Our Voices Newsletter (February 2013 Issue)

Newsletter | Issue 1 | February 2013

Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it.

Impossible is not a fact.It’s an opinion.Impossible is not a declaration.It’s a dare.Impossible is potential.Impossible is temporary.Impossible is nothing. -Muhammad Ali

“

”Shared by Muhammad Khairulanwar bin Shamsuri

First-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Jurisprudence, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

P E R K E M A S

Our Voices | Newsletter 3

N e w s l e t t e r | C o n t e n t s

7

13

38

P h o t o g r a p h y

3021

The Albanian

أزمـة الـشـرق ا%وسـط الـتى 4 تـنـتـهى

El Hajj Malcolm X

Usah Berduka Wahai Hati..

On Cosmic Verses In The Holy Quran

Editor-In-Chief

Muhammad Azfar Anwar

Executive Editor

Siti Nur Fairuz Mohd Anis

Content Features Editor

Nur Afiqah Karsani

Design Director

Muhammad Azfar Anwar

Associate Art Director

Muhammad Ashraf Anwar

Photography Department Director

Nur Diyana Zait

Creative Features Directors

Muhammad Asyraf Kasim

Muhammad Khairulanwar Shamsuri

Publicity Director

Aufa Muhammad Sidqee Haji Salleh Hoddin

Associate Publicity Director

Nurhanisa Yusoff

Administrative Department

Aufa Muhammad Sidqee Haji Salleh Hoddin

Nurhanisa Yusoff

Production Consultant

Goh Muhammad Redhuan Abdul Malik

Ahmad Qushairy bin Mohd Ariff

Muhammad Sufyan Mohamed Ishak

PERKEMAS Executive Committee Representatives

Muhammad Ismail Mohamed Sarip

Nurzahidah Muhammad Suhaimi

In the Name of our Infinitely Compassionate and Infinitely Merciful Source

Rumi once said,

The worm is in the root of the body’s tree;these unhealthy roots must be dug out and burned.

Travellers, it is late.Life’s sun is going to set.

During these brief days, while you have strength,be quick and spare no effort of your wings.

Value the small amount of seed that remains,in order that eternal life may grow from these few moments.

While this jewelled lamp still glows,now is the time to trim its wick and replenish its oil.

Wake up! Do not say “Tomorrow”-for many tomorrows have come and gone.

[Mathnawi II: 1264-1269]

I was inspired. What are we but seekers, travellers upon a path of favour. How deeply connected then is the traveller to the settings of the sun, to the risings of the stars, to the inevitability of time. How true. How profound.

What little we have of the blessings that the Source has blessed us must still be sowed and brought to fruition. Whatever forms of manifestations the latter based upon is then immaterial. What matters is the essence. For details are always secondary.

And while this ‘jewelled lamp still glows’, PERKEMAS’ Research Unit 2013 decided upon the initiative to give back to the society. To contribute.

Whatever ‘small amount of seed’ that we are blessed with, we hope it would still be of benefit. For it is good for one who has knowledge and is seeking, that he should learn whatever he does not know, and teach others what he knows already.

Thus a choice has to be made. A medium must be adopted.

We decided to provide our peers with a platform to express themselves. The world has become a noisier place. The exploits, adventurism and bigotry of many partisans have transfigured the world into a fish market. The noisiest, and most persistent wins. The only way to make yourself heard is to stand on a platform and scream. This magazine is our platform, not to vociferate, but to voice out. The former, to be issued twice annually on an academic semester basis will comprise works contributed by fellow PERKEMAS’ members. Whether they are written, photographed or even illustrated, the message is there to be delivered. The essence is always supreme.

This first issue - and an upcoming second issue - of the newsletter version of this publication will serve as a preview to the online magazine to be published before this academic term ends.

The Source proclaimed, ((Surely, we have sent it down; and We will certainly preserve it)). [15:9]

The commentators say this refers to the Quran. But according to Rumi in Fihi Ma Fihi, it can also mean: “We have placed in you a substance, a desire to seek, a yearning; We take care of it. We will not let it be wasted; We will bring it to fruition”.

Our Lord knows that we desire nothing but that.

This is ‘Our Voices’.

The Editor.

Azfar Anwar | Editor-‐‑in-‐‑Chief

S E Q U O I A C L U B

6 Nullam arcu leo, facilisis ut

Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.! ! ! ! -Jalaluddeen Ar-Rumi

“”

Shared by Nurzahidah binte Muhammad Suhaimi.

First-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Theology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

A L A Z H A R ِ

Nullam arcu leo, facilisis ut 7

The Albanian.A S e e k e r o f T r u t h .

Life’s Lesson By Muhammad Mustafa bin Roslan

There were many instances in my life where I became bored with people’s stories as it all seems cliche, I’ve lost this and I triumphed over this. Everyone’s story was getting similar. Even the most complicated ones sounded like a regular snippet from a teenage magazine, it bored me.

It was a regular day in Cairo, as I rushed to Al-Azhar University for my first class, Science of Hadith; a major subject in Islamic Theology. Seated in front of me were two pink-skinned guys with short brown hair and bright blue eyes. They were inattentive to the professor and seemed to enjoy talking rather than focusing on the lecture. The day ended and the guy nearest to the end of

the bench left, leaving his friend alone.

I always wondered why are there Europeans in Al-Azhar? Unlike being in Al-Junied, our aim has always been to step foot inside Al-Azhar.

I tapped his shoulder.

“You’re from Turkey aren’t you?” I asked casually.

He smiled and shook his head, “No, Albania”. That was unexpected. Great! I knew nothing about Albania, except their flag was dark red with a black bird-like thing in the middle. I was confused. Normally I would see him with the Turkeys chatting along during break. You can recognize the Turks by the

way they dress, talk and by their dark facial hair.

“And what language do Albanians speak?” I asked.

He grinned, “We speak Albanian, but some Albanians speak Italian, Greek and English”.

I jolted. I love languages. Languages have always interest me. I have met people who could speak more than half a dozen languages and some who could only speak a language.

“And you, how many languages do you speak?” I asked.

“I speak Turkish, English, Arabic and of course, Albanian. I can understand Italian but I cannot speak it”

A L A Z H A R


It was getting interesting. So he was Albanian who speaks three other languages. So what brought him to Egypt?

I advised him to take up a course in the American University Of Cairo and get a diploma in translation or interpretation and become a professional. The pay is great and there is a demand in the global market. He grinned at me with those crooked teeth and laughed.

