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Actions Speak Louder

// February 14th, 2010 // 4 Comments » // Blog

I always find it awkward to directly ask a potential about Islam-related matters. So here’s a rishta tip for those single girls who care about whether their potential spouse prays or not, and wish to gauge the level of importance that he places upon salat: pay attention to the meeting time.

For example, if he sets it to five minutes before or after Maghrib, that’s not a good sign. When does he expect to pray it, and doesn’t he care that you have to pray too?

Also, if he is already at your house, and the time for Maghrib is fast approaching, or even worse, it has already started, and he hasn’t made a single mention of it – well, it’s another bad sign. The same applies to any prayer he’s about to miss having spent a few hours in your family’s company.

An exception to the rule is a guy who has travelled a long distance in order to visit, as he may have the option to join the prayers (i.e., dhohr & asr, maghrib & isha) – depending on the opinion he follows.

I could probably write a few more “rishta tips” from my five plus years of experience. But I’m saving them up for the book that I plan to publish once I have actually succeeded in getting hitched. Right now, it reads too much like the opening chapter of Bilqis Joneswala’s Diary. The story will only be worth reading if and when Mr Darcy decides to show.

Do Not Push

// January 22nd, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Blog, Photos

I snapped this while changing the tapes on my HV20 camcorder. I thought it was a good message.

Anyhoo, I have been discussing the possibility of setting up a film club within my ISoc. I am tempted towards making it a sisters-only gig – mainly cuz I’ve been wanting to recruit a talented woman to help me edit all the footage I have sat on my external hard drive for a while now. Insha’Allah, a fruitful legacy will be born out of my selfish needs.

The good news is that everyone I have spoken to thus far seems keen. The challenges include: a lack of equipment (I seem to be the only one with a camera, and decent editing software), and most of the people with the necessary skills and experience have a Y-chromosome.

The answers to both problems shouldn’t be too difficult to solve, insha’Allah. I think the university TV station is still going; we may be able to tap their resources. And we can always hold training sessions for sisters to pick up basic film-making skills. You mainly learn through doing, anyway; the only formal training I’ve had thus far is a crash course on Final Cut at the Apple Store.

The women-only suggestion is more about pragmatism than anything else. I want it to be a safe-space to learn, and channel creative energy; like a women-only book club, or an art class. I do not believe that men are the ‘enemy’ (though I admit to going through phases in that regard).

I won’t be restricting membership to Imperial students; it’s just easier to establish this kind of thing within the framework of an existing community, such as an ISoc. So if you’re based in London, and are interested in joining in, then stay tuned to this blog. I’ll let you guys know if/when we have our first meeting, insha’Allah.

Your suggestions are welcome.

Letter from Haiti: A Haitian Muslim’s Request for Help

// January 17th, 2010 // No Comments » // Announcements, Blog

An excerpt from a message written by a Muslim based in Haiti:

My brother Didier Ambroise is missing and we have not been able to find him. My Uncle Roblain Legagneur and my cousin Namu Corvington and his wife died buried under their house.

Brother Ibrahim Abdoul Salam’s house was destroyed and his cousin died.

Also brother Abou Bakr’s house was crumbled and his sister died.

Many brothers and sisters are unaccounted for. We do not know if they are alive or dead. May Allah give ease to them in whatever state they may be. Amin.

Read the full letter.

Donate.

Pray.

A Musical Interlude

// January 10th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Blog

# I heard there was a secret chord, that David played, and it pleased the Lord.
But you don’t really care for music, do you? #
The first lines from the song “Hallelujah”

One of the arguments used by those in favour of the permissibility of music is that Prophet Dawood, ‘alayhis salam, is reported to have used instruments – Allah knows best.

That is why I thought the above lyrics would be quite fitting for my début stage production, based on one of the most fiercely contested fatwas in Islam…

“Music is Haram!”… The Musical

Of course, the score would have to be either voice-only, duff, maybe some b-box… just to ensure neutrality/ respect/ bums on seats. And, cuz, y’know, I also kinda follow the ‘music is not good’ ruling myself. Shh.

