By Jamila Kossar

How effective has the education system been in the past ten years and where do we envisage it being in the next 10 years? This is a central and essential discussion, more so in recent times. Under this comes a further debate, and one of the most prominent questions at the forefront of education today: the place of faith schools in the United Kingdom. Are such schools justified? What role do they play, if any?

By Professor Mashood Baderin

Historical and Evolutional Perceptions of Islamic Law in a Continually Changing World

Islamic law remains one of the major legal systems in the world today. It is applicable in different forms as part of state law in countries of the Middle East, Asia and Africa, and also has strong influence amongst Muslim communities in the West generally, such as in Britain. Yet, it is probably the most misunderstood legal system in many parts of the world today, especially in the West. One of the major misunderstandings in Britain about Islamic law is the erroneous view that the system is completely divine, immutable, monolithic, inflexible, and that it is diametrically opposed to British law. These ideas have gained particular prominence over the past few years, and as such it is essential they be addressed.

By Mohammad Uz-Zaman

The idea of interfaith cooperation seems wonderful, with two or more communities with different sets of beliefs coming together to learn a little more about one another. In 21^st Century Britain, we have witnessed different races, beliefs and creeds living together in multiple melting pots around the country; although they may know little about each other.

Monday 8 February to Sunday 14 February 2010

Editorial

This week’s topic is one which has caused great controversy and debate in 21^st century Britain.

For the Muslim, spirituality is more than a momentary feeling or experience, but is a constant state of being, realised through a consciousness of God. As the Qur’an states, ‘They remember God while standing, sitting, and on their sides and they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth: “Our Lord, You did not create all this in vain. Be You glorified. Save us from the retribution of the Hellfire.”‘ [3:191]

It is hope and devotion directed to an everlasting, loving and protective Creator, as explained by a Prophetic tradition: ‘God the Almighty said: ‘I am as My servant thinks I am. I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm’s length, I draw near to him a fathom’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.’ [Bukhari]

By Sarah Jawad

How student participation has affected the way we engage with medical issues in developing countries

The developing world is as fascinating as it is horrifying in the context of its medical issues. Prior to the past decade, individual elective terms, and the occasional voluntary placements abroad more or less made up the contact medical students, and indeed other students in Britain, would have with the developing world. However, there has recently been a shift in student attitudes. Medical issues in developing countries have been brought into sharp focus within the student body, and this is all down to students actively seeking to participate and raise awareness of potent medical problems in those countries which desperately need aid.

By Zainab Rahim

Why Being a Student Activist Raises More Than A Little Suspicion

There is a thought that still manages to amaze me: almost a tonne of surplus equipment from King’s College London (KCL) crossed a ground breaking 5000 miles to reach Gaza. With the opening of the new decade – we broke the siege.

But the amazement in this case is a combination of good and bad. This time last month, it felt like a day of lost plans. As the snow fell thickly here in London and stranded everyone at home, my heart turned towards the messy ending of the road to Gaza. Needless to say, I was not relieved.

By Ahmed

Shiver, quiver, eyes open, memories scatter here and there,

Before me does my life appear – glimmer, flicker – reappear.

Tot I was, in Sana’a born, safe beneath the silhouette

Of this city ancient, holy, crown’d with countless minarets.

By Noor Abdul Rassoul Ali

There are 5 million orphans in Iraq, and the Iraqi government is currently only able to assist 1 million of them. This leaves 4 million vulnerable children in a war-torn country living in extreme poverty. They have little hope of schooling or a future, and provide easy prey for violent gangs. How should we, as a community in Britain react to this, and indeed, should we be active at all from here?

By Yasmin Alasady

Having endured three brutal wars in less than thirty years, exacerbated by more than twelve years of UN sanctions, Iraq has witnessed both its physical and civil infrastructure crumble, leaving behind a humanitarian crisis of an unimaginable scale.