Interfaith Dialogue Conference in Islamic Cultural Centre London

International Interfaith Dialogue 

Conference at Islamic Cultural Centre

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The ISESCO & The Islamic Cultural Centre, London, held a joint two-day international conference for the 13^th Meeting of the Supreme Council of Education, Science & Cultural for Muslims outside the Islamic World and the 10^th Meeting of the Directors of the Islamic Cultural Centres and Islamic Associations in Europe at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, on 26^th and 27^th of June, 2013. The Two-day conference has four sessions besides the Opening and Concluding sessions.

The Two-day conference was mainly focussed on Interfaith Dialogue and many Islamic organisations in the UK were involved in this conference. The members of the Supreme Council of Education, Science & Cultural for Muslims outside the Islamic World came from very different places starting from South-East Asia with Dr. Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, President of the Jamiyah Singapore and his colleague Mohamed Yunos who presented later on one of the latest projects of advanced technology in terms of dialogue of the tradition of Islamic wisdom. Then other members of the Council came from Latin America, South America, from Argentina Dr. Yousuf and all other members coming mostly from Europe, Russia, Switzerland, France and Dr. Yahya from Italy.

Opening Session

The opening speeches were delivered by Dr. Ahmad Al Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London; Dr Abdelilah Ben Arafa, expert in cultural policies and cultural diversity at ISESCO Directorate of Culture and Communication, Rabat; Dr. Yahya Pallavicini, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Education, Science and Culture; Dr. Nasir Al Hujailan, the representative of  the Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia and His Excellency Mr Faisal Bin Muammar, Secretary General of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) in Vienna, Austria.

HE Faisal Bin Muammar

Secretary General of KAICIID

HE Faisal Bin Muammar in his opening speech introduced King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) in Vienna. HE Bin Muammar mentioned about the three founding member-states of KAICIID. He said, KAICIID was established in Vienna, Austria with its three member states, Austria, Kingdom of Spain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was opened at the Hofburg Palace, Vienna, in the presence of The Holy See, the strong supporter of the Dialogue Centre, on 26^th November, 2012. He also mentioned about the trustees of KAICCID who belong to three religions and cultures such as, three Christians, three Muslims, a Jew, a Hindu and a Buddhist.

Then His Excellency mentioned about the aims and objectives of the Dialogue Centre. He also elaborated the programmes of the KAICIID. After his speech, a film on KAICIID was shown to the conference.

First Session

After introductory and opening speeches, the first session was on Introducing the Initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to strengthen the dialogue between Religion & Culture and was followed by brief discussion. This session was chaired by Dr. Yahya Pallavicini, member of the Supreme Council of Education, Science & Cultural for Muslims outside the Islamic World and the speaker is Abdelilah Ben Arafa.

While introducing the first session, Dr. Pallavicini spoke about the initiative, the issue is the scope, development and engagement in interfaith dialogue. Referring to the film shown on KAICIID earlier, Dr. Yahya Pallavicini said, “Thanks to King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz who actually took the initiative of a very outstanding and important engagement in the field of dialogue which is actually somehow inspirational issue that opened the centre of KAICIID in Vienna but ISESCO has taken the intellectual and international development of this analysis in order to develop strategy, guidelines, network and implement this vision of dialogue in concrete terms but also adopting these guidelines according to situations and places.”

Dr. Yahya Pallavicini also said, “I am very glad to mention that the development of this situation is quite easy because I came back just last week from a meeting with Pope Francis that was actually somehow followed by Dr. Hamed al-Rifai with Dr. Abdullah Omar Nasseef, two leading personalities coming always from Saudi Arabia engaging with new Pope Francis and trying to develop a better qualified relations with Islamic World, with Muslims and with Islamic civilizations and with our own identity and spirituality.”

Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan

Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London gave a summary of what has been said before in the paper. He said:

“Number one: Need cultural dialogue centres in the major cities in Europe; at least adopt projects in major Islamic centres in Europe. Number two: it is very important to have database, events, publication, supporting the culture of faiths, Muslims and non-Muslims. Number three: it is important to target the youth, the young with some cultural activities especially, arts and sports, like football, or whatever; to concentrate on sports, supporting the culture of dialogue and understanding. Number four: They suggest having Islamic cultural art activities, I welcome the idea; because from my experience, Islamic art is a very big approach for non-Muslim to come to Islam; how Muslims think, how they see the world. Art is very very important.”

While dealing with the fourth point on Art, Dr. Dubayan mentioned, “These things will bring more understanding, I think, the non-Muslims will understand Islam and they will see Islam not just as they think something we can summarise it in a word of hate or terror. Art is a very real approach, I know some Europeans who became Muslims and embraced Islam because of art. They started with art; some of them started with calligraphy, some of them started with architecture, some of them started with manuscripts and at the end of the day, they are Muslims.”

Dr. Dubayan continued with the summary of the papers presented, “Number Five suggestion in the paper Coordination of the Islamic centres here with the British Institutions. I think coordination with the British institutions particularly why we put it in the paper in this centre here because Muslim communities in UK have achieved a lot of things more than other active communities in France, in Germany, in Denmark, in Italy or anywhere. Muslim Communities in Britain have their own experience. They have achieved a lot of things or built institutions. They have more schools, more Muslim figures who work in the political arena; Islamic media or press, more than other Muslim communities around in Europe, even more than Muslims in America.”

In this connection, he also mentioned the role of the British government who has “given Muslims more space and their philosophy is co-existence; country supporting co-existence. London itself is a city of multicultural nature; that’s why; you find interfaith activities are more than other European countries. The directory of the interfaith network, their book, they registered about 300 organisations only in UK dealing with interfaith and dialogue activities. Some of them, of course, are local, between the mosques and the church or synagogues or temple or something or some of them really are nationwide. Some of them are international,” Dr. Dubayan said. .

Proposal to establish ISESCO Regional

Research Centre in Singapore

Dr. Mohd Hasbi Abu Baker, President of Jamiyah Singapore expressed his gratefulness and gratitude at the very outset to ISESCO, in particular, for choosing Jamiyah to work with ISESCO for more than ten years now. “We shall do our best to closely work with ISESCO. We are proposing to establish an ISESCO Regional Research Centre in Singapore to serve the Ummah in South East Asia, in the Pacific region. The Regional Research Centre shall be the focal point of scholars, researchers, institutions, organisations within and outside of South East Asian countries and deal with the studies and research on various aspects of Islamic civilization. I will forward the complete detail of this regional research centre to ISESCO, through Dr. bin Arafa soon,” Dr. Mohd Hasbi said.  