You can book your advanced tickets to the hottest show in town (most likely as the theatre will be fire-bombed in protest) by placing a comment in the box below.

Witness

// December 28th, 2009 // 15 Comments » // Blog

Akmal Shaikh is a British man who was found guilty of smuggling heroin into China, and was subsequently awarded the death sentence. His family has challenged the verdict, claiming that he suffers from bipolar disorder, and that he had been taken advantage of by criminals based in Poland, who gave him the suitcase containing the drugs. Yet, in spite of their pleas, Mr Shaikh is now facing the very real possibility of execution in less than 10 hours.

Virtually every news story serves to remind us of the sad reality: there is little justice in this world. So why does this particular one move me sufficiently to speak out?

Because I do not understand how a judicial system can be so devoid of justice. That is the very definition of absurdity. What grants a system the right to exact justice, when it lacks clear rules about personal responsibility? That is, the attributes that make someone accountable for a criminal deed.

Firstly, the individual has to be aware of their own actions. They should be capable of distinguishing right from wrong – at least to the obvious degree, e.g., is murder right, or wrong? Is it right for a rich person to steal? And so on. There should be no compulsion on the individual towards committing the crime, or deceit that would make them unaware that they were doing so to begin with. These are just a few universal rules that underpin the laws that govern most lands.

So what went wrong in the case of Mr Shaikh? I really do not know. Is his family lying about his mental illness? If so, it wouldn’t be difficult to arrange for a doctor to visit the accused, to verify or reject their claim. Then, why has this not been allowed? Do the Chinese authorities refuse to acknowledge the existence of psychiatric disorders, and their effect on the ability for patients to make informed choices?

Word usage is very significant. If Mr Shaikh is truly ill, then what is needed here is not ‘mercy’ or a ‘pardon’, but common sense, and a retraction. If Mr Shaikh is mentally incompetent, then the terms ‘execution’ and ‘death sentence’ are but a guise for the ugly truth: that what is scheduled to take place at 02:30 GMT is nothing less than murder; the purposeful taking of an innocent life. And perhaps the greatest horror: most premeditated acts of evil take place in secret – yet this one has been announced publicly, for all to see.

Millions will learn of his death within moments of it being declared. I will be one of them. It is as if I am being made witness to murder. And as selfish as it may seem, I do not wish to be.

We all die. We all die. Death is inescapable. But murder is a choice. I pray that the Chinese authorities will make the right one.

More Muslim Firemen Please

// December 22nd, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Blog

Here is a random thought I’ve been having lately that was frankly too long for Twitter. Besides, my poor neglected blog needs feeding.

Muslims that ’serve’

Such a big hoo-haa has, and continues to be made of Muslims serving in the British army. I understand the controversy, but it’s not the only career choice that involves service with an associated risk of personal injury, and possible self-sacrifice. What about the brave souls that face the daily hazards of working for the emergency services?

I wonder, how many Muslim firemen, paramedics, police officers, coast guards, etc, are there in the UK? They are not career choices that I hear spoken about much, though admittedly my circles are limited, and I haven’t bothered to look up the stats.

I understand there being issues about institutionalised racism in the force, so a lack of Muslim police officers would not be surprising. I’m not sure that same excuse applies elsewhere though.

If I were a guy, I think I may have considered signing up to the Police, at least to eventually join CID. I love detective work: problem solving, chasing down the bad guys, the free donuts. Or is that just the Americans?

If my hypothetical sons were not budding imams, scientists, engineers or doktars, I think I’d approve of one of the above. Hey, I’m not so liberal a hypothetical parent to accept any career choice. For example, circus clown is definitely a no-no. Though if he spent his life bringing smiles to the faces of sick orphans, then maybe? Darnit! I haven’t even conceived yet, and I’m already a pushover.

