in order to ease the threat of clash of civilization and encourage mutual His Excellency Secretary General of the dialogue, understanding and cooperation Muslim World League (MWL) Sheikh Dr. across cultures. He has been exerting great Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa has re- efforts to encourage all-inclusive programs, ceived the Galileo International Award 2018 works and initiatives calling for harmony in the Italian City of Florence in recognition among the followers of different religions of his outstanding Islamic works and accom- and cultures. Because of these continuous plishments around the world. efforts, His Excellency recieved invited by The prestigious award recognizes His many global religious and cultural organi- Excellency’s active role in promoting peace zations and centers to deliver speeches and and religious and cultural harmony across share his valuable insights. the globe. Dr. Al-Issa has promoted human In his speech delivered at the interna-

l l 4 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Dr. Al-Issa presents a commemorative gift to the award winners tional award ceremony, Dr. Al-Issa said he is the most dangerous challenge facing hu- was pleased to meet an elite of faith leaders, man beings. political figures and thought leaders in the “As believers in the One and Only God, City of Florence, the cradle of the European we should respect the privacy and identity Renaissance and Europe’s gateway to civi- of others as they reflect personal convictions lization and the birthplace of renowned and and we should also understand the nature of creative European iconic figures. It is impor- difference and diversity. Throughout their tant to uphold the common human values of long historical events, religions, civilizations peace and harmony despite plurality, diver- and nations became weaker because of isola- sity and cultural differences , he said. tion and rejection of logic under the pretext His Excellency spoke about the impor- of preserving their identity. We should real- tance of exchanging visits and dialogues with ize that the only remedy is healthy positive different followers of religions and cultures, dialogue,” he said. noting that the visits he made to different fol- His Excellency emphasized the dangers of lowers and the dialogues he had with them personal ambitions material and political in- revealed a genuine need for more transpar- terests to peace and harmony and their threats ent communication, one that reflects sincere to rights and freedoms, adding that they can intentions and love. Isolation, whether reli- cause brutal conflicts. In such conflicts, the gious, intellectual, cultural, political or other, winner always, as history has proven, loses

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 5 The Secretary General of the MWL and Mr. Dario Nardela at the end of the day. The real triumph can spiritual leaders fail to use their influence or only be achieved through soft power and about in which thought leaders fail to speak. moral logic, which is based on the pure hu- He noted the grave threat of the religious, man instinct and cultural conciliation. sectarian and partisan extremism and the Dr. Al-Issa stressed the fact that whoever negative effect of political pragmatism on has a just cause will ultimately triumph, pro- values, stressing that extremism brings noth- vided that his triumph should be achieved in ing but harm and pain. a civilized way. In history, the victor faced His Excellency called for increasing courageously great losses that threatened his awareness and educating the next genera- security and stability and sowed hatred in his tions about the common values at an early mind because brutal materialism did not rec- age, urging families and school teachers, ognize the logic of morality and values. The who both play an important educational role, Nazis, for example, committed horrendous to carry out this mission. crimes against humanity on their own land. “We do not exaggerate when we say that His Excellency called for commitment family and school constitute the fabric of so- and awareness in order to prevent any hu- ciety. They can build a bright future for our man barbaric acts to which the International generations, a future which is based on com- Community fail to respond or in which the mon values and peace,” he said.

l l 6 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 The Secretary General shook hands with the Patron of the Ceremony

His Excellency thanked the secretariat promote religious and civilized harmony and general of the award, particularly Mr. Alfon- peace among peoples of the world. It has also so de Virgils, Mr. Marco Georgetti and the been given to philanthropic work in the field rest of the members, expressing his gratitude of pediatrics. for receiving this global award which adds The leaders of Muslim community in It- more responsibilities to his current ones. aly lauded the MWL Secretary General for The Galileo Award was named to Italian serving Islam at this important time which mathematician and physicist Galileo Galilei, has seen intentional defamation campaigns who was accused by the Inquisition of being against Islam and Muslims. These campaigns a heretic in 1616. In March 2008, the Vatican use terrorism as a pretext either because their admitted that Galileo was right and put up a organizers know little about Islam or try in- statue of him inside the Vatican walls. In De- tentionally to promote an ideology of hatred. cember of the same year, Pope Benedict XVI Most of the organizers come from the extreme lauded Galileo’s contributions to astronomy right parties in a number of western countries. during the celebrations of the 400th anniver- The MWL strong voice and position and its sary of Galileo’s first telescope today. Gali- global convincing discourse have become the leo International Award includes more fields wise voice for dispelling deeply-rooted mis- such as leadership in thought and works that conceptions about Islam and Muslims.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 7 Al-Issa discusses promotion of interfaith dia- logue and tolerance in Tuscany

Tuscany – MWL

His Excellency Secretary General of the Muslim World League Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, met with the re- ligious, political and intellectual leaders and visited notable public figures during his visit to Tuscany, Italy, a region historically known as the cradle of Western civilization and culture and the birthplace of important iconic figures such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and other pioneering figures of Western Civilization.

l l 8 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Dr. Al-Issa meets in the province of Tuscany varied and included segments of the politi- cal, religious and intellectual society.

His Excellency discussed cil of Tuscany, Mr. Eugenio while dispelling all ground- with the leaders and public Giani in Florence, the capi- less fears and prejudgments figures cultural exchange op- tal city of Tuscany, and dis- about religions. portunities and the promo- cussed the initiatives of Dr. Al-Issa held also a tion of inter-faith dialogue, the Muslim World League meeting with Mr. Lorenzo initiatives and programs. seeking to promote dialogue Flaci, the Mayor of Sesto Dr. Al-Issa highlighted among the followers of reli- Frentino, Italy, and expressed the issues relevant to the gions and cultures and MWL his appreciation to the May- Muslim community in Tus- efforts towards helping Mus- or’s proposal to hold cultur- cany, mainly its positive na- lim communities integrate al forums with the Muslim tional integration in society faster and more positively World League. and was briefed about the in the countries they live in. The Secretary General ancient heritage of the Tus- Partnership opportunities thanked the Mayor of Sesto cany Region, considered the between the MWL and the Frentino for suggesting an historical center of thought Council of Tuscany were ex- initiative to build a central and intellectual production plored as well, with a view mosque for the Muslim com- in Europe and the gate to the to promoting interfaith dia- munity in the city, which will modern Renaissance Age of logue and enhancing inter- be another cultural symbol in Europe. cultural interaction among the region, in particular and His Excellency met with all human beings on the basis Italy, in general. the President of the Coun- of common human values, His Excellency empha-

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 9 Part of the meeting of the Secretary General of the MWL and Mr. Dario Nardela sized that the MWL is keen sion. to deal with the government that the Islamic community Mistakes happen when and public policies. No one manage its religious affairs external parties dictate how ever can know better in this independently in cooperation a local Muslim community regard than the community with the local government should interact within its itself because it is the only without external intervention own environment and how one that knows the condi- whatsoever, noting that the MWL does not intervene in others’ affairs. “The Muslim community in Italy realizes that we do not intervene. We convinced them that neither the MWL nor others should intervene in the community’s own af- fairs. We believe that such freedom is important,” he said, pointing out that non- intervention comes in line with the MWL modern vi-

l l 10 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Dr. Al-Issa and Mayor of Florence in a commemorative snapshot after the meeting tions and interests of the en- by the City Municipality to reflects the level of national vironment surrounding it. construct the mosque on a harmony in Italy and respect His Excellency expressed plot of land with an area of for religious diversity. his thanks to the Archdio- 11,000 square meters, which His Excellency met with cese of Florence for approv- is a property of the Arch- the Mayor of Florence, Mr. ing the proposal submitted diocese itself. This gesture Dario Nardela, and dis- cussed with him a number of issues of common interests including the opportunities for mutual cooperation for the promotion of intercul- tural interaction. The needs of the Muslim community in the city were discussed with more emphasis on ways to enhance the community’s in- tegration in the social fabric and the citizenship values of its members, being Italian citizens.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 11 The Secretary General of the MWL meets the President of the Council of the Region of Tuscany Mr. Ignio Gianni in Florence

Neither the community nor Is- including right-wing parties, in Florence and discussed lam should be blamed for the want, he said, to undermine a number of issues of com- mistakes of a single member. this trust and common human mon interest. Dr. Al-Issa was No religion is extremist by values and fuel conflicts. asked to give a lecture at the origin; however, all religions His Excellency met with next AIMMR global meet- have extremists, he said, cit- the members of the members ing, which is attended annu- ing the famous and fair reply of “Meeting Association” ally by over 70,000 people of Holiness Pope Francis to a question about a terrorist act. Pope Francis said: “Even in Catholicism, there are ex- tremists who commit crimes in the name of the religion. Religions are not responsible for such crimes.” His Excellency discussed ways to strengthen trust among followers of religions and cultures and promote peace and religious harmo- ny. Extremists and terrorists

l l 12 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Al-Issa met with the Archbishop of Florence Church Cardinal Giuseppe Pettori from around the world. leader Ms Daniela Missouri. incriminates anyone who During his meetings with They both expressed their kills an innocent person and thought and political leaders admiration for the MWL considers such killing tanta- in the region, Dr. Al-Issa dis- humanitarian initiative de- mount to killing all human cussed the MWL initiative nouncing the heinous Nazi beings. to strengthen positive and crime known as the Holo- The meeting highlighted sustainable integration of di- caust, as well as the letter the need for the follow- verse religious and cultural which Dr. Al-Issa sent to the ers and leaders of religions minorities. The guidelines of Director of the Holocaust to intensify efforts towards the initiative was adopted by Memorial Museum in USA. fighting all forms of violence the International Conference The letter stressed that “The committed by anyone in the on Peace among Followers Holocaust is a Nazi crime that name of their religions un- of Religions organized at the deeply shook the humanity der any pretext. The follow- campus of the University of and resulted in atrocities no ers should work together to Oxford, the United King- fair, just and peaceful human combat all forms of extrem- dom. being can ignore or belittle.” ism, promote the culture His Excellency visited the His Excellency reiterated of dialogue, and increase historic Synagogue in Flor- that Islam protects all inno- awareness about religious ence and met both the Chief cent people and firmly stands values that reject violence Rabbi of the city Amidayo against all crimes, especially and advocate tolerance and Spanuletti and community racial and ethnic ones, let it harmony. Diversity, plural-

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 13 lence, hatred and clash of civilization. Every- one should be aware of these menaces, which some political figures exploit to sway public opinion and influence them. The nature of diversity and difference should be promoted while mutual respect, coexistence, coopera- tion, tolerance and harmonious relationships should be encouraged. The meeting highlighted the agreements and conventions the MWL concluded with the Florence Institute, the Archdiocese of Florence and others. These were hailed by different political, religious and intellectual leaders in the world and led to historic initia- tives, partnerships and alliances. His Excellency visited the Taqwa Mosque in Florence and met with numerous Islamic leaders in the city and discussed the condi- tions of the Muslim community. The Florence-based European Univer- sity for Postgraduate Studies, an affiliate of EU, hosted Dr. Al-Issa, where he met with ity and difference should be viewed from the the President of the University, Mr. Vincento perspective of the Law of God Almighty. Gracie, and discussed opportunities of scien- His Excellency met with His Eminence tific and academic cooperation and mutual Cardinal Giuseppe Pettori, the Metropolitan research. Dr. Al-Issa held a dialogue with the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Arch- academic faculty and listened to a short in- diocese of Florence (Basilica di Sant Maria troduction about the important heritage of the del Fiore). The meeting was attended by the university and was invited to give lectures on President of the Florence Institute for Dia- the campus in the foreseeable future. logue, Rabbi Joseph Levy, and his deputy, His Excellency visited the historical li- Catholic Rev. Andrea Bellandi, and member brary of Laurentiana (Biblioteca Medicea of the Institute, Giorgi Angar. Laurenzian) in Florence and was received The participants called for raising aware- by the Director of the Library Ms. Anna Rita ness, enhancing dialogue, and holding joint Ventoni, who showed him a number of his- meetings as well as forums among the fol- torical and Islamic documents. Dr. Al-Issa lowers of religions and cultures and leaders expressed his thanks to the library staff for of thought, including those who write and preserving the Islamic and humankind histo- talk about political and religious issues and ry. The library contains more than 11 global focus on fighting extremism and counter- invaluable manuscripts as well as 100 Holy extremism. The participants agreed on the Qur’an manuscripts dating back to the first importance of addressing the causes of vio- Islamic century.

l l 14 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 West not plotting against Islam: Sheikh Muhammad Al-Issa

Arab News: It does not take long to realize that there is little of the con- ventional about Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa — and not just because his words and deeds have raised eyebrows around the world since his appointment in Au- gust 2016 as secretary-general of the Muslim World League (MWL).

