islam today - issue 31 / January 2016

issue 31 vol. 4January 2016

iissllaamm ttooddaayy

5 Ways to get closer to God

Place, Prayer and Hope

Monks and Muslims III

Publisher

140 Maida ValeLondonW9 1QBTel: 020 7 604 5500

ISSN

22051-2503

islam today

issue 31 vol. 4

January 2016

islam today magazine intends toaddress the concerns and aspirations of avibrant Muslim community by providingreaders with inspiration, information, asense of community.It also sets out to help Muslims and non-Muslims better understand and appreciatethe nature of a dynamic faith.

Editorial team

Managing Director Mohammad Saeed Bahmanpour

Chief Editor Amir De Martino

Managing Editor Anousheh Mireskandari

Layout and Design Innovative Graphics

Disclaimer: Where opinion is expressed it is that of theauthor and does not necessarily coincide with theeditorial views of the publisher or islam today. All infor-mation in this magazine is verified to the best of theauthors’ and the publisher’s ability. However, islamtoday shall not be liable or responsible for loss ordamage arising from any users’ reliance on informationobtained from the magazine.

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2 islam today January 2016

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Content

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The IslamicResearchFoundation

5 Ways to getcloser to God

Amit Bharakda

Place, Prayerand Hope

John WoodhouseMonks andMuslims III

Book launch

ART

Moriam Grillo

What&

Where

The menaceof plastic

Dr Laleh Lohrasbi

26What&Where

Glossary of Islamic Symbols

The letter (s) after the name of the Prophet Muhammad(s) stands for the Arabic phrase‘sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam', meaning, ‘May God bless him [Muhammad] and grant him peace'.The letter (a) stands for the Arabic phrase ‘alayhis-salaam', ‘alayhas-salaam' (feminine) and‘alayhimus-salaam' (plural) meaning respectively: (God's) Peace be with him/ her/ or them.

islam today January 2016 3


ever before has it been more important toattain the valuable knowledge bestowed uponus through the Holy Qur’an and teachings ofthe Holy Ahl ul Bayt(a). With this objective in

mind the Custodians of the holy shrine of Imam Redha(a)

(The eighth Imam of Shia school of thought) in Iranestablished the Islamic Research Foundation in 1984. Thefoundation is a non-profit institution and offshoot of theholy shrine. This year it celebrates its 31st anniversary. Thefoundation comprises 22 research departments withnumerous cultural achievements already under its belt. By

recruiting expert scholars and researchers, the IslamicResearch Foundation has carried out intensive studies inIslamic sciences and humanities. Bearing in mind theimportance of top quality researchers, the foundation isconstantly on the lookout for new researchers andtranslators to carry out translation and editing of scripturaltexts. Acknowledging the importance of enhancing thescientific capability of the researchers the foundationprovides scholarship opportunities for its researchers inscientific organisations within Iran and abroad.At a more academic level the Islamic Research Foundation

N

Islamic

Research Foundation


has so far conducted six international congresses and morethan 70 seminars as well as cooperating and participatingin seminars within the country and abroad.

The foundation is also a familiar face in the world ofpublication. In its 30 years of activities it has published over1698 titles in 3387 volumes of which at least 92 titles havereceived meritorious distinction and awards from researchinstitutes, universities and Islamic seminaries. Almost 1656of its volumes have been reprinted a second time or more.They include the leading Islamic quarterly in Persian,

Mishkat and the largest Persian selling annual diary QudsDiary, both mainstays of the foundation for the last twodecades. The foundation’s comprehensive research on theNahjul Balagha [Sermons, Letters and Sayings of ImamAli(a)] is one of the treasured works of this organisation. Alarge group of specially selected researchers from theIslamic seminary (Hawza) and universities have lovingly workedon this project.The foundation’s published work has so far surpassed the figureof 12.8 million copies which has placed the organisation amongthe most distinguished international research institutions andpublishers.

Research Departments

The foundation’s research departments are Theology andIslamic Philosophy; Geography of Islamic Countries andAstronomy; European Languages Translation; Children andYoung Adults’ Literature and can be considered its spinalcord. Some of these departments are responsible for workssuch as the great Encyclopaedia of the Lexicon of the HolyQur’an that by far is the greatest work that the Foundationhas ever undertaken. The encyclopaedia ‘Al-Mojam fi FiqhLughat al-Qur'an wa Sirr Balagha’, is currently beingcompiled by nearly 20 scholars and the final work isexpected to reach as many as 60 volumes.On the other hand the departments of Biography andGenealogy have jointly conducted five national-levelseminars with different organisations elucidating the lives ofthe prominent Ulama and religious personalities. Thisdepartment has recently launched its exclusive websitetitled ‘Derakht-e-Tooba’ (The Blessed Tree) introducing thegreat personalities of Islam.

Research Project in Comparative Islamic Jurisprudence

Research and editing of the famous work of the Shi’ischolar Allamah Hilli (648-726 A.H.) ‘Muntaha al-Matlab fiTahqiq al-Mazhab’ is one of the most valuable works incomparative Islamic Jurisprudence. With twenty-three yearsof non-stop efforts by researchers from the Islamic Hawza(seminary) this department has successfully accomplishedthe research and edit of this book. This book contains boththe Shi'i and Sunni jurisprudents’ views in detail and alsoconsists of contemporaneous jurisprudence issues. Thiswork is published in 15 volumes.

