Cnews_ October 2007

Keeping you in contact with your community October 2007 ­- Ramadaan 1428

18TH EDITION

Inside this issue

QUDS DAY – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY OF THE OPPRESSED

Message from the Premier PAGE 2

The Scarf of Contention PAGE 3

Hundreds of protesters marched from District Six to Parliament on the 5 October 2007, to commemorate Quds Day. An international day of solidarity to remind the world of the cruelty, injustice, massacres, genocide, assassinations, torture and brutality that Zionist Israel inflicts daily on the Palestinians. In the words of Golda Meir on the 15th June 1969: “There was no such THING as Palestinians. It was not as though there was a Palestinian people in Palestine, considering itself a Palestinian people … They did not exist.” [Sunday Times 15/6/1969] Pic by Sanaa Petersen

TAKE ME BACK TO BOYCOTT EDGARS OLD CAPE TOWN STORE IN KC By Yumna Dalwai-Jacobs

Cancer Can Be Beaten PAGE 4

Calls to boycott the Edgars store in Kenilworth centre by concerned Muslims have been brought to a halt following swift action by the Edcon group. This follows a prelimanary investigation into complaints of religious discrimination from Muslim staff of the Edgars store. The staff allege that the store maanager had not given adequate time to allow them to break their fast in. The allegations caused a stir amongst the Musilm Community who in turn called for a boycott of all stores until the matter was resolved. A sales consultant at the store, Sieraaj Benjamin, reportedly told the Media that he was not allowed to leave the floor at iftar to break his fast. Benjamin said that there were 10 permanent Muslim staff at the Kenilworth branch and those working on the late shift during iftar were only allowed to break fast with dates and water.

A Cross-Eyed Democracy PAGE 8 ISLAMIC MEDIA AGENCY CC ck 2002/001313/23

Editor: Sanaa Petersen Religious Contributors: Dr Abdul Malik Printers: Independent Newspapers Lifestyle Editor: Tasneem Ameer Travel Writer: Fairuz Holliday 466 Lansdowne Road, Lansdowne, 7780 Tel: 021 697 2294 •Fax: 021 697 2304 Email:[email protected] Website: www.islamicmedia.co.za

The Kinders van die Ses performed at the Cultural Extravaganza held at the Good Hope center during September. The Cultural Extravaganza showcased a plethora of local resident cultures such as the SA Youth Choir, Khoi dances, Boere orkes, Kwezi marimba dances, Indian melodies, belly dancing, Portuguese, Spanish and Greek folk dancing. The Extravangaza was hosted by the Three Cord Family Development Services and the City of Cape Town. Pic by M. Yusuf Karriem

The Director of the Human Resources Department, Dr Urin Ferndale says that the matter had been dealt with immediately after the complaint was issued. According to the official statement by the Edcon group the issue arose from misunderstanding and miscommunication between staff and management at the store. The statement further says all reasonable attempts have been made to accomodate Muslim Staff during the month of Ramadhan. A list of guidelines and have also been established by the department.

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October 2007 ­- Ramadaan 1428

NEWS BITES Compiled by Sanaa Petersen

RESPITE FOR BAD CREDIT RECORDS The Credit Amnesty is a window of opportunity for you to restore your financial reputation. A judgment against your name means you cannot get a home loan, a car loan, or any other form of credit. It also means that your creditor can send the Sheriff of the Court to attach your possessions – and this could happen at any time in the next 30 years. Sheriffs typically attach belongings worth 10 times the debt because most things are sold for next to nothing on public auction. If you have a judgment under R50 000 against your name that has been there since before 1 September 2006, and if you settle the debt before 1 September 2007 then, in terms of the Credit Amnesty, the judgment will be removed. Call the major credit bureaus to check if you have a judgment against your name. TransUnion can be contacted on 0861 482 482 and Experian on 0861 105 665.

TSA Changes Rules for Headdress Searches at U.S. Airports Millions of Sikh, Muslim, South Asian, and Jewish passengers worldwide will be affected by the new airport screening

procedures as of August 4, 2007. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) sudden change in policy includes mandatory secondary screening for all travelers wearing any form of headgear - including religious headdress. In addition, secondary screenings of religious headdress are now permitted even if a passenger has already been cleared by a metal detector. The TSA refuses to inform the public of what the new policy entails, on the grounds of security concerns. It took the Sikh Coalition staff members almost 36 hours simply to get a confirmation that the policy had indeed been changed, let alone details of the new procedure. tion sends a powerful message about the way we evaluate history and the need to embrace multi-cultural knowledge,” said Verheyen.

MEDIA24 MAGAZINES MISREPRESENTS CIRCULATION Nine Media24 magazines division employees are facing disciplinary action and potential criminal charges over the “deliberate manipulation” of circulation figures at five Touchline Media titles and seven Women's Magazine Division titles. It has been

confirmed that Touchline Media founder and MD, Marc Blachowitz, who suddenly resigned last week in the midst of the scandal, is one of the nine being investigated. Media agencies are now also taking legal advice. The ABC announced early October that audit circulation certificates for the five Touchline titles had also been withdrawn and their membership of the ABC suspended. The Media24 magazines affected from both divisions are: Men's Health, Sports Illustrated, Shape, Wisden Cricketer, Kick Off, FairLady, Sarie, True Love, Leef, InStyle SA, True Love Babe and True Love Bride.

US Muslim Magazines Improve Image CAIRO — With glossy covers, modern layouts and polished writing, Muslim magazines are fanning out across the shelves of American newsstands to address the imperfect representation of Muslims in the US media, reported the Chicago Tribune on Saturday, October 6. "I think there is a whole wave of new publications that are arriving from the second generation with a ! great urge to express themselves," said Ihsan Bagby, professor of Islamic studies at the University of Kentucky. "They're

trying to lay out a viewpoint that corresponds to that second-generation mentality: more moderate, more engaged in society." With eye-catching design and highquality photographs, the magazines are discussing Muslim culture in the intellectual and social contexts of the West. They discuss different issues ranging from foreign policy, women's empowerment to teen fashion. "There is a tendency on the part of non-Muslims to view Muslims as a monolithic 'other,' and the need to exhibit the many dimensions of Muslims was very important to me," said M. Salahuddin Khan, the Chicago area-based publisher of Islamica magazine. "In so doing, we are communicating the essential humanity of Muslims."

YOUNG MUSLIMS HOST INTERFAITH BOEKA

‘Nationhood’ amongst the different faiths and actively work on common challenges. In light of this the programme was titled “Building a moral nation”. “The Iftaar programme was open to all faiths because we wanted to encourage and motivate our youth to focus on been part of developing our beautiful country,” said Moulana Abdul Khaliq Allie, secretary-general of the MJC. The young partnership recognised the key role religion plays in the moral reformation of youth. “We also hope to promote religious tolerance amongst the different (faith) groups and show that it is possible to live together in harmony and learn from each other,” said Ashiq Allie, president of the MSA.

By Mariam Salie

The Muslim Judicial Council – Youth Desk (MJC) and Muslim Students Association of the Cape (MSA), hosted a Mass Intercultural Iftaar at the Sea Point promenade on the 28 September 2007. The MJC and the MSA of the Cape partnership aimed to stimulate

Premier Ebrahim Rasool breaking his fast at the MJC-MSA interfaith boeka held at the Sea Point Promenade on the 28 September 2007, marking the 15th of Ramadaan pic by M. Yusuf Karriem

Message from the Premier of the Western Cape Ebrahim Rasool on the Holy Day of Eid-Ul-Fitr Muslims throughout the Western Cape will join their brothers and sisters worldwide to celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan. As we know, Eid-Ul Fitr, which takes place on the first day of Shawaal, is one of two celebrations on the Islamic calendar, the second being Eid-Ul-Adha which falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hajj during the 12th month. The day commences with the sighting of the new moon the night before and marks the end of the immensely spiritual month of Ramadan during which Muslims strive for higher levels of self-discipline, introspection and solidarity with the poor. This is achieved through fasting, regular prayer and charity. Eid-Ul-Fitr provides an opportunity for the Muslim community to strengthen kinship, to honour the elderly, to remember those who have passed on and to make peace with those we have hurt or who have caused us hurt. It also allows us to focus on how to maintain and strengthen the positive lessons that Ramadan has taught us. In this respect, we are presented with an opportunity to commit to ongoing social solidarity, empathy with those less fortunate than ourselves and tolerance of those who appear different to us. These are also the qualities that we need to achieve our Home for All: a wisdom and understanding of the needs and difficulties of others, and reconciliation that brings us closer to all our brothers and sisters in the Western Cape. I wish all who celebrate this holy day. Eid Mubarak! (A blessed Eid) Or, as we say in Cape Town: Slamat vir Labarang! Ebrahim Rasool Premier of the Western Cape

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THE SCARF OF CONTENTION

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ne of the many contemporary challenges facing Muslim societies today is the matter of Hijaab. Constantly under the spotlight, consistently debated, enjoying diverse commentary and strong, differing opinions within Muslim and non-Muslim quarters. It is an issue that has incurred the verbal tirade of many a traditionalist and raised the intellectual ire of many a modernist. Recently an email circulated entitled “The Scarf” landed in my Inbox. Curious to see how other muslimah would respond to this poem, I sent it out with this very request. The opinions I received, needless to say were varied. This article shares some of the response with you, and follows with some of my humble thoughts on the issue.

