Issue 07 September 2012

Help! I’m a Teenager! Domestic Violence

Aviation Role Models Applying for University

Stop Bullying

Avicenna

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh)

Stained glass panel by artish Huda Awad

www.hudaawad.com

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.

Designed by Hafizur Rahman

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

Guest EditorialShabina Bi-Baroo

Goodbye From The Sunshine & Hello From Me!

How are you?

I hope you enjoyed the great British summer; there was hardly any sun but it was still the great British summer because Team GB put the ‘great’ in ‘Great British summer 2012’. Mo Farrah represented everything we are on the world stage; Muslim, British and proud!

In the press conference after his 10,000m win, Mo was asked whether he rather have represented Somalia, the country he left at the age of eight to join his father in London, speaking not a word of English, and where his mother and brother still live.

The athlete was indignant. “Look, mate, this is my country. This is where I grew up, this is where I started my life ... And when I put on my Great Britain vest, I’m proud.”

These virtues have made Mo Farah the embodiment of what these Games meant to the home nation. Pleasure in our shared nationality, multifaceted history,

and a passionate pride in our multiracial, multicultural make-up.

Strange as it may sound, me and Mo have a lot in common. I can’t run as fast in my heels as Mo does in his trainers but neither of us were born in the country we call home. Just as merely giving birth doesn’t make a woman a mother; it takes more than being born in a country for it to be home. The countries of our births are our heritage but England is home because it has given us the freedom to choose who we are, what we are, and what we do.

After a week of rain and thunderstorms the summer seems a million years ago. It’s a daunting experience starting school, college or university; feeling terrified that you might not make any friends.... I still get the same feelings and I’m 26 years old, just goes to show that we all have the same first day fears whatever our age, so just be friendly its the best way to make friends.

Happy Reading!

Contents6-7

89

10-111213

14-1516-1718-1920-2122-2324-25

2627

28-293031

32-3334-3536-3738-3940-4142-4344-47

484950515253

54-5556-57

5859

Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH)One Hundred Less One: Al QuddusMuslim Youth HelplineMuslim Heritage: Ibn Sina (Avicenna)Help! I’m a Teenager!ChildlineBeat BullyingWhen Does it Become Bullying ?Cyber MentorsDeed of the month: Say “Salam!”Healthy Living: Al-QuranHadithDua For Good HealthFifteen21 MagazineA Day in the Life of Prophet Muhammed (saw)Nominate a Role ModelIn the Next Issue

Nasheed Factor CompetitionMuslim Role Models: Osman KhanMuslim Role Models: Reharna KhanProtecting the Honour of the Prophets (pbut)Domestic Abuse, Controlling Partners TargetedApplying to University: Tips from the ExpertsUniversity Focus: University Islamic SocietiesFood for the SoulNasheed Factor Grand FinaleMasjids Around The World: Shah Faisal MosqueFifteen21 MagazineBook Review: From MTV to MeccaMuslim Youth HelplinePoetryRecipesNational EventsChildline

20

42

52

34

38

48

58

Applying forUniversity

Prophets of Islam:

Prophet Ibrahim(PBUH)

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (pbuh) is honoured and respected by Muslims, Jews and Christians. He holds a special and elevated place in all three faiths. Many aspects of Islamic worship, including prayer and pilgrimage recognise and honour the importance of the life and teachings of this Prophet.

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) was the father of the Prophets Ishmael (pbuh) and Isaac (pbuh) and the grandfather of Prophet Ya’qub (Jacob) (pbuh).

The Qur’an describes Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) as a man who believed in one true God and was a good example for us all to follow;

“Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian, but he was true in faith and

bowed his will to Allah and he joined not gods with Allah.” (Qur’an, 3:67)

The people at the time of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) believed in idols, something which is forbidden in Islam. Azhar, the father of Ibrahim (pbuh) was a well known sculptor of idols in Babylon, Iraq. From a very young age he realised that these idols were not worthy of worship. As he grew older, he contemplated the natural world around him and realised that there must be only One Creator. Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) was chosen as a Prophet and dedicated himself to the worship of one God, Allah (swt).

Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) called the people to the worship of Allah (swt) but they refused and continued to worship the idols. He questioned his father and the people as to why they worshipped objects that cannot see or hear or benefit them in any way. He tried to prove their inability and weakness by destroying them. His people decided to burn him rather than accept what he was saying but Allah (swt) saved him from it.

6

“They said “Burn him and protect your gods if ye do (anything at all)!” We said “O Fire!

Be thou cool, and (a means of) safety for Abraham!”

(Qur’an, 21:68-69)

Many of the rites of the Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj, refer to Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and his life.

In the Arabian Peninsula, Prophet Ibrahim’s (pbuh) wife, Hajar (ra), and their baby son Ishmael (pbuh) were in a barren valley with no trees or water. Hajar (ra) was desperate to find water for her child and ran repeatedly between two hillsides, Safa’a and Marwah, in her search. Eventually a spring emerged and she was able to quench their thirst. This spring, called Zamzam, still exists today in Makkah in Saudi Arabia. During Hajj, pilgrims re-enact this search by pacing between Safa’a and Marwah.

As Ishmael (pbuh) grew up he was also strong in faith like his father, Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh). Allah (swt) tested their faith by commanding that Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) sacrifice his beloved son. Both the

Prophet and his son were willing to carry out the sacrifice for the sake of Allah (swt). However, at the very last moment of the sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) was allowed to sacrifice a ram instead. This willingness to sacrifice is honoured during Eid-ul-Adha at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Ka’aba itself is believed to have been rebuilt by Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and Ishmael (pbuh). There is a place near the Ka’aba, called the Station of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh), which marks where he stood whilst erecting the stones to raise the wall.

As mentioned in the Qur’an, Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) is a righteous example to follow. We should remember that there is only one God, Allah (swt), and He has no partners. He is the Creator of the Universe. We should be focussed and dedicated to the path of Islam and do our best to invite others. We should be prepared to make sacrifices for the sake of Allah (swt) and insh’Allah (God-Willing) we will be rewarded for our efforts, for Allah (swt) is Al-Wadood (The Loving) and Ar-Ra’uf (The Compassionate). Ameen.

7support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Azizun Nessa

One Hundred Less One Al-Quddus, The Holy, the Absolutely Pure.

Allah (swt) is Al-Quddus, The Holy, The Absolutely Pure; the One who is free from imperfections and deficiencies. The attribute Al-Quddus denotes a kind of purity that is not conceivable for humankind. That is to say it is not within our capacity to know how Holy and Absolutely Pure Allah (swt) is.

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an;

Allah is He, than whom, There is no other god, The sovereign, the Holy One, The source of Peace (and Perfection), The Guardian of Faith, The Preserver of Safety, The Exalted in Might, The

Irresistible, the Supreme, Glory to Allah! (High is He), Above all partners,

They attribute to Him. (Qur’an 59:23).

Although humankind cannot conceive Allah’s (swt) attributes with its limited capacity, we do share in the attributes of purity and holiness. We do this by striving to be free from all false attachments and by surrendering all our false conceptions.

It is easy for us to fall into the trap of the dunya and start to despair when things go wrong as we let life throw us off track. Submitting to the Holy, the Absolutely Pure causes us to return to

our origin by reaffirming our purpose and goal in life which is to please Allah (swt), because no one is worthy of praise and worship except Allah (swt).

One of the many benefits of studying the ninety-nine names of Allah (swt) is coming to the realisation that Allah (swt) is not in need of us praising Him, rather we need Him. Every one of Allah’s (swt) attributes is a means for us to know Allah (swt) more personally and Insha’Allah a means for us to also devote to Him completely.

Allah says in the Holy Qur’an;

He is Allah, the Creator, The Evolver, The Bestower of Forms (or Colours), To Him Belong, The Most Beautiful Names.