Jamiyah President also mentioned, “We are moving towards utilising technology to spread our Islamic work. For example, two weeks ago, we launch a project called I-council at our 37 free legal clinics where I constantly use the internet technology to provide legal counselling.” He requested his colleague, Mohamed Yunos to make the presentation. This is another attempt by Jamiyah to talk to more people to learn reading Qur’an in 48 hours through utilising the modern technology to reach out to more Muslims around the world.

Learn Qur’an in 48 Hours

Muhammed Younus, Jamya Singapore

Mr. Mohamed Yunos, Vice-President-II of Jamiyah Singapore presented and demonstrated the most effective and productive way to learn Qur’an through the use of modern technology. He said, “Jamiyah Singapore have to find an effective way how to educate our brothers and sisters in Islam in the most efficient and in a more productive manner. That’s why; recently there is big interest, a big charm in Islamic education. Jamiyah Singapore has seized this opportunity and come up with various programmes to address the needs of brothers and sisters in Islam.”

Mr. Yunos mentioned, “One of the projects that we are embarking on is to learn Qur’an in 48 hours. We have completed this book. We have been using this book since December 2012 and we have great response from brothers and sisters who do not know how to read Qur’an.  They have zero knowledge. Alhamdo Lillah, within 48 hours they are able to read Qur’an with Tajweed. This is quite a remarkable achievement.”

Brother Yunos demonstrated how to use the technology, learning the lesson which emphasize on reading Qur’an with proper Tajweed. “The book is designed for all age-groups, whether seven years old or seventy years old, who have zero knowledge of the Qur’an, they can use this. And this book is suitable for beginners, as I said before. Zero knowledge of Arabic language,” said Jamiyah Vice-President-II.

Mr. Yunos also mentioned, “This Apes will be launched on the 7^th of July 2013 and it will be available. We call it learn Qur’an in 48 hours. If you go to the apotos; you make a search learning Qur’an in 48 hours, you will be able to see this Aps and you can download from there Insha Allah. This is our first step to impart Dawah, especially in Singapore and we are minority Muslims and we have to do something that most efficient and most effective in order to educate our Muslims in Singapore.”

Mr. Yunos made a proposal to ISESCO and its members to get endorsement from ISESCO. He said, “We have no choice but we have to speed up our efficiency in delivering the knowledge of Islam and my proposal down here today to ISESCO is to get endorsement from the ISESCO and its members before you go to the apes. When you saw this with the symbol, the logo from the ISESCO, logo from its members, people would not have any doubt whether this Aps is valid, real or whether it has been verified by Muslim scholars. We have done it and continue with all the Muslim scholars all over Singapore to come up with programme learning Qur’an within 48 hours.”

Jamiyah Singapore is an Islamic society which has been in existence for 81 years. Mr. Yunos expressed his hope to get the support, the endorsement, from ISESCO and all its members.”

Recommendations

We are asking ISESCO to teach Arabic for non-Arabic speakers in collaboration with Ibne Sina Institute in Leeds/Leon.

We are asking ISESCO for the 14^th meeting of the leaders of the Islamic Councils collaborating with their head office also asking the Vatican to collaborate with ISESCO.

We are also asking ISESCO to have the 9^th meeting in the Caribbean and Latin America in the Republic of Guinea during 2014 to study the activation of Latin America.

The conference thanks Jamiyah Singapore for their centre promoting Islam asking their representative to collaborate with the ISESCO for scholars.

We are asking ISESCO and all other organisations to have initiative called Muslim Makers of Peace.

Role of Islamic Centres in correcting misconceptions -Opening Ceremony

Conference on the Role of Islamic

Centres in Correcting Misconceptions

Dr. Mozammel Haque

One-day Conference on “The Role of Islamic Centres in Correcting Misconceptions,” organised by Muslim World League, London Office in cooperation with Islamic Cultural Centre, London, UK, was held in the Library Hall of the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC), London, on Thursday, 15^th of August, 2013 corresponding to 8^th of Shawwal, 1434AH. Islamic Cultural Centre was very happy to host this conference and was also very happy to cooperate with the Muslim World League, expressed Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre in his opening speech.

Proceedings of the Conference

There were three sessions besides the opening and final sessions on the recommendations. The Opening Ceremony was started with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an followed by a speech by Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director-General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London; HRH Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf al-Saud, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom & Ireland; Lord Mohammad Shaikh, Peer of the House of Lords, British Parliament and HE Dr. Abdullah bin AbdelMohsin al-Turki, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Makkah al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia.

In the First session on “Misconceptions between Truth and Falsehood”, chaired by Sh. Muhammad Ismail Rashid, Secretary General of the Association of Muslim Scholars of Britain. Muhammad Ali Harrath, Editor of Islam Magazine, CEO of Islam Channel spoke on Western Media and the Creation of Islamophobia; Dr. Abdul Hakim Murad, Lecturer in Islamic Studies and Fellow of Wolfson College, Cambridge University, UK lectured on Oriental Studies and Dr. Nour al-Din al-Miladi, Head of the Media Department, Qatar University, UAE spoke on Media & Importance of Renewing Religious Discourse.

The Second session on “Towards Comprehensive Correction on Misconceptions” was chaired by Dr. Abdul Rahman Abdullah al-Zaid, Assistant Secretary General of the Makkah-based Muslim World League. Dr. Aminah Osman, Director of the Turning Point Organisation, UK spoke on Projects of Introducing Islam; Dr. Suhaib AbdulGhafour, Secretary of the Sharia Council of Britain spoke on Terrorism and Extremism and Sir Iqbal Abdulkarim Sacranie, former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) spoke on Islamic Reference and the Position of Unity.

The Third session on “Islamic Associations between Duplication and Coordination” was chaired by Dr. Ahmad Turkistani, Director of the Cultural Affairs in the Saudi Cultural Bureau, London. In this session, Mr. Yousuf Muhammad Bhailok, former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) presented a paper on The Danger of Duplication in Islamic Work; Dr. Musharraf Hussain, Director of the Karimia Institute in Nottingham, UK spoke on Muslims in the West and Bridges of Dialogue; Sheikh Khalifa Ezzat, Imam of the Regents’ Park London Central Mosque, spoke on the Importance of Integration in Coordinating Islamic Organisations Work and Councillor Asghar Majeed of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, UK, spoke on Islamic Associations and Cultural Partnership.

The Final session was presided by Dr. Abdullah Mohsin al-Turki. Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan read out the Resolutions of the Conference in Arabic which was simultaneously translated into English.

