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.

What is the best way to dispose of literature which contains Islamic terminology, Ahadith or verses of the Qur’an etc? Is it OK to shred them and then throw them away or should we stick them in the recycle pile or burn them?

Answer by Shaykh Salim Ghiza

In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent and Merciful.

All Muslims are unanimous that the Qur’an is no ordinary piece of writing and therefore a person needs to be in ritual purification i.e. ablution to touch the words of Allah. Therefore a process of respect has to be followed when one needs to dispose old pages of the Qur’an. Also, if the pages are not from the Qur’an but contain Islamic writings i.e. Hadith, Fiqh, supplications etc then again they must also be disposed of with respect and honour.

Can a person wear perfume/aftershave that contains alcohol? If so can they pray with that on?

Answer by Shaykh Salim Ghiza

In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent and Merciful.

Alcohol as a form of intoxicant is not only Haram to drink but is also impure (Najis). This means that when it contacts something pure then the pure item will absorb the impurity and all will become impure. However, the question remains as to whether the alcohol that is used in perfumes is the same alcohol that is used in liquor.

Select messages received by the Editor

Salaam

I would just like to congratulate you on the beautiful magazine you have put together. I have only recently come across it in east London, so therefore it would be good to distribute as much as we can. I am a secondary teacher in education and think it would be beneficial for many of our students, for literature as well as getting involved in any projects you run or planning to run in London. Please keep me posted.

Yassar Sadiq, London

Salaam