The Eco Muslim

10 Things Every Eco-Mosque Should Have

2011-12-16T22:36:00.001Z

Developing some ideas from The Eco Muslim Green Mosque Guide, I have researched ten must-have features that really set off the "green" in a house of worship.

Here are the Top Ten Things every eco-mosque should have.

1) A Garden
No Eco-Mosque should be without a colourful flower patch, fruit trees and a vegetable plot. Any unused space outdoors can be fenced and converted into a garden, and indoors, pots and large containers can be used to grow herbs and spices.

A must-have: vegetable pots

Community gardens become a lifelong joy and children get a buzz, knowing they're coming to the mosque to plant seeds and watch flowers grow.

And the best thing? No need to buy a bag of berries when Muslims can simply step outside to pick a fruit salad.

2) Solar panels
Solar panelling is a gift that keeps giving. Although they can eat up a fair portion of the mosque's annual budget, once installed on the roof or as a chic outdoor 'solar tree', they potentially cut energy bills up to 50%, according to Energy Saving Trust (EST). My local mosque in Huddersfield has invested in several awesome solar panels and over in Turkey, a a village mosque in Büyükeceli is almost entirely powered by solar panels.

3) Renewable energy
Light: Natural lighting from large skylights reduces the dependency on electricity. It makes sense too: use more glass to save on building material costs. By creating this 'greenhouse' effect, a mosque has the best passive-heating and cooling system, plenty of light for an airy atmosphere, and a ready-made green roof.

Insulation: Using locally generated energy from ground heat pumps, an Eco-Mosque has an almost zero carbon footprint, like Cambridge Mosque that will use conservation technology for its thermal energy.

A must-have: Wind turbines in minarets

Wind turbines are a must in mosque minarets. The proposed eco-mosque in Norderstedt, Germany, will be one of the first to use its 22-metre towers with 1.5 metre glass rotor blades to each generate a third of the building's electricity.

And if there isn't space for a giant wind turbine, a hot alternative is the recycled bubble pods shown on Huffington Post - Marine Solar Cells - that harness both solar and wave power to increase energy capture.

4) Community Litter Clean-ups
Easy and free, nothing says "we care" like a street clean-up. Get 10 volunteers to spring clean the mosque each month, and take it outside. I take inspiration from ShINE Muslim Environmentalists in Sheffield who swept and picked up litter from their street and took garbage off residents for recycling. I've seen how dirty and littered streets put you off walking there, and criminality seems to be linked to rundown, polluted areas.

Recycling bins are therefore an easy way to direct people into action. Ringing up the local council for a green bin and hanging up a sign or two helps mosque-goers know what to do with their trash and food packaging. An Eco-Mosque would be a big supporter of keeping its local community, and the streets it's on, welcoming, free of rubbish and clean

5) Eco-Islam workshops
The only way to get a message across is to be an example and DO. Eco-Mosques would hold educational seminars for adults to demonstrate how they can reduce waste and their carbon footprint at home. And clear, bold guides will help members maintain a healthy mosque environment. Members like to know what their mosque is doing, so by organising eco-Islamic workshops, the green spirit is being shared and celebrated.

6) Eco-Children Leaders
Taking the message to the little people is really important too as they are the next generation of Muslim leaders. School teachers can be invited to provide fun educational materials on science and health for mosque children, and more mature students can lead the younger in eco-projects such as gardening classes, recycling artwork and outdoor fitness activities.

A must-have: creative recycling projects

An Eco-Mosque will also wise up to larger health issues on smoking, alcohol and drug addictions. By having hands-on activities on these issues, good mental and physical health messages will be reinforced. I believe these ideas only really work when mosque teachers and Imams receive training first.

7) Water management
Water recycling ethics are embedded in Islam's Eco-Wudhu. The Prophet, peace be upon him, warned against "squandering" water even if near a gushing river and many mosques have state-of-the-art wudhu facilities where used water is recycled to feed plants.

One idea is to install water-saving devices such as movement-sensor taps. The Al-Markaz Al-Najmi mosque in Manchester, England, installed infra-red taps in 2008 which limited congregants' water wastage.

8) Food management
Mosques are notoriously known for throwing away thousands of plastic styrofoam cups and food from Eid celebrations. But an Eco-Mosque would have a completely greener attitude.

Just as Ramadan charts list which member will host an Iftar, Eid and Jumuah dining celebrations should ask each individual to bring a dish to feed two people, a sort of "pot luck" dinner. This is in line with the Prophet's advice that one meal should be enough to feed two.

Local residents can be invited to tuck in, more food events should be catered to the homeless and on days when there is too much food, it can be distributed in reusable foil tins or frozen.

9) Bike-a-thons
Some mosques have car parks, but most Muslims who use cars to arrive have to park on the pavements, further away from the entrances, creating traffic jams and increased carbon emissions.

Local Muslim dad, Abdur Rashid, biked over 180 miles to raise $22K for his daughter's school Al-Huda, an incentive that we should be using our energy and creativity to boost our Islamic futures.

For greener transportation, Eco-Mosques should provide ample space for parking bikes and plan out biking routes for members to beat the afternoon and after-work congestion.

10) Greener Architecture
Domes: Although seemingly a design intended to beautify, domes have always had an environmentally friendly function. As the dome is heated by the sun, it draws air from inside the mosques and releases it, acting as a natural cooling system.

Functional architecture: Domes

Solar panelling, wind turbines and photovoltaic panels are the best alternatives to meeting an Eco-Mosques's electricity needs. Greenpeace provided photovoltaic panels for the Turkish mosque in Büyükeceli which were installed within 10 days.

Green materials: For the ultimate Eco-Mosque construction, sustainable materials are the only way to go. Think reclaimed stone, sustainable wood, solar panels and energy efficient glass panes.

Here's making a du`a (supplication) that all our mosques will become Eco-Mosques!

Peace + eco-jihad.
Zaufishan, The Eco Muslim

More Eco-Mosques + Green Worship:
Cambridge Eco-Mosque Gets The Green Light
How To Form A Green Mosque Committee
Green Prophet: USA's Organic Muslims
The Green Mosque, winner of Faith in Place

#ClimateWeek - Britain's Biggest Climate Change Campaign 2012

2011-12-16T19:57:00.001Z

The Eco Muslim is supporting Climate Week - a supercharged national campaign to inspire action in faith groups, asking Muslims to make their communities more eco friendly.

Climate Week is a new wave of action on climate change. It culminates with thousands of events and activities taking place throughout the week of 12th to 18th March 2012, planned by organisations from every part of society.

The Eco Muslim will insha-Allah, God willing, be involved in Climate Week and is asking readers and fans to share their ideas for making Britain, that much more environmentally friendlier. Please comment below with your Top 3 Eco-Friendly Activities and "Like" The Eco Muslim on Facebook to stay updated on the Climate Week events.

What is Climate Week?
Showcasing real, practical ways to combat climate change, the Climate Week campaign aims to renew our ambition to create a more sustainable, low-carbon future.

The Climate Week Challenge in 2011 was Britain's biggest ever environmental competition, with over 145,000 people participating in the one day and one-hour versions. You can register now for the 2012 Climate Week Challenge, which will be revealed on Monday 12 March at 9am.

For 2012, the organisation is focusing on the impact of food with a sub campaign called ‘Climate Week Cuisine' and The Eco Muslim has the awesome role of looking at Halal and sustainable eating. So how can Muslims make their diets sustainable and low carbon?

Who is involved?
Climate Week is backed by every part of society - from the Prime Minister to Paul McCartney, the NHS to the National Trust, the TUC to the CBI, Girlguiding UK to the National Association of Head Teachers. During the first Climate Week in 2011 over 3,000 events were attended by half a million people across the UK.

The campaign has already worked with faith groups across the board including The Muslim Council of Britain, The Muslim Agency for Development and Enterprise and The Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board.

Other highlights from 2011 include the Climate Week T-shirt, modelled by celebrities such as Lily Cole, Gemma Arterton and James Blunt. There were over 1,000 pieces of media coverage about Climate Week, with articles in most national newspapers and coverage on BBC1, including a whole episode of Blue Peter inspired by the campaign.

CLIMATE WEEK 2012 - Get involved NOW!

Entries are now open for the prestigious Climate Week Awards, recognising the most inspirational and impressive actions taking place in every sector. In 2011 the judging panel contained figures such as the eminent economist Lord Stern, the former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, and Booker Prize-winning author, Ian McEwan.

Organisations can get involved right now by starting to plan an event for Climate Week using their ideas guide. This provides a unique opportunity to profile their own initiatives and innovations to stakeholders and staff, customers and the community, members and the media.They can also spread the word in advance, so that others find out about Climate Week in time to plan their own activities.

Individuals can help right now by asking the organisations they know - such as their workplace, mosque or local school - to plan an event or activity for Climate Week. They can also visit the Climate Week website to find out more about what they can do in their local area, or how to get involved online.

Do you want to get involved? Do you have an awesome, innovative idea that The Eco Muslim can use for Climate Week? Share your ideas in the comments below and get inspired on the official site.

+ Climate Week

More on climate control:
Muslim nations unite against climate change
Islam & Climate Change ~ A Call To Heal: Online Booklet Launch
World's First Green Hajj Guide Launched By ARC

Recipe: Biryani Rice Dish With Garden Vegetables

2011-12-15T05:55:00.010Z

In what can only be described as a volcanic hotpot of Indian flavours, my mother's biryani recipe caters especially to the health requirements of my family. They include very little meat in meals (my sister is a Muslim vegetarian), our spice intake is minimum, and my father is a heart patient who lives on vegetables.

Biryani in India, Britain, Malaysia and Iran
Biryani is a South Asian rice dish in which roasted spices and the main ingredient - usually marinated meats - are cooked between layers of rice. Although, you will find variations throughout Iran, India, reaching as far as Malaysia, and every Pakistani family has their own take on biryani.
Here in Britain, there are only a few biryani dishes I've come across. My mother's loosely vegetarian recipe is similar to Tahaari biryani, a vegetarian version of the dish that is cooked with meat stock. We will pick the vegetables in season and adapt our recipes to them. For our sustainable Eids and family get togethers though, we like to add cashew nuts, saffron, pomegranate seeds and orange zest, which follows the more regal Middle Eastern flavours.

Recipe feeds about 6-8 • Gas Mark 4 (Medium-high heat) • Vegan/Halal

Ingredients:
• 2 cups basmati long grain rice, approximately 500g
• 2 tsp salt (less/more to taste)
• 1 tbsp of cumin seeds

• 1 medium onion and two large
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 inch of stem ginger
• 2 cloves fresh garlic

• 1 tsp ground coriander seeds
• 1 tsp ground cumin seeds

• 1 chopped medium tomato
• 1 finely chopped green chilli (1 jalapeno pepper)

• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 organic carrot, diced
• 1 organic courgette, sliced thinly or cubed
• 75g Green peas
• 1 whole red pepper, halved and sliced
• Half an aubergine, diced
• 1 tsp garam masala (ground)
• 1 tsp red chilli flakes

Method:
1) Boil the rice until the grains begin to split, with half a teaspoon of salt. Salt prevents the rice sticking together. Add crushed cumin seeds to this. Drain rice and rinse through once with cold water to prevent further cooking.

2) In a separate pan, saute two large onions with olive oil on medium-low heat and salt (salt draws moisture out). Add the crushed fresh garlic and ginger. Stir occasionally to stop the ginger and garlic from over-browning. As soon as both begin to turn golden brown, add the ground coriander and cumin seeds and cook for 3-5 minutes. Again, watch out for browning, you want to lightly fry the spices only, not burn them.

3) To this mixture, add one chopped tomato and one finely chopped green chilli (deseed for medium heat). To add more flavour to this rice base, add the ginger powder, curry powder, turmeric and for colour, paprika. These are readily available as mixed spices otherwise you can just ground your own from dried spices.

4) Keep frying this mixture for a further 5 minutes to fuse the spices on a medium-high temperature. Then lower the gas/cooker temperature, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to mush the tomato further and prevent sticking and, to reduce the whole mixture.

