We have the greatest pleasure in sharing Dawud Wharnsby's official tour in England of his latest creation, A Picnic of Poems, in Allah's Green Garden.

British organisation Muslim Youth Helpline are to host a poetry slam Eid festival at D'Gaf in Stratford.

The Muslim Youth Helpline is a volunteer ran support group, providing resources through e-mailing and personalised counselling for young people.

This 23rd September 2011, Muslim Youth Helpline will be hosting a unique 'Live Eid Slam', an evening of live music and entertainment that is open to all. The celebratory event is a fantastic boost to enjoy post-Eid with friends and help the socially active cause.

A poetry culture is growing in London and the Live Eid Slam is another momentous occasion to hear new young talent reclaiming their streets in whichever style they can. Entertainment will include creative expression through poetry, comedy, spoken word and singing.

How to get involved
The Live Eid Slam is being hosted at D'Gaf community hub, a new and exciting live performing arts venue in Stratford.

If you are a comedian, spoken-word artist, singer or poet, join the crew to perform at the Live Eid Smal. Email Samiya at:: samiya.rashid@myh.org.uk or call (UK) 0207 435 8171.

This event is supported by HalalGems and D’Gaf.

Book tickets
Tickets can be purchased online at {Muslim Youth Helpline}  or by calling 0207 435 8171.
Date: Friday 23rd September 2011

Venue: D’Gaf, 11 Leytonstone Road, Stratford, E15 1JA
Doors Open: 6.30pm 
Tickets: £20 (£25 on the door)

For more info: e | events@myh.org.uk 

The Canary Wharf Muslim Association and SoulCity Arts has organised a creative Eid celebration for a starlit London evening.

Iconic speakers for the evening begin with Mohammed Ali, graffiti artist behind 'Aerosol Arabic' and
comedy by 30Mosques blogger Aman Ali (USA).
Nasheeds will be performed by Canadian group Sound of Reason and a poetry session by David J (UK) will be followed by World renowned Hang Drum percussionist, Daniel Waples.

If that didn't get your taste buds tingling, the celebration will dedicate a session to fundraising, in Muslim tradition and be a great opportunity for networking with savvy artists. Oh, and hot halal canapés will be served.

Date: Friday 16th September 2011

Time: 6.15pm - 9.30pm

Venue: Clifford Chance Headquarters, 10 Upper Bank
Street, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5JJ


Price: 
£25 online until deadline after which prices increase £30
Deadline for booking: Friday 9th September *Limited spaces, book early

For more information and to book seats:  {www.wharfma.com}
t | 07980 556 772 / 07837 645 758
  e | eid@wharfma.com 


See more events this autumn.

More:
Link Love: The Art Of Integration by Peter Sanders
UK's First Ever Kuwaiti Pop Art Exhibition
Qur'an Calligraphy Show Opens In Madinah
Video: "SACRED" :: Mustafa Davis and Amir Sulaiman, Poetical Artists Praising Women

Prime Minister David Cameron has sent his best wishes to all Muslim communities in Britain and around the world at the start of the month of Ramadan.

Mr Cameron said Ramadan was a time to remind us of our duties and responsibilities and the importance of charity.

The PM said:

“To all Muslim communities in the United Kingdom and around the world, I send you my warmest wishes at this time of Ramadan.

“This is a time for Muslims all over the world to put aside thoughts of themselves, and think of others. The terrible scenes of famine and suffering in the Horn of Africa cry out to all of us. They remind us of our duties and responsibilities to those beyond our shores.

“The importance of charity at this time is clear and I am proud that many different communities in the United Kingdom continue to come together to support many thousands – indeed millions – in desperate need.

“As the holy month of Ramadan begins I wish you all peace and happiness.”

Image:: Number 10, flickr

Source {Number10.gov.uk}

More:
President Obama's Ramadan Message
Ramadan Mubarak From MUSLIMNESS
Video: Ramadan In London
Repentance In Ramadan - A Bountiful Blessing

Many young British Muslims – who comprise over 50 percent of the Muslim population in the United Kingdom – feel confronted by a world that objectifies and stereotypes them as anti-social or troublemakers who do not contribute to a productive society. In recent years, these youth have felt the need to rise up in response to these misjudgments and make their voices heard through engagement with others.

