Volume 85, June 28, 2009 Toronto, Canada
Editors: Haja Mohideen and Azra HM Yusuf
MUSLIM COMMUNITY WELCOMES `GOOD NEWS'
Maple Leafs get role model
TheStar.com, CHRISTINNE MUSCHI/REUTERS
MONTREAL–The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted more than just a hockey player in Nazem Kadri with the seventh overall pick last night.
They drafted a symbol of change. Kadri, a solid two-way centre with the London Knights, is of Lebanese heritage, and the first Muslim drafted by the Maple Leafs. That he grew up a Montreal Canadiens fan only adds to the mix for multi-cultural Toronto.
"Being a role model is an important thing for me," said Kadri, who hopes Muslim kids are inspired to take up hockey because of him. "Hopefully these kids can look at me and use me as a role model."
Kadri is likely to remain with the London Knights for another season. In Scarborough, the youth from a heavy immigrant population aspire to play cricket and soccer, leaving youth hockey rosters barren and teams forced to fold or merge.
"A lot of Muslim kids are going to start playing hockey because they see someone like them be successful in that area," said Kadri. There are about 250,000 Muslims living in Toronto, and the drafting of Kadri was welcomed.
"That's good news," Wahida Valiante, chair and national president of the Canadian Islamic Congress told the Star's Kenneth Kidd. "I hope he plays well, because we'll be cheering." But while Kadri's faith is important, he's also "just Canadian," she said. "It speaks very loudly that we live in a healthy society."
"If this has a ripple effect on the young players in the Muslim community to take up hockey, then that's a wonderful side effect. If that increases our player pool in a part of society we're not touching right now, that's great." Until now, Ramzi Abid has been known as the greatest Muslim hockey player. The Montreal-born left winger played 68 games in the NHL over four seasons with four teams.
"It's nice for my community to be recognized as a pro hockey player," said Kadri. "There's a lot of stereotypes about Lebanese, like they don't set foot on ice, but here I am."
Peter DeBoer, now coach of the Florida Panthers, coached Kadri with the Kitchener Rangers two seasons ago, Kadri's first in the OHL. "I love him," said DeBoer. "He's a fierce competitor. He's got fantastic skill. "He's got passion for the game.
Once again, France's politicians are
in a stir about Muslim couture.
In 2004, rattled by young women wearing the hijab, they outlawed Islamic scarves in state offices and schools, along with other "ostentatious" religious gear including the Jewish kippa and large Christian crosses. Now, President Nicolas Sarkozy has cast a dirigiste eye over the burqa, the full body covering worn by some Muslim women.
In a speech this week, Sarkozy called it an affront to the freedom and dignity of women, "a sign of subservience, of debasement" that leaves women "cut off from all social life, deprived of all identity." So French lawmakers are now considering banning or restricting it.
Mohammed Moussaoui of France's Muslim council replied that the burqa is "an extremely marginal phenomenon" and expressed concern that the debate would stigmatize France's 5 million Muslims. Britain's Muslim council went further and accused Sarkozy of fanning Islamophobia with his "patronizing and offensive" remarks.
Happily, Canada has largely avoided these culture dramas. Quebec had its bout of psyche-searching over "cultural accommodation," fed in part by France's anxieties. But for the most part, Canadians are unthreatened by cultural differences and are content to let Muslim women make their own choices, for religious or cultural reasons.
The vast majority of women in Canada's million-plus Muslim community don't wear the burqa. Many no doubt share the view that it is demeaning. Others are indifferent. Only a small minority embraces it. It is not the business of the state to intervene in this area.
Is the face veil for women obligatory
(Islamic Research Foundation International)
"Muslim scholars differ amongst themselves on the issue of the obligatory duty (or otherwise) of veiling of the face by Muslim women. In Islam, rules and regulations and the do's and don'ts are derived from the word of Allah, i.e. the Glorious Qur'an and the teachings of the Messenger of Allah, i.e. the authentic Ahadith (Saying of the Prophet)". Haroon Abdullah, New Delhi
The Qur'an says: "O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day: that is best and most suitable for final determination." (Qur'an 4:59)
As mentioned in the verse quoted above, when people in authority, the rulers, leaders, imams and scholars differ amongst themselves, our Creator instructs us to look into the Qur'an and the authentic Ahadith for guidance. The legitimacy, relevance and accuracy of the reasons and evidence provided by these people should be evaluated in the light of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. However, it should be borne in mind that infallibility belongs to Allah alone and a scholar, being a human, can make an error of judgment.