Another major achievement of the foundation is the

compilation of the Encyclopaedia of Imam Husayn(a). The

compilation of this comprehensive encyclopaedia is the joint

endeavour of 50 research scholars and took seven years to


accomplish. The encyclopaedia includes 3000 entries and

1300 articles covering 44 subjects. They comprise an

annotated bibliography of 4000 books written on the life of

Imam Husayn(a) together with the Holy Ahlul Bait

genealogical tree; the historical journey of Imam Husayn(a)

from Madina to Karbala; audio, pictures and videos of

elegies and Maqtal-khwani (Reading the book of

martyrdom of Husayn(a)) in Arabic, Persian and Turkish, in

addition to 800 entries on the sayings of Imam Husayn(a)

and detailed views of the Sunni scholars on the martyrdom

of the Imam. A DVD of the encyclopaedia was released in

November 2012.

Islamic Economics

Islamic Research Foundation has successfully organised twointernational seminars in the field of Islamic Economicsand has presented articles in Persian, Arabic and English in


this field. In addition to this, it has produced a book on ‘theIslamic Economics Texts in the Holy Qur'an, Sunnah andthe views of the jurisprudents’ in 16 volumes.

Seminars and Congresses

In order to develop the expertise in its fields The IslamicResearch Foundation has organised various seminars andcongresses such as the International Seminar onGeography of IslamicCountries in 1985; Seminar on Rural Migration in 1986;

International Seminar on Silk Road with the cooperation ofUNESCO, in 1990; The Congress of Books and Libraries onIslamic Civilisation in 1995 and finally the Imam Ali(a)

Conference Al-Ghadeer and Islamic Unity, in 2001. AnInternational Congress of Waqf (Endowment) is on thehorizon.

The Islamic Research Foundation has made it its duty andaim to explore all roads in attaining and spreading theknowledge of the Qur’an and the Holy Ahl ul Bayt(a) and inthis respect invites international scholars and researchers inIslamic Studies [Quranic studies] to collaborate in itswork.

Contact Information:

Islamic Research Foundation,Tabarsi Underpass, Adjoined to the HolyShrine of Imam Redha(a)

P. O. Box: 91735-366Mashhad - IRANE-mail: [email protected]: www.islamic-rf.irTel No: 0098-51-32232501-10Fax No: 0098-51-32230005

5 to get closer to

GGooddWays


“The Prophet Muhammad(s) said thatthe best way to be content with whatyou have and not take God’s blessingsfor granted is to look at the person whohas less than you.

Faith


t is the never-ending pursuit of any God-fearingMuslim to get closer to his Lord and establish arelationship and connection with Him. The problemmany Muslims face is that “life takes over”. After

fulfilling duties towards employers, family, socialresponsibilities and so forth, one is left with very little timeto work on his relationship with God. What we as Muslimsmust remember is thatalthough we have toindulge in worldly life toa certain extent (for oursustenance andsurvival), this cannot beat the expense of ourfaith. We have to keepreminding ourselves andeach other that lifehereafter is our finalhome and we need touse this life to build abeautiful Afterlife. Hereare five suggestions tohelp us work on ourrelationship with Godand get closer to Him.

Perform the five daily prayers on time

Of course, the most basic obligation we have as Muslims isto offer the five daily prayers. But my emphasis is on prayingit on time. Many Muslims are guilty of delaying Fajr until thelast half an hour. Technically, the prayer has been offered ontime but the blessings it carries are fewer. Let’s take theexample of an apple. If you cut an apple and eat it straightaway, you will be consuming all of its beneficial nutrients.However, if you cut the apple and leave it for an hour, it willstart showing signs of wear, most commonly a brownishcolour settles. Now if you eat this apple, you’re still receivingthe nutrients but at lower levels. This is exactly thedifference between praying on time versus half an hourbefore its expiry. If you are guilty of performing your prayerslate, start praying them on time and immediately you willstart to feel that closeness to God that you crave and Hewill open doors of wisdom and opportunity for you that youcould have never imagined. If you fear deprivation fromsustenance due to prayer i.e. fears of losing your job, youhave not understood God! Leave that job for the sake ofGod. When you take one step towards God, He will take tentowards you. You are a fully grown adult being, God haslooked after your sustenance up until now, so why wouldHe stop now?

Help the poor and needy

The Prophet Muhammad(s) said that the best way to becontent with what you have and not take God’s blessingsfor granted is to look at the person who has less than you.Spend time with the homeless, give spontaneous donationsor feed the less fortunate, yourself. I recall one brother who

was walking throughOxford Street in Londonand he saw manyhomeless people. Hecould not bear to seethis, so he walked into arestaurant and orderedsix takeaway meals andhanded them to the firstsix homeless people hesaw on the way homefrom this journey. It isimpossible for you tocure poverty on yourown so do a little but doit frequently, that way notonly are you helping the

unfortunate but you are constantly appreciating what Godhas given you. Charity increases, rather than decreaseswealth and the one who is thankful to God, He gives himmore.

Refrain from sins and recite Istighfar (asking forforgiveness)

The majority of Muslims are not guilty of committing majorsins i.e. adultery and murder but are culpable of committingmany small sins that are taken lightly. That one commentabout someone from the mosque and that little ‘harmless’white lie adds up and blocks your connection to God. Thebest way to look at the concept of sins and forgiveness isusing the following example: At birth we are a white sheetof paper, pure and sinless, but every sin results in a blackmark on that sheet. Sincere repentance wipes that dotaway; however, if we continue to commit minor sins withoutthinking of the repercussions, it not only increases thenumber of black dots but also intensifies them so they areharder to remove. The black dots block out the light of Godfrom our heart like a curtain blocks rays of sunlight fromentering a room. It is very important to be wary of smallsins and perform istighfar every day, even if you can’tremember committing a bad deed.