Many Muslim clerics, for example, prohib- mer French presidential candidate Marine Le it photography, and other forms of art. But Pen (and for a keen photographer, that was a within minutes of our meeting last week at picture truly worth a thousand words). an MWL relief center in Jeddah, Arab News Al-Issa’s appointment has clearly coincided photographer Ziyad Alarfaj and I were treated with the implementation of Saudi Arabia’s re- to a sermon on how best to take photos and form program, Vision 2030, by Crown Prince edit them. Al-Issa, it turns out, is not only a Muhammad bin Salman. At a global forum practicing calligrapher but also an avid pho- in Riyadh last year, the Crown Prince said he tographer. sought to destroy extremists “now and imme- He is a controversial figure, selected to pre- diately,” and spoke of returning Saudi Arabia side over one of the most controversial Islam- to “moderate Islam.” His words coincided ic organizations. The MWL has had its share with remarkable decisions, such as limiting of criticism since it was founded in 1962, but the powers of the Committee for the Promo- the past two years have brought an altogether tion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, end- different kind of controversy. If extremists’ ing the de facto ban on women driving, and words and deeds in the name of religion are reopening cinemas. a disease that must be treated, then Al-Issa’s Because Al-Issa’s tolerant and modern ap- words and deeds in response are a form of proach — a world away from the image of Is- “shock therapy.” lam that in many minds is linked to exclusion, Yet while the MWL’s new direction contin- militancy and extremism — is very much ues to anger hard-liners, Al-Issa continues to in line with the vision and statements of the be received in high places such as the Vatican crown prince, some portrayed the Sheikh Mu- and the White House. He has also opened pre- hammad as merely a man to be utilized during viously closed doors with the extreme right, this phase of reform. sitting and talking with, for example, the for- “Not at all,” he responds. “What I said in

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 15 wisdom and humanity that we send in one Organization to stop tweet is doing the job of dozens of centers.” In addition to social media, what Dr. Al- creating new ‘aware- Issa relies on in his work is continuous travel ness centers’ and focus and public engagement. Hardly a week pass- es without a photo of him with a religious or on spreading modera- political personality in one country or with tion via social media Muslim communities in another, or without a speech or lecture in a think tank or conference. And because he believes that the MWL today my past, say now and will say in the future represents moderate Islam, his frequent trips reflects my convictions ... deep convictions, and public appearances give him a role closer because they represent the true Islam that I to that of an Islamic “foreign minister” than a believe in, and not the result of any phase.” secretary-general in the bureaucratic sense. The Crown Prince’s approach is making a Perhaps this is why, last week in Florence, genuine difference in confronting extremism Italy, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded the prestigious and empowering moderate scholars to create Galileo Prize in recognition of his work in a moderate discourse, Dr. Al-Issa believes. promoting peace and harmony among civi- “The difference happening now is in the ex- lizations. Such an award, he believes, shows istence of initiatives and practical programs to that international institutions are fair in their implement this discourse.” work, and have no preconceived agendas. Critics of the programs carried out by MWL Those who believe otherwise, Al-Issa says, centers around the world would say they were are victims of the conspiracy theory all too not noted for the promotion of moderation, but common in our part of the word that the West they preceded Dr. Al-Issa’s appointment as is plotting against Islam. secretary-general. “It is not my right and my “Many Muslims have a negative percep- agenda to talk about the past,” he says. “The tion that there is a conspiracy against Islam past belongs to its owners ... I talk only about and Muslims. But, my brother, the West gave myself and my future.” Current programs in up its religious state, chose secularism and MWL centers worldwide focus on moderation fought Christianity as a way of life, so why do and “the explicit call to promote national in- you think that it is targeting you?” he said. tegration of these communities in their home- “We went and had a dialogue with the West lands.” and the Far East, and found an appreciation In another indication that he is uncon- of Islam, a love for Muslims and a desire to ventional in his work, Dr. Al-Issa is not con- cooperate with them when they learned about vinced of the effectiveness of these centers in the truth of Islam. the modern age, and believes the message of “Do not blame the extreme right if it be- moderation can be more effectively delivered comes suspicious about you because of an (ex- on social media platforms. isting) example in front of it that it exploits in a “My policy is not to open new centers, be- political game. Had it not had such an excuse, cause ... now is the time for social media,” he it would not have used this extremist speech.” said. “New media plays the role of a thousand However, the problem worldwide is the ab- centers. The message of Islamic moderation, sence of an impression of the Muslim modera-

l l 16 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 tion and tolerance that Dr. Al-Issa promotes. So why are there not more sheikhs like him, Muslims should let go calling for the same things as he does? “Some do not realize the seriousness of of conspiracy theories, negative perceptions against Islam, and there- MWL Secretary General fore they do not interfere in correcting them,” he said. “Some fear the reaction of extremism tells Arab News in wide and do not want to engage in debates with ex- ranging interview tremists. And the religious knowledge of oth- ers does not reach the level of correct under- standing.” hate speech from extremists who saw it as an Al-Issa criticizes those who speak in the attempt to come closer to Israel at the expense name of religion based on “feelings, impres- of the rights of Palestinians. sions and religious zeal devoid of any sci- Dr. Al-Issa, however, sees no contradiction entific thought or proposal.” His own views, between opposing the occupation of the Pal- meanwhile, firmly rooted in Muslim theology, estinian territories and condemning the Holo- are anathema to hard-liners. caust, which he says “shook humanity to the An example was when he said that not core.” wearing the hijab did not make a woman an “We call for a just peace in accordance infidel. with the Arab initiative,” he says. “East Jeru- “I think no Muslim can call a Muslim salem (capital of Palestine) and West Jerusa- woman an infidel or question her values be- lem (capital of Israel), and there is no choice cause she has never worn a hijab,” he says. but peace.” “The Muslim woman, if she does not wear Despite his controversial remarks, Dr. Al- hijab ... is not an infidel and does not depart Issa says he is not afraid, although he knows from Islam.” his words may provoke some people. “I speak In Belgium last year, he preached against with logic, and I have right and justice on my the tide of many local community leaders when side. And he who holds right and justice, God he said Muslims should respect the laws, cul- willing, is reassured deep in his heart. But I ture and customs of the non-Muslim countries take my necessary (security) precautions with- in which they live, even if they felt that to do out exaggeration.” so violated their faith. If they (Muslims) were Dr. Al-Issa says the logic of his views unable to legally persuade the local authori- has changed people’s minds about Islam. He ties to respect their wishes, they should either knows this because of the dozens of private obey local laws or leave, Dr. Al-Issa advised. messages he has received from scholars and More recently, in Washington DC, Dr. senior preachers, both inside and outside the Al-Issa visited the US Holocaust Memorial Kingdom, whose names he keeps with him. Museum, criticized Holocaust deniers and And he says that, despite the critics, he enjoys condemned this heinous crime — which was wide support in the Muslim world because of deemed remarkable coming from a cleric of his openness to everyone, the strength of his his caliber and an organization of MWL’s views rooted in Islamic theology, and the fact prominence. that the MWL speaks from its headquarters in However, it did not pass without drawing the holiest place for all Muslims: Makkah.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 17 Deputy Governor of Makkah congratulates Sheikh Al-Issa

Makkah - MWL

Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, paid a visit to Secretary General of the Muslim League and Member of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa at his house in Mak- kah to wish him happy Eid Al-Fitr, praying for God Al- mighty to accept everyone’s fasting and performance of Sheikh Al-Issa expressed his Makkah Region for his visit prayers wishing blessings gratitude and appreciation and wished him a blessed on for everyone. for H.E. Deputy Governor of Eid Al-Fitr.

l l 18 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Muslim World League: Kingdom serves all pil- grims equally and without any discrimination

Makkah - MWL Umrah. The statement pointed out that The Muslim World League (MWL) the Kingdom welcomes annually has lauded the Saudi government’s pilgrims hailing from more than 80 continuous efforts towards serving nationalities coming from all parts of all pilgrims, Umrah performers and the world and treats all of them the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques same and provides them with excel- equally and without any form of dis- lent services in order to perform the crimination. Hajj rituals with comfort and ease. In a statement, the MWL stressed Syrian pilgrims are no different, that the Custodian of the Two Holy as this year around 18,000 of them Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz will arrive from Syria. These facts Al Saud leads these efforts, noting that are enough refutation for the baseless the Kingdom has already completed claims, the statement said. all the arrangements for receiving The Kingdom has always served around 18,000 Syrian pilgrims who and will continue serving pilgrims plan to perform Hajj this year. and visitors of Umrah, thanks to the The MWL also refuted the mis- leadership of the Custodian of the leading allegations claiming that the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Saudi authorities have banned Syrian Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Crown citizens from performing Hajj and Prince, may Allah protect them.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 19 MWL welcomes truce between Afghani government and Taliban

Makkah – MWL ests of the Afghan people. Our Islamic religion orders us to make things right among us and overcome all differenc- The Muslim World League (MWL) es and obstacles. The Afghani people praised the wise decision reached be- suffered for a long time from these dis- tween the Afghani government and putes and confrontations that caused Taliban who agreed on a truce for the more bloodshed, destruction, hostility purpose of achieving the higher inter- and rivalry.

l l 20 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 In a statement made by Secretary General The statement confirmed that the Islamic and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the nation should let the voice of reason prevail MWL Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulka- over blind excess for the purpose of achiev- rim Al-Issa, he said the MWL asserted that ing the higher interests of this great nation the Islamic Shariah (Law) called for adher- and overcoming all conflicts, whose losses ing firmly to the Rope (i.e. the Covenant of are more than their ill-gotten gains. Allah=the Qur’an) of Allah, altogether, and The MWL put spotlight on the state- do not be disunited; and remember the fa- ment made by Custodian of the Two Holy vor of Allah upon you as you were enemies, Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al- then He brought your hearts together, (Liter- Saud who expressed his happiness with this ally: joined “between”) so you have become truce and strongly supported it for the pur- brethren by His favor. He warned of conflict pose of achieving progress and prosperity for and division, pointing out that the higher in- the Afghani people. terests of the Afghani people are above ev- In conclusion, the statement called upon erything else. all concerned parties to continue these ardu- The MWL’s statement called upon all par- ous efforts in order to achieve further rec- ties to continue their constructive dialogue onciliation, cooperation and coordination to and coordination to overcome all their dif- achieve the supreme interests of the Afghani ferences. All Afghani parties should consider State. The statement also called upon Af- the supreme interests of the country and their ghani rivals to let the voice of reason prevail sole goal is to safeguard their country, then and listen carefully to the great advice made Allah will help them achieve this supreme by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques goal due to their true intention toward fulfill- to promote unity, progress and reconciliation ing this goal. among all Afghani rivals.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 21 MWL medical program alleviates pain of Moroc- can patients suffering from thyroid enlargement

Marrakesh – MWL gram, aimed to help the patients who could not afford the cost of thyroid surgery. Muslim World League (MWL) has com- The Saudi medical team performed 71 pleted a one-week specialized medical successful complex and mild goiters at Al- program for thyroid surgery to end the suf- Salama Hospital in Qal’at Al-Saragnah and fering of many impoverished Moroccans Lalah Khadija Hospital in Batamalal. living in the poorest areas and regions of Governor of Qal’at Al-Saragna prov- the Kingdom of Morocco. ince Muhammad Al-Shaiker expressed The International Organization for Re- the appreciation of the Moroccan Ministry lief, Welfare and Development (IORWD), of Health’s officials for this humanitarian an MWL affiliate, implemented the pro- work, which alleviated the suffering of pa-

l l 22 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 than 15 years before the medical team removed one- kilogram tumor from her. Following the surgery, the patient cried out of joy and told her family she was fine, reassuring them after they lost hope she would ever be cured. The family was very poor and could not afford the surgery. The team rescued anoth- er lady who had had glan- dular pain for over 30 years tients with thyroid enlarge- farmers who had suffered and constantly complained ment. from this disease and its from shortness of breath. IORWD Secretary Gen- complications for many The doctors removed the eral Dr. Abdulaziz Sarhan, years and had lost hope tumor, which weighed over said that the program fo- they would be ever treated. one kilogram. cused on the tribal areas in But when the medical team Dr. Sarhan said the the Moroccan Sahara where arrived, it gave the patients MWL medical programs fo- residents suffer from incur- hope again and brought joy cus on performing different able diseases due to lack of to their life and families. types of surgeries around specialized services. Health The medical team came the world. Last month, the reports indicated that an in- across severe cases with ad- MWL implemented a medi- creasingly number of resi- vanced stages. One of them cal program in Cambodia, dents have thyroid diseases was of a lady who had treating patients with oral and in dire need of surgery. been suffering from thy- and maxillofacial tumors. Most patients are poor roid enlargement for more Over 60 patients were ex- amined and 12 complex surgeries were performed in a matter of six days. It was the first time an Arab medi- cal team travels to Cambo- dia and performs these sur- geries. The Muslim World League has previously set up five medical camps in Morocco where 95 heart surgeries and 125 catheter- ization were performed.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 23 Sheikh Dr. Basfar: We have Founded an Association of Digital Qur’anic Recitation Platforms

Interview by: Tawfiq Nasrallah

Sheikh Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Basfar, Secretary General of the International Or- ganization for the Holy Qur’an and Immaculate Sunnah, highlighted the Or- ganization’s efforts and activities in different parts of the world. He talked about the Organization’s preparations for the Holy Month of Ramadan, the methods used to assess the level of memorisers of the Holy Qur’an and the steps taken to establish the Association of Digital Qur’anic Recitation Platforms, which con- sists of 16 digital Qur’anic recitation platforms (maqra’a) around the world.

