Q. I have recently read that Walkers use a small amount of alcohol in some flavours of their crisps (Sensations Thai Sweet Chilli, Doritos Chilli Heat Wave and Quavers Cheese), to enhance the flavour. Does that make them Haram?

A. It has become evident that some flavourings in some crisps consist of Haram ingredients. Therefore, as per the rule of the Shariah, once something permissible has something Haram added to it and cannot be separated, then the whole item becomes Haram. In which case, those crisps with Haram ingredients are Haram and therefore not permissible to eat.

Q. Can a Muslim give Haram food to a non-Muslim?

The belief in the Day of Judgement is a fundamental of Islam. This is when Allah (swt) will be the only Judge and no-one will be able to help us - not even our own parents! On the Day of Judgement, the hair of a child will turn grey. [Bukhari]. This shows the severity of that Day where even children will be stricken with fear, although they are innocent and going to Heaven (Jannah). The only thing which will benefit us will be our good deeds. We will either be told that we have been successful thus will go into Heaven, or have failed so will end up in Hell.

Heaven

What does Heaven look like?

The Qur’an and Hadith reveal many detailed descriptions of Heaven:

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) successfully united the warring tribes of Arabia and built a new social system that would go on to form the basis of an Empire, the like of which had never been seen before. This was only within the 23 years since he received his first revelation from Allah (swt), and ten years after he had emigrated from Mecca to Medina with the rest of his followers. Allah (swt) judged that his work had now been done, and so the Prophet (pbuh) began to near his death.

Sa'id ibn 'Abd Allah related from his father that as the Prophet (pbuh) became more ill, the people of Medina gathered around the Mosque. Al-Abbas (ra), al-Fadl (ra) and Ali (ra) entered to tell him that they were outside. He stretched out his hand and said

"Here,"

Before you start getting all worked up and start sending death threats to the Editor, just relax. And breathe. Muslims seem to be uncomfortable discussing issues which ‘make Muslims look bad’ – others may even go as far as to deny that they actually happen. However, Allah (swt) has commanded Muslims to stand up for justice. It makes no difference if it affects one individual or thousands. We need to have the confidence and courage to admit our shortcomings and stand up for the oppressed. Even if the oppressors are Muslims.

By Sajid Iqbal

Ali bumps into Jamal at a local wedding…

Ali: Salaaaaaaaaaaaaaam Jam! Wagwaan?

Jamal: Wasalaam Ali. I'm OK, alhamdulillah, how are ya bro?

Ali: I'm buzzin'. Just had me grub and now I look like I'm up the duff!

Jamal: Yep, six months I would say! Hahaha...

Ali: You're a funny guy for an ayatollah rock n roller!

Jamal: So how's the new and improved Ali? You not gone back to your old ways I hope?

Ali: You got it Jam! I am the new and improved, the master of disaster, the king of sting, ya know the main digger behind the trigger.

Mohammed Ali is an artist who combines urban graffiti and Islamic calligraphy. He is based in Birmingham but his work takes him all over the world. The Revival's Irfan Jalil spoke to him about his source of inspiration and the place of art in Islam.

How would you describe the work that you do?

It's about the fusion of graffiti art with Islamic art. Fusing these two elements together to create an urban spiritual art form.

How did you start out as an urban artist?

By Abid Hussain

Is music permissible? What are the Islamic rulings on drawing the human form? Is dance Haram? These and so many other questions are constantly on the minds of Muslims, young and old and from all cultural backgrounds.

The Islamic faith has a long established tradition of artistic practice dating back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and stretching from the tip of Morocco to the furthest reaches of the Far East.

Traditional Islamic art forms include calligraphy, mosaics, geometric design and illumination. Textiles, metal work, craft and pottery have provided avenues to bring artistic expression into the home of every Muslim through ornately designed prayer rugs to beautifully decorated glass and tableware.

By Sajid Iqbal

Let me ask you something¦ If someone insulted your mum or dad, how would you react? 'I'll kick his head in' is what you will probably say, yeah? If someone insulted your sister, brother, husband or wife what then? You'll probably react with anger, flex your muscles and may be use every swear word you can think of, am I right? We all know that’s not the best way to behave, but sometimes when someone goes too far you simply lose the plot, innit?

As an East London girl, it wasn’t unusual to see crowds of Muslim guys standing outside libraries waiting to try it on with any girl that passed through the door. Nor was it unusual to see groups of Muslim guys standing on top of street corners making comments at girls that walked past.

It definitely wasn’t unusual to see a guy drive round the same block at least four times just to take another look at a girl. Guys chased the girls. The girls played hard to get. But a couple of years down the line, I don’t see that any more. Why? Coz guys don’t need to chase girls any more.