In 2009, I wrote a report, “Seen and Not Heard: Voices of Young British Muslims,” for the Policy Research Centre at the Islamic Foundation, which specializes in research, policy advice and training on issues related to British Muslims. The report explores some of the challenges young British Muslims face, how they feel about them, as well as the positive work in which they are involved.

From grassroots to national and international initiatives building relationships between faith communities, young British Muslims have been hard at work, contrary to what many of us might think. In recent years they have become active members of multi-faith initiatives like the Interfaith Youth Core, the Tony Blair Faith Foundation’s Faiths Act Fellows, and the Christian Muslim Forum of which Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is the patron.

Theater productions such as those by the MUJU Crew, which provides a platform for Muslim-Jewish collaboration through art, and the Khayaal Theatre Company in London, which brings together Muslims and non-Muslims for education-oriented theater, have raised the bar when it comes to creative ways of building interfaith relations in Britain. They aim to raise awareness and break down barriers among faith groups by helping people regard others first as human beings. Initiative such as these and other local programs instill not only a sense of creativity in participating youth but also a responsibility to go on and continue to foster interfaith understanding.

However, I find that a lot more needs to be done to build ties along faith and community lines before we can feel content about an integrated, vibrant future community and the proactive role that the British Muslim population can play. First, there is a great need for more innovative projects that young people in the U.K. – including Muslims – can become a part of. Projects like the ones described above demonstrate the kind of creativity that is often lacking in the interfaith world. For most young people, this is a hurdle that frequently prevents them from becoming a part of interfaith work.

Other projects – such as feeding the homeless as the Islamic Society of Britain has been doing, and Undergraduate ParliaMentors programs by the Three Faiths Forum, which equips the next generation of leaders with the skills, experiences and networks they need to advance leadership careers – provide youth with an instant reward: feeling useful and seeing the immediate results of their good work.

Young Muslims, like other youth, struggle with issues like low self-esteem, particularly given negative media attention surrounding their identity and faith community. 

But working collaboratively on these kinds of projects that benefit the larger community pulls like-minded youth together across faith lines and gives them a chance to explore their abilities, interpersonal skills and dynamism. Many of those who succeed in building bridges go on to become role models for others.

But I’ve found that there are two areas that are almost entirely inactive: the first is intra-faith dialogue, between different Muslim communities, something that is challenging for any faith community. The second is interfaith dialogue between Dharmic faith groups – in other words, Hindus and Sikhs – and Muslims.

In most places there is no dialogue between these faith groups, perhaps because the communities are very small. In places such as Leicester, which has significant groups of each of these faiths, interfaith dialogue between Muslims and Dharmic faith groups has been reasonably successful, but more needs to be done so that larger numbers in these communities will join. The potential success of interfaith in a place like Leicester lies in making this type of work attractive and meaningful for young people.

Youth have inherited community and faith dynamics, and with them lies the responsibility to create an environment in which different faith groups can work together to confront 21st century challenges like climate change and poverty. In this age of globalization, when news travels fast, many international events can test community ties. The question is: Will your community be able to pass that test, and what investments have you made to ensure it can?

Image:: flickr

Source {The Daily Star} published in collaboration with the Common Ground News Service (www.commongroundnews.org) | Sughra Ahmed

London’s Lahd Gallery – the city’s foremost venue for showcasing contemporary Middle Eastern and North African art - is hosting the UK’s first ever Kuwaiti Pop Art exhibition.

Running for six weeks from 27th May, ‘Pop Icons’ will be the first time contemporary art duo Hamad AlSaab and Ali Sultan have exhibited their work outside of the Middle East.

The exhibition will feature a rolling programme of its best pieces highlighting the breadth of the region’s talents and communities – often rejecting stereotypes and providing an eye-opening view into the lives and thoughts of people within Arabic countries.


