Good Deeds During the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

Importance of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Sunday 12 August 2018 is the First day of Dhul-Hijjah 1439H. So the Day of Arafah will be on Monday the 20^th of August 2018 the 9^th day of Dhul Hijjah the Arafah day and Eid al-Adhaa will be Insha’Allah on Tuesday 21 August 2018 corresponding to 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1439H after the day of Arafah. I wish everyone a blessed life full of happiness, peace and prosperity.

Eid Mubarak to all of you and your families and everyone. Kullu Aam wa Antum bil Khair.

Now this first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah is very important and significant. Those who have gone for Hajj they will be in Makkah, Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah. But those who are not in Makkah and other holy sites for them these days are very important days too. The earlier Muslims used to take this opportunity to make themselves better.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan on Dhul

Hijjah and Day of Arafah

Speaking about these days Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, said on Sunday, the 12^th of August 2018 at the Library Hall of the Centre, “When we say Aml as saleh as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said it covers everything not only as some people think only fasting, for example or not only giving alms to the poor and needy; no; it covers everything.”

First Aml As Saleh– Takbeer

There are many good deeds which can be done during these first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah. Last Sunday was the first day of the month of Dhul Hijjah and there are still ten days till the tenth day when there will be Eid day. One of the Aml as Saleh, according to Dr. al-Dubayan, is saying Takbeer. He said, you can do the Aml as Saleh by saying these days Takbeer: Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la ilaha illalla Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.

These ten days any time not only related to after prayer. After prayer Takbeer. will come after the Eid day for three days. But now till the day of Eid you can Takbeer. any time. You can do it when you are sitting, you can do it when you are at home, you can do it in your car or when you are walking whatever. Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la ilaha illalla Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd. This is one of the good actions or good deeds Allah Subhanahu wa Taala likes it to be done in these days, explained Dr. al-Dubayan.

Dr. Al-Dubayan also mentioned an incident. He said, Hazrat Umar (Allah be pleased with him) during these days used to go to the market where people buy and he used to remind them of the Takbeer during these days by saying loudly Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar la ilaha illalla Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd.

Another good deed – Fasting

Dr. al-Dubayan also said, One of the good things we can do is fasting;  we can fast one day, two days, three days or four days as many as you want. But do not fast on the Eid day; because fasting on the Eid day is harm. Because Eid day is a day of joy, day of eating, day of drinking; it is a day of celebration. So you can fast one day or two or three.

Another good deed – Visiting family relations

Dr. al-Dubayan also said, “One of the good deeds you can do is visiting your families, your uncles, your cousins, your brothers your sisters, doing best for your parents, or anybody who is around from your families visit him or visit her try to show them your kindness with the intention that you are doing your duty for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

Giving charity to needy and poor people

The ICC Chief also said one of the good things which you can do is to give charity to the needy, to give charity to the poor people, whatever it is, small or big. Don’t think big money will be accepted by Allah Subhanahu wa Taala only. Sometimes you give little will be better in the sight of Allah than someone who gives a lot. That’s why the Prophet peace be upon him said one dirham is better than one thousand dirham in sadaqa. Why? That person who gives one dirham he gives with the pure intention for the sake of Allah. Another one who gave one thousand dirham may be gave it for other reason - to be seen by people; to be praised by people whatever. So this one dirham is better, explained Dr. Al-Dubayan.

Taking care of children, orphans

ICC Director General mentioned, one of the good things is in these days really “to take care of your children; taking care of orphans if they are around you; especially if they are within your family. For example if you have nephew or niece, cousins you give them more care; show them love and affection especially in these days. You have to show always but to show them in these ten days are more beneficial. Because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala likes to see all goods deeds in these ten days. Prophet peace be upon him was asked by somebody; he said: what is jihad fi Sabilillah? He said is it better? Prophet peace be upon him said, anything you do in these days better than the jihad except if someone goes for jihad with all his money, his life; never return back everything lost; that person gives his all properties and give his life for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. May be this one is better. But nothing else is better than that doing hasanah good deeds during these days, explained Dr. al-Dubayan.

Season of Good Deeds

Dr. al-Dubayan said we have ten days like a season of good deeds, two times a year. One is the last ten days of Ramadan; this is a season why because the Lailatul Qadr is there, may be the first, the second or third till the end of Ramadan. Then we have the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Now these ten days are for doing hasanah or good deeds. Anything even talk to people is good. If somebody angry with you for any reason or other try to fix it; if you did wrong to some body, try to fix it; even if he or she does not know about it. Try to clean yourself before the day of Eid.

Arafah Day 9^th of Dhul Hijjah

Dr. Al-Dubayan explained the Day of Arafah. He said, the last day before the Eid, the day number 9^th, we call it the day of Arafah the 9th day. People on Hajj they will stand on Arafah, that day standing on Arafah day; it is a very very holy day in the ten days. On that day it is Sunnah to fast for those who do not perform Hajj. We are here in London or anywhere who is not in Makkah we fast on the 9th Dhul Hijjah^;   the day of Arafah. That’s why, Prophet peace be upon him said, “I am asking Allah for those fast on the day of Arafah to forgive their sins for one year before Arafah and one year after Arafah. It is an important day, explained ICC Chief.