Whatever is in the heavens and on Earth, Doth declare, His Praises and Glory; And

He is the Exalted, In Might, the Wise. (Qur’an 59:24)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 8

Shanaz Ali

8

Muslim HeritageIbn Sina (Avicenna)

Walking through the city of Hamadan, in Iran, you reach the centre, and come to a standstill to stare at a vast mausoleum. It’s a great conical tower with twelve supporting columns and you assume it is dedicated to a warrior or king but your assumption is wrong, for it is dedicated to a man who was both a philosopher and a physician. His name was Ali Al Husayn Ibn Sina, but he is also known by his Latin name Avicenna and he is arguably the most important philosopher in the history of Islam.

The mausoleum was built in 1952; 915 years after the death of Avicenna who in a colourful career proved the existence of God, amalgamated all known medical knowledge into one book and

established a mind-body dualism 600 years before René Descartes.

Avicenna’s father was a scholar and the governor of a village and so his home was a meeting place for men of learning in the area. He educated Avicenna, who was a remarkable child, with a memory and an ability to learn which amazed the scholars who met in his father’s home. By the age of ten he had memorised the Qur’an and most of the Arabic poetry which he had read. Avicenna studied medicine from the age of thirteen and by sixteen was treating patients. He also studied logic and metaphysics, receiving instruction from some of the best teachers of his day.

It was his skill in medicine that was

10

to prove of great value to him for it was his reputation in medicine that the Samanid ruler Nuh ibn Mansur (Persian Empire) came to hear of him. The ruler summoned Avicenna to cure him of an illness, and as a reward, Avicenna was allowed to use the Royal Library of the Samanids which proved important for his development in all his areas of interests.

The eventual defeat of the Samanids and the traumatic death of his father, changed Avicenna’s life completely. Without the support of a patron or his father, he began travelling from town to town, working as a physician

and administrator by day while every evening gathering students around him for philosophical and scientific discussions as well as continuing to produce scholarly writings.

Avicenna travelled onto Hamadan in west-central Iran and here he settled for a while becoming court physician. While in Hamadan he started writing two of his most important works, The Book of Healing and The Canon of Medicine. The first is a scientific encyclopaedia covering logic, natural sciences, psychology, geometry, astronomy, arithmetic and music. The second is the most famous single book in the history of medicine.

Politics was not easy at that time and Avicenna was forced into hiding and even spent some time as a political prisoner. He decided to leave Hamadan in 1022 on the death of the Buyid prince who he was serving, and he travelled to Isfahan. Living at the court of a local prince he completed the major works he had begun in

Hamadan and also wrote many other works on philosophy, medicine and the Arabic language.

Many of his works were written during military campaigns with his patron and it was on one such military campaign that he became ill and, despite attempting to apply his medical skills to himself, he died.

Avicenna’s lasting legacy is that almost a thousand years after his death he still continues to touch the lives of almost every person who has lived since he started treating patients at the age of sixteen.

11support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Shabina Bi-Baroo

Help! I’m a Teenager!Your Life, Your Decisions

Often young people will experience lots of peer pressure. Now in life obviously peer pressure can never be banished from human nature therefore the real question is how do we overcome it? Well in everybody’s mind, whether you’re Muslim, Atheist, young or old, everybody in this world needs that simple sense of belonging to something. However sometimes people will do extreme things that they are against in order to ‘belong’ somewhere. This should not be happening. Some youngsters start smoking, drinking, taking drugs and being anti-social just to be a part of something.

What some teenagers fail to realise is that to be ‘cool’ or ‘popular’ by

doing things that are just wrong or inappropriate simply isn’t worth it. You never know what may arise in life and you don’t ever want to regret what you’ve done and feel foolish just for the sake of a few people who may only be using you. In the end you only have yourself and your own life to reflect on and that shouldn’t be influenced by negativity. You deserve the best in life and nobody has the right to change that. So, what to do when the situation of peer pressure comes along? Say no? It’s not difficult; people say ‘no’ over a million times a day, all over the world for things they don’t want to do, why can’t you? Don’t ever feel like you’re not the one who’s in control because you are. Your life, your decisions.

Despite the name, peer pressure doesn’t only come from one’s ‘friends’; it can come from family too. Occasionally in families youngsters who are ‘different’ can be sometimes pressured into doing things they may not want to, and support for those sorts of problems are all around you starting with your school.

To end, people jump in and out of your life, here today gone tomorrow but you will always stay and the decisions you make will always be yours so make sure you make the right ones.

12

Khurram Azad

Beat Bullying

Beat Bullying

Sadly, one of the challenges many young people may face at school is bullying.

For counsellors at ChildLine, a confidential counselling service for young people, it’s one of the most common subjects that young people talk about. And the statistics say it all; during the 12 months up to April 2012, there were 31,599 counselling sessions provided to children who were worried about bullying. That’s 10% of all the calls and online messages to ChildLine last year. And bullying appears to be affecting children more at a younger age than previously; it’s now cited as the main cause for concern for children aged between 7 and 11.

While the impact of bullying remains the same, the opportunities for bullies

to assert themselves have grown in the digital age. They’re no longer restricted to hurling an insult or two out from behind the bike shed. However, the basic definition remains and it’s generally considered to be a one sided and unwanted exchange of verbal or physical abuse, usually, but not always, over a sustained period of time.

So why do children bully? The reasons for a bully to pick on someone appear to be endless; from wearing glasses or clothes that are seen as unfashionable, making comments about a physical or mental disability, racially motivated bullying, or a young person’s sexual orientation.

Clearly it’s a complex issue but there seem to be three key reasons;

• Bullies may use it as a form of social bonding, by picking out a weaker or different child to reinforce the bonds between them and their peer group.• They could bully in order to pass on harm or suffering being done to them, perhaps at home.• They might do it because it gets them the attention and approval of other young people.

There’s a lot that you can do to reduce the likelihood or the impact of bullying. We’ve pulled together a few top tips that might help;

1. Large groups make a poor target for bullies. Try to keep good company and stick with your friends where possible. And if you’re worried about bullying

14

Beat Bullying

on the journey to and from school, think about your route and who you can travel with to stay safe.

2. If you suspect something is happening to a friend encourage them to speak out – bullying will flourish when it can happen in secret and nothing can be done unless teachers and parents know it is happening.

3. Teachers and schools are clearly hugely important when it comes to preventing bullying, and government guidelines mean they have to take steps to prevent bullying. Don’t be afraid to speak with your school if you think a problem is getting out of hand. If you don’t think they’re taking it seriously enough, ask your parent or carer to meet

with the head. And do say if you want to come to the meeting. 4. If you’re suffering from some form of cyber bullying avoid responding to abusive emails, texts, online messages or phone calls and always tell an adult. You can contact your mobile or internet service provider for advice on how to block calls and messages if necessary. If the bullying is on a social networking site there should be ways to block and report anyone who is using these services to bully and harass – especially as doing so is likely to be breaking the site’s terms of service.

The most important thing is to tell someone about bullying and remember it’s never your fault. Talk about how you

feel. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a teacher or parent you may prefer to speak with ChildLine. Young people up to the age of 18 can contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 or online through the website, where more information about bullying can also be found;

http://www.childline.org.uk/Explore/Bullying/Pages/Bullyinginfo.aspx

Adrian Brown

15support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

When Does it Become Bullying ?

Most of us have argued and fallen out with friends from time to time, experienced occasional banter that wasn’t actually that funny, or received a message that has upset us. But when does it become bullying? The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) says it’s bullying when someone deliberately says or does something to hurt you, because they have some kind of power over you. It usually happens more than once, but a one off act like posting a nasty comment online can also escalate into bullying. Bullying can be physical, it can be emotional and more than ever it happens online.

We’re better without bullyingBullying can lead to young people dropping out of school and college, and not taking up activities they enjoy. Everybody should be able to develop their interests and talents without fear of bullying. ABA wants all adults and young people to challenge bullying whenever and wherever it takes place, so we can all fulfil our dreams free from fear. There are lots of ways to get involved – why don’t you order a copy of the ABA Anti-Bullying week campaign pack and hold your own event!

16

Speak up!Lauren Seager-Smith is National Coordinator of ABA, which is hosted by the charity, the National Children’s Bureau. She says the most important thing to do if you’re being bullied is to talk to someone, “Help is out there. If you’re being bullied, or see someone else being bullied – say something. You can speak out, you will be heard, and you will be taken seriously.”

