Issue –15, September-2019
Photo by Nicolas Weldingh on Unsplash
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As the 2019 fall approaches in Canada, so is the time for the federal elections. We now need to choose someone to run the office for the next four years.
As decision-making is a part of our everyday lives, sometimes decisions are simple as what to eat or drink. But then, sometimes, decisions we make, are life changing forever. Regardless, all decisions have their consequences. A simple mark on the ballot may change the lives of others. We as a Muslims have a great responsibility to put others above ourselves sincerely and understand that our purpose of life is to follow Allah’s rules. So, whichever elections you are decid-
ing to vote, vote with a God-fearing attitude. We need God centered people not people who are egocentric. In this issue like always, you will find articles and opinions of our writers. We have an insight from our writer about the choice of learning Arabic as a language and an article for how to make a house a home. We will be reading in our book review about changing attitudes toward self-improvement. In our article called group think we will know what it does to the societies and how to steer clear. Hoping all of you enjoy this issue, feel free to drop us a line on Facebook, or email. We’d love to hear from you.
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Photo by Fanning Tseng on Unsplash 3
Editorial ·································································································· 2 Qur’aan ···································································································· 6 Hadith ····································································································· 7 Home is Where the Heart is ········································································ 8 Why I Chose to Learn Arabic ······································································ 12 Isra wa Al-Miraj ······················································································· 14 Group Think ···························································································· 18 Book Review: “Educated” ········································································· 22 Baby Sitting & Early Childhood Education ··················································· 24 Shahi Tukray ··························································································· 26 Back Cover ······························································································ 28
Submissions, Comments and Advertising: Email: northwestmuslim@gmail.com Online: issuu.com/northwestmuslim Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthWest-Muslim-Magazine4
Editor-in-Chief Shaista Khurshid
Editors & Writers Afshan Habib Rabia Khan Ayesha Nasir
Beenish Khurshid
Layout, Cover & Design Shaista Khurshid
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ِ َو ْاذ ُك ُروا ِن ْع َم َة ه ۖ اَّلل عَلَ ْي ُ ُْك َو ِميثَاقَ ُه ه ِاَّلي َواثَ َق ُُك ِب ِه ا ْذ قُلْ ُ ُْت َ َِس ْعنَا َو َأ َط ْع َنا ِ ه ُ ِ ََي َأُّيُّ َا اَّل َين أ َمنُوا كونُوا- الصدُ ِور َ اَّلل ۚ ا هن ه َ َوات ه ُقوا ه ُّ اَّلل عَ ِل ٌمي ب َِذ ِات ۚ قَ هوا ِم َني ِ ه َِّلل ُشِهَدَ َاء ِِبلْ ِق ْسطِ ۖ َو ََل َ َْي ِر َمن ه ُ ُْك َش نَآ ُن قَ ْو ٍم عَ َ َٰل َأ هَل تَ ْع ِدلُوا - ون َ ا ْع ِدلُوا ه َُو َأ ْق َر ُب ِللته ْق َو ٰى ۖ َوات ه ُقوا ه َ اَّلل ۚ ا هن ه َ ُاَّلل َخبِريٌ ِب َما تَ ْع َمل ِ And remember the favor of Allah upon you and His covenant with which He bound you when you said, "We hear and we obey"; and fear Allah . Indeed, Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do. (Al-Maida:7&8)
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َح هدثَ ِِن ُم َح همدُ ْب ُن َع ْب ِد ه ِ اَّلل ْب ِن ن ُ َم ْ ٍريَ ،ح هدثَنَا َأ ِِب حَ ،و َح هدثَنَا َأبُو بَ ْك ِر ْب ُن َأ ِِب َشيْ َب َةَ ،ح هدثَنَا َأبُو ُأ َسا َم َة ،قَا ََل َح هدثَ َنا ُع َب ْيدُ ه ِ اَّلل ،ح َو َح هدثَ َنا هاب - ،ي َ ْع ِِن الث ه َق ِف هي ُم َح همدُ ْب ُن الْ ُمث هََّنَ - ،والل ه ْفظُ َ َُل َ -أخ َ ََْبَنَ َع ْبدُ الْ َوه ِ َح هدثَ َنا ُع َب ْيدُ ه ِاَّللَ ،ع ْن َنَ ِفعٍَ ،ع ِن ا ْب ِن ُ َُع َرَ ،ع ِن النه ِ ِ يب صَل هللا عليه وسمل قَا َل " َمث َ ُل الْ ُمنَا ِف ِق ََكَث َِل ال هشا ِة الْ َعائِ َر ِة ب َ ْ َني الْ َغنَ َم ْ ِني تَ ِع ُري ا ََل ِ َه ِذ ِه َم هر ًة َوا ََل َه ِذ ِه َم هر ًة " ِ ) as saying:ﷺ( Ibn Umar reported Allah's Apostle The similitude of a hypocrite is that of a sheep which roams aimlessly between two flocks. She goes to one at one time and to the other at another time. http://sunnah.com/muslim/51/20
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women who don’t feel fulfilled inside the Building a house needs a lot of money,
home. The old societal norm of the one who
materials and patience. It is often said that
makes money is considered as the head of
“A home is where the heart is”. So, what
the house, the one who decides all affairs,
does a home need to be built on? Does a
the dominant one that had to be served
home need to be built on anything other
while the other half did not get the privilege
than money?
