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

45 CrawfordEdior: Place, DrLondon Saeed W!H Shehabi 4LP A bi-monthly newsletter Tel:Published 020 7724 by the 3033 Abrar 45Fax: Crawford 020 7724 Place, 7219 LondonEmail: W1H 4LP Vol 14, No 23 (335) 1st-15th June 2018 [email protected] Tel: 020Website: 7724 3033 Lessons for human existence from Ramadan www.abrar.org.uk As the days and nights of the holy get by, the holy text of the Quran, the one prophet etc. But Email: feelings of achievement, self-satisfaction and Ramadan shows the world that quarter of the Abrarhouse peace intensify among those performing the world’s population are definitely distinct in @hotmail.com fast. The rhythm of life gradually settles down their way of life, perception and adaptation to Website and the broken daily routine ceases to be an emerging circumstances. When one and a half www.abraronline.net irritant. The new cycle of life; eating and drink- billion people suddenly change the routines of Charity no. 293802 ing only at night replaces the normal one. After their daily lives and adopt new ways of living the end of Ramadan, many feel sad about going including diet habits, sleeping times and ways back to the old habits after they have gained of social interaction then there is certainly a affinity towards the feeling of hunger. Ramadan mode of unity among that community of people. thus provides the people with strong will to tol- What does this mean? There are powers in this We stand for: erate hunger and other temptations. No other world which consistently act against what discipline can achieve such results within such a brings the people together for fear of the impact  Inter-faith and inter- short time. Here the change is pluralistic. The of their collective force. Within the Muslim world these powers aim at weakening the Um- civilisational dialogue whole community takes part in the process which makes it easier to grasp and emulate. It mah by ensuring its fragmentation along sectari-  Respect for the human also emphasizes how the individual contributes an fault lines. The media of these powers pro- race and rights to the social change that becomes a phenome- mote divisive ideologies to facilitate the frag- non to transcend individualism. The social care mentation. Ramadan provides a solid testimony  Cooperation for the that is often embraced by the individuals and to the undisputable oneness of the Muslim Um- good of people groups during the month is phenomenal. Even mah despite the natural differences of opinion in the Western capitals the recent years have within its ranks and files. No person with clear  Moderation witnessed unprecedented awareness among the vision can miss this fact when all Muslims fast Muslim communities to care for the homeless, during the month of Ramadan.  Modernity the dispossessed and the victims of natural dis- Ramadan is a month of giving, patience, toler- asters. Last year the Grenfell fire brought out ance and awareness. It is a time when evil is  High standards of the human goodness of Muslims when they abandoned by those who are fasting. In a socie- spirituality opened their mosques to lodge the victims, fed ty where the knife culture has led to the unnec- and clothed them. While the sour memory of essary loss of young lives there is a need to pro- that fateful night in Ramadan causes agony and mote the culture of fasting which helps to culti- sorrow, it also gives hope in the quality of man- vate human feelings, love of the neighbor, feed- In this issue kind. ing the hungry, sheltering the destitute and help- One prominent feature of the fasting during the ing the poor. This is necessary if the present Local Events 2 month of Ramadan is the realization of the unity culture of death is to be eradicated. While it is of the Muslim Ummah (community). Scholars necessary to uphold the rule of law and attend

often highlight this oneness with arguments to the system of justice, real practical education Muslim Affairs 3 relating to the shared religious practices, the is necessary to pre-empt evil tendencies which are fallouts of excessive materialism, Ramadan issues 4 unbalanced distribution of wealth and dysfunctional tax and social welfare Turkey’s Muslim- systems. Ramadan is an opportunity friendly holidays 5 to go back to basics for the good of humanity. It is not about promoting Islam but the necessary human values French Muslim that enhance the quality of life. This woman on hijab 6 is a call to Muslims to embrace the values enshrined in fasting, adopt Feasting and fasting 8 principles of good citizenship and advocated culture of love, respect and giving. The month of Ramadan is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the individual and the society. Those are some of the values of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Page 2 Local Events

Contemplating the Quran taught the significance of patience in our commitment. Fifteen thousand Quakers lives and how not to give in to circum- were jailed by 1689. So Quakers had On Thursday 14th stances but attempt always to pursue our only been around 20 years by that time. May, the weekly goals. They were that committed that many of Abrar meeting was them sacrificed their lives for their be- addressed by Dr Fasting and peace lief. Sadiq Al Rikabi who Sheikh Isa Jahangir emphasized the talked on: How can The annual Ramadan Experience pro- concept of peace in Islam. He recited Quran become guide gramme was held on Tuesday 22nd May at the Quranic verse: “All of you collec- in our lives. He said Abrar. It was sponsored by The Open Dis- tively enter into peace.” When it comes the quran has several cussion and The Gulf Cultural Club. The to peace, being at peace, making peace aims; to guide people topic was “Fasting as a catalyst for person- and spreading peace then God says so that they do not go astray, a diction- al and world’s peace.” It was addressed by “enter the peacefulness.” Don’t follow ary of rules on worship and morality, a three speakers; Luqman Ali, Marigold