Dear reader,

In The Name of Allah, The Compassionate, the Most Merciful “Noor Al Islam” – Thirty years and Continuing

The light of Islam shined with the dawn of prophecies, and its glow and glitter increased with the mission of the Seal of Prophets and the Master of All Messengers - our Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him and His Household). From the embers of this luminous divine light which shined on existence and dispersed the darkness of ignorance, disbelief, and oppression, “Noor Al Islam” Magazine kindled its first In the name of Allah, torch thirty years ago. No soon, it got ready and detected its track to commence in the procession of responsibility and duties in the march of the Beneficent, the Merciful those advancing to raise the Word of Allah Al Mighty in Earth and deep- root the pillars of His noble religion and solemn values in minds and souls and in the movement of the society, particularly in this difficult time we are living in and which is pregnant with major and rapid changes. It is a time of mighty pressures practiced on our generations and communities to derail them and rob them from inside until totally No. 217 - 218, March / April 2018 demolishing their pillars and principles. Praise be to Allah Al Mighty, Jamada 1 / Jamada 2 1439 H the magazine is still carefully carrying, along with the faithful who sponsor it, the trust of this sacred torch, seeking with all its might that every word that embellish its papers and every phrase expressed by its lines, be a blink of guidance, a lantern for awareness, and a guide for the path of reform and renaissance. It is not surprising that the magazine is the paramount promising fruit of Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him) Foundation (the branch of Lebanon). This charitable and cultural foundation has various activities and contributions in the field of culture, spreading the Call of Islam, education, and development. Praise be to Allah, it could found active centers and institutions concerned, with noticeable competence, in all of these vital fields in several Arab and Islamic countries and some states Chief Editor in Africa and Northern America… Thus the magazine sought to reflect these goals and noble expectations and make them fixed axes and topics for its articles, chapters, reports, and diversified intellectual, literary, and scientific corners and columns. The main goal of the magazine is to contribute in founding social- religious awareness based on the moral-humanistic-cultural course asserted by Islam that meant it to be a method for life and conduct for its followers. It is intended to build an Islamic personality able to deal Ranya Mahdi Tanana To be Continued on page 22

CONTENTS 3 Muslims in Ghana (Reportage) 23 Types Khula’ and Mubarat (Fiqh) Maurice Bucaille: An inspiring conversion to Islam 25 (Welcome to Islam) Teachings of Sayyeda Zainab (S.A.) (Occasions) 28 Around the World 31 All correspondence to: Noor Al Islam, DISTRIBUTORS P.O. Box: 25/156, Beirut - Lebanon U.S.A. Tel: 961.5.461242 Mr. Youssef Abdallah 961.3.672260 15111 W. Warren Dearborn, MI. 48126 U.S.A. Fax: 961.5.461236 Mobile: (313) 3507900 www: nooralislam.net Canada: email: [email protected] Mr. Muhammad Jomaa, P.O. Box: 73088 Price 2300 Lawrence Ave. E. Lebanon: 3000 L.L. - Syria: 50 Liras - Scarborough, ON. MIP 4Z5, Tel: (416) 4968842 Iraq 1000 Dinars - Jordan: 1.5 Dinar - Fax: (416) 4969753 Kuwait: 1 Dinar - Saudi Arabia: 12 Senegal: Riyals - Oman: 1.25 Riyals - Bahrain: 1 L’Institution Islamique Sociale, B.P. 1213 - Dinar - U.A.E.: 12 Dhs - Qatar: 12 Rs - Dakar Egypt: 5 Pounds - Sudan: 2000 Pounds Ghana: - Morocco: 25 Dhs - Tunisia: 1.5 Dinar Imam Hussain (a.s.) Foundation - Algeria: 15 Dinars - Yemen: 500 P.O. Box: 16086 Kotoka International Airport, Accra Riyals - U.S.A., Canada & Europe: $4 - Iran Cyprus: 1.5 Pounds - Other countries: Imam Hussain (a.s.) Foundation U.S $4 or equivalent. P.O. Box: 979/37185, Qom Yearly Subscription Kenya: in U.S. Dollars: Madrasat Al-Rasoul Al Akram (P.B.U.H.) Lebanon: $25 P.O. Box: 33058, Nairobi. U.S.A. & Canada & Australia: $100 Pakistan: Other Countries: $50 Imam Hussain (a.s.) University, SC-19, Chandi Chowk, University Rd. Karachi. Noor Al Islam only publishes what is in India: line with its message. Najafi House, 159 Nishanpada Rd. Bombay All articles are classified according to 400009 technical necessity not according to the Nigeria: writer’s importance. Imam Hussain Foundation P.O. Box.: 643 Okene - Kogi State

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Muslims In Ghana

3 Location: The Republic of Ghana is located along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, in the subregion of West Africa. It is bordered by the Ivory Coast in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, Togo in the east and the Gulf of Guinea and Atlantic Ocean in the south.

