In the name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Most Merciful
Salaamun Alaikum
Welcome to this week's newswire from the World Federation
News and events
Ayatullah Seestani's latest update
Ayatullah Seestani's condemnation regarding the attack on churches in Iraq
The Grand Ayatollah Seestani recently issued a statement condemning the
attacks that were made to the churches in Iraq on 1st August 2004.
More
Islamic Education Board appoints Director of Islamic Publication
The Islamic Education Board of the World Federation is pleased to announce
the appointment of Sheikh Saleem Bhimji of Kitchener, Canada as the Director of
Publications at the Islamic Education Board.
More
Report on IEB's work within the Bosnian community
At the end of the conflict in Bosnia, the Islamic Education Board (IEB) of
the World Federation began its extensive work on the propagation of Islam within
the Bosnian community.
More
Vice President visits seniors at the SAB Retreat
The Vice President of the World Federation, Brother Sultan Davdani visited
the senior citizens participating in this year's retreat organised by the
Seniors Advisory Board (SAB) of the World Federation.
More
Behlool Society launch British Muslim Brand
In response to the growing spotlight on Islam and a surge in Islamophobia,
The Behlool Society says "BE MUSLIM, BE BRITISH AND BE PROUD".
More
Your calendar
Wiladat 5th Imam (AS), 1st Rajab 1425 - 18th August 2004
The beginning of the month of Rajab opens with the birth celebration of a
noble personality who would later be known as "Baqir al-Uloom" or the "Splitter
of Knowledge". These titles are obviously in reference to his never-ending
struggles to elucidate and spread the teachings of Islam to countless
individuals.
More
Thought of the week
Continuation from last week week
The migration to Madinah meant that the Islamic
principles could now be enacted in full (of course in a slow progression and not
all at one time). Thus, there are many things which the Prophet needed to put in
place upon first entering the city and then slowly during his 11 year stay
there.
One of the first things the Prophet did was to practically show the justice
which is embodied within the faith of Islam.
When all of the tribes were vying with one another for the Prophet to stay in
their house which would have definitely caused an uproar and may have even led
to animosity amongst the people, we see that the Prophet took another route to
solve this dilemma in such a way that no one would be hurt or grieved.
The Messenger of Allah let his camel decide where he would build his house by
letting it go free and wherever it rested, he would build his house there.
This "simple" act may seem trivial to some, however when we examine the psyche
of the human being and his desire to feel superior and dominate over others
(this is true even in a business setting), we can see that the Prophet tried to:
(a) show justice amongst his companions and (b) did not want to give one person
privilege over another where it was not needed.
Just as not all of the companions are on one level of faith, piety and closeness
to the Prophet, similarly in a business or charity organization, people are of
different levels and ranks and thus, those who have shown dedication and
perseverance can never be equated with those who sit back and let others do the
work for them.
The second thing that was enacted was to unite the hearts of the Muhaajireen
(those from Makkah) with the Ansar (those of Madinah).
These two groups came from opposite cultures, traditions and practices and it is
only Islam which could unite them together. The only way that they could move
together as one firm group was to ensure that brotherhood and fraternity was
built amongst them. Thus, the Prophet made one Ansar take a Muhajir by the hand
and make them brothers of one another through both the verbal and physical pact.
It is true that Islam has made every Muslim the brother (and sister) of another
Muslim (as the Qur'an mentions) however a physical act such as this has much
more strength and importance to it than just words.
Again, when we look at this event from today's perspective it is similar to the
principal of 'mentorship' which is frequently used in the "West" in which a
guide or coach teams up with a new recruit to help and assist him and teach him
"the ropes" of the trade.
To be continued...
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11 August 2004
24 Jamad al Aakher 1425
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