the devil who is the enemy, the source reference for right and wrong. This is a Bentley and Sheikh Isa Jahangir. of animosity and conflict. The big prob- sign of God’s mercy towards mankind. Luqman Ali said: Every Ramadan I am lem with devil is arrogance (istekbar). Before the creation of mankind God’s coming home. I am coming back to where He was arrogant. He was terribly will determined that there should be a I began. The reflections are becoming self centered and selfish, so he refused diving guide for the people. The individ- deeper, more profound, more transforma- to obey the command of Allah and re- uals is revived by reciting Quran. But tive and more completing of my own per- spect for Allah. not every reader of Quran feels that. We sonal journey in this world and on my re- do not practice its guidance in our lives. turn to the one. I can best describe my talk Attachment to Quran This is due to several factors; First; as a series of reflections but I want to end some see that Quran is a mere historic those reflections on the relationship be- The first Thursday in Ramadan text which does not suit our daily lives. tween fasting and imagination because (17th May) was welcomed by Abrar at Such people do not appreciate that the most of my work evolves round the imagi- its weekly meeting with a lecture on Quran is for the past, future and present nation. When I give talks on fasting I refer contemplating the Quran. It was deliv- lives. This is the counter the negative to my favourite hadith the hadith al mi’raj ered by Mr Luqman AlDamad who is a aspects of personal and social tragedies. which is a narration that took place during specialist in the holy Quran. There is Second; some think that the Quran is the Prophet’s ascension. There was a con- fear of the holy book; that it is too sa- God’s speech revealed onto Mohammad versation described as having taken place cred, too difficult to comprehend. The and addresses him only. But the reality between the Prophet and Allah. What is the Prophet will complain to God Almighty is that it was revealed onto Mohammad benefit of fasting? What does fasting be- that his people have sidelined the so that he may inform us of it. Quran is queath? Allah said fasting bequeaths wis- Quran. Unfortunately we live the cul- thus a book for us and not for the proph- dom and wisdom bequeaths knowledge of ture that does not allow freed contem- et. Third; Some do not view the Quran Allah specifically. Knowledge of Allah plation and understanding of the text as sacred, not realizing that it would bequeaths certainly. He went on to de- and that whoever does that will go to become more sacred if it is turned into a scribe the spiritual advantages of fasting hell. Quran is being alienated from our book of life. We must make use of its and how it leads to inner and outer peace. lives and would only be present at fu- advice, wisdom and recommendations. Marigold Bentley: The challenge before neral services. Another problem is the Fourth, some do not have full faith in me is try and speak to this particular topic claim that only members of the the ability of the Quran to solve our from the point of view of us as a small prophet's household may interpret the problems. They believe this is fable and dissenting faith. I have looked very care- Quran and that we can understand it imaginations. This is due to the lack of fully at our own traditions in order to try only through narrations. This is based faith itself. Despite holding the Quran at and speak at this very intense time as it is on the understanding that the Thaqal- high place, but we do not take it as a because we have no tradition of fasting. ayn narrations implies that only Ahlul way of life. In other place, it says that What are our commonalities, what are our Bayt are equipped to interpret the God would always provide a way out of differences, what can we really talk about Quran. The prophet prescribed a role problems. together given this huge spread of ideas for Ahlul Bayt and that it is like the How to make Quran a guide in your and huge spread of faithful commitment teacher who gives the theory and solves life?First we have to believe that the that we have just heard about from Luk- some examples. The second point is Quran is the speech of God which he man which has been absolutely fascinating proving the authenticity of the Quran. has revealed to Mohammed. When we to me. I have had to look into Quaker his- Proving its historic advent may be easy listen to the Quran we are listening to tory and for those of you who don’t know but to prove its divinity is something God. It is God’s speech to us without Quakers in Britain started during the civil else. The only way to prove its authen- mediation. Second the real sighting is war here in England and it was a time of ticity is by proving its successive and not in the eyes but in the heart. Many enormous turbulence and the first time the multiple narrators. If this fails then it people recite Quran without implement- people read the bible for themselves and fails. The Quran needs the prophet to ing its edicts. Third when reciting Quran interpreted it for themselves. So those prove its existence. But the prophet it is recommended we have to curse and Quakers who challenged the state on the needs the Quran to prove his distance ourselves from evil. Four; many issues that were around at the time prophethood. But the prophet is not in Among the biggest God’s bounties is to were enormously persecuted for making need of it. We cannot say that Quran speak to us and made us understand it. those challenges so that must have meant proves the prophethood, and then ask Fifth, God has prescribed ways to deal they had a very profound and very deep the prophet to prove the Quran. with our daily lives. When someone attacks us God commands us to forgive him. It also tells us how to give respect to God through the story of Sulaiman with the ants. He spoke in the ants lan- guage and removed his army away from the ants. He tells us how to deal with the kings using soft language. Also we are Muslim Affairs Page 3

