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Tolerance for Earth Peace

The World observes 16 November each year disseminating the mission of peace and moderation. the anniversary of the World Day for Tolerance as The League, which is an umbrella organization an initiative to recall the values of coexistence, har- for the Muslim peoples, has actively carried a banner mony and the building of world peace. This is done of peace, coexistence, and tolerance, commencing its in implementation to the United Nations General As- march from the land of peace, Holy Makkah, which sembly’s resolution of 1996, which called upon the enjoys due sanctity in the hearts of more than one bil- Member States to annually celebrate the World Tol- lion and eight hundred million Muslims. erance Day on this particular day. Furthermore, the League has gathered the lead- On marking this anniversary, the Ministry of Cul- ers of the Muslim minorities from the different parts ture and Information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of the world at a Symposium held during the holy has published a portion of a video recording of His month of Ramadan in Holy Makkah, the holiest site. Royal Highness Crown Prince Muhammad bin Sal- The meeting resulted in adopting a significant com- man bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi muniqué that highlighted the tolerance of the Islamic Arabia, in which he was speaking about the values of religion as well as emphasized that the League has tolerance and coexistence that he sincerely desired urged all Muslim minorities the world over to en- for his country. Emphasizing these values, he said: hance the spirit of peaceful coexistence as well as “We would like to live a normal life, translate our strengthen religious, cultural and intellectual aware- religion and good habits into due tolerance and coex- ness and positive integration as well as reject mili- istence, and live normally with the world and effec- tancy and extremism that inflict their harm on all tively contribute to the development of our homeland people. and the world.” His Excellency the Secretary-General of the MWL The Saudi Crown Prince stressed that Muslims has focused on the discourse of moderation and tol- should always be open to all religions, traditions, and erance which he maintained during all his debates, peoples; and that he expressed his strong determina- discussion sessions and deliberations at parliaments, tion to exterminate all the remaining elements of ex- conferences and places of worship where he met the tremism in the near future “I do not think this matter world’s leading religious leaders. His Excellency constitutes a challenge,” said he, adding that “We do underlined that “our world should be viewed with a represent the values that are tolerant, moderate and greater degree of hope and optimism, together with correct, and the truth is with us in whatever we con- making joint efforts for consolidating the instinct of front.” love, peace, and benevolence in human beings as On this global occasion, one remarks that what well as comprehending the law of Allah Almighty in comes to prominence is the distinctive discourse diversity, the difference among them. He also indi- of the Muslim World League (MWL), which was cated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become founded on the League’s new vision and raised the a global platform for combating extremist and terror- banner of a culture of tolerance and peace on the ist thoughts. widest possible range. This was enhanced by the fact These organizations have stressed that the painful that the League’s delegations, headed by its incum- reality, which is witnessed by the world today, con- bent Secretary-General His Excellency Sheikh Dr. stitutes for it an added stimulant that helps it intensify Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, have toured the its efforts with those who are sincere in peace-loving. world from east to west and from the farthest bound- This is anticipated in promoting tolerance and coex- aries of the south to the last frontiers of the north, istence among all human beings.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 1 C O N T E N T S No.5 l

4 The Third Anniversary of King Salman’s Pledge The Muslim World League Journal

Secretary-General Jumad Al-Awwal1439/February 2018

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

Supervisor General Media Affairs Dept. Adel bin Zamil Al-Harbi 38 APPG on British Muslim‘A Very Merry Muslim Christmas’ Report Chief Editor Dr. Osman Abu Zeid

Editor Mohammad Zakir Hossain IIROSA Medical Projects in South Africa MWLJ Desk Report...... 16 The Seerah Conference calls for the development of a moderate dis- Layout and Graphic Designer course Khaled Awad Al-Muazzin MWLJ Desk Report...... 20 Arabic Language.. an issue needed to be addressed by non-Arabs The Muslim World League Journal Afshan Abdulaziz...... 26 P.O. Box: 537 The MWL’s Approach to Peaceful Coexistence & Attitude of Cer- tain Individual Against It Makkah, Saudi Arabia By: Dr. Muhammad Taj Al- Arousy...... 32 Tel: 00966 (012) 5600919 Vol.46 Huntington’s ‘Clash of Cultures’ Unmasked E-mail: By: Ahmed Kamal El-Din Izzeddin...... 44 [email protected] l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 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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All articles and correspondence may please be addressed to Chief Editor, The Muslim World League Journal. While we reserve the right to edit, summarise or reject any con- Juvenile Delinquencies in Nige- 53 tribution, no article, report or letter ria: Causes, Effects and Solutions will be returned to the sender. Views expressed in The Muslim World League Journal do not neces- sarily represent those of the Muslim Malaysia: The Unity in Diversity World League. Articles published Dr. Osman Muhammad Osman...... 48 may, however, be reproduced with Scientific Aspects of Disasters and Crisis Management: Which acknowledgement. Shall not be Left to Chance or Random Afshan Abdulaziz...... 50 Globalization of Arabic Language and Bangladesh Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Hossain...... 59 Bahrain’s Beit Al-Qur’an museum Aftab Hussain Kola...... 62 l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 3 The Third Anniversary of King Salman’s Pledge

By M. Nasir Jawed

This month – three years ago – Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman pledged allegiance to the country’s responsibility as the 7th monarch, precisely on 3 Rabiul Thani. This short period turned out to be unprecedented in terms of path-breaking initiatives that the king took in the fields of economy, national priorities, foreign relations, regional interests and humanitarian assistance. Besides pulling in a very young team led by Crown Prince Muham- mad bin Salman to lead the nation, the monarch took little time to understand the ground realities facing the nation where it urgently required a surgical planning. King Salman and his team girded up in time to take things upfront.

l l 4 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Vision 2030: Building a Better Tomorrow tools for a fully diversified future.” The visions of King Salman soon became manifest He said: “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, when he presided over a historic document that was im- King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, may Allah pro- maculately drafted under the leadership of his able son, tect him, ordered us to plan for a future that fulfills your Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, and which drew ambitions and your aspirations.” applauds from its nationals and welcome response from “In line with his instructions, we will work tireless- nearly all the top leaders of the world. ly from today to build a better tomorrow for you, your Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 (the “Vision”) and the children, and your children’s children.” National Transformation Program (“NTP”) which Economy flows from it sought to transition the Saudi economy Over the past three years, King Salman has been cred- away from an over-reliance on oil revenues to a more ited with turning Saudi Arabia into a country that is ec- balanced, investment-based model. onomically open to the world through its Vision 2030 The Vision 2030 crafted Saudi Arabia’s dream for plan. His economic policy pivoted around diversifica- the future, the primary goal of which, King Salman tion that needed a renewed effort to upgrade and de- said, “is to be an exemplary and leading nation in all velop new infrastructure in all areas of the Kingdom. aspects.” The policy aims are to become self-reliant and “not An ambitious blueprint indeed, the Vision reflect- to allow our country ever to be at the mercy of comed the country’s strengths and capabilities. It was not modity price volatility or external markets.”It aimed to a populist slogan, as many democratic nations would continue building a better country, fulfilling the dream churn out often now and then to manipulate an elec- of prosperity and unlocking the talent, potential, and tion. dedication of our young men and women. The achievability of the Vision 2030 was based It committed itself to providing world-class govern- on the facts that the country stood on three pillars: A ment services which could effectively and efficiently vibrant nation, a thriving economy and an ambitious meet the needs of the Saudi citizens. country – enough to make the new government, in the The government, therefore, initiated measures to words of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, “de- streamline the economy and launched projects to help termined to reinforce and diversify the capabilities of the petrochemical sector. our economy, turning our key strengths into enabling Efforts paid up as the Kingdom entered a new phase

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 5 of modernity, acknowledged by world leaders. A de- and set out an ambitious roadmap for education reform velopmental shift occurred in the industry and new job that included a modern curriculum focused on rigor- opportunities were provided. A state was designed with ous standards in literacy, numeracy, skills and character modern regulations and non-oil income sources were development. diversified to make Saudi Arabia an industrially devel- It sought to work closely with the private sector to oped country. ensure higher education outcomes are in line with the The country vowed to continue to improve and re- requirements of the job market. form the regulations, paving the way for investors and The success of the Vision depends in large measure the private sector to acquire and deliver services – such on reforms in the education system generating a better as education – that are currently provided by the public basis for employment of young Saudis. sector. It sought to shift the government’s role from pro- Foreign Policy viding services to one that focused on regulating and This short span of three years witnessed a “paradigm monitoring them and we will build the capability to shift” in the foreign relations in these three years keep- monitor this transition. ing an eye on the immediate challenges, long-term rela- The era of development witnessed under the lead- tions and bracketing of allies. ership of King Salman in this short span of time has The King is interested in promoting national secu- achieved “a quantum leap in the way state-run institu- rity, defence, the army and national guards’ capacities, tions perform and deliver.” as well as providing Saudi forces with the latest weap- The pace of Saudization has been stepped up to ons. generate employment opportunities for both men and Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir aptly explained the women. whole foreign policy under the new regime as one Education based on “political and peaceful solutions” whether in If the Vision chiefly aimed at transforming the econo- Syria, Libya or the other conflict zones. my, King Salman felt it necessary to focus on education King Salman established strong relations with the

l l 6 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 torted the true picture of Islam. “We all, peoples and countries, reject in every language and in every form damaging the relations of Muslim countries with friendly countries and profiling countries based on a religious or sectarian basis,” the King told the summit leaders. While in Saudi Arabia, President Trump signed a series of agreements, including an arms deal worth nearly $110 billion, described as the largest in US history. He also signed a memorandum of understanding with GCC on countering terror financing. King Salman worked on multiplying efforts to achieve the GCC countries’ safety, out of his concern to The King ordered the ensure stability in the Arab region and to serve joint in- establishment of a King terests, achieve the expectations of leaders and people, and promote regional security and international peace. Salman Complex for Humanitarian Mission Reconstruction of the country’s socio-economic dy- the Prophet’s Hadith, in namics, however, did not distract him from reaching Madinah purportedly to out to neighboring countries and offering humanitarian support. He launched King Salman Relief and Humani- vet Hadith to tackle ris- tarian Outreach Center. The center is the headquarters ing extremism of all the humanitarian missions headed by the King- dom. He also supported a number of medical advance- ments under the Ministry of National Guard such as King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital and United States, Russia, China, Japan, France, India and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center other countries. He worked relentlessly to strengthen and Central Laboratory.Saudi Arabia has helped the the unity and solidarity of Saudi people. weak around the world and supported them against di- King Salman has dedicated his country’s political sasters caused by floods and other crises. power to serve the nation’s issues, and most important- He has also established the King Salman Humani- ly the Palestinian cause and the claim of Jerusalem as tarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) and formed a an Arab capital. new vision for geostrategic balances. Despite the economic and political challenges fac- Serving Islam ing the region, King Salman was able to challenge Ira- As several extremist forces took up a radical path to ad- nian influence in four Arab capitals – Baghdad, Beirut, vance a skewed image of Islam, King Salman without Damascus and Sanaa.The kingdom hosted three ma- losing much time took things in his hand to control the jor summits — Saudi-US, US-GCC and US-OIC that damage. He gave a clarion call for a moderate Islam. shows a sense of urgency on the part of the government Reflecting on the King’s new policies and priori- to not only remain conspicuous by its presence on the ties, Prince Muhammed said: “We are simply reverting global level but also an important player in shaping the to what we followed – a moderate Islam, open to the world events. world and all religions.” US President Donald Trump, leaders and represen- The King ordered the establishment of a King Sal- tatives of 55 Arab and Muslim-dominated countries man Complex for the Prophet’s Hadith, in Madinah pur- took part in the conferences held in Riyadh seeking portedly to vet Hadith to tackle rising extremism. The unity in the fight against terrorism. unprecedented decision was taken to deter extremists King Salman took the opportunity at the world sum- to use the Prophet’s tradition and sayings to justify vio- mit to declare Islam has provided the best example for lence or terrorism. coexistence and “will always be the religion of mercy Expansion of the Two Holy Mosques continued. and coexistence.” He denounced extremists who dis- While visiting the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the King

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 7 personally witnessed the washing of the Kaaba’s inte- rior walls and then checked up on the third phase of the expansion of the mataf project to ensure that everything is going smoothly. In Madinah, he saw a presentation on the plans of the expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque and the central area of Madinah. The King sponsored the ceremony of the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Award for Prophetic Ha- dith and Contemporary Islamic Studies and the Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Award for the Memoriza- tion of Prophetic Hadith. The successful management of this year’s Haji pilgrimage was another major achievement. More than 2.5 million Hajis took part in the event, the largest gath- ering of Muslims in the world. The Saudi government King Salman exuded sat- mobilized all its human and material resources to make isfaction over the suc- the annual pilgrimage a resounding success without any major security incidents. cessful Haji operations King Salman exuded satisfaction over the successful Haji operations. Among the things that contributed a revolution in entertainment. It organized 26 special to achieving this was a well-established religious doc- programs with the participation of international enter- trine as well as a moderate, balanced approach based on openness and respect for other states and individuals. tainment companies like Blue Man Group and Artists King Salman said: “Since Saudi Arabia’s founda- Gallery to celebrate Eid Al-Adha.The programs cov- tion, its kings have exerted maximum efforts to serve ered 13 major Saudi cities as part of GAE’s move to en- pilgrims and visitors, and will continue to do so as this tertain citizens and residents across the Kingdom.The is a source of pride for the country and its citizens.” authority wanted to organize entertainment programs Era of modernity with high-quality content, improve relations between King Salman evinced a keen interest in the develop- citizens and families and enhance the quality of their ment of the nation’s culture. The King has spent his life lives. “We wanted to meet the expectations of citizens,” designing and building strategic plans. He served for said a senior official, who requested anonymity, while five decades as governor of Riyadh, which he turned talking about Eid programs. into a modern city. During the last few decades, Riyadh He said the move to organize a variety of attractive has seen an unprecedented cultural renaissance. entertainment programs would not only boost the econ- The scale and scope of the reforms that he took have omy but also create thousands of new jobs for young been unprecedented in the country’s modern history. Saudi men and women and provide new investment op- The most talked about steps that he took included portunities. “It goes in line with the Vision 2030.” his opening of movie theatres and opening women to Women’s Empowerment attend football matches and drive. A staunch supporter of the women’s empower- Prince Muhammad had repeatedly insisted that ment, King Salman opened new vistas for working without establishing a new social contract between citi- women. The King believes that building the country zen and state, economic rehabilitation would fail. “This depends upon the use of Saudi national human resourc- is about giving kids a social life,” said a senior Saudi es whether men or women. royal figure. “Entertainment needs to be an option for He felt the country would not have realized all of them. They are bored and resentful. A woman needs to these remarkable achievements without the farsighted be able to drive herself to work. Without that, we are vision, which supports the role of women in the devel- all doomed. Everyone knows that – except the people opment process. in small towns. But they will learn.” No wonder, King Salman facilitated equal opportu- The establishment of the General Authority for En- nities for women, who now enjoy what used to be for tertainment (GAE) was instrumental in bringing about Saudi men only, such as being members of the Shoura

l l 8 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 efforts to restore hope to the country and maintain the The team led by King Sal- legitimacy of its leadership, its stability and political independence., man and Crown Prince What the King did in this short period of time made him an important figure not only in the Gulf Coopera- Muhammad bin Salman tion Council (GCC) and the Arab world but also inter- seems determined to nationally. Those close to him say that he is a keen reader with build a thriving coun- a good memory. try in which all citizens Conclusion King Salman ascended the throne in critical times when can fulfill their dreams, the region was just emerging from the tumultuous impact of the Arab Spring, stirring instances of sedition in hopes and ambitions several parts of the region. Given the fast pace of the world and faced with the Council. growing economic challenges on the global level, it The changes have tackled head-on societal taboos became all the important for the new regime to take such as the recently rescinded ban on women driving, things in its strides and chart an extremely visionary as well as scaling back guardianship laws that restrict path if the country were to lead from the front. women’s roles. He initiated long-due reforms in several sectors, Women became partners in national development, mainly economy, education and culture, heralding a and the King issued a decree allowing women to drive better tomorrow for the Saudi society and its future starting from June 2018. generations. Saudis had reasons to feel once again “The royal decree will implement the provisions of strong, confident and happy. traffic regulations, including the issuance of driving li- Besides seeing to it that his citizens are taken care censes for men and women alike,” the royal order said. of, the King is also helping countries in need such as The decree orders the formation of a ministerial body Yemen, Syria and Palestine via the King Salman Hu- to give advice on the practicalities of the edict within manitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief). The 30 days and to ensure the full implementation of the monarch has improved relations with various countries order by June 2018. This announcement was welcomed and signed agreements with them. by Saudis as a major move. King Salman has acquired an international reputa- Sports tion for honesty and peace. He has encouraged writers, Saudi Arabia’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World researchers, intellectuals and journalists to be respon- Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Japan in the group sible and safe when performing their work. qualifiers was another landmark achievement. With this Saudi Arabia has remained a G-20 member during glittering victory, the Saudis finished second in Group his rule, led an international coalition to fight Houthi B of the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying, militias in Yemen and has liberated more than 85 per- booking their ticket to the soccer extravaganza in Rus- cent of the country. sia next summer. The new government aims a long-term policy. It The Man of Iron Will goes beyond replenishing sources of income that have Born in 1935, King Salman studied religion and mod- weakened or preserving what the country has already ern sciences at the School of Princes in Riyadh. achieved. The team led by King Salman and Crown If the king has today made his mark as a statesman, Prince Muhammad bin Salman seems determined to economic reformer and philanthropist, it is because he build a thriving country in which all citizens can fulfill has 60 years of immense experiences while working in their dreams, hopes and ambitions. the government as the governor of Riyadh, minister of The Saudi Vision pledges not to take “rest until defense and crown prince and deputy premier. our nation is a leader in providing opportunities for all History will remember him as a man of iron will, through education and training, and high-quality ser- when he took some brave decision to launch the Op- vices such as employment initiatives, health, housing, eration Decisive Storm in Yemen and the subsequent and entertainment.”

