I am new to this, can you help me?

By Mohamed Mohamed

When a new Muslim sister comes to Islam, we as Muslim all rejoice and so do the angel and animals on earth and the sky. The person is about to undergo so many changes from waking up in the middle of the night, eats, their social settings also; everything about their way of life is about to change.

The beauty of Islam is that Allah does not expect you to go through radical changes and nor does the society if you’ve just turned to the rightly guided religion. No one denies you will face challenges and issues in all aspects but Allah has commanded Muslims to help those who are in need, and to make the transition as smooth as possible

Four years ago, I came across 2 twins who had just recently embraced Islam. I realised that their cousin was married to one of my uncles. At first, the communication between us was lacking as there was nothing in common with us, but as I went abroad to do my studies that I kept in close contact with both of them. I spoke to them about all matters of life and why they chose to embrace Islam, what has Islam given to them. They lived in Ipswich which I spent a month doing my medical attachment at the local hospital.

On Saturdays they attended Islamic classes for new Muslims. I was surprised at how well a positive message was emphasised during the class, which was made coherent and easy to understand. The number of convert Muslims that lived in that area was pretty impressive for a small city – Islam really is a growing religion.

I usually have a few questions when a new Muslim comes to Islam. How will they cope? What is their impression of Islam? What support do they get from the Muslim community? Are their family angry and have they abandoned them?

When one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW was tortured and beaten because he refused to take any other deity of worship other than Allah, upon his release the people around him gave him so much support and love. When someone says I want to talk to you, they have chosen you specifically because they think that you might be able to help them maybe they want your support and help because you’re a good listen. So are we doing enough to helping the new Muslims?

Can you help a revert Muslim sister? Donate to Solace via Zakat House today.

Doesn’t exist? Yeah right

By Mohamed Mohamed

Domestic violence exists in all quarters of our society. This is not to say domestic violence is a Muslim problem. In England domestic violence takes place every 2 minutes. Unfortunately men are also victims, the majority are women. To those of us who know Islam and the Quran, violence against women is against the teachings of Islam that we look at those who use our religion against us as misguided, misinformed or malicious.

Many sisters who come together and talk about their problems they are facing, often find they are not able to articulate themselves properly because the person listening doesn’t have enough experience to offer legal or emotional guidance or she is too shy to talk about it because she hasn’t built enough bridge of trust to talk about such personal issues.

Under no circumstances is violence against women encouraged or allowed in Islam. The holy Qur’an contains tens of verses extolling good treatment of women. The verse couldn’t be clearer that the relationship between men and women is to be one of kindness, mutual respect, and caring. Added to these verses is the inescapable fact that the Prophet vehemently disapproved of men hitting their wives, and that he never in his entire life hit any woman or child.

In his last sermon, Prophet Muhammad told us “O people, to be kind to women as you have rights over your wives, and they have rights over you.” He also said, “Treat your women well, and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers“. In a saying of the Prophet, he said, “The strong man is not the one who can use the force of physical strength, but the one who controls his anger” (Bukhari).

When I read stories in the newspapers about women being subject of domestic violence that even leads to them being mentally affected and scarred for life needing psychiatric help, it leaves a sour taste in the mouth and makes me think what the motive was? Was it greed, was it for power, was it pressure, and was it misunderstanding? Or could it be the fact that men feel a sense of insecurity and want to feel powerful so they subject women to mental and physical abuse. Or could it simply be he had a disagreement with his wife?

In any case we should have a zero tolerance approach against domestic violence whether it is against men, women or children.

All families should maintain open lines of communication between all of their members; by having regular family meetings where everyone is allowed to talk and convey themselves without any recriminations.

Marriage must be seen as a partnership, and marriage contracts should identify a vow to an abuse free and violence-free family. Extended families must bring to an end covering up mistreatment, abuse and violence in the name of “preserving the family honour”. Beyond all, the family, like the individual must keep Allah as its focal point.

This Ramadan, Zakat House is helping Nour DV fund-raise to raise awareness and stop domestic violence. You can donate to their project here.

The police and the community- partners in good time

Allah (SWT) tests us all in different ways, whether it’s through our accomplishments, children, wealth, our friends, our jobs, or our daily lives; we are getting tested to see if we are grateful servants. He said in the Quran ‘do men think that they will be left alone on saying, “We believe”, and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false’. (Quran Surah 29:2)

I would be lying if I said that I was not scared of the recent events that have taken place in the UK. The rioting has made every one stand up and take notice. These youths mean business when they go out burning people’s homes, cars, and businesses that people have spent a lifetime building. The events have been absolutely out of order, revolting, distasteful, and sad. For a true believer this is a test from Allah especially this Ramadan, to increase our good deeds.

These thoughts arise when such events occur – a person lives in fear, a person becomes shattered, traumatised and by losing everything they become unable to live as they did before. We saw the riot police doing everything within their limited powers to alleviate the situation, but it was too much for them. It was not until today when I have discovered the hard work the police put in. The National Association Muslim police have stood up and are counted for, and I am very proud of what they have done for the United Kingdom and especially in my city, London.

The NAMP have become an integral part of the community, they have earned their respect and rightly so. Being in the front line of combating the riot, shows what true bravery is all about. NAMP educate our youth, outreach in the community, become mentors to young people, helping them find their direction.

Where charity starts at home, is there a better way than to show your appreciation to the National Association of Police than helping them help our community. Allah (SWT) has given us the opportunity again with the current riots that has taken place to return back to him, and show we are true servants and we are of those who can help.

At Zakat House we feel very privileged to have the NAMP as our partner and we are asking you in this current situation to show your full generosity and support to them.

By Mohamed Mohamed

This Ramadan, at Zakat House, Zakat begins at home

By Mohammad Shakir

We have seen the plight of millions in East Africa affected by drought and famine. We remember that last Ramadan, Pakistan was besieged by floods leaving millions homeless.

Yes, international disasters are important and we should work hard to help them. But we can’t forget the many number of charities that are working on our doorstep here in the UK.

This Ramadan, Zakat House has selected five projects from five charities which work within England and Wales, within local communities helping people living here in the UK.

The five projects are:

Project 1 – Outside Line from Muslim Youth Helpline

Muslim Youth Helpline is working to reach out to 5,000 prisoners through Eid gifts containing support, information and advice (50% of the Muslim prison population)

They also want to raise awareness of their confidential helpline which prisoners can now call for free, enabling them to access practical and emotional support through a combination of listening and signposting.

Project 2 – Domestic violence support from Nour DV

Nour DV was launched in 2010 to help women that are affected by domestic violence. We will be raising funds to create a helpline for victims to gain guidance where they can receive emotional support.

Project 3 – School counsellor at Al–Noor Primary School

Al-Noor Primary School is a Muslim primary school based in east London. They are raising funds for a dedicated school counsellor that will help children with mental health difficulties.

Project 4 – Time to understand from the National Association of Muslim Police

We are working with the National Association of Muslim Police, who represents 2,000 members who work in police services around the UK to help increase understanding of Islam amongst different police services around the UK.

Project 5 – Coffee mornings for Muslim Revert Women – Solace

Solace is a support service for women who have reverted to Islam. We are fundraising to help them hold their coffee mornings where women can find support and a listening ear from volunteers.

These five projects help people within different communities around the UK. These causes are as important as those which are affecting people that are living abroad and must not be forgotten.

We will be focusing on them over the next few week and telling you all how they help communities in the UK.

Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say what is righteous or keep silent. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be kind to his neighbour. And whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be generous to his guest.”

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