5) Now for the vegetables. add the chopped carrots first as they take the longest to cook. After 4-5 minutes or until the carrots have softened a little, add the courgettes and peppers, cook for a further 3 minutes and finally add the aubergine and peas. Keep stirring after every minute on a medium temperature and add 1 tablespoon of water at a time to prevent sticking.

6) Turn the heat down low and check for taste. It should be very flavourful, somewhat salty and very spicy. The more spice and kick you get from this mixture, the better it will taste with the rice as the latter will absorb and reduce the vegetable concoction. If that 'kick' is lacking, add another half a teaspoon of ground coriander seeds and curry powder and quickly cook for 2 minutes before taking the pan off the heat.

7) Spoon some of the rice into a deep cooking pot and layer half of the fried-spice-vegetable mixture on top. Spoon more rice on top of this and add the rest of the spices and keep going until finished. A giant tagine works great for this.

8) Sprinkle garam masala and red chilli flakes on top. For greater flavour, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1tsp of lemon and lime juice over this. It's like a flurry of crazy flavours but after cooking the end result is quite mild and delicious.

9) Put the pot over a low temperature now and add half a cup of boiled water. Cover and cook until this water has evaporated and the rice is steamed through.

10) Serve as large portions for a main course, or smaller portions with fried onions, fresh leaf salad and lamb chops.

Pick up more recipes and sign up for The Eco Muslim monthly newsletter.

Peace + Eco-jihad,
Zaufishan - now I'm hungry.

Cycling For Islamic Education - One Muslim Dad's Bikeathon

2011-12-15T04:38:00.001Z

A Muslim school in Pennsylvannia embraces one dad's Bike-a-thon to raise over $20k

Al-Huda School in College Park, Maryland, is the primary Islamic education for many local families. But like many Muslim faith schools, education is dependent on the monthly tuition, and more Muslims wish they could contribute to its annual fundraisers.

Abdur Rashid is the ideal example of doing. Although he has struggled in the past to fund his daughter’s education at Al-Huda School, last year he made a creative choice to give more than what he could afford out of his pocket. Abdur Rashid decided to contribute himself, and launched a magnificent bikeathon.

Make Room: Muslim Dad On Bike
At the ripe young age of 40, Abdur Rashid collected sponsors per-pile from friends and co-workers, and rode from Al-Huda School in Maryland to a learning store in Alexandria, Virginia, taking bike trails and secondary roads the whole way.

He also pulled a small bike pod behind him and filled it up with books and learning material before trekking back to Al-Huda School – a 75 mile round trip. The class needed about $700 for the reading corner; Abdur Rashid brought in about $1500.

This year, he set a higher goal. He made plans to bike from Al-Huda School in College Park, Maryland to the Al-Huda School branch in Pennsylvania and back, a round trip of just over 230 miles.

Abdur Rashid is monitored by a driver and received media attention for his challenging fundraiser

He told The Muslim Link:

“We plan to raise at least $20,000. This year we have better gear and help from The Muslim Link and social media, and I’ll represent sister Shirin Ishaq’s 1st Grade Girls. It’s a challenge for me to go the distance and to beat the clock, and a challenge to the community’s ideas about what goals we can attain with bold determination and patient labor, insha’Allah (God Willing),” - Abdur Rashid.

Setting off at 4 o'clock on Sunday morning, the journey was an estimated week's trip, which was regularly shared live on the bikeathon blog: Sabr Wins The Race, with the local and national community.

Abdur Rashid had prepared himself beforehand by toning up and following a diet routine.

While cycling, he only ate “a mix of honey, molasses, black seed oil and sea salt” and other high energy snacks while biking. He only stopped for prayer (salah) and for using the bathroom along the way.

“Our family loves bikes. Even though we have a tight budget we want to support Sabriya’s school and the community. Charity rides raise money for causes like cancer research so why not Al-Huda?”

Goal met! The welcoming celebration

2011 - Cycling To Higher Ground
After intense battles with steep mountain hills, extreme cold weather and dangerous road conditions which froze the brake pads on Abdur Rashid's bike, the bikeathon was complete when the public gave pledges currently totalling over $22,000.

Al-Huda School welcomed Abdur Rashid who was brought to the school via car after cycling for a total of 181 miles.

You can still pledge and get involved on Abdur Rashid's blog.
+ Sabr Wins The Race

Images + Al-Huda School and The Muslim Link

More Eco-Islam education:
Introducing Climate Change & Environment Knowledge Into Classrooms
Book Reviews: Zaynab and Zakariya Learn to Recycle
Children's Wudhu Cleanliness Activity Book From Masjid Bilal

Raising Reds - Why Growing Organic Tomatoes Is Healthier Than Buying

2011-11-18T12:53:00.001Z

Lovely little tomatoes, (posh name: lycopersicon esculentum), are annual plants in England's mild climates. I think of them as a vegetable but my encyclopaedic guide calls these ripe red, yellow, orange, and pink babies fruit. Fruit!

Buying local, which means from locally sourced farmers, is good business to buying from larger stores, but growing your own is ever better.

Above are last season's tomatoes, green and unripe, and still great for cooking.

Eco-mum used to grow a variety of tomatoes years in our first house garden. A small patch, no wider than a footpath, was overgrown with cherry tomatoes and plum 'tornadoes', which were picked throughout summer and autumn. Of course, being a child, I did not understand the purpose of a red skinned and watery vege- er, fruit and would pick them out. Today, oh em gee, I can't do without them.

I cannot afford to buy a pack of 6 or more toms for when I only need 2 and I see that as waste expenditure. As my eco-family have always grown their own vegetables that are in hot demand, organic tomatoes are usually in the kitchen table. They taste better than shop bought, they carry flavour, colour and because they're made with love, they're eaten with love!

In July 2011, our much larger vegetable patch was divided into segments for the various seeds I planted in March, which were ready for migration. Next to the herbs and peas, this squared area was dedicated to 'mirabelle' tomatoes.

When the indoors seedlings are at a two to three leaf stage and about 5-10cm in height, they are transplanted into larger pots before moving outside. Here, tomatoes can withstand night temperatures of up to 7˚ C (45˚ F) so long as there's no risk of frost. We moved our plants at the right time during summer, alhamdulillah, and with the correct preparation, saw a wonderful yield of tomatoes.

Two months later and my plants begin to flower.

Cordon tomato plants grow to around a metre and need tying for support. I tie mine to bamboo canes from the base, then in two more places - the middle and finally, later in of the season, near the top. I learnt that it's best to remove the the support towards the end of the season so that the plants can 'lean over'. Overwatering also reduces the flavour of tomatoes, bet you didn't know that!

Three months later, the tomatoes have reached required height and begin to fruit.

Tips: Keep vegetable beds free of weeds and debris; remove and burn diseased plant stems because they are pretty vicious and may attack again.

Training Tomatoes

On some tomato plants, you need to regularly pinch out sideshoots as they develop to steal the energy which helps the fruit (vegetable) swell. During the late summer, when the plant has reached its maximum height, it's also advisable to nip the top of the main shoot. This too helps the remaining flowers to fruit better.

Keeping the tomatoes alive - Mulching

I have grown the cordon type of tomatoes which are planted 15 inches apart and in rows. More bushy tomato plants benefit from being mulched with plastic film. 'Mulching' is where the surface is kept covered with a layer of organic and inorganic material - rotten composts, animal manure, dried lawn clippings and seaweed. It may look odd but it's fantastic for the plants.

Mineral requirements

To reduce problems with pests and diseases, I had to look into what preparations were needed to keep my plants healthy.

Tomatoes need low amount of nitrogen. They can tolerate a wide range of fertile and well drained soils. I thought the clay-like and clumpy soil wouldn't work but this didn't seem to affect the tomatoes. The pH of soil should be fairly acidic, a pH of 5-7. And tomatoes need high levels of phosphorus.

Yellow flowers are a good sign. These mean the plant will drop the flower to produce fruit. Towards the end of summer, if some flowers haven't produced fruit, nip them off. I have removed the offshoot between the lower two branches too, to allow better circulation of energy.

This is last year's tomato plant. I believe it was a merrier variety, I forget the name, and grows straight from a pot as a bushier, 'crawler' plant.

Besides using tomatoes in cooking, grow cherry tomatoes to eat raw and put in the kids lunchboxes, add into salads and every meal. They also freeze whole or chopped and are great pureed into soups and stews. I just look forward to the day I see tomato flavoured ice-cream!

Peace + eco-jihad.
Zaufishan, The Eco Muslim

Recipe: Pear and Apple Crumble

2011-11-11T20:58:00.000Z

We used the conference pears picked fresh from our orchard for this pear and apple crumble, but you can use almost any other fruit in season. It can be eaten cold with cream and it's a wonderful dessert eaten hot with thick custard.

Recipe feeds 6+ • Preheat oven to 200˚ C/400˚ F/ Gas Mark 6 • Vegetarian/Halal

Ingredients:
• 3 thinly sliced conference pears (optional - keep skins on, off)
• 3 peeled and cored delicious apples
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 tablespoon sugar

For the crumble:
• 75g dessicated coconut
• 75g plain unbleached flour
• 50g brown sugar
• 90g melted sugar

Method:

1. Chop the apples into 2 cm cubes and add with the pears into a saucepan over low heat. Add 1 tbsp water, simmer for 5 minutes. The fruit will soften and release their own juices for a syrup in the pan.

2. Add the sugar to the pan, stir, cover and simmer for another 5 minutes so the sugar dissolves. The recipe works without sugar but if the fruit is not sweet enough, add a little. Take the pan off the heat to cool.

3. In a glass bowl, add the flour, brown sugar, coconut and melted butter together. Change the quantities to taste, for example less or no coconut for allergies, extra sugar for sweetness, more flour if it's too wet and less butter for a crunchier topping. Mix together with a fork till the mixture's got a good texture (like cement).

4. Take the softened cooked fruit and pour with the juices into a glass bowl measuring 6 inches in diameter. Cover the fruit evenly with the crumble. Sprinkle extra brown sugar for a crunchier and caramalised topping.

5. Bake for exactly 15 minues. You'll know it's done when the edges colour and the fruit bubbles. Turn the oven off.

Eat with home-made custard or the chef's cheat. Yayy.

Swirly Organic Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Chips

2011-11-10T20:43:00.001Z

A personal favourite, dense chocolate cake with chocolate chips, smothered in white and milk chocolate icing. Using organic and local ingredients really does make a difference to the outcome and quality of the cake's taste.

Makes 1 rectangle cake • Preheat oven to 180˚ C/ 200˚ F/ Gas Mark 4 • Vegetarian/Halal

Ingredients:
• 6 oz softened organic butter
• 5.5 oz brown sugar (white caster sugar is fine)
• 3 medium sized eggs, whisked and at room temperature
• 5.5 oz self-raising flour
• 1 oz cocoa powder
• 1 oz dark chocolate chips
• 75g white and 75g milk chocolate pieces (covering)

Method:
A general rule for baking is to start with eggs, and double the quantity of everything else. So a basic cake recipe to fill a 6 inch round tin needs 3 eggs, and 6 ounces of butter, sugar and flour. And a cake can be made in various ways, using the traditional creaming method - where the sugar and butter is whisked until fluffy - or an all-in-one, which involves chucking everything into a bowl with a tablespoon of milk and warm water, and whisking until liquid.

Start off with whisking the sugar and butter in a bowl for at least 8 minutes so the mixture is paler in colour, fluffy and you don't hear that crunch, meaning the sugar has dissolved. Don't use margarine, it's one step away from being a plastic. Rachel's unsalted organic butter is available online.

Pour in a couple tablespoons of whisked egg, whisk the mixture again and keep adding until the egg is completely combined. Watch out for curdling, the mixture may have a weird porridge texture. Just add a tablespoon of very water, and crack on to bake it quick.

Sift both flour and cocoa powder in. Notice that I've used less than 6 ounces of flour so that my cake has a denser taste with the replaced cocoa content. Using a large metal spoon this time, make '8' shapes, mixing and folding the mixture from underneath to the top to keep it light and properly combined.