Sheikh Dr. Basfar

l l 24 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 In an interview with the Mus- its efforts towards encourag- Salman. Prince Khalid Al- lim World League (MWL) ing memorizers of the Holy Faisal and Prince Mishal bin Journal, Sheikh Dr. Basfar Qur’an and sending imams Majed have supported the underscored the MWL’s ef- overseas to lead prayer dur- Organization all the way and forts towards supporting the ing the Holy Month of Ra- always attend annual events Organization’s activities, madan. He highlighted the during which memorizers which focus on establishing Organization’s efforts to- of the Holy Qur’an are hon- Qur’anic centers and insti- wards providing Muslim ored. The list of major sup- tutes for qualifying memo- minorities with copies of the porters includes King Fahad, rizers of the Holy Qur’an Holy Qur’an translated into Prince Sultan, Prince Naif and supporting Qur’anic different languages. and Prince Saud Al-Faisal, memorization circles and in- may they all rest in peace. stitutions serving the Book Q. Why has the Organiza- Saudi businessmen continue of Allah. tion changed its name lately? to support the Organization. The number of male and Has it been merged with the I will never forget the huge female students who mem- Commission on Scientific support of Sheikh Dr. Mu- orized the Holy Qur’an Signs in the Qur’an and Sun- hammad bin Abdulkarim Al- through the MWL-run Orga- nah? Issa, Secretary General of nization over the past years Yes, the Organization has the Muslim World League, has reached 58,408 hailing been merged with the Com- who gives special attention from different continents mission and the Global Com- and priority to the Organiza- including Africa, Asia and mission for Introducing the tion. Europe. Over 1995 under- Messenger (may blessings graduate and postgradu- and peace of Allah be upon Q. What do you think of the ate scholarships have been him). The words “Qitab” and level of the Organization’s awarded to memorizers of “Sunnah” were mentioned in Holy Qur’an teachers? the Holy Qur’an whereas 61 the Prophet’s Farewell Ser- The Organization only em- Qur’anic institutes and cen- mon. ploys competent teachers, ters in addition to five col- The Kingdom and its people especially graduates of the leges have been founded, play a pivotal role in finan- Holy Qur’an School at the Is- with total number of students cially supporting the Organi- lamic University of Madinah reaching 7,500 today. The zation’s efforts towards pro- who hold Ijazah or authoriza- Organization sponsors 1,000 moting the memorization of tion to teach the Holy Qur’an Qur’anic circles in Asia and the Holy Qur’an and getting that traces from one teacher Africa while the number the new headquarters ready. to another back to the Mes- of imams appointed by the senger of Allah, may bless- MWL has reached 10,995. Q. Can you tell us more ings and peace of Allah be Sheikh Dr. Basfar touched about this? upon him. Examples of such upon the Qur’anic confer- All thanks are due to the gov- competent teachers include ences, seminars and contests ernment and the sponsorship Sheikh Dr. Ayman Suwaid, which the Organization has of King Abdullah (may he chairman of the Qur’anic organized as well as upon rest in peace) as well as King committee at the Organiza-

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 25 tion, who is licensed to teach the Holy Qur’an by renowned sheikhs who themselves are considered leading figures of Qur’anic recitation in the world. Sheikh Dr. Suwaid is also licensed to teach the six canonical books of Hadith. There are also the proficient students of Sheikh Dr. Ay- man Suwaid and a group of other equally qualified teach- ers. We are satisfied with the level of our teachers because they all have Ijazah. through the Organization? in Africa? Do you award scholarships to The Organization always Q. We heard about the digital persons who want to memo- ensures that students get in- recitation platform and the rize the Book of Allah? tensive and excellent lessons collaboration with a major The Organization has helped and perfect the recitation digital company to help stu- 58,408 people from Asia, rules and have well-versed dents make the best of this Africa and Europe memorize Shariah knowledge. We have tool. Can you tell us more the Holy Qur’an, of whom founded so far 61 Qur’anic about it? 5,055 have Ijazah. We have institutes and centers all over The Organization has es- awarded 1995 undergraduate the world and five Qur’anic tablished a digital Qur’anic and postgraduate scholar- colleges where 7,500 stu- recitation platform ‘Maqr’a’ ships to students who want dents study. These are locat- targeting students all over the to study Shariah, science or ed in Asia, Africa and South world. Today, over 30,000 management. Through these America. We sponsor 1,000 students in the globe learned scholarship, we aim to pre- Qur’anic circles and schools the recitation rules through pare students to play a great- in Asia and Africa. this platform. We have also er role in their societies and established an Association of serve their countries better. Q. The Organization con- Digital Qur’anic Recitation The number of BA students tinues to build more educa- Platforms, which consists of who have graduated is 1,170 tional institutions around the 16 digital Qur’anic recitation while that of MA is 87 and world. Would such step af- platforms (Maqra’a) around PhD is 33. fect its work and divert its at- the world. We work con- What about the Organiza- tention from the main goals, stantly to organize the work tion’s efforts towards estab- especially in light of the fact of the association. lishing Qur’anic centers and that the costs of education institutes and supporting have risen? Q. How many people have Qur’anic circles and schools On the contrary, building memorized the Holy Qur’an all over the world, especially more institutions will help

l l 26 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 the Organization focus more Asia, Africa and Europe over of research remains indepen- on setting plans and programs the past years in which an dent in order to promote the to these institutions and sup- elite of scholars and thought excellent research conducted porting them financially. The leaders participated. on the scientific signs of the Organization used to build Holy Qur’an. An Assistant institutes and centers, which Q. The Organization sends Secretary General for scien- cost a lot. imams overseas to different tific and educational affairs countries around the world in has been recommended. We Q. Can you talk about the the Holy Month of Ramadan wish him the best in his new conferences, seminars and and provides minorities with role. contests which the Organi- copies of the Holy Qur’an in zation holds to encourage different languages? Can you Q.Will the Journal of Sci- students memorize the Holy tell us more about that? entific Signs continue to be Qur’an? In the past years, the Or- published? Over the past few years, the ganization has delegated Certainly. The journal will Organization has held two imams to lead Tarawih and continue to be published un- conferences serving the Holy Tahajjud prayers in different der the approval of Sheikh Qur’an. The first took place countries and deliver lessons Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa, 2011 in Jeddah under the pa- and lectures. Over 10,995 MWL Secretary General, tronage of late King Abdul- imams have been delegated who gives attention and pri- lah bin Abdulaziz under the so far - with 5,014 in Asia, ority to the journal. theme of “Qur’anic Teach- 5,346 in Africa and 335 in ing… Cooperation and Inte- Europe. Those imams have Q. What do you think of Ahl gration”. Over 25 research- been helpful to many Mus- Alquran Channel? ers from Islamic countries lims. We have also distrib- It is the only channel cover- took part in the event, which uted 1,602,217 copies of the ing international Qur’anic was attended by 24 ministers Holy Qur’an to institutes and contests as well as local con- and muftis and 266 Qur’anic schools around the world. tests such as King Abdulaziz sheiks. The second one was Some say that the field of International Contest, King held 2014 in the Kingdom the scientific signs of the Salman Contest, Prince Sul- of Bahrain under the patron- Holy Qur’an will not be tan International Contest for age of King Hamad bin Issa given enough attention since Police Officers, Prince Naif Al-Khalifa under the theme the Commission has been Contest for Security Forces, “Prophet’s Method for merged with the Organiza- Prince Sultan bin Salman Teaching the Holy Qur’an”. tion. Has it become neces- Contest for Disabled Chil- More than 21 renowned sary to appoint an assistant dren and other events. The Qur’anic researchers partook Secretary General? channel also covers Qur’anic in the event, attended by 24 This field involves scien- conferences, forums, semi- ministers and muftis and 229 tific, technical and finan- nars, lectures and lessons. It Qur’anic sheikhs. We have cial aspects and these were has seen major development also organized 124 Qur’anic merged in relevant depart- and continues to serve the forums and conferences in ments while the department Book of Allah.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 27 The New Islamophobia in France

By Jawzi Belkacem Lardjane (Algerian Researcher and Translator)

Muslims in France face a new anti-Islam known to have Islamophobic tendencies. campaign aiming at gathering signatures This campaign was described by the Grand of politicians and thought leaders for a pe- Mosque of Paris as “Sheer madness and an tition demanding that Muslims should omit unfair trial” against Muslims of France. some verses from the Holy Qur’an which Mr. Dalil Boubekeur, the rector of the - according to them - incite jihad and vio- Grand Mosque, said in an official state- lence. Launched by the former Director ment that French-Muslim citizens fight an- of the Charlie Hebdo magazine, the cam- ti-semitism, racism, and Islamophobia, and paign garnered support of a former French work hard to eliminate causes detrimental president as well as a famous public figure, to national unity.

l l 28 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 The Perils of Islamophobia calls to change the French national anthem Islamophobia analysts warn against the con- that has often been described as a hymn of sequences of Islamophobia and how cul- war contradicting the French national motto. tural and religious diversity is targeted by Those who demand to distort our Revelation extreme-right groups who incite racism and ignore the contributions of Islamic civili- Islamophobia. zation to humanity, thanks to the teachings They noticed that anti-Islam campaigns are of the Holy Qur’an, revealed as mercy and not so different from the campaigns of anti- guidance to the universe. They ignore the semitism. For example, the Jewish anti-Zi- meanings of the verses they want to remove onist activist Norman Finkelstein views Is- from the Book of Allah. They do not un- lamophobia in the media as a similar version derstand the linguistic, jurisprudential and to historical anti-semitism in Europe. Mean- historical contexts as in the verses about while, the British orientalist and historian fighting (contemptuously called the verses Karen Armstrong believes that Islamphobia of the sword) in Surat Al-Baqara and Surat pushes Muslim youth into extremism and Al-Tawbah. They often quote them to incite encourages them to join terrorist organiza- hatred against Islam without referring to the tions by providing Islamophobia as a perfect preceding and next verses. Allah Almighty argument for the war on Islam. said in Surat Al-Baqara: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight The Power of Media and Knowledge you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does Modern means of communication can have not like transgressors” (190) “and fight them a negative impact on critical thinking and wherever you overtake them and expel them objective research leading to the loss of sci- from wherever they have expelled you, and entific honesty and authority on the subject fitnah is worse than killing. And do not fight of Islam. Media has become a means for ex- them at Al-Masjid Al-Haram until they fight changing hate and racism instead of being you there. But if they fight you, then fight them. a vehicle for promoting understanding and Such is the recompense of the disbelievers” positive dialogue. The menace of racism and (191) “And if they cease, then indeed, Allah Islamophobia gets to the worst stage when is Forgiving and Merciful”. (192) media becomes the only go-to reference to learn about Islam and Muslims. It also plays Allah Almighty said in Surat al-Tawbah: a crucial role in encouraging crimes moti- Excepted are those with whom you made a vated by Islamophobia. These campaigns treaty among the polytheists and then they are a two-edged sword. It can lead to many have not been deficient toward you in any- successes and victories for Muslims if the thing or supported anyone against you; so circumstances are used appropriately to rein- complete for them their treaty until their force the innocence of Muslims and the truth term [has ended]. Indeed, Allah loves the about Islam. Some of the politicians use Is- righteous [who fear Him].(4) And when the lamophobia to divert public attention from sacred months have passed, then fight the real issues facing the French society such as polytheists wherever you find them and cap- the national calls to apologize for the colonial ture them and besiege them and sit in wait crimes in France’s former colonies, and the for them at every place of ambush. But if

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 29 they should repent, establish prayer, and give sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. zakah, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Al- Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted” lah is Forgiving and Merciful.(5) And if any Verse 13. one of the polytheists seeks your protection, Corrupted people intentionally attack the then grant him protection so that he may hear Holy Qur’an, the core of Islam, with the in- the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his tention to cause turmoil amongst Muslims place of safety. That is because they are a and undermine the reasons of their existence, people who do not know.(6) unity and duty to convey the message of Is- lam. Nevertheless, they can never obliterate Islam in the Eyes of the West the beauty of Islam because Prophet Mu- Anti-Islam campaigns have dangerous objec- hammad (peace be upon him) foretold us tives and can affect negatively the image of in a hadith : ‘Islam came as a stranger, and the West in the world, its relation with Islam, will return as a stranger.’ Even the leaders and the dialogue among civilizations. The and the wise of the West admit the fact that actions of some racist politicians and intel- Islam is the only solution and alternative to lectuals reflect a sense of desperation in their the human beings as it was speculated by Sir personal careers and in their attempts to dis- George Bernard Shaw a century ago. tort the message of the Holy Qur’an, which The false notions prevalent today about Is- calls humanity to peaceful coexistence and lam in the West are totally different from true brotherhood. Allah Almighty said in Surat Islam followed by around 1.6 billion Mus- Al-Hujurat : lims. Islamophobia distorted the meaning of “O mankind! Indeed We have created you important Islamic concepts such as Jihad (lit- from a male a female and made you peoples eral meaning struggling or striving) into holy and tribes that you may know each one an- war and killing, the meaning of Islam into other. Indeed, the most noble of you in the subjugation and slavery, and the meaning of

l l 30 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 hijab into oppression of women. They also tians was ultimately phenomenal; and such invented new concepts such as Islamism or tolerance was unprecedented by the founders political Islam, radical Islam, Islamic terror- of other religions such as Judaism and Chris- ism, Wahhabism, etc. tianity in particular. We shall also see how These distortions have always aimed at his successors followed in his footsteps…” driving Muslims away from their spiritual “The world has not known more merciful and material heritage, and to obliterate the conquerors than the Muslims, and a more milestones and teachings of Islam which are tolerant religion than their religion. Force founded on the Holy Qur’an, Sunnah, and was not a factor for spreading Islam. Al-Salaf Salih (early Muslim generations) Muslims were not blinded by their victo- whose humanity and legacy embodied in ries and did not behave with arrogance like heroism, justice, peace, mercy, tolerance, conquerors in usual. They neither oppressed and generosity still continue to impress non- the conquered countries nor forced them to Muslims from the east to the west. convert to their religion or to give up their Orientalist Joseph Van Hammer said in his belongings” introduction to the German translation of the meanings of the Qur’an : Former French Foreign Minister Gabriel “The Qur’an is not only the legislation of Is- Hanotaux attested: lam, but it is the pinnacle of Arabic literature. “There is not a place on earth where Islam Its amazing style attests that it is a Revelation has not crossed its borders and spread. It is from God. Muhammad (peace be upon him) the only religion that people tend strongly to spread his power by the miraculous speech of choose more than any other religion” the Qur’an. It is not possible for the Qur’an Napoleon Beaunaparte, the founder of the to be mere product of a human skill”. French Empire and its first emperor said Goethe, father of German literature and ori- about the Holy Qu’ran: entalism, said : “I hope the time is not far off when I shall be “I don’t question whether the Qur’an is of able to unite all the wise and educated men eternity; it is the book of books. Qur’an is of all the countries and establish a uniform not a human speech; if we deny it is a Divine regime based on the principles of Qur’an Revelation, it means Muhammad is himself which alone are true and which alone can a deity” lead men to happiness.”

