Eid Mubarak - Website of Islamic Centre of England

Living Islam
No.48October 2009
1
Living Islam
Newsletter of the Islamic Centre of England
No. 48, October 2009
In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful
In the occasion of Birth Anniversary of Imam Reza (AS)
Student Life
The Al-Karaouine University
Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (as): Enlightening Muslims through Humility
Shaheed Syed Ikram Ul Haque
A Mega Quran Exhibition
Allah’s Justice (‘Idalah)
Childhood Obesity
News from the Islamic Centre
Eid Mubarak
2
No.48October 2009
Living Islam
In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful
Dear readers,
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah
We wish to convey the most sincere greetings for the Eid ul Fitr, celebrating the completion
of the holy month of Ramadhan, this beautiful source of spiritual blessing.
The presence of the Divine Revelation has united the Muslim Communities in fasting and
abstaining from the instincts of our natural passions.
Now we only hope, we would be able to continue to commit ourselves to the same spirit of
those blessed days of the holy month, by fulfilling our religious and civil responsibilities.
In one word a new- year has started. A new beginning, representing a new cycle of convergence
and brotherly cooperation to safeguard and promote the Universal Values of Islam, the
religion which Prophet Muhammad (s), the shining example of the Seal of Prophethood, has
entrusted us with.
Let us not be distracted by the temptations of the ignorant and the hypocrites, to divert us
from our common responsibilities to build the present and the future of the Muslim society
in this country and in the world.
Let us produce Muslim believers who would be examples of dignified, respectful, honest,
and intellectual, justice seeking beings.
May Allah guide us all to make use of the spiritual treasure handed down to us by Prophet
Muhammad(s) and his holy progeny.
Eid mubarak!
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah
Good on you Asda
We have received this photo
from one of our readers. It shows
a series of large Eid Greetings
placards hanging from the main
corridor in one of the leading
supermarket in London. Without
being to cynical about it we
should welcome action such as
this since indirectly represents
recognition that Islam and
Muslim are now an integral part
of British society.
Living Islam
No.48October 2009
3
On the occasion of
Birth Anniversary of
Imam Reza
(AS)
30th October
The infallible Imams are the beloved of
Allah (swt) because of their out¬standing
dedication to fulfil His will and
command. This sets them aside from all
other people, and makes them practical
examples to follow. They taught us
lessons of life and imparted knowledge
of the mundane and the Divine. They did
not segregate and sepa¬rate themselves
from people and did not lead their lives
on the style and pattern of the tyrants
and oppressors. They did not overlook
or show heedlessness and disrespect to
anyone.
Followings are few examples by which
we could learn and practice right
morality by studying Imam Redha’s day
to day life.
Imam Redha (as) and Morality
Sheikh Saduk narrates through the words
of Ibrahim bin Abbas that: “I never saw
Imam Al-Ridha (as) committing excess
over anyone in talk¬ing and interrupting
anybody’s speech
Page 3 Cont/. Imam Reza
before its coming to the end. He did not
stretch his legs in the presence of others.
When the meal table was laid he invited
the servants to it, and took his meals with
them. Af¬ter taking rest in the nights
he got up and made himself busy with
the prayers to God. Similar to his fore
fathers he carried food to the houses of
the afflicted ones at the mid of nights.”
“Mohammad bin Abi Ebad” says about
Imam (as) “He used mats of palm date
leaves, straws and marsh reed in the
summer season, and woollen carpets in
the winter.”
He led a simple life in his home, but
when he went out he used to decorate
himself and put on new and clean dress.
He respected and honoured the guests
to the extent that one night a lamp of
the house went out of order, the guest
got to his feet to put it right. Imam (as)
made him sit and he set the lamp right,
and said, “We do not employ our guests
(exploit) upon work.”
Yasir, the servant of Imam (as) says,
Imam (as) said to us, “Whenever you are
busy taking your meal, if I call you, do
not get up till you have finished eating.”
Another friend of Imam (as) says,
“One day a stranger came to Imam’s
(as) house and said, I am one of your
friends and am also not a poor man but
my money has finished up and I do not
have enough money to return. You give
me an amount and when I return to my
city I will give it out as alms on your
behalf.” Imam (as) got up and went to
another room, brought an amount of two
hundred dirhams and gave it to him from
upside the door and said, “Take this and
go and it is not necessary to give it away
as alms on my behalf.”
They asked the Imam (as), “Why did
you do it this way that he may not see
you.”
He said, “So that he does not catch my
sight and get ashamed (em¬barrassed).”
Sulayman Ja’fari narrates: One day
Imam (as) saw his servants busy in
gardening and he saw a stranger, who
was also busy in gardening with them.
Imam (as) asked: “Who is he?” The
servants replied: “We have hired him
today so that he may help us.”
Imam (as): “It’s all right. How much
wages have you fixed for him?”
Servants: “We will give him something
and would make him satis¬fied.”
The signs of displeasure and anger
appeared on Imam Al-Ridha (as) face
and he wanted to punish them.
Imam (as) said: “I have repeatedly given
orders that till the work and wages are
not fixed; never get the work done by
anyone. First fix the wages of the person
and then get the work done. Even if you
have fixed the wages, you could give
something extra to him after the work
is over. Certainly, when he finds that
you have given him more than the fixed
wages, he would be thankful to you
and would like you. And the affection
between you and him would increase.