Israelis barred from entry into The embassy was officially relocated Indonesia after Gaza massacre last Monday, prompting thousands of Palestinians to stage demonstrations near the security fence separating Gaza from Israel. Scores of Palestinians were martyred -- and hundreds more injured -- when Is- raeli troops responded to the demonstra- chance to converse with Muslims and tions with heavy gunfire. non-Muslims from all walks of life. “The American administration has no The project’s founder, Omar Salha, longer the right to talk on human rights, kicked off the event by thanking the democracy and peace anymore,” he add- guests. “It is a real pleasure to have you ed. Referring to current regional ten- Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesman all here with us tonight. It is also an sions, Erdogan pointed out diplomacy as Emmanuel Nahshon declared on honor to host such an event, one that is a means of solving crises has been erod- Wednesday that Indonesian govern- able to bring us all together in this holy ing. ment has prohibited the entrance of month of Ramadan.” Israeli citizens to Indonesia. Attending the event was Harun Khan, Mahathir’s priority is to revive Emmanuel Nahshon Israeli Foreign secretary general of the Muslim Council Malaysia, make it respectable Ministry Spokesman said that Indone- of Britain. sia has prohibited the entrance of Israe- “It is my first time here at RTP, and I Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dr Mahathir li citizens to this country after the re- have heard many wonderful stories. Mohamad said on Monday that the task cent events in Palestine. They are doing great work. It is a real of the new administration would be to The Israeli official added that the Indo- opportunity for me to be here and to revive the country and make it respected nesian government has put into practice join you guys for iftar tonight. I really again throughout the world. this decision since last week. hope you enjoy it,” he said. He said it was a challenge to bring back The Indonesian government has de- The Ramadan Tent Project, founded in good governance and successful devel- scribed the suppression of Palestinians the UK in 2013, is a social enterprise opment so that the country was once against US embassy move as savage dedicated to serving the youth and wid- again recognized as a self-sustaining and cruel and has categorically con- er community through creating spaces nation, Bernama news agency reported. demned the crackdowns. of spirituality, dialogue and empower- “We must be aware that our country is Nahshon asserted that Israel will do its ment, according to a statement on its not accorded the respect it once enjoyed. best to talk Indonesian government out website. I am very disappointed (now) because at of this decision. one time we were known as the best On the day of opening US embassy in Erdogan: Turkey not to give administration among the Common- Jerusalem al-Quds, Israeli snipers up on Jerusalem wealth countries as we carried out tasks killed 65 Palestinians and injured more well and implemented successful pro- than 3000 others who were rallying Turkish President grams and plans. But, today, we find against the move. Recep Tayyip Er- that this country is no longer respected, dogan on Monday and the administrators are no longer Equating Islam to terrorism expressed Turkey's held in high regard,” he said when ad- “foolish”: Pope resolve to not give dressing staff of the Prime Minister's up on Jerusalem. Department at Dataran Putra here. Pope Francis stated "We are determined Dr Mahathir also reminded the staff on that equating Islam to to not give up on our the separation of powers in a democratic terrorism is "foolish." rights on Jerusalem. system, namely the Executive, Legisla- "It might be coming We will never leave tive and Judiciary, as a form of 'check out of many people's our first qiblah and balance' to restore the country's hon- mouths, but this [direction towards which Muslims pray] or. “This separation (of powers) is very equation is a lie and to the mercy of a state which feeds on important. If there is no check and bal- it is foolish," Francis blood, tears, and occupation for dec- ance like this, it will lead to undesirable said in an interview ades," Erdogan said during an iftar (fast consequences which cannot be repri- on Thursday pub- -breaking) dinner with ambassadors in manded, prevented or objected to. This lished by Italian local newspaper L'Eco capital Ankara. is what we have to remember. Adminis- di Bergamo, according to ANSA news "We will continue our fight until Jeru- trators are the people with the will to agency. "The most important role (of salem becomes home of peace, tranquil- carry out tasks to develop the country,” religions) is that of promoting a culture ity, and dignity for all three monotheis- he said adding administrators must serve of encounter, together in the promotion tic religions,” he said. with excellence and of true education for responsible be- About the US move to shift its embassy not be distracted by havior that takes care of creation.” to Jerusalem, the president said the other reasons. This is hands of the US are “covered with the very important, and I Muslim community hosts open blood of Palestinian children.” am convinced that iftar for British public US President Donald Trump sparked an you (the administra- international outcry last December tive staff) all know The Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) held when he unilaterally recognized Jerusa- that we as adminis- its annual Open Iftar event Wednesday lem as Israel's capital and vowed to trators must adhere which offered members of the British relocate Washington’s embassy to the to our country's sys- public a free warm meal as well as a city. tem of democracy. Page 4 Great Personalities Pakistan's special foods Hardline Danish Labour Party leader greets for holy Ramadan minister: Ramadan Muslims on Ramadan 'dangerous