Volume 1 Issue 18
Building positive relationships: Muslims serve Christmas Eve dinner to 300 It was in a spirit of giving that members of a South Shore mosque contributed $2,000 to sponsor the Christmas Eve supper at the Old Brewery Mission and spent two hours serving it to more than 300 people. This is double the minimum $1,000 contribution the mission seeks from those who sponsor a supper. It was believed to be the first time an Islamic community group has volunteered to sponsor and serve an evening meal at the mission, officials said. Following afternoon prayers at the mission on Clark St., about 20 members of the Islamic Community Centre of Brossard set the tables and passed plates of chicken, rice and steamed carrots to the first shift of diners. Ismail Mohammed of Greenfield Park, a retired CBC accountant, said he had sug-
31st December 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: gested sponsoring the meal to fellow mosque members. "We don't celebrate Christmas, but serving humanity is serving God. That is what our teaching says," he observed. "We want to work with people from all religions," he added. "We came for peace in this country and we want to estab-
lish peace," said Mohammed, a native of India who grew up in Pakistan. Monique Khan of Brossard said serving others is the perfect holiday activity: "I feel happy when I make other people happy. It's a time for sharing and we give what we can" Her husband, Irfan Khan, a building technician, said feeding the needy is about immigrants contributing to their country. "When we came here, we didn't have anything. We worked hard and we did well. This society has given us so much, and now we have to give back." Said Suleman, who came to Canada as a refugee from Eritrea, said many fellow Muslims are successful and highly educated and "it's time to step in and do our share." "We have to think of others, of feeding our neighbours, to really participate." Sabiha Sheikh of Brossard, a part-time bookkeeper, said she often helps serve food to people in other mission-type settings. "It's time for us to contribute to the city we live in. We want to show that we are caring people -we are generous and want to share." Read more: http:// www.montrealgazette.com/life/ Muslims+serve+Christmas+dinner+ Brewery+Mission/4026100/ story.html#ixzz19jOCwjf0
Christmas Eve Dinner Adverts
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Muslim Marriage Site
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The Purpose of Life 3 Raising a Nation
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7 a side Muslim League
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Pear Drop
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Special points of interest
The Day of Judgement and its major signs Towards an ideal home Adventure Quest Swimming Cupping Therapy Changing the World Through Dawah Fiqh of Marriage New Years Fun Run
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Welcome to Dawah Shirts. Our shirts and products are designed to be a potential tool for Dawah, inviting to Islam. Dawah can be done with close friends or people you meet on the street. Sometimes, especially with strangers, it can be difficult to start calling to Islam out of nowhere, and many people may be turned off by this approach. These shirts are meant to be conversation starters. With many different styles and designs, you can find the perfect shirt that suits you and gets people all around you interested in learning more about Islam.
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Calling all Cricketers 16 to 66 All welcome Training and Coaching Mondays 6-7.30pm Venue: Langdon School, East Ham Cost ÂŁ2.00 Ring Mr N 07515789068
The Muslim Association of Britain is a British organisation established in November 1997, dedicated to serving society through promoting Islam in its spiritual teachings, ideological and civilising concepts, and moral and human values—all placed in the service of humanity. It seeks to convey these by reaching out to people using high standards of communication (the good word) and offering logically-grounded argument (proof), following the command of Allah, the Almighty: ―Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom, good advice, and reason in the best manner‖ (…) The Muslim Association of Britain works hand in hand with sister Muslim organisations, civic institutions, and political bodies to achieve the positive integration of Muslims in the wider British society. The Muslim Association of Britain cooperates with others in tackling the complex and intractable issues affecting our society like drug addiction, rising crime, failure in education, the spread of racism and Islamophobia, and violence—whether organised or individual, regardless of its motives. The Muslim Association of Britain from a prominent position supports the just causes and demands in the world. The Muslim Association of Britain also contributes in outreach to people of other faiths, encouraging dialogue and cooperation between religions… etc. The Muslim Association of Britain is a founding member of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Body (MINAB)—an independent body recently established as an initiative by different Muslim organisations. MINAB seeks to develop and improve working standards in mosques and Islamic centres, as well as training Imams and developing their skills. The Muslim Association of Britain seeks to realise its goals through its various organisational units; most importantly, Youth and Students, Women, Media, Public Relations, Education, Dawah, and Scouts. The Muslim Association of Britain has 12 branches covering Britain ‘s main cities, and is constantly engaged in scrutinising its work with the aim of improving and developing it further.
WINTER SEASON •Start Date: Friday 7th Jan 2011 •End Date: Friday 11th March 2011 •K.O Times: 8.00pm, 9.00pm & 10.00pm •6 Teams per Division •Game length: 50 minutes •Match Night Squad No: 10 players MAX •Deadline: Wednesday 5th Jan 2011 •Venue: Beckton Power League, Jenkins Lane, Newham, IG11 OAD £10 Registration fee per team (this covers admin and also acts as a safeguard for the league upon registering) PACKAGE 1 £35 per game per team + £50 deposit per squad PACKAGE 2 Pay for your whole season in advance at £27 per game per team and NO deposit (£270 for whole season)
To find out more please contact Rizwan on: T: 07886 275 209 E: info@muslim5aside.com W: www.muslim5aside.com
Non-Invasive Post-Mortems – MRI Scans Muslims try to avoid a Post-Mortem (PM) after death as much as possible due to their religious beliefs. Up until some years ago, the only way a PM was carried out was by means of cutting certain areas of the body to establish the cause of death. However, the Jewish community who has similar beliefs in this area about the dignity of the body after death, introduced a method of PM that does not involve any invasive procedure. The PM is carried out using an MRI scanner that scans the area of the body that is likely to reveal the cause of death. This method allows for the PM to take place without touching or exposing the body. Since April 2009, Imam Yunus Dudhwala, Head of Chaplaincy and Bereavement Services at Newham University Hospital NHS Trust has now facilitated this service for the Muslim community in London. Post-Mortem is a stressful procedure for any bereaved family, especially a Muslim family, so to have this option of an MRI scan helps relieve some of the pain for the family. However, Muslims who may think about opting for this option, need to be aware of the complexities of the process and procedure before a PM scan is approved. Although this is good news, the process is not as straightforward as it sounds. The post-mortem is the responsibility of the Coroner and it is s/he who will decide whether this method of PM can be used after a certain death. It is very possible that the circumstances of the death or the age of the deceased necessitate an invasive PM, in which case an MRI scan will not be an option. If the Coroner decides that there is a possibility of an MRI scan determining the cause of death, then this is an option that the family can request. Following approval from the Coroner, the costs and risks also need to be understood. As this is an optional request by the family and is done on a private basis, the costs have to be paid for by the family and can be up to £900, dependant on the amount of scans (maximum 3) required to determine the cause of death. After the scan, there is also the risk that the result is not determined and found by the MRI scan and the Coroner may decide that a normal invasive PM still has to be carried out. Despite the costs and the risks, the introduction of this service is a huge benefit to the Muslim community.
Yunus Dudhwala
Yunus Dudhwala is the Multifaith Manager at Newham University Hospital NHS Trust, located in an area with one of the highest Muslim populations in the country. He started providing spiritual care to patients on a voluntary basis in 1998, prior to his appointment as the first person from a minority faith to head a chaplaincy service in the NHS. He is a regular trainer on national chaplaincy courses and was elected to the Council of the College of Healthcare Chaplains in 2003. He has served as a mosque Imam in Seven Kings, Essex and East Ham, London and also worked as a full-time Imam at the high security Belmarsh prison. Yunus is from Blackburn and a graduate of Darul-Uloom, Bury and Al-Azhar University, Cairo and a frequent speaker at Islamic events and youth meetings.
