Eid in The Square
When Sunday 26th September 2010 at 2.30pm - 6.30pm Where Trafalgar Square Londoners are invited to celebrate Eid at Trafalgar Square in one of the biggest events of its kind in the capital. Trafalgar Square will be alive with activity at a huge cultural celebration, held worldwide to end the Ramadan month of fasting.
Celebrating Eid Eid ul-fitr is the global Muslim cultural event that officially marks the end of Ramadan fasting. Observed by millions of Muslims, Eid sees celebrations across communities and families throughout the world. Join the party London’s celebrations of Eid at Trafalgar Square are organised jointly by the Mayor of London and Muslim organisations, and includes live entertainment, market stalls, exhibitions and displays about Islam. Visitors of all ages are welcome to take part in the celebrations and find out about Muslim culture in an open, welcoming event.
London united With growing political and social tensions regardingthe integration of Muslim communities into the mainstream, Eid at Trafalgar Square provides an ideal opportunity to celebrate a joyous occasion in Muslim culture in the heart of the capital. Children and adults of all racial and religious backgrounds are invited to take part in the event, which promises to be a vibrant, uplifting day out. Event highlights Highlights for the 2010 celebrations for Eid at Trafalgar Square include a selection of delicious Eid food as well as souks, exhibitions and special activities for children. Live music comes courtesy of Polish Egyptian male hip hop artist Quest-Rah, as well as UK based band Cheb Nacim, who play rai music with an Arabic and French twist. Other acts performing at the festival include acoustic sufi rock and soul band SilkRoad, and African drum band Nahini Doumbia.
Volume 1 Issue 5 17th September 2010
The Muslim Seeker We are looking for budding journalists. We are also looking for sponsors to help us establish this community newsletter. If you can contribute to the paper, please do get in contact with us: Info.nmo@gmail.com
Inside this issue:
Eid in the square
1
Promoting Literacy 2 Happiness Adverts
2 3-8
Parents Direct
9
Eid in the park
10
Nasheeds page
11
Directory
12
Sports
13-14
Special points of interest
A cultural celebration Trafalgar Square regularly plays host to a selection of cultural events across religions, with Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish and Sikh events all celebrated on the Square. Londoners can celebrate the cultural diversity of the capital in suitably festive style and join with the Muslim community in the significant Muslim event of Eid.
The event is free to attend. Courtesy of Viewlondon.co.uk
Eid in the square ‘International Literacy Day’ ‘Don’t Be Sad’ Eid in the park In search of the prophet Charity Eid Dinner Museum of Childhood The day when no one can hide Enter into peace London APSA
Promoting Literacy is key to Eradicating Poverty: Muslim Aid’s Message on International Literacy Day On International Literacy Day today, Muslim Aid recognised the importance of literacy for individuals and communities for the eradication of poverty, conquering diseases and achieving sustainable development. A Spokesperson for Muslim Aid said: “Around 67.4 million children are out of school. Millions of young persons in refugee and IDP camps are missing out on basic education and skills development while their futures are on hold. Our goal therefore, is to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals by delivering universal education to all. Literacy is a human right and an effective tool to fight poverty.” Muslim Aid is committed to keeping literacy high on its agenda by developing key programmes of primary and vocational education for children and youth through its Rainbow Family sponsorship programme which provides education support for disadvantaged children across the world. Muslim Aid is also implementing informal education programmes for internally displaced children in Pakistan, Iraq and Sudan. A number of projects to build and rehabilitate schools are also a key strategy of Muslim Aid’s education programmes.
The past is gone forever By brooding over the past and its tragedies, one exhibits a form of insanity - a kind of sickness that destroys resolve to live for the present moment. Those who have a firm purpose have filed away and forgotten occurrences of the past, which will never again see light, since they occupy such a dark place in the recesses of the mind. Episodes of the past are finished with; sadness cannot retrieve them, melancholy cannot make things right, and depression will never bring the past back to life. This is because the past is non-existent. Do not live in the nightmares of former times or under the shade of what you have missed. Save yourself from the ghostly apparition of the past. Do you think that you can return the sun to its place of rising, the baby to its mother's womb, milk to the udder, or tears to the eye? By constantly dwelling on the past and its happenings, you place yourself in a very frightful and tragic state of mind. Reading too much into the past is a waste of the present. When Allah mentioned the affairs of the previous nations, He, the Exalted, said: That was a nation who has passed away. (Qur'an 2. 134) Former days are gone and done with, and you benefit nothing by carrying out an autopsy over them, by turning back the wheels of history. The person who lives in the past is like someone who tries to saw sawdust. Of old, they used to say: "Do not remove the dead from their graves." Our tragedy is that we are incapable of dealing with the present: neglecting our beautiful castles, we wail over dilapidated buildings. If every man and every jinn were to try jointly to bring back the past, they would most certainly fail. Everything on earth marches forward, preparing for a new season and so should you.
