Download - Jan - Feb 1999
1 Voice Of Unity
In remembrance of Sayyida
Khadija (AS)
PAGES 6 & 7
Its true meaning
PAGE 11
The miracles of the
human mind
PAGE 12
[And united their hearts; had you spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their
hearts, but Allah united them, surely He is Mighty, Wise] (8:63)
Volume 4, Issue 3 January-February 1999
‘O you who believe - fasting is prescribed for
you as it was prescribed for those before you
so that you may become pious’ (2:183)
Allah (SWT) has set special times for
certain events throughout the year for us to take
part in. These act by getting us away from our
daily unawareness and tedious routine, to a more
open plane whereby we experience the true
purpose of this life. „The Month of Ramadhan‟ is
one of these great experiences that bring about
new horizons and courage to individuals
possessing the right faith and true belief. They
are those who enter this month with a will of
being Allah's guests.
This month is more like a development
course that we go through to pick up what we
lack in our everyday life - physically as well as
spiritually and morally. We need a period during
the year in which we seriously consider our own
progress in life- to see if it's up to the expected
standard. If not, then we need to take the
appropriate measures to ensure that our future
progress and development is rightly directed. It
is for that reason, this month isn't just a 'fasting
month' in as much as it is a self-assessment and
construction period.
In order to be happy and successful, we
need to make sure that when leaving this month
we achieve what we have not encountered
before. Let us make the most out of this month,
and gain the spiritual powers that we're in need
of. It is (continued on pages 8-9)
2 Voice Of Unity
Assalamu Alyakum
brothers and sisters, I pray to
Allah (SWT) that this issue of
Voice of Unity reaches you in
the best of health and Iman, as
well as both spiritual and
physical strength for fulfilling
the duties required within this
holy month.
Ramadhan is unique. It
truly is a blessed month which
witnesses millions of Muslims
world-wide uniting in striving
to please the Almighty; and
refraining from their worldly
desires with the aim of
purifying the soul and
strengthening their will power.
Ramadhan is a month of
r e p e n t a n c e a n d
complementing this, thus it is
the month of forgiveness. It is
an opportunity to wipe away
our sins with obedient pious
worship and it is an
opportunity to start again with
a fresh clean slate. Thus it
truly is an opportunity not to
be missed.
This month can also be a
strong catalyst to action
because of its remembrance
feature. It is a time to
remember the poor, those who
refrain from food not out of
c h o i c e b u t o u t o f
circumstance. Therefore
Ramadhan is a time to
remember others‟ misfortunes
as well as our own past errors.
Remembrance only serves a
useful purpose if acted on
positively. Generosity and
true repentance from that
w h i c h i s f o r b i d d e n
subsequently become a means
of fulfilling our remembrance
with positive purposeful
action.
Ramadhan is also a time
of sadness, for it was within
this month that Sayyida
Khadija (AS) wife of the holy
Prophet (SAW) died, and
Imam Ali (AS) was martyred.
Though Ramadhan also saw
the first victory of Islam over
evil at Badr where minority
forces upheld the true strength
of Islam. Ramadhan also
witnesses the birth of the
second Imam, the holy
Prophet (SAW)‟s grandson
Imam Hassan (AS). Most
importantly Ramadhan bears
witness to the miracle and
power of the Holy Quran
which was revealed in its
entirety in one night, Laylat-ul
-qadr.
Let us take time out to
appreciate the glory of this
magnificent month, and the
opportunity and challenges it
represents. Let us meet those
challenges with the purest of
intentions, I pray to Allah
(SWT) to grant us the pleasure
of fulfilling his wishes for
many Ramadhans to come.
I would also like to take
this opportunity to wish all our
readers Eid Mubarak. Eid-ul-
Fitr represents the conclusion
of this holy month of fasting,
prayer and worship, and marks
a completed and successful
step in the journey of a
Muslim individual towards
seeking the ultimate pleasure
Editorial
The Prophet (SAW)‟s famous sermon welcoming
the Month of Ramadhan:
“O People! This is the month of Allah coming to you
with Mercy, blessings, and forgiveness; in the sight
of Allah, it is the most superior month; its days,
nights, and hours are the best. In this month you are
the guests of Allah, enjoying His hospitality. You
have been rendered among those who have won His
grace. Your every breath shall be deemed utterances
of glory of His Name, your Sleep a form of worship.
Your deeds shall be accepted, your prayers
answered. So, with sincerity and pure hearts, pray to
your creator in granting you success in fasting this
month and reciting His book The wretched is he
who is denied the Almighty‟s forgiveness during this
august month.
O People! During this month, the gates of ever-
lasting bliss are ajar; so beseech your Lord not to
close them off to you. The gates of the fire are
closed , so entreat Him not to open them for you.
The devils are in fetters, so implore Him not to set
them free lest they should lead you astray. O People!
he who strives during this month, to deal gently and
politely with people, shall be guaranteed passage to
paradise, on a Day when many a foot slips.....He
who checks his transgression, Allah shall withhold
His wrath from him on the Day of Judgement.
Whoever shuns his kinsmen, Allah shall deny him
His mercy on the Day of Reckoning. He who recites
just one verse of the Holy Quran during this month,
Allah shall grant him the reward of having recited
the whole book in other months.”