Top tips from ABA

• Stop and think – words can hurt.Be respectful – think about the impact of what you say and what you send.

• Remember.Bullying is not your fault. It is always wrong and you do not have to put up with it.

• See it, get help, stop it.Don’t be part of bullying – if you see it, get help and then stop it.

• Tell someone.The best way to stop bullying is to talk to someone you trust - a friend, parent, teacher, or relative.

• Don’t respond.If you are bullied, stay calm and remove yourself from the situation as soon as you can. If the bullying is online or by phone do not reply – block the other person.

• Keep evidence.If you are being cyberbullied, save the message or print the screen and contact the service provider to remove abusive content. You can also report online abuse to CEOP and to the police.

Want more help or info?Sometimes it helps to talk to someone outside the situation. You can call Childline for free. Childline is private, so you can talk openly without being shy or embarrassed. The Childline phone number is 0800 1111, or you can talk to someone online at www.childline.org.uk. If you are over 18 you can call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, or talk to someone online at www.samaritans.org

If you’d prefer to talk to a young person, check out Cybermentors at www.cybermentors.org.uk. They train people between 11 and 25 to help and support young people who are being bullied.

To find out more about Anti-Bullying Week and to order your campaign pack, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk. You can also like ABA on Facebook, www.facebook.com/antibullyingalliance or follow them on Twitter @abaonline

Jess Champion National Children’s Bureau

17support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

BeatBullying is training hundreds of CyberMentors across the UK, and young people from all over the country are getting help from our website.

Here are a few examples.

ChrisChris was getting hate texts on a weekly basis from anonymous numbers. He found out that someone from his school had taken a photo of him on his mobile and posted it online, where people had left horrible comments and laughed at him. He got in touch with a CyberMentor, but didn’t want it to be reported at school, thinking it wasn’t worth the hassle. The CyberMentor reassured him that he didn’t have to do anything today, and that there were lots of things he could do to get help when he was ready. Chris continues to access CyberMentors to chat to mentors for tips and advice on how to deal with the situation.

FarzanahFarzanah loved to play games online with her friends. She started playing with people she didn’t know, and a user began sending her abusive messages. They were making threats to her and telling her they were going to hurt her. This happened each time she went online and played, and she soon began to dread playing the games and got very frightened.

Farzanah didn’t feel like she could talk to anyone she knew about what was going on, so she came to CyberMentors. A mentor reassured Farzanah, saying that if she told her best friend, she would understand and help her. As soon as Farzanah spoke to her friend about what was happening, she felt better. The two of them made notes of the messages and reported the bullying together; Farzanah no longer felt isolated. She grew more and more confident, knowing that her friend was with her through everything.

Carina McKeownCyberMentors

18

Deed of the month: Say “Salam!”

On one occasion, whilst I was teaching a lesson in class, a Muslim boy entered into the classroom and said, with a forced deep voice, “As-salamu alaykum” and another boy responded with, “Wa alaykum salam,” also with a deep voice, and they immediately giggled at themselves.

I looked at them both and said, “MashaAllah. That was beautiful to see, but what’s with the giggles?”

They didn’t respond, but as the class progressed, the boy continued to say, “As-salāmu alaykum,” as though it was a joke. Obviously, he was completely oblivious to the seriousness of his behaviour towards such meaningful words.

After the lesson, I asked him, “Do you know what these words mean?” He told me that it means hello and that was what he heard his elders say to each other all the time. I shook my head and explained that these words mean so much more than just an empty, “Hello.”

This greeting is so important; it is a part of our daily prayers. “As-salāmu alaykum wa rahmatu l-lāhi wa barakātuh” (May peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you). We, as Muslims, are required to say it to all of our fellow Muslims to the left and right of us, at the end of each of our prayers. It is a beautiful and meaningful dua to say for each other.

20

How many of us offer the simple greeting of, “Salam,” to a fellow Muslim who is unfamiliar to us? How many of us respond back? According to Hadeeth (the saying and actions of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh)), “The one who is riding should greet the one who is walking, and the one who is walking should greet the one who is sitting, and the smaller group should greet the larger group,” (Saheeh - Al-Bukhaari, 6234; Muslim, 2160). In addition to this, the Qur’an tells us, “When a (courteous) greeting is offered to you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, (at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things,” (Qur’an 4:86). Clearly, saying, “Salam,” is an essential aspect of a well mannered Muslim.

Most Muslims say, “Salam,” to each other, but say it as though they are saying, “Hello.” Unfortunately, then the word no longer is a dua, but a simple utterance of meaningless sound. So, if the word, “Salam,” has, essentially, turned into, “Hello,” in your mind, then next

time try saying, “As-salāmu alaykum wa rahmatu l-lāhi wa barakātuh,” and see if you, and they, take it more seriously.

Michelle Blum

21support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Al-Qur’an:A Comprehensive Shopping List from Within

Healthy Living

Next time your folks are stuck for what to put on the shopping list, give them a copy of the Qur’an and tell them that everything they need is mentioned right within. Ensure you include a few bookmarks to save them the time of searching.

So what items can we glean from Al-Qur’an, “the book of which there is no doubt”? (Qur’an 2:1)

Water: Mentioned countless times in the Qur’an (15:22), (16:10) to mention just a

couple. The Arabic word is maa’

Humans are approximately 80% water. The brain alone is approximately 75% water so it makes sense to keep ourselves topped up. Replenishment, refreshment, beautiful clear skin plus a ticking brain.

Unless you live in London, Greater London or anywhere south of Birmingham where the water has a) been recycled seven times and b) tastes vile, then you don’t need this on your shopping list, you can enjoy it straight from the tap.

Milk: The Arabic word is labn and is mentioned a couple of times one of which is in (16:66). Now, there are rivers of this stuff in Paradise so you may as well get used to it on this earth because Coca-Cola Schweppes does not have a factory up there.

Honey: The Arabic word is ‘asal Healing properties as well as a sweet taste, just add hot milk like mom says. One Qur’anic reference is 47:15.

Dates: The Arabic word is nakhl

22

I’ve mentioned the goodness of dates in a previous article. The Qur’an mentions them many times, (6:99), (55:68), (19:25) and many other places too. Maryam (ra) mother of Isa (as) was provided with dates, right after giving birth to her son as dates are good energy foods. Plenty of them in Heaven. The Prophet (saw) broke his fast with dates.

Fruit: The Arabic word is fakihah From pomegranates to olives to bananas to grapes and dates, mentioned more than 5 times, (36:57), (52:22), (55:52), (44:55) (to list a few) you will be getting more than your 5 a day Upstairs.

Wheat & Lentils: Known as al-qithaa

and al-adas respectively. We all know the benefits, rice, corn and lentils have for us, of course you know.

Cattle & Sheep: For all you carnivores out there. The Arabic words are Baqarah and Ghanam References include (6:142), (10:24), (16:5), (16:66), (20:54), the list goes on. Lean meat = protein = build up and repair of body tissue. For those who like chicken and sea-food, birds and fish are mentioned as well.

So, not only will your folks be impressed, you’ll have saved them plenty of money by getting them to cut out all those

unnecessary items like crisps, biscuits, fizzy drinks, chocolates, sweets and the stuff we know adults keep snacking on secretly…..

If you would like your own copy of the e-book Qur’anic Food, please email the correct answers to the following questions;

• Which type of high energy food was provided to Maryam (ra), mother of Isa (as) after she gave birth to him? • Approximately what percentage of water makes up the human body?

Email your answers to Saira Nisa at info@livingwellbeingltd.com

Saira Nisa is the Founding Director of Living Wellbeing Ltd (www.livingwellbeingltd.com), providing Women’s Motivational Courses, Life & Business Coaching and

Personal Development Training, runs Living Wellbeing (www.livingwellbeing.co.uk) and is also a Trainer for a

London based firm. Saira is also a member of the Institute of Entrepreneurs and Enterprise. 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.