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 9 Malaysian PM, Malaysian Deputy PM and SG of MWL at PISD ceremony

Malaysian Prime Minister: King Salman Center corrects misconceptions about Islam

Muhammad Zakir Hossain

The Malaysian Prime Minister, the Hon. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abd Razak indicated that the establishment of the King Salman Center for World Peace in Malaysia would rectify the international erroneous concepts about Islam, and would fight against the malicious discourses that are propagated by ISIS and other terrorist organizations.

l l 10 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 MWL Secretary General, Malaysian Prime Minister and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister at the closing ceremony

He added that the role of religious institutions should not only stop at spreading beliefs, but it should also Dr. Abd Razak: We must combat terrorism and extremism. He called on the leaders of the Muslim world to develop a roadmap do everything that we that disseminates to the world the teachings of Islam could to explain in de- regarding moderation in law and practice. During Putrajaya International Security Dialogue tail why we consider (PISD) 2018, the Malaysian Prime Minister called on religious scholars and institutions to engage more ac- the ISIS terrorist acts tively in the fight against terrorism, devising ways to are in complete contra- combat extremist ideology and distorted discourses about religious duties, warning against the propa- diction to Islam? ganda of ISIS and its followers. He said, “We must do everything that we could to explain in detail why we consider the ISIS terrorist acts are in complete gral part of the proposed roadmap” , he said. contradiction to Islam?” He added that the said roadmap will move us to- He emphasized before those attending the said wards the societies and governments that actually ap- Dialogue Conference held this year under the slogan ply the principles of moderation in law and life. “ Moderation and Wisdom in Countering Terrorism” In his speech at the inauguration ceremony of the that moderation is a significant shield against extrem- conference, which was attended by the Malaysian ism, terrorism, and militant ideas. “Imams, religious Prime Minister, and the Malaysian Deputy Prime teachers at schools, media experts, businessmen, pol- Minister and more than a thousand international per- iticians and anti-terrorism experts should be an inte- sonalities representing 20 countries, H.E. Dr. Sheikh

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 11 Muhammad Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, said, “ the concepts of extremism lack greatly regarding the values of Islamic moderation”, whether this side is the extremism that is falsely attributed to Islam or the specific counter-terrorism, which is represented in Islamophobia, the other extreme side. This resulted in conflicts as well as violent and terrorist acts, each of the two extreme sides bears the responsibility, taking into account that each benefit from the other. For, religious extremism is betting heavily on the provoca- H.E. Dr. Al-Issa, Hon. Dato’ Sri Abd Razak, and Hon. Dato’ tions of Islamophobia to the feel- Seri Dr. Hamidi, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister in a meeting ings of Muslims, an act that will consequently lead to intellectual a mercy to the worlds (mankind)” conflicts and clash of civilizations, Surat Al-Anbya’: 107. In a famous It is essential hence with this betting extremism Hadith, our Noble Prophet (peace gains more deceived followers.” and blessing be upon him) said, to prevent any H. E. Dr. Muhammad bin Ab- “but I was sent to complete good method for dulkarim Al-Issa also said, “Coun- ethics.” ter-extremism bets more on the However, he said, “Only a neg- the insertion barbarism of religious extremism ligible number of the said popula- in order to delude others with the tion took an odd path. In fact, the of religion in correctness of its theory that is recent statistics of the Muslim subjects left by based on hating Islam and Mus- World League reveal that the per- lims, because this helps it pass its centage of those embracing odd the Shari’ah’ claims. But, on the shoulders of views that are at variance with without inter- the scholars as well as enlightened, moderation, represents only one prominent and sagacious person- individual in every 200 thousand ference. alities lies a grave responsibil- people (1:200,000); it is indeed ity in elucidating the truth by the an extremely low number. But, elimination of illusions, refutation despite this low percentage, this is aided and abetted by the pres- of claims and exposition of suspi- odd group remains a loud, contro- ence of suitable environment for cions levelled against Islam”. versial disturbing voice, because its geographical localization in the He added that “The population it raises with lies and falsification areas of political conflict as it oc- of the Muslim world today ac- the banner of Islam and always at- curred to Al-Qaida that started in cording to the recent statistics of tempts to justify the heinous crimes Afghanistan and ended in Yemen ; the League is approximately 1.8 it perpetrates with its untrue inter- and for ISIS in Iraq and Syria”. billion, all of them follow the ap- pretation of the Islamic texts and He continued by saying “the proach of moderation and the guid- events. Unfortunately, this evil was project for the confrontation of ance of their true religion of Islam, able to expand and have impact at extremism and counter-extremism as Allah Almighty says:” “We also the areas that lack confrontation requires of us (as and we raise the made you a middle nation,” Suran via exploiting the religious emo- banner of moderate Islam) to pre- Al-Baqarah:143., and He also tion that is devoid of knowledge, vent all attempts that are intended says, “And we sent you only but as awareness and wisdom, and which to intellectually snatch young Mus-

l l 12 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 late Islamic texts in such subjects. He added that we have to develop platforms for religious influence and curriculums or syllables. The latter should include the subjects that protect youth intellects and concentrate on the genuine and well-researched information in its safe and protected context, far away from unfortunate involvement in the negative aspects of the historical and ideological contro- versies or regretful incitement of religious emotion. Likewise, His Excellency called on all to emphasize that no one is considered an argument Many international personalities attended event against Islam except its very texts and its infallible Noble Prophet countries as the terrorist entity has (peace be upon him). However, The population recently declared that its real state in fact, in certain historical events is not sheer geographical entity as well as in academic and intel- of the Muslim with certain boundaries, but it is, lectual writings there are negative world today in fact, a limitless virtual entity.” entrances that are really counted The emergence of extremism against those who evolved them, according to is ideological; it is neither military not against Islam, because the er- the statistics nor political. rors, risks and material objectives H. E. the Secretary-General associated with them have been er- of the League of the MWL added: “Here lies roneously or deliberately counted the challenge that must be faced against Islam and Muslims. We is approxi- with a stronger and possible chal- should also make it conspicuous to mately 1.8 bil- lenge. We do realize that the total all that there is no religion which in elimination of extremist thought is fact terrorist; and that in every re- lion not only represented in its sheer ligion there are terrorists. This ap- military confrontation, despite the plies to all religions, but between necessity and importance of such web and tide cases and from time lims and which are done by those military confrontation, but it is in to time, and history is a witness to who falsify Islamic texts and insti- its intellectual confrontation ( i.e. this; and that every wise and just gate religious emotion of the said facing thought with thought). This researcher knows this fact. young people. Furthermore, we is done by uprooting terrorism, need to conduct programs and take which did not emerge from nei- The League and its pivotal role initiatives that expose the lies and ther a political entity nor a mili- in confronting extremism: misleading of terrorism, together tary force, but from an ideology.” H. E. the Secretary-General of the with ensuring that they reach all Furthermore, H. E. underlined Muslim World League indicated people, especially via social net- that it is essential to prevent any that the League has played a piv- working means. This is because method for the interjection of reli- otal role in the world. This was terrorism was able to establish gion in subjects left by the Shari’ah’ represented in elucidating the truth for itself trans-continental virtual without interference. However, of Islam, confronting the methods world, in which it needs neither extremism attempts with its par- of extremism with its soft power, entry visa nor work license to enter alogism and artificiality to interca- and establishing strong relations

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 13 Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa, MWL Secretary-General, giving his speech at the conference

He added that “The League has achieved im- • Statistics of the Muslim portant results in consolidating the values of peace, tolerance, harmony, and moderation, as well as in World League reveal that fighting hatred and extremist ideas. In fact, the MWL has represented with due dignity and honor this saga- the percentage of those cious and enlightened presence on behalf of the Mus- embracing odd views lim peoples under its umbrella. Likewise, the MWL is honored by Makkah Al-Mukarramah, its seat site, that are at variance with for those Muslim peoples rightly consider the League moderation represents their popular international umbrella organization. This was underlined by the fact that the MWL was one in every 200 thou- invited to attend a number of international forums, meetings and conferences; and that it holds seats at sand people (1:200,000). the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), other UN specialized agencies and renowned international bodies. with both the leaders of religions and sects and a large His Excellency Dr. Al-Issa indicated that “the number of relevant international influential politicians MWL has recently approved the conduct of various the world over. To the above, we add the MWL’s in- forums for cultural communication and interaction tensified, remarkable and effective presence in the between the Islamic world and a number of countries, media, especially the new electronic media, which is civilizations and cultures. It started such events by a broadly termed as social networking. Conference on “Civilizational Interaction between the

l l 14 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 MWL Secretary General & Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister convene a joint press conference

MWL and the United States of America”, organized in New York last September, with the participation • The League represent- of the United Nations. The Event was also attended by over 450 international, prominent personalities. ed the wise and enlight- Furthermore, the League substantially contributed to the awareness of the Islamic minorities, because ened presence on behalf it has observed that they have been intensively and of the Muslim peoples severely targeted by extremist organizations. The MWL went a further step and met with the leaders of that are under its um- these minorities around the world and invited them brella to attend a Symposium, held in Holy Makkah at the marginal of an annual Forum. The Symposium was intended to help members of these Muslim minorities to unify their word, safeguard their vision so that it tions the constitutional and legal frames of their coun- translates the high values of moderation. This also tries. Finally, it was confirmed to them that there is encourages such members to contribute to the project no living, harmony or peace will be achieved without of the positive national integration in the countries this awareness which is supported by the objectives they live in within the horizon of coexistence, toler- of the Islamic law (Shari’ah) in its great texts and the ance, harmony and respect of laws and constitutions principles of its priorities, balances and wisdom. By of their respective countries. The Symposium also adopting these guidelines, he said members will re- urged them to legitimately demand their religious flect the reality of Islam, with its civilization, wisdom specialities and that they should respect in all condi- and awareness”.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 15 The forum was attended by a number of South African ministers, representatives of religions and a number of intellectuals and thinkers IIROSA Medical Projects in South Africa

Within the process of achieving the humanitarian objec- World League, represented by the Regional Office of tives of the Muslim World League, which His Excel- the International Islamic Relief Organization in the said lency Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, country. The expansion project will naturally contribute the Secretary-General of the MWL, is keen to person- to increasing the capacity of the dispensary, hence it se- ally supervise and follow, He has launched a series of cures more treatment and admission opportunities for relief and humanitarian programs during his recent Af- the sick, especially the poor. rican tour, which he concluded by the Republic of South He toured the Dispensary’s various clinics, met with Africa. He was accompanied by both Mr. Hassan Shah- the medical staff, listened to a detailed explanation of bar, Secretary General of the International Islamic Re- the progress of work, and attended one of the cataract lief Organization , Saudi Arabia (IIROSA) and Sheikh operations on a patient’s eye, in which the specialist Walid Al-Saadi, Regional Director of the Office of the ophthalmologist removed the clouding of the lens in- International Islamic Relief Organization in South Af- side the eye. rica. The Erosa Dispensary is considered one of the oldest His Excellency the Secretary-General of the League medical centers for eye surgery in the Republic of South has commenced his first benevolence projects from Africa. Furthermore, African Anti-Blindness Program is the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, where he laid the one of the major programs implemented by the Muslim foundation stone for the old airport mosque, which can World League. It provides treatment for eye patients in now accommodate 1000 worshipers and can provide general and conducts for those in need cataract surger- service to the local residents in the areas surrounding ies that allow the removal of clouding of the lens inside the airport. the eye. He also inaugurated an expansion project of the By the grace of Allah, many patients, who were Erosa Dispensary in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Prov- blinded, lost their jobs and their families were conse- ince, Republic of South Africa, which included the quently affected, have been properly treated; hence they construction of additional operation theatres (rooms). retrieved their vision. Therefore their treatment via cat- The project was implemented in the context of a co- aract operation was a cause for their return to work, and operative partnership contract between the Dispensary, for facilitating their living conditions and the stability of represented by the Provincial Ministry of Health in the their families. It has to be remarked that cataract opera- said Province, Republic of South Africa and the Muslim tion takes approximately 20 minutes.

l l 16 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa, speaking at the conference

Dr. Al-Issa also distributed relief aid among the the Republic of South Africa amid a large celebration, needy, the destitute, those afflicted by floods and victims attended by ministers as well as religious, political, and of other calamities in a number of towns and villages intellectual leadership, International Civilizational Fo- in the Republic of South Africa. Likewise, he launched rum was highly commended by the local community. projects for the digging of artesian wells in a number From the International Civilizational Forum ... The of remote and peripheral villages of the Republic in or- Muslim World League is a global bridge for enhancing der to help local residents to obtain fresh potable water, human interaction. which is in acute shortage and badly needed. H. E. Dr. Al-Issa: Our religion has taught us that At the conclusion of his tour, His Excellency Dr. there is a reward in showing mercy to every living ani- Al-Issa expressed his gladness over all these charitable mal (with a wet live liver ) ... we do not discriminate in projects and said, “We congratulate ourselves for the our charity deeds against anyone on the bases of reli- service of humanity by implementing these programs gion or race. and relief projects as well as rendering humanitarian The specialities of values don’t impose that people assistance to those affected, which comprise the poor, should be persuaded by them—but rather demand to re- orphans and widows” explaining that the true criterion spect their application in consideration of the status of in the League’s interaction with the public is the hu- their specialities. manitarian one (criterion), as we render our services The emergence of extremism, which is “falsely” and assistance to the needy, irrespective of their race, counted as something attributed to Islam, is similar to color, sect or religion. that of identical expression of terrorism in all religions. Similarly, those benefited from the said programs Her Excellency Mayor of Thekwini Metropolitan and projects expressed their thanks and appreciation to Municipality (Former Durban Municipality): We seek both the Muslim World League for the great programs to have a permanent partnership with the League for im- and relief assistance it rendered to all poor and needy plementation of a number of programs and initiatives categories all over the world and to H. E. the Secretary- His Excellency South Africa Provincial Minister of General of the MWL for his sincere efforts and direct Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental supervision that are intended to make sure that both as- Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal: We look forward to benefit- sistance has actually been delivered to those in need and ing from the experience of the League in spreading the deserve it and the programs have been implemented for culture of peace and harmony. the beneficiaries in the best possible way . The texts of Islam are interpreted by its major aca- Forum Organized by the Muslim World League in demic reference rightful bodies, not extremism, which

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 17 cooperation in the context of interests and common values. He also emphasized that everyone believes indifference, diversity and multiplicity within the framework of the universal destiny. He added that we must all contribute to what we can towards preventing this universal context from degenerating into confrontation, wars, injustice or oppres- sion. The greater the intellects and thoughts assimilate this ethical and human meaning, the greater peace is achieved; and the greater the hu- The MWL organized an Int’l Forum titled” For a Safer World; man family is united, the greater it Her Lordship the Durban Mayor opened the event. becomes happy in its life. H. E. Sheikh Al-Issa underlined is isolated by Islamic institutions. From their side, the distinguished that it is significant to continue to His Excellency Dr. Al-Issa: The participants expressed their hap- remind humanity of the call of its Alliance of Followers of Religions, piness at holding this forum and in sound instinct, which is character- Cultures and Civilizations on Com- welcoming to cooperate with its ob- ized by its purity, mercy and toler- munalities is significant in achiev- jectives and aspirations. On his part, ance, as well as combating all pre- ing peace and human harmony. His Excellency Dr. Al-Issa thanked sentation and theories of the clash of His Excellency Dr. Al-Issa: The Her Excellency the Mayor, the Pro- civilization. This is what is done by inclusion of mercy in the values of vincial Ministers and other individu- the Muslim World League through Islam gave every just individual a als who attended the Event for their the joint forums and conferences true perception of the Islam’s high cooperation and partnership with the conducted by it as well as through human values. MWL in organizing this international the various initiatives taken by it For the reasons of the level of Forum, pointing out that all who are around the world to deepen the val- enthusiasm. We find that the effec- attending this meeting are connected ues of cultural communication in tiveness of a particular of a type of together with a common denomina- the confrontation of the theories of evil, with its scarcity and ability to tor, which is represented in the mu- clash of civilization, a matter, in its hide, is stronger than that (the effec- tual human love and the keenness for context, this Forum comes. tiveness) of a similar particular type enhancing the values of its coexis- His Excellency indicated that the of good, with its abundance and the tence, cooperation and peace. said that the Muslim World League pride associated to it. His Excellency stressed the im- is glad to organize this International Her Excellency Mrs. Zandile portance of strengthening the con- Civilization Forum in the Republic Gumede, Mayor of Thekwini Met- cept of a single human family based of South Africa in the presence of ropolitan Municipality (Former on love and cooperation in build- international personalities, pointing Durban Municipality) in KwaZulu- ing civilizational society and keen- out that the MWL is a global bridge Natal Province, Republic of South ness to fight any form of abuse to to promote human rapprochement Africa, has inaugurated the Inter- this family in regard to its harmony, for tolerance, coexistence and peace; national Civilization Forum of the closeness, cooperation and love, ir- and that it has broad international Muslim World League, in the pres- respective of the different religions, partnerships that welcome the val- ence of His Excellency the Secre- races, cultures and countries of the ues of our Islamic moderation and tary-General of the Muslim World members of this family. share with us our efforts in fighting League Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin His Excellency the Secretary- extremism and terrorism. Abdulkarim Al-Issa, some South General of the MWL said that the His Excellency drew the partici- African provincial ministers, repre- followers of religions and cultures pants’ attention to the fact that the sentatives of religions and a number are in need more than ever before to major academic references are the of intellectuals and educated digni- strengthen their human communica- rightful bodies that interpret the texts taries from the world over. tion, interaction, participation, and of Islam, and not extremism that is

l l 18 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Ms. Zandina Rita welcomed the Association Mr. Seigne Zandia, addressing the Civil Soci- and thanked its efforts ety Forum in South Africa isolated by Muslim institutions. a reward in showing mercy to ev- which was carried out in coopera- He also added that the emergence ery living animal (with a wet live tion and coordination with the Thek- of extremism, which is “falsely” liver)... we do not discriminate in wini Metropolitan Municipality, and counted as something attributed to our charitable deeds against anyone which was fortunately culminated in Islam, is similar to that of an iden- on the bases of religion or race. He creating a permanent partnership to tical expression of terrorism in all confirmed that the inclusion of mer- implement programs and initiatives religions. The specialities of values cy in the values of Islam gave every related to the theme of the Forum, don›t impose that people should be just individual a true perception of and to other humanitarian projects persuaded with them—but rather the Islam’s noble human values. that are all anticipated to support demand the respect of their appli- In conclusion, His Excellency the march of peace and harmony all cation in consideration of the status the SG of the Muslim World League over the world. of these specialities, whenever their said, In rendering the humanitar- Her Excellency also com- dealing aspects constituted consti- ian service, the League doesn’t dis- mended the international message tutions and laws of the countries. criminate against certain religion of the Muslim World League in Moreover, the Alliance of Followers or race; and doesn’t differentiate disseminating the culture of toler- of Religions, Cultures and Civiliza- between religions or races. It rather ance, peace, understanding and tions on Communalities are impor- renders services to all people, with- love among religions and cultures tant in achieving peace and human out exception, irrespective of their all over the world, as well as the harmony. He pointed out that for the religion, race or country. For, this MWL’s ardent desire to extend the reasons pertaining to the level of en- constitutes a high ethical value in bridges of communication and in- thusiasm, we find that the effective- the religion of Islam, and which is teraction with all. ness of a particular of a type of evil, translated more conspicuously by After that H.E. the Provincial with its scarcity and ability to hide, the fact that Islam doesn’t bargain Minister of Economic Development, is stronger than that (the effective- in what it renders as it gives this Tourism and Environmental Affairs ness) of a similar particular type of for the sake of Allah Almighty and in KwaZulu-Natal Province, MEC, good, with its abundance and pride doesn›t wait for anyone to praise or Mr. Sehle Zikalala, gave an address associated to it. The reason behind thank it. in which he expressed his happi- this is due to the level of internal en- For her part, Her Excellency ness with the memorable presence thusiasm which translates the level Mrs. Zandile Gumede, Mayor of of the Muslim World League in the of good in the human psyche which Thekwini Metropolitan Municipal- Republic of South Africa. He also takes it on its originality. However, ity (Former Durban Municipality), confirmed that he looks forward to comparing this disparity in the level KwaZulu-Natal Province, the Re- more partnership with the Muslim of evil with that in the level of good, public of South Africa, thanked the World League with a view to ben- the result is given. Muslim World League for giving efiting from its global experience in H.E. Dr. Al-Issa said that our the city of Durban, a considerable spreading the culture of peace, har- religion has taught us that there is portion of its current African tour, mony and love among all people.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 19 The Seerah Conference calls for the development of a moderate discourse

MWL Journal Desk Report

Under the patronage of His Excellency the President of the Islamic Repub- lic of Mauritania, Mr. Muhammad Ould Abdulaziz, and the presence of His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the activities of the 30th Annual Confer- ence of the Prophet’s Biography (Seerah), titled “Values of Moderation and Justice”, held in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, was commenced.

l l 20 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 MWL launched, with West Africa Islamic Cultural Alliance, its International Conference on Moderation in Sunnah, while Dr. Al-Issa is addressing.

