Islamic Monitor

The Last 10 days and nights of Ramadan

Seek the Greatest Night of the Year

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I still remember my childhood when an old man of 70 years, Abdul Jabbar, used to come from the district of Faridpur (now in Bangladesh) took the silent alleys of our village in the night, chanting and calling, to wake up Muslims for the last meal before another day of Ramadan fasting begins. Abdul Jabbar reminds one of a character from the book The Thousands and One Nights. He is a strange person who comes out from the depth of the night to disturb the quietness by a shrill cry calling, Suhoor…Suhoor.

Now that person is replaced in a big city like London by Muslim Community Radio (MCR) – Ramadan Radio – in East London, Kismat Radio and Islam TV Channel calling Muslims to wake up for their breakfast. In Ramadan, all Muslims who want to fast should eat before starting to fast.

The Month of Mercy, the blessed month came and is passing away very fast. Today, Wednesday, is the 21^stof Ramadan. More than two-third of the blessed month has passed; still there is time to get our sins cleared, still there is time to ask for forgiveness from Allah the Almighty who is ready to forgive our sins. The remaining days and nights of the blessed month is full of Allah’s mercy and blessing. In this part of the month, specially during the last 10 days and nights, a night which is the greatest night of the year, the Lailatul Qadr. During these ten days and nights, Muslims spend in the Mosque for I’tikaf.

I'tikaf

I’tikaf means seclusion and staying in the Mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would perform I’tikaf for last 10 days every Ramadan. In the year that he died, he performed it for twenty days. (Related by Al-Bukhari, Abu Dawud,and Ibn-Majah). The next Friday on 10 of July (23 Ramadan) will be the Jumatul-Widah, the last Friday of the Blessed Month of Ramadan, if Eid will be on Friday,. 17^thof July, depending on the sighting of the Shawaal Moon.

As the month of blessings and mercy is coming to the end, similarly the recitation of the complete Qur’an is also coming to the Khatam which might be on the 27^thnight of Ramadan. The last ten nights are very important nights. Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to exert himself in night prayer especially during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Decree)

Lailatul-Qadr is the greatest night of the year like the Day of Arafah is the greatest day of the year. It is a night about which Allah revealed a full Surah, Suratul-Qadr (97:1-5) and the 3^rd to the 6^th verses of the Surat ad-Dukhan (44:3-6). Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an, “Indeed We have revealed it (Qur’an) in the Night of Decree. And what will explain to you what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: (they say) “Peace” (continuously) till the rise of morning!” (97:1-5). A person who misses Lailatul Qadr is really a deprived person!

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night (during this month) which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived (of something great). (Ahmad, an-Nisai and al-Bayhaqi).

Aishah said, “Allah’s Messenger used to practice I’tikaf in the last ten nights and say: ‘Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Zakah

The word Zakat in Arabic means purification. The giving of Zakat (obligatory charity) is the third pillar of Islam. There are two types of Zakat: Zakat-ul-Fitr (charity of Eid-ul-Fitr, given to the poor before Eid prayer) and Zakat Al-Maal(purifying charity, paid on one’s wealth).

It is to be noted that Zakat-ul-Fitr was declared by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as a prerequisite for the acceptance of fasting. But when and whom to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr?First of all, who has to pay? Each and every Muslim, regardless of his social status, is required to give a certain amount of charity usually in the form of food grains, barley, raisin etc. called Zakat-ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and before the Eid-ul-Fitr so that every member of the Muslim community, especially the poor, have something to eat on the day of Eid. It is meant to cement the relationship between the members of the Muslim society, to alleviate the pain of the poor, to cultivate the sense of brotherhood and solidarity in the hearts of the Muslims, etc., said Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.

Dr. Qaradawi also said, “If a person dies before Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, Zakat-ul-Fitrwould not be obligatory upon him even if he fasted all the other days of the month. Conversely, if a child is born after Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, i.e. the first night of Shawwal, it would be obligatory to pay Zakat: Zakat-ul-Fitr on his or her behalf. This view is unanimously agreed upon by Muslim scholars.” The head of the household must pay for every member of the family, even for the newborn. The Muslim is supposed to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr (i.e., Zakah of breaking the fast) in the country where he or she spends the first night of the month of Shawwal.

So far as the Zakat-ul-Maalis concerned, it is also obligatory for a Muslim, who possesses the minimum wealth on which Zakat is applicable, to give out Zakat. In his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque in Makkah al-Mukarramah, Imam and Khateeb Sheikh Dr. Saleh Bin Mohammad Aal-Talib, few years ago urged Muslims to be God-Conscious and give charity to the poor and the needy. He said Zakat removes miserliness and cleans the heart from cruelty.

Allah has stressed on payment of Zakat, which appears in the Holy Qur’an more than 30 times. There are many verses of the Holy Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that urge Muslim to give charity for the sake of Allah. Sheikh Aal-Talib said charity is an act that attracts Allah’s mercy. He said giving charity secretly extinguishes God’s anger and it is a blessing for the person’s wealth. A person who does not give in charity will be punished by removal of the blessing (barakah) from his wealth.

Zakat-ul-Fitr is associated with the Eid and is meant to create happiness in such a way that includes the poor and the needy. That is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Make them (i.e., the poor) rich on this day (i.e. the day of Eid)”.

Charity in Ramadan

About charity and spending from the wealth in the Way of Allah or for the Cause of Allah, Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an, “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah is Al-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” (Al-Qur’an, 2:261).

Allah also said, “Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Al-Qur’an: 2: 262)

Ramadan is also the month of charity. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “...Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month), shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time; and whoever performs an obligatory deed in (this month), shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Paradise. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Hell-Fire, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all.” (Reported by Ibn Khuzaymah)

Spend more time with the Qur’an. Read the Qur’an every day. Try to finish at least one time the whole Qur’an during this month by your own personal reading. Pray on time and observe all the prayers. Do not ignore the Tarawih. Make more extra and voluntary prayers. Do as much worship as you can. Do more dhikr (remembering Allah) and du’a (supplication) for yourself and for others. Repent and seek forgiveness for yourself and for others as much as you can. This is the best time for devotion and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Seek the Night of Qadr by special devotion during the last 10 nights of this month.

The month of blessing and forgiveness is passing away very quickly. Do not miss the remaining last ten days and nights. Let us clear our sins. Let us seek the Night of Qadr.

EID MUBARAK TO YOU ALL

What to do toward the end of the

month of Ramadan

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The blessed month is approaching to the end; only a few days and nights remain. Today is Wednesday, 28 Ramadan corresponding to 15^th of July, 2015. There will be Eid either Friday or Saturday depending on the sighting of the Moon. Eid Mubarak to you all. May Allah accept our good deeds.

A few years ago, Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani, A Saudi Islamic scholar, gave a pre-Khutba lecture at a Mosque in London where he said, “This is one of the days that we are so much happy to live, to observe. Today is Friday and Friday is the best day the Sun has ever risen on and today is one of the days of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the master of the months. This is a month of blessings, favours on us. We should be thankful to Allah the Almighty for what he has given us. We are many others deprived of not enjoying the mercy of the month of Ramadan. So Alhamdolillah. Alhamdolillah, Alhamdolillah.”

Lailatul Qadr

We have only a few days and nights are left but still they are very important. Only yesterday we have been receiving the month, just yesterday, 27 days past but still the best is there, the 29^th night of Ramadan; there is Lailatul Qadr. Professor Turkistani asked do you know what Lailatul Qadr is and said, “It is better than 1000 months; by simple calculation, Lailatul Qadr is better than more than 83 years. Just imagine 84 years. The average life of Muslims, most Muslims die before their age; which means you are getting the reward of more than 83 years. Even better, because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says Lailatul Qadr khairun. This is a golden opportunity; it’s a gift even to this Ummah and we shall take it. It’s worth to take a vacation, to take some days off your work; to leave all things at your hands and get this opportunity. Then they will be gone.”

Narrating the blessing of this month of Ramadan, Professor Turkistani said, “This night is so much blessed. The Angels will come down and will bring blessings and Allah Subhanahu wa Taala will forgive anyone who is committed to Allah on that night reciting the Glorious Qur’an, engage in prayer, doing all the good deeds that a person can do. Even if you stay awake all the night it’s worth it. When the last ten days come on his own life, the Prophet peace be upon him would avoid sleep during the nights of the last ten days. And he would stay away from his wives only concentrating on Ibadah. It’s worth it.”

“It is nine days or ten days for more than 83 years what a bargain. Why can you not use it brothers and sisters. This is what Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has promised us. This stays until Fajr; until the coming dawn; so we shall be very much interested in this. Anyone who misses that he is a deprived one. Deprived. We shall not be deprived of this great prize, a great opportunity,” said Professor Turkistani.

What a blessing! What a gift!

Professor Turkistani also mentioned what a bargain it is. He said, “Just say a one good thing: SubhanAllah Alhamdo lillah La ilaha Illallah Allahu Akbar. It is like you have done for 83 years and 4 months. What a blessing; what a gift that is given to us this opportunity the biggest bargain. I do not see any bargain better than that. You see that? Even when people bargain, they go to stores and markets and online trying to buy the best thing that they need and they dream of. They say ouh; this is the biggest bargain; no, wallahe, the bargain is Lailatul Qadr. This is the biggest bargain.”

Professor Turkistani urged people “Please do not let it go away without cashing as much as you can; devote the rest of the time for Ibadah; because that will affect the rest of your life. It should, if you surely coming towards Allah with Taubah from your heart, from inside, then Allah will accept you , Insha Allah and then Insha Allah, you would be happy for the rest of your life. You would be guided on the straight path. So you keep on the truck until you meet Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. This is the time and that’s why Allah Subhanahu wa Taala promises that you stand with imaan and Ihtesab. imaanbelieving in Allah and believing in His Rewards and Ihtesaban seeking the rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala alone; not from any one else and all your previous sins are forgiven. You fast the month of Ramadan all your previous sins are forgiven if again if you stand up in Salah during all the month of Ramadan and you should do it out of Imaan and Ihtesab and all your previous sins are forgiven.”

Masjid at MWL London Office

A few years ago, Professor Turkistani was delivering Khutba at the Mosque of the Muslim World League London Office where he was mentioned about what to do during the end of the month of Ramadan. Towards the end of the Ramadan there are certain Ibadahs that we need to be aware of and to do the first is the Zakat-ul-Fitr.

Zakat-ul-Fitr

Professor Turkistani mentioned the first of those Ibadah is the Zakat-ul-Fitr. He said, “Zakat-ul-Fitr is the source of purification and feeding of the poor and the needy. It is a source of purification for yourself in case you have committed some sins and who amongst us has not committed something wrong in the month of Ramadan or any other time and it is something to feed the poor and the needy.”

How Zakat-ul-Fitris estimated? Enquired Professor Turkistani and promptly answered, “It is estimated Soa as in the Hadith of Abu Sayeed al-Khudri (RA) follow the Rasoolullah peace be upon him. He gave examples, all these types of food. So it means that we should give Zakat-ul-Fitr in food, not in money. I know that Imam Abu Hanifah (Rahimullah) said it is permissible to do in money but the Prophet peace be upon him and the Companions did not give Zakat-ul-Fitrin money. They gave it in food. They could have given in money; they would pay Zakat-ul-Maal or any type of Zakah from wealth, from money. Zakat-ul-Fitragain so that the poor and the needy have not to seek on the day of Eid, they should be happy; they should enjoy with the rest of the Muslim community. That’s why, we should have to give it in food.”

Again, Professor Turkistan enquired, “How do we do it?” and answered, “Well, lets seek the poor and the needy in our community. If we have someone we know who is in need we shall give Zakat-ul-Fitr to these people. If we do not know people, then we shall give the money to the trusted charities and organisations that collect the money, buy the food and give it to the poor and the needy on your behalf. If not in this country; if this country would not have poor people to the extent that they can be receiving Zakat-ul-Fitr, there are many people up there, in Africa, Asia and throughout the Muslim World who need this food who cannot buy who stay at night starving.”

“In Syria, for example, as you have heard from your brothers, telling you that the Ulema in that country in their Fatwa people eat cats and rats because they do not have the food to eat. Situations because of the war going on in Syria; and the same thing with other people who are starving and do not have the food. This is the way to express your own sympathy with your brothers. This is something that you need to do and Zakat-ul-Fitr is a must. It’s not a choice and it is for everyone in the household, everyone. Even those who think they are poor; if they have a food for a day and a night, they should give out Zakat-ul-Fitr. If they have enough for one day, they should give Zakah to other poor people and the needy people and that would be a Saa,” said Professor Turkistani in his Khutba (Sermon).

How that would be translated into today’s measurement? Professor Turkistani asked and promptly replied, “It would be about two kilogram and a quarter. If you pay three kilograms of any types of food, rice, dates, barley, anything that people eat, which is an edible thing; something they can keep and preserve. You cannot give out, in meat, for example, or something that can be immediately consumed; cooked food, for example. It has to be a food that the poor and the needy can save and can prepare their own meals. For everyone in the household, young or old, male or female, the newly born, anyone born before the sun set of the last day of the month of Ramadan has to be given Zakat-ul-Fitr and it is the responsibility of the head of the household; those who spent is the man who is earning and even if it is the woman who is earning and spending in the family then it is their responsibility to pay.”

When shall we pay it? Professor Turkistani again enquired and said, “Not until before Eid day; at least two days before Eid and it shall be given out before Salat-ul-Eid, otherwise it would not be Zakat-ul-Fitr; it would be sadaqah. And it would not do its purpose unless it is done and given to the poor and the needy so that they can go for the Eid prayer and happy. They feel that they have enough and they can share with the Muslim community. Nice occasion and celebrate Eid along with them.”

Takbeer

That was for Zakat-ul-Fitr. The second form of Ibadah is Takbeer. Professor Turkistani mentioned, “It is a Sunnah to do Takbeer starting from the Maghreb of the night of Eid until Eid prayer. How do we say, what do we say? Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illallah Allahu Akbar walillahe wal Hamd. Any form of Takbeer is good to announce this and to obey Allah Subhanahu wa Taala as Allah said so you shall complete the number of days fasting and announce Takbeer. That’s why it is Sunnah to do Takbeer from the Maghreb to the Salat-ul-Eid in congregation. You say on yourself, you say it among Muslims, you say in the Masjid, in the house, anywhere wherever it is possible to pronounce loudly just to inform Muslims around you that this is the time of praising Allah and celebrate Eid.”

Salat-ul-Eid

The third form of Ibadah during the end of the month of Ramadan is Salat-ul-Eid. Professor Turkistani mentioned, “We need to come to Salat-ul-Eid. Salat-ul-Eidis an obligation upon the whole community, but for every individual it is something strongly recommended. Some people choose to sleep on the morning of Eid and miss the prizes because during the day of Eid as people are coming to the prayer the Angels are standing at the doors giving prizes. You wouldn’t see them but belief me, if you have done well in the month of Ramadan you receive prize on the day of Eid. That’s why it is important to come to Eid prayer and to receive the prize and look and see that prize on the day of Eid. So on the Eid, take complete bath and then wear the must you have, put on perfume for man, but not for woman because you will attract the opposite gender, and then come to Salatul Eid to attend and celebrate with the rest of the community Eid. Everyone, man and woman, young or old, shall come to Eid prayer; without exception, even women who are having the menstruation. But they should avoid area of prayer, area of musalla. But they should come and be among the community to enjoy this occasion along with the rest of the Muslims. This is the third Ibadah.”

Fast ing is prohibited on Eid Day

Fasting is prohibited on the day of Eid. “We need to break on the day of Eid of fast because it is prohibited to fast on the day of Eid,” said Professor Turkistani and added, “It is a gift from Allah and we shall receive it and how do we break we break it with date, one or three or five or more, eat single or odd number of dates on the day of Eid in your home before you come out. And it is Sunnah to go from one way and to return another way in order to meet as many people and to greet them on the day of Eid. Eid is the day of forgiveness, a day when you really forgive those who have done wrong to you. This is the time to show forgiveness and Allah who give you forgiveness in return.”

28 Ramadan, 1436

15 July 2015

World has not learnt lesson from Holocaust

The Srebrenica Massacre: First – ever

Genocide in Europe After the World War II

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Religious extremism; ethnic cleansing by the ‘Serbian Butchers.’ World community wonder and ask themselves has the world learnt lesson from holocaust that took place in 1940’s? If the world has learnt anything from that holocaust, is it possible within the same century the revisit of genocide in Europe? First-ever genocide was committed again in Europe in 1995 just after 50 years exactly after the Second World War. It was committed in front of the Dutch soldiers under the banner of the United Nations Protection Forces. It was happened on 11 July 1995. The Srebrenica massacre refers to the July 1995 killing of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslims in the town of Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Bosnia war. This massacre is the biggest on European soil since the Nazis.

Srebrenica Genocide Day-A black spot

on Human Conscience

I wrote on 24 July 2010, under the title “Srebrenica Genocide Day – A Black Spot on Human Conscience”: “The world simply looked away on 11 July, 1995, when the Bosnian Serb forces and Serb paramilitary unit known as “the Scorpions” executed between 7,000 and 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys in the Muslim enclave of Srebrenica, even though the UN had declared it a “safe area”. This was the largest mass murder in Europe since World War II which will remain as a black spot in the human conscience for eternity. Those war criminals that commanded and executed the Genocide in Bosnia are still at large. The excuses are simply not credible.

Why the cry “never again” raised by so many in the years after 1945 has increasingly become hollow with the passing decades? Why Holocaust? Why Genocide? Where does evil begin? Why the most wanted remains at large? Why the evil doers are not brought to justice? All these questions were raised by the Grand Mufti of Bosnia, Dr. Mustafa Ceric on the 15th anniversary of the genocide of Muslims in Bosnia-Srebrenica. “What happened in Srebrenica requires justice as well as memorialisation,” said Holly Cartner, Europe and Central Asia Director at Human Rights Watch. “Ratko Mladic’s liberty is an affront to both.”

Of course, I would like to mention that I wrote a book on Bosnia Herzegovina. In 1993, Makkah-based Muslim World League (MWL) published a book entitled “Genocide of Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina” by Dr. Mozammel Haque, documenting the events unfolded during 1992-1993. (BOSNIACA: A Bibliography of the University of Michigan Holdings, Supplement II, Ann Arbor, 2001).

Srebrenica Genocide 1995

During the Balkans conflict of 1992-1995, the Bosnian town of Srebrenica was declared a UN Safe Area in 1993, under the watch of the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR). In July 1995, General Ratko Mladic and his Serbian paramilitary units overran and captured the town, despite its designation as an area “free from any armed attack or any other hostile act.”

In the days following Srebrenica’s fall, more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically massacred and buried in mass graves. Thousands of women, children and elderly people were forcibly deported and a large number of women were raped. It was the greatest atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.

The International Court of Justice (ICC) and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) ruled that the mass execution of Bosniak men and boys in Srebrenica constituted genocide.

Judge Fouad Riad, who reviewed the indictment, described the “unimaginable savagery” that the victims endured at the hands of Mladic’s forces. He said these were: “truly scenes from hell, written on the darkest pages of human history.”

Remembering Srebrenica Genocide

2015 is the 20^th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. The UK Memorial Week runs from Sunday 5^th– 12^th July 2015. The Theme this year is ‘Living the Lessons’ – allowing survivors to tell their stories. Reflecting on these massacres, journalist and analyst Nijaz Hlinjak gave a speech at East London Mosque on 5 July 2015.

On this Remembering Srebrenica, I interviewed Lord Sheikh, Conservative Peer and Lord Ahmed, Independent Peer of the House of Lords of the British Parliament. In this section, besides the interviews, I will bring to the notice of the readers, the BBC Programme on Srebrenica which was telecast on 6^th of July 2015. I will Insha Allah, mention the other activities, such as press releases of the Bosnian Community, press release from Lord Ahmed, Press release of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and press release of the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB).

i) First the interviews:

I have conducted two interviews on this remembering Srebrenica programme, Lord Sheikh and Lord Ahmed.

a) Lord Sheikh’s comment on

the Srebrenica Massacre

I had the opportunity to meet with Lord Sheikh, the Barons of Cornhill at his office on Monday, the 27^th of July 2015 and enquired about his comments on the Srebrenica massacre.

Lord Sheikh told me, “The Srebrenica Massacre is a black mark against the entire humanity.8,000 Muslims were killed; they were under the protection of the United Nations who were attended at that time by the Dutch soldiers. Firstly, Dutch soldiers who were there protecting these people observe to go into that place and massacre and also you blame the Serbs. Serbs should have known these people are innocent and are being under the protection of the United Nations that they should not have gone into the area to massacre people.

“I think this should be a lesson for the entire adult world that to kill somebody for no reason except they belong to different religion is totally totally wrong. I think, but we also need to learn a lesson something like this should never be allowed to happen. And this should be commemorating in the sense that we should say that something like that was entirely and totally wrong,” Lord Sheikh observed.

Lord Sheikh also told me that he met the Ambassador of Bosnia at an event which was organised by the Al-Khoe Foundation about a week ago. He also said we totally condemned The Ambassador was really ought to be happened.

Lord Sheikh also said, “There are still bodies being looked for; because what the Serbs did was to kill the people and scatter the bodies. Heinous War crimes. We really need to perpetrators of such a horrible act. It is not only the Generals who gave the orders but the Serbs as well who perpetrated this awful unnecessary killing of unarmed and who had been lost their lives.”

b) Lord Ahmed’s Comments

on Srebrenica Massacre

Lord Ahmed while commenting on the Srebrenica Genocide told me over phone, “It is with the sad memory of Srebrenica Genocide and the killings of the innocent civilian people which were seen in the cities even the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. Sarajevo was bombed and shelled when the international community was stood by as a hopeless powerless spectator including the United Nations.”

He said, “The particular sadness of the Srebrenica Massacre was: 8,000 Muslims in Srebrenica was slaughtered. The slaughter of those Muslims was committed under the supervision of the Dutch soldiers under the command of the United Nations. And we must not forget to bring all those responsible to justice.”

Lord Ahmed mentioned, “We must remember those responsible for the holocaust 75 years ago are still brought to justice today.” And he demanded, “These people who are responsible for the Srebrenica Genocide must be brought to justice and the United Nations needs to take action.”

ii) The Deadly Warning: Srebrenica revisited

A BBC Programme

Journalist Myriam Francois-Cerrah travelled to Bosnia to mark the 20^th anniversary of the worst atrocity in Europe since World War-II. BBC presented this programme titled The Deadly Warning: Srebrenica Revisited, on 6^th of July 2015 with thanks to Sense Documentation Centre, Srebrenica. The travel was organised and funded by Dr. Waqar Azmi from the Remembering Srebrenica.

iii) Press Releases

a) Press Release from the Bosnian Community

In a press release today sent out by the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the president of the legislative body Mr. Hasan Čengić has stated: “We have just received a copy of the press release of his lordship, Baron Ahmed Nazir, regarding the Srebrenica Genocide commemoration. To say that we were touched by your sincere devotion to our cause does not sufficiently express our feelings. You have once more reminded the public that our suffering is not forgotten and that we have friends around the world.”

