Comprehensiveness of Islamic Worship

The Islamic understanding of worship allows the whole of one’s life to be an act of worship, as long as the objective of that life is the pleasure of Allah, which is achieved by doing good and refrained from evil. This can be seen from the following:

[Source: Islamonline - Saudi Gazette]

Keeping Muslim Teens Muslim

18 Tips for Imams and Community Leaders

Perhaps in the Muslim world, Imams were simply the person who led prayers and on occasion dealt with the social problems of Muslims in his community, if ever. But being an Imam in the West is more than a full-time job.

"The Imam has to be like the Christian priest in that he must be a friend, a teacher, a counselor, a parent," says Waheed Mustapha, a youth advisor with the Muslim Youth of North America (MYNA) for the past 12 years. "I know that most Imams can't fill many of those roles. However, a good Imam should be able to call on other community members to work along with him."

When it comes to Muslim teens, an Imam must go way beyond occasionally leading them to prayer (when and if they come to the Mosque). The Imam has to be a role model for Muslim youth who inspires confidence and trust.

Here are a collection of suggestions from Imams, activists and Muslims who have grown up in the West for Imams on how they can help young Muslim teenagers, especially, maintain their Deen.

Tip #1: Conduct a survey by youth and for youth to get an accurate picture of the their concerns and needs in your community

Perhaps you have your ideas and opinions about who the youth in your community are and what they need. But that's all you have: ideas and opinions.

To get a more accurate picture, conduct a survey. Get a couple of the youth in the community, headed by a teenager or college student studying social sciences or statistics draft a list of questions about some of the following things:

1. How often they come to the Masjid per month?
2. Why many of their friends don't attend masjids?
3. What are five things they would do to increase youth participation in the mosque and the Muslim community in general?

Have the youth conduct the survey. Give them about a month, at least, to get all of the results in. Then have them compile the results.

Once you have the answers, organize a seminar at the mosque or a community center and have the teenagers involved in conducting the survey announce the results to the community.

Make this into an information and brainstorming session, where data is not just being presented, but it is used to come up with concrete ideas on how to get Muslim teens interested in Islam and the Muslim community again.

Tip #2: Find out how much of the budget is devoted to youth activities and needs

When was the last time the mosque spent money for a youth field trip? How much does it allocate for weekend Islamic school? Talk to the treasurer of the mosque or Islamic association to get this information. You may notice youth interest and participation is directly proportional to the budget allotted for youth activities.

Tip #3: Talk about relevant issues in Khutbas

One young Muslim explained to me his brain is usually somewhere else while the Imam is talking on Fridays because the topic is of little relevance or interest to him. Speaking about relevant issues, especially those in the news will grab their attention.

For example, if a high profile incident of racism takes place, use it as a starting point for a Khutba on race relations in Islam and how Muslims should deal with that.

Other possible topics are the Islamic perspective on peace, sexuality, proper relations between the genders, homosexuality, sex outside of marriage, husband-wife relations, lowering the gaze (especially in summer), avoiding watching Haram shows and programs on television (see www.soundvision.com for more ideas for topics).

Tip #4: Present Islam to them as you would to a non-Muslim

Youth who grow up in the West are often not as convinced as their parents are that Islam is the truth and the best way of life. They need to be convinced the way someone who is not Muslim needs to be convinced. Use this approach in Khutbas, lectures and one-one discussions where youth are present. Islam needs to be "sold" to the youth and this can be done by using the right "marketing tactics".

Tip #5: Learn to speak and public speak well in English

Any Imam who cares about Muslim youth staying Muslim in his community must become familiar with the local language. Take spoken and written English classes, since your Khutbas must be partly in English on Fridays to cater to the non-Arabic speaking crowd, and wholly in English on other occasions.

As well, read books or take courses on public speaking so you can convey the beauty of Islam as clearly as possible.

Tip #6: Call the youth up when there is good news

Did Jameela just finish at the top of her class? Did Hassan win the Most Valuable Player trophy for intramural basketball? Call them and give them your congratulations. You will be seen not just as the guy who preaches, but the Imam who cares about what goes on in teens' lives.

Tip #7: Call and visit when times are rough

Did Ahmed's mother just die? Or did Aneesah lose a friend to cancer? A simple phone call and visit for condolences though is not enough. Call every couple of days in this situation to offer support, encouragement, help and to indicate you're there for them.

Tip #8: Have the first ever Imam and parents vs. youth basketball game

It can also be baseball, hockey or cricket if that's what everyone likes to play. The point is not to beat the competition, but to have fun and build community spirit and youth confidence in the leadership. Have kids nine and under be "cheerleaders" for the different teams. Have this activity at least twice a month.

Tip #9: Be especially sensitive to young women's concerns

Narrow-minded and hateful of women is how some young Muslim women see Imams, much of it based on personal experience at mosques which have become "men's clubs" instead of places of worship for all Muslims in some communities.

If you want sisters, especially teenagers growing up in the West, to rekindle their love of Allah and Islam, as well as take part in the community, don't shun their attendance at the mosque, or them if they don't dress properly.

Be attuned to their needs. Appoint a teenage sister to be the representative of the young sisters' concerns and have her convey these issues to you regularly. As well, encourage them to set up activities for young sisters at the mosque, whether it is Halaqas, seminars or just a luncheon for sisters on Eid. Also, make sure to advise and guide those who seek to impose cultural limitations on women.

Tip #10: Keep the youth's secrets

No one, Imam or not, can expect to be trusted if he is confided in and then tells the youth's parents. All the confidence-building with the youth you were doing will fall apart if this happens and the youth finds out even once.

The only time parents should know about secrets the youth confides is if they are of a serious enough nature and the youth is adamant about taking the wrong step, even after you have talked to him or her several times (i.e. eloping, taking drugs, committing suicide).

Tip #11: Make five of the youth assistant Imams

Pick five of the teenagers who attend the Masjid most regularly for prayers and who have demonstrated involvement in the community to be your assistant Imams. They lead prayers when you are not there.

Then, amongst the five, choose the one who shows the most commitment to the knowledge and practice of Islam.