23support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

HadithIt is narrated by Abu Hurayrah Radhi Allahu ‘anhu that;

“A man came to Allah’s Apostle salla Allahu ‘alayhi wasallam and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man

said. “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man further said, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man asked for the fourth

time, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your father.” (Bukhari)

How many times have you heard this hadith before?I myself cannot count the number of times I have heard this hadith since I have rarely been to an event or a series of lectures where it has not been mentioned, but, this doesn’t take away the importance of the words of our Prophet salla Allahu ‘alayhi wasallam.

Kindness to our parents is an obligation in Islam just like the obligation of Prayer, Fasting, and giving Zakat. So why is it that we take it so lightly?

Allah (glorified and exalted is He) tells in the Qur’aan

“...say not ‘uff’ to them...” [Qur’an 17:23]

Here Allah subhanahu wa ta’aala commands us to not even say ‘uff’ to our parents, so how about things that are greater like shouting, slamming doors, or even swearing at them?

We often forget how much our mothers have done for us in our lives. They sacrifice their own happiness and their own comfort to make us smile and comfortable even though sometimes we don’t see it.

Sometimes we behave in a certain way towards our parents that upsets them but we don’t realise that what we are doing is wrong and we underestimate how angry Allah (swt) is with us when we show

24

disrespect to them. I think it’s important to remind ourselves that just because we see something over and over again and we see people behaving in a negative way, it doesn’t make it okay. We have to remember that we are Muslims that have been commanded by Allah (glorified and exalted is He) and shown by the Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wasallam) to do and behave in a way that is pleasing to our parents. Anything that goes against this is displeasing to Allah (swt) which is something that we should be very cautious of.

Something that came to my mind a few months ago; I was helping out at an event and I had been standing around for hours, my legs began to hurt and my back was aching. I hadn’t had much sleep the night before because of other work so I was extremely exhausted, yet I had

stayed on my feet, literally, from the early afternoon until past midnight helping out other people. Even though I was tired and in a little pain when I went home, I had a lovely day. The next morning I was sitting in the living room and I heard a noise, something had fallen out of the cupboard,

but I just sat in the living room because I heard my mother going towards the kitchen. My mother then called my name and asked me if I could hoover up what had spilt and for a split second I was

about to sigh BUT, then it came to me...and I asked myself...Why? Why is it that I can stand around for hours to help other people yet when my own mother asks me to do something, the woman who spent her life caring for me and worrying about me, I hesitate? That made me think.

I thought I would share this story to make you reflect; how happy am I to help and please others, but how about when it comes to pleasing my own Mum? The very same thing that pleases my Lord (subhanahu wa ta’aala).

May Allah (swt) keep us all respectful and dutiful children and grant our parents the highest level of Jannah. Ameen.

25

Zaynab Berrada

support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Duafor Good Health

Allaahumma ‘aafinee fee badanee, Allaahumma ‘aafinee fee sam’ee, Allaahumma ‘aafinee fee basaree, laa ‘ilaaha

‘illaa ‘Anta (Recite three times).

O Allah, make me healthy in my body. O Allah, preserve for me my hearing. O Allah, preserve for me my sight.

There is none worthy of worship but You. (Recite three times).

Say three times;

Rumaysa Malik

26

Ou

t o

n F

rid

ay

31

st

Au

gu

st

20

12

!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 32

33 34 35 36 37 38

39 40 41 42 43 44

45 46 47 48 49 50

51 52 53 54 55 56

57 59 60 61 62 63

64 65 66 67 68 69

70 71 72 73 74 75

76 77 78 79 80 81

82 83 84 85 86 87

88 89 90 91 92 93

94 95 96 97 98 99

Say, O my Servants who have

transgressed against their souls!

Despair not of the Mercy of Allah. For

Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-

Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Allah (swt) is independent of

time and place

“

“

4631

6171

9

98

11

Shanaz Ali

FREE Online Magazinefor Young Muslims of the 21st Century

Fifteen21.comfacebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Stories of the Prophets (pbut)

Book Reviews & Poetry

Inspiring Role Models

Muslim Heritage

...and much more!

Mu

slim R

ole-Mod

elsA

mir K

ha

n - B

oxer

44

A Day in the Life of…

ProphetMuhammed

(saw)

Between the time of the Prophets Isa (Jesus) (as) and Muhammad (saw), idolatry was rampant in Arabia. We know that due to the dawah and teachings of Prophet Ismail (as), the Arabs did believe in the Oneness of Allah (swt). So how were these believers led astray, worshipping idols instead of Allah (swt)?

Amir bin Luhai Al-Khuzai was a leader of an Arab tribe descended from Ismail (as), called Khuza’ah. He once travelled to a place called ash-Shām which, when translated into English, is known as Syria although at the time it comprised of Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon, with Jerusalem at its centre. During his visit, he found the people of this land, possessing idols. These statues

were alien to him, and so he asked the people what their function was, to which the people responded that the idols were intermediates between themselves and Allah (swt). They also explained that there was a different idol for each situation, for example, when a person wanted rain, they would pray to one idol and in a time of war, they would pray to another idol. Liking this idea very much, Al-Khuzai requested his own idol and took it back to Mecca, with him, where it was established next to the Ka’bah in al-Haram.

The huge idol became known as Hubal, and the people of Mecca were told that this statue would appeal to Allah (swt) on their behalf. Because Mecca was the religious authority of the

Arabian Peninsula, and also due to Al-Khuzai being such a well-respected religious leader, this new practise was accepted. Pilgrims from all over Arabia saw this and requested their own idols to take home with them. This turned into a trade, with Meccans making idols for pilgrims, as they were usually unable to visit Hubal often. Eventually, the inside and surrounding areas of Ka’bah became filled with these idols.

This was a far cry from the teachings of Prophets Ibrahim, Ismail and Ishaq (as). These times are referred to as jahiliyyah, or ‘The Days of Ignorance’.

Hubal the moon God

28

Iimaan Ismail

Nominate a Role Model!Over the past 7 issues Fifteen21 has showcased many inspirational role-models from the Muslim community in the UK. From youth activists like Neelam Rose, to Humza Yousaf, a trail-blazing young politician in Glasgow to Aisha Yasmin, a young aspiring designer from Birmingham hoping to make it big in the Big Apple!

If you would like to nominate an inspiring role-model to be featured in a future issue of Fifteen21 please email us at letters@fifteen21.com with the following details;

We look forward to receiving your nominations!

• Role-ModelsFullName

• ContactPhoneN

umber/Email

(ifknown)

• Whatinspiresyou

aboutthisperson

(max150words

)

30

• TheStoryof

ProphetZak

ariya(as)

• HonourBase

dViolence;

Safeguardin

gWhoseHonour

?

• TheStoryTe

ller–HajjSpe

cial

• *NEW*YoungMinds–

YouthMental

Health

• RegularFea

tures–Poem

s,BookRevi

ews,InspiringR

oleModels

• Interview - Darren Cheeseman, Team GB

In The Next Issue…

Out on Friday 26th October 2012!

Nasheed Factor Competition spreads excitement throughout Scotland

Alhamdulillah a brilliant ending to the month of September with our Nasheed Factor Semi-finals having taken place in the two major cities of Scotland; Glasgow and Edinburgh. The audience and judges were left electrified with the performances by our 32 semi-finalists who sang their hearts out for the poor. There was

a great ambiance with the community coming together and becoming involved in a great cause for Islamic Relief’s One Safe Village Appeal.

The Nasheed Factor competition has only become more exciting and ferocious with only 12 Finalists going through to the Grand Finale. That’s right, from 100

contestants all over Scotland, the judges have had to narrow it down to just 12 lucky contestants who will compete against one another to gain the winning prize – A Once in a Lifetime Experience with Glasgow Recording Studios. It is truly a remarkable opportunity for a talented vocalist. There will be an Adult and Youth winner from each category (Quran Recitation, Nasheeds and Naats). Along with this exclusive prize, the adult winners will also be invited to perform at the first ever British Muslim Awards in Manchester in January 2013, as well as receive recognition to perform at other events.

