Issue 01 March 2012

Why do we need to choose good friends? So what’s my

purpose again?

find out inside!Neelam Rose at the United Nations

Islam & ScienceIbn Nafis

Dua’s, Poems, Quizzes & ReviewsBritish Sign Language

Editorial

It is with immense pride that we present the very first issue of Fifteen21. This is a NEW youth magazine for Muslim teenagers and young adults to educate, inspire and engage the future generation of British Muslim Society. Fifteen21 will be a dynamic magazine with features from interviews with inspiring youth, to book reviews, competitions, healthy wellbeing, topical issues concerning young Muslims today, spirituality, fashion, opportunities to engage and excel and national event profiles. Fifteen21 inspires young Muslims to be proud of their British Muslim identity. The name Fifteen21 is derived from both the 15th century of the Islamic Hijri year and the 21st century of the Christian era. Fifteen21 aims to reconcile both Muslim and British identity.

We are grateful to all our supporters around the UK, and with their contributions and prayers

have made Fifteen21 possible. We aim to equip the future generation with the confidence, knowledge and tools they need to face the many challenges ahead.

With Salaam

Fozia Parveen

All views are of the authors alone and not necessarily of those held by Fifteen21

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The path of knowledgeProphets in Islam: Prophet Adam (AS)Deed of the month: Helping those in needProfile: Suleman FahadSo Like, What’s, My Purpose Again?Hadith – Why do we need to choose good friends?EventsProfile - Neelam RoseDua’s - DhikrPoetry - There is no honour in silenceCompetitionsAunty’s ColumnBook ReviewsHealthy LivingMy City – the end of an eraRecipe: Carrot Dessert (Gajar Halwa)British Sign LanguageNational Events

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8Deed of the month

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Dear Reader I would like to start my article by welcoming you on this journey of learning with me (corny, but true). I pray that this knowledge inspires you and benefits us all, ameen. Many would lead us to believe that religion and science are completely different entities and if there is a mix of the two then the results would be negative. You’re probably familiar with the ideas that religion means we are all sheep following the herd, and that by having faith we are impeding the advancement of science and the pursuit of knowledge. While, on the other hand, interest in science prevents a person from having complete faith. I, however, to put it as clearly as possible disagree; religion and science complement rather than contradict each other. This is why we have to learn as much as we can about our faith and the world around us, so we can understand how they work together.

In the Dark Ages of the Western world, when the simple idea of hygiene was not known, Muslims were in the forefront in all aspects of science, technology and knowledge of the world. In these golden ages they made many discoveries and wrote numerous books and treatises.

A simple example is the discovery of the pulmonary circulation of the heart, which many believe was made by William Harvey (1578 – 1657). The original discovery was made by an Arab Muslim physician Ibn al-Nafis (1213-1288) approximately three centuries before Harvey, although Harvey discovered the entire circulatory system. Ibn al-Nafis made many more discoveries and wrote several books on medicine. He was also a traditionalist Muslim and aimed to reconcile rationality with revelation.

As previously mentioned at this time, many great works were written e.g. Al Kitab Kamil as-Sina’a at-Tibbiyya (Complete Book of the Medical Art) by Al-Majusi (died 982-994),

which contained information about many different aspects of medicine in a systematic and organised fashion. His encyclopedia was split into two parts – theory and practice with each book being split into two parts with various sub-topics. Some of the topics covered were classifications and causes of disease, medical ethics, neuroscience and psychology. Al-Majusi placed great importance on natural healing rather than medication. His reverence for Allah (swt) is evident in the worship and styles of expression throughout his work.

At this time the Muslim institutions were internationally renowned like the Bayt ul-Hikma (House of Wisdom); a research and educational institute in Baghdad. Subjects studied here were far ranging and included medicine, chemistry, mathematics, zoology and astronomy. Many classical texts written by the great scholars of India, Persia and Greece such as Plato, Aristotle, Sushruta, Hippocrates, Galen and Brahmagupta were translated into many languages establishing Bayt ul-Hikma as a major intellectual centre during the Islamic Golden Age.

The Path of Knowledge

ibn al-Nafis

Sofairah Aziz, Leeds...religion and science complement rather than contradict each other. This is why we have to learn as much as we can about our faith and the world around us

“ “

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In the name of Allah, the most beneficent, the most merciful

Prophets of Islam:

Prophet Adam (AS)

Prophet Adam (Alayhi Salam ) was the first man Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala ) made. Allah (SWT) made him from clay and taught him the names of everything and provided him with knowledge. Allah (SWT) told all the Angels and Jinn’s to bow to Prophet Adam (AS) out of respect and all obeyed except Iblis (Shaytaan) as he thought he was better than Prophet Adam (AS). As a result Allah (SWT) made Iblis leave Jannah (Heaven). Iblis said that he would try and make people follow the wrong path so that Allah (SWT) would also be displeased with them.

“Iblis said: Give me respite till the Resurrection Day. The Almighty said: Be you among those who are given respite. He said: I will certainly lie in wait for them on Your Straight Path. Then I will assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, not will You find most of them grateful. The Almighty said: Get out from this (Paradise) disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely I will fill Hell with you all.” (Quran 7:14-18)

Prophet Adam (AS) lived in Jannah but he was alone so Allah (SWT) made a companion for him called Hawwa (may Allah be pleased with her) from the ribs of Prophet Adam (AS). Allah (SWT) provided them with the knowledge to know the difference between good and evil. He let them do as they wanted and eat what they wanted but He warned them not to go near and eat the fruit of one particular tree.

Iblis did not like the fact that Prophet Adam (AS) and Hawwa (may Allah be pleased with her) were living in Jannah and he tried several times to make them eat from this forbidden tree. They resisted several times but eventually Iblis was successful and they approached the forbidden tree and ate from it. They realised they had sinned and immediately they asked Allah (SWT) to forgive them. As Allah (SWT) is most Forgiving and most Merciful, He forgave them but he told them that they were no longer allowed to live in Jannah. They had to live on Earth as ordinary people and earn their place in Jannah through good deeds.

