"The people ask you (Muhammad) what they should spend in charity. Say: Whatever you spend that is good, is charity for your parents and families and orphans and those in need and for travellers. And whatever you do that is good, Allah is aware of it." - (Quran, 2:215)
MUSLIMNESS writers are passionate fundraisers and charity supporters. We work with and for some of the world's most noble causes, striving to eliminate poverty, love orphans and improve the quality of life of the needy.
Here are the organisations we currently support and report on. MUSLIMNESS will keep you updated about their projects. Insha'Allah, God willing.
A major Muslim event since 2009, AlMaghrib Institute's offshoot ILMFEST is coming to British shores for the first time this year. MUSLIMNESS says: About time un'all.
With many more iconic Shuyukh (shaykhs) expected to host the festival of knowledge (`ilm), the confirmed speakers and dates are:
London 31st December 2011 | Bradford/Leeds 1st January 2012
The {M} Team give a whopping virtual man-hug and 'salamings' to greet our newest contributor, brother Lori King, the English Muslim who tells it like it is. And it's usually loud.
Lori 'Zakariyya' King is a performance poet (under the alias 'zkthepoet'), trainee professional wrestler and aspiring short-story writer.
Born in Hammersmith in 1983 and raised in Richmond, Lori converted to Islam in college and married two years later. Having spent time in telecommunications and sports reporting, he now edits Islamic documents whilst attaining his teaching qualifications. The father of two currently resides in the Isle of Dogs after stints in Qatar and Egypt.
Please join us in welcoming Lori and making a du`a for his studies, performance career and family. Follow his notes and thoughts on Facebook.com/zkthepoet.
On Sunday 17th April, host of the Arts & Culture show from {Inspire FM}, interviewed Muslimness.com "founder" Zaufishan, about Muslims in the media, blogging and virtual creativity.
Inspire FM is a local Muslim community based radio show in Luton, UK. Shemiza Rashid hosts the Arts & Culture show and took a liking to the concept: "A Kingdom of Muslim Blogs". Masha'Allah.
The radio show with Muslimness was recorded and will be repeated this Wednesday, 20th April at precisely 1:00pm GMT. {Convert time to your time zone}.
Some of the questions Shemiza asked included
Top blogging tips for Muslims
I said: "Ethical, relevant content, a functional layout, and a dedicated team."
What is Muslimness.com all about?
I said: Muslimness.com is a networking platform for cool Muslim organisations, people and events, aiming to promote the trendiest Muslim blogs, vlogs, news on current affairs, and creative Muslims.
Who is The Eco Muslim?
{The Eco Muslim} is a personal 'eco jihad' blog about my green lifestyle; wellies, growing vegetables, eco mosques and building an environmentally friendly Islam right here in North England.
What are the Muslimness comics about?
On both The Eco Muslim and the original "muslimness" {www.zaufishan.co.uk}, I sketch up comic strips on Qur'an ayat, personal experiences, daily events and entertaining situations. See {The Eco Hadith} sketches and {Zaufishan's Muslimness comics}, which are nearing 100!
Shemiza from Inspire FM asked about the importance of language.
I said:
Language skills are undervalued. With over 1 million words in the English language, our vocabulary is still limited and we resort to foul language and texting as an accepted form of communication. It is an acceptable form, but we need to switch off and have articulate, adult conversations more often.
American Muslim blogs and organisations. What's up with that?
I said: Yes, the American Muslim scene has more action but compared to Britain, it's 40 times larger so there is an amplified American Muslim culture. Things are bigger, maxed out, maxi-sized, everything is "awesome". Even politics is a form of entertainment. In Britain, attitudes are generally more conservative. However, while British Muslim projects are not on the same scale as America, we are just as innovative, creative and revolutionary. There are renowned British Muslim figures in every field, outspoken, and creating change. Hamdulillah.