Grand Finale

Now with only less than a month remaining with the Grand Finale taking place in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the competition

has become more thrilling and competitive! Inshallah the Finale will take place on Sat 20th October at 6:30pm. The 12 lucky finalists will perform for the final time in front of an audience of 500 people.

Scotland has been eagerly seeking talent from the inception of this competition. So who will be the winners? Who are going to be the ambassadors of Islamic talent? Everyone is waiting in anticipation to find out so inshallah come along to the Grand Finale where all will be revealed.

Importantly, this is an opportunity for the finalists to once again express their love for humanity and sing for the poor. After all, our aim is to ‘Rebuild People’s Lives’. This is a unique charitable project comprising of volunteers who have dedicated all of their

3032

time to this competition, so come along and help us fulfil our vision.

The audience can also actively participate in the onstage fundraising for Islamic Relief’s One Safe Village Appeal and bid on exclusive items in an auction. Lucky members of the audience will get the opportunity to auction for some wonderful prizes such as a signed album CD in a frame by Junaid Jamshed, and also Outlandish as well as an amazing unique experience for a day out in a recording studio with Kamal Uddin! Beautiful Islamic canvasses and many more items will also be given away as donation prizes. Inshallah it

will be an evening of inspiration with finalists singing in front of our esteemed well-known judges; Kamal Uddin, Khaleel Muhammad and members from Labbayk. There will also be some light entertainment by our guest judges who will perform some of their internationally-renowned nasheeds. Alhamdulillah a great chance to see your favourite nasheed artists all perform in one night!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the new and talented vocalists who will gain the opportunity to record their own vocal pieces in a professional studio with a top vocalist producer to mix and record their own CDs, inshallah.

Event info:Nasheed Factor Finale - Royal Concert Hall Glasgow,

Strathclyde Suite, Doors open at 6:30pm.

Call 0141 353 8000 to book tickets (£10) or 07742059930 for event info. You can also purchase tickets by visiting

www.glasgowconcerthalls.com.

Acknowledgements to Sher Bros our sponsors and AwazFM our Media Partner for the support shown to this project.

Be part of this inspirational and iconic event by booking your tickets now!!

Your Voice …….. Their Struggle ………. Our Inspiration …….. For the One Safe Village

See you at the final!

3133Akeel Ghaffar

Muslim Role-ModelsOsman Khan

Pilot

How are you?

I’m good, thanks! But stuck on the ground, as the weather is unsuitable to take students flying.

Congratulations on completing your training, what’s the best thing about being a pilot?

Being able to see everything from the air is an amazing feeling. I’ve always enjoyed travelling and meeting new people, and working in aviation allows me to do this on a daily basis. I also enjoy the technical aspects of being a pilot, such as working out how a component of the aircraft works, in order to be able to fix it, if anything goes wrong.

The Oxford Aviation Academy is one of the top flying schools in the country. How did you fund your studies there?

I previously worked as an IT

consultant, in addition to running a small web design company. So having saved enough, I was able to make a career change, with the ability to also carry out a small amount of freelance work while I was training as a pilot.

How did you become interested in flying?

My dad had a Private Pilots License when I was growing up, so I was always curious about flying, reading his flying manuals, and going flying with him.

Any hair-raising moment’s mid-air?

On a training flight, we had a suspected landing gear failure,

3234

which would have made it hard to land without some sort of incident taking place. So we circled the airfield while the fire services were put on standby, waiting for us on the runway. We landed without any problems, which was a relief!

Is there a pilot, past or present whom you admire, and why?

I’ve always admired all my instructors, for being able to teach me everything I now know about flying. Being able to stay calm as a student carries out (yet another) bounced landing takes some nerve!

Competition for places at flying schools can be intense, what made you stand out?

As with any university or employer,

they’re looking for the right attitude, which in aviation means being able to make informed decisions quickly, good numerical skills and being able to communicate effectively with other members of the flight crew.

What further aspirations do you have?

I’m currently working as a flight instructor, so I’m teaching new students to fly, which is great fun. I’m hoping to move into the airlines in the next few months, and start building a career flying internationally. At some point, I‘d love to fly aerobatics, as I’ve had a taste of it recently, and really enjoyed it.

Where’s the best place you enjoy flying?

I enjoy flying in the UK, as there’s

so much to see. The small villages, rolling hills and of course, the famously unpredictable weather. Flying in the US was also great fun, and they have amazing sunsets!

Any advice for aspiring pilots?

Go to local airfields, and get to know all the different types of aircraft. Ask about work experience, as this is a great way of learning about aviation, and meeting people that are in the industry.

35support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Muslim Role-ModelsReharna Khan

Aerospace Engineering with

Astronautics and Space

Technology Student

Aerospace Engineering with Astronautics and Space Technology – sounds like rocket science! Could you explain what you do?

My degree entails three areas; Aerospace Engineering, which is based on the design, construction and operation of aircraft. Astronautics and thirdly Space Technology is the study of design, construction and operation of vehicles for spacecraft and space missions, including satellites and rockets!

You must be extremely good at physics mashAllah, did you enjoy science and maths at school?

GCSE’s were tough! I struggled a great deal. Thanks to my teachers, I attended after-school classes and tried my best to build on my confidence. Results day arrived and my grades weren’t as bad as expected; I passed all 11 GSCE’s, but a below average in mathematics was quite painful. However, being

the stubborn individual I am, I wasn’t prepared to give up.

This is a very specific area of engineering, were you always very focused on exactly what you wanted to achieve at university and focus on?

If I’m honest, I didn’t think I would make it to college let alone University. I became ill with pneumonia during my GCSE’s. I was now a year behind, with low grades looming and the prospect of University out of the window. I remember searching UCAS courses until I read ‘Aerospace engineering with astronautics and space technology’. Just the title of the degree made my heart skip a beat. That’s it! That’s what I’ve wanted to do! Pilot? Astronaut? YES! Who knew there was such a course?

Would you like to go into space? Will we be seeing you in years to come on our screens; the first woman on Mars?!

36

I have hoped to travel to space. However, in summer 2010, I was accepted onto a Human Spaceflight and Exploration course at the Institute of Space Physics, Sweden. After listening to the ‘Astronaut Selection Criteria’ by the German astronaut Gerhard Thiele, I realised that both my height and medical record would be an issue. In space, you have to have very good health because of the change in environment from Earth, (plenty of air), to very little, despite an oxygen supply, which can be very stressful to the body. Hence, I decided upon returning from the course that although going to space would be an issue, there is no reason why I couldn’t send something into space (robot, satellite or rocket).

Does the UK have its own Space Agency?

Yes. The UK Space Agency (UKSA) was established on 1st April 2010. There was a great deal of discussion on Twitter on what to name it. One suggestion was ‘ Her Majesty’s Space Agency’, which I personally thought sounded very Bond-like. If I’m honest, I

did vote for that, however it was later decided by officials that the Agency should be given a more appropriate name. The UKSA do a great deal of outreach work and I strongly recommend all schools and individuals become more involved in the space sector. The Space sector not only contributes £9.1 billion a year to the UK economy, but also employs 28,900 people!

Any advice for future engineers?

Networking is a great way to learn! Attend Institute lectures and conferences. Learn to be confident because every employer looks at your grades, and you as an individual, your personality and your presentation.

Space Facts

1. Konstantin Tsiolkovsky published the ‘Tsiolkovsky Rocket Formula’ in 1903.2. March 16th, 1926, Robert Goddard constructed and tested the first ever rocket using liquid fuel.3. Middle layers of space suits are bulky and press against an astronaut’s body to prevent the astronaut from

boiling (literally!)4. The latest Muslim Astronaut in Space: Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (October 10, 2007), Mission: Soyuz TMA-11. Read about his dilemma: ‘How to face Mecca in Space’ here: http://www.wired.com/science/space/news/2007/09/mecca_in_orbit

37support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Protecting the Honour

of theAnbiya

In response to the film, ‘Innocence of Muslims’, firstly to make clear, the maqam (station) of Prophet Muhammed (saw) is already elevated by Allah (swt), The Al-Mighty, and The Protector (Al-Hafiz). His name is inscribed over the Grand ‘Arsh (Throne) of Allah (swt). A fact acknowledged by Prophet Adam (as), when banished to Earth from Heaven. He prayed to Allah (swt) for many years to be re-united with his wife, yet only was re-united with Huwwa (Eve) (ra) when he included the Prophet Muhammed (saw) in his dua. Such is the eminence given to Prophet Muhammed (saw) by Allah (swt).