I

Read more

As the popular phrase goes “Knowledge is Power”, alwaystry and free up time to invest in learning about yourreligion for that is a sure way to guarantee your position onthe straight path. Ali ibn Abi Talib(a), the Prophet’s(s) cousinteaches us to learn our religion and not inherit it. If you’rea bookworm, dive into the world of Islamic history,spirituality, ethics and law. If you have a better

understanding of your religion, your practise is more likelyto carry greater meaning and depth rather than if it was amere ritual. Furthermore, you will have a greaterappreciation for the Prophet, his family and his sincerecompanions and what they went through to keep thereligion alive - the religion that we just take as a set ofrituals. Of course, a natural side-effect of this is that yourrelationship with God will improve. On another note, if youdon’t enjoy reading, use YouTube. which has a plethora oflectures from the best speakers around the world.Download them, put them on your phone and listen tothem in your spare time or on your commute to and fromwork.

Learn Arabic

Most will learn Arabic in their early years at Madrasah.However if you have not had the chance to learn thelanguage, then do so from today. To be more specific, learnQuranic Arabic so that you are able to understand theQur’an. When you read the English translation of theQur’an, you may not get an accurate meaning as Arabic isa complex language and some words do not have anEnglish equivalent and thus the nearest possible meaningis used.Think about those who read the Arabic Qur’an, they arereading the exact words Angel Gabriel revealed unto theProphet(s) from God. Imagine the blessings it carriesreading those same exact words and the effect it can have

on you. Another advantage of reading Arabic is the abilityto recite the dua’s (supplications) that have been given tous by the Imams of the Ahlulbayt(a).To conclude on the five ways to get closer to God the veryleast you can do is remember Him, because thatremembrance alone can help you later on in life when youreally need divine guidance and assistance. As the Qur'ansays:

“So remember Me; Iwill remember you” (2:152)

Amit Bharakda holds a Master’s Degree in DigitalMarketing. He is a digital marketing and social mediamanager and blogger.


“At birth we are a white sheetof paper, pure and sinless, butevery sin results in a black markon that sheet.

The Islamic Belief Systemgives a complete curriculum ofthe fundamentals of Islam. Itcan be used in a school settingor for general knowledge forboth the youth and adults.

Under the direction ofDr Mohammad Ali Shomali

comes this informative outlining andguide to Islam and it's teachings. Written in a text

book like, easy to read fashion. This book is perfectlysuited to both the novice to Islam and those familiar with the

religion.


£15


mong many interfaith activities one that in myview stands out is the Christian/Muslim Forumcourse entitled the ‘Sharing Perspectives:Muslims and Christians in the Holy Land’.

The second running of this course took place at StGeorge’s College - Jerusalem early this year. The course wasattended by Christians and Muslims and was led by theRt Revd Richard Cheetham, Bishop of Kingston andShaykh Ibrahim Mogra.The aim of this 10 day course was a familiar one; to gain a

deeper understanding of Christian and Muslim theologyand their perspectives. However what made this coursedifferent to others was a unique opportunity it offered to seethe Holy Land through each other’s eyes. In the words ofRevd Cheetham, “the course was set within a global contextand stressing that the way we live together is vital. This wasa special opportunity to ask the right questions and beginto see the Holy Land through each other’s eyes.”Besides searching through the Holy scripts, the course alsooffered a chance to meet both Palestinians and Israelis. Oneof the attendees, Shohel Ahmed from East London says:

Place,Prayer andHope

Interfaith

A

by John Woodhouse


“…Wherever we went, I felt that the Palestinians were mosthappy to have us and host us, and share their wonderfulcountry with us. For me that was striking and apparent fromthe outset.”The Holy Places can be starting points for us, to go backand find the roots of our Abrahamic religions, to see andfeel where it all started. For Father David Kesterton fromLuton, this was the first visit to the Holy Land. “Christiandevotion earths the ministry of Jesus, his birth, passion,death, resurrection and ascension. The specificity of this‘earthing’ has resulted in places of pilgrimage and intense

devotion. Whether these sacred spots on the Earth have agenuine claim to be ‘the place’ or are merely in the rightgeneral area doesn’t matter and the ultimate point is that ithappened somewhere rather than nowhere.” he said.He continued: “I found myself walking down the rows ofolives with a Muslim colleague asking me about theChristian understanding of the salvation. Is everyone goingto heaven? I began explaining the theories of atonementand found myself saying “There are a variety of views”. Ithink this is a phrase that will come more than once and Iwondered if this sounded “too woolly” for my Muslim friend.”It was valuable to visit the mosques as well as the churches.Throughout our time together we were very conscious ofour Muslim friends going very early in the morning and atevery opportunity to the Al-Aqsa mosque to pray. This is thethird most important site for them and the reward forprayers there is multiplied 10,000 times. It was an enormousprivilege to go into the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome ofthe Rock. They are both astonishing buildings of greatbeauty and steeped in devotion.For the Christians the liturgies in St George’s cathedral andthe college helped to bond us together and there was amemorable Eucharist by the sea outside the Church of theBeatitudes attended by the whole group. Going early onSunday morning to the Holy Sepulchre we were able toexperience Coptic, Armenian and Ethiopian Orthodoxliturgies.At the final station on the Via Dolorosa just outside theHoly Sepulchre outside the Coptic Orthodox church thereare large banners showing the martyrdom of 21 Copts inLibya – a chilling reminder of the on-going persecution ofChristians.Revd David Kesterton commented: “Our group attended theSunday Eucharist at St Georges Cathedral – with thesermon delivered in Arabic and English. The only word inthe Arabic sermon I recognised was “Facebook”! It was oddthat the Muslim sitting next to me followed more of thesermon than I did. “