“I came here, to get a degree from Al-Azhar” he said calmly.

I scratched my head.

“I study in Al-Azhar University to learn religion. I want to propagate the true message of Islam to the Albanian muslims” he stated.

My attention to his story increased multifold when he mentioned that. My first thoughts were; Are there Muslims in Albania? And what did he mean when he said ‘the true message of Islam’? Were the Albanian Muslims taught the wrong message or something? I had to know.

The Albanian turned his body towards me and I was facing him fully. He was indeed European. Large sized, pink-skinned, light-coloured hair with bright eyes.

“My friend, I became a true Muslim only five years ago”, he explained with a smirk.

I was silenced. I was wondering was he a non-Muslim before this and converted.

He bellowed a hearty laugh, “I was born a Muslim to both Muslim parents. But my whole family and I never practiced Islam. There was never religion in our house. Before this I drank, fornicated, partied and did all those prohibited stuffs. I did

not pray until later when I found Islam back in my life” he explained enthusiastically.

“My friends and I used to do all those when we were younger. We used to do everything that was haram. But then one day, I met my Ustaz who was from Turkey and he was a Math teacher. And from that day onwards, he changed my life and my friends’ lives”.

He paused and seemed uncomfortable. His smile faded and he glanced at me with furrowed expression.

“Do you know the Salafis?” he asked.

I nodded. Who doesn’t?

“They are a lot of them in Albania! They call everyone who does not practice the religion the way they do as Kafir. If they see that you are not wearing a jubbah that ended anywhere above the ankle, then you are a Kafir! If you don’t have a beard then

you are a Kafir! When you made a do’a and you didn't raise your hands, then you are a Kafir!” he sternly explained.

I shook my head. I was not ignorant of the influence of Salafism in the West. A few months back, I met two Swedish men in the streets who were very influenced under the Salafism's ideologies. Not knowing at that time, I asked them randomly to what music they enjoyed. They looked at me in

horror and stated that music is completely haram and if I continue listening to any forms of music, I am a Kafir! We debated it out in the streets and I left before they started to get physical.

A L A Z H A R


`

“It

is because of this, the Albanian Muslims think that Islam is oppressing and harsh. So I came here to learn my religion, get my degree and propagate the truth to them".

I was in awe. There were moments when I questioned the reason I studied in Al-Azhar. If you randomly asked me why I studied here, I would probably stammer and make some clichéd story up. Unlike this remarkable Albanian guy who was clear of his reason of studying in Al-Azhar; to propagate the truth.

“So my math teacher who was also a graduate from Al-Azhar comes to class, wearing a suit and tie with no beard and was such a great teacher. During class, he would sometimes slipped into talking about religion but none argued. Everyone, even the non-muslims wanted to listen to him speak about Islam. On our test paper he would quote a simple hadith such as ‘Whoever cheats among us is not part of us’. It was simple but affected us strongly. That was our first time experiencing true Islam! After class, the boys wanted him to continue speaking about Islam so we would invite him to our dorm. He started telling us about Islam and it was so wonderful! He did all those

things without us paying him a single cent”.

By then I was literally ooh-ing multiple times in the conversation. I was captivated by his story and felt teary. His Ustaz sounded like a really kind-hearted person.

“He brought us to meet other Sheikhs who were Turkish and most of them were from Al-Azhar. We started going back to Islam. Soon I graduated and I asked my Ustaz for advice for where I should continue my studies. I was disappointed when he said that I should continue engineering at the National University. I was hoping to hear Al-Azhar! After I graduated from engineering I asked him again, where should I go? Then he said Al-Azhar”.

The

guy’s eyes seemed to spark brilliantly when he stated his last sentence. I had Goosebumps all over me.

“When you see an Albanian in Al-Azhar, they could be a doctor or whatever you know! I am an engineer but I want to learn religion here, learn the beautiful language of the Quran, and meet Sheikhs, so when I go back to Albania I can dakwah!” he stated proudly.

“Dakwah can be in many forms, who knows engineering can be a form of Dakwah?” he coyly said.

I looked at him with almost tears in my eyes. You don’t look at someone with such a remarkable story like his and

not feel an utmost respect for him. His story had captivated and refreshed me in many ways. Reminding me the true message of Islam and the gargantuan role an Ustaz or da’I has. And Al-Azhar indeed teaches you both roles.

I looked down

at the table, incredibly humbled and touched by his tale. I felt embarrassed that I did not have a story as colourful as his to share. For once, my stories felt boring.

I let out a long sigh, trying to absorb everything. I stared at the wonderful person sitting in front of me and see a future of greatness in Albania. Yes, his Ustaz was right! Dakwah can be in many forms; Mathematics, Engineering, and even stories. And the best thing is; anyone can give a life-changing dakwah.

“Convey my salam to your Ustaz when you call him okay” I said, “And thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story”.

Author is a second-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Theology,

Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

Contents expressed in this article does not necessarily reflect Perkemas’ views.

P H O T O G R A P H Y

Caption | A true friend will always be there, even when you’re in the middle of nowherePhotographer | Athirah Banu binte Ali Akbar

Third-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Jursiprudence, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

! Without knowledge, action is useless. And knowledge, without action, is futile. - Sayyiduna Abu Bakar (may Allah be pleased with him)

“”Shared by Siti Nur Fairuz binte Mohd

Anis

Third-year student at the Faculty of Arabic Language & Literature, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

Malcolm Xالحاج

A B i o g r a p h y | I d a M a r i a m Courtesy of Flickr - Aoyan

B I O G R A P H Y


“True Islam taught me that it takes all of the religious, political, economic, psychological, and racial ingredients, or characteristics, to make the Human Family and the Human Society complete.”One would probably thought that these words came from a wise and honourable Muslim with a very good background, brought up well in an Islamic environment since young. An intelligent devoted Muslim who lived his life well and knows the true teaching of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. True words that one could not deny, for it states the truth. Truth is, is our judgement true ? How well do we think we know the people we judge, from the words that was said?

Malcolm X, Malcolm

Little, El-‐Hajj Malik El-‐Shabazz. Three names for one powerful inspiring man who lived only for a few 40 years. Born as an African American non-‐Muslim on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. Little grew up in a rough neighbourhood, went through hardships of a racist society since young. His father who was a strong supporter of activist Marcus Garvey was also an outspoken speaker for black and white rights and a local leader of the Universal

Negro Improvement Association. Unfortunately, his father received many threats from the white supremacists and was killed by them. After the tragedy, Little’s family went through further hardships. His mother was put into a mental hospital and Little himself was separated from his seven siblings and moved from one foster home into another.

