Rahela Khan, An Oldham Artist, Wins Diversity Award For Inspiring Muslim Women Into Art
New
Age Islam News Bureau
02
July 2023
•
Rahela Khan, An Oldham Artist, Wins Diversity Award For Inspiring Muslim Women
Into Art
•
Imams Call For Strict Measures In Iran As They See Losing Hijab Battle
•
Voices Of Afghan Women Silenced, Dreams Shattered: Amnesty International
•
The Iranian’s State’s Brutal Murder Of Bahá’í Women Must Not Be Forgotten
•
Mother Converted To Christianity From Islam; ‘Iran Had Problems’ Says
Yavarivafa, IOC Refugee Program Shuttler
•
Woman Born To Christian Family in Japan Finds Solace In Islamic Faith
Compiled
by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/rahela-oldham-diversity/d/130115
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Rahela Khan, An Oldham Artist, Wins Diversity Award For Inspiring Muslim Women Into Art
Rahela was presented with the ‘Equality, Diversity,
and Inclusivity Engagement Award’ by Qaisra Shahraz at the University of
Salford’s Create Student Awards (Image: AI/University of Salford)
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1st
July 2023
Rahela
Khan was presented with the ‘Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity Engagement
Award’ at the University of Salford’s Create Student Awards.
She
said her artistic journey has been dedicated to ‘challenging preconceived
notions and transforming narratives, allowing Muslim women to rise above
societal stereotypes, and celebrating their successes’.
She
said: “I wanted to deliver art for well-being sessions that serve as inclusive
spaces for individuals who often face limited opportunities to engage with the
arts.
“With
a special focus on Muslim women, I wanted to encourage them to embrace their
creativity, challenge societal expectations, and reclaim their narratives.
“The
aim was to break free from restrictive stereotypes and empower Muslim women to
express their unique perspectives and share their stories with the world.”
She
was presented the award by Qaisra Shahraz who is the Founder, Curator and
Executive Director of MACFEST, Muslim Arts and Culture Festival.
Rahela
is a Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) student rep for well-being in the School of
Arts, Media, and Creative Technology (SAMCT).
Rahela's
consultancy work revolves around engaging disadvantaged groups, including
school-age children and adults aged over 55, who may not typically have access
to the arts.
She
added: “The Create Student Awards inspire us to embrace diversity, foster
inclusivity, and create a vibrant cultural landscape that reflects the richness
and contributions of all communities.
“By
embracing creativity, resilience, and unique perspectives, we can collectively
foster an environment where Muslim women's successes in the arts and cultural
sector are celebrated and appreciated.”
Source:
Asianimage.Co.Uk
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Imams
Call For Strict Measures In Iran As They See Losing Hijab Battle
A woman without hijab walking in a Tehran street
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Maryam
Sinaee
02-07-2023
Iranian
hardliners and some clerics continue demanding enforcement of hijab and issuing
threats against celebrities and those who demand a more liberal lifestyle.
Repeating
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s decree that being unveiled is “both politically
and religiously haram”, Ahmad Khatami, the ultra-hardliner Friday imam of
Tehran, told a congregation gathering for special Eid ul-Adha prayers that
those who are unveiled aim to weaken the pillars of family life and destroy
peace of mind in the society.
“I’m
telling those who are unveiled that their defiance of hijab will never become a
norm, because it was, is and will be against norms,” Khatami said, complaining
that some unveiled women on social media “attack those who wear it”.
“Discarding
hijab is haram based on Sharia and also politically,” Khamenei declared in a
speech in April. His declaration was a clear signal to officials and his
loyalists to do anything it takes to re-establish control over women.
But
in the past few months the regime has been struggling to enforce the hijab as
successfully as it used to in previous years. Less force is being used in the
streets against women due to the fear of igniting another round of anti-government
protests.
“It
is unbearable that those who wear the hijab and their children are assaulted in
the Islamic Republic,” Khatami said and urged the authorities to take legal
action. “You, authorities who are in charge, [be aware] that assault on women
who wear the hijab is a crime. What and who are you waiting for? [Are you
waiting for them] to commit a crime and then apologize and say they are sorry
for overreacting?”
It
is not clear what the firebrand cleric was referring to. There have been no attacks
against women for wearing the hijab. There have been argument and scuffles in
the streets when religious women on government payrollhave stopped other women
to scold them for ‘improper hijab.’
Other
clerics and hardliners have also been making similar allegations against
unveiled women whose number has been on the rise to the extent that being
unveiled is becoming “the new norm” in some Iranian cities.
A
video circulating on social media of a pro-hijab rally in front of the
parliament June 27, shows a cleric who demands stricter enforcement of hijab
rules calling the anti-compulsory hijab women “promiscuous”. The cleric claims
that unveiled women are only “a minority of two to three percent [of all women]
who present themselves as the majority”.