Visiting Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum and the Sea ofGalilee put things into a different context. At Nazareth weheard passages from the Qur’an about Mary. At the seaitself our Muslim friends washed and prayed at the sea

The Holy Places can be starting points for

us, to go back and find the roots of our

Abrahamic religions, to see and feel where

it all started.


shore while others paddled or spent time in contemplation.For all of us this was a very special place.There was a message of hope in our encounters withArchbishop Suheil Dawani, the Anglican Archbishop ofJerusalem. We heard of the work of hospitals and clinics

and of local interfaith work where Christians play a vitalrole. Religion can be part of the solution, not the problem.The recent visit of Pope Francis had sent a powerfulmessage of peace.The Archbishop stressed the importance of embracing the

Throughout our time together we were very conscious of our Muslim friends going veryearly in the morning and at every opportunity to the Al-Aqsa mosque to pray.

This is the third most important site for themand the reward for prayers there is multiplied 10,000 times.


Middle East. Muslim and Christian students expressedsolidarity. Being Muslim or Christian did not matter. Theyhad great hope for the future and wanted to make Palestinethe best country in the world. We learnt a lot and wegrappled with difficult and sensitive issues. The outcome ofthis gathering was the realisation that we can share somuch and live together so well. We need to build on what isalready in existence and promote more local joint projects.The Palestine/Israel issue needs to sensitively be addressedin our interfaith forums. It has tended to be overshadowedby ISIS activities but until the issue of Palestine/Israel isresolved there cannot be peace in the region.Finally as Revd Kesterton said, there should be more

discussion on the theological differences at the heart of thetwo faiths such as for example, the contrasting approachesto prayer and the nature of the obligations which areinherent in the faiths.

This course will be repeated on10 -17 March 2016 at theSt George’s College in Jerusalem.

John Woodhouse is a memberof Westminster CathedralInterfaith Group.

www.sgcjerusalem.org


onks and Muslims III: Towards a GlobalAbrahamic Community is the title of the sixthpublication to be produced as result of acontinuing dialogue between Catholic Christians

and Shi’a Muslims that began more than eighteen years ago.

The launch of the latest publication took place onNovember the 10th 2015, at Vaughan House in centralLondon, under the auspices of the Diocese of Westminsterand the Islamic Centre of England. Guest speakers were; Fr.Jonathan Cotton OSB, Archbishop Kevin McDonald and oneof the authors, Hujjatul Islam Dr Mohammad Ali Shomali.

Fr. Jonathan Cotton, from the Benedictine Order and a long-standing friend of Dr Hujjatul Islam Shomali, recalled hisinitial encounter with Dr Shomali at Hope University inLiverpool. Fr. Cotton expressed great gratitude to theFocolari movement for being instrumental in thedevelopment of the relationship between Catholics and Shi’aMuslims that has continued up to today. He explained that:“the challenge of initiatives like this stands on thewillingness of moving out of one’s individual comfort zoneand to overcome suspicion of the other, recognising thateach human being is a gift.” By referring to the words ofCardinal Hume who said: “When you meet another person

M

Monks and Muslims;TTOOWWAARRDDSS AA GGLLOOBBAALL

AABBRRAAHHAAMMIICC CCOOMMMMUUNNIITTYY

Assisi - 18/10/2014


they have something that you do not have and one must liveand work for unity”, Fr. Cotton further emphasised thenecessity for people of faith to meet and visit each otherdescribing how he himself has opened up friendships withlocal Muslims and Imams.Describing the contributors of the book Fr. Cotton referredto the clear sense of joy expressed by all those who tookpart in the ‘Monks and Muslims’ third encounter andexplained that the book presents some discussions on themeaning of ‘community’, what it means to be an individualin a community and how the community can help theindividual.

The second guest speaker Revd Kevin McDonaldArchbishop Emeritus of Southwark thanked those involvedin the production of the book praising the quality of theindividual contributions and the originality and the boldnessof the whole enterprise.He described the event as auspicious as it coincided withthe 50th anniversary of the famous document issued by theSecond Vatican Council in 1965 known as the Nostra Aetate(In our time).The document affirmed the possibility that the truth can be

found also in other religious traditions. This new theologicalposition allowed the Church to open up dialogue with otherreligions.Archbishop McDonald explained that with reference to otherreligions, Pope John Paul II talked a good deal about theunity of the human community, recalling the initiative thatbrought people of different religions together in the city ofAssisi-Italy in 1986 to create a sense of a shared vision andinterconnectedness. It was “a day filled with profound unity”,said the Archbishop.He further explored the fundamental values that we mustshare and must announce together, and the language that

should be used to change perceptions about religions.byrefuting the ridiculous perception some people have that‘religion is the cause of all problems.’Turning to the book, Revd McDonald described the initiativerecounted in it as an attempt to bring closeness and tobring about some form of community across divisions, a‘community of the world’.The Archbishop acknowledged the fact that Christians andMuslims in general represent two quite different approachesto faith, but he also emphasised that: “this does not meanthat there cannot be a deeper synthesis or understandingbetween the two”.He believes that the book encapsulates those moments ofshared mutuality capable of creating the necessary mindset,and that one must grasp the opportunities to build on suchrelationships.