A review exhibition will showcase artworks from Sudan, Kuwait, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates.

The collection includes images of iconic figures from Arabic history and culture presented in the universally recognizable Pop Art style, formed from film footage, magazine covers and historic materials from flea markets.

 “Pop Art has immortalised some of the most iconic celebrities in the world and is the perfect medium to portray some of the Arabic world’s own celebrities,” said 39 year old Hamad.  “There is a vast array of stars from movies, songs, musicals and theatre from around the Middle East and we have captured some of the most memorable for this collection.”

Ali, 29, added: “Pop Art is our way of expressing the emotions we associate with our region’s glamorous past, present and future and this collection uses celebrities to tell the fascinating story of the Middle East.”


About the artists

The first time contemporary art duo Hamad AlSaab and Ali Sultan have exhibited their work outside of the Middle East. ‘Pop Icons’ includes images of iconic figures from Arabic history and culture presented in the universally recognisable Pop Art style, formed from film footage, magazine covers and historic materials from flea markets.


Kuwaiti artist Shurooq Amin shines a light into the secret world of the Gulf’s society girls – contrasting the glamour and embellishment of their surroundings with the danger of their circumstances.




Sudan’s rich heritage and diverse culture are showcased through this collection of landscapes and portraits incorporating textures, line and shadow as well as layered works. The four artists reveal the inner spirit of Sudan and its people’s multicultural makeup.


With the surge in interest in Middle Eastern art, Lahd’s popular Rediscovering Sudan features a variety of works showcasing the country’s rich heritage and bold and experimental artistic style.

{See more exhibition photos from Lahd's Facebook page}


Three leading Turkish contemporary artists are featured in this collection which includes modern, humorous interpretations of Greek gods, images exploring human consciousness through the depiction of battle scenes and 4D Lenticular works showcasing social discourse.




Works from leading female artists in the region reveal a new perspective on women in the Gulf. Featuring photography, self-portraits and a multi-media installation, the exhibition forces people to rethink and question their understanding.


About Lahd Gallery
Founded in 2005 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to create a focal point for women artists from the Gulf, Lahd Gallery soon became a well known exhibition space on the contemporary art scene in the Middle East and has exhibited extensively throughout the Gulf and North African countries. In 2010, LahdGallery moved to its present location in London and has since become the foremost gallery promoting contemporary Middle Eastern art.




Admission to the exhibition is free and the gallery is located on 92 Heath Street, London NW3 1DP. {get directions}


For more info: w | www.lahdgallery.com   e | info@lahdgallery.com  
t | (UK) 0207 435 7323

Next month a 59-year-old mosque imam will appear before Bradford magistrates charged with ten counts of assault on children. Despite decades in this country, why haven't we managed to provide decent Qur'an lessons for our children?

I was taught Urdu at home but my younger brother and I were dispatched to a draughty mosque to learn Arabic so we could read the Qur'an as we should. It was terrifying anyway but then we were ordered to stand in a line with our hands outstretched. I watched in horror as the maulvi sahib came round with a cane, thwacking everyone.

I didn't understand why – nobody had done anything wrong. I lasted a week even though my dad had told the mosque leaders not to hit us. A girl who lived on our street told me she had her bum pinched by a young imam. Another imam beat a boy so badly his leg was broken. I spent another few weeks in a damp cellar with other girls rocking back and forth, while upstairs the boys also learned parrot fashion, then another mosque in a house and finally at the home of a kindly Pakistani woman.

When I was older I went into Waterstone's and saw a copy of the Qur'an in English. Mesmerised I took it home and read passages such as "Whoso is removed from the fire and is made to enter Paradise, he indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion." For the first time I saw lyricism and beauty.

But reading the Qur'an in English wasn't deemed "proper". We had to read it in Arabic even though we didn't understand the language. "You're not English," my mother would say scornfully. But I'm not Arab either. It's disheartening to think the Duchess of Cambridge probably knows more Arabic than me. On top of that whenever I placed it on the shelf in my room it would be removed and placed in the uppermost corner of the house where it was more "respectful". It literally felt out of reach.