He added saying, “This year we have issued a Declaration condemning the various acts of genocide during the aggression on Bosnia and Herzegovina and we hope that his lordship will support it and help us cancel out the results of the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

b) Press Release from

Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham

Followings are the press release issued by Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham on the 20^thanniversary of Srebrenica massacre.

“It has been 20 years since the tragedy of the Srebrenica Massacre, where over 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb troops and thousands of women and girls were raped and assaulted. It is known as "the worst massacre in Europe since the Second World War".

“As the Bosnian War was coming to an end, 20,000 refugees fled to Srebrenica hoping to escape the Serb forces. They thought they were safe in an area protected by the UN Dutch forces however; the area had been overthrown by paramilitary troops led by Ratko Mladic, a Bosnian Serb commander.

“Lord Ahmed said “the trial of Ratko Mladic which took place in 2011 at the international criminal tribunal was a good start towards justice. Although the trial did not compensate for the families of the victims, it created a path for a better future, and the man responsible for the atrocity was rightly brought to trial. But more people need to be brought to justice for this despicable and heinous crime”.

“Lord Ahmed said “the United Nations must share some blame as the General-Secretary of the UN at the time, Kofi Annan said: "The tragedy of the Srebrenica will forever haunt the history of the United Nations". As they were present during the period, it was their responsibility to help prevent the Massacre.

On Monday July 6th 2015, the Westminster Abbey Service, paid tribute to those who lost their lives 20 years ago in the 1995 Massacre. Around 2,000 people attended the event to pay their respect. There are many Memorial events held in the UK from London Borough of Walthamstow to Bradford.

“Lord Ahmed said “I am deeply concerned with the loss of lives and my sympathies are with those who lost their loved ones. Every year we gather to mark this day and make it our job to see that this kind of atrocity is prevented in the future. Just because this tragedy occurred 20 years ago in Europe does not ensure it will not happen again”.

“The World must never forget what took place in Bosnia and that is why we should remember this day every year,” He said.

c) Press Release from Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)

Remembering Srebrenica Genocide – 20 years on

Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the Umbrella Organisation of the British Muslim communities issued a press release “Remembering Srebrenica Genocide – 20 years on” on 10^th July 2015. Followings are the press release:

“On 11^th July 2015, we remember. Twenty years ago on this day, more than 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys were brutally massacred in Srebrenica, despite being in an UN-protected safe area.

“When under attack, Muslim Bosnians had fled to the Dutch peacekeeping base in Potocari for protection. The Bosnian Serb forces arrived, led by Serbian war criminal, Radko Mladik, who deliberately separated men and women, and boys as young as 13, and callously murdered all the male Bosnians, dumping their bodies in mass graves. The attack was chilling even more so, as not only were they killed, but their bodies were scattered in an attempt for the victims to never be identified. This was a plan to annihilate a whole racial and religious group.

“Every year on 11 July, the remains of those who have been identified over the past year are buried at the Memorial Centre in Potocari. More than 1,000 victims are yet to be found.

“As the anniversary falls a day after Friday prayers, the Muslim Council of Britain urges Imams across the country to remind their congregations to reflect on the magnitude of the massacre that took place and pray for all the victims, their families and loved ones.

“Dr Shuja Shafi, Secretary General of the MCB said, “Hate is a toxic brand. When we allow hate to prevail, in any capacity, it leads only to destruction. We must work together to eradicate animosity wherever it may occur, we must build bridges, get to know one another, and learn to respect differences.

“This genocide has been dubbed as ‘the worst atrocity since World War II’. We will forever remember the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have lost their fathers, brothers, husbands, sons, and those of whom are yet still to find their loved ones”.

d) Press Release from Muslim Association of Britain (MAB)

Dr. Omar El-Hamdoon President

Of the Muslim Association of Britain

Followings are the statement issued by Dr. Omar El-Hamdoon, President of the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB):

“This month and year is also the 20th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre: the worst massacre and atrocity in European soil since Second World War. That time, the victims were Muslims and the perpetrators were Christian. 8372 Bosnian men and boys were systemically butchered at the hands of the Serbs. This massacre which the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague labelled as a Genocide and a crime against humanity.

“We know that Christianity is innocent of who murdered the men and boys in cold blood; as much as Islam is innocent of the barbaric attack of 7/7 or indeed the recent Tunisian massacre. In fact, I attended, along with thousands of others a memorial in Westminster abbey – yesterday – to pay respect to those who suffered and continue to suffer because of this horrid genocide.

“However, the killers who orchestrated 7/7 and the Serbian butchers of Srebrenica have one thing in common. They wanted to divide us. They wanted to bulldoze the civil architecture of our societies by spreading hate, anger and suspicion. And till today, there are those who still want to divide us. Some are terrorists, others extremists; and some are politicians and journalists! You don’t have to be a terrorist to propagate a hate message. Hate messages come in all shapes and sizes.

“Dr Waqar Azim OBE says: “They [Army of Republika Srpska] achieved this [ethnic cleansing] through a carefully planned process of de-humanising Bosnian Muslims, so both murderers and collaborators found it easier to hunt and kill their quarry.” De-humanising any section of society can only lead to fear and hatred, which can then lead to massacres and terror.

“The Muslim Association of Britain works hard to promote positive messages in society, which allows us to be more and more tolerant to one another. Because we believe that positivity and tolerance is the only way to counter terrorism,” he said.

Follow: @Omer_Elhamdoon

iv) Remembering The Srebrenica Massacre

Events in 2015

There were hundreds of memorial events held across the United Kingdom during Srebrenica Memorial Week. During the Srebrenica Memorial Week, there was memorial days, school assemblies, lectures and conferences, a UK-wide Srebrenica Memorial Football tournament involving 8,372 young people, inter-faith dialogue, community and social projects happening across the UK.

Remembering Srebrenica was part-funded by the Department for Communities & Local Government and supported by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. In 2015, Remembering Srebrenica is calling on UK communities to:

- REMEMBER the victims and survivors of the Srebrenica genocide;

- LEARN the lessons from Srebrenica, particularly that we must always be vigilant against hatred and intolerance in our communities; and

- PLEDGE to take action now to build better and safer communities for all.

Please support REMEMBERING SREBRENICA this special year.

v)Srebrenica Week at the East London Mosque

Bosnia’s Grand Mufti opened Srebrenica Week at the East London Mosque, marking the 20^thanniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, on Tuesday, 7^th of July 2015. The Grand Mufti of Bosnia, Husein Kavazovic, delivered the keynote speech on Sunday at a reception and Iftar (breaking of fast) event at the London Muslim Centre, held in collaboration with Remembering Srebrenica.

Members of the Bosnian community in Britain along with leaders of different faith and community organisations gathered to commemorate the 20^thanniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide in which more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically massacred in less than one week at Srebrenica, then a UN protected area (safe haven).

The evening was full of reflections, talks and videos plus a special exhibition by Bosnian photographer Jasmin Agovic, and Qu’ranic recitation by guest Imam Abdul-Aziz Drkic from Bosnia.

Imam Dr Sejad Mekic, an expert on Islamic Law, Ethics and the Balkan cultural history as well as a lecturer in Islamic Studies in London and Cambridge, said: “Without remembering we cannot hope to learn. Srebrenica, like the Holocaust, the Rwanda, Kosova, Kashmir and Burma, is a moral responsibility without compromise.”

Journalist, political and social analyst Niaz Hlivnjak quoting German Jewish academic Walter Benjamin lamented that “not even the dead will be safe from the enemy, if he is victorious”. His friend, economist and poet Jasmin Jusufovic, lost his father, uncle and tens of other members of his family in the Srebrenica genocide. Having survived the genocide he has been searching for the remains of his father for 18 years, and only two years ago he finally got his moment of closure by burying the remains of his father.

Despite his experiences, Jusufovic said: “Still I don’t hate. I do not know how to hate. I was a learning child when I felt on my own being what it meant to be hated, I’ve seen a shouting human faces disfigured with hate.”

The evening closed with the Grand Mufti thanked the organisers and called for optimism and dialogue: “We appreciate the efforts of many like the East London Mosque and The Cordoba Foundation for supporting Bosnia over the years. This period of the year is especially difficult for us because of the vivid memories of the atrocity of 1995. However, we must learn to live with one another; we must be optimistic, have hope in a better future for tomorrow.”

A team of young Muslims who all previously visited Bosnia presented a cheque to the Grand Mufti to help families affected by the conflict in Srebrenica.

Read more and more the Qur’an

In its month of revelation

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Noble Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan (Al-Qur’an, 97:1-3.). The Qur’an was sent down in the month of Ramadan on the Night of Power Lailatul Qadr. (Al-Qur’an, 91:1-3.). It is the month of Ramadan that Allah has honoured by revealing the Qur’an. Because of this strong relation between the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to read the Qur’an to Archangel Jibreel every Ramadan. I think this is the right place to discuss the purpose and objective of the revelation of the Qur’an, its importance, the campaigns against it and the do’s and don’ts of the Qur’an.

First of all, Allah the Most High, created mankind and gave him the gift of expression. For the guidance of mankind Allah sent Prophets (peace be upon them all) to every single community. In the words of the Qur’an, "There has been no community to which God’s messengers have not come" and "Muslims should make no distinctions between them." So it is the duty of a Muslim to honour all the prophets equally.

The Qur’an represents the culmination of all other earlier Revealed Books. The Qur’an is the last of the Revealed Books. The Qur’an is the first religious book in the world, which requires the belief in other revelations, a part of its Faith. This Sacred Book was revealed to the last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the month of Ramadan. Allah Himself said in the Qur’an: “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to Mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong).” (2:185). Allah the Most High has especially mentioned the exact date and month of the revelation: “We have indeed revealed This (Message) in the Night of Power.” (97:1) So the purpose of the revelation of the Qur’an was for guidance of Mankind.

The Qur’an is emphatic in proclaiming that Islam is the religion of Jesus, Moses, Abraham and the Prophets Jesus and Moses were not Jews but Muslims. "Surely those who believe (in that which is revealed to Muhammad Peace be upon him) and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabaeans – whoever believes in Allah, and the Last Day and does good, surely their reward is with their Lord, and there is no fear for them nor shall they grieve." (2:62). "A Guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and judgement (between right and wrong)." This is the most important characteristic of the Qur’an, the Book that Allah has revealed in the month of Ramadan.

It is guidance for mankind. It is clear proof, clear proof of guidance and of judgement. The Qur’an is indeed a great miracle and source of blessing. The month of Ramadan is a time that many Muslims rejuvenate their faith and take heed of the truth sent by Allah in the Qur’an unto mankind. Allah says; “This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon (the pious and righteous persons)”(Qur’an- Al-Baqarah, Verse 2)

A true miracle, manifestation of excellence, beautiful composition, wonderful coherence, accuracy in narration in both past and future events...It can only be The Qur’an- The Word of Allah and The Final Testament to Humanity. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “Certainly there is always a thing in which people take pride and that which is glory and pride for my Ummah is the Qur’an” (Hadith- Hiyah)

The Qur’an is the masterpiece of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala Himself. The Qur'an is miraculous in a many aspects: It’s linguistic perfection and inimitability, its validation by recent historical, archaeological, and scientific discoveries, its prophecies and so on. The miracle of the Qur'an is eternal and many critics have embraced its message after carefully reading it. In fact the like of the Qur’an can never be matched. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’alaHimself declares; “If mankind and the jinn were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could never produce the like thereof, even if they backed up one another.”(Quran 17:88)

In it is a solution and guidance for all of Humanity. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala says;

“This is the Book (the Qur’an), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”(Qur’an Al-Baqarah 2:2)

Before the revelation of the Qur’an, it was preserved and guarded from corruption in the "Mother of the Book". Allah Himself said: "Nay this is a Glorious Qur’an (inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved" (85:21-22). When Allah wanted to give this Trust to someone, the Heavens, the Earth, and the Mountains, i.e. other creatures of Allah, besides man, refused to undertake this Trust or responsibility. They preferred to submit their will entirely to Allah’s Will, which is All-Wise and Perfect, and which would give them far more happiness than a faculty of choice, with their imperfect knowledge. Allah says in the Qur’an: "We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it: He was indeed unjust and foolish." (33-72).

So it is the human beings who took the responsibility of the Trust without realising its importance. The Qur’an is the revealed book of God which has been in existence for more than four hundred years and the Word of Allah is available in its original form. There has not been an iota of change in this unique historic record. Its originality and authenticity has been guaranteed by no other than Allah the Almighty who challenges in the Qur’an itself.

Allah said, "This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah: on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelation) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt – from the Lord of the Worlds." (10:37). In another verse of the Qur’an Allah challenges, "Or do they say, "He forged it?" Say: "Bring then a Surah like unto it; and call (to your aid) anyone who can, beside Allah if it be you speak the truth!" (10:38). "Or they may say, "He forged it." Say, "Bring you then ten Suras forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsoever you can, other than Allah! – if you speak the truth!" (11:13).

Allah said in the Qur’an, "And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant then produce a Sura like thereunto, and call your witness and helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if you are truthful." (2:23) Allah places many verses before you. Can you produce one like it?

The world is challenged to produce a Book like it and has not produced one. It is the only Revealed Book whose text stands pure and uncorrupted today. Allah said, "Say: "if the whole of mankind and jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support." (17:88)

Since the revelation of the Qur’an, the enemies of Islam have been trying to distort it. Firstly, they said, it is not revelation, it is written by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Then they started attacking its authenticity and originality. In spite of their conspiracy, the Qur’an has been preserved in its original form.

The Qur’an is the only Book in the world which has remained for the past fourteen centuries pure without any interpolation or change and will remain so till the Last Day as Allah has guaranteed its purity. (15:9).

The purity, preservation and propagation of the Qur’an were maintained by two methods: memorization of Qur’an in Qur’anic schools and the recitation of the complete Qur’an in Ramadan. In the month of Ramadan every year the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked by Archangel Jibreel to recite the whole of it twice. It was a Muzakira between the two. Abu Huraira reported that Jibreel used to repeat the recitation of the Qur’an with the Prophet once a year, but he repeated it twice with him in the year the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away. The Qur’an was recited in the Taraweehfor the first time during the era of Caliph Omar.

So far as the memorization of the Qur’an in Qur’anic schools is concerned, many Huffaz and Islamic scholars have been killed in different parts of the world at different times. But still there is no dearth of Islamic scholars who can recite the complete Qur’an from memory. Severe campaigns have been launched against the Qur’anic schools, which teach the study, recitation and memorization of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the main Book of the Muslims; it is the duty of the Muslims to learn Qur’an, which contains their code of life and ethical values whose benefits have been experienced by mankind throughout the ages.

I have already mentioned the objective and importance of the Qur’an and how its originality and purity have been maintained. Our Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions dedicated their days and nights for worship. Their lives revolved completely around the Book of Allah, the Qur’an, reciting it in and out of Salah.

The Qur’an is the basis of the religion of Islam, and on the preservation and propagation of the Qur’an depends the very existence of this Faith. Hence the virtue of learning and teaching the Qur’an is self-evident and does not need further elucidation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (Bukhari, Daud and Tirmidhi).

A great Islamic scholar wrote in his book entitled Toward Understanding of the Qur’an: “The present arrangement of the Qur'an is not the work of later generations, but was made by the Prophet under God's direction. Whenever a surah was revealed, the Prophet summoned his scribes, to whom he carefully dictated its contents, and instructed them where to place it in relation to the other surahs. The Prophet followed the same order of surahs and verses when reciting during ritual Prayer as on other occasions, and his Companions followed the same practice in memorizing the Qur'an. It is therefore a historical fact that the collection of the Qur'an came to an end on the very day that its revelation ceased. The One who was responsible for its revelation was also the One who fixed its arrangement. The one whose heart was the receptacle of the Qur'an was also responsible for arranging its sequence. This was far too important and too delicate a matter for anyone else to dare to become involved in.”

“Not even the most sceptical person has any reason to doubt that the Qur'an as we know it today is identical with the Qur'an which Muhammad (peace be on him) set before the world; this is an unquestionable, objective, historical fact, and there is nothing in human history on which the evidence is so overwhelmingly strong and conclusive. To doubt the authenticity of the Qur'an is like doubting the existence of the Roman Empire, the Mughals of India, or Napoleon! To doubt historical facts like these is a sign of stark ignorance, not a mark of erudition and scholarships,” he added.

We see that many of the Pious Predecessors exerted themselves in the recitation of the Qur’an. Some would complete recitation of the whole Qur’an in three days. Others would recite it in seven or ten days as they realised its value.

Sometime we are so engrossed in the pursuit of our material objectives that we neglect the recitation of this great source of blessing. In its recitation there will always be benefit whether we truly comprehend the meaning of it or not.

Truly the benefits of reading the Qur’an are immense and in this month of Ramadan we should make a firm decision to make the recitation of the Qur’an an essential part of our daily diet which will Insha Allah pave our path to eternal happiness.

May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala guide us to recite, appreciate and understand the true wisdom of the Qur’an and may He bless our hearts with the true noor(light) of the Qur’an. Ameen

EID MUBARAK TO YOU ALL

What to do toward the end of the

month of Ramadan

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The blessed month is approaching to the end; only a few days and nights remain. Today is Wednesday, 25 Ramadan corresponding to 23^rd of July, 2014. Either Monday, 28^th or Tuesday, 29^th of July, there will be Eid. Eid Mubarak to you all. May Allah accept our good deeds.

“This is one of the days that we are so much happy to live, to observe. Today is Friday and Friday is the best day the Sun has ever risen on and today is one of the days of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the master of the months. This is a month of blessings, favours on us. We should be thankful to Allah the Almighty for what he has given us. We are many others deprived of not enjoying the mercy of the month of Ramadan. So Alhamdolillah. Alhamdolillah, Alhamdolillah,” said Professor Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani, last year this time in the month of Ramadan.

Lailatul Qadr

We have only a few days and nights are left but still they are very important. Only yesterday we have been receiving the month, just yesterday, 25 days past but still the best is there, the 27^th night and 29^th night of Ramadan; there is Lailatul Qadr. Professor Turkistani asked do you know what Lailatul Qadr is and said, “It is better than 1000 months; by simple calculation, Lailatul Qadr is better than more than 83 years. Just imagine 84 years. The average life of Muslims, most Muslims die before their age; which means you are getting the reward of more than 83 years. Even better, because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala says Lailatul Qadr khairun. This is a golden opportunity; it’s a gift even to this Ummah and we shall take it. It’s worth to take a vacation, to take some days off your work; to leave all things at your hands and get this opportunity. Only a few days. Then they will be gone.”

“It is nine days or ten days for more than 83 years what a bargain. Why can you not use it brothers and sisters. This is what Allah Subhanahu wa Taala has promised us. This stays until Fajr; until the coming dawn; so we shall be very much interested in this. Anyone who misses that he is a deprived one. Deprived. We shall not be deprived of this great prize, a great opportunity,” said Professor Turkistani.

What a blessing! What a gift!

Professor Turkistani urged people “Please do not let it go away without cashing as much as you can; devote the rest of the time for Ibadah; because that will affect the rest of your life. It should, if you surely coming towards Allah with Taubah from your heart, from inside, then Allah will accept you, Insha Allah and then Insha Allah, you would be happy for the rest of your life. You would be guided on the straight path. So you keep on the truck until you meet Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. This is the time and that’s why Allah Subhanahu wa Taala promises that you stand with imaan and Ihtesab. imaan believing in Allah and believing in His Rewards and Ihtesabanseeking the rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Taala alone; not from any one else and all your previous sins are forgiven. You fast the month of Ramadan all your previous sins are forgiven if again if you stand up in Salah during all the month of Ramadan and you should do it out of Imaan and Ihtesaband all your previous sins are forgiven.”

Zakat-ul-Fitr

Professor Turkistani mentioned the first of those Ibadah is the Zakat-ul-Fitr. He said, “Zakat-ul-Fitr is the source of purification and feeding of the poor and the needy. It is a source of purification for yourself in case you have committed some sins and who amongst us has not committed something wrong in the month of Ramadan or any other time and it is something to feed the poor and the needy.”

Takbeer

That was for Zakat-ul-Fitr. The second form of Ibadah is Takbeer. Professor Turkistani mentioned, “It is a Sunnah to do Takbeer starting from the Maghreb of the night of Eid until Eid prayer. How do we say, what do we say? Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Illallah Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar walillahe wal Hamd. Any form of Takbeer is good to announce this and to obey Allah Subhanahu wa Taala as Allah said so you shall complete the number of days fasting and announce Takbeer. That’s why it is Sunnah to do Takbeerfrom the Maghreb to the Salat-ul-Eid in congregation. You say on yourself, you say it among Muslims, you say in the Masjid, in the house, anywhere wherever it is possible to pronounce loudly just to inform Muslims around you that this is the time of praising Allah and celebrate Eid.”

Salat-ul-Eid

Fasting is prohibited on Eid Day

25 Ramadan, 1435

23 July2014

Eid Mubarak to you all from

Leaders of four continents

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia declared Sunday as the last day of the holy month of Ramadan 2014 and Monday, 28 July, as the first day of Eid-ul-Fitr. A statement by the Saudi Royal Court, carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), said that the highest court made the decision in a meeting at its headquarters in the city of Taif after having verified a number of evidence from adult witnesses from different parts of the country, who reported that they have eye-sighted the new moon of the month of Shawwal 1435 in the Islamic calendar.

Thus, the joyous Islamic festival Eid-ul-Fitr came at the end of the month of Ramadan and it came this year 2014 on Monday, the 28^th of July, throughout most of the countries. The American continent, the European Continent, South Africa and the Middle East almost all declared Monday, the 28^th of July as the Eid day. Muslim brothers and sisters are enjoying and celebrating their Eid on the same day in Saudi Arabia, America, Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom and other places.

It’s my pleasure to extend my Eid Mubarak and good wishes to all my Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world on the occasion of the celebration of the Eid after the conclusion of fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan. I pray to Almighty Allah for all the benefits and the rewards. I would like to pray to Allah the Almighty for myself and for you all, May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala accept our fasting, our prayers, our worship and all our good deeds in the blessed month of Ramadan.

Eid-ul-Fitr

After a month-long fasting comes the most auspicious and happy occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr when Eid messages are sent all over the world from the leaders and heads of states of the Muslim world as well as the Muslim minority countries, especially from the Asian, European, American and the African continents.