Prophet (peace be upon him) always talked about forgiveness. Dr al-Dubayan said we have to remember forgiveness for all the things between us and Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. But not peoples rights. This is a misunderstanding of the Hadith. Because peoples rights must be taken care of.

Day of Arafah is the Day of Mercy

Asking Forgiveness

Dr. al-Dubayan also explained, Day of Arafah is the Day of Mercy; the Day of Praising Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.forgives so many peoples. That’s why, it is really important on the Day of Arafah to make Takbeer and to make dua supplication always to Allah Subhanahu wa Taala asking forgiveness for us for all Muslims; for the loved ones; for all families; asking guidance for yourself; for our husband; for our wives; for our children; for everybody. It is a day of mercy and also forgiveness and comfortable for all people around the world. Anybody you can ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala you have relatives or friends or somebody you like or she or he is not Muslims; ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to guide him or to guide her to the right path. You can make dua for those who are not Muslims to give them guidance from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

Guidance is in the hand of Allah

Another important thing one must try to understand is that showing light or Guidance is from Allah and not from people. Dr. al-Dubayan explained this aspect of Guidance. He said it is very close to Islam. People could not see the light of it. Many people read the Qur’an; speak the Arabic; read Islamic books but they don’t see the light. But some other people see the light just away far away and see this light and they come to Islam. Allah Subhanahu wa Taala directs them. Guidance is in the hand of Allah. He can guide someone in the light even by explaining convincing a person.

That’s why; Dr. Al-Dubayan said you have to ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala for the guidance for the people you like. He gave an example of Prophet’s uncle Abu Talib. He said Prophet (peace be upon him) he himself wanted his uncle Abu Talib to come into the fold of Islam. But he could not. They loved each other. Abu Talib used to protect Prophet (peace be upon him) all the days in Makkah; because Abu Talib was one of the leaders of the people; he led the Quraish people in Makkah and all of them respected him. They respected him so much that when he said something they followed him. He protected Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) his nephew. Prophet (peace be upon him) received all the protection from Abu Talib; he loved so much. Prophet (peace be upon him) was so keen for his uncle to become Muslim but he could not make it. He could not make it. Allahu Akbar. Then he was so sad for that, he was so sad; then Allah Subhanahu wa Taala revealed to him in the verse of the Qur’an which says you cannot guide those people who love but it is only Allah who guide people.

That’s why, Dr. al-Dubayan said and advised it is good that when we pray we asked Allah to guide those people we like to guide. Dr. Al-Dubayan also mentioned some people come to Islam just in one bleak. Something happened to them my God this is it. Whereas, some people stay with Muslims many years, they do not see those light. Even the Qur’an is in front of them and they do not see the light. And sometimes the Qur’an is very close; Islam is very close and when the moment comes when Allah wants them to be guided then he guided to go there. In this connection Dr. Al-Dubayan narrated the story of conversion of Cat Stevens to Islam as Yusuf Islam.

Dr. Al-Dubayan advised Muslims to remember every people on the Day of Arafah. He said, “When you pray on the day of Arafah please remember all those people; all those people who have difficulty in their life;  remember the refugees; remember the poor people; remember the orphans; remember people who have difficulties;  ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to make it easy;  ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to give guidance to the people you like; ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to keep on the right path because some people some Muslims after sometimes have sometimes misconception in your mind  or misunderstanding or doubts; then the devil started to play with you. That’s why you see some people go out of Islam again. Ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to keep you till the last moment of your life on the right path. This is what Prophet (peace be upon him) used to ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to let him stay on the right path till the last minute of your life. 

Hajj : The Fifth Pillar of Islam

Hajj: The Fifth Pillar of Islam

Dr. Mozammel Haque

[The First of Dhul-Hijjah 1439H will be on Sunday 12 August 2018. Islamic Cultural Centre & Regents Park Central London Mosque congratulates all Muslims in the world and wants to take this opportunity to ask Allah the Almighty to accept all our deeds. It also announces Eid al-Adhaa will be on Tuesday 21 August 2018 corresponding to 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1439 after the day of Arafah. I wish everyone a blessed life full of happiness, peace and prosperity.]

ISLAM IS A PRACTICAL RELIGION which lays down a complete code of life. Its training starts from childhood. The final pillar of Islam or the Fifth Pillar of Islam comes after the successful completion of the first four pillars of Islam. The training of five times prayer every day started from the local Masjid, meeting with local people, with neighbours five times every day.

But the ultimate objective or the summum bonum of Islam is establishing peace and harmony in the whole universe, and for that reason, it makes various provisions for creating peace and harmony in the lives of mankind as well as in the universe. Peace and harmony can be achieved only when there is solidarity and universal brotherhood among human beings. Islam preaches this concept and puts it into practice through the unique annual assemblage of the pilgrims during Hajj.