in any form of the other privileged half. This has cast a deep dark shadow on our new so-
A home is safe unit for people to live in;
ciety. So many women feel that it’s inferior
no doubt about it. In every era the defini-
of them to take care of the house because
tion of how a home is run changes. Every
they saw this imbalance in their society and
period has its own systems, values and diffi-
with their parents and see it as unfair or
culties. Challenges of the modern world
abusive. This disbalance of our society is
these days is that sometimes both genders
affecting our homes directly. Thus, causing a
must work in their fields of trade to pay bills
deep divide between generations. The older
or satisfy their professional necessities.
generation want women to stay at home
However, the old saying, husband makes
and do the same as they did for their home
the money and wife stays home has
and children. They want new generation
changed or is changing. Thus, rising the is-
women to get out of barbie doll syndrome
sue of who will do the dishes. In the past,
to get their heads into the sacrifice as their
people have defined roles of who stays
older generation did it, their whole life.
home and who makes money. But the mod-
They want to see, if new generation see the
ern world has shaken those boundaries.
benefit from the work they have done. They There are men who want to stay home
(Continued on page 9)
and take care of family. Besides, there are 8
(Continued from page 8)
every generation. We all will have our share
want them to be in the game, from creating
of our hiccups and we all got to solve our
a safe haven for the new generations and
difficult problems. Sometimes there is a suc-
helping them grow into stronger and health-
cess but there is a chance of failure. Under-
ier individuals while sacrificing their lives,
standing the wisdom behind life is the key
time, interests and egos.
to solving it.
Younger generations vehemently disagree
We are not our children or our parents.
with this. This tussle is always there from
We are made up of half DNA from our fa-
one generation to another. Younger genera-
ther and half from our mother and same
tions have their own ideas about living a
goes to our parents. So, in a nutshell we are
life. They want to lead life on equal terms in
neither our children nor parents. Since we
work and decision. Though interesting, it is
have a different genetic makeup, we have a
true that we all think what we do is better
separate set of skills and thinking processes.
than our older generations and that we are
So, it would be that we will not come across
wiser than the next.
the challenges our parents faced, and it might be more probable that we wouldn’t
I think there is no tussle if we take a step
deal with the problem the same way as our
back and try to understand the goal. What is
parents did. But not to jump hoops there is
the goal? It seems that the goal is to make a
a lot of wisdom with our older generations.
home safe and sound for all who live in it.
It is sometimes better to use the tried and
So, the challenge would not be how to run
tested methods instead of reinventing the
the house but how to run it effectively. This
wheel.
is not about who does a better job, but instead what each brings in their marriage
What does it take to make a home? It’s
This conundrum must be solved with cour-
to bring one hundred percent of yourself in.
age, energy and wisdom from the couples,
We must be responsible enough to under-
instead of making it a generational egotisti-
stand the goal of making a home. We must
cal debate.
be ready to give extra hours when needed
It is not saying that building a home and
(Continued on page 10)
running it smoothly is a piece of cake for Photo by Simon Godfrey on Unsplash
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(Continued from page 9)
wards anything. Second is love, since build-
and go through pay cut a.k.a what you need
ing and running our home with love is what
or want, if necessary, to keep the home
will help us get through when our energy
working efficiently. Both husband and wife
supply is depleted. Truthfulness and trust
are the integral part of this industry called
are the next building blocks which help us
home. The couple needs to discuss the roles
understand the next person and their
and expectations about themselves and
efforts. And finally, wisdom and humility,
what are the expectations of their families,
that
before marriage. Mature adults discuss the
When all these ingredients are there, any
details beforehand to avoid imbalance and
curve ball will take us to new frontiers in-
broken expectations in their relationship.
stead of throwing us down.
give others the space to breathe.
Running a home requires a lot of effort.