And even if you would give him the
wages you have fixed, the person would
not be unhappy with you. But if you do
not fix the wages and employ someone
to work, whatever you would give him
after the work, he would not think that
you have done a favour to him. Rather,
he will think that you have given him
less than his actual wages.”
“Faith (Imaan) stands on
four supports: Trust in Allah;
Satisfaction in whatever
He destines; Submission to
His commandments; and
entrusting Him with all the
affairs. Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as)
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Living Islam
No.48October 2009
Student Life
By Amir De Martino
Many youths throughout the UK
are getting ready to face a new
challenge; starting student life.
For some the academic year at
university will involve having to
move out of the comfort of the
family home and the daily care
and attention of parents.
For Muslim boys or girls the
all process may even be more
daunting, as they tend to live
in closer family environments,
making the transaction of
living in university campuses
quite difficult, especially if the
university is in a different city.
It is a well known fact that many
students may experience the first
year of attending University to be
relatively stressful. This is true
for both resident and commuter
students alike. This is caused by
reasons such as;
• Loneliness due to living away
from family and high school
friends
• Meeting and adjusting to new
people.
•Facing new responsibilities,
making important decisions.
•Living
with
roommates
necessitates negotiating respect
for personal property, need for
sleep, and personal space.
• Higher standard of University
classes are considerably more
difficult than high school classes
• Difficulty in switching from the
structured learning environment
in high schools to a more liberal
class structure and more free time
in college.
There are however, there are
ways which could help students
to adjust into their first year at
university much easier such as;
• Involving with new people and
ideas.
• Attending campus events.
• Participating in university’s
activities.
• Creating a budget and well
planned spending pattern.
• Addressing the issues involving
the roommates in an open and
honest way.
• Getting to know the academic
advisors and utilizing their
assistance as needed.
• Attending classes regularly
and not to procrastinate with
assignments.
• Wise weekly time planning.
Allowing reasonable amount of
time to rest, relax and enjoying
the student life.
• Taking good care of ones body
and soul.
• Familiarizing and utilizing
campus resources, such as the
Student Health Centre, Career
Development, the Academic
Development Centre, Campus
Islamic association, and the
Counselling Centre.
Unlike ten years ago Muslim
students today have it relatively
easy. Most universities have
allocated prayer rooms, meeting
the religious requirements of
their Muslim population. Islamic
societies have multiplied with
university
Muslim
students
providing one of the most active
forces in the Islamic propagation.
Shi’a Islamic societies also
are now present in the major
universities in the UK. ( http://
www.abduk.org).
Alongside all these developments,
the doors unfortunately, have
also opened up to the extremist
elements. The latter group
hold exclusivist view trying
to highjack places of worship,
imposing conformity to their view
upon the individual worshipers.
It is therefore important for
students to know their rights and
to understand that University
authorities allocate areas and
spaces for religious worship
for all. No one has the right to
intimidate other for the difference
in their religious practice.
The Islamic Centre of England is
more than happy to officialise on
your behalf any complains you
may have in this regards within
your educational institution. One
should remember that University
is not a place for preaching but
is a place where ideas in the
most rational and convincing
manner and according to
certain intellectual standards
are presented. The concept of
Education has changed a lot over
the years. University students
tend look at their studies, merely
as an investment for a better
future and at universities, as
places where one acquires skills
and expertise to find lucrative
jobs. For a practicing believer
this very materialistic concept of
knowledge comports a problem.
Islam puts a high premium on
knowledge and education, after
all Prophet Muhammad(s) was
the teacher par excellence. His
teaching and the knowledge
that he imparted has a finality
that serves as a bridge between
our worldly existence and the
spiritual dimension of life.
Muslim scientists of the past had
no problem in seeing science as
a tool to discover the beauty and
complexity of Allah’s creation.
Their contribution and endeavour
provided humanity with the most
valuable instruments towards
progress. They were able to
operate within the full agreement
of their faith, quite different
from the situation faced by their
Christian counterparts.
On starting the new academic year
let us remember that a complete,
worldly and spiritual education,
should supply us with the best
means of promoting intellectual,
moral, physical and economic
well-being.
In a university environment we
will most probably be confronted
Living Islam
by new ideas, philosophies and
world views, some of these can
throw our belief system out of
balance, if we are not adequately
prepared for it. Modernity has been
the major challenge to religious
world views and in many cases
has been able to undermine weak
and superstitious believe systems,
exposing their inadequacy. Islam
however, stands out amongst
other belief systems. Islam with
its profound rational and spiritual
basis has been able to re-tune
itself according to time and space
(ijtihad) whilst keeping its core
beliefs intact.
Over the last thirty years, Muslim
scholars and scientists have been
able to reclaim a much absent
presence in the field of research
and innovation in many fields of
natural and social sciences.
Traditional centres of Islamic
teachings are ill equipped to
provide individuals with the
necessary instruments capable
of developing critical thinking
which facilitates the formulation
of intellectual responses to the
challenges of modern life.
There is a need for university
students to keep up to date with
the latest Islamic thinking and to
network with Muslim scholars
and intellectuals who have good
critical understanding of the
“modern thoughts”.
If you find that you need some
assistance in this regard do not
hesitate to contact us at the Centre
and we will be happy to assist
you.
