p>The Sub-editor of The Revival - Br. Saqib Ilyas- attended the Rihla Deen intensive course that was held in July at the Zaytuna Institute in California (USA), founded by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf. Here's his personal account, check it out:

The 3-week course was based on the theme of "Unity through Diversity" where talks concentrated on matters of Fiqh (Jurispudence), unity through our diverse ways and simply on the importance of understanding and learning Traditional Islam.

The course attracted several hundred dedicated brothers and sisters from all corners of the world bringing together people of all colours, races and cultures under the banner of Islam.

Since Tuesday 11th September the blame for the Terrorist attacks in America has been placed on Islam and the Muslims. Muslims have been accused of being terrorist, violent and fanatics.

Islam has been portrayed as a religion that supports and promotes terrorism. As a result Muslim individuals, Mosques and Islamic centres have been attacked, abused and humiliated throughout the World.

So, have America and its allies, the media and the ordinary folk of the western world declared a war against terrorism or is it against the Muslims of the world and the faith of 1.2 billion followers worldwide?

One should ponder seriously over the following crucial points:

Let me tell all of you a simple duua
After answering the call of nature say Ghaffranaka⁽¹⁾

When goin in to do the above, don't think twice
Just say Allahumaini auzubika minal khubsi val khubais⁽²⁾

Before eating anything, start with Bismillah⁽³⁾
And end with Shukur Al Hamdullilah⁽⁴⁾

When a sneeze comes your way, say Al Hamdullilah⁽⁵⁾
And on hearing this everyone say Yar Hamoo Kullah

On remembering a bad deed, while cruising in your car
With a sincere heart just repent and say Asthagh-firullah!⁽⁷⁾

Al-Haj Abdur-Rasjid Skinner embraced Islam 25 years ago. He is married to a Muslim and has six children. With Degrees in Psychology he currently works in Bradford Hospitals as a 'Consultant Clinical Psychologist'.

He is standing for the Conservative Party in Pendle in the upcoming General Elections (2001)Insha'Allah.

Sajid Iqbal, editor-The Revival, caught up with him for a chat and began by asking what made him embrace Islam?