Win a free pair of tickets to see Journey to Mecca at the BFI Imax in London
The Muslim Seeker in association with People with Voices and SK Films, are giving away three pairs of tickets to see Journey to Mecca
at the BFI Imax on the Southbank in London, on September 19. The film is a documentary feature that tells the amazing story of
Ibn Battuta, the greatest explorer of the Old World, following his first pilgrimage between 1325 and 1326 from Tangier to Mecca. Journey to Mecca, which is narrated by Ben Kingsley and stars Chems-Eddine Zinoune as Ibn Battuta, won Best Dramatic Short at the 43rd Annual Houston International Film Festival and the Prix du Public at the La Geode Film Festival in Paris. But the film also has the potential to win hearts and minds and to build greater understanding between Muslims and Non-Muslims. In a climate where Islam is often portrayed in the media as being synonymous with terrorism, the film, with its stunning visuals and breathtaking scenes, also presents an intricate picture of Islamic society and the celebration of Islamic culture. According the Sun Media in Canada: “Everyone, no matter their faith, should see it.” And Alan Parker who writes for the Nosey Parker Blog says: “Whether you're Muslim or not, I defy you to see Journey to Mecca and not be deeply, metaphysically touched by the beauty and ultimate serenity of the film." Cont page 4
Volume 1 Issue 4 9 September 2010
Special points of interest:
WIN TICKETS COMPETITION
DISCOVER
EID N THE PARK
EID FESTIVAL
MUSLIM DIRECTORY
LONDON APSA
Inside this issue: IBN BATTUTA
1
COUSIN MARRIAGES
2
COMMENTS FROM READERS
3
JOURNEY TO MECCA
4
WEEKLY NASHEED
5-7
DAYS OF EID
8
MUSILIM COMMUNITY
9
DIRECTORY
LATEST NEWS ON LONDON APSA
10
Razib Khan has a background in biology & biochemistry. He is an Unz Foundation Junior Fellow and lives in the United States.
The individual & social risks of cousin marriage We have extracted some key sections from Razib’s research and present them in this newsletter. The map shows the distribution of consanguineous marriages. As you can see there‟s a fair amount of cross-cultural variation. In the United States there‟s a stereotype of cousin marriage being the practice of backward hillbillies or royalty. In South India cousin (uncle-niece) marriage is practiced, while in the north exogamy is the norm. Cousin marriage in parts of Arabia was common in that culture because Arabs would marry who they met, and it was difficult in Arab societies for men to meet women who were not their cousins.
What may be fit for a cultural kin-unit may not be biological fit for individual lineages. What are the risks of cousin marriage? Most obviously there are recessive diseases. Those illnesses which are expressed when you carry two malfunctional copies of a gene. Cystic fibrosis, various forms of deafness. Why is it that cousins have a higher risk of this occurring? Because two cousins are much more likely than two random individuals to share the same distinct gene from a common ancestor, because their common ancestors are so much more recent. More precisely the coefficient of kinship between two first cousins is 1/8. That means that at any given locus there‟s a 1 out of 8 chance that the two individuals will have alleles which are identical by descent, which means that the genetic variant comes down from the same person in the family line.
What’s the negative? Pedigree collapse.
King Charles II of Spain
Seventeenth-century European noble culture commonly matched cousin to first cousin and uncle to niece, to preserve a prosperous family's properties. Charles's own immediate pedigree was exceptionally populated with nieces giving birth to children of their uncles: Charles's mother was niece of Charles's father, being daughter of Maria Anna of Spain (1606–46) and Emperor Ferdinand III. Thus, Empress Maria Anna was simultaneously his aunt and grandmother. This inbreeding had given many in the family hereditary weaknesses. That Habsburg generation was more prone to still-births than were peasants in local Page 2 Spanish villages.