Respondents:

(Our sisters wanted to remain anonymous, we respect their decision and appreciate their expressions) All I have to say is a woman must cover her ourah which is from her head to her toes. Why do we

by Mymoena arnold

cover ourselves when we make salaah and who are we fooling. Sister 1

I will bat for the author of the poem If Nura Alia Hossainzadeh is referring to Muslim women then what she says is true. We don't have to look far either. Yes, I can poke holes in her poem as well like the first thing is what is 786 - where does this come from , where does it say that means Assalaamu Alaikum. But what she says it is the truth- and it speaks to all of us. Sure I can relate/understand your thoughts/ position, however, the bottom line is to cover our ourah is a command from Allah (swt) not a decision I can make some time in my life or whenever I feel that I have reached a spiritual level and then decide to cover my ourah . Allah (swt) does not even prescribe that we must wear top and scarf - we say we must wear a top with a scarf. Allah (swt) says -basically to a womens "dress code" 1) as long as it protects you from the elements (weather) 2) the clothe should not show her shape/form 3) and she is dressed so that another man looks at her with desire period.

The Scarf

devotion devoted to them, the es that so mercilessly captur h ade of indiBy: Nura Alia Hossainz from them all they know ... rts, so viduality They stand there with sho proudly pull my scarf I nd ...a short, excessively short, hair capture over my king of shorts that so deceptively y And the stand there, tal ow kn y the all m gels from the getting new shorts, new of modesty... s, new boyfriends, scarf and color my ll pu ly ud pro I nd ...a materialistic things r hai my er ov gfully capture from a that so wron in t los e fac re, the nd They sta them all they know sea of make-up, and love... y cap- of God scarf make-up that so ruthlessl ...and I proudly pull my know tures from them all they over my hair of freedom... is my protector, my rf For my scarf sca my ll pu ly ud pro ...and I lover, my devotion, ty, my over my hair my pureness, my beau g nin rai r hai re, They stand the rememberance of God, my with gels, colors I proudly pull it over nacingly And me ar so t we I tha en ls wh ica t em ch owing tha y know hair kn the all m the m fro e tur cap it, all the of purity... I so rightfully thrust away rf sca my ll pu ...and I proudly things that the devil over my hair ught about, se, so bro clo so re, the am nd sta ey Th And when I put it on, I ", ver "lo ir the to se clo y ver Free...

Sister 2 Good points. But is her approach in the poem constructive, ie, are we likely to attract 'bees' with honey or lemon? "And argue with them in ways that are gracious"-H.Q "I so rightfully thrust away all the things that the devil brought about" -1) ALL the things? 2) Does she mean Shaitaan, or the 'devil' within our very own souls?

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Michelle Serroukh a recent revert to Islam enjoying the boeka at the masajid in Tafelsig. Pix by – Sanaa Petersen

Sister 3 True, although I do believe that even though guidance comes from Allah, sometimes that exact guidance comes in very different ways, which is why I decided to send it onto my friends (most of whom do not wear scarf) and who knows perhaps it makes an impact. All too often we forget that Allah knows best and therefore we need to encourage our sisters to remember that and why we are required to wear our scarf. Sometimes we even lack in offering support to those who in fact might just need/want it…….True what you say. I've never really seen it in that way. And it brings to mind a piece of advice I like to give : "Never compare yourself to the worst of people. It is then that you unknowingly place yourself in a category among them". And yes.. Allah does know best. Hijab is part of our faith as it's a fard in quran. However I feel hijab may not always be a choice for sisters to wear and depending on circumstances, many are compelled to refrain from wearing as their livelihood depends on this deci-

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Wishes all Muslims a joyous Eid ul-Fitr 105 Repulse Road, Rylands Estate 7764 Tel: (021) 691-3900 • Fax: (021) 691-4767 Cell: 082 491-0720 • Email: [email protected]

I do feel the poet's pride (in an honorable way) in wearing her scarf and I admire her for it. I understand for a muslimah her hijab is her protection and beauty from immorality and a symbol of respect. Although many sisters wearing hijab are not treated as such, this should not deter us from continuing to adorn our beautiful garb that Allah SWT guides us to wear. I would like to highlight Hijab is not just a scarf, its our whole being. I see many sisters wearing a scarf yet the rest of their awrah is visible, for example they wear figure revealing jeans with short t-shirts with a scarf ..hmm this is a tad offensive as it seems a mockery because I understand hijab should be covering the awrah as a whole.

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sion. Also hijab does not necessarily determines the character of ones who adorn it. Hijab is more than material, its character and behaviour as muslims.

Do not do wrong, cruelty & injustice; wrong, cruelty & injustice will not be done to you! AL-QURAN 2:79

May we all continue on the right path and carry out our duties as muslims. May Allah make it easy for us.. ameen! Sister 4 The perception is also created that 'good muslim sister' = scarf and my understanding is that Islam is a lot more than outward appearances, but about developing yourself as a human being and about making a positive and meaningful difference in society, even when others might not agree with your struggle against injustice. Sister 5 Very true, I hadn't thought of it as u say, but it is indeed very true! subhanAllah. There was a lecture I was listening to the other day about hijaab and the imaam was saying that if a woman starts wearing hijaab after years of not wearing it, Allah will turn those days of not wearing into days of wearing hijaab. How great and Merciful is our Lord? "and which of the favours of your Lord can you deny?" Hijaab is a form of ibaada' So my sisters by just wearing your scarf in the presence of non-mahram men, we are in constant worship of our Lord. This woman/poet understands her deen Alhamdulilah Sister 6

It is more than clear that varied interpretations exist to this issue. But of course, Divine instruction does clearly outline how we as Muslims (both male and female), should garb ourselves. Thus human interpretation at any level is not really a necessary consideration to that which is deemed acceptable and that which is not acceptable, as laid out in the Divine Law of Allah (swt). However, this does not only apply to dress, but every other aspect of our personal lives, and the relations we share and enjoy with near and dear ones, within our marriages, the workplace etc. Each facet is interdependent and interlinked with the other. Thus in short, the one facet of life is incomplete and ineffective without the other. Judgement itself rests with Allah (swt) alone. The point this debate highlighted was how easily we fall victim to our own internalised biases and prejudices, that we have allowed to be fed and nurtured from various sources for varied reasons, with little compunction and protest. We happily welcome these divisive forces to rule and dominate our objectivity, our sense of compassion, understanding and empathy. We succumb to responses filled with judgement and condemnation, and we make ourselves believe it is okay to approach debates and issues among ourselves in this manner, because the instruction is as clear as day in our Holy Quran. We forget so quickly, that good conduct, humbleness and humility, goes hand in hand with a modest outward appearance. Thus in conclusion, it is important to approach contentious issues among ourselves in a manner that would encourage honest, constructive dialogue, ensure harmonious relations and leave just enough room for enlightenment to steal its way in without protest and reservation. What are your thoughts? We would like to hear from our sisters and brothers. Please email us on info@ islamicmedia.co.za – fax 021 697 2304 – sms 074 227 4345

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October 2007 ­- Ramadaan 1428

COMPETITION TO DISPEL THE FEAR OF NUMBERS HOSTED IN JOZI

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he Ucmas development programme was pioneered in Malaysia in 1993 and is currently offered in 32 countries worldwide. The success of the programme is based on a unique approach that relies on developing right brain activity. The programmes have been described as ‘math lego’ and ‘mental aerobics’ as it stimulates young minds using the abacus in a way that is fun and engaging. It dispels the fear for numbers and builds a competitive foundation in maths and science. For more information contact: 011-447 6714 www.ucmassa.co.za Ucmas a mental development programme hosted their National Annual Competition on the 2nd of September 2007 at the Great Hall at Wits University, Johannesburg. Photo supplied.