3 Voice Of Unity
Sr. Farzana Khimji
Radiotherapy is the destruction of
malignant cells in the human body using
ionising radiation, without damaging normal
cells or interfering with the unaffected parts of
the body. Therapy radiographers provide the
patient with treatment doses of radiation which
may cure the cancer, or control its spread.
The radiography course is a three year
BSc course at honours level and is validated by
the College of Radiographers. Half of the
course is spent in academic lectures whilst the
other half is spent in clinical placements. The
academic portion consists of six modules:
Biological Science (including anatomy,
physiology and pathology), Behavioural
Science (containing elements of patient care,
psychology and management), Theory of
Radiotherapy Practice (including oncology and
departmental management), Radiation Science
and Technology (starting with an optional
foundation course, moving onto applied
physics and equipment), Study Skills and the
final year Project. During the academic blocks,
students are placed on various machines and
also shadow the different healthcare
professionals, to ensure a variety in the
training.
Therapy radiographers require a strong
scientific background as well as good
communication skills with patients. Working
in the department involves working as part of a
multi-disciplinary team, involving oncology
doctors, nurses, councillors, medical
physicists, nutritionists, physiotherapists,
treatment planners, mould room technicians
etc. all of whom have the single objective of
caring for the individual patient.
Patients are seen by the radiographers on
a daily basis during their treatment period, so
they get to know the patients really well.
Initially, the radiographer must be calm and
reassuring as the patients may be apprehensive
about the treatment. Also, the radiographer
must be able to spot any changes in the
patient‟s behaviour, or any side effects of the
treatment to inform the appropriate specialist
or healthcare professional. Patients also
confide in radiographers, thus counselling
skills are essential.
Protection also plays a great importance
in the radiographer‟s role. Self protection is
provided by monitoring film badges which are
worn at all times, but patients and other
members of staff must also be protected from
unnecessary doses of radiation. For this reason,
radiographers must pay attention to detail, and
be very accurate, as radiation doses cannot be
undone or taken back after they have been
administered.
Due to the high demand for therapy
radiographers, most find employment within a
few weeks of qualifying. Working in an
oncology department is very much a „nine to
five‟ job, with little or no on-call work.
Radiography offers good and secure prospects
for individuals interested in medical sciences.
It is a rewarding profession for an individual
who has a genuine liking and caring for people
who want to help the sick. It offers a
responsible position, good potential promotion
prospects as well as the opportunity for further
specialisation. Thus it can be a rewarding and
enjoyable course and profession.
Academic
4 Voice Of Unity
Sr May Al-Timimi
'In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most
Merciful'
We have indeed revealed, This message, In
the night of Power (1) And what will explain,
To thee what the Night Of Power is? (2) The
Night of Power, Is better than A thousand
Months (3) Therein come down The angels
and The Spirit, By Allah's permission, On
every errand: (4) Peace!…This, Until the rise
of Morn! (5) (Surat Al-Qadr- Chapter 97)
Laylat Ul-Qadr (The Night of Power) is
the night that is better than a thousand months as
Allah (SWT) tells us in the holy Quran. It is the
night in which the holy Quran in its entirety was
revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
The holy Quran, a noble message of
guidance and virtue representing a complete
way of life was revealed over a thousand years
ago. Year in, year out every Ramadhan
Muslims globally celebrate this night
reaffirming the magnificence of this Holy Book
as an enduring message for all people of all
times. The unchanged words of the Almighty
continue to be of direct and utmost relevance to
mankind, and Laylat Ul-Qadr is celebrated as a
magnificent night of glory and revelation.
Laylat Ul-Qadr takes place in the holy
month of Ramadhan. The Prophet Mohammed
(SAW) stressed on many occasions the
importance of this month and described in
detail, in his sermon the favours of this holy
month. Ramadhan is Allah's month, its days are
the best days of the year and its nights are the
best nights of the year. It is the month in which
we have all been invited to be Allah's guests, a
great honour that goes beyond everyone‟s hopes
and aspirations. Our breathing in this month is a
form of prayer and our sleep is worship. In this
holiest of months all our good deeds are
accepted and all our prayers are answered. Thus
we must not waste these precious days, and we
must ask Allah with pure hearts and repenting
souls to forgive our sins, and to grant us all the
acceptance of our fasts and to allow us the
opportunity of reciting the holy Quran.
In this holy month we should also
remember those who are less fortunate than
ourselves and be charitable to the poor, kind to
young, and respectful to the old. In Ramadhan,
the doors of heaven are open so we must ask
Allah (SWT) not to close them on us, and the
doors of hell are closed so let‟s ask Allah (SWT)
not to open them on us. Iblis (Satan) and his
army are chained so they can not influence us,
so we must ask Allah (SWT) that they never
again have the power to corrupt us. Our
behaviour during the month of Ramadhan
should not be the same as that during other
months. It is not enough that we should fast
from food and water, but all our senses should
fast from all that is haram (forbidden) and
makrooh (not favoured). Laylat Ul-Qadr is a
night in which Allah (SWT) has promised us
that our prayer and worship is worth that of a
thousand months, and repentance on this
glorious night shall be accepted.