The Conference, organized by the Mauritanian Is- lamic Cultural Forum in cooperation with the Muslim President Ould Abdu- World League, has witnessed a remarkable presence, participation and concern from the prominent intel- laziz appreciates the lectuals of the Mauritanian people. A number of their efforts› League›s effort Excellencies distinguished scholars, researchers and university professors from inside and outside Mauri- raising the awareness of tania have participated in presenting relevant research and working papers that thoroughly tackled the topics the Ummah on its con- of the event. temporary issues The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Original Education delivered a speech of His Excellency the President of the Islamic Repub- MWL’s effective participation in holding this inter- lic of Mauritania, Mr. Muhammad Ould Abduaziz, in which he warmly welcomed the guests and partici- national Conference, expressing the sincere hope that pants. He thanked His Excellency Muhammad bin Ab- the Conference will achieve its desired objectives. dulkarim Al-Issa, the Secretary-General of the Mus- Likewise, Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa lim World League for the concern given by the MWL extended the MWL’s thank to both the Mauritanian for the affairs and issues of Muslims, applauding its President and his sagacious Government for patron- notable contribution and constructive efforts in raising izing the Conference. He emphasized the significance the awareness of the Ummah regarding its temporary of sponsoring the conference, stressing the importance issues and their linking to the source of legislation, of enhancing the concepts of moderation and justice in which is represented in the Holy Qur’an, Immaculate the consciousness of the Muslim Ummah so that its Sunnah and the Prophet’s biography (Seerah). says and deeds are a true translation of the universal His Excellency the Minister also appreciated the message of Islam, which was revealed as a mercy to

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 21 mankind. He indicated the central position the Prophet Seerah is taking in the science and conduct of Ummah. For, it is the model from which Muslims learn the moderation of their religion, their civilizational approach, their morals, and their ways of dealing with others. He called on the scholars to remind the young Muslims of the contents of the Prophet’s biography, which are represented in the characteristics of mercy, justice, and moderation. After that, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Hafiz Al-Nahawi, President of the Islamic Cultural Forum in Mauritania and West Africa, de- Attendance of The Prophet Biography (Seerah) Conference livered a speech in which he welcomed the Secretary-General and justice of the Prophet’s biography, the accompanying delegation. The confer- as well as for taking advantage of He also confirmed that efforts are the lessons with which it is replete. coordinated towards drying up ence calls for This is intended to rectify the mis- the various sources that ridicule conceptions about Islam and its Islamic sanctuaries. The said ef- addressing provisions, to confront the trends forts comprise also safeguarding the disagree- of extremism to develop the mod- young Muslim individuals from erate discourse in a manner that the currents of atheism, extrem- ment among takes into consideration the differ- ism and extremism. He also called Muslims by ences of time and place, suits the upon those concerned to muster precisely defined and moderate official and popular efforts to care strengthening principles of Islam, and addresses for future generations and build the contemporary societal issues, their personality according to the communali- away from emotion and immediate guidance of the biography of the ties and re- reactions. Prophet (peace be upon him) and The Conference stressed the his companions, which stands at jecting fanati- need to dissolve the disagreement variance with excessiveness and cism among Muslims. To achieve this, negligence. we need to strengthen coopera- In the opening session, the tion in common values, to uphold Conference devoted a platform to towards his Ummah, and the mod- justice, to reject fanaticism and the issue of Jerusalem (Al-Quds), erate thought, human society, and isolationism, to fight partisanship in which participants called for a contemporary issues in the light of and description emergent for the firm stand against the attempts of comprehensive name of Islam, to the Prophet’s biography. the occupation authorities to usurp, open dialogue, and to observe the desecrate, and obliterate the dis- etiquette of disagreement and to re- tinctive features of Al-Quds. Rejection of intolerance, parti- vert to truth whenever it becomes The participants also presented sanship and emergency slogans clear to us. their research papers on several In its recommendations, the Con- The Conference stressed that axes, including topics on the rights ference called for the inspiration it is essential to enhance the sound of the Prophet (peace be upon him) of the values of moderation and academic methodology for the

l l 22 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 centers to hold the activities that inspire good example from the vir- tues of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) and his illustrious companions, in a manner that enhances and strengthens the unity and cohesion of the Ummah, and helps it restore its cultural and pioneering role. The Conference encouraged the Muslim World League and other Islamic institutions to communicate with international organizations, the topmost of which is the (United Nations Organization). The aim of the said communication is to appeal to such bodies to Dr. Al-Issa during his speech at the conference adopt resolutions, that prevent ridiculing both Allah’s revealed Mes- study of the Prophet›s biography sages and the Messengers of Allah, with due objectivity that takes Al-Issa urges whose seal was Prophet Muham- into account the required correct- mad (peace be upon him) and to ness, preciseness and deepness in all to enhance incriminate such insults, which are addressing its relevant events, in anticipated to spoil peace and cre- exploring its cultural and humani- the concepts ate conducive atmospheres for the tarian dimensions and in benefiting of modera- forces that seek to inflame conflict from the lessons of history in keep- and violence. ing away from whatever instigates tion in the The Conference appealed to sedition (Fitna) and discord among Ummah›s con- the Islamic human rights organi- Muslims. zations to form a specialized team The Conference also directed sciousness to of jurists and lawyers to follow up the media to contribute to the dis- insults and abuses directed against semination of the culture of peace, help it trans- Islam and its symbols and laws at understanding and moderation, as late the Islam- the courts of law as well as at the well as desist from either promot- arena international organizations ing the culture of violence and ic message of concerned with the protection of hatred or spreading what disturbs mercy human and religious rights. the interrelationships between dif- At conclusion, the Conference ferent bodies and instigates tension also urged on governments and and discord. decision-makers at different bod- Furthermore, the Conference our present Ummah will only be ies inside and outside the Muslim called on Muslim governments to rectified with the relevant action world to stand by the right and carefully train and qualify intelli- done by those of our earlier Um- justice and support the Palestinian gent cadres and preachers, and ac- mah. cause by taking positions and deci- tively involve them in addressing sions as well as practical steps that the current real situation and any Strengthening of the civilization- will restore things to normal and problems that may emerge based al and communicative role with prevent the aggressor from con- on the guidance of the Prophet of international organizations tinuing his aggression before the Mercy, (peace be upon him). For, The Conference called on Islamic unfortunate prevalence of chaos the condition of the members of institutions, organizations, and and corruption. l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 23 Rabita Roundup

The President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania Mr. Muhammad Ouled Abdulaziz received HE the MWL’s Secretary-General at the Presidential Palace in the Capital Nouakchott

Mauritanian Prime Minister, Eng. Yahya bin Hadd Amin receiving HE the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League

l l 24 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Mauritanian President of the Parliament, Mr. Muhammad Ould Bulbul receiving HE the Secretary General of the Muslim World League

HE Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa , MWL Secretary-General receives HE Mr. Tahir Mahmoud Gaili , Somali Ambassador to Riyadh. A number of issues of mutual concern have been discussed

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 25 Feature

Arabic Language.. an issue needed to be addressed by non-Arabs

Afshan Abdulaziz Many expatriates living in the Kingdom and conversations in mixed groupings. or coming for employment to Saudi Ara- Thus, knowledge of Arabic could be use- bia do not know to speak or write Arabic, ful to foreigners in blending in society. and unfortunately end up leaving with- Also Arabic, like English and French out learning the Arabic language. has become an official language at inter- Arabic is the main spoken and official national forums and organizations and language in Saudi Arabia, although the this could help them increase their inter- use of English is increasing. But foreign- national profile. ers living in the Kingdom are expected to Non-Arab expatriates living, studying or have a basic knowledge of the language working in the country have a good op- which is most widely used on the streets portunity to learn Arabic.

l l 26 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 There are some foreigners who have spent if they would only exert a little effort they could large part of their lives in Saudi Arabia or have learn the language faster and communicate.” children, born and raised in the Kingdom. But de- Learning the native language of the country spite the opportunity they do not avail it to learn one chooses to work or live in is a form of respect Arabic. toward that culture and its people. Knowing Ara- Madiha, an Indian national born in Saudi bic will greatly improve the working experience Arabia, said: “Having been born and brought up and time spent in the country. here, I am still not good at speaking Arabic. My Basic Arabic skills can be very helpful. It can environment requires me to speak in English or make conversation easier for shopping, for be- my first language Urdu/Hindi. This limits my ex- ing familiar with replies to common phrases and posure to Arabic maybe that is the reason I never greetings as it always appreciated by Arab neigh- tried to learn the language”. bors, acquaintances and shop owners. The overwhelming majority of the expatriates Ateqa, a housewife, said: “I have taught my- in the Kingdom really do not have the desire to self to read and speak Arabic in order to make it learn Arabic. This language barrier makes harder when I go shopping”. She believes many feel shy for the locals and expatriates to establish any type or are afraid of being made fun of while trying to of communication. speak Arabic. “Even though my spoken Arabic is Munira Isaab, a British national living in Ri- colloquial I prefer trying it out and learn from my yadh, said: “I always try to learn basic Arabic mistakes”. so that I can have a friendly conversation with When a local sees a foreigner or non-Arab people in my neighborhood as they are Arabs who has gone through the trouble of learning their and have only little knowledge of English. I find language it creates a positive atmosphere for in- Arabic a complicated language to learn even to teraction. Many Saudis actually don’t understand achieve a reasonable level of fluency”. or speak Basic English and to create an essential Learning Arabic is essential even in one’s trusting relationship with them, whether formally career move. Mohammed Jibran working in the or informally, it is necessary to have knowledge medical sector said: “I hope I will get promoted of Arabic. if I know Arabic. As I deal with customers I think According to Shefa Rahman, a communica- I should know this language. When I pick up the tion manager of Arabic Institute, the incentive phone, I want to be able to have a simple conver- of each student to learn Arabic is very different sation in Arabic to clarify what I can do for the whether it is for work or do something different customer. If it is a local customer, it will leave a in their lives. nice impression”. “Moreover parents should realize the impor- Hyfa Rub, a Saudi student, said: “It saddens tance of having their children learn Arabic at an me when I see some non-Arab students who can- early age,” she said. not express themselves in Arabic even though Considerable numbers of Westerners or Eu- they were born and raised in the Kingdom”. ropeans are working along with other nationals Responding to this issue, Saudi Professor Ha- from different countries in Saudi Arabia. Learn- roon Al-Ghamdi said: “It is surprising to see sev- ing the Arabic language will create a bridge and eral non-Arab expatriates who cannot express a strong link to hearts of the people within the themselves in Arabic. If they attempt to converse Kingdom. Staying in Saudi Arabia means non- in Arabic, we often have to respond to them in Eng- Arabs should take initiative to learn the language lish in order to carry on the conversation. I believe for easier and better communication.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 27 Al-Haramain Affairs

Haramain high-speed train service to start very soon

Makkah- A successful operational testing trip for supporting the easy of the passengers and pilgrim- Haramain High-Speed Rail service has arrived to ages movement between Jeddah and Madinah along Makkah for the first time after completing the rail- with Makkah and King Abdullah Economic City. way coming from Jeddah on a pilot trip before the Makkah station is located in Al-Rasifah suburb official launching to the service, which will be very at the main entrance of the Makkah city on an area soon. of more than 503 thousand square meters and about The President of Public Transport Authority and 4 kilometers away from the Holy Mosque. Hara- President of Saudi Railways Organization, Rumaih main High-Speed Rail Project has five stations, one Al-Rumaih, with the CEO of Saudi Railway Com- in Makkah, one in Madinah, one in King Abdullah pany (SAR) Bashar Al-Malik, and the heads of the Economic City, one in Jeddah and one in King Ab- Spanish alliance companies, who operates the proj- dulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. ect, all were aboard this pilot trip. Haramain railway train project is one of the Al-Rumaih stated that this is the first success- largest public transportation projects in the Middle ful operational trip arriving to Makkah station for East, with a length of 450 kilometers. It consist of Haramain train coming from Jeddah station, which a double electric rail lines connecting the two Holy is a part of a 450 kilometers long railway connecting Cities, Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Madinah Jeddah with Madinah via Makkah and King Abdul- Al-Munawarah with Jeddah via King Abdullah Eco- lah Economic City. He added that this is one of the nomic City and with King Abdulaziz International many pilot operational trips for all this project parts Airport. to test and ensure its safety and efficiency before the This project by its 35 trains, which are fully official launching. equipped with the best amenities according to the Al-Malik, the CEO of SAR, said that this civ- latest international transport systems and a speed of ilized-landmark project is one of the most impor- 300 km/h with a capacity of 417 seats for each and tant development projects currently taking place in total of about 60 million passengers annually, will Saudi Arabia. It will also have an important role in serve the pilgrims, the citizens and all the residents.

l l 28 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Raise the efficiency of Zamzam Well by increasing water flow and ensuring its purity

Makkah- The Ministry of Finance, the General Presi- Minister Al-Jada’an explained the developing dency of the Two Holy Mosques and other related par- works of Zamzam Well project by digging the area of ties begins to complete all the works of Zamzam Well the waterways and parts of the well area, removing the with neutralizing the movement of Tawaf in order to existing installations, cleaning it from any strange and provide room for the largest number of pilgrims. That organic materials. Then replacing the removed materi- is done in accordance to the directives of the Custo- als with gravel materials up to the basing foundation dian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Ab- level, of the same nature Zamzam Well materials after dulaziz about all what concern the development of been purification and roasting under high temperature. the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah and After that, the construction will be according to the serve their guests. approved designs and according to the recommenda- The Finance Minister, Muhammad Al-Jada’an, tions of the Saudi Geological Survey. stated that these qualifying works for Zamzam Well The Director of Projects and Constructions in the are very important to accelerate the complete general Ministry of Finance, Engineer Muhammad Al-Kurdi, developing project for the Grand Holy Mosque in Mak- said that the Zamzam Well construction works will kah. It will also provide larger space in the Mataf area continue and be completed according to the project and it will complete the previous structuring works in plan. The first stages were already done and the Min- Zamzam Well, which will increase the flow of incom- istry of Finance stressed to implement them according ing water to the well and improves its quality. to environmental appointed plan by the Saudi Geo- logical Survey for Zamzam Well. Al-Kurdi added, this will be reflected positively on the quality and also the quantity of the water, especially in the increasing consumption and demand of the water due to the raising numbers of pilgrims in the coming years. He also explained that the implementation time takes about seven months according to the plan submitted by the implementing contractor, approved by the supervisors and the projects management office in the Ministry of Finance. However, it is noted that the upper floors of the Grand Mosque have been equipped for visitors and pilgrims in the interest of their comfort to perform the tawaf instead of the base Mataf, which will be over- crowded due to its preoccupation with construction.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 29 Imamate of the Prophet’s Mosque returns to the Prophet’s Mihrab Madinah-Recently Friday prayer, which was performed by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ba’ejan, in the Prophet’s Mosque witnessed the return of the Imamate to the Prophet’s Mihrab since it was transferred for a period of time by the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques to avoid crowding. The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques has announced this return after reforming and recreating the corridor and the pathway leading to the place of greet- ing to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his two companions, to avoid discomforting and crowding of worshipers. The previous Imamate place transferring from the Prophet’s Mihrab in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah was done by the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques in line with the directives of the government in facilitating and comforting the Prophet’s Mosque for the worshipers and visitors.

