By Alveena Salim

You pull up to a red light beside a car full of rude-boy wannabes blasting one of the latest RnB/hip-hop/rap tunes, and before the light turns green, you’ve heard of four different sex acts, someone’s mum cussed, you’re told to get high on drugs and encouraged to beat up the “ho that steps outta line”.

Over on MTV base there are women bumping and grinding, wearing tiny thongs, dancing for men and shaking all they’ve got – usually to lyrics that refer to them as “b***, ho’s or sluts”. (Read More and comment)

By Sajid Iqbal & Irfan Khan

Jamal goes to visit Ali in prison�

Ali: Jamaaaal!!! Holy cow!!! Is that really you?

Jamal: Salaam Ali. Yep it’s me bro� and I ain�t no cow.

Ali: I can�t believe you’s come all the way from Egypt to see me! Raas man! You’re not a dodgy Mullah after all!

Jamal: No, not as dodgy as you bro� hahahaha.

Ali: Yo I ain’t dodgy aiight, I�ve got style! So how are ya man� you all pimped up and that? you been strutting your stuff on the Taliban catwalks!

Jamal: I’m good, Alhamdulillah, I�ve had a wicked time, met some really good people. But what about you, how are things bro?

Ali: Life is friggin’ beautiful! What do you think it�s like man?! Food here tastes like leftover kebabs. I’m locked up with some crackpots. (Read More and comment)

The word “Nasheed” is just an Arabic term meaning Islamic songs. Nasheeds aren’t just about Allah (swt) and the Prophet (saw), but they cover all sorts of issues concerning the Ummah today.

Nasheeds have been around ever since the time of the Holy Prophet (saw), yes that is 1400 years ago! In total there were 45 Munshideen (Nasheed artists) at the time of the Holy Prophet (saw) with Hassan ibn Thabit (ra) being the favourite. (Read More…)

By Imaani Aslam

We will all have moments in our life when we feel a bit down, miserable or in a bit of a mood. It is natural to feel some sort of sadness when we experience disappointments in our everyday life. However, The World Health Organisation estimates that 121 million people worldwide are suffering from �Depression� � the illness.[1]

The difference between feeling a little low and suffering from a depressive illness is that these low feelings can last for weeks or months and seriously interfere with a persons life. There are different types of depressive illnesses; depression in its mildest form can make everything seem a struggle or pointless, but depression in its most severe form can be life-threatening as it can make a person simply give up the will to live.

Contrary to popular belief, a person suffering from depression can�t just �snap out of it� or �pull themselves together�. It is important to understand that depression isn�t just a state of mind � it is clear that there are definite changes in the way the brain works when a person is depressed. (Read More…)

By Alveena Salim

Why would anyone in the 21st Century willingly practise Islam? I mean, ain’t it a backwards, sexist, violent, and out-dated religion? Ain’t it the religion that’s always on the news? And why the hell is Islam the fastest growing religion in the world? What does it offer anyway?

The Revival presents you ten things that Islam can offer you if you follow the teachings of Islam:

1. Direction

All humans by nature need a sense of purpose in life. We need to know where we came from, where we’re going and how we can get there. A lack of direction results in a careless attitude towards life which can lead to feeling dissatisfied and depressed. (Read more and comment)

Question

Are Muslims allowed to go to the pub even if they do not drink, especially if it is work related?

Answer

By Shaykh Salim Ghiza

No. In Islam places which are allocated for the use of Haram activities are forbidden to enter even if it is not for consuming the Haram. The reason for this is that these are places which gain the wrath and the curse of Allah and also as a Muslim one must ensure that their outwardly actions do not lead others to doubt them (Read More…)

By Zahid Maqbool

Walking down the street it is no longer enough to speak in rap. The gold rings mean nothing. Nor do the chains. There are two types of people out there. Those that carry and those that are dead. Bang bang.

La pistola. The Ultimate Badge of Honour. It says more than anything else. Who cares about the police? I own the streets and people fear me. And they should. I am the law. Disrespect me at your own peril. Bang bang.

I have the feeling of power. I am indestructible. No one will cross my way. I am packing a heavy punch. This is a badge that has to be earned. Bang bang. (Read More…)

By Sara Salim and Imaani Aslam

Jameela: As�salaam alaikum Sis. How you doin�?

Aliyah: Alright Jameela, where you at?

Jameela: Er� I�m good Alhamdulillah. What you been up to?

Aliyah: Not much, not much. Listen yeah, Ramadan�s starting soon innit?!

Jameela: Yep Sis, I can�t wait!!