Our Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and
Imams have left us with a wealth of dua'as
(supplications) and special prayers for every day
of the holy month of Ramadhan. They also
stressed the importance of Dua'as since it
purifies the soul and it also gets us closer to
Allah (SWT). The importance of dua'a is also
stressed in the Quran 'Say: My Lord would not
Laylat-ul-qadr
5 Voice Of Unity
care for you were it not for your prayer;…' Surat Al-Furqan, (25 :77).
There are prayers for every day of
Ramadhan and these can be found in 'Mafateeh
Al-Jenan' and 'Muntakhab Al-Hassani'. Both
Dua‟a books contain a detailed account of the
prayers and dua's for all the days of the year.
They also contain explanations of the dua's and
a short account of their source.
The following
Dua'as are some of the
most important during
t h e m o n t h o f
Ramadhan.
i) Dua'a Al-Iftar: This
is a short dua‟a that is
recited just before iftar
(breaking of fast).
' God it is for you that
I fasted, and on what
you have given me I
break my fast, and in
you I place my trust '
ii) Dua'a Al-Iftitah:
This dua‟a is to be recited every night during
Ramadhan after iftar.
iii) Dua'a Al-Baha'a : This dua'a is best recited
after sahoor, just before the morning prayer.
iv) Dua'a Abo Hamza Al-Thamalie: This a dua'a
which Imam Zain Al-Abideen (AS) use to recite
during sahoor.
The Dua'as for Laylat Ul-Qadr however
are different. Firstly because the exact date of
Laylat Ul-Qadr is not known. It is thought to be
one of three: Either the 19th, 21st or 23rd night
of Ramadhan. However, the most likely date
according to most narrations for Laylat Ul-Qadr
is thought to be the 23rd. For each of these
nights there are special Dua'as, and it is
recommended that one should spend all night in
prayer. Some of the common Dua'as and
A‟mal (deeds) for all three nights are:
i) Ghusl (washing one's body).
ii) The raising of the Quran
iii) Asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness one
hundred times:
' I ask Allah for forgiveness and I repent'
For the night of the
23rd of Ramadhan,
there are in addition to
the above a‟mal other
recommended dua'as
and a‟mal are:
i) Reading of Surat Al-
Ankaboot(chapter 29),
S u r a t A l - R o o m
(chapter 30) and Surat
Al-Dukhan (chapter
44).
ii)Reading of Surat Al-
Qadr (chapter 97) a
thousand times.
All the dua'as that have been mentioned
above can be found in the two dua'a books I
have already quoted. Conclusively the
importance of the month of Ramadhan and the
particular importance of Laylat Ul-Qadr cannot
be stressed enough. We have a promise from
Allah (SWT) that those of us who strive to
repent and become better persons, that those
who pray to Allah (SWT) day and night with all
their hearts, will be granted forgiveness and
salvation. May we all inshallah be granted this.
Laylat-ul-qadr
6 Voice Of Unity
Sr. Fatema Panju
During this holy month of Ramadhan, we
commemorate the sad demise of Sayyida
Khadija (AS), wife of the Holy Prophet (SAW)
and mother of Sayyida Fatemah Zahra (AS).
Sayyida Khadija (AS) was born in Mecca.
Her father was a merchant, like most of the tribe
of Quraysh. He used to send caravans
containing goods to other
cities for trade throughout the
year. However, both Sayyida
Khadija (AS)‟s parents died
within ten years of each other,
with the wealth being divided
amongst the chi ldren.
Therefore, from a young age,
being highly intelligent, she
took over the family business
and expanded it. Women
running a business during that
time in Mecca was an unusual
phenomenon and th i s
distinguished her from the
other women in Mecca. She
was an extremely astute
businesswoman with a huge
amount of compassion. This was demonstrated
when she used the profits to help the poor,
widows, orphans, sick and the disabled people
of Mecca.
She had a cousin called Waraqa bin
Naufal, a very learned man who did not worship
idols unlike the rest of the community. Both
Sayyida Khadija (AS) and Waraqa believed in
one God. Her aklaqh (behavioural conduct) was
excellent and the Arabs, who used to look down
upon women, called her Tahira – the pure one.
She was known as the Princess of Mecca
because of her wealth and because she had the
largest caravan business in Mecca. Many Arab
nobles and princes asked for her hand in
marriage but she consistently refused them all.
In 595 AD Sayyida Khadija (AS) was
searching for someone to be in charge of her
caravan to Syria. Abu Talib, the governor of
Mecca, suggested the Prophet (SAW)‟s name to
her. His trustworthiness and reliability were
well known throughout the city and on that basis
she agreed to employ him regardless of the fact
that he didn‟t have much experience. Therefore,
to aid him, she sent her slave Maysara. The
trading caravan was a great
success and when she heard of
the Prophet (SAW)‟s skills and
excellent conduct, she became
his admirer.
Sayyida Khadija (AS) is
said to have proposed marriage
to the Prophet (SAW), who
accepted. Historians dispute her
age. Some say she was forty
years old, while others
maintain she was twenty-
five (the same age as the
Prophet), and some say
she was twenty-eight.
Abu Talib read the Nikkah
on behalf of the Prophet
(SAW) while Waraqa read it for Sayyida
Khadija (AS). Abu Talib paid the mahr for his
nephew and fed the people of Mecca for three
days in celebration. Sayyida Khadija (AS) also
fed the people.
The marriage was full of love,
understanding and support. Their first child was
named Qasim and the second Abdullah.