You invited to the 2nd International Oriental Dance Festival

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arina Rehbein (Ajsa Samia) and “Palace of the Winds” will host the 2nd International Oriental Dance Festival at the City Hall, Cape Town from the 03 - 04 November 2007. Two days filled with intense fun and workshop with an international Oriental Gala evening on the 3 November at 8pm. Their star guests are world re-known belly dancer Leyla Nahrawes from Germany and International belly dancer Artemisia from Belgium, as well as a Greek folk dance group, Gypsy dancers and top belly dancers from Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The organisers have pledged to donate the proceeds of this festival to the Saartjie Baartman Centre situated in Athlone. The Saartjie Baartman Centre is a safe place for women who suffered abuse. “Women who have been sexually abused automatically lock their hips as a way of dealing with the shock of what has happened and this prevents them from fully relaxing. In the long term this can create a number of physical problems. The belly dancing is an excellent way of loosening up that whole area,” said Marina Rehbein, executive director of “Palace of the Winds.” Given her background of being a medical nurse, Marina uses belly dancing in a therapeutic manner, helping people to regain balance, litheness and movement after illness, injury or surgery as well to help abused women deal

with the physical trauma of their abuse. “Belly dancing help women through the physical trauma of the abuse, by aiding them in claiming back their bodies as their own,” said Rehbein

Soothing belly dance movements such as rolling the hips, figure of eights and undulations can help to alleviate congestion in the pelvic area. Circulation to the pelvic area improves and at the same time,

the feeling of relaxation alleviates stress. Weight-bearing exercise can prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones. There are also social and emotional benefits of belly dancing such as stress reduc-

tion. For more information contact Marina Rehbein on 021 701 2993 or 073 810 9208 – log onto www. ajsasamia.com

She offers free weekly lessons to the women of the Saartjie Baartman Centre and encourages other women to join in. “It is important that the abused women are not taught in isolation, they get a feeling that they are part of the community again,” she said. Oriental or belly dancing is a fascinating combination of body control and dance in which swaying hips, undulating torso and articulated isolations are employed in a range of emotional expressions accompanied by fiery, passionate music. Learning to belly dance involves using muscles in your body that you have probably never used before and may feel awkward at first. When movements are done properly, the pelvis is tipped forward, or tucked somewhat; neutral positions that can help prevent lower back problems. The movements of oriental dance make an excellent prenatal exercise regimen that strengthens the muscles used during the childbirth process. During those first weeks after giving birth, when caution is needed while healing from the birth process, these movements work the muscles gently and effectively, if done very gradually.

Photo supplied.

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YOUR ATTITUDES DETERMINE YOUR ALTITUDE - UUCSA mination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” Therefore regard the coming examinations as an opportunity to test your commitment and drive. “An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises.” It is now time for action, determination and execution. No problem in life can withstand the assault of continued learning and sustained prayer.

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O ALL OUR BUDDING MATRICULANTS FROM THE UNITED ULAMA COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA (UUCSA) All praise is due to Allah who has blessed man with the infinite capacity to learn and may His choicest salutations continue to descend upon our Master whose life personified true commitment and dedication. We are fast approaching the days when our Matric learners sit for their final examinations. Matric is undoubtedly and important milestone in their lives which serves as the harbinger of all their future educational pursuits. The days leading up to the exams are often fraught with extreme levels of stress and anxiety. Matric exams are probably the most crucial and vital examinations that you will ever write sine they eventually determine your lifelong career options. It is therefore vital to manage this stress by turning to Allah and beffing for His mercy and guidance. The Quraan exhorts us to “seek help through perseverance and salaah” Your challenge at this important juncture is to diligently persevere in your studies and to resort to salaah so that you may attract the help of Allah. Whenever Nabi (saw) faced a problem he immediately turned to salaah and dua. Remember: “Desire is the key to motivation, but its deter-

The role of the Masajid and the broader community is to provide all the assistance, guidance and Duas. The Masajid could be used by the students to prepare for their examination. Whilst the community could be supportive in many ways. Parents and siblings also need to play their role by ensuring that the home environment is condusive to study. The success of your examinations is dependent on effective time management, smart studying techniques, a balanced diet and regular exercise. As you approach the examination phase, it is worth reflecting on the nature of life itself. Life is but a voyage of test and tribulations which we need to face with courage and determination. We are continually faced with making tough decisions and choices. It is not difficult to make the right choice if you know what your values are! Stay committed to your values but remain flexible in your approach. “There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with examination. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die is a process of learning.” UUCSA takes this opportunity to convey its sincerest wishes to all matriculants. We pray that Allah crowns your efforts with success and may He remain on your side as

you take every step into the future. Matriculants views This year brought its own share of problems. The worst of it been the September Preparatory Examination. For me it has not been one of my best exams and I pray that my results will be satisfactory. The holy month of Ramadaan has also approached us. It has been part of our mock exams and will be part of our Finals. For many it has been hard at the beginning as one goes to sleep late at night after studying, then getting up early the next morning in order to start fasting and later at night to mosque for Taraweeh salaah. Even though it was hard at the onset, I got used to the pace. It also afforded me with extra time to study after Fajr. Sameegah Manuel The Septemer exam was definitely different to any other exam, not because of its importance but because I knew I never gave it my best. Personal issues are part reason for this. When the time came to study, I couldn’t sit long with my books. I felt as if I gave up and asked myself, “Why should I stress myself like this? What is the point?” When I knew it was way too late to start studying. Now that the month of Ramadaan fell in the middle of the September exam, it made it difficult for me to study. As, well as not having a mother, it became my responsibility to make sure food was ready for boeka time. I constantly thought, “What can I make for tonight,” and after everything was made I found myself too tired to do anything, let alone study. However, after Fajr wa the best time to study, which helped a lot. Gadija Slamang I made up my mind to work extra hard before the finals. My mock exam was easier than the June exams. We started the mock during Ramadaan, it was a bit difficult to concentrate on an empty stomach.

The most challenging subjects were English and Afrikaans. Anyway, the saying goes “You get out what you put in.” My mother says that fear is the fundamental reason for most failures, if your fears get the better of you, you just cannot succeed. Aneesah Tofa For me the Matric Mock examination was a very challenging experience. I realize that this is the beginning of a new era in my life. The holy month of Ramadaan did not affect me that much as I wrote a few papers during this month before. As for the papers that I wrote I felt very relaxed and calm. Roeshnie Pillay The mock matric exam was a real eye opener. I didnt expect it to be that challenging. It showed me that I have to be better prepared come october the 10th. The fast is here to teach one disciplie. It increases ones state of spirituality. Preparing for the finals is tough, but you have to be focussd on the task at hand. I prepare by going through past matric exam papers,reading over my work on a daily basis,getting enough rest. To assist me in my preparation i eat a balanced and nutritionl diet ane get sufficiant exercise. Remember.... A healthy body leads to a healthy mind! Zakareeya Pandey

The software is a product of the South African National Zakáh Fund and is an interactive tool designed to expedite and simplify what can be a tedious process for the sincere Muslim who wants to fulfill his or her obligation towards the third pillar of Islam. The Zakáh Calculator is only 100 kilobytes in size and is distributed free of charge by email to anyone who supplies an email address.

This vision, says Amien Jacobs, Western Cape administrator of SANZAF, includes people who do not have access to computer facilities. “They may be able to use the software on a computer at a SANZAF office in the Western Cape,” says Jacobs. Anyone who wishes to make use of this opportunity to use the free Zakáh Calculator at a SANZAF office should call 0861 726923 for an appointment.

Sameega Manuel

Roeshni Pillay

Aneesa Tofa

Free software innovators pioneer Zakáh calculations A leading South African Muslim NPO has pioneered the first free interactive computer-based Zakáh calculation software in South Africa. The Zakáh Calculator is based in the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, but is a customised adaptation of the spreadsheet functions for the purpose of calculating Zakáh.

