1. So what’s this Zakat business all about?

The word “Zakat” literally means "that which purifies" and "that which fosters growth". So the act of giving Zakat means purifying one's wealth to gain the blessings of Allah (swt).

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and is one of the most fundamental acts of Ibadah (worship) hence being mentioned over 30 times in the Holy Quran. In simple terms, it is the more able people giving 2.5% of their yearly income to those who are less financially able. Performing Zakat is to re-distribute wealth from the rich to the poor so the rich can help those who are less fortunate than themselves.

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

So what am I? I am a Muslim.

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?

Mr Honey's Day Out:

It is better than ignoring you. If I was your friend and inviting people down the pub I'd feel terrible just specifically inviting everyone except you.

If you can't go and order a Coke, maybe it is your opportunity to suggest something specific another time.

Yaqub:

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.

Jameela: I just love the whole atmosphere in Ramadan, I’ve been really looking forward to it.

Select messages received by the Editor

Assamualaikum Brother,

I would just like to start by saying we all know you are trying to do a good job in the way of Allah by writing a magazine for the Muslim youth but have you ever really thought about the topics you are writing about?!? Banging on about the youth of this time and pointing out how misguided they are and writing about what you think people get up to these days in not going to want to make youngsters embrace our religion.

What you’ll need:

• 500g of Pasta
• 2lb of mince lamb
• Olive Oil
• A small Onion
• Garlic
• Tinned Tomato (blend it before starting)
• Red Chilli Powder
• Garam Masala & Coriander Mix
• 1 Jar of Ragu Sauce (or equivalent)

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 Ghisa

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, therefore going in to Pubs, Clubs, Casinos, dance bars etc could make a person who sees this individual think that they are going in for the wrong reasons.

Allah's Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) cursed ten people in connection with alcohol:

Question

Animal Rennet. When is it acceptable to consume and for whom. Is the rennet of an animal killed with a bolt to the head Halal? Is this the same ruling as for slaughter?

Answer

By Shaykh Salim Ghisa

First of all one must understand the definition of Animal rennet. Also this ruling is according to the Hanafi school of thought and is as follows;

The lawfulness of rennet does not depend on the slaughterer being a Muslim or non-Muslim, in fact it depends upon whether there is life in it or not. The circulation of blood in an organ is the cause of life. No blood flows through rennet; therefore rennet is not a living thing. Therefore, it cannot 'die' and it is thus permissible to consume rennet like dairy products.

Let’s find out shall we! Answer these simple Brain teasers:

Brain Teaser the First

Three women each have two daughters. They are having lunch at a restaurant. There are only seven chairs in the restaurant. All the women are seated.

Question: How is this possible?

Brain Teaser the Second

Suppose 6 monkeys take 6 minutes to eat 6 bananas.

1. How many minutes would it take 3 monkeys to eat 3 bananas?
2. How many monkeys would it take to eat 54 bananas in 54 minutes?

Brain Teaser the Third

The Questions

1. Over how many years was the Quran revealed?
2. Name the 7 articles of faith
3. Name the 12 months of the Islamic calender
4. Name at least 5 Prophets mentioned in the Quran?
5. What was the first MOSQUE built by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?