Add in the chocolate chips. Stir again.

Pour into a rectangle cake tin, of approximate measurements 8 x 4 x 4 inches. Bake at 180˚ C for at least 15 minutes. When the surface has risen and look baked, poke a skewer or toothpick to the base to check it's cooked through. If the stick comes out clean, the cake's fully cooked. (Toothpick test). Take out and allow to fully cool.

Meanwhile, melt the white and milk chocolate in two separate bowls, either over a double boiler or in a microwave.
There are loads of Fairtrade chocolate brands available, and being a chocolate freak myself, I use Green and Black's cooking chocolate. Get a chocolate brand with at least 60% cocoa content.

Dribble this over the cooled cake surface in different areas and using another toothpick, swirl them both together. Overlap the two chocolates, make circles and flick the chocolate over the edges. I went a little overboard with mine.

Allow to cool again or refrigerate for 30 minutes and there you have it. Awesome organic chocolate swirl cake, with chocolate chips! Cut a (thick) slice, pour some double cream or eat with vanilla bean ice-cream. Say bismillah first.

Peace + eco-jihad,
Zaufishan.

World's First Green Hajj Guide Launched By ARC

2011-11-10T19:19:00.000Z

ARC launch the Green Guide to Hajj at Assisi, Italy.

A world first guide to an environmentally sustainable Hajj was launched earlier this month, which was taken to Makkah in Saudi Arabia for this year's pilgrimage, to encourage Muslim pilgrims ot reduce their impact on Earth.

The Green Guide for Hajj was launched by Dr Husna Ahmad of Global One 2015 and Omar Faruk of EcoMuslim at the Sacred Land Launch and Celebration of the Green Pilgrimage Network, in Assisi, Italy, organised by the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC)

Dr Husna Ahmad with The Green
Guide for Hajj and Islam and Water

As well as practical tips for pilgrims, the Guide invites Muslims to use their Hajj experience as an opportunity to reflect on their own lives and move away from material culture and the waste it leaves behind.

Also launched at Assisi is Islam and Water - The Hajjar (ra) Story which accompanies the Guide and is aimed at women and families.

The story of Hajjar, second wife of the Prophet Ibrahim, in particular her search for water, is commemorated every year in the Hajj.

As well as practical tips for pilgrims, the Guide invites Muslims to use their Hajj experience as an opportunity to reflect on their own lives and move away from material culture and the waste it leaves behind.

Omar Faruq of
EcoMuslim

Omar Faruk said it was highly appropriate that the Guide was being launched in the first week of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage and at an event to launch the world’s first network to green pilgrimage.

The Hajj - one of the five pillars of Islam - is the biggest annual pilgrimage in the world. By November 1st, nearly 1.8 million pilgrims had arrived for this year's Hajj, according to the Hajj authorities.

Dr Husna Ahmad said it was very important for people of faith to address the problem of environmental destruction and degradation: “In times of climate change, threats to the environment are the biggest threats to us all, and if the religions can come together, we think they can do anything.”

Environmental Impact
However, such massive human activity inevitably has an impact on the environment, said Dr Husna, with over 100 million plastic bottles left behind at Hajj sites after the annual pilgrimage, as well as other rubbish.

The Green Guide for Hajj (pdf) offers pilgrims the chance to be mindful of the potential environmental impact of their journey and to make choices to limit any damage. This includes:

Considering the carbon footprint of transport choices they make and avoiding or off-setting the impact of air travel;
Choosing travel companies with environmentally conscious policies regarding travel and accommodation for pilgrims;
Avoiding the use of plastic bags and bottles, especially for traditional items such as misbahah (Dhikr beads) and sajjadah (prayer mats);
Clearing up your own and other people’s litter and rubbish.

The Guide contains relevant theology clarifying the responsibilities of all Muslims as Khalifas – vice-regents – to take care of the natural world and urges pilgrims to become advocates for green living amongst their families and communities on their return.

While individual actions and awareness are vitally important The Green Guide for Hajj recognises that governments and institutions are needed if all pilgrimages are to become green.

The book concludes with recommendations to governments of the Muslim world including preventing non-degradable rubbish, avoiding water wastage, use of sustainable energy and encouraging the use of green transport.

Other translations are underway, including a version in Hausa, aimed at Nigeria’s large Muslim population.

Ms Ahmed said there was also interest in a Bahasa translation for some of the 220 million Indonesian Muslims, all of whom will hope to go on Hajj during their lifetime.

+ Download The Green Guide to Hajj
+ Or email info@globalone2015.org + info@ecomuslim for hard copies of the guide.

Makkah's Islamic Holy Sites Overshadowed By Skyscrapers

2011-11-10T19:13:00.002Z

Reports from Makkan residents show there is an increasing worry that Islam's holiest sites are disappearing behind skyscrapers. A concern that was foreshadowed by Prophet Muhammad, as a sign of 'the end of times'.

Future developments of Islam's sacred city Makkah will be more in tune with modern architecture, towering skyscrapers and 5-star hotels, which the mayor of Makkah supports.

Makkah is known as the 'birthplace' of Islam, a historic city in which Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was born, and where Hajrah, wife of Prophet Ibrahim, discovered the Zazam water. The city is the qibla, prayer direction for Muslims and each year, almost 3 million Muslim pilgrims descend in the city to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

Over the last few years though, dozens of red and yellow cranes have shadowed over sites. Huge metal scaffolding can be seen from afar, aimed at increasing hotel space and improving facilities for pilgrims to make the Hajj safer and easier.

The Opulent Clock Tower
One of the most extravagent structures is of course the government-owned 600 metre (1,970 feet) clock tower. Many visitors and residents say this particularl development has moved too quickly. Critics say are the the narrow Makkan streets are not designed to hold such towering structures and that the tower "does not respect the dignity, sanctity and culture of the Kabah".

The tower, which overlooks the Kaaba, was built over a demolished 18th-century Ottoman fort on a prominent Makkan hillside, now flattened to the ground

“The building regulations in the city take into consideration the width of the streets, central locations and do not allow the building of skyscrapers…what was built was that,” Mayor Osama al-Bar told Reuters when asked about the tower.

Future projects “will be far from the grand mosque by 300 meters … The buildings will have reasonable heights between 8 to 10 floors and will have the Meccan style,” he said.

Within the next six years, the governments hopes to reinforce the infrastructure surrouding Masjid al-Haram, Makkah's Grand Mosque. Congested narrow roads will be replaced with news ones, foot bridges are to be installed for pedestrians and a larger four-line metro.

“We want to evolve Mecca, not change it,” said Sami Angawi, founder of Hajj Research Center and an expert on Mecca. However, the Crown Prince Naif said that the developent already taken place “be little compared to what will happen”.

Proposed 6-year plans of Makkah will push residents aside for hotels, malls and cafes.

Angawi, who is originally from Mecca, refuses to enter his city because he is unhappy about the way the city is being transfored. He said,

“I love Mecca and cannot see the beloved (sanctuary) of the Prophet being destroyed and handled this way,” said Angawi, who, like many Muslims, believes Makkah is a holy place where change must be made in a delicate manner.

Creaking Infrastructures
Deadly stampedes, tent fires and other accidents have several times caused many deaths, forcing the government to spend lavishly on new infrastructure. This year over the Umrah period before Hajj, twelve Egyptians died and two British pilgrims died in a bus fire.

The mosque will see an rise in number of hotels, malls and cafes. Housing estates will be built for suburban residents and a park for relocated residents. The long-term projects are set for complete for 2020.

A historic expansion of Masjid al-Haram will see an addition 400,000 square metres and shaded areas to shelter worshipped from the scroching sun. According to property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle, the land around the mosque is the most expensive real estate in the world, with claims that a square foot of land in some reaches up to $18,000.

“Mecca is the heart of the Islamic world… what we are doing is changing the heart from a natural heart to a mechanical one,” Angawi said.

+ National Post
Image + Ammar Awad/Reuters

Read more:
Is Kabah Kiswah Cloth Ethical For Being Expensive?
“Mekkah Metro” Marks A Green Hajj For Pilgrims
"Does God Recycle?" Featured: The Eco Muslim In India's Mid-Day Paper

COMPETITION: Nominate Your Eco Warriors 2011 on Green Prophet

2011-11-10T16:57:00.001Z

Our friends over on Green Prophet have launched the Eco Heroes 11 Award for 2011.

Who are your eco-heros for the Middle East and North Africa region?

With so much green, inspiring energy in the Middle East North Africa region, Green Prophet decided to give local green prophets a little pat on the back.

At the end of the year, Green Prophet will announce its first list of environmental activists from the Middle East and North Africa region.

PRIZES!
Top winners will win a small personal cash prize of $200, $100 and $50. All winners will be profiled on Green Prophet, giving credit and credence to their work.

Do you know someone who is fighting to save sharks from fin soup, someone fighting for dead seas or lakes, or who is creating new water technologies that could change the water-parched region? If so, let us know about them! Read on for how you can nominate your eco-hero.

NOMINATE YOUR HEROES!
Who would you like to see honoured on our list? The region is full of eco-warriors but who do you think has gone the extra green mile this year? They don’t have to be any hugely famous, it could be your green fingered neighbour, but they do have to be from the Middle East and North Africa region.

Here are some ideas of what we are looking for:

Despite huge political upheavals due to the Arab Spring, campaigners have still found time to take action on climate change this year. They have rallied to save salt lake Orumieh in Iran (at great personal risk too) and demanded better public transport in Egypt and Lebanon. They have campaigned to stop nuclear power in Jordan and in Israel, the Save Adullum campaigners have been working hard to stop developers from digging up their neighbourhood for oil shale. Solar power has helped a Turkish village go off the grid and was also embraced by an Abu Dhabi prince who installed photovoltaic at the local crown court.

But, who has impressed you the most this year? Is there a fantastic green campaigner working tirelessly in your city? Or maybe a recycling maverick on your street? Give them the recognition and reward they deserve by nominating them!

You can either leave a comment on the Green Prophet post, fill in their online form, or email Arwa Aburawa directly at arwa[AT]greenprophet.com with your nominations.

For more details and to fill out the form: Nominate Your Eco Heroes 2011

If It’s Not Organic, It’s Not Halal – 4 Ethical Zabiha Principles

2011-11-09T16:47:00.002Z

If the meat's zabiha - slaughtered according to Islamic law - is it always halal? Zaufishan, The Eco Muslim, explains how the ethics in Muslims' meat-eating religion, embraces animal welfare, organic living and vegetarianism.

Islam's Zabiha method of slaughter came in the line of fire this year when Holland banned ritual slaughter. When one hears counter arguments from animal rights activists and even Muslims who live vegetarian lifestyles, the idea of killing another creature can seem unnecessary, cruel and inorganic, especially in a religious context.

Yet, the Islamic faith recognises these concerns and answers them. Traditionally, Muslims carry out a meat Qurbaan (sacrifice) every year for the Eid-ul-Adha festival and slaughter animals for food using the zabiha method any other time.

In this article also published on Green Prophet, I explain what zabiha entails exactly and whether it really is an organic alternative to banning slaughter altogether.

What can Muslims eat? Why is pork prohibited? And what makes meat zabiha? In Islam's holy scripture, the Quran, God tells people,

"Forbidden to you (for food) are dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which has been invoked the name of other than Allah [God], that which has been killed by strangling or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death, that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal, unless you are able to slaughter it (in due form)." (Quran, 5:3)

A Muslim's Meat Is Always Zabiha

For Muslims, animal slaughter is a straight forward concept. Known in Islamic law as zabiha (ذبيحة‎), the word literally means 'slaughter' and goes hand-in-hand with animal welfare and moral purification.

Does Islam promote Animal rights?

Prophet Muhammad of Islam was a big advocator of animal rights. Popular narrations demonstrate how providing water to a thirsty dog, feeding a stray cat and guarding a bird's nest of eggs are actions of merit. Like his predecessors, Prophets Moses and Jesus, Prophet Muhammad was a shepherd - of sheep - and thus trained in a preserving awareness to 'guide' his flock towards health and conservation.

