Category Archives: Islam

#PAP 1: The Cally Fest

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#PAP 1; The Cally Festival

London. That place where small town people are overwhelmed by the “City life”. Business men and women talk only when on their phones, too preoccupied to notice other people’s existence even as they run past one another on the tube. Tall bulky buildings of top shot corporations breed robots through their glass doors; the “suited and booted.” But is that a true depiction of what London’s about? The longer I stay in this city the more took the time out to open my eyes to London’s true culture. It’s unique, it’s diverse and it’s inclusive. Cally Fest epitomized this and reminded me community does still exist in London and is as vibrant as ever! We found some incredibly special people here… the ones who are truly reppin’ London without them even knowing it! For them I gave this City a chance.

TAKING SIDES: Abdul and Tim – Iraq – 911

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27/03/2003
“Abdul is my world, my 3rd child. My first two children went straight to Jannah… heaven. Still born. That’s what the doctor called it. You see it’s difficult to raise children here in Iraq. UN sanctions are impoverishing our land, it’s been 13 years now. Children are malnourished…” I offer halwa to the Western journalist sitting at my kitchen table. Little food comes into Iraq. Little of what we produce goes out. And rarely do we find a journalist willing to tell the rest of the world what is happening to our country. This month many journalists are flooding in. There are high hopes in the hearts of our people. Hope that they have come to finally relieve us from these chains. Relieve us from the way our schools and hospitals are slowly being run into the ground. She says my son Abdul is one of the happiest children she’s ever met. I tell her how me and my husband will never make him realise how he suffers. “This has been the life he’s always known. And for that he is happy.” The journalist seems lost, as though she is seeking something I cannot offer. She soon leaves. It is at this point I realise how blessed we have been to have had a healthy child for 9 years. Babies who have complications rarely make it. The first few years are the scariest for any mother here.  Last week I saw a look in my child’s eyes a mother never wants to see. It was the look of fear. It mirrored the fear in my own face. The ground thudded. Our house shook. A noise louder than I’ve heard in the 35 years of my life. Earthquake I thought. Suddenly I recalled the last thing the journalist said to me: “Protect your family, they’re planning shock and awe.” She wasn’t talking about sanctions.  All I ask is that Allah protect my Abdul from the evils in this world.

10/08/2012
I’m Abdul. 4 years ago today our house in Fallujah was raided by the armed forces. They fired their large guns through our kitchen. My mother was cooking. Six of those bullets sent her to Jannah. My Dad could no longer face that house… or our country anymore so we left. We arrived in London soon after. My father knows the meaning of hardship. He missed our country, lost every job he struggled to get. He was a hard worker, but employers don’t care for that much. My father wasn’t accustomed to living in a place where only a rare few stopped to say hello so when he was friendly to people they suspected him. People see us as a threat. That’s the first thing we noticed when we landed. The funny thing is, we “the big threat” feel the most vulnerable. Our local Mosque was trashed by “far-right extremists”, “terrorists” graffittied on the walls. They don’t understand Islam.  My father is getting old. Though he battles, he has become weakened with the life we’ve been faced with. When I have the money I will return to Iraq and train to fight against those invading our homes. May Allah protect my Father whilst I am away.

13/09/2001
Four days have passed since I had to tell my darling Timmy that his Daddy wasn’t coming home to us anymore. I know he feels it, my Timmy. He smiles and plays like every 7 year old boy should, but I can tell from the reflection in his little green eyes, he knows the worst has happened to us. And I know it’s not long till those smiles turn to confusion. He’s waiting. Waiting for John, my husband to return. Oh and what a husband he is… was. Too good for this world. That’s what I keep telling myself. That’s what I keep telling everyone else. It helps, but of course if I had to chose, he’d still be mine. He’d still be here with me throwing Timmy up and down in the air whilst I’d repeatedly ask him to be more careful. But he was careful, and through my moaning I secretely knew I’d could never feel safer than when he was with us. He’d always protect us. And that’s what made me marry him; love and security. I just wished I could’ve protected him. He phoned me, just before… he said: “They’ve hijacked the plane… we’re circling the World Trade Centre.” 5 minutes later, I saw it on the news. All I ask is for God to protect my Timmy from the evil in this world.