Zakareeyah Panday

Although it is write-protected, there is no copyright on the software. SANZAF encourages all users to distribute the software freely in return for constructive feedback which would be used to further enhance the product. Requests for the free Zakáh Calculator may be sent to [email protected] or by calling 0861 726923.

Gadija Slamang

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October 2007 ­- Ramadaan 1428

Youth revives the spirit of Islam

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Sanaa Petersen

he Muslim Students Association of the Cape, which comprise of the Muslim students from the University of Cape Town (UCT), University of Western Cape (UWC), University of Stellenbosch (USB), the International Peace University of SA (IPSA), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and selected high schools, pooled their resources to host its second annual conference titled “Reviving the Islamic Spirit”. The conference was held during August at UCT, with the theme “Living Islam, Inside Out.” The conference attracted International scholars, namely Dr Mahmoud Rashdan, Dr Ma’moun Al-Mobayed and Dr Kamel El-Helbawy. Sh Wagdi Ghoniem, Hafidha Rayhaanah Omar Mohammed and Anas Al-Tikriti. The over two hundred Muslim delegates enthusiastically crammed the lecture hall to learn and engage with the renown scholars. The first session of the conference elucidated the interpretation of the hadith, “Have Taqwa (fear) of Allah wherever you may be, follow up a bad deed with a good deed which will erase it, and behave well towards the people.” Child psychiatrist Dr Ma’moun Al-Mobayed interpreted the verse in today’s context as ‘children brought to the clinic are the symptoms of their parents’ problems (behavior).’ Sh Ghoniem advice was not to ‘separate fardh acts from adhaab’ He further explained that some people are steadfast with their fardhs but are bad in character. Anas Altikriti’s interpretation is ‘to make life better is to develop for all mankind.’ The second day’s programmed focused on Muslim minorities living in Western or secular societies. Anas Altikriti’s topic “finding common ground from within’, brought a new dimension to da’wah. He emphasized that for each trial there are opportunities and Muslims, whether living in Muslim or non-Muslim countries should try and find the common ground that joins us all. He highlighted that not many Muslims have studied the Bible or Taurah, and are grappling with their “Islamic identity’. He observed that there were no non-Muslim delegates and very few white and black delegates at the conference. In this context, he interpreted the term daw’ah as, “ Da’wah means to inform and invite. Allah guides and converts. We do not give Daw’ah to Muslims, but to non-Muslims. We give Naseeqah to Muslims.”

Dr Al-Mobayed and Dr El-Helbawy echoed the lesson of ‘finding the balance’. Dr El-Helbawy said, “No- one will make your dream a reality except yourself. Learn to find the balance between yourself and the external factors, like your parents, friends and the environment.” Dr Rashdan questioned the relevance the past has on the future. “I interpret the past, present and future as hindsight, insight and foresight – not as distinctive eras but it overlaps each other.” He encouraged the delegates to build relationships and institutions that are beneficial and not reactive to their insecurities, “We build Muslim institutions to insulate us, but we must build institutions that can attract nonMuslims and build our character.”

Hafidha Rayhaanah Omar Mohammed, the only female speaker and facilitator captivated the female audience by her presentation of Islam, below are some reviews from the females that attended her workshop. The female respondents were a little shy in their expressions and wished to remain anonymous. We respect our sisters feelings and sincerely thank them for their contribution.

The only female speaker, Hafidha Rayhaanah inspired and motivated the audience to constantly be reflective, “Our lives need to be permanently in a legacy of reflection.” She emphasized that once we understand the importance of attaining and disseminating knowledge and the legacy and the roles of women as a collective and individual, we would not grapple with our identity. “Allah has chosen rights for us (women) not lesser roles, but complimentary roles,” said Hafidha Rayhaanah.

The topic which she called her gift to us was Thikr, a way of planting for ourselves a seed in Jannah. During this workshop she literally had each and everyone in the room connect with Allah in a 60sec exercise that left most of the women if not all in tears.

During the workshop session, Dr Rashdan unpacked the terms modernization of Islam and modernity. “With respect to globalisation, its communication that allows us closer (to each other), not socially. Globalisation means (only) globalizing of wealth,” said Dr Rashdan . He questioned if modern day Muslims created new technology or thoughts. And, argued that Muslims cannot take ownership and modernize (progress) on others innovation, “Don’t fool yourself as an Ummah that you will Islamize an innovation or idea.” Altikriti elaborated that integration does not imply that you compromise or undermine your values, “the Muslim community has a 300 year history of Islam in South Africa – where are you on the timeline of citizenship?” The common message from each speaker was, as Muslims living in a Western or secular society, they should question their individual and collective contribution to the South African landscape. “How many non-Muslims are registered as students in our educational institutions,” asked Dr Rashdan.

Peer Reviews Where to start…..at nearly midnight on the first evening of the conference, Haafitha Rayhaana was asked to run an unplanned workshop the following evening and without hesitation she agreed. Little did we realize what inspirational sessions lay ahead……

She gave us some practical tips on how to sustain ones remembrance of Allah by means of implementing the 4 states of consciousness in our daily lives. 1. I am in Allah’s presence and He is watching me 2. Everything I have has been given to me by Allah 3. Nothing in the world happens without Allah’s permission 4. I am going to return to Allah and that day could be today She reminded us of 2 things the Prophet (S.A.W) said people will hanker after 1. Wealth 2. Knowledge Which one will you choose? She recommended a cure for depression, stressing the importance reliance in Allah, for if one is completely reliant on Allah then surely you will never be sad or depressed. 1. Recite Laa goula wala koowata 2. Look at people less fortunate materially 3. Look at those more fortunate spiritually 4. Read surah Nuh with it’s meaning She beautifully reminded us that for each 72 beats per minute that our hearts beats it is purely by the permission of Allah. Create your own spiritually awaking Quran

We were fortunate enough to attend a second workshop called Wonder woman : Serving Faith, Family, Career and Community. She explained that women are by nature nurturers. Her introduction was titled – ‘The initial stage of positive development’ It started off with a question: WHAT ROLE DOES ALLAH HAVE IN MY LIFE (think of this all the time) Ones relationship with Allah governs all other relationships. Do we know the 99 names of Allah with meaning? One can never love Allah enough. Have you ever wondered how love between human beings exists? She explains, Allah’s love for mankind is proclaimed in the heavens to angel Jibreel, then angel Jibreel passes this message onto to the other angels and this love finally filters down via the Almighty to mankind, hence the love we have for one another is as a result of our optional deeds that we do. 2. Tazkiyyah: Take your wholesome qualities and enhance it. Focus on your positive qualities instead of the negative qualities. Confidence is knowing that Allah is always there and to never forget the essence of motherhood , YOU have been chosen to nourish another soul. Ask yourself the question, if the great Sahaabi e.g. Khadija (R.A) or Aasiya (R.A) were to see us today, would they be proud of us? She advised us to place more emphasis on learning Islam and to keep a spiritual diary. Look into the wisdom in making wudu (go back to basics if need be). Make wudu from the inside out. Find things to refresh our Islam, our lives. Learn the commands and basics of Islam. Select on Sahaabi and learn everything about her in order to emulate her life, adopt something from her character. She reminded us that time is an amaanah from Allah so use it well. On a daily basis create a table of needs vs. wants. 1. Write down all the wants and needs 2. Sort them out 3. Prioritize them 4. Remember Al-Asr (WE don’t own time, Allah does) 5. Be in a sustained state of Allah consciousness She suggested some reading material – Great Women in Islam & Ideal Muslimah

In conclusion, Haafitha Rayhaana is an exceptionally inspirational woman. Her workshops heightened my awareness of Allah and left me feeling more connected with Allah to a degree which I did not know was possible, subhanallah. It allowed me reflect on my role, not just as a Muslim female but as a mother too. It created the space for me to identify with my spirituality in an awesome way. On a whole the entire experience was phenomenal and as she so aptly quotes from Iman Al Shafi’ee. “This life if but a moment, make it a moment of obedience to Allah” May Allah reward her abundantly for her amazing ability to spread the word of Allah with such ease, sincerity and piety. May Allah also grant her the means to reach many more of our sisters insha-Allah so that we may constantly revive our Islamic spirit. May our children turn to women like her as their role models. May we always be steadfast in our journey towards Allah so that we too may become true ambassadors of Islam inshaAllah Ameen. Anonymous “Sister Rayhaana’s workshop was not like any I’ve been to before. Her words were concise yet her message was so effective. She left everyone present in the room feeling spiritually revived and going home with a stronger and more meaningful connection to Allah and this beautiful Deen of Islam. Not only was she able to win over the hearts of ladies of various age groups who were present but also she assisted us with the tools to identify ourselves and our blessings in being women – especially Muslim, believing women. May Allah reward her well for her great efforts in His Path and may He bless our Ummah with many more inspiring personalities as Sister Rayhaana.” Anonymous “Alhamdulillah, definitely a memorable experience and an inspiring woman who caught the hearts of every woman present, young and old….. May Allah guide us to implement the beautiful life lessons learnt and keep us firm on His path Insha-Allah , Ameen.” Anonymous.