Allah (SWT) provided Prophet Adam (AS) with guidance to teach others about the religion of Allah (SWT). Prophet Adam (AS) became the first Prophet of mankind and he told people to do good and stay away from evil.

Iblis is evil and tempts us to do sin and go on the wrong path to prevent us from going to Jannah. However, if we are spiritually and morally strong, Iblis will not be able to tempt us and we will be able to do things which please Allah (SWT) and inshAllah we will be able to live in Jannah forever. Ameen.

1: Arabic for “May Allah bless him”. “AS” in short.

2: Arabic for “Allah is Glorified and Exalted”. “SWT” in short.

Azizun Nessa, Manchester

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Have you ever been in need of help from others? The obvious answer is yes. We are born helpless and move through life seeking help from others. If we naturally need others, when we need help, then it is also important, and natural, to be able to help others, when they are in need. Allah expects us to help each other. Surat Al-Baqarah [2:177] contains a lengthy list of good deeds, one of which is aiding those who are needy.

When I moved to Bradford, it was under very serious and worrying circumstances. I was struggling terribly. MashaAllah, Alhamdulillah, there were people, who offered help... • People offered to give my children or myself a lift home in the rain and snow.• Landlords were flexible or reduced the rent, so that I could afford to stay. • My neighbour let me use part of her freezer to store food, as I had no freezer of my own.• Families donated clothes for my children.• Teenagers offered to look after my children.• Some women brought some food to us when we had so little.• MashaAllah, every smile – every Salam Alaikum meant the world to me, especially in times of hardship.

Each of those good deeds were done by several different people. To each person, those deeds were small, but to me and my children, they meant so much! Added up, I was so blessed, Alhamdulillah, to have help from so many people and as a relatively new Muslim, I also found that I had a vast ‘family’ of Muslims to depend on for help, if I ever needed.

Good deeds not only benefit the receiver, but also the giver. If you are in difficulty and distress – helping others purely for the intention of helping without expecting reward or recognition will bring you comfort. I was told of a story about an elderly man who went on Umrah – he owned a wheelchair for his comfort and ease of travel, yet he saw someone less able and more needy than him and MashaAllah gave away his wheelchair so that, that person would not suffer more than him. Sacrificing to help others can make the giver feel an inner peace, a sort of self purification, while giving the receiver a renewal of hope and faith in Allah and humanity. Allah’s Apostle said,

“Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even though it were little.”

(Bukhari Volume 8, Book 76, Number 471)

We will only enter Paradise through Allah’s (swt) Mercy.

We have a responsibility to help each other, Bismillah (In the Name of Allah). Imagine the impact we all could have on the world around us, if we were all constant and sincere in our good deeds. I know how much of an impact it had on my children and me and we are ONLY five people. Next time you see an opportunity to do a good deed, just do it, not for the reward, but for Allah, Bismillah. Make an Impact!

Deed of the month: Helping those in need.

Michelle Blum, Bradford

Photo By: Patrice WarrenerPictures courtesy of Bradford Council. Copyright remains with Bradford Council.

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Background:

My name is Suleman Fahad and I am 17 years old. I have been fostered for nearly 7 years; this is a very difficult situation to be in. Even though I am fostered I still try to get the best out of life. I am an individual who is tremendously motivated and will give 110% to achieve my end goal.

1. What do you do?

I am currently studying Business and Law at Solihull Sixth Form College. From the age of 14 I have been volunteering for a youth club in my spare time. This has allowed me to interact with young people enabling me to give something back to the community whilst also developing myself. There were structured leadership courses available which I attended and then helped to deliver to the youth. I was able to do this as I was an active volunteer. I was in charge of organising different activities such as table tennis, football and residential trips. I also use my management and leadership skills to mentor about 20 children. I gave them advice and guidance on any issues they may have. This benefited me as an individual and has also helped me develop many skills. I find my work very rewarding because I feel I am making a difference in people’s lives and making the community a better place.Stechford Youth Network has also helped me deliver events externally. I delivered a workshop in the Council House with an organisation, YMAG.

The workshop was on Muslim Identity. A few other volunteers and myself carried out role plays and activities to capture the meaning of Muslim Identity. I also volunteer with Islamic Relief. They have helped me to meet new people and encouraged me to be able to communicate with people more efficiently. This is a valuable skill to have as it applies to many jobs.

2. What do you like about Birmingham?

Birmingham is a multicultural city and gives people the chance to interact and learn about different cultures, religions and backgrounds. The Bullring shopping centre attracts people around the world and is a major attraction in Birmingham. This city also provides people with alot of youth work and youth services which people can benefit from such as Stechford Youth Network.

3. What’s the best thing that has happened in youth work during your time working with the youth?

Youth work is rewarding and has provided me with a number of opportunities. A project that I was given was to present and host a dinner in aid of Palestine infront of 250 people. I have led projects and workshops with the youth which has enabled me to strengthen my skills. However the best thing that

Profile Suleman Fahad

Suleman is a 17 year old youth worker from Birmingham

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has happened to me during my time in youth work is that I was successfully granted funding by UNLTD to do my own media project. I was awarded £2,000 after presenting my project to a panel of 5 judges who chose me to carry out a media project. I will be creating a documentary about Birmingham which will capture the positive and negative factors of the city. If this documentary is successful it will be presented to Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

4. Where are your favourite places in the UK that youth work has taken you?

I have taken part in several residential visits around the UK. I have been to North and South Wales, Telford, Derbyshire and Kidderminster. On these residentials I carried out a number of activities which included quad biking, paintballing and rock climbing. I have also been on a leadership conference in Wiltshire which was led by ‘Youth of Today’. At the residential I spoke infront of an audience of 300 people about SYN. I have also been to London to do a media project which was held by Channel 4 and MyView.

5. Are you superstitious?

I wouldn’t consider myself as superstitious, however I do believe that everything happens for a reason and all the chances or opportunities which are given to you are a gift from God.

6. If you were granted one wish, what would it be?

In life if I was granted one wish it would be success in life. To me, that is owning my own home and happily married. I also have the ambition to go to university and qualify to become a primary school teacher.