However, both died in their infancy. Their third
and final child was Sayyida Fatemah Zahra
(AS).
When the Prophet (SAW) used to go and
meditate in the cave of Hira on Jabal An-Noor,
it was Sayyida Khadija herself who would climb
up there to give him his food and necessaties.
She was also the first person to accept Islam as
well as being the first woman to do so. Upon
marriage, she donated her vast wealth for the
Personality
7 Voice Of Unity
can make the home heaven or hell. They both
taught women about Islam and from this we too
must learn to undertake the spreading of Islam.
Both demonstrated their faith and trust in Allah
(SWT) in many ways, and the lesson from this
is not to give up our faith, rather stick to it
steadfastly no matter how severe the adversity.
Each action of their lives is an example and
lesson to us which we need to adapt in our own
lives if we too, want to gain Allah (SWT)‟s
pleasure.
***
Liberty
Scarfhead they call me.
Uneducated and oppressed I must be,
Merely because I have an identity.
I don’t conform to the norm
So I’m labelled and judged instantly.
I don’t care.
I can hack it.
I’m respected,
I don’t need pity
I have my dignity.
I’m a Muslim woman.
And I’m free
Free to be me.
What my Creator has willed
Shall definately be fulfilled -
I’ll wear my hijab with pride.
Sr Duha Al-Wakeel
propagation of Islam, one of the most unselfish
and generous acts in the history of Islam. She
gave her wealth to the Prophet (SAW), who
used it as he thought appropriate.
In 616 AD, the Quraysh isolated the Bani
Hashim (the family of the Prophet) and they
took refuge in a ravine called Shib e Abu Talib.
Sayyida Khadija (AS) was present too and it
was her wealth which sustained the muslims at
that time. The siege lasted for three years
during which time they experienced hunger and
thirst along with the cold and heat of the desert.
In 691 AD Sayyida Khadija (AS) died.
She is thought to have died of poisoning due to
eating berries growing in the ravine. The lack
of food was that scarce that they had to resort to
eating any food growing in the ravine. She died
on the 10th of Ramadhan and at the time of her
death, there was nothing left of her wealth. Abu
Talib also died in this year. The Prophet (SAW)
named this year as „Aamul Huzn‟ – the year of
grief. Sayyida Khadija (AS) left behind a grief-
stricken Prophet and a tiny daughter, aged only
five. She is one of the four special women of
Jannah.
Sayyida Khadija (AS) and Sayyida
Fatimah (AS) are the role models of all muslim
women today. Both during their lifetimes have
given us many examples of how Islam expects
women to think and behave. For example,
Sayyida Khadija by giving her wealth to Islam
shows us that money should be spent in the way
of Islam. This action also highlights her
unselfish, caring and generous nature. Sayyida
Fatimah by going to court to claim back Fadaq
demonstrates to us that women should stand up
for their rights and should fight for them when
they are usurped.
They both demonstrated that a women is
the nucleus of society – from her lap will the
next generation will be moulded into soldiers
who will fight for our present Imam (ATF)
when needed. They showed it is a woman who
Personality
8 Voice Of Unity
certainly, a month of promotion not only
to our bodies as we fast, yet also to our minds
and psychological conditions as we get ever so
closer in connection to Allah (SWT). Thereby
happiness is a certainty even though we may
not be aware of it.
As we approach the month of
Ramadhan, we like to discover more about its
secrets to become more fulfilled and convinced
of its benefits to us as individuals and most
importantly as a whole society. It is,
undoubtedly, somewhat sad to see some people
'practice religion' during this month and
gradually ease off once it's over. Such people
only gain benefits from this month that are
equivalent to how much real devotion and effort
into it. Thus, output (in terms of benefits from
this month) is equivalent and more importantly
dependent on input (in terms of devotion and
effort).
As we fast during this month, doors of
blessings and peace open upon us as Allah
(SWT) accepts us as guests in His blessed
banquet. Such an invitation is in no way
ordinary. We, together, must strive to be Allah's
well-mannered servants during this banquet - of
those who truly know the meaning of servitude.
Certainly not those who step backwards as soon
as the month is over, for this month has a
limited number of days but can leave unlimited
positive effects on us throughout life.
The sort of driving forces that faithful
believers can draw out of this month, are
countless and it depends on the way they react
with it by means of insightful understanding
and attempt for achievement. After all, it is
beginning to look more than a fasting month,
because we know there is more to it than that.
For the time being, the prayers and supplications
are directed from us all to Allah, towards
making „the month of Ramadhan‟ a period of
success and enjoyment to all Muslims world-
wide.
Now let us look at some of the most
important aspects, principles, morals and acts
that we should be aware of. They are briefly
summarised under the following headings.
Test for patience
Patience brings about divine aid and guidance,
(Continued from page 1)
as the holy Quran has pointed out repeatedly.
During the month believers start to develop their
characters and personalities, due to self-
prevention from doing common things that they
normally are allowed to do. With time, the depth
of awareness and fear of Allah reaches higher
levels than before and in turn increases the faith
of believers in what they do. It isn't easy at the
beginning; in fact it never will be, except we
gradually become adapted to it. Patience builds
inner strengths and self-possession, leading to
the taste of true freedom and pleasure that Allah
(SWT) wants us to experience. Hijab, for
instance is a symbol of self-possession that
gives women in society their real identity. It
shows how they resist against the majority, by
giving them practical lessons of how self-
discipline leads to freedom and happiness, even
if they are to stand out as a minority within
society. Open-minded (not blind) faith
pronounces that as long as you are convinced
that whatever you do is what Allah (SWT) is
pleased with, then don‟t let anything else worry
you. Some social aspects, however, must be
taken under consideration to keep up with
society, for Islam is a multidimensional living
religion that regards all outlooks.