MCEDL Muslim Council Eastern District of London Post Mortem through Non-Invasive (MRI Scan) Post Mortems for the Muslim Community in East London Protocol for MRI Scanning
If there is a death and the cause of death is not known, the Coroner may order for a post mortem to be carried out to determine the cause of death. If the family is told that the Coroner has ordered a Post Mortem to be carried out, then the family can request the Coroner that they wish to have a non-invasive post-mortem with an MRI scan. This option will not be offered to the family, the family will have to request it directly to the Coroner. There are certain deaths that will not be eligible for MRI scan Post-Mortem. This will be decided on a case by case basis by the Coroner. The Coroner will decide whether in any given case the death can be determined by the MRI scan. If the Coroner gives the go-ahead, then the coroners officer or the family will contact the Muslim Liaison person to help facilitate the MRI scan and explain the procedure to the family. This will include the following:
Muslim Liaison person will explain clearly to the family the costs of the MRI scan Muslim Liaison person will explain clearly to the family the risks of the results not being conclusive Family will decide if they want to proceed with the non-invasive PM Muslim Liaison will arrange for costs to be paid Muslim Liaison will contact the hospital to determine time of MRI Muslim Liaison and funeral director collect body and transport to the hospital at specified time Non-invasive PM carried out and body returned to Funeral Directors private mortuary or the hospital Body stored securely until Muslim Liaison contacted by Coroners Officer re: result of scan Coroner either approves and the body released or Coroner does not pass the results and finds them inconclusive – the Coroner will order an invasive Post Mortem NB: The body of the deceased will always remain the responsibility of the Coroner until release authorisation from the Coroner Muslim Liaison:
Moulana Yunus Dudhwala
07931 735206
1 Day Course The Light of My Heart with Ustadh Abdullah Hasan Time: Sunday, March 6, 2011 · 2:00pm - 6:30pm Location: Salaam Centre, 313-319 Katherine Road, Forest Gate, E7 8PJ Created By: Inspireyouthproject Commando More Info: SALAAM CENTRE PRESENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SPRING FOUNDATION ‗THE LIGHT OF MY HEART‘ EXPLANATION OF THE HADITH OF IBN MASUD ... "Oh Allah, I am your servant and the son of your slaves. My fate is in your hands. Your judgement upon me is assured. Justice upon me is Your command. I ask You by every name you have taken for yourself, revealed in your book, taught any one of your creation or taken unto yourself in the realm of the unknown, to make the Quran the spring of my heart and the light of my breast, the banisher of my sadness and reliever of my despondency." (Musnad) Topics Include: - Iman in the Tawhid of Allah - Iman in the Qada and Qadar of Allah - Iman in Allah's Names and Attributes - Remedies for worry and distress Course Instructor: Ustadh Abdullah Hasan Imam UKIM Mosque, Graduated from Zarqa Private University (Jordan), and Executive Director, Spring Foundation Trust, Arabic and Islamic studies teacher at London East Academy secondary school and Sixth Form College. Sunday 20th February 2011 2pm-6:30pm (with breaks for prayers and refreshments) Salaam Centre 313-319 Katherine Road Forest Gate E7 8PJ Course Fee £10 (course material included) Early Bird Discount: Book before January 25th 2011 and receive 50% discount - £5.00 Limited Spaces Open to Brothers & Sisters Strict Segregation To register, make payment & for more details: 07903388875 or inspireyouthproject@hotmail.com www.springfoundation.co.uk Who is this course for? Every Muslim who wants to gain a deep understanding of benefits of Dua and supplication Every Muslim who wants to understand the true nature and impact of Tawhid For every Muslim teacher in Islamic schools who wishes to raise his/her students with the knowledge of the power of Tawhid For every dai‘ (caller to Islam) who wants to develop a connection with Allah For those who have been afflicted with pain, sadness and distress in their life For those looking for tools of protection from the Qur‘an and Sunnah What will you come out with at the end of the course? A course booklet complete with notes on Spring (Light) Of My Heart Dua Veneration for the power of dua and supplication Tremendous boost to your emaan Understanding of the fundamentals of Tawhid and its impact on our life Knowledge of the practical application of Tawhid in Islam All resources (power point slides) used for the course
The Four Seasons of Marriage Time: Sunday, February 13, 2011 · 10:00am - 6:00pm Location: London Whitechapel Created By: Spring Foundation Trust (SFT) Marriages are in a perpetual state of transition, continually moving from one season to another – perhaps not annually, as in nature, but certainly and consistently. Sometimes we find ourselves in WINTER – distant, discouraged, and dissatisfied; other times, we experience SPRINGTIME – filled with hope, openness, and anticipation. Sometimes we bask in the warmth of SUMMER – satisfied and comfortable, ...simply enjoying life together. In times of AUTUMN, negligence and uncertainty creep in, leaving us feeling unsettled and apprehensive. The cycle repeats itself many times throughout the life of a marriage, just as the seasons repeat themselves in nature. Each season presents its own unique challenges, and each holds the potential for emotional health and happiness. The purpose of this one day course is to help married couples and people looking to get married to IDENTIFY which season the marriage is and what are those elements that take a couple from season to season, and to provide practical strategies that will help to STRENGTHEN and enhance the marriage. THIS IS NOT YOUR USUAL MARRIAGE COURSE!!!
Who is this course for? • Anybody who is looking to get married and wants to learn the emotions of marriage • Couples who want to better understand their marriage life • Those couples who may be going through some difficulties in their marriage • Those people who want to learn how have a successful marriage
At the end you will learn..... • The nature of marriage in Islam • The four seasons or emotions of marriage • How to deal with past failures • Learning how to speak your Spouse’s Love language • How to benefit even from the differences spouses have • How to overcome difficulties in marriage and much more... Course materials? All participants of this course will be provided with a course pack which has extensive notes and reading materials on the subject. Teachers: Dr Kemal Helbawi Shaykh Abu Aaliyah Shaykh Shams ad Duha Muhammad Ustadh Abdullah Hasan And more to be confirmed Fees: £20 before 30 January 2011 and £15 thereafter And Special price for married couples - £10 each (must book before 1st Feb 2011) Contact: e-mail: info@springfoundation.co.uk Men: 07515789340 Women: 07506234003 And finally......when you register and attend this course, not only will you gain practical knowledge of this important subject but you will also help build future scholars. ALL proceeds will go to Spring Foundation Trust, which is a charity seeking to support our brothers and sisters to become scholars and duaats, Insha‘Allah. So what you are waiting for? REGISTER NOW!!! info@springfoundation.co.uk http://www.springfoundation.co.uk/
Learn Arabic Online | Arabic Courses | Learn Tajweed, Quran & Islam Are you looking to learn Arabic online or learn Tajweed from the comfort of your own home? Established since 2008, Eaalim is an online educational institute (based in London, UK) providing qualified Arabic tutors to English speaking students through a variety of Arabic courses which can be studied online. All Arabic courses and classes are taught using a combination of traditional and modern teaching methods, utilizing the very latest technology of sound and graphic in an affordable and convenient way. All of our teachers have Ijaza to teach Arabic Language, Tajweed ul Quran and Shariah. eLearning is different with us, as we add real time interaction to your distance learning. We allow you to communicate with teachers with crystal clear audio and collaborate with chat and shared whiteboard. All of our lessons are recorded and can be accessed by students after the lesson for revision purposes. If you are wishing to learn Arabic but for one reason or another are not able to do so through traditional teaching methods, Eaalim Islamic School allows students to learn Arabic online through our wide range of Arabic courses ranging from classes for those who wish to learn Tajweed and those who wish to learn and study the Quran to those who are looking to learn about Islam in detail. Look no further than Eaalim Institute for a range of Arabic courses for those who wish to learn Arabic online and we ensure you will not be disappointed with the variety of courses and teaching methods available. Our Arabic courses and Quran tutoring are ideal for those who wish to learn Arabic from the comfort of their own homes, or simply cannot attend traditional Arabic courses.