Madinah students welcomes Taibah visitors

Madinah -The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques with the cooperation of the Education Administration in Madinah represented by East Madinah Educational Office has launched the initiative of welcoming Madi- nah visitors, which was titled “Welcome to the Proph- et’s Mosque”. During this initiative, which lasts for eight days, the local students in Madinah welcomed the visitors and gave them some gifts. The students spread to welcomes the visitors in the northern, eastern and southern courtyards surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque. The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques and the Educational Administration in Madinah both were keen, by performing this initiative, to enhance the cooperation efforts between different governmental institutions in the coordination of actions aimed at the development of volunteerism.

l l 30 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Thousands of visitors in Quba’a’s courtyards

Madinah- During these days, Al-Madinah Al-Mu- arrival of buses carrying thousands of visitors to the nawarah receives large numbers of visitors and wor- courtyards of Quba’a to pray in this historical mosque, shipers who came from different countries to visit the which holds a special place in the hearts of all Muslims Prophet’s Mosque (peace be upon him) and other his- because it was founded in the cradle of Prophet’s migra- torical and religious mosques and monuments located tion to Madinah. in Taibah. Muneer Danan, from Indonesia, who arrived with his The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has monitored the father to Madinah after performing Umrah in Makkah, said that they were very keen to visit Quba’a Mosque. He added that he noticed the large numbers of visitors in the courtyards of the mosque and surrounding areas. Abrar Shaheen, from Pakistan, said that in her second visit to Madinah and Quba’a Mosque, she noticed many ongoing developments made by the Saudi government to the historical and religious mosques and monuments since her last visit, which was a longtime ago. Muhammad Al-Suhaimy, a Saudi local owns a small shop near Quba’a Mosque, said that about 150 buses ar- rives here every day carrying thousands of visitors. He added that the Saudi government makes great efforts to welcomes them in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 31 The MWL’s Approach to Peaceful Coexistence & Attitude of Certain Individual Against It

By: Dr. Muhammad Taj Al- Arousy

It is Allah’s law that there exists the difference in comprehension and opinion even among Muslims themselves in passing judgment on particular issues lacking definite Islamic text or provision that decides and ends such disagreement. This matter becomes essential and apparent when an intellectually qualified Muslim individual adopts a certain personal judgment (IJTIHAD) on understanding a non—elaborated texts in the Holy Qur’an and Immaculate Sunnah on the light of the Islamic objective, taking advantage of the overall principles that pertain to weighing and preponderance between interests and evils when they compete or contradict each other. Then, he consequently carries out contemporary jurisprudential (Fiqh) applications that are collectively termed as the jurisprudence of weighing and preponderance, priorities and minorities that takes into account the changing of people’s conditions and circumstances.

l l 32 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 The Muslim individual adopting independent judg- with falsehood, because it encourages the veneration ment may find himself compelled for the necessity to of false religions, prevents ridiculing of revealed re- divert, in addressing a particular issue, from the course ligions and their non-recognition as well as desisting normally known to the general public. Thus, it is an- from calling those embracing them as Kafirs ( a de- ticipated he is mostly opposed by certain individuals rogatory word, which is no longer used, even in lin- who judge that he is erroneous, misguided, ignorant guistic context, let alone intellectual tolerant one; and of the Shari’ah principles (Islamic law), or even has is replaced by a disbeliever). However, what they men- bad intentions. This is in addition to other similar ac- tioned above did constitute a conspicuous objection to cusations that are usually directed in such situations, the renewed orientation of the Muslim World League. irrespective of whether the individual’s opinion is correct and that his relies in his new orientation on evi- Origin of Disagreement dence derived from the Holy Qur’an and Immaculate There are several reasons that led to the difference of Sunnah; and that he is not at variance with the major opinion among the scholars, the most prominent of Shari’ah objectives and its general principles that take which are the following: into consideration the public interests of all people. • Those objecting to the above call relied on the gen- Therefore, it is known in the history of Islam, that erality of the texts regarding the dealing with non- he, who, for reasons he deems appropriate, departs- in Muslims, as such texts encourage that we should be understanding- from the usual approach of people and cautious in connection with the nature of dealing rectifies misconceptions, is considered one of those with those antagonizing us from the followers of who renew the understanding of the religion in one of other non-Islamic religions. In fact, they applied the aspects in which there is either negligence for one partial view towards such dealing principles but of the objectives of Shari’ah or remission in academic failed to reasonably combine and relate them to the effort, actual application of the religion in life, diver- principles (those) that encourage both good dealing sion from correctness in the comprehension of the with all people, irrespective of their religious sects Islamic text and in their effective application to the as well as desisting from inflicting harm on them newly emerging causes in the arena. This is so because unless they adopt an apparent animosity against the Islamic interest of people necessitates the changing Muslims. of ruling for the interest of the general public • Those objecting to the above call ignored the obser- Some of the religiously enthusiastic individuals vance of the Islamic objectives that are founded on have objected to the adoption by the Muslim World the preservation of the interests of Allah’ servants in League and other Islamic moderate bodies for the living in this world and thereafter. These objectives principle of peaceful coexistence and the promotion of represent all justice, mercy and interests which are civilized and cultural interaction among the followers the main causes for organizing this universe as well of religions and cultures. The pretext they hold in their as the preservation of security and stability of com- argument is that peaceful coexistence is a rather new munities in this era which is marked by the spread term and is not mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah, of sedition, subversive ideas, ethnic –multiplicity, which have tenets that invalidate it and are in sharp and various unprecedented types of destructive ter- conflict with it. Furthermore, they claim that it wasn’t rorism. actually practised neither in old or in modern history. It • There is the misunderstanding for the social dealing flourished only with the emergence of the Eastern and with the People of the Book (Christians & Jews), Western blocs that led to dividing the whole world into as this is based on the superficial comprehension two competing blocks. of certain relevant texts; and considering the rela- Some of these Islamic enthusiasts said that the pur- tionship with them is founded on absolute hatred, pose of the call for cultural interaction is to make flex- loathsome, hostility, fighting, and mistreatment. ible the principles of Islam, eliminate the doctrine of • Peaceful co-existence is considered a new and con- allegiance to Muslims and announce disavowal from temporary concept used during the Cold War pe- the disbelievers, and replace it by other doctrines and riod as a result of the conflict between the Eastern loyalties. They also indicated that the call for rap- and Western blocs. This seems to have encouraged prochement among the followers of the revealed and due keenness for the creation of an environment non-revealed religions is a kind of up- mixing of right that secures for people safety and stability without

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 33 Dr. Al-Issa visiting Notre’ Dame Cathedral in Paris

resorting to war. This led to the adoption of mul- and how to reach the most appropriate and acceptable tiple forms of the concept, which is now expanded solution to all. These aspects are as follows: to cover political, economic, social, and religious First: Linguistically, coexistence is a noun, which is peaceful coexistence. derived from the verb “coexist”, which means life, and • There is an international trend that aims to urge indicates participation among members of the sectar- all political entities and followers of religions to ian community, who live together in love, harmony in peacefully live side by side according to intellec- the same place, irrespective of the difference they have tual, ideological, and cultural common values or in religions and school of thought. (“Arabic-Arabic” commonalities that do not affect the very essence Al-Mo’jam Al-Waseet Dictionary- chapter on letter of the Islamic creed and legislature. Ain- 2/639). • There is a clear contradiction between the call for Second: The peaceful co-existence concept, which peaceful coexistence and the conflict that is - cur is advocated by moderate Islamic bodies, the topmost rently taking place and which is based on the prac- of which is the Muslim World League, has created an tice of the unfortunate ethnic cleansing in a number atmosphere of understanding at a sectarian communi- of African, Asian and European countries. ty, whose members profess different thoughts and cul- • It is observed that the contemporary media gives much tures, so that they can live in harmony, irrespective of focus to the dissemination of Western cultures that the difference among them in relation to race, religion, are based on a Western thought that antagonizes the and school of thought. This is intended to create an principles of Islamic law, underestimates the value environment, which is dominant with the language of of Islamic culture, and reduces its significant role. understanding and culture of cooperation, and the ob- These are some of the reasons that led to the ob- servance of the rights of the neighborhood in the con- jection raised by certain scholars and preachers, who text of Islamic objectives. The salient features of these have a prominent position in the Muslim community objectives comprise the achievement of the principle and have made great efforts in the service of Dawah of freedom of belief for all, tolerance among them in and religion, and who are known for the correctness of financial transactions, and cooperation for material their faith, and their love of benevolence to people. and mundane benefit, and the fulfilment of the agree- However, the contemporary scholars and thinkers ments signed between them, forgiveness of unintended have dealt with this problem and other reasons are held mistakes, and reciprocal treatment. by those who objected to the League’s new orienta- Third: Islam does not reject peaceful coexistence, tion. They indicated their correct aspects and the man- provided that it is governed by mutual respect among ner which should be followed for necessary treatment, the followers of religions, achieves peace and security

l l 34 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 on the land, contributes to the service of just causes, Seventh: The Muslim minorities around the world and a deters the persecution perpetrated against indi- are the integral part of the Muslim Ummah as regards viduals, groups, communities, and nations. demanding the application of Islamic principles and Fourth. We have to accept that there is a concept complying with Shari’ah rules. At the same time, they of good coexistence, which rejects the dilution of at- are in equal footing in terms of all rights and transac- titudes, and up-mixing of beliefs for their dissolution tions with the other citizens of the countries in which into a single mould. In fact, there is a clear difference they live, as the laws of the host countries apply equal- between the recognition of the multiplicity of religions ly to all of them without exception. Since Muslim mi- and the absolute non-recognition of their validity, and norities are part of these countries, it is essential that between the absolute rejection of religions and declar- they observe the right of citizenship and comply with ing hostility for their adherents. There is no concur- the regulations of the countries they live in. rence between them; as the former is the one that is In applying this equation, they can achieve the ob- adopted by the MWL and other moderate bodies. servation of the two aspects of the equation sides: the Fifth: We have to acknowledge that the millions of right to belong to Islam and the right to enjoy citizen- Muslims, who live in most non-Muslim countries, en- ship. They strike a balance that no side expands or joy due safety for themselves, their money, property magnifies at the expense of the other. Hence, balancing and honor. Likewise, there are hundreds non-Muslims and moderation are required in everything, and this is in these countries, who are just towards Islam and the approach of Islam. its people, despite the fact that they didn’t embrace This is what the Secretary-General of the Muslim it. Additionally, we find in these non-Muslim - coun World League intended to do in all the lectures and tries Islamic centers and religious schools that help speeches he gave, in the meetings he held with the children memorize the Holy Qur’an. Therefore, such heads of the Muslim communities around the world, countries should collectively be called “Covenant Dar in the audiences he had with the Heads of States he “countries of the Covenant”, and not be called “Dar visited, and with the senior officials from such states, Al-Harb” countries of War, a term opposite to “ Dar including ministers and Christian clergymen. His ma- Al-Islam” “ Islamic countries” “; because the latter de- jor intention was the keenness to create o channels of scription stands at variance with the reality now. This communication and cooperation with all parties, re- was not the case at the time of the old scholars and ju- gardless of the difference in their religious orientations rists, who divided the world into Dar Al-Islam and Dar and status. Al-Harb, as Muslims were not living in peace with However, some comprehended his Excellency’s others. However, the situation has now changed; and moderate orientation away from the context of the Muslim minorities in these countries are freely practic- meaning that he envisages, although it does not depart ing in most cases their rituals. But, the harassment that from the concept of jurisprudence of minorities, which is taking place in certain countries, is rare and should has its specialties, and which was not given by the an- be treated with due wisdom. Therefore, the League is cient jurists special title; because the world at that time of the opinion that it is essential that all bodies are in did not know the intermixing of nations and the con- need of peaceful coexistence in order to achieve pub- vergence of countries in many communicative, coop- lic interest and to eliminate the differences that were erative, social, political and economic aspects until the sometimes attributed to the misconduct of some Mus- whole world has almost become like a single (one) lims, who lacked proper understanding of the general country or a universal village as it is the case today. texts and dealing with controversial issues in a way Eighth: The call for peaceful coexistence among that leads to widening the gap and arousing fanatic in- societies conforms to the covenants and charters that clination and intolerance upheld by others. were written at the beginning of the inception of the Sixth: Coexistence in this sense is in agreement Islamic State in Madinah, where at such early stage with the Islamic objectives and overall principles of Is- certain covenants were concluded so that they would lam which seek to preserve “religion, intellect, money, be rules for Muslims to follow in their dealings with honor and soul”. Thus, it prevents the violation of the others throughout the ages. rights of others, the abuse of their property, the distor- When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon tion of their beliefs, criticism of their belief, and the him) emigrated to Madinah, he found in it a multi- contempt of their intellects. racial society in terms of religion and faith, tribal and

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 35 Dr. Al-Issa accompanied by a Delegation in Notre’ Dame Cathedral clans affiliation, and a conflict between the Aws and From the latter emerged the specific provisions of the Khazraj, on the one hand, and between them and the International law in Islam in the organization of rela- Jewish tribes on the other. Then, the Holy hastened to tions among the different groups that profess different cement a brotherly interactive relation between Im- beliefs and are affiliated to various nationalities. migrants (Muslims coming from Makkah) and Ansar Thus, there was indeed cooperation based on the (Muslims living in Madinah) communities; and cre- principle of peaceful coexistence among the Mus- ated a cordial relation with the Jews. Then he wrote a lims themselves, “the Immigrants and the Ansar”, and document that enshrined general principles for orga- among them and the Jews, despite the fact that the lat- nizing relations among the components of the civil so- ter refused to embrace Islam and even conspired with ciety of the city. It was known in history as “Madinah Quraish tribe to prevent the very establishment of the Document” or “Civil Institution”. It was really a very Islamic state. Furthermore, the document showed more important constitutional document; it contains treaties tolerance and recognized the right of the Jews to freely and covenants concluded by the then Islamic State with practice their rituals, and treated them equally with (others, who were non-Muslims) and who established Muslims in all aspects of life, except in creed. The fol- with these treaties relations and interests with the State lowing is the relevant provision of the Document: “The of Islam. All these relations were embodied in reality, Jews, who are the progeny of Auf, are a nation together civilization and history. with Muslims; Jews have protection for their own re- The said document, which was the first constitution ligion, slaves and themselves; and Muslims have pro- emerged since the outbreak of the dawn of Islam and tection for their own religion, slaves and themselves. the inception of the Islamic state contained more than But, he who did injustice to himself and committed a forty Articles, some of which stipulated the principles sin, he would only inflict harm on himself and family of peaceful coexistence and humanitarian cooperation members. The Jews shall spend with the Muslims as among the various ethnicities, races and religions. long as the latter fight a war. However, in the peaceful This document represented a covenant and charter time, the Jews sustain themselves, and Muslims do so. among the various components of the civil society, in In case the city of Yathrib (the then name of Madinah) which were determined the rights and obligations of would be attacked, both Jews and Muslims would be each component of the civil society. Likewise, it in- under obligation to defend it because it is their com- cluded the proper and just formulation of international mon residential place. The Jews and Muslims shall ob- relations among the different social strata, with their serve in dealing with each other advice and righteous- various faiths, and the right of the nation to justice, ness, and keep away from sin. Furthermore, no one security, advocacy, cooperation and human rights. shall be held sinful by a crime committed by his own

l l 36 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 ally, as everyone is held accountable for his actions. existence,- which is advocated by the Muslim World Any oppressed individual must be given due support League, that demands the recognition of the right of that protects him”. the other to life, and the preservation of the rights of The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) society, with all its sects and segments, in a manner that wrote a Charter to the Christians of Najran and all enhances national unity-, is derived from the Qur’anic those embracing Christianity regarding a set of prin- texts and Prophet traditions, the Document of Madinah ciples that explain to them how to deal with Muslims and incidents of the history of Muslim Ummah . in their practices and applications. The Charter stipu- Because of his extensive reading and comprehen- lates as follows: (For the people of Najran and inhab- sive knowledge of the history of Islamic civilization, itants of its suburbs, there is neighborhood of Allah, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad bin AbdulKarim Al- and protection of Muhammad, the Prophet, Messenger Issa, always brings to minds the international image of of Allah, for their souls, community, territory, wealth, Islam, especially during its early ages, where Muslims property, present and absent individuals, and churches. lived in cooperation with all the followers of various It has to be noted that no bishop shall be changed sects and freely carried out with the dialogue. from his bishopric, no monk shall be changed from In his narration describing these early ages, Yusuf his Monasticism, and endowment provider shall be Ibn Tijri Berdi said: “In Basra, the famous Iraqi city, changed from his endowment ) there used to meet at a single social multi-session ten “Not only did the Charter guarantee the freedom renowned individuals, who were in the opposite to each of difference in religious belief and the freedom of other in relation to their concerns, religions, morals and practising such a belief that contradicts Islam, but it sects. Those comprised Al-Khalil bin Ahmad, the au- also stipulated the veneration of this diversity and dif- thor of prosody, a Sunni Muslim, Syed bin Muhammad ference [the institutional existence]. (Al-Tabaqat Al- Al-Himyari, Rafidhi Shi’a Muslim, Salih bin Abdal- Kubra by Ibn Saad). Qudous, a dualist , and Sufyan bin Mujashei, a Sufri , a Thus, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon sub-division Khawarij sect, Bashar bin Bord, dissolute, him) established the principle of peaceful coexistence impudent individual, Hammad Agrad, an atheist, Ibn among the various parties and organized the relation- Rae Al-Jalout, a Jewish poet, Ibn Nateer, a theologian ship among the immigrants and Ansars communi- Christian, Amr bin Okht Al-Muayyad, a Magus, Rawah ties and the Jewish groups. Such relation is currently bin Sinan Al-Harrani, a Sabian. They used to exchange termed as “citizenship”. Thus, in this era, there is a dire news and enjoy reciting poetry to each other in a toler- need for such harmony and agreement. ant manner. (Al-Nujoum Azzara in the Kings of Egypt The Muslims continued in this state of peaceful and Cairo 2/29 /, History of Islam and Deaths of Celeb- coexistence with others during the brilliant era of the rities/Renowned Personalities 9/251). Orthodox Caliphs, those who followed them and those Some commented that such social session would who came after them in sequence. Muslims at their re- not have taken place in any nation, had it not been for spective localities used to coexist with the followers of the Holy Qur’an that obligated Muslims to coexist in revealed religions, with the Sabians (the Mandaeans, their respective localities with the followers of non- Judaeo-Christian Gnostic, Baptist sect in Mesopota- Islamic sects and religions. Furthermore, it is observed mia, Christians of St. John), who worshipped planets that Muslims believe that Allah created mankind in a in northern Iraq, and with the Magi (Magus-adherents nature that necessitated their difference in what they of Mazdaism ), who worshipped fire in Iran. Further- embrace and believes in. Hence, they treated the fol- more, Muslims guaranteed for all of them, without ex- lowers of non-Muslim sects in good manners, gave ception, the right to preserve their churches, temples, them the chance to join Muslims at their meeting plac- synagogues and other worship sites as well as their es for carrying out free dialogue with them on their wealth and property; and to freely perform their reli- opinions and beliefs. This process continued for long gious rituals. For, Muslim believe that this is the will at the social sessions conducted by the Muslim theolo- of Allah in His creation that individuals and members gians during the Abbasside era, which was considered of nations usually differ in their inclinations, opinions, one of the brightest ages of Muslims, for it comprised religions and sects (Journal of the Arabic Language all groups due to the universality of Islam that ac- Complex in Cairo, Issue 81-102). commodated all sects.(Journal of the Arabic language In this way, we understand that the peaceful co- Complex in Cairo (33/26).