He further attested: Dawah to face Islamophobia “Muhammad is a Prophet and not a poet and Early generations of Muslims were fewer therefore the Qur’an is to be seen as a divine in number than Muslims today and suffered law and not as a book of a human creation more than them in entire history, but those made for entertainment” tribulations did not affect them negatively. French historian and physician Gustav Le- Because of the Qur’anic principle of mod- bon describes the civilization of Islam: eration in Islam or the Middle Way, they suc- “From the verses of the Qur’an we previ- ceeded to snatch humanity from darkness. ously mentioned, we find that Muhammad’s This principle enabled the Ummah to be the forgiveness towards the Jews and the Chris- dominant and most humanitarian superpower

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 31 “Faith consists of sixty to seventy branches, the best of which is to declare there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and the least of which is to remove some- thing harmful from the road, and modesty is a branch of faith.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

True Jihad in Islam Whoever reads the works of Tafseer (exegesis of the for more than ten centuries. them are believers, but most Holy Qur’an) and Fiqh (Is- Fighting Islamophobia be- of them are defiantly disobe- lamic Jurisprudence) will gins by dispelling miscon- dient.” Verse 110. find that true Jihad (which ceptions about Islam and Islamophobia is a disease literally means striving or promoting knowledge and and its medicine is Dawah to struggling) has many mean- learning for both Muslims Allah the Almighty. Dawah ings in the Book of Allah. and non-Muslims. This has is an obligation to convey One of its most important to be done through the noble to the world the truth about meanings is the self-strug- ethics of Islam such as kind- the Holy Qur’an, Sunnah of gling against the evilness ness, patience, and com- Prophet Muhammad (peace of the self. In other words, munication with wisdom. be upon him), the virtues of there is a spiritual or psy- The Middle Way prescribed Tawhid (oneness of Allah), chological jihad and there in the Qur’an for the ideal the greatness of Islam, its is a physical jihad. It was re- Ummah can save both Mus- history and civilization. This ported that the companions lims and non-Muslims from has to be done with a good of the Prophet - may Allah falling into the two sides of character and a noble behav- be pleased with them- said darkness: sectarianism and ior to facilitate the reception in their return from the expe- atheism. and the understanding of the dition of Tabuk : “We went Allah said in Surat Al-Im- message of Islam. Such eth- for a lesser jihad and we re- ran: ics were the silent words of turned for a greater jihad” “You are the best nation pro- the early generations of Mus- The former refers to physi- duced [as an example] for lims wherever they went. cal jihad, and the latter to mankind. You enjoin what For example, speaking with jihad of the self, ego, heart, is right and forbid what is gentleness, smiling with sin- and desires. wrong and believe in Allah. If cerity, removing evils from Historically since the start of only the People of the Book the roads...etc. The Prophet Islam, scholars classified ji- had believed, it would have Muhammad (peace be upon had into four categories : Ji- been better for them. Among him) said : had of the self, jihad against

l l 32 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 you days that require pa- tience.” (Sunan Abu Dawud) “You must be kind. Verily, kindness is not found in any- thing except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it dis- graces it.”(Musnad Ahmad) And He advised his wife Ay- sha, may Allah be pleased with her, after she scorned a Jew who insulted Him: “O Aisha, Allah is kind and He loves kindness in all matters. hypocrites, jihad for defense revealed by Allah Almighty He rewards for it what is not against invaders, and jihad in Surat Al-Nissa: “O you granted for harshness and He of justice. who have believed, obey Al- does not reward anything else There is no doubt that greater lah and obey the Messenger like it.” (Sahih Muslim). jihad or al-jihad Al-Akbar is and those in authority among This greater struggle has been an obligation upon all Mus- you. And if you disagree over preached by the Kingdom of lims or Fardh ‘Ain (obliga- anything, refer it to Allah and Saudi Arabia, its rulers, and tory and collective duty) that the Messenger, if you should scholars since its foundation. leads to personal and social believe in Allah and the Last Former Mufti Sheikh Abdu- reforms by preserving the Day. That is the best [way] laziz bin Baaz (may Allah five faculties in Islamic leg- and best in result.” Verse 59. have mercy on his soul) used islation (faith, being, intel- Lesser jihad has many condi- to say (source: Compilation lect, progeny, and property). tions and criteria established of Fatwa and Articles, vol- Greater Jihad is one of the and agreed by the consensus ume 8 page 375): most discussed topics in Is- of scholars since centuries. “This era is an era of kind- lamic literature and history. Scholars unanimously agree ness, patience, and wise Lesser jihad is agreed by all that these conditions are not dialogue, and not an era of scholars to be Fardh Kifaya realizable nowadays. They harshness. Most of people (optional and individual duty) all endorse that this era is an are in ignorance, and in ne- and that it is one of the topics era of greater jihad because glect of their religion for the related to Fiqh Al-Nawazil this era requires patience, sake of the worldly affairs. or the jurisprudence of con- kindness, and wise dialogue There must be softness and temporary issues which re- as preached by Prophet Mu- kindness for Dawah to reach quire an Ijtihad by a council hammad (peace be upon them, in order to convey of scholars to issue a related him) in numerous hadiths to them and to teach them fatwa (legal verdict) depend- about patience, kindness, (the teachings of Islam). We ing on the circumstances and and dawah: ask Allah to guide us all”. in accordance with the verse “There are indeed ahead of Ameen.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 33 A Muslim scientist develops a method to detect non- halal contents in food and beverages

By Qais Bajaeifir

An Indonesian Muslim scientist has developed an electronic portable nose that can detect lard and alcohol content rapidly and with the highest accu- racy in food and beverages as well as non-Halal substances in cosmetics and other consumer goods used by Muslims all over the world.

Professor Irwandi Jaswir, who is the deputy dean of the In- ternational Institute for Halal Research and Training at the International Islamic Univer- sity Malaysia, has dedicated his entire life to conducting Halal research and promot- ing Halal science. This valu- able device is the result of long years of research and can help millions of Muslims everywhere detect non-Halal compound in many consumer goods.

A significant invention The device is important, es- pecially following fake Halal logo and certification cases

l l 34 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 that have been reported in the past years and Muslims are not permitted to eat. Food fraud continue to be reported in several countries. indeed poses a major risk for Muslims living Halal regulators have found that some Halal in non-Muslim countries. food producers used dubious source of in- The electronic portable nose can moni- gredients in their products in order to maxi- tor Halal labelled products, help Muslims mize commercial profits. double-check their authenticity and make The volume of Halal food market was es- informed choices about a product before timated at USD 0.58 trillion in 2005 while purchasing it. Mitigating the concerns of today’s estimates for the market volume Muslims about dubious ingredients was one indicate that it will reach USD 2.55 trillion of the reasons why Professor Jaswir invent- by 2024 as a result of the rising demand for ed this device. the consumption of Halal food. These enor- mous figures explain the fierce competition King Faisal Prize going on among some food producers who Professor Jaswir realized these concerns tend to use adulterated material, claiming among Muslims and wanted to alleviate it to be Halal in order to expedite the Halal them by giving his fellow Muslims a device food production processes and sell the larg- helping them identify non-Halal substance est quantity possible in a short time, making in food products quickly and easily. He huge profits. felt it was his duty as a Muslim researcher Fake Halal logo cases have made Muslims to come up with a practical solution for this around the world increasingly concerned problem and do something that serves Islam about the dubious ingredients contained in and Muslims all over the globe. His genu- Halal products, which could include pork ine efforts and long years of research were substitution or any prohibited materials recognized earlier this year when the presti-

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 35 gious King Faisal Prize in Service to Islam ment and Systematic Optimization of Pro- was awarded to him. duction Fish Gelatin Nanoparticles as New The prize was launched by King Faisal Resource for Drug Delivery”. His work Foundation and awarded for the first time has been recognized by over 60 awards and in 1979. It recognizes the outstanding and honors including the 2013 HABIBIE award exceptional works of individuals and insti- and the Islamic Product Innovation award in tutions in five major categories: Service to 2016 by Malaysian Innovation Agency for Islam, Islamic Studies, Arabic Language the Lard Detector using E-nose. and Literature, Medicine, and Science. The prize aims to benefit Muslims in their pres- Academic career ent and future, enrich human knowledge and Professor Jaswir, who was born on 20 De- develop humankind. cember 1970 in Medan, North Sumatra, In- Other reasons for granting the prize to donesia, earned Bachelor’s Degree in Food Professor Jaswir included his valuable con- Technology and Human Nutrition in 1993 tribution to and eclectic role in establish- from Bogor Agriculture University (IPB) in ing and developing Halal science through Indonesia, Master of Science in Food Sci- various publications and research studies. ence and Biotechnology in 1996, as well as Professor Jaswir, who is also the Secretary PhD in Food Chemistry and Biochemistry in of Council of Professors at IIUM, exerted 2000 from the Universiti Putra in Malaysia. strenuous efforts in leading the International He has assumed many academic and admin- Institute for Halal Research at IIUM. istrative positions during his productive ca- The institute has become today, thanks reer. to him, a renowned center for research and services related to Halal food and consumer Advice goods. He focuses in his studies and research on developing new methods for analyzing Professor Jaswir urges fellow Muslim sci- substances used for manufacturing Halal entists and scholars to always maintain the food alternatives and practical procedures same strong passion for scientific research for producing Halal gelatin from Halal (non- and remember that the Holy Qur’an and the porcine) sources, such as camel and fish. Sunnah are full of scientific concepts that had inspired Muslim scholars in the past Works and awards and spurred them to contribute to improving Professor Jaswir published over 120 peer humankind life and civilization. Young re- reviewed articles in scientific journals and searchers should always be patient and have accomplished over 30 research studies. His passion and work hard to solve social prob- publications include articles titled “Identi- lems Muslims suffer from. fication and verification of porcine DNA in His message to all young researchers: commercial gelatin and gelatin containing Remember that the future of your country is processed foods”, “IIUM-Fabricated Porta- in your hands; conduct your research seri- ble Electronic Nose for Halal Authentication ously and always work to help your fellow in Beverages”, and “Formulation Develop- Muslims and make their life easier.

l l 36 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Global Press Idris Elnaw

Technology Sets Serious Challenges to the West

Foreign Policy Magazine

In a world where technological progress those of the Enlightenment (reason, science, promises large benefits, the capacity to sup- and truth). Populist parties are channeling ply the necessary conditions may determine such sentiments with considerable electoral which economies are positioned for success, success, capitalizing on economic malaise, and which are bound to go the way of the widening inequality, and rising immigration. Spanish, Portuguese, or Ottoman Empires. That should worry today’s West more than it 3 Forms of Knowledge worries China. Technology is often blamed for the social In many dimensions, today’s West is not at ills underpinning the populist surge. But its best, according to a comprehensive study what about the causal arrow that runs in the run by western researchers. Many people are opposite direction, from society to technol- challenging the values of liberal democracy ogy? (individual rights and majority rule) and even To ascertain what technology wants re-

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 37 quires understanding what it is and how it more EVs than the US, which also lags far grows. Technology is really three forms of behind in the number of charging stations to knowledge: embodied knowledge in tools support them. and materials, codified knowledge in -reci pes, protocols, and how-to manuals, and tacit Connecting Manufacturers knowledge or know how in brains. We can This example illustrates two points. First, have more tools and gadgets, more books and each module in the value chain benefits from manuals, or more documents at our disposal connecting to other modules in the world. on the web, but we do not have the capacity Modularity creates a logic that is somewhat at the individual level to cram more stuff into different from simple economies of scale. our brains. For technology to grow, it needs EVs benefit from innovations in mining and to imprint different bits of know how in dif- in battery manufacturing, wherever they oc- ferent brains. According to the study which cur. Whoever achieves those innovations will was published in Foreign Policy magazine, want to connect to the places that use them. societies become more knowledgeable not A jumbo aircraft literally requires mil- because individuals know more but because lions of parts, and innovations in any compo- they know different things. nent can have important implications for the plane’s overall design and efficiency. For ex- Polymaths and Renaissance Men ample, 3-D printing may radically lower the But after storing different bits of know how number of parts required by turbine engines in different brains, using know how requires and thus significantly reduce their weight bringing those disparate brains back together (and thus their fuel consumption). To exploit again. No wonder, then, that there are fewer these possibilities, innovating companies polymaths and Renaissance Men today, and need to be able to connect to manufacturers that the number of authors per scientific pa- elsewhere in a secure manner. pers or per patent has been growing fast . This is exactly the opposite of what a sun- One trick that technology uses in order to set clause in the North American Free Trade grow is modularization. If a product’s com- Agreement would accomplish. And it is why ponents can be compartmentalized in such a Airbus recently warned that Brexit will have way that different teams are good at differ- severe negative consequences for the United ent modules and a few are good at putting Kingdom’s aerospace industry. Modulariza- those modules together, each team may need tion requires the ability to tap talent any- to know less, even as the whole can know where in the world. In Silicon Valley, over more. half the science, technology, engineering and Consider the following example: Chile is math (STEM) workers are foreign-born, and the world’s largest producer of lithium and fewer than a fifth were born in California, a Japan’s Panasonic is the largest manufactur- state that, with 40 million residents, would er of lithium-ion batteries, but it is China’s rank 36th among the world’s countries. With BAIC that is the largest electronic vehicle US President Donald Trump’s clampdown (EV) manufacturer. While America’s Tesla is on immigration, the neighbor to the north put an admirable company, by 2025 Europe and billboards in Silicon Valley that read “HIB China are expected to have over ten times Visa problem?