There is no clear-cut authentic hadith to the effect of making the face veil obligatory. Those scholars, who insist that covering the face is obligatory for Muslim women, interpret 'al-idnaa' in the verse of the jilbaab (Al-Qur'an: 33:59) to mean, "covering the face". This interpretation is erroneous because the basic meaning of the word in Arabic is "to come close", as the well-known scholar, ar-Raaghib al-Asbahaanee mentions in his authoritative dictionary 'al-Mufradaat'. Some people claim that jilbaab is "a garment which covers the face". This too is a misinterpretation as it is contrary to the interpretation of the leading scholars of past and present as well, who define jilbaab as a garment which women drape over their head scarves (khimaar).
Some people claim that the khimaar (headscarf) in Qur'an 24:31 covers the head and the face, whereas linguistically the word only means a head covering. The Prophet is reported to have said "Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who has reached puberty unless she wears a khimaar". (Sunan Abu Dawood, vol. 1, hadith No. 641)
However, no scholar insists on covering the face in Salaah for women based on the hadith quoted above, which further substantiates that khimaar does not mean covering the face. Shaykh Naasiruddeen al-Albaanee, one of the foremost scholars of recent times has clarified in detail, the errors made by these scholars who insist on the obligatory nature of the face veil in his books ar-Radd al-Mufhim & Jilbaab al-Mar'ah al-Muslimah (3rd edition, 1996, al-Maktabah al-Islaamiyyah). Likewise, other scholars like Ibn Muflih al-Hambalee, an-Nawawee, al-Qaadee 'Iyaad are too of the opinion that covering the face is not obligatory.
As stated earlier, that there is not a single authentic hadith that makes covering the face obligatory. On the other hand, we find several ahadith which prove that covering the face is not compulsory in Islam. For instance, once while the prophet was admonishing and preaching to a group of women after having admonished the men on the Id day, "...a woman having a dark spot on her cheek stood up..." seeking clarification on the subject the prophet was discussing. (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 2, Hadith No. 1926)
It is understood from the above-mentioned hadith that the woman having interaction with the prophet was not covering her face nor did the prophet command her to do so. It is incumbent upon every Muslim to enjoin right and forbid wrong, as Allah instructed us in the Glorious Qur'an. Thus we cannot expect the prophet, on whom the Qur'an was revealed, to let the woman keep her face uncovered after having known the obligation of covering the face.
Narrated Ata bin Abi Rabah (R.A.) Ibn 'Abbas said to me, "Shall I show you a woman of the people of Paradise?" I said, "Yes." He said, "This black lady came to the Prophet and said..." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadith No. 555 - Dar Al Arabia- Beirut- Lebanon & Sahih Muslim Hadith No. 6571-Darusslam- Arabic)
The hadith quoted above proves that the 'woman of the people of the paradise' was not covering her face when she had visited the prophet nor was she covering it when Ibn 'Abbas was discussing about her later. Some may argue by saying she could be recognized owing to the dark complexion of her hand and not due to the exposure of her face. However, this argument would carry no weight since she was not the only black woman at the time of the prophet. Moreover, to identify a person, the aspect of exposure of the face is of immense significance.
The Prophet is reported to have said, "...The Muhrima (a woman in the state of Ihram) should not cover her face, or wear gloves." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 1838) '
The Prophet is reported to have said, "...The Muhrima (a woman in the state of Ihram) should not cover her face, or wear gloves." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadith No. 1838) '
With regards to the hadith quoted above, some people say that the commandment of the prophet not to cover the face is specifically for the women in the state of Ihram, thus it cannot be used as an evidence because in Ihram certain rules and regulations change. However, the point to be noted here is that the things that are Mustahab (recommended) can be made Haraam (forbidden), like the cutting of nails, even the things that are Mubah (permissible) or Mustahab (recommended) can be made Fard (obligatory), e.g. wearing two pieces of white unsewn cloth is made Fard for a man, while normally it is Mubah (permissible). But anything that is Haraam in the normal course of life can never be made Fard. Hence, if exposing the face is Haraam for women, then how can it be made Fard in Ihraam?