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 37 Special Report

APPG on British Muslim ‘A Very Merry Muslim Christmas’ Report

Dr. Mozammel Haque

During the last month of 2017 in the month of Decem- ‘A Very Merry Muslim Christmas’ Report ber, three important events held in London acknowledg- Acknowledges British Muslim Contributions ing the contributions of British Muslim community in All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Mus- different fields such as in the field of charity, in the field lims organised a meeting at the Palace of Westminster, of community activities and also in the field of political London, on 19 December 2017 which presented find- participation. Two events were held in the British Par- ings of “A Very Merry Muslim Christmas” Report high- liament, as for example, ‘A Very Merry Muslim Christ- lighting ‘Faith as the Fourth Emergency Service’. This mas’ – APPG on British Muslims – a report on Mus- meeting was chaired by Anna Soubry & Wes Streeting, lim charities contribution – was held on 19 December MP. In her Opening remarks, Anna Soubry, Member of 2017; Labour Muslim Network was launched at British Parliament (MP) narrated the background to APPG on Parliament on 11th of December, 2017. Another event British Muslims and why it was formed. In her remarks acknowledging the contributions of the British Muslim she also mentioned a short background on this being the community in the community activities organised by first report and why such a report is so important. the Leadership Community Foundation, London, held Anna Soubry in her opening remarks enquired what on 12 December 2017. is Christmas. And immediately added, you Christians First of all, I am going to write on the All-Party Par- have completely lost the essence of Christmas. “But liamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims which Muslims have not lost – the huge celebration of what organised an event at the British Parliament on 19 De- Muslims do all this time of the year.” She also men- cember, 2017 titled ‘A Very Merry Muslim Christmas’ tioned about Islam the religion which thinks of other Report. The APPG on British Muslims submitted its people; this report is part of that. report on the untold story of British Muslim charities The second speaker was Naz Shah MP who spoke which the APPG on British Muslims wants to highlight about the untold stories of British Muslims. She men- in this summary report, drawing on oral and written tioned, How we are often told about the negative stories evidence presented to the group during hearings held in regarding British Muslims and not those that are just Parliament in November 2017. getting on and making a positive difference. She gave

l l 38 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 some examples of positive stories from the report. Christmas dinners, the New Year clean-up – work Mus- The third speaker was Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, lim charities will be busy doing during the Christmas Member of the House of Lords of the British Parliament, period,” mentioned in the Foreword. who spoke about the findings of the report. Baroness The Foreword clearly said, “British Muslim chari- Warsi mentioned, How the findings of the report are just ties haven’t received the kind of attention they deserve. a drop of the ocean? She said more research is needed At this time of year, when Muslim charities are work- on this subject. We often see further research carried ing alongside much other faith-based charities to spread out on Muslims in relation to Extremism, Grooming, good cheer, peace on earth and goodwill to all we hope Integration and other negative areas; we should also see our preliminary findings highlights and celebrates their further research in this area. work.” Baroness Warsi also mentioned what were the findings? The findings of the evidence sessions, i.e. Mus- Findings of the Report lims often give because of their faith. Give with one Following questions were raised when the investigation hand without the other knowing. Lots of groups work was going on: ‘Why was it necessary to establish an purely as volunteers and how most of the recipients of inquiry into Muslim charitable contributions to the UK? Muslim donations are non-Muslims. Would it even be possible to quantify the impact of the Muslim charity sector in the UK? Would we be able to Report do justice to the work of Muslim charities in the UK and In the Foreword of the Report, Anna Soubry and Wes in doing so, shine a light on the myriad contributions Streeting, Co-chairs of the APPG on British Muslims, British Muslims are making in their local communities mentioned, “Too Often, Muslim charities come to our and on the national scene? attention because of negative media coverage of gov- The Report says: “the elision in the public imagina- ernance issues or bad practice among a handful of in- tion of Islam with violence and conflict, the perception dividuals working in the charity sector, or because of of Muslims as ‘takers’ not ‘givers’ and the pervasive latent fears about charities being abused for terrorism fi- narratives which portray British Muslims as resistant to nancing, even though evidence assembled by the Chari- integration in British society, seemingly preferring to set ties Commission recognises the near non-existent level themselves apart than be alongside their neighbors.” of threat of such abuse in the sector.” “But such perceptions of British Muslims, and of Anna Soubry, Member of Parliament, also men- British Muslim charities, in particular, are wide of the tioned in the Foreword, “What is less well appreciated, mark,” the Report said and added, “We did so because and rarely celebrated, is the fantastic range of work done Muslim charities are illustrative of those facets of Brit- by Muslim charities in the UK which evoke the very best ish Muslim lives which we rarely hear about: express- of our British Muslim communities: a commitment to ing compassion for those less fortunate than themselves, giving to those less fortunate than themselves, a desire exemplifying Islamic teachings to give generously to to help those in need, a willingness to volunteer time, alleviate poverty, hunger and to care for the elderly, the professionalism and extend friendship to those who are sick and the needy. Being civic-minded and socially simply in need of a warm embrace, a friendly face and/ aware are among the primary teachings of Islam”. or a place to go for a free hot meal.” The Report finds: “It is well-known that charity giv- It was also mentioned in the Foreword: “Muslims ing is integral to Islam, as it is in other great religious quietly go about charity giving in a way that is consis- traditions but what is less well known, indeed what is tent with the emphasis in Islam on discretion; of ‘giv- often wilfully ignored, is the role Muslim charities play ing charity so that the left-hand does not know what the in bringing communities together by facilitating inte- right hand gives’; but this is a story which needs to be gration and social cohesion through civic solidarity, in- told and we want to be the ones to tell it. Let us cel- terfaith social action and crisis response. ebrate the benefits of a multi-faith society, where people “Muslim charities engage in such charity work from different faith traditions focus their charitable ac- without regard for the age, gender, racial, religious or tivities on helping their neighbors in towns and cities ethnic background of the beneficiaries. They do so with across the UK.” a poignant focus on responding to need,” the Report “What we hear even less about is the ‘Muslim Mer- mentioned. ry Christmas’. The soup Kitchens, the food banks, the The Report also finds, “Another aspect that is also

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 39 unknown and largely overlooked, work during Christmas and winter ongoing support to individuals and but which deserves much wider at- season by providing hot meals for families affected by the Grenfell tention, is the specific functions the homeless, ‘Winter Warmer’ kits Tower fire. Muslim charities undertake during to keep the elderly and vulnerable “Muslim charities are increas- winter and in the Christmas season. groups warm in the colder months, ingly responding to social needs It is at this time when we are remind- and through the provision of other in innovative and creative ways ed of peace of earth and goodwill to essential items. whether prisoner rehabilitation pro- all that Muslim charities come into “Media narratives portray Mus- grammes or medical aid for home- their own.” lims as rejecting, even calling for less people to alleviate the strain on The Report mentioned, “Brit- the banning of Christmas, but as local A&E services. They are step- ish Muslims we spoke to were keen our findings reveal, Muslims are ping in where other support or ser- to exude Islam’s true teachings busy preparing for a ‘Merry Muslim vice networks are failing and in do- through their charitable works. They Christmas’ with charities distribut- ing so demonstrate solidarity with want the British public to recognise ing food parcels, hot meals, thermal their fellow citizens and exemplify them for who they really are: Brit- clothing and other essential items to the best of their religion. ish Muslims. Their Islamic faith and spread good cheer and help individ- “Substantial models for running their British identity increasingly motivate them to respond to crises and social problems on their door- step, from flooding to homelessness, domestic violence and prisoner rehabilitation.” The Report also said, “This is social conscience, community spirit and civic engagement working together at its best. This is only a short summary of some of the findings from the evidence sessions held by the APPG in Parliament in Novem- ber and the written submissions presented to the group by British Mus- lim charities as part of our call for uals celebrate the season. food banks are being developed by evidence. This report showcases our “Some of the larger Muslim Muslim charities such as UK Edu- preliminary findings. It is merely charities are recalibrating their dis- cation and Faith Foundation, UK an indicative of some of the impact tribution of charitable funds to com- Islamic Mission and iCare. There is made by the Muslim charities. It mit more money to domestic proj- learning in the Muslim charity sec- is in no way exhaustive of Muslim ects and services. As the size of the tor that is applicable to the wider contributions to British society.” young British Muslim population charity sector.” grows, they are increasingly focus- Key Points of the Findings of the ing more of their time and money to Launch of Labour Muslim Net- Report charity at home. work at British Parliament Followings are some of the key “Muslim charities are at the fore- Labour Muslim Network was points of the findings of the Report: front of domestic crisis response. launched at the British Parliament “Major festivals are a time to cel- One notable example illustrated on 11th of December 2017. Rupa ebrate the values shared between re- in this report is the Grenfell Mus- Huq, Member of British Parliament ligions. Values of charity, goodwill lim Response Unit; a collaboration from the Ealing and Acton Constit- and caring for one’s neighbor all between a handful of British Mus- uency sponsored the Room in the come to the fore during Ramadan, lim charities that have spearheaded British Parliament. It was attended Eid, Christmas and other festivals. emergency response, food and shel- by many members of the House of Muslim charities do tremendous ter provision, burial services and Commons and many members of

l l 40 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 the Muslim community. It was ad- you are Jewish, you are guys, you and the attacks we had during the dressed by John McDonnell, MP, got lots of enthusiasm and ideas, election campaign in London and and Labour Shadow Chancellor and for the bubble you come together; in Manchester mainly opposing the also by Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader that you are living in a country that campaigning rightly so. And I went of the Opposition Party. brings your ideas together and gives to Manchester a day after the at- you hope for the future. That’s what tack and report thousands of people Jeremy Corbyn MP we did; we gave people the sense of probably ten thousand people came Preparation is underway for the hope in the election campaign.” to our square in a sense of unity and forthcoming general elections. Jer- Jeremy Corbyn was serious and defiance.” emy Corbyn, Leader of the Opposi- straightforward. He said, “The re- He mentioned about the unity tion Party at the British Parliament, sult we got was not good enough I and defiance of the entire -commu said, “When the election campaign know; not good enough; we did not nity. He also mentioned, “Afzal will be underway we went out gain a majority in the election, but (Khan, MP from Manchester) was there with lots of enthusiasm; with we gained more votes in England there and others were there and the lots of energy; two million people than any time since 1970; before the community; an incredible sense of have registered to vote and some of three million votes across the whole unity and many others. That feel- those join the party which is excel- of the country. We gained seats of ing of the whole community came lent and we helped them getting the the Tories; there was the biggest together.” manifesto which is transformative; swing in favour of Labour since everyone can see underway. The 1945.” Attack on Finsbury Park campaign is a combination of so- The Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn also mentioned cial media reach and public meeting Party, Labour Party, at the British what happened after the election and public opinion and offering to Parliament Corbyn MP, expressed campaign. He said, “After election young people the real hope of en- thanks to the Muslim Network that campaign, there was the attack on thusiasm for the future of this coun- sprung up. He said, “The Muslim the people, the worshippers in my try. And the response we got is quite Network that grows up during the local mosque; the Finsbury Mosque amazing; quite often day after day election campaign; the way you Finsbury Park, people were going we have millions of people follow- were able to send same people in the home from prayers late at night. I ing us on social media; downloaded constituencies makes a big differ- was home at that night and heard the the manifesto; downloaded part of ence; and a big help. Constituencies; siren of the car going on the road; it the manifesto and many people on people were frankly worried about; happened all the time services on the social media engage in the debate you went in and knock on the door road; sadly there were lots of fire po- on social media all the time.” of all of those returned majorities of lice ambulances sirens and then start “Instead we offer to bring peo- many many thousands as a result of phoning around to ask what was go- ple together in a sense of hope and it. You know what the enthusiasm is ing on. Then I heard the horror of unity,” he said. like during the campaign and on the the story emerged of what happened doorsteps.” that somebody deliberately driven a We give a sense of hope to people The Leader of the Opposition vehicle into a group of worshippers - Corbyn Party at British Parliament said: and I went down there to talk to the Speaking about the issues Jeremy “We don’t have to work out where people, talk to the police; going to Corbyn talked about the “issues of we will go from here; because in the mosque; talk to the officials of migration; issues of communities; areas with large Muslim communi- the mosque; what was amazing was and the unsaid voice was somehow ties your involvement and under- in the next morning, the whole com- or other. He said, “I shall have and standing are absolutely brilliant. munity came out in school and had the words I used around now and ev- And we live in a society where un- a discussion two days later in the eryone now rallies look around you; fortunately there are instances of primary school and they all decided look around each other; who are you; deep intolerance; anti-semitism; of that they wanted to do something. who are you; you are young, you are Islamophobia; and of far-right rac- So they decided they would have a old, you are black, you are white, ism in our society and it got worse march round the area on the day of you are Christian, you are Muslim, since the Brexit referendum in 2016 the memorial event and most of the

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 41 people, they carried very very loud- MPs who have been there; went out ral disaster, human rights abuses, speakers to play around they love. and help the charities there. We got tyranny, many many other things.” There were kids who understood the a very thorough report what is going “We can assure and must do much only answer to these sorts of things there because we are unable to raise more to support refugees wherever is to bring out people together and that in the UN. We will continue to they are around the world but also to do things together.” raise it and we are continuing.” look at the causes; look at the causes in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Afghani- Muslims in the British Parlia- 66 million refugees in the world stan and that’s it, “ he said. ment Jeremy Corbyn mentioned all the Labour Party Opposition Leader meetings that were held on the week- Domestic Issues then spoke about the Muslim rep- end, the most distressing one for him Speaking about the domestic issues, resentation at the House of Parlia- is when he talked with the Head of Jeremy Corbyn talked about real ment. He said, “We have nine La- the United Nations Refugee Author- wages fallen; the number of peo- bour Muslim MPs in 2015. We have ity. Speaking about this meeting, he ple sleeping roughly homeless has newly elected colleagues who have said, “The Head of the United Na- risen; on the NHS and the lack of done an incredible amount of work in order to get elected to this Parlia- ment and already making a big impact and what we do next as a party; we are dealing with the issues: complicated issue of Brexit; we are dealing with challenging Tories on the austerity; on housing; on poverty; on injustice; on inequality in our society. That the social equality and international solidarity message that we have to go.”

Rohingya Refugees Speaking about the international issues, Jeremy Corbyn said, “I want to lead the Labour government; the tions Refugee Authority who told me house building means more people government that says the corner- the total number of refugees around homeless.” stone of what we do internation- the world is 66 million. Think about ally is about human rights, peace, it; 66 million refugees; refugees Issues to be told justice and democracy. I don’t like somehow or other around the world. He explained the strategy to be fol- the government should involve of What are we doing? They are going lowed. He said: “So we get that mes- sending people into war. I want to to the International Olympic Com- sage out; bring us all together; bring stop wars but looking at the causes mittee arguing with them that since all the communities together; so we of war in the first place. And that the refugees are so numerous around say to the Muslim communities – means voting people who are refu- the world, they should represent the yes Islamophobia is a problem; yes, gees, fleeing from the conflict not Olympics with their own team, good there is too many young Muslims on their making; but it also means to message. Good message; millions of have stopped and searched; yes there engage when injustice takes place. people will be watching the Olym- are very disturbing issues about dis- For example, the way which the pics; you see refugee team running crimination against young Muslims; Rohingya people were driven out of in the Olympics; having represented come together as a community. We their homes and sent them into Ban- the people the number of people welcome all the other communities, gladesh and now many have been around the world that have lost their to create that kind of inclusive, car- possibly returning in the near future. homes, forced to flee, because the ing cooperative and supportive soci- I am very pleased with the Labour war, environmental calamites, natu- ety, that in turn help us to realise the

l l 42 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Labour government.” have a deep database access to our on Tuesday 12th December 2017. own communities; what are the is- This Community Leadership Awards Social Campaigning Movement sues they face people?” were given to those Muslims who “We need Labour party which is Mr McDonnell said, “The idea is have been doing good works in the big, which is inclusive; that is a so- when we go into government next community also acknowledging the cial campaigning movement that is time; I keep saying this we all go- services and contributions. there, every day in every commu- ing into government; all going into Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan Director nity helping and supporting people. government. I take my constituency General of the Islamic Cultural Cen- Because just knocking on the door into what’s happening in the Mus- tre & London Central Mosque was last three weeks in the election cam- lim community I have been in my given an Award for his excellent paign voter ID is very important; constituency for more than 40 years; leadership role in the British Mus- absolutely crucial but; but you have I am really old. I have been in my lim community and the role of the to have the conversation and the constituency for more than 40 years; Islamic Cultural Centre, London. sense of inclusion well before that; it was the Labour party that helped The Award was presented by H.E. well in advance of that in order to found the local mosque. It was the Saud Al-Hamdan, Head of the Is- win people out. People will not give Labour councillor found the premis- lamic Affairs of the Saudi Embassy a fair win in the next elections,” Jer- es for the local Muslim community in London. emy Corbyn said and added, we do mosque; Muslim came together and have a support of many people; we found the mosque.” Keynote Address at Leadership do have the support of many people Speaking about the Muslim Award Event Lord Nazir Ahmed on social media and we do have the community and prevent, he said, While delivering his keynote ad- ability to bring people together and “We are dissatisfied the way the pre- dress, Lord Ahmed mentioned, “I make them exciting. It’s not young vent strategy is implemented. So we had the honour of hosting this event people; it’s not old people. Give brought together two local mosques, for many years in the House of young people a chance of educa- Gurdawar and other religious Lords. Community Awards SOAS tion; older people security of know- groups. We think we have a better and the community had been training that there will be a care service network here and how we work to- ing the Awards and I had been proud there for them should they need it. gether very grassroots level to iden- of hosting this because I think the But above all of this society will not tify any problem that accrued. There community needs to be recognized. alone live in poverty.” was a community we came together You know in the United Kingdom to protect the mosque and to work and here in Europe and United Labour Shadow Chancellor John together humbly but thinking how Kingdom our community has made McDonnell can we implement our own prevent a huge contribution whether it is the Talking about the preparation for the strategy more effectively.” economic development political de- forthcoming elections, the Labour velopment social and communities Shadow Chancellor John McDon- Rupa Huq, MP we have done lots of works.” nell mentioned, “We got to be ready. Rupa Huq, Member of British Par- Lord Ahmed said, “The point What we are doing at the moment; liament, mentioned that she was that I wanted to make that the con- literally going through the last man- proud to sponsor the room at the tributions I remind people that after ifesto; looking at every policy, turn- Parliament. the Second World War when they ing into implementation manual; destroyed this country and the Ban- get legislation drafted on the shelve, Annual Community Leadership gladeshi community in East London but that manifesto was the last elec- Awards and Gala Dinner and Afghanis, Pakistanis, Turkish tion. We got to think about the next An Annual Community Leadership and all the diasporas who are here election; we have to get make sure Awards & Gala Dinner, organised tonight we are proud that our fore- that manifesto is re-drawn; is radi- by Community Leadership Foun- fathers, our elders, made a contri- calised, and actually goes into much dation in Partnership with SOAS bution in the society and made this more detail about the gender things University of London, supported by country the richest country today. etc.; it’s come off to the point you Connecting Communities was held So I am reminding when they were made which is really. We have to at The Royal Regency, Manor Park, asking us.”