Anyway… have you ever considered working for the emergency services? Sure, the pay isn’t amazing, but I’d hope it wouldn’t just be about the money. Lots of akhira points to be earned, and several worldly perks methinks.

For example, have you heard the phrase: “there’s something about a man in uniform”?

Yet Another Harrow Mosque Protest: Stewards Wanted

// November 26th, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Blog

I met one of the trustees of Harrow Mosque, Mahmood Awan, during my trip to Bristol last weekend (read more about why I was there in the first place, and see my photos here).

We briefly discussed the recent SIOE protest, where a small group of protesters were greeted by several hundred Muslims, many of whom were youths. Though I commend their loyalty to the community, we all know how notoriously hard it is to keep large groups of young men calm, even at the best of times! Therefore, I, and many others, felt justified in our fears that the counter-protest would quickly descend into chaos, without proper stewardship.

I mentioned to brother Mahmood that, at the time, I had posted a request on MuslimMatters, calling for self-restraint, and suggested that in the future there should be more leadership through action, from the older, more level-headed individuals amongst the male members of the Muslim community.

Now in the face of yet more threats from SIOE to protest, the mosque has taken the responsible step to train a small army of community volunteers to help diffuse any tension that may arise during the next mass gathering.

Assalam alaikum

As you may be aware Harrow Central Mosque is once again the focal point for right-wing Islamophobic extremists who will be holding a protest on Sunday 13th December.

Harrow Central Mosque would like to have a number of community volunteers to act as stewards to try and make sure that the young people, and others attending, are kept safe and are not encouraged to do actions by others which will simply damage the image of Muslims in Harrow and the reputation of the mosque.

The key group behind the protest, Stop the Islamisation of Europe (SIOE), had made it very clear that the intention of such protests is to show how violent the Muslims are. It is our intention to refute this by making sure those who attend are not pulled into actions which may break the law or allow the media to get that “money” shot.

We are looking for up to 50 volunteers. You should be calm and level headed and be able to speak with people in a manner which will deflate tensions. We are not here to police the event nor expect you to assist the police in making arrests or controlling opposing protesters. We simply want to make sure that we do all we possibly can to prevent the young people attending, majority of whom will be Muslim, from getting into unnecessary trouble with the Police and providing a voice of reason and trust.

Training will take place on:

Sunday 6th December
Harrow Central Mosque
(after Maghrib salah)
Duration: approx 1 hr.

If you are interested in helping please contact info[@]harrowmosque.org.uk . Please do let us know if you are coming so that we can make adequate arrangements. Training will be provided by the head of the security firm hired by the mosque.

Please feel free to pass this email onto other brothers and your networks.

If you’re a brother based in London, and wish to help on the day, please contact the mosque asap. I’m sure any respectful advice would also be most welcome from those with experience in handling such potentially volatile situations.

The Surprising Science of Motivation

// November 17th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Blog

I’ve been quickly getting through my pile of unwatched TED videos, during my daily one hour commute to and from uni. Everyday I say to myself: “Wow! I must post this on the blog!”, only to forget… which is probably a good thing, considering the number of “wow” moments I have recently experienced which would lead to the blog becoming a TED mirror site.

Anyway, the following video evoked a much larger ‘wow’ than the rest, because of the extent that the advice contained therein is so contrary to widespread public opinion. The engaging speaker, Dan Pink, proves that when it comes to motivation, the carrot and stick approach doesn’t always work. Who knew?

Consider the impact that such research has on the city’s ‘bonus culture’, which has been dominating the headlines of late? And of greater import: the nature of mainstream education. I feel like I’ve been bred to only perform in the presence of pressure, which means I’m always leaving things to the last minute. If only I could work effectively without threats of failure looming over my head!

Therefore, I urge you to watch the video… but I won’t offer you any extra incentives to do so. ;)

Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don’t: Traditional rewards aren’t always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories — and maybe, a way forward.

My Dream Boy

// November 13th, 2009 // 5 Comments » // Blog

Inspired by this post.