Islamic School | Quran Tutoring Eaalim Institute is the premier online Islamic School, offering a wide variety of Arabic courses available for one to study in the comfort of their own home. We are pleased to offer courses and classes ranging from Quran Tutoring through to courses which teach Tajweed and the Arabic language. Our courses present a unique approach to learning Arabic and Quran tutoring and we pride ourselves on offering an approach that little bit different to the rest. Please take a moment to have a look at the various courses offered by Eaalim Online Islamic School and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Daffodils and Tulips
Sisters Supporting Sisters
Where are we going wrong? I have been working with the Muslim community for over twenty years as an Islamic Counsellor and have dealt with many issues affecting our community. My main work has been around marital issues, family disputes. teenage problems, domestic violence and mediation. In most cases the underlying factor has cultural misinterpretations of Islam. We as Muslims should try to keep the two issues separate as most cultural issues have nothing to do with religion and in most situations go against the ruling of Islam. The prime example I can give of this in cases of domestic violence is that the sister has been told she has to be obedient to her husband. Islam does not permit oppression of any form, our best example of a husband is our beloved prophet (saw). I can give many examples where culture has become our law maker instead of the two sources we should be taking as Muslims: the Qur‘an and Sunnah. Islam tells us if there is a dispute an arbitrator who is impartial, should be chosen to help find a solution, in most cases the issue is very small but misunderstandings and anger turn it into major issue. On a positive note not everything in our culture is negative and sometimes bears resemblance to some of the rulings in our deen, such as respect to our elders, being kind to our parents. As my counselling is mainly for Muslims sisters: it is empowering for them to realize and even hear the about the rights Islam has given to women and what duties and their rewards Allah (sw) has placed on them. As an Islamic Counsellor I don‘t give fatwas, that is not my job, but through speaking with scholars and people of knowledge and also studying Islam, I have been able to give appropriate Islamic advice. By the grace of Allah (sw) this has helped many sisters move forward in their lives and resolve issues and find harmony. We are all aware of the high rate of divorce that is rising in our community, once an unheard topic has become an everyday conversation where people discussing marriages ending within a couple of months and I have heard even within a week. It saddens me to think what is happening to us, why have we become so hasty. Divorce should be the last option not the first. This is one of main reasons to undertake Couple Counselling so there is help available for couples to have, I would call necessary advice. I have to say, it‘s proved to be a positive step. Most couples I have recently worked with are now in a place where they are content and working on the issues discuss in the sessions. I would urge all couples who experiencing any issues in their marriage to seek professional help. We need to re-educate ourselves as Muslims now second and third generations in this country and begin to define our roles. At the moment I am working with single sisters in pre marriage workshops offering practical as well as Islamic advice. Sometimes offering cooking and housekeeping courses to help them once they are married. Also I have recently started an Islamic support group for women, which includes group counselling, health support, confidence building assertiveness and discussion. I hope inshallah to write about issues affecting our community on an on-going basis. Wa asalam Sister Afshan
A man asked a Muslim: Why do your girls cover up their body and hair? The Muslim guy smiled and got two sweets, he opened the first one and kept the other one closed. He put them both on the dusty floor and asked the man: If I asked you to take one of the sweets which one will you choose? The man replied: ...The covered one. Then the Muslim said: Say No More.
As salaamualykum, My name is Umm Asim and I am a counsellor who provides Islamic counselling and mediation service for Muslim women in East London. The services I provide also include marriage, youth and telephone counselling. I have been counselling for almost 22 years and have been a youth worker as well as running various support groups for women within the community. I have worked with the local authority in Newham working with women in crises (such as domestic violence and mental health issues) Qualifications and Training: I have a certificate in counselling and have also carried out training in mediation, domestic violence, self harm, N.L.P as well as providing assistance in life coaching and assertiveness workshops. I am also a qualified nursery nurse and youth worker. Currently I am running support groups for Muslim women which cover issues such as coping with stress and depression, building self-confidence, dealing with relationships, assertiveness, health related issues and relaxation techniques. I also run workshops on pre-marriage and good house keeping skills. If you require any further information about these workshops or the services I provide then you may contact me on 07909941179 or afshankhan1@hotmail.co.uk. Kind regards Umm Asim (Developing Minds Sisters Surgery)
New Years 5km Fun Run DM FC Fundraiser Sunday 9th January 12.00pm Over 16: 1st, 2nd and 3rd medals and prizes Under 16: 1st, 2nd and 3rd medals and prizes All entrants will receive a DM FC T Shirt Meet at the pond (Aldersbrook Rd) Registration form to be completed. U16s/students Cost ÂŁ2.00. Over 16s/adults Cost ÂŁ2.00 3 major prizes on offer for runners who raise funds via sponsorship from family and friends
How I Came to Love the Veil - By Yvonne Ridley Politicians and journalists just love to write about the oppression of women in Islam ... without even talking to the females beneath the veil. They simply have no idea how Muslim women are protected and respected within the Islamic framework which was built more than 1400 years ago. Yet, by writing about cultural issues like child brides, female circumcision, honor killings, and forced marriages, they wrongly believe they are coming from a point of knowledge. And I am sick of Saudi Arabia being cited as an example of how women are subjugated in a country where they are banned from driving. The issues above have simply nothing to do with Islam yet they still write and talk about them with an arrogant air of authority while wrongly blaming Islam. Please do not confuse cultural behavior with Islam. Misinterpretations I was asked to write about how Islam allows men to beat their wives. Sorry, not true. Yes, I'm sure critics of Islam will quote random Qur'anic verses or hadiths but all are usually taken out of context. If a man does raise a finger to his wife, he is not allowed to leave a mark on her body ... this is another way of the Qur'an saying "Don't beat your wife, stupid." Now let's take a glance at some really interesting statistics, hmm. I can almost hear the words pot, kettle, black. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, four million American women experience a serious assault by a partner during an average 12-month period. On the average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands and boyfriends every day ... that is nearly 5,500 women battered to death since 9/11. Some might say that is a shocking indictment on such a civilized society, but before I sound too smug, I would say that violence against women is a global issue. Violent men do not come in any particular religious or cultural category. The reality is that one out of three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Violence against women transcends religion, wealth, class, skin color, and culture. Equality Illusion However, until Islam came on the scene women were treated as inferior beings. In fact we women still have a problem in the West where men think they are superior. This is reflected in our promotion and wages structure right across the spectrum from cleaners to career women who make it into the boardroom. Western women are still treated as commodities, where sexual slavery is on the rise, disguised under marketing euphemisms, where women's bodies are traded throughout the advertising world. As mentioned before, this is a society where rape, sexual assault, and violence on women are commonplace, a society where the equality between men and women is an illusion, a society where a woman's power or influence is usually only related to the size of her breasts. I used to look at veiled women as quiet, oppressed creatures and now I look at them as multi-skilled, multi-talented, resilient women whose brand of sisterhood makes Western feminism pale into insignificance. My views changed after the truly terrifying experience of being arrested by the Taliban for sneaking into Afghanistan in September 2001 wearing the bhurka. During my 10-day captivity I struck a deal that if they let me go I would read the Qur'an and study Islam. Against all the odds, it worked and I was released. In return I kept my word, but as a journalist covering the Middle East I realized I needed to expand my knowledge of a religion which was clearly a way of life. And no. I'm not a victim of Stockholm Syndrome. To be a victim you have to bond with your captors. During my imprisonment I spat, swore, cursed and abused my jailers as well as refused their food and went on hunger strike. I don't know who was happier when I was released — them or me! Women in Islam Reading the Qur'an was, I thought, going to be a very simple academic exercise. I was stunned to discover that it clearly stated women are equal in spirituality, education, and worth. A woman's gift for child birth and child-rearing is very much recognized as a quality and attribute. Muslim women say with pride they are homemakers and housewives. Furthermore the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that the most important person in the home was The Mother, The Mother, The Mother. In fact he also said that heaven lies at the feet of the mother. How many women make it into the top 100 power lists for simply being a "great mother"? With Islam, choosing to remain at home and raise children takes on a new dignity and respect in my eyes, similar to those sisters among us who choose to go out to work and have careers and professions. I then began looking at inheritance, tax, property, and divorce laws. This is where Hollywood divorce lawyers probably get their inspiration from. For instance the woman gets to keep what she earns and owns while the man has to stump up half his worth. Isn't it funny the way the tabloid media gets very excited over the prospect of some pop or film star's prenuptial wedding agreement? Muslim women have had wedding contracts from day one. They can choose if they want to work or not, and anything they earn is theirs to spend while the husband has to pay for all the household bills and the upkeep of his family.