Opening Ceremony:

Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan

Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director-General of the ICC, first of all, spoke about the activities of the Muslim community and their needs. He mentioned that the Muslim community had made great advances in looking after all the aspects of the Muslims, such as building mosques, charity and social works, establishing Islamic schools etc. These works are increasing day after day.

Dr. al-Dubayan also mentioned about the two important needs of the Muslim community, one is education and the other the social side. “Recently we notice there are two needs: first one is, taking care of their education; because education is the basic need for this Muslim community after they got their citizenship in this country. The other one is the social side and the social services; looking after the families, educating the women and looking after the new generation of Muslims. Because the new generations have lot of problems, first of all the identity and belongings,” said Dr. al-Dubayan.

The Muslim World League serves lot of works around the world, Asia, America and Europe. Dr. al-Dubayan said, “Muslim community look toward the Muslim World League for their needs. Education needs lot of supports and these communities look forward to cooperate with the Muslim World League because Muslim World League represents Muslims all over the world. We, in the Islamic Cultural Centre, are very happy to host this conference and to cooperate with the Muslim World League.”

Mr. Abdul Rahman Aneezi of the

Saudi Embassy in the UK

Mr. Abdul Rahman al-Aneezi from the Saudi Embassy in London spoke on behalf of His Excellency, Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf al-Saud, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom & Ireland. First of all, after conveying the greetings on behalf of the Saudi ambassador, Mr. al-Aneezi said, “The Saudi Ambassador Prince Mohammad could not attend today because of his previous engagement long time ago. He directed me to deputise him and attend this conference which is talking about misconception about Islam.”

Mr. al-Aneezi also mentioned, “The choice of this title is a very good one and now we need to spotlight the role of the Muslims and the Islamic centres in the West.”

Lord Mohammad Shaikh

Lord Mohammad Shaikh, Peer of the British Parliament, commended Dr. al-Dubayan for organising this conference, especially about the theme of the conference, The Role of Islamic centres and the misconceptions. Lord Shaikh said, “Unfortunately, there are some misconceptions about Islam which I think we have to rectify but we need to do it gently.”

Lord Shaikh said, “Education is very very important. In fact, we are proud of our educational inheritance. Our achievement has been marvellous,” In this connection, Lord Shaikh reminded the education heritage going back to the time when the Ummayyad were holding ruling and the development in Cordova, Spain.

Referring to the social side, Lord Shaikh said, “We tackle this concept or term of misconception. In the last meeting of the Conservative Muslim Forum people of the Christian community came to me and said we do not know that there is a chapter in the Holy Qur’an relating to Jesus Christ.”

“I think this is very very important that we tell the world what is Islam all about. It is indeed the religion of peace. In the Holy Qur’an, Prophet Issa, Prophet Moses were mentioned more times than Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). We also need to tell the people of the Books, the Christians and the Jews and all the revealed Books of Allah, the Injil, az-Zabur, at-Taurat and the Holy Qur’an. So there are misconceptions which we must correct. The way to do it is a gentle way,” mentioned Lord Shaikh.

Speaking about how Islam was spread in the largest Muslim country like Indonesia, Lord Sheikh said Islam was spread in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country, by Muslim missionaries and traders and we never conquer Indonesia. Similarly, he mentioned about Sri Lanka and Maldives, he visited recently. He also talked about how Islam is spread in Malaysia by Muslim missionaries and traders.

Lord Shaikh said, “I like to say, every one of us has a role to play. We all are ambassadors of Islam. It is incumbent on all of us to tell others what Islamic principles are all about.”

HE Dr. Abdullah Mohsin al-Turki

After thanking all those brothers who participated in the conference and who collaborated to organise this conference, especially Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan Director-General of the Islamic Cultural Centre London  and Dr. Ahmad Makhdoum Director of the Muslim World League, London Office and also all the participating researchers and scholars, Dr. Abdullah Mohsin al-Turki, Secretary General of the Makah-based Muslim World League (MWL) said, “We appreciate their efforts and their collaboration in this important subject of the role of Islamic centres in correcting the misconceptions.”

Dr. Al-Turki said, “We do not forget that there is a conflict between right and wrong since mankind started and it is going to go on until the doomsday. So we are not surprise that there is someone who distort religions and their prophets and talks about the wrong ideas about this.”

From Adam until Muhammad (peace be upon him) they all faced challenges and objections. Some of the prophets had only very few followers; so this thing is not a surprise, he said.

Dr. al-Turki said, “Islam is a summary of all the Divine Books that were revealed by Allah the Almighty. They might have differences about the environment or about time but in summary they don’t. They all call for obedience to God and following God; talked about justice, peace, security and anything that will bring happiness to mankind.”

Speaking about the similarity in origin and message, the MWL chief said, “If we go about the story of Prophets Adam, Noah, Ibrahim and many many prophets at different times we find that the main goal of these Missions is to convey that human being is the creation of God and this message is from God just to guide mankind into the right path and correct direction. It is not that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was telling us about this Mission. The Message of Moses or of Jesus to his people is the same.”

Dr. Al-Turki said, “But we have to admit that there are many many personalities who are fair and they know that Islam is all about the religious messages. So there is a big role for all Muslims and non-Muslims to correct the bad image that is damaging Islam and all the messages from God.

Mentioning about dialogue, MWL chief said, “Everyone must collaborate on this subject and they have to find the means and ways to help them. That’s why we have to engage in dialogue. We have to come back to dialogue between religions that was started by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and his Crown Prince. They are keen to take any step that helps and serves the Muslims and the humanity and everything that will take humanity out of wars and conflicts. Of course dialogue is a very good thing in this subject.”

“I have to say there are lot of ways used to distort the image of Islam,” said Dr. al-Turki and added, “Muslims have a great role. They have to introduce Islam to people who do not know anything about Islam. It’s a trust that any Muslim has to convey the correct message of Islam. In this meeting, we have to talk about the appropriate ways that Muslim minority should take in Europe generally and especially in Britain because there are people, who are open to learn, open to know from Islamic organisations and non-Islamic organisations. Yes, Islamic organisations should have a strategy and they should collaborate with other organisations in order to clarify the facts.”