Ghana map 4 Reportage stretch inthenorthandsouthof Ghana mainlyencompassesplainswhich Geography: Spanning anareaof239,567 km currency istheGhanacedi(GH₵). dialects andthe Arabic Language. The some ofthepopulationtalkinternaltribal The officiallanguageisEnglishthough traditional andindigenousbeliefs. of 27%exists;somealsopractice although asizableMuslimcongregation 69% oftheGhanaiansareChristians, Ghana isalargely Christian countryas estimate. Itscapitalis Accra. has apopulationof27,043,093as2014 Area andPopulation 2 , Ghana reservoir intheworld. which isbyartificialsurfacethelargest country creatingbeforeitLake Volta important developmentalprojectsinthe considered oneofthemainandmost constructed over Volta Riverwhichis Black Volta and OtiRiver. A Damwas being themostfamousbesides the WhiteVolta– tributaries of array Ghana hasavastriversystemwithan and tropical. The southernareais The climateofGhanaisbothequatorial Climate: rocks thatascendsinitseasternpart. of thecountryisahillmadeupsandy country (AshantiRegion). The middle dominated by an equatorial climate, Empire in 1067. Later on, the empire was while the northern and the middle areas merged with the other coastal empires. have a tropical climate. There are two Geographically, the Empire of Ghana main seasons: the wet season and the dry was some 800 kilometres to the north and season. It is affected by the Harmattan west of present-day Ghana. It controlled season and the dry dusty wind which the territories spreading from the River of blows from the Sahara Desert. Senegal eastwards towards the rivers of Niger, Senegal, Mauritania, and present- History day Mali. The etymology of the word Ghana Historically, the territory of the means “warrior king” and was the title southern part of Ghana was included accorded to the kings of the medieval in the Kingdom of Ashanti, one of the Ghana Empire in West Africa, which most influential states in sub-Saharan fame reached Europe and the Arab Africa in the 18th and 19th Century Peninsula. However, it was disintegrated prior to the onset of colonialism. 5 after the invasion of the Almoravid It gained its independence from the

Imam Ali (AS) Educational Center- Tamale United Kingdom in 1957 (1377 A.H.), Form of Government: Reportage and it was the first colony in West Pursuant to the current constitution, Africa to gain independence. With its Ghana is a republic headed by a president independence, Ghana changed its name elected by the people for a four-year from the Gold Coast – the name given to term, renewable once – meaning the it by the British colonizers – to Ghana. president’s utmost tenure is 8 years. The independence of Ghana crowned Ghana is a presidential constitutional a procession of national struggle led by democracy. The Parliament of Ghana Kwame Nkrumah – the first president is the legislative power, the cabinet of independent Ghana since the end of consists of the Ministers of the Ghanaian World War I and the spread of the wave of Government, and the Council of State national liberation movements among the consists of the Ghanaian Parliament. occupied peoples in Asia and Africa. The The executive power is exercised by the national liberation movement in Ghana president (also head of government) and commenced by the formation of the the government. 6 United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) The legislative body constitutes one in 1947 presided by Kwame Nkrumah council - the Parliament of Ghana which after his return from Britain. No soon he has 275 members and is elected by was arrested; however, when set free, he universal suffrage after every four years. formed the Convention People’s Party The judicial power is the Supreme Court (CPP) with the motto “self-government of Ghana which is formed of the head of now”. the court and 12 judges. The CPP won the municipal elections in 1950, and Nkrumah became the first Prime Economy Minister of the Gold Coast (Ghana) in 1952. Ghana is one of the most economically Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings advanced countries in Africa rich in its won as president in the first Ghanaian agriculture, water, and mineral resources. presidential elections which took place in However, the dominance of foreign and 1992. The presidential elections of 2000 European capitals over the economic saw the first civil president sworn into potencies had diminished its national office after long years of military rule. economic revenues. What also affected the economic crisis are the global forty slave castles or large commercial price dispersion of minerals and export forts used in the trans-Atlantic slave trade products (cocoa, banana, coconut) and when the state was a British colony. It the clear variance of annual rain average. was used to hold slaves before they were Agriculture has a distinctive economic shipped off across the Atlantic. This gate status in Ghana as it sustains 52% of of no return contained narrow dungeons the population; 20% work in industry, which overlooks the magnificent and and 28% work in administrative splendid view of the Atlantic Ocean. domains, tourism, and commerce. Ghana Elmina Castle: It lies on the southern previously was famous for producing coast of Ghana. It was constructed by gold and aluminium and mining diamond the Portuguese in 1482 A.D. It had the and nickel in addition to manufacturing distinction of being the first trade center textiles and various chemical products. in the Desert Sahara for Europe. The castle was also used as a station for gold. Main Landmarks: Kakum National Park: The Park is 7 Accra: Accra is the capital city and the some 20 kilometres north of Cape Coast. most populous metropolitan area in It is surrounded by plantations especially Ghana. It is most known for its enchanting cocoa villages. It is a green oasis of huge shores, historical and archaeological trees and wild animals. The Canopy buildings, libraries, and several historical Walkway, 350 meters long suspended 40 museums as well as the traditional meters above the ground, provides treetop markets and art exhibitions besides the views of the forest. old fortresses that date back to the 17th century A.D. History of Islam Kumasi: It is the capital city of the Muslims made a momentous entrance to Ashanti Region, in southern Ghana, 250 Ghana four centuries – and even more kilometres away from the capital. This – before the entrance of the British – city is known for its forests. Alternatively meaning by the end of the 16th century it is known as the Garden City because of A.D. through trade due to its commercial its many beautiful species of flowers. position on the trade routes on the Atlantic Cape Coast Castle: It is one of about Ocean. Muslim merchants anchored their ships on the Niger Basin and founded known as Gonga which was established Reportage their own empire from the Mande people to the south of the Niger Basin and who embraced Islam. There kingdom was then moved northwards to spread Islam under the leadership of its King Jakpa. He was assisted in his wars with leader Mohammad Al Abyad. Islam had great political influence, and it included more African tribes which used to mark Muslim holidays in ceremonies over dominated by an African trait. The Mande people further spread in the Africa territories to promulgate Islam. Their acquaintance of the famous Dagomba Language which is known by most tribes was of great help. 8 They moved to Yendi where they established their city in the 17th Century A.D., and spread Islam

