Ilma Magazine | Nov/Dec 2014 | Issue 10

Live, Learn & Inspire www.thedawahproject.com November/December 2014 / Issue 10

STIGMA OF

MENTAL HEALTH Part 1

The Culture of Bullying You Cannot Seperate the Message from the

Messenger

THE ART OF

CUPPING

ISLAM CHANNEL

Programmes

FOOD BITES

JAPANESE CUISINE

KNOWLEDGE FOR THE SOUL

“Be like a flower that gives its fragrance even to the hand that crushes it.”

Caliph Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA)

Management CEO: Mohamed Ali Harrath The Dawah Project Manager: Azma Gaffar

Editorial Team Managing Editor: Anjuma Choudhury Content Editor: Thoiba Choudhury Religious Content Editor: Raiyyan Clemenston Copy Editor: Aseel Saif Creative and Visual Director: Muhammad Abdulmateen Writers: Thoiba Choudhury, Aisha Ahmed, Nasrine Abirachid, Yasmin Khatun, Amna Mahmood, Aseel Saif Contributors: Misba Beg and Fatema Begum Special thanks to our readers, supporters and Islam Channel.

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CONTENTS Editorial: Stigma of Mental Health (Part 1)

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The Dawah Project

Reflection

By Yasmin Khatun

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36 18 12 Feeling Blue?

Mental Health Overview

By Thoiba Choudhury

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Caught up with the Hajj Crew 2014

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You Cannot Seperate the Message from the Messenger (pbuh)

By Aseel Saif

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An Interview on Dealing with Psychotic Depression

By Thoiba Choudhury

60 Get Involved Become a DP Representative

The Culture of Bullying

By Amna Mahmood

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26

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What have you got to be sad about?

By Nasrine Abdirachid

58 Islam Channel Programmes Showing in December 2014

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48

48 A Traveller’s

Guide: Japan

By Aisha Ahmed

44 Body, Mind Soul

The Art of Cupping

By Aisha Ahmed

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Food Bites: Japanese Cuisine

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Reminders: Supplications for a Peaceful Mind

By Aisha Ahmed

Editorial In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Compassionate.

Stigma of Mental Health: Part 1

Assalamu’ alaikum Dear Readers, The final edition of Ilma Magazine 2014 Issue 10 explores ‘Mental Health’, a matter that affects if not all, most of us either directly or indirectly. The word ‘stigma’ defines our current status quo of how people generally perceive Mental Health.

description and character. We also caught up with Islam Channel’s Hajj Crew and got their feedback on Hajj 2014, we give tips on how to help a depressed person, look at the benefits of Hijama (cupping) and explore some of the wonderful delights and cuisines of Japan.

Mental Health is a lengthy discourse and in Part 1, we identify the different emotional and physical illnesses faced by patients.

With a formal consent, we conducted an interview to explore the reality of depression sharing a person’s experiences on dealing with psychotic depression. We also explore the culture of bullying and how this behaviour affects the human psyche. The Mental Health topic will continue again in Issue 11: Part 2 where we go into more depth on issues including abuse, bereavement, post natal depression and financial hardship.

It has been an eventful year Alhamdulillah and we want to thank everyone for their continued support - CEO Mohamed Ali, staff at The Dawah Project and Islam Channel, hardworking volunteers, donors and supporters. It is with your generous contribution that we are able to fund the projects that we all believe in. It is an absolute privilege for The Dawah Project to reach people from all walks of life who are learning about Islam.

Please do not despair, there are some enlightening articles in this issue such as the description of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) where we discover wonderful knowledge about his physical

Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

May we continue with this mission for the sake of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala).

Keep on reading Ilma!

Jazakumullah Khair The Dawah Project Team

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Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

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By Yasmin Khatun Islam Channel Journalist & Producer

Reflection M

ental health is an aspect of our wellbeing we, far too often, end up ignoring, maybe because we cannot physically see the havoc that it wreaks, and maybe because sometimes we do not want to. It is only when the symptoms reach deadly peaks many of us are willing to pay attention and in reality we allow ourselves to do so because it is an illness that is not so easy to quantify.

Mental illness can cause the breakdown of relationships, families and most importantly oneself. Men, women, young and old, sometimes we are completely surprised by the people in our lives who can fall into such states of difficulty, so many of whom will not reach out and ask for support.

The financial crisis in the Western world and poverty in other regions may seem incomparable on the surface, but each individual faces their own demons. Pressures to fit in, pressures to be beautiful, pressures to be intellectual, pressures to make money; we cannot encompass the difficulties of another, but we can encompass the promise of Allah, the Exalted. It is on this note our readers should comprehend this issue, understanding that mental illness is a real and alive issue and not one we can bury. When you see people around you, whether you know them or not, be a cause for happiness and contribute to the wellbeing of others, society and yourself.

Follow Yasmin on Twitter

Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

@Yasm1K

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KNOWLEDGE FOR THE SOUL

“And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers.”

[Qur’an, Surah Adh-Dhāriyāt: The Winnowing Winds, 51:55]

The Dawah Project Who are we?

We live in a world that is diverse and globalised. As many communities progress technologically, The Dawah Project embraces these advancements, spreading Dawah at an international scale. We utilise Television, Radio and Digital Media promoting a better understanding of Islam and the Muslim way of life. It is our mission to provide comprehensive education about Islam for Muslims and non-Muslims.

Islam Channel - Religious Programming We live in a world that is dynamic and globalised. Just as many communities progress technologically, it is vital that we spread Dawah through the media - the most powerful form of mass communication.

Islam Channel is an English speaking channel, free to air and is broadcasting in over 136 countries - Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia. The Dawah Project sponsors the Religious Programmes on Islam Channel; assists in improving the current programmes and provides new programmes throughout the year. Viewers favourite programmes such as IslamiQA; Recite; Soul Search; Live Hajj broadcast; Live Arafah day and Footsteps of Ibraheem are all sponsored by our subscribers.

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Islam Channel is available on Sky 806 and can be viewed online via: www.islamchannel.tv and www.thedawahproject.com

Radio Campaign in Africa and Asia In countries where access to technology is expensive or illiteracy rates are high, radio continues to play an important role in sharing information. Radio broadcasts can provide realtime information, broadcasted 24 hours a day to provide the most recent updates to listeners.

Radio stations have the ability to reach across borders and become a source of information where reliable information is scarce. When access to the internet is blocked and phone lines are cut, people can still search the airwaves for trustworthy sources. Even electricity is not a necessity for battery-operated and hand-cranked radios.

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www.thedawahproject.com

The Radio Campaign was launched in 2011 and we are currently working in Africa where 47% of the population is Muslim and over 80% of Africans are tuning in every day listening to their local radio station, making it a crucial source of information.

Currently, The Dawah Project is working to set up analogue radio stations in Tunisia, Nigeria, Gambia, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Rwanda. We want to educate the diverse African community about Islam.

Ilma Magazine

The International Dawah Centre

Ilma Magazine provides reflective writings on various aspects of life attracting a diverse range of readers all over the World.

The International Dawah Centre campaign was introduced in April 2012. Our aim is to provide a centre for all people of different faiths to have a better understanding of Islam resulting in a more knowledgeable and harmonious international community.

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We are witnessing a digital revolution! More people have their own computer, laptop, iPad and smart phones. The digital industry is always developing. We took advantage of this phenomenon by producing an e-magazine called Ilma, which is released on a bi-monthly basis and is available at www.issuu.com- the fastest growing digital publisher.

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By Thoiba Choudhury

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Allah is the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate; Allah is the One who Sustains; it is He who Protects, Provides and Helps when in times of great difficulty.

D

epression. It is more than feeling a little blue. It is an illness that is still taboo. If you were to delve into the world of a person suffering from depression, what do you think it would be like and how do you think that person would feel?

Anxious, empty, hopeless, lonely and sad; these are some of the feelings a person suffering from depression will experience.