Our marriages are not a competition. It
At the very least, a home needs food, gro-
is teamwork. This teamwork needs both
ceries, cooking, cleaning, repair, mainte-
partners to be wise and helpful. It is needed
nance, money, socializing, and throwing
to be understood that there will be a differ-
away the garbage. These are unromantic
ence of opinions with each other and each
work which people are doing to run a house
other’s family. We must understand that
for centuries. Couples are doing these un-
they will have their opinions and you will
grateful and unappreciated work, which de-
have yours. It’s not a competition. That
plete our energy to the nth level, for as long
means we just need to step back and see
as humanity exists.
the big picture, to lower our egos and agree to disagree. The idea is to keep balance, fo-
When we make a home, It is our time to
cus on a goal, and the goal is to run the
show gratitude towards the older genera-
home seamlessly by working together. Our
tions and oncoming generation by building
parents want to see us happy. If we mature-
our home and contributing towards it fully.
ly run our family life they might not inter-
The system we develop to run our home
fere. Since they are human and they also
should have a few important points. Number one being sincerity, since nothing beats
(Continued on page 11)
a sincere and unconditional effort made to10
(Continued from page 10)
light. At the same time, a couple needs to
want to be part of our life, they do want to
show their understanding and gratitude to-
see us bloom with their own eyes and want
wards both families. Even though that they
to make a positive difference in and with us.
are detached from their parents, and they
Most parents fear to be left alone when they
have added another set of thinking and
are weak and need help. Pushing the rela-
working in the system. That thinking might
tionship enough that it breaks or ignoring
not be the same as them or their parents, it
them can be devastating to them. We are
may be one hundred percent different, but
not animals or plants. We don’t need to be
it’s time to understand the limitations and
seeded away from our parents as we can live
expectations of both families fully.
nearby or near in emotions to keep our ties
Marriage is the time to leave childhood
together. Losing a child, whether it’s old or
and grow up as mature adults and know
young is catastrophic. Whether it’s because
how to handle life wisely. It is time to start
they are left alone when they need us or
respecting any and all forms of work both
whether children cut them off because their
done inside and outside the house. It is time
spouse doesn’t have courtesy to absorb
to share the different household chores and
them into their lives. So, if we as mature
make them a labour of love rather than ego
adults, keep the balance with our spouses
which will make the home truly a safe and
and with our parents, none would think that
happy place where the heart is.
they have lost their children or parents or spouse. Instead, they would gain a child and family with relation to our spouses. All sets of couples need to understand that none needs to interfere in each other’s lives except when there is disrespect or abuse. Both sides of parents need to give the new home their respect and leave them alone with their unsolicited advice. Let them grow on their own soil and their own sunPhoto by Christophe Maertens on Unsplash
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WHY I CHOSE TO LEARN ARABIC
I am a keen learner. In my spare time I like learning something new. I chose to learn Arabic after hearing about free classes held in the local Musalla, from a couple of friends. It was summer, the timing suited me and so I started taking these lessons. I thought since Arabic is the language of the Holy Quran, there must be more reward and benefit in learning this language over others. So, in this sense I was inclined towards Arabic more than any other language. I also liked the fact that my teacher was from the same background. This made it easier to learn a new language. I think Arabic is a difficult language to learn. Even though I was remarkably familiar with its script, it still wasn’t easy since its grammar is different. There are many charts that must be memorized to progress to the next level. The language is also different, meaning there are many more verbs conjugations than any language I have ever studied. Arabic grammar is particularly challenging as verbs tend to come before the subject. Also, there is a dual form of words in addition to the singular and plural which makes it more difficult to learn. Arabic also has very distinct genders applied to all nouns and verbs. That demands more attention from the people who have only learned to use “it� for all the nonliving things. One fascinating and unique aspect of Arabic is that it conveys the meaning of a full sentence in a single word. Thus, it is less lengthy but more eloquent than other languages. Though I have my struggles and I am waiting for my triumph, but still, there is no room for discouragement as perfection comes after practice. Finally, the grammar tables do get memorized, given enough time and attention. I am hoping, the complex harmony of (Continued on page 13)
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(Continued from page 12)
grammatical details gets de-tangled at some point. Then the sea of vocabulary one day will be stored in my brain’s long-term memory. In the meantime, I am putting one foot in front of the other and taking it slowly. Who says there is an age limit for learning anything? Moreover, even if I couldn't become an expert in the Arabic language, but just by learning a new language; I am investing in my future of healthy brain cells. This is a triumph in today’s world. I also realized the amazing benefit of learning a new language. It improves the memory and decreases the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s. It also increases the attention span while improving multitasking abilities. It also creates better cognitive skills and improves first language. Moreover, it can both increase the size of the brain and develop the perceptual sensitivity. (From: https://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/blog/9health-benefits-of-learning-a-foreign-language) In short, language learning, especially Arabic, is a privilege that helps open the closed windows of the mind and takes one from limited knowledge to the heights of knowledge. Its study is only undertaken by those people who understand the value in such an undertaking. The task is hard. But the rewards of intellectual development are many. It does make up for the initial difficulty. References: (Iwillteachyoulanguage.com)
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The event of Isra Wa al-Meraj took place around a year before Prophet (saw) migrated to Madinah. Its exact date is still controversial. The first part of the journey is called Isra. It is mentioned in the first Ayah of Surah Bani Israel.
when his beloved Uncle Abu Talib and his treasured wife Khadija RA passed away. This was the same year when people of Taif mistreated and rejected the Prophet (saw). Before we start the details of the Prophet’s (saw) night journey, one must open one’s mind. One should accept that one cannot have logical reasoning to every religious belief. This is our faith. The belief in the Unseen. So, think of it as a supernatural event which was brought about by the unlimited powers of Allah SWT.