l l 38 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 society that is able to develop a shared sense Social Decision of purpose, one that is deep and powerful But implementing many technologies also enough to direct the government to provide requires ingredients that can be provided the public goods that new technologies re- only through non-market mechanisms, and quire. The first requirement is facilitated by here governments play a critical role. Con- a society having a broader and more inclu- sider high-speed rail. Without government sive sense of who is a member. The second is authorization and cooperation, no private facilitated by a deeper and more meaningful company can build a rail line. Western Eu- sense of membership. rope has more than 14,000 kilometers (8,700 Developing these attitudes is not easy. It miles) of high-speed rail, and China has over requires a civic rather than an ethnic sense of 25,000. The United States claims to have 56 nationhood. This is why the stakes in today’s kilometers, in a short stretch that covers less than 8% of the distance between Boston and policy debates in the West are not just about Washington, DC. The reason is obvious: this values. In a competitive world, societies pay is a technology that, like the electric car, re- dearly for being unable – or unwilling – to quires a social decision and a government deliver what technology wants. that enables that choice. Today’s populist forces may disregard In short, technology requires a society what technology wants and impose their vi- that connects to the world, both through trade sion on the world. But they will inadvertent- and openness to talent, in order to exploit the ly leave their societies, just like the US rail gains from modularization. It also requires a system, on a very slow track.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 39 Community Leaders Denounce Arson at Edson’s Mosque

Press Agencies & Internet

Evidence from the fire set on June 16 can ing together and supporting the mosque and still be seen on the white door and siding at the membership here,” he told CBC News. the Edson Mosque two days later. Reverend Kimberly Roy of Edson United Community leaders in Edson denounced Church also visited the mosque on Monday. the recent arson attack on the the town’s Members of the congregation at the united mosque and offered their support on Mon- church were “deeply saddened” by news of day to members of the Islamic Society of the fire, she said. Edson. The two communities of faith have bro- Society board members described an out- ken bread together, prayed together and vis- pouring of local and international support ited each other’s places of worship in the that followed news of the fire set Saturday past, she added. night. “It’s hit our families and our communities “We’ve been overwhelmed by the great hard.” support that we’ve had,” said TufikBater- Islamic Society of Edson board member douk, the society’s vice-president. Jocelyn Pettitt said she was surprised by the Standing outside the mosque on Monday, arson and she had not observed any instances Edson’s mayor, Kevin Zahara, said he was of tension between Muslim and non-Muslim shocked the attack occurred but proud of the residents in town. community’s response. The mosque opened in 2013, Baterdouk “I’m really honoured to be the mayor of said, but Muslim families were living in Ed- this community when I see those people com- son long before that. He’s lived there for 26

l l 40 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 years. At least 17 killed as bomb in Afghan “We are in the fabric of this town,” Pettitt mosque targets election planning said. Two men hit by car outside Birmingham Neither board member said they thought mosque. the incident would discourage people from The Quebec City Mosque killer says Jus- going to the mosque. tin Trudeau triggered the attack. The inci- “Everything will continue as normal,” she dent took place at around 11pm on Saturday said, adding that the incident has prompted night, “on a day of celebration for Muslims the society to learn more about security and around the world as they celebrate an end of safety measures. Ramadan”, mosque officials said. RCMP are still investigating the fire and Jocelyn Pettitt, a board member of the Is- have asked for the public’s assistance in lamic Society of Edson, described the inci- identifying a possible suspect. dent as “disappointing”. “The RCMP takes these offenses very “We’re shocked… it’s concerning that seriously and will continue to search for the someone came to damage our place of wor- suspect(s) responsible for this crime,” read a ship,” she told the Edmonton Journal. Monday news release. She said the mosque serves 15 Muslim Canadian mosque targeted in ‘brazen’ ar- families in the area as well as lots of travel- son attack: ‘How do we explain this to our lers stopping on their way to and from Jasper children? National Park. Edson itself is a small town Police say a mosque has been set on fire with only around 8,500 residents. “The ac- in Alberta, Canada, in what Muslim commu- tion of this one person isn’t representative of nity representatives are calling a “brazen at- the town of Edson,” she said. “We consider tack”. this our home, and we’ve felt accepted since CCTV images supplied to Canadian media day one.” by officials at the Edson Mosque appeared to TufikBaterdouk, vice president of the show a hooded figure walking away from the Islamic Society of Edson, told CBC it was building carrying a red bag or jerry can. “a little bit more scary” that the arson took Three worshippers were in the car park of place while there were three worshippers on the mosque at the time and saw flames ris- the premises. ing above an entrance. The fire service was “It was quite brazen,” he said. “Typically called and successfully tackled the blaze be- you would think that someone who wants fore it could cause extensive damage. to commit arson or vandalism, if they see But in a post on Facebook, Edson Mosque people ... they probably would change their organisers said they were “gravely concerned mind. But this individual, it does not seem to about this attack”, the first of its kind in the be a concern for him. five years since the building was constructed “This is something that we will have to with flame-retardant materials in 2013. explain to our children ... that kind of weighs Two stabbed to death in ‘brutal’ attack on on your mind,” he added. “Probably the mosque in South Africa hardest thing is having to try to explain to More than 350 mosques urge Tories to children why something like this could have launch Islamophobia inquiry happened.”

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 41 New book highlights criti- cal role of moth- ers as nurturers and caregivers

Yusef Salam

“Paradise is Under Mother’s Feet” by BabalWaiz writes that many sons H.Y. BabalWaiz, a native of Ghana, and daughters put their mothers in West Africa, portrays the life-giving nursing homes and seldom visit them, roles of mothers in society, the re- and in some cases they do not visit at ward for honoring them, and the pen- all. Laws applicable in some parts of alty for dishonoring them. The author the world permit a son or daughter stresses that mothers constitute the to gain authority over their parents foundation of civilization and pos- and even threaten to call the police sess innate qualities of motherhood or child protection agencies on their such as love, care, compassion, sym- parents, even if parents have not en- pathy and empathy for children. They gaged in any abusive practices. have the awesome responsibility of The author mentions numerous being the first teacher and role model verses of the Holy Qur’an as well as for children, who are the future of texts of the Hadith, and quotations the world. However, the status of of secular and religious figures to re- mothers, the author writes, has been mind readers of the stellar position of dangerously lowered in many places mothers. around the world. BabalWaiz discusses how a moth-

l l 42 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 er’s womb guards and protects a fetus The writer reminds us that no love and how mothers act like guardians can match a mother’s love. No matter of their babies. “The fetus I protected how loving a wife is to her husband or in the mother’s womb like a king in a vice versa, no husband or child will be castle.” The fetus is secure and well-pro- able to give mothers or wives the same tected inside the womb and its devel- quality of love. opment relies heavily on his mother’s BabalWaiz offers this quote by body until it comes to this world. The Abraham Lincoln to accentuate the author writes “During the nine-month significant role of mothers: “I am in- ordeal… mothers suffer physically, debted with all that she provided to me physiologically and psychologically due to hormonal changes, leading to and I vow to dedicate all that I achieve nausea, vomiting, fatigue, bloating, to my mother exclusively.” flatulence (passing gas), frequent uri- Vernon Jordan, the advisor to vari- nation and mood swings.” ous U.S. Presidents, declares: “There A man approached Prophet Muham- will never be a pillow in this world mad (peace be upon him) and asked more comfortable and convenient than him three times whom of the parents should be honored. The Prophet, an- the lap of mothers”. Elizabeth Stone’s swered “your mother” three times to comment is soul-stirring: “Making the highlight the importance of mothers decision to have a child is momentous. over fathers. He said “your father” It is to decide forever to have your once. heart go walking around outside of BabalWaiz highlights the impor- your body.” tance of breastfeeding, describing it as the richest source of nutrition, which “Paradise is under Mother’s Feet” is better for infants than cow’s milk or should be welcomed by all. It is price- any baby formula. less at a time when the moral stock Breastfeeding mothers want the index in the world has plummeted; a best for their newborn. Moreover, it is time when human values threaten to mothers who nurse their children and stoop to the the lowest levels. And in husbands when they are sick. Mothers won’t have peace of mind until they innumerable cases, they already have. see their children and husbands feel- BabalWaiz’s book is a call for us to re- ing well. turn to our true nature.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 43 Islam’s journey into Latin America

By M. Nasir Jawed

This article focuses on the history and geographical presence of Islam in Latin America, the gradual growth of Muslim popula- tion, the prevailing prejudice against Islam and the lack of sup- port from the Muslim community.

l l 44 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Introduction tronomer, and a map created century, after the liberation Latin America is as far as by a navigator and cartogra- of slaves and the return of some 12,000 kilometers from pher, Piri Muhyi Al-Din Reis many of them to these lands, Makkah, the birthplace of Is- (d.1554). together with immigration lam. The continent is home This suggests that it could from India, Pakistan and In- to over 600 million people, only have been made through donesia, new concentrations with Muslims accounting for the first-hand experience in of Muslims appeared. They less than 6 million, or nearly the Americas. settled down in countries 1% of the total population. According to Syed A. Ah- like Suriname, Guyana, and Nonetheless, Muslims sani, an authority on medi- Trinidad and Tobago. Both played an important part in eval history, Portuguese and Guyana and Suriname are discovering Americas in the Spanish discovery missions today members of the Orga- 12th century, as also in in- “were led by Muslim mari- nization of Islamic Coopera- habiting the region. This we ners, then known as Moris- tion (OIC). can understand this way: in cos,” or Spanish Muslims. Between CE1850 and the Middle Ages, Muslims CE1860, a massive immi- were far more advanced, they The early Muslims gration of Arab Muslims to ruled Spain and Sicily and Latin America is gener- American lands took place. wrote history’s some remark- ally defined as a continent The majority came from able chapters. It was the time that consists of the whole of Syria and Lebanon, and when European universities South America in addition settled in countries like Ar- were modeled on the famous to Mexico, Central America, gentina, Brazil, Venezuela, madrassas (Islamic seminar- and the islands of the Carib- Colombia and Paraguay, to- ies) of Spain, like that of Al- bean whose inhabitants speak gether with immigrants from Hamra, and Muslims were a Roman language. Besides Palestine, Bangladesh and teaching the world how to the conquerors, many labor- Pakistan. This immigration acquire knowledge. ers were brought from Af- was very intense. Therefore, it comes as no rica and they settled down The new immigrants in- surprise that Muslim astron- in countries like Brazil, Ven- tegrated well with the local omers and mariners played ezuela, Colombia, some Ca- cultures, and earned respect a significant role in discov- ribbean islands, and majori- for their hard work as also ering the New World in the ties of them were Muslims. their love for their host coun- 15th century. For instance, tries. Many of them joined the Muslims, whom In fact Islam Reborn hands to create Islamic soci- have made contact with the Sylviane A. Diouf in his eties, centers, mosques, etc. New World even before Co- book, Servants of Allah: En- in order to worship freely. lumbus, had perfected the slaved in the Americas,1998, astronomical tools and maps, wrote that with the passage The Largest Mosque which Columbus used. of time, Islam was reborn There is said to be a mosque For his voyages into India, as a result of new waves of in the capital city of every na- Vasco de Gama too consulted Muslim migrants. tion of the continent. In some with Ahmad bin Majid, an as- At the end of the 16th cities, there are 3 or 4 and in

