In defence of the Tabligh

By Emdad Rahman

Misleading dross served up as journalism will ultimately raise awareness of the truth. FULL article... Please read and comment.

Who are these 2 Roly Polies?

Clue: They're 2 of my students...

Poem: Athina 2007

As we herald in the clash of two modern day titans
Beware of a port city’s Red clan bearing gifts
The dawn of Rafa’s Iliad will be reborn and enlighten
The Attica Periphary of Central Greece

Did you know that the Trojan horse was actually a Greek mare?
As Liverpool look set to reclaim their rightful crown
As the Milanese will discover, blinded by a powerful Red flair
Leaving with nothing but a rueful frown

As Liverpool will unleash Achilles
The cradle of civilisation will be raving mad
A giant of the Trojan war will be unleashed on the sweet breeze
By the most magnificent warrior of Rafael’s Iliad

The historic ancient Agora will see no Achilles heel
As in the shade of the Acropolis, vivtory the Reds will seal

© Emdad Rahman: Penned 15 minutes before the kickoff: Athina 2007

www.footballpoets.org

Nought from the Greeks towards me hath sped well.
So now I find that ancient proverb true,
Foes' gifts are no gifts: profit bring they none.

Sophocles (496 - 406 BC),Ajax

In case you haven’t figured… Achilles = Gerrard

BOOK LAUNCH: IBN TAYMIYYAH - THE FATHER OF ISLAMIC RADICALISM?

Emdad Rahman

Toynbee Hall in East London was the venue as Professor Yahya Michot from the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies launched his much awaited and debated book on Ibn Taymiyyah.

For leading enlightened Western academics, Muslim modernists and 'progressives', Ibn Taymiyyah is considered the godfather of uncompromising violent Jihadism. For the modern day 'Jihadi', the life and works of Taqi-Uddin Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728/1328) are regarded as sources of inspiration. Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and misquoted scholars, he and those claiming to follow his school of understanding today, have been accused of anthropomorphism, enmity towards people of spirituality or Tasawwuf, and creedal deviation from mainstream Sunni Islam.

Ironically, Ibn Taymiyyah lived at a time very similar to ours, where Muslims in certain regions lived under non-Muslim rule, i.e. lands occupied by the Mongols and the Crusaders, and with various Muslim factions vying with one another to gain credibility with the Establishment.

In his book 'Ibn Taymiyya: Muslims under non-Muslim Rule", Professor Michot overturns this conventional and somewhat simplistic picture of Shaykh Ibn Taymiyyah.

During the book launch he examined the life, work and jihad, and present close and
careful translations of the four 'Mardin fatwas' issued by Ibn Taymiyyah on how Muslims should respond when they come under non-Muslim rule. Should they fight or quit such rule? If they have to adjust to it, what form should this take and to what extent should this be? The inconsistent and oft unfair accusations of deviancy levelled against Ibn Taymiyyah were also addressed in a scholarly manner.

“ I developed an interest in researching Ibn Taymiyyah through my research of Ibn, whereby I discovered many similarities between these two great personalities” he said.

He added “ Ibn Taymiyyah did not just split the world up into two parts; namely Darul Islam and Darul Kufr/Harb, but recognised a third type, and as in the case of Mardin.”

He further addressed the audience and elucidated the reasons why Ibn taymiyyah’s words are often taken out of context and used the assassination of Sadat and the Fatwa against Mongol invaders as examples.

”Ibn Taymiyyah was more open minded and as aprogressive and broad thinker than he is given credit for.” Professor michot exhorted the audience and those who study the works of Ibn Taymiyyah to broaden their readings rather than focussing on selected chapters.

The book will be of huge benefit to a wide range of people, including those who adopt the Salafi methodology, those who subscribe to the Ash'ari school of theology, Muslims who consider themselves to be part of other 'groups' or none, secularists, Neocons, apologists, people involved in policy-making bodies and think tanks, and all people who would just like to understand what the fuss is all about. The Foreword by James Piscatori draws out the political implications of this stunning correction of the image of Ibn Taymiyya. It means that Islamic political activism need not be unintelligible, and response to it therefore needs to be more intelligent and nuanced than it usually is.

Copies of the book were also made available for sale and signing during the free event.