During the day of Nahr (10th Dhul-Hijja), when Al-Fadl bin 'Abbas was riding behind the prophet on his she -camel, "...a beautiful woman from the tribe of Khath'am came, asking the verdict of Allah's Apostle. Al-Fadl started looking at her as her beauty attracted him. The Prophet looked behind while Al-Fadl was looking at her; so the Prophet held out his hand backwards and caught the chin of Al-Fadl and turned his face (to the other side) in order that he should not gaze at her..." (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No. 6228)
In the above-mentioned hadith we find Al-Fadl looking at the lady because her beauty attracted him. Here too, it is understood that the face of the lady was exposed as the hadith says that the woman was beautiful. Obviously, it is the face that plays the most significant role in making a person being perceived as ugly or beautiful. In spite of this, the prophet didn't instruct the lady to cover her face but instead turned the face of Al-Fadl in order to prevent him from staring at her, further substantiating the verse of the Qur'an from Surah An-Noor, 24:30, which says: "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do."
The Qur'an further says in the next verse: And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof... (Al-Qur'an 24:31)
When Ibne Abbaas (RA), the leading commentator of the Qur'an was asked about the verse mentioned above as to what it meant, he replied, "it refers to the face and hands". (Collected by Ibn Abee Shaybah in al-Musannaf, Vol. 3, p. 540 & 541, hadith no. 16997 & 17012 and al-Bayhaqi in Sunan al- Kubraa. Al-Albaanee ruled in Jilbaab al-Mar'ah al-Muslimah, pp 59-60, that the isnaad of this statement is saheeh.)
Some scholars argue that all the ahadith, which speak of women's faces being seen, are of the time earlier than the revelation of the verses of Al-Qur'an 33:59 & 24:31, which make covering the face compulsory. Firstly, as discussed earlier, these Qur'anic verses do not make covering the face compulsory for women. Secondly, to prove that these verses make the covering of women's face compulsory, they have to quote an authentic hadith for it, which they don't. Thirdly most of the ahadith quoted above, are of the time after these Qur'anic verses were revealed.
Thus, it can be concluded that covering the face is not obligatory for women. However, covering the face was obligatory for the Ummul Mu'mineen, the wives of the Prophet as was Tahajjud obligatory for the Prophet . Although Muslims are exempted from its obligation, it is a recommended Sunnah for the Muslims. Thus it is not compulsory for Muslim Women to cover their faces but those women who cover their faces may continue to do so if they wish. And Allah knows the best.
Prophecy Comics teaching
faith and values
In an age where the masses are bombarded with visual and audio stimulants we must realign our strategies and methodologies in promoting ethics, morals and values based on the teachings of God, the Supreme. It is difficult, nay, it is near impossible for humanity to digest and filter the information that saturates the earth today. An imam, priest or rabbi lecturing to an audience is barely heard in our time of propagandistic influx and even the evangelists with an audience of millions must compete against blockbusters, novels and T.V. series that entice the minds of billions due to the fictional appeal and imaginative prowess they project.
With regards to our precious youth, who will ultimately become the future legacy of this world, it is imperative we use means of teaching that will not only stimulate their minds but have a lasting, vibrant impact on their hearts. The core teaching that is common among all the major religions of the world is to respect life and persevere in the struggle to help humanity.
A crucial requirement upon many of us is to first and foremost, recognise the lack of concern we have on the importance of teaching morality and ethics and good conduct to our youth, be they Muslim or non-Muslim. The importance of Good character is a necessity that crosses borders and boundaries of religious diversity. What good is the fast to an individual if, in his daily life, he is cruel to his parents or oppressive to his children or unkind to his neighbours or unhelpful to his colleagues, a person who is a detriment unto others? Hence the concern for fellow human beings and the environment is a fundamental requirement we must begin to teach our youth at an extremely early age so that their foundation, their building blocks, are an embodiment of righteousness. This is a vital requirement for sustainability in a global world where technological advances and abundant industrialisation necessitate a more responsible and compassionate humanity due to the potentially destructive nature brought about by such technologies.
How do we grab the attention of our youth however? When games such as Grand Theft Auto or blockbusters such as Terminator or animations such as the Simpsons exist, how much appeal will our imams, most of whom have very little exposure to these competing forms of stimuli, have by giving a simple lecture in a classroom or on the minbar? If the youth even bother to turn up to such a lecture to begin with, what will the youth remember of the lecture when they go home and begin reading their comic book on Spiderman or the Fantastic Four?