Just about everything that feminists strived for in the '70s was already available to Muslim women 1400 years ago. As I said, Islam dignifies and brings respect to motherhood and being a wife. If you want to stay at home, stay at home. It is a great honor to be a homemaker and the first educator of your children. But equally, the Qur'an states if you want to work, then work. Be a career woman, learn a profession, become a politician. Be what you want to be and excel in what you do as a Muslim because everything you do is in praise of Allah (swt). Business Suit There is an excessive, almost irritating concentration or focus on the issue of Muslim women's dress particularly by men (both Muslim and non-Muslim). Yes, it is an obligation for Muslim women to dress modestly but, in addition, there are many other important issues which concern Muslim women today. And yet everyone obsesses over the hijab. Look, it is part of my business suit. This tells you I am a Muslim and therefore I expect to be treated with respect. Can you imagine if someone told a Wall Street executive or Washington banker to put on a t-shirt and jeans? He would tell you his business suit defines him during work hours, marks him out to be treated seriously. And yet in Britain we have had the former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw describing the nikab — the face veil revealing only the eyes — as an unwelcome barrier. When, oh when, will men learn to keep their mouths shut over a woman's wardrobe? We also had Government Ministers Gordon Brown and John Reid express disparaging remarks about the nikab — both these men come from over the Scottish Borders where men wear skirts!! Then we had a series of other parliamentarians enter the fray describing the nikab as a barrier for communication. What a load of nonsense. If this was the case can anyone explain to me why cell phones, landlines, e-mails, text messaging, and fax machines are in daily use? Who listens to the radio? No one switches off the wireless because they cannot see the face of the presenter. The majority of sisters I know who choose to wear the nikab are actually white, Western reverts who no longer want the unwelcome attention of those few leering men who will try and confront females and launch into inappropriate behavior. Mind you, there are a couple of London sisters I know who say they wear the nikab at anti-war marches because they can't stand the smell of spliffs. Last Refuge I am afraid Islamophobia has become the last refuge of the racist scoundrel. But the cowardly, chauvinistic attacks launched — largely by men — are unacceptable to Muslimahs as well as their secular, female sisters from the left. I was a feminist for many years and now, as an Islamic feminist, I still promote women's rights. The only difference is Muslim feminists are more radical than their secular counterparts. We all hate those ghastly beauty pageants, and tried to stop laughing when the emergence of Miss Afghanistan in bikini was hailed as a giant leap for women's liberation in Afghanistan. I've been back to Afghanistan many times and I can tell you there are no career women emerging from the rubble in Kabul. My Afghan sisters say they wish the West would drop its obsession with the bhurka. "Don't try turning me into a career woman, get my husband a job first. Show me how I can send my children to school without fear of them being kidnapped. Give me security and bread on the table," one sister told me. Young feminist Muslimahs see the hijab and the nikab as political symbols as well as a religious requirement. Some say it is their way of showing the world they reject the excesses of Western lifestyles such as binge drinking, casual sex, drug-taking, etc. Superiority in Islam is accomplished through piety, not beauty, wealth, power, position or sex. Liberation of Islam Now you tell me what is more liberating. Being judged on the length of your skirt and the size of your cosmetically enhanced breasts, or being judged on your character, mind, and intelligence? Glossy magazines tell us as women that unless we are tall, slim, and beautiful we will be unloved and unwanted. The pressure on teenage magazine readers to have a boyfriend is almost obscene. Islam tells me that I have a right to an education and it is my duty to go out and seek knowledge whether I am single or married. Nowhere in the framework of Islam are we told as women that we must do washing, cleaning, or cooking for men — but it is not just Muslim men who need to re-evaluate women in their home. Check out this 1992 exerpt from a Pat Robertson speech revealing his views on empowered women. And then you tell me who is civilized and who is not. He said, "FEMINISM ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO LEAVE THEIR HUSBANDS, KILL THEIR CHILDREN, PRACTICE WITCHCRAFT, DESTROY CAPITALISM AND BECOME LESBIANS." Here is an American man living in a pre-Islamic age who needs to modernize and civilize. People like him are wearing a veil and we need to tear that veil of bigotry away so people can see Islam for what it is. * This article was previously published in www.washingtonpost.com and is republished. Yvonne Ridley is the Political editor of Islam Channel and author of In The Hands of the Taliban and Ticket to Paradise. Courtesy: www.everymuslim.net
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POETRY PAGE
Silent-Tears Legal -Project It's time to use your imagination, sharpen your pencil (or keyboard) and let your creativity run free as you put your poetry skills to the test in our new Silent Tears Poetry competition. There is a fantastic prize for the winner which also includes using the winning poem for our leaflet and a chance to present your poem at the Silent Tears Launch Event! Get your friends to join too, we know there are many artists on facebook, step forward and have fun :) Here is what we are looking for: Poem must be about domestic violence, closely linked to the silent tears ethos 'working selflessly for women, must include a minumum of 6 lines, can be any style and you can post as many as you like....add us on facebook.