Arrange to have him sent to a Muslim country for Imam training and knowledge building for at least one year. Urge the local Muslim community, especially, to support this, since it is in their interest to have an Imam who knows Islam, leadership, and how to live as a Muslim in the West.

Tip #12: Appoint senior youth as board members of the mosque or Islamic association

Muslim youth of university age or older who have grown up in the West, and have maintained the practice of Islam are your allies in keeping young Muslims from leaving the Deen. Give them positions on the Board Of Trustees so they have a say in community matters and be a voice for the youth in the community.

Tip #13: Help the youth form their own group under the Masjid or Islamic association's umbrella

This group would be more of a peer group type of set up, organizing regular activities, both educational and social. This should be run by youth for youth. They can rely on the support and assistance of older members of the community, particularly the Imam.

There should however, be one or two trusted parental advisors involved with this group.

Tip #14: Establish a Muslim community or mosque website

Having a website is an excellent way of providing easy access to pertinent information about the community: mosque addresses, upcoming events, funeral arrangements, prayer times, bookstore information, etc.

The website is also the ideal project for a Muslim youth. Instead of getting one of the older mosque board members with a PhD. in computer science set it up, why not let a responsible youth take over? They'll have fun, learn about the community and instill a creativity to the website Br. PhD. may not have.

Include in this project a community directory. Set up a team of volunteers, of various ages and backgrounds, to look through the phone book and call all Muslim sounding names to ask if their names can be included.

Tip #15: Establish a parents' committee to monitor public schools

Did you just find out the public school a few blocks from the mosque is teaching grade five kids Muslims are terrorists woman haters? Or that they are starting a unit on family life which includes a favorable discussion on "homosexual families"?

Set up a committee of parents to monitor public school curriculum and developments. This committee must include parents whose kids attend public schools. One or two parents on the committee should also be involved in the school's Parent and Teachers' Association (PTA).

This committee will arrange for talks about Islam and Muslims to be given at the school by Muslims. For instance, before Ramadan, a parent can arrange a presentation in front of the school, or a Social Studies class to present what Ramadan is. When a high profile incident of terrorism where Muslims are the perpetrators takes place, this committee arranges a talk on Islam and Terrorism.

They will also provide the school with general information about Islam and "lobby" on behalf of the concerns of Muslim parents and of course teens and kids.

Tip #16: Make Dua in congregation

After Juma or on other occasions, make Dua in congregation, and especially, ask for Allah to protect our young people and teenagers, to make the strong in Islam and a part of the community. This is especially important on Eid, when even less practicing Muslims attend prayers. Mentioning them in the Dua will get their attention and indicate that someone cares.

Tip #17: Form social work task force

This task force of at least two to five people identifies, classifies and recommends the appropriate help needed for various members of the community. These committee members should ideally be paid for their service.

One example of how this would work is the following: you as the Imam get a call from a 14-year-old who wants to commit suicide due to severe depression and family problems.

While you can talk to the youth and show concern and understanding, it is clear he needs professional help. In this case, you can call on the social worker or counselor of your community and refer the case to him/her.

So ultimately it means the Imam is there for support, but can direct community members to the right place when expertise is necessary.

Tip #18: Hold parenting seminars at the mosque

These seminars are meant to help parents and teenagers, since in the long run, it affects the whole family. Present parenting from the Islamic perspective, and make sure to present the teenagers' side of the story: what do they say about their parents, their needs, concerns, etc.

If you can't do it, get Muslims who have studied the topic and have the requisite Islamic knowledge, the experience as parents who have raised practicing Muslim kids in the West, and who can present this kind of information properly, to teach these seminars.

Islamic Parenting should also be included as a topic in a Halaqa you teach to adults.

25 Duas from the Holy Qur’an

(And when My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I respond to the dua (prayer) of every suppliant when they calleth on Me - Qur’an 2:186)

1. Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)

2. Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us help against those who reject faith. (2:250)

3. Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error. (2:286)

4. Our Lord! Lay not upon us such a burden as You did lay upon those before us. (2:286)

5. Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear, grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us. You are our Protector. Help us against those who deny the truth. (2:286)

6. Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate from the truth after You have guided us, and bestow upon us mercy from Your grace. Verily You are the Giver of bounties without measure. (3:8)

7. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and the lack of moderation in our doings, and make firm our steps and succour us against those who deny the truth. (3:147)

8. Our Lord! Whomsoever You shall commit to the Fire, truly You have brought [him] to disgrace, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers (3:192)

9. Our Lord! Behold we have heard a voice calling us unto faith: "Believe in your Lord" and we have believed. (3:193)

10. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and efface our bad deeds and take our souls in the company of the righteous. (3:193)

11. Our Lord! And grant us that which you have promised to us by Your messengers and save us from shame on the Day of Judgment. Verily You never fail to fulfill Your promise. (3:194)

12. Our Lord! We have sinned against ourselves, and unless You grant us forgiveness and bestow Your mercy upon us, we shall most certainly be losers! (7:23)

13. Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty of evildoing. (7:47)

14. Our Lord! Lay open the truth between us and our people, for You are the best of all to lay open the truth. (7:89)

15. Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and make us die as those who have surrendered themselves unto You. (7:126)

16. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the Oppressors (evildoing folk), and save as by Your mercy from people who deny the truth (10:85-86)

17. Our Lord! You truly know all that we may hide [in our hearts] as well as all that we bring into the open, for nothing whatever, be it on earth or in Sky, remains hidden from Allah (14:38)

18. Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Your presence and dispose of our affairs for us in the right way. (18:10)

19. Our Lord! Grant that our spouses and our offspring be a comfort to our eyes, and give us the grace to lead those who are conscious of You. (25:74)

20. Our Lord! You embrace all things within Your Grace and Knowledge, forgive those who repent and follow Your path, and ward off from them the punishment of Hell. (40:7)

21. Our Lord! Make them enter the Garden of Eden which You have promised to them, and to the righteous from among their fathers, their wives and their offspring, for verily You are alone the Almighty and the truly Wise. (40:8)

22. Our Lord! Relieve us of the torment, for we do really believe. (44:12)

23. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins as well as those of our Brothers  who proceeded us in faith and let not our hearts entertain any unworthy thoughts or feelings against [any of] those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness and Most Merciful (59:10)

24. Our Lord! In You we have placed our trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, for unto You is the end of all journeys. (60:4)

25. Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things. (66:8).