For further details or to purchase a copy of Don’t Be Sad visit:
http://www.darussalam.com/
Page 2
ADVERTS
Page 3
ADVERTS
Page 4
ADVERTS
Page 5
ADVERTS
Page 6
ADVERTS
Page 7
ADVERTS
Page 8
Canary Wharf Muslim Association [WharfMA] presents: EID IN THE WHARF Date: Friday 24th September 2010 Time: 6.15pm - 8.30pm [Prompt start - 6pm registration] Venue: Clifford Chance Headquarters, 10 Upper Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5JJ An evening of light entertainment, key note speech, 3 course hot canapis meal and network. Nasheeds by Mahir Zain [ Record selling album "Thank You Allah"] who with his meaningful songs that aim to inspire and entertain people and send a message of peace and hope to the world Comedy with: 1) Prince Abdi [ Winner of Comedy Star 2007 at Edinburgh Fringe Festival] 2) Sister Shaista Aziz [ Manchester Comedy Store Winner May 2010 ] Tickets £20 per person No children allowed only adults All welcome but limited spaces only so prior booking and payment by online only via www.wharfma.com * Nearest Tube & DLR: Canary Wharf * Nearest Buses: D3, D7, D8, 277 For more information please contact: Tel: 07837 645 758 / 07980 556 772 E-mail: eid@wharfma.com
Support A State Funded Muslim School in East London Redbridge Local Authority is currently running a competition to decide who will open a new state funded primary school on the site of the old Ilford Jewish Primary School, Barkingside. The new school is due to open in September 2011 and when complete it will have 840 primary school places and 52 nursery places. The al-Noor School has served Redbridge for 8 years with a successful independent primary school and they will be submitting a bid for a state funded Muslim primary school. They need your support and assistance. Please take a minute of your time to complete the e-petition at www.parentsdirect.org which will be used to demonstrate the demand for a Muslim primary school. Anybody can contribute. You do not have to be from Redbridge. If successful, this will be the first state funded Muslim school in East London and the first Muslim school nationally to have opened a school via the competition route. It would be a clear and powerful message that Muslims can come together for a common cause. To support us further: 1. Provide a letter of support for the al-Noor School and e-mail it to info@parentsdirect.org. In your letter state that you support the al-Noor proposal on the grounds of 'diversity‟, „parental choice‟ and „equal opportunity‟. Please ensure you include your name and address. 2. Register at the online petition at www.parentsdirect.org and encourage all your contacts to do the same. 3. Visit your local Councillor and MP and state your support for the the al-Noor proposal on the grounds of 'diversity‟, „parental choice‟ and „equal opportunity‟. Please ensure you include your name and address. Jazaakallahu khayrun for your support Parents Direct www.parentsdirect.org info@parentsdirect.org
Page 9
‘Eid in the Park’ attracts thousands On Friday 10th September 2010, Redbridge Community Forum (RCF) and Redbridge Islamic Centre (RIC) organised an open-air Eid ceremony in Redbridge for the second year running. An estimated 10,000 people packed Melbourne Field at the local Valentines Park, Ilford to join the celebrations for Eid ul Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid in the Park aimed to revive the tradition of conducting Eid ceremony outdoor in an open field and to bring the community in Redbridge together to celebrate the day of Eid. The event included exhibitions on the Islamic faith, presentations by dignitaries, community and faith leaders, and fundraising by a leading relief charity for the Pakistan floods disaster. Zac Hussain, the lead event organiser for RCF said, ‘exceeding all our expectations, the event was an overwhelming success. We are delighted with the response of local people - a milestone for Redbridge - bringing the community together to celebrate this special day’. Councillor Keith Prince, leader of Redbridge council and Councillor Shoaib Patel, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, attended the ceremony commending the organisers for a well organised community event and offered Eid greetings to the thousands in attendance. Cllr. Prince said, ‘I am humbled to be here today at this great event, wish you all a wonderful Eid Mubarak and delighted to be Council Leader for celebrating such a wonderful community event’. Cllr. Patel, after his Eid greetings said, ’we have a thriving, diverse and multicultural society and Redbridge is pleased to facilitate such events and celebrations for its many cultures and communities’. The organisers acknowledged the support of its sponsors including the official event sponsor; the humanitarian charity Islamic Relief, who have partnered with the Disaster Emergency Committee for the Pakistan flood appeal.