7. Do you have a favourite film or TV show?

Football is a hobby that I enjoy. Watching football on TV fascinates me. I get to see the high standard professional footballers play at. I also enjoy watching Islamic lectures on Peace TV; it enables me to have a better understanding about my religion.

8. What are your hobbies?

I like to socialize with friends and family. I regularly play snooker or pool. I love playing sports such as football, cricket and rugby. I also attend the gym 4 times a week.

9. Sum up your feelings for the next 12 months in 5 words:

Difficult, hard, happy, thrived and succeeded

10. If you weren’t doing youth work, what would you be doing?

I would stay at home and put my full concentration into my college work as it is my final year, socialize with friends and take my hobbies more seriously.

11. What do you put your success down to?

Personally I put my success down to my hunger to succeed and wanting to be someone in the future who is a positive role model to others.

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?So Like, What’sMy Purpose Again?

By Nadia Leona Yunis

This article is in two parts. This monthwe will ‘Think and Reflect’ in Part 1.

Part 1: Think and Reflect

Ever had that empty feeling – like you have no purpose and life is meaningless and you’re confused?

I mean you have Allah, you have your Salah, you have your Qur’an, you have your imaan – but you still feel empty?

I’ve felt like that many times in life – and it’s during my illnesses. Whenever I’ve had a very high fever and sickness and it has lasted a week or so, then my body temperature drops and then after that I have weakness in the body and ‘emptiness’.

I always tell my friends; ‘I feel empty!’

And they always reassure me that I will be ok insha’Allah – and it may take a couple of days but then I am ok, walhamdulilah.

There has been times in life though where I have really, really questioned my existence.

Have YOU ever been in that situation?

Whatever may have happened – which is personal to you – have you questioned why you’re here on planet al-duniya? I mean, not like being angry with Allah or questioning His Will – but like a reflective type of questioning.

Or maybe you have also been ill? Suffered an illness? Issues at home, family, school, college, work, and friends? And you’ve been at a confused state where you have questioned; ‘Why am I here? What is my purpose?’

We’ve all been there – and this phenomenon is not something new Muslims go through – but all humans go through.

Why?

Because we forget our allegiance to Allah when we are sent on earth and we have to find our way.50,000 years before Allah made

the world, He (swt) created all creation and He summoned us to give allegiance – we testified that He az wajal was and is our Only One Lord and that we would never worship anyone other than Him.

In planet al-duniya – life is kinda crazy. Because we have to go through pretty crazy events and roller coaster rides to really understand ourselves, our life and our purpose.

In this article I’m going to cover two main points and they are pretty basic and simple and if we grasp the meaning of these two points then everything is solved.

It will take you a while though – and even if you do have your sudden ‘breakthrough’ moment, vision, eureka moment – whatever it is – then trust me you have to nurture it straight away – or else it’ll leave you in a perplexed state – maybe even more confused.Hang on – don’t get all flustered

already – I’ve personally been there and I assure you that insha’Allah you’ll be fine.

If however during this period – this new found realisation – you end up biting your nails or being perplexed then please be reassured that I’m right here! Just drop me an email on webeinspired@selfaware.com and we’ll talk things through and help you make the plan and I’ll be here to walk you through your breakthrough insha’Allah.

So what are the two points?a) Our Ultimate Purposeb) Our Unique Purpose

a) Ultimate Purpose

Did you know that we – you and I – and the entire creation, from heaven to earth, have only one ‘Ultimate Purpose’?

Yes, that’s right, just one, and it is summoned up in the following verse of the Qur’an;

“And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).”

(Surah 51:56)

And that is it!

***Reflection Moment – take 5 – Stop right here and go reflect on the above – I’ll be right here when you come back in 5 insha’Allah***

Continued on page 18

UP + UP = UV Ultimate Vision

life is kinda crazy. Because we have

to go through pretty crazy

events and roller coaster rides to

really understand ourselves, our life and our purpose.

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How was that? And what did you understand?

Well, basically, Allah (swt) has not created us for any other reason except to worship Him.

Not to go out to school/college/university and work, not to have families and businesses – but to worship Him.Hold up! Now you’re asking; ‘What? – no school, no work, no families no business?!’

Yes, that’s what I am saying. However what you need to understand is that all this is secondary.

Yes we have to study, work, live, eat, marry, procreate, have businesses etc, etc – however that comes secondary to what our ultimate purpose is.

Look, walk with me for a minute.

How is any of the rest of the things we do going to benefit us or make us happy when we don’t worship Allah and make Him #1 in our lives?

Having everything else and no Allah leaves us unsettled souls and a lifetime of unhappiness.

Don’t believe me? Just look around in the world – amongst Muslims and non-Muslims and you’ll realise who’s truly happy and who’s truly not.

And those who are truly happy and have all the worldly luxuries (which we are allowed) will also have Allah as their number 1!

Now reflect on all those in poverty and developing countries – why are they still smiling when they have less than half the things you and I have?

Because they have Allah and they know their ultimate purpose and their vision is aligned with that purpose.

Will you make Allah your number 1???

Will you realise your ultimate purpose and work towards it?

Because if you do then insha’Allah you’ll be on a spiritual high 24/7-365!

b) Unique PurposeEach one of us is here for a reason – and we all have to find it – and this is the tricky one.

If you have found your unique purpose – then Mabrook! Work on it daily and nurture it – just the way you nurture your ibaadah daily.

Our unique purpose can also lead us to multiple careers and businesses.

For instance, if you want to be a teacher then you may teach at a school. But you may also want to be a mentor at a youth club or run study circles in mosques.

If you want to be a doctor then maybe you will do multiple jobs too – i.e. working at a hospital and also delivering health awareness workshops to teens and young people.

What if you want to be a homemaker? Well you will be doing a fantastic job maintaining your home yet you will have people asking for advice on how you make all those delicious wholesome meals, or keep the kids busy, or keep the house clutter-

free with all those creative storage ideas.

Our unique purpose should be aligned with our ultimate purpose and when it is we ask Allah (swt) to put barakah in it so we succeed in this world and work towards our ultimate vision – Jannah al-Firdaus!

Wow, are those some amazing facts or what?

Yallah Salaam

Nadia, Birmingham

Part 2

Back? Good, good.

