Guest writer for MUSLIMNESS, Mohammad Shakir works at International HIV Fund and shares his thoughts on why taboo diseases should not prevent Muslims from visiting the ill. Contact Mohammad on info@internationalhivfund.org.

In Islam, Muslims are encouraged to help people who are ill. Supporting them at a vulnerable time is a rewarding act. I would like to remind readers that HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a disease much like a cold, flu or cancer. A previous Friday Nasiha post on MUSLIMNESS left an important message about illness from Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him,

"God did not send down an illness for which He did not send a cure." (Bukhari)

When a person sneezes a Muslim is obliged to show mercy on them by replying, Yarhamukullah, may God have mercy on you. Similarly, when a person is chronically ill, Muslims are told to show them mercy by visiting them and praying for them.

There are illnesses in this world which divide us. The world has been aware of HIV for 30 years, according to the BBC. It is a virus which can affect anyone. Muslim or non-Muslim, male or female, the virus does not discriminate who it infects and so we should not discriminate against someone living with HIV.

HIV as an illness
A person living with HIV in the simplest term is ill. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune systems and increases the risk of developing serious infections and diseases such as cancer (NHS).

The Qur’an and Sunnah (prophetic tradition) explain how Muslims should behave and treat a person who is unwell or infirm. The rewards for simply visiting with a smiling face and asking about their health are immense. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said,

"[If a] Muslim visits a (sick) Muslim in the morning seventy thousand angels will bless (and pray for) him until the evening, and if he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels will bless (and pray for) him until the morning, and fruits from Paradise will be his." (Tirmidhi 3:292)

Visiting the sick builds the bonds of unity, respect and understanding. This understanding then helps to breakdown those barriers and reduces discrimination and stigma towards an otherwise taboo illness.


Muslims believe in a day of Judgement, and so we have to remember that one day we will all be judged in front of Allah, and we will be asked about how we treated others during our time on earth.

In the Hadith Qudsi (prophetic statement derived from God), Allah subhanahu wa ta`la will say on the Day of Judgment: “O son of Adam I was sick and you did not visit Me. He will say: O Lord how can I visit You. You are the Lord of the worlds? He says: Did you not know that My servant so and so was sick yet you did not visit him? Did you not know that if you had visited him you would have found Me with him?” (Muslim).

We have to remember that people living with HIV humans just like us and are ill and need our help, support and understanding.

Different ways of supporting a person with HIV
The International HIV Fund is organising a skydive which will raise money for their project, Mothers of Sudan. North Sudan is currently witnessing a looming HIV epidemic. The total number of adults and children living with HIV is estimated to be over 122,216. Children are also affected with over 27,000 children orphaned due to HIV.

We want to help them by helping the Mothers of Sudan through HIV awareness and skills that will enable them to afford the important HIV drugs that will keep their families together and alive.

A Skydive? Tell me more!
International HIV Fund are organising two skydive challenges – one in November 2011 and another in January 2012 – where you can raise funds for the project and take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

To participate, all the organisation asks is for a £50 deposit to sign up and to get really creative with fundraising ideas. Each skydiver has a challenge to raise an easy £500 for Sudan by getting sponsors and supporters. Think you can do it?

Your contribution will go a very long way in changing not just one life, but a whole community.
For more information visit the International HIV Fund website.
e | fatima@internationalhivfund.org

About International HIV Fund
The International HIV Fund (IHIVF) is a global initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration between Muslim and non-Muslim organisations in combating HIV and AIDS. They work in partnership with different organisations and within communities around the world to ensure the next generation lives HIV-free.

More on health:
Get 'Fit4Ramadan', The Fitness Program For Muslims
Plans For Cleaner Zam Zam Distribution In Madinah
Human Appeal's Gaza Water Purification Project

In the literary world of books on Islam, the average reader will fall short after the idiot's guide to Islam, or a more comprehensive and heavy-weight theological book, now used as a table support. We previously shared I Speak For Myself, American Muslims' reply to questions stemming from Islamophobic media reports, and ecological welfare inspired Dawud Wharnsby's A Picnic of Poems for children.

Another inspirational book from Kube Publishing is geared toward younger audiences: Muslims In The Modern World, by British author Suma Din.

Muslims In The Modern World, A Series
Muslims In The Modern world is a unique biographical series covering the lives and works of iconic figures from today's educational and humanitarian fields.

The first part of the series features Islam's own father-figure Dr Hany El Banna. Founder of the respected charity Islamic Relief Worldwide, and a loved activist, Dr Hany was recently found in Mogadishu, Somalia, where he sang rain prayers and entertained the orphans of famine struck Africa.

Suma Din's book is thoroughly researched and captures the humanness of Dr Hany. Her book takes readers on a chronological journey from the doctor's early days as a traveller and later presidency of Islamic Relief.