As a child, Little

experienced racism Uirst-‐hand. He saw how the coloured people were degraded and often seen as low lives. He was called a ‘Negro’ too many times that he thought it was normal and Uine as it was. Even though he was a very bright student, one of the best in his junior high school, he did not receive much encouragement from his teachers themselves. He was discouraged by his white eighth-‐grade teacher when he told him that that his ambition of being a lawyer is ‘no realistic goal for a nigger’. Since then, he dropped out of school and became involved in drug dealing, gambling, robbery and pimping in the city of Harlem. His life was a struggle, he did not have any aims nor aspirations to be any better. Unemployed, all he cared for was reputation, money and women. At such a young age of 20, he went to prison for robbery and that was when his life turned around and he saw the light at the end of the dark tunnel.

While serving his sentence in prison, Little was given the nickname ‘Satan’ for his hostility towards religion. After time, he met a prisoner named John Elton Bembry who inspired Little to educate himself. Ever since, Little

developed himself mentally. He taught himself to read more and by day he was more matured. Little was truly convinced by the teachings of Elijah Mohammed who was the leader of Nation of Islam. Eventually, Little became a member and a converted to Muslim. His Muslim name was El-‐Hajj Malik El-‐Shabazz.

Nation of Islam somewhat changed the course of Little’s life. Not only Little converted into a new religion, he also got himself a new name; Malcolm X. He explained that the ‘X’ symbolised the true African family name that he would never Uigure out. ‘X’ replacing ‘Little’ which he claimed to be a white slave master name he wanted to get rid of.

Nation of Islam was

known to be founded by Wallace D. Fard Muhammad in Detroit who was later succeeded by Elijah Muhammad. Elijah became Little’s highly respected mentor. This group which inUluenced Little so much was-‐in short-‐ a black supremacist new religion movement whose goal was ultimately to improve the conditions and situations of African-‐Americans in the United States. They highly disregarded the idea of integrations of both white and coloured people. Behind the mask of Islam, they taught the coloured people through powerful words in speeches to unite and demand for integration instead of segregation. DeUinitely opposing the very essence of unity in Islam, but as a convert it took him awhile to realise all that.

B I O G R A P H Y


He was quick

to be appointed the African-‐American Muslim Minister. He gave powerful speeches that affected many people. In 1957, he led a mob to rally against the police force for illegally beating up a fellow Muslim brother for no apparent reason. He controlled the crowd with just a hand signal which left the police force speechless. It was recorded that a police ofUicer told an editor of the New York Amsterdam news : “No one man should have that much power”.

Society saw how Malcolm X became such an inUluential Uigure who was capable of nurturing ideas in peoples’ mind to Uinally stand up for their rights with his persuasive and convincing speeches. Not wanting a true talent to be blinded for long, God opened up his eyes to Uinally see the true meaning of Islam which is not being supreme of any races or creed. Malcolm X left Nation of Islam due to internal conUlict and its rigid religious teachings. He moved forward to expand his work and ideas. He founded ‘Muslim Mosque Inc’ hoping to work with other civil rights leader which he has not had the chance to do while under the eyes of Elijah Muhammad.

After he left the Nation of Islam, he went for his pilgrimage (hajj) in Mecca in 1964. There he learnt the

beautiful meaning of Islam. He was well received by the authorities and ofUicials whom he met in Africa , France and United Kingdoms. He was an impressive human rights activist and one of the most inUluential African-‐Americans in history whom the government feared and the members of Nation of Islam envied. Malcolm X even inUluenced Muhammad Ali , the boxer to join Nation of Islam , but like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali too left Nation of Islam and became Sunni-‐Muslim.

Only a few years of glory, he and his family received anonymous threats saying that his days were numbered. Aside from Uighting for the peoples’ rights, he protected his wife and children the way a man should. It was tough for them and they were even separated. Like any man, Malcolm X had to part when his time had come. 21st February, 1965, when he was about to address the Organization of Afro-‐American Unity in Manhattan’s Audubon Ballroom, he was shot several times. They claimed it was the work of the Nation of Islam, for they felt that they had betrayed him.

Malcolm's assassination

was a tragedy.

The Muslim world lost one precious brother. Though he might not be very well known to some, we should continually spread his ideas and stories. To inspire and to let him be an admirable example. Imagine if he is still alive today, what great deeds would he have achieved. Learning Malcolm X's

history has taught us that what we were in the past do not deUine us but what we aspire to be today. We are able to shape our future if only we would make an effort for it today. He once said, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

In a nutshell, we should never judge someone no matter how

good or

bad he is the moment we set our eyes on him. We do not know what the future holds. There will always be a twist at the end that we would never know. We learn from each other; be it from a fellow Muslim, a non-‐Muslim or a convert because Islam is all about respect and unity. We are fortunate to be living in this advanced world, we have all that we need to move forward and spread the message of Islam. Look at ourselves now, do we stand on par with those in the past who went all out to Uight for what Islam strives for?

Author: Ida Mariam binte Iskandar Muda Abdul Jalil. She is a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Theology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.


Caption | A Voice For A Future.Photographer | Imron Rushdie Tukiman

Second-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Theology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

I never talked to someone but sincerely wished that Allah guard him, protect him from sin and misdeed, and guide him.

And I never debated with someone but sincerely wished that we would come upon truth, regardless whether he or I should be the one to

think of it first. -Imam As-Shaafi’ee

“”Shared by Nurhanisa binte Yusoff

First-year student at the Faculty of Arabic Language & Literature, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.


Caption | Time will slip away, regardless.Photographer | Athirah Banu binte Ali Akbar

Third-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Jursiprudence, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

It is easier to turn a mountain into dust than to create love in a heart that is filled with hatred. -Sayyiduna Ali(may Allah be pleased with him)

“

”Shared by Nur Diyana binte Zait


A B S T R A C T

Our Voices Newsletter

Malam mengganti siang dan mentari hilang dari ufuk dunia. Kegelapan itu menggalaukan jiwa. Menyesakkan perasaan . Aneh . Mengapa dihilangkan sang mentari yang begitu hebat memancar cahaya menerangi segenap pelusuk dunia lalu digantikan pula dengan sang bulan yang malap cahayanya, tidak berdaya menerangi kegelapan malam yang menyelubungi alam. Mengapa harus wujud kegelapan, bila cahaya sudah amat menyenangkan?

