Between the Lines » Abul Kalam

Niqabis (and non niqabis) have your say!

Abul Kalam — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:42:40 +0000

Whether it is an obligation on Muslim women to wear the niqab or not is a matter of juridical difference. Scholars (new and old) have offered different views; some saying it is indeed an obligation while others have said it is not. Personally, I prefer the view which argues that although the wearing of the niqab is not an obligation, it nevertheless does have a basis in Islamic sources and thus should be a matter of choice for Muslim women. However the niqab and niqab wearing women have been receiving some very negative press in recent years. The most . . . → Read More: Niqabis (and non niqabis) have your say!

But Andrew, I’m a good boy!

Abul Kalam — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:36:32 +0000

Andrew Gilligan posted a piece on me on his blog last week. It was another attempt to portray IFE as an extremist Islamist organisation which aims to take over the world and establish Shariah. It goes without saying that blog authors on Between the Lines (BtL) are responsible for what they write and blogs which appear on BtL do not necessarily represent the views of IFE, but this was completely missed by Andrew! After all Andrew is the guy who blames the IFE/LMC for speeches delivered by non IFE members, not invited by the IFE, speaking at a non . . . → Read More: But Andrew, I’m a good boy!

Bad breath and smelly socks

Abul Kalam — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:19:57 +0000

I really struggled to complete my Asr prayer today! I was sandwiched between a man who would have won the smelly socks competition hands down, and another man whose breath smelled putrid. What was I to do?

The man with the bad breath kept on exhaling heavily which meant the unbearable smell emanating from within him floated silently yet violently though the air striking me like a heavyweight boxer. While every time I went for Ruku or Sajdah the rotten smell of sweaty, smelly socks reacted with the bad breath to create what can only be described as a . . . → Read More: Bad breath and smelly socks

Da’wah carriers – lessons from the Hijrah to Abyssinia

Abul Kalam — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:40:45 +0000

After 5 years of Da’wah in Makkah, the first 3 years of which were characterised by the secret approach, the last 2 years saw the message of Islam being proclaimed in public by prophet Muhammad and his companions. However Islam was still largely confined to Makkah. The situation in Makkah was deteriorating day by day. It was becoming quite clear to the ruling elite of Quraish that Islam was gaining followers from all clans and all sectors of society. They started to escalate their campaign of repression, violence and torture.

Those of the Prophet’s companions who were weak and . . . → Read More: Da’wah carriers – lessons from the Hijrah to Abyssinia

Jim’s on his way out – trust me!

Abul Kalam — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:35:49 +0000

I was utterly disgusted and fuming when I read my local MP’s despicable attack on Muslim culture, traditions, Islamic wedding customs, the Shariah, the London Muslim Centre (LMC) and the Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) – all in a short press statement made to the East London Advertiser.

Jim Fitzpatrick MP may have sealed his fate! For sure he won’t be getting my vote at the next General Election – and I have been a long time Labour voter. And I doubt this irresponsible outburst will win him favours in the Muslim community of Poplar and Canning Town – soon . . . → Read More: Jim’s on his way out – trust me!

Encourage and welcome, don’t push them away

Abul Kalam — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:50:53 +0000

My fellow blogger Abdullah Hasan was unable to pray Maghrib at the East London Mosque due to the huge congregation, when the larger than life Imam of the Ka’ba – Shaykh Abdur-Rahman al-Sudais popped by.

Come on brother Abdullah, you should know better! When Shaykh al-Sudais visits and you want to pray at the Masjid, arrive early! I too was unable to enter the Masjid but joined the thousands who converged onto the streets surrounding the Masjid to pray behind the Imam of the Haram. I loved the experience, and am looking forward to the next time!

I’m told . . . → Read More: Encourage and welcome, don’t push them away