In the next issue we will go straight into Part 2 and follow some quick action points to start making some positive changes in our lives insha’Allah.

I think you will be reading this article more than once to fully digest everything.

It’s cool – I believe in doing things in 3’s – its Sunnah for me!

See you in the next issue and until then take good care!

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Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him). “The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

‘A person is likely to follow the faith of his friend, therefore, be careful of whom you associate with’

Hadith

As human beings we have been created by Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) as social creatures that often enjoy being in the company of others and are regularly surrounded by our friends. It is because of this that choosing who our friends are is of great importance, but this isn’t always easy.

Why do we need to choose good friends?

Living in the West as Muslims, we are a minority surrounded by people that do not always share the same core values, beliefs and principles as we do. So, when we are in our classes, be it university or high school, or when we are in our work places, it can be hard to find a friend who will keep us in remembrance of our Lord (Glorified and Exalted is He) and help us not to be led astray.

When we look around us we see many of our Muslim brothers and sisters focusing so hard on trying to fit in with the crowd that they end up forgetting who they are and what their purpose in this life is. Consequently they lose their sense of Muslim identity.

Before we contemplate what a good friend is, we should first remember what our purpose in this life is; this helps us to understand the importance of being around righteous people. Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) tells us in the Qur’an that

“I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)”

[51:56].

To worship Allah means to perform all that Allah has obligated and leave all that he has prohibited, but not only that. It is also to perform all that Allah loves and stay away from whatever He disapproves of. This makes us think, doesn’t having friends that also strive to seek Allah’s happiness and steer clear of what causes Allah to be displeased with us help us strive to do the same? Life is a test and it is really up to us to take the steps and measures to make it either easier for us or more difficult...and starting with good friends is a sure way of making the path to Allah easier.

What is a good friend?

A good friend has many characteristics and to each person what they consider a good friend to be will vary. However, what is key when seeking out who our true friends are is to consider a few questions.

Would being in the company of them make me a better Muslim?

Do they remind me of my duties to my Lord when I fall short of them?

When they see me about to commit sin do they encourage me not to?

When I accomplish something positive are they happy for me?

When I need their help are they there for me?

Would I like to be with them in the Hereafter?

It is important to remember one final thing. In surat Al Furqan, Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) talks about people who befriended those that diverted them from true guidance and led them to follow the path of misguidance...they will say:

“Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken such-and-such as a friend!” Noble Qur’an

[25:28]

Let us ask ourselves: Do we want to be in the same state as such a person, infront of our Lord, on the Day of Judgement?

I ask Allah to keep you all and myself around those that are righteous and mindful of Him and that our friends are a guidance to Paradise Insha’Allah. Ameen.

Zaynab, Edinburgh

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Events

Creating HopeMuslim Association of Britain’s ConferenceBirmingham, 17th – 18th December 2011

Breaking Barriers ConferenceThe Church of Scotland & Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre of Islamic StudiesTulliallan, Fife, 2nd – 4th December 2011

This year’s MAB Conference was entitled “Creating Hope”. It was held against a backdrop of the difficult and turbulent times we currently face with economic uncertainty and the loss of life around the world. The message of the Conference was one of optimism and a call to action, that we as Muslims have a duty of care and a duty to care. A duty to participate: a duty of creating hope.

The Conference was attended by hundreds of people from around the country and featured speakers from the UK and abroad. Local activist Salma Yaqoob used her platform to deliver a message to her children and other young people. She encouraged the younger generation to be true to oneself, be happy, be connected to God and be proud to be Muslim. Change yourself inside and God will change your situation, she concluded.

Anas Altikriti, former MAB President, defined creating hope as bringing positive out of a negative with the support of God. He said that this era – the second decade of the 21st century – would be the emergence of hope and new leaders. He, along with many of the other speakers, highlighted the Arab Spring as a great symbol of hope that has emerged in the last year. The question he posed was how we, as British Muslims, could use the enthusiasm of the Arab Spring to bring about hope and change to the wider society here in the UK. These sentiments were shared by Zahid Parvez, President of the UK Islamic Mission, who reminded those present that Islam taught us to

work for the common good, to benefit humanity, not just Muslims. He said our duty was to enjoin the good, forbid the evil and establish justice for all.

The reality of the Arab Spring was very much felt as Sheikh Rachid Ghannouchi, renowned scholar and leader of Tunisia’s victorious Al-Nahdah party, had to cancel his plans to attend the Conference at the last minute. He was participating in important negotiations to form Tunisia’s new democratic government, although he was able to deliver a message over the phone.

Alongside the meaty issues discussed at the Conference, local group Shaam performed nasheeds, there was entertainment for children and many stalls selling books, clothes, food and more. The event provided people with a great opportunity to network with others from around the country.

Muslema Purmul of the Muslim American Society in the USA delivered a session entitled “Hope in Islamic work: An American perspective”, in which she shared practical advice based on the excellent work of American Muslims. She said that to smile when others expect you to cry, that is creating hope.

I had enrolled on the Breaking Barriers seminar, which was aimed at 18-30 year olds, however I missed that age bracket by about 12 years! Thankfully this was not held against me and I was encouraged to attend. We all came with our preconceived thoughts, and I was no different, meeting strangers for the sole purpose to discuss religion, questions came to my mind “What if...?”

The first evening was a great way to start and gave us an insight as to how the weekend would pan out. The range of people, even though there were only two religions represented, was simply overwhelming, each brought their own background, their views, their values and each member around the table respected these to the highest. I think what worked best was the fact that each participant had good knowledge of their respective faith and this meant we could have in-depth discussions and comparisons. I am truly thankful to have been given this wonderful opportunity to have met such inspiring people, and thank the organisers from the bottom of my heart.

Photos by: Chris Hoskins

Umar Malik, Edinburgh

Nasim Azad, Edinburgh

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Islamic Codicology Intensive CourseThe Islamic Manuscripts Association & Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies University of Cambridge, 5th – 9th September 2011

Having never been to Cambridge before nor knowing anyone who I would be spending the week with, I didn’t know what to expect but I truly enjoyed every minute. I quickly discovered that I was the only person there who did not already work with manuscripts but had attended purely out of interest for this fascinating subject!