When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received revelation from Allah the Almighty, at the very first day only two members from his family, one woman, his wife Khadijah and a young boy, Ali, believed him and immediately embraced the religion, Islam and now there are more than 1.6 billion Muslims throughout the world and all over the continents believed in the Oneness of God (Tawheed) and followed Islam. This year, over three million Muslim worshippers beseeched Allah the Almighty to pardon their sins, ensure paradise for them, prosperity and global peace. Taking part in the Khatmul Qur’an, completion of the recitation of the Holy Qur’an in Taraweeh (late night prayers), in the 29th night of Ramadan, the devout thronged the Two Holy Mosques hours before the beginning of the prayer. In Madinah, over 0ne million worshippers thronged the Prophet’s mosque. The roofs and courtyards of the Mosque were full of worshippers.

Though this year Ramadan was during the longest hours of the year and in the longest Summer days in the United Kingdom, in July, the arrangement was made to keep both the Masjid al-Haram and its courtyard and the surroundings cooler. Worshippers enjoyed the coolness through the water cooler spraying cool waters.

The pilgrims felt the necessity and understood the demands of the expansion of the area of the Haramain in order to accommodate the ever increasing number of worshippers. I also personally felt how important it is to expand and develop the praying area of the Haramain with the rising numbers of the visitors. 30 years ago the Haramain expansion programme taken by the former King Fahd that requires now another expansion.

Eid Messages from all over the continent

After the month-long fasting comes the Eid-ul-Fitr and leaders and heads of states from all over the continents sent Eid Messages, the messages of peace and happiness and prosperity.

ASIAN CONTINENT

Eid Messages from the Haramain

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan on Sunday. On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the king said: “Eid brings joy to the hearts of Muslims after having engaged in worship during the month of Ramadan,” he said. “Allah will reward Muslims who have abstained from indulgence,” he said.

The king’s speech was issued by Culture and Information Minister Abdulaziz Khoja. King Abdullah said: “The Muslim nation is facing tough realities as a result of conflict and fanatic rhetoric. The enemies of Islam have preyed on groups who have become easy tools for killing innocent people through perverting the essence of Islamic law to serve their goals and personal interests.”

He said: “It is our duty to advise victims of terrorist brainwashing and will take an affirmative stance against terrorism,” he said.

“The Muslim Ummah should steadfastly strive to defeat the forces who are maligning the noble and kind image of Islam and harming the believers and their sons,” the King said.

“We will prevent anyone who seeks to hinder national security while affirming our commitment to protecting the Kingdom, its interests, territorial integrity, unity and stability among our people, our guests and our residents.”

King Abdullah said: “Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said engaging in acts of worship, such as fasting and reciting the Qur’an, will tip the scales in favour of Muslims on the Day of Judgment. These acts will undoubtedly bear witness to your sincerity and good deeds.”

The king added: “I congratulate you all on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr from the land of the Two Holy Mosques, where Allah bestowed this blessed country with stability, security and unity under the testament of faith.”

“Saudi Arabia was inspired by the great religion of Islam, calling for the rejection of extremism and supporting a moderate stance in every sphere of life,” the king pointed out.

Eid Messages from the American continent

US President Barack Obama has issued a statement on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan by crediting Muslims with strengthening democratic fibre of the United States. In a statement posted on the website of the White House, the US President Obama said: "For Muslims, Ramadan has been a time of fasting, prayer and spiritual renewal. These past four weeks have also been a time to serve the less fortunate - a reminder of the obligations that people of all faiths have to each other.”

“This last month has been a time of fasting, reflection, spiritual renewal, and service to the less fortunate. While Eid marks the completion of Ramadan, it also celebrates the common values that unite us in our humanity and reinforces the obligations that people of all faiths have to each other, especially those impacted by poverty, conflict, and disease,” Obama said in a statement.

“In the United States, Eid also reminds us of the many achievements and contributions of Muslim Americans to building the very fabric of our nation and strengthening the core of our democracy. That is why we stand with people of all faiths, here at home and around the world, to protect and advance their rights to prosper, and we welcome their commitment to giving back to their communities,” the president continued.

President Obama concluded by saying, “On behalf of the Administration, we wish Muslims in the United States and around the world a blessed and joyous celebration. Eid Mubarak.”

In this connection, it may be mentioned that President Obama did not have any Eid events on his schedule. Bridget Johnson, a career journalist and Washington Editor for PJ Media, wrote, “Two weeks ago, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee encouraged Muslims to boycott Obama’s Iftar dinner at the White House in celebration of Ramadan, citing the administration’s support for Israel.

In a statement, the committee aid the “deplorable situation” in Gaza, “brought on by Israel’s U.S.-sanctioned illegal occupation of Palestine, has received no direct action from President Obama.”

“The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) will not be attending this year’s government iftars and calls upon members of the Arab and Muslim communities to join us in the boycott, including tonight’s White House Iftar hosted by President Barack Obama, given the government’s condoning of the current slaughter of Palestinians in Palestine and the spying of American Arabs and Muslims domestically,” the group said in a statement.

“In the government’s silence, Israel is committing a massacre in Palestine with the possibility of an all-out ground assault. Our American tax dollars have contributed to over 100 civilian casualties as of Monday morning, of which 70% are estimated by the United Nations to be women and children,” continued the statement.

Bridget Johnson also mentioned, “The ADC cited recent reporting from Glenn Greenwald that revealed “the government’s indiscriminate and ongoing criminalization of the community” through NSA spying on some Arab and Muslim community leaders.”

Prime Minister of Canada’s Eid Message

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued on 28 July 2014 from Ottawa, Ontario, the following statement to mark Eid-al-Fitr. He said, “Laureen and I would like to extend warm greetings to Muslims in Canada and around the world as they gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.”

“On this important occasion, Muslims gather with family and friends to celebrate the Feast of the Breaking of the Fast over a period of three days to give thanks for the spiritual renewal and blessings acquired over the past month. Eid al-Fitr is also a time of almsgiving towards those who are less fortunate than us, and when greetings and gifts are exchanged,” said Canadian Prime Minister.

Prime Minister of Canada also mentioned, “Our country is home to more than one million Muslims, who play an important role in the shaping and building of the free, prosperous and peaceful pluralistic society that Canada is today.”

“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer best wishes for health and happiness to all those celebrating Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak!” Canadian Prime Minister concluded his Eid message.

Eid Messages from the European continent

British Prime Minister David Cameron issued an Eid Message on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr sending “his best wishes to Muslims across the country and around the world celebrating Eid”.

“This Ramadan, British Muslims have shown what Islam is all about,” he said.

In his Eid Message, British Prime Minister said, “We’ve seen an inspiring amount of charity with Muslims across the country giving what they can and giving up their own time for those less fortunate. We’ve seen a commitment to contemplation and Muslims have been putting themselves second as they pray, abstain and fast during the holy month.”

“Third, we’ve seen a commitment to community and once again this year British Muslims have opened their doors to those of all backgrounds as part of the Big Iftar, breaking bread and breaking down barriers in mosques, in community centres, in parks – even at a synagogue in north London,” Prime Minister Cameron mentioned.

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Mr. Cameron said, “It’s been a challenging month – especially during those long summer days. So it is fantastic to see so many British Muslims – and those of other faiths and none – come together to celebrate at this special time.”

British Prime Minister concluded his Eid message by saying, “Once again, to everyone who is celebrating: Eid Mubarak.”

Leader, Labour Party, Ed Miliband, M.P.’s Eid Message

In his Eid Message, leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband said, “On behalf of the Labour Party, I would like to wish all Muslims in Britain and across the world, Eid Mubarak.”

“I hope that you had a peaceful Ramadan, and that you had the opportunity to spend valuable time with your friends and families. Eid-Ul-Fitr is an occasion for Muslims to celebrate the end of the Holy month, and their renewed closeness to God through reflection, spirituality, and charitable giving,” he said.

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Leader of the Labour Party mentioned in his Eid Message, “Muslims play an essential part in modern day British life, and are a core group who enrich our multicultural society. I respect and admire the contribution that Muslims make to our country. From the vibrant cultures stemming from rich traditions, to the successes of Muslims across all sectors including the economy and in business.”

Mr. Miliband said, “Islam is a religion which prides itself on its values such as commitment to peace, love, and prosperity for all. These are values which as a party we endeavour to embody. I would like to thank British Muslims for the hard work they do in their local communities.”

“The Labour Party is proud to have enshrined freedom of religion into British law. We will continue to make sure members of all faith communities are able to practice freely, co-operatively and peacefully,” he said.

Labour Party leader concluded his Eid message by saying, “I hope all readers of The Muslims News have a joyous Eid celebration. Eid Mubarak!”

British Foreign Secretary's Eid message

UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, M.P. sends his best wishes to Muslims celebrating Eid across the world. He said, “I would like to send my warmest wishes to Muslims in Britain and across the world as they and their families celebrate this holy festival.”

British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said, “The Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr marks a time of celebration and coming together by Muslims around the world. This is a special time for millions of people of all nationalities and backgrounds, highlighting the diversity and reach of Islam as a global religion.”

Mr. Hammond said, “At this time we must also offer our thoughts and prayers to civilians who are caught up in conflicts, particularly in Gaza, Syria, and Iraq.”

“With these reflections I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Eid Mubarak,” UK Foreign Secretary concluded his Eid Message.

Eid Messages from the African continent

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed has appealed for Somali people to maintain peace and rebuild the country as the first day of Eidul Fitr started. Giving his nation address on the Eidul Fitr occasion at the State House in Mogadishu on Monday (28 July) shortly after the Eid Prayers ended, Prime Minister Abdiweli said he would call all Somalis to join into the peace efforts made by the government and agree to an end of the chronic violence in the country.

“I would say let us take avail of these valuable days of happiness and celebrations to put our efforts to gain peace and prosperity, and stop violence and let us forgive among us,” he said.

“These are Eid days, they are days of helping each other, we must not forget our brothers and sisters who can not afford anything to eat or drink,” the Prime Minister said calling the business people to help the most poor families.

Picture: Three Millions of faithful thronged the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday, the 27th of Ramadan, to perform Umrah and attend the last Friday prayers of the holy month. (@AN photo by Ahmad Hashad)

30^th of July 2014

Three Millions of faithful thronged the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday, the 27th of Ramadan, to perform Umrah and attend the last Friday prayers of the holy month. (@AN photo by Ahmad Hashad)

Al-Haramain affairs department refutes

talks on the holy grave and Prophet's room

Makkah, Dhu-AlQa'dah 09, 1435, September 04, 2014, SPA -- Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Mansouri, spokesman of the General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques (Al-Haramain) Affairs, today refuted talks circulated about the prophet's room located inside the holy mosque of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). The talk was originally based on a study conducted by a private researcher, the spokesman said, adding that what was mentioned in that study doesn't represent the view of the Presidency or the State, both always keen to serve the two holy mosques and seek their honor and esteem without turning detrimental to anything of the past.
In a statement, the spokesman said the view surfacing the media recently is the researcher's own view as any private research is customary treated.
The Presidency urges researchers and media not to enter into what might trigger evocation, sedition and chaos. Instead, it calls for wisdom, objectivity and authenticity, and refraining from exaggeration of matters, particularly those pertaining to the two holy mosques.
--according Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
22:01 LOCAL TIME 19:01 GMT

Dr. Abdullah Omar Nasseef

On Removal of Prophet’s (pbuh) Body

Dr. Mozammel Haque

“Saudis risk new Muslim division with proposal to move Mohamed’s tomb” written by Andrew Johnson published in The Independent on 01 September 2014. In that article, it was mentioned, “One of Islam’s most revered holy sites – the tomb of the Prophet Mohamed – could be destroyed and his body removed to an anonymous grave under plans which threaten to spark discord across the Muslim world.

“The controversial proposals are part of a consultation document by a leading Saudi academic which has been circulated among the supervisors of al-Masjid al-Nabawi mosque in Medina, where the remains of the Prophet are housed under the Green Dome, visited by millions of pilgrims and venerated as Islam’s second-holiest site. The formal custodian of the mosque is Saudi Arabia’s ageing monarch King Abdullah. The plans, brought to light by another Saudi academic who has exposed and criticised the destruction of holy places and artefacts in Mecca – the holiest site in the Muslim world – call for the destruction of chambers around the Prophet’s grave which are particularly venerated by Shia Muslims.” (The Independent, 1 September 2014)

This news spreads like wildfire and actually created a confusion and mistrust among the general public. This news was published in The Independent about the removal of the Prophet’s body from Masjid-e-Nabawi and taken it to other places. This news created a big problem worldwide. I was interviewed by Channel S, London, on this subject and whatever I understand I gave them the information which was correct to me to defuse the rumours. I also placed on my website www.islamicmonitor.blogspotimmediately on 4^th of September; the official statement came out from the Al-Haramain Official departments refuting the rumours. Still I was trying to understand the real situation. Because it is a very sensitive issue for the Muslims specially at a time when Muslims throughout the world are going to Makkah to perform Hajj. People believed that a proper time was chosen to highlight a topic which will create chaos and confusion among the Muslim community.

However, I found a most respectable person who is not only an academic, educationalist, scientist but also a former Secretary General of the Makkah-based Muslim World League and former President of the Jeddah-based King Abdulaziz University. He is none other than Dr. Abdullah Omar Nasseef who is well-known and respected throughout the world. He was passing through the United Kingdom. I met him and enquired from him: “What do you think about this whole episode about the removal of the Prophet’s body? This is very important because this rumour was denied by the Saudi authorities.

Dr. Nasseef said, “Everybody knows that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is respected by everybody and this is part of Islam that we respect the Prophet peace be upon him); to follow him properly and listen to him exactly as it was mentioned by him in our lives; so our lives are dependent on adhering to Sunnah, adhering to his sayings and instructions.”

“But this matter of the removal of the Prophet’s body has been exaggerated by the press because somebody wrote a thesis that at the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) after his death, the tomb and the chambers of his wife were outside the Mosque; When Abdul Malik ibn Marwan said to enlarge the mosque; he added the southern border of the Masjid with three or four lines of Salah so it became that the tomb instead of being outside came inside and became part of the mosque; people prayed surrounding the mosque; he was mentioning that I don’t think he has suggested anything; but he was favouring that we should bring the sufuf of the salah wherever it was originally at the time of Sahabah, the companions, peace and mercy be upon them,” Dr. Nasseef explained. .

Dr. Nasseef emphasized, “So the people exaggerated. Nobody talk about the body; taking the body but only removing the prayers of chambers. But whatever the suggestion was there, that was a personal argument; somebody mentioned that and the king was so angry he said this person deserved to be executed because he is creating fitnah.”

“When such person spoke last time, King Khaled bin Abdulaziz said this fellow deserved to be executed because he is creating fitnah,” Dr. Nasseef mentioned and added, “I think this time the matter is also exaggerated by the press We should tell the people that nothing is taking place.”

While replying to my question: “do you think there was or is any Ulema or government officials thinking about this,” Dr. Nasseef said, “Never happened like this. Never such thing was brought in by any group or ulema or jurisprudence council. It has never been mentioned.

Dr. Nasseef had been Secretary General of the Muslim World League for two terms, i.e. for more than 10 years and then deputy chairman of the Shoura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I put this question to him, “have you heard any discussion about this during that period?” Dr. Nasseef said, “This matter has never been brought up.”

Visits

After Ramadan Dr. Nasseef went to Slovenia for the International Scouts Conference. There were two functions in Slovenia: for the International Union of Islamic Scouts. Generally, it meets every three year. Dr. Nasseef was the chairman of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and he is still the chairman. There is international Scouts conference every three years. “We finished in one day and then the second day the 40^th International Scouts Conference was held. The business and other activities were as usual,” Dr. Nasseef mentioned and added, “The function I went; it was very good; there were two/three sessions during that conference.”

Dr. Nasseef also mentioned about the Messenger of Peace. He said, “Three years ago King Abdullah said these scouts are the Messengers of Peace. This matter was taken by the Scouts Foundation to have programmes creating the awareness among the youth that Council of Messenger of Peace so that they can work harder and produce well community development programme. So this was emphasized in this International Scouts Conference.”

Dr. Nasseef then went to UAE. It was in Ramadan. “The organiser wanted to create a Council of Muslim Scholars but still the matter was in the beginning. Nothing has been done. Scholars of wisdom and understanding. But nothing has been done yet. It was a discussion only for one day,” Dr. Nasseef mentioned about his visit to UAE.

This September Dr. Nasseef came to the United Kingdom to attend two Board of Trustees meeting, the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Cambridge-based Islamic Academy and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. He is the chairman of both these educational organisations.

Islamic Academy

On 15^th of September, 2014, Dr. Nasseef met the Board of Trustees meeting of The Islamic Academy in London and discussed about the activities and future programme of the Academy.

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OXCIS)

In Oxford, before the Board of Trustees meeting there was academic committee and the building and planning and strategic committees. They discussed the normal issues, how the future of the centre, when we can finish the building and the opening of the new sites and the other things were under the discussion. The official opening date is 26^th 2016 but before that scholars and students will occupy the premises.

The Centre promotes multi-disciplinary teaching, research and publication at Oxford related to Muslim culture and civilization. Its Fellows teach in a range of faculties across the University of Oxford. Through its international outreach, and links with academic institutions worldwide, the Centre provides a meeting place for scholars studying all aspects of contemporary Muslim societies.

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) is a Recognised Independent Centre of the University of Oxford, founded in 1985. HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, the Centre’s patron, has been enthusiastic supporter since its foundation in 1985. He has twice delivered lectures at the Centre and visited the 3.25 acre site where building work on its new home began work in 2002. Prince Charles took a prominent part in the design of the Islamic garden.

Background of the foundation of the Centre

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies was set up in 1985 when Dr. Naseef was the Secretary General of the Makkah-based Rabita Al-Alam Al-Islami (Muslim World League). Late Maulana Hassan Nadwi was the first chairman of the Centre’s Board of Trustees and Dr. Naseef was a member of the Board along with others.

I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Naseef who has been associated with the Oxford Centre from the very beginning and a great supporter of the Centre. In the beginning Dr. Naseef was a member of the Board of Trustees; then he became the vice-chairman and now chairman. Recollecting those days, Dr. Naseef said, “When I was Secretary General of the Rabita, Dr. Farhan Nizami came with a big ambitious project. Alhamdo lillah, it came through and it was a big dream for him and for us. It’s a blessing of Allah the Almighty. He had made it to come through.”

“Maulana Hasan Nadwi came to visit Rabita, the first chairman and then met the Late King Fahd and told him about the centre that this is the centre in the heart of colleges in Oxford. Historically, it is very important and the Late King Fahd gave the support, Alhamdo Lillah,” Dr. Naseef said.

East-West University in Chicago

Dr. Nasseef was supposed to meet the President and other members of Chicago-based East West University who was supposed to come to talk about the new Tower building of the University.

Most Successful Hajj Ever in 1435AH

Dr. Mozammel Haque

More than two million pilgrims, including 1.4 million foreign Hajis, performed the annual pilgrimage on Friday, the 4^th of October, 2014 on the plains of Arafat. A number of foreign heads of state, including Sudanese President Omar Bashir, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud and Maldives President Abdulla Yameen arrived to perform Hajj.

Most successful Hajj ever

Saudi authorities have described this year’s Hajj as the most successful ever as more than two million pilgrims performed their religious rites with peace. “The Hajj 1435 was a big success,” said Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah. “I thank the Almighty for helping the pilgrims perform their Hajj rituals easily and comfortably,” he said.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosts 1.4 million Hajjis this year

More than 1.4 million foreign pilgrims are expected to perform Hajj this year, said Hajj Minister Bandar Hajjar. “About 1.36 million pilgrims already arrived from different countries by Sunday night and we expect their number to cross the 1.4-million mark,” he said.

15,000 pilgrims arrives from Jeddah seaport

A total of 15,000 pilgrims arrived through Jeddah Islamic Port for this year’s Hajj, a senior official said. Capt. Saher Tahlawi, director general of the port, said most of the pilgrims came from Egypt and Sudanese territory. They started arriving on Sep. 9. Twenty vessels carried passengers, mainly from Sudan, he said.

The Ministry of Health has deployed 100 staff members to examine pilgrims coming through the port. The port was once the major entry point for pilgrims from all over the world. It is now the third-largest after Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and Prince Moh ammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

168,800 Indonesians performed Hajj this year

A total of 168,800 Indonesians performed Hajj this year. Indonesia normally sends about 200,000 pilgrims. The number has fallen this year because of the reduction in Hajj quotas stemming from the Grand Mosque expansion project. Indonesia sends the highest number of Hajj pilgrims to the Kingdom.

No Hajj without permit

Security forces have barred 98,000 people from entering Makkah because they did not have Hajj permits, the Interior Ministry said in a statement. The Saudi authorities did not allow 25,216 vehicles to enter the Holy sites because they were not licensed to carry pilgrims.

More than 345 sick pilgrims given assistance

to perform Hajj

A total of 345 sick pilgrims of different nationalities were given assistance in performing Hajj rituals on Friday. The sick included Saudi, Egyptian, Lebanese, Indian, Bangladeshi, German and other nationals. Among the sick pilgrims, there were 218 from Makkah, 32 from Madinah and 95 from hospitals in Arafat and Mina. They were taken to Arafat by a fleet of buses and ambulances organized by the Ministry of Health to fulfil the most important ritual of Hajj: The standing on Mount Arafat (waqaf). Standing on Arafat on this day is the most essential part of the pilgrimage, without which the Hajj is considered void.

Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) spokesman Dr. Khalid Mirghalani said that assisting sick pilgrims in their Hajj has become a sort of tradition and is being implemented by the Ministry of Health. “In the past years, the MoH has assisted between 300 and 500 sick pilgrims,” he said.

New Pilgrim grouping centre set up on

Jeddah-Makkah highway

A new pilgrim grouping control centre along the Makkah-Jeddah highway was inaugurated by Hajj Minister Bandar Hajjar to group pilgrims more efficiently and ensure that at least one pilgrim is served every three minutes. The grouping centre has a mosque with a capacity to accommodate approximately 500 worshipers, a prayer area for women and toilets.

The centre accommodates an office for Saudi Airlines, a medical clinic, which includes physicians from the Ministry of Health, and another association that presents gifts to the guests of Allah. Hajar asserted that Hajj plans and projects at Makkah and Madinah should be implemented swiftly. “Quality and services at the Hajj Ministry must know no limit. Improvement and development should be the policy within the framework and a strategy on which we rely.”

“We have constantly introduced new services every year in order to ensure that the guests of God perform their rituals with ease,” he said. “The expansion of the Grand Mosque area and its surroundings and the introduction of the metro project are milestones within these achievements.” “Electronic grouping, the Umrah e-track and other electronic services are just a few of the new additions.”