At this very moment in time, imagine you were left in the middle of a big, blue, dark ocean, stranded on a boat. Whether you imagine it to be Daniel Defoe’s castaway Robinson Crusoe or Yann Martel’s Pi Patel, it really is your choice. Right now in this moment you have been submerged by the ocean’s darkness with the night sky slowly edging in and simultaneously comes the harrowing winds and torrential rain. In the same way, a depressed person, metaphorically speaking is swallowed and submerged by darkness.

For a depressed person, it is a state in which a person goes into emotional decline; from being left in the middle of an ocean, to being submerged by complete and total darkness and eventually drowning. From this moment, the all-encompassing darkness is ever increasing.

Depression is a serious illness that many people fail to recognise. A person who suffers from depression becomes despondent in their daily activities; it affects a person’s thoughts and behaviour, which leads to various problems whether emotional or physical.

Furthermore, depression is not limited or restricted to a particular age or gender; it affects the young and old as well as the poor

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and rich. Human beings are at risk of suffering from depression at one point in their life.

There is not a single cause for it as there are many contributing factors; from a child suffering due to the separation of parents, a teenager being bullied and neglected at school, the loss of a loved one, to elderly people who spend long periods of time on their own and even genetics. It varies for each and every person.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, ‘about a quarter of the population in England will suffer some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year, with mixed anxiety and depression the most common mental disorder in Britain’. To add to this, it has been estimated by the World Health Organisation ‘that approximately 450 million people worldwide have a mental health problem’.

At this moment, you might be asking yourself this question...can a Muslim really be depressed? Firstly, you must remember that to be a Muslim you must submit your will to Allah (swt) alone and to no one else. You must believe and trust that He will take care of your every need no matter what happens and you must keep your relationship with Allah (swt) healthy and renew your faith each and every day through daily prayers, recitation and contemplation of the Glorious Qur’an. As a Muslim, you come to the agreement that humans are limited, so you should go through each and every stage of your life positively worrying only about your duties and whatever is in your knowledge, and all complications which is beyond your capacity should be left with Allah (swt).

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“Verily, with hardship comes ease.”

[Surah Al-Sharh, Solace or Comfort, 94:5]

As soon as a person delves into existential questions such as, Who am I? What am I? Where is my life heading? What is the point of living anyway if I am going to die? – it creates many problems. If one studies the religion of Islam intently, he or she will find answers to all of these basic and fundamental questions.

What happens over the course of a Muslim’s lifetime is that individual becomes resistant to existential emptiness. A Muslim’s trust and faith in Allah (swt) is meant to fulfil and satisfy every need. Although people are constantly reminded of the blessings, which surround them such as the ability to walk, talk, eat, pray and sleep, these general and basic blessings which Allah (swt) has bestowed upon us are sometimes forgotten, especially when a person is troubled and feeling the big blues. The greatest test is to endure, seek guidance and to repent to Allah (swt) for He has said: “Verily, with hardship comes ease.” [Surah Al-Sharh, Solace or Comfort, 94:5] Even though Allah (swt) has prescribed us with the right and beneficial medication, which is faith, prayer and worship, a Muslim at the time of great difficulty and distress might become susceptible to the ‘Waswas’ (whisperings) of Shaytan. This then leads to forgetfulness of Allah (swt), which can cause depression.

What we are discovering, particularly in the modern age, is how people are shifting away from spirituality and God-consciousness to Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

fulfil their temporary, worldly and consumerist desires; this is a major factor, which contributes towards the feeling of emptiness or being unhappy. What we also need to remind ourselves is that each and every Prophet of Allah (swt) also endured hardship; whether it be Prophet Yunus (may Allah be pleased with him) being swallowed by a whale, Prophet Ibrahim being commanded by Allah (swt) to slaughter his son Ismail (may Allah be pleased with them both), Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who was orphaned from an early age, mistreated and persecuted by the Quraysh in Makkah, pelted when he went to go and give ‘dawah’ (spread Islamic knowledge) in Ta’if, and even suffered from the death of his most dearest and beloved wife Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her). We should take lessons from these true stories of how the Prophets persevered, and implement within our daily lives their positive God-conscious attitude.

Going through hardship is a test from Allah (swt) and it should only create a path for us to get closer to Him, for Allah (swt) loves nothing more than to see His slave down on his knees begging for mercy when in times of great difficulty. Subhan’Allah!

Removing the darkness of worries, distress, depression and grief is a very important matter to which Islam gives serious attention to.

Thus, we should all strive to help others to the best of our abilities. May Allah (swt) help every individual enduring hardship. Ameen.

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Types of Depression

There are different types of depression and they range in severity. One of the most severe forms of depression is ‘Major Depressive Disorder’.

What is Major Depressive Disorder?

If you constantly feel hopeless, in every moment of your life, this could be a sign that you have major depression. Major depression affects the way you work, study, sleep, eat and interact with people. Some people may encounter major depression only once in their lifetime, while others may experience it more than once. It can even affect a person who has no family history of depression.

It is normal to feel sad or low occasionally, for instance, if you have recently had a relationship breakdown or suffered from the loss of a close family member, relative or friend. However, the difference between normal sadness and major depression is that you feel sad for most of the day, lose an interest in normal activities and become despondent about everyone and everything around you.

Below are some symptoms which are signs that you may be experiencing major depression.

Symptoms range from: • Feeling lethargic • Feeling worthless and guilty Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

• • • • • •

• •

Indecisive Difficulty concentrating Restlessness Suffering from insomnia (a lack of sleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) Diminishing interest or pleasure in every activity Appetite disturbance – most characteristically this is a loss of appetite but some individuals eat excessively Weight loss or weight gain Recurring thoughts of death or suicide at which case you should consult your doctor immediately!

It is very important for individuals suffering from any of these signs or symptoms to get an evaluation with a psychiatrist so that they can start treatment early to prevent the worst consequences of these symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder There is a lot of social stigma surrounding the word bipolar. Bipolar Disorder is a serious chronic mental illness where a person experiences severe mood swings and drastic changes in energy levels. A person who suffers from bipolar disorder endures long periods of clinical depression, which is followed by short spells of mania, which can be experienced by euphoria or irritability. The person experiences extreme periods of highs and extreme periods of lows. These high and lows act as metaphors for human emotions such as happiness, anger and sadness to name a few.

The severest form of the disease is ‘type 1’, in which a person that is experiencing mania, spells of psychosis and delusional thoughts needs to be hospitalised. A person that suffers from ‘type 2’, their symptoms are less

dramatic and only need to take medication to cure the illness.

There is no cause for bipolar disorder, however a family history of the disease means the person is more likely to get it.

With the right combination of antidepressants and antipsychotic medications the symptoms can be reduced which allows bipolar disorder sufferers to have normal lives.

Schizophrenia Like many other mental illnesses, schizophrenia is often misunderstood because it can look different depending on how extreme symptoms are and differs for every individual. It can go from one extreme to the other, from the poor to even the rich who are highly successful in life where they have distressing and disruptive symptoms.

The symptoms of schizophrenia can be grouped into two areas, which is known to be positive and negative symptoms. ‘Positive symptoms’ comprises of hallucinations and delusions. A hallucination is when the person is able to hear voices and a delusion is when a person has an entire break with reality. These are the positive symptoms of schizophrenia and ones that are noticeable. However, negative symptoms often times can go unnoticed for some time until full diagnosis is made. Negative symptoms ranges from social isolation, gradual detachment from the world and from people and reduction in thought process. The positive symptoms usually lead to a diagnosis.

The peak times when these symptoms occur, are during the teenage years, early twenties and mid thirties.

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Dysthymic Disorder (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymic disorder is a depression, which does not fully meet the entire criteria of major depression but has elements of it.

This depression persists for a long time at least for two years of symptoms without a lot of relief.

Typically the person can function but they do not feel well, they do not feel happy, or they do not enjoy the normal things in life.