CHAMPIONS As we step onto the field of glory, The only intention is victory, Losing is not in our vocabulary, Neither is pain, surrender or misery, We will show pride as well as humility, Victory not only physically, But spiritually as well as mentally, Winning is a formality, Slowly but surely, Climbing up the hierarchy, We will play with dignity, Individual quality, But more importantly, Collective stability, To gain our deserved credibility, We hold substantial ability, Whatever we achieve, We do it with unity, We’re sure to be remembered in history, Remembered as the one and only, Catalan family, “Who are we”? Family “Who are we”? Catalans “What are we”? Champions! R Yusuf (F.C. Catalans)
What kinda Muslim are you? Are you an Allahu Akbar Muslim? Are you the Alhamdulillah Muslim? Are you the Mashallah Muslim? Are you the Inshallah Muslim? Are you an Audhubillah Muslim? Or are you the Inna Lillah Muslim? Thank about it? Br Muhamad Mohsin
If you would like to submit a poem, please can you email it to: info.nmo@gmail.com
There are hundreds of Domestic Violence (DV) groups which exist in the UK and still DV is proving an all too prevalent issue, especially in ethnic minority communities. Our research shows that this is due to: Lack of education (generally, and in particular, of legal rights) and Lack of accessibility to existing support services. We aim to start to tackle these issues through the following methods; 1. Seminars on basic legal rights; 2. Legal advice sessions; 3. Publicising broader support services with multi-lingual information leaflets and videos 4. Raising awareness through TV, radio, newspapers and the internet. Silent Tears is a 3 year development project and we hope to expand our activities from the initial pilot areas (East London and Portsmouth) to the full breadth of the country. How can you help? Rest assured, there are many ways you can help. To start with, please donate as much as you comfortably can – every penny counts. To donate, please go through our justgiving page at: http://www.justgiving.com/silent-tears Are there other ways you can help? Of course, whether by fulfilling existing defined roles or carving out a complementary position with our team, there is always room for another volunteer. If you are interested or have any comments, we’re waiting for you to contact us – please email us on mahbuba.hussain@selfless.org.uk. Alternatively volunteer online directly by filling in our online application form
Tell them to go with the ‗Go Order‘:
New scheme to be piloted by police to prevent potential domestic incidences before they can go too far. By Sayyidah Salam and Sayma Begum Recently announced, the government will be piloting a new scheme that gives policemen the power to ban suspected perpetrators of domestic violence from their homes and their victims for an initial 48 hours. The initiative, to be piloted in three police force areas from summer 2011, aims to protect victims before abuse becomes chronic and violent. Law Reforms As it stands, the problem of domestic violence heavily outweighs the amount of legal protection available. The legal protection offered under criminal law i.e. free legal protection, came with a baggage of conditions, namely that there must be sufficient evidence to charge and convict the abuser. Often victims only received protection after the damage had already occurred; a case of too little, too late. There have been growing concerns calling for tougher actions to be taken against domestic violence, as this crime is responsible for the death of 2 women per week and 25% of all women will experience domestic abuse in their life-time (according to the British Crime Survey). Recent developments have shown that the government have identified these problems, and are now trying to rectify this gap in the law. Going beyond the average restraining order, the Home Secretary Theresa May has given the go-ahead for the ‗Domestic Violence Protection Order‘ – dubbed the ‗Go Order‘. This strategy should allow victims some respite from their abuse even if there is not enough evidence to convict them. In the hopes of curbing sexual and emotional crimes within the home, it should also give victims the necessary space and security to seek support and advice from local caseworkers and legal aids. The ‗Go Order‘ could be enforced immediately if a senior police officer determines a woman or her children could come to harm. This is a shift from the common scenario in which the victim is usually forced to flee their homes, but under the ‗Go Order‘ the onus will be on the suspected perpetrator to find accommodation until summoned to a hearing within the 48 hours. The 48-hour ban should also give the police time to build a case against the suspect to present at the magistrates. It is here that the magistrates will be able to issue a ‗Domestic Violence Prevention Order‘ – an extension of up to 28 days. Any breaches of the order will render the perpetrator liable for arrest. These new measures were first proposed by the previous government as similar schemes have proved to be successful in Austria, Germany, Poland and Switzerland. Whilst claiming that tackling violence against women was a priority for her, the Home Secretary had initially intended to halt the plans due to departmental budget constraints. However, after protests that women could suffer as a result of this decision, the Home Secretary is now backing this initiative. Ed Balls, shadow Home Secretary, said: ―Putting these plans on hold would have been a real step backwards for our work to tackle domestic violence and protect the victims of such abuse. I‘m glad the Government has finally listened and given them the go ahead.‖(The Independent). Our Views Silent Tears recognises the government‘s attempts to increase protection afforded to the survivors of domestic violence, which currently is predominantly available under the (rather costly) Civil Law procedure. In this respect, we support this much-needed initiative. Nevertheless, based on the work and research carried out by Silent Tears, we recognise that this extra protection (whilst commendable) does not tackle the root causes of domestic violence. Our primary concern regarding abused women is that many are unaware that the cruelty they are receiving actually constitutes domestic violence. If women are unaware that their issue of abuse is worthy of alerting the police, or anyone for that matter, the police will not have the knowledge in order to act. Still a taboo area in many cultures, domestic violence education is grossly lacking in all communities. Sometimes the complexity of issues that combine and lead to domestic violence can overshadow the violence itself. Even when there are suspicions, in many cases it can get swept under the rug. Many victims
find themselves living within an environment of fear that acts as a barrier, holding them back from making the courageous step towards seeking external assistance. Silent Tears has also identified a need for clarity in terms of ‗Go Order‘ procedure. Once a case has arisen with the police, it is unclear what threshold criteria the senior officer can use to determine whether a suspect is deemed ‗dangerous enough‘. It would seem that if this potentially effective scheme is to work, the first port-of-call is educating women and those that are most vulnerable. If the police are able to raise awareness of the scheme via public seminars or talks, then there is a greater chance of this being a success. In order to maximise awareness and utilise existing help, we suggest that the police could adopt the Silent Tears ethos by collaborating with domestic violence groups and social workers to assist them with the education process. Once women in a vulnerable position are aware that such intervention can be taken, they are more likely to come forward. Measures could also be taken to reform abusers by enforcing anger management attendance, for example. Rather than waiting for the perpetrator to commit a chargeable offence, the emphasis should be upon helping them to change and control their behaviour in the hopes of keeping families together. It is important to bare in mind that whilst this initiative is a vital step in the right direction, it cannot be expected to eradicate domestic violence completely. Not all domestic abuse cases are longrunning but are spontaneous or unexpected violent incidences in which cases the ‗Go Order‘ will not be effective. Conclusion On the whole, the initiative recognises a fundamental problem and seeks to break the cycle of violence; acting as an intervention and short-term protection for victims before any worse case scenarios can occur. It hopes to bring offenders to justice or rehabilitation, to give victims support and ease the step towards contacting the police. It could also change behaviour and send out a clear message that abuse within the home will not be tolerated. If the European models are anything to go by, this should be a successful scheme, if properly funded and publicised. If the one-year pilot is successful, it should come into effect immediately. The ultimate effectiveness of the ‗Go Order‘ in reducing domestic violence in the UK waits to be seen. Sources: Horten, M (2009) ‗More Police Powers for Domestic Violence – The Crime and Security Bill Reviewed‘, Family Law Week, Available at: http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed44909 [Accessed: 13/12/2010] Morris, N (2010) ‗New powers to tackle domestic violence‘, The Independent online, Available at: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/new-powers-to-tackle-domestic-violence2142971.html [Accessed: 13/12/2010] Travis, A (2010) ‗Police to have power to order violent partners to leave home for 48 hours‘, The Guardian Online, http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/nov/25/domestic-violence-police, [Accessed: 13/12/2010] Sinclair, L (2010) ‗Suspected domestic abusers face new rules‘, Sky News online, BskyB, Available at: http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Domestic-Abuse-Under-New-RulesSuspected-Abusers-Could-Be-Banned-From-Homes-For-Up-To-Four-Weeks/ Article/201011415826246? lpos=UK_News_News_Your_Way_Region_2&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15826246_Domestic _Abuse:_Under_New_Rules,_Suspected_Abusers_Could_Be_Banned_From_Homes_For_Up_To _Four_Weeks [Accessed: 13/12/2010] Whitehead, T (2009) ‗Suspected violent partners face home ban under Home Office proposals‘, The Telegraph online, Telegraph Media Group Limited 2010, Available at: http:// www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/6240477/Suspected-violent-partners-face-home -ban-under-Home-Office-proposals.html [Accessed: 13/12/2010]