About a month ago I dreamt that I was on a journey with someone – a man; someone I’m somewhat familiar with in real life. We had stopped somewhere en route, and were using the computer room.

Swinging round in my swivel chair, I came to face to face with a young boy, maybe six years old or so. I said “hi”, in the kind of gentle way that you would with a small child… but for some unknown reason, he responded by launching into an unannounced bear hug! It felt like the type of sincere embrace that a child would give if they were scared, lonely, and needed reassurance.

I didn’t know the boy at all, but I was so moved by this simple gesture, by his implicit trust in me, that I couldn’t let go. As his chest lay upon mine, I felt my heart beat so strongly – almost painfully. I suspected that someone had abandoned him there, and that he had latched onto me like a lost puppy, hoping that I would love him. The whole experience evoked such a powerful maternal instinct in me; I just knew in my bones that I was meant to protect him.

I turned to my travel companion (whilst still engaged in the bear hug), who was sat on a nearby terminal. And as soon as I did, I saw a little girl do the exact same thing to him! I knew – as one usually ‘knows’ in dreams – that the little girl was the little boy’s sister. They had both been abandoned.

We carried the children to our car – a large, black 4 x 4. I was so sad. I wanted to take them with us. I wanted to make them mine, and never let them be alone again. In the background, I listened to my companion share his opinions on how unfortunate the whole situation was… but I could tell without asking that he was unwilling to take the children. He was being the sensible man; I, the emotional woman – though I reluctantly understood his perspective, and didn’t argue. I remember the solemn look on my face, and how I secretly hoped that it would be enough to make him change his mind.

Well, it seemed to have worked! Because as the dream advanced to the next ’scene’, it was several years in the future. The travel companion and I were now married (I assume we weren’t before), and the children were ours.

There was more to the dream, which has now been forgotten, and so I assume it was less significant. The strangest part, however, happened after I awoke. I made the opening takbir for Fajr salat. I went to place my hands on my chest, and subhanallah, I felt the same strong, painful, feeling of empathy in my heart, as I did during my embrace with the little, lost child.

As I prayed, I wept. All for the love of my dream boy.

How Old is iMuslim?

// November 9th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Blog

Well, as of this entry, the blog is 500 posts (and just over three years) old. I have deleted the majority of posts created during the period of experimentation with imported status messages, so it is an official milestone this time – no cheating.

I now present my – I mean, my blog’s – birthday wish list. And if you think birthday presents are too much of an innovation, then consider it an Eid-ul-Adha wish list instead:

• a Nintendo Wii, with Wii Fit/Active/Sports/whatever makes me sweat and get fit enough in the privacy of my own home, to eventually allow me to return to the kickboxing classes that I so dearly miss.
• a compact DSLR
• a decent haircut (blonde curls are a real possibility – an in-joke for my FB sisters)
• a Maths tutor
• a big ol’ punch bag, like I saw on TV last night. Awesomeness!
• Really good chocolate. I mean, so good that I don’t care that it makes me fat, because it’s that amazing. Cadburys and Thorntons do not fit in that category at present. Maybe Hotel Chocolat?
• a trustworthy builder to knock down the wall that currently separates our two living rooms, so that the middle room can finally have some natural light, and not be so depressing a place to sit in – especially during the Winter.
• a jacuzzi
• someone that makes me feel less ‘bleurghy’
• a good, non-trivial, real life, face-to-face conversation, that doesn’t involve discussion of the weather (unless it’s related to a debate on climate change), or the stupidity of lecture timetables.

List to be updated as and when I – I mean, my blog – decides.

Btw, the above wish list is clearly pure self-indulgence. There are many things that I – and my blog – wish for, that are less selfish, and more altruistic. I am very blessed with what I already have, alhamdulillah, and don’t feel at all lacking in respect to material goodness. I just felt like writing a ‘me, me, me’ post today. :)

What’s on your (or your blog’s) wish list?