Psychotic Depression Psychosis is in general a break in reality, an example would be delusions – so people might believe things are not true despite being shown facts that would argue against their belief. It is when a person encounters hallucinations and delusions within their everyday life. It can last from weeks, months to even years. Hallucinations can be auditory, visual, olfactory (smell), or haptic (touch), affecting any of five human senses. With the combination of hallucinations and delusional thinking it can severely damage and disrupt your way of thinking, your emotions, behaviour and even your perception of life.

For more information on some of the symptoms of psychotic depression, please read the case study on page 19.

Prenatal and Postpartum Depression Prenatal depression is a clinical depression which women experience during pregnancy. Postpartum, also known as Postnatal Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

depression is a type of depression that women face after giving birth to their child. It is the mother’s physical separation from the child, which affects one of the supposedly happiest moments in her entire life. Some women encounter the baby blues for a few days, some weeks or even months; the length in time varies for every individual. Prenatal and Postpartum depression does have similar symptoms. Women encounter both emotional and physical changes.

Symptoms range from: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Anxiety Irritability or hypersensitivity Difficulty concentrating Being teary Negative feelings such as sadness Hopelessness Guilt Loss of interest in activities she usually enjoys Anger Insomnia Fatigue or exhaustion Changes in appetite Headaches Stomach aches Muscle or backaches

Atypical Depression Atypical depression is a type of depression that is associated with excessive appetite where the person has cravings for carbohydrates, has unexplained exhaustion, the absence of exercise, restless sleep, feeling of cloudiness and poor concentration during the day. People with Atypical depression also tend to be very sensitive to rejection by others.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern. This type of depression usually occurs at the same time of the year, during the winter season. As with all the other symptoms of depression, a person suffering from SAD usually has a low mood and lack of interest in everything they do.

As there is no exposure to sunlight during the winter days this can have an adverse affect on the mind and body, which can weaken the immune system and increase blood pressure.

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Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

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AN INTERVIEW ON DEALING WITH

PSYCHOTIC DEPRESSION

By Thoiba Choudhury

Thoiba Choudhury interviewed a person who is overcoming Psychotic Depression in her early twenties. This is what she had to say about the matter.

Did you know you were going through depression before being diagnosed by your GP and what triggered your depression?

Sometimes, you cannot know the cause of mental illness: this is something, which I have struggled to ascertain over the past year. Sometimes you cannot receive an accurate diagnosis, which is again something which I have not yet received. So I can say that I had an emotional and nervous breakdown, a spell of psychosis, and an episode of depression, but I cannot fully explain why these things happened. Was it because I was a Master’s degree student, struggling with the workload? Was it because of the domestic arguments which were happening at home? Major, bipolar, psychotic depression? Schizophrenia? I don’t really know, and I can’t fully explain the why or the what.

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What has your experience of Psychotic Depression been like?

It is important to say that the psychosis preceded the depression, and that it came with many symptoms, which are unique and different to major depression. Psychosis is an entire break with reality, quite like a lucid dream, in which you believe many things, which are categorically untrue.

I was experiencing auditory hallucinations, and I was living day to day within an on-going episode of my own television show. I was the lead character of this show, in which I believed that my every action was being watched: that is the best way that I can describe it. I was living with no fear of repercussions for my actions, and I would do things, which most people wouldn’t do under normal circumstances. The voice that I could hear was the voice of a famous UK magician, and he was giving me the opportunity to gamble with my life with no repercussions: to go out late at night, alone, and walk for miles – with no rationale – and only the voice as a guide. To cross roads without looking; to walk onto the driveways of peoples’ houses; to give no indication of where I was going; to shout at my family – and to question my own genetic heritage or ancestry – these were just some of the things that occurred within a two-month period. I would hold a dialogue with the voice and question why I had to do these acts of randomness. But the voice was all pervading, and was the only thing that I would listen to, really.

The depression was something entirely different. It is unique for different people. Mine was very specific indeed, following the spell of psychosis (which happened in January 2013) and my Master’s degree (from which I just about graduated in August 2013). I suddenly felt incredibly low, I was crying a lot – until, for example, my chest would ache. I felt incredibly weak, physically. I would spend a lot of time questioning my symptoms – of both the psychosis and the depression. I spent a lot of time alone, in my room, lying down. I would be curled up in a ball, and couldn’t really move because I felt very weak.

I would also stay up into the early hours of the morning, speaking to the voice, listening to it intently, holding dialogues and planning for the next episodes of the show.

In retrospect, these acts seem bereft of reason. But because psychosis attacks the very part of you that is reason, you believe that what you are doing is right. In other words, you have what is known as a lack of insight into your behaviour.

Did you experience any physical changes?

I lost a lot of weight during the episode of psychosis. I was told by my GP that I had what is known as anorexia. I had to note that this was not anorexia nervosa, which is an eating disorder and mental illness in its own right – because I wasn’t intentionally losing weight, and I was eating. But I grew incredibly thin – to the extent where you could see my ribs – and my clothes were hanging off me. Others could see this, and I could notice it too.

Were you prescribed any medication by your GP? Yes. I take Risperdal 0.5mg at night. I have been taking this for one and a half years.

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Did your GP give you any other advice to improve your mental state?

Yes, my GP prescribed exercise. However, when you are experiencing depression, the last thing you want to do is to go for a run, or do a few squats… because depression feeds off itself and, cyclically, you end up growing used to the feeling of despair and sadness.

What else helped you to overcome Psychotic Depression?

I would say finding a job was the most important thing. The job that I did, as a Learning Support Assistant, was rewarding and turned my life around. It gave me structure, and I suddenly felt ‘normal’.

How often do you go and seek medical advice?

I see an Early Intervention Team for Psychosis once a month and hold CPN reviews with a psychiatric doctor every six months.

Did you receive any support from family and friends?

I felt unsupported; in spite of the advice they were giving me.

Other than family did you talk to people outside the home about the psychosis and depression?

Of course I had to cope with a lot of bureaucracy – to disclose, or not to disclose my mental illness – that was the question. I was unsure of what the outcome would be – whether I would be the victim of prejudice. I was stressed for quite some time, contemplating whether or not I should let others know about my mental health. (I still am). Under the Mental Health Act, though, it is illegal to discriminate against employees and to give equal opportunities. So I opted to disclose both the psychosis and depression, and liaised with an occupational health team accordingly.

How do you feel now?

Months later, I would like to think that I am on the right track. Life is difficult, but times have changed for the better. I still have my reviews, but I feel healthy – mentally – and I am feeling much more positive about my future.

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T H E C U LT U R E O F

BULLYING

By Amna Mahmood

There is a greater risk of anxiety or depression to form with bullying. Although we hear about bullying and how prevalent it is in society, we are often not informed of how to read the warning signs and the potential and common side effects of someone who has experienced bullying.

What exactly is bullying?

To simply define ‘bullying,’ it is the physical, verbal or emotional intimidation to abuse or aggressively dominate others.

It can be direct or indirect; both forms of bullying are detrimental to children and adults alike. In cases of indirect bullying the individual might not be aware of the harassment being committed. Though the most common form of bullying is physical and verbal, emotional bullying can have just as big, if not more, of an impact on victims.

So what types of bullying are there and how can it affect a person?

We tend to associate the word ‘bullying’ with children, as we hear many stories about how children face dilemmas on an on-going basis, as has been confirmed by many parents, stories online and charities across the UK. However,

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what we often fail to realise is that bullying not only affects children, but can also affect adults too as those who were bullies in childhood, in most cases, continue to be bullies as adults.

One particular type of bullying that both men and women face is domestic violence. It is often assumed that women fall prey to victimisation by their husbands. The husband uses physical violence and emotional blackmail in order to change and control the behaviour of his wife. While it is assumed that women predominantly fall prey to domestic violence, their male counterparts on the other hand, suffer just as much as they do. According to Denis Campbell, a health correspondent from the guardian newspaper, “More than 40% of domestic violence victims are male.” This means that more rehabilitation projects in the UK need to be implemented in order to prevent and support both men and women suffering from domestic violence.