“Media, of course unfortunately, can give distorted image of Islam; that’s why we should look into the media; and we should look into the appropriate media ways to collaborate with them to correct the image of Islam through conferences, exhibitions, forums and contacting Muslims and the scholars and researchers in Britain. We are talking about the people of Britain and also that of Europe and everywhere else. Are they contacting the non-bias researchers and people who are interested in research in all the universities and institutions?” enquired Dr. Al-Turki and said, “This thing is very important. Muslim minorities have responsibilities to educate their children and direct them like what Dr. Dubayan said we need to educate the youngsters so that they can face these problems and they can communicate with others.”

Speaking about the method of cooperation with scholars and non-Muslims, the MWL chief said, “I must say that the Muslim communities must cooperate with other communities. They should not isolate themselves; they should cooperate with the communities and the countries they are living in. They should respect the laws of the countries they are living in and they should also contribute in the social and religious affairs of those countries they are living in. That is the way to show the truth about Islam.”

Another aspect about which MWL chief emphasized is communication between Islamic communities, especially the scholars and thinkers of these communities because Islam is one nation with all the racial differences. “The communication between all these communities should be to serve and clarify the misconceptions about Islam and Muslims and this communication should serve this important cause. This matter, of course, needs a lot of efforts and this conference should play a role,” he said.

“After this conference, there should be meeting of all Islamic thinkers in the European and non-European countries to formulate a strategy; specific strategy to introduce Islam by the communities in order to rectify the misconceptions,” proposed Dr. al-Turki.  

MWL chief said, “Islam is not fanaticism or terrorism. It’s a fact that Islam is against terrorism and fanaticism. Islam stresses on security of organisations and respect by the Muslims of the rules and laws of the countries they live in. If some individuals make any mistake they should not be assigned to Islam.”

While concluding his speech, Dr. Abdullah Mohsin al-Turki expressed his thanks to all the brothers for their efforts. He specially thanked the Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom for his efforts and for his cooperation and also Mr. Abdul Rahman Aneezi for his efforts and cooperation on this occasion and also thanked Lord Muhammad Shaikh for his contribution and his speech.”

Muslim Personal Law - A Book Review

Muslim Personal Law: A Book Review

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Book titled Muslim Personal Law authored by Dr. Hashim al-Mahdi, published by Ta-Ha Publishers Ltd, London, is a timely written book because it deals with Muslim personal law which had its source in Shari’ah.

Doctrinal Development of Islamic Personal Law

In the Preface of the book, Dr. Hashim al-Mahdi narrated the historic and doctrinal development of Islamic personal law. He said, “In the earlier part of Islamic history the Islamic Judiciary had no other source of personal law than the injunctions of the Qur’an, the sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him, the legal opinions of his companions and the independent judgements of the judges themselves.

“Subsequently most judges followed the school of Abu Hanifa as it was the prevalent juridical school in the Abbasid period from the time of Imam Abu Yusuf’s appointment to the office of Chief Justice during the Harun al-Rashid’s reign. After that it became the official school of law in the Ottoman state, except for the administration of justice in Islamic Spain, North and West Africa which is based on the Maliki School of Law, and except for the Ayyubid period when it was based on all four schools of law – Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi and Hanbali,” said Dr. Al-Mahdi.

The Ottoman government promulgated a code of Shari’ah law on Family Rights which was effective in its dominions and some of those territories this code continues to be applied till today. Dr. al-Mahdi also mentioned in the Preface of the Book, “Egypt promulgated a law first in 1920 and then another in 1929, in both of which the same methods were followed as had been adopted in the case of the Ottoman Family Rights Law. Then in 1936, a committee was set up in Egypt under the chairmanship of the Shaikh of Al-Azhar, the Mufti of Egypt, the Chief Justice of the High Shari’ah Court, the Shaikhs of the four schools of law at the Jami’ al-Azhar, and representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the Faculty of Law, the Union of Lawyers and Judges and others as members, for the purpose of framing a comprehensive code of personal law. Successive meetings of this committee were held, but it accomplished only a part of its work.”

After the Second World War, since 1945, Syria entrusted the task of reviewing the Ottoman Family Law and to prepare a new draft to its prominent judges. Dr. al-Mahdi maintained, “In 1946, The Ministry of Justice deputed an eminent judge, Shaikh Ali Al-Tantawi, to Egypt for one year to prepare a draft of the personal law. In 1949 the government   set up a committee to study and consider the draft, again in 1951, the Ministry of Justice constituted a new committee and strengthened it by inducting into it great scholars from the Faculty of Law and from among the judges, including two eminent Professors, Mustafa Ahmad al-Zarqa, Professor in the Faculty of Law, and Ali Al-Tantawi, the Shari’ah Qadi of Damascus. In 1953, the Syrian government gave its assent to the draft prepared by those great scholars and promulgated a law which is acted upon there till today.”

“This is the law,” said Dr. al-Mahdi in  the Preface, “we have selected for presentation to all Islamic minorities of non-Muslim states, acting in accordance with the efficiency demanded of us after a long wait in this regard and desirous of accomplishing the work within the time limit set for us. We have selected this law  because its preparation matured for nine years at the hands of eminent scholars and committees, first in Egypt and then in Damascus, and because it has dealt with all that needs to be dealt with in the present day.”

Introductory summary of the basic principles

of Islamic Personal Law

While writing Foreword for the book, Professor Francis Lamand, President of the Paris-based Islam and the West, said, “This study is not a comprehensive treatise but an introductory summary of the basic principles of Islamic personal law which are relevant and applicable to the Muslim community in general and in minority Muslim communities throughout the world.”

Professor Lamand also mentioned, “This short work is also addressed to researchers and non-Muslims seeking to know about the Shari’ah objectively, a subject which is so often misunderstood in non-Muslim countries where too often Shari’ah is thought to be a collection of repressive laws which are both discriminatory and backward and which contradict and offend modern notions of human dignity and human rights. In reality, it is quite otherwise. The reader will be struck, for example, with the similarity of certain legal stances in Islamic personal law to Western law in cases of the protection of the family, marital rights of the spouses, child custody and laws relating to handicapped people.”

“Having taught law in both French and Islamic Universities, I am delighted to encounter a study which is distinguished by its clarity and concision, is undertaken with objectivity and which should lead to a more balanced approach to Islamic personal law devoid of prejudice and thus lead to a better knowledge of those values common to both our society and Muslim society, “said Professor Lamand in his Foreword and argued, “For the spirit of the Shari’ah, which emanates from divine revelation, also embodies overall principles of equity, human solidarity and social justice. Generally speaking, notions of equality and fairness inspire the rules of jurisprudence applicable to both individuals and to the affairs of the Muslim family which is structured, stratified and strictly protected by Islamic law.”