Hajj seminar

The Saudi Minister of Hajj Hajjar launched a major Hajj seminar entitled “Respecting the Signs of Allah” in Makkah and said it was a historic tradition to hold such seminars during the Hajj season, with the participation of prominent scholars from around the world to exchange ideas for the benefit of the Ummah. The three-day seminar is being attended by thinkers, authors and media personalities from different countries. “We hope that you take the information you received from this seminar and its research papers to your societies to enlighten your Hajjis.” Hajjar stressed the need for educating pilgrims before they arrive in the Kingdom. “It will help reduce the many problems we are facing today. It will also help pilgrims avoid many mistakes,” the Minister said.

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh said respecting Hajj rituals means respecting Allah and his teachings. It will help pilgrims perform Hajj in the right way, he added. He commended the government’s efforts to expand the Grand Mosque and the mataf, or circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba, saying it would help pilgrims perform their rituals easily and comfortably.

6.6 million meals distributed

The Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Industry has distributed 6.6 million hot and cold meals so far during the Hajj season this year. The project reportedly took place based on assessments by specialists and institutions that serve food to pilgrims at the Holy sites. The Ministry plans to increase the number of vehicles distributing meals, from the more than 2,000 currently operating. It also intends to increase the provision of coolers and refrigerators at the holy sites by 45 percent to 183.

More Electric Wheelchairs for the disabled

The Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has provided 234 electric wheelchairs for use at the Jamarat (stoning area) and its vicinity to facilitate the Hajj rituals through safe and easy mobility. Wajdi bin Hassan Toulah, director of maintenance and operations in the Holy sites, said these electric wheelchairs “will serve more than 70,000 disabled pilgrims in addition to their companions which takes the number to 200,000.” The number of chairs were increased following the allocation of three more paths in addition to the existing five leading to the bottom of Mount Arafat. Toulah said that two more paths had been added to the pedestrian area in Aziziyah while an additional 50 carriers had been provided to further facilitate the disabled pilgrims.

Wajdi said the operational plan in Jamarat for serving the disabled, the elderly and the sick called for the allocation of a large number of drivers, supervisors and maintenance teams. There are around 232 drivers who work on 12-hour shifts in addition to 134 field supervisors and maintenance technicians who work around the clock to assist users and deal with technical issues.

Metro transport nearly 1 million pilgrims

The Saudi government has, for years, carried out development and construction projects to expand and improve services for Hajis. One of the best examples is the introduction of the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line at the end of 2011. Makkah’s state-of-the-art Metro have transported nearly one million pilgrims by the end of this Hajj season, said a top official. Just a couple of years ago, moving between Mina, Muzdalifa and Arafat took hours on end, but now, a trip between any of the three Holy sites does not take more than 15 minutes thanks to the introduction of the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line at the end of 2011.

More than 360,000 pilgrims have been issued electronic tickets to use the line between Mina and Arafat, passing through Muzdalifah, according to Saud Al-Zikri, head of projects at the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. “The tickets can be used multiple times to travel back and forth between the holy sites,” Al-Zikri said.

The SR6.7 billion service, launched in 2009, can accommodate 72,000 pilgrims between its different platforms per hour. A total of 20 trains were operational this season, with each train comprising 12 carriages and accommodating 4,000 passengers, according to sources. Pilgrims must buy tickets, worn as bar-coded bracelets that are read electronically as they enter the platforms. Since it has been put into service, the train project eradicated the need for more than 12,000 buses, greatly reducing traffic congestion.

Yet one more challenge remains, which is facilitating movement back to Mina after pilgrims have completed their stoning rituals at the Jamarat area. To address the challenge the government announced in 2012 plans to complete building tracks to be linked with the Makkah Metro project. The government announced plans to build this metro, officially known as the Makkah Mass Rail Transit, in 2012. According to the plans, work is expected to commence in 2016. The announcement said that the entire expansion project would take up to 10 years.

Jamarat Bridge can hold 500,000 pilgrims

The newly expanded Jamarat bridge in Mina can accommodate 500,000 pilgrims per hour during the Hajj season, said Prince Mansour bin Miteb, Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs. “The streets leading to Jamarat, however, cannot hold these many pilgrims. As a result, only 300,000 pilgrims can use the bridge per hour now,” he said. Prince Mansour said the Jamarat expansion would help pilgrims perform the “Satan-stoning” ritual easily without risking being stampeded.

The government implemented the SR4.2 billion multilevel hi-tech Jamarat bridge project a few years ago to facilitate the stoning ritual in Mina, which used to witness stampedes, causing several deaths in the past. “The expansion of Mina streets will enable Tawafa organizations to send large numbers of pilgrims to the Jamarat in coming years,” the Minister said. He said the Jamarat Bridge has been handed over to specialized companies for its operation and maintenance after the completion of works.

Barcode to help locate Mina tents

Saudi authorities are planning to introduce a barcode system for Mina tents to help stranded pilgrims identify their tents with the assistance of Google maps. Mohammed Al-Ruwaished, head of the information technology committee at the Youth Welfare Presidency’s scout camp. He said Tawafa organizations for pilgrims from different countries would be asked to use the technology for issuing barcodes. “Every pilgrim will be given wrist straps containing his personal barcode and if any pilgrim loses his way, scouts will be able to guide them using this barcode easily,” he said.

Al-Ruwaished said new roads and gateways in the Holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa are being added to Google maps to help pilgrims make printouts of these maps from anywhere in the world.

Eissa Rawwas, Saudi Deputy Hajj Minister for Umrah Affairs, said the Ministry has deployed 1,500 employees to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims from their tents to Jamarat for the stoning ritual. Rawwas said the Ministry would ask all Tawafa organizations to keep 50 percent of their pilgrims in Mina on 13 Dhul Hijjah in the coming years to avoid overcrowding at the “mataf,” or circumambulation area around the Holy Kaaba in Makkah. “Last year, we noticed that only 300,000 pilgrims remained in Mina for the third day of stoning at the Jamarat,” he said.

1.5m cubic metres water distributed to Mina

The Saudi National Water Company (NWC) distributed over 1.5 million cubic metres of water to the Holy sites on Sunday and Monday, an official of the company revealed. The company’s spokesman, Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Museibih, the executive director of branding and corporate communications, said that extensive planning had gone into managing the water systems for this year’s pilgrimage. The NWC set up a system of services operating at the highest level of professional standards and efficiency. He said there was also quality control of the toilets. The system is designed to control water flow along 763,000 metres of pipes, and sewage networks in Mina along 84,000 metres of pipelines.

Women of Makkah provide pilgrims with Zamzam water

The women of Makkah broke into the male bastion of Zamazemah this Hajj season to provide pilgrims with Zamzam water and other facilities right at their doorstep through an elegant and sophisticated work system bringing to an end men’s decades-old monopoly of the profession. The women performed a significant role through the formation of women’s committees that were established at the offices of the Zamazemah United Office. Besides offering Zamzam water, they also arranged hospital visits for women pilgrims undergoing treatment in the Holy city.

The Zamazemah United Office is one of many sectors set up to serve pilgrims. Its mission involves serving the guests of God from the moment they set foot in the Kingdom until they leave according to modern technological plans and mechanisms. The office receives pilgrims at the awareness centres where they are offered a 320mm plastic bottle of cool fresh water. The office also sends one litre of water to the pilgrims’ lodging, and offers them the same volume of bottled water as a gift when they leave. Zamazemah is a traditional profession handed down the generations and inherited by 120 families of Makkah keen on offering Zamzam water to pilgrims free of charge.

400 million phone calls made during pilgrimage

This year’s Hajj season heralded a new era of increased IT usage giving pilgrims a choice of many different kinds of telecommunication. According to experts, Hajj 2014 registered a bumper increase in phone calls with nearly 400 million mobile calls made from the Holy sites to pilgrims’ families at home during the period Dul Hijjah 8 to 12 .With a 98.82 percent connection success, the performance was remarkable considering the high density of users inside the limited geographical area. Governor of Communications and Information Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia, Abudllah Darrab, said that preparations for the pilgrimage season regarding the telecommunications and information technology sector were smoothly carried out.

French envoy lauds Hajj facilities

French Consul General Louis Blaine visited the headquarters of the Non-Arab Pilgrims’ Foundation of African Countries. He praised the efforts and facilities provided to them by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the Hajj pilgrimage. Blaine lauded the efforts of the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for providing excellent facilities to the pilgrims’ foundation for the maximum comfort and safety of the pilgrims.

He said that he had visited the French pilgrims’ camps during the Hajj and was very pleased with the facilities and level of comfort that were provided to them to complete their rituals in peace and safety. Nearly 17,800 French pilgrims did Hajj this year with 727 of them performing it with the Tawafa Organization for Pilgrims of non-Arab African countries while the rest performed the Hajj under other foundations. He noted that the Saudi government had made excellent arrangements for the Hajj on a large scale as many big projects were going on simultaneously at the Holy sites to facilitate pilgrims.

Pakistan leader hails Hajj arrangement

Pakistan Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Mohammed Yousaf expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government for making excellent arrangements for the Hajj 2014. The Minister met with Bandar bin Mohammed Hajjar, Saudi Minister of Hajj at his office. King Abdullah, Crown Prince Salman and Hajj Minister Bandar Hajjar for taking special care of the pilgrims in general and Pakistani pilgrims in particular. The Pakistani Minister said that most of the suggestions discussed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs regarding the welfare of Pakistani pilgrims were accepted by the Hajj Ministry.

Nearly 143,368 Pakistani pilgrims performed Hajj this year with the Pakistan Hajj mission providing all the facilities and services to the pilgrims.

900,000 meat parcels sent to 23 countries

Meat of 900,000 sacrificial animals was distributed among beneficiaries within the Kingdom and 23 other countries, according to a high-ranking official at the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). Ahmad Mohammad Ali, President of IDB, said that the Kingdom’s Adahi project has completed rituals on behalf of pilgrims who signed up for the programme this year. “This is in addition to 1,500 heads of cows and camels, which were distributed after being examined by veterinarians and ensuring that rituals were Shariah-compliant,” he said.

The distribution of sacrificial meat to the less fortunate began on the first day of Eid Al-Adha in Mina and the Holy sites and continued around the Grand Mosque on the second day, according to Ali. “The rest will be distributed to charities inside the Kingdom and frozen meat will be shipped by land and sea to 23 countries in accordance with this year’s Hajj plan,” he said. He said Muslims all over the world were able to apply through the website to offer sacrifice during Eid.

Pilgrims begin to fly home

More than 4,000 flights are scheduled to transport one million pilgrims back to their home countries within the next few weeks, said Khalid Al-Harbi, director of Saudi Hajj services at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah. “There are 20 percent more departing flights than arriving flights,” he said. “This is due to the fact that thousands made an early arrival at the Madinah airport and will leave through Jeddah’s airport.” Authorities operated about 80 regular and chartered flights to different parts of the world on Tuesday to transport pilgrims out of the country, according to officials.

(Based on information from the Saudi newspapers.)

Muslim Private Schools targeted

by Ofsted Inspectors, says Lord Ahmed

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Six Muslim schools in London’s Tower Hamlets region have recently been accused of exposing their pupils to ‘serious risk of extremist influences and radicalisation’, Sir Michael Milshaw says.

Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham wrote in his article, “Six Muslim schools in London’s Tower Hamlets region have recently been accused of exposing their pupils to ‘serious risk of ‘extremist influences and radicalisation’, Sir. Michael Wilshaw says.”

Lord Ahmed also mentioned about the future of these schools. These primary and secondary schools will be closed very soon. Lord Ahmed said, “The head of Ofsted and Chief Inspector of Schools claims these independent institutions focus far too heavily on Islamic teaching, ignoring the core modules of the National Curriculum and under preparing their students for a life in modern Britain. Although many staff within these schools called Ofsted’s accusations ‘unprofessional’, the Education Secretary has threatened that unless they alter their academic focus, these primary and secondary schools – many of whom have since lost their ‘outstanding’ academic status previously awarded by Ofsted –will be closed.”

Tracing the background of the fate of independent Muslim institutions, Lord Ahmed went back to the Birmingham schools ‘Trojan Horse’ incident in the first quarter of this year. Lord Ahmed mentioned, “This investigation into independent Muslim institutions comes in the wake of the Birmingham schools ‘Trojan Horse’ incident of earlier this year, where five Muslim schools were accused of encouraging a ‘hard-line Islamist takeover’ and subjected to unannounced inspection by Ofsted.”

“In a similar case, Wilshaw claims that the schools in Tower Hamlets focus solely on Islamist teachings, ignoring subjects such as art, music and drama and as such, exposing their vulnerable pupils to ‘extremist influences and radicalization”, said Lord Ahmed.

According to Lord Ahmed, to suggest that Muslim institutions specializing in Islamic teachings are radical and extremist is sweeping misjudgment. Lord Ahmed said, “This is simply not the case, however, and to suggest that Muslim institutions specializing in Islamic teachings are radical and extremist is moreover, a sweeping misjudgment; one that is unfortunately no doubt shaped by the influx of information concerning certain terrorist organizations ISIS and Boko Haram within our media.”

Referring about the performances and achievements of the Muslim institutions, Lord Ahmed mentioned, “In many instances Muslim schools have raised the standard for pupils within the community, creating a safe and approachable environment for families who care not only about their children’s education, but their religious beliefs and continuation of cultural practices and morals.”

“Since 2004 the national average of Muslims achieving a GCSE A*- C grade has increased drastically with the development of these schools, with pass rate figures rising from 25-30% for both boys and girls in parts of England, to 100% in particular Islamic institutions. The Brondesbury College for Boys in Brent is one such example, whose GCSE pass rates are 46% higher than England’s national average,” mentioned Lord Ahmed.

Speaking about how these Muslim institutions provide Britain with young educated Muslim who will in turn contribute towards Britain in primary fields of work, Lord Ahmed mentioned, “Muslim Schools are therefore setting the standards of all-round excellence and nurturing a new generation of high achievers throughout the country; allowing their pupils to excel in subjects beyond the schools’ Islamic focus. The number of Muslim schools, along with their successful pass rates, thus provide Britain with young educated Muslims, who will in turn, be in a better position to contribute towards Britain in primary fields of work.”

Lord Ahmed mentioned about those six Muslim schools that were inspected and what they were accused of: He said, “The Mazahirul Uloom (Secondary School), was accused of focusing solely on Islamic themes. Jamiatul Ummah (Secondary School) was accused of not providing pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum. Ebrahim Academy (Secondary School) was accused of not preparing students for modern British life and their curriculum was said to be too narrow.”

“London East Academy (Secondary School), was accused of not having a broad and balanced curriculum and their students were accused of not having a sufficient understanding of how other people live in Britain and abroad. This school was also accused of not keeping their children safe and most of the library books are in Arabic. Al Mizan (Primary School) was accused of only teaching Islam in religious studies and not keeping children safe due to the public having open access to the school. East London Islamic (Primary School) was accused of focusing a majority of their lessons on Islamic or Arabic Studies,” said Lord Ahmed.

Lord Ahmed thinks these primary and secondary schools were “unfairly rated by Ofsted. He said, “These primary and secondary schools have thus all been unfairly rated by Ofsted.”

Lord Ahmed raised question why these private schools would not have the same privilege and freedom to develop their own curriculum and ethos as government encourages community run schools to do that. Lord Ahmed said, “As the government encourages community-run schools to have more freedom to develop their own curriculum and ethos, why shouldn’t private schools such as these have the same privilege? The academic focus of these Muslim institutions is in no way different from the existing Christian, Jewish and other faith schools that exist around the country who focus heavily upon their culture, religion and ethical values, but do not neglect the National Curriculum.”

Lord Ahmed also maintained that the pupils of these schools are not “at risks of extremism and radicalization” and he thought that “Ofsted’s chief inspector has overreacted” on the recent reporting of the six Muslim private schools. Lord Ahmed mentioned, “By creating an environment in which parents feel their children are safe, a child can develop strong links between what is taught at home and what is taught at school, thus enhancing their learning, in accordance with their parents’ wishes. Though a faith focus exists in many other institutions, here it has been misconstrued as extreme and radical, when simply it is just put in place to teach the fundamentals of the specific religion. Pupils are not “at risk of extremism and radicalisation”, and it seems as though Ofsted’s chief inspector has overreacted on the recent reporting of the six Muslim private schools.”

Lord Ahmed also said, “Many say that for too long the United Kingdom has allowed religious communities to “enforce their own values and traditions” on children. Is this so wrong? These religious communities include parents, do they not have a say in how to bring up their own children anymore? Why is it so necessary to get involved with the personal lives of people so much, what happened to freedom of choice?”

Lord Ahmed pointed out about the worst discrimination faced by Muslims found in a recent research by Dr Nabil Khattab and Professor Ron Johnston, from the University of Bristol. Lord Ahmed said, “This report has emerged at the same time as the recent research by Dr Nabil Khattab and Professor Ron Johnston, from the University of Bristol, which finds that Muslims experience the worst discrimination of any other minority group in job prospects in the UK, with Muslim men up to 76%, and Muslim women up to 65% less likely to gain employment than their white counterparts of the same age with the same qualifications.”

Lord Ahmed also maintained, “Combined with the recent downgrading of several Muslim schools, this evidence suggests an ongoing and growing nervousness about Islam in the UK, raising further worrying questions about Islamophobia amongst the public.”

Lord Ahmed concluded by saying, “Furthermore, if we look at the subjects offered by each of the six accused Muslim private schools, we notice that they do offer a variety of subjects which are not all solely based on Islamic teachings. Therefore the argument about not providing a broad and balanced curriculum is inaccurate.”

At the end, a Links for Curriculum’s of each school mentioned:

http://mul.org.uk/courses.asp

http://www.jamiatulummah.org.uk/index.php?id=84

https://ebrahimcollege.org.uk/#

http://almizanschool.co.uk/secondary/curriculum-lea/

http://almizanschool.co.uk/primary/curriculum/

http://www.eastlondonislamicschool.co.uk/ncurriculum.php

Some examples are given below:

Mazahirul Uloom – courses (http://mul.org.uk/courses.asp)

Alhamdullilah, we are now able to offer a greater selection of GCSE Courses than ever before:

The following subjects are taught leading to a Full GCSE:

Arabic Language

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

English Literature

MATHEMATICS

Science (triple award for our top students)

Information Communication Technology

History

In addition we teach the following National CURRICULUM

Subjects:

Citizenship

Physical Education (Football, Cricket, Table Tennis, Athletics)

Art

We also have a full Traditional CURRICULUM

including:

Tahfeez; Tajweed; Aqaaid; Fiqh; Hadeeth; Seerah and Taareekh and Nasheeds

Jamiatul Ummah – curriculum

(http://www.jamiatulummah.org.uk/index.php?id=84)

Curriculum

This page gives an overview of the school CURRICULUM

, and connects it to GCSE subjects.

Subjects Offered	Brief Description	GCSE Entry
Hifzul Qur'an	Memorising the whole Qrr'an for Hifz students	No
Qur'anic SCIENCES	Memorising the last para/Juz and other selective suras, with Tajweed Recitation and meaning	No
Sunnah	Selective hadith in Arabic text, with meaning, explanation and APPLICATIONS to our practical life, and principles of Hadith	All these subjects come under Edexel syllabus as a full COURSE- Islamic Studies
Seerah/Islamic History	Short biographies of earlier prophets, extensive biography of the last prophet, short biographies of the companions, heroes and contemporary scholars of Islam
Aqeeda	Aqeeda of Ahl-Sunnah wal Jamah, based on al-Fiqh al-Akbar by Imam Abu Hanifa and Sharh Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah by Imam Tahawi
Comparative Religion	Discussion and comparison of the major living religions of the world
Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh	Major issues of Fiqh, including those that are faced by modern Muslims in the West
Arabic Language	A combined course in Qur'anic and modern (Standard) Arabic	Yes
Citizenship	Includes ethics, Akhlaq-Adab, developing positive social behavious and peaceful living in a multi-cultural society	To be confirmed
ENGLISH LANGUAGE	Writing ESSAYS, reading comprehension, poetry	Yes
English Literature	Novels, short stories, poems, etc	Yes
SCIENCE (Double Award)	Biology, CHEMISTRY and Physis	Yes
MATHEMATICS	Number, Algebra, Handling data, Space and Shape, etc	Yes
Information Communication Technology (ICT)	DATABASE Software, Spreadsheet, Graphics software, Web Design, etc.,	Yes
Physical Education (PE)	FITNESS, Football, Cricket, Kayaking, Climbing, etc.,	Yes
Bengali	Reading, writing and speaking	Yes
Somali	This subject in under consideration in the near future	To be confirmed
Urdu	This subject in under consideration in the near future	To be confirmed

A pupil can choose the Hifz section where a considerable amount of time is given to memorizing the Qur'an in addition to studying the National Curriculum subjects. Since the task of memorizing the whole Qur'an normally requires extra time and effort, pupils from the Hifz section do not attend some of the optional subjects.

Ebrahim College – Courses

https://ebrahimcollege.org.uk/#

Al-Mizan School Secondary – Curriculum

http://almizanschool.co.uk/secondary/curriculum-lea/

Islamic Sciences

Qur’an and Tajweed

Second list item

Hadith; Arabic Language; Aqeedah; Fiqh; Islamic history; Seerah;

IGCSE Islamiyat and Tafseer

National Curriculum

English (Language and Literature)

Mathematics

Science (Chemistry, Biology and Physics)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Humanities (Geography, History & Social studies)

Citizenship, PSHE, Physical Education

Art and Cultural Studies,

Religious Studies

History

Masjid Al-Aqsa – Its Significance

and Understanding

Dr. Mozammel Haque

On Monday, the 8^th of December 2014 there was a discussion on the significance and importance of Masjid al-Aqsa and the situation and what is happening on the ground at Masjid al-Aqsa today. There were parliamentarians who spoke about what is happening there and what is the present situation in that region. The chair felt the need to bring the issue of Al-Aqsa to the heart of British politics; need to bring the issue of Masjid al-Aqsa and its significance to the heart of democracy the parliament today. He said, “We know what is happening in Jerusalem, what is happening to Al-Aqsa.”

Millions of Muslims in the UK and around the world share Palestinian concerns about increasing incursions and trespasses within the sacred Al-Aqsa sanctuary in Jerusalem. In recent months, Israel has taken a number of steps to undermine Palestinian sovereignty to the site, which is a place of enormous religious and cultural significance.

There are distinguished Members of Parliament who spoke about their opinions and also the chair of Masjid al-Aqsa who delivered his briefing on why Masjid al-Aqsa is significant and why it is important and also outline the political reality of what is current on the ground.