This intensive five-day course explored the process of the creation of traditional Islamic manuscripts and the study of ancient writing. We benefitted from enlightening morning seminars with Professor Francois Deroche examining

different disciplines starting with different papers used from papyrus to oriental paper, water-marks to inks, Arabic scripts, calligraphy, quires, bookbinding, illumination and tools and materials used in book making. In the afternoon we applied what we had learnt through practical hands-on sessions using manuscripts from the collection at the University of Cambridge. The

evenings were spent attending presentations by experts of codicology, visual art and calligraphy when not at the local Turkish restaurants!

The highlight of the course for me was handling a 16th century copy of the Holy Qur’an belonging to the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. This was a brilliant opportunity to discuss different interests, exchange ideas, knowledge and opinions and make new friends. It was a warm, friendly and

inspiring environment and a pleasure to meet so many people from the manuscript world from Paris, to Cairo, Madrid, Brazil, Sarajevo, Istanbul, Switzerland and Texas, USA whom I still keep in touch with.

Fozia Parveen, Harrogate

Events

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How are you?

I’m great!!!!

What do you do?

I’m a social entrepreneur, currently the managing director of a community interest company & not for profit foundation. I’m a University student and diversity officer part time for the University of Worcester. I’m an activist and part time writer.

What do you like about Birmingham?

I love everything about Birmingham, the people, the communities and the food. It’s a city full of creative and exciting ventures.

What’s the best thing that has happened in youth work during your time in youth work?

Youth work has really transformed over the last few years, it’s more than centre based practice. Youth work has taken me to so many different places from the House of Commons to the United Nations. Youth work can happen in any setting from communities to business.

Where are your favorite places in the UK/world that youth work has taken you?

My youth work has taken me all over the UK and Europe too. I’m hoping I can do youth work in other countries like the USA and Middle East.

What item/instrument could you not do without?

My iPad and my Blackberry sadly go with me everywhere; they are my devices to connect with the world. I have beautiful prayer beads which were given to me as a gift. I always take the beads as they help me when I’m slightly nervous.

If you were granted one wish, what would it be?

My wish would be PEACE. Nothing more; peace is the healer we all need especially currently with the events that are taking place in the world.

Do you have a favorite film or TV show?

I like many political shows like Question Time and The Politics Show. However I do enjoy watching comedy sitcoms and I do

Profile Neelam Rose

watch many of the documentaries on Channel 4. I’m a big movie fan so I regularly try to watch new movies.

What are your hobbies?

When I have spare time I like to spend time with my friends, read, go to art galleries, travel and go to gigs or festivals. I enjoy writing so when I have time I like to write.

Sum up your feelings for the next 12 months in 5 words?

Fun, passion, strength, courage & wisdom.

What’s your favorite singer or musical group?

Coldplay, Rebel Diaz, Stereophonic, Nas, Dead Prez, Mary J Blige, India Arie. I like so many genres.

What do you put your success down to?

My success is down to the fact I have a hunger for change and willingness to learn. I believed in myself even when I was faced with barriers and obstacles. I continued to work immensely hard and focus on my dreams.

What’s your favorite time of year?

I do like winter, especially as I love visiting Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Winter usually is a very festive time of year.

Any final thoughts?

Your activism must be inclusive; otherwise you’re just like the oppressor’s.

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Dua’s - Remembering Allah (Dhikr)

poe

try“There is no honour in silence”

You say there is honour in silence,So then why do wanderers of the skies proudly augment their breasts

And sing rhythms of sanctuary through their hardened beaks,Skilfully weaving their feathered bodies through the white, delicate calluses

of matter.

You say there is honour in silence,So then why does the unsullied civilian perch his dry broken body,

On the bedrock of the infertile soil that bore his existence,Jubilantly thrusting an instantaneous vibration of wail amidst the thick

smothering air.

You say there is honour in silence,So then what assembles the swarms of moths to flicker intoxicatedly,

Around the halo of fire that mocks their silent company,Frantically quivering the thin frames of mesh that form vertebras of their

petalled bodies,They know their lives will languish.

Smoulder.But they stay true.

<>If there was honour in silence,

Mortar shells and ammunition would ablaze the circumference of what you hold onto so tightly.

Birds would fall from the skies.If there was honour in silence,

Knives would penetrate skin deep, signifying the blue of our veins and red of our blood.

Civilians would bleed.If there was honour in silence,

So many wouldn’t sacrifice for the torch of truth.

If there was honour in silence,Then why does there reside an animated tendon of speech behind the flesh of our lips, enabling the skin of our faces to stretch in abundant directions.

If there was honour in silence,Why did the Master of the Heavens, honour His creation with the mastery

of expression?

Nazia Kabir, York

Allah the All-Mighty has said:

“Therefore remember Me. I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and never show Me ingratitude”Al-Baqarah 2:152

The Prophet (pbuh) said:

“Allah the Most High says, ‘I am with my slave when he thinks of Me and I am with him when he mentions Me. For if he mentions Me to himself, I mention him to Myself; and if he mentions Me in a gathering, I mention him in superior gathering. If he approaches Me by a hand’s width, I approach him by an arm’s length, I approach

him by two arms length. And if he comes to me walking, I hasten to him swiftly.’”

Reference Al-Bukhari 8/171, Muslim 4/2061

How the Prophet (SAW), glorified Allah

Simple & Short Dhikr

Abdullah bin ‘Amr (RA) said:

“I saw the Prophet (SAW) counting the glorification of his Lord on his right hand.”

Reference: Abu Dawud with a different wording 2/81, and At-Tirmithi 5/521. See also Al-Albani, Sahihul-Jami’As-Saghir 4/271 (no. 4865).

Subhaanallaahi wa bihamdihi.

Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: Whoever says: Glorified is Allah and praised is He one hundred times a day, will have his sins forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.

Reference: Al-Bukhari 7/168, Muslim 4/2071

Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in Qadeer.

None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things.