“And
how many participated in this rally? Maximum 30 people. No need for further
explanation,” dissident journalist Ehsan Bodaghi in Tehran tweeted about the
cleric’s claim.
Authorities
have been making various threats against those who defy the hijab rules since
mid-March when protests that had engulfed the country for over six months
became less frequent.
Iran's
Police Chief Ahmad Radan in June threatened government offices that do not deny
services to unveiled women with repercussions as part of hijab enforcement.
Authorities have also been putting pressure on businesses including cab
companies to make them enforce such rules by denying services to unveiled
women.
Earlier
this month students at University of Art in Tehran who had staged a sit-in
protesting draconian hijab laws were assaulted by a security official of the
university and several students were reportedly badly injured.
The
regime has also tried to tighten its control over entertainment content in line
with its policy of enforcing religious restrictions on the population and
warned filmmakers not to hire actresses who have been supporting the
anti-compulsory hijab movement by unveiling in public or publishing unveiled
photos on social media.
Source:
Iranintl.Com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202307016347
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Voices
Of Afghan Women Silenced, Dreams Shattered: Amnesty International
Jul
2, 2023
Kabul:
The rule of the Taliban has proved to be a hell for Afghan women—a ban on
education and working in the organisation—and the situation is deteriorating
for them, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported, citing Amnesty
International.
Amnesty
International said that the voices of Afghan women and girls have been silenced
and their dreams have been shattered, adding that their exclusion from public
life is a “crime against humanity.” The organisation said the women are given
no vocational training opportunities and are forced to wear a hijab in public
places.
The
Taliban-led government has faced widespread allegations of human rights abuses.
Over the past two years, the organisation claims that the Taliban has responded
violently to the legitimate demands of Afghan women. However, the Taliban
denies these allegations and dismisses them as foreign interference in
Afghanistan’s internal affairs. In contrast to public sentiment, Taliban leader
Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada insists that Afghan women and girls are
experiencing satisfactory conditions, asserting that all their rights are
protected and respected.
In
the meantime, the foreign ministers of six countries have collectively urged
the Taliban to swiftly reverse policies and practices that impede women and
girls from exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms, as reported
by Afghanistan-based TOLO News.
Source:
English
-----
The
Iranian’s state’s brutal murder of Bahá’í women must not be forgotten
OMID
DJALILI
2
July 2023
In
the 44-year history of Iran’s “Islamic” Republic, one of the most heinous acts
it has ever committed – from a preposterously large number to choose from –
took place in the late hours of June 18 1983, when 10 Bahá’í women in Shiraz
were hanged on the charge of refusing to renounce their religious beliefs....
Source:
Telegraph.Co.Uk
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/07/02/the-iranians-states-brutal-murder-of-bah-women-must-not/
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Mother
Converted To Christianity From Islam; ‘Iran Had Problems’ Says Yavarivafa, IOC
Refugee Program Shuttler
by
Shivani Naik
July
2, 2023
The
biggest sacrifice Dorsa Yavarivafa has had to make to play badminton is being
away from her family, especially her father who got her started out in the
sport as a 10 year old. The sport has been a constant through all the
tribulations of her refugee life though, and as a International Olympic
Committee scholarship athlete, she hopes it will lead her to the Olympics.
“It
hurts me a little bit, and it’s hard not playing for your country. Who doesn’t
wanna play under a flag and make their country proud?” she asks, adding it’s a
privilege though to play under the IOC’s Refugee program, and get the
opportunity to aim at the Olympics.
The
Iran-born recalls winning in every age-group tournament there was, but not
being picked to represent her country, being discriminated against for her
mother’s religious choices.
“Iran
didn’t play fair. I was winning National tournaments. But they had problems
with my mother’s religion so we had to leave. She was born a Muslim, but
believes in Christianity and changing her religion caused a problem,” Dorsa
explains.
It
meant fleeing to Germany first and UK later, seeking refugee status which means
Dorsa can’t see her father who’s back in Iran for another few years. “It’s been
5 years since I saw my Dad face to face. He’s really proud of me playing this
sport, so that keeps me going,”she adds.
It
had started with her dad asking her to give badminton a try after a spot of
basketball. She didn’t enjoy the team dynamic, and craved an individual sport.
She found badminton a fun game after giving it a go, and started competing in
smaller tournaments. At 12/13, she reckoned she wanted to go pro in this sport.
Her
time as a refugee has meant uncertainty where it could become a risk to stay in
a country and also constant fear of deportation. Badminton has kept her happy
through those tough times. “I would get first place in nationals, but couldn’t
go international back in Iran. I was training so hard every single day, it
hurt,” she recalls of the travails of not being picked by her home country
Iran.
Dorsa
plays singles and doubles at London now, the latter partnering Sri
PradeeptaAnanth. But she grew up a fan of Carolina Marin in her early teens.