Amantin City Mosque in the White Volta Basin assisted by the respect to the Ashanti Leader, they fought Dagomba tribes and the Hausa people him and defeated him because of their who had already embraced Islam. greed in his country and its mineral wealth The arrival and spread of Islam in including gold and diamond. However, Ghana was further boosted by the active African Muslim merchants became active movements of Muslim merchants from in their trade movements and moved the Borno and Hausa peoples. As such further southwards to Kintampo via the most of the Dagomba tribes embraced Volta River. They spread Islam among Islam, and in the 18th Century A.D., the the Mossi, Cotto, and Coli Tribes which number of tribes which embraced Islam sought to exchange goods with them. increased including the Mamprusi Tribes They established their city – Kete _ on in middle Ghana in Slaga City. In the the coasts until the British stopped them 19th Century, Muslims proceeded further totally after they spread their control all southwards, and they had their religious, over Ghana and the neighbouring states. social, and political life in Kumasi City Muslims suffered gravely under the British 9 which became a major trade center. The colonization until Ghana was liberated British acknowledged the prosperity of from the hands of the British colonizers. Muslims’ trade and culture and further respected them; however, despite their Muslims Today as besides being a place for worship, Reportage The Constitution of Ghana guarantees mosques are educational institutes the freedom of belief for the people; and centers for guidance. In mosques, consequently, any Dawa activity does not scholars give their religious preaches and violate the constitution, so Muslims work educational guidance such as promoting on spreading Islam freely. virtue and preventing vice. Besides, Ghana’s Muslims account for 27%. sessions are held in mosques for teaching However, some sides try to diminish their and interpreting the Holy Quran and number saying they represent a mere 15%. teaching the Chaste Prophetic Sunna. In fact, Muslims are present remarkably Sheikh Hassan Khalid talked about the in the various cities and villages. The impediments facing Muslims in his City of Tamale – the capital of the country clarifying that one of the main Northern Region – can be considered such obstacles is ignorance that spread really as the capital of Muslims due to the among Muslims and the many campaigns heavy Muslim population present there. led by perverse heresiarchs against 10 Furthermore, the city has clear Islamic Muslim Dawa activists what ended up aspects, and most Muslims speak the in some of them being jailed and others Hausa Language which is considered one being subject to assassination attempts. of the main languages. Dawa activists face the problem of lack of resources, and this has made it impossible Islamic Dawa and Activities in to acquire new and modern methods Ghana: and equipment to spread the message of According to Sheikh Hassan Khalid, Islam. These include printing presses and a prominent Ghanaian Islamic Dawa other communication equipment. activist, Islam reached through Dawa Moreover, disputes that erupt at times activists who visited the country among those in charge of the Dawa cause from the neighbouring African impede the Dawa work or performing it countries, whose sole aim was to improperly. spread Islam to their neighbours. He added that mosques play a major and Muslims Relation with the Authority: prominent role in the life of Muslims, The authority and Muslims in Ghana have had excellent relations. The arrival convert Muslims to their religions as was of the military government to power in revealed in the activities of anti-Islam 1989 was characterized by vast openness institutions. to Muslims through adopting the policy What is meant by ignorance here – of positive bias in favour of Muslims. relatively speaking – is the lack of Then the communist government knowledge of the teachings of Islam. In wanted to weaken the growing fact, many Muslims have a very weak Christian expansion in public life and knowledge of the teachings of Islam. create a balance in influence between The overwhelming majority of Muslims both Christianity and Islam. Thus the especially in rural areas are not acquainted Ghanaian government took measures with the basic teachings of Islam. which the Church viewed as unfriendly towards it such as preventing carols and Mosques in Ghana: Christian hymns in public media outlets Muslims built hundreds of mosques and exchanging the religious education in every region that believed in their 11 in Christian school curriculums with faith what contributed largely to the cultural studies. On the other hand, the promulgation of their Islamic teachings. government came to regard Eid al Fitr They further established schools for and Eid al Adha as official statutory teaching the Holy Quran next to mosques holidays, established the National Hajj as well as founded Islamic centers to help Council, and authorized several Islamic them in their social lives, address their societies which are active in the field of educational concerns, and assist them in health and education. all sides that guard their endurance and persistence in Ghana amid missionaries The Conditions of Muslims in led by other religious and the interest Ghana: some tribes show to join these other The Islamic societies in Ghana suffer faiths. from several problems, and the Muslims of Ghana are no exception. That includes Main Mosques: ignorance and poverty – the most crucial Larabanga Mosque: It is a mosque built gates through which Christians move to in the Sudanese architectural style in the 17th Century A.D. It is the oldest mosque conferences and seminars and spreading Reportage in the country and one of the oldest eight Islam, centers for teaching the Islamic mosques in West Africa. It has been religion and Fiqh, a vast and large library for referred to as the Mecca of West Africa. reading and research, a clinic for examining Al Nour Mosque: It is located in Sunyani patients and first aids, lounges for receiving City. Its land was granted by Sheikh senior tribe heads, ambassadors, and guests, Abdul Hamid more than three decades and a kindergarten. ago. He also drilled wells next to it for ablution. However, the mosque was Islamic Education in Ghana: not constructed except in 2009 A.D. Its Islamic education spreads in most of length is 18 meters, and its width is 13 Ghanaian areas, as Quranic schools are meters. It consists of two floors, and its annexed to mosques. Some Islamic states balconies are ornamented with white widely contributed to achieving plaster. A pyramid-shaped design tops its this phenomenon; however, front. Islamic education lacks 12 Al Ahmediya Mosque: It is located in a united curriculum Tamale City. It is more like a castle than a and school books mosque. It accommodates 3000 believers. that befit the local It has two identical architectural fronts environment. overtopped by two semi-circular golden domes. It comprises several sanitary and service utilities, halls for holding Rasool Allah (PBUHH) Mosque in Accra The books now available in Muslim Greater Accra Region: It includes schools in Ghana are a mix of many over 12 Islamic schools; however, curricula from several Arab countries. most students attend public schools Most school buildings are not suitable or evangelist schools in the morning for teaching. There is abundance in and then attend Islamic schools in the elementary schools but rarity in junior afternoon. In Accra, there are more than secondary and senior secondary schools. 