Page 10
~Don’t Talk About Muhammad
Nasheeds and Poetry Page
It would be such a pleasure to have you come along with me, I accept your gracious offer of kindness and company. But as we walk along young man and as you help me with my load, I‟ve only one request as we travel down this road, Don‟t talk to me about Muhammad. Because of him there is no peace and I have trouble in my mind, so don‟t talk to me about Muhammad and as we walk along together we will get along just fine, and as we walk along together we will get along. That man upsets me so, and so much more than you could know, I hear of his name and reputation everywhere I go. Though his family and his clan once knew him as an honest man, he‟s dividing everyone with his claim that “God is One” So don‟t talk to me about Muhammad. Because of him there is no peace and I have trouble in my mind, so don‟t talk to me about Muhammad and as we walk along together we will get along just fine, and as we walk along together we will get along. He‟s misled all the weak ones and the poor ones and the slaves, They think they‟ve all found wealth and freedom following his ways. He‟s corrupted all the youth with his twisted brand of truth convinced them they all are strong, given them somewhere to belong. So don‟t talk to me about Muhammad. Because of him there is no peace and I have trouble in my mind, so don‟t talk to me about Muhammad
and as we walk along together we will get along. Thank you now young man, you‟ve really been so kind Your generosity and smile are very rare to find. Let me give you some advice, since you‟ve been so very nice, From Muhammad stay away, don‟t heed his words or emulate his way. And don‟t talk about Muhammad, or you will never have true peace and trouble is all you will find. So don‟t talk about Muhammad and as you travel down life‟s road you will get along just fine. Now before we part and go, if it‟s alright just the same, may I ask, my dear young man, who you are? What is your name? Forgive me – what was that? Your words weren‟t very clear, my ears are getting old – sometimes its difficult to hear. It is truly rather funny, though I‟m sure I must be wrong, but I thought I heard you said that your name is Muhammad…… Muhammad? Ash haduallah ilaha il Allah wa Ash hadu ana Muhammad ur-Rasulullah. Oh talk to me Muhammad! Upon you I pray for peace for you have eased my troubled mind! Oh talk to me Muhammad and as we walk along together we will get along just fine, and as I travel down life‟s road I will get along just fine.
and as we walk along together we will get along just fine,
Page 11
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 Kashmir International Relief Fund 577 Lea Bridge Rd, E11 0208 521 3220 07904119954
CITIZENSHIP 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
HEATING AND MEDIATION ESTATE Muslim Mediation Service INSTALLATION 2a Streatfield Ave AGENTS Flame Heating C/H Systems and Boilers Repair –Service – Installations 0208 552 7698 07774 152272 07903 765755
HEATING, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES Wellworth (London) Ltd 2-4 Tudor Road London E9 7SN Bath Showroom Trade & DIY Counter 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
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
MASJIDS SUPPORT
Years 1,2,3,5
Indian Muslim Federation (Newham Branch) 6 Lincoln Road Forest Gate London E7 8QW
TUITION
Wrestling USB Leytonstone School Sports Centre 07949588196 07958251945 www.teamusb.com
07956556382 07539647837
KiPP2 Tuition Centre 56-62 Church Road, E12 6AF 07886020071
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 workds 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
XLR8 Tuition Home tuition by qualified teachers CRB Checked Strictly 1-2-1 07949641815
Page 12
Sports Page
Page 13
Family plans grand welcome for Pakistan tennis hero Islamabad, Sep 11 – Although Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi could not go on to win the men’s doubles tennis title in the US Open with his Indian partner Rohan Bopanna, his family back home is still planning to give him a hero’s welcome on his return to Lahore. He created history in this year’s US Open by becoming the first Pakistani to reach the finals of any Grand Slam tennis event. He and Bopanna were dubbed the Indo-Pak Express and became the darlings of the American media as also media back home. Partnering Bopanna, he ended as runners-up in the men’s doubles final of the US open to top-seed Bryan brothers, Mike and Bob, Friday. A day earlier, he had also lost the mixed doubles final. This was the first time an Indian and a Pakistani player had combined to reach a tennis Grand Slam final. In a cricket-mad country, Aisam’s accomplishments in tennis are nothing less than heroic. Starting out with the game, he did take inspiration from home. His maternal grandfather Khawaja Iftikhar was undivided India’s No.1 player, prior to partition, while his mother Nosheen Ahtisham was Pakistan’s top female tennis player. With a tennis culture in home, it was natural for Aisam to pick up a tennis racquet at an early age. His exploits at the courts the world over have made him a household name in Pakistan and the family wants the reception on his return to be worth the effort. ‘He is a winner for us,’ sister Shiza Qureshi said adding that they want to bring Aisam home from the airport in a procession. ‘We invite common citizens as well as the government to join in and pay tribute to his historic feat,’ she said. Ahtisham Qureshi, Aisam’s father, said he was proud of his son. ‘They competed well throughout the match and it was touch and go in the end,’ he