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October 2007 ­- Ramadaan 1428

Reflections of the blessed month of Ramadaan

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stronomically it has been calculated that Muslims will be bidding farewell to the holy month of Ramadaan. Celebrating Eidul-Fitr on 13 October 2007. The Astronomical New Moon is on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 5:00 GMT (i.e., 1:00 am EDT, or October 10, 10:00 pm PDT). It will not be visible on October 11 anywhere in the world, except Southern tip of South America and Polynesian Islands in the South Pacific. On October 12, it will be visible in New Zealand Australia, Indonesia, South Asia, Africa and Africas. In North America on October 12, it can be seen with some difficulty Look at the visibilty curve below.

What Ramadaan means to me ……

By Grade 7 learners of Muhammadiya Primary School

Fasting for me is the time I train myself for the other months so that I can be spiritually uplifted, obedient and appreciative of my blessings. In the fasting time, I feel the hunger of the poor and needy. This teaches me not to waste food but rather dish or make donate food those in need. Sakeenah Kerbelker The first week of fast is always difficult. I battle to get up, and once I’ve eaten I can’t fall asleep again. It is exciting but also tiring. Everything becomes easier as the month progresses. Fasting makes me think twice about wasting food. After fasting a month I can relate to the poor people, their hunger pains and how they are suffering. Haanim Isaacs Ramadaan makes me feel spiritually uplifted because it is the month that our holy book, the Quraan, was revealed to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). The feeling of sharing cake with my neighbours makes me feel good. I consider this month a blessing and opportunity to invest on building on my good deeds. Malika Jacobs I think it is amazing how millions of Believers rich and poor, eastern and western change the course of their lives for a whole month. When the moon is sighted the whole Muslim world is moved by a single current from one end to the other. It’s wonderful how the month of Ramadaan is welcomed into all Muslim homes. Raadhiyah Mathee

Ramadaan means sharing, abstaining from the bad and changing to become better Muslims. This month is very sacred to me, because the Holy Quran was send down to us. And as the Nabi Muhammad (saw) said, “He who fasts but abstain from their salaah is a cruel and wicked Muslim.” Meaning, if you fast and do not make salaah, then your fast is meaningless. Marweeyah Wyngaard During this month I feel pure and clean. It feels as if I’m closer to Allah and that the whole world is in peace and harmony. I know, now how the poor and needy feels, when

they haven’t eaten for days. For me this is the most beautiful month because it teaches one to be tolerant to one another. Everything seems so much easier. Kashiefa Behardien

the morning but I am not a morning person but for Allah I will accept this prescribed order (rule). I have the opportunity to get reward for every good deed. Hani Ahmed Hussein

I feel spiritually uplifted and clean because Allah (swt) forgives all our sins if we ask Allah (swt) sincerely. The taraweeg is almost like an exercise because it’s a relief to your food that you have eaten. Wasfie Price

The excitement is here again with waking up at four o’clock in the morning. Waking up that time isn’t the best that there is because you can’t go back to sleep once you’ve eaten. Fasting for 14 hours gives you a headache and your stomach is sore after a few hours. At the end of the day, Taraweeh is performed and this takes an hour because it is 20 rakaats. Although it’s a rough time,

Ramadaan is a chance to show Allah how loyal and obedient I am to him. It is also a chance to be closer to my Creator. I have to wake up early in

at the end of the day, it’s you who will get rewarded. Samir Daniels In the beginning it is a bit difficult getting up earlier than normal Fajr time during Ramadaan to have something to eat, but I soon get use to it. During the day I feel hungry and then I just think of the poor and needy who do not even have any food and the hunger pains disappear. My father and I go to Taraweeg every night at Darul Na’im Mosque in Wynberg. M. Ameen Kamalie

119 Ottery Road Wynberg Tel: 021 797 2498 We wish all Muslims a Joyous and Blessed Eid ul Fitr and thank our customers for their valued support

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October 2007 ­- Ramadaan 1428

Medical aid schemes, private hospitals under scrutiny

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edical aid schemes and private hospitals have come under fire from the Health Minister for charging high fees. Compared to the public health sector, private hospitals are highly-resourced and cater for highincome earners who happen to be members of medical aid schemes. The exorbitant fees charged by the schemes make it difficult for low-income earners to afford them and thus, can’t access private health care. This has forced the Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, to want to

intervene. “Private healthcare sector needs a coherent regulatory framework to ensure that it operates in the best interests of all the citizens of the country, not just its shareholders. We cannot afford to allow this industry to continue to be negatively affected by the cost spiral that we are currently witnessing,” said Tshabalala-Msimang. The Minister also raised concerns about the high fees charged by some medical aid schemes. ” Over the past five years, membership of medical schemes has

become both static and increasingly unaffordable, thus widening the gap between the high-income and the middle-income groups in terms of access to private health care,” Tshabalala-Msimang said. “Medical schemes are registered as not-for-profit. We need to ensure that this legal requirement is met by all schemes to ensure their viability”, she added. Representing the medical aid schemes industry, Dr Humphrey Zokufa, the Managing Director of the Board of Healthcare Funders, acknowledged the problem and said the current health care sys-

tem is imperfect and allows some members of the private health care industry to conduct unethical business practices to “increase their remuneratations". “The system right now in the health care sector is designed in such a way that those who participate in it are incentivised to do things that have led (to) where we are now. It is not that the people themselves are bad. The people are just utilizing the system to do what they can do to increase their remunerations. And I am saying we need to then change the system. ” said Dr Zokufa.

Kurt Worral-Clare, the Chief Executive Officer of the Hospitals’ Association of SA, which represents private hospitals, agrees that there is need for change, but says there is lot more that needs to be done to bring down costs. “There are many cost components to private hospitals, some of which are in our control, while others are not. Unfortunately, when private hospitals are asked to consider prices, little, if any, consideration is given to the cost of delivering health-care services,” said WorralClare. Health-E

CANCER CAN BE BEATEN

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ealthy lifestyle, screening and testing can help prevent cancer.

we are encouraging all women over the age of 30 to go for a pap smear test", said Molete.

According to a report by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), a non-governmental organization working in the response against cancer, one in four adults is diagnosed with cancer during his or her lifetime. Furthermore, more than 80 000 South Africans die from the disease every year.

Wilma van der Bijl, former Miss South Africa (1987), was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. Van der Bijl was going for regular check-ups but it never cross her mind that a healthy individual like her could be diagnosed.

However, Martha Molete, cocoordinator of CANSA, says up to 40% of cancers can be prevented by simply adapting a healthy lifestyle, and frequent testing and screening. She says if detected early, one has a better chance of recovery.

Wilma Van Der Bijl, former Miss South Africa (1987)

"If you look at cervical cancer, it's the number one cause of death among the women in South Africa. Over 3 500 women die each year from cervical cancer. And the tragedy is that those deaths could have been prevented had those women gone for pap smear tests to pick up the abnormal cells in the opening of the womb. Sadly, less than 20% of South African women have ever gone for pap smears test. So,

"I was utterly shocked. I could not believe that I was diagnosed, because I did not fall into the category of risk factors, which risk factors will be overweight, over the age of 40, not to have breast fed your children, smoking, taking oral contraceptives. I wasn't into any of the risk factors, except that I was a little bit over the 40s", said van der Bijl. She says it is important for everybody to go for regular screening and testing, as there is no one who is immune to cancer. "I had been very healthy and quite young. And if I could get it, anybody can get it. It is so important that we take our own health into our own hands and not wait for other people to look after us", she said.