The Month of Hijab
Looking into Hijab, widely, we find that one of
its outstanding requirements is patience. Hijab,
is not only entitled to women, but also to men.
Yes, surprisingly it is a wonderful internal and
external dress prescribed for human beings, by
their Creator Who knows what they exactly
lack. Hijab in terms of chastity, modesty and
self restraint applies to both genders. Hijab
gives personal freedom, which means a world of
psychological and spiritual difference.
Ramadhan
9 Voice Of Unity
The Month of Obedience and Forgiveness
Forgiveness is what this month begins and lasts
with. To experience mercy and forgiveness, one
has to be obedient and keen to do things for the
pleasure of Allah (SWT), not for the sake of
others. True faith accompanied with sincere
intentions as well as real repentence are the vital
concepts here. The Holy Quran mentions certain
verses in this respect, of which are: ‘Say: O my
servants, who have acted extravagantly
against their own souls, do not become
hopeless of Allah's mercy; surely Allah
forgives the faults altogether; certainly He is
the forgiving, the merciful‟(39:53); also „And
your Lord says: Call upon Me, I will answer
you‟ (40:60). This a general assurance for those
who sin- but sincerely vow not to do so again.
Allah‟s command encompasses the weaknesses
of all His servants, not only the believers. This
is one sign of Allah's absolute mercy that some
take for granted. Response to a prayer is a gift
of a great value, so it's not to be overlooked.
Therefore, we must put forth effort to appreciate
this favour and establish ourselves upon the
right foundations, to further appreciate
understandably (not blindly) what we follow in
life to be happy and successful.
The Month of Revelation
One other great feature of this month is that the
Holy Quran was revealed in it. So great a
month, that Allah's final and most complete
scripture was descended on the final and most
complete prophet to set forth Islam, a final and a
most complete religion and a way of life. Let's
appreciate the weight of this message and act in
its light to be of those who deserve it. Allah
(SWT) says ‘The month of Ramadhan is that
in which Quran was revealed, a guidance to
people and a clear proof of guidance and
distinction (between good and bad);
whomever of you is present in the month
shall fast therein, and whoever is ill or upon a
journey, then shall fast a like number of
other days; Allah wants ease for you and does
not want difficulty for you, and (He wants)
that you should complete the number and
that you should glorify the greatness of Allah
for He has guided you and that you may
thank’(2:185). After this enlightenment, once
again we turn to prayers and appeal as we carry
on reading the verse that follows ‘And when
My servants ask you concerning Me, then
surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of
the supplicant when he calls (on Me), so they
should answer My call and believe in Me that
they may walk in the right path’ (2:186) Here
we cry to our Lord to forgive us and to give us
the power and guidance we need to get ever so
closer to Him until we acquire His acceptance,
for He is All-Merciful and hearing.
The Month of 'self-opposition'
This is certainly the month where we must start
to get into the habit of saying NO to some of the
things that we normally desire to do. Things that
we know are not right. Let's prove to ourselves
that we are able and skilful enough to totally
avoid them and not do them again. Allah
(SWT), undoubtedly, increases in guidance
those who genuinely want to change for the
better and oppose themselves when they feel
there is a need to. If humans lack or have a weak
intellectual mind and logic, then the power of
desire within them becomes stronger and takes
over. We must be careful of the traps of our
desires, in order to achieve more. Opposing or
going against one‟self needs far more power and
determination than one might expect. It is a
battle with the 'internal evil' and thus definitely
needs great efforts and divine support.
The Month of 'Grand Nights'
This blessed month has three of the greatest
nights (Layali-ul-qadr) of the year. The Glorious
Quran was revealed during these nights. A few
verses of the Holy Quran are more than
sufficient to portray the importance of these
nights, which is ‘better than a thousand
months. The Angels and the Spirit descend in
it by the permission of their Lord for every
affair. Peace - it is till the break of the
morning (dawn)’ (97:3-5). One must prepare
one‟s self in advance for these occasions and
most important
Continued on page 14
Ramadhan
10 Voice Of Unity Ethics
Sr. Oola Ajina
The servant of Allah strives to be sincere
in all of his actions. He is someone who checks
his intention and safeguards it from corrupt
motives. He knows only too well that in order
for his good deeds to be rewarded and accepted
they must be done purely for Allah‟s sake. This
is because the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has
said “Verily actions are but by their intentions,
and indeed every person shall be rewarded
according to what he/she has intended.”
Allah ta‟ala tells us that [Iblis (Satan)]
said: “By Your Might then I will surely mislead
them all - except for your servants among whom
are the sincere.” (chapter 38:82-83)}
Sincerity or Ikhlaas is the freeing of
one‟s intentions from all impurities in order to
come closer to Allah (SWT). It is a
characteristic which we should all try to instil
within ourselves because, as shown by the
previous ayah, it is the sincere believers who
will be saved from the misguidance of Iblis. As
well as this, the sincere believers also develop
an unmistakable closeness to Allah (SWT). This
is because when they do any action, be it prayer
or talking with friends, they do it with the
intention of strengthening their relationship with
the Creator. Likewise, they are always
conscious that Allah (SWT) is aware of their
actions and so they strive to seek only His
pleasure.