10 elementary schools which teach the Modern subjects were introduced Quran and the Arabic Language. besides Islamic education and the Arabic The Central Region: It includes a large language. This contributed to enhancing number of Islamic schools spread all the conditions of Islamic schools and over this vast region. Among the most Arabic-Islamic education. Islamic prominent schools in this region is the education thus spread further, and more Institute of Memorizing The Holy Quran in schools were constructed; consequently, Nicrom Town and Suleimaniyah Schools. there was more interest in Islamic The Eastern Region: It comprises over 13 education. The geographic distribution of 14 Islamic schools in konoridua City Islamic schools in Ghana is as follows: and other cities and towns. One of the prominent schools is Oura Middle School and the public Arabic Schools League includes over 8 Islamic schools, and there Reportage which includes a group of schools. is a project to build a secondary school in Ashanti Region: This is one of the most the region. important regions in Ghana on the Islamic Upper East Region: There are more than level. It is also one of the advanced five Islamic schools which spread in the regions in the domain of education, and cities of this region such as the City of it includes more than 16 Islamic schools. Bolgatanga, Bawku, and Walawala. Brong Ahafo Region: The number of Muslims in this region is small, while the The Islamic Education in Ghana Qadiani sect is centralized there. Islamic suffers from several problems schools spread in some of its cities such represented in: as Techiman where the Islamic Tabsheer 1- Humble edifices that require renovation Society is active. Several Islamic schools and enlargement. are also found in Kintampo - as the majority 2 - The weakness of teachers. of its residents are Muslims – as well as in 3 - Lack of vocational and secondary 14 Asutifi, Sunyani. Wenchi, and Berekum. education. The Northern Region: It is the largest 4 - The unorganized curriculums of region as per its area as well as per the elementary and junior secondary the number of Muslims who form the education. majority of the residents. It is the pioneer 5 - The dire need to set united curriculums region in having Islamic and Arabic that suit Ghana. The Ministry of Education schools. The City of Tamale – the capital has responded to the demands of Muslims of the Northern Region – includes several and established an educational unit for middle schools such as the Anbariyah Islamic education in 1987 A.D., the School, Nouriyyah School, and the mission of which is to introduce public Islamic Nahda School as well as several education and its curriculum besides the elementary schools. Islamic education on condition that the Upper West Region: Wa - the capital government undertakes providing the of this region – is the seat of the Hidaya books and teachers of this curriculum. Islamic Foundation which supervises The seat of this unit is Tamale City – the Islamic activity there. The region the capital of the Northern Region. The very city is also the seat of the National than a decade later, in 1984, he returned Council for the Islamic Education Unit to to his native country Ghana with the serve Islamic education. determination to spread this noble ideology taken from Ahlulbeit (Peace Shia Muslims in Ghana be upon them) School of thought and to After the promulgation of Islam and invite his fellow brothers to their path. the Islamic Dawa, the sect of Ahlulbeit He was doing so by: started to spread broad and wide. It ● Adopting an approach free of extremism further got to be more popular and and intolerance. acceptable by many especially among ● Opening himself to the scholars and the learned and the educated youth. In followers of the other school of thoughts 1984, the path of Ahlulbeit (Peace be - while at the same time communicating upon them) found its way to Ghana via with the citizens of the country from a group of believers the most prominent other religions. His movement, aided figure among them is Sheikh Abdul by that of his fellow brothers, had a 15 Salam Bansi. Following is a brief massive success nationwide. One way biography of the late Sheikh. of evaluating this, is by looking at Sheikh Abdul Salam Abdul Hamid Bansi the large number of Muslims who (May Allah have mercy on him) was born committed themselves to this honourable in 1955 in Torla Village. Afterwards, he cause in the whole of Ghana and its travelled to another city, Bawku, where surroundings; the other way is by he had his Arabic language studies and looking at the active Islamic institutions learned about Quran interpretation and and productive projects founded by him Fiqh; he showed an edge over his peers. with the support of foreign missionaries. When he reached seventeen years of age, Shia Muslims enjoy freedom and a he moved to Accra. It was not too long sublime status in the Ghanaian state. Due until he received the opportunity to travel to their peaceful civil educational activity to Iran where he joined the religious and good relations with most of the other Hawza in the blessed city of Qum and religious sects, the path of Ahlulbeit remained there as a hardworking and (Peace be upon them) came to be much diligent student for several years. More valued and respected by the Ghanaian government. Even senior officials pay upon them) Compound which most Shia Reportage private visits to Shia Muslim institutions Muslims in Ghana are members in. and centers. For example, the Ghanaian Vice-president made an official visit to Shia Most Remarkable Activities Rasoul Al Akram Mosque on the eve in Ghana: of Al Adha Eid last year. This respect Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him) paid to Dawa activists gave them a Foundation: It was established in 1991 chance to spread the teachings of Islam, by late Sheikh Abdul Salam Bansi. participate in Islamic occasions, mark the anniversaries of the birthdays of The projects of the foundation: the Imams, and commemorate Ashura Rasool Allah (Peace be upon him and in mosques as well as visit the various his Household) Mosque in Accra: It was religious societies on top of them comes established in 1991. It accommodates 400 Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him) believers. It includes the Shia Ahlulbeit Foundation and Ahlulbeit (Peace be (Peace be upon them) Institute which is a 16