"Dr Hany El Banna, the founder of Islamic Relief Worldwide, is a tireless humanitarian activist working for the world’s poorest people. Follow his footsteps as he moves to the UK as a young doctor, only to become the president of a global humanitarian relief organisation.


From underground tunnels in war-torn Bosnia to the cyclone ravished villages of Bangladesh, find out what drove Dr El Banna to people in need. The story of his efforts to establish Islamic Relief around the world is at once a warm, inspiring and occasionally eccentric tale of humanity."
- Kube Publishing blog

Captivating and short, the series will brings together the lives and personalities of a range of influential and fascinating Muslim figures. They are filled with rare images, illustrated maps and personal anecdotes giving readers a unique viewpoint into their lives.

Do Muslim Books Have A Place In Education?
The series aims to especially inspire young readers outside of the Muslim faith and introduce them to a set of under-the-radar people from the modern world. I dare use the 'celebrity' status since renowned Muslim figures are respected and praised, not idolised, but this is a collection of books you cannot do without.

British educational institutions have delved into the Muslim cultural sphere more so over the past decade, one instance being the world class 1001 Muslim Inventions exhibition and book which was was funded for schools throughout the country.

Future names for the Muslim book series include,

• Dr Hayat Sindi, the Muslim female scientist awarded this year as one of National Geographic’s Emerging Explorers and visiting scholar at Harvard; and
• Malcolm X, the legendary human rights activist and Muslim convert from the USA.

Responses from the educational sector and mainstream Islamic courses confirm the need for more positive role models in schools, like Canadian children's book Khadijah Goes To School. This series addresses Muslim heritage and educates a wide age group with a sophisticated structure.

As another valuable resource for citizenship, history, humanities and religious education, Suma Din encourages British teachers to use Muslims In The Modern World for discussions on war, poverty, charity, marriage and struggle within the context of the exceptional Dr Hany.

"Pupils will find it inspirational, surprising and readable", says Suma Din's official site. Many other chapters of the book also have a link to the educational curriculum, covering topics as high as GCSE level, for students aged 16+.

One secondary school teacher from Buckhinghamshire said Muslims In The Modern World "is a positive and modern example of Islamic faith in action and as such fills a much felt void."

What Your Bookshelf Is Missing
Each biography is equipped with first-person quotes and anecdotes, exclusive full colour photographs of each featured figure. Taking on encyclopedic layouts, the books are separated with a time-line, glossary and bulleted lists, succinctly explaining Muslim practices and highlighting notable places in history. This will make a wonderful gift for Eid and ideal donation to your local school.

Part one and the books to follow, looks at the early life of the iconic faces, their family and upbringing, analysing the factors that led them to be leaders in their field. Faith plays an integral part for both the author and the figures she interviews in her books, part of the reason why Muslims In The Modern World is being pushed for academic involvement.

We like the book. A lot. We think you will too.

Order {Muslims In The Modern World} from Kube Publishing and from the author's site, {Suma Din}.


More awesome books:
Love in a Headscarf book launches in USA
Guantanamo guard exclusive book extract
Book Launch: Palestine In Pieces

Working in partnership with Anwar Welfare Trust, the good folks from Birmingham, England, have organised a great charitable afternoon just in time for Eid!

An Eid dinner at Bay Leaf restaurant is taking place this Saturday and we are inviting YOU to follow the Prophetic sunnah (action) and help support the orphans of Bangladesh. Proceeds from tickets will go directly towards building wells for orphans and providing educational resources.

A team from Anwar Welfare Trust will be at the Eid dinner to answer all your questions about the orphan fundraising and their work in Bangladesh. So come join us at the Eid Dinner!

Remember to bring along your family and friends and do a good deed whilst celebrating Eid!

The Prophet peace be upon him, said, "I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this," putting his index and middle fingers together. (Bukhari)

Remember to bring along your family and friends and do a good deed whilst celebrating Eid!

Date: Saturday 29th October 2011
Time: 12- 3pm
Location: Bay Leaf Restaurant, Unit 16/17, 2 Gibb St, Digbeth, Birmingham, B9 4AA
Tickets: £20 per person

To book tickets, donate or for more info please call: (UK) 07854436434.

The Twins of Faith world class exhibition will showcase British Islamic businesses and provide unique family services

Have you heard about the BIGGEST Islamic event happening in the United Kingdom this year? We introduce you to the mega conference in the capital: Twins of Faith.

Canadian Muslim organisation Mercy Mission, are the grand organisers behind 'Twins of Faith', the largest Muslim event of 2011. A spectacular host of renowned Muslim scholars and performers will keep attendees alert in the aims of spiritual motivation; while in the background a whole host of educational programs, children's arenas and creative workshops are taking place. It sounds epic and we hope to see you there!