It must however be stressed that good
intentions do not change the nature of forbidden
actions. One should not be misconceived into
thinking that good intentions could turn
forbidden actions into acceptable ones, thus the
celebrated notion of stealing from the rich to
give to the poor has no place in Islam. Instead,
permissible actions are made great by the noble
intentions behind them. Many great actions, on
the other hand, are rendered of less worth due
to the fact that sincere intentions behind them
are lacking.
It is unfortunate that nowadays there can
exist ulterior motives behind our actions,
whether they be for personal gain or otherwise.
We seem to have deviated from the pure path of
Rasulullah (SAW) and his Ahlul-Bait, instead
our intentions have become more materialistic.
It appears we may have forgotten the very
purpose of our creation, to serve Allah (SWT)
and pursue his satisfaction.
However, one asks, is the nature of the
intention really so important? The answer to
this question is yes because it is the intention
which differentiates between a sincere action
and one to impress others. When an action is
done to please a person or group of people then
it constitutes to showing off or Riyaa‟.
Riyaa‟ is when an action is done for
show or purely for the sight of others, and this is
a form of Shirk (polytheism). This is because as
Muslims the ultimate purpose behind every
action should be to please Allah (SWT).
However if we do something to earn the
admiration of others then that action is no longer
for the sake of Allah but for the sake of the
people and this is Shirk. Perhaps the worst
aspect of this condition is that it is very difficult
to detect since the Holy Prophet (SAW) has
described it to be more hidden than an ant on a
black stone on a dark night.
Therefore in order to rid ourselves of
Riyaa‟ and instil sincerity into our hearts one
should always ask one‟s self „Am I doing this
deed for the sake of Allah or am I doing it for
the sake of the people?‟ and „Will this action be
pleasing to Allah or will it just please the
people?‟ It is extremely important that one
becomes accustomed to thinking in this way
since we do not want to be of those unfortunate
people who Allah (SWT) mentions in the holy
Quran; those who do not fully comprehend the
importance of their intention will only come to
see their good deeds appearing as bad ones on
the Day of Resurrection. ‘Say: Shall We tell
you who will lose most with regards to their
deeds? Those whose efforts were astray in the
life of this world, while they thought they
were doing good works.‟ (chapter 18:103-104)
Br. Mohammed Al-Hilli
11 Voice Of Unity
With the grace of Allah (SWT) , Muslims
throughout the world will be celebrating Eid-ul-
Fitr, one of the four main eids celebrated in the
Islamic Calendar. Muslim children have a
perception of eid as a day when gifts are
exchanged and new clothes are worn. Indeed
our great religion has set out clear
recommendations for us on this noteworthy day.
On the morning of this day, a Muslim should
have a bath, wear his/her best clothes, put on
perfume and prepare for salat-ul-eid (eid
prayer). After the prayer, one would listen to the
eid khutbah, usually followed by
congratulations and exchanging gifts. Yet what
many people may forget is this day‟s true reality
and meaning in Islam.
The word „eid‟ is derived from the Arabic
word „aada‟, meaning returned, as people return
to this day periodically. Some scholars,
however, say that the word comes from
„aadah‟ (custom or practice) because people are
accustomed to celebrating it. In the Holy
Quran, „eid‟ is mentioned in the story of the plea
of Prophet Isa (PBUH)‟s followers for food
from the gardens of Jannah (paradise): “Isa the
son of Mariam said: O Allah, our Lord! Send
down to us food from heaven which should be
to us an everrecurring happiness (eid), to the
first and last of us, and a sign from thee, and
grant us means of substinance…” (5:110)
Eid is a day when Muslims get together to
remember Allah‟s bounties and celebrate His
glory and greatness. Eid in Islam carries a
distinctive meaning and spirit, being totally
different from celebrations in other nations and
cultures. In some nations, holidays are taken as
a chance to immerse in worldly pleasures, or to
be involved in prohibited acts. For Muslims
however, this must not be the case, rather it
must be an occasion to increase in good deeds,
not to take a vacation from Islamic
responsibilities or commitments, nor to waste
time and money in extravagance.
Eid in Islam symbolises the conclusion of an
Eid
important worship or act, and the determination
to continue in obedience and submission to the
Almighty (SWT). It is a wholesome celebration
of a remarkable achievement of an individual
Muslim in the service of Allah (SWT). Eid -ul-
Fitr comes after an entire month of absolute
fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan, Eid
-ul-Adha marks the completion of Hajj
(pilgrimage), Eid-ul-Ghadeer stresses the
importance and significance of Wilayat
(allegience) in Islam, and Eid Mubahalah
signifies the importance of Ahlul-Bait (AS).
Eid is a great chance to multiply good deeds
and obtain reward from Allah (SWT). How is
this to be achieved? Eid is a great opportunity to
bring happiness and pleasure to the heart of
other Muslims, an example of which is helping
the poor and needy. One must remember that
not all Muslims throughout the world are
fortunate to wear new clothes or eat good food,
and so this must not be forgotten. In addition,
eid is a day of visiting relatives and friends, as
well as making up with lost friends and
forgiving them for any mistakes. Most
importantly, eid is a day of self-change and self
development, looking into one‟s self and
reflecting on everyday actions, whether they
would please Allah (SWT) or disobey Him.