ISLAMIC MEDIA AGENCY CC & Community News Team wishes all Muslim s a joyous Eid-ul Fitr

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October 2007 ­- Ramadaan 1428

SHAIKHS EXOTICS SAVOURY RICE

Ingredients 2 cups Basmati rice 1 onion sliced finely 2tblsp butter or oil 1 ripe tomato chopped 1 red pepper cut in cubes 1 yellow pepper cut in cubes ½ punnet of mushrooms, washed and sliced ½ cup peas 1tsp salt 1 tsp crushed garlic or paste few strands of Shaikhs Exotics Saffron ( pour boiling water over saffron and allow to steep till needed ) 10ml Shaikhs Exotics Malay/ Thai spice 2.5ml Shaikhs Exotics mixed herbs ¼ bunch of fresh coriander / dhanya (washed and chopped)

Method 1. Boil rice in 6 cups of water and 1tsp of salt. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat butter and add onions. Braise until golden brown. 3. Add tomatoes, garlic salt, saffron, Malay/ Thai spice and herbs and cook for 5 minutes 4. Add peppers, mushrooms and peas. Cook for few minutes. 5. Add cooked rice and chopped coriander / dhanya. Mix well and steam for a few minutes until all flavours have blended into rice.

SHAIKHS EXOTICS FALOODA DELIGHT Very easy to prepare and excellent for celebrations Ingredients Milk Ice cream Flaked almonds and Raw pistachio nuts chopped Shaikhs Exotics Elaichi powder (ground cardamom) Shaikhs Exotics Superior Rose Syrup Vermicelli Shaikhs Exotics China Grass powder Shaikhs Exotics Sabja seeds

Vermicelli mix 1. Boil 1tsp china grass in 1 cup of water. Allow to set. Grate when firm. 2. Boil 1 cup of vermicelli and drain. 3. Soak 2 tsp sabja seeds in 1 cup of water till it swells out. Drain excess water. 4. Mix above ingredients together and keep aside till needed

Method 1. In a tall glass put 2 full scoops of vanilla ice cream. 2. Add 2tblsp of vermicelli mix. 3. Pour enough milk to top the glass. 4. Pour rose syrup over so that it trickles down the sides 5. Add almonds and chopped nuts and a pinch of elachi powder. 6. Top with sugared rose petals (optional) Sugared rose petals (Dip rose petals in egg white, roll in caster sugar. Allow to dry.) Enjoy!

PERI - PERI PRAWNS

Ingredients 1kg deveined large prawns 125ml butter 2tsp garlic crushed or paste 2tsp Shaikhs Exotics Seafood Masala 1tsp Shaikhs Exotics Paprika Juice of 1 lemon 1tsp salt

Method 1. Marinate prawns in above spices and lemon juice for ½ hour. 2. Place in a baking tray and grill for 10 minutes. 3. Turn a few times during grilling until prawns are pink and juicy. Baste with leftover marinade when turning prawns. 4. Serve hot with Aziza’s peri peri sauce.

AZIZA’S PERI PERI SAUCE FOR PRAWNS Ingredients 250ml (1 cup) lemon juice 125ml (1/2 cup) butter 5ml (1tsp) Shaikhs Exotics Paprika 5ml (1tsp) Shaikhs Exotics Chilli Powder 5ml crushed garlic or paste ½ tsp salt or to taste

Method Place all ingredients in a saucepan and cook until thick and creamy. Pour over prawns just before serving. This sauce is best served hot.

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October 2007 ­- Ramadaan 1428

MAIL BAG – Letters, email and sms [email protected] • fax 021 697 2304 sms 074 227 4345 in Haldon Street and dragging this najis into the Masjid. C. DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Young men wearing jeans and pants hanging off their bottoms and when they ruku and sujud the sun shines. Some wearing sleeveless vests showing bushes of hairy armpits.

Wishing all Muslims well over the month of Ramadaan & an Eid Mubarak… We trust that the month of Ramadaan will bring to you contentment and spiritual upliftment that we all so richly deserve. Eid Day: PAGAD Mass Eid Salaah - Noll Avenue Sportsfield, Athlone Industria – “Unity is Strength…” As part of the Ramadaan Programme, PAGAD will also be collecting & distributing your Fitrah & Zakaah. Contributions are payable @ the PAGAD Office: 68B Camberwell Road, Crawford

People Against Gangsterism & Drugs Assalaam mu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu I would like the Sheikhs to to address the following issues this year. A. PLACE SHOES AND SANDALS IN THE SHOE RACKS. How often do we have to climb over a mound of shoes and bring the najis from other shoes into the masjid. B. LEAVE OFF THE JEANS AND PANTS FASHIONS: Young men , and I dont know about the ladies, wearing extra long pants, dragging and cleaning-up the sidewalk

D. DRESS APPROPRIATELYPICTURES OF DOGS AND ANIMALS IN THE MASJID. T-shirts with advertisements, rugby league emblems and pictures of dogs, barnyard animals and other animals in the House of Allah., i.e. "bulldogs" and "roosters" etc. E. BASE BALL CAPS Advertising of all brands NIKE etc F. SMOKING ON THE MASJID PRECINTS. G. CONGREGATING OUTSIDE THE MASJID AND BLOCKING EXITS and lastly., H. PLEASE DO NOT BE THE ONE TO BRING MUSIC INTO THE HOUSE OF ALLAH SWT! This year let us stop the distractions to the Honourable Quaris, Sheikhs and Musallees in Masjids in Lakemba and elsewhere. Last Ramadaan the Quari in Lakemba Masjid was visibly distracted by the ringtone music of the Rocky movies from an elderly brother! We have seen brothers, and I dont know about the sisters, answering the phones to have long conversations (even very quietly this is a disturbance), messaging , comparing the latest Nokia and Ericcson features, and we have to listen to a varied range of music tones, music from the Rocky and James Bond movies, mobile phone cameras clicking off , and I don’t know what else next this Ramadaan. Maybe this year some bright innovative young man will design the mobile-phone depository., somewhat

similar to the shoe depository.

Thanking You Kindly.

Salaam Ebrahim

Ed response: We have requested a response from SAHUC, unfortunately at the time of publication no response was received.

Dear Mr President We are concerned citizens who fear that there is a cartel controlling and monopolising the Muslim pilgrimage travel industry. South Africa is one of the most expensive countries in the world, when it comes to our South African Muslims wishing to perform the Pilgramage as we are obligated to by the Religion Of Islam. We know this when we meet with our brothers and sisters from the various other countries. We discuss our travel packages and we get very surprised and Shocked to learn that our packages are exorbitantly expensive. HAJJ is the FIFTH pillar of Islam and only becomes obligatory once an adult has sufficient funds to undertake the journey which is once in a lifetime for many of us. Many of our people yearn to undertake this pilgrimage because of it being the last obligation to complete our faith, as well as to go and visit the two most holiest cities of Islam, i.e. Makka and Medina. Hence our travel agents have no mercy and charge exorbitant fares because they know that,out of our love for our faith , we would pay any price for this once in a life time opportunity. All we are asking you MR. PRESIDENT is to look into this monopoly and bring the "oppressors" to book. Regulate pilgrimage prices for the benefit of our people (like you have done with the pharmacy industry ). Have your team investigate this and also do comparative country pricings and expose these exploiters, because if anything , we know and as citizens our country( from our history) , we would not tolerate oppression and exploitation from anyone - anytime!!