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 45 some, there is only one. There is great variation while next come the Syrians and Islam’s firm ground in the denoting the actual number the Palestinians.” continent is reflected in the of Muslim population in the In Argentina, as of the majestic and arguably the continent, but it is gener- year 2000, nearly 700,000 largest King Fahd Mosque ally believed that they range Muslims lived there, about located in Buenos Aires, Ar- anywhere between 5 and 6 1.3% of the total popula- gentina. Named after the 5th million out of Latin Ameri- tion. This percentage has not King of Saudi Arabia, the ca’s total population of ap- changed since 1980, says mosque is run by the Islam- proximately 625 million. Ahsani. Most of the Muslims ic Cultural Center. Notably, The rapid growth of Islam in here are of Syrian descent. Argentine President Carlos Latin America is attributed to Argentina actually had a two- Menem granted a huge piece the high rate of conversions, term president (1989-1999), of land in the Palermo sec- which indicates possibly a named Carlos Saul Menem, tion of Buenos Aires to the higher number of Muslims. who was originally a Muslim mosque in 1995. There are Brazil is home to around from a Syrian family. several other mosques in the 1.5 million Muslims, less Chile, on the other hand, country. than 1% of the nation’s pop- had only 2,000 Muslims in ulation. “The majority of 1980. Similarly, Columbia The population Muslims hail from Lebanon has approximately 5,000

l l 46 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Muslims, far less than 1% of the total population. This center opened. Finally, of the of its total population of 46 is largely due to the fact that Caribbean islands, only Trin- million and Ecuador has very many of them came to work idad and Tobago has a sig- few Muslims. from India and Indonesia in nificant number of Muslims. Guyana, on the other the late 19th and early 20th About 110,000 Muslims live hand, has over 90,000 Mus- centuries. Uruguay has an here, approximately 8% of lims, about 12% of the to- unknown number of Mus- the total population. Most of tal population. What makes lims, likely a very miniscule them are originally from the Guyana unique is that these number. Indian subcontinent. In 1984, Muslims are not of Middle Finally, Venezuela is there were 70 mosques with Eastern origin. Rather, they home to approximately Qur’anic schools. Several are mostly of South Asian 90,000 Muslims, about 35% schools have been set up. origin, namely India. In fact, of the total population. Islam New Muslims the majority of the total pop- was not reintroduced in Ven- By the end of the 1990s, ulation of Guyana (51%) is ezuela until the early part of people – particularly youth of South Asian descent. Af- the 20th century by Syrian, and women – developed a rican labors brought Islam to Lebanese, and Palestinian keen interest in studying and Guyana in the 16th and 17th immigrants. understanding Islam. centuries. Islam was reintro- As Central America is This resulted in a huge duced “with the arrival of considered to be a part of number of conversions. A South Asian Muslims in the Latin America, a brief look large number of neo-Muslims year 1838.” (Chickrie) From at the Islamic presence in – mostly students – convert- 1835 to 1917, over 240,000 these countries is necessary. ed to Islam while studying in East Indians immigrated to Of these countries, Belize, Europe and the United States Guyana. Costa Rica, El Salvador, and who now live in Mexico, Paraguay, although it is Guatemala, and Nicaragua Haiti, Cuba and Ecuador. In- listed as having no Muslims have only a small, relatively terestingly, these new Mus- in the current internet Mus- unknown population of Mus- lims have been much more lim population lists, is known lims. Honduras has about sincere in their faith and ac- to have a fairly significant 130,000 Muslims (2% of to- tive in Islamic mission than population of Muslims. Peru, tal population) and Panama immigrants. like the other Andean nations, has more than 150,000 Mus- Reasons for Latin Ameri- boasts a very small popula- lims (5% of total population). cans embracing Islam could tion of Muslims. In 1980, Mexico, home to over 107 be many, but basically they about 5,000 Muslims lived million residents, has only may not be much different in Peru, mostly in Lima. Like about 1,000 Muslims. About from those that are attracting other Latin American coun- 500 Muslims live in Mexico non-Muslims worldwide and tries, they are mostly of Pal- City, where they congregate at a fast rate. estinian, Syrian, and Leba- at the Islamic Cultural Cen- What is of significance nese origin. ter. Dozens of Mexicans are here is that Islam continues Surinam is home to over reported to have been con- to attract more people. Many 80,000 Muslims, nearly 20% verted to Islam since the of the converts are convinced

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 47 versity of Rio de Janeiro, examined the history and current state of the Muslim community in Latin Amer- ica’s largest country. She found two main reasons for the low conversion rate. The first is the lack of trust and understanding by Brazil’s Arab-Muslim com- munity. The new converts get very little support from Muslims to adapt to a new Is- lamic environment. The feel- ing of isolation leads some to abandon Islam after a while. The second reason is the shortage of good books and other resources about Islam in the Portuguese language.

Conclusion The Muslims of Latin Amer- ica, though small in number, have a rich history. Theirs is an important chapter in the that Islam is a religion of Things have changed with history of Islam. Kudos to peace, love, affection and the Arab diplomatic envoys the early Muslims who re- friendship, based on the gen- coming to the region, as also mained bonded to the faith erous hospitality and warm many of the Latin Ameri- that ultimately paved the way welcome they receive from can Muslims traveling to the for the later Muslims to settle the Muslim friends in their Arab countries for studies down and spread the message new social milieu. and, more importantly, visit- of Islam. What is important Sources suggest that con- ing Saudi Arabia for pilgrim- is that those Muslims went verts account for approxi- ages. there in individual capacity mately 1% of all the Muslims as laborers and nonetheless in Latin America. There is a Needs attention kept their faith the first and lack of Islamic literature in Islam is the fastest growing the foremost. Spanish and there must be religion in the world. How- Today Muslims have es- special efforts made to com- ever, in Latin America, this tablished successful busi- plement this need. is not the case. Why? Maria nesses there and enjoy a re- Moreira, a Brazilian convert spectable social status. They Practice of Islam who teaches at the State Uni-

l l 48 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 have their conspicuous pres- ence in politics with many being members of parliament in countries like Venezuela. Ecuador and Argentina have had a Muslim president too. Yet, the Muslims in South America needs attention, they needs proper Islamic education, training, and in- frastructure and they need an all-encompassing plan.

Works cited * Ahsani, S. A. H. “Muslims in Latin America: A Sur- vey - Part I. Journal of the Institute of Muslim Mi- nority Affairs 5 (1984): 454-63”. * Bazan, Rafael Guevara. “Muslim Immigration to Spanish America.” The Muslim World 56 (1966): 173- 87. * Caner, Ergun Mehmet, and WorldNetDaily. 7 June * Qamber, Rukhsana. “Anti- Emir Fethi Caner. Unveil- 2005. 27 Feb. 2007 . Islamic Bias in Sources ing Islam. Grand Rapids: * Kasule, Omar Hasan. “Mus- on Latin America: Pre- lims in Latin America: A Kregel, 2002. liminary Findings.” Is- * Chickrie, Raymond. “Mus- Survey—Part II.” Journal lamic Studies 42 (2003): lims in Guyana: History, of the Institute of Muslim Traditions, Conflict, and Minority Affairs 5 (1984): 651-85. Change.” Journal of Mus- 464-67. * Velcamp, Teresa Alfaro. lim Minority Affairs 19 * Moreira, Maria. “Islam “Mexican Muslims in the (1999): 181-95. in Brazil.” Islam For To- Twentieth Century: Chal- * Diouf, Sylviane A. Servants day. “Muslim Population lenging Stereotypes and of Allah: African Muslims Worldwide.” Chart. Mus- Negotiating Space.” Mus- Enslaved in the Americas. lim Population. 6 March lims in the West: From New York: New York UP, 2007 Sylviane A. Diouf, 1998. Servants of Allah: African Sojourners to Citizens. * Farah, Joseph. “Islam on Muslims Enslaved in the Ed. Yvonne Yazbeck. Ox- march south of border.” Americas, 1998. ford: Oxford UP, 2002.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 49 Baghdad (The City of Peace): Recalling the Lost Glory

Mohammad Dawood Sofi

The city of Baghdad, known as giant philosophers such as Al- Dār Al-Salām (the City of Peace) Kindī, Al-Rāzī, and Al-Farābī; the represents the glorious past of the great Islamic scholar of all time, Muslims. The remarkable contribu- Imām Abu Hanīfah; and the Bayt tions of Caliphs Harūn Al-Rashīd Al-Hikmah made Baghdad in the and Mamūn Al-Rashīd; the rich medieval period one of the great- libraries of this great city, which est cities of knowledge and learn- were the largest in the world; the ing. There is a very deep connec-

l l 50 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 tion between Baghdad and the spread and strength of Islamic civilization during the medieval period and its grandeur and strik- ing transformations was considered to be ideal. However, unfortunately, what befell the City of Peace following the Mongol invasion in 1258 was painful to all those who had witnessed its glory and grandeur. The sufferings and the memories of pain even after the passing of more than seven hundred years are still fresh. Ẓahīr Al-Dīn Ibn Al-Kāzarūnī (1214–9128), a historian, mathematician, and jurist, experienced both glory of Baghdad and the onslaught of the Mongols. His works on history and litera- ture highlight the beauty of this cosmopoli- tan city, its culture, and learning. These works also reconnect the Muslims to the the great memories of the Islamic civilization developed in Baghdad by the Abbasid ca- liphs. Despite devastation, even in the cur- rent times, Baghdad represents the history, ized from the classical tale, 1001 Arabian identity, and consciousness of Muslims. Nights. These stories and tales are actually Named as Dār al-Salām or Abode of a reflection of Baghdad’s striking beauty Peace, Baghdad was established 1300 and the height of its glory during the reign years ago by the first Abbasid caliph. It of Harūn al-Rashīd. The words of Sayyid was founded, according to Ali A. Allawi, Husayn Nasr about the importance of Bagh- “specifically to be the capital of a universal dad and its place in the history recapture our empire, smack in the middle of trade routes vision about our lost glory. He emphasizes that converged on it from all points of the that Baghdad has the honor where “Islam azimuth.” Although the roots of Baghdad became heir to the intellectual heritage of all date back to ancient Babylon; however, its the major civilizations before it save that of fame as a center for commerce and scholar- the Far East, and it became a haven within ship began in the 8th century CE. During which various intellectual traditions found a that period a number of small villages were new lease upon life.” present in that area and one of those small The major role in making Baghdad as the villages was known by the name Baghdad center of wisdom, knowledge, and learning and this name in the later period became the was because of the presence of a renowned name of this glorious city. For the next five institution Bayt al-Hikmah (House of Wis- centuries, the city became the global cen- dom). It was a famous literary place for ter of education and culture. The grandeur the scholars to meet together and discuss and splendor of this city can be memorial- ideas and opinions. As Caliph Mamūn him-

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 51 self was a learned scholar; discourse, dialogue and dis- in order to translate the old therefore, he used to super- cussion. A number of manu- Indian manuscripts about vise and actively participate scripts and books written in astronomy and mathemat- in the scholarly discourses different languages and cov- ics. This all shows that Bayt and discussions about vari- ering a number of scientific al-Hikmah was home to a ous subjects. In addition to topics and philosophical con- number of famous scholars this, it was also a famous re- cepts and ideas were trans- who were masters in their search institute where differ- lated at Bayt Al-Hikmah. As respective fields. ent books and manuscripts a matter of fact, many of the The immense literary from very far-off places like Western classics reached the work done in the city of China, India, and Greece West through the translation Baghdad, in fact, establishes were brought in, discussed, work done during the eighth that this place was the main and debated. and ninth centuries at Bayt link of transmission between At Bayt Al-Hikmah, Al-Hikmah. Different lan- Graeco-Alexandrian knowl- translators, scientists, men guages were spoken, read edge and the present day of letters, writers, authors, and written there that includ- West. For instance, Hippo- and others used to meet ev- ed, among others, Arabic (as crates, known in Arabic as ery day for a wide variety of the lingua franca), Farsi, He- Buqrat, is still a household highly productive exercises brew, Aramaic, Greek and name frequently used in Ar- that included translation, Latin. Moreover, occasion- abic, Persian, and Urdu cul- reading, writing, scribing, ally, Sanskrit was also used tures. It is Baghdad where

l l 52 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Muslims built the first hos- pital and this place also has the honor to establish the Office of the Chief Justice for the first time in the his- tory. Thus, under the Ab- basid rule, Baghdad came to be globally known as the city of museums, hospitals, libraries, and mosques. In the history, this period of the Muslim glory is known as the “Golden Age” of Islamic civilization. It showcased the unprecedented contribu- tions of the Muslims in both the sciences and humanities: medicine, physics, math- lion residents were massa- led the city to political un- ematics, astronomy, chem- cred). Many of the libraries certainty and vandalized istry, literature, philosophy, and other priceless histori- much of its cultural heritage and much more. While cal treasures were looted but also prevented it to re- Europe was in Dark Ages, and forever ruined by the gain to a certain degree the Baghdad, on the other hand, Mongols. The destruction of past glory. was representing a picture Baghdad by Mongols was One can find the echo of a vibrant and productive a loss not just for Muslims, of Baghdad’s civilization, civilization. That is the main but for the entire world. as well as its destruction, reason why it was known as Baghdad never regained its throughout the literature of the world’s richest and most height of scholarship and the Muslim world, recount- intellectual city of the time. dynamism after the Mongol ing the events that led to However, unfortunately, attacks and because of this the emergence of Baghdad the City slowly began to the world lost an important as the city of culture and lose its glory and relevance; intellectual and cultural cen- learning or the intellectual as a result a beautiful and a ter. city; showing the nature of vibrant civilization finally Following the Mongol the urbanization of Baghdad ended with the invasion of invasion, the city became and the major steps taken Mongols in 1258, ending host to numerous wars, lat- by the Caliphs necessary the great era of Abbasids. est being the US invasion of for intellectual, technologi- The Tigris and Euphrates Iraq in 2003. The modern cal, and social development; Rivers is said to have run Baghdad showed the signs and highlighting the various red with the blood of thou- of economic prosperity in causes that led to destruc- sands of scholars (a reported the 20th century; however, tion of both Baghdad and 100,000 of Baghdad’s mil- the frequent wars not only the Muslim glory.