Professor Lamand said, “The reader will increasingly perceive this imperative on reading this exposition of Dr. Mahdi.”

This book deals with some of the aspects of Muslim civil law

Barrister Ahmad Thomson wrote a long introduction of 10 pages to the book. In his introduction, he has discussed in detail about the contents of the book. Barrister Thomson said, “Dr. Hashim Mahdi’s book on Muslim Personal Law is a book which deals with some of the aspects of Muslim civil law which historically have been implemented both under Muslim and non-Muslim colonial rule. This book is worth reading for anyone who wishes to acquire more than a superficial knowledge of the subject. It summarises the main principles of those aspects of the Shari’ah which govern the most fundamental personal human relationships in a straightforward and yet comprehensive manner. As Dr. Hashim Mahdi makes clear in his Foreword, it represents a culmination of one of the mainstream Sunni attempts to codify these aspects of Islamic law, based on centuries of practical application and experience – and relying principally on the Hanafi Madhhab.”

“Although it is as impossible to codify Islam as it is to codify life itself; it nevertheless provides the reader with a reliable checklist of the identifiable features of the Shari’ah which govern the fundamental milestones in life which most people experience during their life’s journey: birth, childhood, marriage, divorce, death and inheritance,” he said..

The book opens up several aspects of the Shari’ah

Barrister Thomson mentioned, “The knowledge of a judge in a Shari’ah court would not be limited to the contents of this book, but a student of Shari’ah – who might one day become a judge – will find this book helpful in pursuing initial or intermediate studies. Dr. Hashim Mahdi recommends that it is utilised and implemented throughout the world by Muslim communities, whether they constitute a majority or a minority of the general population of any given country.”  

Barrister Thomson argued, “This book represents more than a subject of study. It opens up several aspects of the Shari’ah which can be implemented today. And in the modern legal and social context this is significant: as more and more Muslim communities begin to emerge in countries in which the way of Islam is being established for the first time, the possibilities of Muslims actually living what their divine guidance calls on them to follow are always being identified, activated and established.”

“Ignorant people inevitable produce extreme interpretations of this guidance, but balanced Muslims seek only to follow a middle course through life. By leading their lives in this way, they seek the mercy and compassion of their Creator and the Originator of this guidance, in this world and in the next,” he mentioned..

Muslims secular legal right to follow the way of Islam

Speaking about the British Muslims and their right to follow the way of Islam, Barrister Thomson argued in the Introduction to the book: “As far as the Muslims living in the UK today are concerned, it is their secular legal right to be able to follow the way of Islam provided this does not interfere with the interests of public safety, the protection of public order, health or morals and the rights and the freedoms of others. The government of the day is under a legal duty to secure this right and to provide a remedy if this right is violated, while the courts of the land must have particular regard to the importance of this right in determining any question arising under the Human Rights Act 1998 which might affect the exercise by a religious organisation (itself or its members collectively) of this right.”

Barrister Thomson while writing an Introduction to the Book, mentioned about the proposals made to the Law Commission as early as in 2007. He said, “It was with this right firmly in mind that proposals were made to the Law Commission in March 2007, well before the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lord Chief Justice raised the subject in public, as to how the laws of England could be changed in order to accommodate Muslim personal law, particularly by recognising Muslim marriages, Muslim divorces and Muslim inheritance and including the recognition of the binding nature of judgements passed by Shari’ah courts – which, as also proposed by the Lord Chief justice in his talk, would only be enforceable by recourse to the English civil courts.” 

Speaking about the usefulness, simplicity of the book, Barrister Thomson said, “I have no doubt that this book will help many people to recognise and understand both the simplicity and profundity of those aspects of the Shari’ah which govern Muslim personal law. It may even encourage them to reflect further and contemplate what it would be like to live in a usury-free economy governed by a wise God-fearing ruler. Certainly it will be one of the means whereby Muslim personal law is eventually introduced and accepted as an invaluable part of the English legal system, InshaAllah – God Willing.”

About the author of the book

Dr. Hashim Mahdi was born and educated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia obtaining his PhD in the US and further qualifications in the UK. He is a fellow of the Islamic Academy, Cambridge, UK and has been associated with the Muslim World League in various capacities for almost two and a half decades, currently holding the post of International Strategies expert. He is at present visiting professor at the University of Paris-Sorbonne besides working on curriculum design for Dar al-Fikr secondary schools in Jeddah and working in cooperation with Ummul Qura University in Makkah. He is the author of a number of books which have been published in Arabic, French and English.

Book title: Muslim Personal Law

Author: Dr. Hashim Mahdi

Publishers: Ta-Ha Publishers Ltd., London, UK

Date of Publication: 2009

Pages 118

What to do toward the end of the month of Ramadan

What to do toward the end of the

month of Ramadan

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The blessed month is approaching to the end; only a few days and nights remain. Today is Sunday, 26 Ramadan corresponding to 4^th of August, 2013. The last ten days and nights have already started; last Monday after Maghreb started the first night of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Still there are few more nights and days of the last ten days and nights of Ramadan. We have to avail of this opportunity; we should not abandon it to any other things. Scholars of the earlier generations used to leave everything, everything of knowledge and reading and concentrate on the Glorious Qur’an. So please.

Last Friday, 2nd of August, Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani, Director, Department of Cultural Affairs, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Cultural Bureau at London, gave a pre-Khutba lecture at a Holborn Community Mosque in London where he said, “This is one of the days that we are so much happy to live, to observe. Today is Friday and Friday is the best day the Sun has ever risen on and today is one of the days of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the master of the months. This is a month of blessings, favours on us. We should be thankful to Allah the Almighty for what he has given us. We are many others deprived of not enjoying the mercy of the month of Ramadan. So Alhamdolillah. Alhamdolillah, Alhamdolillah.”

Lailatul Qadr

We have only a few days and nights are left but still they are very important. Only yesterday we have been receiving the month, just yesterday, 25 days past but still the best is there, the 27^th night and 29^th night of Ramadan; there is Lailatul Qadr. Professor Turkistani asked do you know what Lailatul Qadr is and said, “It is better than 1000 months; by simple calculation, Lailatul Qadr is better than more than 83 years. Just imagine 84 years. The average life of Muslims, most Muslims die before their age; which means you are getting the reward of more than 83 years. Even better, because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says Lailatul Qadr khairun. This is a golden opportunity; it’s a gift even to this Ummah and we shall take it. It’s worth to take a vacation, to take some days off your work; to leave all things at your hands and get this opportunity. Only a 9 days. Then they will be gone.”