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 43 International Policy

Huntington’s ‘Clash of Cultures’ Unmasked By: Ahmed Kamal El-Din Izzeddin

Samuel P. Huntington’s ‘Clash of Civilizations’ thesis was in mind when this writer penned the article, “Global Cultural Coexistence: What Islam has to Of- fer”, for this Journal last November. Indeed, this space would not permit any thorough critique of Hunting- by Western, more particularly U. S. scholars mostly ton’s propositions. trained at prestigious institutions no less than Harvard Huntington was described by an old friend and and the like. Huntington was among those venturing vi- Harvard colleague, who knew him for almost decades, sionaries, although not the first, who suggest Islam as as being “the kind of scholar that made Harvard a great the next source of conflict with the West. He managed university”, and “one of the most influential political somehow to present the two sides as civilizations rep- scientists of the last 50 years.” But the acclaimed lev- resenting distinct ‘entities’, based on culture, as shaped el of naiveté or simplicity included in what has been or influenced by religion. Unlike Huntington, his for- described as his self-fulfilling prophecy may assist in mer student, Rand Corporation analyst and U. S. policy producing a glimpse of this erratic vision. Of all his planner Francis Fukuyama, predicted in his 1989 work, works, Huntington was best known for his thesis on ‘The End of History?’, “the diminution of the likeli- the clash of civilizations, the subject of this article, hood of large-scale conflict between states”, following which was first published in the form of an article in the effective death of the Marxist ideology. Huntington 1993, before being expanded into a 1996 book, ‘The responded by suggesting a continued state of conflict, Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Or- but that future conflict will not be among countries, but der’. rather between civilizations. It should be noted how- However, both the idea and the phrase, ‘clash of ever that Fukuyama did not dismiss post-history con- civilizations’, with almost indistinguishable connota- flict altogether. To him, ethnic and nationalist violence tion as that used by Huntington, had already been used will continue, fuelled by remaining human impulses by Bernard Lewis, to the full knowledge of Hunting- motivating groupings such as the Irish Catholics, Pal- ton, who quoted Lewis in his 1993 work. In his ‘The estinians, Kurds, Tamils and Sikhs, due to unresolved Roots of Muslim Rage’, published in 1992, Bernard grievances. Lewis writes: Huntington’s global conflict has its own fault lines “We are facing a mood and a movement far tran- and borders, which would emanate from cultural and scending the level of issues and policies and the gov- religious differences rather than from ideological dis- ernments that pursue them. This is no less than a clash parities between nation states. In his 1993 ‘The Clash of civilizations – the perhaps irrational but surely his- of Civilizations?’ he writes: toric reaction of an ancient rival against our Judeo- It is my hypothesis that the fundamental source of Christian heritage, our secular present, and the world- conflict in this new world will not be primarily ideo- wide expansion of both”. logical or primarily economic. The great divisions Following the demise of the USSR as a superpow- among humankind and the dominating source of con- er posing ideological, communist threat to the United flict will be cultural. The Nation States will remain the States, a search seems to have begun for a replacement most powerful actors in world affairs but the principal threat. Unbecoming as it may seem to many a reason- conflicts of global politics will occur between nations able person, there came out some alternatives ventured and groups of different civilizations. The clash of civi-

l l 44 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 lizations will dominate global politics. The fault lines tions. Beyond this scheme only other, non-human spe- between civilizations will be battle lines of the future. cies can muster a recognizable distinction. He writes: ‘The Clash of Civilizations?’ article was published “A civilization is thus the highest cultural grouping and as a product of a project sponsored by the John M. Olin broadest level of cultural identity people have short of Institute for Strategic Studies at Harvard University. what distinguishes humans from other species.” Linkage with real politics may be discerned from the However, the question as to the extent of commit- title of the project, namely, ‘The Changing Security ment and affiliation an individual from the small unit Environment and American National Interests’. Hun- grouping would have, sufficiently enough to identify to tington’s “views and experience were drawn on by the larger set of groupings, is left with no satisfactory the White House and he worked for President Carter answer by Huntington. It is submitted that the level of as coordinator for security planning for the National cohesion of a Huntington’s ‘civilization’, to an extent Security Council between 1977 and 1978 and sat on sufficient to justify a unitary ‘identity’, is therefore a presidential security commission in the 1980s.” In- questionable. deed, Huntington, according to his friend Robert Put- Among the eight Huntington civilizations, Islam nam, “… mentored a large share of America’s leading enjoys an epicenter, with all the connotations of the strategic thinkers, and he built enduring institutions of word. He writes, “In Eurasia, the great historic fault intellectual excellence.” As far as his direct or indirect lines between civilizations are once more aflame. This influence on American statesmen is difficult to repudi- is particularly true along the boundaries of the crescent- ate. Part II of this article will further explore Hunting- shaped Islamic bloc of nations from the bulge of Africa ton’s realpolitik. to Central Asia. Violence also occurs between Muslims Having held the cold war world divisions of First, on the one hand, and Orthodox Serbs in the Balkans, Second and Third Worlds irrelevant, Huntington be- Jews in Israel, Hindus in India, Buddhists in Burma and lieved a new global grouping on the basis of culture Catholics in the Philippines. Islam has bloody borders.” and civilization is more meaningful. The criteria of po- It was quite natural that his policy recommendations for litical or economic systems or the level of development the United States included the limitation of expansion do no longer make sense, and a “Velvet Curtain of Cul- by Islamic states, and to exploit the difference between ture replaced an Iron Curtain of ideology”. Islamic and Confucian civilizations, thanks to politi- Huntington outlined eight civilizations susceptible cal realism that marred a thesis supposedly offering a to violent conflict, namely: new paradigm in world politics. In fact, Huntington is 1- Western civilization: the United States and Europe; seemingly replicating almost verbatim, but to the op- 2- Latin American civilization; posite direction, what has already been advocated by 3- Islamic civilization; the minority radical fundamentalist Muslims, who view 4- African civilization; the world in terms of blocks of Islam and ‘others’, the 5- Orthodox civilization: mainly and centrally Russia; mirror image of Huntington’s version of ‘the West and 6- Hindu civilization; the rest’. Since ideology as a future cause of the conflict 7- Japanese civilization; and was dismissed by Huntington, one wonders why Islam 8- “Sinic” civilization: mainly China, Korea, and Viet- was classified as ‘culture’ or ‘civilization’ rather than nam. ideology. To put the same question in a different way, is By ‘civilization’ he meant ‘cultural entity’. No mat- Islam an ethnic group or a message? These and other is- ter how a smaller grouping within a given geographical sues will be dealt with in the second part of this article. or geopolitical space is different from another grouping Despite the shades of determinism implicit in Hun- within the same space in terms of culture, the totality tington’s claim of conflict that may also be violent, of groupings within such space can form a unifying, between Islam and the Christian West, this writer has broader culture. Seen from outside the given space, in- argued otherwise: “Although religion is a significant ner aspects of heterogeneity become homogenous and attribute in the creation of “difference” between indi- distinct from another set of groupings. In that way, the viduals and nations, thereby satisfying the condition eight world civilizations outlined by Huntington may for disparities, disagreement and conflict, which can at be conceptualized. No further mega-grouping is theo- times be violent, it may effectively be used to provide retically developed by Huntington because he saw no the most influential solution for healthy coexistence.” sufficient similarity between any of the eight civiliza- (To be continued, in Part II)

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 45 Governance a cornerstone in Islamic Finance

Dr AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib

Many business associations, entities, and elites used to tions are not in compliance to such “Devine” rules, for say, this time is the corporate governance era, due to any reason, they will not be accepted nor termed as the positive effects in the corporate business arena as a Islamic Finance activity or business. result of applying the new corporate governance prin- Compliance and adherence to the glorious rules and ciples. As a matter of fact, the corporate governance principles of Shari’ah is a basic rule in each transaction principles, constitute a pivotal element in boosting the or type of business that is classified as Islamic Finance. business activities including Islamic Finance. This golden rule, calling for Shari’ah compliance de- However, with particular reference to Islamic Fi- notes that all Islamic activities are ranking in line with nance, we could easily say that Islamic Finance, is corporate governance rules. This, we could say, is due similar-to-non when it comes to the new issues of cor- to the fact that the new corporate governance rules call porate governance. Islamic Finance is labelled with the for steady, clear and transparent rules to be applicable notion and the obligatory demand that it must be strict- all through to achieve best results for all concerned ly complying to satisfy Islamic principles embodied in parties including, among others, the stakeholders. the glorious shari’ah rules. If Islamic finance institu- In every transaction that relates to Islamic Finance,

l l 46 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 the “Shari’ah Advisory Board” supervising such en- the new corporate governance rules are already there tity is strictly under a lawful obligation to confirm that in Islamic rules from their inception… the transaction is acceptable and does not nor violate The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Shari’ah rules & directives. The transaction will only Development (OECD) defined Corporate Governance take its legal identity and the “halal” label after getting as, “Corporate Governance, CG, involves a set of rela- the required “go-ahead” as approval from the Shari’ah tionships between an entity’s management, its Board, Advisory Board. This kind of legitimacy processor its shareholders and other stakeholders. CG also pro- “halal process” is not available nor required vis-a-vis vides the structure through which the objectives of other transactions i.e. non-Islamic transactions (con- the entity are set and the means of attaining those ventional banking or insurance transactions). objectives and monitoring the performance. Good The approval and or acceptance of the transac- CG should provide proper incentives for the Board and tion by the “Shari’ah Advisory Board” is a kind of a management to pursue objectives that are in the inter- certificate or a legitimate “pass-way” to process the ests of the entity, the shareholders and should facilitate deal since it is in compliance to the required norms effective monitoring, thereby encouraging firms to use of Shari’ah rules (Islamic jurisprudence). We could resources more efficiently”. say, this “pass-way”, as it stands, is a certificate of full This definition was adopted by Basel Commit- transparency. In other words, this certificate signifies tee for Banking and many other international organi- that such transactions are fully transparent to the ac- zations including the World Bank and IMF…. It al- ceptable level as required by the new corporate gov- most becomes the most appropriate definition we are ernance rules. Thus, we could say that dealings in pursuing in our endeavors to implement the corporate Islamic finance are by their nature dealings that are governance principles. completely satisfying the new rules that are known as With reference to Islamic Finance, we are guided the corporate governance rules. by the rules of the Accounting and Auditing Organiza- Moreover, Islamic finance is accountable and ad- tion for Islamic Finance Institutions (AAOIFI). Such hering to accountability on the basis that the deal is not rules are mainly issued to cover the Corporate Gover- in terms of money only, as compared to non-Islamic nance for Islamic Finance institutions. or conventional banking, rather it is part of the trans- AAOIFI issued five main principles, including, the action through different approved products. By virtue rules for the appointment of “Shari’ah Board” in each of this partnership association with the client, Islamic institution, rules giving the guidelines for the “Shari’ah finance is accountable in case there is any failure. Ac- Supervision role”, rules giving the guidelines for the countability or sharing the risk is an important factor “Internal Shari’ah Supervisor \ dept.”, rules giving the in Islamic banking and this point is an important factor guidelines for the establishment of the different “Board in corporate governance rules. Committees” including the Executive Committee, the Sharing the risk requires many steps including full Audit and Governance Committee, the Remuneration transparency in all matters related to the transaction. & Appointments Committee…, rules giving the guide- Transparency in Islamic banks, as a fact, is an important lines for the “Independence of Shari’ah Boards” …. factor as needed or required for corporate governance. There are other Corporate Governance principles Another important issue is the fact that corpo- adopted and issued by AAOIFI, and all are to be fol- rate governance implementation aims at maintaining lowed carefully and maintained by the Islamic Finance an ethical working environment. Here comes the fact institutions. that, Islamic finance & Islamic banking is purely ethi- In conclusion and even though, such principles are cal and moral by nature as its directive rules and guid- part of the nature of Islamic jurisprudence, all Islamic ance are from “Allah – Jala Jalahu”. Finance institutions are required to implement AAO- Herein, we have to admit that, corporate governance IFI guideline as instructed, so as to be in-line with the rules are greatly indebted or benefiting from Shari’ah new era of Corporate Governance… rules and they are taking such rules as their founda- By issuing and implementing the new corporate tion base. From here, comes the strong and deep rela- governance rules, the Islamic Finance Institutions are tionship between Islamic finance from one hand and giving a good example to all corporate entities to fol- corporate governance rules from the other hand…. As low-suit and comply for the betterment of corporate consequence of this deep relation, we could say that culture and activities.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 47 Article

Malaysia: The Unity in Diversity

Dr. Osman Muhammad Osman

Malaysian society consists of three major ethnic groups, Malay “Bumiputera or indigenous Malay origin” 68.8%, Chinese 23.2%, Indians and some small groups such as the Japanese, Minangkabau, and Bugis 7%. Malays are indigenous people, while Chinese, Indians and more are brought by colonialism as laborers to work in various fields such as rubber planta- tions, tin mines, real estate, railways, post- al services, and others.

l l 48 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 The ethnic status of the Malays status for Malays and indigenous activities, as well as the estab- before independence took on the people in both Sabah and Sara- lishment of institutions and sec- character of multiple societies. wak states, taking into account tors across ethnic barriers at all British colonialism ruled in the the interests of other communi- levels. formation of the economic con- ties, by article 153. In order to achieve inter-ethnic ditions of different ethnic groups Despite the obvious differenc- harmony, the Malaysian govern- in Malaysia through a “divide es between Malaysia’s ethnic ment has developed a program and conquer” policy that was in groups in terms of religion, lan- called 1Malaysia, a challenge to favor of the colonizer, which did guage, culture, accommodation, create inter-ethnic unity within a not provide an opportunity for economic activities, political multi-religious, and multicultural interaction between these ethnic trends and educational choices, state. Unlike similar countries, groups. But moulded templates which constitute a social gap Malaysia has chosen a different as specified in the field of work, between these ethnicities, they path of unity within diversity and the category of farmers, mostly are not completely isolated from inclusiveness, while ensuring Malay, and businessmen, most- one another. There is coexistence justice for all. This concept em- ly Chinese, but the workers are among them. In this regard, it is braces the diversity of religions, mostly Indians. Of course, the important to note here that the races and beliefs, building mutual Chinese and the Indians have dif- national language plays a very respect and acceptance on a solid ferent cultures and religions than important role in promoting this foundation of trust and cohesion. coexistence. Although the Chi- the Malay, and they have settled (Malaysia 1 Government Trans- nese and Indians speaking their in areas far from the Malay vil- formation Program: the roadmap, native language, which is cultur- lages, forming a social barrier 2010). ally distinct, they use the Malay between Indians and Chinese on The Malaysian model was able to language in public life and in the one hand and between them create social harmony as a condi- government institutions as well. and the Malay on the other. After tion for the stability of the politi- This situation is clearly visible independence, they mingled with cal system, thereby demonstrat- in villages and cities of ethnic the Malay, and their presence was ing the maximum potential for diversity, and it appears at differ- more concentrated in resource- ent levels, such as friendships at diversity within the framework of rich cities such as rubber plan- the level of individuals, common unity. This may be due to its suc- tations and tin mines with op- relationships in markets, clubs, cess in establishing flexible insti- portunities to work in trade and membership in some political tutional structures that respond factories. parties, and non-governmental to the requirements of the social The 1957 Constitution is an ini- organizations, thus strengthening system, as well as the ability to tial attempt to reach formal pow- interaction between these differ- utilize the country’s resources er arrangements between Malays ent ethnicities. and potential through conscious and non-Malays. These arrange- However, in the context of the development policies that have ments were largely made at the Malaysian situation, social jus- created solutions to social and elite level between the Malay tice and democracy can contrib- political conflicts. and non-Malay members of the ute to improving the situation. ruling coalition known as the Social justice must be reflected Sources: National Front. These arrange- in a fairer distribution of wealth. * Muhamat, Razaleigh. (2009). ments were seen as a compromise Democracy must also be reflected Relationship of Chinese Muslim reached through negotiations, un- in the provision of a wider range converts and their Malays coun- der which the Malays had politi- of civil liberties and the provision terpart in Peninsular Malaysia: a cal hegemony, while non-Malays of public participation in deci- historical background were guaranteed their rights with sion-making processes. There is, * Syed Husin Ali (2008), The respect to religion, citizenship, therefore, a need for inter-ethnic Malays: their problems and fu- and language. The Malaysian cooperation and interdependence ture. Constitution enshrined a special in various economic and political *https://www.dosm.gov.my

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 49 Scientific Aspects of Disasters and Crisis Management: Which Shall not be Left to Chance or Random

Afshan Abdulaziz

Disasters and crises are inseparable to human beings since their existence and conflict between Cain and Abel might be one of the first crises witnessed by human beings. In spite of their antiquity and devastating impact on humanity and environment, considering disasters and crises a scientific and human knowledge is still new. Recently, researchers and scientists have started conducting scientific researchers through studying different natural disasters. Those scientists have thought deeply about the humans’ role during disasters and crises and, subse- quently, analyzed wars, conflicts and struggles and concluded the reasons behind deadly diseases. The concern increased in the last decades, especially after the Second World War.

l l 50 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Disasters, Crises and Islam: change. Disasters and crises are norms of life and they are Studying and exploring the past and analyzing divine exams. Qur’an says: “ He who has created people’s experiences throughout history shows that death as well as life, so that He might put you to a dealing with disasters and crisis is not easy, espe- test [and thus show] which of you is best in conduct, cially that the reaction is left for the incident, random and [make you realize that] He alone is almighty, or reaction. All scientists stressed on the importance truly forgiving”. The interpretation of this Aya is: of finding capable and high efficient administrative Allah has created life and death to know which of body in all the fields of general administration, sci- you is best and more loyal in deeds? And he is the entific planning, organization and coordination in almighty whose nothing frustrated him whenever in order to weaken the power of destructive disasters, the heaven or on earth. The Aya encourages people reduce their damages, prevent them in future, fac- to do good deeds and rebuke them for committing ing them, reducing their danger with a clear and ad- sins. Moreover, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon vanced vision and dealing with their different stages him) said: “If Allah liked someone, he afflicts him responsibly and objectively. so that he gets to hear his prayers.” Disasters and Crises field is considered one of In Qur’an there are the best stories to learn in the modern humanitarian sciences. It appeared dur- order to avoid the mistakes committed by the pre- ing the 70s of the last century. However, the interest vious nations. Through the Qur’anic stories, Al- in such science has raised recently. Its importance lah mentions many disasters and crises happened increases day by day because it is the science of throughout the history of humanity. He also gives reading the future and anticipating the unknown. the reasons behind them, explains their phenomena The African continent alone suffers from more and goes on how to overcome them through struc- than 28 disasters and crises. It is noticed that the tured thinking and meditation before getting so late. legislation of the African countries does not include Qur’an also gives advice on how to behave during clear laws of disasters and crises management, rath- disasters and guides to the ways of solving, alleviat- er the whole responsibility is undertaken by the ex- ing and overcoming each type of them with lowest ecutive authority and its systems including, the civil possible losses. It also recommends learning from defense and police forces. the experience and works hard to avoid them in the Interest in disasters and crises management has future, as the proverb says: “once bitten twice shy”. started recently in the Arab and African countries. In the story of Prophet Yusuf, Qur’an explains Egypt and Saudi Arabia are considered pioneering the famine disaster that produced the economic cri- countries in this field where many studies on disas- sis that hit Egypt in that time due to the shortage ters and crises management have been presented and of rain and the law water level of Nile for 7 years. the approaches of the same issue have been clearly Qur’an also mentions the organization and plan- developed. ning strategies undertaken by Egyptians under the The scientific institutions have highly contrib- leadership of Yusuf (peace be upon him) until they uted in training and qualifying human cadres in the overcome the disaster. This was a natural disaster, field of disasters and crises management which has therefore Allah guided Egyptians on how to solve enriched knowledge on this issue among commu- it in order to be an example to the world and to in- nity members. Moreover, it is expected that univer- troduce the establishment of aqueducts and dams to sity plays important role in developing disasters and reserve water. crises. Until the present time, disasters cause death and The Importance of Disasters and Crises Manage- displacement of people and affect them socially, ment: economically and environmentally. In develop- The research on disasters and crises management is ing countries, the growing population forced some one of the important areas of study scientifically as people to live in marginal areas such as areas prone it has a direct effect on human life. In this respect, to floods and earthquakes. This presents new chal- many researchers clarify that people’s sufferings in lenges toward disaster management, especially after some countries may lead to a radical and surprising the Second World War where the societal violence