for society' Jeremy Bernard A Danish minister known for her Corbyn, leader of strong anti-immigration views on the British Opposi- Monday called for Muslims to take tion Labour Party, time off work during the fasting peri- congratulated all od of Ramadan, saying the practice is Muslims around the "dangerous for all of us." world on the holy The comments from Immigration and month of Ramadan, Integration Minister Inger Stojberg, according to media who is a member of the center-right reports. Liberal Party, come after the holy In a video message, Like other Muslim countries of the world, Corbyn said: Ramadan in Pakistan is in full swing and fasting month of Ramadan began last people along with fasting and prayers also week. “Ramadan is a time prepare special foods during the holy month. "I want to call on Muslims to take for Muslims to renew their faith and During this period, Muslims keep fast and leave from work during the month of strengthen their resolve to do better for abstain from food, drink, and other certain Ramadan to avoid negative conse- themselves and their communities. But it activities during daylight hours. quences for the rest of Danish socie- is also a time of reflection.” In Pakistan, almost everybody stops to re- ty," Stojberg wrote in a column for the “We reflect on the horror of rising Islam- joice for a few minutes, following the iftar BT tabloid. "I wonder if a religious ophobia and remember that is always and azan, the call to prayer and the time to order commanding observance to a stronger when we work together." I break the day long fasts. 1,400-year-old pillar of Islam is com- know many mosques will again be open- Preparations for iftar commence hours be- patible with the society and labor mar- ing their doors to look after homeless fore at roadside stalls. As the iftar time ket that we have in Denmark in 2018." and hungry people, as they do every draws near, the evening is lit up with stalls She also said she feared the fasting year. We all have something to learn selling savory treats, mostly traditional Paki- could affect "safety and productivity," from Ramadan, he added.” stani foods, especially prepared in the month I hope everyone will come together with of Ramadan. giving an example of bus drivers who have "neither had a drink nor eaten for members of the Muslim community at In Pakistan iftar or the fast break is usually this special time, to join in the festivities. heavy, consisting mainly of traditional sa- more than 10 hours. "This can be dangerous for all of us," Ramadan Mubarak and peace be unto mosas, pakora and namak para, besides the you all,” Corbyn concluded. dates and water. Other items such as roasted she said. Stojberg previously stoked controver- Ramadan is the ninth month of the Is- meat, chicken rolls, Shami Kebabs, and fruit lamic calendar which commemorates the salads are also very common. Pakora is a sy last year when she posted to Face- fried snack. Originally from the Indian sub- book a photo of her smiling and hold- first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet continent, it is a popular snack across the ing a cake to celebrate Denmark's 50th Mohammad (peace be upon him). Indian subcontinent, especially in India, measure for toughening immigration Lasting dawn to sunset for a period of 29 Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. If there is laws. -30 days, Muslims abstain from eating no pakora in iftari time, then it is not a com- One of the strongest measures came and drinking during sunlight hours. plete iftari. into force in 2016, allowing police to The fast is broken by meals named Suhur Samosa is a fried or baked dish with a sa- seize valuables from refugees, alt- and Iftar. Suhur before the sun comes up, vory filling, such as spiced potatoes, onions, hough the government's guidelines and Iftar after it has set. Sunrise can be peas, lentils, macaroni, noodles, cheese, exempted wedding and engagement as early as 4:40 am in the later stages of minced lamb or minced beef. rings after critics likened the plans to Ramadan, with the Suhur meal happen- Fruit salad is another dish prepared for Iftari. the confiscation of gold from Jews by ing around 2:30 am. It consists of various kinds of fruit, some- the Nazis during World War II. The Iftar is more of a community affair, times served in a liquid, either in their own Over the last 15 years, the country has with many gathering to break the fast juices or syrup. together, as late as 9:40 pm towards the Dahi Bara is a popular snack in Pakistan. It tightened its immigration policies, insisting that migrants must learn the end of the month. is prepared by soaking Baras (fried flour A typical Iftar meal varies around the balls) in thick yogurt. A combination of co- country's customs and language in order to adapt to the labor market. world; however, traditionally it is broken riander and other spices are often used as with dates and juice, milk or water as it garnish. is believed the Prophet ate three dates Chana chaat or Chick pea salad is one of when he broke his fast. most-common iftar things in Pakistani cul- ture. It also consists of potatoes, coriander Prayer, Suhur and Iftar times can vary and other spices. throughout the month based on when the Other important foods for Iftar in Pakistan sun rises and sets, and where you are in are Kachori and jalebi. the country. For sehri times khajla and pheni are pre- Good deeds are also a big part of Rama- pared. Eaten with milk at the start of fast on dan, with more prayers, charity work and sehri, both khajla and pheni are considered studying the Qur’an thought to increase to give extra energy while being light on spiritual reward or thawab during this digestion. During the month, special and time. traditional drinks are also prepared. They The timing of Ramadan changes each can be sweet or salty. There are many other year as the Islamic calendar is based on dishes which are prepared in different parts lunar cycles, so it is pushed back by 11 of Pakistan and vary from area to