ْس ٰى ِب َع ْب ِد ِه ل َ ْي ًًل ِيم َن الْ َم ْس ِج ِد الْ َح َرا ِم ُس ْب َح َان َ ْ ه ِاَّلي َأ ْ َاْل ْق ََص ه ِاَّلي َِب َر ْكنَا َح ْو َ َُل ِل ُ ُِني َ ُه ِم ْن أ ََيتِنَا ۚ ا ََل الْ َم ْس ِج ِد ِ ان ه ُه ه َُو- الس ِمي ُع الْ َب ِص ُري ه17:1 ِ
“Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid alAqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” Qur’an (17:1)
The night journey took place in one part of the night. That is in real time of this world; it took place only in few moments. The students of science know about Time dilation. Time behaves differently in different spaces affected by gravity and speed. For example, the astronauts returning from the space station age less than the mission control crew that remained on the earth. So, time will bend due to difference in gravity or difference in speed. This is the law of Allah SWT.
The object of this journey stated here is to show Allah SWT’s signs to the Prophet (saw). The Prophets are special people. They are great men chosen by Allah SWT for a special purpose. All the prophets before Muhammad (saw) were given miracles of their own. These miracles were the signs of Allah SWT and were given to the prophets to make them stronger in their faiths. Allah SWT wanted to show some of His signs to the Prophet (saw).
The angels are not confined by earth’s time and space and are also quite different from humans. They could travel at the speed of light or more. Prophet (saw) himself told his
It was a hard time for the Prophet (saw), when this event occurred. It was the year
(Continued on page 15)
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Jibril, took the Prophet (saw) to the heavens. This is the second part of the journey; it is called Miraj. When the Prophet (saw) and Jibril reached the first Heavens, Jibril asked the guardian angel to open the doors of Heaven. It was opened and the Prophet (saw) met the father of humankind, Adam AS. The Prophet (saw) gave his Salam to him. Then Jibril and the Prophet (saw) ascended to the second heavens. There the prophet (saw) met with Issa AS and Yahya AS, the two cousins who were prophets too. They returned the prophet’s Salam and expressed their faith in his prophethood. Then they reached the third Heaven and met and gave Salam to Yusuf AS who returned the prophet’s Salam. Then in the company of Jibril, the Prophet (saw) reached the fourth Heaven. He met Idris AS there and gave his Salam. Idris AS returned his Salam and expressed his faith in his prophethood.
(Continued from page 14)
companions about his night journey and there are reports of about twenty companions of the Prophet (saw) who witnessed this event. One night, the Prophet (saw) was sleeping in Umm-e-Hani’s (Prophet’s cousin) house after praying Isha prayers. Angel Jibril came to the prophet (saw) and took him to the Khana Ka’aba. Prophet (saw), saw a horse like creature there. It was white in color and smaller than a usual horse but bigger than a donkey. The Prophet (saw) was told that it was called a Burraq. Some scholars mention another Hadith which reveals that before the Prophet (saw) was told to ride Burraq, his breasts were opened by angel Jibril (as), his heart extracted and washed with Zam Zam water. The Messenger of Allah was told to get on the Burraq. The Burraq travelled extremely fast. One step of the Burraq was so big that it seems like, as far as the eye could see. The prophet (saw) and angel Jibril reached Masjid Aqsa in Jerusalem. There he got off the horse and tied the Burraq to a ring in the gate of the Masjid. The Prophet (saw) went inside the Masjid and saw all the prophets from Adam AS to Essa AS. The Prophet (saw) led all the prophets in a congregation there and prayed two Rakats.
On the fifth Heaven prophet (saw) met Harun AS and the same exchange of Salams occurred. On the 6th Heaven the Prophet (saw) met Musa AS and gave his Salam and it was returned. On the 7th Heaven the Prophet (saw) met Ibrahim AS. Our Prophet gave the salaam to him and he greeted him with salaam too. After that, Prophet Muhammad was taken to Al-Bait-al-Mamur (the very frequent house) which is like the Kaaba. It is said, that it is located to be directly above the Kaaba in Dunya. The angels do Ta-
After leading the salah with all the prophets, Photo by darrel collins on Unsplash
(Continued on page 16)
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one stays away from shirk, he will get Jannah.