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Peer pressure is also another common type of bullying; it is a strategy used especially amongst younger people. It is when a peer group exerts pressure upon an individual, to change their behaviour or attitudes in a way to conform to the groups own. People who are affected may be pressured into doing things that they do not wish to such as smoking, drinking and even bullying others; they feel pressured to do things that go against their morals and beliefs.

The affects of bullying can vary for each and every person; however there are common trends amongst victims, such as a heightened risk of mental illness. One type of mental illness that has been repeatedly linked to bullying is eating disorders. The most common type of eating disorder is known as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and EDNOS (a person with eating disorder not otherwise specified).

Though one may think that these are directly linked to the eating habits of an individual, this is merely a symptom. Eating disorders are to do with control – those who are being bullied may feel they have little control over what is happening to them and therefore seek it out by other means, such as restricting their intake of food.

An individual may also resort to self-harm or even suicide, as a reaction to bullying. Selfharm is often mistaken as a cry for attention, Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

but is in fact mostly a very private thing to the individual and a coping mechanism to allow the individual to be able to deal with their problems. Those who self-harm often feel overwhelmed by their own emotions. It is also used as a method of self-punishment; those who are bullied may believe that they deserve to be bullied, or that there is something ‘wrong’ with them. Thus, the individual resorts to self-harm.

Although commonly associated to self-harm, suicide is not necessarily linked. Suicide is seen by a victim as a means to an end, something that will allow them to escape the hardships they are facing. Often the issues these individuals are going through have exceeded what they can physically and emotionally handle.

We should not take any aspect of bullying lightly because of the potential affects it can have on the individual. There are many solutions available to bullying and depression in the Glorious Qur’an and Sunnah (teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, pbuh) as well as other means such as charities and organisations that can help. The most important thing is to remember that if you or someone you know is suffering from any form of bullying, seek help from others and more importantly in Allah (swt) and In shaa Allah you will be free from your hardships in due time.

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KNOWLEDGE FOR THE SOUL

‘But among them is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”

[Qur’an, Surah Al- Baqarah: The Cow, 2:201]

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By Nasrine Abdirachid

Actor, comedian and prominent household name, Robin Williams’ unexpected suicide sparked up a much needed open debate about a very common, but destructive mental health illness; depression. His death shocked the entire world. As people tried to come to terms with the cause of his death and his state of mind, the question on everyone’s lips was “How could it be that someone is seemingly happy on the surface, yet suffering from such personal despair?”

Actor, comedian and prominent household name, Robin Williams’ unexpected suicide sparked up a much needed open debate about a very common, but destructive mental health illness; depression. His death shocked the entire world. As people tried to come to terms with the cause of his death and his state of mind, the question on everyone’s lips was “How could it be that someone is seemingly happy on the surface, yet suffering from such personal despair?”

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying, “The Last Hour would not come until a person would pass by a grave of another person and he would say: I wish it had been my abode.” [Sahih Muslim, Book 41, Number 6947] Unfortunately, there are many people who feel this way. Therefore, understanding the state of mind of a person suffering from depression is important in helping loved ones overcome the debilitating feelings of low self worth, guilt and sadness.

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But how do they feel and how is that different to what we think they are feeling?

While unhappiness or sadness are feelings we all experience at some point in our lives, these emotions tend to improve with time.

However when one is suffering from depression, these feelings are constant, day in, day out.

• Emotions are heightened: your loved one may appear sad, but feel utter despair • Problems are magnified: reasons that appear small and insignificant, appear massively life changing in their eyes • Feelings are generalised: an issue that would impact only one area of life, might be the reason they feel their world is collapsing.

These examples cannot begin to describe the crippling emotions of those suffering from depression, but trying to understand, is the first step towards aiding your loved one overcome the illness.

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The illness sometimes manifests itself into physical symptoms. If you do begin to suspect depression, these could be the first things you notice about a person A sudden change in behavioral patterns and habits is a clear sign that something is amiss. Perhaps you notice they are quieter than usual or displaying noticeably fidgety behavior, or maybe you notice your spouse is lacking the same intimacy as before. Constant fatigue, increased sleep and a lack of enjoyment in doing things, they usually find pleasure in are among some of the changes you might notice.

Having noticed all these things and armed with this information, what is the next step?

Striking up a conversation about depression with a loved one, who is displaying warning signs, is never an easy task. A person experiencing depression might find it very difficult to seek help or may not be ready, so it is wise to tread carefully. Expressing your love for them is highly important. Explain the fact that you have noticed changes in them and would like to work things through with them.

If a person confides in you and comes to you for help, your initial response can be a make or break.

What not to say:

“You’ll get over it”

your love for them. Depression, like any other illness, is a test from Allah (swt).

“You have a family, a house, a car, a good job; are you not grateful?”

Do not start listing all the things they have to be grateful for, most likely they already know.

Pointing them out does not improve their state of mind; rather it makes them feel ungrateful.

Along with all the other feelings, such as low self worth, low self confidence and guilt, feelings of ingratitude is not really a feeling you want to add to the mix.

What to say:

Suggest seeking professional help Self-help is essential to recovery, particularly in depression. Encouraging a person suffering from depression to see their GP is important in getting diagnosed and receiving the right medical care. Visit your local GP for more information on the procedure of diagnosis and treatments available.

Provide comfort and a listening ear when needed

Do not make out like their feelings or problems are fleeting or irrelevant. They may have been harbouring these feelings for a long time and seeking help is a big step in the path to recovery. Do not hamper this recovery by belittling their emotions.

Sometimes not saying anything at all is what is required. Give your time and presence.

“What have you got to be sad about?”

“He who removes from a believer one of his difficulties of this world, Allah will remove one of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and he who finds relief for a hard-pressed person, Allah will make things easy for him on the Day of Resurrection; he who covers up (the faults and sins) of a Muslim, Allah will cover up (his faults and sins) in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah supports His slave as long as the slave is supportive of his brother.” [Sahih Muslim, Riyadh us-Saliheen, Book 1, Number 245]

Sometimes the causes of depression are clear, such as a major life changing event, but at other times there is no obvious cause. Williams’ suicide is example enough to show that anybody can suffer from depression. It is also very important to remember that your loved one’s depression is not a reflection on you or

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Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:

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Suggest lifestyle changes Quitting smoking, taking up exercise, changing one’s diet and finding a hobby are just a few of the changes that could significantly reduce depression. Offer doing them together.

Channeling energies towards something else has proven very helpful in the treatment of and recovery of people suffering from depression.

Your most important task, in aiding your loved one overcome depression, is constantly reminding them of Allah (The Most High) Lead your loved one in prayer (or encourage them to pray). Encourage them to make constant ‘dhikr’ (remembrance of Allah).

• ‘Istighfar’ (seeking forgiveness) • ‘Tahleel’ (declaring the Oneness of Allah) ‘Takbeer’ (proclaiming the greatness of Allah) • ‘Tahmeed’ (giving thanks to Allah) • ‘Tasbeeh’ (to glorify Allah) Allah (swt) says in the Glorious Qur’an, “Those who believe and whose hearts are set at rest by the remembrance of Allah; now surely by

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Allah’s remembrance are the hearts set at rest.” [Surah Ar Ra’d, The Thunder, 13:28] After reminding them of Allah (swt), the most important thing you have to make clear is that, despite their feelings of worthlessness, they are worth a lot in your eyes. You have to understand that no matter how difficult they are being and how hard it has been on you, this is a test for you as much as it is for them. Their reaction and response to you is not personal, it’s not because of you they are suffering from this illness, but it is your role as a Muslim to aid a suffering person and relieve this suffering any way you can.

Seeking professional help is paramount in recovery, so it is advised to visit a doctor as soon as you notice signs of depression. Remember that depression is an illness.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) as saying, “There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its remedy.”

[Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book 7, Number 582] Praise be to Allah, Knower of all ailments and their hidden cures. May Allah (swt) give ‘shifa’ (cure) to all those suffering from depression, as well as other illnesses.

Ameen.

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KNOWLEDGE FOR THE SOUL

“Sit with those who love Allah, for that enlightens the mind.”