David Jones, MP

David Jones, Conservative Member of Parliament from Wales who recently returned from Jordan where he met a group of MPs and a group of Observers, visited refugee camps and had discussions with senior figures from the Jordanian Government including His Majesty the King Abdullah, his Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Interior Minister. He said, “It was very clear that the issue of Al-Aqsa was the predominant one that the Jordanian authority was considering at that time. I like to put the issue of Al-Aqsa in the context of what else I was doing during my period.”

Conservative Parliamentarian Jones visited refugee camps and speaking about his experience, he said, “We visited one Palestinian camp Higgins which has been established since the late 1940s,” Mr. Jones met one of the refugees who is 85-years old; and he was told that she has been refugee since the age of 19 years old.

Speaking about Al-Aqsa incursion, David Jones Conservative parliamentarian said, “The Hashemite Monarchy of course are regarded as the Custodian of the Al-Aqsa and there was no doubt at all in my mind that they regarded the incursion to that Al-Aqsa as a matter of serious as much serious for them as you probably know that they had withdrawn their ambassador from Israel. And that was regarded as a very significant step indeed because there had been provocations from large longer years when you regarded the most recently incursion such serious matter that they could not but rather have to recall their ambassador. I think that was a very wise part of the Jordanian authorities.”

Parliamentarian Jones also said, “We had the horror of Gaza followed by the announcement that there are to be more Israeli settlement; constructed over West Bank and the more recently had the announcement by the Israeli cabinet that they proposed to change the Constitution frankly and covertly reduce Palestinians what can be described as second class citizens within Israel. So there is continuing provocations on the part of Israel. And that will continue certainly until general elections.”

But MP Jones maintained, “However, there is optimistic sign; I think the most optimistic sign is the readiness of Parliaments right across Europe to recognise Palestinian statehood; Sweden, Spain, most recently France and of course the House of Commons noted most recently to recognise the Palestinian Statehood. I hope similar vote would be in the European parliament shortly.”

Marcus Jones, MP.

Conservative MP from Nuneaton, Marcus Jones, said, “I think you can all probably agree in this room some of the things that happened across the summer and some of the things that happened today have been disproportionate.”

He also said, “What I am thinking is to make sure that from this Parliament and from other Parliaments across Europe we might sign this and make loud and clear that we are not willing to accept this situation where this situation is consistently one way situation where the people of Palestine constantly under pressure and I hope to work with my constituency to put that view across towns and colleagues.”

Andy Slaughter MP from Hammersmith

Labour MP for Hammersmith Andy Slaughter, mentioned that we have identified some of the issues; the very key issues: the very changing, very dangerous situation in the occupied territories at the moment. He said, “I think the threat to Al-Aqsa is possibly the most serious threat potentially and one of the most, I think, one of the most understood least in the West and the restrictions on access for prayers that happened on end of October and equally along side that the effective siphoning of extremist settlers who want to go to the Haram Sharif to pray which is not something which is permitted and which is now happening I understand on daily basis.”

Labour MP Slaughter said, “This is the background what is happening on daily basis. This shows there has been quite a radical change in the outlook of the Israeli in particular over the time Netanyahu is in government this time.”

Parliamentarian Slaughter also mentioned about the settlement building. He said, “The fact that the settlement building goes on apace and living aside what happened in Gaza; the barbarity and attacking on civilians. This is happening every month, not on the same scale but the murder of Palestinians, in prison without trial; and the daily persecution that way and the besieged going on that is something not just constant which has the cumulative effect in that way. It is a powder cake mentality.”

Talking about what is happening in Jerusalem, MP Slaughter mentioned, “What is happening in Jerusalem itself gets worse and worse and particularly the attempt to Judaisation of Jerusalem; the inclusion and encircling the Jerusalem as well as the various attacks on the site of Al-Aqsa. This is now a consertive campaign and it reflects the extremism that brought up within the Israeli government.”

Labour MP Slaughter said he did not see any positive signs. He said, “I am afraid I don’t see many positive signs; you are absolutely right that the votes that are taking place across Europe including around the two places; they are absolutely important, particularly the votes at the House of Commons, given the baggage the UK has in relation to the Balfour Declaration under mandate and also the fact that we have under both the parties had very pro-Israeli government for the past generations here. That changed with the Labour party under Ed Miliband but it has also changed in other parties as well. We have 40 MPs voting for recognition and quite senior MPs as well in that way. Those are important; they are more than symbolic. We will have recognition and I am sure within a foreseeable future.”

Speaking about response, Mr. Slaughter said, “It is rather a half-hearted response. Nobody is talking about even for example banning settlement goods.”

Talking about the Settlements, MP. Slaughter said, “Settlements are illegal; they are illegal under international law; it is not about boycott; we have another discussion about boycott; this is about banning illegal projects; which by definition it is illegal. We are not even talking about today against the events I mentioned going on. Although I think there is now much great understanding; certainly among British people who are overwhelmingly able to understand the Palestinian cause even politicians are catching up; they sometimes do public opinion.”

But still there is disparity there. Andy Slaughter mentioned about the Jeremy Bowen programme, a good programme on olive trees. He said, “if you have heard the programme Jeremy Bowen programme yesterday; it’s a good programme on olive about the settler’s deliberate destruction of the olive trees, how Palestinian farmers cannot sustain themselves; but there are far more symbolic people; it is a good programme and if you listen to that programme you will have a pretty clear idea of Palestine but what it did not do; it did not make clear; it did not address this is only happening because of illegal occupation; it might have mentioned, I have not heard it.”

“Why it is happening; that dimension, that overview situation; missing the political discourse; that’s why we have to keep talking about the issue in the House; that’s why we have to keep informing everyday to see whether justice is kept on line,” Labour MP Slaughter concluded.

Mr. Ismail Patel

Mr. Ismail Patel of chair of the Al-Aqsa explained the importance and the significance of Masjid Al-Aqsa and informed what is happening on the ground. First of all Al-Aqsa what it is? Dome of Rock and finally how it explained and how it transpired into global arena and why it is possible for Israel to get away with.

Al-Aqsa is a piece of land

Ismail Patel first of all gave a brief description of Al-Aqsa. He said, “Al-Aqsa, contrary to lot of myths, it is not a building; Al-Aqsa is a piece of land; approximately 35 acres; it referred to in the media Temple Mount and within this piece of land, which we refer to as Al-Aqsa, there are four mosques, 40 domes; 11 water wells; 3 minars; and whatever within that complex, the Al-Aqsa sanctuary is known as Al-Aqsa mosque. The building of course, has four connotations, four significance and they have all relevant stood in the Islamic history era of the place of the region.”

Mr. Patel also mentioned about that piece of land blessed by God and which is for the whole of creation. He said, “When you talk about al-Aqsa the first thing you have to clear our mind with what we are talking about is a piece of land; a land which has been blessed, according to Muslims, by God for the whole of the creation. This is another very important factor ; there is no exclusive right to the Islamic teaching; that Islam is only blessed to a certain group of people; it is blessed for everybody; anybody who resides there and benefits from it will ripe with the rewards.”

Dome of the Rock

Speaking about the Dome of Rock, Mr. Patel mentioned, “Within the Al-Aqsa complex and if you visit Jerusalem, the immediate picture on most of the people’s mind will be the beautiful magnificent enigmatic Dome of the Rock. This is in the centre of the Al-Aqsa complex; it was built in the 7^th century; it was one of the longest historical buildings in the region that is in existence in use. We are talking about the heritage and the history that stretches back over a thousand years. This building which was built is an Islamic masterpiece and it has captured minds not only of the believers but of scholars, archaeologists, poets, and it captured them because of magnificent and what it transpires, what it tells us, it is the testimony that Muslims love and devotion to Jerusalem. In fact, what Muslims tried to do is to encapsulate their love for Jerusalem through bricks and mortar.”

Why Muslims love Jerusalem

Mr. Patel spoke on why Muslims love Jerusalem. He went back to the Islamic heritage and mentioned, “Jerusalem has not only inspired Muslims because of the fact that it is mentioned in the Qur’an but it links Islamic heritage and history not only from the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) but from the time of the creation of mankind itself. We believe that when the first Man put on this planet he built two Houses of Worship created by God, one is in Makkah and the second one is in Jerusalem. Hence we see the heritage from the time of humanity. Thus those who belief in faith it eminence from Jerusalem and this brings Muslims very very close whether they are part and parcel of new modern day state of Palestine or not. It transcends modernity; it transcends nation-state; and it brings in humanity either because of its love of architecture, through its love of poetry, through its history or faith to Jerusalem and hence finally millions of Muslims, right of billions throughout the globe attached to Jerusalem and what happened to Palestine becomes significant.”

Palestine has a special place in the problems of the world. Mr. Patel said, “Despite all the problems that we have around the globe , Palestine finds a special place That I mentioned earlier, Jerusalem is not exclusive to Muslims; Muslims has never in its history claim their sovereignty devoid of any other people. In fact, when substantially Muslims liberated Jerusalem; it was the Jewish people who ended their diasporas ended that started in 1718 Jewish who had been expelled by the Romans. So when Muslims came in 637 they allowed the Jewish people to return back. Thousands years of diasporas the exiled was ended by the Muslims. If you looked at the Judaize State within the first month of Muslims liberated Jerusalem, certainly 70 Jewish family for the first time started residing in Jerusalem.”

Liberation of Jerusalem for humanity

Patel spoke about the liberation of Jerusalem for humanity. He said, “The liberation of Jerusalem not for Muslims, not for the Palestinians but for the humanity. Everybody can enjoy Jerusalem. That should always remind all of us. Also we understand Jerusalem is occupied; particularly East Jerusalem is occupied territory under the international law; under the UN Conventions, under the Geneva Conventions. We even the British government does not accept Israel’s presence in east Jerusalem and within east Jerusalem the Masjid al-Aqsa.”

“But this military occupation has been aided and abetted by the dehumanised Palestinian people. And it has been done through linguistic through double speech through long words which is very important for us to understand,” mentioned Mr. Patel and added, “This language is extremely important. Palestinians are no longer humans; they are targets, death and killing and elimination under act of killing itself become normal. So we see this language and how it refers and how it transposed and how international community people like us, all parliamentarians.”

Sharing the Blessed place

Mr. Patel explained why he mentioned about language. He said, “Why I am mentioning to you about language; the reason I am mentioning about language; because now the extremist Israeli settlers talk about sharing the Masjid al-Aqsa. How noble. Why don’t we share the blessed place Masjid al-Aqsa? How blessed place has got into We want to share it; Share what? Share an occupied territory? That is illegal under international law; that is not belonged to Israeli under any circumstances. This is what they wish. Share what? Let look at the Ibrahimi Mosque al-Khalili in Hebron. This happened in couple of years ago. They said; just share it, just split in half and then they say on our holiday Muslims cannot come. And then now today Muslims cannot use it even on Friday. That is what sharing left.”

What is going to happen to Al-Aqsa

Mr. Patel said, “This language in the history is important. Masjid al-Aqsa has been mentioned by almost all the speakers I think this war has been pushing too far. Because what is going to happen; in the history of Palestine; it has happened before; when Al-Aqsa was lost. It galvanised not only the people of the region but without an exaggeration, the people of the globe and we have also the mirror in front of us when the Crusaders came in they destroyed the holy sites of Muslims and the Jewish people; and it took Salahuddin Ayubi to liberate it and liberated it again for what? And I want to put it. They liberated it for humanity. Christians are allowed to respite despite the Crusaders and definitely the Jewish people are allowed to come back.”

Concluding his speech in a negative tone, Mr. Patel said, “Now under the Zionist occupation of Jerusalem, particularly the Masjid al-Aqsa, we have the reverse situation; when the Christians are suffering and the Muslims are suffering. And I have mentioned now; two-state solution is not talked about. If they do not talk about two-state solution, then the world will have left with no option but to move forward and therefore it is imperative for the Members of Parliament here those who have joined pass the message .to make sure the people do understand; make your friend understand that the way forward is to respect and that respect comes from acknowledging the right of the people; until and unless that comes, the problem will be there.”

Palestine Election Pledge

At the end of the event, the following Palestine Election pledge was announced:

“My voting decision in the general election in May 2015 will depend on the candidate’s (PPC) position on Palestine.

“I will be more likely to vote for a candidate to become an MP who:

1. Calls for an end of the siege of Gaza.

2. Calls for the protection of Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem against extremist Israeli settler attacks.
3. Calls for the immediate and unconditional end to the occupation.”

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): The Greatest

Leader, Reformer and Finality of Prophethood

Dr. Mozammel Haque

This is the month of Rabi al-Awwal when Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him came to this world and spread the message of Islam revealed to him by Archangel Jibrail. This year, I read three books on the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him), two by non-Muslim and one by a Muslim.

This is the month when the Union of Muslim Organisations of UK & Ireland (UMO OF UK & Eire) under the leadership of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, celebrated the day, without fail, for more than four decades organising a Seminar on the Life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him where ministers, political leaders, academics and Islamic scholars were invited to participate and speak on different aspects of Prophet’s life. After the demise of Dr. Pasha in 2011, The UMO still organised a Seminar on the Life of the Prophet at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, last year in 2013 where a brilliant academic presentation “Love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) was made by Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Centre.

(http://www.iccuk.org/page.php?section=media&page=loveofprophet2014b)

Unfortunately, this is the first time, in the 43 years of the UMO, when it failed to organise a regular seminar of its calendar on the day of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi when there is so much media debate, talks and discussions on the Prophet (peace be upon him).

However, during this month of Rabi al-Awwal, I usually used to read some books on the biography of the Prophet (PBUH) and write review of those books. This year, I started reading the book on Muhammad: Prophet For Our Time by Karen Armstrong, published by Harper Prerennial, London, 2006 and another book Muhammad (SAW): 1001 Universal Appreciations and Interfaith Understanding and Peaceby Dr. Mohammed A. Lais, published by Zaitun Media Ltd., in 2014 and thought to write a review article on the basis of that. But as the media has written so much on the Paris cartoons, I thought it is better to present the life of the Prophet peace be upon him) from the writings of non-Muslim thinkers and statesmen.

At the beginning, I want to raise the following questions – Who is Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)? In order to know that, we have to find answers to the following: i) what was the situation of Arabia when he was born? ii) . How he was treated by the Makkah people? iii) What was his reaction; whether he was violent and aggressive with them or he was tolerant and restraint? In the following passages I would like to find answers from the pens and writings of non-Muslim writers, statesmen, scholars, and thinkers.

As usual, there are some misunderstanding and misinterpretations about the life, works and message of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In this article, I would like to see through the pens and writings of some of the prominent non-Muslim thinkers, academics and scholars what they think about him.

Jahiliya Period

When Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born, the condition of Arabia was described as Jahiliya. During this period, the situation of Makkah was described by Reverend Stephens as follows: “The vices most prevalent in Arabia in the time of Muhammad which are most sternly denounced and absolutely forbidden in the Qur’an were drunkenness, unlimited concubinage and polygamy; the destruction of female infants, reckless gambling superstitious arts of divination and magic.”

Prophecy of the coming of Prophet Muhammad

Peace be upon him

There were many sayings about the advent of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and it was known to some well-versed scholars of the previous religions and scriptures. About one incident, Karen Armstrong wrote: “To reassure Muhammad, Khadijah consulted her cousin Waraqah, the hanif, who had studied the scriptures of the People of the Book and could give them expert advice. Waraqah was jubilant: Holy Holy! he cried, when he heard what had happened. “if you have spoken the truth to me, O Khadijah, there has come to him the great divinity who came to Moses aforetime, and lo, he is the prophet of his people.” The next time Waraqah met Muhammad in the Haram; he kissed him on the forehead and warned him that his task would not be easy.” (Karen, pages 47-48)

Prophet Muhammad endured pain

and mistreatment from others

After Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received revelation and he invited the Makkah people to accept the new religion, then the people of Makkah went against him and started badly treated him. How the Makkah people treated him, Karen Armstrong wrote: “Muhammad’s neighbors played disgusting tricks with a sheep’s uterus, thwacking him with it while he was at prayer, and once even dropping it into the family cooking pot. One day, a young Quraushi threw filth all over Muhammad while he was walking in the city. When his daughter Fatimah saw him in this state, she burst into tears. “Don’t cry my little girl,” Muhammad reassured her tenderly, while she tried to clean him up. “God will protect your father.” But to himself, he added grimly: “Quraysh treated me thus while Abu Talib was alive.” (Karen, page 89)

Similarly Leslay Hazleton mentioned, “As news spread of Abu-Lahab’s withdrawal of protection, the attacks on Muhammad became more pointed. Pails of dust were emptied over his head as he walked to the Kaaba precinct, and stones thrown at him when he tried to preach there. Even at home, he was at risk. As he sat in his own courtyard, someone threw sheep’s offal at him, splattering him with blood and gore. The specific organ hurled was the one distinctly female part of the animal, the uterus, making the insult all the more flagrant in a society based so strongly on male pride. It was clear that if Muhammad was not to live under virtual house arrest – in fact, if he was to survive – it was of paramount importance that he finds the protection of a clan leader.”

While Dr. N. K. Singh said, “People threw rubbish on his body and showered abuses. One particular lady adopted a novel technique: as the Prophet passed in front of her house every day, she threw rubbish, collected in her house, right on his body. This became such a regular practice that one day when rubbish was not thrown on him; he wanted ton know the reason for it. On enquiry, he learnt that the old lady was sick. He then went into the hollow, sat by the bedside of the lady, consoled her and prayed for her early recovery.”

Prophet never thought of revenge but

Showed greatest restraint

Dr. N. K. Singh also claimed, “The life of the Prophet (God’s blessings be on him) is an illustrious model for all Muslim to emulate. He has shown the greatest restraint in the preaching and practice of Islam. His life in Makkah was full of examples where he suffered without a protest. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) was subject to many hardships and personal injuries while he was preaching Islam in Makkah. His reaction to these was nothing short of the true exposition of non-violence.”

Rendered extensive service to humanity

Leo Tolstoy said, “Undoubtedly, the Prophet Muhammad is one of the greatest reformers who rendered extensive service to the human community. As an indication of his greatness, it suffices to mention that he guided an entire nation to the light of truth and made it incline to serenity and peace and opted to live a life of asceticism. He forbade acts of bloodshed or human sacrifice. He opened up for his nation the way to progress and civilisation. That was a great feat which nobody – no matter how powerful he may be – is able to achieve. Such a man, indeed, is highly respectable and estimable.”

Reverend Stephens compared Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) with Moses; both of whom revived a pure religion from their common father, Abraham. “For a confused heap of idolatrous superstitions he substituted a pure monotheistic faith; he abolished some of the most vicious practices of his countrymen, modified others; he generally raised the moral standard, improved the social condition of the people, and introduced a sober and rational ceremonial in worship.”

“The abolition of some of these evil customs and the mitigation of others, was a great advance in the morality of the Arabs, and is a wonderful and honourable testimony to the zeal and influence of the Reformer. The total suppression of female infanticide and of drunkenness is the most signal triumph of his work,” wrote Reverend Stephens.

Simplicity was his greatest power

Pierce De Lacy Henry Johnstone, a famous European author mentioned that simplicity was a great power of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “He visited the sick, followed every bier he met, accepted even a slave’s invitation to dinner, mended his own clothes, waited on himself. Never was he first to withdraw his hand from another’s, nor to turn away ere the other hand turned. His hand was the most generous, his heart the most courageous, his tongue the most truthful, staunchest was he of protectors, and sweetest in conversation; and he inspired all men with awe and reverence.’ He was taciturn of habit, yet playful with children but not given to jesting.”

On the other hand, Professor T.L Vaswami paid tribute to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for bringing huge reforms in the society. He mentioned, “And consider for a moment what the faith he preached has achieved. Islam has given the world a religion without priests; Islam abolished infanticide in Arabia; Islam enjoined on the faithful total abstinence from drink; Islam emphasized the great qualities of faith, courage, endurance and self-sacrifice.”

Golden words with regards to

neighbourly relations

“Apart from all those things which he preached to his followers he said some golden and charming words with regard to neighbourly relations. ‘Be kind to your neighbour. Draw the veil over him. Avoid injury to him, look to him with kindness. If you see him doing evil, forgive him. If you see him doing good to you, proclaim your thankfulness’. These are words to be treasured and the Man who said them should be weighed in gold,” said David De Santillan.

Prophet’s life style

Bosworth Smith writing about the simplicity and life style of the Prophet (peace be upon him) elaborated: “His ordinary dress was plain, even to coarseness; yet he was fastidious in arranging it to the best advantage. He was fond of ablutions, and fonder still of perfumes; and he prided himself on the neatness of his hair, and the pearly whiteness of his teeth. His life was simple in all its details. ….Ayesha is also our authority for saying that he did not get a sufficient meal. The little food that he had was always shared with those who were always to be found a number of the poor who lied entirely on the prophet’s generosity and were hence called the people of the bench. His ordinary food was dates and water or barley bread; milk and honey were luxuries of which he was fond, but which he rarely allowed himself.”

Similarly, The historian Edward Gibbon, like Bosworth Smith described: “The good sense of Mahomet despised the pomp of royalty; the apostle of God submitted to the menial offices of the family; he kindled the fire, swept the floor, milked the ewes, and mended with his own hands his shoes and his woollen garment. Disdaining the penance and merit of a hermit, he observed, without effort or vanity, the abstemious diet of an Arab and a soldier. On solemn occasions, he feasted his companions with rustic and hospitable plenty; but in his domestic life, many weeks would elapse without a fire being kindled on the hearth of the Prophet.”

Object of so much discussion, hate as well as love

In Spite of his so much service to humanity, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is an object of so much discussion since his time to today’s world. About this, Dr. Henry Stubbe, a British writer and scholar wrote in his book: “There is no man under heaven who has been the object of so much discussion, due either to extreme hatred or great love, as the Prophet Mohammed. Exalted in the East and discarded in the West, the Prophet has acquired a position which is difficult to define and for which it is impossible to find a parallel. He has been a central figure, to a large part of mankind, during the last thirteen centuries. His great enemies were the infidels of Makkah, but their hostility is as nothing compared to that shown by the Christian nations, which casts the story of the Jews and their detestation of Jesus entirely into the shade. It is a strange irony of fate that, Mohammad, who so manifestly honoured Isa and respected his teachings, has been made the object of the grossest abuse and the vilest calumny by the followers of Isa.”

Alphonse Marie Louis de Prat de Lamartine, a French writer, poet and politician states that History is a testimony to the creation of empires and armies which after periods of existence met its demise. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was not only successful in these fields, but his real success lied in the ability to penetrate the hearts of men.

According to him, “If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astonishing results are the three criteria of a human genius, who could dare compare any great man in history with Muhammad? The most famous men created arms, laws, and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples, dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and the souls.”