The institution of Hajj in Islam is quite extraordinary and unparalleled. It is only Islam that has made the annual assemblage at one place, Makkah, an obligation for the capable Muslims from all corners of the world. In other words, it may be called the World Muslim Congress. This assembly has many distinctive features which no other gathering has and no other religion stipulates. The concept of unity and brotherhood is embedded in Islam in such a way that one is truly amazed to see millions of Muslims dressed in two white sheets of cloth gathered at one particular place, i.e. in Arafat during a fixed time on certain fixed days in the year. All human and man-made barriers and distinctions are demolished during that assembly.

We shall deal here with the aspects of unity and universal brotherhood which, besides others, are quintessential among the concepts of Hajj. First, let us take universal brotherhood. This universal brotherhood emanates from the following basic concepts and is demonstrated in a most authentic and brilliant manner here on this occasion:

Adam is the first man from whom all human beings have sprung up;

Abraham is the father of monotheistic religion;

Acceptance of all prophets as prophets of God;

Belief in all revealed books of Allah.

Thus, this acceptance of Abraham as the patriarch of the concept of Tawheed and recognition of the continuity of Prophethood from Prophet Adam to the Last Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him all) and having faith in all revealed books keeps up a chain of faith known as Islam throughout the world. This binds the whole humankind into a bond of brotherhood whose genealogical father is Adam and the spiritual father Abraham. Thus Muslims believe in the continuation of the human race on earth. There are no conflicts and controversies in the monotheistic religion decreed by God. All Muslims (those who consciously and willingly surrender to the Will of the Creator) belong to this Ummah and therefore constitute a fraternity of faith. This is one way the Hajj conveys the message of universal brotherhood.

This aspect of universal brotherhood can also be noticed during Hajj when Muslims come from remote corners of the world and congregate in Makkah in the vicinity of the House of God, i.e. Baitullah. Though they might have come from the east or west, north or south, and all differences in colour, language, race and nationality notwithstanding, they find their oneness on the basis of their faith in One God, One Qiblah, One Book and One Prophet.

The practical training for this universal brotherhood starts from the local or neighbourhood level with the five times daily prayers in the mosque, which gets enlarged with the Friday prayers once a week. The circle is again made substantially larger during the Eid prayer, and it becomes internationalised transforming into a global gathering once in a lifetime. So, as I mentioned at the beginning, the concept and training in universal brotherhood, which reaches its peak, starts from the very childhood at the local level.

  Box

Islam places emphasis on unity and unifies mankind 

on the basis of one God, one Book - the Qur’an, 

one Qibla - the Ka’aba and one leader - 

the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

The Noble Prophet’s mission was to establish unity 

and peace throughout the world. The Islamic concept of unity 

transcends all other forms of unity based on territory, 

geographical boundary, linguistic and ethnic affinity. 

He united Muslims on the basis of faith, 

which is the Oneness of God, Islam.

As regards unity, Islam, first of all, removed all man-made bonds and barriers bringing all human beings into one global family tracing their genealogical origin to common parents and biological chemistry to one element, i.e. clay. Almighty God has laid down in the Holy Qur’an, “O Mankind, We have created you from a male and a female.” (49: 13) This establishment of absolute equality on the basis of their ancestral origin and biological composition removes all artificial differences between man and man.

The enforcement of the concept of Muslim brotherhood is the greatest social ideal of Islam. Islam places emphasis on unity and unifies mankind on the basis of one God, one Book - the Qur’an, one Qibla - the Ka’aba and one leader - the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Noble Prophet’s mission was to establish unity and peace throughout the world. The Islamic concept of unity transcends all other forms of unity based on territory, geographical boundary, linguistic and ethnic affinity. He united Muslims on the basis of faith, which is the Oneness of God, Islam.

On this vital concept was based the Prophet’s sermon in his last pilgrimage, which shows that Islam cannot be completely practiced until this ideal is achieved. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) unified and cemented the Muslim Ummah under the banner of La ilaha illallah Muhammadur-Rasoolullah by establishing the first-ever Islamic state in Madina, which later on took the shape of a grand Caliphate. Under the Caliphate the Muslim Ummah was unified and integrated. Thus the first concept of universal and worldwide unity was demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad more than fourteen hundred years ago having been guided and inspired by God for establishing unity and peace in the world.

Islam is essentially a community and group-oriented religion. So, the practical lesson in unity and equality first starts within the family, then in the neighbourhood, especially through the institution of five daily prayers in the mosque and still on a larger scale in the locality, during weekly Friday prayers, and then in much larger gatherings in the two Eid prayers and ultimately in the international or global gathering during Hajj. This very characteristic and feature of Islam demonstrates the universality of this religion and its heavenly origin which transcends all worldly barriers of race, colour, class and nationality.

Pilgrimage is the best occasion to bind again the loose threads, tighten them on the basis of belief and in the presence of God and frustrate the nefarious machinations of the enemies of the Ummah’s unity.