Setiap manusia pasti melalui episod kesedihan di dalam hidupnya. Malah, dugaan yang datang tidak terikat pada hanya satu kali. Ia datang berkali-kali. Mungkin juga bertubi-tubi. Saat itu biasanya akal manusia akan bertanya, "mengapa aku? Mengapa harus ditimpa kesusahan ini?" Bukankah Tuhan itu Maha Penyayang, lalu mengapa dia turunkan bencana yang menyesakkan jiwa?

Lihatlah keajaiban

dunia. Lihat langit yang terapung tanpa dicacak. Awan berkepul menghiasi dadanya. Berarak perlahan, siapa yang menggerakkan? Lihat lautan yang memenuhi lebih dari separuh isi dunia, bermacam kehidupan yang tumbuh dari perutnya. Siapa yang menghidupkan? Lihat gunung-ganang menjadi tiang. Bermacam bentuk, bermacam ragam. Siapa sangka di antara yang diam membatu, ada lahar yang menggelegak menunggu masa dimuntahkan semua? Siapa yang

mengurus? Siapa yang

mentadbir semua? Tuhan

yang mengurus segala. Tuhan yang mentadbir semua. Alam semesta bersama seluruh isinya.

Mauris egestas lacus sit ameVivamus pulvinar, purus ultricies ultrices ullamcorper, dolor diam euismod nisl, vel consectetuer eros mi sit amet lorem.

— Quisque MassaCourtesy of Flickr - Courtesy of Flickr - Petr Jan Juračka

Usah Berduka Wahai Hati..Karangan | Siti Nur Atiqah binte Abu Bakar

A B S T R A C T

22 Our Voices Newsletter

Bulan nun jauh di atas sana,

bersama bintang-bintang yang setia m e n e m a n i s e t i a p k a l i m a l a m menjelang. Matahari yang begitu terang memancar saban hari tanpa jemu. Juga penghuni alam yang pelbagai rupa. Ada yang bersayap, ada yang melata. Seluruh cakerawala, lautan yang paling terdalam, hutan rimba yang tebal, gunung ganang yang tinggi mencakar langit... segala apa yang manusia baru, belum dan tidak akan pernah terokai. Semuanya tersusun rapi, semuanya terletak di tempat sendiri. Siapa yang mengurus? Siapa yang mentadbir semua? Tanpa cacat cela, kerajaan Tuhan begitu gah tersergam indah. Bukankah itu bukti depan mata? Andai kau tahu dan faham akan hakikat itu, atas dasar apa lagikah perlu kau ragui rancangan Tuhan mengurus kehidupanmu?

Terkadang , ke rana t e r l a lu tenggelam di dalam kesedihan, manusia terlupa siapa yang telah menghantar ombak tersebut. Dia yang menghantar. Siapakah lagi yang mengenali anak Adam lebih dari Dia yang menciptakan mereka? Mungkin akal kita gagal untuk menggapai hikmah agar dapat kita fahami suratan tersebut. Namun percayalah dengan kehendak Tuhan yang Maha Tahu akan segala sesuatu.

"Boleh jadi kamu benci kepada sesuatu padahal ia baik bagi kamu dan boleh jadi kamu suka

kepada sesuatu padahal ia b u r u k b a g i k a m u . D a n (ingatlah), Allah jualah Yang mengetahui (semuanya itu), s e d a n g k a m u t i d a k mengetahuinya."1

Usah ragu dengan takdir Illahi.

Segala apa yang kau tempuhi hari ini sudah tertulis sejak azali. Yakinlah bahawa bersama turunnya ujian, Dia juga menyelitkan kesenangan. Bukankah telah Tuhan berfirman

"Kerana sesungguhnya setiap kesukaran disertai kemudahan. Sesungguhnya setiap kesukaran disertai kemudahan."2

M u n g k i n k i t a t i d a k

menyedarinya. Mungkin kita tidak merasainya. Dan mungkin juga kerana terbatasnya akal kita membuatkan kita tidak mampu untuk memahami hikmah setiap kejadian. Namun apakah janji Illahi masih juga tidak mencukupi?

Sebenarnya, terlalu banyak doa-doa yang telah diajarkan di dalam Al-Quran dan Sunnah Nabi untuk dijadikan benteng pertahanan diri. Doa-doa tersebut bukanlah jampi serapah yang kita amalkan untuk menolak bencana. Namun yakinlah

bahawa andai kita benar-benar menghayati doa yang kita panjatkan, ia mampu menjadi penguat diri di kala kesusahan. Doa-doa tersebut menjadi saksi kesedaran diri, bahawa tiada daya d a n u p a y a m e l a i n k a n h a n y a denganNya.

Andai kita telusuri sejarah,

nabi Muhammad S.A.W juga diuji. Kita seringkali mendengar kisah tentang peristiwa baginda Rasul di kota Taif. Saat beliau, insan paling mulia di kanvas sejarah, datang membawa berita gembira buat mereka, berita yang bakal menyelamatkan mereka dari kemurkaan Tuhan, dengan hanya bersyaratkan satu tuntutan; beriman kepadaNya dan kepada RasulNya. Begitu tulus niat di hatinya, bersama cinta buat umatnya. Namun apakah baginda dapat sebagai balasan? Sudahlah dihalau, dibaling pula batu-batu yang menyakitkan, sehingga mengalir darah dari kedua-dua kakinya. Hati siapa yang tidak bersedih apabila diri diperlakukan sedemikian? Hati mana yang tidak membara? Namun apakah baginda menyalahkan takdir, merasa terlalu berat ujian yang menjadi tanggungan? Saat itu beliau hanya menyerahkan segalanya kepada Tuhan, l a l u dengan

kerendahan h a t i m e m a n j a t k a n harapan,

A B S T R A C T

Our Voices Newsletter 23

"Tuhanku kepada Dikau

ku mengadu ha l k e l e t i h a n tenagaku, kekurangan hilahku, kehinaanku di hadapan manusia, wahai Maha Penyayang Lagi Belas Kasihan. Dikaulah Tuhan golongan lemah dan dhaif . Dikaulah Tuhanku, kepada siapa lagi yang hendak ku menyerah..? Apakah kepada orang yang jauh membenci daku? Atau kepada seteru yang telah Kau beri kuasa mengatasi daku? Kiranya tiada kemarahan Kau ke atasku, tidaklah ku peduli, namun afiat dari Mu lebih luas bagiku, ku berlindung dengan c a h a y aMu . D i k a u l a h y a n g menerangi kegelapan, dengannya urusan di dunia dan di akhirat menjadi baik, aku berlindung denganMu dari terturunnya ke a t a s ku k emurkaanMu , a t au terturun kemarahanMu, bagi Kau jua tempat kembalinya hingga tercapai keredhaanMu, tiada daya dan upaya kecuali denganMu Ya Tuhan.”3