Hujjatul Islam Dr Mohammad Ali Shomali, one of theauthors and editor of the book, expressed his deep gratitudeto God, for providing the opportunity for such encountersand offered a special thanks to Mr Jon Dal Din, from theFocolare movement, for organising, hosting and chairing theevent, stressing the necessity of publicising gathering such asthis. Dr Shomali described his early experience where he felta deep sense of love for God among the people he had met.He also described the major milestones during the lasteighteen years that led to the publication of a number ofworks.Focusing on the book ‘Monks and Muslims III’ he explainedthat it contains many lessons learnt and documented fromtheir encounter. He described how the culture of dialoguehas been passed to other people and specifically to the


Seminary of Qum, leading to the formation of an institutespecialising in this activity.Dr Shomali explained that discussions and analysis of thisdialogue were around the subject of ‘community’. Being abeliever is something that one cannot do fully on his/herown. “We need today, for everybody’s sake, to give peoplereal examples of what it means to be ‘communities of thefaithful’ and try to be channels of mercy to other people”, hesaid.While we can approach God as individuals there is a greaterbenefit in doing it as a community. In this respect DrShomali quoted an Islamic narration whereby God askedMoses: “What have you done for Me?” Moses replied, “I

prayed and fasted...”. God replied: “That is good for yourselfbut what have you done for Me?” Moses was unable toanswer so he asked: “Please tell me what is the action thatis for You?” God said: “Have you ever taken a person asyour friend, as an intimate brother for My sake”?

Dr Shomali explained that if people want to know if theyhave been acting truly for God, they should ask themselves ifthey have taken a person with whom they had no priorrelation as a friend, just because of God, as that is the wayyou choose a brother or sister in faith.He further quoted another tradition of the ProphetMuhammed(s) where he stated: “one must love for the sakeof God; this is the firmest handhold of faith”.


“If we work together God will gift us with further knowledge we didn’tknow, although it would be a difficult task to build a community that fromevery aspect fulfils the requirement of being godly." ‐ Dr Mohammad AliShomali.

The challenge, he explained, is not to love God butto love others for the sake of God. Even if we believein the truthfulness of our faith, we can still learn fromeach other. “If we work together God will gift us withfurther knowledge we didn’t know, although it wouldbe a difficult task to build a community that fromevery aspect fulfils the requirement of being godly.”

With regards to the book Dr Shomali said: “Thisbook makes a special reference to the ProphetAbraham(a) for his particular servitude to God. Hehas the potential to unite us. We need to restore theHouse of Abraham and create a global community.”“Understanding unity in its broader sense means tocommit oneself to the idea that there is only onesource of truth, one source of beauty and goodness.We cannot use religion for dividing people but ratherreligion should be a voice of unity. From the Qur’an,the unity of God is something that can shape all

aspects and orientation of our lives. A sign of being agood believer is that he/she brings people closertogether. We should have a godly vision seeing allpeople as children of God."

In his final analysis Dr Shomali considered a shift inparadigm in how the world sees religion. He said: “Sofar world religions have been doing well on their ownbut the world is changing and materialism if affectingall Muslims, Christian, and Jews. All people whobelieve in common fundamental values should knowthat the future requires that we work together.”

Monks and Muslims III; Towards a GlobalAbrahamic Community is published jointlyby the Islamic Institute of Islamic Studies andDialogue Interreligieux Monastique. It has 127pages containing thirteen essays arranged inthree chapters: ‘Papers’, ‘Presentation at thePontifical Institute for Arabic & IslamicStudies’ and ‘Reflections on the Dialogue’.

Avalaible from the Islamic Centre BookshopEmail: [email protected] Line: +44 (0)20 7372 9088

Art


Photography

“Photography is the closest we come to freezing time, but the challenge of a photo is freezing thefeeling." - Adel Al Quraishi

Adel Al Quraishi is a Saudi photographer and self-taught visual artist who developed his craftunder the guardianship of Brazilian photographer, Humberto da Silveira. Al Quraishi began hiscareer by photographing landscapes before fostering an interest in portraiture. His most notablework The Guardians documents portraits of the individuals who guard the Prophet

Muhammad's(s) chamber from within the Masjidal-Nabawi in Medina. Al Quraishi’s depiction of these suited in their traditionalattire and poised with sultry glares, although noble and fitting, it is in contrastto how they go about their daily lives. These men, once numbering over athousand and now only seven, are the most humble of individuals. Theirmanner, reclusive and unassuming by nature, is an edict to which each Muslimshould live, mirrors of appropriate conduct as engendered in the Sunna(tradition) of the Prophet(s). They remain inconspicuous, going about their dailyduties with such reverential courtesy they remain invisible to the tide of pilgrimsin attendance.Through his solemn portraits Al Quraishi successfully records a piece of historyuntil now untold. And through it teaches us about an 800-year tradition ofservice and devotion. Using his art form Al Quraishi serves a timely reminderthat the things that truly ennoble us as humans are humility and service.