Another aspect of Hajj is making sacrifice in the way of God for the cause of Islam. As Islam itself is a religion of sacrifice, its different pillars also contain the same features and characteristics. It is a known fact that the Islamic or Hijra calendar starts with the month of Muharram and ends with the month of Hajj. The first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, is the month of sacrifice – a sacrifice made by the grandson of Muhammad, Hussain ibn Ali, who laid down his life at Kufa in the cause of Islam and its ideals. Similarly, the 12 months of the Hijra calendar, the month of Hajj, marks the remembrance of the sacrifice made by the Prophet Ibrahim for the sake of God and His Pleasure.

The Patriarch, the first Prophet of monotheistic religion, Islam, the Prophet Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his most loved one for the sake of God. He loved his only son, Ismail, more than anything else. God asked him to sacrifice Ismail. Ibrahim was going to sacrifice Ismail, in the way of God by His Order. The Holy Qur’an explains the story of Ibrahim and his son Ismail thus:

Then when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: “O my son; I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice. Now say what is your view.” (The son) said: “O my father; do as you are commanded; you will find me, if God so wills, one practising patience and constancy.” So when they had both submitted their wills (to God), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him, “O Ibrahim; you have already fulfilled the vision; thus indeed do We reward those who do right.” (37:102-105) The Qur’an says: “And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice.” (37:107)

The sacrifices made by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail for the love of God left an indelible imprint on the history of mankind. This sacrifice is still remembered and re-enacted during Hajj. Ibrahim left a glorious record of sacrifice to please God.

In modern times, sacrifice is symbolised by an act of slaughtering a camel, cow or lamb for the sake of God during the days of Eid-al Adha, i.e. starting after the Eid prayer till the sunset on the third day of Eid. Sacrifice is a strongly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet and was introduced in the second year after Hijra. The purpose of sacrifice is to remind oneself of the great sacrifice of Ibrahim.

The sacrifice of life and wealth in the way of God is the zenith of a man’s belief. God says: “By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, of a truth God knows it well.” (Al-Qur’an 3:92) This means that when something, which has been held so dear, is sacrificed in the way of God one may hope to secure God’s Pleasure. The verse tells us that to attain righteousness one has to sacrifice things, but to attain it in perfection one has to sacrifice things, dearer to one.

Every sacrifice and every effort is to be aimed at seeking God’s Pleasure. That God be pleased with us is the real capital of our lives and it is to win this pleasure that everything should be sacrificed. In the words of the Qur’an: “Surely my prayers and my sacrifice, my life and my death is for God alone, the Lord of the Universe.”

In the modern age, the pilgrims, when they start their journey to Makkah for performing Hajj with only two white sheets on their bodies leaving behind their wives, children, kith and kin and their wealth and properties, they practically exemplify their act of sacrifice for the love of God.

Hajj is the greatest training and practical demonstration of the spirit of sacrifice and the spirit of Jihad in the way of God. It shows that Islam does not end with giving some utopian ideals for the human life. It is not only a religion; it is the guidance for the whole mankind to shape their lives in this world and hereafter. That’s why God makes provision for the teaching and training of humankind in every quality through practical implementation.

Islam Channel Celebrates Eid Festival

Islam Channel Celebrates Eid Festival

at London Marriott Hotel

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Islam Channel celebrated Eid Festival by organising Eid Gala Dinner at London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London, on 29^th June 2018. It has a compact and comprehensive programme of speeches, Nasheed and talk about Islamic Relief. The Gala Dinner was attended by CEO of Islam Channel Mr. Mohamed Ali, Lords and Ladies, Members of Parliament, Members of British Cabinet, Mayors, distinguished leaders of the Muslim community and heads of different charities.

Islam Channel Eid Gala Dinner

Among the speakers there were Helen Stephenson, CBE, CEO of Charity Commission, Sir Iqbal Sacranie, OBE, Senior Advisor of Muslim Council of Britain, The Rt. Hon. Lord Paddick, former Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Baroness Manzila Uddin, Chair, National Commission of Muslim Women, Lord Sheikh, Member of Parliament; Councillor Magid Magid, Lord Mayor of Sheffield and others. Among the Nasheed Artist, there were Awais Iqbal, Najam Sheraz, Yasir Akhter and comedian Bilal Zafar.

Helen Stephenson, CBE

The opening address was delivered by the CEO of Islam Channel, Mohamed Ali Harrath followed by Helen Stephenson, CBE, CEO of Charity Commission. CEO of Charity Commission, Helen mentioned in her speech about the contribution of the Muslim Community in Britain. She mentioned a figure of 100 million pounds collected from the month of Ramadan by the Muslim community for the helpless for the needy in the world.

Dr. Hany El-Banna

Dr. Hany El-Banna, President of the Humanitarian Forum UK, delivered a speech. In his speech, Dr. El-Banna said, “I am going to take you through a journey. I am a human. But Allah has created the whole creation to serve me and made me a custodian for all the creation of God. Before I landed on earth everybody everything on earth has been created to serve me. I am a human. Then my mother born me or deliver me on a piece of land. So I am relating myself to develop such a piece of land and to look at my nationality as a British, as a French, as a Pakistani, or Bengali or Egyptian or Palestinian or Lebanese or whatever it is and I am a believer who found his way through the teachings of the Lord, Allah  Subhanahu wa Taala; and so I have the three in one; the one who can carry the three values - the value of humanity, the value of faith and the value of my country, and  this is the Islam that I am standing for; I am a human, I am a national citizen and I am a believer at the same time.”