No.48October 2009
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The Al-Karaouine University
The story of Masjid Al-Karaouine
represents the true understanding of
Productivity in Islam. The Masjid
is located in the historical city of
Fes in Morocco.
The masjid is also better known as
the oldest continuously operating
institution of higher learning in
the world by the Guinness Book
of World Records. But even more
amazing is the story behind this
mosque.
The story goes that the mosque
was built by a pious woman known
as Fatimah Al-Fihri, the daughter
of a wealthy merchant named
Muhammad Al-Fihri. The Al-Fihri
family had migrated from Kairouan
(hence the name of the university),
Tunisia to Fes in the early 9th
century, joining a community of
other migrants from Kairouan who
had settled in a western district
of the city. Fatimah and her sister
Maryam, both of whom were
well educated, inherited a large
amount of money from their father.
Fatimah vowed to spend her entire
inheritance on the construction of
the mosque.
What’s incredible about this vow
was that not only did she vow to
spend her entire inheritance on the
mosque, but she also made sure that
any money that goes into building
this mosque comes from a purely
halal source. Moreover, whilst the
mosque was being built, Fatimah
spent her days fasting until the
mosque was complete.
The result was not just a mosque,
but
Al-Karaouine
quickly
developed into a place of learning,
understanding and debate. The
University
of
Al-Karaouine
became the pinnacle of the Muslim
land higher education years before
Oxford or Cambridge hosting a
wide range of subjects, (not only
religious but even sciences &
mathematics).
It’s amazing how when you walk
into Al-Karaouine and realize that
this was a place where Muslim
scholars taught, kings sent their
sons to learn, and knowledge was
produced, that you cannot but feel
awe at the place.You can only
wonder at the powerful nature
of the blessing of Allah, which
when someone taps into it with
their sincere intention and hard
work, remains eternally attached
to whatever you worked hard for.
Fatimah Al-Fihri combined tapped
into this blessing with her spiritual
side (the fasting) along with her
hard work (ensuring every dime is
halal) and Allah blessed it in ways
she could not even imagine, and
that’s the key to Productivity in
Islam.
Living Islam is published by
the Cultural Department of the
Islamic Centre of England
Editorial Address:
Living Islam
c/o Islamic Centre of England
140 Maida Vale,
London W9 1QB
Tel: 0207 604 5500
email: livingislam@ic-el.com
6
No.48October 2009
Living Islam
Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (as):
Enlightening Muslims through Humility
When asked to use the Ahlul Bayt
(as) to help alleviate major issues in
Islam and in the world today, many
would respond by tackling problems
such as terrorism, poverty, and
fascist governments. The majority
of Muslims see problems that are
rooted outside of the Ummah and
are infiltrating it from the exterior.
However, the Muslim community
is plagued by many simple issues,
such as character flaws, that are
hugely detrimental to the way the
world views Islam. As the flag
bearers of Islam in the West, we
have a huge responsibility to Allah
(swt) and to our fellow Muslims.
It is on our shoulders to display
an accurate and positive portrayal
of Islam to counter the negative
propaganda being used to incite
hatred towards such a beautiful
religion of peace. Forty-six percent
of Americans polled in 2006 had
an unfavourable view of Islam,
meaning Muslims are not living up
to their duty. Muslims have to do
their best to perfect their character
and behaviour in order to follow
their religion in their daily affairs.
The Ahlul Bayt is the perfect role
model for how we should behave
and treat others. Imam Jafar asSadiq (as) demonstrated specific
examples of ideal behaviour, he is a
perfect person to study when trying
to perfect oneself.
Imam Jafar’s (as) knowledge
was not only limited to religion and
Allah (swt), but was unparalleled
in the fields of math and science.
His experiences gave him an
intricate view of the world around
him making him better able to lead
the Ummah and help solve their
problems. Therefore, Muslims
should abide by the teachings of this
incredibly knowledgeable scholar
who felt it was his responsibility
to help enhance the quality of
Muslims. Imam Jafar (as) said,
“Ignorance is in three things:
arrogance, the intensity of dispute,
and the ignorance about God.”
Muslims today display signs of
arrogance and lack humility, things
which, as Imam Jafar (as) said:
prove one’s ignorance. Of course,
self confidence is very necessary
and encouraged in Islam, however,
too much of it can make a person
conceited. The Muslim community
has been plagued with many
instances of arrogant behaviour.
For example, many Muslims will
not associate with other Muslims
because they believe their race
is superior to the other’s race. In
Allah’s eyes, no one is exceptionally
dear to God because of his race,
ethnicity, physical abilities, or other
corporeal characteristics. Instead,
Allah (swt) judges people by their
deeds and their faith. Why, then,
can a practicing Muslim not sit next
to someone in a mosque because of
their nationality? If Muslims want
people of other religions to respect,
tolerate, and understand them, they
have to begin by viewing all others
equally, and treating them with the
utmost respect. The Ahlul Bayt
never discriminated against anyone
based on the colour of their skin,
their background, or even their
religion, and never offensively
exaggerated their own importance.