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 53 Japan opening up for Halal tourism Aftab Husain Kola

Japan, whose visitor numbers are skyrocket- population worldwide. The importance of the ing every year, is rolling out the red carpet to Muslim Travel market segment is already be- visitors from Muslim countries, with provid- ing realized, and numerous countries across ing Halal food, prayer-friendly accommo- the world are cashing in on the pent-up de- dations, prayer rooms being sign posted in mand of Muslim travelers for Halal tourism. airports and commercial complexes, thereby And Japan, despite having marginal Muslim creating Muslim-friendly environments, residents, is one of them. WRITES AFTAB HUSAIN KOLA. The global tourism landscape has under- Muslim visitors in Japan gone a tremendous transformation because The number of Muslim visitors to Japan is of several factors in the past few years. steadily going up and likely to cross the one Foremost is the demand among Muslims for million mark in 2018. The jump in Muslim leisure and business travel that is growing travelers to Japan has been attributed to the concurrently with the burgeoning Muslim country’s cautious absorption of Halal prod-

l l 54 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 ucts in many domains notwithstanding the fact its culture is different from the Muslims. Japan’s attractions from cherry blossoms and autumn colors to tea ceremonies have lured Muslim travelers, especially from Malaysia and Indonesia, to visit Japan. As the country gears up to welcome the world to the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020, Japan tourism authorities are trying its best to promote Halal tourism to bring on ther in Halal tourism while aiming to attract board Muslim travelers. the Muslim Travel market.” It further said, The year 2017 marked tripling of number “This year, several top travel destinations in of total visitors in the past five years with as Asia such as Japan, Korea and Taiwan will many as 28.7 million foreign tourists entered choose to focus on upgrading the level of Japan in 2017 - it was aimed at a massive Halal tourism and invest their resources to promotional drive ahead of the Olympics in move towards significant improvement.” 2020. And Muslims are not left in these ef- Muslim arrivals to Japan increased from forts to get them to visit Japan. According to around 150,000 in 2004 to 700,000 in 2016. the data released by the Japan National Tour- It is projected to surpass one million by 2018 ism Organization (JNTO), nearly 271,000 and reach 1.4 million by 2020. Around 60% Indonesians travelers came to Japan in 2016 of the Muslim visitor arrivals currently are alone, a figure that touched 63,000 in 2009. from ASEAN, with Indonesia representing Similarly, more than 394,000 Malaysians ar- 27% of the arrivals. rived last year, up from 89,000 seven years ago. Gearing to embrace the Halal industry This sharp increase in the number of Mus- Established in January 2014, Halal Media lims traveling to Japan from Southeast Asia Japan (https://www.halal media.jp/), an in- is partly due to the fact that Japanese gov- formation portal for Muslims in Japan where ernment lowered the requirements to get visa one can find Halal restaurants, mosques, into the country, the growth in low-cost air- prayer spaces and tourist attractions in Ja- lines coming into Japan and a growing mid- pan, sees Muslim tourists as an opportunity dle class with a larger disposable income, ac- to boost its economy. It also provides in- cording to the JNTO. formation on Halal-related news in English Also, another factor contributing to this to the global Muslim community. Its mis- increase has been the ease and rate with sion is to realize the multicultural symbio- which the Muslim travelers have their spe- sis, in which everyone as well as Muslims cific needs met within the country. can comfortably live in Japan. The Japanese The latest Halal Travel Frontier 2018 re- tourism industry has begun to recognize the port from Crescent Rating that focuses on this importance of Halal tourism. Since relatively year’s key travel trends, stated that Asia is set few Muslims live in Japan, Islam and Halal to take the spotlight in Halal travel. Driven requirements are some what unfamiliar con- by innovation, Asia will progress even fur- cepts in the country. However, several tour-

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 55 ist agents and companies have begun to pro- in association with Halal consultants, is ac- mote Halal tourism actively by developing a tive in Japan and working towards providing tourist-friendly Halal environment. a comfortable environment for Southeast Private consultants play a key role in de- Asian tourists such as those from Thailand, veloping such an environment by facilitating Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, cooperation between public administrators and the Philippines, (especially Muslim tour- and the private sector. The Japanese tourism ists from these countries) by removing all industry has also begun to introduce various deterrents that might hamper their travel. Halal products, services, and infrastructure Some consultants have begun to concen- based on Halal standards provided by the trate on the need for human resources in the Department of Islamic Development Ma- form of mediators with professional knowl- laysia (JAKIM), Indonesian Ulama Coun- edge of and experience with Halal tourism cil (MUI), and Islamic Religious Council of and Muslim tourists in Japan. To cultivate Singapore (MUIS). these human resources, the Halal consultants ‘Halal In Japan’ is an information website have designed educational systems and curri- highlighting all types of Halal and Muslim- cula for Halal tourism and share their knowl- friendly places and businesses in Japan. Its edge through training courses, international website is packed with extensive informa- exhibitions, seminars, and conferences. tion about businesses catering to the growing The annual Japan Halal Expo offers a needs of Muslims residing in Japan as well platform to exchange information, but also as visitors from abroad, besides also provid- develops stronger partnership among indus- ing general tourism information. tries in order to meet Muslim tourist needs For food, the Halal Gourmet Japan is the and/or facilitate inbound in Japan. The theme most popular gourmet finder for Muslims in for the 2017 edition was ‘ GO HALAL, GO Japan with 785 restaurants on the list.There GLOBAL’. are estimated 30 or so entities that can is- sue recognized Halal certificates in Japan. A Focus also on ME small start-up called Travelience now offers Middle East is also on the Japan tourism ra- a one-day Tokyo Tour for Muslim Tourists. dar. Unlike other Asian destinations like Ma- The Japanese tourism industry has been laysia, Thailand and South Korea, Japan is focusing on Muslim tourists from Southeast still a new destination for Arab travelers. In Asian countries since 2012 and have met a determined bid to attract more Middle East with reasonable success. The Japan Tour- tourists, the Japanese government eased visa ism Agency (JTA) and the Japan National restrictions to citizens of many countries. Tourism Organization (JNTO) have drafted However, Muslim considering visiting Ja- policies to attract Muslim tourists, and local pan are hardly aware of such Halal products administrative agencies and private compa- and services and it is highly recommended nies have been trying to create a favorable that the travel consultants offering Muslim- environment for visitors in this category. friendly tours to carry out marketing cam- Prayer facilities have been made available paigns in their source countries, especially in many public areas such as hotels, restau- via social media marketing and marketing rants, shopping malls, and airports. The JTA, videos.

l l 56 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Qira’at – The Preserved Legacies Of Qur’anic Recitation

Dr. Mrs. Fatima Taneem

Ever since the dawn of Qur’anic revelation, an authentic Hadith narrated by both Imam its canonical recitation has been as taught Muslim and Imam Al-Bukhari, the Prophet and approved by Messenger of Allah (peace (peace be upon him) stated, ‘Verily the one be upon him) to his Sahabahs ‘Prophet’s who recited the Qur’an beautifully, smooth- Companions’ (may Allah be pleased with ly and precisely he will be in the company them). The Sahabahs (may Allah be pleased of noble and obedient angels..’ In another with them) recited the Qur’anic verses in Hadith narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari, the a beautiful way exalting the Book of Al- Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, ‘One lah. The Glorious Qur’an states in Surah who is proficient in the Qur’an is associated Al-Muzzammil, verse 4, ‘… And recite the with the noble, upright, recording angels; Qur’an in a slow, melodious voice.’ Also in so beautify the Qur’an with your voices.’

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 57 Thus, the different methods of the Qur’anic ruf’ in the context of the Qur’anic revelation recitation (Qira’at) have been taught and had not been defined either by the Prophet preserved in Qur’anic schools since a mil- (peace be upon him) or his Sahabahs (may lennium. As the transmission of the Qur’an Allah be pleased with them) or their stu- is a Mutawaatir transmission, i.e, there is a dents (Tabioon). Therefore, for centuries, large number of narrators on each level of the scholars of Qur’an have debated and ex- the unbroken chain, so too its Qira’at Mu- plained differently this term based on their tawaatir transmission; being based on mem- examination of evidences and their person- orization of knowledge and its transmission al reasoning (IJTIHAAD). The most pre- from heart to heart. Only in the later centuries ferred view, according to many established had the tradition of compiling and gathering Qur’anic scholars states that the term ‘Sabah the different ‘’Qira’at” in script started and (7) Ahruf’ refers to the ‘7 different catego- evolved into a distinct branch of Qur’anic ries of differences that can be found in the study - “The Science of Qira’at”. entire Qur’an and around which the differ- Although, the word “Qira’at” literal- ences of Qira’at revolve’. Imam Al - Qurtu- ly means ‘to read’ or ‘to recite’; but in the bee (died 671 AH) said, “Every variation of Qur’anic context, Qira’at denotes ‘a special the word in the Qur’an is said to be a ‘harf’. manner and method of reciting the Qur’an ac- For example, when we say the ‘harf’ of Ibn cording to that which was recited by an Imam Masood; it means the way that Ibn Masood of Qira’at.’ There are 10 (Asharah) Qira’at used to recite that verse or word.” which are generally considered authentic The revelation of the Qur’an in the ‘Sabah and universally acceptable with seven of Ahruf’ was done to render its recitation, un- them (Sabah Qira’at) being more acclaimed derstanding and memorization easier for the than the rest of them. All these ten Qira’at different Arab tribes prevailing during the have been authentically linked to the Prophet Prophet’s time and all of whom spoke var- (peace be upon him) through Sahabahs (may ied Arabic dialects. The dialects of the seven Allah be pleased with them). These Qira’at Arab tribes generally mentioned are Quraysh, have an integral relationship with the ‘Sabah Hudhayl, Thaqif, Hawazin, Kinanah, Tamim (7) Ahruf’ revealed to Prophet Muhammad and Yemen. The Prophet (peace be upon (peace be upon him). However, these ‘Sabah him) used to teach the Sahabahs (may Allah Ahruf’ aren’t synonymous with the famous be pleased with them) the Qur’an as it was ‘’Sabah Qira’at”. Rather the Sabah Ahruf revealed, choosing the different Ahruf for are directly revealed by Allah the Almighty different Sahabahs; opting a particular ‘harf’ to the Prophet (peace be upon him) as evi- which was easier for an individual Sahabah denced from various authentic Ahadith. (may Allah be pleased with him) to compre- hend and memorize, Also, the Prophet (peace SABAH AHRUF be upon him) did not teach all the ‘Ahruf’ to The word ‘Ahruf’ is the plural form of all his Sahabahs (may Allah be pleased with ‘harf’ which linguistically has several mean- them) as evidenced in their ‘confusions’ and ings and includes- ‘disputes’ in authentic Ahadith. A few Saha- 1) A letter or a word bahs (may Allah be pleased with them) were 2) The border, or edge of something found to recite the Qur’an in more than one But the exact meaning of the word ‘Ah- ‘harf’. These ‘Sabah Ahruf’ have been re-

l l 58 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 vealed after the migration of the Messenger both Ubay ibn Ka’ab (may Allah be pleased of Allah (peace be upon him) to Madinah. with him) and Zayd ibn Thabit (may Allah Regarding the preservation of these ‘Sa- be pleased with him). bah Ahruf’ still in the Qur’an, there are main- After the demise of the Prophet (peace be ly three opinions - the strongest being that of upon him), the conquest and the subsequent Ibn Taymiyyah, Ash-Shatibee, Ar-Raazi, Ibn expansion of the Islamic Empire dispersed Katheer and Ibn Al-Jazaree. They say that the Sahabahs (may Allah be pleased with when Caliph Uthman (may Allah be pleased them) to the neighboring conquered lands. with him) was compiling the Qur’an, he told Here, the Sahabahs (may Allah be pleased Zaid ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with with them) continued to recite the Qur’an him) who was heading the compilation to in the manner they had earlier learned and record it without vowelation and consonants they in turn taught it verbatim to Tabioon and to accommodate the different ‘Ahruf’ and at the new Muslims. Thus, the narration of the places or points where the ‘Ahruf’ differed Qur’an with different Qira’at began in various greatly; the Sahabahs (may Allah be pleased lands, such as, the Syrians followed Ubay ibn with them) were ordered to record it accord- Ka’ab (may Allah be pleased with him), the ing to the Quraysh dialect. Kufian followed Abdullah ibn Masood (may Hence, it is seen that the different Qira’at Allah be pleased with him) and the people of are components that make up the ‘Ahruf’ Basra followed Abu Musa Al-Asharee (may and all of the established Qira’at conform to Allah be pleased with him). Similarly, their the Uthmani Qur’anic text. students, the Tabioons too passed on their knowledge of Islam and the Qu’ran to their HISTORIC BACKGROUND OF students. But unfortunately, as time passed, QIRA’AT people began to narrate unreliable Qur’anic It is known that many of the Sahabahs (may variations along with the acceptable ones in Allah be pleased with them) learned the almost all the centers of Qur’anic recitations. Glorious Qur’an directly from our beloved However, soon dedicated Qur’anic scholars Prophet (peace be upon him). Yet, there were emerged that sifted and filtered the authentic many more Sahabahs (may Allah be pleased Qur’anic recitations from the rest and com- with them) who learned greater portions of piled them and taught these judiciously to the Qur’an from each other; their knowl- their students in the major Qur’anic recita- edge of Qur’an not being at the same level. tions located in Makkah, Al-Madinah, Basra Among the Sahabahs (may Allah be pleased and Syria. with them), Ubay ibn Ka’ab, Zayd bin Thab- All these centers, by the 2nd century Hijra it, Ali bin Talib, Abdullah bin Masood, Abu had outstanding Qur’anic scholars as lead- Al-Dardaa and Abu Musa al Asharee (may ers called Imaams, each of whom were re- Allah be pleased with them) were considered nowned specialists in Qur’anic recitations to be Masters of Recitation. Most of the other with the Qira’at they taught being named Sahabahs (may Allah be pleased with them), after them. learned the Qur’anic recitation from these Most of these Qur’anic centers narrated Masters. For instance, Abdullah ibn Abbas their respective Qira’at which were consid- (may Allah be pleased with him), the mas- ered acceptable and correct by other scholars ter commentator of the Qur’an, learned from of Islam. These scholars of Islam formulated