Talking of Muslim duty, Dr. El-Banna said, “Our duty as a Muslim is two: to develop any piece of land but Allah Almighty granted us to live on this surface. To build the community, to build peace, to build civilisation and to empower people and make them independent and establish justice on earth. This is the definition of human being who is loyal to his Lord, loyal to humanity and loyal to his country at the same time.”

Speaking about charity, Dr. El-Banna said, “Charity is not about fund raising; charity is not about PR or media or who comes first or who claim I am the first and you are the last; I am the best and you are the worst. Charity is a gin in the heart of every human being or every creation of God that Allah Subhanahu wa Taala created on this planet to those act of charitable activities. The charity work goes beyond fund raising; goes beyond PR and media and talking and inflating things. Charity work is inclusivity, one who includes the local community is members in Somalia, in India, in Pakistan in Bangladesh and in the UK as well. To include them. This is inclusivity.”

“Charity work is about transference anything comes to the charity must be declared charity work is to build a community; how to build a stronger community; how to build future of such disadvantaged, marginalised poor community not about who is first. Never claim about the first because the first responder is the local community in Kashmir, in Myanmar or whatever it is,” said Dr. El-Banna and mentioned, “Charity work is for the humanity whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim; whether they are Muslim country or non-Muslim country; whether they are in UK or outside UK; should be every human being who are in need of UK or abroad.”

Dr. El-Banna also said, “Charity work is about creating future leadership of the future generation. Charity work is about being a partner to the government who is granting us the license to work. Charity work is about the ability, bench marking and good governance work and about advocacy - this is the charity work which we wanted to every charity.”

Concluding his speech, Dr. El-Banna mentioned again, “I am a human; I am a believer and I am a partisan to my country. I love the three because this is the humanity that Allah asks me to carry in my heart.”

Sir Iqbal Sacranie, OBE

Sir Iqbal Sacranie, OBE, senior Advisor of the Muslim Council of Britain, gave a speech. Before delivering his speech he requested a bit of patience from the gathering and he was convinced that that type of patience the Muslim community during the month of Ramadan. He also told the gathering that Insha Allah the programme of this evening time up in such a manner you will have an opportunity to listen to some interesting events and of course hear some of the speeches from different charity as well.

Sir Iqbal appreciated the “the wonderful work that we have done in the month of Ramadan and have the wonderful feeling of brotherhood working together with faith or no faith and more importantly how obedient to our Creator.”

In this connection Sir Iqbal said there is something more for celebration. He mentioned, “I think it is important for us to bring the oneself of appreciation as well, those of us who are involved organising events over the years in different capacities are well aware of the difficult task putting together such an event and congratulate in the first place to CEO and the entire team of Islam Channel, Alhamdolillah, for putting such a wonderful event. So congratulate them.”

Sir Iqbal also asked the gathering to congratulate the Muslim community. He said, “We have to appreciate the Muslim community across the UK, who we heard early from the CEO of Charity Commission that she mentioned a figure of one hundred million pounds collected during the month of Ramadan by the Muslim community for the helpless for the needy in the world.”

“I understand the figure was 200 million pounds but even that the 100 million pounds Alhamdo Lillah it’s a figure with the Muslim community across the UK we need to be very proud and thankful to our Creator to give us this opportunity to contribute and to help the poor and needy around the world,” said Sir Iqbal Sacranie and added, “This contribution should not be underestimated; actually when the figure is combined to people of other faiths, no faith as well. And when we saw so much about the Muslim community solely in the very negative tone; this is one thing that perhaps requires a better understanding.”

Sir Iqbal emphasized, “So those who continued demonise castigate the Muslim community in the charity sector and through the places. I am well aware, today the day of celebration but the facts have been known. And when this is known people have become more eager there is greater incentive to help the needy people around the world.”

That the money we are talking about goes to the foreign needy around the world today there is a greater emphasis what to be done in the community in the UK as well. Organisations like zakat foundation in numerous charities in the UK and now putting an effort in the UK as well which is very essential. We should not underestimate the concern, the need of some poor people in the community as well as the wider society as well. President Dr. Hany El-Banna mentioned it is the duty and obligation of us irrespective of his faith, ethnicity wherefrom they come from.

Commission an enquiry into

Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crime

Sir Iqbal Sacranie wanted to conclude mentioned one particular point which has been in the media lately. He said, “It is a plea to the politicians and particularly to our government that recently the Muslim Council had urged the parties, every party, the government to commission an enquiry into the Islamophobia and anti- Muslim hate crimes now increasing and prevailing not just in the wider society but in the almost of the government and the political party as well.”