recalled. ‘Winning and losing is part of the game. But even to reach this far is unbelievable,’ he remarked. Aisam, a designated peace ambassador of the UN, brought tears to the eyes of his mother with his post-match speech. ‘There are misconceptions about Pakistanis in US. I want to tell you that we are caring and peaceloving people very much like you. I would also like to say that whenever someone from our country comes here, they are considered to be from a terrorist state. It is not true. Pakistan is a peace-loving country. We all love peace as much as you do,’ Aisam said after the match to a packed-to-capacity audience at the centre court of Flushing Meadows in New York. ‘He has shown how much he loves his country,’ his mother Nosheen said adding that ‘to say all this at such a prestigious event when the whole world is watching requires a lot of commitment.’ ‘I don’t know if our ambassadors are able to say all this so forcefully at any forum or not, but my son has conveyed the message to the entire world,’ she opined. She also felt confident that this was only the beginning for Aisam and ‘the best is yet to come’. (Awais Saleem can be contacted at ians.pakistan@gmail.com) IANS
Sports Page A 65th minute goal from substituent Alex Smith settled this match, in a scrappy encounter at the Terrence Macmillan stadium. APSA started brightly against bottom of the table Clapton FC. Dave Lee starting in place of the injured Anthony Chuck put the home team ahead with a low drive from outside the box and wrong footed the keeper to give APSA the lead. Dave Lee puts APSA ahead inside five minutes APSA could and should have, wrapped up this match in the first 20 minutes, when first Stuart Houghton, shot wide from ten yards, and then John Hind headed behind from inside the 6 yard box. Failed to capitalise on their dominance could have made APSA pay later in the game. Clapton had lost all their previous four league games in the new season, including suffering a 1-8 defeat against Stansted in their last match. The way APSA started they looked on course to give their near neighbours a similar drubbing. Clapton goalkeeper pulls of a fantastic save from Anthony Scotts' individual effort
Page 14
APSA...2 Clapton FC...0 However, the visitors took advantage of their good fortune and began to settle in to the game and created a couple of half chances of their own, which could have seen then draw level by half time. APSA still had control of the game and Tim Cole had a goal disallowed for off-side. A little bit of individual magic from Anthony Scott saw the striker, first flick the ball with his heels to beat his man and then unleashes a stringer of a shot which was turned round the post by the visiting keeper. In the second half Clapton started the better and enjoyed most of the possession in the first twenty minutes. A great save from BROWN kept APSA in the lead. It seemed APSA were trying just a tad to hard and were guilty of losing possession un-necessarily. Tim Cole attacks the Clapton goal What APSA needed was a second goal to steady their nerves. Houghton hit a shot from outside
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
the box which was just millimetres wide off the post. DaveLee had come charging down the visitor’s right, beating two men before a last gasped tackle from the centre half denied him a clear shot at goal. In the 65th minute, APSA launched another attack, and the young Clapton defence failed to clear their lines, the ball fell to Houghton on the right, who moved into the penalty area and drew the goalkeeper out. With the keeper out of position, he slipped the ball across the face of the goal to Smith, on as a sub for the injured Toussani, who coolly fired the ball home through a crowd of defenders. Dave Lee led the APSA attack The second goal calmed the home team down and they came all out to force a third goal. Tim Cole was pushed forward to join the attack and the veteran former Redbridge and Dagenham player caused a few flutters in the visitors defence. He bustled through the Clapton defence only to be drawn back by the linesman's flag. Callaway chipped in with effort and headed a corner just over the bar. In the end APSA will be happy with their third consecutive league win, and the three points has made sure that APSA have had one of their best starts in this league in the clubs history. TEAM: Brown, John Langton (c), Cole, Callaway, Simmons; Smith-Shaw
(sub Jamie Langton), Hind, Scott; Toussani (sub Smith), Houghton, Lee. Sub not used McCullagh. Vice Chairman Anjum Khan "We were very strong out there today and got a well deserved 3 points. It's alway snice to see a big win, but points are points. We did squander some great chances, but you can't fault the boys for a sterling job thus far." APSA (A) played their first game in the South Essex Sunday League beating Airfield Park 0-1 in a very tight away fixture. Jagbir Barring's (centre) powerfull header was enough to get all three points The game flowed from end to end, with both teams not willing to give up any space. It was a superb corner taken by Aqib Salim which was equally met by Jagbir Birring scored in the 75th Minute to give APSA the win. Midfielder Aquib Salim was the difference between the two sides with a splendid performance. Manager Anjum Khan "Was a sturdy and professional performance from the lads. Post Glasgow's disappointment of losing in the final they seemed very upbeat and full of excitement and energy. I hope we continue with the same attitutde throughuot the season"
We are on the web: www.newhammuslimorganisations.com Website still under construction!