When my son was born I assumed that times would have changed. Bradford is one of the most heavily populated Muslim cities in the country. But don't be fooled by the burqas and beards: there may be a lot of Muslims here but it is harder to find Islam.

When he was about seven or eight, we went to different mosques – or madrassas. "We have a strict 'no hitting' policy," said one imam as we toured the rooms. The children had no qualms, however, about hitting each other, while the teacher sat quivering in the corner.

At other mosques the imams didn't speak English. We had an imam come round the neighbourhood delivering lessons with all the speed and enthusiasm of someone delivering toxic pizzas. Eventually we found, through a friend of a friend, a mosque where the imams were young and British-born. They taught Arabic like Arabs, with beautiful pronunciation. At last, we sighed. They even had a computer suite and provided end-of-term reports. It was perfect.

There was no hand-shaking – obviously – but much hand-wringing when I saw that little girls were being brought to the mosque with their faces covered. Even the Taliban would balk at that, even in Afghanistan they wait until the girls have hit puberty before forcing them to cover up. "It's wrong," I told my mother, who replied, "Yes, but they have a computer suite and end-of-term reports!"

They also had a policy of not hitting children. But in the end my son was kicked out for having the wrong hairstyle and thus began another round of mosque-hunting. He now reads at the home of an elderly Pakistani gentleman. I wanted my son, now 15, to see his faith as a lifejacket, not a straitjacket, like we did.

I thought by now we'd have modern mosques where the third generation of British Muslims would learn about compassion and how to be fine, upstanding citizens, incorporating the best of British and Islamic values. But five decades on, the choice is between a mosque where the imam doesn't speak English and hits the children or one where they speak English but insist seven-year-old girls cover their faces. And frankly, that's no choice at all.

What is Living Islam?
Living Islam is a one of a kind 4-day camp festival that beats Glastonbury to the floor. It is unique in its vibrant and friendly (halal) Islamic atmosphere which promotes good community. its programme variety including iconic Muslims, workshops, scouts groups for children and oh so much more, means that Living Islam aspires to create an amazing family festival of faith, entertainment and spirituality.

Scouts Camp at Living Islam
One thousand children aged 6 to 12 will join our scouts programme at Living Islam. All so you have the opportunity to make the most of the programme while your kids have the time of their life.


This year MUSLIMNESS will be part of the Scouts team leaders insha'Allah. (*Disclaimer - MUSLIMNESS is fairly good with children.)

Family Entertainment
A great line-up of entertainers have been booked from nasheed artists to Muslim comedians.




Inspirational Speakers
Our speaker line up is almost complete: Learn from some of the leading minds in traditional learning and contemporary thought. Check out who's coming to Living Islam this year:
→ Imam Zaid Shakir, USA
→ Dr Heba Ezzat, Egypt
→ Dr Jamal Badawi, Canada
→ Shaykh Akram Mohammad Nadwi
→ Henrietta Szovati, UK
→ Professor Mohammd Farid Elshayyal, UK
And plenty more.

When is Living Islam? 
The Living Islam festival will be happening at the Lincolnshire Showground on 28th-31st July, 2011.

Who's coming?
We have a fantastic line up of activities, speakers, artists, scouts programmes, sports (think bungee jumping and archery). To make Living Islam a truly inspiring experience for all the family, you will see:
→ Zain Bhika, South Africa
→ Dawud Wharnsby, Canada
→ Maher Zain, Sweden
→ Hamza Fletcher, UK
→ Lincolnshire Cathedral Choir (tbc)
And many more!

Join in
If you would like to contribute to the Living Islam event financially, sponsor certain aspects of it, place an advert/announcement etc., or would like to volunteer your services and be part of the huge organising team, please contact us at: info@livingislam.org.uk.


A note from Jefferey Fauzi Beere, Living Islam Manager,
"Finally, I ask that you remember us in your du`a and pray for the success of this event. In the meantime, should you have any questions about the Living Islam 2011 event, please feel free to contact us or visit our website for more information at www.livingislam.org.uk."