Sir Iqbal commended “Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Opposition Labour Party who has supported this movement that something has to be done on the same way anti-Semitism or other forms of phobias hate crimes that have been committed. We feel that the enquiry should take place.”

Sir Iqbal Sacranie enquired why he has raised this question. Because this this is the question there is so much concern in the Muslim Community. He said, “When there is so much concern in the Muslim community why does not the government interfere that this is also as important as the hate crime as it is important for us; for all of us to take it up and very clearly I say to Lord Sheikh, the former chairman or the president of the Conservative Muslim Forum who also join in the affair.”

Emphasizing on the enquiry to be taken up on the issue of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crime, Sir Iqbal said, “Something need to be addressed why there is so much Islamophobia in the country. Today we have the Muslim Friends of Democracy who also feel that there is a need of this enquiry; this need of enquiry throughout the community. Therefore it is important for all of us; we need to provide full support with the form of petitions form of giving across seeking the parliamentarians and we have lots of MPs as well and we urge them this is a matter that cannot be ignored for the betterment of the community at large.”   

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Eid Reception at British Parliament

Parliamentary Eid Reception 

At British Parliament

Dr. Mozammel Haque

After a month-long fasting in the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world celebrated Eid Festival. In the United Kingdom, British Muslims were also celebrating Eid Festival by organising two events, one: Parliamentary Eid Reception at the British Parliament, organised by Islamic Relief and hosted by Lord Sheikh was held on Thursday, 26 June 2018. Rt. Hon. Penny Mordaunt, MP, Secretary of State for International Development (DFID) was the keynote speaker. Another one was Islam Channel Eid Gala Dinner organised by Islam Channel was held on Friday, 29^th of June, 2018 at London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London.

Parliamentary Eid Reception 

at British Parliament

Parliamentary Eid Reception was held on 26 June 2018, at the River Room of the House of Lords. Rt. Hon. Penny Mordaunt, MP, Secretary of State for International Development (DFID) wishes ‘all a belated Eid Mubarak.’ She said, “I hope you were able to spend the day with your families and loved ones. And that you were able to reflect on the sacrifices you made and the good you have done during the month of Ramadan.”

Speaking about the works of the Islamic Relief, Secretary of State Penny Mordaunt mentioned, “Islamic Relief’s life-saving and life-changing work in over forty countries shows what can be achieved on a global level when faith can be harnessed and a community of believers mobilised. Just like the Red Cross or Christian Aid, Islamic Relief is a badge of hope for millions of the world’s poorest and most desperate people. In Yemen, you have provided emergency food assistance to 1.7 million people. In South Sudan, you have helped bring food and water to seventy thousand vulnerable people. In Syria, you have delivered two million food parcels and helped provide education for eighteen thousand children since the conflict began. And your Honour Her campaign to end all forms of gender based violence is having an effect both here in the UK and around the world.”

Speaking about the holy month of Ramadan, she said, “I know the holy month is a time of humility.  Because Islamic Relief, and other faith organisations, are invaluable partners for my Department as we work together to help those most in need. And to achieve the Global Goals to end extreme poverty, hunger, disease, illness and promote education and equality for all.”

Speaking about DFID’s relationship with Islamic Relief, she mentioned, “I see DFID’s relationship with Islamic Relief as a Great Partnership. Each of us bringing something that makes us greater than the sum of our parts. That makes us more effective, and more able to respond to the challenging and difficult circumstances in which we operate. Like our Aid Match partnership. DFID has match-funded Islamic Relief to the sum of five million pounds to improve health, education, sanitation and livelihoods for over a hundred thousand conflict-affected people in the Blue Nile and North and South Sudan region. This is just the latest collaboration in a Great Partnership between DFID and Islamic Relief, which has spanned twenty years and fifteen countries and territories.”

She also mentioned about religious principles and Islamic values. She said, “You are a crucial partner for us because of your access, because of the trust people have in you, and because you honour the religious principles in which you believe. Compassion. Generosity. Helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Those are not just Islamic values. Those are British Values. As faith groups have always reminded us, our shared humanity compels us to act even when disaster or tragedy strike on the other side of the world.”

Lord Sheikh at Parliamentary Eid Reception

Speaking about Muslims in general, Lord Sheikh mentioned, “Most Muslims all over the world believe in helping people who are less fortunate than themselves. There are many Muslim charities which are based in the United Kingdom. UK Muslims gave 100 million pounds to charities during Ramadan last year. That’s £38 pounds a second.”

Talking about Ramadan, Zakat and Islamic duty, Lord Sheikh said, “It is compulsory for us to give Zakat. It is of course the third pillar of Islam. We also like to help others. Although Muslims donate to charities at all times, during the month of Ramadan, the contributions tend to be large and generous.”

Talking about Muslim charities, Lord Sheikh mentioned, “Muslim charities help deserving causes in the United Kingdom and provide support and assistance in overseas countries. Some of these countries have been affected by war, others are affected by famine and climate changes. These charities also do splendid work in providing water, shelter and food. I think it must be noticed that Muslim charities help and support and provide aid to non-Muslims as well as Muslims.”