Imam Jawad (PBUH) Residents in Goasa religious Hawza with a religious program accommodates 200 believers. Its Imam similar to the programs of the religious is Sheikh Noureddine. The mosque Hawzas in Holy Najjaf and the blessed celebrates religious occasions including city of Qum. Hundreds of students have the Holy Month of Ramadan, Ashura, graduated from this institute over the and the deaths and births of the Infallibles years. (Peace be upon them). Imam Ali Reza (Peace be upon him) Sayyeda Fatima Zahraa (Peace be upon Mosque in Bawku: It is located her) Mosque: Its seat is Techiman city – at the border with Burkina Faso. It an important city which is a crossroad

17 Reportage

Children participating in the Ashura rally

between four states in West Africa. The includes besides the mosque, a central Imam of the mosque that accommodates religious Hawza for West African 750 is Sheikh Hussein Temteh. Likewise it students. It accommodates 700 students is engaged in Islamic festivals, and lately, with all their needs (classes and lodgings). 18 a religious Hawza was annexed to it. The complex further comprises a medical Nabi Aazam (Peace be upon him and clinic and sports facilities. his Household) Mosque: It is located Imam Ali (Peace be upon him) Mosque in Tamale, accommodates 500 believers, in Chuchiliga: It accommodates 300 and is led by Imam Sheikh Hassan Babu. believers. Sayyeda Maasuma (Peace be upon her) Imam Baqer (Peace be upon him) Mosque: Its seat is in Nyayanu, and it Mosque in Cataminsu: It accommodates accommodates 200 believers. 300 worshippers. Imam Mussa Kathem (Peace be upon Imamain Hassanian (Peace be upon him) Mosque in Nima in Accra: It them) Mosque in Widiyanga: It accommodates 300 believers, and its accommodates 300 believers, and its Imam is Sheikh Nuhu Bandago. Imam is Sheikh Yussof Bandago. Imam Ali (Peace be upon him) Complex Amantin City Mosque: It accommodates Mosque in Goaso: It is under construction, 300 worshippers. and it accommodates 1000 worshippers. Garutimbani City Mosque: It It is a part of a greater complex which accommodates 200 believers. Scholars participating in the Ashura rally

Takoradi City Mosque: It is under Fatima Zahraa (Peace be upon her) construction, and it accommodates 500 Islamic School for Girls in Accra: It has believers. a size of 350 students. Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him) Sayyed Al Wasieen School in Accra: It 19 Mosque in Ashaiman: It is led by Imam has the size of 250 students. Sheikh Idriss Dumah. Imam Hussein (Peace be upon him) Imam Ali (Peace be upon him) Mosque School in Ashaiman: It has the size of in Goasa. 350 students. Imam Mahdi (Peace be upon him) Imam Ali (Peace be upon him) Mosque in Zetwa: It is led by Sheikh educational Center in Tamale: It has the Thaleth Abu Bakr. size of 300 students.

Main Schools: Hawzas: Imam Sadeq (Peace be upon him) School Shia Ahlulbeit (Peace be upon them) in Goasa: It is an elementary school that Institute. It is attached to Rasool Aazam has a size of 300 students. The foundation (Peace be upon him) Complex in Accra. will annex a junior secondary school and a Hundreds of students have graduated senior secondary school to this edifice. from this institute over the years, the Imam Mahdi (Peace be upon him) School best of whom are sent to Holy Najjaf to in Jumo: It has a size of 300 students. continue their higher religious education. Techiman Hawza Sheikh Suleiman Adam (Manager of Reportage Goasa Hawza Dawa Affairs) Tamale Hawza Sheikh Mussa Hajj Lut (Manager of Imam Mussa Khazem (Peace be upon Hawzas and Culture Affairs) him) Hawza in Nima Hajja Im Radiyah Sajid Bansi (Manager The foundation likewise established Imam of Women Affairs) Jawad (Peace be upon him) Residents in Hajj Sajjad Bansi (Manager of Financial Goasa for all the Hawza married teachers Affairs) besides drilling a large number of wells in Sheikh Idriss Dumah various areas to help lessen the crisis of Sheikh Thaleth Abu Bakr drinking water shortage. Sheikh Noureddine Tijani Sheikh Zakariya Simbedogo The members of the Foundation: Sheikh Sibaway Abdulsamad (Imam Sheikh Nuhu Bandago (Director of the Mahdi School Principal) in Jumo Foundation) Sheikh Fahr Ali 20 Sheikh Hussein Temteh (Deputy Director Sheikh Hassan Babu and Imam of Sayyeda Fatima Zahraa This diversity in the societies and Mosque in Techiman City). institutions sponsored by Imam Hussein Sheikh Said Idriss (Head of the schools) (Peace be upon him) Foundation in Sheikh Suleiman Bandago (Project Manager) Ghana is considered an advanced turning