Aliyah: Great!!! Not long now then. Iky says he wants to cool it during Ramadan. He says his Dad�s gonna be watching him like a hawk and he can�t risk gettin� caught. Plus he says I�m gonna distract him, but I told him straight, look it ain�t my fault I�m so fit.

(Read More and comment)

By Imaani Aslam

Chances are you know someone who is being bullied or that even you yourself have at some time in your life been bullied. A recent report revealed a staggering 69% of young people are bullied. In other words, a shocking 2 out of 3 people [1].

So what can be classed as bullying?

Well, it normally takes the form of emotional or physical harmful behaviour. So this can include pushing, punching, kicking, spitting, teasing, name-calling, mocking, taunting, gossiping, spreading rumours… etc, etc. Basically, anything that makes someone feel uncomfortable, scared, unhappy or unsafe. (Read More…)

By Naheem Zaffar

Meanwhile on the other side of the globe…

Connecting…

Jamal: Ali? Is that you?

Ali: Erm… Assalamu Alaikum brother. Ermm kay… kai… Kaifa Haluk?

Jamal: I’m good. I thought you were in prison?

Ali: My lawyers a good man. You remember big Sam right? Say hi to him. He’s letting me use his phone. I’m telling you Jamal it was a big misunderstanding! If they tested the stuff they would have known it was just flour. To make chappati’s! Desi style. But since I am Muslim they just banged me up man! You know how it is Innocent til proven Muslim. I had no chance! (Read More…)

I’m a father, a mother, a husband, a wife, a brother, a sister, a son and a daughter. I’m a child, a teenager and an adult. I’m a neighbour, team mate, work colleague and soul mate. I’m a student, a graduate and a teacher. I’m soap mad, a football fan, a food fanatic and a shopaholic. I’m normal, special, ambitious, creative and fun. (Read More…)

This is a bonus article that is not in the print version of the magazine.

NO I WILL NOT BE JOINING YOU LOT FOR A DRINK

MuslimSisLilSis:

Is anyone sick of saying it?

Do people not SEE the hijaab or beard?

(Read More…)

Question

I am addicted to watching porn on the net. I know it’s wrong but can’t stop myself. What can I do to overcome my porn addiction?

Answer

Answer by Shaykh Salim Ghisa

This unfortunately has become a big problem intoday’s society. The simple reason is that the Haram is simply too easily accessible.

The reason why Islam promotes a segregated society where men and women are adequately covered and separated, is so that there is as least temptation as possible. (Read More…)

Do you know when you’re gonna die? Of course you don’t! You could be DEAD next week, next month or next year. So before you go what do you wanna do and achieve in life? What are your dreams and ambitions? What big plans do you have for your life? How do you wanna be remembered?

The Revival presents to you 10 things you should do before you die:

1. Fulfil your responsibilities

As Muslims there are many things that are compulsory (fardh) upon us like reading our prayers 5 times a day, performing Hajj once in a lifetime, to fast and to give zakat. So make Hajj a priority…. not ‘I’ll do it when I’m old’. Make up your missed prayers and make a promise not to miss any more… and start from NOW. (Read More…)

The Revival has been asking young Muslims fro across the UK whether or not they have faith in the police:

Rabia Shah, 20. Stanmore (North West London)

The image of the police has deteriorated over the years; it may be due to the lack of patrol officers, flaws within the system or simply because what they refer to as ‘protecting the people’ maybe seen as injustice in the eyes of others. Their aim has been to ‘make London a safer place’ but how much progress has been seen? The police force has now been set targets to seek out and identify any potential terrorist plans or activities, but it has now become hunt for prey. Muslims have now been stereotyped and it seems to be that more Muslims are now stopped, questioned or perhaps even searched according to their appearance. (Read More…)

What would you do if you were subjected to extreme physical, sexual, and emotional abuse by the one who claimed to love you? What would you do if your husband came home one night drunk and abusive? What would you do if he sexually abused you coz you accidentally burnt his shirt?

What would you do if your husband thought it was ok to use you as a punch bag for ten years? Would you accept your fate? Or would you be provoked into hurting your husband the way he hurt you?

These were some of the dilemmas faced by Aishwarya Rai when she played the role of a victim of domestic violence in the film �Provoked�. Directed by Jag Mundra, the film is loosely based on a true story. (Read More and comment)

By Sara Salim and “Imaani” Aslam

Jameela: Asalaam Alaikum Sis, I see you’ve dyed your hair again?

Aliyah: Yep. Looks good don’t it? What do you think?

Jameela: Erm… I think you may have overdone it with the blonde highlights, not too sure if it suits your skin tone… but hey, what’s with the makeover anyway?