For inbred clans it gets much worse because people are related in many different ways, and genetically are far closer than first cousins. That is what happened to the Spanish Hapsburgs. As you can see from the pedigree of Charles II his parents were closer than typical first cousins. The Samaritans of Israel are a religious sect which seems to be going through pedigree collapse. Some of them are now proactively marrying outsiders to prevent their extinction through high infant mortality rates. Others, “traditionalists,” oppose exogamy because intermarriage within the group is the custom, and diseases are promoted as God‟s will.
Since Britain has the NHS this is a going to be a major public health issue. On the one hand, there is individual freedom of choice. This is a core Western value. On the other hand, there is the fact that health care costs are a long term structural issue for the fiscal health of any society. Ethnic Pakistanis are only a few percent of Britain‟s population, so it is manageable right now, but their proportion will slowly rise because of higher fertility and continued immigration. If cousin marriage continues to remain popular in the community the later generations are going to have even greater health problems because of higher inbreeding coefficients (due to repeated cousin marriages across the generations within the family). But why should we limit these sorts of social utilitarian considerations to cousin marriage? How about the increased debilities associated with the children of older mothers? I began the post with a social-cultural narrative, and I end it
Comments from Readers: Cousin marriage is allowed in Islam, but it doesn‟t mean because something is halal that it should be taken to extremes. Having first cousin marriages every generation for hundreds of years inevitably leads not only to health problems but also creates very tribal, insular communities. Allah also allowed marriages between people of different races, but that is hardly practised in some Muslims communities, even though it‟s a positive thing. Instead they choose to marry their cousins. Cousin marriage is common in all Muslim countries. It is in accordance with the teaching of the Holy Quran and our Prophet had married his daughter with his uncle‟s son. There were no defects in the children. Cousin marriage is thought to generate more stable relationships. I believe that children are born with defects whether it is cousin marriage or not. Iftikhar. The problem isn‟t marriage to cousins the problem is the Pakistani Problem of Only Marrying Cousins.
Salaam Just a few thoughts on the documentary and refuting articles: I think there does need to be a conversation about the issues raised by consanguinity, especially over a number of generations but framing this as a major public expense argument is disingenuous and false. As the article mentions, other life choices have a far greater impact on the public purse... It should be noted that if cousins were prevented from getting married, surely people with any genetic disorder should also be and therefore people would need to be screened- which strays into eugenics, ableism and viewing people with genetic conditions or disabilities and purely a „burden‟ on society which is deeply offensive and not at all civilised. The documentary was good in that it raised the issue of many families being in denial or unconvinced by medical evidence of risk- which needs to be tackled. The choice of community representatives who spoke poor English, I feel was deliberate and painted the picture these communities have not „integrated‟ and are „other‟. There are plenty of Imams and faith leaders who would accept the science and would have provided an intelligent discussion and asking just one was ridiculous. There was no need to ask an Imam, it isn‟t a religious issue. Islam doesn‟t favour or prohibit consanguinity...it is about cultural and familial organisation. This should have been pointed out far more as currently it plays into the „Islam is a problem‟ memes in the press. There was very little time given to the arguments against the practice from Muslims themselves...again painting us as the ones who need telling as opposed to a diverse community with differing practices and opinions. It would be good if the article could be blogged on certain sites to increase readership. Not sure if that is possible....? Thanks Summereen
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Competition Details To win one of three pairs of tickets, simply answer the following question in no more than 300 words: How can the film Journey to Mecca help to build bridges between Muslims and NonMuslims? Competition Rules The competition is open to adults aged 18 and over. Only one entry per