Prayer in Imam Mussa Kathem (PBUH) Mosque in Nima point in the procession of Ghanaian established in 2002 in Techiman. Other Muslims despite the economic and social examples include the Islamic Jaafari difficulties they suffer from and the School, Imam Jawad (Peace be upon marginalization attempts they are being him) Islamic Center, Ghadeer Brothers subject to. Still that did not weaken the Society, and Jaafari Movement in wills of those in charge in these religious Accra. and educational institutions. The Islamic University College in There are several other societies Ghana: It was established in September such as: World Institute for Islamic 2000 by the Ahlulbeit (Peace be upon Studies and Researches which was them) Foundation, which is a semi- established in the mid-90s, and its governmental institution affiliated seat is in Accra. to the Islamic Republic in Iran. The Other societies include: The Higher foundation used to supervise several Council for Islamic Dawa and cultural, religious, and educational Researches, Muslim Students League institutions in Iran and several other 21 in Ghana, Ahlulbeit (Peace be upon countries worldwide. The university was them) Youth Center, and Imam Mahdi granted accreditation from the National (Peace be upon him) Complex for Accreditation Board provisionally in Arabic and English Studies which was 2001 and finally in 2002. Reportage Continuation of the Editorial competently and objectively, while relying on clear and sound bases, with the developments of the time with all its phenomena and crises. As such, the magazine persevered from the very beginning to dedicate fixed chapters that discuss Islam and its correct doctrine, sublime sharia, concepts of the universe and life and method in educating man shape his personality through analytic and comparative approaches and and based on objective and authentic interpretations of the Holy Quran and ample understanding and reflection of Its evident Ayahs. These chapters further focus on approaching the biography of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him and his Household) and his unique sacred personality and his noble and righteous recommendations and teachings. Furthermore, these chapters give particular attention to the Traditions of the Household of the Prophet (Peace be upon them) and their perfect and steady method in comprehending Islam and applying it. In this perspective, the magazine continues in shedding light on the scientific and cultural heritage of Islam and the marvelous contributions of senior Muslim men and pious scholars. One of the topics that is granted considerable attention by the magazine and its dear writers is discussing and reflecting matters that concern our nation, societies, and countries as well as the causes, events, achievements, and crises that may have negative or positive influence on their status, conditions, and strength. Moreover, the magazine constantly discusses matters that concern women and their role and status, family affairs and related issues, and the sound bases for bringing up children and guiding them, besides the needs of the psychological and body health, and other vital issues such as scientific discoveries and relations with others. However, the distinctive effort which the magazine consistently exerts in each of its issues is the pictured reportage which aims to provide vivid and diversified information about the conditions 22 and affairs of a definite Muslim country or area where a Muslim community dwells and has its presence and status in one of the foreign states in this vast world. This section further highlights the active Islamic centers and institutions that serve Islam, Muslims, and the deemed-weak in general. In addition to all of that, each issue includes an exciting interview that relates the story and experience of men or women who were guided to Islam and embraced it willfully instead of other religions or beliefs which they eventually renounced. The last point to mention is that adding a constant section in the English Language gave the magazine a chance to deliver its message to many countries that speak this language and to many Muslim communities in foreign countries as well as to a growing number of non-Muslim individuals, centers, and libraries which wish to receive authentic knowledge about Islam. Finally and following the procession of efforts and struggle for the sake of Allah Al Mighty and for the sake of achieving His content that continued for thirty years, the magazine staff is pleased to make this direct presentation to its dear readers who offered it their precious confidence – first to thank and praise Allah Al Mighty Who embraced it with a sacred power and His merciful care what enabled it to continue and overcome many obstacles. The incessant many thanks of the magazine are second offered to the beneficent and benevolent who do not refrain from supporting the procession of the magazine with their bounty as well as to the people of virtue and knowledge – the dear reverent writers -who are still filling its pages with the light of their pens and the overflow of their brilliant minds without any grudge or charges; their sole concern is rather seeking the rewards of Allah Al Mighty…. It is our duty finally to laud and salute as well as pray for the safety and the divine support of the supreme religious authority which kindly sponsors the work of our magazine as well as the rest of the blessed works that are characterized with authenticity and general welfare. Noor Al-Islam Types of Divorce Khula’ and Mubarat

23 Khula’ divorce or Talaqul Khula’ precaution: “Hiya Taliq” i.e. “I have given The divorce of a wife who develops an Khula’ divorce to my wife Fatima in lieu aversion from husband and hates him, of what she has given me, and she is and surrenders to him her Mahr or some free’. And if the wife is identified, it is not of her property so that he may divorce necessary to mention her name in Talaqul her, is called Khula’ Divorce. The hatred Khula’ and also in Mubarat Divorce. must have reached a proportion where If a woman appoints a person as her she would not allow him conjugal rights. representative to surrender her Mahr to her If the husband himself wishes to pronounce husband, and the husband, too, appoints the formula of Khula’ divorce and his the same person as his representative wife’s name is, say, Fatima, he should to divorce his wife, and if, for instance, say after receiving the property: “Zawjati the name of the husband is Muhammad Fatimatu Khala’tuha ‘ala ma bazalat” and the name of the wife is Fatima, the and should also say as a recommended representative will pronounce the formula Fiqh

of divorce thus: “An muwakkilati given me. Hence, she is free.” And if he Fatimah bazalat mahraha li muwakkili appoints someone as his representative, Muhammad li Yakhla’aha ‘alayh”. Then the representative should say: “An qibali he says immediately: “Zawjatu muwakkili muwakkili bara’tu zawjatahu Fatimata khala’tuha ‘ala ma bazalat hiya Taliq”. ‘ala ma bazalat Fahiya Taliq”. And in And if a woman appoints a person as her either case, if he says: “bima bazalat”

representative to give something other instead of the words “’ala ma bazalat” than Mahr to her husband, so that he may there is no harm in it. divorce her, the representative should utter It is necessary that the formula of Khula’ the name of that thing instead of the word or Mubarat divorce is pronounced in “Mahraha” (her Mahr). For example, if correct Arabic. And if that is not possible, the woman gives $500 he should say: then the rule explained in 2517 will bazalat khamsa mi’ati Dollar”. apply. However, if for the sake of giving

24 her property, the wife says in English or Mubarat divorce any language that: “I give you such and If the husband and the wife develop such property in lieu of divorce” it will mutual aversion and hatred and the be sufficient. woman gives some property to the man If during the waiting period of Khula’ so that he may divorce her, this divorce is or Mubarat divorce the wife changes her called ‘Mubarat’. mind and does not give her property to If the husband wishes to pronounce the the husband, he can take her back as a formula of Mubarat, and for example, wife without Nikah. his wife’s name is Fatima he should The property which the husband takes say: “Bara’tu zawjati Fatimah ‘ala ma in Mubarat divorce should not exceed bazalat”. And as an obligatory precaution, the Mahr of the wife. But in the case he must add: “Fahiya Taliq”, that is “my of Khula’ divorce, there is no harm if it wife Fatima and I separate from each exceeds her Mahr. other in consideration of what she has Maurice Bucaille: An inspiring conversion to Islam