Muslimness.com's Top 5 blogs. A shout out to:
1. Suhaibwebb.com: The world's "virtual mosque" for Muslims on the Internet.
2. MuslimMatters.org: An American blog reporting on daily Muslim news.
3. Indigo Jo blogs by Matthew Smith: British and informative.
4. Majed's Blog: Based in Rochdale, England, and reporting on British Muslim activism.
5. Sisters Who Blog: A community blog lead by Muslim women on the Ning network.
Sister Shemiza also congratulated Muslimness.com for our video feature which you can watch here: Best Of British Islam series from 2010.
In 2009 I started my sponsorship of orphaned Vina from Mozambique who is now just 6 years old. She has been writing to me and sent me another letter in March 2011. I was well chuffed, masha'Allah (whatever Allah wishes).
My aim back then was to sacrifice something I love. In this case, my need to save cash for a rainy day (which is legitimate in its own right), has been put to a better use and brought basic comforts to a young girl whom otherwise would depend on community charity.
Every 6 months or so, Vina has been allowed to write a letter to me; a greeting of hello and presence all the way from Mozambique, to England, United Kingdom. At first I was expecting an actual written letter, but Vina is only a young child who has not yet gone to school, partly because of her age, partly because of the fact that she is a girl, and partly because schooling is expensive for her villagers. What Vina did send was more humbling: another hand drawing, this time coloured with bright pink crayon. Alhamdulillah (all praise is for Allah).
Vina cannot read nor write but this is where the sponsorship comes in. Right now, the sponsorship literally feeds and clothes Vina who is living with her 5 siblings in an orphanage with dozens of other orphans. If I stop giving the monthly donations Vina won't have the security which is keeping her and her family motivated, albeit in an innocent childhood. The field workers and carers posted there avoid asking Vina too many questions about her parents but she has high hopes to be a doctor and has often told me this! Insha'Allah, with God's permission, she will be.
Some of the sponsorship monies is put aside for her future education. The politics behind sponsoring and therefore transacting finances to a country like Mozambique, mean that even I don't have the final say in which areas of Vina's life the money is used without legal assistance. However, hamdulillah, I will keep giving what I can and Vina will be provided for by one Grace of Allah, or another.
Translated:
"Vina has been well so far, together with her family. She still does not study because she is too young. She says she likes playing with her friends the most. She sends regards to you (Zaufishan) and wishes you a good year."
Aw. A standard message from Vina's caretakers. I can't wait till she writes herself.
Should you wish to support this orphan sponsorship via Action Aid feel free to get in touch at: contact@muslimness.com. A one-off payment or a monthly contribution of £3 / $5 will add towards Vina's provisions immensely; it's really up to you what you wish to give.
Lastly, do make du`a (supplication) for the orphans of the world. UNICEF estimated that in 2010 there would be 200 million orphans in the world. If every adult saved one, we could save them all.
Autism Awareness Campaign brought to you by Blue Hijab Day
In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ | Peace be with you السلام عليكم
About
Blue Hijab Day is an event started by {Muslimas Oasis} - sister Emma Apple and team - as a way to raise awareness about Autism, Aspergers and other Autism Spectrum Disorders. By bringing about more awareness of these disorders in the Muslim Community, which is sadly lacking in awareness and supportive resources for families living with autism, Blue Hijab Day will insha'Allah (God Willing) educate individuals.
The autism awareness campaign has welcomed involvement from other faith groups and organisations in the past. This year on 2nd April Blue Hijab Day aims to develop this awareness in the wider community through our efforts.
"We want Blue Hijab Day to become a mainstream awareness and fundraising effort with a Muslim face."
*‘Hijab’ is the headscarf that many Muslim women wear as a part of their Islamic faith.
On April 2nd Annually
Wear a Blue Hijab (or scarf) on April 2nd (UN World Autism Awareness Day). Print out the fliers and put them up or hand them out. Print the tag and pin it to your hijab or clothing on Blue Hijab Day to let others know why you’re wearing Blue. These things can be downloaded in the {Blue Hijab Day downloads} section.
If you don’t wear hijab and want to participate, you can wear a blue scarf or hat. Men can wear a kufi, hat, scarf or tie. And if you don’t have any of these items and can’t get one, just wear anything blue and pin on the tag. Don’t forget to tell people - about Blue Hijab Day and about Autism - and invite others to do the same!