(Continued from page 15)
waf around it, 70 thousand at a time, and they keep on doing tawaf until the day of Judgement.
When the meeting with Allah SWT was over, our Prophet (saw) on his return spoke to Musa AS, where he pointed out to Prophet Muhammad (saw) that “Your followers cannot perform so many prayers. I know from experience with my Ummah, Bani Israel. Your people are also weak. Go back to Allah and ask for a lesser amount in the daily prayer.” So along with Jibril AS our Prophet (saw) went back to Allah SWT and asked for a reduction in daily prayer. Allah SWT decreased 10 prayers to a total of 40 prayers. Again, when Muhammad (saw) passed Musa (AS) and told him about the reduction in prayers, Musa AS said it is still too many daily prayers for your Ummah, so go back again and ask for further reduction.
The Prophet was than carried to Sidrat-ulMuntaha. It is a kind of a lote tree, but this tree changes it’s colors. Colours which the Prophet (saw) had never seen! The Prophet (saw) said that Sidrat-ul-Muntaha was a major sign, when he saw it. Prophet (saw) could not describe the tree because he had never seen anything like it. He also saw butterflies of gold and those who change their colours as well. He said the tree was so massive that it started from the 6th Heaven and goes up to the 7th Heaven. The Prophet (saw) met Jibril in his original form, there. He had 600 wings. From his wings pearls were emanating. Angel Jibril could not go beyond that point. He said his wings would burn if he went beyond this point. The Prophet (saw) said then someone caused me to ascend and the first thing I felt was I heard the writing of a pen. No other living creature beyond that point, only the Prophet (saw). There was a book above the throne and the pen was writing which he could hear. Whatever happened there was private between Allah (saw) and the prophet of Allah. There our prophet was given 50 Salawat and some scholars say the last two Ayahs of surah Baqarah. The third thing he was given there was assurance that if any-
So once more our Prophet (saw) begged his lord to reduce the number of prayers further. Allah SWT again decreased the number. The Prophet went again and again on the suggestion of Prophet Musa AS for reductions in daily prayers, until they were reduced to five. Musa AS told the Prophet (saw) that your Ummah is weak and will not be able to read even 5 daily prayers, go back to Allah SWT and ask Him to reduce the number, but the Prophet (saw) said that I feel ashamed now on repeatedly asking my Lord for more reductions, I accept and re(Continued on page 17)
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Makkah, it was verified that the Prophet (saw) spoke the truth.
(Continued from page 16)
sign to my Lords will.
There is a debate among scholars whether the prophet (saw) got to see Allah SWT or not. Ayesha RA said that whoever said that the Prophet (saw) saw Allah SWT, said a huge lie about Allah. Ayesha RA said I was the first person to ask the Prophet (saw) about these ayahs. The verses are about Jibril and not Allah. Our eyes cannot see Allah. When asked directly to the Prophet (saw), he said there was so much Nur (light) how could I see him? No creation can withstand seeing of Allah. When Musa (AS) tried to speak to Allah, the mountain turned into ashes. So, Allah SWT created a veil or hijab of light between the Prophet (saw) and Him. No creations of this world can see Allah SWT.
Allah SWT imposed five daily prayers on the ummah of Prophet Muhammad but the reward for it would be for fifty. Still the Prophet (saw) always prayed fifty Rakah all his life. On his way back the Prophet (saw) also got to see Jannah and Hellfire.
The Prophet (saw) came down to Jerusalem and untied Burraq and rode him back to Makkah. On his way back he glimpsed and recognized three caravans going to Makkah. he got back to Haram just in time for Fajr prayers. When he woke up the next morning, he felt anxious about the reaction of his community about his journey to Heavens. This shows his humanity. He was stressed out of how he will tell others. The next day he was sitting in the Haram, Abu-Jehal came by and inquired about what happened. Prophet (saw) started telling him about his night journey. Other people gathered around the prophet. When the Prophet (saw) told them how he was carried to Jerusalem from Makkah in one-night people started making fun of him. But Allah SWT helped our prophet (saw) when he was asked about the temple in Jerusalem, and what it was like. The Prophet (saw) also told them about the caravans he saw on his return journey and that one of the caravans had a red camel with a broken leg. When that caravan reached Photo by Gianne De Jesus on Unsplash
Allah Humma Salleh Ala Muhammadin!!!