Aliyah: Well, you’re looking at the new me. I’ve decided I’m through with all this being a Muslim girl thing. Now people know that I ain’t one of those girls they can order about. I’ve decided I ain’t taking no crap any more.

Jameela: Well that’s great, respecting yourself is really important, but what’s taking crap got to do with being and looking like a Muslim?

Aliyah: Listen yeah, I ain’t saying nuffin’ about you or anything, but I got plans for me. I’m gonna show all these people that they can’t boss me about and control my life. I ain’t thick, I can make my own decisions you know. You get me?

Jameela: Err… no not really.� (Read More and comment)

By Sajid Iqbal – Editor, The Revival

Who are you? What are you? Are you a leader or a follower?

Do you follow society or does society follow you? Are you scared to be different or proud to be you? Do you stick to your guns?

Or do you say what people wanna hear? So the question is… ARE YOU A SHEEP?

“…I ain’t no sheep, orite!…”

is what y’all sayin’ yeah?

So tell me, are you proud to be a Muslim or embarrassed to be labelled one? Do you stick to your Islamic beliefs at home as well as when you’re at college/uni/work? (Read more…)

Question

Is it permissible for a Muslim to ‘go out’ with a prospective marriage partner in order to find out if they are compatible? What about going out with your fiancé?

Answer

It is not permissible for a Muslim man and woman to ‘go out’ with each other even if they are engaged. The main reason for this ruling is;

A person remains a ‘ghair mehrum’ (non-permissible) until a valid marriage according to Shariah is performed (i.e. Nikah). The reason for this is that Islam promotes segregation between men and women in order that piety and chastity remain protected. Until marriage takes place they are not legally allowed for each other. (Read more…)

Question

To what extent are Muslims allowed to take part in non–Islamic festivals such as Christmas, Halloween, Easter etc?

For example, can Muslims give Christmas cards to non-Muslim neighbours, colleagues and friends or attend Christmas dinners if invited by the local church?

Answer

There are different rulings for Muslims participating in non Islamic festivals and this depends on whether the festival is a religious cultural or habitual practice. (Read More & comment…)

“…and then one day when the air is still and the night has fallen, they come for you. It’s only then you realise while you are talking about organising and committees, the extermination has already begun. Make no mistake my brothers, they will draw first blood. They will force their cure upon us. The only question is will you join my brotherhood and fight? Or wait for the inevitable genocide? Who will you stand with…?”

(More…)

By Alveena Salim

Meera had an incurable brain tumour. The villains found where she lived and shot her in the head. Luckily for her the bullet passed through her ears taking away the tumour along with it, thus curing her in the process�

Raja lost his true love after she choked to death on a chicken leg, he thought he could never love again until he was confronted with a girl who was the EXACT same replica of his dead lover, but how come she didn�t want to know him? Luckily for him a song and dance in the rain in the London Eye easily won her over�

(Read more and comment)

By Hafsah bint Sayeed al Awlaqi

I would never have thought a piece of cloth could cause so much fuss. But Jack Straw decides to pull a publicity stunt, Holland does away with the Human Right’s Act, and the next thing you know, pictures of veiled women are plastered across the front pages of almost every newspaper in England. According to Mr. Straw, those of us who choose to wear the niqaab make “better, positive relations” between communities “more difficult”.(Read More & comment)

By Zahid Maqbool

Well the car, phatt whip, ride, ma wheels or ‘gadhi’ is the star. To have a mad bad car is THE priority coz on the streets true respect is born by the badness of ya car. The faster, the higher the brake horse power, the bigger the wheels, the meaner the better.

Ya phatt whip can’t be one that every Tom, Daud or Haroon has. So, what do you do? You pimp your ride of course and start by spending more money on say the rims. These are changed to 21” or if you have pockets big enough to take a JCB down, then you get gold plated custom 23”. Oh by the way if we are gonna do it then do it proper eh. (More…)

li has been sent down for 18 months for selling Cannabis and Jamal has gone to Egypt to study Islam. In their place we have: Jameela: Asalaam alaikum sister. I haven’t seen you in time.

Aliyah: You’ll never guess who just asked me out!!!

Jameela: Who?

Aliyah: Iky baby!!!!!!

Jameela: Ikram? The one who looks like Sonic the Hedgehog? Why you messing around with that good- for- nothing unemployed dosser. All he does is drive round the same block 50 times a day!

Aliyah: What-ever! You’re just jealous innit. I’m meeting him in ‘Tasty Chicken’ tonight so I need you to do me a favour. I’ve told my old man that I’m at your yardz tonight, so if he bells ya just say that I’m with you yeh. (More…)