10/08/2012
I’m Tim. I’m 18 years old. I lost my Dad when I was a young-un. It’s no secret. Everyone at high school knew ‘bout it… talked ‘bout it. Before 5th grade people used to understand what September 11th meant to me. I’m not too sure now. I hear people talk ‘bout how all those died on 9/11 just don’t matter when no more. “Those who died in 911 are nothing compared innocent people being killed in Iraq and Afghanistan”- that’s what they say. But it matter to me. My Dad’s death didn’t mean “nothing” to my family. He was innocent too you know. There needs to be justice for my Dad’s death. This is the year I can finally join the forces. My Mom don’t want me to, she scared. She’s been scared for a long time now. I tell her I just want to protect people. I want to protect my future family, and protect the families in Iraq. See I know what it’s like to lose someone you were never meant to lose, I don’t want them to know that feeling too… May God protect my Mom whilst I am away.

Timmy is a terrorist
Timmy will murder the innocent
Timmy is part of an evil regime
Timmy is racist
Timmy is attacking the East

Abdul is a terrorist
Abdul will murder the innocent
Abdul is part of an evil regime
Abdul is a racist
Abdul is attacking the West

Perception. Isn’t it strange how it differs depending on who we are and where we are from. Sometimes, we need to take a step back and remember; everyone else is human too. Those of us blessed enough to not be in the positions of Timmy and Abdul are in a position to think critically. Instead, so many decide take sides, make assumptions resounding of those above. Does it ever help? No, it only adds fuel to fire.

Vandalising UJS stall: Anti-Semitic & a failure to Palestinians

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Speak out against injustice, wherever you see it. Simple. Let that be the preface.

On Tuesday evening the Union of Jewish students’ stall at the National Union of Students annual conference was vandalised.

It goes without saying anti-Semitism is not tolerated within NUS. The Jewish Chronicle stated the incident involved sticking “Boycott Israeli Goods” stickers upon the stall, also covering the sacred Star of David.

This has opened up a new realm of questions. Was the anti-Semitism or was this a political move?

It seems to be intended as political move. However the defacing of the Star of David has caused offence to many and can be classified as anti-Semitism. Rightly so. In fact defacing any religious symbol is wrong, regardless of what it is defaced with.

There is a clear lack of understanding by whoever decided to vandalise this stall. Being anti-Israel is completely different to being anti-Semite, so why is there a need to cover the stalls with stickers? Tactically makes no sense.

Think about it logically. Would someone who wishes to condemn the 9/11 terrorists from Saudi Arabia post stickers on to a FOSIS (Federation of Student Islamic Societies) stall? No, because the religion Islam and the terrorists association with Saudi Arabia are two completely separate things. The religion and people of this religion are not associated with such atrocities. It is understood that this comparison may appear ambiguous but it appears ambiguity is necessary to free some people’s minds.

It should be understood that the fight is for the freedom of Palestinians, not the downfall of Jewish people and Jewish societies. Any issue regarding the oppression of others is a human issue. This is regardless of race, ethnicity or religion. Palestine is a human issue. Every human can relate and have an understanding if they are informed.

There are Jewish organisations working towards the freedom of Palestinians; B’Tsalem is an example. Unity is crucial. These antics insult to them and the work they do. It creates divide.

If a person truly wished help the Palestinian cause they would directly speak to the Union of Jewish students and engage in intellectual debate, one of which may be more beneficial to the Palestinian cause. Even better, they should have put every ounce of their energy into discussing Palestine on conference floor! That should be the ultimate aim.

Vandalising a stall with stickers is disrespectful, not to mention a waste of stickers. There is no need for this. First time delegates do not expect to see this. They travelled to conference to witness a united front from the student movement with intellectual policy debate. Let’s hope they are not disheartened by such antics.

Fighting racism and injustice is one of the reason’s I ran for election onto the NUS’ Black Students Campaign. The Palestinian cause is one I support. I support the people, it is that simple.

It saddens me to know many will read this post and think me critical and a traitor to the Palestinian cause. The truth is I make these criticisms to fight for the Palestinian cause. Anti-Semitism aside, the vandalism was detrimental to the cause. What if people who know nothing about Palestine refuse to now get involved because of this? These are activists. We need them.

It is unfair on the Palestinians. It is unfair on those trying desperately to seek freedom for them. And it is unfair on the innocent Jewish community to have their emblem defaced.

I speak out against injustice wherever I see it. Like I said, it is simple. Please try to understand.

Peace and Love always.