individual; Entries must be made by email to: editor@peoplewithvoices.co m. All entries must include the full name of the entrant, a valid email address and contact number. If winners cannot be contacted within 24 hours, the tickets will be issued to the next runner up. Past and present student and writers from Peo-
ple with Voices are not eligible to enter the competition, nor employees or owners of any publications associated with the promotion of the competition. Closing Date: The closing date of the competition is 12.00pm midday (GMT) on Friday 10 September. The judges’ decision is final. The winners will be announced on Monday 13 September and winners
will be contacted with in structions on where to collect the tickets. Judges The competition judges are: Deborah Gabriel, founder of People with Voices Hassan Joudi, author of the Journey to Mecca review on People with Voices Imtiaz Nabi, Editor of The Muslim Seeker
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ADVERTS
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ADVERTS
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ADVERTS
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Nasheeds and Poetry Page
DAWUD ALI WHARNSBY
THE DAYS OF EID These are the days of Eid, Make Takbir wherever you are. These are the days of Eid, Allahu Akbar. These are the days of Eid, Sing together everyone. La Ilaha Illa Allah Wa Lillah Hil Hamd. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La Ilaha Illa Allahu Wallahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar Wa lillah Hil Hamd. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La Ilaha Illa Allahu Wallahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar Wa lillah Hil Hamd. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La Ilaha Illa Allahu Wallahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar Wa lillah Hil Hamd. Allah is Great, Allah is Great. There is no God but Allah. Allah is Great, Allah is Great, And all praise to him. Allah is Great, Allah is Great. There is no God but Allah. Allah is Great, Allah is Great, And all praise belongs to Allah.
These are the days of Eid, Make Takbir wherever you are. These are the days of Eid, Allahu Akbar. These are the days of Eid, Sing together everyone. La Ilaha Illa Allah Wa Lillah Hil Hamd. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La Ilaha Illa Allahu Wallahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar Wa lillah Hil Hamd. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La Ilaha Illa Allahu Wallahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar Wa lillah Hil Hamd. Allah is Great, Allah is Great. There is no God but Allah. Allah is Great, Allah is Great, And all praise to him. Allah is Great, Allah is Great. There is no God but Allah. Allah is Great, Allah is Great, And all praise belongs to Allah. These are the days of Eid, Make Takbir wherever you are. These are the days of Eid, Allahu Akbar. These are the days of Eid, Sing together everyone. La Ilaha Illa Allah Wa Lillah Hil Hamd.
If you have a favourite Nasheed by Dawud Ali Wharnsby, please email us at: info.nmo@gmail.com and we’ll try to print it in our next edition Insha Allah
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Newham Muslim Community Directory O you who believe! Eat not up your property amongst yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah has been to you Most Merciful. [Al Qur‟an 4:29]
ACCOUNTANTS Zareef Kahloon & Co. Chartered Certified Accountants 343 High Street North Manor Park London E12 6PQ 020 8548 4095
CAR REPAIRS St Stephens Garage 133 St Stephens Rd East Ham London E6 1AT 020 8472 0325
CHARITY
HEATING AND INSTALLATION Flame Heating C/H Systems and Boilers Repair –Service – Installations 0208 552 7698 07774 152272 07903 765755
HEATING, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES
Kashmir International Relief Fund 577 Lea Bridge Rd, E11 0208 521 3220 07904119954
Wellworth (London) Ltd
CITIZENSHIP
Trade & DIY Counter
CTS-UK 806 High Road, Leyton E10 6AE 02085328462
COLLEGE COURSES BITE British Institute of Technology & E-commerce 258-262 Romford Road, London, E7 9HZ 02085523071
FURNITURE Al Mirage Furniture 252 High St North Manor Park E12 6SB 02084700099
FASHION Meena Bazaar 341 High St North, E12 6PQ Ready made garments 02084722595 Uzma Creations 145 Green Street, E7 8JE UP TO 50% OFF 02084721313
2-4 Tudor Road London E9 7SN Bath Showroom Huge Range of Fittings Heating & Gas Supplies Electrical Supplies & Goods Pipes, Valves & Pumps