The honour of our Anbiya (Prophets) is not dependent on our efforts on Earth. Of course Muslims will and should

be offended, and deeply hurt and disappointed by this film, and we should react and respond, but not based on our own nafs (ego), anger and passion, but with hikmah (wisdom) and knowledge.

There are people; film-makers, bloggers, poets, writers, publicists and animators, who want to create division and loathing amongst people. This has happened to many people before us, for example the Jewish and Irish communities are two contemporary examples. Let’s not return hatred with hatred; violence, destruction, burning flags, killing, maiming or hooliganism and confirm their stereotypes. These actions do not weaken them, but strengthen their cause. Insults towards Islam and our Prophets

(pbut), will not stop, and were hurled at the Prophet Muhammed (saw) during his lifetime; this is nothing new.

Ask yourself, whose Sunnah (path) am I following? Do not fall prey to manipulation; do we not have the wisdom to not jump and react violently when a button is pressed? You will only confirm the image of Islam that some want to portray, and therefore cause hostility between communities.

Learn about prophetology, share the stories of the prophets (pbut), read the Qur’an with tafsir, so you understand that the Qur’an, contrary to other Holy Books, is for the whole of humanity, and not one group or race. It is extremely

(Prophets) (pbut)

38

important that we read the Seerah (life of the Prophet Muhammed (saw)), and learn about the lives of the Sahaba (ra) (companions of the Prophet) so that we follow their example. Any lawlessness or violent demonstrations need to be openly condemned.

What we should be doing is engaging in dialogue with those around us. And this is the Sunnah of the Prophets (pbut). When Prophet Moses (as) came to Pharaoh, he did not say ‘let my people go’. He had a dialogue;

Go, thou and thy brother, with My Signs, and slacken not, either of you, in keeping Me in remembrance. Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed

all bounds; But speak to him mildly; perchance he may take warning or fear

(Allah). They (Moses and Aaron) said: Our Lord! we fear lest he hasten with insolence against us, or lest he transgress all bounds.

He said: Fear not: for I am with you: I hear and see (everything). So go ye both to him, and say, Verily we are Messengers sent by thy Lord: send forth, therefore, the Children of Israel with us, and afflict them not: with a Sign, indeed, have we come

from thy Lord! And peace to all who follow guidance!....

(Qur’an 20:42-56)

It is our duty as Muslims to engage with, and befriend all people, not just Muslims, and be part of the whole community, for the sake of dialogue and dawah (Qur’an 29:46). We have spent far too long, speaking to the converted. Why is it that in the UK, people believe mosques contain idols? Have they never been invited into a mosque? And why should they ask a white revert, how long he has been an Arab? Islam is not an Arab religion. If we build bridges on issues of common good and interest for all; justice, humanity, culture, charity, politics, food, art and health, then it would provide a platform for us to explain to people what Islam is about, and correct many misconceptions.

It is our duty as Muslims to engage with, and

befriend all people, not just Muslims, and be part of the whole community

“ “

39support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Fozia Parveen

Domestic Abuse, Controlling Partners Targeted

Ministers are to change the definition of domestic abuse to recognise under-18s for the first time and protect victims from “coercive” non-violent threatening behaviour. It means men or women who abuse their partners by stopping them going out or abuse them emotionally could be found guilty of domestic violence offences.

The law is being extended to protect 16 and 17 year olds for the first time amid fears many teenage girls who suffer in abusive relationships have been unable to get the help they need.

There is no clear criminal definition of domestic violence.

However, a Government-backed definition agreed eight years ago

includes any incident of “threatening behaviour, violence or abuse” between partners or family members, regardless of gender.The “coercive” element is to be added amid concerns over methods used by offenders to break down their partners by denying them freedom and dignity; such as barring them from seeing friends and locking them inside the home.

Campaigners welcomed the changes but warned that more funding is urgently required to help highly vulnerable victims. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the changes “help expose the true face of domestic violence, which is much more complex and much more widespread than people often realise. Suffering at the hands of people who are

meant to care for you is horrific at any age, but it can be especially damaging for young people - the scars can last a lifetime.”

National organisations helping victims in the UK;Nour: 0208 904 8193 Women’s Aid: 0800 917 1414 Scottish Domestic Abuse: 0800 027 1234 Wales Domestic Abuse: 0808 80 10 800 Male Advice & Enquiry: 0808 801 0327 Dyn Wales/Dyn Cymru (support for male victims in Wales): 0808 801 0321 Broken Rainbow 0300 099 5428 and 08452 60 44 60 Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 5999 247

40

Applying to University Tips from the Experts

 

 

So you’ve decided to go to university, you’re reasonably sure of what you want to study, and now you’ve got to tackle the application process!

Before starting, make sure that you understand the application procedures for the country you want to study in. If it’s a UK university, apply through UCAS and if it’s a university outside the UK; (going abroad to study a degree taught in English, often with lower tuition fees, is becoming increasingly popular) then you’ll need to check individual university application procedures.

UK Universities

Where & what can you study? You can apply to study at any university where you meet the entrance requirements, and that offers the subject(s) that you want to study. All courses or subjects, along with their detailed ‘Entry Profiles’, can be found on the UCAS website, where you can also watch a ‘Choosing Courses’ video. Entry requirements specifically for the Russell Group of universities can be found in Informed Choices. www.ucas.ac.uk

Applying via UCAS

Go to the UCAS website, click on the ‘Students’ tab, and then click on Step 2 – Applying. Apply online, using APPLY; you’ll need to register to start your application. Lots of help, including a video on how to use APPLY, is available on the UCAS website.

Application deadlines: Dates for receipt of applications at UCAS;

• 15 October – all applications for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, science courses, and for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge• 15 January - applications for all courses except those listed above with a 15 October deadline, and Art and design courses with a 24 March deadline. • 24 March - applications for art and design courses except those listed with a 15 January deadline• After these dates and up till 30 June - Applications received by UCAS during this period will only be considered by universities if they still have vacancies for the courses that you have selected.

42

Personal Statements

You need to make yours stand out from the crowd! Lots of advice is available, both on the UCAS website and on others such as ‘Bright Knowledge’, which has a ‘Library of Personal Statements’ for you to look at. Above all, make sure that your statement reflects your genuine interest for your chosen course or subject(s). www.brightknowledge.org

Further online sources of advice/information;

• You Go Further • Bright Knowledge • Best Course4me • Access Professions • The Student Room

Student Finance (Student Loans)

The student loans company website (www.slc.co.uk) will give you all the loans information you need.In addition, the National Union of Students (NUS) and the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) have been working together to produce an alternative loan-repayment system that is equitable for Muslim students and is acceptable under scriptural law. You can also apply for scholarships with The Muslim Student Academy

Applying to University Abroad, for degrees taught in English

• Europe: to find degrees taught in English, by subject & country: try PLOTEUS and top university websites www.ec.europa.eu/ploteus • USA: the Fulbright Commission www.fulbright.org.uk • Australia: StudyOptions www.studyoptions.com

Inspiring Futures can help you

Inspiring Futures is a not for profit organisation which, through the Futurewise programme, has been helping young people through the transitional stages of choosing subjects and routes to Higher Education and Careers for more than 70 years. Futurewise offers personalised careers guidance and a planning service, usually through schools but also to individuals directly.

For further information on Inspiring Futures you can visit

the following websites;

www.inspiringfutures.org.uk www.myfuturewise.org.uk

www.myfuturewise.org.uk/events

Heather Hudson

 

 

www.muslimstudentacademy.org.uk

43support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

University Islamic Societies

University Focus

ISoc or ISOC- what do I mean? An ISoc (or ISOC!) is simply an Islamic Society. Most universities, many colleges and even some schools have an Islamic Society. Like most other university and college societies, ISocs are run voluntarily by students, who want to provide an Islamic and friendly atmosphere in what may otherwise be a lonely and scary university experience!