Pakistan in the Media. میڈیا میں پاکستان

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Pakistan is no doubt a country that faces incredible hardship. An event tonight at City University discussed the relationship between a country that is at odds with corruption, poverty, natural disasters and terrorism, and a currently hostile media.

It is undeniable that the problems of Pakistan need to be addressed yet the current approach of the media is one of which demonizes a country to the extent of which deterred people from giving aid to those who last year were faced the worst natural disaster in history. Saima Mohsin, presenter Channel 4 news, touched upon the media’s negative portrayal of Pakistan post 911 as having “really hit home when the floods happened”.

Pakistanis face the same issues in both Britain and Pakistan: they do not feel they have politicians or media who represent them.

 The British media undoubtedly persists in portraying Pakistan negatively. There are stories daily of which addresses Pakistan’s problem however not in a progressive manner. It leads people to not only dismiss Pakistan but creates prejudices leading to fascism. The objective should be to help. This does not mean the issues should be ignored and a perfect picture should be painted but the current approach needs to change.

 

Mobeen Azhar, BBC, touched upon how the media’s portrayal of Pakistan has led to an “inferior complex” in which Pakistanis are ashamed of their roots. The Sun newspaper today printed a story about the Pakistani cricket scandal. Writer Anila Baig exhibits this “inferior complex” she writes: “Pakistan has been called a failed state and has always been perilous politically. But with cricket at least we could complete and hold our heads high”.

The answer to this is simple, as Azhar points out: “We need to be proud of where we come from… Let’s assert ourselves as Pakistanis”.

 Each of tonight’s panellists emphasised the need for more British Asians to be working in the mainstream media but as Azhar also pointed out, issues arise from the idea that those people must represent the whole of Islam and the Pakistani community. It also poses a problem for non-Muslim, non-Pakistanis who wish to report. They feel that it is not their place to do so. Engagement from everyone who works in the media regardless of background is crucial.

 In a conversation after the event Nayha Kalia, editor of “The Samosa”, said that it is possible for non-Asians to provide journalism successfully on such topics using herself as an example: a Indian Hindu editor of a website that focuses onPakistan.

 The power of the media in Pakistan became evident when Mohsin said those in rural areas who cannot read or write can watch and listen. They “hang on to every word” and in a country of which the media is largely unregulated it can be dangerous.

The underlying conclusion from the debate on how we can improve the relations between Pakistan and the media was seen when Mohsin said: “You do have a voice. I hope you use it and I hope you use it wisely. Homa Khaleeli, commissioning editor at the Guardian, went on further to say we can all make a difference due to the advancement of media predominantly through blogging: “The platforms are there. It’s anyone’s game”.

 Tonight it was mentioned that attempts can be made to build bridges and make connections by translating articles into multiple languages so as a result Slice of Simplicity has attempted to translate this article in Urdu. Apologies for mistakes and problems with context:

پاکستان میں کوئی شک نہیں ایک ملک ہے جو اس کی مشکلات کا سامنا ہے ہے. ایک تقریب گذشتہ رات سٹی یونیورسٹی ایک ایسا ملک ہے جو کہ کرپشن ، غربت ، قدرتی آفات اور دہشت گردی ، اور میڈیا کے ساتھ مشکلات میں ہے کے درمیان تعلقات پر تبادلہ خیال کیا.

یہ ناقابل تردید ہے کہ پاکستان کے مسائل کو خطاب جائے کرنے کی ضرورت ہے ہے ابھی تک میڈیا کے موجودہ نقطہ نظر ہے جس کی حد تک جس کی وہ ہے جو گزشتہ سال کی تاریخ میں بدترین قدرتی آفت کا سامنا کر رہے تھے کو امداد دینے سے لوگوں سے ہار ماننے والے کو ایک ملک demonizes ہے. صائمہ محسن ، اس موقع چینل 4 نیوز ، ہونے “واقعی گھر میں جب سیلاب ہوا مارا” کے طور پر پاکستان 911 مراسلہ میں میڈیا کے منفی پیش صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو چھو لیا.

پاکستانیوں میں برطانیہ اور پاکستان دونوں میں ایک ہی سے مسائل کا سامنا کرنا پڑتا ہے : وہ محسوس نہیں وہ سیاست دانوں یا میڈیا جو ان کی نمائندگی ہے.