Inspire

Designated as being of ‘Outstanding International Importance’ by Arts Council England,the Birmingham Qur’an manuscript has been radio carbon dated to be amongst theoldest in the world. It is part of the Mingana Collection of Middle Eastern Manuscripts,held at the Cadbury Research Library in the University of Birmingham.The script is handwritten on parchment in Hijazi script without vowel marking or nuqtas(points). The manuscript consists of two leaves, as four pages, with extracts from threechapters - Kahf, Mariam and Taha.

Engage

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH

The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is located in the centre of the city andhouses the largest public collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings in the world.First opened in 1885, the Grade II listed building, has over 40 galleries displaying amixture of art, social history, archaeology and ethnography.From February the gallery will become the temporary home for The BirminghamQur’an manuscript.For further information telephone: 0121 348 8000

One 2 One

A new year encourages a new outlook and fresh approach to life. And we hopethat these pages will encourage you to take a new approach to Art; to engage,be inspired and feel enriched by the wealth of art and creativity whichsurrounds us in our daily lives.

Talking Art: Mihrab Project

Our Arts Editor, Moriam Grillo, has been writing for Islam Today since itsinception in 2012. As an artist in her own right, Moriam recently won a BrighterFutures award for a commission at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital inBirmingham. The finished work of art is a mihrab or prayer niche situated inthe prayer room within the hospital's Faith Centre. This unique project involvedcreating ceramic tiles which members of the local community decorated in avariety of colours. These tiles were then mounted in an oak casing constructedby master carpenter Yunus Varsani who also installed the work.Tahereh Shafiee congratulate her on her latest achievement.

"I am honoured to have been able to take part in such a special project. Itbeautifully combined two subjects which are very close to my heart: faith andcreativity.”, said Grillo.

How does it do this?The finished work contains 1,321 tiles glazed by members of the public. Beforepainting the tiles, each person made a dua (prayer) for healing. Meaning thatthis spiritual artwork will stand as constant reminder of the faith, love andsupport offered to all.

Why did you choose to pursue Art?Quite simply, because it offered me a halal lifestyle. The chance to reflect uponmy spiritual journey whilst using it as a means of expression.

Why is Art important?Art is probably the only subject that is not taught and relies on unfoldment totake place. By that I mean the gradual revelation or disclosure of what lieswithin us. If you give five people the same materials to create something of theirown choosing, each result will be unique. That's because artistic endeavour isfuelled by imagination and creativity. Art is important because it engagesthese two much underestimated faculties.


Moriam Grillo is an international artist.She holds Bachelor degrees in Photography& Film and Ceramics, her current projectsinclude a commission for the QueenElizabeth hospital in Birmingham.


TThhee mmeennaacceeooff ppllaassttiicc

With ever increasing usage of plastic containers in

our daily lives, Laleh Lohrasbi underlines the hidden

danger of this apparently innocent material


Health

The main issue with plastic isleaching. All types of plastic

contain endocrinedisruptors - substances that,when taken into our bodies,

alter normal hormonalfunction.


e have heard a lot about the harm ofusing plastic containers and that they cancontaminate our food by releasing toxicmaterials, but most of us do not know

why these materials are harmful and if they are as harmfulas it is claimed?Plastic is used in several different types of householdproducts such as Tupperware, water bottles, cling films andplastic bags. These containers are cheap, light and easy touse and they seem to be the perfect material for foodstorage but what price do we pay for their convenience?

Plastic containers may be in close contact with ready to useor even raw food materials. The main issue with plastic isleaching. All types of plastic contain endocrine disruptors— substances that, when taken into our bodies,alter normal hormonal function. Endocrinedisruptors include a long list of chemicalssuch as dioxins, cadmium, parabens,bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates,agricultural chemicals,polybrominated flame retardants,and some of the active ingredientsin sunscreens. Many of thesechemicals can mimic the action ofnatural estrogen. These foreignestrogens (xenoestrogens) canupset normal hormonal balance,stimulate the growth anddevelopment of reproductive tumours(breast, uterine, prostate), impair fertility,and disrupt pregnancy. Worse, many cancross the placenta to affect the foetus and getinto breast milk.

The most troubling endocrine disruptor is a commoningredient in plastic called BPA. Used to producepolycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, BPA is found inmany drinking containers, the lining of most food andbeverage cans, bottle caps, plastic cutlery, plastic foodstorage containers, toys, dental sealants, some dentalcomposites, water pipes, eyeglass lenses, and more.Polycarbonate is often blended with other plastics to createproducts such as mobile phone cases, car parts, electronicequipment, medical equipment, and household items.Because BPA is in printer ink, newspapers, and carbonlessreceipts, most recycled paper contains it, including papertowels and paper used to contain food.

Although all plastics break down and leach at some point,certain plastics are more structurally stable than others.

What is done with the container (e.g. heating) likewisemakes a big difference. Finally, the kind of food or drinkkept in it can actually be a factor as well. Plastics ofdifferent types are categorised according to their resinnumbers as types 1 to 7. While some people just decline alltypes, some experts believe that high and low densitypolyethylene polypropylene plastics, due to their being morestable and less prone to leaching, are better when usedproperly.Polystyrene is linked to cancer, neurological damage,reproductive issues, skin, eye and respiratory irritation,depression, fatigue and compromised kidney function.