Blue Hijab Day will be an Annual event coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day, each year we will have a general theme. 2010 was all about starting the conversation, we started small by inviting and inciting conversation about Autism in the Muslim (and non muslim) community, created the event and got over 2,000 people participating.
We chose blue to co-ordinate with other efforts to wear blue for Autism Awareness and Autism Speaks’ ‘Light it up blue’ campaign, again, we want to be a mainstream effort with a Muslim face. Besides, we thought a puzzle hijab might be difficult to find.
We hope 2011 will be bigger and more visible insha'Allah with fundraisers for a family who needs the support (to be announced) and event ideas.
About our fundraising: Any money we raise will go to a specific family or individual living with Autism who needs the financial support unless we are raising money on behalf of another organization. Where the money will go will be announced before any money is raised.
What is Autism?
The following is a select collection of quotes from informational websites to give you a brief overview of what Autism is and what to look out for if you are concerned about your childs development.
“Autism is a different way of thinking about, understanding and feeling the world.” - Emma Apple
Autism is a complex developmental disability (or difference as many parents and advocates like to call it) that typically appears during the first two years of life. Autism is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Autism is not a psychological disorder or mental illness.
Both children and adults on the autism spectrum typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. While there are many stereotypical behaviors and many things people on the spectrum find in common, it is a spectrum of symptoms that affects every person differently.
Autism is one of five disorders that fall under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by “severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development.”
How can you help?
→ Tell people about Autism & the Blue Hijab Day effort.
→ Participate in Awareness efforts.
→ If you’re a media outlet, talk about Autism and the Blue Hijab Day effort.
→ Organize a Blue Hijab Day event, walk, meeting, fundraiser for April.
→ If you know someone with Autism or with a child on the spectrum, find out if there’s any way you can help them. For them, Autism is year round.
→ Learn about Autism.
→ Have another idea? Get in touch at the Blue Hijab Day Facebook page!
EMERGENCY ONGOING APPEALS. Muslimness.com is supporting Fundraising For Japan, Islamic Relief, Muslims For Japan and PayPal's online fundraising. Please donate what you can, jazakumallah khairan.
Current situation (Updated: March 16, 12:28 p.m. Eastern Time)
The threat of nuclear disaster looms large days after Japan’s most devastating natural disaster in recorded history – a magnitude 9.0 quake and the tsunami it triggered – has damaged a nuclear power plant and led to to unsafe levels of radiation.
The Japanese government has issued a warning and urged all those living within 20 km (12 miles) of the plant to evacuate or stay indoors. Radiation has been detected as far as Tokyo.
The quake-tsunami has left up to 100,000 people homeless, according to some estimates, and destroyed more than 600,000 homes.
For the seventh straight day, survivors are living with little food, water and electricity.
Temperatures are dipping to freezing levels, but many do not have access to heating or warm clothing. Hospitals are running out of medicine and supplies, and sick and injured survivors are struggling to find treatment.
You can help provide disaster relief to Japan’s survivors. Donate today.
Aftershocks are continuing to rattle the island nation, some as strong as magnitude 6.0. More than 6,000 people are confirmed dead or missing, according to official police tallies, but the actual figures are feared to be much higher.
Japan's Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, called the disaster “[Japan's] most severe crisis” since World War II.
Islamic Relief teams in Malaysia, Indonesia and China have been requested by the Japanese government to be on standby and are closely monitoring the situation.
You can help the victims of this disaster. Donate today.
Disaster facts:
- 9.0 magnitude quake, 250 miles northeast of Tokyo
- More than 150 aftershocks
- 10,000 homeless (Japanese government)
- 6,000 dead or missing (Japanese police)
- 200,000+ evacuated due to damage to nuclear reactor
- Experts say the quake tilted the earth’s axis by 6.5 inches
- Fears of nuclear crisis after several power plant explosions
Fundraising For Japan.com was set up in urgent response to the earthquake that shook the country.