Many Muslims today, have
escalated opinions of them and
hold egotistical thoughts which
lead to the put down of others. A
person may not act arrogantly, but
may still posses haughty thoughts
which can lead to certain actions
meant to mar other people. For
instance, it may be the holy month
of Ramadhan and a Muslim may
be fasting in a workplace with
many non-Muslims. One of those
non-Muslims may ask about the
reasoning behind fasting and that
Muslim may think arrogantly,
“Why should I explain this? He’s
too stupid to understand,” or “It
doesn’t matter if he understands
it or not.” This type of thinking is
very detrimental to Islam and is
an extreme hindrance for Muslims
worldwide. As Muslims are trying
to help non-Muslims understand
Islam and to further tolerate and
respect it, it is necessary to be
perceptive and willing to deal with
any questions or comments. Simply
explaining the reasoning behind
Islamic worship opens many
people’s minds and helps get rid of
many prejudices or stereotypes. The
Ahlul Bayt believed no question is a
Living Islam
stupid question and strove to answer
every person’s inquiry clearly and
thoroughly. Someone once asked
Imam Jafar (as) to show him God.
Of course, this seems silly because
being human it is impossible to
see Allah (swt) Himself. However,
Imam Jafar (as) responded patiently
and to the point. He said, “Look at
the sun.” The man said he could not
because the sun is much too bright.
Imam Jafar (as) replied, “If you
cannot see the created, how can
you expect to see the Creator?” No
matter what a person may ask, it is
vital to remain humble and stay as
far away as possible from arrogant
thoughts.
Allah (swt) sees it very
important
that
money
and
materialistic things do not prevent
a united Ummah. It is incredibly
imperative for Muslims not to
judge people by the clothes they are
wearing, or the amount of money
they make. Allah (swt) teaches us
this during the Tawaf of the Holy
Kaa’ba during Hajj where everyone
is told to wear the Ihram. Allah (swt)
is making it apparent that the vast
expanse of people should do exactly
the same thing. This significant
lesson should be implemented by
Muslims in their lives and their
view of others. Instead of acting
arrogantly towards someone who
may make less money or not dress
as nice as them, Muslims should
treat all equally, especially if the
other party is pious and humble.
No.48October 2009
Another aspect of an arrogant
person is the thought that everyone
and everything else is meant to serve
that person. Some Muslims believe
that they are better than other people
because they are more “religious”
and, therefore, believe that others
should cater to their needs. It is
narrated that Imam Jafar as-Sadiq
(as) was wearing a rough dress and
he was working in a garden like an
ordinary labourer and perspiring all
over. He was asked to allow other
to work for him. He said: “I love
working for my livelihood and to
taste the hardship of the burning
heat of the sun like others.” The
Imam, which exceeded all people
of his time in piety and faithfulness,
never depended on anyone for
his livelihood and never expected
anyone to do him favours. He is
an ideal role model for Muslims
today who may need to redirect
their perspective to become more
cantered on God and not themselves.
Imam Jafar (as) is the quintessence
of humility and piety. He proved
that no Muslim should depend on
others for a living, or any other
favour. Those who are dedicated
solely to themselves cannot devote
their lives to serving Allah (swt).
As the Argentinean poet, Jorge
Luis Borges has said, “…the image
of the Lord has been replaced by a
mirror.”
If Muslims want to avoid being
ignorant individuals, it is essential
to erase all traces of arrogance
and become humble. By acting
7
according to their religion, Muslims
will show the world what Islam is
truly about. Imam Jafar (as) is the
perfect person to follow and imitate
when trying to portray Islam in
a positive light. His humility,
kindness, and piety attracted all
types of people towards him. The
followers of Islam need to weigh
the outcome of their actions and use
their relationship with Allah (swt)
to create a better relationship with
the people around them. Only when
Muslims have established a view
of equality amongst all people, can
they establish a connection with
a world that embraces Islam. By
implementing the model of Imam
Jafar as-Sadiq (as) in our everyday
lives, we can bring joy to the hearts
of our guides, the Ahlul Bayt, and
gain the abundant blessings of our
creator, Allah (swt).
By: Mahya Shamai (Age: 17)
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Living Islam
No.48October 2009
Inna li llahi wa inna ilay-hi rajiun
Shaheed Syed Ikram Ul Haque
َّ‫َوال َت ُقولُوا لِ َم ْن ي ُْق َت ُل ِفي َسبيل ه‬
ِ‫الل‬
ِ ِ
ٌ ‫أَ ْم َو‬
َ ‫ُر‬
‫ون‬
ُ ‫ات َب ْل أَ ْح َيا ٌء َولَ ِك ْن ال َت ْشع‬
“And do not speak of those
who are killed in the path of God are dead; they are alive, but
you do not perceive/comprehend.”(Qur’an, Surah al-Baqarah, Verse 154)
Brother Syed Ikram Ul Haque,
A devout Muslim pensioner,
who was attacked by a racehate gang of schoolboys, died
on September 8th 2009-18th of
Ramadhan.
He suffered horrific head
injuries in the assault outside
Idar-e-Jafaria in Tooting,
South-West London, where he
had just prayed.
As he and his granddaughter
Mariam waited for a lift by
friends, the gang ran up behind
him and clubbed him around
the head.
Two other worshippers chased
the thugs away but Mr Haque
had suffered horrific head
injuries.
“Mariam was very shaken and
disturbed’, said her father, Mr
Haque’s son Erfan.
The attack was caught on
CCTV. Police have linked
the assault on the retired care
worker to a series of other
attacks on elderly Asian people
near the mosque in the area.
Police stated that they were
treating the attack on Mr Haque
as racially motivated.
