By Irfan Jalil
This article never made it into issue 11 due to space concerns. It is now available as an extra bonus for our online readers.
So, what events affected Muslims in 2007? No, the Danish cartoons were 2006. So was Jack Straw's niqaab hoo-ha. If you think the only thing that happened in 2007 was Benazir Bhutto's assassination then you really haven't been keeping up with news, have you?
By Sajid Iqbal & Dawud Qadri
Jamal spots Ali at an Islamic conference. Ali tells Jamal that he has given up his bad habits and is trying to be good Muslim. But Ali still has one issue he needs Jamal's help with. As the conversation turns to girls, Jamal tells Ali about the evils of zina and importance of marriage...
Jamal: Asalaamu Alaikum brother...Ali? Is that you? What you doing here, did you get lost in this area and come inside to get directions?
Ali: Wasalaam Jam. I'm flexin' man. How are ya Boss? Me mate told me to check the conference out, he said I could get a 'spiritual' high!
Jamal: Hahaha that's a good one.
Many Muslims who have been blessed to make Hajj often speak of how the journey is a life-changing experience. This is more the case for some than others.
Malcolm X is one Muslim who saw the light of true Islam through his Hajj in April 1964. As a former member and speaker for the Nation of Islam, a black spiritual and nationalist movement, he believed that the white man was the devil and the black man superior.
After leaving the Nation of Islam in March 1964, he made Hajj, which helped change his perspective on whites and racism completely.
Jesus (peace be upon him) isn’t just exclusive to Christianity. Muslims believe Jesus (called ‘Isa in Arabic) is a prophet - a messenger of Allah (swt) who was sent to mankind with a revelation from Allah (swt). In the Quran, stories about the life and teachings of Jesus (pbuh) are abundant. In fact, Jesus (pbuh) is mentioned more times in the Quran than Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Moses (Musa), Noah (Nuh), Adam, John (Yahya), David (Da’ud), and many other key figures in the Bible, (peace be upon them all) are also prophets in Islam.
By Naheem Zaffar
Have you ever wondered what happens after death? What happens to your soul? What happens in the grave? What you are about to read is not from any sci-fi movie or horror novel. This is nothing but the truth based on Islamic teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah. So sit back, fasten your seat belt as we're going on one heck of a ride!
There’s a saying that there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. Enterprising people have managed to find a way around the taxes, but death is a bigger problem.
So what’s the deal with Hajj? Why is it that millions of people all over the world make this journey every year?
Isn’t it something that only old people do? What if I get squashed by an Arab? Isn’t it hard? And why is it that Will Smith the infamous Fresh Prince of Bel Air, reportedly told USA Today that he’d love to go to Hajj!
I mean come on, the man isn’t even a Muslim and even he’s interested in performing the journey of a lifetime!
The Revival presents to you five things that Hajj can offer YOU!
So what’s the deal with Hajj? Why is it that millions of people all over the world make this journey every year?
Isn’t it something that only old people do? What if I get squashed by an Arab? Isn’t it hard? And why is it that Will Smith the infamous Fresh Prince of Bel Air, reportedly told USA Today that he’d love to go to Hajj!
I mean come on, the man isn’t even a Muslim and even he’s interested in performing the journey of a lifetime!
The Revival presents to you five things that Hajj can offer YOU!
By Alveena Salim
Hey, check him out! He must be the fittest boy I’ve ever seen… let’s sit closer to get a better view. Gwaan check him out, but don’t be too obvious…"
"Phwoarrr! Did you see her walk by? I swear she was eyeing me up, innit! My mate reckons she's well easy!â€
Sound familiar? Rating the ‘fitness’ of others is one of the most common time-pass in most schools, colleges, uni's and work places. “We’re only looking - it’s minor†is the defensive response of most. So the question arises “Is it really not a big deal?â€
By Sajid Iqbal
What can be said about a man who has been called many things? He is known as a role model to Muslims. A religious fanatic. A father for black power. A menace to society. An inspirational leader and a legend.
By Irfan Jalil
"The media" eh? God bless it. It's normally a popular subject at the sheesha joints. We can blame it for all the ills of the world.
We'd love to have a good old bash, but someone realised that we, "The Revival", are part of the media too. The magazine. The website. The interviews. It's all a part of the media. So we toned it all down and decided to concentrate on other media outlets.
The media has a strong influence on public opinion. It provides not only information but ways of looking at the world. It informs and influences. Issues about Muslims are very often shaped by the media.
By Sajid Iqbal
I was co-presenting a late night discussion show on my local Radio in the month of Ramadan this year, which I have been doing for quite a few years now. The topic was marriage, which is one of the most popular shows every year… I dunno why! However, every year, a small section of the listeners remind me of one massive ignorance and fault our Muslims communities have across the UK.