area. days each year. Open Forum Page 5 Turkey's Muslim-friendly holidays find a modest place in the sun Turkey’s $26 billion tourism industry has families. Food at the buffet meals is all “A couple of years ago, 80-90 percent of been battered by security fears and politi- halal, and alcohol is not served. our guests were from Turkey. Currently cal disputes in recent years but one corner At the Wome Deluxe hotel, women-only more than 60 percent of our guests are of the market is quietly growing - beach pools with female security guards and spa foreign Muslims,” said general manager holidays for conservative Muslims. staff are shielded from outside view by Yusuf Gerceker. Dozens of hotels and resorts on Turkey’s large panels. Guests can only enter after Many of those foreign guests are Muslims shores, featuring separate pools and beach- handing in phones and cameras. from European countries, who say that the es for men and women to meet religious rise of right-wing and anti-immigrant sen- strictures on modesty, are attracting fami- timent has made them want to take holi- lies from Turkey, the Middle East and days elsewhere. Moves by municipal au- Muslim communities in the West. thorities in France to ban the body- While still only accounting for a small covering burkini swimwear also made fraction of tourists, the market for “halal”, them uncomfortable. or Islamic-compliant, holidays has “There are prohibited activities for Muslim shrugged off the turmoil and looks set for women in France, we can’t go to beaches more growth. or swimming pools,” Rihab Hassaine said, “In the last couple of years there was a relaxing beside the covered women-only boycott of Turkey as a tourism destina- pool with her friends. tion but we have seen halal-friendly tour- “It is not possible to find this kind of holi- ism booming throughout this period,” day with a Muslim concept over there,” said Ufuk Secgin of halalbooking.com, Hassaine, from France, said sipping her which promotes international Islamic soda in a bikini at a women’s only pool in holidays. southern tourist destination of Alanya. “Halal conscious travellers are more resil- Yavuz Tanriverdi, born and raised in Ger- ient. They are not easily scared by head- many, playing with his children on a lines,” Secgin said, speaking over loud mixed beach in Alanya said he came to pop music at a men-only pool and water Turkey because he wanted to fit in. slides in Elvin Deluxe resort. “My wife wears a burqa covered bikini, The total number of tourist arrivals in for the people here it’s completely normal, Turkey dropped by a quarter to a 10-year in Germany it wouldn’t be that way,” the low in 2016, hit by a failed coup, a wave 36-year-old father said. “Everyone looks at of bomb attacks and a dispute with Mos- you as if you don’t belong.” cow which kept millions of Russians away. It bounced back last year and the government expects 40 million visitors Palestinian population grows nine times since Nakba this year. Despite the displacement of more than around 318,000 Jews between 1932 and Secgin’s company brought 12,000 tourists 800,000 Palestinians in 1948 and more 1947 and 540,000 from 1948 to 1975. in 2015, almost doubling that number in than 200,000 Palestinians to Jordan and In Jerusalem (Al-Quds) Governorate, each of the next two years despite turbu- other countries after the 1967 war, the Palestinians count around 435,000 peo- lence in Turkey. This year it expects 2017 population, housing and establish- ple, according to the census of 2017 re- 70,000 to come to visit country whose ments census showed that the Palestini- sults, of which 64.6 percent (281,000 president, Tayyip Erdogan, is a pious an population in the State of Palestine at people) live in those parts of Jerusalem, Muslim who has brought religion back the end of 2017 was recorded as 4.8 which were annexed by Israeli Occupa- into mainstream public life. million, both in the West Bank and Gaza tion in 1967. These data showed that the Only 60 or so hotels and resorts offer halal Strip, in addition to 1.56 million in the Palestinians represent 49.4 percent of the -friendly breaks, out of many thousands of occupied territories in 1948. population of historic Palestine. hotels across Turkey, but a report in No- The demographic statistics It is worthy to mention that the vember said Turkey has jumped four plac- reveal that the Palestinian number of Palestinians in the es to the third most popular destination for population has doubled nine world reached around 13 mil- Islamic holidays, behind the United Arab times since the Nakba, known lion people by the end of 2017. Emirates and Malaysia. as "The Catastrophe," which This means that the number of In a sign of the popularity of the halal refers to the process of ethnic Palestinians in the world has hotels, they were all fully booked in Tur- cleansing of the Palestinian doubled more than nine times key last year for the Eid al-Fitr holiday population, including killings, since the events of the Nakba in which marks the end of the Muslim holy systematic displacement of month of Ramadan, unlike traditional ho- 1948. tels, according to the State of Global Is- the population from their land The Nakba resulted in the dis- lamic Economy Report prepared by Thom- and homes, etc. placement of 800,000 out of the son Reuters and Dinar Standard. The population of Palestine in 1.4 million Palestinians who “Noting the consumer demand at the coun- 1914 was around 690,000, of whom lived in historical Palestine in 1948 in try’s 60 halal hotels, Turkish hoteliers only 8 percent were Jewish. In 1948, the 1,300 villages and towns. The majority have started to diversify away from con- number of Palestinians exceeded 2 mil- of the displaced Palestinians ended up in ventional tourism by focusing on this lion, 31.5 percent of them were Jewish. neighboring Arab countries, in the West emerging segment.” The number of Jewish doubled more Bank and Gaza Strip and other countries SUN, SEA, SINGLE-SEX than six times during this period. Be- around the