What's goin' on?

• Conferences

Seminars stemming from a religious ethic will target more mature audiences. Released seminar titles include 'For The Love of God' where a series of interactive workshops will address how Muslim believers can strengthen their relationship with God and other people.

Social issues are to be covered as life in the United Kingdom was regrettably altered by the recent London riots. Coaching and personal advice is being prepared for members in order to return home with build-bridging skills and loving one's community. Just as the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, added value to his community, the Twins of Faith conference sessions hope to regenerate trust and reliability in our daily lives.

• World business and Islamic exhibition and bazaar

A packed exhibition of diverse interests from product companies to free services is predicting over 5,000 delegates. Expect to see halal brands and ethical products to really add value to your time. Iconic Muslim speakers will be situated somewhere within the bazaar  (shopping) area - keep a look out!

Life coaching, Islamic finance and business advice and halal companies will all be open to meet a variety of people's needs at an array of workshops dotted around the bazaar area.

In addition, a buzz is surrounding the Islamic Exhibitions that will feature world Islamic art and historic artifacts. More Islamic museums are opening around the world, so what better way than to experience Islamic history as it happened.

• Artistic workshops

This Ramadan season, Ramadan TV broadcasted the world's first adhan (call to Muslim prayer) in British Sign Language. With the ever popular 'question and answer' program with presenters from Ramadan TV, shaykhs will available for one-to-one advisory meetings, allowing attendees to get their questions answered. A great opportunity to ask for validation of a personal struggle.

A Muslim women's creative writing class will launch to spark budding authors and journalists. Despite previous experience, the Twins of Faith workshop for 'sisters' will guide participants through a series of exploratory exercises. Personal style will no doubt be called for flair as Muslim women with talent will use their imagination and language styles to begin a path of professional writing.

In addition, a productive muslim workshop will cram some time management tips for making a bang-on life-to-do-list for family, work and acts of worship, and sticking to it! This will be an especially important workshop if you're an environmental or political Muslim activist.

• Little Explorer Land (also for grown-ups)

The Twins of Faith is a family event and will provide entertainment for children of all ages. So what better way for children to enjoy themselves than to enter into the land of Little Explorers Magazine where "Uncle Jawad" will be keep little ones engaged in a world full of rides, bouncy castles and other activities to suit toddlers (and teenagers and adults who can get away with it too!)

The grown ups won't be disappointed as several obstacle courses have been arranged for an intensive health and fitness work out. A Mega Challenge Assault Course combines inflatables with games for a fun competition for the entire family. Rubber slides, sumo wrestling and a giant human football table are also in the mix - a halal and legitimate reason to revert to childhood, no doubt.

• Marriage & Family Workshop

Renowned Islamic scholar Shaykh Alaa El-Sayed will offer an exclusive workshop on how Muslims can create and build a happy family, from the art of open communication to dealing with in-laws. If you're single and Muslim, you'll want to participate in the marriage talks.

• Children’s Nasheed Competition: 

To round of the entire shebang, a nasheed competition of Islamic music and hymns will see schools competing to win the award for the best recital. Highlights of the day's entertainment include poetry and songs from Abdullah Rolle, American poet Boona Mohammed and Pakistani singer Junaid Jamshed.

Get Involved At Twins Of Faith
For anyone wanting to get involved either through organisational efforts or volunteering, the event managers are recruiting active members of the public. Read the Mercy Mission volunteer newsletter for details and contact volunteers.uk@twinsoffaith.com.

Date: Saturday, 19th November 2011
Venue: Excel, London. {Interactive tube map}


Official website {Twins of Faith, Inspiring Positive Change}

As a humanitarian and trustee at Muslim Youth Helpline, Furqan Naeem recently completed his summer internship with Human Appeal International (HAI). He took the opportunity to travel to Somalia to witness the devastation first-hand and implement some projects to benefit the people of the famine. Furqan shares his personal experiences with us from Somalia.

Inside Mogadishu, Worlds Apart
I returned last week from a humanitarian trip with Human Appeal International to the famine struck area of Mogadishu in Somalia. It was certainly an experience I’ll never forget. I spent a week witnessing things from a different perspective, a week reflecting on how fortunate we are in Britain to have those simple things we take for granted. It was a week of learning to always give more than you receive.

My first impression of Somalia was one of a broken world, one without order where chaos prevails above all other things. I spent the first day in Nairobi before visiting orphanages. I thought I’d use my time in Nairobi to gain an understanding of what life in East Africa was actually like. I hoped this would help me cope with seeing the devastation that I expected Somalia.