Erfan his son, described the
assault on his father as ‘mindless
violence’ but urged people
in the Muslim community to
remain calm.
Ekram Haque was born in
Calcutta. In 1972 he moved
to Belfast in search of work,
where he met his wife a then
moved to London in the early
1980s.
Mr Haque originally worked
in textiles but later became
a warden in a home for the
disabled. He retired last year
and was looking after Mariam
on weekdays.
At the time of the attack, he
was making final preparations
to take her to Pakistan and
Australia on holiday.
His son said: ‘My father
loved living in Britain.
He considered himself a
Londoner. He was enjoying his
retirement and seeing a lot of
his granddaughter.
‘He was a kind, loving person,
who always went out of his way
to support anyone who needed
support. I just want justice.’
Two youths aged 14 and
15 have appeared before
Wimbledon Youth
Court
accused of committing grievous
bodily harm with intent on Mr
Haque.
They and another boy, aged 12,
are also accused of conspiracy
to commit GBH and two counts
of assault on victims in their
40s and 70s. Another 14-yearold has been charged over the
attacks, but has yet to appear in
court.
He was a well known face in
the circle of the British Shi’a
community.
Many people
who knew him will miss him
considerably. Sister Zahra
Hosseini-Momen, a London
resident has these words to say
abut him;
It’s almost over 25 years now
that I have known Br Ikram and
it is only good attributes that I
have to remember him by.
He was a devout Muslim,
sincere, kind, gentle, and
selfless, he had a heart and
hand extended to anyone that
needed a friend, his faith was
strong, and he had a very warm
smile.
I was blessed to have had
known him, and he will be
missed so very much.
Those who have taken his life
do not realise how they have
removed a wonderful soul. If
we had more people like Br
Ikram in the world, it would be
a far better place.
For me Br Ikram is a
SHAHEED, and I pray he will
remember us on the Day of
Judgement as he is a Shaheed
of Ramadhan.
May his soul rest in peace.
Living Islam
No.48October 2009
9
A Mega Quran Exhibition
For us Muslims living as
minority in the western
countries the idea of an
exhibition on the Holy Quran
covering twice the size of the
Olympia exhibition hall is hard
to imagine. This Ramadhan I
was fortunate enough to attend
one of biggest exhibition on
Qur’an and quranic related
topics.
The
17th
International
Holy Quran Exhibition was
inaugurated
at
Tehran’s
Imam Khomeini Mosalla.
The exhibition opened a
week before the beginning
of Ramadhan on the motto of
“fostering the Quranic concepts
and providing the visitors with
maximum services”
The event provides an
opportunity for people to
become acquainted with the
latest scientific research and
other activities focusing on the
Holy Qur’an.
The
annual
exhibition
displayed only a fraction of
all the projects which are
undertaken on the Holy Quran
each year, but it always attracts
a great number of visitors and
is warmly welcomed.
The Holy Quran is considered
a treasure for every Muslim
and in recent years schools,
universities, and mosques
have shown a great tendency
towards
increasing
their
Quranic activities.
The theme of this year’s
exhibit is “Quranic Life,
Islamic Solidarity” and several
changes have been made to the
event compared with previous
years’ editions.
Research committees were
also established in other cities
to screen live sessions from
the Tehran exhibition which
were broadcasted on national
satellite channels.
The books on display in the
exhibition were not for sale,
but a separate bookshop were
set up which were selling
religious and Quranic works at
discounted price.
An exhibition featuring the
lives of the Holy Prophets (s)
was also set up on the side lines
of the event.
The International Holy Quran
Exhibition is held annually in
Tehran during the holy month
of Ramadhan.
This year 32 guests from
15 countries attended the
international section of the
Quranic cultural and artistic
activities of the exhibition.
Among
the
participants
12 researchers on Quranic
sciences, with their works, 20
artists with their calligraphies,
Tazhib (illumination), and
artists writing on skin, wood
and metal were among them.
Azerbayjan, Bangladesh, Iraq,
Germany, India, Lebanon,
Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Spain,
Syria, Tajikestan are the
countries that took part in the
event.
Aspecialized meeting on “Quran
Research
Methodology”
was also held on the 9th of
September, at the Academic
Section of exhibition.
The meeting was held by
Payam-e Noor University with
the presence of Fathullahi, a
university lecturer, following
the series of the meetings held
by the Academic section of the
exhibition.
Academic Section of the 17th
international Quran exhibition
had
organized
various
specialized meetings since
the opening of the exhibition
which runned until September
14.
The event was truly a feast for
the eyes and years who are able
appeciate the different arts and
sciences developed in Islamic
society around this Sacres
Scripture.
10
Living Islam
No.48October 2009
Allah’s Justice
(‘Idalah)
Since antiquity, the question of
‘idalah (justice) and equity has
been man’s most fundamental
concern and most important
ideal on the planet earth.
‘Idalah has been among the
issues each and every high
–minded individual has given
careful attention to. Discussions
about ‘idalah and equity, its
nature and quality as well as
procedure for its materialization
and enforcement in human
society and within man’s soul
have always been regarded as
primary needs in man’s life.
Moreover, the tendency to
‘idalah and ‘idalah seeking are
not merely a demand and a need
sought by man; they are, in fact,
an aspect of man’s natural and
rational predisposition without
which his humanity cannot find
meaning.