world. Furthermore, thou- In Alanya, a Mediterranean resort known tween 1932 and 1939, the largest num- sands of Palestinians who stayed in the for it wide sandy beaches, halal hotels ber of Jewish immigrants to Palestine area controlled by the Israeli occupation offer a Muslim prayer rug in every room, reached 225,000 people. Between 1940 in1948 – were driven out of their homes pools and beaches separately designated and 1947, more than 93,000 Jews and lands, seized by the Occupation for men and women, and mixed areas of poured into Palestine. Palestine received Power. Page 6 Open Forum French Muslim student Maryam Pougetoux hits back over headscarf Pougetoux received abuse on social media law. such as hijabs, which cover the head and after appearing on TV while wearing her What's the difference between a hijab, hair, remained legal. headscarf niqab and burka? Under the ban no woman, French or A French student union leader who has In 2011, France became the first Europe- foreign, is able to leave their home with been accused by ministers of using her an country to ban the full-face Islamic their face hidden behind a veil without headscarf for political gain has hit back, veil in public places, while alternatives running the risk of a fine. calling the claims "pathetic". Former French President Nicolas Sar- France's interior minister has personally kozy, whose administration introduced criticised Maryam Pougetoux, who is the ban, said veils oppress women and Muslim, for being interviewed while were "not welcome" in France. wearing her headscarf. France has about five million Muslims - "It's my faith," the student told Buzzfeed the largest Muslim minority in Western News, adding: "[My hijab] has no politi- Europe - but it is thought only about cal function." 2,000 women wear the full-face veil. Ms Pougetoux, 19, is the president of the student union at Paris's Sorbonne. She appeared in a documentary talking about student protests against the French president's educational reforms while wearing a hijab, or Muslim headscarf. The French Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa said it was a "form of promotion of political Islam", adding that the stu- dents' union Unef "should tell us what values it wants to promote, clearly and coherently". Meanwhile, Interior Minister Gérard Col- lomb said Ms Pougetoux's appearance in a Muslim Woman: hijab was a "provocation" that he found Hindu college disregarded Nafisah's human right "shocking". Wearing the Muslim headscarf was The suggestion that Nafisah Nakhid experience took place within the month banned in French schools and some other should have had to remove her hijab to of Ramadhan where religious practices public buildings in 2004 but it remains legal in universities. enter the Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu School of Muslims are often amplified,” the Islamic veil across Europe is inflammatory and disregards her group added. 'Burkini' ban: What do Muslim women fundamental human right as a Muslim Offering support to the young woman, think? woman. the organisation said the circumstances 'Hate messages' That’s the position taken by the Nation- have “reopened widespread national In the Buzzfeed interview, Ms Pougetoux al Muslim Women’s Organisation dialogue on the freedom to uphold the said (in French) the comments from politi- (NMWO) which has spoken out against beliefs and practices of ones religion cians following her appearance on televi- what it describes as a denial of Na- without fear and bigotry.” sion were "pretty bad". khid’s constitutional right as a citizen The group added that it stands with all "I did not expect it to go up so high that of Trinidad and Tobago. right-thinking citizens who are protect- it's almost a state affair. It is rather pathet- “It is enshrined in the Laws of Trinidad ed under the rights that are enshrined in ic for a minister of the interior to make and Tobago, the freedom to uphold the the Constitution of Trinidad and Toba- such remarks," she said. beliefs and practices of ones religion go, internationally regarded as coun- Students began demonstrating in March without discrimination,” the organisa- tries that place significant importance over plans to give public universities the tion noted. to diversity and inclusion, and adhere power to set admission criteria for basic Nakhid was refused entry into the Lak- to the watchwords of: Discipline, Tol- degree courses for the first time. This is in shmi Girls’ Hindu School where she erance and Production, where “Every contrast to the present policy which guar- was assigned an OJT. The basis for the creed and race finds an equal place.” antees graduates a place at a public uni- refusal of her entry onto the versity. compound was the wearing of Ms Pougetoux has also been the target of abuse on social media and said she had her religious head covering. received "hate messages" after her phone “In Islam, wearing the hijab is number was shared online. in guidance given within the She told Buzzfeed she felt "fear" and that Quran and a practice Sister she had to be "careful" in public "because Nafisah upholds since age I did not know what could happen". nine. The student union has said that Ms Pou- The suggestion made to her to getoux is a victim of "racist, sexist and “remove the covering” on the Islamophobic hatred". compound of Lakshmi Girls’ France and the Muslim headscarf Hindu College is inflammatory A ban on Muslim headscarves and other and disregards her fundamental "conspicuous" religious symbols at state human right as a Muslim Sis- schools in France was introduced in 2004. ter,” the NMWO said. It received overwhelming political and “It is unacceptable that such public support in a country where the sep- demands were made and in- aration of state and religion is enshrined in credibly disheartening that this Off the shelf Page 7