He was head of the French study team experiments. Actually the body was 25 to examine the mummy of Pharaoh that transferred to France, and the French was brought from Egypt to Paris late in president and his ministers as well as the 1980’s. senior officials in the country lined up Maurice Bucaille was born to a French near the plane carrying the pharaoh’s parent and, like his family, he grew up a body. Christian. After his secondary education, After the ceremonies, the mummy was he joined Faculty of Medicine, France transferred to a special wing at the French University. Later, he became the most Monuments Center, and renowned renowned and cleverest surgeon ever in archeologists, surgeons and anatomists modern France, but a story happened to started to conduct a study on this mummy change his life completely. in an attempt to delve into its mysteries. France is known for its unique interest in The senior surgeon and the scientist archeology and heritage. When French in charge of the study on this mummy Socialist President François Mitterrand of the Pharaoh was Professor Maurice assumed power in 1981, France asked Bucaille. While the processors were busy Egypt, late in the 80’s, for the mummy of making restoration to the mummy, their Egypt’s pharaoh so that it would conduct head (Maurice Bucaille) was thinking a string of monumental and processing otherwise. He was trying to discover how this Pharaoh died when, late at night, he “Where did the Muslims’ Qur’an quote concluded his final analyses. these data from while the mummy was The remains of the salt stuck in his not discovered until 1898, i.e. about 200

Welcome to islam to Welcome body was a shining evidence that he had years only, given that the Qur’an has been drowned and that his body was retrieved recited by Muslims for over 1400 years, from the sea swiftly after he drowned; and given also that until a few decades ago it was also obvious that they rushed to the entire mankind including Muslims did mummify his body so that his body would not know that the ancient Egyptians had remain intact!! mummified their pharaohs? But Maurice Bucaille puzzled over a Maurice Bucaille stayed up all this night question: How did this body — to the gazing at Pharaoh’s body, thinking deeply exclusion of other mummified bodies of of what his fellow researcher told him other ancient Egyptians — remain that about the Muslims’ Qur’an explicitly intact although it was recovered from establishing that this body was recovered the sea?” Maurice was busy conducting after drowning, while the Christians’ a final report while thinking as to whether Gospel (Matthew and Luca) narrated the pharaoh’s body was recovered from only the story of Pharaoh when he was 26 the sea and mummified immediately after chasing Prophet Musa (peace be upon he drowned. him) without mentioning the fate of his But one of his company whispered in body at all. his ear, saying “There is no need to “Is it believable that Muhammad (peace rush about this issue, since the Muslims be upon him) knew about this over 1,000 say that this Pharaoh did drown.” At years ago while I have only just known first, he vehemently rejected this and it?” he thought. did not believe it, citing that such a Maurice spent a sleepless night, and discovery would be reached only through asked for a version of the Torah. But it sophisticated, modern and accurate only furthered Bucaille’s astonishment; computers. since even Torah did not narrate that the Another one accompanying him surprised body was recovered and remained intact him more when he told him that the due to the processing and restoration, Muslims’ Qur’an in which they believe which it did undergo. narrates the story that says he drowned France sent back the mummy to Egypt and that his body remained intact even in a splendid glass coffin. But, since after he drowned. he knew about the story circulated by He got more surprised and kept on asking Muslims on the intactness of this body, he decided to pack his baggage and travel to Saudi Arabia where a medical conference happened to be held with a galaxy of Muslim anatomists attending. There, told them about his discovery, i.e. that Pharaoh’s body was kept intact even after he Western states, with the title of the book drowned. reading, “The Bible, The Qur’an and One of the conferees opened the Qur’an Science, The Holy Scriptures Examined and read out the Ayah in which Allah In The Light Of Modern Knowledge.” Almighty said, “So today we will (safely) The book sold out and even hundreds deliver you with your body that you may of thousands of it were translated from be a sign to the ones succeeding you; and French to Arabic, English, and other surely many among mankind are indeed languages, extending to include nearly all heedless of our signs.” (Yunus: 92) East and West bookstores. In his excitement, he stood before the In the preface of his book, Maurice 27 attendants and loudly said, “I have Bucaille said, “These scientific areas converted to Islam and believed in this which Qur’an established to the exclusion Qur’an.” of other Scriptures filled me with deep Back to France, Maurice Bucaille spent surprise early on, since it never struck 10 years conducting a study as to how my mind to see such a large amount of far the recently scientific facts match that scientific issues in such a variable and mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, trying to accurate way that they are a mirror image reassure himself that the Qur’an has never of what has recently been discovered in a contradicted with any single scientific book which has existed for more than 13 fact, so that he eventually came up with centuries.!! the conclusion that Allah Almighty said The Bible, The Qur’an and Science, of the Qur’an, “Untruth does not come the Holy Scriptures Examined In The up to it before (Literally: between its two Light Of Modern Knowledge was such hands) it nor from behind it; a successive a marvelous piece of writing that, in the sending down from (One) Ever-Wise, year 1988, the French Academy awarded Ever-Praiseworthy.” him its prize in history. He came up with an earth shaking book on the Holy Qur’an which jolted the entire Occasions

Teachings of Sayyeda Zainab (S.A.)