When being asked about the importance of quenching the dog's thirst, Prophet Muhammad told people, "every kind act to the animal is rewarded".

He also told people,

"Do not overload them (animals), do not treat them badly, do not tie them and shoot them (tying with intent to kill)". *Hadith mentioned in Imam Muslim.

Animal welfare in Islam is extended to the slaughter process. A sharp knife is required for a single, efficient cut and so the animal "does not feel pain". Muslims believe animals are 'alive' like plants but they do not have a soul like humans. Animals are acutely aware of what's going on around them. Thus, Prophet Muhammad showed a concern for emotional stability saying "do not kill one animal in front of the other, and do not kill the animal twice." *Hadith mentioned in Imam Muslim, read more on Wikipedia.

How Muslims Slaughter Animals

When an animal is slaughtered following the zabiha method, only the windpipe and 4 blood vessels are cut with a single slice. For one school of thought in Islam, the gullet (oesophagus) must also be cut. The knife must reach the back of the throat and the head must remain intact. No other harm to the animal's body is allowed, which was an animal concern by Princess Ali of Jordan in the run before Eid.

Animals chosen for Islamic Qurbaan, the Eid-ul-Adha sacrifice ending the Hajj pilgrimage, need extra checks. If an animal is blind, lame, deaf, disfigured through mutilation or unhealthy, it cannot be used for the sacrifice. The idea behind this is to follow the Abrahamic footsteps by giving up the best, strongest and healthiest meat to distribute amongst the poor.

The spinal cord is not cut and should not be damaged, otherwise the nerves leading to the heart may get severed causing the animal to go under cardiac arrest.

As the spinal cord remains intact, the heart is still beating, preventing stagnation and allowing a constant flow of blood from the body until death. Since blood is forbidden for consumption in Islam, it's important to see that the blood is completely drained.

Ask any medical student and they will tell you blood is the carrier of germs and bacteria. Slitting an animal's throat precisely and sharply emits most of the bacteria from the flow. This keeps the meat healthier and fresher for longer.

4 Ethical Zabiha Principles You Need To Know

1) Animal freedom and organic living

The animal that is going to be sacrificed should be raised to graze freely, treated well, given food and water on the day of slaughter. When brought forward, the animal needs to be kept calmed. Its eyes are covered and it is laid down on the ground. Typically, no other instruments or pressure is involved, and the event is not shown to other animals. Organic Muslim butchers from America, Mercy Halal, have filmed Islam's zabiha method quite stunningly on their farm. The second video showing the actual slaughter is graphic.

2) Animals allowed in Islamic law

Muslims only eat animals that are herbivores, leading a vegetarian life. Animals shot, killed by accident, birds of prey, pork and porcine substances and roadkill are not halal. Pork in particular is forbidden for major health reasons; while the animal itself is seen as a creature of God, it will eat practically anything put in front of it including excrement and is a carrier of many diseases. Amongst the animals Islam permits for slaughter are: cattle - cows, buffalo, poultry - chicken, pigeons, duck and others, deer, goats, sheep, rabbits. Fish are halal by default.

3) Sanitised sharp tools

The knife intended for the slaughter needs to be sterile and for no irritation, sharpened, but not in front of the animal. Gloves are recommended, as well as a clean workspace with access to water.

4) A Muslim prayer before slaughter

Before slaughtering the animal, Islam asks for the person performing it to be a mature Muslim, and to read a prayer in God's name, saying "Bismillah" (in the name of God) and "Allahu akbar" (God is Greater). Without the "bismillah", the animal is not halal for eating.

Do Animals Feel Pain?

One of the major reasons for vegetarianism from the eco-Rabbi and arguments heard from animal rights campaigners is the view that animals feel pain, and as another species, should not be killed without need. Islam holds the view that while animals do feel pain and need loving treatment, the zabiha method does not tolerate any unecessary pain or fear.

For correct slaughter, it is the blood vessels in the animals' throat that are cut, along with the nerves responsible for pain. Due to a gush of blood, the animal's muscles contract and relax. When done properly, there is no pain involved in zabiha slaughter. The animal is not writhing in pain, it is simply dying a painless death.

Zabiha Meat - But It Is Halal?

In a nutshell, 'zabiha' is the name given to the method of slaughtering an animal by a believer reading a prayer in God's name. But halal (حلال‎) is the description for products that are permissible by God and which include people's welfare. Therefore, halal products are also healthy, sustainable and good for you.

A table format breaks down the zabiha method on Green Zabiha, organic and halal meat farmers in America.

In many areas of the less developed world where Muslims are the dominant population, one will find animals being injected with an infamous hormone to fatten them up. DES, Diacecerol Beseserol, is used by farmers to quicken the muscle growth and get more sales for the zabiha flesh. This meat is haram.

Additional preservatives and electrical stunning affect the nervous system of the animal, which Halal Monitoring Committee explains, would also not be considered halal. Figures suggest as high as 80% of worldwide meat is injected with hormones and according to European Union’s Scientific Committee, artificial growth hormones in meat pose a potential risk to human's health and reproductive system, Sustainable Table reports.

All carginogenic hormones injected into animals - even if slaughtered by the zabiha method, make the animal haram.

The animal is zabiha, but it's not halal.

What a Muslim Vegetarian Looks Like

Islam does not compel its followers to eat meat. A Muslim can be a great believer and remain a pure vegetarian. But God has given Muslims permission to eat non-vegan food (meat, dairy products, fish, poultry). In the Quran it says, "...Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur'an]..." (Chapter 5, verse 1). The Quran also says there are "numerous benefits" to eating meat, which is why most Muslims browse the worldwide restaurant guide Zabiha.com to enjoy a good burger, halal hot-dog and lamb kebab.

Indian Muslim scholar and public speaker Dr Zakir Naik, writes in his book, Non-Vegetarian Food, Permitted or Prohibited for Human Beings?, about the health benefits to the Islamic method of slaughter,

"If the Islamic guidelines are followed and slaughter is done through the Islamic method of Zabiha, blood is removed, hormones are not given, the food is cooked well, hygienic conditions are developed and pork is avoided; most of the (carried) diseases can be prevented." - Dr Zakir Naik.

+ Published on Green Prophet.

More on green halal lifestyles:
10 Eco Muslim Tips For Food Management
Green Hijabi: Healing, Vegan And Halal Living
7 Tips For A Sustainable Eid-ul-Adha Festival
Top 10 Halal-Friendly Holiday Destinations For 2011

7 Tips For A Sustainable Eid-ul-Adha Festival

2011-11-07T02:53:00.002Z

Zaufishan, The Eco Muslim shares 7 tips on making the Muslim Eid festival more sustainable. Article originally published on Green Prophet, the Middle Eastern environment news website.

I’m overjoyed and giddy like a child on Christmas eve. As a Muslim, my year is punctuated with two religious festivals, or Eids. Eid-ul-Fitr ended the 30-day fasting in Ramadan two months ago, and Eid-ul-Adha – tomorrow – marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah with a sacrifice.

A sacrifice of meat is an emphasised ritual for the pilgrims, while Muslim families all over the world slaughter an animal to commemorate Prophet Abraham’s sacrifice, and distribute it to the poor nearby. This is the ultimate offering: giving your most loved riches to those without, for God’s sake. It creates a balance of wealth and unites the faithful.

After a day experiencing ever-growing consumerism attached to the Muslim celebration and on the eve of “Eid-mas”, my family already sponsored a meat-drive for British locals and abroad in Pakistan. Yet, I am wondering what it is exactly I was supposed to sacrifice. Got any ideas?

Sacrifice is an ethical component of Islamic faith. Pilgrimage too is a journey of preservation – reminding the inner-self of an organic fate all the while using environmentally friendly transportation, the Makkah Metro, to get there. Prophet Muhammad of Islam called these days of pilgrimage the “days of Sacrifice”, saying that selfless actions would be rewarded multifold.

Without sacrifice, fasting during Ramadan every year becomes a mere diet phase for Muslims. Without sacrifice, the compulsory 2.5 zakat tax intended to purify one’s use of wealth, is nothing more than an economic burden. Hajj, the fifth pillar to Islam’s 5 after belief, prayer, fasting and charity (zakat), is also fundamentally based on the ultimate act. To give back.

But our sense of giving is lost when our focus is on providing for ourselves. Charity is an everyday act, yet on the day of sacrifice, a simple donation to the local mosque is not enough. In popular custom, a general view is accepted that the Eid festivals are like a ‘free-pass’, what we consume and wear is not going to be tallied against us, provided of course what we consume is Halal and healthy.

Instead of dishing out the usual charity, do more and do something different. Invest in kindness, reach out to a new organisation, challenge yourself to commit the ultimate sacrifice.

Here are more ideas:

Give your Eid outfit away: A rich culture of ornate clothing prevails in Arab people and in my own African heritage. But instead of buying the top-end price of suits, go one band lower and donate the difference to a charity. Better yet, follow a Sunnah (prophetic action) by wearing your new suit once and giving it away. Find a regional clothes bank at Islamic Relief who ship clean clothes to disaster areas.

Fairtrade Eids: Take is a step further and buy your next Eid outfit from a Fairtrade store, buy Islamic tops that are organic, and look into swapping one item of clothing for hijab-friendly ethical outfits. Your clothing will carry the trademark of fair business, alleviating working conditions in third world countries, and you don’t lose out on the fabulousness.

The 3/3 food rule: Reduce that food baby. Save your expenses and make less food for Eid. Keyword: Less. Instead of having a gigantic Eid feast of meats and fats brimming with heart-attacks, opt for more fruit salads and grow your own vegetable. Check out how to make maklubah on Green Prophet, an Arabic upside-down chicken and rice dish. And follow the 3/3 rule: Eat till your stomach’s full one-third, drink till your full one-third and leave the rest to breathe!

Eid gifts with value: Money is a standard Eid present but it’s so bland. Coupons and vouchers come second, but that money can make a bigger impact. Plant a tree in Palestine (or Britain) with Trees4Life, on behalf of someone or as a group of friends. Handcraft your own upcycled Eid cards. Read the Islam and Water story of Hajrah and son Ismail, who were the originators of modern day Hajj. And take your children to a soup kitchen on Eid day to instill community love.

Use less water: Muslim women, I’m talking to you. On Eid day, take part in water management by dedicating one set of dishes for everyone so that less water is used for washing up. Save unused clean water for tea or coffee and if you drop an ice-cube onto the floor, don’t chuck it in the sink, drop it into a plant pot.

New Year Resolutions: Hajj occurs in the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah. Instead of making a dozen new year’s resolutions just make one. And stick to it throughout the year. My resolution is to (God willing) become a full-time volunteer worker, and you can start by giving just 5 minutes a week to your local environmental campaign or disability home.

Zabiha or Halal? Animal slaughter: Finally, ask your butchers where they get their meat from. Are the animals well fed, treated humanely? If the meat’s zabiha, it’s slaughtered according to religious law, but is it halal (Islamically permissible) and organic? Princess Ali of Jordan supports advancements such as stunning the animal before slaughter so be wise and ask. Watch Almaghrib’s video on Zabiha Man vs. Halal Man to figure out the difference.

I’d love to hear what you gave up for Eid-mas. Comment below!

From The Eco Muslim, عيد مبارك‎ (Arabic) / عید مبارک (Urdu)

Eid-ul-Adha Mubarak.

+ Green Prophet - 7 Tips To A Sustainable Eid

More on sustainable Eids:
5 Ethical & Eco Eid Gifts For Children
Plant A Tree For Eid
For Muslim Vegetarians, Eid Sacrifice Is Nothing to Celebrate

Is Kabah Kiswah Cloth Ethical For Being Expensive?

2011-11-06T01:14:00.003Z

Yesterday, the Kabah got its new Kiswah, the black cloth covering.

A total of 700 kg of raw silk, and 120 kg of gold and silver thread are used to make the Kiswah, also known as gilaaf.

