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: M.Al-Rashed@ucl.ac.uk

37 Store Street ius@ius.org.uk

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.