On the 5th of the 5th month of the 5th Sayyeda Fatima (S.A.) to her children. Hijri, after the completion of “Ahl-Al- Yahya Mazni says: “For 12 years I lived 28 Kisa’“ a daughter was born in the house as a neighbor of Abdullah, yet not once of Imam Ali (A.S.) and Sayyeda Fatima did I see the shadow of any lady, nor did I (S.A.). Such a daughter that she was a ever hear an echo of the voice or footsteps source of pride for a man like Ali. of Sayyeda Zainab (S.A.).“ It is this same If you search through history you will Zainab who came forward in a new light find very little about Sayyeda Zainab on the eve of “Ashura”. She protected the (S.A.) before the tragedy of Karbala, message of her grandfather, upheld the when she was at the age of 55. There are justice of her father, defended the rights vague accounts of Sayyeda Zainab (S.A.) of her mother, carried the banner of Islam teaching Tafseer-el-Quran but no detail after her brothers and rescued the Imam about her actual teachings. Apart from of the time from the burning camps. Her this there are a small number of narrations sermons in “Kufa” and “Shaam” were of attributed to her such as about the going utmost perfection leaving the sermons of of Sayyeda Fatima (S.A.) to Masjid-el- her father behind. Nabawi to demand her rights to Fadak. To realize the true personality of this great This character of Sayyeda Zainab (S.A.) lady it is essential to look at the calamities shows the upbringing and nurture of and tragedies that she faced. Her ability to withstand these great anguishes led her who the Ahlulbayt really were and what to being known as Ummul-Masaib (the their importance was. mother of grief). If we look at ourselves, At every step of her long journey she we would not be able to tolerate just a fulfilled these two missions, ready single one of those woes which she had to abandon everything to accomplish to endure. them. After her sacrifices, she became a verification of the following words of Which of her many heartaches can we Allah; “Those who believed and migrated narrate? and strived hard in Allah’s way with their Leaving her homeland, separation from possessions and their lives are far higher her husband, the dangers of facing the in rank in Allah’s view. They are those enemy, hunger and thirst, the loss of who achieved salvation.” loved ones, sleepless nights and the When the nation of Muhammad lost their most distressing the loss of her Chador. way, the world heard the echoes of the Sayyeda Zainab (S.A.) saw the ark of truth, the message of the prophets from Imam Hussain (A.S.) drowning in a sea the mouth of Imam Hussain (A.S.) who 29 of thirst and brought it to shore. preserved the message of the Prophets, Allah says: “Those who convey the from the first to the last, and became message of Allah and fear Him, do not Waarisul Anbiya’ (the inheritor of the fear anyone except Allah.” She on this prophets). to the full, shouldering the responsibility For Imam Hussain (A.S.), it was none of conveying this message, tolerating other than that great lady, Sayyeda difficulties whilst doing so. In her actions, Zainab (S.A.) who became the savior she left behind a legacy of patience and of his message. This daughter of the the upholding of truth. She taught that household upon whom Allah had with strong faith and remembrance of bestowed the mantle of purity in Surat Allah any difficulty can be undertaken, Al Ahzab, sacrificed her cloak to protect any crisis can be tackled without losing the withered tree of Islam from the fierce heart. gales of disaster. In the face of calamities, Sayyeda Zainab (S.A.) had two great she appeared a mountain of strength. missions to reveal the truth. One was A valuable lesson which can be learnt from to show the true face of Yazid and his the actions of Sayyeda Zainab (S.A.), as followers, and the other was to uncover she was paraded unveiled, through the streets of “Shaam” and “Kufa”, is that model, for men and women alike, till the Occasions those who place their full trust in Allah day of judgment. We must try to gain as will receive the help of Allah, in some much inspiration as possible, and try to form. As Allah says in the Quran, “And live our lives, in submission to Allah, and do not lose heart, and do not grieve, for with full trust in Him, like this brave lady you shall have the upper hand if you are did. true believers.” (3:139) She became a benefactor of Imam Hussain In the midst of troubles, Sayyeda Zainab (A.S.), and she was not afraid to sacrifice (S.A.) never lost trust in Allah. Her praise everything she had for the sake of Islam, for him remained strong. Each sermon like Asiya in the time of Firawn. Allah began with “All praise be to Allah.” took into account Asiya’s sacrifices, and Regardless of the difficulties she faced, said in the Quran, “Paradise, and save her faith remained firm. When Ibn- Ziad me from Pharaoh and his works; save me asked her in the courts of Kufa how she from the transgressing people." regarded the shameful defeat Allah had In the same way, those who follow the made her brothers face, Zainab replied, examples of great personalities, such as 30 “I have never seen anything but good for Sayyeda Zainab (S.A.) and Asiya, will Allah.” be rewarded. As Allah says in the Quran, The spirit of Zainab (S.A.) will live “Verily the angels descend on those who forever. Her courage, forbearance, and say ‘Allah is our Lord’ and then remain submission will continue to inspire those steadfast saying: Do not fear, nor grieve. who hear her story for all time to come. Receive the glad tidings of the garden She will remain a beacon of light, a role- which was promised to you.” (41:30). Around the World

Rest In peace Professor Mary Pierre...

Najaf will be waiting you

As she recommended in her will, "Marie Pierre Falcman" nicknamed "Mariam abo Dahab” was buried in Najaf in a mosque, located on the road of Hussein at column 172. After transferring her body from Paris to Najaf, the 31 funeral prayer was held in the square of the holy shrine of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) in the presence of the official and popular figures of Najaf. Mary was born in a Catholic family in 1952. She converted to Islam at the age of 18 and became "ascetic" when she converted to Shiite. She had an important role in shedding light on the systematic genocide of the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt in Pakistan caused by the religious extremism. She studied political science in Paris and worked as a researcher and professor at the Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations in Paris, she specialized in the study of Sunni-Shiite relations in Pakistan and Afghanistan and she visited the shrine of imam Ali (PBUH) in Najaf several times. German Atound the World the Atound interior minister floats idea of Muslim holidays

Germans are debating whether to allow the celebration of Islamic holidays at the state level in areas where large numbers of Muslims live. The discussions come after the interior minister endorsed the idea on October 10. Thomas De Maiziere, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) which won federal elections last month, made his comments during a campaign rally for state elections in Lower Saxony in the country's northwest. 32 "I'm willing to talk about the possibility of introducing Islamic holidays," de Maiziere said. According to the German constitution, all 16 states can decide on their own which religious public holidays are celebrated. The only holiday under federal law - meaning all states must mark the occasion - is Germany Unity Day, during which the reunification of Germany is celebrated. On the other hand, Alexander Dubrendt, one of the most prominent figures of the Christian Social Union, rejected the proposal. "Our Christian heritage is not subject to debate," he said. "There is no possibility of adding an Islamic holiday in Germany." Another member of the Christian Democratic Party refused, saying he saw no convincing reason to add such a holiday, given that the religious tradition in Germany was Christian and Jewish and not Muslim.