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 51 The History of Disasters and Crisis: The List of the Top 10 Disasters in The World for 2010 shows that the highest death toll took place in five Asian countries. According to the List, earthquakes killed 2968 individuals in China on April while Indonesia lost 530 persons on October. Moreover, China lost 1691 individuals in floods and 1765 persons due to mudslides and rock collapses resulted in heavy rains and floods in August. Furthermore, the massive floods that covered one-fifth of the land area in Pakistan killed more than 2000 people from July to August 2010. This was the second disaster suffered by the Pakistani economy as in 2005 the country witnessed other floods disaster. In China, the estimated loss of the floods and landslides of summer 2010 is about US 18 billion. Moreover, the floods losses in Pakistan amounted to SR 9.5 billion. Additionally, Haiti earthquakes increased and affected many communities. losses amounted US 8 billion. However, the most The worst disasters usually happen in the tropics expensive disaster on that year was Chile earth- of Cancer and Capricorn where the poorest popula- quake in February that caused damages amounted tion in the world live. Therefore, the solution lies US 30 billion. in the fact that as more as the countries and their The economic losses resulted from the disasters source of strength grow, there will be more chances of 2010 were not less than those of 2005 where the to encounter loss resulted from disasters. damages of the Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma The most important thing in disaster mitigation amounted up to US 139 billion. In 2008, Sichuan is to totally understand the nature of the threat. The earthquake in China caused damages worth US 86 size of disaster and death toll is the main justification billion. Thus, the total value of the damages of these for disaster mitigation. Here, it is to be noted that years amounted more than US 290 billion. community usually takes collective steps against Finally, it is important to observe the importance danger, for example, on 1841 the average age of the of considering the humanitarian aspects during res- individual in Europe was 35 years, while on 2006 cue and relief operations as well as treating disas- it increased to 70 years old. Moreover, as more as trous individuals with respect, gaining their trust, a community gets developed technologically, the working hard for achieving environmental balance, hazard ratio declines. The demand for raising the providing relief and accomplishing eviction, shelter, rate of safety at houses, offices, schools, streets and treatment and social stability in a way that reflects mosques increased over the years and the common the administration’s concern and respect to the vic- question is how to achieve full security? tims. The danger may not be very important in a com- To conclude, the general impression of studying munity that is subjected daily to different types of disasters and crisis indicates that there is an insuffi- threats. Moreover, disaster mitigation can be signifi- ciency in disasters management. According to their cant only when the community grows economically. scientific and practical approach, disasters and cri- Only when this happens, some levels of danger will ses go through various closely related stages to the become unacceptable. The question is: what is the extent that they become like nested circles that lead acceptable level of danger? And the answer is very to each other. Therefore, the researchers’ views vary complicated as it depends on two other questions: due to nature, number and start and completion dates is the goal to protect individual or community? And of the stages, which may lead to another aspect of who is more important? the chain of disasters and crises culture.

l l 52 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Juvenile Delinquencies in Nigeria: Causes, Effects and Solutions

Dr. Busari K.K. Juvenile delinquency refers to participation in illegal behaviors by minors (individuals younger than the statutory age of majority). It is the resistant, antisocial, illegal or criminal behavior by children or adolescents to the level that it cannot be controlled by parents. A juvenile delinquent in Nigeria, by law, is a person who is typically under the age of 18 and commits an act that otherwise could have been charged as a crime if they were adult. Juvenile crimes can range from status offences (such as underage smoking, alcohol drinking) to property crimes such as stealing and violent crimes such as robbery or rape.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 53 Nearly every society since the dawn of history has lazy to learn, fighting, conveying words that are not looked on youth crimes such as a serious problem, polite, etc. this could be caused by the parents or senior and Nigeria has become a very interesting issue and members of the family as a result of lack of proper of concern for all because it touches the whole society training, impunity and most especially taking sides – the government, home family and the influence on with children even when they have obviously erred. the influence of the social structure and well being of The greatest cause of juvenile delinquency is the the society. lack of sense of responsibility amongst parents for Juvenile delinquency is also known as teenage monitoring and taking care of their children by their crime. It is like any crime that human beings commit hands. This assertion comes up as the recent phenome- but these crimes differ because they are committed by non amongst the modern parents reveals that some cry young people. Before coming of age girls and boys out “my son is committing delinquency acts at home have less understanding of the world. Parents, friends frequently as he spends much time on the street with and teachers are all responsible along with the juvenile those criminals”. who committed a crime. This is why courts do not pun- Unfortunately, those parents never tried to spend ish the teenagers like they punish the adults when they more time at home educating their children directly, commit a crime. There are separate juvenile courts and teaching them the words of God and guiding them to the purpose of juvenile punishment is to help the teen- the true path. Instead, they keep working out of the ager understand the importance of staying away from house, leaving their children alone and hoping that crimes. the children would be responsible as soon as money is There are various theories of juvenile delinquency made available to them to afford whatever they desire. and various researchers have reported different rea- Spiritual education and training are left out. Allah says sons for delinquency. Most of the delinquent teenag- “O you, who believe, save your families from hell fire” ers belong to low social, economic or psychological (Qur’an, 66:6). background. Some parent neglect totally, spiritual values to be What factors could be responsible for this age- given to their children at their early ages and at the long phenomenon that has eaten deep into the bone same time, they take greater priority of stocking their of our social structure and threatens to bring it down? children with only worldly affairs. Consequently, the We shall examine some of the factors responsible for child will be blind to acceptable values to be applied juvenile delinquency in Nigeria under three thematic in society, therefore committing delinquent acts of areas: naivety or sheer ignorance. A responsible home will 1. The Home breed responsible family members by imparting both 2. Social Influence and Society spiritual values and knowledge about worldly affairs, 3. The Government the child needs both to successfully navigate through the tides of this world and favorable admittance in the 1. THE HOME hereafter. When a child is born, he’s in a state of “tabula rasa” The family is the basic socialization agency for the ‘meaning empty mind, or better still, a clean slate’. All children. Children learn basic concepts about good and that the child learns, from names of people around to bad from their family, they make their values and set language, etc. are all learnt from the child’s immediate the norms of society. Family can make or break the environment, - the home. This is why the home is the personality of the children. In the family, the most im- most formidable factor in the child’s formative years. portant role is played by the parents and siblings. Most Scholars have claimed that if family background of the adolescents who show delinquent behavior in (especially the general atmosphere of the home and the any form belong to families that could not give a firm attitude of the other members of the family) is conge- foundation to the children. Broken families, single- nial for proper development of a child, then the child is parent families, separated families, frequent parents likely to grow up to be law abiding and responsible. fight, lack of trust and confidence among the parents, Juvenile delinquency from the home front point of criminal parents or psychological problems in parents view could also be as a result of broken homes which can be the most important reason behind juvenile de- result in uncompromising , unwillingness of the child linquency. The other reason can be siblings’ rivalry or to be obedient to parents and elders, ditching, being unequal treatment between children. Parents and elder

l l 54 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 siblings have the responsibility to mould the personal- parents plunge themselves into the society, laden with ity of the children. When parents or siblings do not insufficient spiritual value as a means of filtering all show moral behavior or they commit crime children or the sources of acceptance. Sources of acceptance here younger siblings also get the motivation to do some- can be in the form of misleading information and en- thing bad - a delinquent behavior. tertainment from the media such as television, maga- · Economic Problems in Family zine and most recently, the internet. Often the cause of juvenile delinquency is economic Negative peer pressure which introduces children problems in a family. Youth belonging to poor eco- to acts they may not have accustomed to at home, but nomical status easily get involved in criminal activi- against which they do not adequate defensive response ties. They want to improve their status and for this such as thuggery and likes. purpose, they use negative path, in this regard often It is very common to see some children die acci- people do not support teenagers who belong from poor dentally or cause death of others or run to other high status and they go for criminal activities. magnitude troubles when they try to perform certain · Psychological Problems in Family TV shows that display cruel fighting or such kind of Psychological problems in parents or siblings can heroic movies, children who get over also be a risk factor of juvenile delinquency. Mental westernized, and without satisfactory spiritual val- illnesses or other psychological problems like depres- ue can be easily driven to perform delinquent acts. sion, frustration, aggression or hyper behavior showed Rape, incest, sodomy and other sexual and social by the parents can make the child feel deprived and vices are direct results of both poor home training and inferior among friends. Sometimes children adopt de- negative social influence. pression and anger from parents or elder siblings. International influences, particularly for children · Social Problems in Family who have been largely exposed to western cultures In many families, parents or elder siblings are involved also have a great impact on them psychologically and in various social problems. There can be various prob- socially. lems like gender discrimination, age discrimination, Society itself sometimes become very negative and racial discrimination, child labour or violation of ani- create difficulties for the youth. Society is a strong mal rights. Children and youth learn what they see in force in developing the personality of the teens. De- their family, in many rich families parents do not feel veloping negative feelings from society can become a shame in child labour and children could not under- reason behind juvenile delinquency. stand that child labour is against society and morality. · Social concerns Social problems cause stress and due to stress teens get Teenage boys and girls go through several social prob- involved in violence. lems when they are not well socialized human beings. · Moral Problems in Family Some teens are very harsh and rude to talk and they Morality is the most important concern among teens cannot control their anger or aggression as it is in their today. Teens should know how to respect family and nature. Most of the gender-biased boys talk to the op- other people. They should give the due respect to ev- posite sex like they are slaves and they do not respect eryone they know and meet. Some parents do not take them. Their violence and aggression make them com- care of their elders, and it is a known fact that such mit crimes that other boys will never do. children who see their parents disrespecting their el- · Psychological concerns ders, their children never respect their parents and el- Psychological and mental concerns are also important der siblings. when talking about juvenile delinquency. Mental dis- · Parenting Style ability is another big cause of juvenile delinquency. Parenting style also matters and many researchers say Mentally ill boys or girls can commit any crime with- that it is one of the biggest reason why teens commit out knowing the consequences of it. Statistics show crime. Parents are some time very harsh and they pun- that mental illnesses are one of the biggest reason be- ish their children for small issues. Children start disre- hind juvenile delinquency in America and other devel- specting their parents and they become violent. oped countries. · Drug use 2. SOCIAL INFLUENCE AND SOCIETY Drug use has become widespread among teenage boys The children who have less direct control from their and girls. Drugs use is prohibited by laws in many so-

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 55 cieties. Drug use in youth can be dangerous as they can behind juvenile delinquency. Racial differences can commit violent crimes when they take drugs. cause several big crimes by the adolescents as adoles- · Physical concerns cents become aggressive and they want to take revenge Physical disabilities can also cause juvenile delinquen- from the society for the unequal treatment that the so- cy. Juveniles that are physically or mentally handicap ciety shows to them. Drug use is also a very common usually want to take revenge from other people for cause of juvenile delinquency. Those juveniles who their complexes. They want to achieve success in life use drugs usually get involved in criminal activities as using negative means. most of their friends belong to the criminal class. · Personal Reasons · Peer group influence Sometimes parents or family has nothing to do with Peer group is a very strong force that can cause delin- the delinquent behavior of the juvenile, neither does quent behavior in the adolescent. When friends commit the teachers or neighborhood have to do with the de- crime adolescents often learn to do it and they cannot linquent behavior of the teenager. There are sometimes understand the consequences of the crime. Peer group personal reasons responsible for the delinquent behav- rejection can also be the cause of juvenile delinquency. ior. Sometimes the adolescent faces hardship in life Adolescents can also show delinquent behavior when due to some psychological or physical problem that he they cannot get similar resources as their friends have. is going through. A physical handicap will go through Parents should ensure that their children are hanging many problems in life as the society does not accept a out with friends who belong to their class as this will person who does not have similar capacities and abili- prevent adolescent jealousy which can cause several ties that a normal person has. Society is often cruel to- crimes in adolescents. Parents should also see that wards a handicap and this unequal and unjust attitude their children are going out with good friends that be- of the society develops negative feelings in the person. long to respectable families. They should not become The negative feelings make the person commit a crime part of any gang. even if he belongs to a good family. This is a very com- · Gangs and cliques mon reason for committing the crime in adolescence. Youth can easily become part of a gang or clique dur- Those adolescents who are suffering from some psy- ing their age they think it appropriate to be powerful chological or physical problem want to take revenge and to be part of a large group. Often strong groups on society, friends, family or peer group. In modern and gangs are ones that are indulged in negative ac- society, racial differences are also a very strong reason tions. Peer group influence can be positive and it can

l l 56 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 be negative. social problems that societies seek to eliminate. · Abusive behavior Shari’ah provides basic principles to avoid such prob- Abusive behavior is the first step towards committing lems in a way that no other law has provided. Surat Al- crimes. When teens become part of a clique that is abu- Tahrim, Allah says: “O you who have believed, protect sive and that does not know how to behave the teen yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is also get involved in negative means. people and stones, over which are (appointed) angels, · Peer group rejection harsh and severe, they do not disobey Allah in what He Sometimes youth do not get acceptance in any group commands them but do what they are commanded”. as they do not have a strong personality and due to peer First things first, what needs to be done is how to group rejection, they commit crimes. raise awareness amongst parents of being responsible · Labeling to their children. In Islam, children are viewed as man- Labeling can destroy the personality of the youth and date bestowed upon parents by Allah. make the teen a criminal forever. Labeling means that Muslim parents asked about their treatment of their society labels a teen criminal once he commits a crime, children whether or not the child’s rights to proper and though this is his first time due to the tagging he will Godly upbringing through getting both spiritual and perceive himself a criminal. He will repeat similar material needs are fulfilled by parents. crime or other crimes in future. He will no longer feel The holy prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) any embarrassment in committing crimes. said “Every one of you is a guardian and every one of you is responsible for his wards…a man is a guardian 3. THE GOVERNMENT of his family and a wife as guardian of her husband One may wonder, “What is the government’s role in and children. Beware, all of you are guardians and are this?” Well, it is simple. Economic and socio-politi- responsible for your wards (Narrated by Al-Bukhari). cal issues such as poverty, DO or DIE politics, have a The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has great influence on the behaviors of the youth, whether shown a great exemplary behavior in balancing the delinquent or otherwise. spiritual and material education given to his children. The man-maid justice system, which many a time “The best of you are those who treat their family could mean injustice meted out to some individuals, the best. And I am the best amongst you in treating my or inadequate and evasive punitive measures encour- family,” (Narrated by Al-Hakim). age, to a great extent, the delinquent tendencies in the The above hadith also reflects a message that if one youth. Since poverty appears to be one of the major carries out good deeds; hence, he/she must show (read: causes of juvenile delinquency, it is suggested that the educate) them to his/her family first, then other people. government at all levels should step-up efforts to im- The next thing is giving priority to the teaching of Is- prove the economy. lamic good deeds to children since their early ages. The anti-social behavior often associated with the The priority of teaching Islamic Tawheed to children juvenile delinquents, such vices as vandalism, drug at their very early ages is based on Allah’s saying abuse, weapon carrying, alcohol abuse, rape, examina- “Behold, Luqman said to his son by way of instruc- tion malpractices, school violence, bullying, cultism to tion ‘O my son! Join not in worship (other) with Allah: mention but a few may all be resultant from a poor or For false worship is indeed the highest wrongdoing” a compromising justice system. (Surat Luqman). In recent past, correctional facilities institutions, As soon as Muslim parents feel that they have which ought to be tools for rehabilitation and reinte- achieved an acceptable level of Tawheed installing in gration of the delinquent(s)) back into the society, have children, then they start teaching Islamic good deeds, in some cases hardened their candidates. Such people and family worldly affairs. leave the correctional even worse than they got in. The The immediate next exposure for the child is the government has a very un-negotiable uncompromising society and schooling. These are two places where role to play such that correctional institutions play re- children spend most of their time, and therefore they sponsible correctional. are faced with a great number of values, norms and knowledge from outside their immediate environ- ISLAM IS THE SOLUTION ments. Muslim parents who have fully given enough The issue of juvenile delinquency is one of the main ‘filter’ to their children are no longer afraid of releas-