How Much?!
The cost of a single Kiswah is about 20 million Saudi riyals. When converted, this amounts to a staggering $5.3 million USD and £3.3 million British pounds.

Incredible. And unislamic.

*Current exchange rate: 1 SAR = 0.266 USD. 1 SAR = 0.166 GBP.

The covering of the Kiswah is a tradition kept in Prophet Muhammad's family, peace be upon him, whose noble ancestors saw decorating the House of God as an honour.

Back then, the fabric coverings were also beautiful, but not costly. The Kiswah was also never taken off, each new covering was laid on top until the smaller Kabah could not take the weight.

Now, a single new Kiswah embellished with verses from the Qur'an cloaks the Kabah and the previous covering is taken down. The old Kiswah is usually cut into smaller parts and distributed as gifts to Muslim dignitaries and organisations.

How The Kiswah Is Made - CAD/CAM + Jacquard
The luxurious Kiswah fabric undergoes several stages. The first is the dyeing of imported raw silk in a 'paralysis' form, dyed in black or red or green.

Important question: are these vegetable inks? Does their creation create pollution and release toxic waste into rivers?

Next, the paralysis cloth is converted into material ready for embroidery or being printed on. Techniques such as the Jacquard weave and CAD printing prepare the silk to be handled by employers.

Important questions: Are the employers receiving a fair wage? Do their families and local community benefit from the production?

In the stage of printing, all finishes of the fabric are carried out on a computer. A wire screen creates the custom Arabic fonts for embroidery and to help workers manually wire the silver and gold threads.

Important question: Gold and silver is a costly product, are there cheaper alternatives?

Four pieces of raw silk dyed black cover the sides of the Kabah while the heavier panel that curtains the Kabah door is also decorated with Arabic calligraphy taken from the Qur'an and Muslim beliefs.

The final stage of assembly involves the Jacquard woven cloth - similar to a long curtain - and threads to be installed on a giant loom.

Each Kiswah covering consumes a vast 450 kilometres of silk, taking an area of 658 square metres when laid flat.

Important question: Silk worms are specially bred for this source and silk production is time consuming and costly. Can more environmentally friendlier and organic materials be used instead?

The composite pieces, padding, gold and silver threads and the belt across the Kiswah, come to a total length of nearly 47 metres. This include 4 pieces of Arabic cloth for Arabic phrases and 6 below the belt.

Although the Kiswah is a beautiful tradition that aims to sanctify and elevate the status of the simple House of God - bait-Ullah - the high cost loses the humility with which the Kabah was built.

Edited + translated from Arabic. The Eco Muslim.

+ CII Broadcasting

More on Hajj:
Hajj Healthy And Safety Awareness Week For British Pilgrims
'Eid-el-Kabir': The Complete Islamic Injunctions For Animal Sacrifices
“Mekkah Metro” Marks A Green Hajj For Pilgrims

Islam In Action, The Ultimate Campaign Toolkit For Eliminating Poverty

2011-11-04T03:36:00.000Z

Britain's coolest Muslim activist movement MADE, have joined forces with Oxfam to produce the ultimate campaigning kit for Muslims.

MADE in Europe is a movement of young Muslims with environmental and humanitarian passions, working to eliminate global poverty, conflict in war affected areas, and deal with climate change.

One of their projects is Eat Of The Good Things, a grassroots enviro-program that trains the Muslim youth with powerful leadership skills.

This autumn, MADE hooked up with Oxfam in the war against poverty, launching a downloadable 22-page spread (40 pages in total) kit for Muslims.

The information guide is packed with resources for legal and organised demonstrations to lobby political support, statistics on current poverty and food crises - a shocking 30%, almost a third of the world's population is well below the standard of living, and is starving. Islam In Action Campaign Kit also explains how to achieve a successful campaign and where to start. An excellent place to start for budding campaigners and activists.

+ Download The Ultimate Campaign Toolkit For Eliminating Poverty (pdf, right click + save. Mac users, ctrl + click, download linked file).

The Eco Muslim Green Mosque Guide - What Are Your Ideas?

2011-11-04T01:34:00.000Z

As-salam`alaykum, greetings of peace and environmentally friendly blessings.

I have a seed of an idea to produce a green mosque guide that will be brought to the mosques of Britain. I'd really appreciate your involvement, no matter who you are. These are my thoughts...

Whenever I visit my local mosques in Yorkshire, England, I'm really excited to meet new people and check out how they run their hub of 'eco-muslimness'. Britain's mosques have a fairly average level of community involvement and environmental projects but I've yet to see a standard eco-guide.

"It is the mosque's role to make the location its in, beautiful." - The Eco Muslim

Without ecological and community awareness a mosque is not as pro-active as it could be. The mosque becomes simply a space for obligatory prayer, Qur'anic memorisation, and then you go home. If attendees are also unaware of the mosque's "footprint", there's going to be minimum outreach to neighbours and non-Muslims.

Is The Masjid The Centre Of Society?
In Islam, there are branches, or levels of faith. Islam (the path) is the skeleton on which imaan (belief) reaches upwards. Ehsaan however, is an aspect Muslims have forgotten. Ehsaan is the depth of Muslim faith. Ehsaan means to make something ugly, beautiful.

I believe that if each mosque in Britain, and surely across Europe, America and the industralised world, is to be a role-model for community care and eco-activism, it needs to put belief into action.

An Ideal Eco-Mosque
It is the mosque's role to make the location its in, beautiful. A mosque is primarily a spiritual centre, developing Muslim's faith and counselling people's questions with answers. An ideal mosque though, needs to engage with its congregants' lives. It needs to keep the streets clean, free from pollutants that affect people's health and standard of living - drugs, addiction, bullying, noise, irresponsible littering, congestion, crime.

Projects organised by the mosque need to be more than fundraisers, and they need to be more than "just for Muslims".

I'm a firm believer in women leaders and empowering children, which is why it disheartens me to attend a mosque where the Muslim women are sent to the dungeon for prayer, three streets away.

The Green Mosque Guide For British Mosques
Thus, I have found there is a strong need in England for a guide to cleaner, and greener mosques. This guide will be researched and documented, backed with resources that are designed to teach, demonstrate and provide advice.

And so, I intend to make one insha-Allah, God willing, with help and dedication. With truckloads of help and dedication!

What The Green Guide Will Contain
There are 4 main areas the green mosque guide aims to cover:

Community gardens

Allocating garden space for vegetables, fruit and herbs
Providing mosque members information to grow from seed and in pots
Composting, saving mulch, planting trees projects

Wudhu (washroom) areas

Water management, minimising waste
Re-using water
Installing sensory taps (faucets) and outdoor facilities

Energy

Monitoring and reducing electric and gas consumption
Efficient lighting sources
Solar panels, passive heating
Developing insulation

Eco-children

Empowerment through ecological projects
Litter picking, street clean-ups
Eco-stationery, Qur'an/hadith activities
Recycling projects

My immediate concerns are on the current members of most mosques. Of course no two mosques are alike, and nor at its members. But I've noticed a pattern. Fewer women are on the mosque committees and the committees themselves are made up of grumpy men. Change is a struggle, particularly implementing ecological practices but I have faith that with the right support and intentions, it can be done. Insha-Allah, God willing.

So, I'm putting it out there. What would you like to see in the Green Mosque Guide? What environmental and health-wise practices does your mosque already have? Comments are taken on board!

If you're a sustainable/environment organisation or eco-dude, get in touch. Let's make the world beautiful: info@theecomuslim.com.

Peace + eco-jihad
Zaufishan.

Quintessentially English, My Pear Orchard

2011-11-01T22:51:00.000Z

Another wonderful autumn treat after this season's apples, pears come in a range of flavours and textures, but my favourite is the homegrown Conference pear.

Our humble pear orchard has 4 trees, each over 10 years old and collectively produced a couple of hundred pears. 'Tis the harvest season, and so in October, eco-mum and I went pear pickin'.

Say bismillah: a perfectly ripe pear

Pears can be enjoyed in many different ways, in addition to a delicious snack on their own.

Poach them with fruit juice and vanilla, pair them up with chocolate or slice thinly to bake into pies and toss into salads.

Finding ways of describing the pear, the conference pear to be precise, and its taste and feel is ineffable. Yeah, ineffable.

I found Edward Bunyan's poetic celebration of English fruits from The Anatomy of Dessert to be one of the best,

"It is, in my view, the duty of an apple to be crisp and crunchable, but a pear should have such a texture as leads to silent consumption".

Pear Notes: Did You Know?
According to Eat The Seasons, the cultivation of pears goes back some 4,000 years, with origins in the Caucasus region from where they spread west to Europe and east to Asia.

It's interesting that in Ancient times the pear was considered superior to the apple and outnumbered it in varieties, whereas today the apple seems to have more opportunities in the culinary department.

Today the Conference pear accounts for well over 90% of commercial production in England. Imported pears account for around 80% of consumption.

Pips of pears contain amygdalin, a compound that the body breaks into hydrogen cyanide! However, you'd probably need to eat your body weigh in pears to receive a lethal dose. Say bismillah and bite.

It's In Pear's Biology
Like its cousin the apple, the pear (Pyrus communis in Europe) is a member of the rose family. Botanically speaking a pear is a type of pome, a false fruit in which five carpels (the true fruit) form a core that contain the seeds.

Pears are a good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium and copper. Pears are a slow-releasing energy fruit, making them excellent for helping to balance blood sugar levels. *Health notes.

A twisted branch pressured an unusual beautiful paisley shaped pear into being

I have learnt to pick pears when they're just about to be ripe, as they improve in flavour and texture when 'resting'. Ripened pears though have a 'give', a gentle pressure and pluck off the branch, ready for eating (wash first) and cooking, although firmer pears are usually preferable for use in cooking.

Pear Family
Other types of pears include Williams pears, sweet and juicy, Comice - a French variety that's aromatic, and Conference - longer and thinly shaped (or paisley in my case), the skin has a brown speckling and a very sweet flesh.

I am always in awe of the fruits God made. A pear, a simple and otherwise insignificant food source, is a good sign of blessings, and dreaming of eating one would denote a cure for an illness. Scientists too have not fully unlocked the medicinal uses of the humble pear. But, in a moment of childish indulgence, I think I like pears, the bestest because they are like, you can't make them yourself and they taste like, like they were made by a really good chef and that, they fill you up and you get to eat them in, in heaven.

Peace + eco-jihad yo.
Zaufishan, pro-pears.

More on fruit:
1001 Halal Recipes: Eton Mess
Plant An Olive Tree In Palestine For Eid
Picking British Apples From Our Orchard
RECIPE: Fresh Apple & Spice Square Cookies

Children's Wudhu Cleanliness Activity Book From Masjid Bilal

2011-11-01T21:44:00.000Z

From all the eco mosques of the world, few cater to children's needs. Educational material that is genuinely fun, easy to learn and in English, is difficult to find even in mainstream mosques.

But of course, there is progress being made in many mosques, one being Masjid Bilal in Ontario, Canada.

Masjid Bilal has a downloadable activity booklet on wudhu - ritual ablution before prayer. Five pages designed especially for children enable the mosque-like environment to be brought home.

Children can write their name on the booklet, learn the dua (supplication) for making wudhu, follow a wudhu guide and answer interesting questions to test how much they've learnt.

+ Download the Washroom Cleanliness Activity Book.

+ Masjid Bilal, Ontario

More on healthier wudhu:
The Wonderful World Of Eco-Wudhu
Video: Refresh Your Wudhu With Shaykh Khatri
The Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ Eco Wudhu

Caulifower In The Eco Garden Is Attacked By SLUGS! MOIDER!

2011-11-01T20:14:00.000Z

Ok. Short grumpy story made even shorter. Slugs ate my entire crop of cauliflower. All of 30 plants neatly protected near the greenhouse wall were devoured, save two. Leaves were stripped down to the stems, along with a few neighbouring spinach plants.

Now I don't harbour any ill thoughts against God's slimier creatures but if the slugs are reading, my message to you is I'm seriously looking into organic pest-control methods. An organic pair of slug-squishing wellington boots is one.