Arriving in Mogadishu the next day, I felt like I had entered a different world. It was surreal. The airport looked like a shelter home and the tight security all round made me feel very nervous. Even as we were at the entry office one of the questions on the standard visa form read, “what weapons have you brought with you?” Reading that made me realise that this was not a place not for the faint hearted.

As we headed to our secure residence for the week, I saw that there wasn’t a single built-structure that was not crumbling. I couldn't call any of these buildings 'homes'. It felt like we were in a war-zone and this was before we even went to visit any of the famine victims.

Meeting Refugees And Orphans
The next few days were spent visiting refugee camps and a local hospital so we could identify which areas on the ground aid was still not reaching. I got to see first-hand how the famine had devastated so many families.


As we went visiting from tent to tent with our local team there from Human Appeal International, we were able to communicate with some of the families. Real families, real people who all had a common story.

These families had all walked for weeks to get to the refugee camp in the hope that aid would be there but found nothing more than other desperate people.

I heard how incredibly difficult life could be and was for people. I remember meeting a young mother who gave birth to a boy only three weeks ago but was barely able to look after herself because of her weakness. The young baby was in a critical state. It could easily be the case that these two human beings are no more but this was the case right across refugee camps in Mogadishu, just to give a glimpse of the scale of disaster.

After visiting three refugee camps around Mogadishu and seeing and feeling what it was like for the poor and needy, we had a chance to visit one of the local hospitals to see what sort of assistance doctors were trying to provide.

Unfortunately the scenes were not much different at the hospital. As soon as we arrived we saw a young boy getting treated outside the hospital for lack of clean water as there was insufficient space inside. There were so many victims all in distress with their families but the sad thing was to see so few doctors on hand, all of whom were being stretched to their limits in the first place. Most of the hospital was filled with crying young babies suffering from waterborne diseases, which have little or no cure.

Savings Lives, One At A Time
After identifying the areas where aid was not being reached, I and the team set about initiating food distribution points, mobile medical clinics and water distribution to the camps. This was perhaps the most satisfying part of the trip – to help all those that you saw on the ground by providing them with food packages that would help their families for a month at a time.

But the sad reality was that we were only just scratching the surface. There is a vast amount of people that are suffering and still need help.


I witnessed the bittersweet reactions in the faces of families who were relieved to see help coming in the form of food and water but then realising that this might be the only help they’ll receive in months.

Even with the mobile medical clinic I saw how families valued getting the correct treatment and medicine to help with all the illnesses. They queued for miles just to see a doctor in the hope that they might be cured.

In a country where there is so much despair and misery we managed to visit the University of Mogadishu, which surely is a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty for the Somalian people. There are two opposing regions in Somalia which is the reason why it is in so much ruin. One side is a desert from the recent famine that has affected most of Somalia, but the other side has a total lack of infrastructure and poor leadership from those in control of the country.

These two destructive forced have combined in a devastating way and now a time of misery has fallen upon the people of smiles. But for the country to prosper in years to come and for the people to live a better a life, Somalia has to produce effective citizenry. I believe education is the key in building the country’s next generation of leaders.

The University of Mogadishu has a massive role to play in shaping the country by producing well-grounded students who will go on to help provide that infrastructure, and help build a country where peace can be achieved sooner rather than later.

A Future Of Hope For Somalia
Whilst out on the trip with Human Appeal International I managed to spend some time with renowned Muslim speaker and educator Dr Hany El-Banna, the founder of Islamic Relief. Dr Hany was busy organising a conference, bringing together Muslim charities and local NGOs to help improve the situation in Somalia through his role as chairman of Muslim Charities Forum.

Dr Hany has always been an inspiration to me, so getting the opportunity to work with him was a real honour, not to mention a huge learning curve. Watch Dr Hany's video message from Mogadishu.



The best part was seeing him in his element when he was with the children. When we finished Friday prayers I remember he started to make animal noises to communicate with the children and they all smiled and replied back with the same animal noises.

In a matter of seconds there were hundreds of young children gathering around this great man, Dr Hany El-Banna, as he built that special connection with the forgotten children of Somalia.

Prayers And Rain
All in all, visiting Somalia was truly an experience of a lifetime. Having reflected for a week since I’ve been back, the memories of the faces of desperation I saw still live within me. Much more can be done. It should be done.

One thing I have learnt is to be grateful for what I have in life and to never complain if something doesn’t quite go my way. There are people living in so much more difficulty than me – how do I have a right to complain?

I will never forget the stories; the mother who lost her children walking to the refugee camps, the father who had to sacrifice some of his children in order to provide for the other few.


And there took place a rain prayer where I was blessed to be part of a 10,000 gathering who all prayed for rain. The next morning through God’s mercy, rain descended upon the people of Mogadishu. Alhamdulillah, all praise be to God.