The Prophecy Comics is an attempt to address this issue. It is a means in which current methodologies and techniques of appeal are used but in the case of Prophecy Comics, the means is used in order to teach lessons of great import. Lessons that are critically important to youth who may live in the harsh lands of the dessert or the bustling and busy cities of the west. It may seem too far-fetched but when one considers the consequences and neglects to understand the impact on the minds of our youth by alternate and very appealing sources, one begins to recognise the need to support such a vision, whether it be this particular project or one of a similar nature.
The first series is a compilation of four books that deal with the creation of the universe, the angels, humanity and others. It takes us through the accounts that precipitate the fall of humanity and Satan, both physically and spiritually. The series also delves into the tragic fall of humanity when murder is introduced into their midst and the consequences that arise as a result of such a destructive act. Following this series which is entitled, "The Dawn of Mankind" is a narration of many other prophets and the circumstances that surrounded them in their time. The narrations will deal primarily with their struggle to improve the lives of humanity, their struggle against oppressors and their warning of the temptations put forth by Satan and his demon minions. The speech of God, the Angels and Satan are common throughout all books and appear in almost all the issues in the Prophecy Comics series.
Alas, it is with great regret that the author/producer of Prophecy Comics experienced only a lack of support for such a unique project but when analysing the state of affairs in the world today and the importance placed on profit over social well-being, it is something that did not, nor does it, come as a surprise. This project was initiated almost 5 years ago and due to the lack of support, legal issues and an attempt to ensure traditions are not offended, it has been an ongoing struggle for a single individual to accomplish.
With regards to our precious youth, who will ultimately become the future legacy of this world, it is imperative we use means of teaching that will not only stimulate their minds but have a lasting, vibrant impact on their hearts. The core teaching that is common among all the major religions of the world is to respect life and persevere in the struggle to help humanity.
A crucial requirement upon many of us is to first and foremost, recognise the lack of concern we have on the importance of teaching morality and ethics and good conduct to our youth, be they Muslim or non-Muslim. The importance of Good character is a necessity that crosses borders and boundaries of religious diversity. What good is the fast to an individual if, in his daily life, he is cruel to his parents or oppressive to his children or unkind to his neighbours or unhelpful to his colleagues, a person who is a detriment unto others? Hence the concern for fellow human beings and the environment is a fundamental requirement we must begin to teach our youth at an extremely early age so that their foundation, their building blocks, are an embodiment of righteousness. This is a vital requirement for sustainability in a global world where technological advances and abundant industrialisation necessitate a more responsible and compassionate humanity due to the potentially destructive nature brought about by such technologies.
How do we grab the attention of our youth however? When games such as Grand Theft Auto or blockbusters such as Terminator or animations such as the Simpsons exist, how much appeal will our imams, most of whom have very little exposure to these competing forms of stimuli, have by giving a simple lecture in a classroom or on the minbar? If the youth even bother to turn up to such a lecture to begin with, what will the youth remember of the lecture when they go home and begin reading their comic book on Spiderman or the Fantastic Four?
The Prophecy Comics is an attempt to address this issue. It is a means in which current methodologies and techniques of appeal are used but in the case of Prophecy Comics, the means is used in order to teach lessons of great import. Lessons that are critically important to youth who may live in the harsh lands of the dessert or the bustling and busy cities of the west. It may seem too far-fetched but when one considers the consequences and neglects to understand the impact on the minds of our youth by alternate and very appealing sources, one begins to recognise the need to support such a vision, whether it be this particular project or one of a similar nature.
The first series is a compilation of four books that deal with the creation of the universe, the angels, humanity and others. It takes us through the accounts that precipitate the fall of humanity and Satan, both physically and spiritually. The series also delves into the tragic fall of humanity when murder is introduced into their midst and the consequences that arise as a result of such a destructive act. Following this series which is entitled, "The Dawn of Mankind" is a narration of many other prophets and the circumstances that surrounded them in their time. The narrations will deal primarily with their struggle to improve the lives of humanity, their struggle against oppressors and their warning of the temptations put forth by Satan and his demon minions. The speech of God, the Angels and Satan are common throughout all books and appear in almost all the issues in the Prophecy Comics series.
Alas, it is with great regret that the author/producer of Prophecy Comics experienced only a lack of support for such a unique project but when analysing the state of affairs in the world today and the importance placed on profit over social well-being, it is something that did not, nor does it, come as a surprise. This project was initiated almost 5 years ago and due to the lack of support, legal issues and an attempt to ensure traditions are not offended, it has been an ongoing struggle for a single individual to accomplish.
THE END
1 comment:
Brilliant!
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