Wa-salaam `alaykum,

For more info get in touch: 

Muslimness.com is British, Muslim, and brewed with a Yorkshire flavour

In February 2010 I, Zaufishan, was interviewed as a British Muslim designer and writer for Gazelle Media's 'Best Of British Islam' video series. I was particularly honoured to be included with the likes of renowned photographer Peter Sanders, women's campaigner Shaista Gohir, commemorated Indian soldiers from the world wars, and a multitude of regal iconic Muslims.

The Raid Of The Mongols


Understand this amazing part of history, learn the lessons from it and be inspired by the heroes of this time.

Facebook events page: 'The Raid Of The Mongols'

For more details & enrolment: www.alkauthar.org/ Courses


Got an event to promote? contact@muslimness.com

Got a similar event to promote? contact@muslimness.com

MUXLIM VIEWERS: Watch the trailer on {YouTube by SFAvfx}

Date: 19th Dec 2010
Venue: Ibis Hotel, 47 Lillie Road, Earls Court, London SW6 1UD {directions}
Time: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM - (gates open @ 11:30 AM)

For Tickets & Info please call: Brothers (+44) 07534394960 | Sisters  07940187867

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The event's Marketing manager recently lost his mother by the qadr (decree) of Allah - to Allah swt we belong, to Him we return. Please help promote this event with your networks on the organiser's behalf, and include his family in your du`a. Thank you.

Smoky Not Smudgy 2010 (Ladies only)

Date: 6 Nov 2010 | 

Time: 11:00:00 - 16:00:00

Islamic Society of Imperial College, London

Location: Sir Alexander Flemming Building {map}

Reserve your seat for the fashion show by e-mailing sns_2010@hotmail.co.uk. And check out the fanbase on the Facebook event page.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) “I and the guardian of an orphan will be in The Garden like these two (His index and middle finger together)” Sahih Bukhari

”A child will be born today who you’ll never meet. But something you do or choose not do will change their life forever!”


{MUXLIM VIEWERS: Watch FOSIS Ireland's Charity Week update here}

WHAT IS CHARITY WEEK?

Charity Week is a grass roots projects started in 2004 by a small team of London University students. The aim is to raise awareness amongst the youth and communities about the tragic state of orphans around the world. Over time, Charity Week has become an institution in its own right with its own dedicated team and a cumulative total of £1 Million+ collected over four years. Today CW takes place all across the UK, Ireland and even universities in France & Australia! Hopefully will start in Malaysia soon.


WHY ISLAMIC RELIEF?

• IR is a secular (non-missionary) charity that helps people of all races, cultures and background solely for the purpose of serving humanity.
• IR’s development programmes include: sustainable livelihoods, education, health & nutrition, orphans and child welfare, water & sanitation and emergency relief and disasters preparedness.
• IR is registered with the UK government’s Charity Commission – Registered Charity no. 328158
• IR has consultative status to the UN economic and social council.
• IR is a member of DEC (Disaster Emergency Committee alongside Concern, Oxfam, British Red Cross, Christian Aid and World Vision among others. The British government endorses DEC in times of natural disasters across the globe.
• IR is a signatory to code of conduct of International Red Cross & Red Crescent and other NGO’s in disaster relief.
• Member of BOND (British Overseas NGO’s Development).
• Member of Make Poverty History Global campaign.

CONTACT YOUR NEAREST CHARITY REP 2010 IN ISOCs =)
Facebook event: Charity Week, by FOSIS Ireland

Get involved by contacting us at: charityweek.ireland@fosis.org.uk

Charity Week (CW) is a student-run organisation dedicated to the welfare of orphan children.
www.onecharityweek.com - The Official Charity Week 2010 Trailer:


The idea behind Charity Week is simple; to unify in our efforts to help those in need by raising money and awareness for orphans across the world.

“Save yourself from the (Hell) Fire even with half a date (to be given in charity). And if you do not find a half date, then with a good pleasant word.” [Al-Bukhari]

Did you know...