Asalaamu Alaikum Brothers and Sisters Some of you may have noticed that many of our Masajid (mosques) have become beautiful and opulent structures, (which is perhaps a sign of rising wealth in the community). While there is nothing wrong in looking after our masajid, the consequences of building palatial structures are worrisome. For example you will find that most masajid are locked outside prayer times, which we are told is a result of the current crime situation and is to safeguard the valuables in the masjid. Had we left the masjid as a basic structure, with no expensive enhancements, the facility would have been available at all hours, which would be especially welcoming for travelers. At this time, we should perhaps be reminded of some hadith relating to masajid: * Anas (ra) said: "A time will come when the people will vie with each other in (building) the mosques but very few will attend (the mosques)." (Ahmad, Abu Daud, an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah) * It is certain that a time will come when nothing will remain of Islam except the name, and nothing will remain of the Qur'an except its traces, and their masajid will be (grand) structures but will be devoid of (true) guidance, and their 'ulama (religious scholars) will be the worst of those beneath the sky. (Baihaqi) * Ibn Abbas reports that the Prophet (s) said: "Whoever builds for Allah a mosque, even if it be tiny, like a bird's nest, Allah will build for him a house in paradise." (This is related by Ahmad, Ibn Hibban and al-bazzar with a sahih chain) * Ibn Abbas reports that the Messenger

of Allah said: "I have not been ordered to build high and lofty mosques." (Abu Daud, ibn Hibban calls it sahih) * Ibn Abbas said: ".You will certainly embellish them (the mosques) as the Jews and Christians [embellished their places of worship]." (Abu Daud, Ibn Hibban calls it sahih) Now ponder on the following: * Instead of extending and beautifying existing structures, should we not spend money on building basic masajid in townships? * If we do choose to spend lavishly on a masjid, is it then not our responsibility to provide security for the valuables, to ensure that the masjid is not locked and is available at all times - because by locking the masjid, we will be preventing someone from completing their obligations in the house of Allah? * By spending excessively on a masjid, the benefactors sometimes develop a sense of ownership of what should be Waqaf property. The "mosque committee control" results in a few people deciding what can and cant happen in what is meant to be a Muslim public space. * While masajid are increasingly extravagant, we skimp on madrassah funding and under-paying the teachers of the Deen. * We spend exorbitant amounts on the masajid, yet we provide no facilities for Muslim youth, allowing them to fall prey to drugs, sex and gangsterism at non-Muslim venues. * And most importantly - how can we truly focus on our prayers when we have the distractions of these expensive adornments. Save our masajid today by: (1) Speaking up against committees who continuously raise funds for unnecessary beautification, and (2) Insisting that all masajid are accessible at all times. May Allah guide us on the straight path. Riaad Akhalwaya

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October 2007 ­- Ramadaan 1428

A cross-eyed democracy:

Floor-crossings' bitter pill leads to skewed vision for Democracy in SA. by Shafinaaz Hassim such a devious yet simplistic game is alarming when one contemplates the current arrogance prevailing in the National Assembly.

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he current spate of floorcrossings, earlier last month can be reduced to nothing more than a game of 'musical chairs', leaving our not-so-fledgling democracy in a marshy shambles. The irrational fluidity with which the process is undertaken has reduced participants to amoebic proportions, what with some councilors resorting to both bribery and/or physically beating each other up, as was the case between members of the DA and NPP at the midnight deadline at IEC offices in Pretoria. Lets be frank, despite the intentions to shroud it in affirming rhetoric, the floor-crossing shenanigans of September raise far too many questions about our democracy. Floor-crossing at best, serves only to legitimate a kind of organizational head-hunting (or poaching, if u like) in order to pool and concentrate top political resource. The shortsightedness in employing

One might ask what right do our elected representatives of the assembly assume in these wanton and random defections that effectively defy the will of the electorate. Floor-crossing allows representatives of the polity, elected for the people, by the people, to defect with impunity to another party. By extension, this has been taken to mean potential defection to either existing or new parties, reducing the political trend to a ritualistic mating ceremony, complete with garlanding regalia and the works, and giving birth to some rather horrendous (and often short-lived) mutations. To illustrate the resultant fragmentation, the Government Gazette informs that twelve new political parties were registered since June this year: Christian Democratic Alliance, Federal Congress, National Alliance, Social Democratic Party, National People's Party, People's Democratic Movement, African People's Convention, New Vision Party, Civic Alliance of South Africa, South African Political Party, Federal African Convention and the Eden Forum. All the parties are registered nationally, except for the

Eden Forum which is registered municipally. In this way, the flailing opposition is further shredded to virtual nothingness. As if the challenges posed by the actual floor-crossing debacle are not proof enough, this resultant chaos makes for debilitating consequences for democracy in South Africa. Floor-crossing effectively robs voters of the mandate given to their political party of choice. According to the Government Gazette released soon after the closing of the latest floor-crossing period which ended at midnight on 15 September, some 250 municipal councilors crossed the floor successfully. During this period, the politico-organisational composition of 128 municipalities were tampered with. Since every seat in the National Assembly represents a significant proportion of the electorate, the structural result of every floor-crossing effectively topples the intention of the voting public. Uncertainty becomes rampant, both within the Assembly, and within the sphere of the political arena. In addition, a fragmented and weaker opposition means that the balance of power is further skewed, and the ruling party left with a rather unhealthy apathy regards responsibility to service delivery and accountability

to the electorate. In an interview with the SABC earlier this month, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa highlighted significant challenges in the floor-crossing debacle, that further point to the shortsighted approach with which they are undertaken. Holomisa has pointed out the twin irresponsibility's of party members who fail to hand over signing powers (for party funding) upon defecting, and on local and provincial councilors who fail to ensure that this is carried out effectively. In numerous ways, floor-crossing opens the locus of politics to unnecessary weaknesses that subvert the democratic intent. In an effort to maintain the democratic representative balance, defectors must rather be seen as their label suggests: unhappy to continue in their representative post as elected and awarded to them by the will of the people, and subsequently relieved of their assumed burden. The choice to defection, then, is the choice to be removed from the sphere of the National Assembly and/or political sphere. In this way, the intentions of democracy-affirming manifestos are upheld. The slogan ''for the people, by the people'' presupposes that the people shall govern and that the representative

core shall undertake a balanced political dynamic in order to ensure that the needs of the electorate and the viability of the nation and the state are sustained. Floor-crossing has effectively bull-dozed this thesis in simplistic arrogance, leaving academics, politicians and the public baffled at the shortsighted approaches to representative governance and accountability. By implication, the National Assembly is reduced to nothing more than a circus act of wobbly trapeze artists opting for greener grass job options above their responsibility to the electorate. The result: a battering of devastating proportions to the will of the people, and gross commodification of the National Assembly, and governance in particular. The challenge is for the representative balance to be maintained. For now, the ANC continues once again, to take an ''eat your veggies'' approach to the floor-crossing debacle. Come December, when the ruling party congregates in the Limpopo Province, one can only hope that the seriousness of the situation is given the attention it deserves and these instruments of chaos weeded out once and for all. Shafinaaz Hassim is the author of Daughters are Diamonds: Honour, Shame & Seclusion - A South African perspective.

Table Mountain Declaration Thousands March in D.C. War Protest By Matthew Barakat now on the web

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he World Association of Newspapers has launched a new web site to support the Declaration of Table Mountain, which calls on African nations to abolish all laws that restrict freedom of expression. The web site, at http://www. declarationoftablemountain.org, was launched to coincide with a call to 192 member states of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to support the Declaration at the organisation's General Conference in Paris later this month.

that it isn't just a bunch of old hippies from the 60s who are against this war."

The Declaration of Table Mountain, issued at the World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, in June, calls on African governments "as a matter of urgency" to abolish all laws that restrict press freedom, to release jailed journalists, abolish draconian press laws and recognise the importance of press freedom for economic, political and social development.

Counterprotesters lined the sidewalks behind metal barricades. There were some heated shouting matches between the two sides. The arrests came after protesters lay down on the Capitol lawn in what they called a "die in" — with signs on top of their bodies to represent soldiers killed in Iraq. When police took no action, some of the protesters started climbing over a barricade at the foot of the Capitol steps.

UNEMPLOYMENT AND DESPERATION SPIRALS IN GAZA

T

he World Bank warned in July that unemployment rates in the Gaza Strip could reach an unprecedented 44 percent due to the US-led international boycott of the Strip after Hamas was voted to power in January of last year. The international lending agency said Gaza's economic

conditions are far acute than the West Bank, which is ruled by the Salam Fayyad government appointed by President Mahmoud Abbas in June following Hamas's take-over of Gaza. Up to 50,000 Palestinian workers were laid off due to the continuous closure by Israel of the main crossings.

Several thousand anti-war demonstrators marched through downtown Washington earlier this month, clashing with police at the foot of the Capitol steps where at least 160 protesters were arrested. The group marched from the White House to the Capitol to demand an end to the Iraq war. Their numbers stretched for blocks along Pennsylvania

Army veteran Justin Cliburn, 25, of Lawton, Okla., was among a contingent of Iraq veterans in attendance.

Many were arrested without a struggle after they jumped over the waist-high barrier. But some grew angry as police with shields and riot gear attempted to push them back. At least two people were showered with chemical spray. Protesters responded by throwing signs and chanting: "Shame on you."

"We're occupying a people who do not want us there," Cliburn said of Iraq. "We're here to show

The rally was organized by the ANSWER Coalition and other groups.