Narrating the blessing of this month of Ramadan, Professor Turkistani said, “This night is so much blessed. The Angels will come down and will bring blessings and Allah Subhanahu wa Taala will forgive anyone who is committed to Allah on that night reciting the Glorious Qur’an, engage in prayer, doing all the good deeds that a person can do. Even if you stay awake all the night it’s worth it. When the last ten days come on his own life, the Prophet peace be upon him would avoid sleep during the nights of the last ten days. And he would stay away from his wives only concentrating on Ibadah. It’s worth it.”

“It is nine days or ten days for more than 83 years what a bargain. Why can you not use it brothers and sisters. This is what Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has promised us.  This stays  until Fajr; until the coming dawn; so we shall be very much interested in this. Anyone who misses that he is a deprived one. Deprived. We shall not be deprived of this great prize, a great opportunity,” said Professor Turkistani.

What a blessing! What a gift!

Professor Turkistani also mentioned what a bargain it is. He said, “Just say a one good thing:  SubhanAllah Alhamdo lillah La ilaha Illallah Allahu Akbar.  It is like you have done for 83 years and 4 months. What a blessing; what a gift that is given to us this opportunity the biggest bargain. I do not see any bargain better than that. You see that? Even when people bargain, they go to stores and markets and online trying to buy the best thing that they need and they dream of. They say ouh; this is the biggest bargain; no, wallahe, the bargain is Lailatul Qadr. This is the biggest bargain.”

Professor Turkistani urged people “Please do not let it go away without cashing as much as you can; devote the rest of the time for Ibadah; because that will affect the rest of your life. It should, if you surely coming towards Allah with Taubah from your heart, from inside, then Allah will accept you , Insha Allah and then Insha Allah, you would be happy for the rest of your life. You would be guided on the straight path. So you keep on the truck until you meet Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. This is the time and that’s why Allah Subhanahu wa Taala promises that you stand with imaan and Ihtesab. imaan believing in Allah and believing in His Rewards and Ihtesaban seeking the rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala alone; not from any one else and all your previous sins are forgiven. You fast the month of Ramadan all your previous sins are forgiven if again if you stand up in Salah during all the month of Ramadan and you should do it out of Imaan and Ihtesab and all your previous sins are forgiven.”

Masjid at MWL London Office

Last Friday, on 2^nd of August Professor Turkistani was delivering Khutba at the Mosque of the Muslim World League London Office where he was mentioned about what to do during the end of the month of Ramadan. Towards the end of the Ramadan there are certain Ibadahs that we need to be aware of and to do the first is the Zakat-ul-Fitr.

Zakat-ul-Fitr

Professor Turkistani mentioned the first of those Ibadah is the Zakat-ul-Fitr.  He said, “Zakat-ul-Fitr is the source of purification and feeding of the poor and the needy. It is a source of purification for yourself in case you have committed some sins and who amongst us has not committed something wrong in the month of Ramadan or any other time and it is something to feed the poor and the needy.”

How Zakat-ul-Fitr is estimated? Enquired Professor Turkistani and promptly answered, “It is estimated Soa as in the Hadith of Abu Sayeed al-Khudri (RA) follow the Rasoolullah peace be upon him. He gave examples, all these types of food. So it means that we should give Zakat-ul-Fitr in food, not in money. I know that Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimullah) said it is permissible to do in money but the Prophet peace be upon him and the Companions did not give Zakat-ul-Fitr in money. They gave it in food. They could have given in money; they would pay Zakat-ul-Maal or any type of Zakah from wealth, from money. Zakat-ul-Fitr again so that the poor and the needy have not to seek on the day of Eid, they should be happy; they should enjoy with the rest of the Muslim community. That’s why, we should have to give it in food.”

Again, Professor Turkistan enquired, “How do we do it?” and answered, “Well, lets seek the poor and the needy in our community. If we have someone we know who is in need we shall give Zakat-ul-Fitr to these people. If we do not know people, then we shall give the money to the trusted charities and organisations that collect the money, buy the food and give it to the poor and the needy on your behalf. If not in this country; if this country would not  have poor people to the extent that they can be receiving Zakat-ul-Fitr, there are many people up there, in Africa, Asia and throughout the Muslim World who need this food who cannot buy who stay at night starving.”

“In Syria, for example, as you have heard from your brothers, telling you that the Ulema in that country in their Fatwa people eat cats and rats because they do not have the food to eat. Situations because of the war going on in Syria; and the same thing with other people who are starving and do not have the food. This is the way to express your own sympathy with your brothers. This is something that you need to do and Zakat-ul-Fitr is a must. It’s not a choice and it is for everyone in the household, everyone. Even those who think they are poor; if they have a food for a day and a night, they should give out Zakat-ul-Fitr. If they have enough for one day, they should give Zakah to other poor people and the needy people and that would be a Saa,” said Professor Turkistani in his Khutba (Sermon).

How that would be translated into today’s measurement? Professor Turkistani asked and promptly replied, “It would be about two kilogram and a quarter. If you pay three kilograms of any types of food, rice, dates, barley, anything that people eat, which is an edible thing; something they can keep and preserve. You cannot give out, in meat, for example, or something that can be immediately consumed; cooked food, for example. It has to be a food that the poor and the needy can save and can prepare their own meals. For everyone in the household, young or old, male or female, the newly born, anyone born before the sun set of the last day of the month of Ramadan has to be given Zakat-ul-Fitr and it is the responsibility of the head of the household; those who spent is the man who is earning and even if it is the woman who is earning and spending in the family then it is their responsibility to pay.”

When shall we pay it? Professor Turkistani again enquired and said, “Not until before Eid day; at least two days before Eid and it shall be given out before Salat-ul-Eid, otherwise it would not be Zakat-ul-Fitr; it would be sadaqah. And it would not do its purpose unless it is done and given to the poor and the needy so that they can go for the Eid prayer and happy. They feel that they have enough and they can share with the Muslim community. Nice occasion and celebrate Eid along with them.”

Takbeer

That was for Zakat-ul-Fitr. The second form of Ibadah is Takbeer. Professor Turkistani mentioned, “It is a Sunnah to do Takbeer starting from the Maghreb of the night of Eid until Eid prayer. How do we say, what do we say? Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illallah Allahu Akbar walillahe wal Hamd. Any form of Takbeer is good to announce this and to obey Allah Subhanahu wa Taala as Allah said so you shall complete the number of days fasting and announce Takbeer. That’s why it is Sunnah to do Takbeer from the Maghreb to the Salat-ul-Eid in congregation. You say on yourself, you say it among Muslims, you say in the Masjid, in the house, anywhere wherever it is possible to pronounce loudly just to inform Muslims around you that this is the time of praising Allah and celebrate Eid.”