Need balanced approach to

Prophet’s life, says Karen Armstrong

When international community praised and acknowledged Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for his personality, good moral character and non-violent policy, there is an animosity among some people who used all kinds of abuses against him as the people of Jahiliya used to do in the seventh century. Karen Armstrong wrote in the Introduction of her book mentioned earlier: “We have a long history of Islamophobia in Western Culture that dates back to the time of the Crusades. In the twelfth century, Christian monks in Europe insisted that Islam was a violent religion of the sword, and that Muhammad was a charlatan who imposed his religion on a reluctant world by force of arms; they called him a lecher and a sexual pervert. This distorted version of the Prophet’s life became one of the received ideas of the West, and Western people have always found it difficult to see Muhammad in a more objective light.” (pages 17-18).

Karen Armstrong also mentioned, “Western critics also persist in viewing the Prophet of Islam as a man of war, and fail to see that from the very first he was opposed to the jahili arrogance and egotism that not only fuelled the aggression of his time but is much in evidence in some leaders, Western and Muslims alike, today. The Prophet, whose aim was peace and practical compassion, is becoming a symbol of division and strife – a development that is not only tragic but also dangerous to the stability on which the future of our species depends.” (pages 22-213)

Ms Armstrong advised, “We must approach his life in a balanced way, in order to appreciate his considerable achievements. To cultivate an inaccurate prejudice damages the tolerance, liberality, and compassion that are supposed to characterize Western culture.” (page 18).

Present world needs leader like Prophet Muhammad,

(pbuh), says George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright and a co-founder of the London School of Economics (LSE) argued that the present world needs leaders like Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for the general peace and comfort. Shaw observed:” I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today.”

King Abdullah’s Reign (2005-2015):

Decade of Development & Reform

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Media Advisor

Islamic Cultural Centre,London

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud died on Thursday, 22 January 2015, royal officials have announced. Abdullah, who had ruled since 2005 and was said to be aged about 90, had been suffering from a lung infection.

His 79-year-old brother, Salman bin Abdulaziz, has been confirmed as the new king. King Salman vowed to maintain the same policies as his predecessors. “We will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment,” he said in a speech broadcast on state television.

King Abdullah’s Vision and Leadership

Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz became King of Saudi Arabia on 1^st August, 2005, following the death of his brother King Fahd. King Abdullah’s reign has been characterized by a number of important reforms and achievements, which have elevated the Kingdom to an advanced rank among the world’s countries.

Since King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz’s ascension to the throne in 2005, a date which has been followed by a period of remarkable changes sparked by major social, education, health and infrastructure projects across the Kingdom. The Kingdom’s leadership has introduced policies for education development in the Kingdom through the expansion of university education and opening of more universities.

Ten-year rule of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia brought many revolutionary changes in development and reform. It can rightly be described as a decade of development and reform. King Abdullah will be remembered in golden letters in world history, particularly in the history of Saudi Arabia for his reform, achievements and initiatives in the field of national dialogue, independence of judiciary, educational development, expansion of Haramain domestically and interfaith dialogue and Middle East Peace Initiative internationally. He was a bold leader loved both at home by his own people and abroad by friends and allies.

King Abdullah’s Reforms

1) IndependenceofJudiciary

During the reign of King Abdullah, a number of important and noteworthy reform steps were taken in Saudi Arabia. Since assuming the throne, king Abdullah made a number of key reform steps in the kingdom. One of the most important achievements was the king’s landmark reform of the judicial system and the consequent creation of specialised courts.

2) Allegiance –Baya - Loyalty

King Abdullah also set up “the Allegiance Commission” or Hay’at al-Bay‘ah, which is a codification of the unwritten rules that have governed the selection of Saudi rulers since the passing of King Abdul Aziz in 1953.Also during the reign of King Abdullah, ‘the Allegiance Council” has been set up.

3) NationalDialogue

King AbdullahlaunchedNationalDialoguemechanismandallowsSaudicitizenstoengageeachotherinaddressingissuesthatconcernedsociety.Thisisnotanidleexerciseinacountrywherecivilsocietyisnon-existent.Thefactthatthesedialoguesarenotonlyoccurringbuttrulysignificant.

4) King Abdullah’s Education programme

KingAbdullahliveduptohisreputationasaboldleader.Hemadedecisionsthatholdalotofpromiseforgenerationstocome:hisinterfaithinitiative,hisdecisiontoallowwomentoparticipateintheupcomingmunicipalelections,hisdecisiontofocusonyoungSaudis,hisdecisiontospendheavilyontheeducationsector,hisdecisiontoinstitutehundredsandthousandsofscholarshipsinsomeofthebestinstitutionsintheworldallthesedecisionsindicatedhisloveforhiscountryandhisreligion.

a) King Abdullah’s Scholarship programme: King Abdullah established the visionary scholarship programme for the young generation to study abroad. Education was at the heart of reform King Abdullah promoted since taking office in 2005 with the launching of a $2.4 billion education programme in the same year. King Abdullah gave top priority to education and training of young Saudi men and women and allocated more than 25 percent of the national budget for the purpose. During his rule, the number of government universities jumped from eight to 24, giving students in all parts of the country access to higher education. More than 80,000 Saudis are now pursuing their higher education in reputed international universities. There are more than 33,000 schools in the Kingdom with more than five million students representing a third of the nation’s population and nearly 500,000 male and female teachers.

b) King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST): King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST). KAUST is one of the major achievements of King Abdullah. The most notable aspect of King Abdullah’s accomplishments in the advancement of education in September 2009 was the launch of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology – KAUST – in Thuwal. On September 23, 2009 when King Abdullah inaugurated a world-class University for Science and Technology in 80 km north of Jeddah, he was not only realizing a dream that was living in his heart for 25 years but was driving home a strong point that the Muslim world has to achieve scientific and technological progress in order to join the League of developed countries.

c) Princess Nora Bint Abdulrahman University for Women: The year 2007 saw the opening of Princess Nora Bint Abdulrahman University for women with its 32 colleges across the Riyadh region. This is the first women’s university in Saudi Arabia and largest women-only University in the world. It has a new library capable of holding 4.5 million volumes.

d) King Abdullah’s Scholarship Programme: King Abdullah’s Foreign Scholarship Programme is the largest scholarship programme in the history of the Kingdom. Currently more than 130,000 Saudi students are pursuing different fields of study in some of the best universities in the world.

King Abdullah’s scholarship programme was established in 2005 to sponsor highly qualified Saudi students to continue their studies in different universities across the globe. Since the inauguration of the scholarship programme as many as 62,000 Saudi students have been sent to various colleges and universities around the world. The programme is an integral aspect of the Kingdom’s comprehensive education plans.

5) Empowerment of Women

a) Womaneducationminister;membershouracouncilandforeignambassadors: King AbdullahappointedawomanasDeputyEducationMinisterandSaudal-FaisalasForeignMinisterdeclaredappointmentofseveralwomenasambassadorsinthecouncilsandembassiesoverseas.Innumerableadditionsandalterationsofreformsnaturesinsuchareasashumanrights,particularlywomenrights.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde paid tribute to the Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, saying he was a strong believer in pushing forward women's rights. Women not only constitute half of Saudi society but they are also the driving force behind the Kingdom’s future development as a 21st-century society.

b) Saudi Women in Shoura Council: King Abdullah appointed 30 highly educated Saudi women to the Shoura Council (consultative assembly) and to ensure women make up at least 20 percent of the Council in the future is a key turning point in the history of the Kingdom.The historic decision by King Abdullah to appoint women, for the first time, to the Shoura Council is a major initiative to reform the existing political system.

6) Expansion of the Two Holy Mosques

a) King Abdullah’s Haram Expansion Project: King Abdullah ordered additional expansions to the Grand Mosque. Described as the largest in Muslim history, the project will create additional prayer space for more than a million worshippers. King Abdullah officially launched on Friday, 19^th of August, 2011, the largest expansion of the Grand Mosque in history, which will increase the Mosque’s capacity to more than 2.5 million worshippers and cost 80 billion Saudi Riyals. The new project will comprise three parts: construction of a new building; expansion and development of courtyards around the mosque, including walkways, tunnels and toilets; and development of service facilities for air-conditioning, electricity and drinking water.

b) Expansion of Masa’a : The project also include plans to expand the mataf (the circumambulation areas around the Holy Ka’aba) and provide air-conditioning for all parts of the Grand Mosque. Masaa, the area between Safa and Marwa, which is located inside the mosque, has been expanded to help pilgrims perform the sa’ie ritual more easily and comfortably. King Abdullah took expansion projects of Masa’a.

c) Makkah Tower Clock: King Abdullah also officially inaugurated the Makkah Tower Clock, considered the largest in the world; the Makkah Time, the newly expanded masaa (the running course between Safa and Marwa); the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Towers; the Jamarat Bridge complex in Mina; and the Mashair Railway linking the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa as well as the sunshades around the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah by pressing buttons.

d) Jamarat Bridge Project : The Jamarat Bridge is 950 meters long and 80 meters wide. Each floor is 12 meters high. The entire project is designed to hold 12 stories and as many as five million pilgrims in the future if the need arises. The project is now complete and ready for pilgrims. The completion of the Jamarat project allows for the throwing of pebbles from all five levels of the bridge.

e) Makkah Metro Monorail Project: The 20 km Makkah Metro monorail project, costing USS1.8 billion, was launched in 2010 to link the Grand Mosque with Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa, to ease pilgrim transport. It includes the construction of nine railway stations in Arafat, Mina and Muzdalifah, each 300 meters long. The metro railway is designed to operate 17 trains with 12 coaches in each train.

f) Haramain Railway Project: Another project, the high-speed Haramain Railway, costing SR37.5 billion will link the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah to the Red Sea port of Jeddah, an entry point for millions of pilgrims to relieve road congestion.

g) King Abdul Aziz Street Project: Another huge project to ease traffic flow in roads close to the Grand Mosque is the new SR12 billion King Abdul Aziz Street project in Makkah. The project, which covers 1.2 million square meters, is scheduled to complete in 2012. It represents a third of development projects and basic infrastructure schemes in Makkah. The road, which runs from Jeddah to Makkah’s entrance, will make entry and exit to and from the Grand Mosque very easy. The 60-meter-wide road would incorporate the Haramain rail tracks.

7) International Interfaith Dialogue

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said he admired King Abdullah greatly. “Despite the turmoil of events in the region around him, he remained a stable and sound ally, was a patient and skilful moderniser of his country leading it step by step into the future,” Mr Blair said. He paid tribute to the monarch's advocacy of "inter-faith relations", his embracing of education for women, and his investment in renewable energy.

King Abdullah began this journey of his interfaith dialogue in 2005 in the Holy City of Makkah, when he called on all 57 Muslim heads of state to meet in Islam’s holiest city to ponder the issues of extremism and call for a Muslim renaissance. The King travelled to Vatican and met Pope Benedict in 2007 offering him peace and friendship on behalf of the Muslim world. The following year, in June 2008, King Abdullah hosted a first historic Interfaith Dialogue Conference in Makkah al-Mukarramah where more than 500 Muslim religious scholars and leaders attended. It was followed by a multi-religious conference in Madrid in July 2008, which was hosted by King Abdullah along with King Juan Carlos of Spain and attended by more than 300 representatives from Vatican, Anglican Church, Judaism, Hinduism and other faiths. Then King Abdullah took the interfaith dialogue to the global centre-stage at the UN.

The Inauguration Ceremony of King Abdullah International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue (KAICIID) took place on 26^th of November 2012 at the Hofburg Vienna.

8) Middle East Peace Initiative

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair said, “And of course he launched the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002 which has stood the test of time as a potential basis for a solution to the Israeli Palestine issue," the ex-PM added.

Muslim Charity Dinner Networking

Open Doors of Mosques for all people – Dr. Dubayan

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Dr. Dubayan was encouraging and urging all Muslim leaders and particularly the Imams of Mosques to open doors of Mosques for all people around us. He said, “I have seen actually during my stay here in the UK that there are many people who are not Muslims; they have never had a chance to come closer to know Islam. And I think this is the role of Mosques. They are supposed to open the doors of the Mosques; each mosque to be transparent and being seen by everybody; not to be like some people who are not Muslims; they look at the mosque and they don’t know what are going on inside; how they are operating; who are managing them. This is to be really integrated with the society. This is the right vision for the future of all these charities working in the society, either in the UK or in any other country,” said Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC) at an evening gathering entitled, “Muslim Charities Dinner Networking”, organised by the Islamic Cultural Centre, held at its Library Hall and Conference Hall, on Thursday, the 13^th of August 2015.

The meeting was attended by distinguished guests including representatives from the Embassy of Indonesia, Brunei, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and special guests from the Charity Commission, special guests from the Home Office, guests from the Muslim Organisations Mosques and other institutions. The event begun with the recitation from the Holy Qur’an by the Imam of the Regents Park Central London Mosque, Imam Khalifa Ezzat with translation.

Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan

While welcoming distinguished guests and Excellencies, Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre thanked all of them for coming to attend this meeting and also expressed his happiness to be able to organise this lovely evening gathering. In this connection he also said, “I believe Islamic Cultural Centre is really home for everybody and also a centre for everybody.”

Mr. Khaled Banakhar, who is representing the High Commission of Mosques in Saudi Arabia, is luckily in London these days. Dr. Dubayan had taken the advantage to invite him who attended the evening event. While welcoming him, Dr. Dubayan said, “The High Commission of Mosques was established recently few years ago and it really aims to help and support mosques around the world. It is really very active organisation in their own society and their local communities in their right way and following regulations of each society.”

Ramadan and After: The Season

for charities and good deeds

This evening gathering took place after the fasting month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. After thanking the distinguished guests, Dr. Dubayan greeted the distinguished guests with happy Eid greetings and congratulated them for Eid-ul-Fitr. He said, “It is little bit late after Eid-ul-Fitr but the warm feeling is still alive. Happy Eid for everybody and May Allah the Almighty accept your fasting, your prayers, your deeds and actually everything. Since we were in Ramadan we were not far from the marvellous feeling of Ramadan; that is the feeling for others, the feeling for the society, feeling for the other people, feeling for those who do not find anything to eat and drink This is actually the spiritual meaning of fasting in Islam: to let you feel actually about the other people. It is really the season for charities; season for good deeds; season for doing good for everybody; whoever he is and doing also everything good to your society, to your community and to even natural environment around you. This is very important.”

Muslim charities

Dr. Dubayan said a few words about Muslim charities. He said, “I hope we have, may be, more than one hundreds of mosques, here and organisations. There are recently, of course, lots of challenges and always in the field of charities there are always challenges; challenges of doing charitable works; challenges of getting support; challenges of getting the right people in the right position. I know this is really a problem for many of the charities around the world.”

Muslim contributions to British society

Dr. Dubayan said, “Muslims or Muslim communities have really contributed and they are still having contributing a lot to the British society; which is really appreciated. I am sure everybody here remembers this with deep appreciation for their role in education; their role in supporting the social life; their role in helping families helping woman. But I do believe that is still not enough. Our charities need more; we need more development; we need really more empowerment in the Muslim charities to be actually main player in the charitable arena to help Muslim society and to help societies at large, all of it as a whole.”

Dr. Dubayan wished to see the time when “we can see the services of the charities expanding to everybody around the area in the big society; in that moment we can say that there are several organisations they are really working for the welfare and for the prosperity of the societies around us.”

The Role of Mosques in Islam

In this connection, Dr. Dubayan described the role of Mosques in Islam. He mentioned, “The role of Mosque in Islam was different throughout the history; sometimes with governments like Muslim world there are ministries who are taking care of many things like education. In the early days of Islam, mosques were almost doing everything; it was a school; it was a place or house of worship; it was a place for people to come with problems; it was a place of court. Now, of course, the Mosque does not perform this role because there are other institutions in the society; there are other organisations, institutions and authorities from the government which is doing all these services. But the role of Mosques is supposed to continue providing really a place of education; a place of safety; a place of peace for everybody in the society and welcoming everybody.”

To learn about the values around in the society

Dr. Dubayan then spoke about the values around us in the society. He said, “Let the mosque to be the big supporter of the values around us in the society. Now the new generation really need to learn more and more about the values around us. Many of the values that we have seen and our education about 30 40 years ago; now they are not strong in the same way as it was in the curriculum; as it was in the mind of the teachers who really taught us at that time; not in the society around us. Some of these values actually are now little bit weak in the minds of our new generation.”

Muslim charities to be big

supporters of these values

Dr. Dubayan said, “We need Muslim charities most to be a big supporter to support these values: the values of peace, the value of justice; the value of equality; the value of women; actually the value of children; the value of families; all these need to be shown and to be highlighted through your way; through your work. This is really the vision of work for the future of the Mosque in the UK; the vision for the Muslim organisations generally. Those who work either in the relief organisations; or in mosques or in Islamic schools; wherever we are sharing a common ground that is the ground of value with the society; with everybody; the value of regulation; of course the value of citizenship in this country is very very important.”

“The best we can do is: we encourage the new generation to be more integrated; to be positive player in the life of the society around us which is really very very important,” mentioned Dr. Dubayan.

Before concluding his speech, Dr. Dubayan once again expressed his thanks to everyone for coming; participating and for making this evening very lovely; very nice; very remarkable. He said, “We have to welcome and congratulate the Ambassador from Indonesia. We would like to thank you so much for coming for being with us this time, the representative of our chairman, the Kuwaiti Ambassador; he is with us; he is welcome; and the representative of His Royal Highness Muhammad bin Nawaf the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and the representative of the High Commissioner of Brunei also with us. Everybody I say thank you very much for coming and thank you for participating.”

“We always remember you and always remember us from your side that is the Islamic Cultural Centre is the centre for all communities; centre for all Muslims. We might have different opinions about something; but let us work together for the common interest and common things that is we have the same opinion together. I should mention the Nation of Islam who may be participated with us may be for the first time. Welcome to the Islamic Cultural Centre,” concluded Dr. Dubayan.

After Dr. Dubayan’s speech, the spokesperson of the Centre said, “I do hope all the Masajid leaders here today do follow the advice of the Director General of the ICC for opening up the Mosque for everybody; like I said every time, Mosque today does not serve only Muslims it also serves the British society and this is why because all of us brothers and sisters are in humanity. Let us open the mosque to everyone and let them know who we are.”

The next speaker was Ms. Paula Sussex who joined Charity Commission as Chief Executive Office in June 2014. Paula has extensive leadership experience particularly in delivering solutions to the public and voluntary sectors. Paula is qualified as Barrister.

Ms. Paula Sussex

Ms. Paula Sussex the Chief Executive Officer of the Charity Commission who came with a team of officers first introduced her team and said, “a number of other colleagues who are scattered around the room ready to take over all your different and difficult questions throughout the evening. I would love to say that they are mostly here what would be fantastic evening and the quality of conversations but I suspect some of them are here for the quality of food I know we will receive in a few minutes time.”

Ms. Paula said, “We are here to celebrate the role of charity in civil society and that in England and Wales. You know we regulate for England and Wales. That does not mean we don’t care about the Scots; we really just focus on England and Wales. I don’t need to say at all most eloquently by your Imam or by Dr. Dr. Dubayan that it is so central to Islam; 50 million pounds was raised just by members of the Muslim Charity Forum during Ramadan which is quite extraordinary. Congratulations.”

“I think I am in this job just over a year and the breath and reach of the Charities in England and Wales 160,000 of them is just extraordinary,” mentioned Ms. Paula.

The Charity Commission CEO also said, “I think you would not miss perhaps the ongoing story about the ways charity raised funds. Fund raising techniques and you have noticed how it raised the temperature suddenly in the media and throughout all communities and I think this reflects the facts that charities are loved and that also we ascribed abruptly higher standard of behaviour to charities.”

Duties of the trustees

Speaking about the duties of the trustees, the Charity Commission CEO Ms. Paula also mentioned, “Trust is fragile; based on faith which is based on love is not always rational thing. So it is incredibly important; incredibly important that we think trustees of these organisations are critically aware of their duties; there are one million trustees on our register.”

“How many of you are trustees of your charities and how many of you have read the revised guidance on your duties essential trustees from the charities commission,” she enquired and asked the audience to raise their hands; and said, “Well done Dr. Dubayan Thank you.” Because Dr. Dubayan raised his hands and said he had read the charity commission’s revised guidance.

On a very serious note, Commission’s CEO Ms. Paula said to the trustees, “You are the stewards and you are legally accountable for those charities. And whilst we are busy team of 300 regulators; we rely on trustees ensuring those charities are doing everything in their power to meet the charitable objectives.”

Ms. Paula also mentioned to work in partnership with the charities. She said, “We also like to work in partnership getting the message out.” She also mentioned, “My team told me that we had several more hits on twitters /YouTube.”

Charity Commission CEO also mentioned, “We had some 46 Radio interviews over the years; 31 on Radio Ramadan 100 Radio interviews on safe giving and we have done five times a day on the Islam Channel.”

Charity Commission CEO concluded her speech on a very cheerful note, “It was a very remarkable Ramadan. I am impressed. A very very belated Eid Mubarak and enjoy the evening.”

One-day course on the Human Resources

and Employment Rules

After the Charity Commission’s CEO’s speech, the ICC spokesperson remarked, “We will take action straightaway. We will be emailing all of you here from the Mosque. We will do a one-day course delivered by the Charity Commission and also on the Human Resources and Employment Rules I will get that sorted out and I will be inviting all of you so that you can get all right instructions.”

The next speaker was Charles Farr, the Director General of the Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT) at Home Office. Charles Farr was appointed as Director General of the newly formed Office of the Security and Counter Terrorism (OSCT) at the Home Office in June 2007. Charles Farr joined diplomatic service in 1985 and served in the British Embassies in South Africa and Jordan. He was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2002 Honours List for his service overseas for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and CMG in 2009. Since 2003 he had a number of senior posts across Whitehall concerned Security and Counter Terrorism. As Director General of the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism Charles Farr is a senior officer responsible for the UK security and counter terrorism and work on organised crime.

Charles Farr

Mr. Charles Farr, Director General of the Office of the Security and Counter Terrorism at the Home Office, said, “May I take the opportunity really to say three things. Firstly, I listened to Dr. Dubayan my friend what he said at the beginning. I just really want to say how much I recognise, appreciate and agree, of course, what you are saying. Not just about how events like this bring together people from all communities of the country, government non-government, less government than non-government, around a common sets of values but also actually what you are saying to me listening as a non-Muslim around the world this institution organisations and above all mosques in communities in this country.”

“I suspect we should sometimes find ourselves talking about as government officials particularly not as government officials dealing with security. But we may use this occasion informally and as a personal view entirely eco and support what you said about the world that mosques in our experience can play in communities and how profoundly important that is and how much to the extent that is appropriate for us to do so. We would encourage entirely; support the ambitions that you mentioned; I am grateful for that,” said Mr. Charles Farr.