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 59 three conditions to consider any Qira’at au- the number of authentic Qur’anic reciters to thentic and to be a part of the Qur’an – seven. Many other scholars of Qur’an fol- 1) It should coincide with the grammar lowed him and books only on these “Seven rules of the Arabic language. Qira’at” were widely written and a trend 2) It should match the orthography (script) of narrating only these “Sabah (7) Qira’at” of one of the Qur’an copies prepared in the emerged; despite the presence of many other era of Caliph Uthman (may Allah be pleased acceptable and authentic Qira’at; with some with him). of them being considered more greater than 3) It should be narrated through numerous these seven. Yet, the works of the Seven unbroken chains of narrators, all of whom Qira’at and their Imams soared to such great should be vouched for their righteousness heights that some Qur’anic scholars rigidly (i.e., should be Mutawaatir). held on them and discarded the other Qira’at If any of these conditions were not met as unreliable and unacceptable. Thus, the then such a Qira’at was classified as SHAD- “Sabah Qira’at” were acclaimed and held in HDH (unusual) and generally discarded. high esteem since the beginning of the 4th Likewise, all those Qira’at conforming to the century Hijri. above three conditions were deemed ‘accept- able’ and many Qu’ranic scholars singled SABAH QIRA’AT them out and rejected the rest and only these Imam Ibn Mujahid coined the term “Sa- Qira’at continued to be narrated orally from bah Qira’at”. He took the seven systems of one generation to the next. Qur’anic recitation prevailing in various dis- Thus, the study of the Qur’anic recita- tricts of the Muslim world. He included one tion Qira’at as an independent science of from Makkah, Al-Madinah, Damascus, Bas- Qur’an emerged with it being initially nar- ra and three from Kufa. The seven Imams rated and preserved through oral transmis- whose Qira’at gained extensive fame and ac- sion and only later books were written on ceptance are the following: the different Qira’at; more commonly from 1) Imam Nafi’ ibn Abdur-Rahman Al- 3rd century Hijri onwards. Many of the Laithi Al-Madini (died 169 AH) scholars of the 3rd century Hijri began the 2) Imam Abdullah ibn Katheer Al-Daari practice of designating a set number of indi- Al-Makki (died 120 AH) vidual scholars of the previous era as being 3) Imam Abu ‘Amr Zabaan ibn-Al-Ala most noteworthy and accurate; with various ibn Ammar Al-Basri (died 154 AH) scholars compiling Qira’at with different 4) Imam Abdullah ibn Amir Al-Yahsabee counts – some compiled 5, whilst others had Al-Shaami (died 118 AH) 7, 8, 10, 14 and 25. Among these scholars 5) Imam ‘Asim ibn Abi-Al-Najud Al-As- of Qur’an, the work of Imam Abu Bakr Ibn adi Al-Kufi (died 128 AH) Mujahid (died 325 AH) stands out as he was 6) Imam Hamza ibn Habib Al-Zayyat al- considered to be the highest authority on Kufi (died 156 AH) Qira’at in his era with his book ‘’KITAB- 7) Imam Ali ibn Hamza ibn Abdullah Al- US-SABAH-FIL-QIRA’AT”(Book of Sev- Kisai (died 189 AH) en Qira’at) gaining widespread popular- The Qira’at of these Imams were initially ity and acceptance throughout the Muslim popularized in the cities and provinces where world. He was also the first scholar to limit they had established their respective schools.

l l 60 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 Therefore, in the 2nd century Hijri, Basra Qira’a. was reciting the Qira’at of Imam Abu ‘Amr, 5) Imam Hafs and Iman Shu’ba are the Kufa was using Imam Hamza’s and Imam two narraotors of Imam Asim’s Qira’a. Asim’s Qira’at and likewise Makkah had Ibn 6) Imam Khalaf and Imam Khallad are Katheer’s Qira’at and Al-Madinah had Nafi’s the two narrators of Imaam Hamza’s Qira’a. Qira’at. 7) Imam Ad-Duri and Iman Al-Layth But later on, these Qira’at were widely are the two narrators of Imaan Al-Kisai’s acknowledged and accepted; not only due to Qira’a. Imam ibn Mujahid’s work but also because In some instances, the narrators became of the fact that each of these Imams were re- more widely known and famous than their puted for their dedication and devotion to the teachers, the Imams, like Imam Warsh and works of Qur’an and each one were highly Imam Hafs. acclaimed for their Qira’at knowledge. Their respective students sincerely preserved and ISNAAD OF QIRA’AT narrated their teachers’ (Imams) Qira’at. The The chain of narrators (Isnaad) of the Sa- narrators of these Qira’at were at times di- bah Qira’at have been painstakingly pre- rect students of the Imams and at other times, served with reliable narrators, with each of these narrators narrated through the means of these Qira’a being traced back to the Prophet students of the Imams. The students of a par- (peace be upon him ) through his Sahabahs ticular Imam would differ in their Qur’anic (may Allah be pleased with them). Given be- readings with respect to certain Qur’anic low are two such examples: variants; due to these being specially taught by the Imams only to specific students and QIRA’A OF IMAAM NAFI not to en masse. This resulted in many nar- Imam Nafi ibn Abi Naim (Abu Abdur Rah- rators (Raawi) for each of these individual man Nafi Ibn Abdur Rahman) reported from Qira’a. To facilitate and streamline the sys- Abu Jafer Yazid ibn Al-Qa’qa and Abdur tem, the scholars chose only two different Rahman ibn Hurmuz Al-Araj and Muslim narrators for each Qira’a; these narrators be- Ibn Jundub Al-Hudhali and Yazid ibn Roman ing the best representation of their Imam’s and Shaybah ibn Nisa. Qira’a encompassing all the other students’ All of them reported from Abu Huraira readings. Thus, these “Sabah Qira’at” have a (may Allah be pleased with him) and Ab- total of 14 narrations or ‘Riwaya’ and these dullah Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased are as follows – with him) and Abdullah Ibn Ayyash Ibn Abi 1) Imam Warsh and Iman Qalun are the Rabi’ah Al-Makhzumi. two narrators of Imam Nafi’s Qira’a. The last three reported from Ubay ibn 2) Imam Al-Buzzi and Imam Qunbul are Ka’ab (may Allah be pleased with him) who the two narrators of Imam Ibn Katheers’s reported from the Prophet (peace be upon Qira’a. him) 3) Imam Hisham and Iman Ibn Dhakwan are the two narrators of Iman Ibn Amir’s QIRA’A OF IMAM ‘ASIM Qira’a. Imam Asim Ibn Abi-an-Najud (Asim Ibn 4) Imam Ad-Duri and Imam Al-Suzee Bahdalah Ibn Abi An-Najud) reported from are the two narrators of Imam Abu Amr’s Abu Abdur Rahman Abdullah Ibn Habib as-

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 61 Solammi and Zirr Ibn Hubaysh. ‘Asharah Qira’at’ as more literature about Abu Abdur Rahman as-Solammi report- the former was easily available, unlike the ed from Uthman bin Affan (may Allah be latter which was rarely written about. Only pleased with him) Ali ibn Abi Talib (may in the later centuries, from 9th century Hijri Allah be pleased with him), Ubay ibn Ka’ab onwards books were written; for example, and Zayd ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased Imam Ibn Jazri (died 833 AH) compiled with him). books on the Thalatha Qira’at or the Asharah Zirr reported from Abdullah Ibn Masood Qira’at with his most famous book being ‘Al- (may Allah be pleased with him). Nashr fil Qira’at Al-Ashr’ which is consid- All the above Sahabahs (may Allah be ered a standard book for students of Qira’at. pleased with him) reported from the Prophet More recent books on the ‘Asharah Qira’at’ (peace be upon him). include the famous “Al-Qira’at Al-Asharah Al-Mutawatir” compiled by Sheikh Moham- ASHARAH QIRA’AT med Karim Rajih. As the fame of the Sabah Qira’at grew, these Besides, these ten Qira’at; there existed a seven Qira’at came to be taught, learned few more Qira’at that were famous and reli- and narrated widely throughout the Muslim able to a large extent. Since they were not world. However, there were other Qira’at ex- accepted and learned by enough people in isting around this time which were equally their respective cities; they were not much ‘acceptable’ and ‘authentic’ but were not as popular. Four of such Qira’at are known and famous as the ‘Sabah Qira’at’. And these these together with the above ten Qira’at other Qira’at were being exclusively learned make up the known Fourteen “Arba-Asharah and preserved in some places; at times over- Qira’at”. However, these four Qira’at are not looking the ‘Sabah Qira’at’. Among them, considered as a part of the Qur’an and are three Qira’at continued to be authentically used for Tafseer and Fiqh studies. narrated through unbroken chains deeming But, for most of the later centuries, the them to be considered ‘Acceptable Qira’at’. Qur’anic scholars usually based their Qira’at These were known as the “THALATHA compilations on either the seven or ten QIRA’AT” and they were the Qira’a of the Qira’at. These Qira’at were learned by most following Imams- scholars of Qur’an till a few centuries ago. 1) Imam Abu Jafer Yazid ibn Qa’qa Al- Few famous Imams who followed this are as Madani (died 130AH) follows – 2) Imam Yaqub ibn Ishaq Al-Hadrami al- 1) Imam Malik recited in the Qira’a of Basri (died 205AH) Imam Nafi. 3) Imam Khalaf ibn Hisham Al-Baghdadi 2) Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal recited in both (died 229AH) the Qira’at of Imam Nafi and Imam Asim. These “Thalatha Qira’at” were compiled 3) Imam Shafi recited in the Qira’a of Ibn together with the “Sabah Qira’at” and became Katheer. the well-known “ASHARAH QIRA’AT”. 4) Imam Al-Bukhari recited in the Qira’a The term ‘Asharah Qira’at’ was coined of Ibn Ishaq Al-Hadrami in mid 4th Century Hijri by Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Mahran (died 381 AH). But the ‘Sabah QIRA’AT IN THE WORLD TODAY Qira’at’ remained more popular than the For centuries, the above mentioned Qira’at

l l 62 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 were a crucial part of the Muslim Ummah adding depth and meaning to the Qur’anic and different Muslim lands recited a particu- verses where variations occur; testifying to lar Qira’at following their regional Imams. the miraculously versatile nature of the Glo- Eventually, however, most of the Qira’at rious Qur’an. Even in the modern times, faded or were replaced by others, like for many Qaaris (reciters) have learned all the instance, Egypt was following Imam War- “Asharah Qira’at” with a lot of them recit- sh narration until the arrival of the Turks. ing these Qira’at in congregational prayers Thenceforth, Imam Hafs narration became on daily basis. more popular as it was the recitation which Hence, in conclusion, it is noted that the the Turks followed. Presently, vast majority variations of the different Qira’at are the dif- of the Muslim world (95%) recites the Imam ferences which do not have any great effect Hafs reading. Three percent of world’s Mus- on the meaning and broader concepts in the lims in Algeria, Morocco, parts of Tunisia, Qur’an and the message of the Qur’an re- West Africa and Sudan recite Imam Warsh’s mains essentially the same. Thus, a Muslim reading. Marginal population of the world’s reciting any Qur’an; be it a Hafs or Warsh or Muslims follow other Qira’at such as Mus- Qaloon or any other Riwaya or Qira’at; will lims of Libya, Tunisia and parts of Qatar in reality be reciting the same Qur’an which follow Imam Qaloon’s reading and Imam is the Glorious Book revealed by Allah to Ad-Duri’s reading is followed in Sudan and our Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) West Africa. These Qira’at today as a whole, more than 1400 years ago. are memorized in specialized institutions of higher learning throughout the Muslim lands or privately learned by the Qaarias, the recit- ers of Qur’an. All of these different Qira’at exist in the printed editions of the Qur’an and there are slight variations in these Qur’anic texts. They differ in their basic letters, diacritical dots, vowels and also in accents and pro- nunciations. Within each of these different Qur’anic texts, the rules of pronunciation of that Riwaya or Qira’at (TAJWEED) as well as the chain of narrations (ISNAD) are men- tioned either in the beginning or at the end. This enables the Qur’anic readers to recite the Qur’an easily and accurately. The Qira’at in the Qur’an text of early Hijri centuries potrays the level of precision and care the early Qur’anic scholars took to preserve this esteemed legacy. It also testi- fies to the literary tradition associated with the science of Qira’at. The above Qira’at are a part of the eloquence of the Qur’an

l Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018 l 63 Halal marketplace is fastest growing globally: Report

Sydney (UNA-OIC) - The halal food in- The Middle East and GCC halal mar- dustry will become a major market force ket in the near future based on four prevalent The Middle East imports about 90 percent trends, according to economists. of the beef and lamb it consumes. The to- The halal marketplace is emerging as tal imports of this red meat and red meat one of the fastest growing segments of the products were estimated at $5.1 billion. world food business today. The global ha- In tandem with the expected rise in the re- lal food market is now worth an estimat- gion’s population by 40 percent by 2030, ed $667 million, representing close to 20 the consumption of food in the Middle percent of the entire global food industry. East may well reach 51 million tons by It is anticipated to reach $2.55 trillion by 2020 to record annual average growth of 2024. 4.6 percent. The four common trends are: Firstly, Is- The GCC’s halal sector is now worth lam is now the fastest growing religion in $50 billion. The region’s annual food im- the world thus fueling global demand for ports are expected to double from $25.8 halal products. billion in 2010 to $53 billion in 2020 with The annual growth in consumption of total imports of halal meat exceeding 1 halal food is estimated at 16 percent. Mus- million metric tons on an annual basis. The lims represent an estimated 23 percent of UAE alone has a Dh69 billion halal food the global population or about 1.8 billion industry. consumers with an average growth rate of 3 percent per annum. If this growth trend continues, Muslims are expected to make up about 26 percent of the world’s total projected population of 2.2 billion in 2030. Secondly, the increasing trend of con- suming halal food products for ethical and safety reasons by non-Muslim consumers. Halal products are gaining wider recogni- tion not only due to meeting Shariah re- quirements, but also hygiene, sanitation, and safety aspects. The third is the rising halal consumer power as a market force in tandem with the growth of the Muslim population and their increasing disposable income. Finally, there is greater awareness among Muslims on the need and necessity to consume only halal food.

l l 64 Dhul-Qadah1439/August 2018