برطانوی میڈیا نے بلاشبہ پاکستان منفی پیش کرنے میں برقرار رہتا ہے. وہ کہانیاں جن میں سے یومیہ کے پاکستان کی مسئلہ پتوں تاہم ایک ترقی پسند انداز میں نہیں ہیں. یہ لوگ پاکستان نہ صرف کو مسترد طرف جاتا ہے لیکن فاسیواد کے لئے معروف تعصبات پیدا کرتا ہے. مقصد میں مدد کے لئے ہونا چاہئے. اس کا مطلب یہ نہیں مسائل کو نظر انداز کیا جانا چاہئے اور ایک کامل تصویر کو پینٹ کیا ہونا چاہئے لیکن موجودہ نقطہ نظر تبدیل کرنے کی ضرورت ہے.

Mobeen اظہر ، بی بی سی ، ہے کس طرح پاکستان کا میڈیا پیش کو ایک “کمتر پیچیدہ” جس میں پاکستانیوں کو اپنی جڑوں پر شرم آتی ہیں پر مجبور کیا ہے صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو چھو لیا. سن اخبار نے آج پاکستانی کرکٹ سکینڈل کے بارے میں ایک کہانی چھپی ہوئی ہے. مصنف Anila بیگ نے اس “کمتر پیچیدہ” کی نمائش : “پاکستان کی گئی ہے کو ایک ناکام ریاست کہا جاتا ہے اور ہمیشہ خطرناک سیاسی گیا ہے. لیکن ہم کم از کم کرکٹ کے ساتھ مکمل اور ہمارے سر کو اعلی پکڑ کر سکتے ہیں.

اس کا جواب بہت سادہ ہے ، کے طور پر اظہر بتاتے ہیں : “ہم ہم کہاں سے آئے پر فخر کرنے کی ضرورت ہے… خود کو پاکستانیوں کے طور پر زور.

آج رات کی ہر panellists مزید برطانوی قومیتوں کے افراد کے لئے ضرورت پر زور دیا ذرائع ابلاغ میں کام کرنے کے طور پر اظہر نے کہا ، مسائل کا خیال ہے کہ ان لوگوں کو اسلام کے پورے اور پاکستانی کمیونٹی کی نمائندگی ضروری ہے سے پیدا ہے. یہ بھی غیر مسلم پاکستانیوں کو غیر ، جو میں رپورٹ کرنا چاہتے ہیں کے لئے ایک مسئلہ پیش کرتا ہے. ان کا خیال ہے کہ یہ ایسا کرنے کے لیے ان کی جگہ نہیں ہے. ہر کوئی جو میڈیا میں کام کرتا ہے پس منظر کے قطع نظر سے مشغولیت اہم ہے.

ایک بات چیت میں واقعہ کے بعد “Samosa” کے مدیر ، Nayha کالیا ، نے کہا کہ یہ غیر قومیتوں کے افراد شامل کے لئے ممکن ہے نے کامیابی سے ایسے اپنے آپ کو ایک مثال کے طور پر استعمال موضوعات پر صحافت فراہم کرنے کے لئے : ایک ویب سائٹ ہے جو پاکستان پر توجہ مرکوز کی ایک بھارتی ہندو کے ایڈیٹر.

پاکستان میں میڈیا کی طاقت کو واضح ہوگئی جب محسن نے کہا کہ دیہی علاقوں میں رہنے والوں کے جو پڑھ لکھ سکتے ہیں یا نہیں دیکھنے اور مدد کر سکتے ہیں. وہ انہوں نے کہا کہ ہر لفظ کو پر لٹکا “اور ایک ایسے ملک میں جس میں میڈیا زیادہ تر unregulated ہے میں یہ خطرناک ہو سکتا ہے ہے.

کس طرح ہم پاکستان اور ذرائع ابلاغ کے درمیان تعلقات کو بہتر بنانے کے کر سکتے ہیں پر بحث سے بنیادی اختتام کے دیکھا تھا جب محسن نے کہا تھا : “آپ کو ایک آواز ہے. مجھے امید ہے کہ آپ اسے استعمال کرتے ہیں اور مجھے امید ہے کہ آپ کو ٹھیک طریقے سے استعمال. ہوما Khaleeli ، گارڈین میں مدیر کمیشن ، مزید پر گئے تھے کا کہنا ہے کہ ہم ایک اکثریت بلاگنگ کے ذریعے میڈیا کی ترقی کی وجہ سے فرق کر سکتے ہیں : “پلیٹ فارم وہاں ہیں. یہ کسی کھیل ہے “.