To minimise the level of leaching there are several stepsthat can be taken:

It is important to check the type ofplastic before buying Tupperware especially

when the container is going to be usedfor a long period of time and may be

washed in dishwashers or be used inmicrowaves. A baby bottle should be boiledregularly to be sterilised. Bottlesmade of opaque plastic which aremade of polyethylene orpolypropylene with no BPA, arebetter. If not available, bottles with

recycle symbols of number 2 or 5should be obtained. Another important thing to

remember is to use the plasticcontainers only in accordance with their

originally intended use - for example dinnercontainers should not be reheated in microwave or single

use water bottles should not be washed and used over andover, especially after continual washing in a hot dishwasher.Heating all kinds of plastics should be avoided wheneverpossible. Heating even for short periods can increasechemical shedding. For ready to use foods which come in plasticcontainers, the plastic packaging should be removed andglass bowl or stove top pot should be used for heating thefood. Using disposable plastic cups should be avoided as faras possible and glass or ceramic cups should be replaced. Plastic wraps should not touch the food whenheating in microwave, Wax paper, kitchen parchment paper,white paper towels, or a domed container that fits over aplate or bowl are better alternatives. Old, scratched, or cracked containers, or thosethat have been microwaved many times, may leach outmore plasticisers.

W


Liquids or moist foods are more potential toabsorb chemicals from the container especially if they areacidic i.e. citrus juice or tomato paste. These kinds of foodshould be kept in glass jars. Plastic bags should be replaced with wax papersandwich bags or stainless steel Bento boxes. This shouldbe considered particularly at times when direct sunlight ora hot environment is expected.

Choosing appropriate containers and following the properplastic container usage directions are important steps inreducing the amount of exposure to toxic compound leach,but the most important step is to care for the foods andraw materials which are packaged with inappropriateplastic materials in the first place. To avoid the risk, the bestthing is to buy fresh foods. Simply, food should be madefrom as many raw ingredients as possible. Juice can besqueezed from fresh fruits rather than being bought in aplastic bottle. Precut/frozen vegetables and fruits should bereplaced with fresh products. Use of canned and plastic-bottled items should be limited. For the foods which cannotbe made at home, alternative packing rather than plasticshould be purchased, where available. Some frozen productcompanies now package their products in freezer paperbags instead of plastic. Meat can be bought directly fromthe counter, where butcher paper instead of plastic wrap isused. Finally, when there are no alternatives, shaving orcutting off the very top layers of items that come intocontact with less desirable plastics are good choices. Whilethis might not work so well for some foods, it can be areasonable option with things like ground meats.Although plastics offer a variety of benefits and it may seemthat we cannot get along without them these days, inalmost all cases alternatives do exist.

Dr Laleh Lohrasbi is apharmacologist. She hasworked as an editor for themedical section of“Hamshahri”, a dailynewspaper in Tehran.

Points to remember

Check the type of plastic before buying

Tupperware

A baby bottle should be boiled regularly

to be sterilised. Choose bottles with recycle

symbols of number 2 or 5

Use the plastic containers only in

accordance with their originally intended

use

The plastic packaging of ready foods

should be removed before heating

Avoid using disposable plastic

Plastic wraps should not touch the food

when heating in microwave

Old, scratched, or cracked containers,

may leach out more plasticisers

Liquids or moist foods should be kept in

glass jars

Plastic bags should be replaced with wax

paper or steel containers



Through January

Commentary (Tafseer) of the HolyQur’an Conducted by: Shaykh M SBahmanpour

Venue: Islamic Centre of England, 140Maida Vale, London W9 1QBTime: Every Friday starting at 7:30pm

Through January

Life and Sole: Footwear from theIslamic World

A display of footwear and relatedobjects that reveals some of the pastand present customs, pastimes andtraditions from across the Islamicworld.Around 25 pairs of shoes, slippers,sandals, clogs and boots from NorthAfrica, the Middle East, Turkey,Central Asia and South Asia arebeing shown together for the firsttime. Dating from 1800 onwards, theydemonstrate the important rolefootwear has always played in thesocial and cultural life of peopleliving in these regions. The displaypresents a variety of regional styles,materials, embellishments and shoemanufacturing traditions. It examinesshoes as status symbols, classindicators and diplomatic gifts.

Venue: Room 34, The BritishMuseum,Great Russell Street, London, WC1B3DGTime: 10.00 AM - 5.30 PM Daily (8.30PM on Fridays)Entry: Free

Through January

Egypt: Faith after the Pharaohs

This exhibition explores 1,200 yearsof history, providing unparalleledinsight into the lives of differentreligious communities. This

exhibition of around 200 objects willshow how Christian, Islamic andJewish communities reinterpreted thepharaonic past of Egypt andinteracted with one another. Thetransitions seen in this period haveshaped the modern world we knowtoday.

Venue: Room 35, The British Museum,Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DGTime: 10.00 AM - 5.30 PM Daily (8.30PM on Fridays)Fee: Adults: £10 / Under 16: Free

Every weekend through January

Muslim Hands Gaza AnnualWinter Walk

Now in its 8th year, the Gaza WinterWalk has seen thousands ofparticipants from communities acrossthe UK join together to raise fundsfor the children of Gaza. Wrapped upwarm with maps and refreshments inhand, they have taken on the fivemiles of chilly terrain ahead of themto help Gaza’s children and theresults have been spectacular. Thisyear's walks have been organised invarious cities: Manchester,Birmingham, Bradford, Glasgow,London, Luton, Cardiff and Leicester.