KITCHENS Net Kitchens Direct 87 Wood Street London E17 3JX 020 8521 2171
MASJIDS SUPPORT Indian Muslim Federation (Newham Branch) 6 Lincoln Road Forest Gate London E7 8QW
Wrestling USB Leytonstone School Sports Centre 07949588196 07958251945
MEDIATION Muslim Mediation Service 2a Streatfield Ave E6 2LA 0208 432 2805 Islamic Counselling Marriage Mediation Service for Muslims Women 07909941179
PEST CONTROL Bed Bugz Exterminator Newham Wide 07515424918
SPORTS Football Muslim5aside Beckton Power league Norwegian Playing Fields, Jenkins Lane, Newham, IG11 0AD 07886275209 DM Football Club Plashet Park Manor Park E12 07515789068 London APSA Football Club Years 1,2,3,5 07956556382 07539647837
TUITION KiPP2 Tuition Centre 56-62 Church Road, E12 6AF 07886020071
XLR8 Tuition Home tuition by qualified teachers CRB Checked Strictly 1-2-1 07949641815
ESTATE AGENTS Wisemove London Ltd 250 High St North Manor Park E12 6SB
TRAVEL Your Travel Shop 197 Cranbrook Road, IG1 4TA www.travelshop.com 02085547070
FINANCE SA FINANCIAL SERVICE 197 Green Street, E7 8LL Mahmood Akhtar 02084714444
SWAP SHOP If you have items that you would like to swap or gift then please do email us and we will include in the next edition.
THANK YOU If you wish to send a message to a family member or someone who works hard in the community then email us with your message.
ADVERTISE If you would like to advertise and support us then please do ring us or email us: 07886020071 info.nmo@gmail.com If any local businesses or big-hearted people wish to support us and believe that we are attempting to do good for the community, then please contact us and support us in any way you can.
If any local businesses or big hearted people wish to support us and believe that we are attempting to do good for the community, then please contact us and support us in any way you can.
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Sports Page
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APSA lose out in penalties at Ibrox In a thrilling encounter in front of an 11000 crowd at Ibrox, APSA were ready to entertain. APSA started much like they did throughout the tournament with much speed and gusto. Pegging Derby back in their own half for most of the game as they took advantage of the large playing surface. Dakri came close for APSA as did Yasir Rashid with tremendous strikes which were well met by the Derby keeper. Derby had chances of their own and Imran Khan in goal for APSA stood up well to the task and ketp it to 0-0 for half time. On the hour the ever impressive Zubir Haleem took two on just outside the derby penalty area and belted home what should
have been the winner. APSA looked strong throughout the game and i seemed that the first goal would give way for more, however the experienced Derby were not to mannered so easily. They attacked with vigour and still kept their defensive heads on. Dakri again received opportunities up front, but this was not APSA's day. Derby took there chance in the 75th minute. Peppering the APSA gol with shots, the first saved by Khan, the loose ball came flying in again and this time, Shah, cleared only to see it come flying back in third
time lucky to make it 1-1. The race to the finish line was on but neither side could break the deadlock. Having recently won the Essex Charter Standard Cup on Penalties and then thwarted a semi final place in the Stephen Timms Cup there were mixed feelings in the APSA camp. It ended after an exciting 9 penalties each. Derby missed on penalty number 2 and APSA's Dakri failed to put them ahead. Derby scored their 9th penalty to make it 8 -7 and APSA's Imran Khan saw his shot saved to give Derby the 2010 championship. APSA will rue the missed
NMO are looking for volunteers who wish to make a positive difference in Newham. Our main aim is to see walls being broken down, those walls that we have built in our hearts and minds. Please email us with any feedback: info.nmo@gmail.com
chances and wait another year to claim this title again. Manager Anjum Khan "The boys worked tremendously hard to make it to the final which is a reward in itself. Getting hands on the cup would have been the ultimate bonus for us. They were all fasting as we have been for the last 4 years in this competition and I can only say great things about the whole squad who commit to the travel and play without sustenance. It was a fantastic weekend and my congratulations go to a Derby side who were very difficult to break down."
We are on the web: www.newhammuslimorganisations.com Website still under construction!