Mr. Charles Farr, the Director General of OSCT, said, “Secondly, if I may, Paula talked about the role of Charity Commission very succinctly a word about what we do. Some of you I heard you say of course our jobs on papers or rather will be entitled counter terrorism and security but our job fundamentally is to protect the communities of this country and part of our job is to protect Muslim communities and if we don’t do that we are not succeeding I am completely clear about this.”

“We are here to protect people in this room and your friends and families up and down the country. And I am afraid it is simply true to say Muslim communities in this country are sad to say uniquely affected, more affected than some other communities at this particular time different in the past and it will be different in the future, by the phenomenon of violence and terrorism,” mentioned Mr. Charles Farr and added, “And I am clear that you are the victims of this trend and it is our jobs to protect you from them. And you may say that we are not doing well. I hope we are; I believe we are but people from our communities are getting are hurt; losing their lives in Syria and Iraq and you know that is not the case. And most certainly so we do.”

Mr. Charles Farr again mentioned about partnership. He said, “Thirdly and finally; this reminds us about this partnership. Paula has spoken about this. Like me, the partnership between the Charity Commission and people who really work with the communities should be and in many cases this partnership between you and us. Because there is certainly should be, in my view, point of interest. There is no difference between your part is; your priority is to protect people in a particular Muslim and often in my experience we are talking about the same people. You are charities reaching out to vulnerable people and you are providing them with support. Thank you for that and long it may continue.”

Mr. Charles Farr finally mentioned, “Paula has said we will do whatever we can to encourage that. Of course, Paula said, giving campaign but fundamentally this can be wanted to be seen more a partnership based on your concerns and our concerns which are similar and more identical. Thank you for this event as always. This great organisation. You can bring people together even the government can not do that. We welcome it and we look forward to meeting people as much as we can.”

Haramain Development

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques, Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al-Sudais was recently talking about the development of the Haramain.

Sheikh Al-Sudais on Haramain Development

Imam of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Sheikh al-Sudais said, “Dear brothers, when we talk about holy sites we are talking about Makkah; we are talking about Qibla, the Ka’aba, where actually the hearts of all Muslims everywhere in the world are going and directing to when they pray; where all our hearts are attached to all the time and one of the graces which Allah the Almighty has granted to Saudi Arabia and granted the opportunity to take care of Mosques, and of the Two Holy cities and the Two Holy sites and the expansion that is happening now in the Madinah and in Makkah never happened before in history. I would like to invite everybody, whenever you have a chance, Insha Allah, to see the expansion and the big leading projects happening especially in Makkah and Madinah.”

He also mentioned, “This expansion, as I said to you, never happen all the history of the Haramain. Makkah Haram Sharif and Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah are built and expanded; are monitored and refurbished for all Muslims. Why; because we and the government of Saudi Arabia has put a target that there would be a chance for every Muslim to come. When Muslims come in big numbers, in millions; there will be a capacity for all of them. If the Haramain, the Two Holy Mosques remain in the old building; it would be too difficult for everybody, for the next generation to be accommodated in Makkah and Madinah.”

The Head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques said, “Now the third expansion from the days of King Abdullah (May Allah shower him with His mercy) is proceeding to the end. The capacity of the new expansion, the Third expansion, is 1.3 million square metres with the old capacity of the Haram 1.7 million square metres. Alhamdo lillah, the result will be 3 million square metres in the Haram in Makkah. That will be 3 million the capacity of the millions of prayers and people coming.”

Sheikh al-Sudais also said, “Now in Masaa, the old capacity of 50,000 people in one hour; now the capacity of 80,000 per hour. The Mataf also in the third phase of the project of the Mataf, Insha Allah, will start in this Ramadan. Now the capacity of the Mataf is 45,000 per hour; it will be, after the completion of the project, 105 000 per hour.”

Khutba Translation in seven languages

On the spot on the air directly

The Imam of the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, also mentioned, “We have now a new project which is the translation of the Khutba (Friday Sermons), from the Haram directly on air and it is now the Khutba is translated in seven languages, We are going, Insha Allah, to increase the languages. Translations are happening on the spot on air directly. We want, Insha Allah, the government of Saudi Arabia want the Haramain to be the model of welfare and safety, of peace for everybody Insha Allah of the Muslims of everybody in the world.”

Every single project of the Haramain

Based on the Fatwa of scholars

Talking about every single project of the Haramain, Dr. Sheikh al-Sudais mentioned, “For your information, dear brothers, I would like to tell you that every single project, every step we do in the project of the Haramain is based on the Fatwa of scholars. We don’t do it like a project; we have to tell Mufti and scholars about what we are doing and they have to give us a Fatwaabout. And we come back to the Supreme Council of Scholars of Saudi Arabia; we come back to the Council of Fiqh; the Council of Fiqh of the Rabita al-Alam al-Islami (Muslim World League) in Makkah; they have to check our project. They have to give a Fatwa before we start anything.”

“Insha Allah, within three years, maximum, everything will come back normal in the Haramain You will see Insha Allah, I am sure you will be happy with all this expansion and you will thank Allah the Almighty first and you will thank those brothers and the King who is behind all these projects,” he mentioned.

Mataf floors will be increased to six

Dr. Sheikh al-Sudais also informed about the development of Mataf and the air-conditioning of the Haram. He said, “ Insha Allah; we are going to increase the floors of Mataf. The Mataf will be in different floors. It would be like five to six floors. Another of the projects is to have the whole Haram air-conditioned, Insha Allah. And Insha Allah, there will be electronically umbrella outside, even in the courtyards.”

Development in Haramain for

everybody’s security and safety

The Head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques said, “Those who envy us or envy Saudi Arabia they are attacking the Haramain. Of course, they will never be happy when we are successful everywhere. I want Muslims to be sure and to be really very comfortable to put in their hearts that is the main target the main objective for all of us is to work what we are doing in Haramain is, from King Salman and before, for security and safety for everybody there. Those who actually spread this rumour or this news are the one who really create danger for the Haramain and you have seen recently the news of what is happening in the Middle East and confusing Muslims killing, supporting some Muslims against other and this is really the real threat for the Haramain and not the projects we are doing.”

“Allah the Almighty decide the safety and security of the Two Holy Mosques and these challenges Insha Allah soon will be removed and Insha Allaheverybody will be even happy,” said Dr. Sheikh al-Sudais.

Published in Rabita Weekly, from Mina

23 September 2015

Based on Interviews -1

Tremendous Changes in Hajj Facilities since 1976

For the Security and Safety of Pilgrims

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I have interviewed two VIP Hajjis who are going to perform Hajj this year in 2015 but they have performed Hajj before and they compared their experience of Hajj facilities in the past with that of today this year, in 2015.

Dr. Omar Ahmed Fadhlullah

Dr. Omar Ahmed Fadhlullah came from Abu Dhabi. He worked there as Advisor for the Electronic Government System and Project in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Fadhlullahuh was working in Saudi Arabia before 1980 and during that period he had performed so many Hajj. Then after that he performed Hajj in 1980 and after a decade in 1990, second time and then this is the third time in 2015.

Dr. Fadhlullahuh said, “I started coming for Hajj in 1976 for consequent four years up to 1980, then I went to the United States and stayed there till 1987 when I came back and started coming to Hajj in 1990. I never came back until this year in 2015.”

He said, “Hajj is different every time compared to previous years in 1976 where, for instance, in Mina there was no such organisations and locations for Hajj, whoever comes first, stood up and reserved the place for themselves. Most of the public facilities – men’s toilets, women’s toilets – these type of public facilities were not available in Arafat, Muzdalifah or Mina. Most of the locations in Mina were not there; there was dust everywhere. Pilgrimage was staffed with coughing. For many Hajjis no locations to stay there; they were staying under the flyover, under the bridges. People died when they came rushing to or stoning in the Jamarat and lot of things.”

Dr. Fadhlullahuh continued, “But immediately after that lot of things changed. Starting from 1976 until 1980, many changes have been taken place, but before that time, lots of cars inside Mina; inside Muzdalifah; every pilgrim with his car – one person on his own car – cars were crowded started from Arafat towards Mina and they don’t move hours and hours and hours. In this situation some old people who cannot moce except by car, it was very hard for them during this time.”

Talking about the difference, changes and improvement since 1990, Dr. Fadhlullahuh said, “When I came this year it was amazing because actually Hajj is so organised, lot of facilities is there, everywhere. Wherever you go there is public services, toilets for men and women and all the areas are paved, organised and clean and you got the stone throwing or stoning in Jamarat on one way going and coming back on different way or paths. It is very organised. Actually I wonder how come this is so organised, because actually millions of people came in in this very small area and many millions and they are organised actually and this is amazing and the development.”

In 1980, King Fahd had taken the development of the Haramain and the extension of the Haram and Madina Munawwarrah.

About the development in Makkah, Dr. Fadhlullahuh said, “In 1990, movement between Makkah and Mina became so easy even the pilgrim, some of them, can walk because it was organised. Policemen and all these scouts were everywhere showing people where to go and how to go. Things became easy. Places in Mina were reserved and marked for certain pilgrims coming from different countries. You can easily find that; you can easily find hospitals everywhere; ambulances were everywhere wherever you go. Everything was so easy – so organised – even the weather has changed now. There is huge fans, air-conditioned in so many hot hilly areas. This is amazing actually.”

“Before that time, some pilgrims because of hot felled down with sunstroke, heat actually. Now it is different. No one is felling down with sunstroke. Many differences happened actually, getting things better everywhere every year,” said Dr. Fadhlullah.

Published in Rabita Weekly, from Mina

25 September 2015

Based on Interviews

Revolutionary Changes in the Holy Sites -

Mataf, Masaa, Mina, Arafat and Jamarat -1

Dr. Mozammel Haque

This year 2015 Hajj I have got some new knowledge about Hajjis perception of the Holy sites and Hajj facilities. I noticed those who have performed Hajj previously twice or more times appreciate the Hajj facilities than those who came for the first time obviously ignorant of the earlier situation and the latest development. Lot of development and improvements has been made in the Holy sites and Hajj facilities for the last forty years for the safety, security and welfare of the pilgrims. But unfortunately those who are coming these days have no knowledge and experience of that improvement.

I had the opportunity to meet and discuss about this situation with some of the pilgrims who had performed Hajj previously. They are from Sudan, Malaysia, Pakistan and Nigeria. Following are the interviews conducted by me at the Muslim World League Building in Mina during Hajj.

Professor Dr. Mohamad Akram Laldin

I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Professor Dr. Mohamad Akram Laldin, Executive Director of International Shari’ah Research Academy for Islamic Finance(ISRA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who performed Hajj in 1986 and then in 1989 and then in 2008 and then this year in 2015. For convenience sake, I asked him to compare and contrast his experience of his first Hajj in 1986 with his experience of second Hajj in 2008 and then his present experience of Hajj in 2015.It’s a gap of nearly eight years each. Within this eight years, “What changes did you notice in the Holy sites,” I enquired.

Professor Mohamad Akram said, “During 1986/1989 Makkah and Madina were at that time very much basic. Basic in the sense not find high-riser building around them. Old houses were at the maximum ¾ storied. Even I think in term of services, I remember at that time when the Hujjaj came they were assigned to what they called it as Muwassassah; Saudi establishment. That very early days the Sheikhs/Muallem were responsible for the Hujjaj.”

Professor Akram talked about the houses/accommodation. Now while describing the situation of Haramain, the Tawaf and Masaa and also in Mina and Muzdalifah in 2010, Professor Mohamad Akram in terms of Haram, the Tawaf – the old building/the original building which now more or less demolished.”

The King Fahd extension was started in 1985 and completed in 1995.Professor Mohamad Akram said , “In 2000 when I came here at that time I still remember you can go and see Zam Zam well. There were steps going down near the Mataf – the steps going down, even then that was the only place where you can find the air-conditioned. So I remember people used to go down after Umrah, drunk water and somebody slept there. You can find specially after prayers only place to sleep there.” That was what he was saying about in 2000.

Professor Mohamad Akram said, “In 2005, King Fahd did the air-conditioned extension of the Haramain. Even the Masaa, at that time , there was, of course, floors, but not very wide. It was half wide that it is now. At that time, it was half of what it is now. One portion which was at that time was doubled now. Even the Safa-Marwah hills were still there. – you can climb the hills.”

How was Mina and Jamarat? In replying to my questions, Professor Mohamad Akram said, “The Jamarat was two floors – one was down and another was up. It was circling and except for Aqaba, I think half circle. Mina problem was not: one way going and another way coming. Everybody was coming from all directions; so there was sometimes stampede, especially during the peak hours.”

At that point I narrated my experience of stoning in Jamarat in 1985. I still remember in 1985 I had to jump from the upper floor to the ground floor and my throat was gone completely dry and tongue was stuck to the upper portion of my mouth and I was requesting one person who had a bottle of water and was making ablution with that. I begged him with sign language to give me that bottle of water.. That was in 1985.

Professor Mohamad Akram said, “That was still there. In Mina at that time there was no fixed tent. At that time, I remember, each and every Hajj organizer built their own tent and I think it was just a basic tent for the Hujjaj. It was not built-up tent; it was just put-up the tent for the time being. So it was very basic at that time.” Those were what Professor Mohamad Akram noticed in 2000.

Speaking about the King Fahd extension of the Haramain, Professor Mohamad Akram said, “But in 2000, there was King Fahd extension There was no Zam Zam. Zam Zam well; its construction was going on and it was temporarily closed; but there was Zam Zam water available through tap. I think, that time, Hilton Hotel and the Intercontinental Hotel (Dar al-Tawheed) were there. I think those were the two 5-Star Hotels at that time in 2000. And here in, I think, Misfalah was there at that time. Here, in Mina, in 2000, there was I think built-in tent. I remember, built-in tent in 2000. People used to stay there in the tent. And other facilities such as public services, bath rooms, toilets etc. were provided. I mean situations were much better; much improved. There were temporary toilets, very basic. So many toilets, even in Mina, facilities of toilets and other services were started in 2000.”

Professor Mohamad Akram also mentioned, “In 2008, it is a total change. You have seen how Haramain expanded; only the Masaa is expanded. The rest is still the same. In 2005, King Abdullah came and the first thing he did was the expanding and the extension of Masaa – Sai’ee and then the other projects were undertaken.”

“In 2008, Jamarat was already around but the storied and all the roads leading - not fully completed. Two roads leading to the two levels – now it is five levels. At that time not fully completed yet. That time Metro was not there,” mentioned Professor Mohamad Akram.

Professor Mohamad Akram again said, “In 2008, Government has taken over; services were much better. And now, even though under expansion, I feel Haram is much wider. You feel there is much space for you to go now.”

Published in the Rabita Weekly from Mina

14 Dhul-Hijjah 1436-H, 28 September 2015

Based on Interviews -3

Revolutionary Changes in the Holy Sites-

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Education Secretary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan came to perform Hajj on the invitation of the Rabita al-Alam al-Islami Muslim World League). I have learnt that he had performed Hajj before, in the year 2000 and this is his second Hajj in the year 2015.

I had the opportunity to meet him and discuss with him his experience of Hajj in 2000 and I requested him to describe the facilities in the Holy sites , the Mataf area, the Safa-Marwah areas, Zam Zam areas and at that time the situation in Mina and Muzdalifah Arafat and Jamarat.

The Education Secretary of Pakistan said, “It was a matter of great pride and privilege to be in this; always a great moment of prestige for every Muslim of performing Hajj and Umrah. I came and performed my first Hajj in the year 2000 and now Alhamdo lillah due to the exigencies of Rabita Muslim World League I am performing the key Hajj.

While comparing his experience of Hajj in the year 2000 with that of the year 2015, Mr. Talwar said, “Differences between the two is that earlier year, there was good number of populations, good number of pilgrimage, not up to this level what we have been seeing now. Although, to begin with, while one was coming to Saudi Arabia coming to the airport, earlier the immigration process was quite delayed; but this year I had seen that this is fast, taking almost a minute on Hajjis on a pilgrimage. So this is things they have improved.

“The second improvement is coming to Kaaba Sharif, the section where work is going on but again I will give credit that despite this construction work, they are providing opportunity in such regulated way that every body perform; so this is one thing further better,” mentioned Mr. Talwar.

Pakistan Education secretary also mentioned about the development of the Safa-Marwah areas and Mataf. He said, “Safa-Marwah has improved a lot; it was not like this 15 years ago. It is a tremendous big change. Mataf area has been expanded. I hope and wish that once the mass construction is over it will be camping a quite large, a big number of pilgrim housing within the Mataf area.”

“Then the third one, particularly, this is a blessing the place we are now in the Muslim World League building in Mina; it’s a blessing. Because you are right in the Mina and you are quite close to the Jamarat. And you are just passing by to the Masjid al-Khaif,” mentioned Mr. Talwar.

Pakistan Education secretary also mentioned about the improvement of Jamarat. He said, “Another one, that is earlier, there was only one single pillar symbolising the Satarn, Jamarat. While you are throwing stones on them certain throwing stones were going on the other side and other side’s stones were coming to your side. But this time; now they have expanded that area and that Satarn wall has been enlarged providing the opportunity for everyone and I envision and hope Insha Allah it will continue and there will be more facilities but there is this remarkable big change between the earlier and now.”

Commenting on the development of the Haramain and some remarks by some media people in the media comparing Makkah with Las Vegas, Pakistan’s education secretary said, “La Hawl Wala Quwutta Illah Billah, meaning There is no power no strength but from Allah” and observed, “There is no comparison; earlier Masjid al-Haram was covering a number of Muslim population; now the Muslim population has increased day by day , year after year and keeping in view the year 2020 I think they have to go for another expansion for 2050; and when you are doing an expansion; the developments are almost taking place but in a better way and for a better purpose. The purpose is to serve the welfare and the safety and security of the pilgrims. So there is no comparison. I will only say La Hawl Wala Quwutta Illah Billah, meaning There is no power no strength but from Allah.”

“The one thing they must add that while in the exterior portion of the Masjid al-Haram there may be more fans, there may be more air-conditioned. That will serve the purpose for everyone, otherwise they are doing an excellent work,” Pakistan’s education secretary concluded his observation.

Danger to Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Jerusalem is one of the most holiest places in the world. It has remained as one of the national cornerstones of the Palestinian struggle since the early 20^thcentury when it seen as a hub of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation forces. Jerusalem, especially Al-Aqsa Mosque, is at the heart of the Palestinian cause. The Mosque, revered by Muslims, was the first Qibla (direction of prayer) to which Muslims turned to pray five times a day before the Qibla was switched to Makkah. It is also considered the third holiest place in Islam (the first is Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah followed by the Prophet’s Mosque in Al-Madina). Muslims also believe that the Prophet ascended to heaven from Jerusalem on his Night Journey.

Al-Aqsa Mosque

Al-Aqsa Mosque comprises the whole area inside the walls of the Old City. The rectangular shaped compound has a total area of 0.144m2 and includes 200 historical monuments such as domes, shrines, wells, etc. The most important site is Al-Aqsa Mosque (with its silver-coloured dome), the Dome of the Rock (the golden dome), El-Marwani Mosque which was turned to horse stables by the Crusaders, in addition to Buraq Mosque, Al-Ashrafiya School and many other sites. It is therefore wrong to assume that Al-Aqsa Mosque is only the silver or the golden dome mosques, the reality is that it comprises the entire area inside the walls.

Al-Aqsa Mosque has seven aisles of hypostyle naves (a middle aisle, three aisles on the eastern side and another three on the western side). The aisles are supported by 53 marble columns and 49 stone pillars. The Mosque has 11 gates, seven in the north, one in the east, two in the west, and one the south. The compound has 25 wells, 8 of them in the yard of the holy dome and 17 in Al-Aqsa yard. There are also a number of fountains including the stone-domed Qaitabay fountain, and Qasem Pashah and Al-Budairi fountains. This is reported by a recent publication, Jerusalem’s Wounds.

Al-Aqsa boasts four minarets and a number of domes and benches used by Sufis, scholars and visitors from outside the city. The most famous domes are Al-Silsila, Al-Miraj and Al-Nabi.

Seminar on Human Rights

Situations in East Jerusalem

The Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK organised a Seminar on Human Rights Situation in East Jerusalem held at the House of Commons, Committee Room B, London on 29 June 2015 where, besides distributing their report entitled Jerusalem’s Wounds published in June 2015, discussed and debated on different aspects of the issue of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Mr. M. Jamil spoke on the Status of Human Rights in East Jerusalem. He mentioned the total area of Jerusalem. In 1946 the total area of Jerusalem was estimated to have been around 20.19 kilometres. On the eve of the 1967 war, the total area of the city was estimated to have been around 44.5 kilometres. Following the Oslo Accords between the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the Israeli government in 1994, the total area of Jerusalem (both the eastern and western parts) was estimated to have been around 123 kilometres.(70.4 km eastern part plus 52.6 kilometres square western parts).

He also mentioned about settlements. He said there are 29 settlements in Jerusalem, 14 of which are in the Eastern part of Jerusalem. The settlements are spread throughout the city and around it, and are home to more than 200,000 Israeli settlements.

Stripping Jerusalemites from residency

Mr. Ahmad Atton, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, gave an account of the stripping Jerusalemites from residency. He said two main points; firstly by forced deportation

1) Forced deportation –Jerusalem is declared by international law as an occupation territories protected by the International community, the United Nations and Palestinians cannot be forced out from the city of Jerusalem.

Mr. Atton also said that Israeli changed the landmarks of the City. They are trying to break and demolish the human rights of the Palestinians. Jerusalem is in danger – Israeli is dividing Jerusalem.

Mr. Atton also mentioned Israel is violating the International law; the world body knows what Israeli is doing.

He also spoke about the demographical changes in Jerusalem. 70% of the population is Jews; list is more and more and 13% of them are Palestinians. He mentioned 450,000 ID cards has been withdrawn and sent them to West Bank

Professor Kevin Jon Heller spoke on the Jurisdictional questions relevant to the ICC consideration of settlements

1) International Criminal Law on the Israeli settlement

2) Three War Crimes Israeli committed – i) Transfer of population; Settlements in East Jerusalem; 200,000 today, transfer to East Jerusalem;

3) ICC Prosecution – Two aspects – i) Temporal scope; ii) Temple scope – 3^rdJune 2013; iii) Ad hoc – Territorial Jerusalem – occupied territories – East Jerusalem

- No clear cut Jurisdictions – Palestinian territories – pre-1967 green line

Jerusalem is an occupied territory. There is no question in international law; it is an occupied territory.

The Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK distributed its published Report entitled Jerusalem’s Wounds (published in June 2015).