Our campaign involves:
- Making donating accessible to our online media audience
- Allowing supporters to raise awareness of our campaign through social media by using the links and free themes and profile pictures provided
Use the social media tab on Fundraising For Japan to download free profile images and backgrounds for Facebook and Twitter to update your profile with our campaign.
To contact us please email us at info@fundraisingforjapan.com. All funds raised go directly to the Global Giving Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.
Within hours of the earthquake, Helping Hand for Relief and Development launched the 'Muslims for Japan' Campaign. An estimated 10,000 people have died, several thousands are unaccounted for, and over 300,000 people have been displaced and the death toll is continuously rising.
There is a shortage of everything, from food, water and shelter to transportation.
HHRD Teams have set 6 collection points across Tokyo and nearby cities of Gumma, Chiba, Gifu and Ibraki.
The following items are being collected & distributed from these sites in Japan: Blankets, diapers, flash lights, rice, gloves, masks, dry fruits and water.
In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِPeace be with you السلام عليكم
In April 2008, Ummah Welfare Trust (UWT) initiated a project to fund wedding days for people in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh who do not have the financial means to pay for a wedding. Their aim with this project is to ask for both financial donations and bridal gowns which can be sent to anyone who cannot otherwise afford a bridal dress for their big day.
Members of UWT have identified regions where assistance is most needed and Blessed Brides works closely with UWT to verify the extent of need for each case. If financial need is greater then Blessed Brides works to sell your bridal dress to specifically fund the wedding. Otherwise the bridal dress will be presented to the bride. Ultimately you will have contributed towards the completion of a successful wedding.
Furthermore Blessed Brides encourages the new bride to share the blessings and pass on dresses to others in need. In this case, your donation could be making not one, but many dreams come true!
The Messenger of Allah (sall'Allahu alayhi wa'sallam) said: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." [al-Bukhari & Muslim]
We all have things we want. We want the perfect wedding day, the perfect dress and everything to go with it. In most cases, we are lucky to get all of those 'wants'. However, there are others who do not even have the means for a simple wedding. So why not share your blessings, and help yourself by helping others. None of us can account for spending lavish amounts for that one special day, but why not share some of the blessings that Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala has bestowed upon you with those that are less fortunate, instead of stowing away those thousand pound dresses for sentimental value.
The ethics and code of Blessed Brides practice comply with Islamic law. The brothers and sisters they help conduct their weddings according to the Shariah, and therefore have segregated ceremonies.
(This project is in association with Ummah Welfare Trust [UWT] a registered UK international relief and development charity (www.uwt.org). UWT aims to relieve the suffering of the poor and alleviate poverty across the world. We are fully committed to a 100% donations policy.)
In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ | Peace be with you السلام عليكم
The Muslimness Orphan: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 coming soon
I sponsored Vina Horacio Palanhe through Action Aid in December 2009 and have written postcards to her many times.
Vina, our 5yr old sponsored orphan from Mozambique, wrote back to us for the second time during Ramadan in August 2010, masha'Allah
The atrocious mailing system in Africa means only postcards are allowed for security reasons, and they arrive weeks late. Vina is allowed to write to us a couple of times a year but aged only 5, she cannot read or write by herself yet.
Vina is one of six children. She lives in a house made of mud walls and a thatched roof, and there is a protected water source nearby. Like many people in the area Vina and her family are Christian, and their local language is Changane.
Our newest family member: Vina, aged 5
Her delightful message is passed on through her carer - Estaela Tiamano - which I've translated below. It includes another hand-outline drawing - last time I got a green hand! I love it!
"Vina Horacio is well, she plays with her 3 brothers and carers. She is 5 years old and does not go to school because of her age. Her ambition is to become a doctor in the future. Finally she sends greetings to you."
During this year we will receive two hand written messages from Vina, together with reports on developments in her home town of Tres de Fevereiro in Mozambique.
Recently we received our first message from Vina - a super cute colouring of her tiny hand! Since Vina cannot read or write, this is her little 'hello' to myself.
Vina's message was written in Portugese by a fieldworker called Estaela Tiamano.