Distribution of Anonymous Flyers The Halal Monitoring Committee has been made aware of leaflets being distributed with false allegations about HMC. We have seen the leaflet and we can confirm that none of the allegations about HMC are true. Unfortunately, as you may have noticed, the people behind the leaflets have not left their name or number, nor have they contacted the HMC office to verify the facts. HMC Is Growing Through the Grace of the Almighty, our list of applications is increasing as more and more people realise the importance of buying and eating Halal. HMC continues to grow in strength with strong support primarily from you, our valued suppliers and outlets, and from the Ulama and the general public. Month on month HMC continues to hold events around the country to raise awareness of Halal in the UK. The issues surrounding the protection of Halal are too important for us to be distracted. HMC – Our Unique Monitoring System HMC‘s unique monitoring and inspection system is not matched by any other Halal organisation in the UK, with a continuous chain of inspection from the slaughterhouse through to the outlets. This has brought great confidence for the consumer and as has been recently highlighted in the most comprehensive Halal report to be done in the UK, commissioned by EBLEX, HMC is now the most trusted Halal certifying organisation in the UK according to Muslim consumers. HMC is part of the Muslim Working Group at the Food Standards Agency and part of the EBLEX Halal steering committee. HMC will continue to work on behalf of you and the Muslim community and we would welcome any comments and suggestions to further improve our services. For further information or if you have any questions please contact Nadeem Adam on 0844 846 0340 or email info@halalmc.org Facts about HMC*: HMC currently employs over 130 people to carry out its monitoring, inspection and certification functions HMC is registered as a charity with the Charities Commission, UK HMC has 14 National Executive Committee members from throughout the UK, majority of whom are scholars The National Executive Committee members are not paid for any work as Trustees of the organisation The National Executive Committee members are not owners or shareholders of any meat or poultry related business that would conflict with certification The National Executive Committee members do not request and are not paid for their travel or phone calls related to work as Trustees of the organisation HMC is supported by a network of Local Area Groups (LAGS) who number a total of over 150 volunteers in various towns and cites up and down the country HMC has over 400 certified outlets and growing daily The costs of HMC per chicken to the abattoir on an average taken from the invoices across all the abattoirs that HMC works with, is approx. 2p per chicken The costs of HMC per lamb to the abattoir on an average taken from the invoices across all the abattoirs that HMC works with, is less than 2p per kilo *Figures correct at the time of press release - 17th December 2010
Location: CROWN HOUSE North Circular Road, Park Royal, London, NW10 7PN Tel: 020 8961 1415 Fax: 020 8963 1578 Crown House is situated on the North Circular Road (A406) at its junction with Abbeydale Road. It is within close proximity of the following stations: - Hanger Lane - Central Line (8 minutes walk) - Stonebridge Park – National Rail and Bakerloo Line (8 minutes walk) - Park Royal – Piccadilly Line (18 minutes walk) Road links are excellent, with the nearby Hanger Lane gyratory system providing direct access to the M40 and M25. There is also easy access to the A1 and M1. Central London and Heathrow Airport are within a 30 minute drive.
Consulting Services If you have a specific project or activity that requires our expertise, we can provide Islamic experts to work with you for as long or as short a period as necessary. This service comes with a free initial consultation. Examples of such work are:
Drafting of HR and company policies Production of Guideline documents
Assessment of company training material Our consultants can provide a complete assessment of your company's policies and processes in order to provide you with the most effective guidance in achieving your aims. Upon completion, clients are provided with a comprehensive report as well as ongoing support as required. Our Consulting Services come with a Satisfaction Guarantee to demonstrate our commitment to you and your organisation. Contact our Sales team today to discuss your consulting requirements on 0845 544 0167
Nurses have been told to move Muslim patients' beds five times a day so that they face Mecca when they pray. The measure by Dewsbury and District Hospital in West Yorkshire is one of several designed to meet the needs of Islamic patients. Critics claim, however, that nurses' time would be better spent providing medical treatment and ensuring wards were free of infection.
Tracey McErlain-Burns, chief nurse and director of patient experience at Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said: "In the context of responding to requests from patients and families, particularly when faced with a very ill patient, it is entirely reasonable that nurses consider all practical steps to meet a patient's cultural or religious needs.
"This may include adjusting the position of the bed, or escorting the patient to the chapel or faith centre." She denied that nurses were being removed from other duties in order to move beds. Staff working at the trust's hospitals have attended training sessions so that they can help Muslim patients uphold their faith daily. Halal menu options have been introduced and special shower facilities have been provided. Muslims are expected to pray at five specific times in a day, when they should face east towards Mecca - revered as the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed - and, wash beforehand. The move to embrace Islam came after many Muslim former patients told the trust their treatment would have been better if staff had known more about their religion. Catherine Briggs, the hospital's matron, said: "In response to these comments I have been working with Moulana Ilyas Dalal, our senior Muslim chaplain at the hospital, to deliver a training package that will better inform staff of the different cultural and religious needs of patients."
The new system has received a mixed reaction from nurses, however. Beverley Brook, one of the first to take the training course, said: "Although I already knew quite a lot about the Islamic faith, this gave me a greater understanding on how we can make small changes on a daily basis that will really make a difference to our Muslim patients." But another nurse said: "It would be easier to create Muslim-only wards with every bed facing Mecca than have to deal with this. "Some people might think it is not that big a deal, but we have a huge Muslim population in Dewsbury and if we are having to turn dozens of beds to face Mecca five times a day, plus provide running water for them to wash before and after prayers, it is bound to impact on the medical service we are supposed to be providing." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1571634/Nurses-to-help-Muslim-patients-face-Mecca.html
The Clarity Institute The Clarity Institute is dedicated to providing industry-leading services to the Police, the NHS, Local Authorities as well as HR departments in the private sector. We believe a society can progress when communities are open and honest with each other allowing understanding, tolerance and trust to develop between them. Using in-depth expertise in Islamic Law and Theology, our training courses and consulting will provide accurate and clear content to equip your staff with all the tools they need to create positive working practices for Muslim colleagues and service users alike. With a strong relationship with the Islamic Sharia Council - the leading authority for Muslims in the United Kingdom – The Clarity Institute guarantees you will benefit from genuine knowledge about Islam. Working With Us We transform relationships with Muslim clients, colleagues and service users by empowering people with knowledge, deep understanding and hence, clarity. Discover what we can do to facilitate your organisation's success. Contact us today on 0845 544 0167 or by using our Enquiry Form.