Caliph Umar Ibn al-Khattab (RA)

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DP Connect We are wrapping up the year and planning for 2015 with new concepts such as DP Connect – connecting with people through meet ups organised by us talking about Islam, societal issues and changes.

We are targeting brothers, sisters and ISOCs in the UK. If you, your friends and family want to get involved then please email us at events@thedawahproject.com with the subject heading DP Connect.

You cannot separate the message from the

Messenger

By Aseel Saif

T

here are many aspects of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) personality that are not only admirable, but also exemplary. Despite his high status as the last Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala), his personality and the way he carried out his daily life represented the epitome of humanity and modesty.

The Prophet (pbuh) was entrusted with an amazing mission, since receiving the first part of the final revelation from Angel Jibreel (upon him be peace). Despite having an enormous responsibility to convey Allah’s message to mankind, through his time-consuming commitments he maintained an admirable relationship with his family and friends. He dealt with people from different walks of life, whether they supported him or were against him; he dealt

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with them in a reasonable and appropriate manner. From his virtues and characteristics we learn that he was a loving husband, a perfect father and a caring grandparent. He was also a great judge, statesman and religious leader. But what made him so distinctive was that he was a blessing to all in both his word and deed. He brought together love, justice and dignity for all those who were in his presence.

The Glorious Qur’an describes Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as being merciful and kind to humankind. Allah the Almighty says, “Now hath come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieves him that ye should perish: ardently anxious is he over you: to the Believers is he most kind and merciful.� [Surah At-Tawbah, The Repentance, 9:128]

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Physical description

Modesty

The companions knew Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to be the most beautiful of people. One companion said: “The Prophet (pbuh) was a person of average height. His shoulders were wide. His hair reached his earlobes. Once I saw him adorned in a red garment; I never saw anything more beautiful than him.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Zayd ibn Talya (May Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger as saying, “Every religion has a character and the character of Islam is modesty.”

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) described him as follows: “He was of medium build, closer to being tall.

His skin was extremely white, his beard was black, his mouth was pleasant, his eyebrows were long, and his shoulders were wide.”

Anas Ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I never touched silk or any soft fabric equal to the softness of his palm, and I never smelled a scent more pleasing than his.”

Muslims continuously learn about Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) traits and personality through the Ahadith and Qur’an. Of the many traits we continuously read about, five can be focused on, which Muslims should learn about and benefit from.

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Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) lived a simple and modest life, both in Makkah as a trader and in Madinah as the head of the state and Messenger of Allah (swt). The change in his social status from that of a trader in Makkah to the head of the state in Madinah did not bring any change in his modest living. Umar ibn al Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Prophet (pbuh) as saying, “Do not exalt me as the Christians have exalted Jesus son of Mary. I am just His servant, so call me Allah’s Servant and Messenger.”

Doing Things for the Sake of Allah (swt) The Prophet (pbuh) would always do deeds in which he would seek the pleasure of Allah (swt). He was persecuted when he invited and called people to Islam; yet he was patient and endured hardship and hoped for the reward of Allah (swt). Abdullah Ibn Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet

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(pbuh) resembled a prophet who was harmed by his people. He wiped the blood from his face and said: ‘O God! Forgive my people, for they know not!’” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Sincerity The Prophet (pbuh) was sincere and honest in all his matters, as Allah had ordered him. Allah, the Exalted, says: “Say, Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He. And this I have been commanded and I am the first (among you) of the Muslims.” [Surah Al-Anaam, The Cattle, 6:162-163]

Good Morals, Ethics and Companionship The Prophet (pbuh) was a living example for all humans to follow. His wife A’isha bint Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked about his manners and she said, “His manners were the Qur’an.” [Sahih Muslim] Implying that the Prophet (pbuh) followed what was revealed to him by Allah (the Most High) and commanded the Messenger to be merciful towards the people. Thus, Muslims should follow his great example and connect to the Qur’an. It is only

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then Allah will elevate the believer’s position in this world and in the Hereafter, In shaa Allah.

Politeness and Good Manners The Prophet (pbuh) showed good manners and was courteous to everyone and even to children. Once when the Prophet was in a gathering, a drink was brought to him and he drank from it. On his right side there was a young boy and on his left side were elderly men. Feeling obliged by the respect of elders, and not wanting to hurt the feelings of the child, he asked the young boy: “Do you mind if I give the drink to them?’ The young boy said: ‘O Prophet of Allah! By Allah! I would not prefer anyone to drink from the place you drank. This is my fair share.’ The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) handed the boy the drink.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari] The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), through his persona and actions, was and still remains to be an example to every Muslim and individual in the world. As the popular saying goes, ‘you cannot separate the message from the Messenger’. Therefore, it is important to study the life of the Prophet (pbuh) through his manners and morals, of which in itself manifests what Islam is truly about.

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CAUG H T UP WI T H T H E

HAJJ CREW 2014

Alhamdulillah for the eleventh year, Islam channel viewers have been blessed with the opportunity of watching the Live Hajj Broadcast and the documentary series ‘Footsteps of Ibraheem’. In the Islam Channel Hajj brochure, some of the crew members shared their thoughts and hopes, before embarking on this incredible journey and project. The Dawah Project team decided to interview the same crew members, again, with the addition of a Satellite Engineer after they returned from ‘The Heart of Arabia.’ Read further about their fascinating experiences.

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Majid Khan Producer This was Majid’s first Hajj. He tells us about how he balanced performing Hajj whilst working: “I really enjoyed it! It was my first time so I didn’t know all the rituals, I didn’t know what to expect of Hajj…. Of course, you’re working in fifty degrees Celsius in Saudi Arabia. It’s a completely different culture with different ways so you do struggle, but Alhamdullilah Allah (swt) made it easy for us. I will never forget seeing the Ka’bah for the first time; that’s the thing no one can ever forget, I couldn’t believe it; it felt surreal.

I met one couple from India, the wife and husband were both seventy years old, and they told us that they had sold their little farm to come and perform Hajj. Then I suddenly realised how important and big this journey was. After hearing this, I felt blessed and more appreciative of being able to perform Hajj.

I also overlooked the ‘Footsteps of Ibraheem’- a famous religious programme shown during the Hajj season.

Basit Khan - the presenter is your average Londoner, a normal guy and I kept telling him that he needs to deliver everything from the perspective of a normal British born and bred pilgrim who’s been invited to his first Hajj. That’s the angle I went with to make it not seem as though it was coming from an Islam Channel presenter.

The viewers were the fuel that kept the team going during the live shows through the continuous calls, tweets and contributions to The Dawah Project. Because of them we managed to carry on.”

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Paul Wick Multi Skilled Operator Paul has been a Muslim for over eight months, Alhamdulillah. Having converted to Islam whilst working at Islam Channel, this was his first Hajj. He describes the splendor of being in the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Makkah: “It was an amazing experience because I don’t think anyone could have prepared me for how big it was or just the whole aura of the structure of Madinah. We saw the Prophet’s (pbuh) mosque and this was very emotional for me. We just went crazy for a little while and then we heard the call to prayer for Fajr.

After visiting the Prophet’s (pbuh) mosque we made our way to Makkah. What can I say, the moment I saw the Ka’bah I didn’t really know what to feel, I can’t really put my finger on how I felt, I had this overwhelming thing about knowing exactly where I was and I just sort of kept my eyes to the ground and then raised them to the Ka’bah and it was just, how should I put it in words - Wow! It was really amazing, Subhaan’Allah the whole experience was incredible. Performing the physical rites of Hajj was also very challenging. We did Tawaaf, which is very difficult as you’re just trying to battle everyone. Seven laps and then we got out and did Sa’i, then shaved our heads and went home. I surprised myself at how patient I was. In fact, I’ll be honest with you as I was worried about losing my temper. I think minus one minor flare up I managed to hold myself pretty well. I definitely learnt a lot of patience out there.

As a Multi Skilled Operator the working part was tough such as setting up a live studio in forty five degrees heat. I think you find yourself getting very confused at times when you haven’t had enough water - so we had to make sure we were hydrated to keep on top of the work. I was fine with my responsibilities, however I in all honesty I did struggle with the physical aspect of Hajj.