Allah will write ten Hasanaat (reward) for whoever recites this ten times in the morning and forgive him ten misdeeds and give him the reward of freeing ten slaves and protect him from satan. Whoever recites this in the evening will get this same

reward. Reference: An-Nasai, its chain of transmission is sound (Sahih). Albani

Farzana Ahqir, Glasgow27 28

Competitions

To win a copy of “Lost History: The Enduring Legacy of Muslim Scientists, Thinkers, and Artists” (Author Michael H. Morgan)

For a copy of “For Whom the Troubadour Sings” Collected Poetry and Songs by Dawud Wharnsby-Ali

To win a copy of “Companions of the Prophet: Volume One” by Abdul Wahid Hamid and Habiba Hamid

To win a copy of “Companions of the Prophet: Volume Two” by Abdul Wahid Hamid and Habiba Hamid

To win a Deaf Awareness workshop for your class with Signs4Life founder, Fozia Parveen

Who wrote ‘Complete Book of the Medical Art’?

Please email us one short Dua you have learnt in the

last week?

What are Suleman Fahad’s hobbies?

What were the names of the two sons of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and Hawwa (may Allah be pleased with her)?

in which year was British Sign Language recognized as an official British language? (your teachers will love you for this!)

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3

4

5

All answers to be emailed to competitions@fifteen21.com

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Aunty’s ColumnAssalamualaikum and welcome to Aunty’s advice column where no problem is too big or too delicate for me to

tackle! But first, I’ll tell you a little bit about me. I work as a senior social worker in a busy hospital setting specialising with elderly people and stroke sufferers. I find this both

challenging and rewarding and thoroughly enjoy the multi dimensional aspect of a hospital environment. I have done

this for a number of years yet no case is the same, and each new patient brings up new and exciting and yes, sometimes challenging decisions. Aswell as my job, I am also a mother to three very different children who have

all individually taught me new things about the world and about myself. I have always been an empathetic person

and tend to listen to both sides of a story and always give the benefit of the doubt before making up my mind about a situation. I have a strong social conscience and for the

last 5 years have taken part in a sleep out to raise money for a local homeless shelter, which aswell as educating me about the plight of the homeless in my city has made all my family and friends dread the end of the year when I

come round collecting sponsorship. A few years ago finding I had abit more time as one of my children flew the nest I became a volunteer counsellor. This reinforced my passion for providing an ear to those in need. In my spare time I enjoy reading, holidays with friends, spending time with

my family and continuing my investigation into finding the hottest chillies to eat! So enough about me, from now on I’m here to lend an ear and hopefully some practical advice on anything from marriage to health problems, school to family

and parents to pesky younger siblings!

I look forward to reading all of your letters, to contact me you can email aunty@fifteen21.com

Boo

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iew

s Over the past few weeks I found myself searching for a quick read to scratch a growing literary itch that had been developing within me. The Alchemist was recommended to me by a close friend and so

I began to read it, expecting to finish it within a matter of hours. It however wasn’t the quick literary read that I was expecting as I soon found out. Instead, I found myself drawing out my reading experience by spending time simply thinking at a very spiritual level after every few pages. The book itself is based on a young Andalusian shepherd, Santiago, who embarks on a journey after a recurring dream about a treasure. He is, however, reluctant at first to pursue the search for treasure but with some encouragement from the Melchizedek the king of Salem, and some gold coins he begins a life changing adventure. On his journey he meets several individuals who have a profound influence on him including a thief, a beautiful girl called Fatima and of course the mysterious Alchemist and from them all he

learns many life lessons. These so called lessons are what prompted me to simply stop and think. Each lesson is in the form of a sudden realisation or a piece of advice from the many individuals Santiago encounters and they are extremely philosophical. Whilst reading, as Santiago came to each understanding, I felt that I had also learned something new about the world and would take a few moments to simply contemplate this newly acquired truth. My favourite realisation is one that is repeated on several occasions within the book, so much so that it almost becomes Santiago’s mantra: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” It is these messages coupled with the simplicity of the plot; the journey of a young shepherd boy that made The Alchemist an amazing read. I would definitely recommend it.

The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

Anne Frank: Diary of a Young GirlAfter reading this book, I often closed the book and stared at the photo of Anne Frank printed on the front cover. Is this the same girl with a smiling face and sparkling eyes who had so much to say? Are those the same innocent eyes which witnessed the cruelty of the Nazis? “The Diary of a Young Girl” is a diary written by Anne Frank during the Second World War. She wrote this diary from 14 June, 1942 to 1 August, 1944. When she died in a concentration camp in Germany, Anne Frank was only fifteen. Through her diary, she tells us the atrocities of war times; how people suffer, how lives would be tormented and how families would be shattered. The descriptions and emotions are so vivid and enchanting you can envisage her life with your own eyes.

Anne Frank belongs to a Jewish family. Till the Second World War she enjoyed her life like any other girl. But, when Germany invaded Holland Otto Frank, Anne’s father, moved his family into hiding. The happenings in hiding for 25 months are described by Anne in this diary. Especially

her emotions and her moods are well preserved in words. She talks emotionally and eloquently about her parents, sister and her co-dwellers and herself.

In August 1944 their hiding place was discovered by the Gestapo, German Secret Police. All the eight members in the hiding were sent to concentration camps in Germany where all, except Otto Frank, died in the hands of Nazis. Anne Frank died in 1945.

When Otto Frank came back to the hiding place after war, he found Anne Frank’s diary and letters. He circulated the diary in memory of his family. Eleanor Roosevelt says about this book; “These are the thoughts and expressions of a young girl living under extraordinary conditions, and for this reason her diary tells us much about ourselves and about our own children.”

Anbreen Bi, Cambridge

Mariam Jasat, Gloucester

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Think Before You Eat…all the wrong foods

Healthy Living

Do you often find that you start feeling hungry, maybe even light-headed between breakfast and lunch and you often feel like you need a ‘sugar hit’? You then reach into your pockets for change, pay a visit to the vending machine, select your target and proceed to devour that sugary block of chocolate and then all feels good; serotonin, the happy hormone has been unleashed into your brain and now you’re happy, you feel energised and alert…for perhaps the next half hour and then you feel your energy levels start to drop again, your sugar levels drop and all you’re now living for, hoping for, all you now want is lunch…

Sure enough, lunchtime comes and with it all things heavy, carbs, fats, salt, calories you know the list, all in the form of chips, jacket potato, pasta, pizzas, burgers and fries, fizzy drinks and the list goes on. We’re all guilty of it! By the time

we’ve had our fill and no longer hungry and back to our afternoon work or study, that heavy feeling kicks in.