-There are approximately 150 million orphans around the globe?
- 8% of all children worldwide are orphans?
- About 42,200 children are orphaned every day?
- About 10.6 million (8%) of all children will die of preventable causes before age five?
- 5.4% of all children will die before age one?

This is the sad reality of the poverty stricken nations around the globe whose people have barely anything to live upon.

Allah Most High says in the Qur’an, "So as for the orphans, do not oppress them, and as for beggars, do not berate them," (93:9-10) and the Almighty says, "Have you seen him who denies the deen? He is the one who harshly rebuffs the orphan and does not urge the feeding of the poor." (107:1-3)

One of the most notable attributes of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his companions was their generosity.

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab used to roam the cities of Madinah at night in search of people who were in need and in once instance, His son Abdullah would be seen earning riches in one day and borrowing a loan during another because he distributed his wealth among the needy. Ibn Umar also encouraged the feeding of poor people and often ate alongside orphans. He would also rebuke his children for neglecting the needy and treating the rich by saying to them 'You invite the rich and forsake the poor'!

Abu Bakar As-Saddique used to attend to a blind old lady on the outskirts of Madinah and give her provisions without her knowledge of who he was! Abdur Rahman Ibn Auf once gave his full caravan of goods to the needy upon hearing glad tidings, the caravan was so big that when it was approaching Madinah it looked as if it were a sand storm!

Hassan ibn Ali would give 100,000 dirhams to a single person and would say 'Fulfilling the need of my brother is dearer to me than a month in seclusion in the mosque (itikaf)'. His brother Hussain ibn Ali would not refuse any person that would ask for help at his doorstep.

Upon being called 'a sea of generosity' Abdullah ibn Jafar said:

'Verily, Allah has made me accustomed (to receiving bounty from him) and I have made the people accustomed (to receiving charity from me) and I am afraid that if I cut it off, it (i.e., Allah custom of giving me) will be cut off from me!'

The scholars and righteous individuals of the past would practice the common phrase
'A giving hand is better than a taking hand'.

Ibn 'Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The Muslim is the brother of the Muslim. He should not wrong him nor surrender him to his enemy. Allah will take care of the needs of anyone who takes care of the needs of his brother. On the Day of Rising Allah will dispel the anxiety of anyone who dispels the anxiety of another Muslim. On the Day of Rising Allah will veil anyone who veils another Muslim." [Agreed upon]

A common colloquial phrase goes like this 'You talk the talk, now walk the walk'. So don't just stand there! Get involved in helping the needy!

I finish off with this hadith, a man once came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as he wanted to give his pledge of allegiance but could give charity and participate in the struggle. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied '‘No sadaqah and no struggle! How can you then enter into Jannah?'' [Narrated by Al Hakim]


For futher details: {www.onecharityweek.com/}

Get involved by contacting us on charityweek.ireland@fosis.org.uk

Event details: Nov 2010, B'ham.
CLICK HERE TO ENROLL

An AlMaghrib event
@Qabeelat Fawz in the Midlands, UK

If you're a member of AlMaghrib, browse through the forums for further info.





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VACANCY FOR MULTI-SKILLED OPERATOR AT ISLAM CHANNEL (C. London)

The Islam Channel is looking for a skilled camera operator / multi skilled operator (MSO). Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Evening, weekend shifts and occasionally unsociable hours will be required from time to time. You would be responsible for all aspects of camera work including storage and maintenance.

Applicants with experience in MCR vision mixing sound and IT skills will be preferred, as will those with show reels. The applicant must be experienced in using Sony DSR 350/400/570s
cameras and Sony Z1/Z5s to a high standard. They should also be able to use Arri lights, filters, gels, radio mics, etc, whilst shooting on location and having lighting knowledge.

This role would suit someone who is flexible, open minded and hard working. Excellent communication skills and ability to work under pressure is essential.

To apply and for more details please e-mail your CV together
with a covering letter to hr@islamchannel.tv

Islam Channel.TV


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Check out what else is going on at the Ramadan Festival.


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