I think it’s important that we keep doing it and we keep up with the viewers’ demands.

If there’s anything the viewers want to know about Hajj I think they should tell us.’’

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Jonathan Fletcher Camera Operator Having embraced Islam seven years ago, this was Jonathan’s first Hajj too. With expectations of how the journey will turn out, coupled with a range of emotions and excitement about fulfilling an obligation, Jonathan states that Hajj was remarkable: “It was a very good bonding experience because we got to do Hajj together as a team. The first Umrah was so surreal, the whole time I just kept making du’a as we were performing Tawaf. It was a very special moment. Every aspect of Hajj was nice. However, I think Madinah was the highlight for me! It’s just a really beautiful city. There was only two occasions when we couldn’t pray salah at ‘Al-Masjid al-Nabawi’ but other than that the team felt blessed to have prayed every other salah.

When you’re in Makkah you find yourself making du’a for all the other pilgrims, this helped to keep my patience in check. You ask Allah to forgive them and to accept their Hajj and not just your own. Making du’a was the key thing that helped me greatly as I was able to control my temper and this allowed me to remember where I was.

I was filming ‘Footsteps of Ibraheem’, going to places that not many people get to go normally in terms of a first Hajj. This was probably the best Hajj anybody could really have. Even with all the heat in Saudi Arabia we kept going – we had to!

I just want to say, I really hope the viewers enjoyed watching what we made, and hopefully it was the best of what we could have done given the circumstances. I hope that if I ever get the chance to go back, to make it even better, In shaa Allah.’’

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Khalid Kthiri Satellite Engineer It was Khalid’s eighth Hajj with Islam Channel!

He was responsible for making sure the channel was on air continuously and to the highest level of quality. Below he explores his career in regards to Hajj: “My first Hajj was in 2006. Of course we learn a lot within eight years, every year we had some difficulty and every time we go, we learn something new. This year we faced some problems with the Customs in Jeddah. We encountered many delays and had to go through various procedures. It’s because we had the broadcast equipment and with it we needed letters from the Ministry to allow us to take the equipment out of the airport. The letter arrived four days later, thereafter we were able to take our equipment and start broadcasting.

In terms of the technical set-up for an international audience, location is key for the satellite signal to come through clearly. When I set up everything and get a signal, I then have to call France every time to make a link with them, making sure the quality of the signal is excellent. Then I send the signal to the satellite and the UK studio receives it. Both teams abroad and in the UK send signals back and forth to the satellite.

Finally, I just want to say that without The Dawah Project subscribers it would be impossible for us to go to Hajj every year, to do this amazing job and so I want to thank them tremendously for supporting Islam channel with this Hajj Broadcast.”

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Yasir Khan Video Editor Yasir runs us through his second experience of Hajj: “I don’t know where to start… from day one we had an amazing time. Working with a completely new team was a bit challenging, but I loved every part of it.

As it was my second Hajj with Islam Channel, I was ready for any upcoming and unexpected challenges. Working with a new team helped me in developing my leadership qualities. I was the one who was working on ‘Footsteps of Ibraheem’ as a Video Editor and Producer. I was responsible for creating new content for each and every episode from scratch.

All the donors of The Dawah Project are directly responsible for the Hajj operation.

After Allah (swt), without the viewers’ support we can’t do anything. Whatever we are producing, there is a fruit of that tree which are the donations our viewers give to The Dawah Project and I just want to say thank you.’’

To fund Hajj 2015 broadcast and to make a contribution towards religious programming on Islam Channel show your support by calling 020 7330 1744 or log on to www.thedawahproject.com

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RE M I N D E RS

Supplications for a Peaceful Mind Ways to Remove Stress, Worry and Anxiety Stop stress-ing - it’s all about stressing out the correct way! There are many remedies to help cure depression, which are found in the Glorious Qur’an and Sunnah (practices and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, pbuh). Below are some tips to help you restore happiness in your life, In shaa Allah.

People often forget the importance of the simple yet powerful du’a (supplication) - Istighfar i.e. saying ‘Astaghfirullah’. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to recite ‘Astaghfirullah’ at least 100 times a day. The benefit of this beautiful du’a is that it gives relief and happiness; it takes away anxieties; du’as are answered; it opens the door of sustenance, mercy and knowledge. It is an effective method of calming oneself and definitely helps when in a depressed mood.

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Du’as to Read for Oneself “La ilaaha ill-Allah Al-‘Azeem ul-Haleem, Laa ilaaha ill-Allah Rabbi l-‘arsh il-‘azeem, Laa ilaaha ill-Allah Rabb is-samawaati wa Rabb il-ard wa Rabbi l-‘arsh il-kareem” Translation: There is no God except Allah, the All-Mighty, the Forbearing; there is no God except Allah, the Lord of the Mighty Throne; there is no God except Allah, Lord of the Heavens, Lord of the Earth and Lord of the Noble Throne. [Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]

It was reported that Asmaa’ bint ‘Umays (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said to me, ‘Shall I not teach you some words to say when you feel distressed? ...

‘Allah, Allah, Rabbee

laa ushriku bihi shay’an’.

Translation: Allah, Allah, my Lord, I do not associate anything with Him [Abu Dawud]

Du’a at the Time of Distress “Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal Wakil” Translation: Allah (Alone) is sufficient for me and He is an Excellent Guardian.

[Surah Al-Imran, The Family of Imran, 3:173]

On Seeing a Person in Difficulty, say to oneself “Al-hamdu lil-laahil-ladhee ‘aafaanee mim-mab-ta-laaka bih, wa fad-dalanee ‘alaa kathee-rin mim-man khalaqa taf-deelaa” Translation: All praise be to Allah Who saved me from this difficulty in which you are involved and conferred on me special favours – above a great part of his creation. [Tirmidhi]

Du’a When Visiting the Sick “Labasa tahurun in shaa Allah. Labasa tahurun in shaa Allah. Allahumashfi Allahumma afih” Translation: Do not despair. This is a cleansing (of sins) – if Allah wills. Do not despair. This is a cleansing (of sins) – if Allah wills. [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

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THE ART OF CUPPING

By Aisha Ahmed

Cupping therapy also known as ‘hijama’ in Arabic, is a form of alternative medicine in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. Muslims follow the cupping therapy as it was reported from Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever is treated with cupping on the seventeenth, nineteenth or twenty first, will be healed from all diseases.”

[Reported by Ibn Maajah, 3489]

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Cups The cups can be made from a variety of materials, including: Glass Bamboo Earthenware Supporters of cupping therapy believe the suction of the cups mobilizes blood flow to promote the healing of a broad range of medical ailments. Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures.

Types of Cupping Therapy Available There are various types of cupping therapy, including: •

•

Dry cupping relies on suction only. Dry and massage cupping (hijama) may be administered any time of the day, any day of the week or month. There are no restrictions.

Wet cupping is a combination of suction and controlled medicinal bleeding.

During both types of cupping, the air inside the cup is heated with a flame. As the fire goes out, the cup is placed upside down on the patient’s skin.

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As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes the skin to rise and redden as blood vessels expand. The cup is generally left in place for five to ten minutes.

A more modern version of cupping uses a rubber pump to create the vacuum inside the cup. These move from place to place on the skin and produce a massage-like effect which is relaxing.

During wet cupping, a mild suction is created using a cup that is left in place for about three minutes. The practitioner then removes the cup and uses a small scalpel to make superficial skin incisions. Then he or she performs a second suction to draw out a small quantity of blood.

After the procedure, the site may be covered with an antibiotic ointment and bandage to prevent infection. Alternatively, you might like to try using black seed oil which is used as an antiseptic and was regularly used by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) for medicinal purposes. You will notice the skin’s appearance generally returns to normal within 10 days.

Cupping therapy supporters believe that wet cupping removes harmful substances and toxins from the body to promote healing.