Translated it reads:
"Vina is fine, and together with her family. She does not go to school. She likes playing with her friends. She said that when she starts going to school, she will love learning and studying and playing. Lastly, she sends greetings to you (Zaufishan)."
In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ Peace be with you السلام عليكم
Wonderful news!
In December 2009 Muslimness started a Sacrifice Yourself Campaign towards sponsoring an orphan. After research we decided to use Action Aid for our sponsorship as our humble way of taking part in humanitarian causes. This is important for us because it reflects our Muslim beliefs in human compassion and it's important for you, to spread the kindness, track our progress and participate.
The legalities have been established and last week I – Zaufishan – received the sponsor pack for our orphan child. Alhamdulillah, I am ecstatic to be sharing this with Muslimness fans, seriously, I’m wohoo-ing and most humbled.
The delivered pack included a sponsorship guide, details of our orphan, the statistics of orphans in deprived countries and a pen pal opportunity so we can stay updated on our orphan’s progress.
We will be writing to our orphan regularly
Our newest family member
Our sponsor was given to a 5 year old girl from Mozambique, in a village called Tres de Fevereiro. Her name is Vina Horacio Palanhe, she is one of six children. She lives in a house made of mud walls and a thatched roof, and there is a protected water source nearby. Like many people in the area Vina and her family are Christian, their local language is Changane.
Our newest family member: Vina, aged 5
Trouble for orphans
During the 1980’s and early 90’s Tres de Fevereiro faced many challenges – displacement due to conflict, and more recently floods have destroyed homes, crops, schools and water sources. Vina’s family relies on farming to grow food and earn a living, such as maize, beans and cassava. Yet poor farming techniques, unavailability of seeds and extreme weather patterns of prolonged drought and severe floods, means families struggle to grow enough to eat. Our sponsor ensures regular provision of seeds and tools for Vina’s family to InshaAllah grow crops.
Although our little Vina is too young to go to school, primary education is now free in Mozambique. However, the lack of investment by the government means the quality of classrooms, learning materials and basic facilities are just inadequate. A typical classroom will have 90 children with just one teacher. As a result, many children do not complete their primary education. When Vina is ready for school she will be provided a good education through our support; although I for one do know it is not enough.
Further, the rate of HIV and AIDS in the Manhica district, where Tres de Fevereiro is located, is 25%. This is the highest rate in Mozambique and nearly double the national prevalence rate. Access to healthcare is also inadequate, not only affecting the health of people affected with HIV and AIDS but meaning many other common health problems, including malaria, go untreated.
Our sponsorship through Action Aid will InshaAllah work integrally with the community of Vina to tackle the poverty she faces. Activities include improving sources of income, the quality of schools, access to safe, clean water and healthcare.
How you can help
In Islam caring for orphans who do not have any regular source of protection, is a duty and beautiful good deed. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that:
"The best house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are well treated. The worst house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are ill treated. I and the guardian of the orphan will be in the Garden like that," (holding up two entwined fingers). Reported by Abu Hurayra (ra)
The Qur'an as the Word of Allah and guide for Muslims frequently mentions how supporting any orphan is a part of imaan - faith.
"Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful." (Qur'an, 4:36)
The small group effort of Muslimness brought about this orphan sponsor which drastically supports the life of one individual. Our message to our readers is if we as a team can spread light into lives of children like Vina, for the better, then on a larger scale, with your generous support, we can change the lives of many others.
We have plans InshaAllah to sponsor another orphan soon. If you would like to donate towards Vina’s sponsorship or if you are interested in this please email us on contact@muslimness.com
In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِاللهِالرَّحْمنِالرَّحِيمِ | Peace be with you السلامعليكم
Islam Online, the ultimate website for Muslim current affairs, is hosting a 'Stars of the Year' award. The nominations cover Best Dawah, Remarkable roles in Serving the Muslim Community, Scientific Achievements and New Media Activities.
Now personally, I like awards. All the glitziness, honour, trophies and public attention alludes to something greater. Show business perhaps. Muslimness was nominated once, remember that? No, you don't.