* Professor Yahya M. Michot is one of the world's leading experts on Ibn Taymiyyah. He was director of the Centre for Arabic Philosophy at University of Louvain in Belgium where he has delivered courses in Arabic, History of Arabic Philosophy, History of Muslim Peoples and Institutions of Islam, and Commentary on Arabic Philosophical Texts. His main field of research is the History of Muslim Thought with special reference to Avicenna (Ibn Sina), his predecessors and his impact on Sunni thought and Ibn Taymiyyah. Professors Michot's interests also encompass the history of Muslim thought during the Mamlūk and Ilkhān periods, as well as modern Islamic movements. He is currently a Fellow in Islamic Studies at the Oxford Centre for
Islamic Studies and a Lecturer in the Faculty of Theology at Oxford University. He serves as member of various international scholarly societies, and is founder and director of the collection 'Sagesses Musulmanes'. Professor Michot held the position of president of the Conseil Supérieur des Musulmans de Belgique between 1995 and 1998.

His numerous publications include several volumes on Ibn Sina and Ibn Taymiyyah.

Research Interests: Classical Islamic theology and philosophy (Ibn Taymiyya, d. 1328; Avicenna, d. 1037; Ikhwân al-Safâ, 10th c.; Rashîd al-Dîn Fadl Allâh, d. 1318). Contemporary Islamic thought and inter-religious dialogue.
Publications: . Textes traduits de l’arabe, annotés et présentés en relation à certains textes modernes. Préface de James Piscatori (2004, Beirut - Paris, Albouraq, xii & 176 p.).
Ibn Taymiyya : Un Dieu hésitant ? Texte traduit de l’arabe, introduit et annoté (2004, Beirut -Paris, Albouraq, vi & 37 p.).
Ibn Sînâ : Lettre au vizir Abû Sa‘d. Editio princeps d’après le manuscrit de Bursa, traduction de l’arabe, introduction, notes et lexique (2000, Paris, Albouraq, Sagesses Musulmanes, 4, 393 p.).">
A Mamlûk Theologian’s Commentary on Avicenna’s «Risâla Adhawiyya». Being a Translation of a Part of the «Dar’ al-Ta‘ârud» of Ibn Taymiyya, with Introduction, Annotation, and Appendices, Part II, in Journal of Islamic Studies, 14:3, Oxford, 2003, p. 309-363.
Ibn Taymiyya. Mardin: Hégire, fuite du péché et "demeure de l’islam". Textes traduits de l’arabe, annotés et présentés en relation à certains textes modernes. Préface de James Piscatori (2004, Beirut - Paris, Albouraq, xii & 176 p.).
Ibn Taymiyya : Un Dieu hésitant ? Texte traduit de l’arabe, introduit et annoté (2004, Beirut -Paris, Albouraq, vi & 37 p.).
Ibn Sînâ : Lettre au vizir Abû Sa‘d. Editio princeps d’après le manuscrit de Bursa, traduction de l’arabe, introduction, notes et lexique (2000, Paris, Albouraq, Sagesses Musulmanes, 4, 393 p.).

Courtesy of Islam Online - www.islamonline.net

Making time for what's important

A man came home from work late, and as usual, tired and irritated, to find his 5 year old son waiting for him at the door.

"Daddy, may I ask you a question?"

"Yeah, sure. What is it?" replied the man.

"Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?"

"That's none of you business! What makes you ask such a thing?" the man said angrily.

"I just wanted to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?" pleaded the little boy.

"I am paid $20 an hour," responded the man, resentfully.

Looking up, the little boy said, "Daddy, may I borrow $9 please?"

The father was furious. "The only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a toy or some other nonsense. You march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you're being so selfish. I work long, hard hours everyday and don't have time for such childish games."

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and got even madder about the little boy's questioning. After a time, the man calmed down. He started to think he might have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $9. After all, he didn't ask for money very often.

The man went to his son's room and opened the door. "Are you asleep, son?" he asked.

"No Daddy. I'm awake," replied the boy.

"I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier," said the man. "I'm sorry I was so angry. What do you need that $9 for?"

The little boy sat up, beaming. He reached under his pillow, he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his Dad.

"Why did you want $9 if you already have money?" the father grumbled.