For venue and registration details:

https://muslimhands.org.uk/events/

Through 29th January

Last of the Dictionary Men

Over the course of 100 years,thousands of seamen from Yemensettled in the small town of SouthShields in the North East of Englandand made it their home. Successfulintegration of the Yemeni community,it is argued, is one of the keymulticulturalism stories that theregion has to offer to the nation.

In 2005, the Iranian film director,Tina Gharavi, embarked on a journeyto discover the legacy of MohammedAli’s visit to South Shields in 1977.While filming she met with theYemeni elders at the Al-Azharmosque who shared glimpses of theiramazing lives, previously unknownand untold.A series of thirteen hand-colouredportraits by the internationallyrenowned photographer, YoussefNabil, captures the first generation ofYemeni sailors with the pride theyembody as individuals and as acommunity.

Venue: The Street Gallery, Institute ofArab and Islamic Studies, Universityof Exeter, Exeter EX4 4NDTime: 9.00 AM - 5.00 PMFee: FreeMore info: Telephone Jane Clark on01392 724040

5 January

Kingship and religion in ancientIran

45 minute Gallery Talk by VestaCurtis. Free to attend. Talks aresuitable for people with all levels ofknowledge.

Venue: Room 68, The BritishMuseum, Great Russell Street,London, WC1B 3DGTime: 1.15 PM - 2.00 PM

11 January

1656, Cromwell and theReadmission of Jews: Towards aTolerant and Pluralist Society?

Together with Eugenio F. Biagini(Professor of Modern andContemporary History, Cambridge),the Woolf Institute is organising aconference to commemorate the

What&

Where


360th anniversary of OliverCromwell's readmission of Jews toBritain and Ireland in 1656. Themeswill include the origins of toleranceand the long-term and widersignificance of the return for the UKtoday.Speakers will include David Abulafia(Professor of Mediterranean History,Cambridge), John Coffey (Professor ofEarly Modern History, Leicester),Rabbi Joseph Dweck (Senior Rabbi ofthe Spanish and Portuguese Jews'Congregation of London), DavidFeldman (Director of the PearsInstitute and Professor of History,Birkbeck) and John Morrill (Professorof British and Irish History,Cambridge).

Venue: Sidney Sussex College, SidneyStreet, Cambridge CB2 3HU, UKTime: 9.00 AM - 6.45 PMRegistration & More info:http://www.woolf.cam.ac.uk/events

16 January

Politics, Islam & Modernity

Professor Wael Hallaq (ColumbiaUniversity, USA) and specialist onIslamic Law and Islamic intellectualhistory, will deliver a one-dayintensive course based around hisbook ‘The Impossible State: Islam,Politics, and Modernity’s MoralPredicament’ (Columbia UniversityPress, 2012).

Venue: Birkbeck College, Malet Street,London, WC1E 7HXTime: 9.00 AM - 6.00 PMFee: £40 & £50Bookings:http://www.eventbrite.co.uk

21 January

Living with the past: temples,churches and mosques in Egypt

45 minute Gallery Talk by Elisabeth

R O’Connell. Free to attend. Talks aresuitable for all levels of knowledge.

Venue: Room 4, The British Museum,Great Russell Street, LondonTime: 1.15 PM - 2.00 PM

24 January

A Taste of Scottish Islam

Scotland is home to 77,000 Muslims,many of whom draw their heritagefrom the diverse cultures andtraditions of the Muslim world. FromIstanbul through to Indonesia,Muslim societies reflect localcustoms, and cuisine reflects localingredients and palates!As part of the Year of Food & DrinkScotland 2015, The Alwaleed Centrefor the Study of Islam in theContemporary World (part of theUniversity of Edinburgh) is hosting afood event to celebrate and bringtogether the different cultures of theMuslim world, represented inEdinburgh. It will be a chance toreflect differences, appreciatesimilarities, and enjoy some deliciousfood!

Venue: City of Edinburgh MethodistChurch - 25 Nicolson Square,Edinburgh, EH8 9BX GBTime: 3.00 PM - 5.00 PMEntry: FreeVolunteers needed, email:[email protected]

30-31 January

The Muslim DNA- Course

At a time when perceptions areeverything, setting a good example isfar more powerful than mere words.This course will delve into thecommentary and tradition to extractthe life lessons we need to becomebetter people. You will learn about

the eternal struggle with Satan,bravery, humility, piety, rememberingGod, leadership, honesty, generosity,avoiding backbiting & envy, justiceand so on.

Venue: Birmingham, Venue to beconfirmed.Time: 8.30 AM - 7.00 PMFee: £60.00Register: https://www.alkauthar.org/

31 January

Introduction to Muslim chaplaincy

AMCed is developing Muslimchaplaincy courses at bothundergraduate and postgraduatelevels for those seeking a moreacademic approach. These coursesare for the professional developmentof Muslim Chaplains, faith leadersand anyone who is involved incommunity or youth work. The firstonline course is starting in January2016. This course is for new andexperienced chaplains or anyoneinterested in finding out aboutMuslim chaplaincy.

Venue: OnlineTime: 8.00 AM - 5.00 PMMore info: www.amced.org.uk

Disclaimer: islam today does not necessarlyendorse or recommend any of these events. Theircontents and individuals or groups involved inthem. We are not responsible for changes totimes, fees or venues. Further information shouldbe sought direclty from the organisers.

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islam today - issue 31 / January 2016

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Transcript of islam today - issue 31 / January 2016