Eid can also be referred to as a day of
victory, where a Muslim proves that s/he
maintains a strong command over their desires,
exercises sound self-control, and enjoys the taste
of disciplinary life. In one of the saying of
Hadhrat Imam Ali (AS), he says:“Eid is any day
where Allah (SWT) is not disobeyed.” Thus if
one can hold themselves from disobeying the
Almighty for a single day, that is the true
achievement and the true eid.
Thus the Islamic eid is a Day of forgiveness,
a Day of happiness, a Day of remarkable
achievement, a Day of peace and thanksgiving
and a Day of moral victory.
A true eid is all this and much more, because it
is a Day of Islam and a Day of Allah (SWT).
12 Voice Of Unity
Br. Zileyh Hassnane Shah I have chosen to write an article about the
mind, also known as the „Akl‟ or intellect,
because I feel that this is one of important
aspects in understanding the self. The material
and information that I have provided in this
article is brief as this subject is very deep in
itself and elite scholars globally have written
numerous books and reference material
regarding this issue.
Understanding the mind is part of
understanding ourselves and thus understanding
our deen. It is possible to gain an understanding
of our minds through different elements such as
knowledge, how we think and behave, forces
that govern our lives, as well as pain and
pleasure that may shape our destiny .
The mind can be divided into two phases:
physical and sub-conscious. I will try to dwell
more into of the physical phase as there is not
much evidence available to be able to comment
on the sub-conscious level and thus it becomes a
difficult issue to deal with.
Scientific research shows that the average
person only uses a few percent of powers of the
mind and the worlds great geniuses acquire
approximately five to fifteen percent. Think of
all the potential that remains! We must therefore
learn how to acquire all this power and use it
beneficially. To be able to utilise the powers of
the mind we have to understand ourselves
mainly through knowledge. Knowledge brings
understanding, when we understand we are
enlightened, and this can then be seen in our
actions. According to Imam Ali (AS)
„Knowledge is the weapon of the believer‟. So
let us be empowered. Knowledge helps to train
the mind through exercising it. Exercising
through, for example, daily reading and reciting
the Holy Quran, analysing the verses,
pondering over it, understanding, thinking and
reflecting.
Allah (SWT) has given us the intellect,
ability to think, reason, ponder as Allah(SWT)
says in the Quran:-
‘Do you not use your intellect?’
(9:87)
‘Do you not ponder?’
(4:82)
A hadith qudsi also says to the intellect:-
‘I have not created a being which I love more
than you. Through you I punish and through
you I reward’
Islam also teaches us that we must be
physically fit. This has a large influence on our
minds. The mind and body are bound together
and are inseparable. Hence training physically
has a natural impact on the mind as well as
mental conditioning. Training physically can be
in form of martial arts, Silat-haq or any sport
which will bring one into a calm sense of mental
state, sense of fulfilment and achievement,
feeling contentment and progress. All of the
positive notions of which have a great impact
and influence on our minds. When we are calm
we can think clearly, visualise and picture
easily, our thinking patterns are more structural
and logical, ideas flow more easily. This phase
or level is a step or shift upwards towards
control. For example: in India , yoga is practised
widely. These people are able to perform
amazing feats such as stopping their heartbeat
and walking on burning embers with no
apparent injury. The reason for this is that yoga
has obtained extraordinary control over their
bodies and minds by exercise and mental
discipline. In purely scientific terms these
people have learned to control alpha and beta
waves. Control is a very important step. If we
can master control over ourselves, our physical
body, master control over our minds, emotions
such as excitement, anger, fear etc. and most
importantly master over the powers of
concentrations as performance of the mind is
affected by this, then we can achieve almost
anything in life. This aspect control is the key
factor. The control is driven by the level of
knowledge, beliefs and Iman we carry.
continued in next issue
Psychology
13 Voice Of Unity
1- There are two rooms, one with three switches and the
other with three bulbs. How can you find out which switch
opens which bulb, entering each room only once?
(Note: Light cannot be seen from one room to another)
2- A person asked Imam Ali (AS): what is the smallest
number that is divisible by 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, and 10? What
number did the Imam answer? (answer does not include
fractions)
3-There are nine oranges, all having the same weight, but
only one is heavier than the others. Using the weighing
scale only twice, how would you know which orange is the
heavier?
(Answers to these in the next issue)
ANSWERS TO LAST ISSUE’S TEASERS
Brain Teasers
1- Earnie Black was the murderer
2-The three ages when multiplied, must be of the following combinations:
72x1x1 8x3x3
12x6x1 3x24x1
12x3x2 36x2x1
18x2x2 6x3x4
18x4x1 9x4x2
9x8x1 6x6x2
The census taker should have known the number of the house, as he could see it, but
he didn‟t know their ages, therefore the house must be number 14. He needed more
information to decide whether their ages were 6,6,2 or 8,3,3. When the woman says
„eldest‟ daughter, he knows they are 8,3,3.