And for a positive end, the two rescued cauliflower plants nestled deep under leaves were made pest-prood with non-toxic slug pellets. I checked on them daily until the white florets were robust, blossoming and ready to be cut down.

Taken into intensive care, said cauliflowers were made into vegetable pies and stews. I guess I'm as much a predator as the herbivorous pests... At least we all said bismillah (in God's name) before we ate.

I'm ok now. -exhale-

Peace & eco-jihad,
Zaufishan.

Read more rants:
Tending To My Vegetables (Not A Euphemism)
In Islam, every day is Earth Day
USA's Organic Muslims

Interview: Professor A.L.I.’s Islamic Eco-Rap Sends Environment Lessons To Muslims

2011-10-31T01:59:00.001Z

A humanities instructor by day and social activist by night, Californian based hip-hop artist ‘Professor A.L.I.’ is behind a cool new era of enviro-activism. We’re talking Islamic Eco-Rap. In an interview for Green Prophet and Illume Magazine, I ask eco-Muslim A.L.I. why his environmental message should be on our iTunes playlist.

TEM: Firstly, who is behind ‘Professor A.L.I?’

Professor A.L.I.: I’m a hip-hop poet, artist and activist based out of the Bay Area in California. I identify myself as a human being. I try to define myself through my actions, clarify myself through my intentions, and strive to be a Muslim.

Outside of rap music, I am both a writer and an educator. I am working on several writing projects with the poetry compilation entitled ’72 Martyr Series’ coming out the soonest. I also teach courses in African-American Literature and poetry at U.C. Berkeley as well as in the Humanities department at a prestigious college preparatory school in the Bay Area.

TEM: When did you start the “Eco-Rap” concept?

Professor A.L.I.: I’ve been rapping since high school, but over time what I rapped about and communicated through hip-hop changed. It was fueled by my observations and life lessons. Hip-hop to me is a method of communication to a specific audience, one that is capable of understanding coded language and acting upon a message.

“The overwhelming message in my short life has been that this planet is dying and we are the murderers. Once the lesson was imparted, that this pristine planet is now polluted, the natural has become artificial and that life itself has become unbearable… I made this my predominant message. I called it “the real green movement” but a radio show host at KPFA called it ‘Eco-Rap’ on the air, ‘Islamic Eco-Rap’ at that, and it stuck.”

I didn’t set out to promote a specific theme, I was just trying to tell a story to inspire my fellow Muslims to save our planet – not just from Global Warming or pollution but all forms of epidemics and oppression.

TEM I love creative environmentalists and my fans would be very interested in the background to your eco-messages. So, what exactly do you rap about?

Professor A.L.I.: Hip-hop is an intelligent movement in which rap plays a role of delivering… [a] message. The message here is that the ‘Mother’ Earth is in fact dying; slowly murdered by the children she once suckled. Eco-Rap is bringing awareness to this global issue. And Islamic Eco-Rap is putting it in the Muslim context of the ultimate goal in life: to please Allah Almighty (God).

I believe that we will be judged by God for our contribution to the destruction of this planet. I also believe that the foretold revolutions by prophets in the past will come to pass as ecological disasters that we are creating and have created. I hope that using the art of hip-hop and rap music to deliver a message will be heard by the only group that has the energy, incentive and hope to change things: the youth.

TEM: That is a fantastic aim and I hope the youth will be part of the movement. What drives you to spread this ecological message to others?

Professor A.L.I.: My mother died from Lymphoma in 2007. Her last words to me still echo in my mind ‘Grab the Mic’. She wanted me to continue with hip-hop and rap which I had almost given up on at that point. In her life she was an accomplished musician, singer and vocalist. She encouraged me to use my voice. After she passed I embarked on using my voice to tell a story.

I firmly believe that my mother, who died young, died because of what we as human beings have done to the environment. Cancer is a by-product, and my mother a casualty of human neglect. I do this to honor her and to help inspire people to make the world a better place for my daughter to grow up in.

TEM: Have you collaborated with any other singers or activists?

The ‘Carbon Cycle Diaries’ LP was a project that was constructed just to tell that story. There was something in it that resonated with established artists in the music industry and so I was first joined by the iconic figures: E-40, then Killah Priest, Raekwon, Canibus, Brand Nubian and Hussein Fatal of the Outlawz. Many other artists also collaborated with me in this solo debut, helping to bring this [eco] message to the people.

TEM: Rap artists are generally associated with the mainstream music industry – songs are about living the fast life, cars, women, women in cars. How and why are you different with your eco principles?

I wouldn’t say that I am a mainstream artist. I do collaborate with mainstream artists as I mentioned earlier but I think what I am doing is what true hip-hop artists have always done which is communicate to the masses about real issues. I think where I differ is that I keep both a human focus, but an overall global feel. The earth is at the heart of the question; it is after-all why I call my solo debut the ‘Carbon Cycle Diaries’.

TEM: Muslims are increasingly raising awareness about food waste and pollution. What are your biggest concerns as an eco-Muslim and which areas of the world do you feel are most affected by similar issues?

Professor A.L.I.: Let me tackle part two first. I have travelled all over the world extensively and spend a great length of time in the Middle East and Asia. I would say that nations developing now and trying the bridge the gap between themselves and ‘The West’ are the areas of the world I am most concerned with. The reason is that these nations are using the same methods used by the U.S. and Europe which we are now paying for as ecological disasters and as Global Warming. They are using these methods because in many instances they are cheap and quick; often times the climate issues are exacerbated by geography and pre-existing weather patterns as well.

One of the most polluted placed I have been in recently is Tehran and it goes beyond the fossil fuels burned for millions of unregulated vehicles. Tehran and much of Iran is on a plateau, pollution just sits there and is visible as you fly in and out of the city as a thick brown layer.

As an Eco-Muslim my biggest concern is that my fellow Muslims lose sight of the fact that the earth is a trust, and destroy it in hopes of being more like other nations. I fear we will lose ourselves in the process.

TEM: Now that you mention the Middle Eastern regions affected by human neglect, more of its otherwise traditionally Muslim countries are welcoming rap artists and their entourages. Where have you performed and what has the reaction been from different communities?

Professor A.L.I.: I have performed in Canada and the United States and I hope to perform in Turkey, Arab Nations, and Iran now that ‘Carbon Cycle Diaries’ is out. I get a mixed reaction. Many Muslims are under the false assumption that only traditional language [spoken] music is permissible or that Western influenced music or instrumentation is problematic. At the end of the day I find the greatest support amongst those who listen to the message conveyed which is one which resonates within Muslim culture.

TEM: With that in mind, what advice would you give to aspiring Muslim eco-rap artists and other environmentally aware Muslims (who cannot sing!)?

Professor A.L.I.: I have young Muslims connecting with me now who aspire to be rap artists. My question is always ‘Why?’ Most recently I had someone tell me that they wanted to rap so they can be like Jay-Z. In other instances I have people only paying attention to my music because of the big names attached to my project. At the end of the day I’ll tell all of them the same thing, don’t embrace rap and hip-hop because you want to be rich. Get involved if you have a message and a passion to effectuate change. Be creative yet stay true to your voice and experiences. At the end of the day if you want to copy someone copy the Prophet Muhammad in Islam.

To my environmentally conscious Muslims, I say we need to educate the communities at large of how ‘Haraam’ (unlawful) our wasteful lifestyle is.

I have never been to an Islamic center that regularly recycles and composts; I have been to many that use Styrofoam and waste copious amounts of power, food and water. These may seem like little things but they contribute greatly to the worldwide epidemic. Each one, teach one and let’s keep the movement growing!

TEM Amen to that! So, lastly, what contribution do you hope to make towards Muslim environmentalists?”

Professor A.L.I.: The Arts need to play a significant role from music to painting, to plays and animation. My greatest hope is to network with so-called ‘green sheikhs’ and eco-Muslimas like Kristiane Backer, to help bring light to environment issues in our own communities. We need to stop thinking in terms of being Carbon Neutral and start thinking in terms of being Carbon regenerative.

We need to be the stewards of this ‘Real Green Movement’ and help create a global awareness starting in the Middle East. Music and hip-hop can be powerful tools in energizing our future leaders into becoming environmental stewards themselves.

The Eco Muslim: Thank you kindly A.L.I. for sharing your environmental words of wisdom and I hope that everyone reading is inspired and takes a leaf out of your unique activism.

+ Professor Ali's Official site (Also, Black Steven)
+ Buy Ali's album ‘Carbon Cycle Diaries’ on iTunes.

+ My interview was originally posted on Green Prophet and ILLUME.

Islam's Universal Environmental Ethic From The Assisi Declarations On Nature, 1986

2011-10-31T01:11:00.004Z

In 1986, HRH Prince Philip, then President of the WWF International invited five leaders of five of the major religions of the world - Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism - to meet to discuss how their faiths could help save the natural world. Afterwards, three more faiths - Baha'i, Jainism and Sikhism - produced similar declarations.

The meeting took place in Assisi in Italy, because it was the birth place of St Francis, the Catholic saint of ecology. From this meeting arose key statements by the five faiths outlining their own distinctive traditions and approach to the care for nature.

In the Assisi Declarations on Nature the Muslim statement was:

'Unity, trusteeship and accountability, that is tawheed, khalifa and akhirah, the three central concepts of Islam, are also the pillars of the environmental ethics of Islam.

They constitute the basic values taught by the Qur'an. It is these values which led Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam to say:

"Whoever plants a tree and diligently looks after it until it matures and bears fruit is rewarded", and:

"If a Muslim plants a tree or sows a field and men and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is charity on his part," and again, "The world is green and beautiful and God has appointed you his stewards over it."

Environmental consciousness is born when such values are adopted and become an intrinsic part of of our mental and physical makeup.

Muslims need to return to the nexus of values, this way of understanding themselves and their environment. The notions of unity, trusteeship and accountability should not be reduced to matters of personal piety: they must guide all aspects of life and world.

Shariah (Islamic law) must not be relegated just to issues of crime and punishment, it must also become a vanguard for environmental legislation.

We often say that Islam is a complete way of life, by which it is meant that our ethical systems provide the bearings for all our actions. Yet our actions often undermind the very values we cherish. We must judge our actions by them.

They furnish us with a world view which enables us to ask enviromentally appropriate questions, draw up the right balance sheet of possibility, properly weigh the environmental costs and benefits of what we want, what we can do within the ethical boundaries established by God, without violating the rights of His other creations.

If we use the same values, the same understanding in our work as a scientist and technologist, economist or politician as we do to know ourselves as Muslims - those who subject themselves to the Will of God, then, I believe, we will create a true Islamic alternative, a caring and practical way of being, doing, and knowing, to the environmentally destructive thought and action which dominate the world today.'

- By Dr. Abdullah Omar Nassef
Secretary General, Muslim World League

In Islamic ethics, we are God's trustees and responsible for maintaining the unity of His creation, the integrity of the Earth, its flora and fauna, its wildlife and natural environment. Unity cannot be had by discord, by setting one need against another or letting one end predominate over another; it is maintained by balance and harmony. There Muslims say that Islam is the middle path and we will be answerable for how we have walked this path, how we have maintained balance and harmony in the whole of creation around us. (BBC)

+ Assisi Declaration on Nature, 1986

Image + The Eco Muslim

More on Islam + environment:
Interview: Eco-Muslim Dawud Wharnsby In Pakistan Says "Live With Less"
Muslims make a stand in European Parliament: 'We CAN contribute to Green politics!'
Eco book - Islam and Ecology by Richard C. Foltz

Report: Islamic Gardens In the UK (2010)

2011-10-30T23:13:00.000Z

In June 2010, the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) documented an eight-month research project carried out by the Islam-UK Centre at Cardiff University. The final report was presented at the 4th Global Botanic Gardens Congress in Dublin last year.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the research demonstrated the need to present the visibility of Islamic gardens in Great Britian, with a "view to promoting biodiversity conservation and better inter-religious understanding of Islamic gardening traditions."

A Report On Green Design
Although the document itself is over 30,000 words long, a short report was published online from which the following has been extracted.