These memories shall stay with me for as long as I shall live and will continue to inspire me for years to come. As I reflect back I still wonder about Somalia's plight and the constant hardship its people experience. I do have hope though. Yes, the task is enormous, yes we still have a lot of work to do here in the UK but I firmly believe that if we all play our part, make enough effort through our donations to Human Appeal International, and with our prayers, then prosperity and peace will eventually come to the people of Somalia. Insha'Allah, God willing.

Do your part, donate to feed a family in Africa for a month. Please.

Read more at the {Human Appeal International blog}

By Furqan Naeem, British Muslim student activist and humanitarian.








More inspiring activists:
Asda Customers Help Muslim Aid Raise £11k For Africa
Eleven Lessons From Nelson Mandela
Another Letter From The Muslimness Orphan In Mozambique
Chicago Muslims Help Somalia During Ramadan

Hey, you! What are you doing on the 24th September? Nothing? - Then spend a day with Orphans In Need!

Supported by the socially active Rochdale Dawah Centre in north England, next Saturday is all about the women and children. And it's for women and children!

Spend a day learning about the world's people who don't make the evening news. Show your little ones how children their age don't have providing parents and feel very alone.  Bring your families and bring your pocket change as everything you spend goes towards sponsorships at Orphans In Need.

Come! Enjoy a variety of fun activities and stalls including a bouncy castle, halal food, freshly baked cakes and loads more!

Date: Saturday 24th Sept 2011
Time: 1pm - 4:30pm
Venue: Wardleworth Community Centre, South St, Rochdale, OL16 2EP.



Supported by: Rochdale Dawah Centre, Relish, Delhi sweets, Lancs & co.



More events coming your way:
Reclaiming London's Voice, Muslim Youth Helpline Host Poetry Slam
Study The Unseen - Jinn, Angels And Qadr - With AlKauthar's 'Out Of Sight'
Peace For Humanity Conference At Wembley Shows Islam's Mercy

What can't you get at a British supermarket? Service with a smile? Life-time guarantees? How about the goodwill to support a noble cause?

That is what shoppers at Asda superstores across the UK have been doing for the British charity Muslim Aid. During Ramadan, the 30 day Muslim month of fasting, Muslim Aid's Ramadan Campaign raised over £11,000 from customer donations, which will go towards tackling global poverty this Ramadan.

Community shopping
Muslim Aid volunteers visited Asda stores in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leicester and Nottingham in August during the month of fasting with community service on their to-do lists. The volunteers helped Asda customers pack their shopping and collected donations for the charity’s Ramadan campaign.

In the 15 Asda stores that took part in the programme, Muslim Aid volunteers spent one or two days at each store raising awareness about the work Muslim Aid does around the world, especially on-going emergencies such as the drought in the Horn of Africa.

Eid at Asda
To mark the end of the Ramadan campaign and celebrate Eid with customers, five Asda superstores in London and Birmingham also held special Eid parties on Saturday, 3rd September. Activities at the Asda Eid celebrations included face painting, henna artistes and special Eid gift boxes were given to all visiting children. Customers were also treated to special recitals by internationally renowned Islamic Nasheed singers group, Labbayk.

Sultan Ahmed from Muslim Aid said:

"We’re thankful to Asda customers and Asda colleagues for their support during Ramadan to raise money for disadvantaged communities around the world. Here in the UK we take for granted access to clean water, food and housing, whereas in many countries the basic necessities of life are simply not available or too costly to procure. Muslim Aid is committed to providing long-term sustainable solutions which help to alleviate poverty and Asda customers can be proud to have helped make a difference."

Where does the money go?
The £11,000 donated from customers will go towards providing life saving tools and food to alleviating the suffering of thousands of men, women and children affected by the droughts in East Africa. But now that the Ramadan campaign has ended, the poverty hasn't. Muslim Aid is continuing its fundraising efforts through developing sustainable solutions and national projects to help tackle the deepening crisis and restore stability.


More awesome social action:
Human Appeal's Gaza Water Purification Project
MUSLIMNESS Orphan Update: Vina From Mozambique Writes Back
The Enlightenment Diet: Can Fasting Save the World?
Our Favourite Muslim Charities

"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.

• Action Aid - "Ending poverty, together." Read aboutVina, our sponsored orphan.
• Families Relief - "Empowering and strengthening the global family."
• HHUGS - Supporting the families of Muslim detainees.
• Human Appeal International - Relieving suffering of social injustice and disasters
• InterPal - "Helping Palestinians in need."
• I INSPIRE Inc. - "We read bedtime stories to sick kids".
• Islamic Relief - Alleviating the world's poorest suffering.
• Mercy Mankind - Working for the poor, in mercy..
• Mercy USA - Supporting communities to become self-sufficient.
• Muslim Charities Forum - MCF Provided humanitarian aid to needy regions.
• Muslim Hands - British charity, helping those affected by disasters.
• UK Islamic Mission - African and Asian disaster relief.
• Ummah Welfare Trust - Working for international relief and development.

