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:

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.

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.

By Imaani Aslam Chances are you know someone who is being bullied or that even you yourself have at some time in your life been bullied. A recent report revealed a staggering 69% of young people are bullied. In other words, a shocking 2 out of 3 people [1]. So what can be classed as bullying?

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.

By Naheem Zaffar Meanwhile on the other side of the globe… Connecting… Jamal: Ali? Is that you? Ali: Erm… Assalamu Alaikum brother. Ermm kay… kai… Kaifa Haluk? Jamal: I'm good. I thought you were in prison?

By Saima Iqbal As the fourth pillar of Islam fasting is mostly observed during the month of Ramadan. Although technically you can fast at various other times of the year too, the month of Ramadan is the most well known for it. Fasting is a means of abstaining from not only food and drink but also putting in more effort in following the teachings of Islam. As well as the spiritual benefits of fasting, there are also many other benefits that can be gained from fasting.

By Zahid Maqbool Walking down the street it is no longer enough to speak in rap. The gold rings mean nothing. Nor do the chains. There are two types of people out there. Those that carry and those that are dead. Bang bang. La pistola. The Ultimate Badge of Honour. It says more than anything else. Who cares about the police? I own the streets and people fear me. And they should. I am the law. Disrespect me at your own peril. Bang bang.

By Sajid Iqbal 1. What is the Quran? The Quran is the Muslim holy book, ya’ know like the Bible is to Christianity and the Torah is to Judaism. It was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through the Angel Gabriel. The Quran is the record of the exact words revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Did you know that the Quran is a 'first-person' revelation, and is the authentic expression of the divine voice of the Almighty? The Quran offers a revelation from the point of view of God Himself. 2. Why was it revealed? The Quran was sent to the whole of mankind for all times and not just for Muslims. The Quran is an instruction manual for life. If you follow it you will never go wrong. God says in the Quran:

What you’ll need: 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil 1 onion, grated 2 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 1/2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in half 3 teaspoons of ground turmeric 1 teaspoon of chilli powder 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt 1 (14.5 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes 2 tablespoons of butter 3 teaspoons of ground cumin 3 teaspoons of ground coriander 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger root

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

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.

Question The purpose of fasting in Ramadan is to achieve Taqwa, i.e. to become God-fearing and pious etc. But I fast year in, year out and see no change… especially when Ramadan is over! So what can I do to help become and remain a God-fearing and pious person? Answer By Shaykh Salim Ghisa In the name of Allah the Most Beneficent and Merciful. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala says: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious." (Al-Baqarah, 2:183) Fasting has many benefits and grades. People believe that just by staying hungry and thirsty from dawn ‘til dusk it will make them a pious person.

By Alveena Salim Why would anyone in the 21st Century willingly practise Islam? I mean, ain't it a backwards, sexist, violent, and out-dated religion? Ain't it the religion that’s always on the news? And why the hell is Islam the fastest growing religion in the world? What does it offer anyway? The Revival presents you ten things that Islam can offer you if you follow the teachings of Islam: 1. Direction

By Naheem Zafar Where were you when you read about the iphone being announced? I will hazard a guess: On the internet. Or reading the paper. Or talking to a geek "mate" of yours. (Well that does just about cover the options doesn't it?) Apparently, the iphone is not the only phone to be launched this year. Shock horror! So in this tech guide I will have a quick look at some pretenders to the throne. They will all be high end "Smart phones". So let's see what we have here: Nokia N93i BLACK The cons first: It's a Nokia. Next!

The Questions Over how many years was the Quran revealed? Name the 7 articles of faith Name the 12 months of the Islamic calender

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. How many minutes would it take 3 monkeys to eat 3 bananas? How many monkeys would it take to eat 54 bananas in 54 minutes? Brain Teaser the Third

OBL has gone into hiding. Your mission, should you choose to accept it is to find him. Can you best the CIA?

Arrange the numbers 1 to 9 so that every number only appears once in every row, column or 3x3 square.