"Because I didn't have enough, but if you lend me $9, I will have enough to buy an hour of your time tonight," the little boy replied.

Madeleine McCann

Please fill in this form if you have information which may lead to finding out where Madeleine is and which may help to get her back with her family.

Madeleine McCann was born 4 years ago. She has one brother Sean and a sister Amelie. She lives with her family in Rothley, Leicestershire.

Her father comes from Glasgow and has 3 sisters, Patricia, Jacqueline and Phil, and a brother John. Madeleine's Grandmother, Eileen lives in Glasgow. Her other grandparents, Sue and Brian live in Liverpool.

Both sides of the family are very close and all are working in different ways to try and help in the search for Madeleine.

Phil, who resides in Ullapool and is a teacher, has asked that the heartfelt thanks of the whole family be passed to everyone who has helped in the search so far. She said "There have been so many messages of support and prayers from people all over the world. We (the family) are overwhelmed with your assistance. The media people have been wonderful and so helpful in making everyone aware of our plight. Madeleine’s family are so grateful to you all. Please keep Madeleine in your thoughts and prayers. We pray that she will be returned to us safe and well."




Official Website...

Help find Maddy!

HELP FIND MADELEINE McCANN

Little Maddy shares my birthday. Couldn't help but think of her last Saturday. Madeleine McCann who has been missing for a number of days from a holiday apartment in the Algarve.

If you have any information please call Portuguese Police direct on 00351 282 405 400 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Por favor ajudem-nos a encontrar esta menina.

Se têm informações por favor contactem
00 351 282 405 400

Nos ayuden a encontrar a esta niña. Se tienen informaciones, contacten el
00 351 282 405 400

To download a copy of the Madeleine McCann campaign poster please click here.

http://www.bringmadeleinehome.com/

Inspirational art from Kawser Khan...

Turner Prize here we come...I am very proud to introduce artwork by Kawser Khan, a distinguished student of the arts. His future is assured as he has the best available teacher and mentor to guide him.... ahmem... ME!

Rest assured this is one for the future. Remember the name and you heard it here first!

Spare a pound Guvnor!

Faith Drama Production Presents...

Mufti Taqi Usmani Book launch: The meanings of the Holy Quran

The 99 hits Jordan

Kuwait based Teshkeel Media Group today announced that Teshkeel CEO Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa addressed the Aramex International 25th Anniversary Conference in Jordan. This year's conference theme was "Unleashing Arab innovation" and Al-Mutawa was honoured with an invitation to speak, thanks to Teshkeel's ability to "fashion palpable achievements out of intangible ideas". The conference, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah Bin al Hussein II, was a chance for business leaders and visionaries to gather and discuss opportunities for innovation and development.

The History of Islam in Africa

This absolutely brilliant two day course was delivered by the Irrepressible Dr Shaikh Abdullah Hakim Quick. Dr Quick focussed on a thought provoking two day lecture that traced the existence of monotheism in Africa from it's earliest times. Dr Quick followed the spread of Islam from the coming of last Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to the present day focussing on the life and times of the great scholar and reviver Shaikh Uthman Dan Fodio. Attendance was low and non attendees missed out on some real gems and pearls.

Shaikh Abdullah Hakim Quick embraced Islam in 1970 and thereafter perused his studies at the University of Madinah, he completed his BA from the College of Dawah and Usul- al-Din. He read for his Masters degree and completed his PhD on the History of Islam in Africa at the University of Toronto. He served as Imam, teacher and counsellor in the USA, Canada and the West Indies and lectures widely across the world.

Dr Quick has travelled to over 47 countries on lecture, research and educational tours. He persued his studies at the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, where he completed a bachelor of Arts. He later read for his Masters degree and completed his PhD on the History of Islam in West Africa at the University of Toronto, Canada. He is presently a senior lecturer on the history of Islam in Africa at The International Peace University South Africa in Cape Town.

Shaikh Abdullah Hakim has served as Imam, teacher and counselor in the USA, Canada and the West Indies. For three years he contributed to the religious page of Canada's leading newspaper. He is presently a Senior Lecturer at the Dar-ul-Arqam Islamic Institute and Director of the Da'wah Department of the Muslim Judicial Council, Cape Town, South Africa.

