Jamatkhana and Institutional Updates

Mi’raj: A Spiritual Transformation
Mi’raj, meaning ascent in Arabic, signifies a spiritual journey to Allah that transformed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). Muslims understand Mi’raj from both an exoteric and an esoteric perspective. In the exoteric interpretation, the Prophet takes a physical night journey through seven heavens, while in the esoteric reading he takes a spiritual journey towards the Divine. Prophet Muhammed is reported to have said that: “Prayer is the Mi‘raj of the believer.”

Many Sufis consider that a believer can also reach the Divine through devotion, worship and piety. Ibn al-‘Arabi, a 13th century Muslim philosopher from Spain said that: “God is with you wherever you are... my journey [of Mi‘raj] took place within me.” For Ibn al-‘Arabi, the experience was a journey inwards, within oneself.

Jalal al-din Rumi, another notable 13th century poet and mystic, also understood Mi‘raj as an interior journey towards one’s true self. This poetry illustrates the journey of spiritual transformation that Mi‘raj signifies. He compares the ascent to a candle that burns within:

Come forth to the ascension, since you are of the Prophet’s Family,
Kiss the cheek of the moon, since you are on a high roof,
…
Burn at this candle, light up your heart and soul,
Put on a new body when you have flung away this old one.

The guidance and blessings of our beloved Mawlana Hazar Imam, together with our own personal search for enlightenment can lead us to self-awareness, spiritual elevation and communion with Allah.

Support During this Crisis
If you are finding life during the COVID-19 pandemic difficult and would like support on matters such as economic, health, educational, or social welfare - contact the Coronavirus Support Helpline. The United Kingdom phone number is 02081910911, more information and European numbers can be found by clicking here.

Being Savvy
In order to combat the spread of COVID-19, most of us will not be commuting to work for the foreseeable future. We suggest seeking a refund on your prepaid commuter transport passes. For example, you can find information on seeking refunds from the TFL website by clicking here.

Handwashing during COVID-19
Correct handwashing during COVID-19 is integral. You probably already know the correct technique and now you can add some mindfulness to it if you wish to build resilience and feel better. Adding gratitude can give you more positive soothing emotions and build your resilience. Follow hand washing protocol, and while you lather your hands with soap think of five things you are grateful for. When done check in and see how you feel. Do you feel any different after this short gratitude practice?

Online Q&A Session with The Aga Khan Education Board
If you or your child is affected by schools, college or university closures, AKEB invites you to join an online question and answer session on Sunday 22 March from 10.00-11.00 GMT. During this session education professionals will answer your questions about school closures.

To register email akeb.events@iiuk.org.

Funeral Announcements
The funeral hotline will not be updated from 19 March 2020. Information on funerals will be shared via the IIUK App and Jamati MK emails.

Interest Rate Cut
The Bank of England cut interest rates to 0.1% in an emergency move to support the UK economy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interest rates are now at the lowest level ever in the Bank's 325-year history.

Homeowners with a base-rate linked mortgage should expect to pay less interest each month.
Savers will continue to incur low interest rates on savings products, such as ISAs and term deposits.

The move has also seen the Pound Sterling fall to its lowest rate against the Dollar since 1985. In the short term, imported goods and foreign currencies will be more expensive for UK citizens; in the long term, consumer prices may incur inflation.

The Jamat is reminded to be prudent at this time, cut out unnecessary spending and to build up their savings.

Happy Mother's Day!
To all the mothers in our Jamat, we wish you a very Happy Mother's Day! This year celebrating Mother’s Day will feel different to what we are accustomed to. However, we live in the digital age and have access to alternative methods of connecting with those dearest to us. So instead of a face-to-face Mother’s Day celebration, to keep our loved ones safe, why not consider:

Video conferencing to get as many family members together as possible
Sending an email with a message and photos
Sending a handwritten letter with a card via post

All Mothers around the world deserve to be celebrated; know that you are all loved and appreciated no matter the day!

Cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
The UK government has provided further guidance and answers to key questions on the cancellation of GCSE, AS and A level exams – click here to read the latest guidance.

Social Sunday
What if, every Sunday we all take a few minutes and think about those around us who may need our support. A five-minute phone or video call with someone may alleviate their emotional isolation, and provide the social companionship we need. If you are well and able to, you may also like to help with groceries and essential supplies. By doing this with just three people every week, we can make every Sunday a Social Sunday.