You know that heavy feeling, not the one where your tummy feels heavy from overfill - the one where your eyelids feel heavy and your brain starts to drift to another land…

The Land of Nod!

This is a daily truth for most of us all today unfortunately. What I can tell you now for sure, is that your health is often affected by your body being deprived of the essential nutrients it needs to function properly; In short, a lack of balanced nutrition.

What is that saying we all use from time to time, that Islamic one we all tend to preach towards others and forget to use ourselves…the one covering

excessiveness or something along those lines? It’ll come to me soon I’m sure.

Everything in Moderation! That’s the saying I was thinking of!

Ladies, Gents, everything in moderation is not just our sense of dress – jeans, jumper and hijab or splitting the day between a state of prayer and non-prayer and spending 30 minutes of an hour listening to nasheeds and the remaining 30 minutes listening to Lady Gaga, or cruising in someone else’s expensive car blasting out loud music with a tasbih hanging from the rear view mirror, it covers our eating habits as well;

Subhan’Allah (Glory to God), the Prophet ملسو هيلع هللا ىلص said: “The worst container to be filled to its utmost capacity is the stomach. It is enough for people to eat what will suffice to keep them standing, but if that is not attainable, then

one third for food, one third for drink, and one third empty for air” (Tirmidhi).

Unfortunately, the food turns out to be the high in calories and fats and the drink turns out to be the high in sugar, chemicals and worst still the Red Bull type energy drinks.

This is not to say that none of us make the effort and we’re all binge-eaters. Many of us do make the effort to start on a journey of better nutrition. Some of us even make the right choices but we lose the willpower either at the start of the journey or when we’re nearly at our destination. Others amongst us, make a start, but make the wrong choice and end up on liquid diets, raw food diets and detox diets.

Brothers and Sisters, please, where is the moderation in that?! Remember, a third for food and a third for water. Liquid does not include food even if it was a whole

round succulent tomato before you squished it to pulp in the blender, raw food – well, let’s just say some food should honestly be cooked first to be enjoyed and as for detox diets, you’re body will end up losing most of the energy and good nutrients it already has with the toxins and why put your body through all that when it can be so much simpler?!

So how do we then ensure that we are on a gastronomic journey of balance, healthy nutrition and no more than a daily caloric intake of 2000 calories? (Yes ladies, our daily intake of calories should not exceed 2000 and gents no more than 2500 for you!)

There is a way; first of all, it requires acceptance that a change is required for our betterment. Secondly, we must genuinely, want to have that better alternative. Thirdly, well, all you have to do is ask.

I can show you how you could avoid feeling hungry whilst eating your favourite foods, have lots of energy, achieve your desired weight, have a good intake of vitamins, minerals, fibre and nutrients, have the WILLPOWER to do ALL of this in moderation once you embark on that journey.

We have entered a New Year in our Islamic calendar and a New Year within the Gregorian calendar too. Let’s make it a resolution to improve our wellbeing.

Saira

Saira Nisa is the Founding Director of Living Wellbeing Ltd, runs Living Wellbeing (www.livingwellbeing.co.uk) and is also a Trainer for a London based firm. Originally from the West Midlands, born and raised in Birmingham, she now spends her time skilfully enjoying juggling family, friends, work and business between Birmingham and London. 33

On 22nd July 2011 the last remaining single gender school run by the state in Leeds closed. This marked the end of several centuries of single gender schools in the City of Leeds.

The school which closed down was Parklands Girls’ High school. The question is why did it close? According to Education Leeds, not enough parents were sending their daughters to girls only schools and the school had to become a mixed school to accommodate the growing population of young people in the area.

Let’s go back 53 years in time and see what the situation was in Leeds when Parkland Girl’s High School first opened.

It was the 9th September 1958 when the school first opened its doors to educate the girls in the city of Leeds. At this time the idea of a school which taught both boys and girls in the same classroom was unheard of. So parents only had the choice to send their daughters to girls’ only schools and their sons to boys’ only schools. Between 1960 and 1970 there were major changes to the educational system. The introduction of a three-tier system included Middle Schools (9-13

year olds) and changing Grammar Schools to Comprehensive Schools. A problem within this period was that there were not enough single gender schools for girls to attend. Therefore the government started to introduce mixed gender schools.

In 2006, it was estimated that

since the 1970’s the number of single gender schools run by the state in Britain fell from 2,500 to just 400. In September 1972, Roundhay School for Boys and Roundhay School for Girls combined into one school. In the same year, Leeds Modern School (boys) and Lawnswood High School (girls) combined to form Lawnswood School.

By the start of the 21st Century Parklands Girl’s High School was one of only four single gender schools run by the state left in the City of Leeds. Leeds Boys Grammar School which traces its history to 1552 remained a

single gender school until 2008 when it physically merged with Leeds Girl’s Grammar School to become The Grammer School of Leeds. Parkland Girl’s High School remained for a further 3 years until it too was sold to become an Academy run mixed gender school from September 2011.

There is still a debate whether a single gender or a mixed school is better. In 2003 a research study conducted by the University of Cambridge showed that boys achieved higher grades if taught in single gender classes. However, other opinion is that a schools success depends on the social background and ability of the children rather than if the school is mixed or not. The Education Authority in Leeds has made the choice that single gender schools do not have a future. The future is privately run Academy schools which teach both boys and girls. Parents who want their child to go to a single gender school due to cultural or religious reasons are being ignored. For over 40 years parents always had the choice of sending their child to a single gender school or mixed school in Leeds. However, the decision is now being made for them and is likely to reflect the trend throughout the UK. It is the end of an era.