‘Idalah is a virtue on which an
improvement in man’s life and
human societies is dependent.
This
virtue
engenders
perseverance and temperance
in man as in individual
and steadfastness, equality,
modernization and freedom in
human societies as well. The
absence of ‘idala in society, leads
to discrimination, oppression,
corruption and deficiency of
public concord, consequently
transforming a healthy society
into one resting on inequality,
injustice and incoherence.
By looking into the sacred
scriptures and history of Divine
religions, we come to realize
that prophets (peace be upon
them) had been delegated to
dispense ‘idalah and equity
in society. Their mission was
aimed at helping people rise
up for ‘idalah and equity.
Therefore, one of the noblest
goals of divine religions has
been the dispensation of equity
and ‘idalah in the human society
and in man’s self. Succeeding
the prophets, the immaculate
Imams (as) and reformers have
endeavoured to materialize this
significant concept.
A survey of history of political
thought since time immemorial
up to the present day is expressive
of the fact that optimal ideas
and genuine aspirations of
the world’s great thinkers and
philosophers have been to
explicate ‘idalah and dispense it
in human society. Hence, it can be
admitted that equity and ‘idalah
is a principle in human society.
Hence, it can be admitted that
equity and ‘idalah is a principle
that injects life and meaning to
human society. It is like water
that invigorates the tree of man’s
existence (individual) and his
collective existence (society)
keeping them alive, stable and
verdant. Without ‘idalah they
wither and lose freshness and
life. As such every vigilant and
liberal thinker has been one
way or another, in quest of the
attainment of the real meaning
and concept of ‘idalah and its
materialization in society. From
the theoretical aspect, the subject
of ‘idalah has been treated as an
important question in political
thought, in general, and political
philosophy in particular, in the
Islamic oriental and occidental
world.
Many of the prominent ancient
philosophers, particular the
Greek philosophers, define
‘idalah as putting things in their
proper natural place and station.
Consequently, just and natural
properties were looked upon by
most of them as synonymous and
equal. Moreover they thought of
this natural position and status
as being desirable and ideal.
In
contemporary
Western
liberalistic thought, ‘idalah
denotes retaining and preserving
the individual’s fundamental
rights, assuming a descriptive
aspect, resulting in a type
of utilitarian mentality. In
Living Islam
this attitude, therefore one
may perhaps take a just and
humanistic
attribute as synonymous with
each other. In a socialist thought
and attitude, the concept of
social justice is maintained
as fundamental pillar and
principles,
yet
socialists
propound distributive ‘idalah
as ‘idalah in the distribution of
products, resources and outputs.
In this respect the question
of ‘idalah, assumes a purely
economic aspect and is settled
simply by rational economy.
‘Idalah in this perspective is
inclined towards the just and
equal distribution of wealth.
This notion of ‘idalah, is inspired
by need and countenances, the
negation of private ownership
in absolute terms. The Socialist
outlook eclipses and immolates
the freedom of human beings and
fails to materialize and dispense
social ‘idalah in practice.
In the world of Islam and the
sphere of Islamic thought
and Civilization too, different
theories and viewpoints have
been put forward on the question
No.48October 2009
of ’idalah and its implication.
In Islam, Shi’ah and Sunni
schools have presented varying
viewpoints. Generally speaking,
in Islamic thinking, ‘idalah
has been maintained as the
foundation and fundamental axis
of all social affairs. In contrast
to other religious as well Greek
philosophers, who had given
a personal, individual and, at
times, natural tint and dedicated
their energy to individual
salvation and deliverance, Islam
has devoted most of its attempts
to the provision of social and
human ‘idalah, the public
salvation and deliverance of
human beings.
Of course, all religions and most
of the philosophers eventually
seek the individual’s salvation,
deliverance and happiness.
However, in Islam and Islamic
theosophy, individual salvation
and happiness actualizes in
society in light of the realization
of virtue, particular ‘idalah and
equity. Generally speaking,
from the Islamic point of view
man will become happy when he
dedicates himself to the service
of public interests by dispensing
‘idalah and equity in society.
11
From the viewpoint of the
Qur’an, ‘adl (Just) is one of
the Attributes of God and has
different dimensions such as
‘adl in creation of creatures,
endowing them with talents,
enabling creatures to accomplish
their perfection based on their
natural dispositions, management
and administration of the world
of existence, legislation and
enunciation of the laws required
by individuals and society; ‘adl
in the afterlife is, attending to,
measuring and evaluating man’s
deeds on a scale. Divine ‘adl is
an Attribute of God. While being
real, perfect and absolute, it is
one of the principles of creation.
Accordingly, it is calculated as
one of the fundamental principles
in the life of the individual and
society, and in the School of
Ahl al Bait (as) (Shi’a), it is
considered on of the principles
of Islamic belief.
12
Living Islam
No.48October 2009
Health
Childhood
Obesity
By Dr Laleh Lohrasbi
“Oh you who believe, do not
forbid the good which Allah has
made lawful for you and do not
exceed limits. Surely Allah does
not love those who exceed the
limits.” (5:87)
One of the main principals of
good health in Islam is a balanced
diet. Prophet Mohammed (s) has
emphasized on the habit of eating
less, as a method of preventing
illness and diseases. “A man
whose consumption of food is
little has a healthy stomach.1
Prophet further says:”Nothing is
worse than a person who fills his
stomach. It should be enough for
the son of Adam to have a few
bites to satisfy his hunger. If he
wishes more, it should be: onethird for his food, one-third for
his liquids, and one-third for his
breath.”2
In the past, obesity was considered
only a problem for adults, an
illness progressing with advancing
age. Although fatness in children
once was uncommon, now day’s
obesity is no longer a rare illness
and it is occurring in an alarming
rate. Pathological processes start
early in life and are accelerated
by obesity.