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Benefits of Cupping Therapy The British Cupping Society says cupping therapy can treat a variety of conditions: • Blood disorders such as anaemia and haemophilia • Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia • Fertility and gynaecological disorders • Skin problems such as eczema and acne • High blood pressure • Migraine • Anxiety and depression • Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma • Varicose veins • Reduces pain and inflammation Supporters and users also say cupping can promote mental and physical relaxation and well-being.

Side Effects of Cupping Therapy Cupping is considered to be relatively safe, especially when performed by trained

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health professionals. However, there are a few potential side effects: • • • •

Mild discomfort Burns Bruises Skin infection

According to the British Cupping Society, cupping therapy should be avoided by people in these conditions: • Pregnant or menstruating women • People with metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread from one part of the body to another) • People with bone fractures or muscle spasms You should not use cupping therapy on areas of the body that have: • • • •

A deep vein thrombosis An ulcer An artery A pulse that can be felt

Please note: None of this is proven and it all works differently with different people but it just goes to show how an old long alternative treatment has been carried on through the ages; from the ancient Egyptians to the most luxurious of treatment centres in the modern world.

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Recommended Reading

Reclaim Your Heart

by Yasmin Mogahed This book is relevant to anyone who is experiencing emotional pain, disappointment and feeling a spiritual void. It is reflective, thought provoking, beautifully written, heartfelt, compassionate and an encouraging read.

Yasmin Mogahead’s words are clear, to the point and they hit you hard. This book is definitely worth reading over and over again!

A Journey to God: Reflections on the Hikam of Ibn Ata’illah

By Dr Jasser Auda The ultimate yearning of the human soul is to return to its Lord in a state where He is pleased with His servant and the Servant is pleased with his Master. Dr. Auda offers a unique insight to prepare you for the journey to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) through the wisdom of the great spiritual master Ibn Ata’illah al-Iskandari as expounded in his masterpiece al-Hikam. You will not be able to put this book down; your soul will yearn for the knowledge inside this gem.

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A Traveller’s Guide:

Explore

Japan

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Tokyo

Tokyo Camii

Japan’s Biggest Mosque

Takeshita Dori

Fashion Boutiques, Cafes and Restaurants

Nara City

Culture and History

Sanrio Puroland Indoor Theme Park

Tokyo Tower

Tea Ceremony and Sumida River Cruise

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A Traveller’s Guide:

Explore Japan

By Aisha Ahmed Japan is a fascinating country to visit and is a unique tourist destination, which has a mix of lots of different cultures. It is known as the land of cute mascots. In fact, every town has a unique mascot; this can be from something cultural such as a Samurai (warrior) to the adorable ‘Hello Kitty’ which represents modern culture.

Nevertheless, the Japanese culture is multifaceted. On the one hand it has carried on strict tradition in certain prefectures of the country; traditions which dates back to thousands of years. On the other, it is very modern with rapid development of technology and is setting trends in the fashion scene.

If you are looking for something different you are sure to find it here. The country is made up of unique towns hiding away different gems. It is more equipped for Muslims than people assume. Food consists of seafood, noodles, sticky rice and sushi. Inside and outside of the capital Tokyo, you will find an array of Halal restaurants including Indian, Iranian and Turkish. Most restaurants have Japanese and English menus too, so do ask for it.

The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum has been offering a Muslim-friendly menu, with dishes that exclude rice cooked with alcohol, pork and other ingredients which is not approved as being ‘Halal’ (permissible). To add to their Halal initiative they also introduced a vegetarian menu. The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum also has free Wi-Fi access points so people can Google Japanese dishes to check what they are ordering. They have also added to their menus an easy to understand symbol list to their menus to indicate non-pork, non-beef and vegetarian dishes. What is even better is that they have even introduced prayer rooms, which can be used at any time during opening hours.

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Tokyo Camii Japan’s Biggest Mosque Mosques can be found throughout Japan’s major cities.

There are around eighty mosques in Japan. The country’s largest place of Islamic worship is ‘Tokyo Camii’ also known as ‘Uehara Mosque’ located in Oyama-cho district of Shibuya ward in the capital, Tokyo. ‘Camii’ is a Turkish word which is derived from the informal Arabic ‘jami’ and refers to a central “congregational mosque”. It is a major mosque where people gather for ‘Jumu’ah’ (Friday Prayers). The mosque has space for approximately 1,200 worshipers. Tokyo Camii’s impressive dome makes it stand out from the surrounding architecture. The Mosque is annually revamped and is taken care of to cater for the 30 per cent year-on-year growth in the number of Malaysian Muslim travellers to Japan over the year-end school holidays. In total 160,000 Muslim Malaysian tourists alone go yearly to Japan.

For more information about the Tokyo Camii, please visit their official website: http://www.tokyocamii.org/

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Nara City Culture and History

Takeshita Dori Fashion Boutiques, Cafes and Restaurants Located in the heart of Harajuku, a centre for Japanese youth culture and fashion, this is the area around Tokyo between Shinjuku City and Shibuya ward on the Yamanote railway line.

The symbol of Harajuku and birthplace of many of Japan’s fashion trends, Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street) is a narrow, roughly 400 meter long street lined by shops, boutiques, cafes and fast food outlets targeting Tokyo’s teenagers. Because of the street’s popularity, it becomes extremely busy and crowded on the weekends. Interesting shops and restaurants can also be found along some of the side streets. Young travelers will enjoy this full experience of the diverse fashion trends and the large hundred year old Yen shop which sells practically everything. Shops along Takeshita Dori tend to be open daily from 11:00am to 8:00pm.

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Nara was once the capital of Japan and therefore remains a very interesting place to visit and is completely the opposite of Tokyo. It is situated one hour away from Kyoto. The shrines and temples of Nara are on the UNESCO Heritage Sites list, and though there is plenty to see and do here, all the attractions are pretty much grouped together and are within walking distance. It is extremely pleasant and reconnects you with the beauty of nature.

Everything is encompassed inside the Nara Park and intriguing Japanese elements can be found every step of the way. The unique thing about Nara is that 1,200 Sika Deers roam freely all over the place and are extremely tamed. Visitors can engage with them and even buy crackers to feed them. If you are travelling with children or are a massive animal lover this is place you must visit!

If you travel with any Muslim friendly tours you can also take a special Sakura tour package taking you to three popular areas outside Tokyo; Nara, Osaka and Kyoto which includes more activities.

You can visit the Nara Deer Park, and then enjoy the Sakura (the pink rose blossoms) in Kyoto.

Next, would be to travel to Kyoto Mosque. This is followed by the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Then you can stay overnight at Osaka City. This includes two photo stops to capture beautiful photo moments without rushing.

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Tokyo Tower Tea Ceremony and Sumida River Cruise

Sanrio Puroland Indoor Theme Park The pretty Sanrio characters get together with Hello Kitty to give you a different kind of amusement park. Sanrio Puroland is the second theme park in Japan located in Tama New Town. The Sanrio characters enjoy worldwide popularity such as Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars and My Melody and they even greet visitors.

As it is an all-weather park, there is no need for an umbrella even if it rains. It keeps the temperature comfortable throughout the year so that even families with small children can spend time without any concern.

It offers a variety of live performances and attractions. Visitors will be thrilled by the acrobatic and gorgeous entertaining show. They are performances including Hello Kitty and popular guest performers. “Kitty’s House” is where visitors can peep at Kitty’s room including the living room and the bathroom which is very popular. This is a place people of all ages can go to!

Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

There are lots of locations to experience an authentic tea ceremony. Why not indulge in a jam packed day of sightseeing in Tokyo. You can travel from places such as the Imperial Palace, Nakamise shopping street and Asakusa Kannon Temple. Soak up the views from Tokyo Tower, take part in a traditional tea ceremony in a Japanese garden and enjoy a relaxing 40-minute cruise along Sumida River.

Your first highlight of the day is Tokyo Tower, which provides panoramic views of Japan’s capital from the main observatory. Climb to the 476-foot-high (145-meter) viewing platform in Japan’s second tallest structure and be sure to stand over the glass-floor ‘lookout window.’