Tahun tersebut sememangnya tahun yang sedih buat baginda Rasul. Setelah pakciknya; sa lah satu pelindung kuatnya meninggal dunia, kaum Quraisy semakin mengganas menindas baginda. Sehinggakan seorang lelaki Quraisy dengan beraninya menabur pasir ke atas kepala baginda. Sewaktu baginda pulang dengan tanah dan pasir yang bertaburan di atas kepalanya, puterinya membersihkan kepala ayahnya sambil menangis. Lalu baginda berkata kepada puterinya, "janganlah kau menangis wahai anakku, sesungguhnya Allah melindungi ayahmu ini..."4 Rasul insan termulia di sisi Tuhan. Kita semua sedia maklum akan kemuliaan baginda. Namun baginda juga ditimpa

m u s i b a h . B a g i n d a j u g a d i u j i Tuhannya. Baginda juga ditindas manusia. Tetapi tidak pernah sekali pun baginda meragui ketentuan Tuhannya. Lalu siapakah kita untuk mengeluh dan meratapi nasib diri saat dugaan datang melanda? Oleh itu saat kau disapa duka, fahamilah. Dia menguji yang Dia kasihi.

Segalanya diciptakan berpasangan. Itu f i t r a h k e h i d u p a n . M a l a m menggantikan siang. Suka dan duka itu silih berganti. Bagi akal manusia yang diciptakan terbatas, mungkin sahaja kita tak mampu untuk memahami hikmahnya. Namun p e r c a y a l a h d e n g a n k e a d i l a n TuhanMu, takkan Dia pikulkan ke atasmu lebih dari apa yang kau mampu.

“Allah tidak akan membebani seseorang melainkan apa yang

terdaya olehnya.”5

Percayalah setiap kesusahan yang kau alami itu perlu untuk pertumbuhan

diri.

Terlalu ramai yang hi lang k e y a k i n a n s a a t k e s u s a h a n d a t a n g b e r t a n d a n g . N a m u n pe rcaya l ah , d i dalam kesusahan sebuah ujian, terselit kemanisannya ganjaran kesabaran. Lumrah dunia memang b e g i t u ; m e n g e c e w a k a n d a n menyakitkan. Namun andai kita fahami bahawa dunia ini hanya sementara, mungkin sahaja bebanan perasaan yang dipikul akan hilang saat datangnya redha di dalam jiwa. Sehebat mana pun dugaan di dunia,

ingatlah balasan di akhirat yang kekal a b a d i . A p a l a h s a n g a t n a k dibandingkan kesusahan di dunia yang berbilang harinya, dibandingkan dengan kesenangan di syurga Tuhan yang tiada akhirnya…

Sabda Rasu lu l l ah S .A .W: "Sungguh menakjubkan perkara orang yang beriman, kerana segala perkaranya adalah baik. Jika ia mendapa tkan ken ikmatan , ia bersyukur kerana (ia mengatahui) bahawa hal tersebut adalah memang baik baginya. Dan jika ia tertimpa musibah atau kesulitan, ia bersabar kerana (ia mengetahui) bahawa hal tersebut adalah baik baginya." (Hadis riwayat Muslim).

1.Surah Al-‐Baqarah : 216

2.Surah Al-‐Baqarah : 216

3.Raheeq Al-‐Makhtum, ditulis oleh Safi-‐ur Rahman Al-‐Mubarakfuri.



Author is a fourth-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Theology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.


Caption | [.. Have they not looked at how the camel is created ..] The Holy Qur'an 88:17Photographer | Ummu Aiman binte Mohamed Safari



Caption | Connections of Love, Brotherhood & ReligionPhotographer | Imron Rushdie Tukiman

Second-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Theology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.


Caption | Cairo’s Traffic. Lesson on Discipline.Photographer | Nur Hidayah binte Mohammad Ismail



Caption | Divine Artistry.Photographer | Siti Aisyah binte Khalid

Fourth-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Jurisprudence, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

Do not travel from phenomenal being to phenomenal being. You will be like the donkey going around at the mill. It travels to what it sets out from. Travel from phenomenal beings to the Maker of beings, and the final end is your Lord.! ! ! ! ! ! ! -Imam Ibn Ato’iLlah

“”

Shared by Muhammad Ismail bin Mohamed Sarip

Third-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Theology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

F E A T U R E D S T O R Y


On Cosmic Verses In The Holy QuranA n A n a l y s i s | M u h a m m a d I s m a i l M o h a m e d S a r i p



In the multivolume

scientiUic commentary of the Quran, Al-‐Jawahir Fi Tafsir Al-‐Quran the author Shaykh Tantawi Jawhari, a past al-‐Azhar scholar, once expressed his worries on the Muslims’ lack of progress and ignorance on the Uield of science and mourned on the stagnant Ulamas’ focus on the legislation aspect. “Why have Muslim scholars written thousands of books on Fiqh when it only encompasses a few verses in the Quran? And why are there so many writings on Fiqh, but so few on the scientiUic evidences which can be almost found in every chapter in the Quran?”

In these past few

decades, we have seen the recent rise of discussions among intellectuals on the issue of bringing modern science into the light of our Holy Quran. In Singapore particularly, this ‘contemporary’ subject has proved to be very appealing to the youths of our Muslim community in general, be it those studying in madrasahs or ‘secular’ schools. On the contrary, although this interest and the involvement of youths in discussions revolving around religious affairs seem like a good thing to many, it is of utmost importance to remind them that things are not always as simple as it seems. There are many essential fundamentals one has to take into regard before relating any matter that seem to be in conformity with the eternal word of Allah.

Throughout the years, a substantial amount of effort into the study of cosmic verses has

been seen most notably in the West, such as the likes of Ziauddin Sardar, Maurice Bucaille and Keith Moore. This notion, however, rose up a very important issue: What is the Ulama’s say on this? If they are not against it, what happens when science contradicts with what is said in the Quran? While this issue seems to be new for most of us, it may surprise many that it is an old topic which has been heavily discussed centuries ago and is still ongoing amongst great Muslim scholars worldwide. Knowing this, it is obligatory that we – as Muslims and seekers of knowledge – read upon their discourse Uirst and learn about their concerns and the consequences one is subjected to towards this matter beforehand.