Childhood obesity is becoming
more common in the UK.
According to the latest figures,
27% of children in the UK are
overweight and 20 million kids
die worldwide every year due to
obesity. Too much food with a
high fat or sugar content and a
lack of physical activity means
that many children are becoming
overweight and some even
develop the health problems,
usually seen in adults.
Changing the attitudes and
habits of families could prevent
childhood obesity. Followings
are some guidelines to achieve a
lasting effect.
• Adult should set a good example
with their own eating habits.
• Meals and snacks should be
provided on regular times to
prevent “grazing” throughout the
day.
• Children should not eat while
watching television or doing
homework.
• Mealtimes to be treated as a
family occasion.
• To teach children to eat slowly
and to chew better, as they become
full quicker and less likely to
overeat at mealtimes.
• High-fat and high-sugar snacks
should not be stored at home.
• To stop eating out as part of a
weekly day-outs.
• To involve children in cooking
or preparing his/her own packed
lunch makes them more aware of
different types of food.
• Not to label food as good or bad.
Sweets and chocolate could still
be given as an occasional treat.
• Not to use food to comfort child.
Pay attention to them, give them
hugs and talk to them.
Changes to diet
If your child is overweight, you
should not encourage a strict diet
to lose excess weight. Instead
you should help your child
to maintain a right weight by
gradually growing into it whilst
getting bigger and taller. The
best way to do this is to make
long-term improvements to your
child’s diet and eating habits, by
means of increasing the amount
of physical activity. Your child
should never be put on a weightloss diet without medical advice
as this can affect child’s growth.
An average toddler needs about
1300 calories each day. Bigger
kids need a little more and
smaller kid a little less. A good
rule is that your toddler needs 40
calories each day for each inch of
his height.
Living Islam
No.48October 2009
13
Food guide pyramid
The food guide pyramid is a
guideline to help you to provide
your child a good healthy diet
by recommending varieties of
food while encouraging the right
amount of calories and fat.
Different types of bread, cereals
and potatoes along with fruits and
vegetables are mostly made up
of Carbohydrate, with vitamins
and minerals. Carbohydrates are
used to provide energy. These
food types make up the three base
segments of the Food Pyramid
and should be consumed most
regularly.
Milk, dairy Products, meat
and fish are mostly made up of
protein and other vitamins and
minerals, such as Calcium. We
need these types of food to grow
bones and muscles. These food
types are important, especially in
children, and should be consumed
regularly.
Food types containing fat, oils and
sugars such as butter, crisps and
chips, are used to give us energy.
This kind of energy can be stored
to be used later. These food types
make up the top part of the food
pyramid and should be consumed
sparingly.
A sample diet for toddlers
A sample breakfast, with 1/2
cup (4 ounces) of cereal, 1/4
cup of milk and 4 ounces of
orange juice would give about
230 calories. Instead if the child
is given one slice of bread with
one tablespoon of peanut butter
and jelly and 4 ounces of orange
juice, your toddler would get over
250 calories.
For lunch, consider a 1/2 sandwich
(one slice of bread), with 1 slice
of lean meat (90 calories) and
cheese (45 calories) .Or a tuna
fish sandwich (add 1/2 tablespoon
of mayo to the tuna to get 50 extra
calories).
For dinner you may include
1-2 ounces of chicken (75100 calories) or beef (120-165
calories), 2-3 tablespoons of
vegetables (50-75 calories), some
whole bread (40 calories) and 1/2
cup of milk (76 calories).
Plus, your child most likely
needs a couple of small snacks
in mid-morning and in the early
afternoon. These might include 1/2
cup of milk (76 calories) or juice
(60 calories), 2-3 tablespoons of
fruit (50-75 calories), or a slice of
cheese (45 calories). Alternatives
might include some jello, pudding,
or yogurt.
The sample diet outlined above
will give your child well over
1000 calories. If he eats a good
breakfast (250 calories), a small
lunch (100 calories), dinner (100
calories) and a couple of snacks
(300 calories), 16 ounces of milk
(300 calories), and 6 ounces of
juice (90 calories), then he is still
getting almost 1200 calories.
And what does Islam says about
all these
Islam encourages us to have a
balance diet in order to have a
variety of nutrients. The type of
Food recommended by Islam
especially the Holy Qur’an, refers
to the nutrient density.
“So eat of (meat), on which Allah’s
name hath been pronounced if you
have faith in his signs.” (6:118)
“The game of the sea and its food
are permitted to you.” (5:96)
“Pure milk, easy and agreeable
to swallow for those who drink
it.” (16:66)
These recommendations in the
Holy Qur’an certainly fulfil our
daily requirements of protein,
carbohydrates, fat and vitamins.
Allah has entrusted our body to us
and he has given us the guidelines
to safeguard them. It would not be
so farfetched if we followed the
examples brought forth to us in
the Holy Qur’an and in teachings
of Ahl-ul- beit, to achieve our
goals.