Appreciating the tradition of Japan, the best place to start is taking part in a traditional tea ceremony in the ‘garden of eight views’ called Happo-en. Originally a tradition for girls coming of age, people admire the procedure of making and presenting tea and is sometimes demonstrated to guests in normal homes. You can sip tea and admire bonsai trees in the Japanese garden in an Edo-style ambience. Then visit the Imperial Palace, and cross the symbolic, double-arched Nijubashi Bridge, which many centuries ago led to the famed Chiyoda Castle in the Edo period.

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Food Bites Japanese Cuisine As the Japanese say ‘Tabete Tanoshimu’ which means enjoy eating!

By Aisha Ahmed

Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

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Savoury

Tempura Shrimp / Prawn Sushi Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Shrimp tempura roll is my all time favourite.

This is one of the rare sushi options that is actually cooked. For sensitive stomachs or for people new to the world of sushi this is a great fish to start with.

Ingredients (Serves 1 skewer, can be cut into 6-8 pieces) Tempura Batter • • • •

100g corn flour 150g plain flour 10g baking powder Enough iced perrier or soda water to make batter (should coat your finger)

Sushi Filling/ Casing Fresh or frozen shrimp/ prawns (5 per skewer) Metal or wooden skewers Seaweed/ Sushi Wrap • • •

2 scoops/ cups Thai rice or special sushi rice (cook with rice cooker) 1 tsp vinegar 1/2 tsp salt

Preparation 1. Chop Tails: Take five fresh, large shrimps or prawns. With a sharp knife cut off three of the shrimp or prawn tails (do not cut too much, no more than just the tail). The remaining two are optional, I prefer to leave two with the tail on so that at the end the tails stick out of the roll for presentation purposes.

2. Skewering Around: One major problem when cooking shrimp is they tend to shrink and curl Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

really fast. Since we would like to have them straight to fit our roll, fry them on a skewer.

3. Tempuring: There are many ways to make tempura batter from ready-made packets from your local Oriental supermarket.

If it is not available make it from scratch: • • •

Mix corn flour, plain flour and baking powder Gently add iced liquid Briefly stir. Needs to be thick and it is fine to have a few small unmixed lumps. Tip: Do not overstir the mixture

4. The Big Dip: Using a skewer, dip your shrimp or prawn in tempura batter. You can pour it on, dip it, drown it - anyway you want as long it is perfectly covered with tempura.

5. The Deep Fry: Now covered with tempura, deep fry the shrimp or prawn on a stick for 2-3 minutes until it turns a golden brown.

6. Skewer Out: You must remember to take the skewer out after frying. Allow to drain on a cooling rack.

Now your tempura shrimp or prawn is ready to serve with any kind of sauce which tickles your taste buds!

How to Make One Roll of Sushi 1. Take a medium size bowl and put 1 tsp vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp sugar and 1 tsp sesame oil. Using a wooden spoon, stir until all dissolved. Add 2 scoops of hot cooked rice into a bowl. Stir rice until it absorbs all the liquid. Rice should be sticky.

2. Put one piece of sushi wrap, put the rice dough, flatten throughout the leaf of seaweed. Put the shrimps or prawn in a line.

3. Then roll and condense it. Do it again for another roll. I prefer to prepare one by one to keep the rice hot. For the rolling tool it can be aided by bamboo roll that is available in Korean or Japanese stores. If you do not have this, you can use aluminium foil to help you roll and condense the rice. Drain it first at room temperature and then put inside a refrigerator for a few minutes.

4. When it has slightly hardened, slice and put roll on a plate. The sushi is ready and can be served with soy sauce dressing or halal Teriyaki sauce.

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Dessert

Preparation

Dorayaki (Japanese Red Bean Pancake)

1. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar and honey until the mixture becomes fluffy.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes Dorayaki is best described as a dessert sandwich with red bean filling between two slices of pancake. I grew up eating this dessert in Japan and packaged Dorayaki is usually sold in Asian or Japanese grocery stores. It is really easy to make at home and much more delicious if you make it from scratch. I hope you give this simple recipe a try!

Ingredients (Serves 8) • • • • • • • •

4 large eggs 140g (2/3 cup) sugar 2 tbsp honey 160g (1 cup) all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1-2 tbsp water 2 tbsp oil 1 can Ogura-An or 18 oz/ 520g homemade sweetened red bean paste

Ilma Magazine / Issue 10

2. Sift flour and baking powder into the bowl and mix all together. Keep in the fridge to rest for 15 minutes.

3. Stir in ½ tbsp of water at a time to get the right consistency. It should be a little bit thicker than pancake batter. (If the batter is too thin pancakes will be too flat and not fluffy).

4. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over low to medium heat. Now, dip a paper towel in oil and coat the pan with it. The pan should be slightly oiled but the oil should not be visible. That is the secret to getting a nice texture on the surface of your dorayaki. With a ladle or table spoon, drop the batter from 15 cm above the pan to create 8 cm diameter pancakes. When you see the surface of the batter starting to bubble, flip your pancake over and cook the other side.

5. Transfer dorayaki to a plate and cover up with a damp towel to prevent from drying. Meanwhile, continue making the rest of your pancakes.

7. Now, make your sandwich filling with red bean paste. Put more red bean paste in the centre so the shape of dorayaki will be curved (middle part should be thicker). Wrap dorayaki with plastic wrap before shaping. Pinch around the edges gently so the bean paste does not come out and remove the plastic wrap until you are ready to eat.

Can be served warm or cold and is perfect to have with tea as an afternoon snack.

Tips: If you don’t eat it on the same or next day (keep it in a cool place). Wrap the dorayaki in a plastic wrap and put in a sealed clear bag to store in the freezer for up to a month.

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Interested? Get in touch now with The Dawah Project team by calling 0207 330 1744 or emailing on info@thedawahproject.com Don’t forget to keep updated with latest news and events on social media!

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Join us in reaching our goals, so that together we can ‘Spread Islam through the Media’

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Ideas for Rewards!

Small Change, Big Difference!

Collect all your loose change in old wallets, bags, pockets and put into an empty jar! Look at how the coppers and silver coins can make pounds for a good cause!

Ban that Sugar Crave!

Can you survive without your favourite coffee, chocolate, digestive, cake? Well we challenge you to do just that – watch how you save £ of money and maybe pounds lbs.! Donate your saved pocket money to us!

No Additives Lunch

Keep your lunch simple by leaving those expensive snacks on the shop shelf. Eat healthier and empathise with those living without food. Get a sponsor on board to encourage healthy eating for charity!

Giving up your Comfort

Always updated on your soaps / dramas? Need to beat the hours spent on computer games? Let’s have your friends sponsor you to give that comfort up for a week or even a month, and fundraise for us. Let’s see you complete the challenge by marking it in a diary – no cheating, your friends will catch you out!

Cake Bake Sale

Why not put your fancy apron on and bake some delicious delightful patisseries? Then share with neighbours, family, friends and sales go to charity!

Come Dine with Me!

Apron time again but cook a treat for your loved ones to a three course or even a five course meal! If good, they will pay you, and may even compete with you! Expect an invite from them - putting money to the test on your taste!

Dress Down Day

Leave your suit / uniform at home and dress to signify the cause – stand out from the crowd and spread awareness whilst you do! Have your colleagues/ school friends to sponsor you on being brave for charity!

Help paint a school

Help the local institutions with some of your creativity and get the rest of your circle to join in the fun and rewards!

Get sponsored on this community effort and appreciate your masterpiece!

Extra jobs around the house

Why not put your DIY skills to good use and charge a donation fee to do spare jobs around the house for charity?

You may learn a thing or two on the spot and get a smile from your parents at the same time!

Turn your trash into cash

Put on a jumble sale and let everyone know! Proceeds for charity! Swap clothes with friends and save money!

Recycle and Reuse! Let’s be Green and Keep Clean the environment we all live in.

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KNOWLEDGE FOR THE SOUL

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Caliph Umar Ibn al-Khattab (RA)

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