Salat-ul-Eid

The third form of Ibadah during the end of the month of Ramadan is Salat-ul-Eid. Professor Turkistani mentioned, “We need to come to Salat-ul-Eid. Salat-ul-Eid is an obligation upon the whole community, but for every individual it is something strongly recommended. Some people choose to sleep on the morning of Eid and miss the prizes because during the day of Eid as people are coming to the prayer the Angels are standing at the doors giving prizes. You wouldn’t see them but belief me, if you have done well in the month of Ramadan you receive prize on the day of Eid. That’s why it is important to come to Eid prayer and to receive the prize and look and see that prize on the day of Eid. So on the Eid, take complete bath and then wear the must you have, put on perfume for man, but not for woman because you will attract the opposite gender, and then come to Salatul Eid to attend and celebrate with the rest of the community Eid. Everyone, man and woman, young or old, shall come to Eid prayer; without exception, even women who are having the menstruation. But they should avoid area of prayer, area of musalla. But they should come and be among the community to enjoy this occasion along with the rest of the Muslims. This is the third Ibadah.”

Fasting is prohibited on Eid Day

Fasting is prohibited on the day of Eid. “We need to break on the day of Eid of fast because it is prohibited to fast on the day of Eid,” said Professor Turkistani and added, “It is a gift from Allah and we shall receive it and how do we break we break it with date, one or three or five or more, eat single or odd number of dates on the day of Eid in your home before you come out. And it is Sunnah to go from one way and to return another way in order to meet as many people and to greet them on the day of Eid. Eid is the day of forgiveness, a day when you really forgive those who have done wrong to you. This is the time to show forgiveness and Allah who give you forgiveness in return.”

To be a Strong Good Muslim

To be a strong good Muslim

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The blessed month is approaching to the end; only a few days and nights remain. Today is Wednesday, 22 Ramadan corresponding to 31 July, 2013. The last ten days and nights have already started; last Monday after Maghreb started the first night of the last ten nights of the Ramadan. Still there are few more nights and days of the last ten days and nights of Ramadan. We have to avail of this opportunity; we should not abandon it to any other things. Scholars of the earlier generations used to leave everything, everything of knowledge and reading and concentrate on the Glorious Qur’an. So please 

Last Friday, Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani, Director, Department of Cultural Affairs, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Cultural Bureau at London, gave a pre-Khutba lecture at a Mosque in London where he said, “This is one of the days that we are so much happy to live, to observe. Today is Friday and Friday is the best day the Sun has ever risen on and today is one of the day of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the master of the months. This is a month of blessings, favours on us. We should be thankful to Allah the Almighty for what he has given us. We are many others deprived of not enjoying the mercy of the month of Ramadan. So Alhamdolillah. Alhamdolillah, Alhamdolillah.”

In this connection, he mentioned, “We struggle and we face challenges and we face obstacles in our lives, whether this is in relation to our earnings, to our social relations, to our living conditions, to our health, to our family and so on and so forth and at the same time we need to be strong Muslim. We have the desire to be good; to be if can ideal Muslim.”

To be a Good Muslim

Professor Turkistani gave a formula to be a good Muslim. He said, “It is possible by the Grace of Allah, to be a good Muslim. It is not difficult, it is not impossible and it is not unachievable. We can do it by the Grace of Allah. How do we do that; how do we become good Muslims committed to the cause of Islam, committed to our community, to our family, to our work and at the same time, seeking the Hereafter, knowing that one day we are departing this world and meeting what we have done in this world. That is a real challenge. And this is after all the purpose of our creation. Sometime we tend to forget that we are created for the worship of Allah; sometimes we think that we are created to be engineers, to be professionals in any particular jobs, to be students, to be family-oriented people and so on and so forth.”

“But the point is we shall not miss the real purpose of creation. Let me try and give you some formula today as how we can approach this objective reaching to the point where we need to balance or commitment to our deen and our responsibilities and in our worldly affairs.

First Formula: Full confidence in Allah

First, we need to have full confidence in Allah the Almighty. Don’t people believe in Allah? Yes they believe in His existence, Glory be to Him. They believe in His Power, in His Wisdom, in His Knowledge, yet they have not observed this fully in their heart. That’s why, Allah the Almighty reminds us saying, “O you who believe, believe in Allah. How could we believe in Allah? Prophet peace be upon him said, renew your faith, say often La ilaha Illallah.Why do we say  La ilaha Illallah? We know La ilaha Illallah is the base of our faith. There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. This is the meaning of La ilaha Illallah. There is no God with a capital G worthy of worship except Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. The Creator, the Charger, Sustainer of this world.”

Belief and faith in Allah

Professor Turkistani mentioned, “To have that faith strongly instil  in your heart as the foundation of your Imaan to build on it. Because you cannot fulfil the job of worship of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala unless you have a solid foundation and the solid foundation is this belief. Solid confidence, absolute confidence and belief and faith in Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. So this is the most important and this is the base and which the building of our works stands on. You can not build your life on a shaky foundation; has to be strong deep in earth; and that is, your heart. It has to be deep inside your heart.”

“How could we do it?” enquired Professor Turkistani and immediately answered, “It is a struggle; yes, we know Alhamdo Lillah, many of us who raised in Muslim families, or even for those who accepted Islam coming from another way of life. They know that Islam is the Truth; Islam is the Ultimate Truth and we know Allah Subhanahu wa Taala is there, directing everything in our lives but then how strong that belief is. This is the challenge but it can be raised because Imaan as you know increases and decreases. It increases with good deeds and decreases with bad deeds. The more good you do the better your imaan will be and the more sins and wrong doings you commit the less imaan you have mantle, they go to shallow and sometimes there is no imaan; when there is no commitment to the deen.”

“Some people when you see them and advise them to be good Muslims, they say well Allah has not guided me yet. But how do you expect Allah to guide you when you are not coming forward. See the point is you should come forward to Allah. Those who struggle in our cause we lead them to our way. This Allah was saying. So that’s the first element and component of the formula I am presenting today,” argued Professor Turkistani. .