Lord Sheikh then talked about Islamic Relief. He said, “Islamic Relief is an independent humanitarian and development organisation which has been saving the lives across the globe since 1984. Islamic Relief envisages a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled and people respond as one to the suffering of others. Their work can be summarised under three headings which are (1) responding and (2) recovery and (3) resilience. I very much appreciate that Islamic Relief is performing remarkable work in different ways all over the world.”

This ensures that people who are vulnerable and need help are not abused in any way.

Judith Escribano, Head of Communication

Islamic Relief

Judith Escribano said, “Those of us working in the Muslim Sector know that British Muslims are incredibly generous. In the month of Ramadan alone, they donate £100 million to charity. That’s an astonishing amount of money when you take into account that there are only 2.7 million Muslims in Britain and one third of them are children. We delivered 200,000 food packages in 36 countries during Ramadan. That makes us very proud.”

She also said, “I am particularly impressed by my Muslim colleagues who worked every day throughout Ramadan – sometimes doing a whole day’s work, followed by an evening or weekend of volunteering. You are an inspiration to those of us who are not Muslims – and who hid away to eat and drink during Ramadan.”

Ms Judith also mentioned, “Five years ago, a group of volunteers created a fundraising campaign, called the Cake Campaign, to raise money for our work in Syria during Ramadan. I am delighted to say that this initiative has raised £1 million over 5 years for survivors of the crisis in Syria. Because of its commitment to reconstruction and long-term development Islamic Relief stays in communities following emergencies, long after the cameras have left.”

About her knowledge of Islam, Ms. Judith confessed, “I knew very little about Islam – apart from what I had been taught in school many months ago. And apart from the biased and inaccurate reporting of many newspapers whose sole mission seems to be to denigrate Muslims and Islam. And because of my ignorance and that misinformation, I was worried about practices that I had assumed were religious practices, such as FGM and early and forced marriage. And as a strong feminist, I wondered whether I would be the right fit for the organisation.”

“So I did some research. I went on a one-day Intro to Islam course at the Central London Mosque. I read the Qur’an. I read a feminist interpretation of the Qur’an. I read about revolutions in the Middle East. I discovered that many practices attributed to Islam as a faith were in fact cultural and patriarchal practices,” said Judith.

Judith also mentioned, “Islamic Relief was running a campaign against violence against women and girls, and I knew then that that I had made the right decision to come here. Islamic Relief calls out those who misuse Islamic faith to justify abuse. Violence against women and girls in any shape or form is not acceptable in Islam; is not acceptable in the UK Muslim community; and is not acceptable in wider society. And as an Islamic-inspired agency, we recognise the role of faith in tackling this important issue.”

Judith also mentioned, “This Ramadan, Islamic Relief has already raised £10 million so far. These donations will help us to continue to transform and save lives. So thank you to all those who make this possible”

Read More and More the Qur'an in Ramadan

Ramadan: The Month of the Qur’an

Read more and more the Qur’an

In its month of revelation

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Noble Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan (Al-Qur’an, 97:1-3.). The Qur’an was sent down in the month of Ramadan on the Night of Power Lailatul Qadr. (Al-Qur’an, 91:1-3.). It is the month of Ramadan that Allah has honoured by revealing the Qur’an. Because of this strong relation between the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to read the Qur’an to Archangel Jibreel every Ramadan. I think this is the right place to discuss the purpose and objective of the revelation of the Qur’an, its importance, the campaigns against it and the do’s and don’ts of the Qur’an.

First of all, Allah the Most High, created mankind and gave him the gift of expression. For the guidance of mankind Allah sent Prophets (peace be upon them all) to every single community. In the words of the Qur’an, "There has been no community to which God’s messengers have not come" and "Muslims should make no distinctions between them." So it is the duty of a Muslim to honour all the prophets equally.

The Qur’an represents the culmination of all other earlier Revealed Books. The Qur’an is the last of the Revealed Books. The Qur’an is the first religious book in the world, which requires the belief in other revelations, a part of its Faith. This Sacred Book was revealed to the last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the month of Ramadan. Allah Himself said in the Qur’an: “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to Mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong).” (2:185). Allah the Most High has especially mentioned the exact date and month of the revelation: “We have indeed revealed This (Message) in the Night of Power.” (97:1) So the purpose of the revelation of the Qur’an was for guidance of Mankind.

The Qur’an is emphatic in proclaiming that Islam is the religion of Jesus, Moses, Abraham and the Prophets Jesus and Moses were not Jews but Muslims. "Surely those who believe (in that which is revealed to Muhammad Peace be upon him) and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabaeans – whoever believes in Allah, and the Last Day and does good, surely their reward is with their Lord, and there is no fear for them nor shall they grieve." (2:62). "A Guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and judgement (between right and wrong)." This is the most important characteristic of the Qur’an, the Book that Allah has revealed in the month of Ramadan. It is guidance for mankind. It is clear proof, clear proof of guidance and of judgement.