This article aims to

clarify the correct understanding of the relationship between science and Islam and how to undertake the right approach towards the application of science in trying to understand the abundance of cosmic verses )Al-‐Ayāt Al-‐Kauniyah) in the Quran.

As mentioned

earlier, there had been a prominent number of past Ulama who have delved into this study. One of the Uirst few notable scholars was the great Muslim philosopher, Abu Hamid Al-‐Ghazali in his work Ihya’ Ulumuddin who claimed a

statement arguable to some: that the Quran contains all both worldly and religious sciences, and that this knowledge is hidden secret behind His verses which can only be known by the learned. Additionally, there are also works such as of Fakhr al-‐Din al-‐Razi’s Mafātih Al-‐Ghaib, Syed Qutb’s Fi Zhilāl Al-‐Quran, Ibn Arabi’s Qānun At-‐Ta’wil, Syed Hauwa’s Al-‐Asās Fi Al-‐Tafsīr and Jalal ad-‐Din as-‐Suyuti’s Al-‐Itqān Fi Ulum Al-‐Qurān. These years, we have also seen the likes of Adnan Oktar, under the pen name of Harun Yahya, who has written numerous books on faith-‐related topics by relating it with science. In Egypt as well, ulamas from al-‐Azhar have published many books on this study. A personal favourite is Zaghloul El-‐Naggar, chairman of the Committee of ScientiUic Notions in the Qur'an in the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Egypt, also author to many works regarding scientiUic miracles in the Quran.

Regarding the

permissibility of this act of bringing scientiUic knowledge into the interpretation of the Quran, there are two things that we need to be clear about, which are: (1) Tafsir ilmi and (2) i’jaz ilmi.



Tafsir Ilmi It is defined as the scientific

exegesis of the Holy Quran. It is the attempt of the human mind in understanding the true meaning of the Quran’s cosmic verses in the light of modern scientific knowledge that has been discovered in his time.

These interpretations expand consistently with the ever-developing human knowledge as new discoveries are made throughout the years. Most importantly, this consistency grows in integration, and not in contradiction. This is simply due to the fact that the truth will always remain, and true knowledge will never decrease as time passes but rather, it increases in detail and clarification with the heightened efforts and studies of scholars. Among numerous examples include trials to interpret the verses which concern astronomy, stages of the human embryology, and the water cycle.

This field of study has perpetually been the interest of scientists worldwide who are intrigued by the very nature of these indications that are abundant in the Quran. In many cases, we become witnesses to scientists such as Dr Arthur Alison embracing Islam wholeheartedly as they reach and discover the truth of the Prophet’s message.

Courtesy of Flickr - Alia Khalid



I’jaz IlmiIt is the fruit of tafsir ilmi,

when scientiUic results match with what has been foretold by Allah in the context of the cosmic verses. It demonstrates the Quran’s dominance over man in the discoveries of scientiUic knowledge. These modern Uindings level with the context of the verses in correspondence, but not in validity; meaning to say that science does not authenticate the truth of Allah’s word, but rather, it is the exact opposite. The Quran is the one most deserving to judge the truth of man’s scientiUic results. Indeed, the truth of Quran does not ever need to be justiUied. Since Allah is the creator of all things, the true knowledge of the mechanisms behind His creations lies within Him too. Knowledge begins with the Quran, and does not end with it. There can never be any contradiction between science and the word of the Creator.

I’jaz ilmi also refers to the fact that this divine text has preceded man in claiming these facts centuries even before man began to ponder upon how the order of this world and universe works. These cosmic verses, which makes up almost one-‐sixth of the Quran, are amazingly abundant in chapters such as surah An-‐Naml, Al-‐‘An`am, Al-‐Hajj, Al-‐‘Ankabut, and Ar-‐Ra’d. The scientiUic indications were revealed to our Prophet in the Quran during a time when it was inevitably impossible

to be known to mankind. This ultimately leads to the Uinal truth that these evidences can only come from a divine source: Allah. He is the Creator of all things and All-‐Knowing of their secrets; hence afUirming the truth that Islam is the true religion from Allah and that the Quran is nothing but His true words. This is the main purpose of i’jaz ilmi. In conjunction with this, verily Almighty Allah has said in surah Fussilat, verse 53 and An-‐Naml, verse 93:

“We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not suf;icient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?”

And say, "[All] praise is [due] to Allah. He will show you His signs, and you will recognize them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do."

A Uine example of the Quran’s i’jaz ilmi is the discovery of the distinct feature of our set of Uingerprints in the 19th century which is unique to each and every one of us. No two individuals can have the same set of Uingerprints; be it siblings or identical twins. Astoundingly in the Quran, Allah had already hinted this fact in surah Al-‐Qiyamah, verse 3-‐4 when

He emphasised particularly on the Uingerprints of

man during the resurrection, right before the

commencement of the Hereafter.

“Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones? Nay, We are able to put together in perfect order the very tips of his ;ingers.”

In the light of these two notions, many past and present Ulama have discussed the validity of tafsir ilmi in Islam.

Most of the opposition’s arguments circulate around these key factors:

(a) That the true purpose of the revelation of Quran is to establish the creed of religion, and not to explain the details of His creations as a book of science.

(b) The cosmic verses, which are mostly makkiyah, were originally sent down to the musyrikeen to direct their attention, through the beauty of His creations and towards the magniUicence of Allah and to afUirm His Oneness. Hence, it is for us to contemplate on His supremacy and to remind us on the Hereafter, not to deviate and to be too preoccupied in validating the truth of these scientiUic evidences.

(c) As history has proven, the theories of science are subjected to changes and rectiUication while the Quran is eternal and thus, it is of great insult to interpret the word of Allah through fallible science. Furthermore, this group of ulama worry that the attempts of man in their search to clarify these verses might not reach the truth of it and thus, leading them to believe that the facts in which the verses contain are false.

Courtesy of Flickr - Darren Krape



With contemplation

and rational thinking, one will Uind that there is truth in those statements; however, it might lead the ignorant to straightaway conclude that tafsir ilmi is haram and impermissible in Islam. But as pursuers of the truth, we must be wise enough to differentiate the black and white areas; to reUlect, and not jump to any assumption without any rigorous analytic thinking. Only then can we reach to a Uirm conclusion: one which is based on true comparison, based on the correct moderate approach.