Islamic Awareness Programme Neighbourhood Policing Team officers in Kirklees are to undertake an Islam Awareness Programme believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. Front-line officers are beginning a series of six sessions at five mosques across the district to increase their understanding of the Islamic faith and forge local contacts. The first session is at the Jamia Mosque in Heckmondwike tomorrow when the Batley and Birstall, Spen Valley and Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Policing Teams will undertake their training. Kirklees Police Diversity Manager Steve Bedford said: “The day is an informal introduction to some local mosques and the Islamic faith. It is not anticipated, nor intended, to be a full insight into Islam. “The day is structured to provide an opportunity to learn basic greetings and an understanding of some of the issues which operational staff may face. They will learn how to identify issues and prevent any misunderstandings or insensitivity through lack of awareness or understanding.” Mohammed Khalil, speaking on behalf of the four mosques – the Hanfia Institute, Heckmondwike Jamia Mosque, Gulzar-E-Medina Mosque, and Mohaddis-E-Azam Mission Madani Mosque – said they valued their thriving partnership with the police. “The mosques have seen a lot of good-will and a desire on the part of the police to work in partnership,” he said. http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/4027182.Kirklees_police_get_lessons_in_Islam/ Testimonial from individual concerned about how strict adherence to his religious beliefs would be perceived by potential employers during the interview process. The Clarity Institute provided pragmatic and clear guidance and advice: This is a summary of my recent interviewing experience. I applied to a large global media company. I had a telephone interview with a lady called Jane who was to be my senior in the role. We discussed my experience and suitability and then chatted about what it was like to work there. At the end she asked if there was anything else and I mentioned that for interview purposes and to avoid any embarrassment I wanted her to know that as a strict muslim I didn't make physical contact with women i.e. I don't shake hands. She was intrigued and asked more so we discussed it further and then the call ended. At the interview I was interviewed by three women in three roles related to my future role. All very different and very strong personalities with a significant vested interest in the success of the person in the role as they were all going to be depending on me in one way or another. None went to shake my hand when they met or left and all were extremely courteous and polite. I was later offered the job. Later I applied for a position at one of the world's biggest charities. The first stage interview was with two men. I was informed that the second stage interview would involve a range of people including one woman. I emailed the recruiter to let him know that as a strict Muslim, I avoided shaking hands with women so would he please inform the interviewers to avoid any potential awkwardness. I called the recruiter to check he'd got the email and understood it and he said that was perfectly fine and passed the message on. At the next interview the first part was with a man and then when he was bringing in the next interviewer he asked if there was anything else about the situation that I wouldn't be comfortable with and I mentioned that because the office was open and not secluded there was no problem with the interview going ahead between just me and her. Several interviews later at the same organisation, including one with an extremely senior female employee where the same 'etiquette' was adhered to, I was then also offered the job. Which I accepted! At each point where I made a request or made my feelings known, there was a slight embarrassment and insecurity and the feel of making myself vulnerable to criticism or ridicule. The Clarity Institute advised me to be clear and up-front about my requirements which made the whole process very straightforward! Afterwards the overwhelming thought was why was I so worried! Even if the situations hadn't resolved themselves so smoothly, I believe the advice I received from The Clarity Institute would have helped me to resolve any issue. Thanks! MR S H. For further details contact The Clarity Institute
Nasheeds and Poetry Page | Page 70
Dawud Ali Wharnsby
Colour of Islam
Allah made us all a different shade and colour. Nations and tribes recognize one another! ‘cause every single person is your sister or brother. So many different colours of Islam.
Fill the world with colour, paint it everywhere you go. Paint everything you see, and tell everyone you know. Qur‘an will be your paint, and your brush will be iman, So fill the world with colour, every colour of Islam.
Fill the world with colour, paint it everywhere you go. Paint everything you see, and tell everyone you know. Qur‘an will be your paint, and your brush will be iman, So fill the world with colour, every colour of Islam. Truth as clear and blue as the sky we walk under.
Smiles, warm and shining, like the sun upon our faces. Hope as rich and green as the trees of an oasis. The colours of our faith bloom in so many places. So many different colours of Islam
Love as bright and loud as the lightening and thunder. Peace as pure and white as the moon, so full of wonder. So many different colours of Islam!
Fill the world with colour, paint it everywhere you go. Paint everything you see, and tell everyone you know. Qur‘an will be your paint, and your brush will be iman, So fill the world with colour, every colour of Islam.
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
MASJIDS SUPPORT
London APSA
Indian Muslim Federation (Newham Branch) 6 Lincoln Road Forest Gate London E7 8QW
07956556382
WRESTLING USB Leytonstone School Sports Centre 07949588196 07958251945 www.teamusb.com
BEAUTY Maira Hair & Beauty Salon 341-343 High St North London E12 6TN 02084722595
Football Club Years 1,2,3,5 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
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 info.nmo@gmail.com If any local businesses or bighearted 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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HMC was born essentially out of one concern and one concern only; to be able to provide assurance that we are eating genuine Halal, not just “because it says Halal… it must be Halal!" HMC is the product of a particular, prolonged situation – a situation of deceit and treachery. Muslims are being betrayed by individuals & corporations whose only concern is making fast, easy money. Using 'blessed blades', pre recorded Bismillah, captive bolts, electrified water and even pork proteins; the hard-earned Halal cash of many is being used to buy Haram. HMC has therefore, shouldered the enormous responsibility of discharging an obligatory duty on behalf of you, the community at large. Help HMC to Help You! Barkat & Sons Halal Meat 645 Romford Road Manor Park, E12 5AD Tel: 020 8911 8509 A M & Sons 84-88 Belgrave Road Ilford, IG1 3AL Tel: 020 8554 4030 A M & Sons (2) 397 Green Street Upton Park, E13 9AU Tel: 020 8472 7267 Amaan Halal Butchers 42 Upton Lane Forest Gate, E7 9LN Tel: 020 8470 1514 Bismillah Fresh Halal Meat & Poultry 70 Upton Lane Forest Gate, E7 9LN Tel: 020 8548 0992 Mob: 07932 836 696 Bismillah Halal Meat 370 Ilford Lane Ilford, IG1 2LZ Tel: 020 8478 9900 Budget Fair Cash & Carry 51 - 53 Upton Lane Forest Gate, E7 9PA Tel: 020 8552 2888
Butt Halal Meat 209 Ilford Lane Ilford, IG1 2RU Tel: 020 8220 7775 Hamza Halal Butchers 115 Altmore Avenue East Ham, E6 2BX Tel: 020 8471 2325 Iman Halal Meat 319 Green Street Plaistow, E13 9AR Tel: 020 8472 3308 Kashmir Halal Meat & Foodstore 120 - 122 Katherine Road East Ham, E6 1ER Tel: 020 8472 8669 Khan Halal Meat 103 Burges Road East Ham, E6 2BL Tel: 020 8552 7175 Lala's Quality Halal Meat & Poultry 89 Belgrave Road Ilford, IG1 3AL Tel: 02000 114 055
Noori Halal Butchers 328 High Street North Manor Park, E12 6PH Tel: 020 8472 1667 Quality Halal Meat 126 Barking Road East Ham, E6 3BD Tel: 020 8552 1122 Stratford Mini Market 48 Romford Road Stratford, E15 4BZ Tel: 020 8534 7281 Sunnah 457 Romford Rd Forest Gate, E7 8AB Tel: 020 8555 1441 Taqwa Fresh Quality Halal Meat 123 Green Street Forest Gate, E7 8JF Tel: 020 8552 2036 TSB Convenience Store 428 Katherine Road Forest Gate, E7 8NP Tel: 020 8586 6999 Unique Cash & Carry 418 Katherine Road Forest Gate, E7 8NP Tel: 020 8472 5705