Today's world is in need of dynamic realtime scholars, with innovative rethinking based on original, authentic sources. Dr Abdullah Hakim provides an example of this new, progressive thinking and I the Almighty assures him his good health.

HERE'S an interesting interview with Dr Quick on this subject...

Coming up, a sixty second interview with Shaikh Abdul Hakim...

Poem: Fergie's bridesmaids

They blamed it on the weather
Said the surface was to wet
Milan went hell for leather
The memory evokes a cold sweat

As Kaka had a blaster
Roo and Ron went missing
A lesson from the master
That left Laird Fergie hissing

At the end of the day
The devils lost their bottle
To Vidic's dismay
Gattuso charged at full throttle

You may have Gary Neville, smug fans, all the cash
Milan turn up, it's all gone in a flash

(c): Emdad Rahman - 06.05.07 - www.footballpoets.org

Muslim Community Radio

MUSLIM COMMUNITY RADIO (MCR) ON-LINE WAS LAUNCHED ON SATURDAY 28TH APRIL WITH A LIVE LINK UP WITH IMAM SUHAIB WEBB.

LISTEN ONLINE @ WWW.MCRLIVE.NET

Studio Hotline: 020 7377 2121
Studio Email: studio@mcrlive.net
Studio Text: 07781 48 10 14

MCR online Live Programmes

Day Time (BST)

Wednesday

Tafseer of the Qur'an (English) By Sidi Ihsan Abdullah 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Friday

Live Friday Khutba From East London Mosque 1.00pm - 2.00pm
MCR Talk (Live current affairs programme)
9.30pm - 11.00pm

Saturday

Halaqah (Live programmes with guest speakers)
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Tafseer of the Qur'an (Bangla)Imam Abdul Qayum 8.00pm - 10.30pm
Easy Talk
10.00pm - 12.00pm

Sunday

Children's Show 6.00pm - 7.00pm
Heroes of Islam series 7.30pm - 8.00pm
Ilm Hour with Shaykh Muhammad Ahmed Saad 8.00pm - 9.00pm
Week in Review (Bangla) 9.00pm - 10.30pm

PLEASE SPREAD THE MESSAGE AND PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAMMES BY PHONE CALLS, EMAILS ETC.

Tony Blair to stand down as PM on 7th?

A little bird tells me that Mr Blair will stand down as Prime Minister on the 7th of May.

Poem - Masjid Al Aqsa

Linking Hands Across the Table
Peace, one and all...

Linking Hands across the Table

We link hands across the table
You and I,
And worlds collide,
Universes touch.

My friend, in truth,
Meeting others is always like this.

I am born,
A world entire,
A realm called forth from the void.
And so it is with you.

Each heart has its own sacred centre,
Its own pilgrims’ kaaba.

Thus, my friend,
If you truly seek ‘the Lord of this House’,
Do not count lightly
Even the least of His signs.

Let each be his own Jerusalem,
her own Ganges –

And when you seek communion
With the living heart of another,
Speak to that centre,
Reach out towards that masjid al-aqsa,
Lest the Beloved find you
In anything other than Love

Mustaq Ahmed

Athens 2007: Here we come

Yessss!!!!!And the Reds go marching on.....

Grub's up

The Apprentice gets personal in week six.

To mark the half-way point of the competition the teams head across the channel to sell quality British food products in France. With a stall laid on by Sir Alan at a food market in Arras in Northern France, the teams have a day to source their produce before crossing the Channel to flog their grub to the fussiest food connoisseurs in Europe.

Sir Alan warns the teams that not speaking the language is no excuse for poor sales and one candidate soon realises he can bullsh*t in any language. Ex-army man, Paul leads his troops with a selection of pork sausages and cheese and devises a novel cooking apparatus that he thinks will give his team the upper hand. In Eclipse, project manager Lohit opts for an English breakfast theme, but spends time and energy trying to calm the fires blazing between members of his team.

The candidates' true co! lours are starting to show. Get ready to see the final ten apprentices go absolutely bonkers in their quest to win over French consumers, plus arguments get personal in the boardroom and there are some shocking revelations. Find out which candidate is a 'disaster'; and which poor soul will face Sir Alan's marching orders...