Health and Nutrition of the  Prophet (s.a.w):
Prophetic Sayings & Modern  "Discoveries"
By Karima Burns (MH, ND)

A tradition states, "There are no new ideas, just new people to discover them." It is, in fact, amazing to find how many "modern  discoveries" have already been written about in the Qur’an or  Hadith.

There are a number of words of advice and  nutritional habits of the Prophet (SAW) that have substantial  support in recent scientific literature. Among this advice is that  we should eat whole foods, we should combine foods properly, we  should eat foods in their seasons, and we should not drink with  meals.

In Sahih Bukhari, a number of examples can be found showing how carefully the Prophet combined foods. One hadith  relates, "A man from among the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH)  said, ‘The Prophet (SAW) forbade (mixing) unripe dates and dried  dates, and (mixing) raisins and dried dates. Aisha, Ummul Mu'minun,  related that, "The Apostle of Allah (SAW) used to eat melon with  fresh dates, and he used to say, ‘The heat of the one is broken by  the coolness of the other, and the coolness of the one by the heat  of the other.’ He was also said to have never combined fish and  milk.

Modern science supports these habits by informing us  that the combination of foods we eat and the order in which we eat  them are very important factors in health. "Recently," it has been  found that foods require different digestive processes in the body;  thus, they are most easily digested when combined properly. Modern  scientists say that improper food combinations can cause a person to  inadequately digest their food, which can create imbalances in PH  levels, improper absorption of nutrients, constipation or other  digestive troubles. Dr. Ted Morter, in Your Health... Your Choice,  advises us to not eat fresh fruit with any other food, even dried  fruit, since it is a pre-digested food that moves straight through  the stomach and into the intestines. When it is eaten with any other  food, it ferments itself and anything else that is in the  stomach.

The second advice given by Dr. Morter in his book is  that we should start each meal off with something raw. The reason is  that raw foods contain the enzymes we need to digest our food. His  third rule of food combining is to avoid mixing protein and  starches. We may eat starches with vegetables or vegetables with  meat, but we should do our best to avoid combining starches and  proteins. The reason is that proteins and starches require  completely different environments for digestion. Proteins need a  more acidic environment while carbohydrates and starches can be  digested much more quickly. When a person combines them, neither  food has the ideal environment. Furthermore, a protein meal takes up  to five hours for the body to digest so it should be the last meal  of the day when your body is not digesting other foods as  well.

Improper food combining will not cause a person  to become immediately sick, but it will prevent what they are eating  from being digested and utilized to the best of its ability, which  means they will need to eat more food to get additional  nutrients.

Modern allergists also advise against improper  food combining and tell us that many combinations can create  synergistic allergic reactions. In the book The Whole Way to Allergy  Relief and Prevention, Dr. Krohn advises us not to combine milk with  chocolate, mint, or fish; corn and bananas; beef and yeast; eggs and  apples; or cola and chocolate.

The hadith provide  numerous examples of the respect the Prophet had for the purity and  value of water, and relate that he did not drink while eating a  meal. Sahih Bukhari relates that, "The Apostle of Allah (SAW) came  out from the valley of a mountain... there were some dried dates on  a shield before us. We called him and he ate with us. He did not  touch water." Experts in the field of food combining inform us that  water impedes the digestive process in the stomach when eaten within  a half hour of a meal.

The Qur’an (2:168) advises us, "Ye  People, eat of what is on earth, lawful and wholesome." In the time  of the Prophet, the choices of food were simply related to whether a  food was halal or haram. However, in modern times we have many more  choices.

Many people have difficulty understanding what  "whole" foods are because so few people actually eat whole foods. As  few as two hundred years ago, everyone consumed whole foods because  they did not have processed foods as an option. In 1940, about 80%  of the nation consumed whole foods. Abram Hoffer, MD, and Morton  Walker, DPM, report in their book, Putting it all Together: The New  Orthomolecular Nutrition, that today, only 25% of the population  actually eat "whole foods." A whole food is merely a food that has  retained its original constituents. An apple is a whole food and  applesauce made from fresh apples at home in a grinder is a whole  food. However, applesauce ground and cooked by machines, and then  separated to create a better texture and supplemented with sugar and  color is not a whole food. Wheat Berries are a whole food;  therefore, flour made from pure ground wheat berries containing bran  is a whole food. Flour made by removing the bran and germ, and then  bleaching the final product (white flour) is not a whole  food.

Even some popular "health food" items fall into  the category of processed partial foods rather than whole foods.  This list includes rice cakes, granola bars, pretzels, turkey and  tofu hot dogs, whole grain cereals, and frozen juices. These so  called "health foods" are only a fraction more nutritious than their  mainstream processed counterparts.

It is important to eat  whole foods (grains, vegetables and fruits) because they contain all  the nutrients that we need to thrive as human beings in their  natural form. The more we change them from their original state, the  less benefit we get from them. With new vitamins and minerals being  discovered every year, it is increasingly obvious that Allah’s  "Mother Nature" is way ahead of us, and we are not qualified to  duplicate His process through our efforts to "enrich" processed  foods in laboratories. Bernard Jensen, in his book, Chemistry of Man  says, "Natural foods contain all the vitamins that have been and  will be discovered."

This apparent fact should make it  obvious that the only way we can guarantee we are getting all of our  nutrients is to get them from whole foods. Attempting to build our  health any other way is to merely make an educated guess.  Furthermore, it does not make sense to eat devitalized foods, and  then spend time and money buying vitamins and supplements, and  following various health programs. In fact, processed foods actually  have the ability to leech nutrients from the system. E. Cheraskin,  in his book Diet and Disease, reports that laboratory tests indicate  that processed foods do not have enough vitamins and minerals to  help in their own assimilation. Pasta, for instance, does not have  sufficient amounts of vitamins, enzymes or even fiber to aid in the  digestive process.