Get in touch:: contact@muslimness.com

Zaufishan

"A place with far too many roundabouts", is how Khadijah Safari describes her hometown Milton Keynes. With an English-Italian heritage, Khadijah moved to London eleven years ago which grounded her towards a stronger faith and established her women's only fitness class, Safari Kickboxing.

Khadijah is no ordinary Muslim woman. She is a professional Black Belt Muay Thai Instructor. In a MUSLIMNESS interview we ask Khadijah Safari why she dropped conventional female roles for a physically disciplined path.

What lead you to the realm of martial arts and what was your aim for it?
"As a teenager I was one of those who wanted to do everything. I used to wish for a 10-day week so that I could take up more hobbies. You name it, I did it; tap, ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, singing, piano, violin, lace making, sailing, and then came Taekwondo.

I was actually 18 when I took up Taekwondo but loved the whole idea of becoming a black belt. But at 19 I felt the need for something new and so I applied to London College to study Graphic Design & Advertising.

It was in my first few months that I searched for the nearest place (I was in Earls Court) where I could take up martial arts again. It was here that I found Muay Thai, and also the first time that I really felt like I was training hard, as I actually got to punch and kick pads unlike in Taekwondo where I'd spent so much time punching thin air. I couldn't walk for one week after my first Muay thai session, my muscles were in shock! That's when I knew this was the Martial Art for me!"

For those not aware of the martial arts culture, what is Muay Thai? Who is it for? Is it difficult? 
"Muay Thai is an ancient martial art, originating in Thailand believed pre 1200's. It was developed to help defend against perpetual invasions from neighbouring countries, when the only weapons available were short range, such as spears, pikes and clubs. Instead of pads (like we use now) they would train kicking banana trees.

Muay Thai uses the 8 limbs of the body, fists, elbows, knees and shins.

Wearing boxing gloves was only brought into Muay Thai in the late 1920's. The sport is now recognised world wide, and was calmed down when it reached America, where they removed the elbow, knee's and low kicks and released the more commonly known Kickboxing."

After muscle pangs and kickboxing shocks, are there any health benefits to Muay Thai?
"Muay Thai is for anyone wanting to get ultra fit, stay in shape, tone up and learn how to defend themselves. It's fast, technical and super effective. Muay Thai possibly provides the best work out from any sport that you could find. We have athletes who have completed marathons and triathalons come to take classes with us at Safari Kickboxing, and they leave the class sweating, claiming it was the most intense workout they've ever experienced! Imagine, you're using every single muscle in your body in every single move you make. (Don't worry if you're a beginner, you'll be built up slowly)."

That sounds intense. Can anyone join Safari Kickboxing classes?
"I run 9 sessions a week at my gym in London, each class is different, here are a few examples:

Traditional Muay Thai - focuses on the technique and moves used in Muay Thai, learning swift attacks at the same time how to block attacks. This class also combines toning, conditioning and proves successful as a full body workout, letting all sisters find muscles in their body they didn't even know exist!

Cardio Killer - the name describes it exactly as it is. So far, with no exception, I believe this is the most intense workout in London. Perfect for ladies wanting to burn off those excess calories, get in tip top shape and really increase fitness level. It features a 'circuit' and 'stations' and exercises designed for professional fighters to get fit, so you can imagine the results.

El-hamdulillah (praise is for God) I trained 7 ladies last year who were trying to conceive. They had been trying for a baby with no success, and with Allah's mercy after 6-8 weeks of training they actually conceived. As I noticed a pattern I asked a doctor about this (also a client of mine) who informed me that with the intensity of the workout it was very likely that a rigorous workout kick started the body back into action and increased fertility weight.  With Allah's mercy, the more healthy you are. the more capable your body is to deal with pregnancy and child birth. Not to mention getting back into shape afterwards.

MMA - Mixed Martial Arts - I opened up the heavier MMA course just last month, thinking that maybe it's a bit too full on for ladies, what with having to pin each other down while trying to get each other to tap 3 times to give up... Oh how I judged wrong! Within 1 hour of me announcing the ladies only MMA course it was fully booked! MashaAllah (as God wished) I couldn't believe so many sisters were keen to get in with the heavy stuff.  We do insist on no punching to the face, but you'd have to see to believe, these sisters are fearless!

Self Defense - I actually combine these sessions with Muay Thai classes. The beauty with self Defense, Muay Thai and MMA is that it doesn't matter what the size of the person is attacking you, there are ways to take that person down. Certain parts of the body do not bend certain directions, it doesn't matter how strong your muscles are. This really helps to improve confidence amongst sisters. We learn how to defend against general attacks as well as gun and knife disarming. This is very important.