Avenue, and they held banners and signs and chanted, "What do we want? Troops out. When do we want it? Now."

12

October 2007 ­- Ramadaan 1428

SLAMAT VIR LABARANG!

The month of Ramadaan is a festive one with Muslims openly sharing and caring for their brethren. The masajids a hype of activities, with bumper packed programmes. Sadly, all these festivities abruptly come to an end for our ‘new’ Muslims. Their ‘Ramadaan’ family all gone home to celebrate Eid ulFitr, leaving them all alone in the masajids. “After the Eid salaah, Muslims go and greet their families, leaving reverts alone at the masajids,” said Dr Quick, the director of the Discover Islam Centre in Lansdowne. The Centre supports new Muslims through educational, youth and social programmes. Each new Muslim receives a support pack containing literature, a salaah mat and a copy of the Quran. On Eid day, after Thur salaah, Dr Quick and the Discover Islam Centre will be hosting a festive programme at the Taronga Road masajid. Inbetween your family festivities, please give salaam to our new Muslims and support them on the road to Allah. For more information contact the Discover Islam Centre on 021 696 8375/6 or 385 Lansdowne Road, Lansdowne, 7780. NOTABLE NEW MUSLIMS • Éric Abidal (changed his name to Bilal) - French soccer player , converted to Islam after marriage. • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Lew Alcindor) - retired basketball player & the NBA's all-time leading scorer • Abdullah Ibrahim - South African Jazz musician • Mike Tyson (Malik Abdul Aziz) - former heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Converted while in prison after being convicted of rape • Tariq Abdul-Wahad (Olivier SaintJean) - originally from France, former basketball player for the Mavericks and Kings • Ivan Aguéli (Johan Agelii) famous Swedish painter • Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), famous boxer

• Rowland Allanson-Winn, 5th Baron Headley - British soldier • Muhammad Abd-al-Rahman Barker (Philip Barker) - professor of Urdu, former chair of the University of Minnesota's Department of South Asian studies and creator of the Tékumel fantasy world. • Józef Bem - Polish-Hungarian general, considered a national hero of Poland. • Mohammed Knut Bernström - Swedish ambassador to Venezuela (1963-1969), Spain (1973-1976) and Morocco (19761983) • Yahya Birt - journalist and son of former BBC Director General John Birt, also director of The City Circle. • Torquato Cardilli - Italian ambassador; converted from Catholicism. • Ian Dallas - Shaykh Dr. Abdalqadir as-Sufi - sufi shaykh of scotish orgins. • Isabelle Eberhardt - from Lutheran Christianity, 19th century explorer & writer • Yahiya Emerick - American Muslim scholar, president of the Islamic Foundation of North America, born into a Protestant family. • Keith Ellison - American, raised Catholic, Representative from Minnesota's 5th congressional district, first Muslim to be elected to the United States Congress[ • Sultaana Freeman - sued the state of Florida for niqab restrictions. • Roger Garaudy - French philosopher, before converting to Islam Marxist and member of the French Communist Party • René Guénon - French Author in the field of metaphysics • Knud Holmboe - Danish journalist and explorer; converted from Catholicism. • Bernard Hopkins - American boxer • Jermaine Jackson (Muhammad Abdul Aziz) - former member of The Jackson 5 and brother of popstars Michael and Janet Jackson • Nuh Ha Mim Keller - from Catholicism to agnosticism to Sufism, Islamic scholar.

• Michael Muhammad Knight American novelist, writer, and journalist. • John Walker Lindh - the American Taliban

Raised Roman Catholic, John Walker Lindh AKA "Jihad Johnny" later converted to Islam, joined the Taliban and was captured in Afghanistan fighting against Americans. • Alexander Litvinenko - former Russian spy converted to Islam on his deathbed. • Vincenzo Luvineri - American rapper and the lyricist behind the Philadelphia underground hiphop group Jedi Mind Tricks; converted from Roman Catholicism. • Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood British author. • Iyasu V - Ethiopian emperor. • Bruno Metsu - French coach of the Senegal team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup • Peter Murphy - vocalist of the rock group Bauhaus. Converted from Catholicism. • John Nelson - first recorded Englishman to become a Muslim. • Queen Noor of Jordan (formerly Lisa Najeeb Halaby) • Omar Pasha - Ottoman general. Converted from Serbian Orthodoxy. • Pernilla Ouis - Swedish human ecologist, lecturer at Lund University. • Emin Pasha - physician, naturalist, and Egyptian governor. • Poncke Princen - Dutch soldier, later human rights activist. • St. John Philby - Arabist, explorer, writer, and British colonial office intelligence operative; converted from Anglicanism. • Marmaduke Pickthall - famous translator of the Quran. • Radu cel Frumos - was the younger brother of Vlad Ţepeş (Dracula) and prince of the principality of Wallachia. Converted from Catholicism. • Ilie II Rareş - prince of Moldavia. • Ahmad Rashād - Emmy awardwinning sportscaster (mostly with NBC Sports) and former American football wide receiver.

The Muslim Judicial Council extends its outreach programme to Tafelsig, Mitchell’s Plain. PIC – M. Yusuf Karriem

• Franck Ribéry- a French soccer player. His name after he converted to Islam is Bilal. • Yvonne Ridley - British journalist, from Anglicanism. She converted after being kidnapped and released by the Taliban. • Sana al-Sayegh, dean of the Science and Technology Faculty at Palestine International University, converted to Islam in August 2007. • Scarface - American rapper • Mario Scialoja - Italian ambassador and President of the World Muslim League. • Betty Shabazz - wife of Malcolm X; former Methodist. • Rudolf Carl von Slatin - AngloAustrian soldier and administrator in the Sudan. • Joe Tex - soul singer and recording artist. • Zhang Chengzhi - contemporary Hui Chinese author; raised as an atheist. • Charles le Gai Eaton - British diplomat and writer. • Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) British musician and singer • Jeffrey Lang - American, Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Kansas. (Raised Catholic, but atheist from age 18 to conversion) • Martin Lings - a widely acclaimed British scholar. He was raised as a Protestant, became an atheist, and later converted to Islam. • Mos Def - American rapper and actor. • Ahmad Thomson - British barrister and writer and a member of the Murabitun movement. • Top Topham - rock guitarist from England. • Gabriele Torsello - Italian freelance photojournalist based in London who was abducted in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. • Philippe Troussier - French, former football player & trainer of a Japanese football team[ • Mihnea Turcitul - was a Prince (Voivode) of Walachia. Converted from Eastern Orthodox Chrisitianity. • Malcolm X - American, from Christianity to Nation of Islam to mainstream Islam, AfricanAmerican civil rights leader.

• Keith Ellison American, raised Catholic, Representative from Minnesota's 5th congressional district, first Muslim to be elected to the United States Congress • Mohammad Yousuf - from Catholicism, Pakistani cricketer. Known for holding the world record for the most Test runs in a single calendar year. • Hamza Yusuf - American convert from Greek Orthodox; head of the Zaytuna Institute. • Alexander Russell Webb American journalist, newspaper owner, and former ConsulGeneral of the U.S.A. in the Philippines. • Abdulla Webster - former Sergeant First Class in the United States Army who refused to deploy to Iraq. • John Whitehead - an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. • Mohammed Zakariya - an American master of Arabic calligraphy, best known for his work on the popular Eid U.S. postage stamp. • Omar Sharif - Academy Awardnominated Egyptian actor who has starred in many Hollywood films; converted from Catholicism • Abdullah ibn Salam - 7th century sahabi said to have been a rabbi of aristocratic stock. • Leila Mourad - Egyptian singer and actress who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. • Lev Nussimbaum - prolific author on the topics of Middle East and Russian history; the Nazi propaganda ministry included his works on their list of "excellent books for German minds" before discovering he was an ethnic Jew. • Jacob Querido - 17th century successor of the self-proclaimed Jewish Messiah Sabbatai Zevi. • Ali ibn Sahl Rabban al-Tabari - 9th century Persian scholar physician (a hakim), who produced the first encyclopedia of medicine.

Masjidul- Quds, Gatesvilles hosted its 16th Annual International Qira’ah Programme on 7 October, 2007. (l-r) Qari Abdul Aziz Brown and Qari M Zain Alexander with Qari Hafiz Jafar Fardiaghchay and Qari Mohammad Poor Niaragh from Iran. PIC – M. Yusuf Karriem