Manufacturers claim their products  contain high nutritious value, but they can only claim that by  adding synthetic vitamins and minerals that are not useful to the  human body to them. The elements that comprise organic minerals are  loosely held together so that when they enter the body, they can  easily be assimilated. However, the constituent parts of inorganic  minerals are held together by bonds that are so tight that the body  cannot easily break them apart; therefore, we rarely benefit from  their consumption.

The Qur’an (20:81) also advises us  to, "Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance,  but commit no excess therein." The Prophet himself was always known  to eat fruits and vegetables grown in the region in which he lived  and in season (Al-Akili, Medicine of the Prophet). Donald Lepore, a  nutritionist and author of the book The Ultimate Healing System, has  found in his allergy relief therapies that, "God did not permit  foods that are antagonistic to man’s existence to be grown in the  area of consumption." We can often avoid most of our problems by  simply eating foods that are grown nearby and in season. Bernard  Jensen, in his book Chemistry of Man, reports that unripe or  imported produce, often found in grocery stores, is lacking in  natural sodium among other things. Furthermore, he has found that  the chemistry of barley, for instance, warms the blood and is thus  appropriate for winter months, but is not as advisable as a regular  summer food unless there is a "cold" illness involved.

As you  read through Qur’an and the Hadith, and compare them to modern  scientific "discoveries," you will find again and again that  Qur’anic and Prophetic wisdoms are being rediscovered. This is,  perhaps, one of the best reasons to refer to Qur’an and the Hadith  as not only the starting point for all knowledge, but as a  "double-check" system for what we find in secular literature as  well.

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8 Things a Muslim can do to Counteract Stress

My Mission in Life

By Dr. Yahya  al-Yahya

Instead of living in hopes and fantasies, it is  better that you limit your mission and your hopes in this life, write them with  your hand and hang the paper in front of your office desk so that you read it  and return to it often.

* I will strive seeking the  pleasure of Allah first and foremost
* I will try to have self control and will be consistent  in all i do
* I will remember sincerity at all  times
* I will memorize the Book of  Allah in full
* I will increase my  knowledge of the Shari`ah
* I will  focus upon refinement of the heart and its cure
* I will develop my physical strength
* I will develop my emotional  strength
* I will go to the masjid  shortly before the Call to Prayer
* I will give charity every day
* I will seek reward from Allah for expenditures on my  family
* I will seek reward from  Allah for all my actions
* I will  achieve my success at home first
* I  will not bargain and compromise with my Deen
* I will consult others
* I will defend those who are absent
* I will listen to both sides before passing a judgment
* I will imagine myself to be in the  position of the person I am talking to, so I can feel and share his feelings.
* I will not take revenge for my own  sake
* I will not get angry for my  own sake
* I will not see for myself  a right over others
* I will always  be positive and constructive
* I  will plan an d write down my work for tomorrow
* I will listen twice as much as I speak
* I will desire success for others
* I will beware of errors and  benefit from them when I fall in them
* I will strive to be orderly and well-organized as a  person and in my work
* I will be  joyful, humorous and smiling
* I  will concentrate all my abilities and efforts on the task in my hands
* I will develop my skills
* I will accept and admit all my  shortcomings and weaknesses and will make every effort with a strong will and dedication to  overcome them
* I will maintain priorities in  all my duties
* I will not take  responsibility for what I am not responsible for, and I will not squander what I  am responsible for I will not blame the situation
* I will focus on what concerns me and concentrate on my  circle of influence
* My language: I  will try, I will make effort, I will learn, it is not impossible, there is  nothing to stop me (if Allah wills)
* I know that what  befalls me could not have missed me and what missed me could not have befallen  me; I will take my soul to account and be open with it; I view that retracting  from error is from one's self-confidence and will work on correcting my  errors.
* I do not imagine that  anyone is safe from harms of others, so I will save my energy and time from  busying with others and their talks (when it doesn't benefit me), and their talk  will not matter to me except what is beneficial or what deals with correction of  shortcomings.

India launches world's first education satellite

Millions of illiterate people in remote, rural India could soon have access to an education, as a satellite devoted exclusively to long distance learning was launched on Monday. India launched the $20m, 2-tonne EDUSAT from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

To date, India has used both of its multi-purpose INSAT satellites to provide long-distance education information alongside their telecommunications, broadcasting and weather-forecasting functions. But EDUSAT's dedicated function will substantially improve the service provided. It will use the virtual classroom concept to offer education to children in remote villages, quality higher education to students in areas without access to good technical institutes, adult literacy programmes and training modules for teachers.

The satellite can broadcast in relevant local languages. The educational programmes can be viewed on any television set through a simple low-cost receiver costing about $65. Once EDUSAT is fully operational, 25 to 30 satellite links will broadcast to about 5,000 remote terminals.

New Scientist - September 20, 2004
http://infonomics.nl/ref.php?nid=1926.

Listening Tips

Fight off distractions. Train yourself to listen carefully despite such external distractions as a ringing telephone, passersby, or outside noises. Focus on words, ideas, feelings, and the underlying intent of others.

Don't trust your memory. Take notes, when appropriate. However, keep your notes brief, because listening ability is impaired while you are writing. All you need to write down is something to jog your memory later so that you can recall the complete content of the message.

Use feedback. Constantly try to check your understanding of what you hear. Do not hear only what you want to hear. In addition, consistently check to see if the other person wants to comment or respond to what you have previously said.

Relax. When your prospect is speaking to you, try to put this individual at ease by creating a relaxed and accepting environment. Don't give the impression you want to jump right in and speak.

Listen attentively. Face others straight on, with uncrossed arms and legs, and lean slightly forward. Establish good eye contact. Nod affirmatively and use appropriate facial expressions when called for, but don't overdo it.

Create a positive listening environment. Try to ensure an atmosphere of privacy away from sources of distraction. Do not violate the other person's "personal space." Take great effort to make sure that the environment is conducive to effective listening.