So what does an ISoc do? We spoke to various ISoc committee members across the country to see what their ISoc does over the year.

Previously we’ve organised talks, socials, meals, Eid parties for international students, a pamper day for sisters only, as well as a brothers only residential

trip to the countryside. They did various sporting activities, had a BBQ and more. Birmingham ISOC.

We have a variety of events throughout the year with the main attraction being Islam Awareness Week (IAW). During this week we organise lectures with speakers who address topics such as

Misconceptions within Islam. We also have stalls with mehndi to attract people, football tournaments and a sister’s party. York ISOC.

Over the year we organise halaqa’s, socials for brothers and sisters and IAW. One of our most successful events last

year was Charity Week. Brighton ISOC.

Previously we’ve organised events including Fresher’s trips, sisters’ picnic, talks and iftars. University College Dublin ISOC.

In the past the Islamic Society of Portsmouth (ISOP) has organised many successful IAW’s as well as Charity Weeks. Our ‘Fresher’s Dinner’ events have been great for all new Muslim students to get to know one another as well as the committee. The Islamic Society of Portsmouth has also hosted many great lectures with guest speakers as well as weekly halaqa’s for brothers and sisters. Portmouth ISOC.

How do I find my ISoc?

The best place to start looking for your ISoc, like most other societies, is during the Fresher’s induction week, and usually the Fresher’s Fair. Most ISoc’s will have a stall or table set up, with friendly brothers and sisters inviting all to join! Not only that but

44

you’ll usually get freebies (look out for the free FOSIS Fresher Packs being delivered to ISocs across the country!) as well as more information about Fresher’s

events that the ISoc has organised for all new members. These can range from the highly exciting paintballing type events, to more common PS3/Xbox tournaments, lunches and charity dinners as well as extremely interesting talks and debates.

We spoke to ISocs to get a sneak preview on their Fresher’s week programmes.

It’s not so much a fresher’s week as a fresher’s month. We’ll be having talks, halaqa’s, swimming and aqua aerobics, Lasertag, meals, a fresher’s competition (more information on the UB ISoc facebook page soon!) and much, much more! Birmingham ISOC.

We’re teaming up with the Brunei Society to organise fresher’s week events. York ISOC.

We’ll be having a booth for fresher’s to sign up as well as cool events to welcome fresher’s such as the Fresher’s Dinner and Soccer Match. The Fresher’s Dinner has been one of our most successful events in the past, as people like the idea of eating and meeting with friends at dinners. University College Dublin ISOC.

We’ll be having Laserquest and Paintballing tournaments as well as a social dinner. There will also be a campus and city tour. Following on from this, the week after we’ll be holding a welcome party for everyone. Brighton ISOC.

What’s happening over the year?

The latest one is the Sisters’ Picnic; basically an event where the sisters get to know each other more and share their experiences coming from different backgrounds. And the soccer tournament is going ahead as well this year. Other events planned are talks on “Do We Need a Religion?” and we’ll organize a

special session “Welcome to ISOC” for fresher’s insha’Allah. University College Dublin ISOC.We’ll be taking part in Interfaith week during November, as well as organising spiritual lectures. Something new that we’d like to do as well this year will be running campaigns. York ISOC.

Continued on the next page45support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

We have many fresh ideas for the upcoming year. So far we have confirmed to take part in Charity Week as well as Islamic Awareness Week. We plan to keep our weekly halaqa’s ongoing throughout the year. Insha’Allah we also plan to have different guests visit the university each month to deliver a lecture for everyone. You will have to keep posted with the ISOP for more information on our future events. Portsmouth ISOC.

We’ll have more of the same events as previous years; lectures, halaqa’s and socials. This year, we’d like to organise more sister’s socials; sisters are the foundation of the ISoc but for some reason there’s not enough sisters’

socials so we’re going to work on that insha’Allah. Brighton ISOC.

As well as IAW and Charity Week we’ll be doing more of what we’ve done before, but this year it’ll be bigger and better! Birmingham ISOC.

The best thing about my ISoc is…

The unity! Brotherhood and sisterhood is extremely important for all ISocs and it definitely exists at ours! Brighton ISOC.

The diversity! There’s diversity amongst the members and the committee, it’s an open society with a vibrant committee, a great team to work with. York ISOC.

We go above and beyond for our students. We’ve recently campaigned and succeeded in a refurbishment for our prayer room, and are now campaigning for a second, larger prayer room on campus. We’re also campaigning for more halal food on campus. We’re the voice of Muslim Students, and we take this role very seriously. Birmingham ISOC.

The diversity of the members coming from all over the world, the unity amongst us and the love we have for each other. University College Dublin ISOC.

The new committee has such an enthusiasm and drive to make this year’s ISOP a huge success insha’Allah. Everyone studies a range of degrees and as a result it brings an amazing flow of creativity to the table. Portsmouth ISOC.

How do I join?

You can usually join an ISoc at their Fresher’s stall. It’s sometimes as simple as giving them your name and email (you might be added to a mailing list where they’ll send out information about events throughout the year). ISocs, like most other societies on campus, may ask for a joining fee. This just helps the ISoc to fund events throughout the year; and in some ISocs being a member means you’ll get discounts at the all-important social events throughout the year. Some ISocs, however, get alot more financial support

46

from the Student Union (SU) and so it’s completely free to sign up and become a member. If you’re not joining these ISocs you’re really missing out! Great events, amazing brother/sisterhood and usually good food too! and all for free!

What if I missed the Fresher’s Fair?

You can find our ISoc through the student union website, the university guide on all societies, and on facebook. The ISoc is also larger on the Moulsecoomb campus and here it’s much easier to find the ISoc. Brighton ISOC.

You can find the ISoc through the chaplaincy. Our ISoc is more active during the first term, and there are lots of socials during the beginning of the year. Join our mailing list to find out more. York ISOC.

We’ve set up a fresher’s facebook group (advertised on our main facebook ISoc page), with over 90 member’s already who are getting to know each other, the university, and talking to current students

about their course. Birmingham ISOC.

If you’ve missed the ISoc booth, look for posters in the Prayer Rooms, Facebook, and word of mouth from friends and seniors. University College Dublin ISOC.

We have two fresher’s fairs, one in September at the start of the academic year and again in January (re-fresher’s fair); initially anyone can find us there. We also have Facebook pages and a Twitter account set up so we are easily accessible to everyone. Portsmouth ISOC.

Some general tips then would be to check with the SU or chaplaincy and most ISocs now have a website and/or facebook page. So don’t waste any more time; find your ISoc and you’ll also find your family away from home!

If no ISoc exists at your university, contact FOSIS (vp.islamicsocieties@fosis.org.uk) for information and support on how to set one up.

47support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Husna Kasmani

Food for the Soul

Paid in FullOne day, a poor boy, by the name Amir who was selling goods from door to door, to pay his way through school, found he had only one dinar left, and he was hungry.

He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house.

However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.

Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry

so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?”

“You don’t owe me anything,” she replied

As Amir left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in Allah (swt) was strengthened. He had been ready to give up and quit his education.

Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr Amir was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town, Ashkhabad, his eyes lit up. Immediately he rose, and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor’s gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at

once. He went back to the consultation

room determined to do his best to save her life.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr Amir requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally, she looked, and something caught her attention on the side as she read these words;

“Paid in full with one glass of milk.” (Signed) Dr. Amir. Tears filled her eyes. Subhan’Allah.

48

Nusayba Malik

Masjids Around The WorldShah Faisal MosqueIslamabad, Pakistan

Capacity300,000

Built1986

Shah Faisal Mosque in Pakistan was built to mark the creation of a new and ambitious capital, Islamabad. The capital of Pakistan was moved from Karachi to Islamabad. Construction for the new capital began in the 1960s. The capital is nestled against the backdrop of the Margallah Hills in the northeastern part of the country.