ical understanding of a decisive period Power and Knowledge in Medieval Islam: and controversial topic with important Shi'i and Sunni Encounters in Baghdad contemporary political and cultural ram- ifications, since the underlying polemics Tariq Al-Jamil transmission of knowledge across sec- between extreme Hanbali perspectives During the period of Mongol occupa- tarian lines, as both students and teach- (represented then and now primarily by tion from 1258-1386, Baghdad was a ers. Tarqi al-Jamil here contextualises the key figure of Ibn Taymiyya) and site of intense intellectual debate and the social and political climate of Iraq learned clerical forms of Imami dialogue between Shi'i and Sunni com- during this time, examining the dynamic (Twelver) Shi'ism has currently taken on munities. In this long-established cen- and complex nature of Shi'i-Sunni rela- often violent public ramifications-rooted tre of learning in the Islamic world, tions and their competition for authority in Arab-Iranian struggles for regional scholars such as Ibn Taymiyya and the and legitimacy. This significant new and even global political influence- that influential Imami Shi'i scholar Allamah history provides a challenge to contem- are today considerably visible and wide- al-Hilli participated extensively in the porary discourses - both scholarly and in spread in the Muslim world.. a solid, the popular media - that tend to falsely original work of social and intellectual attribute the current political conflict in history focusing on a key turning point Iraq to pre-modern Shi'i-Sunni relations (the post-Mongol, pre-Ottoman period) in the region. Instead, al-Jamil articu- in Middle Eastern culture and history lates a framework for understanding the that was to be marked by the rapid ex- negotiation of boundaries between Shi'i- pansion and development of Islam as a Sunni religious communities, broaden- world religion... a highly readable work. ing the consensus of critical historical --James W. Morris, Professor of Islamic knowledge concerning what it meant to Studies, Boston College be Shi'i or Sunni. Tariq al-Jamil is Associate Professor of A well researched and thoughtful book... Religion and Islamic Studies at Swarth- Al-Jamil's provocative study makes it more College, Pennsylvania. His re- clear that we can no longer understand search focuses on Shi'ism and inter- the history of the transmission of communal violence, religious dissimula- knowledge in Medieval Islam within an tion, the transmission of knowledge in exclusionary framework in which Shi is medieval Islam, and gender, sexuality, are absent or marginalized. The com- and the body in Islamic law and social plexity of Tariq al-Jamil s presentation practice. Al-Jamil received his BA from of the interaction between Shi-i and Oberlin College, MTS from Harvard Sunni scholars in medieval Baghdad University, and MA and PhD from will provoke new discussions in our Princeton University. field. --Shaun E. Marmon, Associate Publisher: I.B.Tauris Professor, Department of Religion, Hardback 240 pages £72.00 Princeton University. ISBN: 9781780764931 A serious new contribution to our histor Publication Date: 29 May 2018 Hamas Contained The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Re- Bay Tareq Baconi Hamas's reliance on armed struggle as a Publisher: Stanford University Press Hamas rules Gaza and the lives of the means of liberation has failed in the face Cloth 368 pages $29.95 two million Palestinians who live of a relentless occupation designed to Cloth ISBN: 9780804797412 there. Demonized in media and policy fragment the Palestinian people. As Ba- Publishing date: May 2018 debates, various accusations and criti- coni argues, under Israel's approach of cal assumptions have been used to managing rather than resolving the con- justify extreme military action against flict, Hamas's demand for Palestinian Hamas. The reality of Hamas is, of sovereignty has effectively been neutral- course, far more complex. Neither a ized by its containment in Gaza. This democratic political party nor a terror- dynamic has perpetuated a deadlock ist group, Hamas is a multifaceted characterized by its brutality—and one liberation organization, one rooted in that has made permissible the collective the nationalist claims of the Palestinian punishment of millions of Palestinian people. civilians. Hamas Contained offers the first histo- ry of the group on its own terms. About the author Drawing on interviews with organiza- Tareq Baconi is a Visiting Scholar at tion leaders, as well as publications Columbia University's Middle East In- from the group, Tareq Baconi maps stitute and a Visiting Fellow at the Euro- Hamas's thirty-year transition from pean Council on Foreign Relations. He fringe military resistance towards gov- received his PhD from Kings College ernance. He breaks new ground in London. His writings have appeared questioning the conventional under- in The Nation, Foreign Affairs, and The standing of Hamas and shows how the Guardian, and he has provided commen- movement's ideology ultimately tary on Middle East affairs to National threatens the Palestinian struggle and, Public Radio, Democracy Now, and Al inadvertently, its own legitimacy. Jazeera. Page 8 Words of Faith Feasting and Fasting ti went to his computer and searched YouTube for Cat Stevens (i.e. Yusuf Islam after his con- 185. Ramadhan is By Kamila Gerasim version to Islam). Yusuf Islam has several the (month) in The call to prayer emanated from the minarets songs about Islam, and we sat and listened to which was sent down the Qur'an, just down the street. These mosques built by the several. The Mufti translated parts of the songs, as a guide to man- Ottomans roughly around 1580 stand majestic and I sat smiling and tapping my foot to the kind, also clear along the Bosphorus river. beat. (Signs) for guid- I was in Istanbul on vacation for a week, and the Cravings ance and judgment end of my time there was the start of Ramadan. In my attempts to remain sensitive to the cul- (Between right and wrong). So eve- Istanbul wraps around landmasses bridged to- ture surrounding Islam, I refrain from eating or ry one of you who gether over the sweepingly