Ask questions. Ask open-ended questions to allow others to express their feelings and thoughts. The effective use of questions shows them that you are interested and that you are listening, and it allows you to contribute to the conversation.
Be motivated to listen. Without the proper attitude, all the previous suggestions for effective listening are for naught. Try to keep in mind that there is no such thing as an uninteresting speaker--there are only disinterested listeners.

If you are really willing to learn how to listen it will take a lot of hard work to learn the skills, and constant practice to stay in shape. Remember that people feel relieved when they find someone who understands what they have to say. Once you truly understand others by actively listening to them, they will most likely reciprocate by listening to you and trying to understand your viewpoint. Isn't that what effective communications is all about?

Tips for Students

A Scientific Interpretation of References to Embryology in the Qur’an

By Mohd Shahid Malik
IDB Graduate from India
Smalik100@yahoo.com

Statements referring to human reproduction and development are scattered throughout the Qur’an. It is only recently that the scientific meaning of some of these verses has been appreciated fully. The long delay in interpreting these verses correctly resulted mainly from inaccurate translations and commentaries, and from a lack. of awareness of scientific knowledge.

Interest in explanations of the verses of the Qur’an is not new. People used to ask the Prophet Mohammad all sorts of questions about the meaning of verses referring to human reproduction. The apostles answers from the basis of the Hadith literature.

The translations of the verses from the Qur’an which are interpreted in this paper were from the Translation and commentaries by Abdullah Yusuf Ali.

"He makes you in the wombs of your mothers,
in stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness".
(Az - Zumur verse no.6)

We don't know when it was realized when human beings underwent development in the uterus (Womb), but the first known illustration of a foetus in the uterus was drawn by Leonardo de vinci in the 15th century. In the 2"d century A.B., Galen described the placenta and foetal membranes in his book "on the formation of the Foetus". Consequently, doctors in the 7th century A.D. likely knew that the human embryo developed in the uterus. It is unlikely that they knew that it developed in stages, even though Aristotle had described the stages of development of the chick embryo in the 4th century B.C. The realization that the human embryo develops in stages was not discussed and illustrated until the 15th century.

After the microscope was discovered in the 17th century by Leeuwenhook, descriptions were made of the early stages of the chick embryo. The stages of human embryos was not described until the 20th century. Streeter (1941) developed the first system of staging which has now been replaced by a more accurate system proposed by 0. RahiIly (1972).
"The three veils of darkness" may refer to

1. Anterior abdominal wall 2. Uterine wall 3. Amniochorionic membrane (Fig. 1) Although there are other interpretations of this statement, The one presented here seems the most logical from an embryological point of view.

1. The Anterior Abdominal Wall 2, Uterine Wall 3. Amniochorionic Membrane 

"Then we placed him as a drop in a place of rest"
(Al-Muminun verse no.13)

The drop or "nutfa" has been interpreted as the sperm OR spermatozoon, but a more meaningful interpretation would be the zygote which divides to form a blastocyst which is implanted in the uterus ("a place of rest"). This interpretation is supported by another verse of Qur’an, which states that " a human being is created from a mixed drop." The zygote forms by the union of a mixture of the sperm and the Ovum (" the mixed drop"). 

"Then we made the drop into a leech like structure."
(Al-Muminun verse. 14)

In the early part of the fourth week, the embryo is just visible to  the unaided eye because it is smaller than a kernel of wheat.

"Then of that leech like structure, we made a chewed lump".
(Al-Muminun verse. 14)

The Arabic word "mudgah" means "chewed substances or chewed lump". Toward the end of the fourth week, the human embryo looks some what like a chewed lump of flesh (Fig.3) The chewed appearance, results from the so mites which resemble teeth marks. The so mites represent the beginnings OR primordial of the vertebrae.

"Then we made out of the chewed lump, bones and clothes
the bones in flesh" (AI- Muminun versa no. 14) 

This continuation of surah indicates that out of the chewed lump stage, bones and muscles form. This is in accordance with embryological development. First the bones form as cartilage models and then the muscles (flesh) develop around them from the somatic mesoderm.

"Then we developed out of it another creature".
(AI-Muminun verse 14)

It implies that the bones and muscles result in the formation of another creature. This may refer to the human like embryo that forms by the end of the eight-week. At this stage it has distinctive human characteristics and possesses the primordia of all the internal and external organs and parts. After the eight week, the human embryo is called a foetus. This may be the new creature to which the verse refers.

"And he gave you hearing and sight and feeling and
understanding" (Az-Zummur verse 9) 

It indicates that the special sense of hearing, seeing and feeling develop in this order, which is true. The primordia of internal ears appear before the beginning of the eyes, and the brain (the site of understanding) differentiates last.

"Then out of a piece of chewed flesh, partly formed &
partly unformed." (AI-Hajj verse-5)

It seems to indicate that the embryo is composed of both differentiated and undifferentiated tissues. For example, when the cartilage bones are differentiated, the embryonic connective tissue or mesenchyme around them is undifferentiated. It later differentiates into the muscles and ligaments attached to the bones.

"And we cause whom we will to rest in the wombs for an
appointed terms". (Al-Hajj verse-5)

This next part of Surah Hajj-verse 5 seems to imply that God determined which embryos will remain in the uterus until full term. It is well known that many embryos abort, during the first month of development, and that only about 30% of zygotes that form, develop into foetuses that survive until birth. This verse has also been interpreted to mean that Allah (SWT) determines whether the embryo will develop into a boy or girl, and whether the child will be fair or ugly.

The interpretation of the verses in the Qur’an referring to human development would not have been possible in the 7th century A.D., or even a hundred years ago. We can interpret then now because the science of Modern Embryology affords us new under.-standing. Undoubtedly there are other verses in the Qur’an related to human development that will be understood in the future as our knowledge increases.

[Source: Newsletter of All India IDB Graduate Association - AIGA]

PRINCIPLE

When someone asks you how you feel, say, 'Terrific.' When they ask, 'How's Business?' reply, 'Excellent.'   Use big, powerful and inspiring words to describe your positive feelings. When you must tell about your negative feelings, use neutral words, not big negative words. You will become like what you say. It is better to stay quiet than speaking rubbish.