Jerusalem’s Wounds

According to the Report, “Jerusalem’s Wounds” published in June 2015, Jerusalem is one of the most holiest places in the world. It has remained one of the national cornerstones of the Palestinian struggle since the early 20^thcentury when it seen as a hub of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation forces.

According to the Report, “The issues particular to Jerusalem are also seen as the catalyst that sparked the two intifadas during the past two decades. The Palestinian position is clear, in that no solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict is acceptable without the eastern part of Jerusalem being recognised as the capital of an independent Palestinian state. Any discussion concerning Jerusalem is obliged to include a number of historical political, military and religious elements. With the exception of the Crusader period, the city has remained a haven of peace, and one of religious and intellectual tolerance, receiving with open arms all those who flocked to visit its holy places or settle there. The city had never imposed any restrictions on freedoms of worship until the western part of the city fell under Israeli occupation in 1948 followed by the eastern part in 1967. The latter had been under Jordanian administration between 1948 and 1967.”

The Report also mentioned, “On 30 June 1967, Israeli unified the eastern and western parts of Jerusalem and declared the holy city the capital of Israel. From that point, Israel has sought to change the character of the city in general and Al-Aqsa Mosque in particular.”

The Report maintained, “The population of East Jerusalem in 1967 was approximately 266,300 Arabs while the western part was home to 260,900 Jews. The total population of the city in 1967 (both the eastern and western parts) was around 564,300 (413,700 Jews (73.3%) and 150,600 Palestinians (23.7%). According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the residents of Esst Jerusalem (approximately 295,700Arabs) made up more than one-third of the total number of the city’s residents (804,400).”

Dangers to Al-Aqsa Mosque

After describing the religious importance of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its particularities, The Report mentioned the dangers to Al-Aqsa Mosque: “In August 1969, a Jewish man set fire to Al-Aqsa Mosque destroying a 1000-year old pulpit. The act of arson was followed by many Israeli excavations under the Mosque. The underground tunnels, restrictions placed on attempts to restore parts of the Mosque, the loss of many of its relics to theft, the Hebrewisation of its name (Israelis refer to it as Temple Mount), the construction of scores of synagogues in adjacent areas, prohibiting prayer announcements and closing the mosque during Muslim religious festivals are some of the violations against the Mosque which currently faces two grave dangers:”

Continuous raids by Israeli settlers

While describing the dangers to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Report mentioned about the continuous raids by Israeli settlers. It said, “Over recent years, Israeli settlers, protected by the police with the blessing of the Israeli government, intensified their daily incursions into the Mosques compound. Settlers would raid the Mosque and start performing religious rituals provoking the anger of worshippers and Muslims around the world. The raids are often accompanied by attacks on Muslim worshippers to prevent them from praying there. There have been a number of incidents during which settlers desecrated copies of the Holy Qur’an.”

The Report continued, “According to Al-Aqsa Foundation for Waqf and Heritage, more than 14950 Jews (12569 settlers, 1102 intelligence officers, 1084 soldiers, 17 political figures and other party leaders) have raided the Mosque’s compound. The Foundation reported an average of 1246 Israelis - 1047 of them settlers - raiding the mosque every month, an increase of 12.7% compared with 2013. The Foundation stressed that the support of political leaders for these raids was one of the factors - behind the increase in their numbers. This political support is coupled with the words of Jewish Rabbis who have issued a number of religious dictates encouraging Jews to raid the Mosque.”

The Report also added: “The Second Intifada in 2000 prompted Israeli authorities to also ban Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque except during Ramadan. Those under 50 are not allowed to enter Jerusalem and scores of military checkpoints make it very difficult to navigate the roads to the Mosque. Authorities have prevented hundreds of Palestinians living inside Israel who hold the blue ID cards from visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque and issued restraining orders to that effect. Anyone held in breach of these orders has to pay a hefty fine.”

The Report also quoted the Al-Aqsa Foundation’s statistics. “The Al-Aqsa Foundation described 2014 as the worst in the history of Jerusalem since the occupation of the city in 1967. More than 100,000 worshippers have been prevented from praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque in 2014 compared with 2013 when more than one and a half million Palestinians were allowed to pray there.”

Dividing Al-Aqsa between Jews and Arabs

The Report Jerusalem’s Wounds also mentioned about the Israeli secret plans of dividing Al-Aqsa between Jews and Arabs. It said, “Israel has made no secret of its plans to divide Al-Aqsa Mosque between Arabs and Jews to allocate time slots and specific locations for Jews to pray in the Mosque’s compound. Similar measures were imposed on Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron in 1994. These efforts have been spearheaded by deputy minister for religious affairs Eli Ben-Dahan who has lobbied to have a bill passed by the Knesset so as to guarantee Jews the right to pray inside Al-Aqsa Mosque and prevent non-Jews from being there during those times.”

While mentioning Israeli plan of dividing Al-Aqsa, the Report quoted Dr. Jamal Amr. It said, “According to Jerusalem expert Dr. Jamal Amr, the proposed bill has become a reality without being officially adopted. The Knesset Committee entrusted with debating the matter has been suspended to avoid embarrassing the Arab Countries who manage the Mosque’s affairs and to avoid an Arab, Palestinian and Muslim backlash. Amr confirmed that Israel allows Israeli figures and delegations to roam Al-Aqsa Mosque between 7 and 11 am and 2 and 3:30pm. In terms of locations, the Israeli government has seized control of several kilometres of the area adjacent to the Mosque and allocated passages for Jewish settlers separate from that of the Arabs. The passages are protected with bullet-proof glass to enable them to view Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

The Report continued, “Al-Aqsa Foundation also revealed that Israeli sources had informed it of the existence of a division map and plans for establishing a Jewish synagogue on one-fifth of the total area of Al-Aqsa Mosque on the eastern side. According to the plans the area would extend from Al-Marawin Mosque in the south-eastern part to Bab Al-Asbat (the Gate of the Tribes) on the north eastern part.”

It maintained, “UNESCO has issued a number of resolutions condemning Israeli violations of the Mosque’s compound. The most recent resolution, adopted during the 195^th session held in Paris, reaffirmed the description of Israel as an occupation power which renders any changes made to the 1967 territories illegal. The resolution denounced Israel’s attacks on Jerusalem’s history and heritage, the continuous settler raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque, the attacks on worshippers and Waqf employees, the underground tunnels, the excavations and the bans imposed on restrictions and repairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

Post-Hajj Debrief Meeting 2015

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Hajj is a spiritual act; it is an act of worship. It is a relation between the pilgrim and his Creator, Allah the Almighty. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. So, besides other factors and aspects of Hajj, the most important aspect is that it is worship; it is an act of worship. Once the pilgrim puts Ihram and leaves for the Hajj, it is, religiously speaking, he started his spiritual journey and as soon as he reaches Makkah, the Masjid al-Haram, he declares and announces Labbaika Allahuma Labbaik which means; I am here, I am here and I am declaring that You are One and You have no partner. So Hajj is basically an act of worship wherein there is no country, no politics is involved; it is a relationship between pilgrim and his Creator, Allah the Almighty.

Even Allah the Almighty said in the Holy Qur’an the basic rules of Hajj. Allah says, “The pilgrimage is in the appointed months. Whoever intends to perform it during them must abstain from indecent speech, from all wicked conduct, and from quarrelling while on the pilgrimage. Whatever good you may do, God is aware of it.” (Al-Qur’an, 2:197). Allah also says, “Help one another in goodness and in piety. Do not help one another in sin and transgression. Fear God! God is severe in punishment” (Al-Qur’an, 5:2)

The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia every year before the Hajj called on the pilgrims to keep away from partisan and politics. The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz Alsheikh called on pilgrims to perform Hajj in a proper way, observe tranquillity and calm and avoid chaos and obscenity. Al-Asheikh also urged Hajjis to keep away from partisan and sectarian slogans.

As I mentioned Hajj is a religious act, politics should not be brought into it. Whatever happened in Mina, the Saudi authorities have already set up an enquiry commission to investigate the causes and find out the real issue behind the incident. Meanwhile, spreading rumours, speculate all sorts of wrong or misinformation will create more problems rather than help to resolve issues.

Please think positively and intelligently and ponder upon the positive aspects: improvement of the Holy sites and the Hajj facilities since 1976. I had the opportunity this year, 2015, to meet and talk to those celebrities who performed Hajj in the 70s, 80s and this year in 2015 and according to them revolutionary changes took place in the Holy sites, such as in Mataf, Masaa, Mina, Arafat and Jamarat. (please see http://islamicmonitor.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/tremendous-changes-in-hajj-facilities.html; http://islamicmonitor.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/revolutionary-changes-in-holy-sites-1.htmland http://islamicmonitor.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/revolutionary-changes-in-holy-sites-and.html)

Haramain expanded; increasing the capacity of pilgrims; Masaa is doubled and wider; Mataf is expanded. Permanent fire-proof tent in Mina; toilet facilities and other public services. Jamarat is made the safest place by making it fifth floor linked with roads to each floor.

Hajj Debrief Meeting 2015

Recently, there are two meetings took place on the Hajj issue after the Hajj. One was Hajj Debriefing 2015, organised by the Council of British Hajjis (CBH) UK in partnership with the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC), London, was held at the Committee Room no. 12 of the House of Commons, on Wednesday, 28 October, 2015. It was sponsored by the Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi, Member of Parliament from Bolton. It was attended by pilgrims, Hajj & Umrah tour operators, academics, MPs and Peers from both the Houses of Parliament. Besides Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP, the sponsor of the meeting, there were Baroness Uddin, Ms. Shabana Mahmood, Labour MP from Birmingham Ladywood among others.

Yasmin Qureshi, MP

While introducing the meeting, Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi said, “I think everyone here knows the importance of Hajj for the Muslims. All Muslims want to make it in their lifetime at least once. I am sure everybody in this room must be struck by the sadness of what happened recently not only those who died or injured therefore this meeting is really becomes in a very crucial time. We know there are many people going to Hajj from this country. I think about thousands British people travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.”

Speaking about the facilities during Hajj, Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi said, “Whenever you are going around Masjid al-Haram there was always plenty of cold water to drink. They never run out. It is a matter of how many hundreds and thousands people go to the Masjid al-Haram, the water never run out. If you think about the water, the water is not run out. And secondly, recently because of what happened in Mina few constituents was worried.”

Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi who sponsored the event thanked the Ambassador of the Saudi Embassy in the United Kingdom for their hard work in swiftly processing pilgrim visas especially during the tragic incidents which took place at Hajj this year. She also thanked Saudi Arabia to set up and facilitate inquiry quickly and immediately.

Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi also mentioned about her experience of Hajj which she performed in 1994.

Besides, Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP, the meeting was addressed by Lord Adam Patel, the leader of the British Hajj Delegation, Ms. Shabana Mahmood, Labour MP from Birmingham Ladywood, Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London and Rashid Mogradia, the Chief Executive of the Council of British Hujjaj (CBH) UK.

Lord Adam Patel

Lord Adam Patel has been involved in Hajj pilgrimage in some way or the other for over forty years now; his first Hajj was in 1971. Lord Patel said, “In those days there was very little help and advice available. We relied entirely on the person arranging the Hajj with very few details available in advance.”

British Hajj Delegation (BHD), of which Lord Adam Patel is the chairman. Speaking about the work of the BHD, Lord Patel mentioned, “The core official work of the British Hajj Delegation is in the provision of medical support to British and other Hujjaj in Makkah and Mina whilst they have travelled out there to perform their Hajj. In addition to the nine doctors, including female doctors with their Mahrams, who give their services for free as well.”

Lord Patel said, “British Hajj Delegation is a unique project. There are many countries with much larger Muslim populations, such as the United States, France and Germany, yet they do not provide their citizens with this same level of free support.”

Speaking about the Holy sites and Hajj facilities, Lord Patel mentioned, “About two/three million people come to perform Hajj and Saudi government is doing the excellent job providing the medical care. In Mina with so many people around now the Saudi Ministry of Hajj gave the British Hajj Delegation four tents to look after the patients.”

Lord Patel also said, “Looking after the estimated 20,000 Pilgrims from the UK and the estimated 3 million from around the world is no easy task. No other country in the world has to do anything similar on an annual basis. If you cast your mind back to a few years ago our Great City of London proudly hosted the Olympic and Paralympics games. So much planning went into that and the disruption to daily routine that was caused for laying on such an event.”

Lord Patel also mentioned, “I was always impressed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in how it constantly meets challenges that the Hajj presents. Not only that, but how eager it is to serve the Guests of Almighty Allah, by continuously improving the infrastructure for Hajjis. To name a few examples recently; there is the work to expand the Haramain area, the work to increase capacity at both Jeddah and Madinah Airports and the building of a new train line serving Mina and also soon Makkah to Madinah.”

Lord Patel paid tributes and praised personally His Excellency His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the Ambassador and his officials in the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in London for their unrelenting support to the British Hujjaj over the years. He requested the representative of the Royal Saudi Embassy to please convey his message to His Excellency the Saudi Ambassador.

Commanding the works and activities of the Islamic Cultural Centre, Lord Patel said, “The outstanding organisations I have met like the Council of British Hujjaj and the Islamic Cultural Centre all share one key characteristic: an absolute passion to raise standards for those performing Hajj. They have been restless for improvements, and they are always looking for the next challenge. They rarely accept the status quo and they have taken on entrenched attitudes in areas such as Hajj fraud, where it was deemed too complex to take on, and given it a good seeing to.”

Dr. Ahmed Al-Dubayan

Speaking about the meeting on Hajj and the gathering, Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre and the Regents Park London Central Mosque, said, “I think it is very important here to get together to talk about Hajj. Hajj is very important; it reminds you something about; it is not only a matter of industry or business; it is, first of all, it is worship. As we all know it is the fifth pillar of Islam. It’s very important and it is a duty for every Muslim once in his lifetime. At the same time, of course, tour operators have their right of business sending people and facilitating this chance for Muslims to do this worship. At the same time, there is also a social factor of Hajj; there is a social side of it for the Muslim community.”

Dr. Al-Dubayan also said, “We watch this from the Islamic Cultural Centre and Regents Park London Central Mosque. It is enough to say that all these years we have 95,000 who went for Hajj and we have 65,000 who went for Umrah from the United Kingdom and also many families linked together; they go together or they celebrate before or after. Of course; it is not only a worship; it is also more social occasion where people come together and really they celebrate and there are, of course, lots of traditions based on which community they belong to.”

“In the beginning, I would like to express my thanks to right honourable Lord Patel really who served all these years, took the Hajj delegation. We are really so proud about the services they have done for more than 10 years and the Islamic Cultural Centre was, for sometime, secretary of the British Hajj Delegation; till of course, 2010 it was stopped from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and then Lord Patel of course insisted on continuing this service because Muslim community really needs it. And needed and it is working till today. Alhamdo lillah. I am really, on behalf of myself and I am sure everybody here, would like to say thank you to him, to the Hajj Delegation and to the doctors who always accompanied him in this journey,” mentioned Dr. al-Dubayan.

Then Dr. Al-Dubayan addressed the issue of tour operators, agencies and firms. He said, “Let me take advantage of this occasion to talk to the tour operators and to the agencies: we are here, I believe today, I really to be united and really to address the problems together and not to be scattered. We, at the Islamic Cultural Centre, Centre, Muslims and Mosques; we are not actually going to take the place of the tour operators or something but really we are helping you to make this journey safe, and to make it even better in your performance.”

Speaking about the role of the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC) vis-à-vis the Muslim Community and the Hajj related matters, Dr. Al-Dubayan mentioned, “One thing which is very important, i.e. Islamic Cultural Centre is for the whole community as a place where people come to it. We are too much linked to Hajj in many ways. First of all, we are making awareness programme about the Hajj itself; secondly that is all those problems sometimes with agencies, with tour operators; come to us, to the ICC and even some complications come from the Hajj itself; they come also to the mosque, to us to solve them. So we are here all the time behind the scene but we are having our role. Why; because Saudi Arabian embassy itself is a member, one of the trustees of the Islamic Cultural Centre Board of Trustees. We have direct link with the authorities so we use it always to facilitate this business for everybody. We ourselves also sent some guests sometimes.”

Addressing directly to the tour operators, Dr. al-Dubayan said, “I really urge the tour operators, the agencies and the firms; please remember always above all the commitment that you have to show in this business. The commander just talked about the fraud and he said 138,000 this year. Commitment is really the success of this business. The problem he just said not fraud in the business but it is also related to the worship, to Islam. It is also related to Islam, worship; someone really tricked it something like this something it is really painful; not painful, it is very very painful; not because of the money but because of psychological effect, his heart, because it is a worship itself; imagining you are going to a mosque and someone is going to prevent you; stopping you on the way and try to stop. So it is really important.”

Dr. al-Dubayan also mentioned, “We know also one of the thing we are really doing you know unfortunately the Muslim community always with every season there are always a season for rumours and wrong information for really spreading all these sometimes by the community, by the individuals by some individuals by some even companies wrong information; they come to us we investigated and found it is wrong information, these things are really very very dangerous, commitment to your clients, meeting their expectations actually. When you promise something, dear tour operators really committed to it. First of all, this is our ethics as Muslims; this is actually real thing of the business itself, Muslims or not Muslims. It is very important.”

While concluding his speech at the meeting, Dr. al-Dubayan said, “In this context, I have to pay my sympathy and condolence, of course, for the families of the victims who fell in the last season and we admire so much the role that the Saudi authorities are doing by expansion and doing really the services and all the services they are paying. I hope, from this point, from today, we can; we can have a new start for a new service, and better performance from the agencies, from the Islamic centres who are involved in this kind of worship. It is really very important to remember the spiritual side of it, not the business side of it. That’s very important.”

Commander Chris Greany

Commander Chris Greany from the City of London Police reaffirmed his forces commitment in tackling Hajj Fraud.

Shabana Mahmood, MP

Ms. Shabana Mahmood, Labour MP from Birmingham Ladywood, said, her father was a civil engineer in Saudi Arabia and she performed Hajj along with her father when she was just three years old. She mentioned, “I have a very personal emotional connection with all Hajjis. Hajj is central tenet of Islam.”

Rashid Mogradia

Rashid Mogradia, Chief Executive of the Council of British Hajjis said, “the Council will work tirelessly this season to ensure contingencies are in place for British Pilgrims by lobbying our Government to support British nationals during Hajj as in previous years and just as other nationalities do the same for their citizens.”

“Whilst the Saudi Authorities are doing an excellent job, we must ensure British pilgrims and tour operators alike play their part and be aware of their own responsibilities, this is why the Council of British Hajjis will focus further in educating pilgrims prior to departure,” he said.

Mogradia also thanked HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Nawaf, the Consul Mr. Bandar Al-Zaid at the Saudi Embassy in London and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz for services offered to the thousands of British pilgrims.

Mogradia mentioned, “We have witnessed first hand the dedication and services provided to pilgrims and these have improved year on year and we look forward to seeing further improvements namely the grand expansion of Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madina, all of which looks to increase pilgrim numbers.”

Post-Hajj Meeting 2015

There was another meeting entitled Post-Hajj event, organised by the Association of British Hujjaj (ABH), a national charity organisation, was held at the Committee Room no. 3A of the House of Lords on Monday, the 26^th of October 2015. It was sponsored by Lord Ahmed of Rotherham.

Lord Ahmed

While introducing the event, Lord Ahmed said, “Normally the ABH has always organised meetings of Hujjaj before they leave for Hajj and also when they come back. On this particular occasion because of the accident in Mina it is important to look back, have report and also to see how we can improve and also do something about that.” Besides Lord Ahmed, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, OBE; Nusrat Ghani, Conservative MP for Wealden and Khaled Parvez, Secretary of the Association of British Hujjaj (ABH) also spoke on this occasion.

The Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK [ABH], a national charity working for welfare and wellbeing of British Hajj Umrah pilgrims expresses its deepest sorrow and sadness for the incident which took place in Mina during this year’s Hajj.

Lawyer Farhan Khaled, on behalf of ABH, said, The incident occurred “despite of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia spending millions of dollars on improving infrastructure to facilitate Hajj arrangements and to ensure the safety and comfort of millions of pilgrims from around the World.”

He mentioned, one of the major contributory factors which emerged out of this incident “was ignorance and lack of awareness of health and safety risks amongst pilgrims. Pilgrims did not have the understanding of precautionary measures that should have been taken to avoid creating this type of accident.”

Q & A Session

Immediately after the presentation of the Report, there was a Q&A session. In the Q&A session, this writer, Dr. Mozammel Haque, took the floor and mentioned his experience of Hajj this year. He said, Hajj is a spiritual act; it is a spiritual journey. Hajj is a relationship between the pilgrim and his Creator, Allah the Almighty. Hajj is a worship; it is the fifth pillar of Islam. As Hajj is a religious matter, a spiritual one; it should not be mixed up with politics, partisan and sectarian things.

He also mentioned, Hajj is a unique world assemblage, world congress of people believed in one religion, Islam and the pilgrims are gathered together with the same dress only for the pleasure of their Creator and with no other purpose and objective. There is no comparison in the world of this nature of gathering. It should be looked at from that perspective and not from the worldly perspective, from the political motive or political angle.

Dr. Haque also pointed out that it is too early to say anything about the incident or make any suggestions or speculations about the causes. He said, I was present there in Mina, near the Masjid al-Khaif, near the Mina Emergency Hospital. People should not speculate; should not belief in wrong information or spread rumours. He pointed out that the government of Saudi Arabia has set up an inquiry commission to investigate the whole thing and they should wait till the report is published.

Maulana Sher Khan Jamil from Birmingham who recited the Qur’an at the beginning of the event pointed out that nothing happened for the last ten years because of the development and improvement of the facilities in the Holy sites.

After the Q&A session, the main discussion on other topics took place.

UK Legislation and Pilgrims Plight

Farhan Khaled mentioned about the violation of UK Legislation and British Hajj/Umrah Pilgrims Plight. He said, “Hajj/ Umrah pilgrimage is very close to the heart of nearly 3 million people in the UK and travelling to perform pilgrimage holds extremely high significance - it is considered as a journey of a lifetime for Pilgrims. However corruption and malpractice by travel operators has caused extreme devastation; mental anguish and trauma, not only to the pilgrims themselves but to their extended and close family network.”

Farhan Khaled said, “According to report issued by the Chairman of National Trading Standards Board, Lord Toby Harris, last year 182 business premises were inspected by Trading Standards and Police Officials nationally, out of which 147 of Hajj/Umrah package tour operators were found to be non-compliant with relevant legislation (Over 80%). This report has shocked a large number of people in the community but not ABH. We were fully aware of the deteriorating situation of the violation of the UK legislation in the Hajj and Umrah Tour industry and have been campaigning tirelessly to persuade the authorities to address the issue of widespread violation by unscrupulous tour and travel operators.”

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