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“Groupthink is a psychological phenome-
Whenever a few people meet or work to-
non that occurs within a group of people in
gether, they make groups and Muslims are
which the desire for harmony or conformity
not separate from this phenomenon. But
in the group results in an irrational or dys-
when we grow in numbers we tend to di-
functional decision-making outcome. Group
vide, in opinions, in thinking, in ac-
members try to minimize conflict and reach
tion. Which is good when it comes to work
a consensus decision without critical evalua-
and charity. We need the group to think to-
tion of alternative viewpoints by actively
gether and make things better but when
suppressing dissenting viewpoints, and by
this thinking process becomes convoluted,
isolating themselves from outside influ-
trouble starts. Humans are resilient crea-
ences.
tures, at the same time fearful creatures.
They like to protect what they got or devel-
Groupthink requires individuals to avoid
oped. They like to live a comfortable and
raising controversial issues or alternative so-
safe life.
lutions, and there is a loss of individual creativity, uniqueness and independent thinking.
Similarly, when we make groups among
The dysfunctional group dynamics of the
ourselves, based on social, economic or “I
"ingroup" produces an "illusion of invulnera-
scratch your back and you scratch mine”
bility" (an inflated certainty that the right
reason, this stagnancy of opinions occurs.
decision
the
Input of fresh ideas, using our hikmah in
"ingroup" significantly overrates its own
emotionally intelligent ways, get stuck. Lack
abilities in decision-making and significantly
of new opinions starts to rot. These groups
underrates the abilities of its opponents
usually are started to do decent work but
(the "outgroup"). Furthermore, groupthink
due to the group thinking doors are shut
can produce dehumanizing actions against
towards the free speech and rationality. If
the "outgroup"
challenged, these groups get offended or
has
been
made).
Thus
become a bully. We have seen this happen-
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
(Continued on page 19)
Groupthink 18
rush to make decisions without weighing all
(Continued from page 18)
the options, this oftentimes leads to addiing in all places including mosque boards,
tional costs or that the solution that is
Islamic organizations and more. This is
picked being less than ideal. A few steps we
causing a rift in our society and ummah
can take to reduce group thinking.
whom should unite in solidarity for love and
1. We should actively listen to other view-
affection, but instead fall apart into various
points and concerns and try to under-
groups who do not see eye to eye in simple
stand them before deciding. We should
matters.
refrain from interrupting and shutting
One of the consequences of these convo-
down people before they have an op-
luted group thinking is that incorrect deci-
portunity for their concerns to be ad-
sions are made for the larger community by
dressed.
some group members without consultation.
2. By Islamic law every household or com-
Due to claims of Muslim unity some people
pany or institution is obliged to govern
actively shut down valid viewpoints which
their matters by using Shura. Shura is a
opposes their own thinking. Sadly, those
way of consultation, that is different
whose viewpoint have been shut down,
than voting, different than referendum
often have no recourse , so they either de-
and different than discussion. In this way
cide to use more potentially dangerous
of decision making, every individual and
techniques to allow their voices to be heard
party is consulted in an open forum
such as legal action or whistle blowing or
where everyone can state their opinion
they decide to separate from the communi-
at the same time and everyone has to
ty and make their own group.
listen to all opinions rationally. Then the
In addition to this, group thinkers often,
solution is picked from the best solution
resort to bullying and intimidation of peo-
available, which suits every member
ple with opposing views. Causing even
consulted and affected. Or if there is no
more division in the community and the
solution, then a solution can be picked
complete drop in morale to engage in any
from multiple points stated in the Shura
other work. Group thinking is not isolated
which might be not be a great solution
to the Muslim community as oftentimes
on its own but joined with another be-
this occurs in the professional world. When
(Continued on page 20)
groups tasked with doing some sort of work Photo by Natalie Breeze on Unsplash
19
they would have disbanded from about
(Continued from page 19)
you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness
comes best. َّ ين ْاس َت َج ُابوا ل َر ِّب ه ْم َو َأ َق ُاموا َ َو َّالذ َ الص ََل َة َو َأ ْم ُر ُه ْم ُش ور ٰى ِ ِ ِ ُ ُ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ 42:38 - بينهم و ِمما رزقناهم ي ِنفقون
for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].
And those who have responded to their lord and established prayer and whose
We have a very beautiful story during the
affair is [determined by] consultation
time
among themselves, and from what We
(saw).
have provided them, they spend. (42:38)
when Muslims faced the problem of a large
of
the
Prophet
Muhammad
During the battle of the trench
In the end, this method keeps the enthu-
army coming to attack Madinah. Prophet
siasm and morale up, and at the same time
Muhammad (saw) consulted people, and
finds the solution to the problem in the
one of the Sahaba, Salman -al-Farsi who
best way possible. It also rejects “my way
was from Iran and was very different from
or the highway attitude” and “group think-
rest of the Arabs, gave the solution to dig a
ing”. As a solution is found cooperatively by
trench around Madinah. The solution was
the people and not by some elite or ruling
novel but laborious and with the equip-
class deciding for the rest of the people.