14 Voice Of Unity
These take place on Wednesdays at 4.00pm in Dar Al-Hikma (45 Chalton Street,
Euston). Programmes start with congregational prayer and iftar, followed by a
speech:
Wed 30/12 Maulana Sayyid Taqi Rizvi Inspirational role of Sayyida
Khadija (AS) in Islam
Tue 05/1/99 Br Mustafa Mawjee Laylatul-qadr and dharbat of
Imam Ali (AS)
Wed 13/1/99 Maulana Sayyid Melani Lessons from Ramadhan
EID CELEBRATION PROGRAMME ON WED 20/1/99, 4.00PM,
FEATURING A SHORT TALK BY A SPECIAL GUEST, QUIZ, AND FOOD
VENUE: DAR AL-HIKMA
Ina Lilah
Wa Ina Ileyhe Rajioon With Saddness, the IUS mourns the death
of Hajj Sayyid Dr Muhammad Naqvi, the
father of Dr Zaffar Naqvi, the IUS
Chairman, who sadly passed away on
Saturday 12/12/98.
The IUS sends its condolences to his
family, and asks the Almighty ta‟la to
enter him in the gardens of jannah, and to
give his family patience. Please recite
surat Fateha.
Whats On....
(Continued from page 9)
tantly, set priorities for the acts that are to be
done during these nights. The Quran also
states ‘Surely We revealed it on a blessed
night - surely We are ever warning.
Therein every wise affair is made
distinct’ (44:3-4). Allah judges in these
nights, the on-comings (from good or evil) of
the year, according to what wisdom endures.
Jurisprudence (Fiqh) of the month
There are certain conditions under which
fasting is accepted. The main ones are: belief
in Islam and faith; intention for the pleasure
of Allah(SWT); puberty; maturity and mental
consciousness (sanity); ability to withstand
(hold up); not to faint; purity from
menstruation (Haydh) and 'labour
period' (Nifas) [for females]; and not to be
on a journey exceeding the appointed
distance limits. There are, additionally,
things that break the fast. They should be
clear to us so that we will not fall in their
traps. Some of them are deliberate eating
and drinking; deliberately lying about
Allah(SWT), the Prophets or Imams;
deliberate complete immersion of the head
under water; sexual intercourse;
deliberately remaining in the state of
Janabah without washing (ghusl) until
dawn; deliberate inhalation (up-take) of
dust as well as smoking (note some
Mujtehids (scholars) consider smoking to
be completely forbidden initially);
deliberate vomiting.
Whatever act of worship we do in
this month, especially during the grand
nights, shall be multiplied in reward. So
generous an offer, that our sleep and even
breath are considered to be acts of worship.
Finally, we supplicate to the Almighty to
increase us in guidance and knowledge to
be aware of the true value of Quran, to be
able to give charity to the needy and
progress morally in life in the light of
Islam to the highest extent possible. Br Haider Jafari
15 Voice Of Unity
IUS EID TRIP ’99
SWANSEA For Brothers and Sisters
aAn enjoyable day of sightseeing and visiting places a Meeting with other students from around Wales a Date: Saturday 30 January 1999
a Departure: 8.00 am, London Paddington
a Arrival: 9.30 pm, London Paddington
a Cost: £ 15 per person (heavily subsidised)
To book tickets, please contact the IUS Tel No: 0171 436 4786 and
leave your details. Payments must be sent by 15/1/99 for full booking (only a few places left - so hurry!!)
DEADLINE FOR BOOKINGS AND PAYMENT: 15/1/99
The IUS Introduces THE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ‘99
“Global Economic Trends and their Impact on
Muslim Countries”
Presenting various lectures and a discussion panel
by expert speakers in their related field
Be sure not to miss it!
Brunei Gallary, SOAS, University of London
Trips
16 Voice Of Unity
* Month of Ramdhan: The IUS would like to congratulate you on the arrival of the holy
month of Ramdhan and Eid-ul-Fitr. May Allah (SWT) bring these glorious days with
prosperity and victory to all Muslims throughout the world Inshallah.
* Weekly Meetings: The meetings have been attended fairly well, with numerous
speakers enlightening the brothers/sisters with different talks. Please see page 14 for
programmes in the Holy Month of Ramadhan. Programmes after this month will be sent
to members nearer the time.
* New Address Reminder: The IUS has a new mail address and telephone number. You
can find these in the box at the bottom of the page. Please use them in any
correspondence with the society.
Ius News
Wiladat Imam Hasan (AS) 15 Ramadhan Sun 3rd Jan
Dharbat Imam Ali (AS) 18 Ramadhan Wed 6th Jan
Shahadat Imam Ali (AS) 21 Ramadhan Sat 9th Jan
*Eid Ul Fitr* 1 Shawal Tue 19th Jan
Shahadat Imam AsSadiq (AS) 25 Shawal Fri 2nd Feb
Wiladat Imam Raza (AS) 11 Dhul-Qada Sun 28th Feb
Subject to the sighting of the moon
Islamic Unity Society
Registered Charity No. 1066910
Mail Address: Telephone: 0171 436 4786
c/o IUS Box 145 Email: [email protected]
37 Store Street [email protected]
London WC1E 7BS Internet: www.ius.org.uk
COMMENTS?? SUGGESTIONS??COMPLAINTS?? The IUS welcomes any comments, suggestions or any complaints
from members regarding its activities. Please feel free to voice your
opinion by phone, letter or by e-mail.