The results of the reports concluded that many existing Islamic gardens in the UK do not pro-actively promote ideas of biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

They do, nevertheless provide potential for educating Muslim, but especially non-Muslim, audiences about historic Islamic gardening traditions and heritage.

There is considerable scope for existing gardens to make more effective use of passive educational methods to highlight the religious principles of Islam that underpin garden design and planting.

Likewise, there is scope for Islamic garden designers to develop their design principles and practices to take account of new ecological and environmental challenges, thereby reflecting the Qur’anic imperative that human beings should act as responsible ‘stewards’ (khalifah) of the earth’s resources.

Fazlun Khalid, Director of the Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Sciences in Birmingham (IFEES) noted:

“I think it is wrong to make the assumption that for an Islamic garden to be viable only plants mentioned in the Qur’an should be used. The Qur’an says this: “the herbs and the trees bow in adoration (to the creator)”. It doesn’t say which herbs or which trees”.

Islamic Gardens and British Muslim Gardening Projects
The reports logs seven traditional ‘Islamic’ gardens, or parks containing gardens associated with Muslim cultures. Most of the parks were designed by non- Muslims, but few demonstrate regard for environmental sustainability or plant conservation.

These gardens include:
1) Kensington Roof Gardens, London
2) Arif Muhammad Memorial Garden, Shah Jahan Mosque, Woking
3) Carpet Garden, Highgrove House, Gloucestershire
4) The Alhambra Garden, Roundhay Park, Leeds
5) St Mary the Virgin Primary School, Cardiff

6) Sezincote House, the Cotswolds
Sezincote is a 19th century house in the Cotswolds built in the ‘Indian style’ (Malins, 1980) by Sir Charles Cockerell (1755-1837).

It includes a large formal Islamic style ‘Persian’ garden. The website for the house and garden says:

"It was in 1795 that Col. John Cockerell... returned from Bengal. [...] His youngest brother Charles, had been with him in the service of the East India Company. Charles Cockerell employed another brother, Samuel Pepys Cockerell, to build a house in the Indian manner."

The design of the garden at Sezincote reflects a religious hybridity. Conforming to Islamic garden layouts, the garden also included dissonant elements, such as a temple to the Hindu goddess Souryia and bronze ‘Brahmin’ bulls, reducing Mughal culture to a simplified romanticised image (Said describes this as Orientalism, 2003).

7) Mughal Garden, Lister Park, Bradford
Listed Park in Bradford was designed and built in 2001 to reflect the culturally diverse population of the area. These gardens are no longer the preserve of an exclusive elite. The renowned British Muslim photographer Peter
Sanders said of this garden,

“It was not the quiet place of meditation that I had imagined, but buzzing with life and children of many ethnic groups playing together (Sanders, 2007)”

Four British Muslim gardening projects, including a cemetery, and one ‘Islamic garden’, exist in the UK. All of these are designed by British Muslims, and illustrate a greater concern with aspects of biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness:
• Ismaili Centre Roof Garden, London
• Community Garden, Wapping Women’s Centre, Tower Hamlets, London
• Community Garden, Crosshill Tennis Club, Blackburn

• Gardens of Peace, Ilford, Essex
The ‘Gardens of Peace’ cemetery in Ilford is the largest dedicated Muslim burial ground in Europe. The picture below shows how the sparse graves traditional in Islamic cemeteries are bordered by a park-like garden.

Gardens of Peace, Muslim cemetery in Ilford

The garden includes crescent shaped beds and plantings consisting of many plants and trees mentioned in the Qur’an along with many quintessential English species. With sustainability in mind, only outdoors plants are used. Plantings and signage are designed to inform visitors about Islamic environment ethics and for Muslims to connect with their spiritual heritage.

Islamic Gardens Built For the Future
A further four four traditional ‘Islamic’ garden projects are under development although environmental conservation is not a top priority for all:
• Gulshan-e-Wycombe, High Wycombe
• British Muslim Heritage Centre, Manchester
• Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
• Cambridge eco-Mosque and Islamic Centre

The 2010 report covers the questions raised when discussing possible garden sites and garden projects for the future. How will local responds? What should the over-riding criteria of garden projects fulfil: green design or ecology?

With existing 'Islamic' inspired gardens having fully integrated into the fabric of British heritage, an exciting phase of cultural developments now unfold. The need for more Islamic gardens in Britain is important for plant conservation, our identity and environmental sustainability. I really hope to see greener Islamic gardens in Yorkshire too.

+ Islamic Gardens of the UK. Download the pdf report.

ShINE, Sheffield's Muslim Environmentalists

2011-10-30T21:10:00.001Z

Drawn together by appreciation of nature and teachings of faith, ShINE, a group of Muslim environmentalists in the central British city of Sheffield rolled up their sleeves in the service of their wider community and their religion.

“For Muslims the Qur'an is very clear: Islam teaches us about our duty," Nabeel Nasser, the vice-chair of the Sheffield Islamic Network for the Environment (ShINE), told the Sheffield Telegraph on Saturday, June 11.

"The Qur'an is very clar: Islam teaches us about our duty. And so it’s not an optional thing, you have the responsibility to go out there and improve your environment.”

Nasser was speaking on behalf of about 300 ShINE members, along with their families, friends and supporters, staged an activity day in Weston Park, a public park of over 5 hectares, in a bid to encourage the locals to care more about their domestic environment.

“The day is giving us a platform for getting our message across,” Nasser said.

“We want to encourage all Sheffielders to think about the environment, to think about improving Sheffield together. We think it’s a duty for everyone, you don’t have to wait for Streetforce to do their thing, the more we can do as Sheffielders the better it is for all of us.”

He added that ShINE has two audiences: Sheffield as a whole and the Muslim community in particular.

Misconceptions About Islam

Nasser says that by serving the wider Sheffield community, the ShINE is also involved in a campaign to dispel conceptions about Islam, an effort that trigger distinct reactions even from members of the Muslim community.

“One reaction is very supportive, with people saying it’s about time you’re doing this kind of thing, we should encourage it because people are fed up seeing Islam linked to all these other issues.

But the other reaction is that people say you’ve got to get your priorities wrong with all the other things going on. But we think this is probably the best way of dealing with these bigger issues, its about showing we’re not always in the middle of trouble, we’re in the middle of something good.”

Hostility against British Muslims, estimated at nearly two million, have been on the rise since the 7/7 attacks.

A Financial Times opinion poll showed that Britain is the most suspicious nation about Muslims.

But he also urges Muslims to be patient. "If society is against you, don’t retaliate, be patient," he addresses the Muslim community.

Middle Eastern Roots

Nabeel’s father came to Sheffield as a young man from Yemen to work in the steel industry, so Nabeel has grown up here and says he adores Sheffield. He now works as a software development manager, with ShINE as a voluntary concern.

“If you look at the Middle East now, there’s a lot of anger, and rightly so if you look at all the oppression,” he said. “There’s a lot of injustice. But it saddens me to see aggressive Muslims, to me that isn’t Islam, the Prophet Muhammad was not an angry man, he was a calm, collected individual, he forgave and always tried to go for the least aggressive option.

“You’re not going to teach people unless you’re patient. In Islam, patience is beautiful.”

Nabeel said that ShINE has many links with the wider environmental movements, looking at issues like scarcity and climate change, and describes members as ‘footsoldiers.’

“The big concepts can’t happen unless at ground level people understand why they’re doing something.” Otherwise, he added, they will just dismiss big issues like climate change.

Getting To Grips With Eco-Isam
“We understand the Qur'an says this thing above us, the atmosphere, is to protect you and God says we should take care of it and don’t harm it. Often at big conferences they talk at a level that local people can’t get to grips with, but we think this is a way to say I am contributing to that issue.

“It’s about helping people to see their place of contact, how we can do things to help the world as a whole.

If you just clean up your own area, that is of benefit. There is an opportunity to go out there and make a difference."

Who are ShINE?
ShINE has been organising activity days for five years. The group operates a mailing list, and has seen local litter pick days as it’s main focus up to now, with sometimes up to 50 people taking part. In the future, ShINE also hopes to organise seminars at mosques and community centres.

Nasser said that the network's activities do not only reflect its members' interest in preserving the environment, but also adherence to the teachings of Islam.

“It’s stated in our tradition you must keep everything clean, it’s considered a noble act to remove litter from a path, for example, and it’s forbidden to chop down a tree if there’s no reason to do so," he says.

"Our tradition says you should be aware of everything that’s been created around you, humans and non-humans.”

Clean Up Campaign And Mosques
Armed with litter-pickers, the five-year-old network ShINE members made sure no litter escaped their campaign in the public park. Litter-picking tools were provided by the city council ranger service and Veolia, while children taking part learnt a new lesson with the main theme for the day was recycling. (OnIslam)

Organizing litter pick days as its main focus up to now, ShINE also hopes to organize seminars at mosques and community centers in the future.

There was a cardboard recycling bin for kids to recycle packaging, clothing and plastics, there were recipe cards for home-made food, planting advice and plenty of nature-themed craft and face painting activities.

The Future For ShINE
Nasswe said that ShINE is cooperating with the wider environmental movements, to raise awareness about big issues like scarcity and climate change. He even went further describing his movement members as "footsoldiers."

“The big concepts can’t happen unless at ground level people understand why they’re doing something.”

Otherwise, he added, they will just dismiss big issues like climate change.

“It’s about helping people to see their place of contact, how we can do things to help the world as a whole."

+ ShINE, Sheffield Islamic Network for the Environment

More on British eco-Islam:
Hajj Healthy And Safety Awareness Week For British Pilgrims
Cambridge Eco-Mosque Gets The Green Light
Suffolk Muslims' environment talk

Plant An Olive Tree In Palestine For Eid

2011-10-29T03:26:00.000+01:00

While over 3 million Muslims will be performing Hajj this year, 25000 of which are British pilgrims, why not create your own reward by planting a tree through Muslim Hands. I will!

In many parts of the agricultural world, trees remain an integral part of life as a source of livelihood. More industrial countries have practiced large-scale deforestation for manufacturing furniture and paper; this has destroyed our equilibrium of nature.

British Muslim environmentalists, Trees4Life strongly felt the need to grow trees and I too encourage British Muslims particularly to plant a tree in another country where it can become an important source.

Plant an Olive Tree with Muslim Hands
According to Muslim Hands, Israeli forces have uprooted an estimated 400,000 Palestinian olive trees since 2000. Orchards are the homes of olive trees which in many areas, Palestinian farmers no longer have access to, because of occupied territories.

Olive trees are deeply rooted in Palestinian heritage and provide hundreds of years of life as medicinal and oil uses or earnings from selling the fruit.

Recognising this need, Muslim Hands launched the olive tree plantation scheme in 2003, having since planted well over 35,000 trees and restoring the livelihoods of hundreds of people.

A simple process allows you to plant a tree in Palestine or Bangladesh through the charity without even leaving your house. A simply great life-giving idea that you can actually do.

You pay £10 for a tree or sapling that's planted in your name or a loved one and Muslim Hands team members do all the hard work. Muslim Hands sends you a Certificate of Plantation which make this an ideal Eid or birthday gift, and a souvenir for yourself. I may just plant one for every family member - best use of Eid money I can think of.

+ Plant a tree in Palestine for Eid

Do more for your planet:
3 Ethical Eid Outfit Styles For Men
Green Ramadan: How To Form A Green Mosque Committee
10 Eco Muslim Tips For Food Management

Trees4Life Tell British Muslims To Plant Trees In Palestine And Reduce Waste

2011-10-28T01:27:00.003+01:00

British Muslims are breaking the terrorist stereotype in a new eco-awareness campaign. Trees4Life, a British grassroots organisation has branched out as far as Palestine and Indonesia, to facilitate positive solutions to environmental problems in the form of tree-planting programs.

In the faithful hopes of trying to make us aware of our environmental obligations, Trees4Life believes planting a tree is the first small step in being a green Muslim. "We are just trying to open the door in thinking ‘green’," says founder Naweeda Ahmad.