ment they had it was almost an impossible
Thus inhibiting egotism from any or all
task. But Muhammad (saw) considered the
members. This consultation process may
novelty of the idea and the shahba lovingly
take multiple sittings. Also after consulta-
adopted the idea willingly participated in
tions with people, Muslims are recom-
it. later this trench became something
mended to make difficult decisions by con-
which helped them save the idea to build a
sulting Allah, by doing Istikhara. َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ًّ َ َ ُ َ َّ َ ِّ ْ َ َ اَّلل ِلنت ل ُه ْم ۖ َول ْو كنت فظا غ ِليظ القل ِب ِ ف ِب َما رح َم ٍة من َ َْ ْ ْ ََل َنف ُّضوا م ْن َح ْول َك ۖ َف ُ اع ف َعن ُه ْم َو ْاستغ ِف ْر ل ُه ْم ِ ِ َ َ ْ َّ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َّ َّ َّ ُ ْ َ َ َاَّلل اَّلل ۚ ِإن ِ وش ِاوره ْم ِ يف اْلم ِر ۖ ف ِإذا عزمت فتوكل عَل َ ب ْال ُم َت َو ِّكل ُّ ُيح 3:159 - ي ِ ِ
trench to protect the unprotected city
So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad],
community at large. It says in the Quran ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ ْ ُ َ ْ َّ ِّ َ َ ْ َ َّ وف ٍ َل خي ِ يف ك ِث ٍي من نجواهم ِإَل من أمر ِبصدق ٍة أو معر
parts from the intruders. This is an example of
Shura
in
action.
3. Avoid making secret decisions on community matters, or home matters without proper consultation. Its which effects the
you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart,
(Continued on page 21)
20
is easier to listen to and address people’s
(Continued from page 20)
concerns.
َّ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َْ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ْ ْ َ اَّلل ي الن أو ِإصَل ٍح ب ِ ات ِ اس ۚ ومن يفعل ذ ٰ ِلك اب ِتغاء م ْرض ِ َ َ َ ْ َ ً ف ُن ْؤتيه أ ْج ًرا َعظ 4:114 - يما فسو ِ ِ ِ
In conclusion, groupthink is a serious issue, which engulfs communities and breaks
No good is there in much of their private
them apart. It depletes fresh perspectives,
conversation, except for those who enjoin
novel ideas and beauty to work together for
charity or that which is right or conciliation
the solutions provided by consultations and
between people. And whoever does that
adapted by all. It also stops the idea of pro-
seeking means to the approval of Allah -
gressing of the individual because most
then We are going to give him a great re-
people do not use their intellect, as they
ward.
know they will be bullied or thrown out of the group if they speak in opposition, thus
In the interpretation of this verse one of
creating a vacuum of opinions and creating
the scholars mentioned that Islam likes
hypocrisy in people because they know in
openness in decisions. It doesn’t like people
order to be attached to that group they
making decisions in secrecy. So, we should
have to shut-up and praise the so-called
avoid backdoor secret decision making and
leader. This thinking process is a devastation
rather we should be open with everyone
for both the individual and the society to-
and seek suggestions. Giving an honest and
gether. While Shura on the other hand en-
sincere suggestion is one of the rights of
courages open discussion so that we don’t
people over others.
purge our members because they disagree,
4. We need to trust each other, if we trust
but instead we learn how to disagree with
that others also want the best for all of us, it
respect.
Photo by twinsfisch on Unsplash
21
This is a memoir which has taken the world by storm. There is a reason for it to deserve this reputation. This is a story of a self-made woman who is intelligent enough to discover herself and move away from her restrictive upbringing by growing her own set of wings to fly high and not look back. It is a lesson for parents to not be fanatics in parenting their children or they can be at risk of losing their children. It is basically the story of a father whose mind is at odds with scientific learning, knowledge, and progress of all kinds which is prevalent in the present times. Thus cuts himself and his family off from society to a remote place, far away from all the amenities of modern life, so that his religion is not tainted by any prevailing modern influence. His tragedy is to discover that all his children eventually leave him as they grow up, especially his daughter, who has been so unbelievably patient and uncomplaining throughout her life, so he has nothing left. One excerpt from the satirist “Ontillas” “On The Folly Of Men” says that “There are three and only three kinds of men in the world: cynics, fanatics, and mandate schoolmen”. In this heart-breaking story we see an example of this quote in the character of a fanatic ‘Dad’ who is mentioned on nearly every page in the book just as vividly as he leaves his mark in his daughter’s mind. Also it’s not too uncommon that many times mental illness is shadowed by pride or over religiosity. Sometimes schizophrenia is masked by talking to God. The signs we see of mental illness are often masked by paranoia or other extreme nonsensical behaviour. Our society is still working on achieving mental illness as a non taboo issue. For a successful treatment for mental illness to be developed we need more research. We also need to influence the societies to help each other if they see mental illnesses is affecting families and communities, with empathy. More often these are kept hidden because peo22
ple don’t want to break their families apart; which often happen in the case of mental illnesses. This book gives you insight of a troubled mind and this troubled mind doesn’t come from any tragedy from the past , as often, it’s thought to be the reason. This book will also take you through the journey of narratives people believe and systems you never thought existed in USA. We as Muslims are often told that Allah will fix our mental health, if we pray for it. Prayer and strength of eman will give you conviction to heal mentally too. But when you read this book you will understand that mental illness, how may ever it seems, simply needs treatment too. Medical science is there to help. It is not a sign of weakness to ask an outside institution for help, rather, it is a sign of caring and strength. Rather than wreak havoc on others lives, it is better to seek treatment and do good to oneself and one’s family. 23
These days babysitting has evolved into a new field called early childhood education. This change involves learning a new set of behaviors by the adults as they try to interact with the child in the daycare center. It involves becoming a role model for the children to guide their behaviors. These certificates and diplomas are being taught in various vocation-based colleges and jobs are certainly guaranteed given the high turnover rate of such jobs.