To refute the factors above, there are things that we need to rectify to clear their doubts and address their concerns. We absolutely agree that the Quran is a sacred scripture of guidance and not a book of science, nor does it demand its readers to elaborate the scientiUic facts within it. Nonetheless, one must not deny the remarkable wisdom behind the abundance of these cosmic verses, and the reason behind Allah’s repetitive instructions towards man to always observe His creations and ponder upon how they operate in nature.

I’jaz ilmi of the Quran has the ability to instil mankind into leading them towards the Truth.

It has within itself a tremendous amount of inUluence

towards the propagation of Islam which one cannot just ignorantly abandon its utilization in this era of knowledge and technology where modern science is at its highest pinnacle in history by far. Though it is true that there are many other forms of da’wah, many will agree that this is one of the most suitable and formidable form

of da’wah in this stage of time. Aren’t Muslims entrusted with the task to spread Allah’s words to the disbelievers through the best and most suitable means possible? One must constantly be up to date with what is happening in the West and observe how hundreds of scientists have come to accept Islam through this mean of da’wah alone. Verily, Allah has stated in the surah An-‐Nahl, verse 125:

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way,

and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.”

All of the past revelations and mu’jizah were sent down in a form that was most suitable to the circumstances of the generation by meeting their needs and their standards of knowledge. The same is applied to the Quran, but on top of it, the Prophet’s risalah was

meant to be the upstanding one which will last until the end of time. To achieve this, it has to withstand the ever-‐changing culture of his universal ummah and be adaptable to their intellectual activity throughout the years. During the early years of its revelation, it was linguistics. Now in this era, it is science. The correspondence of the Quran with the nature of the respective periods, inimitability and invulnerability against any contradictions of falsehood from man have proven its supremacy and demonstrates just how never-‐ending its miracles can be, such worthy to be the word of Allah.

Courtesy of Flickr - Saudi ARAMCO World 2004



Furthermore, i’jaz ilmi

increases the iman within the believers’ hearts as they grow to be more convinced of the truth of Islam upon the correspondence from both sides. Not to mention, it also helps to strengthen and, at the same time, pacify both their minds and hearts in the face of any contradictions that may arise. This is because a true Muslim understands that the sole reason that can cause any contradiction to manifest comes from the shortcomings within himself -‐ his limited perceptive ability, unrighteous intentions, and insufUicient knowledge. He sincerely understands that mistakes are the nature of

mankind as told in chapter An-‐Nisa, verse 82:

“Then do they not re;lect upon the Qur'an? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.”

At any rate, majority of scholars who oppose the validity of tafsir ‘ilmi do not deny that these scientiUic indications which are apparent in their literal context remains as Allah’s explanation towards the respective phenomena described in the verses and thus they are the absolute truth and are one of the primary factors for the Quran’s inimitability. Therefore, one must refrain from even thinking that the actual basis for

their opposition towards tafsir ‘ilmi is the fear of any shortcomings in the Quran in the face of newly-‐discovered scientiUic results since the true knowledge behind Allah’s creations will never contradict the Quran which likewise, comes from Himself.

R e g a r d l e s s , t h e r e a r e m a n y c o n s e q u e n c e s t h a t n e e d t o b e c o n s i d e r e d a n d p r e c a u t i o n s t o b e t a k e n i n t o a c c o u n t b e f o r e o n e c a n d e l v e i n t o t h i s f i e l d .

(to be continued in the upcoming newsletter)

Author is a third-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Theology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

Courtesy of Flickr - Kasia Krempa

It is not radical Islam that worries the US, it is independence. -Noam Chomsky

“”Shared by Aufa Muhammad Sidqee

bin Haji Salleh Hoddin

Third-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Theology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

C O N T E M P O R A R Y I S S U E S


أزمـة الـشـرق ا-وسط الـتى ' تـنـتـهى شك بأن ا$زمة

الشرق ا$وسط من إحدى ا$مور التى تهم العالم ا;ن. حقيقة, إن العالم مملوء بالحوادث

والوقائع الحزينة التى تجعل اKنسان يائسا بالحياة. من خUل وسائل

اKعUم, وجدنا البيانات والدYئل على وقوع الفساد في جميع أنحاء العالم, خاصة في الدول العربية, مثل: لبنان, و مصر, و ,fفلسط وعراق, وإيران, و من الناس كل يوم fيUم ا$ردن. مات

بسبب الحروب والقنابل والعنف والصراع والقلق والثــورات والتفجيرات والهجمات. ولذلك, سرعان لم نقل أن وقوع هذه الحوادث قد وقع لpسباب

اsتعددة.

من اsعلوم, إن الدول العربية مستغنية باsوارد الطبيعية. ومن أهمها, النفط. وهذه اsوارد تعتبر شكلة عمودية Yقتصادات الغربية. فنرى تدخل البلدان الغربية مثل

أمريكا, و بريطانيا, و فرنسا, و اYتحاد السوفيتي في الدول العربية KيستUء

مواردها. وأصبحت الدول العربية مكانة الصراع والحروب بسب افتقارهم إلى وبدأ كل هذه بعد الهبوط . هذه اsوارد السلطنة العثمانية, و أصبحت ا$وروبا

مسيطرة على آسيا. و في ا;ونة ا$خيرة, نجد أن رغبتهم ومحاولتهم KستيUء تلك

. موارد ظاهرة أمام حياتنا

بالطبع, اsحافظة على ثروات الوقود الحجرى قد تسبب الحروب وإسقاط الزعماء على حد سواء.فهم

مدمنة بثرواتها ولكنهم مفتقر في كيفية اKستثمار بها, فهذا ا$مر قد يؤدي إلى

الثــورات و الفساد سياستهم fالغربي حينما يخطف Uب حقوق العالم العربي

رحمة. Yو شفقة

منذ القديم, كان الغربيون قد نشئوا الدعاية على العالم

العربي وما زالوا يستمرون بهذا التبسيط الثقافي السلبي الذي أصبح أسوأ من من 11 سيما بعد حادثة Yو يوم إلى يوم سبتمبر. ومثال على ذلك, نرى اsمثلون اYوغاد في ا$فUم الحربية هم الرجال يستحيل لو أن الدعاية Y العرب ولذلك

تستمر حتى ا;ن.

نور شهيرة بنت حمزة | كتابة

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C O N T E M P O R A R Y I S S U E S


وا� أعلم.

Contents expressed in this article does not necessarily reflect Perkemas’ views.