In support of the hijab

Representatives from 100 organizations attended the first ‘Assembly for the Protection of Hijab’ (also known as Prohijab) Conference on July 12.  Prohijab was formed in February 2004, after the French government legalised a ban against wearingof obviously religious symbols in state schools.  In the words of Prohijab Co-ordinator, Abeer Pharaon, it was initiated in response to what she termed "the worrying trend being witnessed across Europe in banning the hijabof Muslim girls" and their aim is to strive until "there isa real and apparent reversal in the current trend of banning the hijab."

The event, which took place at London’s City Hall, hosted by Mayor Ken Livingstone, marked the launch of the Prohijab Compaign.  Its vision, according the Compaign, is to lobby "nationally and internationally for the protection of every Muslim woman’s right to wear the hijab in accordance with her beliefs and for the protection of every woman’s right to dress as modestly and as comfortably as she pleases." The event was also supported by the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB).

Along with guests from countries such as France, Belgium, Germany and Tunisia, the Conference also boasted the presence of distinguished speakers, including Editor of Emel magazine, Sarah Joseph, Professor of Philosophy, College of Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Tariq Ramadan, Green Party Chair, Hugo Charlton, Mayor Ken Livingstone and keynote speaker, the prominent Shaykh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.

After an informative and rousing introduction by Abeer Pharaon in which she argued against the common belief that all Muslim women are oppressed, she said: "They think we are controlled by our husbands and fathers, I assure you we are not."

Sarah Joseph, who converted to Islam at the age of 16, concluded that the hijab was not worn due to "force or an element of pressure" but instead "from a sense of duty." Often using her own experiences as an example, she also stated that simply "to facilitate one woman’s choice by preventing another woman’s freedom to chooseis an Alice in Wonderland, Topsy Turvy solution."  "The scarf is just a scarf," she emphasised, "not a ball and chain."

Dr. Ramadan approached the compaign with a view that the hijab was an "act of faith at the end of spiritual and education understanding.  It is a goal not a beginning.  We are not taking it as a major teaching of Islam, it is not central to Islam, it is not an act of faith." He later explained that the sudden visibility of Muslims causes the French not to feel at home in their own country and are enacting a law "to protect themselves." He believes that Muslims are being used "as a ball in a very vicious ball game."

Ken Livingstone began his address by promising to "develop a European wide compaign for a woman’s right to chose" and reassuringly stated, "I am determined that London Muslims never face the same kindof restrictions that are faced in France."

Part of his speech was devoted to the defence of the Islamic scholar, Shaykh al-Qaradawi.  Having warmly welcomed him with an embrance, the Mayor said; "On behalf of the prople of London, I would like to apologise to the Shaykh for the outburst of xenophobia and hysteria in sections of themedia," and maintained that he preached tolerance and mutual understanding.  Livingstone concluded by extending an invitation to the Shaykh to attend the European Social Forum in October, saying "I would be honoured Shaykhif you would be our guest and take part."

Shaykh al-Qaradawi said that even though France is a society based on fraternity, equality and freedom, yet "the banning of the hijab infringes all three" stressing that the hijab "was not a religious symbol as it is usually called, but rather a divine order."  The Shaykh pointed out that it was not just Islam that encourages women to dress modestly, "Judaism and Christianity have similar traditions too".

(Source: The Muslim News - 30 July 2004)

My Personal Experience and Expression about Excellence Performance Award (EPA-1424H / 2003G)

By
Qadir A. Adelasoye [UNI/1997/034]
(IDB-Student selected from Southern Zone Nigeria)

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
All praises are due to Allah, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Nourisher and Sustainer of all Creatures. May the Peace and Blessing of Allah be on our noble and last Prophet Muhammad (swa), his family, his companions and all those who believe on him till the Day of Resurrection, Ameen!

The journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia began like a dream, but memories of the experience in the Kingdom now make it a reality. The winners from Nigeria, which include three undergraduates, a graduate and a father to one of the winners took off from Aminu Kano Airport at around 12.30pm on the 3rd day of Dhul-Qadahh 1424H. We had stopover at N’djamena and Addis Ababa and eventually touched down at the Jeddah International Airport at around 1.30am on the 4th day of of Dhul-Qadah. Though we were all exhausted from the long journey, the beauty called Jeddah kept us all on our toes as we all stayed glued to the beautiful landscape of the city as we were  driven to our hotel.

We had to sleep for about three hours only as we were to report early that morning at the IDB Headquarters. At IDB office, we were introduced to the IDB officials at the Scholarship Office and all the winners also introduced themselves. Br. Mamoon Al-Azami (Community Development Specialist at the Office of IDB Scholarship Program) then took us round the twin-tower building of the IDB Headquarters. The beauty of the IDB twin towers is better seen than imagined!

The 5th, 6th and 7th days of Dhul-Qadah were training days.  The course them was ‘Developing Community Leadership’. All the sessions were simple, comprehensive and interactive.  At the end of it all, I was really motivated by the aims and objectives of the IDB and was challenged by the various activities being carried out by IDB scholars, especially the graduates. Mixing with such brilliant was really a privilege. I would always remember, and I pray Allah (swt) to continue to make us the best in our society.

In the evening of the 7th Dhul-Qadah, we all left for Madinah together with Br. Saeed-uz-Zafar ( Post-Study Program Officer at the Office of Scholarship Program). And on the evening of the 8th, those of us from Nigeria and some Indian brothers had to leave for Makkah as our return flight was on 9th. We arrived Makkah some forty-five minutes before the Fajr prayer. We performed Umrah (al-Hamdolillah) and left for Jeddah after the Fajr Prayer.

Same day (9th Dhul-Qadah), we picked up our luggage at our hotel at in Jeddah and left for the airport. We took off at around 8pm and landed in Kano, Nigeria at 4am on the 10th Dhul-Qadah from where we all left for our different destinations, I had to travel 12 hours to Osogbo, Southern Nigeria.

Alhamdolillah, it was a rare privileged performing Umrah and meeting some of the best Muslims on the earth.