A new national mosque was integrated in the plans for the new capital. An international competition was organised to determine the design of the new national mosque. The Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay’s design was selected through the international competition. The main prayer hall consists of eight faceted concrete walls that represent a traditional Bedouin tent. Each wall is approximately 40 metres high and is supported by four giant concrete girders. There are four minarets measuring 90 metres in height around the tent shaped mosque.

The mosque is an amazing feat of engineering and architecture.

The mosque and the road leading to it are named after the late King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia who financed the project.

The mosque is located in an elevated part of the city and can be seen from advantage points in the Margallah Hills. Therefore, the mosque can be seen for miles throughout the day.

The mosque is surfaced in white marble and an impressive chandelier adorns the main prayer hall. The main prayer hall can accommodate up to 100,000 people and the courtyard and adjoining ground which has a white marble surface can accommodate up to 200,000 people. The mosque is the largest in South Asia and held the accolade of being the largest mosque in the world from 1986 to 1993. It is currently the fourth largest mosque in the world. The unique design and the picturesque setting of the mosque in a lush green area make it one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.

King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz

50

Zeeshan Arif

Ou

t o

n F

rid

ay

31

st

Au

gu

st

20

12

!

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 32

33 34 35 36 37 38

39 40 41 42 43 44

45 46 47 48 49 50

51 52 53 54 55 56

57 59 60 61 62 63

64 65 66 67 68 69

70 71 72 73 74 75

76 77 78 79 80 81

82 83 84 85 86 87

88 89 90 91 92 93

94 95 96 97 98 99

Say, O my Servants who have

transgressed against their souls!

Despair not of the Mercy of Allah. For

Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-

Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Allah (swt) is independent of

time and place

“

“

4631

6171

9

98

11

Shanaz Ali

FREE Online Magazinefor Young Muslims of the 21st Century

Fifteen21.comfacebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Stories of the Prophets (pbut)

Book Reviews & Poetry

Inspiring Role Models

Muslim Heritage

...and much more!

Mu

slim R

ole-Mod

elsA

mir K

ha

n - B

oxer

44

51support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

This book is a biography of a European MTV presenter, Kristiane Backer, who was drawn towards Islam by the Pakistani Cricketer Imran Khan. This book also details her voyages to Pakistan. Her fascination towards Islam, was based on the simplicity of the lives led by the Pakistanis and their hospitality, but also the teachings and the way of life that related to

her childhood and the culture she was brought up in. The two worlds are beautifully encapsulated in Rumi’s quote, “Hell is surrounded by fun, beauty and seduction and paradise is surrounded by poverty, suffering and ugliness.”

The book is littered with famous and inspirational quotes from famous people, scholars and the Holy Qur’an itself. Converting to Islam in the day and age where there is a lot of stigma towards Islam, Kristiane Backer describes her journey through all the pain, heartache and adversities she had to face. The quote; It is pain that draws man to his Lord, because when he is well, he doesn’t remember the Lord, motivates Backer to carry on her journey of spiritual enlightenment. This book is beautifully written in

the eyes of a revert, that saw Islam as a way of freedom from the emptiness that was within her heart. This was very refreshing as you’re reminded that life is transient; that we should be in this world as a stranger or a wayfarer as anyone who is serious about practising Islam bows down before nothing and no one except Allah (swt); not before riches, power, social expectation, class, fashion, fame or people…… And that is true freedom.

Boo

k R

ev

iew

From MTV to Meccaby Kristiane Backer

52

Samina Kouser

There was a breaking and entering in the night,

sleeping beauty

lying in her bed,

whose life is protected in a timeless zone,

a single kiss would free her.

Her prince would fight the evils of the forest,

the twisted vines, that whisper and tangle,

then strangle the wanderer.

And she lay there still, after years,

hair perfectly parted, lips untouched,

sheets pale as dusted ivory, she drove a hard bargain.

The only arguments she remembered, were those

mother and father fought to cradle her.

But

That is not the case.

Here we have a beauty for certain

but spoiled without compassion.

A room most cold, a set of keys thrown in the corner,

one missing from the bunch,

a gold tooth by the bed side,

one broken heeled red stiletto on the floor,

a shattered lamp, a broken clock gone insane,

flew right in from the cuckoo’s nest.

Her blood frozen in Forever 21, empty bottle,

the beast has left, the curtains blow,

the windows knock, a messenger sending news

to anxious parents of their missing girl.

poe

try

The case of Sleeping Beauty

One for the girls, fairy tales are not what they seem, from the book ‘Ruptures and Fragments’

54

Saleha Begum

If Life throws you Apples... Sacred Dust

And if we can just eat our apple crumble before each night,

we will be fine.

We will get through.

I remember when we first met, you laughed at me,

because I thought bread and apples

would make great apple crumble.

But then you showed me how to make it your way...

Your way was the only way I really enjoyed

and would only enjoy from now on.

And if we can just eat our apple crumble before each night,

we will be fine; I will be content and forever grateful

because you showed me

better ways and better days and simple ways

to enjoy an apple crumble.

Honey drips like tears, golden, precious. Hesitant to descend

upon the sacred dust, dreaming of liquid antidote

to raise those lost in the abattoir dusk.

Final screams that were never heard.

The diamond mores cut through the jugular

as death’s roots cling and cover, carrying the body along

the vast valleys of horizons lost and dreams untouched.

Dedicated to a special person, from the book ‘Ruptures and Fragments’

Reflections of the devastation, all over the world and what has already been lost, through war and corruption,

from the book ‘Ruptures and Fragments

55

CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

WITH PEANUT BUTTER

Line a square/rectangle tin or a brownie baking tray with parchment paper. Melt the butter and turn off heat to cool down. Then add the grated chocolate to melted butter and mix well until it’s all melted. Cut vanilla pod down the middle lengthways and scrape out the vanilla with a knife and in a separate bowl whisk together all the eggs and vanilla till foamy. Add half of the brown sugar and whisk a little more then add the remaining sugar and whisk further. Add the chocolate and butter mixture to the eggs mixture in the bowl and fold in the flour, cocoa powder and pinch of salt. Once mixed well add to the lined tin/tray.

Add small spoonfuls of peanut butter all over the mixture in the tin using a small spoon and scraping off with another spoon to drop into the mixture. Once you have evenly done this, use a toothpick or skewer to mix in the peanut butter into the mixture so it gets distributed evenly too. Cook in the oven for about 40 mins at 200 degrees Celsius. Brownies have to be completely cooled before you can enjoy them.

Need:

• 165g Butter• 200g Dark Grated Chocolate• 3 Eggs• 2 Egg Yolks• 1 Vanilla Pod• 165g Brown Sugar• 2 Tablespoons Brown Flour• 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder• Pinch of Salt• 4 Tablespoons of Peanut Butter (Crunchy or Smooth)

(Serves 8)

56

Rubeela Umar

BERRY BOOST SMOOTHIE

Need:

• 40g frozen blackcurrants (alternatively, you can use summer fruits containing blackcurrants)• 40g fresh blueberries• 80g fresh raspberries• 40g pitted fresh or frozen cherries• 200ml grape juice

(Serves 2)

Blend your ingredients together and, hey presto, your smoothie is ready to drink!

57support us by joining our page on www.facebook.com/fifteen21magazine

Asad Ibrahim

Out on Friday 26th October 2012!

National Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• TheStoryofProp

hetZakariya(as)

• HonourBasedViole

nce;Safeguarding

WhoseHonour?

• TheStoryTeller–

HajjSpecial

• *NEW*YoungMinds–Yo

uthMentalHealth

• RegularFeatures

–Poems,BookReviews,Inspiri

ngRoleModels

• Interview - Darren Cheeseman, Team GB

In The Next Issue…

ChildLine is a service provided by the NSPCC. Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717. 7244/11

Life has its ups and downs You can talk confidentially online or by phone whenever you need to.

Whatever your worry, it’s better out than in.

www.childline.org.uk

ChildLine is a service provided by the NSPCC. Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717. 7244/11

Life has its ups and downs You can talk confidentially online or by phone whenever you need to.

Whatever your worry, it’s better out than in.

www.childline.org.uk