Author is a first year student at the Faculty of Arabic Language & Literature, Al Azhar University, Cairo.

-‐ كان إيريل شارون مع – العسكر اKسرائيلي سابقا

جيوش متهما بمجازر الدموية 1000 منذ أيام عسكريته وهو كان مشهــورا في جميع أنحاء العالم حيث يعارض عملية اKصUحية

fالفلسطين فجعلت غاضبا ويعملون الUحتجاجات

والعنف.

حدثت ا$زمة التى حدثت في الشرق ا$وسط ً وشمال إفريقيا أثرا عميقـا ًعلى آفاق

السUم في اsنطقة. فالناس في العالم

العربي لم يعدوا على استعداد للتعامل

على أساس القواعد القديمة، حيث يتحدد صنع السUم من خUل الشواغل

ا$منية اKسرائيلية والتقويم اYنتخابي في الوYيات اsتحدة. هناك نفاذ متزايد للصبر لضمان العدالة

وإقامة دولة خاصة بهم. fللفلسطيني إذن, كانت القيادة ا$مريكية هي التي

قامت بجلب دوافع جديدة لتحقيق .fسرائيليKوا العرب fب السUم

فالفساد ظاهر و الناس ما زالوا يحاولون بالعمليات وقف العنف واsسيرات تطالب اKصUح .وقد قال ظهر الفساد في البر والبحر " تعالى: بما كسبت أيدى الناس ليذيقهم بعض

الذى عملوا لعلهم يرجعون". فهذه منتصرا بإذن fفلسط اsرة, سيكون

ا� ونصرته.

بطبيعة الحال, فقد ظهرت الثروات العربية حينما تسعى الوYيات اsتحدة Yستئناف محادثات السUم. فالفلسطينيون يرون الحدث الجديد

للثــورات العربية للحصول على اsزيد من الحريات والعدالة واsساواة واKصUح

للحاق ببحثهم اsستمر منذ عقود قديم Kقامة دولة خاصة بهم. وبالنسبة

من 15 فإن في يوم ا$حد ،fل�سرائيلي مايو هو اليوم الذي طوقت فيه الصحوة

العربية حدودهم اsؤقتة الساكنة لتذكرهم مرة أخرى بمدى ضعفهم وإلى أي مدى

.fمعزول أصبحوا

فقد أنذرت اYحتجاجات اsنظمة ضد 1949 خطوط الهدنة اKسرائيلية لعام

باKضافة إلى – مع سوريا ولبنان – الضفة الغربية وغزة ومصر وا$ردن يخافون من أن fسرائيليKا العديد من

ووضع الغربيون الزعماء الشر في Yإ يلحقهم Y الفاسدون الذين تدبير العالم العربي من حيث إعطائهم القدرة و القوة و يؤيدون في إسقاط

حتى يبقى السلطة للزعامة fناسبsا عليهم. و من خUل ذلك, إنهم يجعلون

العرب عسكريا ويقولون أن الهدف منه هو

sحاربة الشيوعية ولكن الحقيقة اsكافحة هي لسيطرة على مواردها شك فيه Y الطبيعية ولذا أن العالم العربي من أكبر منطقة معسكرة في العالم, وباKضافة fالغربي إلى التأثير

الذين قد يسبب اsشاكل الحادثة فيها,

أدى إلى نهوض الجهادية اKسUمية

وإرهاب ومضاد الغربية خاصة ا$مريكية.

فا$زمة التى حدثت في الشرق ا$وسط وشمال إفريقيا لم تكن بسبب ا$زمة اsالية العاsية ورفع Yإ

اsستوى اsعيشة والبطالة العالية خاصة الذين يغضبون من fثقفsا لشباب

العيش تحث ا$نظمة الفاسدة منذ عقود قديم. فكل ذلك يسوق إلى اKحباط

القائم وكانوا يقومون اKحتجاجات التى قد تصبح الثروات عندما سقطت

بعضهم .Uمث الحكومة في تونس ومصر ينتهي بالسUمة ولكن بعض ا;خر بالوحش. فالسؤال هنا, هل هذه

الديموقراطية تمكن إيقافها أم Y؟

في كثير من ا$حيان يقول الناس في الشرق ا$وسط، خاصة اKسرائيليون والفلسطينيون، أنهم "في نهاية اsطاف

دائمـا ًما نعود للصراع العربي‐- وفي السنة اsاضية ، اKسرائيلي."

متظاهرين 10 يقل عن Y عندما ُقتل ما عزل بالرصاص اKسرائيلي في اليوم "النكبة" fالفلسطيني الذي يُطلق عليه أو "الكارثة"،عاد الصراع العربي‐-

اKسرائيلي مرة أخرى.

fجئUال وفي نفس الوقت، يستخدم – أدوات الثــورات اليوم fالفلسطيني شبكة اKنترنت بشكل عام واsوقع

– اYجتماعي فيس بوك بشكل خاص لتنظيم التظاهرات وللتأكيد على حقهم في الرجوع إلى بيوتهم التي تعرف ا;ن بإسرائيل. فهناك ما يُقدر بـ600000 فلسطيني يستخدمون الفيس بوك في الضفة الغربية وغزة فقط. ومن اsعروف أن ثلثهم متأثرين سياسيـا ًباKعUم

اYجتماعي. وقد تشجع النشطاء بهذه التطــورات وقاموا بتنظيم اsزيد من

التظاهرات واsسيرات الشعبية للضغط على إسرائيل.

Courtesy of Flickr - United Nations Photo

If I was allowed to choose between Paradise and Salaat of two rakaats, I would prefer Salaat, as Paradise is for my own pleasure while Salaat is for the pleasure of my Dear Lord. -Imam Ibn Sirin

“

”Shared by Nur Afiqah binte Karsani



Caption | On the rooftop of the majestic Al-Azhar Grand Mosque with its caretaker Ammu Ahmad.Photographer | Nur Hidayah binte Mohammad Ismail


C A R T O O N S T R I P S

C A R T O O N S T R I P S

Words & Illustrations by A’tii Qah binte Suhaimi.She is a third-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Theology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

Your body is only clothing. Your flesh will wither, but you are your heart and mind, and they do not change except to grow stronger. -Robert Jordan, from the book

‘Winter’s Heart’

“

”Shared by Muhammad Asyraf Kasim

Third-year student at the Faculty of Islamic Jurisprudence, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

[email protected] of Himmah

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Our Voices Newsletter (February 2013 Issue)

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Transcript of Our Voices Newsletter (February 2013 Issue)