Five of our beautiful Muslim role models have been nominated in varius categories and I for one would truly, madly, deeply appreciate it if you would head on over to IOL's Stars of the Year website [link] and vote for them by clicking the radio buttons (ONE vote per internet connection. Thank you very much in advance.
Vote for the media savvy Mohamed el-Fatatry for New Media Activities. Mohamed is the inventor of Muxlim, a social network formerly known as 'Muslim spaces.' [link here]
Muslimness has a little place of love there too [our page link].
OR vote for Mohammed Faris, creator of Productive Muslim who is also nominated in the New Media Activities category for his blog that promotes positivity. [link here]
We also ask you to check the Remarkable Roles category where our friend Sarah Joseph has been nominated. Sarah is editor of emel the Muslim lifestyle magazine and is an all round humble Muslim woman with the mind of a leader.
Yvonne Ridley is also nominated forRemarkable Roles in Serving the Muslim Community, as is the prolific Tariq Ramadan.
CLICK HERE to vote for either Sarah, Yvonne, Tariq.
To see who else is nominated and to vote for your favourite iconic individuals in the remaining categories of Art, Dawah, Sports, Volunteering, Human Rights and Dialogue CLICK HERE.
I already voted by randomly clicking any name I inclined towards. It's the democratic way to do it, I tell you. Read each nominee's profile page (thankfully short) and diplomatically vote for whom you deem to be most award worthy. In my book, they are all iconic Muslims masha'allah, but it's the winning that counts.
Go on, do it! Vote for them! They need your support & clicks!
We started a Sacrifice Yourself Campaign in November '09 which is our humble way of taking part in humanitarian causes online.
As a group effort we wanted to sacrifice our luxuries and riches for those who live without them. We are in the top 10% in the global rich list you know, time to spread that wealth.
Presenting the Sacrifice Yourself Campaign online is important for us because it reflects our Muslim beliefs and it's important for you, to spread the kindness, track our progress and participate.
Action Aid: One of our ideas was to provide help for children in poorer areas to eliminate their poverty and give them regular care. Therefore in October '09, Muslimness got in touch with Action Aid with questions about sponsoring an orphan.
Our Orphan child: Alhamdulillah Action Aid were very courteous and after a lengthy discussion and agreement, we set the foundation for our first sponsor! The full details will be shared with you soon as well as whom our orphan is - We're very excited to be part of this young child's life.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) of Islam reminded the community in Madina that:
"The best house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are well treated. The worst house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are ill treated. I and the guardian of the orphan will be in the Garden like that," indicating his two fingers joined together.
Reported by Abu Hurayra (ra).
It is therefore incumbent on all of us regardless of faith, to remove the inequalities in society. An orphan could not describe to you how lonely, difficult and burdensome their life is without a mother's love, a father's guidance and the adult supervision to grow and learn with stability.
How to Sponsor: Sponsoring an orphan is very simple and beautifully rewarding on all levels. It gives the gift of food, shelter, education and skills to survive; the gifts we in developed countries certainly take for granted. Our particular sponsorship is only £15 a month, that's a mere 50 pence a day.
Sponsoring an orphan through Action Aid allows us to write to the child, receive a photograph and two personal messages a year from them along with reports about the difference we are making.
Donate: You don't have to sacrifice your own time, effort or money - although if you did you'd save a person's life. To support Muslimness in sponsoring our orphan: contact@muslimness.com.
Would you like to support our sponsor in any other way? Let us know in the comment box below!
In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ | Peace be with you السلام عليكم
At this Eid-ul-Adha 'holiday' period, two major charitable organisations are doing the utmost to include the world's poorest people in global celebrations.
1. ISLAMIC RELIEF: Marking their 25 years of service, masha'allah, Islamic Relief's Qurbani parcels are distributed to the most vulnerable people in the communities where they work, including orphans, widows, the elderly and refugees. These people live below the poverty line and many suffer from regular food shortages.
Please help those not as privileged as others to celebrate Eid ul Adha by donating here. Jazak'Allah. May God reward you for your good actions.