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 57 ing their children into the society. But on the contrary, and betterment. Parents should make sure that they those who do not provide their children with such ba- observe equality of rights, justice and condemn dis- sics would find them being delinquent. crimination. An educational institution is meant for shaping, im- Parents can take the responsibility of fighting parting and developing the culture of human beings. The against any odd that their children have in their per- purpose of Islamic education is not just the secular but sonality. Children especially teenage children have not also relates to the combination of spiritual and physical reached the age of maturity where they know the dif- teachings to prepare someone to behave appropriately ference between good and bad. Their parents do know (Ihsaan) to face the world and the hereafter. what’s good and what’s not and they should keep an The functions and the role Islamic education in eye on their children. They should know about the the effort to overcome juvenile delinquency requires friends of their children and their other mates. In case a concept that is always relevant to the development of of any disability parents and teachers should talk to the adolescents, especially present youths, who have come teens about their problems and they should try to solve in contact with modern cultures. their problems. From early childhood, parents should The application and enforcement of preventive, ensure that their children meet people of their age and curative and rehabilitative measures by the govern- know how to behave in the society. ment are equally undisputable in order to reduce the Peer group influence is very strong on teens and frequency of juvenile delinquency that occurs in ado- parents should see the friends of their children. They lescents. should create a healthy and friendly relationship with their children. In this way, children feel free to share CONCLUSION anything and everything with their parent Juvenile delinquency or criminal /delinquent behavior Islam brought first by the Prophet Muhammad in amongst young people and children are most possibly the 5th Century, has taught all people, either Muslims caused by the lack of sense of responsibility amongst or non-Muslims, that first urgent thing to be taught parents for taking care and monitoring their children to children at their early ages is providing them with directly. Though they often spiritual affairs education then worldly affairs educa- worry about their children’s growth, more often tion. The two here must be balanced as what has been than not, they still spend most of their time working performed by the Prophet Muhammad in upbringing out of the home with the hope that their children would his children. Above all, parents should now pay more grow into what they want by providing them merely attention to take care of their children because of chil- with money. It, therefore, leads some parents to give dren – in Islam – are mandate bestowed upon parents merely worldly affairs education and neglects the spir- by Allah – the only worshipped God. “Everyone of itual affairs education (Islamic Tawheed). Thus, chil- you is a guardian and every one of you is responsible dren find it hard to differentiate good deeds from evil for his wards” (Hadith). deeds mixed in heterogeneous society because of the absence of such a ‘religious’ filter. REFERENCES The family should have a positive attitude to- Characteristics of Behavior Disorders of Children wards life and towards society. Parents and elder and Youth, Merril Publishing Company Columbus, siblings should show the children positive values, London, Toronto Nazir, Muhammad, 1985, Research norms and standards of society in this way the chil- Methods, Ghalia Indonesia, Jakarta. dren will be able to show the right behavior to the Masngudin HMS, is a researcher at the Center for society. A family is the role model for every child UKS, Department of Social Services Agency Social and a model behavior by the parents and siblings can Latbang RI. Daftar Achlis Library, 1992. give motivation to the child to behave positively. A Social Psychology 2, Juvenile Delinquency, Eagles, government should support families that have poor Jakarta Kaufman, James, M, 1989. economic status so that they can improve their fi- Social Work Practice I, STKS, London Eitzen, Stanley nancial condition. Parents should also teach children D, 1986, Social Problems, Allyn and Bacon Inc., Bos- the importance of respecting laws of society. Parents ton, Sydney, Toronto Gunarsa Singgih D. et al, 1988, should tell their children the consequences of break- Adolescent Psychology, CPC Mount Mulya, Jakarta ing laws that government has made for public safety Kartini Kartono, 1986.

l l 58 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Globalization of Arabic Language and Bangladesh

Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Hossain

I was talking about the socio-economic and religious matters of Ohio, the USA, the director of the Cleveland International Council for Cultural Relations. Di- rector is a Catholic Christian middle-aged smart lady. I saw her huge knowledge about Arab culture and literature. I asked her about the reason of interest for the Arabs culture and she replied that “the Arabic language is an added attrac- tion of job market in the United States. Either in Government`s or corporation’s Arabic expertise is an extra quality for job placement. After Graduation, my eld- est son spent six months in Dubai of the Arab Emirates for learning the Arabic language. Don`t you see scarf on my head? I wear it regularly as my son likes it. Arabic is not only a language of Muslims but also a way of solvent and successful life for Americans who are employed in specific fields”.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 59 The importance of the Arabic galog, Turkish, Spanish, Hindi, world’s largest labor market in the language Portuguese, Catalan, Swahili, So- Middle East. The Arab economy is UNESCO announced 18 Decem- mali, Malay, Bangla, Indonesian one of the most attractive econom- ber of every year as International and other languages. Arabic words ic hubs of the world economy. Arabic Language Day since 2010 used in most of the languages men- Originally, the Arabic as the although the Arabic language is tioned above in origin shape or in language of the noble Qur’an and one of the United Nations’ lan- diverse shape. the Prophet (peace be upon him) is guages among the six from 1973. Ultra-Modern Arabic is out of now the language of the Muslims UNESCO has declared United Na- the taboos of the traditional Ara- of the world. The religious senti- tions’ another five International bic. Arabic language, now a day’s, ments of the Muslims assorted languages’ celebration dates and to the way of acquiring the power with the Arabic language. It is said International Mother Language to shake any literature or culture in the diplomatic language that Day as International Day. Bangla- of the world. Nobel laureate Nagib the Middle East runs the world’s desh can boast that the Internation- Mahfuz, poet of freedom Jubran motors again and again. That is, al Mother Language Day is born in Khaleel Jubran or the rebellious today’s superpower America or Bangladesh. In 1952 we received spirit of Adonis touched the hearts the power of Russia’s energy is to Bangla as mother language con- of literary people of the world. Ar- return to the kingdom of power or trary to many Bengali martyred abic Rock and Pop Music, Roche arms is in the forefront of the Arab and the world received Interna- Arabian or Arab Folk Dances are world. We can say that the Arabic tional ‘Mother Language Day’ now one of the world’s tourist at- language is playing a very signifi- which empowers and encourages tractions. Pyramid or the places of cant role in the world economy, mother languages everywhere of all Prophets Love to the Prophet socio-culture or world politics. the world. Muhammad (peace be upon him), Arabic is the 5th strongest lan- the status of the Makkah and Ma- Arabic language, Arab job mar- guage in the world. Language im- dinah has created another feeling ket and Bangladesh portance is not defined only on the of the Muslims to the Arabic lan- Bangladesh’s relationship with speaking population, but the strong guage. Generally, five million Ha- the Arabs is not very intimidating. or important language index of the jis (pilgrims) are visiting two holy After independence in 1971, our world is determined by the KPI places in Saudi Arabia around the relationship with the Arab world (The Power Language Index) set year only for Hajj and Umrah. started intensifying in a very short of 20 indexes. Major aspects of Arabic is the official language time. Some Arab countries, in- the index are language-speaking of the twenty independent coun- cluding Iraq, recognized the inde- population, GDP of the country, tries in Afro-Asia. Arab also pendence of Bangladesh early on. international communication, di- considered as one of the major Slowly, since 1980, the Middle plomacy, tourism, education, cul- economic zones of the world. Ac- East is one of the biggest labor ture, literature and heritage. Basi- cording to the survey of foreign markets of the country. According cally, the Arabic language is one students in the United States in to a source from the Labor Welfare of the strongest languages in the 2013, Arabic-speaking students Ministry, only 1.9 million Bangla- world above all aspects. Arabic are the third majority after Japa- deshi workers are working in Sau- has a great influence on other lan- nese and Chinese students. It will di Arabia but as a private source, guages of the world, especially in not be exaggerated if you say the it is about 2.5 million. Bangladeshi vocabulary. The main influence Middle East as the centre of world workers are meeting 27% labor of the Arabic language among the politics. The current world econ- demands of Saudi Arab, 1.1 mil- Muslim countries. The Arabic lan- omy is mainly oil-centric and the lion in the United Arab Emirates guage is a major source of vocabu- sole authority of the oil market is and one lac in Qatar. Likewise, lary for several languages such as the Arab world. The high elevated Bangladeshi workers are working Amazigh, Kurdish, Persian, Pa- plants of Dubai are their vision with goodwill in other Arab coun- shto, Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Ta- partners. It is known as the entire tries including Bahrain, Oman and

l l 60 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 Kuwait. About 63% of foreign re- tion or plan of our policymakers from English. But in our country, mittances in Bangladesh are being for holding or expanding such a we have got thousands of Alia and added to our economy from Ara- large financial market? How many Qawmi Madrasahs and Arabic bic-speaking Middle East coun- diplomats to the Arab states of our Language Department! tries. With so much labor market country know Arabic? Is there any However, the hope is that remittance we are getting more plan to the government’s high lev- some Arabic young researchers money than India and Pakistan, el? A few days ago, the Ministry of have been working on translat- by sending our skilled manpower. Education in Bangladesh launched ing original Arabic literature in Now Nepal is also becoming our a project on language education to Bangla. Government regulated competitor. India and China are make language education very high Islamic University Kushtia, Ban- very serious in today’s posses- including Arabic. These courses gladesh one of the excellent cen- sion of the Arab market. There is have been started at such places or ter for practising modern Arabic no sector in the Middle East where in such colleges where the general Language among the centers of Indians do not have a presence. public movement is very low. It is Arabic language in the country. I India’s monopoly dominance is ridiculous that some selected Arab talked to many Arabic languages increasing from labor-dependent words are taught in various techni- and literature-related people, they sectors to technology-based sec- cal institutes to the female workers are also thinking of opening a tors. India’s special monitoring in who are interested in the Middle course called ‘Business Arabic’ in protecting the Indian market, pro- East family jobs. but their Arabic their respective fields. These are tection of workers is the reasons teaching technique is very poor. the hopes. But remember, all the for their success and of course, the On the other hand in Bangla- countries of the world are trying efficiency of the Arabic language desh, we have got thousands of their level best to take economic of Indian diplomats also works in Alia and Qawmi Madrasahs and advantage of the Arabic language. this field. Arabic Language department in In this case, Bangladesh is far I had a friendship with an In- the universities. They do not just behind. The Arab market will no dian retired diplomat at London. teach Arabic for the religious duty longer be dependent service only. I asked him why Pakistani diplo- or teaching only noble Qur’an and They are moving faster from labor macy was defeated by India on Hadith, the whole nation wants to service to creative labor market Kashmir issue. He said, out of (teach) learn this language as the or techno labor market. In order many reasons one of the issues is language of rich literature and for to take care of this market, the the language. The Pakistani diplo- economic growth of Bangladesh. collective efforts of religious and mats could not show their rational- The question has come forward. socio-economies have to be taken, ity in Arabic speaking countries Although the Arabic education and hope the government will also due to their shortage Arabic effi- sector is a week, public-private in- have to make extensive plans to ciency, on the other hand, Indian vestment is not very low. There are expand the market in the field of diplomats knew Arabic. I saw the Arabic departments in all the major education, medical, techno and truth of his words in Delhi’s Jamia Universities of Bangladesh. There religion to the Arab countries, not Millia central university. There is a is no debate about the expertise of just only in labor market. The im- well equipped modern Arabic lan- the teachers of the Arabic depart- portance of education on commu- guage institute in the University. ments, but I think they always pre- nicative Arabic language in Ma- The Arabic language is taught to fer to work in Islamic studies field drasha must be given. Middle East the diplomats who are appointed rather than establishing the Ara- Institute will be opened for Arabic for the Arab countries as planned bic language in the country. They language and Arab world research by the government of India. These have largely failed to highlight at the university level. And of schemes of the government always the global status of Arabic litera- course, build up brotherhood rela- bring benefits to the socio-econo- ture. There are a lot of articles in tion with the Custodian of the Two my and political sector of India. the daily newspapers about Arabic Holy Mosques the King kingdom But is there any special prepara- literature in Bangladesh, translated of Saudi Arabia.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 61 Bahrain’s Beit Al-Qur’an museum

Aftab Hussain Kola

AFTAB H. KOLA is enamoured by exhibits that offer an unparalleled view of some of the rare Qur’ans, calligraphy, illumination and binding and other artefacts. The museum displays Qur’anic manuscripts from diverse historical eras and cultures.

Despite having stayed in the Middle East for 13 years rulers weaving together history and legends. The I never got a chance to visit Bahrain. But my recent Qur’ans on view at the Sackler are some of the fin- visit to Bahrain, a tiny Arabian Gulf Island archi- est existing examples from diverse historical eras and pelago, pinched me to regret of having not visited cultures. Bahrain while I was stay put in Oman. Bahrain in the I was wowed by the collection illustrating Islamic yore was the hub of a trading network through which history through manuscripts and artefacts. It is rich channelled valuable cargoes. Historically, Bahrain in displays, stocked with historic treasures and care- has been the crossroads for traders and invaders, and fully selected to appeal to audiences of all ages. is also believed to be the “holy” and “pure” land of Elegant stained-glass domes, illuminating the Dilmun referred to in cuneiform tablets recovered closed central courtyard, artistically carved mashrabi- from ruins in Mesopotamia — present day Iraq. As yyas, or latticed windows, and panels of tiny, colorful such, it is the land — according to a Surnerian story tiles decorate this three-story space in Manama. more than four millennia old. As Bahrain embraced Akin to a modern museum, Beit Al Qur’an organ- Islam, its later history is just as rich when Bahrain ises permanent and visiting exhibitions, conservation had its share in the shaping of Islamic history. and restoration of manuscripts, publication of books, Bahrain’s jewel is its Beit Al Qur’an Museum research, and sponsorship of cultural activities, lec- which treasures a rare collections of Holy Qur’ans tures and seminars. and invaluable artefacts of different periods and The imposing biscuit-coloured building with

l l 62 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 a slender minaret based on Bahrain’s 12th century ten in the stiff and angular kufic script, named after historic Al-Khamis mosque, and founded in 1990, the Iraqi town of Kufa, where it was first formalized consists of a mosque inside the premises as well as a and popularized. (It was also used earlier in several well-stacked library consisting of mostly of Islamic variant forms in Makkah and Madinah.) It is appro- books on a range of topics. Then there is the audi- priate for this script to be associated with Kufa, the torium – the Muhammad bin Khalifa bin Salman Al stronghold of the fourth caliph, ‘Ali, because he was Khalifa Lecture Hall –which can seat 150 people and a master calligrapher in his own right and among the is used for lectures and conferences. first to transcribe the holy book. The fourth section is the Yousuf Bin Ahmad Ka- Beit Al Qur’an also houses manuscripts that are noo School for Qur’anic Studies. This offers seven unusual in their origin, their materials, or their shape study areas fully equipped with computers and mod- or size. One, produced for the Safavid shah Husayn ern study aids, with separate classes for women and I, is written on veneer-thin slices of sandalwood; an- children. other is a prime example of 11th century calligraphy The museum, the highlight for visitors, whose on paper from Iran. It is penned in a highly devel- ten rooms on two floors, interconnected by ramps oped kufic style and uses white lettering surrounded and half-height walls, take up the largest part of the with gold tendrils for the chapter heading; bold gold Beit Al Qur’an’s space and contain some of the art strokes, outlined in red, spell out the name of God. treasures collected by Kanoo: armor, ceramics, glass, Yet another is an octagonal Qur’an manuscript mea- textiles, scientific instruments, manuscripts, clothing suring only 43 millimeters (1%”) across. Such tiny and ornaments from different periods and from coun- but complete pocket copies of the Qur’an were prized tries as diverse as China, Tunisia, Morocco, Iran and by travelers, and a special script style, called ghubari, India. meaning “minuscule” or “miniature,” evolved for The collection of over 5000 partial and complete use in their production. Their size posed a formidable Qur’anic manuscripts, showcased in temperature- challenge to scribes, for writing the Book in ghubari controlled glass cabinets with the sophisticated fiber- was an even more exacting labor of love than writ- optic lighting essential for the proper display of rare ing a full-size version. But since penning the Qur’an and delicate old manuscripts is awesome. Within was itself an act of worship, many a scribe bore this this setting, each piece can be viewed from various burden happily. angles, and is displayed to highlight its prominent Qur’ans at the other end of the size spectrum characteristics. include a 50 by 70 centimeter (20 x 27”) Moghul Among the highlights encompass masterpieces Qur’an in Indian script with an interlinear translation that relate to specific instances of Islamic history or in Persian, each chapter rendered on a different color to key developments in the art of Qur’anic calligra- of paper. Such extra-large manuscripts, often com- phy, illumination and printing. missioned for mosques, took much time—and fabu- The display is so widespread and on a range of lous large-muscle control—to complete. The most variety that such collections are significant on a elaborate of them, reportedly from the Mamluk pe- worldwide scale. Rarely in modern times has such a riod (1250-1517), measured 75 by 50 centimeters (30 range and variety of Qur’anic manuscripts and print- x 20”). Some were 350-page single volumes, others ings been assembled and made available to scholars were produced in 30 volumes, each containing one and the public to study and appreciate. The collection juz’, a standard 30th part of the Qur’an. comprises of manuscripts spanning all of Islamic Then there are Qur’anic verses written on a rice history, and was sourced from different region as grain and a chick pea. near as Makkah and as far as China. Margaret Thatcher, former British prime minis- In addition to the historical and spiritual value of ter, who visited the museum wrote in its guest book: the collection, the beautiful examples of Arabic script “I have learned even more on this second visit. The provide insight into the history and development of treasures are exquisite and tell us so much about the the language in its written form. past that we need to know. I shall hope to come a The collection includes some of the earliest third time.” Qur’anic manuscripts in the world, from Madinah, There is no entry fees but you can put some money Iraq, North Africa and Spain. All of these are writ- if you are inclined in a box kept at the entrance.

l Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018 l 63 Muslim population in Europe projected to rise

(Deutsche Welle) The percentage rise can be accounted for The share of Muslims living in Europe may by differences in age structure and fertil- double to more than 10% of the population by ity rate between Muslims and non-Muslims. mid-century, according to new research on the Muslims in Europe are on average younger continent’s growing Muslim population. (30.4 years) than non-Muslims (43.8), mean- The projections of the Pew Research Cent- ing more women are of child-bearing age. er are likely to fuel further debate over immi- The researchers predict that a Muslim gration after a record influx of migrants and woman will have 2.6 children, one more than refugees into Europe in recent years. the 1.6 children that a non-Muslim woman The U.S.-based public opinion and demo- living in Europe will bear. The researchers graphic research center modeled Muslim pop- pointed out that while not all children born to ulation growth in Europe, defined as the 28 Muslim parents will identify as Muslim, kids European Union countries plus Norway and tend to take on the religious identity of their Switzerland, on three scenarios taking into ac- parents. count natural population growth, future regu- ‘Medium’ and ‘high’ migration scenarios lar migration — such as for work or school Under two other projected scenarios, Muslims — and refugee migration. would account for between 11% and 14% of Even under the unrealistic assumption that Europe’s population by mid-century. For Ger- all migration to Europe stopped today, known many, which has taken in many Muslim mi- as “zero” migration, the percentage of Mus- grants and refugees in recent years, the per- lims in Europe would rise to 7.4% in 2050 centage of Muslims is projected to lie between from 4.9% in 2016. In Germany, the Mus- 11% and 20%. lim population in 2050 would rise to nearly The “medium” migration scenario assumes 9% from 6% today. refugee flows will stop but regular migration Researchers cautioned that it is very difficult will continue at previous levels. to anticipate the future and underscored that “The zero migration and the high-migra- the projections are hypothetical. Push factors tion scenario are really thought experiments, that impact migrant and refugee flows, such kind of what it could be like at either end of as instability in Africa and the Middle East, the spectrum,” said Conrad Hackett, one of may wane or increase. Much also depends on the lead researchers of the study. economics and European governments, which Between 2010 and 2016, 7 million peo- have tightened migration policies domesti- ple from all religious backgrounds arrived in cally and on the E.U.’s borders. Europe as regular migrants or refugees. More The researchers based their projections on than half (3.7 million) were Muslims. those people who identify themselves as Mus- Only 1.6 million of the total 7 million peo- lims using data from 2,500 data points, includ- ple were refugees. But the vast majority of ing official statistics and polls carried out in refugees were Muslim (1.3 million), reflecting countries that do not collect information on war-torn Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan as top religious identity. origin countries.

l l 64 Jumad Al-Ula1439/February 2018