My City - The end of an era

Zeeshan Arif, Leeds

Rec pe:Carrot Dessert (Gajar Halwa)

Gajar (Carrot) Halwa also known as gajrala is a traditional Punjabi dessert made with carrots and milk. Gajar Halwa is delicious warm or cold. Gajar Halwa can be refrigerated for up to one week and kept in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to serve just warm. (Recipe serves 4)

Ingredients:- 2 cups shredded carrots- 2 cups milk- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter- 1/4 cup sugar- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder- 6 chopped roasted cashew nuts (To garnish)

Method:1. Roast the cashew nuts and set aside for the garnish.2. Boil the milk on medium-high heat in a non-stick pan until it is reduced to about to 1 cup. Stir often to ensure the milk

does not burn in the bottom of the pan. Set aside.3. Melt the butter in a frying pan on medium heat.4. Add the shredded carrots and stir-fry for about seven to eight minutes.5. Carrots should be tender and slightly changed in color.6. Add the milk and cook until the milk dries. This will take about eight to ten minutes.7. Next add the sugar, and cardamom powder and stir-fry for another three to four minutes until the halwa starts to leavethe side of frying pan.8. Garnish with cashew nuts.

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Languages of the World:

By Fozia ParveenBritish Sign Language

There are over nine million deaf and hard of hearing people registered in the UK of which 70,000 use British Sign Language as their first language; 25,000 of whom are children (under 16). You never know when you will come into contact with someone who is hearing impaired and yet there is no GCSE in British Sign Language. Here we explore this language, and how we can better communication through the BSL alphabet.

British Sign Language is usually referred to in its abbreviated form of BSL. The same applies to the sign languages of other countries, for example, ASL for American Sign Language, AUSLAN for Australian Sign Language and LSF (Langu des Signes Francaise) for French Sign Language.

Throughout history sign language has been regarded as inferior and not recognised as a proper language at all, but as a system of mime and gestures. Although sign language has been around for over a hundred years, it was not until 1974 that it was acknowledged that sign language is a language in its own right and officially named ‘British Sign Language’. It was not until 2003 that British Sign Language was recognised as an official British language! BSL does not use many English words but, because it has its own grammatical rules – based on the visual use of the hands, facial expressions and space – it does not use the same word order.

In 1760 Thomas Braidwood opened the first school for the deaf in Edinburgh, employing a combined method of teaching. This used finger spelling, speech, reading and writing. Only wealthy people could afford to send their children to his school. In the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries residential schools for the deaf were established in London, Exeter, Birmingham and Manchester, where they all used sign language for communication.

Continued on page 39

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www.signature.org.uk

British Standard Manual Alphabet

In 1880 a conference of educators of the deaf took place in Milan, Italy. The majority of the ‘educators of the deaf’ present voted in favour of banning sign language in schools for the deaf and using oral methods of communication instead. This was to apply to all schools for the deaf in Europe and the USA. Five Americans representing 6,000 deaf pupils in the USA were the only one’s who voted against it. No deaf people were present to give their views because deaf people had been banned from attending!

This conference had a huge impact on sign language as deaf teachers in deaf schools lost their jobs and were replaced by teachers who were trained to run their classrooms using only the oral method. Signing and gestures were strictly forbidden. Deaf children were not taught or allowed to use sign language for nearly 100 years and generations of children were taught in a way that was unnatural and frustrating. Teachers harshly punished children who signed or used gestures by tying their hands to their chairs or behind their backs. They also used caning of the hands.

Needless to say this method of teaching denied deaf children any worthwhile education and many left school at 16 with a reading age of 8 years old. The fact that sign language survived is thanks to certain children who were either deaf or had deaf parents and used it when others weren’t watching. The signs therefore developed in a natural way, and because they were from different parts of the country many regional variations of BSL developed and still exist today, just as accents and dialects in the hearing world.

As only a small minority of people have deaf parents, most deaf people grow up in a world where their family. friends and work colleagues are not deaf. Deaf clubs are sometimes the only places where they do not feel isolated and can participate fully in all activities. These are places where deaf people can relax and catch up with news that is relevant to them and their friends. They run activities including tennis, badminton, drama clubs, football, cricket, tennis, bingo and even dance!Modern technology allows the younger generation of deaf people to fax, text or email each other easily and arrange to meet. These technologies also include minicoms and text-phones, type-talk and videophones/webcams.

Fozia Parveen is a tutor of sign language currently living in Harrogate (North Yorkshire), and the founding director of Signs4Life. Fozia was recently nominated as Oxfam’s 100 most inspiring women of 2011 as part of their International Women’s Day centenary celebration. If you would like to view a video of the BSL alphabet being signed please visit www.signs4life.org.uk. If you would like to support the campaign to introduce BSL as a GCSE please visit www.signature.org.uk/gcse and support us!

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National Events

Birmingham The Zawiya Centre T: 0121 766 8364 W: www.thezawiya.com

Leicester Masjid An-Noor T: 0116 262 5440 W: www.idauk.org

Bradford Islam Bradford Centre T: 01274 395521 E: info@islambradford.com

YorkYork Central Masjid T: 01904 413 123 E: contact@yorkmosque.org

Cambridge Cambridge Masjid T: 01223-350134 E: cambridgemosque@gmail.com

EdinburghEdinburgh Central MosqueT: 0131 343 3802 E: edinburghmosque@hotmail.com

Arabic, Tajweed, Youth activities & Study circles for both brothers and sisters, various dates

Monthly Youth Programme for boys, starts first Saturday of each month

Study Circles, for brothers and sisters (separate classes), various days & times

Brothers Qur’an Circle, every Friday, between Maghrib and Isha Salah Sisters Qur’an Circle, every Sunday, 11am to Dhuhr Salah

Arabic, Study Circles, Qur’anic Studies for both Brothers & Sisters, varies days & times

Arabic, Tajweed, Youth activities & Study circles for both brothers and sisters, various dates

To add your local study circles, conferences, events or courses please email events@fifteen21.com

In the next Issue…• Ilyas Kermani talks to Fifteen21 about grooming• Prince’s Trust Report• Deed of the Month – Forward Responsibly• Spotlight – Cambridge• Duke of Edinburgh Awards• Muslim Role-Models• Volunteer stories from Humza, Julie & Rukhsana• Regular features – Stories of the Prophets, Hadith, Duas & Muslim Heritage

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