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Abu Bakar 47 Upton Lane Forest Gate, E7 9PA Tel: 020 8470 2300 Ahmed's Perfect Fried Chicken 61 Vicarage Lane Stratford, E15 4HG Tel: 020 8522 4377 AJ's Chicken & Pizza 221 Ley Street Ilford, IG1 4BL Tel: 020 8553 1125 A'la Pizza 28 Upton Lane Forest Gate, E7 9LN Tel: 020 8586 6688 Aladdin BBQ & Grill 121 Ley Street Ilford, IG1 4BH Tel: 020 8553 3357 Al-Farooq Kebabish 435 Barking Road, East Ham, E6 2JX Tel: 020 8472 0917 Al-Farooq Kebabish 84 Upton Lane Forest Gate, E7 9LW Tel: 020 8472 3049 Al-Farooq Kebabish 395 Green Street Upton Park, E13 9AU Tel: 020 8471 1452 Al-Firdous Restaurant & Takeaway 187 Plashet Road Forest Gate, E13 0QZ Tel: 020 8503 5340 Bar B Q Base 832 Romford Road, Manor Park, E12 5JG Tel: 020 8514 2989 Chicken 2 Go 418 High Street North Manor Park, E12 6RH Tel: 020 8475 0003 Dixy Chicken 282 Barking Road East Ham, E6 3BA Tel: 020 8471 0900
Dixy Chicken 198 High Street North East Ham, E6 2JA Tel: Dixy Fried Chicken 372 High Street North Manor Park, E12 6PH Tel: 020 8548 1336 Euro Fried Chicken & Pizza 90 Upton Lane Forest Gate, E7 9LW Tel: 020 8471 4488 Griller (6) 649 High Road Seven Kings, IG3 8RA Tel: 020 8590 6400 GrillFellas 88 Katherine Road East Ham, E6 1EN Tel: 020 8471 9454 Hyderabadi Spice 309 High Street North Manor Park, E12 6SL Tel: 020 8472 0255 Jumbo's 66 Plashet Road Upton Park, E13 0RQ Tel: 020 8472 7637 Jungle Braai Barbeque 115 Wood Street Walthamstow, E17 3LL Tel: 07886 184442 Khana Khazana Restaurant 249 Green Street Forest Gate, E7 8LJ Tel: 020 8503 4200 Lahore Xpress 99 Green Street Forest Gate, E7 8JF Tel: 020 8471 3353 Madina Kebabish 85a Upton Lane Forest Gate, E7 9PB Tel: 020 8586 7027 Mai'da Indian Eatery 148-150 Bethnal Green Rd London, E2 6DG Tel: 020 7739 2645
@ Manish 23 Queens Market Upton Park, E13 9BA Tel: 020 8472 2441 Noor Fried Chicken 284 Barking Road East Ham, E6 3BA Tel: 020 8472 5555 Pandoo's Family Restaurant 112 Cranbrook Road Ilford, IG1 4LZ Tel: 020 8518 6677 Pizza Pan 16 Terrace Road Plaistow, E13 0PB Tel: 020 8548 1144 Salt & Pepper Lahori Cuisine 704 Romford Road Manor Park, E12 5AJ Tel: 020 8514 3145 Sheikh's Restaurant 89 Green Street Forest Gate, E7 8JF Tel: 020 8471 3366 Shiowari 229-231 Cranbrook Road Ilford, IG1 4TD Tel: 020 8554 2022 Signature Hyderabad 107 Green Street Forest Gate, E7 8JF Tel: 020 8552 2646 Tandoori Nites 235 East India Dock Road Poplar, E14 0EG Tel: 020 7531 4331 Taste Of India 340 High Street North Manor Park, E12 6PH Tel: 020 8471 2122 The Grill Restaurant 392 High Street North Manor Park, E12 6RH Tel: 020 8470 0093 Zu's Sizzlers 83 Green Street Upton Park, E7 8JF Tel: 020 8471 1212
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Life ban for Amir? He can only blame himself By TJ for StaniArmy.com As the date for the tribunal’s hearing into the spot fixing scandal fast approaches, don’t be surprised if Mohammad Amir receives a life ban from cricket like Salman Butt and Mohammed Asif are likely to receive if found guilty. Quite frankly, Amir will have no one to blame but himself. Since immediately after the spot fixing scandal broke, there has been a lot of goodwill and calls for clemency towards Amir going around. Yet the youngster and his advisers seemed oblivious, and have hardly taken advantage or even shown remorse. Immediate thoughts after the scandal were that Amir should try to distance himself from Butt and Asif, in that this would give him a better chance at receiving a more lenient sentence if found guilty. He did not necessarily have to become informant in some kind of plea bargain, but just had to stop being associated with the captain and senior bowler that allegedly coerced him into the dirty world of fixing. Yet not only has Amir shown no contrition, but he also appealed his provisional suspension along with Salman Butt, and foolishly also joined him in criticising the decision of Michael Beloff, the ICC code of conduct commissioner. Both were then critical of the make-up of the tribunal that will this month decide their fate. Amir has also been filmed recently playing cricket with Butt, as revealed in an exclusive report by Sky Sports News’ Bryan Swanson. Swanson travelled to Pakistan and managed to speak with a confident looking Salman Butt at his residence in regards to the fixing allegations. Yet he was unable to get anything from Amir, who shied away from the cameras. That alone would tell you a lot about the relationship that existed between Captain Butt and young Amir during their alleged fixes. Amir has had time to think, time to question himself and his actions. He has had time to take good advice yet he has continued to stick to the story that they are completely innocent despite the evidence, and has continued to associate himself with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif. As the teenager influenced by his Captain, there was a lot of goodwill in the cricketing world for Amir. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should also have been quick in getting to him and getting his head straight yet they left him to these vultures. Did they not recognise they could save the biggest talent emerging from Pakistan since Wasim Akram from disappearing from the cricketing world at such a young age? But with a slap on the wrists from the ICC due to their years of ineptitude, the PCB were busy trying to put their own house in order and look good to the ICC in fear of any action against the board and its Chairman. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England is at the same time considering bringing a criminal case against the three. Whether or not they are charged by the police, it should not necessarily affect the ICC’s own investigation and tribunal. The ICC just need to prove that the players acted on fixer Mazhar Majeed’s instructions and did not play honestly and to their best ability, and that would be enough for a guilty verdict. The video footage from the News of the World, if legitimate, would be proof enough it seems. It is getting to the point where a life ban for all three of them, for the share cheek of their claims in the face of all this evidence, is deserving. Butt, with his denials, seems to be operating by the old adage that if you say something enough times then people will begin to believe it. Even now, I don’t think Amir at least quite realises the gravity of what he’s done. Maybe he needs a harsh punishment for him to realise. I hope not. If he does disappear from cricket, you would have to wonder what other skills he has as means to earn a living. It’s ok for many of us living in developed countries with decent educations; we can do bad, get punished but then find other ways to earn a living. But for Amir, that may just be it. If this is the result of banning him for life, would the punishment outweigh the crime even though the crime was such a serious one? If Amir does get banned for life, then he only really has himself to blame. Contact: info@staniarmy.com
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APSA.....0 Barkingside FC.....3 A shambles of a performance in the first forty five minutes saw the hosts go in to the dressing room only two nil down, but for some fantastic saves from goalkeeper Steve Brown and some awful finishing by the visitors, the score could and should have been double that. Apsa never got to grips with the opposition’s tactics, as attack after attack tore through the host’s mid-field and rained down on the host’s goal. How Barkingside took 40 mins before breaking the deadline is a mystery to everyone who was at the Terrance Macmillan sta-
dium. APSA’s own offensive play was deprived of any real skill and consisted of playing long balls in to the opposition half, and losing possession in the last third of the pitch time after time. It was not a case of when the visitors would score but by how many they would win by. Brown performed heroics to keep the score level, with some top draw saves and was helped by some inapt finishing by the visitors forward line, who seem to sympathise with the home sides lack of fitness, form and ideas.
Ryan Imbart finally opened the scoring in the 40th minute when the hosts failed to clear their box after a scramble and the visitors young forward fired past Brown from 12 yards out. Three minutes later, after another Brown save, palming away a fierce shot from inside the box, the ball landed at the feet of an unmarked Dean Nyman, who kept his composure and found the net. The same player would kill the game off half way in the second half with his second of the match.
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The hosts put up a better show in the second half, after the introduction of new boy Adi (on for Lee) with half chances for Hind, Callaway and O’Keefe (on for Scott), but the ball either sailed passed the visitors goal or the keeper made easy saves. What has happened to APSA’s excellent early season form is a mystery, as the side has now slammed to their sixth straight defeat, and baring the penalty shoot-out victory in the Essex Senior cup against Basildon United on the 14th of October, John Higley's men have not won a game in normal ninety minutes play in thirteen attempts.
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