And the most famous: 8 week beginners course - I didn't realise how popular this would be, as it really gives a great insight into Muay thai, is an excellent work out and allows sisters to train comfortably knowing the everyone else is in the same position as them, starting from scratch."

Phenomenal. With such results Safari Kickboxing ought to request endorsement from fertility clinics. We are all cautious of homegrown dangers and aspire to defend ourselves from any attack. What other reasons do you find women choose to train?
"I run classes suitable for women of all ages and backgrounds. My youngest student is aged 3 and my oldest 65. MashaAllah you would not like to try and steal her bag!

Sisters train for many different reasons. I have ladies who wear niqab (a veil). who face weekly attacks in their area, to sisters who travel to Gaza by Flotilla and are faced with weapon attacks and want to learn how to protect themselves.

Many women simply look to losing weight and letting off some steam."


MUSLIMNESS viewers would be keen to know how your daily routine pans out. So, what would life in a week of Safari be like?
"A week in the life of me is pretty hectic, but ultra rewarding. During the week I have private clients starting at 6:30am going through until 10am when I run a morning class aimed at mothers who have just dropped the little ones off to school.

My breaks come during the day when most people are busy and classes start again from 4:30pm until 9:30pm.

On the days when my husband teaches the mens only classes I get a minute to catch up on vital things such as housework. But I also fit in some home visits for evening clients."



And life as a kickboxing wife?
"When I do have my free time you'll either catch me spending time with my wonderful husband mashaAllah over a coffee or lunch or you'll find us both in the gym with our boxing gloves on throwing punches and kicks at each other - its the solution to a stress free relationship, we love it!
Ask me if I'd prefer to be a sit at home housewife, the answer would be a firm NO WAY!

I love being able to offer something to our sisters and community, there's so little available strictly for women only and I wish I could do more to open more locations so women can keep fit and learn self-defense. Trust me, I've been looking for something for myself and I can't find anything similar to our classes."

Many people would oppose Muslim women in self-defense classes. Is there a place for martial arts in Muslim communities?
"Before opening our centre, the first thing we did was visit a mosque to speak to an Imam about the Islamic view on martial arts. We were informed that it is haram (prohibited) to punch someone to their face and to fight for money in competitions - gambling - for entertainment purposes.

However, it is a Sunnah (prophetic tradition) for us to know how to defend ourselves, keep fit and healthy and to unite our community together. At the same time studying self-defense has given an amazing insight to non-Muslim ladies to learn about what Muslim women are all about. The word 'oppressed' gets shattered within minutes. El-hamdulillah we even had a lady who reverted to Islam and in the coming days I will be taking a young girl to an Islamic exhibition after she expressed interest in a discussion with Muslim women over incorrect Islamic presumptions. It's a great opportunity to get the chance to show people the truth without saying a word."

Historically, self-training is an intrinsic part of the Islamic lifestyle. However, Muslim women have not always been at the forefront of such training.  How do you motivate yourself to be efficiently disciplined and balance life as a working Muslim woman?
"I get such pleasure from passing on my knowledge of training to others, that I never feel like I have to forcibly discipline myself in training in this area. It's a complete joy. At the same time I learn so much from all of my students in areas of Islam every week; there are so many sisters from different backgrounds, different cultures and different languages, yet this one religion unites us all.

I reverted to Islam two years ago so I feel like I can never get enough knowledge about our religion. When we train, I make sure everyone's training hard, there's no excuse. And when the Adhan calls from prayer, the prayer mats are there ready.

When the classes are finished my husband is waiting so I get to honour all the wonderful duties a wife has. When it comes to a Friday it doesn't matter how much you ask me to teach you, it's a firm no. That's my day for Mosque."

What 3 pieces of advice would you give to Muslim women aspiring towards martial arts?
"1. Do your research -- Make sure that you know about the martial art you are looking to do and make sure that it's what you're looking for. So many people have launched new named martial arts, but you're best to go to an original form, and check what's involved first and whether you're able to use it in self defense.

2. Check the instructor, the location and it's teaching -- as a Muslim lady you will be looking for a female only class. Although there are many 'women's only' classes available, often you find that they are taught by men, or that men are present. You then need to check that you will be taught technique and not just put in a ring to fight (known as sparring).  So check that they will be happy with your religious needs and not push you to do anything that you may feel uncomfortable with (e.g bowing to the instructor, training with music, attacking directly to the face)

3. Have Fun! -- Learning Martial Arts is super fun. It's high impact, you burn excess calories and you get to work out all of those muscles you forgot existed. But make sure that you take a bottle of water with you and please avoid eating 2 hours before training - you want to feel light when training, not like you're ready to have a little nap after a big meal.|

The 2012 Olympics will be the first time Muslim women are competing and women’s kickboxing is entering – do you see yourself in future competitions? 
"With regards to the 2012 Olympics, it's not really feasable for Muslims to participate in a Halal (Islamically permissible) way, as the rules will state that you can't wear head protection and that you may punch to the face by a means for entertainment purposes.