beautiful turquoise drinking out on the streets. One specific in- is present (at his waters connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of stance, however, made this difficult. I was on home) during that Marmara. Just another face in the crowd of mass- my way to the southern Palestinian city of Heb- month should es of people, I stepped off the ferry that had de- ron when the man that sells bread and eggs was spend it in fasting, livered me to the shore of the Asian side of Tur- walking down the street calling for someone to but if any one is ill, or on a jour- key. A few minutes’ walk had me standing buy from him. The friend I was with stopped to ney, the pre- squarely in front of my friend’s apartment where ask him a question, and lo and behold suddenly scribed period they were busily preparing for the first Iftar (the we were handed a bag full of bread and falafel. (Should be made up) meal eaten after sunset during the Ramadan). We Insisting that we did not want the bread and by days later. Al- sat down to eat after the call to prayer had rung falafel, he refused to let us give it back to him. lah intends every out and delighted ourselves with the delicious We were now stuck with food that we would facility for you; He does not want food and worthwhile conversation. have to carry all day long around a more con- to put to difficul- Weeks removed from this first night of Ramadan servatively Muslim city while they all fasted. ties. (He wants you) in Turkey, I am back in Bethlehem and find simi- We opted to walk back to the house, drop off to complete the lar practices observed. the food and be on our way. prescribed period, Conversation Dinner Time and to glorify Him in that He has I skirted across town in the mid-morning heat to While the streets have become slightly quieter guided you; and the part of Bethlehem that usually bustles with throughout the duration of Ramadan, the eve- perchance ye taxis, students and shops. This morning, a Thurs- nings after Iftar make up for any kind of lull shall be grateful. day, the streets are quieter, students are on sum- from earlier in the day. The streets are filled 186. When My serv- mer holiday and shops open later and close earli- with families, couples and young people all out ants ask thee con- er due to the fasting of Ramadan. I entered the walking, playing in the street and enjoying time cerning Me, I am indeed close (to tall building, pressed the elevator button to the with one another after a tasty meal. Traffic is them): I listen to fifth floor, and ascended for my meeting. I en- backed up, and getting around becomes more the prayer of eve- tered the office, and found the Mufti of Bethle- time consuming due to the incessant stopping ry suppliant when hem on the phone as he motioned me to a seat for children to cross the road and combating he calleth on Me: across from another woman. I sat, and after his other cars for space in lanes. Generally, people Let them also, call ended, he greeted me, “Ramadan are happier and more lively, rightly so, and that with a will, Listen to My call, and be- Kareem!” (Blessed or generous Ramadan!) is a jovial nature to the city by nightfall. lieve in Me: That My previous encounters with the Mufti were Kindness of people goes beyond the traditional they may walk in always informative and helpful in understanding hospitality of Palestinians, and one night I was the right way.(the more about Islam, so upon my return from Istan- even brought a meal to my home from a Mus- cow) bul, I asked if he would be willing to meet with lim friend to be sure I had eaten. me and help me to better understand Ramadan. Dessert A Muslim woman from France sat across from The final touches of Ramadan are not confined www.abraronline. me and served as both an ample resource as well to the actual sweet treats like qatayef that come net as helpful translator. Her presence was unex- around but once a year. Rather, there have been This is our website. pected at the meeting, but it was perhaps one of parades and celebrations throughout Palestine the best parts of it by the end. She was sweet and as Ramadan comes to a close. In a similar fash- Have visited it: It very gracious in helping to explain Ramadan ion to how Christmas is cause for special events will put you face- more fully to me. She, herself, had converted to and celebrations for Christians, the same is true to-face with an al- Islam just a few years prior. Her learning en- of Ramadan for Muslims. Beautifully, the inter- ternative world, full deavors into her new faith struck me as genuine section of these faith groups allows for one and thoughtful. another to partake and experience the richness of spirituality, mo- She and the Mufti helped to explain that Rama- that comes with the celebration. Iftar is a time rality coupled with dan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar to come together, chat and enjoy the company modern outlooks dedicated to fasting. The month is set aside to of one another after having spent the day fast- commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an ing and, perhaps, contemplating matters of faith and perspectives. to Muhammad by fasting. more often than usual. We want to hear By abstaining from eat- I circle back to the first Iftar your views on its ing, drinking, smoking of this Ramadan, and I re- contents, layout and sexual relations from call being encouraged by dawn until sunset, this the blessing of community. and general quality. discipline is to guide the My travel from Turkey to adherent to righteousness. Palestine was a two-hour Join us in our Noon (Qur’an, Surah 2:183) flight and a few buses and The Mufti explained a taxis away, but the linkages and Afternoon heightened awareness of and connections that span prayers one’s needs and the ne- across time and history Everyday cessity of God. bring us to the table yet at 13.00 We continued on in our again in a way that allows discussion and after some us to share in life and com- time of chatting, the Muf- munity together.