children learn and the ages and stages of learning. The early childhood educator learns to recognize the root causes behind the child’s challenging behaviours, (an especially important and useful theory about mistaken goals developed by the famous theorist Rudolf Dreikurs), and learns to tackle them using the right tactics. •
Thus, if the child’s goal is undue attention to get special service the educator knows that the reason behind this behavior is the child’s mistaken belief is that he or she counts only when being noticed or catered to all the time by an adult. What the child really needs is to be redirected in a useful task. (From: https://www.positivediscipline.com/)
•
Or if the child is being bossy and not listening to others the educator knows that this behavior is the child’s way of finding a sense of belonging but what the child really needs is to be given choices and be allowed to help, in other words, to be redirected to positive power.
This job is both rewarding and challenging. It certainly demands a lot of energy on the early childhood educator’s part but love for children keeps them going and many attachments are formed on both sides. If done right, it is a solution where everyone benefits on both sides. Unlike babysitters who do not receive any formal education about children, early childhood educators learn from famous early childhood theorists like Piaget and Vygotsky about the four stages of development as well as cognitive development and thus learn what to expect from children when working with them. Educators learn what are age appropriate behaviors, how
(Continued on page 25)
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(Continued from page 24)
(From: https://www.positivediscipline.com/) If the child’s goal is to seek revenge to get even, the educator knows that this means the child thinks that he or she can’t be liked or loved and is hurting. The educator then shares the child’s feelings and helps the child. (From: https://www.positivediscipline.com/)
•
If the child feels inadequate and wants to be left alone the educator knows that the reason behind this behaviour is that the child feels helpless and unable to do something right. But what the child really needs is for the adult to have faith in the child’s ability to learn, however slowly. So, the educator responds by breaking the task into small steps to make it easier until the child experiences success. (From: https://www.positivediscipline.com/) In short, knowing the child well and what they need makes the educator’s task easier and they can satisfy the small day to day concerns as they arise or even before they arise by addressing each concern promptly and thereby achieve excellence in their field. References: http://www.positivediscipline.com
Photo by Dragos Gontariu on Unsplash
25
Whether this dessert is a form of a bread pudding turn royal or other way around. Or it may have some other history; this dessert is still considered royal by South Asians. This delectable dish is named differently by different regions. Like it is sweeter counterpart also called Double ka Metha by some. This appetizing dish is quite easy to make, and any novice can perfect their hands quickly if they know basic rules of cooking a dish. Fry the bread in a ghee (clarified Butter); soak in aromatic sweet milk, garnish with some nuts and khoa (curd) and voila, your dish is ready.
Here I am sharing a simple recipe for you to enjoy. Bread: 7 slices Milk: ½ litre
Evaporated milk: ¼ litre Ghee: Enough to deep fry Sugar: ½ cup or to taste Saffron: Few strands Orange color: 1/8 tsp (optional) Khuoa or curd: ½ cup (well drained curd) Almonds & Pistachio: To garnish Cut the bread diagonally in half. Trim the sides, but it’s optional. Fry them in ghee till they are light brown evenly. Arrange evenly in a flat oven proof dish. In other pot, boil milk with sugar, saffron, color, and evaporated milk until it changes its; color to beige. julienne the nuts after boiling and skinning. Some recipes add nuts to the milk when boiling thus eliminating this step. Add prepared milk to the fried bread until it covers the bread fully. Cover it with foil and bake it on 350 for 15 minutes or until bread is exceptionally soft. Garnish evenly with nuts and khoa or (drained curd). Can be served hot or cold. 26
Photo by Food Photographer | Jennifer Pallian on Unsplash
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