14
No.48October 2009
News from the
Islamic Centre:
--------------------------Refrences:
1-The Scale of Wisdom- Mohammadi
Rayshahri page 21, 63: 184
2-Prophet
Mohammad
(sawa)
Timidhi, ibn Majah and Hakime
• Viner RM, Hsia Y, Neubert A, et al.
Rise in anti-obesity drug prescribing
for children and adolescents
in the UK: a population-based
study. British Journal of Clinical
Pharmacology 2009; Published
online: 2 September
• Department of Health; Obesity
(updated June 2009); many links to
relevant articles and sites.
•NHS Evidence; Annual Evidence
Update - Obesity - Childhood
obesity: surveillance and prevention
(2009).
• Approach to Weight Management
in Children and Adolescents (2-18
years) in Primary Care, Royal
College of Paediatrics and Child
Health and National Obesity Forum
• Practice Guidance: OTC Orlistat,
Royal Pharmaceutical Society of
Great Britain (2009)
•Consequences of childhood obesity.
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines
Network (SIGN), 2003. www.sign.
ac.uk
• Obesity and health. Bandolier.
w w w. j r 2 . o x . a c . u k / b a n d o l i e r,
accessed 6 August 2008
• 8 tips for eating well. Food
Standards Agency. www.eatwell.
gov.uk, accessed 6 August 2008
The Eid ul Fitr prayer
Living Islam
Ramadhan
By the grace of God the holy month of Ramadhan has come and
gone. This is a particular busy time for the Centre which caters for
a large multiethnic community.
Evening programmes were organized with lectures in 4 different
languages in different Hall.
This year for the benefit of the English speaking community we
invited Hujjatul Islam Ahmed Haneef to deliver lectures every
evening for thirty days starting one and half hour before the
evening prayers. Mr Haneef is no stranger at the Islamic Centre
having been here before. The theme of is lectures was based on
the famous traditions related to the words of advise that the Holy
Prophet Muhammad (as) gave to his well known companion Abu
Dar. These traditions form a corpus of ethical teaching representing
a valuable prophetic heritage. Br Haneef skilfully applied those
teaching to example related to the everyday life of today. HujjatulIslam Haneef is going to be in London for a few more months. A
series of lectures are expected to be delivered by him. If you are
interested keep looking at our website and if you wish to be included
in our e-mail list send a request to icel@ic-el.com. Hujjatul-Islam
Ahmed Haneef lectures are available on line at the following
address: http://www.icelshare.com/CMS/archive.asp
The Eid ul Fitr prayer marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadhan and the beginning of the Islamic
month of Shawwal was conducted at the Islamic Centre of England by Hujjatul Islam Moezzi on Monday
21st of September. The Eid day was announced on Sunday night after it
had become apparent that on Saturday there was no possibility of viewing
the new moon in the skies of Northern Europe. The Islamic Centre was
fully satisfied that it has acted with the guidelines and rulings issued by
Gran Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Despite the fact that the Eid prayer were distributed between three different
days this year, at the Islamic Centre there was still the need to do a second
prayer after the 9 o’clock one because of the large congregation.
Living Islam
No.48October 2009
15
Qud’s Day
Our religious duty of Ramadhan would not be complete if we fail to
remember our brothers and sisters in faith who are suffering because
of injustice committed against them. Unfortunately this years also
the plight of the Palestinian people, the longest running one, stands
at the top of the list. The International Day of Quds (Jerusalem)
which was proclaimed in Iran several years ago to ensure that we
do not forget about our brothers and sisters in faith living under a
brutal and racist occupying regime (Israele), was commemorated in
London with a procession. Leading figure of the Islamic Community
took part in this peaceful demonstration whose aim is to ensure that
people are reminded of a grave injustice being perpetrated in the
ancient land of Palestine today.
Visiting Group
A group of Christians, members
of the Germans YMCA, came to
visit the Centre on Tusday 1st
of September. The group made
up from peoples of different
nationalities, was shown around
the Centre and told of the
Muslims’ practices during the
holy month of Ramadhan. The
guests stayed on for the English
lecture and dinner. For some of
them was the first time that they
visited a Mosque or an Islamic
Centre. They expressed their
sincere appreciation for having
been invited by the Centre.
Memorial Service for Seyyed Abdul Aziz al-Hakim
On Thursday 3rd of September a memorial service was held in honour of Seyyed Abdul Aziz al-Hakim
passes away on the 26th of August. Al-Hakim, who was 59, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007 and
chose to receive chemotherapy treatment in Iran.
after battling cancer for 28 months
Al-Hakim helped establish the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) in 1982,
while he was in exile in Iran, as an opposition group to Saddam Hussein’s Baath Party. SCIRI changed
its name to the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) in May 2007.
Abdul Aziz al-Hakim took over the leadership of
the party in August 2003 after his brother Ayatollah
Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim was assassinated in Najaf.
Their father, Grand Ayatollah Mohsen al-Hakim, was a
revered Shia spiritual leader between 1955 and 1970.
Abdul Aziz al-Hakim never held any post in the Iraqi
government which was established after the overthrow
of Saddam Hussein, but he was still an important power
broker.
His body was later transferred to Najaf – Iraq for
burial.
May his soul rest in peace
16
No.48October 2009
Living Islam