Before the revelation of the Qur’an, it was preserved and guarded from corruption in the "Mother of the Book". Allah Himself said: "Nay this is a Glorious Qur’an (inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved" (85:21-22). When Allah wanted to give this Trust to someone, the Heavens, the Earth, and the Mountains, i.e. other creatures of Allah, besides man, refused to undertake this Trust or responsibility. They preferred to submit their will entirely to Allah’s Will, which is All-Wise and Perfect, and which would give them far more happiness than a faculty of choice, with their imperfect knowledge. Allah says in the Qur’an: "We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it: He was indeed unjust and foolish." (33-72).

So it is the human beings who took the responsibility of the Trust without realising its importance. This Sacred Book was revealed to the last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the month of Ramadan. The Qur’an is the revealed book of God which has been in existence for more than four hundred years and the Word of Allah is available in its original form. There has not been an iota of change in this unique historic record. Its originality and authenticity has been guaranteed by no other than Allah the Almighty who challenges in the Qur’an itself.

Allah said, "This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah: on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelation) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt – from the Lord of the Worlds." (10:37). In another verse of the Qur’an Allah challenges, "Or do they say, "He forged it?" Say: "Bring then a Surah like unto it; and call (to your aid) anyone who can, beside Allah if it be you speak the truth!" (10:38). "Or they may say, "He forged it." Say, "Bring you then ten Suras forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsoever you can, other than Allah! – if you speak the truth!" (11:13).

Allah said in the Qur’an, "And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant then produce a Sura like thereunto, and call your witness and helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if you are truthful." (2:23) Allah places many verses before you. Can you produce one like it?

The world is challenged to produce a Book like it and has not produced one. It is the only Revealed Book whose text stands pure and uncorrupted today. Allah said, "Say: "if the whole of mankind and jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support." (17:88)

Since the revelation of the Qur’an, the enemies of Islam have been trying to distort it. Firstly, they said, it is not revelation, it is written by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Then they started attacking its authenticity and originality. In spite of their conspiracy, the Qur’an has been preserved in its original form.

The Qur’an is the only Book in the world which has remained for the past fourteen centuries pure without any interpolation or change and will remain so till the Last Day as Allah has guaranteed its purity. (15:9).

The purity, preservation and propagation of the Qur’an were maintained by two methods: memorization of Qur’an in Qur’anic schools and the recitation of the complete Qur’an in Ramadan. In the month of Ramadan every year the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked by Archangel Jibreel to recite the whole of it twice. It was a Muzakira between the two. Abu Huraira reported that Jibreel used to repeat the recitation of the Qur’an with the Prophet once a year, but he repeated it twice with him in the year the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away. The Qur’an was recited in the Taraweeh for the first time during the era of Caliph Omar.

So far as the memorization of the Qur’an in Qur’anic schools is concerned, many Huffaz and Islamic scholars have been killed in different parts of the world at different times. But still there is no dearth of Islamic scholars who can recite the complete Qur’an from memory. Severe campaigns have been launched against the Qur’anic schools, which teach the study, recitation and memorization of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the main Book of the Muslims; it is the duty of the Muslims to learn Qur’an, which contains their code of life and ethical values whose benefits have been experienced by mankind throughout the ages.

I have already mentioned the objective and importance of the Qur’an and how its originality and purity have been maintained. Our Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions dedicated their days and nights for worship. Their lives revolved completely around the Book of Allah, the Qur’an, reciting it in and out of Salah.

The Qur’an is the basis of the religion of Islam, and on the preservation and propagation of the Qur’an depends the very existence of this Faith. Hence the virtue of learning and teaching the Qur’an is self-evident and does not need further elucidation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (Bukhari, Daud and Tirmidhi).

A great Islamic scholar wrote in his book entitled Toward Understanding of the Qur’an: “The present arrangement of the Qur'an is not the work of later generations, but was made by the Prophet under God's direction. Whenever a surah was revealed, the Prophet summoned his scribes, to whom he carefully dictated its contents, and instructed them where to place it in relation to the other surahs. The Prophet followed the same order of surahs and verses when reciting during ritual Prayer as on other occasions, and his Companions followed the same practice in memorizing the Qur'an. It is therefore a historical fact that the collection of the Qur'an came to an end on the very day that its revelation ceased. The One who was responsible for its revelation was also the One who fixed its arrangement. The one whose heart was the receptacle of the Qur'an was also respon­sible for arranging its sequence. This was far too important and too delicate a matter for anyone else to dare to become involved in.”

“Not even the most skeptical person has any reason to doubt that the Qur'an as we know it today is identical with the Qur'an which Muhammad (peace be on him) set before the world; this is an unquestionable, objective, historical fact, and there is nothing in human history on which the evidence is so overwhelmingly strong and conclusive. To doubt the authenticity of the Qur'an is like doubting the existence of the Roman Empire, the Mughals of India, or Napoleon! To doubt historical facts like these is a sign of stark ignorance, not a mark of erudition and scholarships,” he added.