I would like to express my appreciation to the Honorary Students’ Counselor,  Southern Zone of Nigeria (Mallam Mahmud Jafar) for his assistance and advise and the CPO Secretary Alhaj Arzika. May Allah reward them abundantly. I am also indebted to Dr. Muhammad Hassan Salem, Br. Mamoon Al-Azami, Br. Saeed-uz-Zafar, Br. Adel Sindi (all officials of IDB Scholarship Office) and Br. Raju (hotel and catering service) and all IDB staff who made our stay in Saudi Arabia a comfortable and memorable one. May Allah continue to shower His blessings on them. Ameen!

OSP / IDB News

OFFICIAL MISSIONS

A.	Mission to Nigeria (31 August - 07 September 2004)
Dr. Mohd. Ghazali bin Md. Noor (Head of IDB Scholarship Office) has successfully concluded his official mission to Nigeria (31 August - 07 September 2004) where he accomplished the following tasks:
1.	Attended 50th Anniversary Celebration of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSS), the largest national youth organization of Nigeria, participated in its 3-day different programs and delivered a Good-will Message on behalf of the President, IDB.
2.	Attended 1-day Community Development Workshop in Abuja attended by around 100 IDB-students and graduates gathered from different cities of Nigeria (where they are studying or working).
3.	Visited Office of the Counterpart Organization (Islamic Education Trust, Minna, Niger State) and discussed with the Chairman of CPO (Br. Dr. Sheikh Lemu) and 3 Honorary Students’ Counselors (HSCs) on the implementation of IDB Scholarship Program in Nigeria,  especially selection of students, delay in students’ academic session, Guidance & Counseling and Post-Study activities.
4.	Paid courtesy visit to the senior officials of universities where IDB-students are studying
B.	Mission to India (10-16 September 2004)
Dr. Mohd. Ghazali bin Md. Noor (Head of IDB Scholarship Office) has also successfully concluded his official mission to India (10-16 September 2004), where he accomplished the following:
1.	Attended 3-day 7th Community Development Workshop (11-13 September at Raj Hans Hotel Haryana, India) participated by 100 selected IDB-sponsored students and graduates from all over India as well as all 12 Honorary Students’ Counselors and officials of Counterpart Organization. He conducted/leaded four separate sessions of Workshop on the theme: 1) Community Development Strategy: Concept and Components, 2) Making Decisions and Monitoring their Implementation, 3) Excellence in Science for Building the Ummah, and 4) Reviewing and Evaluating Achievements. He also delivered a Key-note speech in inauguration session of the Workshop and made a concluding remarks with distribution of certificates to the participants.
2.	Visited Office of the Counterpart Organization in Delhi, India (Students’ Islamic Trust), met the senior officials and discussed with them on the implementation of IDB Scholarship Program in India.
3.	Visited Central Office of All India IDB Graduate Association, in New Delhi and attended the ceremony of launching their website and health clinic.
4.	Attended a meeting of the Executive Committee members of Students Islamic Trust (Counterpart Organization) and Muslim Education Trust (IDB Education Trust) and discussed a proposal to implement some usual activities of the IDB independently by the CPO.
5.	Attended meetings of IDB-sponsored students and graduates in Hyderabad and Muslims’ Who’s Who in Bangalore arranged by the Honorary Students’ Counselors  and delivered brief but core value message to them - Muslims need to focus on its future.
C.	GUIDANCE & COUNSELING ACTIVITIES
1.	Educational Development Seminar (EDS)
Under the budget of 1425H approved for the Guidance and Counseling Activities, the IDB has approved 40 Education Development Seminars (EDS) in 24 countries with the total amount of US$ 35,000.00 (Bangladesh US$ 200, Bosnia US$ 300, Bulgaria US$ 300, China US$ 1,000 for 2 EDS, Ghana US$ 300, India US$ 12,000 for 12 EDS, Indonesia US$ 950, Jordan US$ 1,500, Liberia US$ 300, Macedonia US$ 400, Madagascar US$300, Malaysia US$ 1,000, Mauritius US$ 300, Mozambique US$ 300, Nepal US$ 150, Nigeria US$ 3,000 for 3 EDS, Pakistan US$ 2,500 for 2 EDS, Rwanda US$ 300, South Africa US$ 500, Sri Lanka US$ 900, Sudan US$ 1,000, Tunisia US$ 1,000 for 2 EDS, Turkey US$ 6,000 for 2 EDS, and Yemen US$ 500
2.	Excellence Performance Award (EPA-1425)
Announcement for Excellence Performance Award (EPA) for the year 1425 (2004/2005) has already been made and conveyed to all parties concerned (Counterpart Organizations, Honorary Students’ Counselors, IDB Education Trust, Contact Persons/Agencies and Graduate Associations). [Kindly see the full text of announcement and schedule of EPA-1425 on page No. 22 of this newsletter]
D.	POST STUDY ACTIVITIES
1.	Approval for Community Development Project (CDP-1425)
Under the total approved budget of US$ 20,000 for Post-Study Activities in 1425H, the IDB approved 19 projects submitted by the IDB Graduate Associations of 10 countries with the total amount of US$ 19,355 (1 project each for Philippines, South Africa, Cambodia, Thailand, Mauritius, Ghana, Nigeria, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India for 9 projects). Kindly note that these are the only projects submitted by the Graduate Associations and all are approved by the IDB.
2.	Congratulation to All India IDB Graduate Association (AIGA)
Very recently the All India IDB Graduate Association (AIGA) has launched its website (WWW.AIGA-VISION.ORG) to access and get in contact with its members as well as to share the information and experience with them.
3.	IDB Graduate Associations in India and Philippines start publishing Newsletter
Recently this Office has been reported, with a sample copy, by the IDB Graduate Associations in India and the Philippines that they have started publishing a separate quarterly Newsletter. The IDB Graduate Association (AIGA) has named its  newsletter with first issue for July-September 2004: AIGA Newsletter, and IDB Graduate Association in the Philippines has named its newsletter with first issue for April-June 2004: IGA-Philippines Journal.
CONGRATULATIONS!
4.	Feat for an IDB-Graduate from Afghanistan
Recently, this Office has been reported that one of the IDB-Graduates from Afghanistan (Dr. Farooq Wardag) has been entrusted by the Afghan government to lead the Election Commission of Afghanistan, which will very soon conduct the Presidential election there.
[Source: Br. Muhammad Haroon, an IDB graduate from Afghanistan, presently working as Service Advisor with TOYOTA Afghanistan Motors Limited Kabul]

Circulars to OSP Clients issued recently
(Please act urgently!)