2. The United Kingdom's Children in Need took place on 20th November raising over £20m. If you've any more spare change donate it. They have an official song by Peter Kay, which although I find disturbing - especially the 'Jai ho' synchronised dance- it's a cute video with manyiconic British cartoons including the super-cool Thunderbirds. Yay...
Watch the BBC's official Children in Need song here.
Haveawonderful, charitableEid ulAdha!
Don't forget our SACRIFICE YOURSELF CAMPAIGN either = Muslimness is aiming to sponsor an orphan as a team effort insha'Allah. Donate by clicking the PayPal button above or simply leave a comment saying what you will sacrifice this year for others!
In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ | Peace be with you السلام عليكم
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakhatuh!
I pray you’re in the best of health and imaan as always.
Okay as I did mention Charity Week in the previous post, let me tell you in explicit detail:
Charity Week is a student run initiative that encourages individuals to sacrifice a bit of their time and direct their skills and talents to a great cause. Its success is entirely dependant on the commitment shown by students and the end result is a reflection on Muslim students in the UK.
University life can impose significant stress on students with exams and coursework deadlines but is also an incredible opportunity to experience and do many new things - use your time and talent to make a difference, providing the perfect opportunity to gain valuable experience in fundraising. Charity Weekis also an excellent example of the Muslim student community uniting and co-operating to help those less fortunate.
It is one week in the year, where Islamic societies, colleges, schools, community associations and businesses from across the country come together to raise crazy amounts of money for orphans and needy children around the world!
“And they feed for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan and the captive. We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks”
(Quran Surah Al-Insaan:8)
Last year alhamdulillah over £50,000 was raised just by students in the north of England. This money has been spent on building schools for orphans in Kenya, orphanages in Somalia and Palestine and for Eid clothes for over 300 orphans, amongst numerous other projects that make a REAL positive difference.
Join us and help a child smile. :D
ONE week - ONE cause - ALL the difference!
***EDIT*** This post has been published later than expected
We had* a few days left for this appeal as it finished on Sunday 1st November insha’Allah but if you would like to donate (via MMU’s Islamic Society in association with Islamic Relief) then you can go on our ‘justgiving’ page or you can join our facebook group and contact the head brother/sister or even me on there.
Allah bless you and remember the crescent radio team, myself and my brother in your duas. Take care. Wa alaikum us salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakhatuh.
In the name of God, compassionate & merciful بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ | Peace be with you السلام عليكم
The most life transforming object a person could ever give to another, is the ability to read. After that, a follow up of an inspiring book establishes a sense of 'my property', responsibility and self-education.
For Eid ul-Fitr this year I'm continuing with a tradition of giving every child I know a book. Most of them moan: "Mann, can't we have another games console? Why do you always buy word games, science kits and boring stuff? ANOTHER BOOK?!" They do eventually smile and appreciate the cultural content of books, learn a new foreign catchphrases and melt my heart with a kiss on the cheek and 'thank yous lovely lady'. That's what I'm after really...
The truth is, I enjoy torturing them in such malicious hardback ways. A book in my eyes isn't a boring, useless papery thing. It is a tool far more powerful than anything technological and money-based.
For the young age groups I pretend I'm not related to, here are a few book ideas:
A story about Ama Fatima's Eid experiences. A softer, family-hugging book, this is only £2.25 ($3.67/€2.57). To purchase it, click here.
Available from Simply Islam: the A-Z of Akhlaaq, a book on ettiquettes, respect, good social conduct. This one is definitely for the boys (!) I like that the Arabic dua's (prayers) are translated and the cartoons are cute. To purchase at £1.75 ($3.40/€2) click here.
This book also from Good Work Kidz is about how Eid is celebrated around the world. It's important for both children and adults alike to fully understand Eid is as diverse as our skin colours. And I'm all for teaching diversity to little minds. To purchase from Sound Vision for only £3.35 ($6.50/€3.83) click here.
If you have any suggestions or other book ideas, be sure to share - I have 30-non-related-minors to also cater for!