The Eco Muslim, Zaufishan Iqbal (Green Prophet) asked the Trees4Life team how British Muslims can help the Middle East and whether planting trees is really the way to go about it.

The Eco Muslim: Great to speak to you Naweeda. First up, tell us a bit about Trees4Life. When and where did the campaign begin? Who’s on the team?
"Trees4Life Campaign began in June 2010. There are two members on the team; Ruhul Tarafder and Naweeda Ahmad. We also have 5 trustees, Shahed Yunus (Chair), Lina Khan (Secretary), Robin Virgin, Naima Bouteldja and Rafia Meah. Each of us has a varied role in terms of promoting unusual fundraisers and organising campaigns.

The main aims of the organisation are to raise awareness in Britain of the ecological and environmental problems facing the planet, especially some of the most vulnerable populations of the less developed world.

Trees4Life Campaign is an innovative, global initiative to raise awareness of the ecological and environmental problems facing our planet. Our belief is simply that life cannot survive without trees because trees are in essence the lungs of the earth, they breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen, this is what sustains life."

The Eco Muslim: How does faith as a Muslim fit into your environmental action?
"Ecology may seem like a western concept but really this is something that Islam promoted over 1400 yrs ago. Allah (Arabic, God) has made humans custodians of the earth; this has been entrusted to us by Allah and it's important for us to look after it.

As Muslims, we have an obligation to preserve the planet, and what better way than planting a tree."

The Eco Muslim: Is Islam therefore the inspiration behind Trees4Life
"At Trees4Life, we felt that Islam is not just about fulfilling the rituals of the faith - prayer, fasting in Ramadan - but to look beyond that and to be concerned about the world we live in.

We are therefore supposed to be concerned about our environment and to learn about how we can help our world in a positive way, this is part of our faith.

We wanted to engage in an act that would help us to help the environment and also encourage others to do the same. Planting a tree is one of the simplest acts anyone can do to help support the environment."

The Eco Muslim: Where in the world have you planted trees so far, and where are you going next?
"Trees4Life Campaign is working to support tree planting programs in many parts of the developing world. Our first and current project is Trees4Life Indonesia whereby we aim to help our partners (IFEES and the Consortium) to re-plant trees in two of Java’s National Parks. Between 1985 and 2007, the island of Sumatra alone lost 12 million hectares of natural forest; a 48 percent loss over 22 years. Our humble aim is to plant 2,000 trees. (*Updates on the Trees4Life Facebook group page say over a half of this target was recently met. Great stuff.)

We hope to initiate projects in other countries including Bangladesh, Palestine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Costa Rica and Brazil. Developments are being made to launch these soon."

The Eco Muslim: What response have you had about your campaigns from the Muslim and wider community?
"We have had a very positive response so far in a short space of time which is very pleasing. Earlier this year, we hit over 500 members on our Facebook group supporting the Banglatown road trip where through donations, we had the funds to plant just over 300 trees.

People from all over Great Britain have supported the project as well people who met the road trip team in the different countries they have driven through."

Over the summer season, Trees4Life organised an open eco-poetry competition, allowing submitters to gift a tree planting, and a fantastic Fusion Rally environmental car trek across Europe saw the Muslim 'Green Burqettes' fundraise and promote Green Islam ideas.

The Eco Muslim: Middle Eastern regions only constitute 4.7% of the world's total carbon emissions, so it's ironic that leaders fly across in planes just to tell us to switch off our kettles. How can planting trees help reduce our global carbon footprint?

"It is no myth that trees help to reduce carbon emissions. As they grow, they help in the fight against climate change. Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air, store carbon in the trees and soil, and then release oxygen into the atmosphere.

Research shows that global warming is threatening the world’s trees. If current rates of fossil fuel emissions continue, the rainforests are in danger of collapse. In turn, deforestation exacerbates global warming when dying trees release their stored carbon back into the atmosphere. This vicious cycle could lead to irreversible and dangerous climate changes that would affect all life on the planet.

Planting trees is a simple step that anyone can take that reduces carbon dioxide and makes a pro active stand against global warming. Our official website provides a carbon calculator which can be used to find out an individual’s carbon footprint and how many trees he/she needs to plant to offset this."

The Eco Muslim: Faith is a driving force for many environmentalists. Do you believe Muslims have an additional role to play in keeping the earth ‘green’
"Yes definitely. In fact, studying the biography of the Prophet Muhammad shows his actions would be considered in today’s world as that of a green and eco-friendly person.

We think many Muslims are unaware that this is their social and Islamic responsibility as part of our Islamic faith to be ‘green’.

Over 1400 years ago the Prophet taught us to not waste our energy and resources but to use these wisely. In a hadith (saying) emphasising the urgency of preservation, he was reported to have said ‘If an individual has an opportunity to plant a tree, even if he knows the Day of Judgement is imminent, let him plant the tree’. [Bukhari]

The Eco Muslim: Positive reenforcement of the 'Muslim environmentalist' image is lacking in mainstream media. What do you think is holding back Muslims from doing more for the planet?
"There are many factors holding Muslims back from doing more for the planet. First and foremost would be a lack of education on environmental issues. When taking into consideration many countries with an overwhelming Muslim population are hugely underdeveloped, and there are high illiteracy rates, environmental concerns are often not seen as a high priority.

Many ordinary people throughout Asia and Africa struggle for basic necessities such as clean water, food, shelter, and free education. What is not highlighted is the correlation between having these basic necessities and preserving the environment."

The Eco Muslim: If you could get Muslims to do one thing for the environment, what would it be?
"Stop wasting what Allah has given us. Use water wisely, think about our food, how much we consume and how much we actually waste. We need to re-educate ourselves on being grateful to Allah for the blessings He has given us.

If the simple act of planting a tree across the globe could be promoted amongst everyone then this single act would not only be a step in the right direction of preserving the planet but for Muslims it’s a small action for which the spiritual reward is far reaching."

The Eco Muslim: As educators yourself, what work does Trees4Life do in Middle Eastern countries in protecting the environment?
"Our Trees4Life Campaign launched this year with the first project in Indonesia. The tree planting process involves identifying a nursery site, constructing the nursery, and preparing and maintaining seedlings. We train local people to look after the nurseries and thus, continue the tradition of tree preservation.

Trees4Life research the best nursery sites and maintain saplings in purpose-prepared eco-friendly land

The planting stage includes land preparation - clearing, green fertilization, preparing sites for planting of each tree - as well as establishing land control, shelters and signboards. The program in Indonesia, along with others, will plant "cash crops" and will facilitate community mobilization, education, planting and maintenance activities.

We hope to launch future projects across the world including the Middle East, with recruitment currently underway in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Brazil. We are currently exploring possibilities of developing olive tree programmes in Palestine."

The Eco Muslim: What are some of the core green principles inspired by Islam?

"Islam is a way of life in which justice, fairness and compassion towards all of creation is paramount. Prophet Muhammad is the role model for humanity. Like Prophet Jesus and Prophet Moses, he had the Islamic environmental philosophy, simple living, moderation, and respect and concern for all creation.

Trees are a blessing from Allah; they provide us with shade, with fruits and more importantly they are the lungs of the earth, providing us with oxygen. They also provide us with a beautiful environment. Many different types of trees and flowers with herbal uses and beautiful shades of colour, are a reminder of Heaven, all of which make us reflect on creation.

Trees are mentioned in the Quran and hadith (Prophet Muhammad's sayings) including the date palm tree, olive tree, fig and pomegranate. These fruits have many health benefits and undiscovered remedies so Islam teaches us to be grateful for these blessings.

Several hadith (prophetic sayings) refer to planting a seed or tree:

'There is no-one amongst the believers who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but it is regarded as a charitable gift for him.'
'If any believer plants any plant and a human being or an animal eats of it, he will be rewarded as if he had given that much in charity.' (Hadith recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)."

The Eco Muslim: And finally, what changes do you hope to see in the Middle Eastern and Asian community in the next 25 years with regards to environmental awareness?

"It is very important for the countries mentioned and others to consider environmental awareness for the next 25 years and beyond.

One of the other benefits is that trees provide a powerful defence against floods and soil erosion, such as in Bangladesh and Pakistan, which climate scientists warn will suffer from increased risk of floods due to rising sea levels from climate change. The recent devastating floods in Pakistan fit into the long-term pattern of increased frequency of natural disasters and erratic weather symptomatic of global warming. Deforestation made Pakistan much more vulnerable to flooding.

Trees4Life Campaign thus aims to get to the root of the problem by encouraging people all over the world to plant trees. Extensive reforestation of the southern hemisphere would also significantly reduce the effects of global warming and help to restore the natural balance elsewhere. Trees are nature’s way of ‘locking in’ carbon, so planting more trees is one of the most powerful ways of combatting climate change and defending our environment."

Awesome! Shukran, thanks Naweeda Ahmad and best of success.

Get Involved
You can support the Trees4Life Campaign by making a donation, if you’re a business you can sponsor a grove of trees or even becoming one of Trees4Life's official Ambassadors.

+ Trees4Life Campaign

Trees4Life interview published on Green Prophet

Images + Trees4Life

Innovative Designs For Eco-Friendly Business Cards

2011-10-25T11:39:00.000+01:00

Running a design business and writing for news organisations, I've always printed my own promotional cards using recycled papers. But printing in bulk is costly, especially with ink expenses and time. How do I recycle unwanted business cards? What's the best way of staying remembered without using truckloads of new white paper?

So I looked into various ways of promoting an eco-business the most eco-friendly way. My low cost environmentally friendly business cards arrived last week. Yayy! There are some really innovative ways out there of incorporating good design and getting the right message across. Sometimes, it's just about putting your own touch on your work. Here's what I think really works.

Awesome Ideas For Promoting Your Business

Print your business details onto fabric, punch a hole in the end and tie with a ribbon. An interesting business promotion and cute keepsake.

MyDesignbook Volume One: MSLK

Take a bunch of lollipop sticks and hand write your information or stamp with a pre-set design. Engraving options are available from some companies and the sticks can be re-used for their intended purpose: ice lollies!

Ecological Business Card: Andrea Romani

Talking of stamps, order a ready-inked one with your details and use this to print your information on unwanted materials and unusual stuff. This is exactly what Andrea Romani did, stamping her ecological awareness onto milk tops, postage stamps, used envelopes, old card... Loads of Etsy sellers provide custom stamps so that's a good place to start for a promoting your business in a unique style.

Print and stick business stickers anywhere

Wrap pre-printed stickers around any artsy object like MSLK did as part of the environmental commitment to "repurposing makereadies" — the waste from offset printing is turned into new business cards. And no two "cards" are alike!

Create Your Own Eco-Friendly Business Cards
So now that we've got some ideas for awesome business promotion, you may just want to go the traditional way and get a company to environmentally print yours. Try these:

123Print - a UK printing service with wide collection of pre-set designs.
Vistaprint - another UK org that uses recycled paper, customers have the option of uploading their own design.
Moo - although not a a top eco-service, Moo provide the option of recycled card stock under their business card selection. Their mini cards are a personal favourite.
Ecoprint UK - an advocator of rhino poo eco-policy (!), Ecoprint aim to create a 100% enviro-friendly process from using greener electricity to cleaner inks.

What To Do With Old Business Cards

Cut the cards to any shape you want, get a permanent/CD marker and write the name of plants you need to mark pots and space in the garden.
Shred them finely, adding to compost heap or as drainage for larger plant pots.
Use them as luggage tags by writing on the blank side.
Use them as labels, again, blank side, taped or glued to the item that needs labelling.
Scrapbook with them as they could be handy for backing your photos or writing captions.
Turn them into flash-cards for your children. My sisters use my old cards for memorising key stages in science studies and jotting Arabic phrases.
Once they've been written on for important studies, hole punch them and chain onto a keyring or paper fastener to keep handy.
Keep a stack for your children's playdates, when you're making `Eid goody bags and for schools as they make excellent scribble pads. Kids are very creative and can turn all sorts of rubbish into artwork.

Any more ideas? What else can I do with unused business cards?

All my online work can be found on + About Zaufishan.

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