Circular No. 9
Date: 8 September 2004

Attention:	The Counterpart Organizations (CPOs), Honorary Students Counselors (HSCs), Counterpart Students’ Guide (CSGs)/, Contact Points (CPs), University Contact Points (UCPs), IDB Education Trust (IETs), IDB Graduate Associations (IGAs), IDB Students’ Associations (ISAs)
Subject:	Announcement for the Excellent Performance Award (EPA-1425H) under the Guidance & Counseling and Post-Study Activities for the IDB-students & Graduates

Dear Brothers/Sisters,

Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh

As an annual  and regular exercise for the encouragement of IDB-sponsored students and graduates under the Guidance & Counseling and Post-Study Activities of the IDB Scholarship Programme, we are pleased to announce holding of the competition and selection of students and graduates for the Excellent Performance Award (EPA-1425) on the basis of criteria and quota fixed for beneficiary countries - attached herewith.

Refer our Circular (No. 3 dated 6.3.2004) seeking the most suitable time to cover the maximum number of beneficiary countries. After receiving replies (received reply from only 7 beneficiary countries) and reviewing the appropriate time suitable for students/graduates’ travel to Jeddah as well as to us for the academic Year 1425H (2004/2004), the IDB has decided the following schedule (a sheet with scheduled time and activities is attached herewith):

- Submission of Applications (from CPOs/HSCs/CPs to the IDB): 15 October
- Confirmation of selection (from OSP to CPOs/HSCs/CPs): 20 October
- Students’/Graduates’ Arrival (to Jeddah): 02-03 December
- Students’/Graduates’ Departure (from Jeddah): 08-09 December

You are therefore requested to kindly proceed with all processes IMMEDIATELY, i.e., announcement of the event followed by reviewing the applications, recommendation of candidates and submission to the IDB for further necessary action. [N.B.: Please send copies of students/graduates passports of rank/choice # 1 & 2 to avoid further delay in the process of submitting visa request].

Thank you for your kind cooperation and urgent action.

Regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Mohd. Ghazali bin Md. Noor
Head, Scholarship Office

Annual Excellent Performance Award (EPA) Competition

TRAVEL GUIDELINES for EPA COMPETITION WINNERS
[Saturday – Wednesday: 21-25 Shawwal 1425 / 4-8 December 2004]

1.	Local contact: Honorary Students' Counselor (HSC), Counterpart Students Guide (CSG), Counterpart Organisations (CPO), or Contact Points (CP) in the IDB member countries.
2.	IDB/OSP Contact:
a)	Br. Mamoon Al-Azami; (9662) 646-6736; Fax: 646-6887; Mobile: 966-5-890-4180; E-mail: aalazami@isdb.org (office-based) OR aalazami@yahoo.com (web-based)
b)	Br. Saeed-uz-Zafar Alam; 646-6842; Fax: 646-6887; Mobile: 966-50-871-1304; E-mail: salam@isdb.org
c)	IDB office timing - 7:30 am-3:30 pm (Saudi time); Sat-Wed each week. Thu/Fri closed.
3.	The TERMS of the Award:
A.	Application: All details and the Application Form will be available with the HSC/CPO/CP.
B.	Submission: Filled Application Form and papers should be submitted to the HSC/CPO/CP.
C.	Assessment: Assessment and marking will be given by the HSC/CPO/CP based on IDB rules.
D.	Selection: Final selection will be made by the IDB. There is no appeal against the decision.
E.	Visa: The Bank will seek to secure visit visa for the winners and forward to the CPO/HSC/CP.
F.	Guidance: A brief paper on performing Umrah and visit to Madina will be provided by the IDB.
G.	Duration: The visit is for up to 7 days including 3-day management course in the IDB HQ.
H.	Amount: Each winner will receive through CPO/HSC/CP, economy class return flight ticket. Allowances of US$ 350 will be paid on arrival at IDB.
I.	Expenses: The winners will have to meet all expenses for their stay from this allowance.
J.	Accommodation: The winners will stay in a hotel as a group. The IDB will assist in advance booking of a low cost suitable hotel in Jeddah after confirmation of arrival details.
K.	Transport: Travelling to Makkah and Madina will be by public transport. The Bank may try to assist in transportation between the Airport and hotel if times are known.
L.	IDB Management: Possible courtesy visit to the IDB management is subject to their availability.
M.	Communications: All contacts and coordination regarding the contest must be with the OSP.
N.	Behaviour: The IDB will decide appropriately about anyone found to be knowingly violating the Fard and Haram limits of Islam or showing unacceptable attitudes and behaviour.
2.	Personal Items to Bring:
A.	Dress: Sufficient presentable/formal clothing for the period of stay.
B.	Ihram: At least one pair of unseemed cloth as Ihram (if you wish to perform Umrah before going to Madinah, put it on well before arriving at Jeddah Airport, otherwise compensation will have to be paid in Makkah).
C.	Hygiene: Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, brush, razor, comb, powder, etc.).
D.	Camera: If you bring one, please note that taking pictures of the holy Ka’ba and the Prophet’s Mosque are not allowed. You may use it in permitted places.
E.	Alarm Clock: An alarm clock to wake you for Fajr prayer. Hotel can also wake you.
F.	Notebook: A notebook and a pen for writing your thoughts, feelings or ideas.
G.	Checklist: You may prepare a list of places to see and things to buy.
H.	Undergarments (socks, vests etc). The weather is hot up to September but cooler during November-January (25-35 Celsius). Bring a small face towel as well
I.	For further detail and to seek personal advise, you must contact and attend (if arranged) a brief meeting with CPO before departure to Jeddah
3.	Flight Details to Tell the IDB: MOST IMPORTANT