Now she studies sports science at Sandwell College, and idolises An Se Young
whom she watched play at All England earlier this year. She loves the Korean’s
attacking style of play. “In men’s singles I like Viktor Axelsen.”
Her
own singles national ranking dipped after she moved from Birmingham to London
because she couldn’t train as before. In doubles she is ranked No 41 in the UK.
Dorsa’s eventual target is to get paid for what she does – play badminton
professionally, and perhaps represent the UK. “Who doesn’t want to play under a
flag?” she repeats.
She
trains on the court thrice a week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and in the
gym a further three days – Saturdays she plays tournaments , and Sundays are
rest days. Being a professional athlete means she’s had to give up on certain
things she loves – junk food, for start. “I love food, but now I have a
dietician, and have had to give up on certain food,” she says of the discipline
imbibed, as a result of wanting to play at the highest level.
Winning
the IOC refugee scholarship was one of the happiest days in Dorsa’s life. “It’s
an honour. What we couldn’t do in our country, we’ll under this flag. The way I
think of it, let’s just make them proud anyway.” It’s what keeps her going in
training. There are fond memories of playing badminton with her friends in
Iran, and an acceptance of circumstances the way they panned out. The scholarship
will fund Dorsa’s training and competition in the lead up to Paris 2024, as she
attempts to qualify for the Olympics.
Source:
Indian Express
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Woman
Born To Christian Family in Japan Finds Solace In Islamic Faith
Staff
Writer
July
2, 2023
The
woman secretly places a headscarf in the bottom of her bag before she ventures
outdoors during holiday periods.
Her
routine never changes: She heads straight for the restroom at a station or a
convenience store, picking up her pace as she goes. She then locks herself in a
stall so no one can see her donning a headscarf.
But
even on days she does not don a headscarf, the resident of the Kinki region in
western Japan said she always strives to keep the symbol of her faith in her
mind.
She
was born and raised in Japan but has chosen to live as a Muslim. She keeps her
Islamic faith a secret from her parents, with whom she lives, wondering when
she will be able to share this side of her life with her family.
As
a first-year junior high schooler, the woman learned about the sacred Kaaba,
where Muslims gather in Mecca in Saudi Arabia when they go on the haj
pilgrimage, and other aspects of Islamic culture via a supplementary world
history textbook.
She
developed an instinctive attachment to Muslim clothing, the Middle Eastern
culture and Islamic architecture, which sparked an interest in the religion,
which is practiced by one quarter of the world’s population.
The
woman bought a Japanese translation of the Koran with her pocket money and
studied Arabic in hopes of reading the holy book in its original form.
For
starters, her parents were devout Christians. The woman herself had attended
church every Sunday since childhood. Her father prayed before meals or bedtime.
The
woman enrolled in a Christian-affiliated academy when she reached senior high
school age. At the school, Jesus was referred to as the divine son of God,
which sounded awkward to the girl’s ears.
Having
her first brush with Islam at the time, she was aware that Jesus is counted as
one of prophets. She felt more comfortable with that notion.
As
the supplementary world history textbook included a simple description of how
to pray as a Muslim, she offered a blessing in a corner of her room by just
following the material’s illustration before going to school.
One
day, she was spotted by her mother while at prayer. Her mother asked if “you
are interested in Islam?” Her eyes seemingly reflected a sense of sorrow.
It
was not until 2019, a few years into her full-time career, that she started
feeling attracted to Islam again. The woman watched the live-action Disney
movie “Aladdin” at a theater and recalled her “affection for Middle Eastern
culture.”
Reciting
from the Koran after such a long break felt fresh to her. She had been too busy
with her daily work to contemplate religious matters.
All
the phrases in the Koran, such as “the creation of the heavens and earth is
greater than the creation of mankind” and “that is Allah, your Lord, the
Creator of all things,” gave her spiritual solace.
A
month later, she, surrounded by several Muslims, recited the Shahada oath in
Arabic in a ritual to convert to Islam, saying, “I bear witness that there is
no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God.”
Through
the ritual of offering daily prayers, the woman said she feels complete peace
of mind. For the first time in her life, religion has become a source of
comfort.
As
a company employee, she used to refrain from drinking at parties with her
colleagues, typically using the excuse she had “an early day tomorrow” rather
than admit she was Muslim.
Finding
the practice increasingly bothersome, she summoned the courage to come out as a
Muslim in front of her supervisor. She couldn’t believe her ears when her boss
replied, “You should not tell others about it.”
Walking
in a hijab, she is stopped and spoken to in English at times by those who
mistake her for a non-Japanese. She said she is often looked at strangely.
The
woman said the few Japanese she has come across at mosques accepted the Islamic
doctrine mostly for their weddings. She finds it hard to find something to
converse with such individuals.
Source:
Asahi
https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14932533
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/rahela-oldham-diversity/d/130115