Personally I love to compete and fight, but I keep in within the restrictions of a women only environment. There is however a Muslim women's sporting event which is held once every 4 years. I am keen to try to enter kickboxing into this as the category doesn't exist at the moment. It's a Worldwide event so quite a big project to undertake. We are currently looking for funding to help organise and train women for this.

I'm currently involved with school visits, giving talks, demonstrations and allowing ladies to try it out for themselves. At Safari Kickboxing we are focusing on crime prevention and weapon disarming. Schools, Youth Clubs and Universities are the main areas to target. Recently we ran a free open day to help support the Elimination of Violence against women. There is so much to be done, with so little time."

Lastly, what’s in the future for Khadijah Safari the kickboxer?
"My dream is to be able to open a large sports centre in London, ideally with a swimming pool, to offer full services to sisters with complete segregation and assurance that they are free to do just as much as every other citizen here in the UK. Of course it would have to have a boxing ring and a fight cage. This way I could arrange professional fights in the right way.

I hate to see barriers, especially when some of the most dedicated and hard working students I have are sisters. The intention is there, but the facilities are not.

But one promise is that I will keep fighting as hard as I can to make it happen for our community. I fought for my black belt 6 days a week, 4 hours a day over one year and a half, because I was determined to achieve it. It usually takes around 10 years. So my dream of opening a gym is not impossible, I just need Allah's will and some support from others and inshaAllah (God willing) we can make it happen.


Images: flickr, Khadijah Safari ©


For information on Khadijah Safari's classes go to: 


t | (UK) 07880 550011

More:
12-Steps for Sobriety, Strength And Sakoon
How Muslim Men Hit Their Wives, "Lightly"
Self Defence Classes for London
Imam Fights Street Crime With Mosque Fight Club

Here is a project to get seriously excited about. I INSPIRE Inc., lead by Spoken Word Poet Dasham Brookins, is a community organisation that's run on the sheer creativity of volunteers and a passionate need to improve our cultural understanding through action. MUSLIMNESS loves it. We think you will too.

What is I INSPIRE?
I Inspire is "Art Activism". We read bedtime stories to sick children. We hold art workshops for community harmony. We support artistic Muslims. We build interfaith bridges. We inspire creative Muslim women. And we motivate individuals to excel in whatever talent they have to inspire their community. It's an immense circle of hope and change.

How can YOU be part of I INSPIRE?
Our first campaign "611 by 6/11" is very simple. Our objective is to get 611 Facebook likes by 6/11. That means YOU simply click "LIKE" on the facebook.com/iinspireinc page and "share" it to your profile for your friends to see and also "LIKE".

Remember the MUSLIMNESS motto: Sharing Is Khairing.

Volunteering
If you are in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area, please get in touch with Dasham Brookins via Facebook {www.facebook.com/brotherdash} about inspiring action you could take.

"We Read Bedtime Stories to Sick Kids"

I Inspire, inc. is a U.S. based nonprofit that uses the arts to soothe hearts and motivate minds. Our signature program is "I Inspire Hearts™" where community volunteers read stories to children in hospitals using iPads. This aids in the mental and emotional health of children helping to make a rather antiseptic environment more warm and comforting to them.

Other programs will be launched in late 2011/early 2012 including "I Inspire Esteem™" for young girls and "I Inspire Bridges™" for interfaith and cultural understanding and collaborative change. Please click "LIKE" and help us help them."


I INSPIRE will be officially launched this June 2011. MUSLIMNESS would appreciate your support and "LIKE" towards this project. {www.facebook.com/iinspireinc}

May Allah reward you and bless you.

Dasham Brookins
Executive Director
I Inspire inc.
dash@iinspireinc.org

For more information: w| www.iinspireinc.org e| info@iinspireinc.org

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/iinspireinc
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"As part of the Muslim Youth Helpline ‘Dare to Hope’ campaign, bloggers have been encouraged to talk about “the issues women face in their daily lives and how strong these women are”. I am, by no means, ‘a blogger’ – I have a lot of respect for bloggers, they are a dedicated online community and I don’t waste nearly enough time on the internet to be counted as one among their ranks ; ) But I do think this topic is essential and was anxious to become involved - so et voila!

Habib Umar giving an impromptu talk at the Qarawiyyin Mosque, for The Fez Summit 2011 ©

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