Second element is knowledge

Professor Turkistani then explained the second element of his formula to be a strong good Muslim. He said, “The second element is that we have to have knowledge, we can not be just imitating what our forefathers have done or were doing on their lifetime. We are not saying that our ancestors did and did and did and we are just following the same way. But rather we have to base everything we do on a solid foundation of knowledge. And the knowledge is in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet peace be upon him. It is so essential and we cannot do that knowledge; because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says in the last Ayah of the Sura Kahaf, if you want to meet Allah Subhanahu wa Taala, your Rab, meaning to see Him in person, with your own eyes and enjoy the meeting of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala; because non-believers are deprived of seeing Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. They will not have the privilege to see Allah and to enjoy looking at Him Subhanahu wa Taala.  If you want to meet Allah when He is so pleased with you then you have to do righteous deeds.”

Professor Turkistani again raised the question How do we know these deeds are righteous? And replied immediately saying, “We do not know unless we do have the evidence from the Qur’an and the Sunnah that this is right. This is important. Knowledge of everything. Islam and faith is not just a tradition. It is not just something we do out of habit or habitual practice; it is something that we do out of knowledge and full understanding of where we stand. This is important. Don’t engage in anything unless you know the evidence; there has an evidence from the Qur’an and the Sunnah. In other words, I do my own worships and I know that when I do my worships, I do the Salah as the Prophet peace be upon him told me to do, I do the Siyam as the Prophet peace be upon him told me to do; I do the Hajj and the Zakah and every actions I do I base it and how the Prophet peace be upon him told us to do. He said, ‘Pray as you have seen me to pray’”. And he said in Hajj,  ‘take your rites of Hajj from me’”.

Salah

Speaking about the third element of the Formula, Professor Turkistani said, “Thirdly, if I am committed to the deen, then after the Shahadah, the most important pillar of Islam is what? Salah. Salah namaz or prayer is the connection between you and Allah. If there is no Salah, then there is no connection; just as simple as that. Some Muslims say Masallah, I am a Muslims; but when it comes to Salah, they are shaky, they pray whenever possible; they pray when the environment is suitable as they think; and if they cannot do it in their office, they will do it later; if they sleep when they wake and so on and so forth. No;  Salah is a commitment and it is a connection; because if you are not connected how would you have power. If this mike is not connected to the electricity; will it produce a sound? Amplify the sound as we like it to be? There is no source of energy if we do not pray; this is the source of energy for our faith and the first thing is Salah. Prophet peace be upon him advised his Ummah in the last moment of his life to do Salah and to be kind to anyone who is working with you. The last advice he gave to the Muslims before he left this world, because one is connecting with Allah and the other one is connecting with people. To have kind and have a strong relationship with Allah and that is the way to uplift yourself. If you have a connection with other people, then you have the kindnesses and you want to have in relation to people. So that is a third element.”

Professor Turkistani argued, “Salah has to be done in the right time and in the right way. We cannot have it just because we need to do pray, we need to do some wudu quickly stand up and just do some actions, just going out without having a Salah entering inside our hearts. Hopefully our imaan increasing that imaan; unless we have it, the salah then is not doing it job. Yes, we may pray. Prophet peace be upon him says, ‘Two people may be praying at the same time beside each other; one is having a four rewards and the one is having a very little reward. The reason is depending on how they pray. How they function in their Salah. Yes,we need to pray but how do we pray; in what way and how committed are we in our Salah when we do that.  This is important.”

“We need to pay more attention towards our Salah and not to be forgetful. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala warned and threatened to some people who pray. They are praying and they are being threatened. Yes, weil is a valley in a hell-fire. Because they are so forgetful in their Salah.They pray one day, They just only show off. And they deprived their neighbours of the little things they were asking to do and they are not being kind to their neighbours. That is the third element.”

Professor Turkistani said about the fourth element of the Formula. He said, “The fourth element in our formula to be a strong and good Muslim is to be connected with the Glorious Qur’an. What is the best advice from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. It is the Glorious Qur’an, is not it? The Glorious Qur’an is the last and final revelation that came to the best of Prophets Muhammad peace be upon him. We are honoured as the last Ummah to receive this revelation. And this revelation was revealed in the month of Ramadan. In fact, in the last ten days of Ramadan. All of the Books of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala was revealed in the month of Ramadan, according to the Hadith. All other Books, the Torah, the Injil, At-Jabur, soho Ibrahim, soho Moosa, and the Glorious Quran. All these realeased in the month of Ramadan. The last of which is the Glorious Qur’an.”

Connection with the Qur’an

Professor Turkistani enquired ‘How strong we are with the Glorious Qur’an?’ and said, “Alhamdo Lillah, Some people will say in this month, Alhamdo Lillah I have read the Qur’an once, twice, three times more. Alhamdo Lillah. This is nice; but the Qur’an needs to be there everyday in our lives; in fact, as much as you can. You need to recite the Glorious Qur’an during the hours of the night and in the morning and in the evening. Sometimes you would be wandering to ride the train and we see people listening to music, wondering on the faces of others, reading all these times the advertisements in the train rather than picking up a copy of the Qur’an in your own mobile, hard copy of the Qur’an and read or even read whatever you have memorised the Glorious Qur’an. This is energising your hearts. It will connect you, it will charge your imaan. The more connected with the Qur’an you are the more charged your imaan is. Because this is the word of Allah after all. And beyond that, Qur’an is not revealed only to be read, even something beyond that. “

Professor Turkistani continued, “Our relation with the Qur’an should be based on four levels, the first level is to read it; the second level is to memorise it, if we can; the third level is to ponder on it, is to think and ponder and use your mind and intellect to interact with the Qur’an. What is it mean? Look at in the Tafseer or in the interpretation of the Qur’an. What Allah means by this? And then the fourth level is implementation; because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says I know I am addressed to that; because I am from. I should be aware that I will not be from the Kafirs, so I will not be guided; so on and so forth.”

 .

Professor Turkistani mentioned about the last ten days and nights of Ramadan and said, “Now the last ten days of the month of Ramadan are approaching and Monday night we will be having them, the first night of the last ten days of the Ramadan. They could be even nine days based on the observations of the crescent and then on the month of Ramadan will be gone. “

“What are we putting inside the month of Ramadan in order to be folded and taken to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala with all its richness of works and connections through the Glorious Qur’an. So please do not abandon the Qur’an; do not abandon the reading, the memorisation as much as you can and the thinking, interpretation and understanding Qur’an and then the practice of  the Qur’an. When Ayesha was asked about the manner of the Prophet peace be upon him, good manners, Aqlakh, What is the great manner of the Prophet peace be upon him. She said, it is the Glorious Qur’an. she We should be so much engaged with the Qur’an.”